Week 2. This is quite often the most challenging Power Rankings exercise of the whole year. You're working with a limited sample size and the tendency is to overreact to the opening weekend of the season because we've waited so long for it.
I have done that, for sure. There are some big risers and some significant fallers. But I'm also not completely writing off teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos after one poor outing. Here are my rankings from one to 32 as we head into Week 2.
- Buffalo Bills +3
The Bills are always going to catch the eye with Josh Allen at quarterback, but it was who he downed in Week 1 that was so impressive. Buffalo had to dig deep, but they won on the road by scoring 36 points against last year's best defense in football in Houston.
- Seattle Seahawks --
There are, of course, going to be some bumps in the road for as long as Drew Lock has to deputise at quarterback for the injured Sam Darnold (hip). But in overcoming adversity and winning in Week 1, the Seahawks showed us their championship depth and character.
- Baltimore Ravens +2
It was only one game, but I cannot wait to see more of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers in Declan Doyle's offense. Flowers may be slowed by a hamstring injury this week, though. This team won't top 500 yards every Sunday, but they should always be dangerous.
- Chicago Bears +4
The Bears have a points-crazy head coach at the helm in Ben Johnson and he would love to put 50 on the board every week. Caleb Williams looks even better than he did in a brilliant 2025 campaign and watching how he shines throughout 2026 will be a real treat.
- Los Angeles Rams -4
I'm not writing off the Rams after one bad game at the end of an ill-advised and brutal travel plan. But they are staring down some trouble. Myles Garrett is gone for at least four weeks (knee) and those games are against the Giants, Denver, Philadelphia and Buffalo.
- Jacksonville Jaguars +1
It's hard to properly judge the Jaguars because Cleveland was so bad. A tougher challenge comes on the road in Denver in Week 2. But the Jags took care of business and Trevor Lawrence looked excellent, throwing TD passes to four different players.
- San Francisco 49ers +9
The 49ers had been well and truly written off before the season had even started. I had them pretty low in these rankings last week. Have we learned nothing? This team was ravaged by injuries but still won 12 games and made the playoffs. They just win games.
- Houston Texans -1
It's a small drop for the Texans after their home loss to Buffalo, but I expect the defense to be fixed quickly. CJ Stroud had some positive moments, but turnovers continue to haunt him. Next up is Cincinnati at home. The Texans must avoid an 0-2 start in Houston.
- Philadelphia Eagles --
The Eagles played a familiar tune last Sunday. There were periods where they looked dominant and then there were long moments where the offense got bogged down. Philly found a way to win in the end and that is also typical of a team that is a playoff regular in the NFC.
- Kansas City Chiefs +4
The Chiefs were impressive on Monday night and did not look a million miles away from the team that played in five Super Bowls in seven years. Guided by Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes had nice moments, Kenneth Walker was a star and the defense played well.
- Denver Broncos -8
Denver's defense likely took a Sean Payton-sized boot to the backside after their stunning loss in Kansas City. Normally so good on defense, the Broncos couldn't tackle a crossword. They missed 28 tackles that resulted in 247 extra yards. The most in the NFL since 2018.
- New England Patriots -2
New England played three good quarters of tough football in Seattle and put themselves in position to win. How Drake Maye folded down the stretch with three fourth quarter interceptions is concerning, as is the loss of wide receiver AJ Brown to Injured Reserve.
- Detroit Lions --
Blowing a 21-point lead at home and then hanging on for dear life is not the best way to start a season, but the Lions will be glad they escaped a sloppy showing with a victory. Their offensive stars are always going to show up, but what about those on the defense?
- Cincinnati Bengals +1
The Bengals unveiled a new-look defense in Week 1 and while there was a late Tampa Bay rally, that previously-maligned unit contributed to the win by forcing four turnovers and scoring off one of them. That allowed Joe Burrow to start relatively slowly at QB.
- Green Bay Packers -4
Three good quarters of work were undone with a disastrous collapse in Minnesota. The concerning thing is that those sorts of falls are not that uncommon in Green Bay. There are a lot of questions being asked about whether the Pack can take the next step in 2026.
- Dallas Cowboys -4
There was a lot of offseason hype about the Cowboys fielding an improved defense in 2026. That can still happen, of course. But that was not a good showing against the Giants on Sunday night. The offense may have to carry the load once again in Dallas.
- Minnesota Vikings +2
There is credit to be given for turning a 22-10 deficit into a 39-22 win on opening weekend. But now we have questions that need to be answered at the QB position. Even if healthy, will Kyler Murray be the long-term answer? Or is this already Carson Wentz's job to lose?
- New York Giants +5
There was a passion and energy to the Giants that came from having Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers on the field at the same time. But a growing offense looks even better with the addition of former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. Promising signs.
- Pittsburgh Steelers +1
The Steelers were not writing too many headlines on offense during last Sunday's win over Atlanta, but Aaron Rodgers did play well at quarterback. It should be noted that Pittsburgh played an inferior opponent, but the defense – led by TJ Watt – showed up.
- Los Angeles Chargers -3
The Chargers were on the wrong end of Week 1's biggest shock result, losing at home to the Arizona Cardinals. That could be some early-season rust, but it's also a reminder that the Chargers are an inconsistent team leaving us questioning a deeper playoff run in 2026.
- New Orleans Saints +1
I didn't have a problem with Kellen Moore going for two points and the win in overtime in Detroit. That could have provided an early spark for a team led by intriguing quarterback Tyler Shough. And besides, the 0-1 Saints are still tied for the NFC South lead.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1
The Bucs have now lost eight of their last 10 games dating back to last season, they're coming off a Week 1 loss and they turned the ball over four times at Cincinnati. But there is much to like about their attack, still. Baker Mayfield needs to take care of the football.
- Indianapolis Colts -5
Indy's loss at home to the Ravens was about as concerning a defeat as possible in Week 1. It puts head coach Shane Steichen on notice right out of the gate. Daniel Jones will get up to speed at QB, but of greater importance might be the collapse of the defense.
- Arizona Cardinals +5
Mike LaFleur is unlikely to take the Cardinals to the playoffs this season, but the rookie head coach would have liked what he saw in his debut. Arizona played with passion and with fire in their bellies. That was most evident on the defensive side of the ball.
- Washington Commanders --
Washington showed a great deal of fight in coming up just short against Philadelphia in Week 1. And the defense that was the league's worst looks improved. But the passing game must wake up sooner and the ball must find its way to Terry McLaurin.
- Carolina Panthers -2
The Panthers spent a lot of money on their defense in the offseason. Then they opened the 2026 campaign by scoring 37 points at home. And they still lost by 22 points because the defense gave up 59 on the scoreboard and more than 500 yards on the stats sheet.
- Las Vegas Raiders --
It was a solid win against a poor opponent for the Raiders in Week 1. Kirk Cousins took his career touchdown pass total to 301, passing the great John Elway along the way. And Ashton Jeanty showed up big-time at the running back position.
- New York Jets +1
The Jets looked competent and steady in their Week 1 victory over Tennessee. Geno Smith could be the reliable hand on the steering wheel at quarterback. The defense was also dominant, but part of that could be down to how awful the Titans were in attack.
- Atlanta Falcons -3
As much as I enjoy watching Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts in action, I just cannot get behind the Falcons until they fix their QB position. And the only long-term answer there worth a salt is Michael Penix, if he gets fit and finally delivers on the field.
- Tennessee Titans -2
The Titans were absolutely lifeless on offense last Sunday and there are growing whispers asking if Cam Ward is really 'The Man' in Nashville. It's early for that and he has some nice moments, but not nearly enough of them. Getting manhandled by the Jets is a concern.
- Miami Dolphins +1
Miami will be afforded some patience in 2026 because they have the NFL's youngest roster and a rookie coach overseeing an obvious rebuild. But when you do have good players, get them the ball. De'Von Achane needs more than 15 touches (11 runs, four catches).
- Cleveland Browns -1
It's shaping up to be a long season in Cleveland and one Browns fans will find hard to stomach if Deshaun Watson remains at quarterback. Todd Monken says he saw "some good things on film." The truth is that Watson was a train wreck and the D was no better.
