The first week of the 2024 NFL season is officially in the books. There were some major surprises, breakout performances, and subpar showings from the league’s top rookies.
Read more: Ranking All 3 Rookie Quarterbacks After NFL Debut
Many of the league’s best teams from a year ago picked up where they left off, while the Cincinnati Bengals lost what could turn out to be one of the biggest upsets of the season.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals slides with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Burrow and the Bengals take a huge fall in this week’s rankings.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
With all that being said, it’s time for the post-Week 1 NFL power rankings, with some of the biggest risers and fallers from Newsweek Sports’ pre-Week 1 power rankings. Let’s jump right in, with no changes at the top.
NFL Power Rankings Post Week 1
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
2. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
3. Dallas Cowboys (1-0)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
5. Buffalo Bills (1-0)
6. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
7. Detroit Lions (1-0)
8. Houston Texans (1-0)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
10. New York Jets (0-1)
11. Green Bay Packers (0-1)
12. Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
13. Miami Dolphins (1-0)
14. New Orleans Saints (1-0)
15. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
17. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
18. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
19. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
20. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
21. Cleveland Browns (0-1)
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
23. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
24. Chicago Bears (1-0)
25. New England Patriots (1-0)
26. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
27. Denver Broncos (0-1)
28. Washington Commanders (0-1)
29. Tennessee Titans (0-1)
30. Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)
31. New York Giants (0-1)
32. Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Biggest Risers
Arizona Cardinals (+8)
The Cardinals may have started the season 0-1, but they looked great against a tough Bills team, even with rookie first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. securing just one catch. His production will go up, and the Cardinals will continue to compete in the NFC.
New Orleans Saints (+8)
The Saints played the new worst team in these rankings this weekend, dominating the Panthers by a score of 47-10. Their offense looked unstoppable while their defense shut down just about anything Carolina wanted to do. They have a big test next week against the Cowboys, but take a big jump for now.
Minnesota Vikings (+8)
The Vikings also took advantage of playing a really bad team, beating the Giants, 28-6. They also have a big test next week against the 49ers, but for now, get a nice jump in these rankings with a dominant performance.
Other teams who took big jumps: Buffalo Bills (+7), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7), New England Patriots (+7).
Biggest Fallers
Cincinnati Bengals (-10)
The Bengals ruined a lot of survivor pools this weekend by losing to the Patriots. The offense was stagnant as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase both looked rusty. Tee Higgins being out didn’t help.
More news: Bengals Star WR Expected To Miss Week 2 Clash With Chiefs
Atlanta Falcons (-10)
The Falcons made a lot of changes this offseason, namely bringing in a new quarterback (Kirk Cousins) and head coach (Raheem Morris). Their offense looked as bad as it did last year.
Chicago Bears (-7)
Caleb Williams looked like, well, a rookie, and the Bears offense struggled because of it. On the bright side, their defense was unbelievable in the second half. Williams can only go up which is good news for the Bears. The fact that they still somehow won is even better.
