NFL.com Power rankings (1 Viewer)

[jurb26]

Wow, AFC North!

1. Atlanta (1-0): Most teams would be happy to run and stop the run as well as the Falcons did vs. everyone's preseason Super Bowl pick (yes, my hand is raised), but having a more complete Michael Vick at quarterback almost seems unfair.

Top performances

Marshall Faulk

2. Pittsburgh (1-0): With a punishing defense, Willie Parker's running and a dependable backup in Charlie Batch, the defending champs should weather the absence of Ben Roethlisberger just fine.

3. Baltimore (1-0): Steve McNair gives the Ravens a quarterback who not only can manage games well enough for their dominant defense and solid running game to win them, but who also can greatly enhance their efforts.

4. Indianapolis (1-0): The Colts passing game looks as explosive as ever, but concerns have already surfaced over the rushing void created by Edgerrin James' departure and their shaky defense.

5. Cincinnati (1-0): Carson Palmer is fretting over the Bengals' lack of offensive fireworks vs. Kansas City, but he should be happy about Rudi Johnson 's running and the team's surprisingly impressive defensive performance.

6. Philadelphia (1-0): Donovan McNabb is healthy and the Eagles are flying.

7. Seattle (1-0): Not exactly the type of showing the defending NFC champs wanted in their opener, although Deion Branch should add more spark to their offense.

8. Chicago (1-0): Even if the Packers didn't provide much of an opponent, the Bears, as expected, look like they have the makings of a contender.

9. Jacksonville (1-0): You had to admire the grit that Byron Leftwich and the rest of the Jaguars showed in battling back to beat the Cowboys, but losing defensive lineman Reggie Hayward to a season-ending Achilles injury is a blow.

10. San Diego (1-0): The Chargers already knew they could go places with LaDainian Tomlinson and their smothering defense, but they will go even farther if the efficiency Philip Rivers displayed vs. Oakland continues.

11. Minnesota (1-0): It might not have been a thing of beauty, but winning a primetime opener at FedEx Field is a huge accomplishment, especially with a first-time head coach.

12. St. Louis (1-0): Jim Haslett's aggressive defense will make more quarterbacks as miserable as it made Jake Plummer, but the season-ending knee injury to center Andy McCollum is a serious loss.

 

[Sheriff66]

double post

 

[Sheriff66]

I know.... :(

Should be some bloodbath games this year to watch though...

 

[jurb26]

Now I have long said that Atl was a very good team and deserved top spot in the NFC South. My lord #1 already though. I can't help but think this is largly due to the lovefest that every one seems stuck in with Car.

 

[David Yudkin]

I chuckled grouping N.E. with the likes of SF, CLE, and NO.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Bizarre. Atlanta's No. 1 for beating mighty Carolina, yet the Panthers don't even make the top 12?

List puts way too much stock in one week of games. The best 12 teams in the NFL aren't all 1-0. Carolina and the Giants should be up there, and probably Denver too.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Wow. A win against Houston and my Eagles are already ranked 6th. They should vault up to the top 5 after they beat NY this weekend.

 

[incubus0]

Remember this was done by Vic Carucci, who is about as wrong as an 'expert analyst' can be.

Need proof? Read his pre-week 1 report, some excerpts...

Will the Carolina Panthers get their season of high expectations off to a rousing start against a formidable division opponent?

Yes.

The Panthers' defensive line should have little problem showing its dominance right away. The Falcons won't be able to establish an effective running game...

Are the Baltimore Ravens ready to show that they are one of the NFL's most improved teams by knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road?

No.

...Baltimore's front seven should be on its heels against Williams...

Will the Dallas Cowboys take their first step toward establishing themselves as a major force in the NFC East … and the NFL?

Yes

...With some solid help from the running game, Dallas should be able to loosen Jacksonville's defense enough to create room for Terrell Owens to make a big play or two...

Which brother will come out on top in the "Manning Bowl"?

I'll go with Peyton

He batted .250

 

[jon_mx]

If the Bears offense can consistantly score 14 points a game, they will be the best in the NFC.

 

[JaxBill]

How did Miami end up in the middle of this dung heap?

NEED WORK (Listed alphabetically) Green Bay Packers (0-1)Houston Texans (0-1)Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)Miami Dolphins (0-1)Oakland Raiders (0-1)Tennessee Titans (0-1)

 

[Spartans Rule]

How did Miami end up in the middle of this dung heap?

NEED WORK (Listed alphabetically) Green Bay Packers (0-1)Houston Texans (0-1)Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)Miami Dolphins (0-1)Oakland Raiders (0-1)Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Well, obviously, losing on the road to the defending champs in a close game is completely inexcusable.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Well, obviously, losing on the road to the defending champs in a close game is completely inexcusable.

It is when you let the Pittsburgh BACKUP QB throw for 3 TDs and 0 INTs. They made Charlie Batch look like Peyton Manning.