A couple of unexpected Week 1 results shook up the initial Top 10 in the Post’s weekly NFL Power Rankings, most notably the San Francisco 49ers – the defending NFC champions – going down at home against Kyler Murray and upstart Arizona.
There are five AFC teams and five NFC squads in our Top 10, with several would-be contenders – especially Tom Brady’s revamped Tampa Bay Buccaneers – already looking to rebound from an opening-day defeat.
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 1-0
It looks like the defending Super Bowl champs and their $503 million quarterback Patrick Mahomes have added another potent offensive weapon in rookie first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who registered 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut in Thursday’s win over Houston. Next: Sunday at Los Angeles Chargers.
2. Baltimore Ravens, 1-0
Lamar Jackson isn’t quite ready to relinquish the MVP award he copped last season, throwing for three TDs and leading the Ravens in rushing yards (45) in Sunday’s 38-6 rout of the Cleveland Browns. Next: Sunday at Houston.
3. Seattle Seahawks, 1-0
Russell Wilson spread the ball around, completing passes to nine receivers, and was close to perfect (31-for-35) with four TD tosses against Atlanta to get off to a strong start in what promises to be a wide-open NFC West. Next: Sunday night vs. New England.
4. New Orleans Saints, 1-0
The Saints’ defense blew up Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay debut, highlighted by ex-Giants corner Janoris Jenkins’ third-quarter pick-six. Record-setting receiver Michael Thomas’ high-ankle injury bears watching for Drew Brees’ still-potent offense. Next: Monday at Las Vegas.
5. Green Bay Packers, 1-0
Even with the drafting of future quarterback Jordan Love in the first round, Aaron Rodgers can still put up gaudy numbers and a ton of points, as evidenced by his 364 yards and four TDs in a 43-34 NFC North win Sunday over Minnesota. Next: Sunday vs. Detroit.
Patrick MahomesAP6. New England Patriots, 1-0
As you have heard, Bill Belichick and the Pats have made a quarterback change this season. Cam Newton got off to a nice start in the post-Tom Brady era, including 15 rushes for 75 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a 21-11 win over Miami. Next: Sunday at Seattle.
7. Buffalo Bills, 1-0
The Bills made Adam Gase’s Jets look like Adam Gase’s Jets, holding Sam Darnold and Gang Green’s offense to 267 total yards in a 27-17 Buffalo victory. Next: Sunday at Dolphins.
8. Los Angeles Rams, 1-0
The Rams missed the playoffs last season (9-7) following a Super Bowl appearance the previous year, but their Aaron Donald-led defense held the high-powered Cowboys to 17 points in a Week 1 victory. Next: Sunday at Philadelphia.
9. Arizona Cardinals, 1-0
Last year’s No.1-overall draft pick Kyler Murray is an emerging star with an electrifying performance through the air and on the ground in an impressive road win Sunday in San Francisco. Next: Sunday vs. Washington.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1-0
Big Ben Roethlisberger returned for the first time since suffering an elbow injury last September and picked apart the Giants for three aerial TDs Monday night. Next: Sunday vs. Denver.
11. San Francisco 49ers, 0-1
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 0-1
13. Los Angeles Chargers, 1-0
14. Washington Football Team, 1-0
15. Dallas Cowboys, 0-1
16. Minnesota Vikings, 0-1
17. Las Vegas Raiders, 1-0
18. Tennessee Titans, 1-0
19. Chicago Bears, 1-0
20. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-0
21. Houston Texans, 0-1
22. Carolina Panthers, 0-1
23. Indianapolis Colts, 0-1
24. Denver Broncos, 0-1
25. Philadelphia Eagles, 0-1
26. New York Giants, 0-1
Daniel Jones did some nice things to start Year 2, but his end-zone pick to conclude a 19-play third-quarter drive was a game-changer. And the offensive line left Saquon Barkley nowhere to run against the Steelers. Next: Sunday at Chicago.
27. Atlanta Falcons, 0-1
28. Cincinnati Bengals, 0-1
29. Cleveland Browns, 0-1
30. Miami Dolphins, 0-1
31. Detroit Lions, 0-1
32. New York Jets, 0-1
Ugh. Gase and the Jets at least made Sunday’s final score appear more acceptable after falling behind 21-0, but Darnold and their offense need to be much sharper to avoid a fifth straight losing season. Next: Sunday vs. San Francisco.




