2018 NFL Power Rankings Summary – Week 1
| Metric | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Metric | Ranking |
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 4.67 (6) |
| Average change from last week | +0.67 |
| Highest ranking (source) | 2nd (NFL.com) |
| Lowest ranking (source) | 9th (CBS Sports) |
| Biggest positive change (source) | +3 (ESPN) |
| Biggest negative change (source) | -1 (CBS Sports) |
SB Nation: 4th (previously: 4th)
Heading into the season, the Eagles remain at top of the power rankings and their Super Bowl opponent, the New England Patriots aren’t far behind. But we’re not giving the Patriots the No. 2 spot. After a tumultuous offseason, New England is ranked third, right behind the Vikings and the new quarterback in Minnesota, Kirk Cousins. The Vikings’ defense looks even more impressive this year than last and with Cousins under center there’s a lot to like about that team.
2017 playoff teams like the Rams, Jaguars, and Steelers rank closely behind those top three teams
The Rams had one of the biggest offensive turnarounds in NFL history last season. This offseason the Rams are adding 12 Pro Bowls between Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib to a defense that already featured the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald.
With the news that Aaron Donald and team brass finalized a long-term contract extension, Los Angeles became the top threat to ruin Doug Pederson’s Super Bowl reunion tour. Donald could be a smidge rusty, but there is nothing rustic about these Rams. They’re young! The lack of experience only highlights the fact we saw no highlights from any of their burgeoning stars this preseason. A little work would’ve been nice for Jared Goff, who took a major step forward last year. Can he repeat the results of a prolific sophomore campaign with no warm-up? We’ll all find out together Monday night in Oakland.
Rams They made a lot of big moves this offseason and spent a lot of money, giving off the idea they are going for it this season. That’s a lot of pressure.
I don’t mind the strategy of sitting practically everyone in August to avoid injuries, as Sean McVay did with the Rams. Whatever you lose by not getting game reps in preseason, you’d lose even more if Todd Gurley went down with an injury. McVay will be second guessed if the Rams start the season slow, but the approach makes sense.
Pro Football Talk: N/A
USA Today: 5th (5th)
Early to worry (much) about Aaron Donald given last year’s holdout didn’t ultimately hurt. Still, lot of moving parts on revamped defense.