NFL Power Rankings - Week 1

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21.

(Sept. 11, 2016 - Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

1. (1.) New England Patriots (1-0)

The Patriots beat one of the best teams on the road without QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski and DL Rob Ninkovich. That’s quite impressive.

2. (2.) Green Bay Packers (1-0)

WR Jordy Nelson caught 6 passes for only 32 yards but he scored a touchdown on his return from injury. The defense gave up 300 passing yards.

3. (5.) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for 300 yards. RB DeAngelo Williams ran for 143 yards. WR Antonio Brown caught 8 passes for 126 yards. What an offense!

4. (3.) Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

The Seahawks barely beat a mediocre Dolphins team. How much are they missing Marshawn Lynch?

5. (4.) Carolina Panthers (0-1)

It’s tough to start the season at the defending Super Bowl champions, and the Panthers didn’t play badly, but they need to protect QB Cam Newton better.

6. (7.) Denver Broncos (1-0)

QB Trevor Siemian looked like a rookie in the first half but HC Gary Kubiak’s adjustments at half time made the passer more efficient, enabling the Broncos to come back from 10 points down.

7. (6.) Arizona Cardinals (0-1)

The loss against the Patriots is a big blow but the Cardinals remain one of the favorites to represent the NFC in this year’s Super Bowl.

8. (9.) Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

What a way to come back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter. RB Spencer Ware combined for a total of 199 yards. It looks like the Chiefs are in no hurry to bring back RB Jamaal Charles.

9. (8.) Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

Beating a fellow playoff contender on the road is a statement win, and QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green put on a show, but the offensive line needs to do a better job.

10. (11.) New York Giants (1-0)

Rivalries can sometimes bring out the best in you and the Giants were clutch in a hard-fought and balanced NFC East matchup.

11. (13.) Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

So, QB Shaun Hill got the start because QB Sam Bradford couldn’t learn the playbook fast enough. Luckily, the Vikings played against a turnover-prone Titans team.

12. (14.) Oakland Raiders (1-0)

What an exciting win at the New Orleans Saints. It’s no shame to give up 507 total yards against QB Drew Brees & Co. but most importantly, the Raiders looked very mature.

13. (16.) Houston Texans (1-0)

The QB Brock Osweiler-led offense looked solid but it was the defense that put a lot of pressure on the Bears. LB Whitney Mercilus recorded 2.0 sacks.

14. (12.) Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

QB Dak Prescott made a solid but unspectacular debut. Most importantly, he did not commit any turnovers.

15. (15.) Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

The defense was impressive, limiting the Bills to 65 yards on the ground and 95 yards through the air. QB Joe Flacco’s return from injury wasn’t bad either.

16. (28.) Detroit Lions (1-0)

The Lions win the shootout at the Colts. QB Matt Stafford completed 31-of 39 passes for 340 yards, 3 touchdowns and a QBR of 128.6.

17. (10.) Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

The Colts need some sort of defense, especially a pass rush, if they want to return to the playoffs.

18. (26.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

The Buccaneers played well on both sides of the ball and deserved to win at Atlanta. QB Jameis Winston looked like a veteran and team leader.

19. (17.) Washington Redskins (0-1)

With QB Robert Griffin III gone, I guess the fans can now start questioning QB Kirk Cousins but he won’t face a defense as good as Pittsburgh’s every week.

20. (22.) Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

The Browns were the ideal opponent for QB Carson Wentz’ NFL debut but the run defense has to step it up a few notches.

21. (18.) New York Jets (0-1)

The defense recorded 7 sacks and held the Bengals to 57 yards on the ground. RB Matt Forte led the team in rushing yards as well as receiving yards. If only the Jets had a top quarterback.

22. (19.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

QB Blake Bortles played his heart out against the Packers but there needs to be a lot more support from the running game.

23. (27.) San Diego Chargers (0-1)

The Chargers played extremely well at the Chiefs, until they blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. The defense has to step it up.

24. (23.) Miami Dolphins (0-1)

The Dolphins played tough and almost won at Seattle. QB Ryan Tannehill still needs to show that he is the guy to lead Miami to glory.

25. (20.) New Orleans Saints (0-1)

QB Drew Brees played like a Hall of Famer, passing for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns but sadly, New Orleans’ defense did not show up, surrendering 167 rushing yards and 319 passing yards.

26. (24.) Chicago Bears (0-1)

With this offensive line you have to wonder how many more hits QB Jay Cutler can take.

27. (25.) Buffalo Bills (0-1)

Buffalo had a nice pass rush at Baltimore, accounting for 4 sacks. Keep an eye on the development of third-round pick DL Adolphus Washington.

28. (21.) Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

Atlanta’s defense wasn’t able to put much pressure on QB Jameis Winston. They need to play better if they want to compete in the NFC South.

29. (31.) San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

RB Carlos Hyde rushed for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense limited the Rams to 185 total yards. This is something to build on.

30. (29.) Los Angeles Rams (0-1)

Offense and defense were in shambles at San Francisco on Monday night. Football fans in Los Angeles won’t have much to cheer about this season.

31. (30.) Tennessee Titans (0-1)

RB DeMarco Murray caught 2 touchdown passes against the Vikings but I’m sure he misses his offensive line from his time in Dallas.