JetNation NFL Power Rankings (Top 10)

Here are our week one top 10 rankings.

1. Los Angeles Rams – the champs hold the top spot until someone knocks them off. Stafford’s elbow is something to watch (the backup situation is not great) as is the team’s motivation for managing the grind that goes with defending the title.
2. Buffalo Bills – will see if Von Miller pushes this team over the hump. The defense was much better in the early part of last year than they were late.  If the running game can spring someone for more than 100 yards in a game more regularly – that only happened twice in 2021 – it would sure help.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – the preseason trend toward closing KC’s window for contending is way too premature. Tyreek Hill’s departure will hurt, but KC still has one of the best offenses in the league.
4. Green Bay Packers – speaking of teams written off after the loss of their top wideout, Green Bay is still as solid on both sides of the ball as any team. Aaron Rodgers is ageless, and he’ll help one of his receivers emerge as a star this season.
5. Cincinnati Bengals– the Bengals spent the offseason rebuilding its offensive line to protect its young star at QB. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will only be better in their second season playing together.  That is scary.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brady’s odd offseason has the Bucs entering the season as a bit of a question mark. It does give us the feeling that he could step away from the game at any moment.  Assuming Brady stays and is focused, the Bucs are a contender.  How the Bucs compensate for Godwin’s health and Gronk’s retirement will go a long way to determining success this season in Tampa.
7. San Francisco 49ers – the Niners were a factor despite missing key players for long stretches last season. Trey Lance takes over for Jimmy G and has the security of a big running game and a stud TE in George Kittle.  The Niners are a decent bet to come out of the West if Lance can play like people are saying.
8. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens cannot have horrendous luck on the injury front two years in a row, can they? 2021 was catastrophic.  Lamar Jackson’s contract situation will hang over the team for as long as it is not resolved.  It does not matter – if the Ravens can stay healthy, they will play into January.
9. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert is a decent early-season bet for MVP. The Chargers may play in front of a half-filled stadium as LA’s second most popular football franchise, but they are as talented on both sides of the football as anyone and closer to giving LA two straight championships than most people think.
10. Indianapolis Colts – the Colts have a championship-caliber quarterback for the first time since Andrew Luck. Recycling Philip Rivers did not work out.  Matt Ryan cans still play and is a major upgrade.  The Colts also have the league’s best back running behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.  The defense played under its potential last year.  If they step it up, the Colts can do some damage in the AFC.

Nick Ferraro

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