NFL Week 1 Power Rankings: Rams riding high on Super Bowl win, Bills close second
The Rams start in first position for Week 1′s power rankings as they start their defense of the Vince Lombardi trophy. The Bills are hot on their heels.
The 2022 NFL season is finally upon us with multiple narratives around the game set to play out in the early days of next year.
But before winter catches up with us, let’s focus on the journey and not the destination.
The Los Angeles Rams enter the season with the Vince Lombardi trophy in their possession. Sean McVay’s team will try to be the first franchise in 17 years to repeat as NFL monarchs. Since the New England Patriots did it in 2004, no other organization has been able to complete the feat.
This week marks the beginning of a new story
1.- Los Angeles Rams (0-0)
There’s reason to believe the Rams can repeat as Super Bowl champions. They lost Von Miller, but hired Bobby Wagner. They’ve kept 80 percent of the 22 starters who got the second Vince Lombardi in franchise history.
2.- Buffalo Bills (0-0)
In the sportsbooks, the Bills are not only the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but also to do so in each of their regular season games. They have the most talent on both sides of the ball and brought in Von Miller.
3.- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)
The biggest concerns for the team are not what holes can be found in its offensive line, but how much Tom Brady’s absence during the offseason and developments in his personal life will affect his game.
4.- Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)
Patrick Mahomes’ offense no longer has Tyreek Hill but has added Juju Smith-Schuster. The issues in the team come from the defensive end.
5.- Green Bay Packers (0-0)
Within the Packers' offensive line, David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins will be missed. The Aaron Rodgers factor is an A+.
6.- Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)
While they're dwarfed around town by the Rams, the additions of Khalil Mack, JC Jackson and so many other influential pieces to the defense and the projected growth of Justin Herbert creates a level of confidence.
7.- San Francisco 49ers (0-0)
Trey Lance takes charge of the offense by pulling Jimmy Garoppolo away from the ball. The 49ers are betting on the youth of a man they chased in the draft a year ago.
8.- Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)
The AFC champions improved their lines on both sides of the ball, however their window of opportunity to return to the Super Bowl is not open, not so much because they are deficient, but because of the talent that other teams in the AFC have.
9.-Baltimore Ravens (0-0)
Injuries devastated the Ravens in 2021, both before Week 1 and during the regular season. Lamar Jackson is back, the offensive line has improved and the defense is looking for a narrative change.
10.- Denver Broncos (0-0)
With Russell Wilson lining up behind center, the Broncos will have another go at trying to retake the AFC’s spotlight.
Denver could have a top-10 defense and offense this year.
READ ALSO:
11.- Dallas Cowboys (0-0)
With Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith out of action until December and a weakened wide receiver corps, the Boys will have to work hard to recapture their division.
11.- Philadelphia Eagles (0-0)
The Philadelphia Eagles are in a winnable division, but it all depends on how well Jalen Hurts develops his game and leadership.
12.-Las Vegas Raiders (0-0)
Concerns at the offensive line and defensive backs keep Las Vegas from breaking into the top 10. Derek Carr may have a breakout.
13.-Indianapolis Colts (0-0)
Matt Ryan may be the man to bring stability to the franchise. His passes offer precision although youth is no longer on his side. They have the power to run the ball.
14.- Arizona Cardinals (0-0)
Kyler Murray fixed his contract with the organization and that peace of mind can make the Cardinals fight in the difficult West division of the NFC. Arizona needs Murray to play like an MVP.
15.– Miami Dolphins (0-0)
Once again, the team trusts Tua Tagovailoa. They've added Tyreek Hill as a star receiver.
17.- Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
First-year coach Kevin O'Connell is building an offense that is much more potent. Minnesota certainly looks like a playoff-caliber team.
18- New England Patriots (0-0)
The young Mac Jones returned with a better physique. However, the experiment of not having a regular offensive coordinator could cost the Pats several losses.
19.- Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)
The first three games of the season will dramatically determine whether Pittsburgh can be viewed as a top-20 team entering October. Mitch Trubisky will be the starting quarterback.
20.- New Orleans Saints (0-0)
Things are looking up for the New Orleans Saints and Alvin Kamara is no longer expected to face suspension early this season. Jameis Winston returns hoping for a healthier year.
21.- Cleveland Browns (0-0)
The organization decided to sign Deshaun Watson by extending him the best contract for a quarterback with guaranteed money.
22.-Tennessee Titans (0-0)
Few remember but this team was the first seed in the AFC last season. However they have many problems in both lines. and in the NFL, that can be a death sentence.
23.- Carolina Panthers (0-0)
Baker Mayfield will have a chance to prove that the Browns were wrong to let him go. Carolina opens against Cleveland, but until that happens, the Panthers will be in the middle spots.
24.- Detroit Lions (0-0)
After a fruitful preseason, the Lions proved to have a good squad of talented youngsters.
25.- Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)
Some are confident that their defensive line can be one of the best in the AFC. Along with that they have the young Trevor Lawrence who continues to develop in the NFL.
26.- New York Giants(0-0)
Brian Daboll steps in as head coach after being the offensive coordinator for Josh Allen's Bills.
27.-Washington Commanders (0-0)
They lost Chase Young for the start of the NFL season and quarterback Carson Wentz struggled a lot in training camp.
28.- New York Jets (0-0)
They won't even be able to start starting quarterback Zach Wilson.
29.- Seattle Seahawks (0-0)
The team is rebuilding even though Pete Carroll doesn’t want to say the word ‘rebuilding’.
30.- Atlanta Falcons (0-0)
Despite having big names with a lot of projection, as a team they are far behind the rest.
31.- Houston Texans (0-0)
Davis Mills showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year. The team doesn’t have the postseason contender tag yet, but it can have more wins than it did last year.
32.- Chicago Bears (0-0)
The Chicago Bears are setting up Justin Fields to fail. They didn’t care about nurturing a bad offensive line.