Starting at the top
Power rankings: Patriots are clear No. 1, but who’s next?
NFL power rankings heading into Week 1 of the season (previous rank in parentheses). 1. New England Patriots (1):
Losing Julian Edelman broke the sense of New England’s invincibility. QB Tom Brady has plenty of weapons to work with, but there’s no easy fix for replacing his most-trusted target.
2. Atlanta Falcons (2): Devonta Freeman is back from the concussion protocol as last year’s top-scoring offense returns at full strength. Now it’s up to new coordinator Steve Sarkisian to keep the attack on pace. 3. Seattle Seahawks (5):
Sheldon Richardson could be Pete Carroll’s latest reclamation project to pay big dividends. If he stabilizes the interior line, a formidable defense will have solved perhaps its lone weakness. 4. Pittsburgh Steelers (3):
Any drama surrounding Le’Veon Bell’s status appears to be tabled until 2018. If the all-pro running back can stay on the field, Pittsburgh should again be New England’s primary competition for the AFC crown. 5. Green Bay Packers (4):
The secondary appears to have made strides, but last year’s 31stranked pass defense still might struggle with pressuring quarterbacks. Ahmad Brooks adds depth, but Clay Matthews III and Nick Perry shoulder most of the load.
6. Dallas Cowboys (6): The result of Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal of a six-game ban could define their season, but so could the process. The young team has to heed Jason Garrett’s advice and focus on what it can control. 7. Tennessee Titans (8):
Given the uncertainty at quarterback elsewhere in the division, Marcus Mariota makes this group the class of the AFC South. Top rookie WR Corey Davis will need time to adjust after being sidelined for the preseason.
8. Oakland Raiders (7): How dire is the need for defensive playmakers to emerge alongside Khalil Mack? Two rookies are set to start, and that’s not including top picks Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu, who will be counted to assist a slumping secondary. 9. Kansas City Chiefs (9):
Amid all the hoopla around firstround QB Patrick Mahomes, it’s RB Kareem Hunt who will have
the starring role as a rookie. The third-round pick will play a crucial role in stepping in for Spencer Ware. 10. New York Giants (10):
All three starting receivers had an injury scare in August, though none greater than Odell Beckham Jr.’s sprained ankle. The offense still depends on the him, but the attack’s new diversity could be a key for playoff aspirations. 11. Arizona Cardinals (14):
Color coach Bruce Arians unimpressed with his receiving corps after calling the group out during preseason. But if another threat emerges opposite Larry Fitzgerald, the top-10 offense could be dangerous again.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(12): Coach Dirk Koetter has to appreciate that his group’s Hard Knocks session was mostly devoid of drama — until he learned his team would have to play 16 in a row. The late addition of Pro Bowl S T.J. Ward could be a boon.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
(20): The Bolts could be primed to battle for more than L.A. if they can stay healthy. Injuries to G Forrest Lamp and LB Denzel Perryman are a troubling throw-
back to 2016, though. 14. Carolina Panthers (17):
HardCam Newtonto tell whatin a shiftingto expect offense from after the quarterback was limited in the preseason by his shoulder. Rookie RB Christian McCaffrey looks primed to provide muchneeded assistance. 15. Denver Broncos (13):
Pay no attention to the sideshow of QB Brock Osweiler returning 18 months after a frosty departure. The real story lies in starter Trevor Siemian’s continued development.
16. Houston Texans (16): QB Tom Savage made good on Bill O’Brien’s faith by proving himself more ready than first-rounder Deshaun Watson for the starting role. Now it’s time to connect with newly minted WR DeAndre Hopkins. 17. Minnesota Vikings (18):
No disastrous injuries through the end of the preseason, so Mike Zimmer’s crew is in better shape than it was at this point last year. The verdict is still out on a reshuffled offensive line. 18. Baltimore Ravens (15):
The Joe Flacco back scare appears over. But there’s surely a
toll to be paid given that 10 players have been lost for the season since June 1.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
(22): WRs Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith are shaping up to be transformative figures for the passing attack. CB Ronald Darby might prove to be one of the most important additions, however. 20. Miami Dolphins (11):
Jay Cutler could prove a morethan-capable fill-in for Ryan Tannehill. But there are no guarantees in handing the offense’s reins to a quarterback who had been comfortably retired a month ago.
21. New Orleans Saints
(23): Slow starts have plagued them the last three years, as Drew Brees and Co. haven’t left September without three losses. Injuries and a tough opening slate could leave them in a similar hole again.
22. Washington Redskins
(19): Kirk Cousins’ chemistry with his reworked receiving corps is still in development. Given defensive concerns and firepower elsewhere in the NFC East, getting up to speed is essential. 23. Detroit Lions (21): QB Matthew Stafford said he wanted
to coming “outplay”the league’shis contract highest-paidafter beplayer.the LionsA back good to first the step: playoffs leading and gettingsince the their 1991 first season. postseason win Sammy24. Los Watkins Angeles likely Ramsisn’t a (28):savior, out opensbut the up newlynew possibilitiesacquired wide- for QB has to Jared reclaim Goff. his RB rookie Todd form Gurley for the 25. offense to truly take off. Cincinnati Bengals
(26): Same song for Cincinnati, which starts the year with LB Vontaze Burfict and CB Adam Jones suspended. Rookies WR John Ross and RB Joe Mixon need to spark an offense that lost big pieces up front.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
(25): Blake Bortles is back as the starter after beating out Chad Henne, but coach Doug Marrone seems lukewarm at best about his quarterbacks. Expect a quick hook if the offense stalls again. 27. Indianapolis Colts (24):
The continued uncertainty surrounding QB Andrew Luck has magnified the dire straits this roster is in. Longstanding deficiencies on the offensive line and pass rush have yet be properly addressed. 28. Buffalo Bills (27): The new regime has signaled a full rebuild. Even when new WR Jordan Matthews returns, QB Tyrod Taylor probably is working with one of the league’s least-threatening receiving corps. 29. Cleveland Browns (30):
DeShone Kizer is their 27th starting quarterback since 1999, and Hue Jackson seems intent to make it a long wait for No. 28. The rookie will hit his share of bumps, but he’s the best choice for the short and long term. 30. Chicago Bears (29):
Mike Glennon had a rocky start to the preseason, but coach John Fox appears unmoved by calls for 2017 No. 2 pick Mitchell Trubisky to start under center. More foreboding is the loss of top WR Cameron Meredith.
31. San Francisco 49ers
(31): Kyle Shanahan’s offense might need time to take hold, but WR Marquise Goodwin could be one of the early beneficiaries. The former Olympian flashed his bigplay ability in training camp and preseason. 32. New York Jets (32):
Josh McCown, a 38-year-old journeyman quarterback, takes the keys to an offense bereft of talent. How long before Gang Green can turn their attention to the draft?