FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The jumps teams make from Week 1 to Week 2 in power rankings tends to be the most significant. So, too, are the falls.
Prior to Week 1, you're going off vibes and expectations. After Week 2, you're evaluating reality. For some reality is better than perhaps originally thought. For others, some re-evaluating is due.
One thing is certain, though: The margin of error in the NFL is so small, which means games are going to come down to the wire. One word? Entertainment.
Josh Allen and Co. put together the most exciting comeback of Week 1's entirety. I know I enjoyed watching every moment of that game. It had everything, and the offensive performance from the Bills keeps them at No. 1.
I know what you're thinking: "Tori, the Ravens lost. How did they jump one spot?" And to that I say: "Did you watch that game?" The Ravens are going to win a lot of games this year. They're an exciting team that is going to be a problem for opponents all season long. They caught a tough opponent in Week 1, but that doesn't diminish how good this group is.
I have to give it to Green Bay, I thought this game would be close but I didn't think the Packers would be the ones to come out on top. And yet, they surely did.
Another big jump in the rankings. Arguably the biggest jump. The Chargers are a team to watch this season. They were quietly making waves in the offseason and their Week 1 performance shows a team that's ready to step into the national spotlight.
Man oh man. That Monday Night Football matchup was 1B to Sunday Night Football's 1A in terms of excitement. The Minnesota team that started the game Monday was not the team that finished the game. It's officially the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota.
As you'll see a lot throughout this ranking, there are teams who won that are dropping in ranking. That's just because there were so many teams that performed well in their individual games and/or played opponents that were — quite frankly — tougher. That's kind of what's happened here with the Eagles. They did well against the Cowboys, but there were other teams whose performances shined brighter.
The Commanders did what they were supposed to do against the Giants. They face the Packers on Thursday night, though, so I'd argue we're going to see movement from this group one way or another in next week's rankings.
I don't think the Lions performance justified moving them completely out of the top-10. There were some things to clean up with Detroit, but I kind of expected that considering how many new faces (read: new playcallers) they had debuting in Week 1. I think they'll get it together sooner rather than later.
Beating the Jets considering all of the implications surrounding that game from an Aaron Rodgers perspective pushes the Steelers into the top-10. How long they stay there is up for debate, but it's an emotional first win for Pittsburgh.
This game wasn't as high-powered offensively as I assume many thought it was going to be considering the quarterbacks partaking in this matchup. However, it was still a quality win for the Rams as both teams should be eyeing playoff berths down the line.
Despite not getting the win on Monday night, the Bears showed obvious improvements across the board form 2024 to 2025. Their defensive front was particularly impactful and if they can see consistency offensively in the waning quarter of a game, they'll be a team to be reckoned with.
I don't think the Chiefs will be out of the top-10 for long as I assume them to get back on their winning ways soon. They have a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles slated for this coming Sunday. Mark your calendars because that'll be a big one for both teams.
Another instance where a team that won falls in rankings because of other performances elsewhere. Still, the Bucs will remain out in front of the NFC South until another team comes along and usurps them. Atlanta tried in Week 1, but will have to wait quite some time for another bout with the Bucs to earn a new status.
The Broncos dropped so far because they let Tennessee hang around when they really didn't need to. The Titans are a team in the midst of figuring it out. The Broncos are many steps ahead of them, and yet this one was a little closer for comfort.
The 49ers beat the Seahawks, yes. But what did it cost them? Well, Brock Purdy and George Kittle are injured. Soooo....
The Texans are a team that should have been better — particularly offensively — in Week 1. Doesn't mean they won't hit their stride soon, just means they have work to do. Defense, though, did a nice job against one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league, though, so there's a good jumping off point moving forward.
What is going on in Cincinnati? For real. Every year I think they are going to start better than they do, and every year I am left questioning where this team actually is. That feeling is no different after the Bengals squeaked one out against the Browns.
I can't tell if the Colts are so much better in 2025 than 2024 or if the Dolphins are just... not good. I am leaning towards the latter after one week's sample size, though. Prove me wrong, Colts!
Dropping the Cardinals one spot because they let the Saints hang around.
Despite all of the Micah Parsons drama of the preseason, the Cowboys did some nice things against the Eagles in Week 1. One more of the more fun matchups to take in.
Defensively, Atlanta showed some solid steps in the right direction. Offensively and on special teams, the Falcons left some things on the table. They have a big chance to make a stand in Minnesota next week, but with the Vikings coming off one of the best comeback performances of this new year, it isn't going to be an easy ride.
The Seahawks are still finding their footing a bit after some of the big changes they underwent during the offseason. They absolutely had their chances against the 49ers, but one too many opportunities slipped through their fingers.
In hindsight, I maybe should have moved the Jets further up the ranking considering their play against the Steelers, particularly offensively. Hanging 32 points up against a Pittsburgh defense is a feat. If the Jets keep in step with the Bills this week, I may be re-thinking having New York so far down this list.
I expected the Jaguars to win, yes. But I did think Carolina was going to be a little more competitive. Still, maybe this speaks more to the Jacksonville operation than it does the Panthers.
Moved the Titans up because despite the fact they lost, they were in this game through the early minutes of the fourth quarter. It's a much better start to the season than I thought they would have.
Another "in hindsight I should have" moment. Looking back I think I should have put the Raiders above the Giants, but alas.
Raiders, I will REALLY move you up in the rankings if you play well against the Chargers this week.
The Browns kept this game against the Bengals in check. For that reason, they get a big jump up in rankings.
The Panthers had me in believing mode throughout the preseason. I really thought this game was going to at least be closer. But I was bamboozled.
I don't know what's going on in Miami, but it is not good and I am worried for Mike McDaniel's future...
Dang it, Pats! I believed in you. I was rooting for you. We were all rooting for you. Not to quote Tyra Banks, but look what you made me do New England!
The Saints played better than I thought they would. I will give them that. That's the only thing I'll give them, though.
