NFL power rankings after Week 1:

Deciding not to do a preseason power rankings was both a gift and a curse. It freed the mind from bias, like leaving an 0-1 Kansas City in the top 5 because you had them there to start the season. But it also corners you into justifying 0-1 teams over 1-0 teams. It’s one game – so we didn’t. Let’s have some movement this season. The Chiefs drop out of the top half after a loss to the Lions? Too bad. Beat the Jaguars this week and watch how far you fly up the list.

1. Lions: Detroit beat the defending champions – no asterisk needed. Staying on top will be a challenge, but they are worthy this week.

2. Cowboys: Dallas’ 40-0 win is probably the most impressive of the week. The Cowboys would top the list, but they always beat the Giants in openers – just not always that bad. 

3. Jaguars: Everyone else in their division lost – and so did every other AFC first place team from last season. Welcome to the pole position.

4. Dolphins

5. 49ers

6. Eagles

7. Jets

8. Saints

9. Ravens

10. Browns

11. Packers

12. Commanders

13. Falcons

14. Rams

15. Raiders

16. Buccaneers

17. Chiefs

18. Bills

19. Seahawks

20. Chargers

21. Steelers

22. Vikings

23. Bengals

24. Titans

25. Panthers

26. Patriots

27. Giants

28. Broncos

29. Colts

30. Cardinals

31. Bears

32. Texans