NFL Power Rankings Week 2: How All 32 Teams Stack Up After Opening Week

How did your favorite team do this past weekend? We'll take a look around the NFL, ranking the teams from worst to first after the opening weekend.

With just two Monday night games remaining, which teams look unbeatable, and which teams look ready to write the season off? Early season observations are full of overreactions, hyperbole and hope—ours are no different. What makes this a fun experiment is that each week I'll be here updating you on which teams are the best and worst, and why.

Disclaimer: The article will be updated following the Monday night games each week. Look for those updates Tuesday morning.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Week 1: Loss to 49ers

What We Learned: The Seattle Seahawks have a load of problems.

Seahawks fans were quick to chide me for calling out their offensive line in previous weeks, but that offensive line was horrid tonight versus an average San Francisco pass rush. The Seahawks' leading rusher, Marshawn Lynch, averaged just 2.5 yards per carry behind that same line, which had trouble getting into a rhythm and will be a problem all season long.

The Seahawks' special teams were also terrible, giving up two touchdowns by way of returns to Ted Ginn, Jr. Those returns would ultimately be the difference in this game, as neither team was impressive.

Seattle needs to look internally and externally for help at quarterback, running back and on the offensive line. Waiver-wire pickups this time of year should not be ruled out, and neither should a trade.

Next Week: at Pittsburgh

31. Tennessee Titans

Week 1: Loss to Jaguars

What We Learned: The Jacksonville Jaguars were not supposed to be a threat. Not after they cut starting quarterback David Garrard just four days before the season opener.

Someone forgot to tell the Jaguars.

Jacksonville played inspired football, putting away the favored Titans. Tennessee failed to capitalize on the weak Jaguar offense, gaining just 13 first downs and less than 300 yards of total offense. Chris Johnson was largely ineffective, putting just 24 yards rushing up days after signing a new contract to keep him in Tennessee.

The Titans should get better once Johnson is in football shape. The good news is that Kenny Britt looked terrific and Matt Hasselbeck was sharp in his first game as a Titan. There is room here to grow.

Next Week: vs. Baltimore

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: Loss to Bills

What We Learned: Well, someone (me) overestimated the Chiefs. Same old Todd Haley football. Kansas City was out-played, out-coached and flat-out beaten by a Bills team with less talent, but more heart. That seems to be the theme under Haley. Losing to teams with less pure ability, but more passion and fire. In my book, and for what it matters, Haley should be fired if the Chiefs play this poorly again. And not just the score. I'm talking about completely uninspired football.

Kansas City has the talent to win, but they must limit turnovers. They didn't give up any huge plays against the Bills offense, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for just 208 yards but he hit on four touchdowns. Kansas City allowed too many long drives and made too many mistakes.

Sound familiar, Chief fans? It's the same brand of football that has plagued the team since Todd Haley was hired.

Next Week: at Detroit

29. Cleveland Browns

Week 1: Loss to Bengals

What We Learned: Colt McCoy is supposed to be a clutch quarterback, right? At least that's the line on him. He was a winner (whatever the hell that means) at Texas and is suppose to excude confidence, moxie and big balls.

Where were they late in the fourth quarter against Cincinnati?

I'm as big a McCoy fan as there is, thanks to his play for my beloved Longhorns, but throwing a fourth-down pass to your center is not big-balled football. It's stupid. McCoy, for all his brilliance, still looks like a lost puppy at times.

The Browns, who had become a popular pick as a surprise playoff team this year, looked unimpressive and uncoordinated against a weaker opponent.

Next Week: at Indianapolis

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 1: Win vs. Browns

What We Learned: The Cincinnati Bengals can win games that no one expected them to win. And Cedric Benson's not too shabby one week removed from Travis County (TX) jail.

The Bengals did surprise me Sunday, and I think everyone outside Cincinnati would admit that. No one expected Andy Dalton to play as well as he did before leaving with injury. Dalton did just enough to keep Cincinnati in the game, and avoided the mistakes that had plagued him in the preseason.

The bright spot in this game has to be the play of A.J. Green, who snagged a deep ball from Bruce Gradkowski that put six points on the scoreboard for Cincinnati. The 41-yard touchdown, Green's first in the NFL, put the Bengals ahead by 10 in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals are far from a playoff contender (yet), but they should celebrate their division win today.

Next Week: at Denver

27. Minnesota Vikings

Week 1: Loss to Chargers

What We Learned: That Donovan McNabb signing sure paid off in Week 1, didn't it? McNabb looked like the south end of a north nous cow Sunday against the Chargers. The Vikes can be happy with Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but the rest of the squad played terrible football. Minnesota has a patchwork offensive line and a gun-shy quarterback. Nothing good can come from this. In a division fearing powerhouses Chicago and Green Bay, Minnesota can all but kiss those playoff hopes goodbye if this is what they'll get from McNabb.

Having 39 yards passing (that's not a typo) will equal zero wins. That's a guarantee. The Vikings will get no respect from opposing defenses if their passing game is not a threat. That means nine or 10 guys in the box to meet Adrian Peterson.

When can the Christian Ponder era begin?

Next Week: vs. Tampa Bay

26. Indianapolis Colts

Week 1: Loss to Texans

What We Learned: If I had a vote for MVP, I'd send it in today with Peyton Manning marked. No one player could possibly mean more to their franchise than No. 18. It's going to be a long, depressing season in Indianapolis.

Take solace in the high draft pick you're sure to receive. Although, the Polians haven't had a good draft pick in how many years? Things will get a lot worse before they get better, but you can't put the blame on Kerry Collins, who had less than a week to prepare as the starter. The truth is that the Colts would have been a slightly above average team with Manning. They will be bottom 10 without him.

The sad truth is that the Colts have many holes, and they hoped Manning would be enough to cover those weaknesses as he had done in the past. Without him, the failure of this team to build through the draft and free agency has been exposed.

Next Week: vs Cleveland

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: Win vs. Jacksonville

What We Learned: Maurice Jones-Drew is still really good.

After playing hurt last season, MJD reminded the football world why he's one of the best in the game with a 97-yard day on 24 carries.

The Jaguars were efficient in a surprising win over the Tennessee Titans just days after releasing starting quarterback David Garrard. Career backup Luke McCown played well in his starting opportunity, doing enough to win the game and avoid mistakes.

Jacksonville should not get their hopes up though. This is still a football team with many holes and a quarterback who is serviceable at best.

Next Week: at New York Jets

24. Miami Dolphins

Week 1: Monday night vs. New England

The Dolphins will face the New England Patriots tonight in the early Monday Night Football game (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The Dolphins will hope to knock off the reigning AFC East champions, and prove to their doubters that Chad Henne is ready to lead this team back to the playoffs.

Come back for an update once the game is complete.

Next Week: vs. Houston

23. Oakland Raiders

Week 1: Monday night vs. Denver

The Raiders will take on the division rival Denver Broncos in the late game tonight on Monday Night Football (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The Raiders are a popular pick as the surprise winner of the AFC West, but that all depends on the play of quarterback Jason Campbell. The Raiders will be tested tonight against a speedy Denver defense.

Come back for an update once the game is complete.

Next Week: at Buffalo

22. Denver Broncos

Week 1: Monday night vs. Oakland

The Denver Broncos play host to their hated rivals, the Oakland Raiders, in the second of two Monday Night Football games (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Denver may be a surprise team in the AFC West race this year. The West seems wide open for the taking after watching Kansas City stumble versus Buffalo. Can Kyle Orton get this team on track?

Come back for an update once the game is complete.

Next Week: vs. Cincinnati

21. Carolina Panthers

Week 1: Loss to Arizona

What We Learned: This Cam Newton fella' just might be pretty good.

Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, set an NFL rookie record with over 400 yards passing on Sunday. He accounted for three touchdowns—two passing and one electric run—in a close loss to the improved Arizona Cardinals.

Newton and the Panthers will be dangerous all season—that's something I've been saying all summer. While Newton will make mistakes, plenty of them, he's dynamic enough to win games.

Carolina will never be an easy out, no matter who they are playing. On the same note, slow down on the Newton-is-God talk until he plays against a defense more talented than Arizona's.

Next Week: vs Green Bay

20. New York Giants

Week 1: Loss to Redskins

What We Learned: Hey, Giant fans—remember last week when I picked the Redskins to beat you guys and you all flipped out on me?

My issue with New York, outside of Manning, was the offensive line. They gave up four sacks yesterday.

The Giants, to steal from Denny Green, are who we thought they were. Eli Manning continues to mix in one great play with three horrible passes. The defense was weak, as expected, due to injuries. And the running game couldn't get started because the Washington defense doesn't respect Manning enough to move their safeties out of the box.

The Giants' problems are just getting started. Losing to the team who many expected to finish last in the division isn't a great start.

Next Week: vs. St. Louis

19. St. Louis Rams

Week 1: Loss to Eagles

What We Learned: The Rams disappointed, while living up to expectations. Still with me?

I never expected the Rams to win this game, and they lost by a margin close to what I predicted. The disappointment comes from two first-round draft picks expected to have big years.

Sam Bradford looked lost, a credit to the much-hyped Philadelphia secondary as much as anything. Bradford showed that he still has a long way to go before he's ready to lead this team to a playoff berth. Also notable is that Bradford appeared to injure a finger and could miss time to injury.

The second non-factor was defensive end Robert Quinn. Drafted No. 14 overall in the 2011 draft, Quinn was a healthy scratch Sunday—not good, considering Quinn was expected to provide as pass rush opposite Chris Long this season.

Next Week: at New York Giants

18. San Francisco 49ers

Week 1: Win vs. Seahawks

What We Learned: Sometimes you just have to do enough to win. That's what the 49ers were able to do Sunday in gaining a Week 1 victory and a 1-0 division record.

Ted Ginn, Jr. was the difference with two special-teams touchdowns scored in a one-minute span. Ginn is invisible as a receiver, but when it comes to special-teams play he's becoming quite the threat.

The 49ers have to be happy with the overall play Sunday. Alex Smith wasn't terrific, but he wasn't terrible either. The team does need to find a way to score points that aren't off special teams if they expect to keep winning.

Next Week: vs. Dallas

17. Buffalo Bills

Week 1: Win vs. Kansas City

What We Learned: A funny story, actually. I predicted the score of this game to be 42-7. The final on Sunday was 41-7. Brilliant, right? Not so much. I though the Chiefs would be doing the ass-kicking. Instead, the Bills slapped around both me and Kansas City.

Buffalo won with smart, efficient football. Their four touchdown passes were supplemented by 112 yards rushing from Fred Jackson. The defense was great, shutting down Matt Cassel and controlling Jamaal Charles inside the 20s.

Buffalo could surprise a few people, me included.

Next Week: vs. Oakland

16. Arizona Cardinals

Week 1: Win vs. Carolina

What We Learned: The Kevin Kolb experiment is no longer an experiment. Kolb looks like the real deal.

The Cardinals squeezed out a close win over the Carolina Panthers after being torched by Cam Newton's arm and legs Sunday. The good news is that Newton is more of a threat than any of the other quarterbacks the Cardinals will play in their division this year.

Arizona has weaknesses on defense, but they can score enough points to help cover up some of those issues. The defense is also young, and they will improve over the course of the season.

Cardinals fans have to be happy with the play of Kolb, and his ability to get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald.

Next Week: at Washington

15. Washington Redskins

Week 1: Win vs. New York Giants

What We Learned: I give you a quote from commenter Thomas Jones:

"

Prediction: Washington 24, New York 20 
WTF are you kidding Washington sucks, Rex Grossman sucks, next saying that the Giants are painfully thin at defensive tackle, linebacker is so wrong when in fact the Giants only lost 1 DT ( Marvin Austin to injury) Barry Cofield left & the Giants have plenty of DT & LBs since they just added 2 LBs via the drafted & 2 undrafted free agent LBs made the team. So the Giants really only have a weakness at corner.

So maybe you should get some of your facts straight before you talk about teams you don"t know since the redskins couldn"t beat themselves. I think you don"t know nothing about football

"

He sure called that one.

Thomas, and most of America, underestimated the Redskins. Washington is for real. Mike Shanahan has two Super Bowls for a reason, and that reason wasn't just John Elway. This man knows how to win football games.

Sure, maybe the Giants are really bad (I think they are), but Washington deserves credit for winning a tough division game on an emotional day.

Next Week: vs. Arizona

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 1: Loss to Detroit

What We Learned: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were seen as a shoo-in for a playoff berth after the season, and they still might be, but if their Week 1 loss to the Lions is any indication, this team has holes that need to be filled.

Detroit beat the Bucs by putting the ball in the air and trusting their offensive line to protect the quarterback from the Bucs' four stud defensive linemen. The Lions, a team without an elite offensive line, protected well enough to gain 305 yards through the air and allowed zero sacks.

That's a key stat—zero sacks. This Buccaneer defensive line has to pressure the quarterback for the team to win. They didn't do that Sunday.

Adding injury to insult, quarterback Josh Freeman went down with what looked like a shoulder injury.

Next Week: at Minnesota

13. San Diego Chargers

Week 1: Win vs. Minnesota

What We Learned: The San Diego Chargers can win an early season game. And that's huge for them.

The Chargers had been notoriously slow starters under head coach Norv Turner, and many held that over their heads this week against what could have been a tough Minnesota team.

The Chargers held Adrian Peterson in check, as much as anyone can, limiting him to 98 yards rushing on 16 carries and zero touchdowns. The team also shut down Donovan McNabb, allowing just 39 yards passing.

San Diego has the defense to win games, that much is proven. The team will need a better day from Philip Rivers, who tossed two interceptions along with his two touchdowns.

Next Week: at New England

12. Dallas Cowboys

Week 1: Loss to New York Jets

What We Learned: The Dallas Cowboys are back. Yes, losing late to the Jets hurts, but the Cowboys showed the world they are ready to compete with the best teams in football.

The Cowboys were two Tony Romo turnovers away from winning this game, and had the lead late despite Romo's two mistakes. Improving each week on defense, and finding a running back who can control the clock with between-the-tackles running, will be key for the next few weeks.

Dallas has found their playmaker in No. 88, Dez Bryant. The Jets had to switch elite cover man Darrelle Revis over to Bryant after Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie couldn't keep up with the electric second-year receiver.

Next Week: at San Francisco

11. Atlanta Falcons

Week 1: Loss to Bears

What We Learned: The Atlanta Falcons continue to lose big games. They did it again Sunday when taking on the 2010 NFC North champion Chicago Bears.

Atlanta looked over-matched and out-coached Sunday, giving up both big plays and allowing Chicago to dictate the tempo of the game from the opening kickoff. Atlanta actually looked afraid of the Bears at times. Maybe they should have been.

Chicago dominated from the get-go, and never looked back. Atlanta needs to spend considerable time figuring out how to stop timing-based offenses, as Jay Cutler picked them apart for 22-of-32 passes and 312 yards passing.

It only gets harder from here for Atlanta.

Next Week: vs. Philadelphia

10. Detroit Lions

Week 1: Win vs. Buccaneers

What We Learned: That Matthew Stafford guy is pretty damn good.

Stafford showed on Sunday the promise that led to his being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. After playing in just 13 games over the last two seasons, maybe we had forgotten what Stafford could do when healthy. He reminded me and everyone else with a scorching performance against Tampa Bay.

Stafford hit on 24-of-33 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns, with one bad pass picked off by Aqib Talib returned for a touchdown. Stafford, other than that one pass, was brilliant.

If Detroit can protect No. 9 as well as they did Sunday, the Lions have to be a favorite for at least a wild-card spot. The team allowed zero sacks against what's supposed to be a dominant defensive line in Tampa.

Next Week: vs. Kansas City

9. New York Jets

Week 1: Win vs. Dallas

What We Learned: The same 'ole New York Jets are going to be tough to beat.

Mark Sanchez played very well, in fact it was the best I've seen him play, despite throwing one interception. Sanchez was solid, efficient, confident and took risks when he needed to. The Jets leaned heavily on Sanchez and the passing game the entire second half, and it paid off.

Beating New York takes concentrated effort for 60 minutes in all three phases of the game. Dallas was ahead by two scores late but forgot to account for special teams play. One blocked punt returned for a score and then a field goal later, Dallas was trailing with less than a minute to play.

The fact that New York can score even when they don't have the ball is what makes them so scary. I still have strong negative emotions about the lack of a running game, but the Jets proved tonight at least that they can win by throwing the ball and playing excellent special teams.

Next Week: vs. Jacksonville

8. Chicago Bears

Week 1: Win vs. Atlanta Falcons

What We Learned: Don't over-think things in life.

All summer I had predicted Chicago to earn a wild-card playoff spot, until poor preseason play had me second guessing their offensive line play and the wide receivers. So, when it came time to predict the six NFC playoff seeds, I left out the Bears.

Granted, it's only one game, but the Bears looked great Sunday.

Jay Cutler hit a number of receivers for over 300 yards passing against a supposedly good Atlanta defense. The offensive line is still an issue, as left tackle J'Marcus Webb allowed John Abraham to knock Cutler around and gave up two sacks. Chicago cannot expect to win games when they give up four sacks.

Next Week: at New Orleans

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: Loss to Ravens

What We Learned: The most impressive win of the weekend took place when the Baltimore Ravens smacked the Pittsburgh Steelers in the mouth Sunday afternoon. Pittsburgh was dominated early by a Ravens team that exploited the two weaknesses I have been pointing out all summer: the offensive line and the secondary. I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. What say you now, angry Steelers commenters?

I'm going to share a few quotes with you. This may become a regular thing here.

Comment from Chubby Checker:

"

No chance Ravens can beat Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh is healthy and loaded - no more Todd Heap - Pittsburgh 27- Ravens 13

"

And that was one of the nicer comments on that article.

One more:

"

Baltimore has the talent to overtake Pittsburgh in the AFC North, if the offensive line comes together. If McKinnie fails to drop weight and play motivated football, Baltimore could struggle.

"

That one was me, in predicting the Ravens to beat the Steelers and take control of the AFC North.

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with Steelers fans, so I'm sure we'll see plenty of excuses in the comments.

Next Week: vs. Seattle

6. New Orleans Saints

Week 1: Loss to Green Bay

What We Learned: The New Orleans Saints may have lost their season opener, but they are hands-down good enough to win their division.

The NFC South has a combined 0-4 record this morning after all four teams fell on their faces this weekend. The Saints, however, looked the most impressive in defeat.

The Saints have issues, for sure, but they also have a good enough quarterback to win big games. If the team can find a temporary replacement for injured wide receiver Marques Colston, they could roll to three or four wins in a row and gain the lead in the South.

Next Week: vs. Chicago

5. Houston Texans

Week 1: Win vs. Colts

What We Learned: The Colts are horrible without Peyton Manning, but the Texans would have beaten them even with No. 18 in the game.

Manning or no-Manning, the Texans came out blazing and played inspired football for four quarters. This was a determined team that hit on all cylinders in beating the Colts in an impressive fashion. This wasn't just a beating, it was an ass-kicking.

As for our comment of the day, in response to my prediction that Houston would win 42-7, Dennis Moric, folks:

"

You have Texans winning by WAY too much

"

Yep, WAY too much. The final score was 34-7.

Next Week: at Miami

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: Win vs. St. Louis

What We Learned: It wasn't pretty, but the Philadelphia Eagles put a W on the board, and that's all that matters.

Michael Vick was able to beat the Rams' pass rush with his arm and legs, accounting for 98 yards rushing and 187 yards passing as Philadelphia put up 31 points on a shell-shocked Rams team.

Vick was not alone. Running back LeSean McCoy was impressive in his 120-yard outing. The Eagles proved once again that even if you slow down Vick, you cannot take away every threat on this team.

Big question marks exist in the Eagles linebacker crew and the offensive line. These young units received a baptism by fire Sunday in the hopes of improving along the way.

Next Week: at Atlanta

3. Baltimore Ravens

Week 1: Win vs. Steelers

What We Learned: Did the Ravens look good, or what?

John Harbaugh's men were playing playoff football when they kicked the crap out of an overmatched and unprepared Steelers team. Baltimore did it all—winning by throwing deep, running the ball between the tackles and playing kick-ass defense and special teams. The Ravens were fired up for this game, and it showed as they jumped out to an early lead that Pittsburgh never climbed back from.

Mike Tyson is famous for saying that "everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth." The Ravens proved him right Sunday when they knocked the Steelers off balance early and never let up. The Ravens went for the throat, both literally and physically, in this game. Their aggressive style of play kept the Steelers from getting into a rhythm and also aggravated the Steelers "tough guys" into making stupid plays.

If Baltimore keeps playing like this, they have to be the favorite to win the AFC.

Next Week: at Tennessee

2. Green Bay Packers

Week 1: Win vs. Saints

What We Learned: The Packers are still good.

Some thought the Saints defensive line would be too much for a Green Bay line that struggled at times last year. Others said the Packers lack of offseason work would plague them against a Saints team that trained together. Those people were wrong. Green Bay was in control of this game from the opening drive.

There are some concerns coming out of this game, namely the play of cornerback Tramon Williams. Williams, a 2010 Pro Bowler, was beaten by Robert Meachem throughout the game. It's a small detail, but one that is worth noting on an otherwise stacked roster.

The Packers are the real deal, folks. Anything less than a blowout win by New England will result in the Packers taking the No. 1 spot.

Next Week: at Carolina

1. New England Patriots

Week 1: Monday night vs. Miami

The New England Patriots and reigning MVP Tom Brady take their talents to South Beach Monday night to face their rivals in the AFC East.

Brady and the Patriots new-look defense will have their hands full against a tough Miami Dolphins team.

Check back after the game for updated power rankings.

Next Week: vs. San Diego