NFL Power Rankings Week 2: 2 Teams Guaranteed to Rebound from Dreadful Starts

It seems like every year in Week 1 there are upsets, players who over/under performed and teams considered Super Bowl contenders failing to live up to expectations.

That being said, out of the 16 teams that lost in the NFL's first week, there are two that stick out more than the others.

Coincidentally, there's one from each conference.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This game was unexpected when you think about the history and tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A loss on the road to kickoff 2011 against hated AFC North division-rival Baltimore was the last thing on the defending AFC Champions' mind, especially losing 35-7.

However, fear not Pittsburgh fans because the Steel Curtain will get back on track as the year progresses.

For one, you know head coach Mike Tomlin is going to get their attention and make them refocus.

Additionally, they're simply too talented of a team on both sides of the ball to not have another good season.

RB Rashard Mendenhall is one of the best in the game, as is QB Ben Roethlisberger, who won't throw three picks (or even two for that matter) in a single game the rest of the season.

Combine that with their defense, which despite the secondary being their weakest link, and the Steelers will rebound from arguably the worst opening week loss in franchise history.

Let's just say I feel bad for the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts, as they are Blitzburgh's next two opponents.

Atlanta Falcons

When QB Matt Ryan failed to throw even one TD against a Chicago Bears' defense that isn't known for its pass coverage, you know something is wrong.

To make matters worse, Ryan threw a pick, lost a fumble, was sacked five times and hit an additional 11.

As for Atlanta's defense, the Bears' revealed why the Falcons should have drafted better in April, or at least made some moves to improve via free agency.

Needless to say, Jay Cutler had a great game to start his second year under offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and the Bears are looking really solid.

That said, don't hop off the "Hot-lanta" bandwagon just yet. Not only is coach Mike Smith's offense over-loaded with talent, but defensive leaders John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux will picks things up.

Also, don't be surprised if Atlanta tries to make a trade to bolster the D or, at the very least, does some window shopping in the free agent market.

2011 NFL Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers

2. New England Patriots

3. Philadelphia Eagles

4. Baltimore Ravens

5. New York Jets

6. New Orleans Saints

7. Houston Texans

8. San Diego Chargers

9. Chicago Bears

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

11. Atlanta Falcons

12. Detroit Lions

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

14. Jacksonville Jaguars

15. Dallas Cowboys

16. New York Giants

17. Indianapolis Colts

18. Arizona Cardinals

19. St. Louis Rams

20. Buffalo Bills

21. Kansas City Chiefs

22. Washington Redskins

23. Oakland Raiders

24. San Francisco 49ers

25. Miami Dolphins

26. Carolina Panthers

27. Cincinnati Bengals

28. Tennessee Titans

29. Minnesota Vikings

30. Denver Broncos

31. Seattle Seahawks

32. Cleveland Browns

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.