Is Your Team in the Top Echelon of the NFL (Power Rankings)?

Now with the first week of the 2009 NFL season in the books it is time for the debut of DePalma's Power Rankings.

From exciting defensive showings like the season opener where the Steelers edged out the Titans in O.T., to the exceptional individual performance from Adrian Peterson (180 rushing yards and three touch downs), and sure to not to forget the Broncos already getting the luckiest tipped ball they will see all year. Games like these and others make for an incredible opening week, and have all factored in to the DePalma Power Rankings.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) - Until they show otherwise they deserve this spot.

2. New England Patriots (1-0) - Even though they almost bit the bullet against Buffalo on Monday night, Tom Brady shows why the Patriots are an elite team in the NFL.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) - Handling the Panthers in blowout fashion (even with Delhomme’s meltdown) shows the current favorite in the NFC.

4. Indianapolis Colts (1-0) - Even with Tony Dungy gone the Colts look like the Colts of old; then again they did play Jacksonville.

5. New York Giants (1-0) - Even though they don't have a true No. 1 receiver it appears Eli can spread the ball around effectively.

6. Minnesota Vikings (1-0) - 180 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. Need I say more?

7. Tennessee Titans (0-1) - They did lose to the Steelers, and let's not forget they were one of the best teams in the league last year.

8. Atlanta Falcons (1-0) - Matt Ryan really does look even sharper than he did last year, and having Tony Gonzalez as a target can't hurt.

9. San Diego Chargers (1-0) - They would be a few slots higher, but how did Oakland even stay in the game?

10. Baltimore Ravens (1-0) - It seems the Ravens should be higher especially considering their recent increase in offense, but look at the teams in front of them.

11. New Orleans Saints (1-0) - It was Detroit that they played, so I want to see Brees throw for six against the Steelers, Ravens, or Vikings.

12. Carolina Panthers (0-1) - Despite Delhomme’s horrific performance they still have one of the best rushing combos in the league.

13. Arizona Cardinals (0-1) – Do not forget just eight months ago the Cardinals forced Big Ben to drive down the field on a Super Bowl winning drive.

14. Green Bay Packers (1-0) - The defense looks incredibly improved, and should be a turnover machine.

15. San Francisco 49ers (1-0) - Can Singletary really turn this ship around?

16. Dallas Cowboys (1-0) - Show me a record setting game from Romo against anyone in December.

17. New York Jets (1-0) - Sanchez looked like a veteran against the Texans defense, but then again it was the Texans.

18. Seattle Seahawks (1-0) - If Hasslebeck’s back can hold up than the Seahawks might just have a chance of moving up the list this year.

19. Chicago Bears (0-1) - Cutler will eventually settle in and figure out he doesn't have the receivers which allow him to just throw up the ball down field.

20. Houston Texans (0-1) - They still have an offense which can be deadly against defenses which are not the Jets.

21. Miami Dolphins (0-1) - Probably not looking at another division title, but with work they might just be able to stay in the playoff hunt, at least until middle of November hopefully.

22. Buffalo Bills (0-1) - Only if they didn't choke and give Brady a chance to win.

23. Washington Redskins (0-1) - It appears overpaying for Haynesworth will pay off by improving one of the already best rush defenses in the league.

24. Denver Broncos (1-0) - Unless they get lucky tips like that they should fall back down this list.

25. Oakland Raiders (0-1) - Surprisingly the Raiders were able to keep the game against the Chargers interesting.

26. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) - Cedric Benson might steamroll his way to allowing even Chris Henry to produce this year.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) - Man are they in a division where they could easily lose all six divisional games.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) - As much as I think they could be one of the worst teams in the league this year; I do believe this ship could be a year or two removed from contending.

29. Cleveland Browns (0-1) - They did lose to the Vikings, but any way you chalk it up they are just a poor team.

30. Detroit Lions (0-1) – The Lions are simply better than the Chiefs and Rams.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) - Man, no matter who is behind center it doesn't really matter, but could Cassel turn them into a respectable team?

32. St. Louis Rams (0-1) – I do not think there is any doubt that the Rams are the definitive worst team in the league.