Power Rankings: Steelers Rise (IMO) After Week One Win
Disclaimer: These rankings are my opinion and my opinion only. I try my best to remain unbiased, but if my content is any indication, I often fall short. My opinion isn’t important. I just love football!
Legit Super Bowl Expectations:
Kansas City Chiefs (Previously 1)- Nothing new here. The Chiefs played a strong game against a very good Baltimore team, and won.
Houston Texans (Previously 2)- That was a really fun game between the Texans and the Colts.
Detroit Lions (Previously 3)- The Rams gave the Lions a run for their money, but the Lions o-line took over in overtime, and it made the win look convincing.
San Francisco 49ers (Previously 4)- Christian McCafferey’s health is concerning, but they didn’t skip a beat against the Jets.
Very Good Teams With Holes:
5. Baltimore Ravens (Previously 5)- Roquan Smith had a rough day. Maybe Patrick Queen was more valuable to that defense than Ravens fans want to believe. Still, they were half a shoe size away from a chance to win the game against Kansas City.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (Previously 9)- I’m still not sold, but there’s no arguing against their performance in Brazil against the Packers.
7. Miami Dolphins (Previously 8)- I made this list before the Thursday Night game against the Bills. Tua looked great in week one and awful last night before leaving the game with a concussion. They will drop significantly on this list next week.
8. Dallas Cowboys (Previously 11)- Dallas was solid on both sides of the ball against the Browns.
9. Buffalo Bills (Previously 10)- The Cardinals reputation for staying in games was on full display against the Bills in week one, but Buffalo got the win. Then they beat the shit out of the Dolphins last night. They will hover around this area in the rankings all year, I’m sure.
10.Green Bay Packers (Previously 7)- This is the highest ranked team on this list that lost in week one. Jordan Love’s injury will make these next few weeks rough for them, but I still think they’re a good team.
The Steelers:
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previously 13)- In Atlanta, it was an absolute masterclass by the Steelers defense. Had it not been for the refs gifting the Falcons a touchdown, the final score would’ve reflected that. Arthur Smith called a hell of a game as well. We need to fix the QB/Center exchanges, and cut back on some of the penalties. Other than that, this team should be moving up and to the right in my opinion. Justin Fields looks like he will get the start against the Broncos on Sunday.
Comme Ci Comme Ca:
12. New York Jets (Previously 12)- Aaron Rodgers looked rusty, and actually ended up getting benched at the tail end of their game against the Niners. It’s his first real football action in well over a year, and they were playing an absolute juggernaut. No need to panic in New York just yet.
13. Los Angeles Rams (Previously 14)- They were absolutely gassed in overtime against Detroit. However, they showed they can compete with anyone.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (Previously 6)- Last week, I said: “If Joe Burrow can stay upright and healthy, the sky's the limit.” Well, he does not look healthy, and they lost to one of the worst teams in football. It’s early, but it might be time for them to panic.
15. Chicago Bears (Previously 16)- Caleb Williams will benefit all year from that defense.
16, Indianapolis Colts (Previously 19)- Anthony Richardson is an interesting player to watch. I’m not sure how I feel about it quite yet, other than it’s fun. The Colts played well against a very good Texans team, despite losing.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (Previously 17)- Jim Harbaugh started his career in LA off with a convincing win against the Raiders.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previously 22)- I felt like I had them too low last week, and I feel that as I’m writing it this week, as well. When it comes to football, I really couldn’t care less about what’s happening with the other 31 franchises that aren’t the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I enjoy this Tampa Bay team. I want to see them succeed.
19. Minnesota Vikings (Previously 21)- The Giants aren’t a good team at all, but the Vikings spanked them pretty badly.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previously 18)- They’re just meh. I don’t have much to say about them.
21. Cleveland Browns (Previously 15)- I shouldn’t root against this organization as hard as I do…it’s bad for me, spiritually. With that being said, I’ve enjoyed the freight train of bullshit that has struck this team over the past week. Could they be spiraling?
22. Atlanta Falcons (Previously 20)- The Falcons were simply outcoached against the Steelers. Let’s give Raheem Morris some time. They’ll get better.
23. New Orleans Saints (Previously 25)- They spanked the worst team in football. They’re not a real threat in the NFC, but they are in a different class from the teams below them on this list.
Trash
24. Las Vegas Raiders (Previously 24)
25. Seattle Seahawks (Previously 23)
26. New England Patriots (Previously 29)
27. Tennessee Titans (Previously 27)
28. Arizona Cardinals (Previously 30)
29. Washington Commanders (Previously 26)
30. Denver Broncos (Previously 32)
31. New York Giants (Previously 28)
32. Carolina Panthers (Previously 31)- Yikes.
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