After Week 1 the NFL Power Rankings…
1. Green Bay Packers- The fact is they are the champions and no one has yet to dethrone them, with the passing attack that is better than “the greatest show on turf” it will be interesting to see who can derail this explosive offense.
2. New England Patriots- Tom Brady was magnificent on Monday night passing for over 500 yards however we must not expect those type numbers every week as the competition will be a lot tougher as the season progresses.
3. Philadelphia Eagles- The offense for the Eagles look just as explosive as last season, the key will be if the whole team (offense and defense) can mesh together as the season continues.
4. Baltimore Ravens- Honestly the Ravens could be at #2 or #3 as they completely manhandled their rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers. A solid running game, pass offense and always stout defense.
5. New Orleans Saints- This is a team that looks as though they are ready to make a solid run this season, but defense will play a huge role in that run. If they can get it together they will be in the thick of the race.
6. Chicago Bears- Different year, same old plan. Play smash mouth football on offense and on defense. Jay Cutler looked good and the running game was on point but the lack of a solid number one receiver could be huge down the road.
7. New York Jets- Solid effort on Sunday night especially on defense, but they did get away from their strength the running game. If they rely on Sanchez I don’t think they will be successful they must ride their running backs.
8. San Diego Chargers- After starting off slow on Sunday they really turned it on and Phillip Rivers has all his targets this season and that is a scary thought.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers- On Sunday they really struggled with stopping the run (honestly stopping anything) don’t worry they will get better because they are better.
10. Houston Texans- The statement ‘our time is now’ seems to be the cry of the Texans this year and with a Peyton-less Colts team it very well could be Houston’s time. A 34-7 spanking of the Colts also helps matters for the Texans in locking up the division.
11. Dallas Cowboys- Barring a couple of questionable decisions by the quarterback the Cowboys could be 1-0 for the season. The Cowboys have the tools the big question is do they know how use them we will find out.
12. Atlanta Falcons-The Falcons did not put forth the best effort in Chicago, good thing its just week 1. They are better and will climb the power rankings as the season goes on, with all the weapons they have on offense look for a better outcome.
13. Detroit Lions- It looks as though Stafford could be coming into his own, as long as he stays healthy. With an impressive defensive line and an equally impressive offense the Lions are the young team on the rise.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-With Josh Freeman and the young Bucs offense the sky is the limit. I don’t know if they are ready to make the leap to be a contender but they are very young and very talented.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Offensively ready to do big things, defensively needs improvement. When you let a rookie come in and put up 400 passing yards it is back to the drawing board.
16. St. Louis Rams- Have incredible weapons on the offensive side of the ball and with a young defense that looks hungry the Rams have a solid chance to be a real contender, the thing to watch…injury bug.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Preparing for the future is never easy but for Jacksonville the future could be now and having Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield can make that transition a lot smoother.
18. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden has made me a believer but they must have more than just McFadden to stay in contention (someone other than the kicker).
19. New York Giants- If Eli is not consistent the Giants will be an average team with a solid running game, the loss of Steve Smith will effect them during the season.
20. Washington Redskins- Grossman believes that the Redskins can win the division it will take a lot more than just one game to convince me. I don’t even know if Grossman will finish the season as the starter much less Washington winning the division. For now he has proven himself in week 1.
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21. Indianapolis Colts- Upside- Honestly the Colts will get better, as Collins adapts to the offense and figures out the team they will be better. Downside- Collins is no Manning and he will be hard pressed to mirror #18’s magic on the field.
22. Kansas City Chiefs- I don’t understand which team showed up on Sunday the fact is the Chiefs are better and during the season it will be seen. With the two headed monster of Charles and Jones running is the name of the game.
23. San Francisco 49ers- Special teams made the difference, I don’t know that the 49ers are ready to take over the division the play of Alex Smith at quarterback is a big key but if you have Frank Gore anything is possible.
24. Minnesota Vikings- Again this is another team that must find continuity with the arrival of Donovan Mcnabb and the loss of Sydney Rice…can you say transition? The one constant Adrian Peterson quite possibly the best running back in the league.
25. Tennessee Titans- Look for the Titans to return to their foundation and that is Chris Johnson, Chris Johnson, and more Chris Johnson mixed with a little Kenny Britt.
26. Buffalo Bills- If the Bills can continue to put on a show like Sunday they will surprise many, fact is they will fizzle out. They have a stout rushing attack but the defense will give up a lot of points.
27. Carolina Panthers- Things are looking up in Carolina with Cam Newton passing for over 400 yards and feeding the beast that is Steve Smith the Panthers are on their way. It seems they could come up short many times this season, like on Sunday.
28. Miami Dolphins- For a team that gave up over 600 yards of total offense they put forth a great effort on offense. The problem this season for Miami will be on the defensive side of the ball, if they improve the team will improve.
29. Denver Broncos- Orton or Tebow that is the question. For the Broncos if they are looking to be successful they must figure out whose team this is and put to rest any other rumors.
30. Cincinnati Bengals- With rookie Andy Dalton going down with an injury, the Bengals will ride the legs of Cedric Benson. The Bengals will struggle this season on defense and Benson’s workload could be too much only time will tell.
31. Seattle Seahawks- With the prize acquisition of Sydney Rice out for Sunday the Seahawks struggled. I am not sure that Tavaris Jackson is the answer at quarterback, but the Seahawks are willing to take that chance, good luck.
32. Cleveland Browns- Hillis and the Madden curse? Now I don’t buy that, Hillis is a solid running back and will show his talents against the Colts defense, but other than Hillis who will step up during the season…yeah I couldn’t answer either.
By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer