NFL Power Rankings

By Jen Parsons
Associated Content

1 - Patriots - The best team on paper dominated the Jets in week 1. They have a great chance to gain the upperhand this week against San Diego.

2 - Colts - The defense continued their performance from the '06 postseason and Peyton is, well, Peyton.

3 - Chargers - The tempered offensive performance was off-set by the great defensive effort. Rivers and Tomlinson will have another tough task against New England.

4 - Cowboys - The offense looks really good, but Terrance Newman needs to solidify the secondary and we will tell how good they are against a playoff team (Note: that's not the Giants).

5 - Steelers - Roethisberger looks to rebound in 2007 and the effort against Cleveland was a good start. Santonio Holmes looks to be the real deal.

6 - Bears - Grossman and the RBs had one of their bad days, but the defense still is one of the NFL's best.

7 - Bengals - Scoring 25+ points against the Ravens shows their offensive potential. Nothing like a great Chad Johnson TD celebration to talk about at the office water cooler.

8 - Ravens - Ray Lewis will play hurt as will Steve McNair. Willis McGahee is the key to becoming an AFC power. How about Ed Reed returning punts again?

9 - Saints - They were clearly out of sync in Indy, but will look better starting in week 2.

10 - Panthers - The defense has been there in years past. A healthy Steve Smith makes the offense go. A few more wins and Delhomme might be off the hot seat...for now.

11 - Broncos - Jay Cutler is gaining experience by the week. How about Elam's clutch kick?

12 - Seahawks - Patrick Kerney was a key addition to a defense that needed to improve from 2006.

13 - Packers - The defense is underrated and Favre is great when he avoids the key interception. Their schedule can help them get into the playoffs this year.

14 - Jets - Starting out against New England is tough for anyone - especially the J-E-T-S.

15-49ers - After over two hours of sub-par offense, Alex Smith led a key drive to win the game, going 80+ yards in the process. Clements and Willis will help this defense as the season moves forward.

16 - Eagles - Even with the tough loss, the Eagles have the roster to contend for a playoff berth - but McNabb needs to stay on the field.