Mark's Week 1 Power Rankings

Since we didn't do a preseason power rankings, I tried to make this list without any preconceived notions of how the teams were going to perform. Hence, the highly ranked Bills. OK, now let me have it.

1. Cowboys - The only big time team that didn't suffer a loss or major injury (or both!) They take this spot by default
2. Steelers - Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder is sore. I guess that's what happens when you go nearly perfect.
3. Packers - They didn't dominate like some other teams, but they were playing everybody's favorite trendy pick. And the only question they had going into the season was answered. Aaron Rodgers can throw a bullet and make some plays.
4. Bills - With Brady down, this division could be up for grabs and don't think so fast that it's the Jet's to take.
5. Chargers - Tough, tough loss. But after watching the game, I still think they were the better team that day. It was a classic case of the better team losing to a two-minute drill. It happens and this team still has plenty of talent.
6. Eagles - Well, at least we got to enjoy one year of slightly less pompous Eagles fans.
7. Patriots - After only 10 years of sitting behind - Palmer, Leinart, Brady - Cassell gets his chance to play. It doesn't hurt that he's got Belichik, Moss, and Maroney on his side. He'll do an OK job.
8. Bears - Biggest surprise of the week. Let me be the first to start the Kyle Orton for MVP chant.
9. Colts - Manning wasn't comfortable, and the loss is almost excusable. Until you remember it was at home in a brand new stadium. Not sure what's wrong here, but they still have a grip on the division.
10. Giants - Maybe Manning has bought into his own off-season hype. Or maybe Jacobs is just taking the pressure off him. Either way, they may be better than the crapfest that I predicted.
11. Broncos - They've got some weapons for Cutler, who looks like the best QB to come out of that draft after all.
12. Saints - They're going to win this division, clearly.
13. Jets - Favre says he still doesn't know the playbook. Maybe he shouldn't bother learning it.
14. Panthers - Surprise win, but I don't think they win that game four out of five times.
15. Titans - Kerry Collins to the rescue. Of the team, not phoneless Vince Young.
16. Ravens - After picking the Bengals to win as a lock of the week and then later putting money on the Ravens, I think it's clear I don't have any idea what is going on with this team.
17. Cardinals - Looks like Wisenhunt may have gotten them to the point where they win the games they should win. Next step is winning a few of the rest.
18. Vikings - Meh.
19. Jaguars - They'll rebound from this.
20. Falcons - My 7-9 prediction isn't so laughable, is it?
21. Seahawks - What the F? I think the door might finally be open on this division.
22. Browns - Congratulations to the Browns Fans. That was the first time I've seen the same banner "T.O. has B.O." hung 3 seasons apart.
23. Dolphins - This team will be in football games though it might not show up in the W column. Pennington will be the difference for them this year.
24. Skins - Serious coaching questions still plague them.
25. Bucs - They're a solid team. Garcia will continue to produce, but they're clearly a step behind the Saints in that division.
26. Lions - Pathetic. Kitna is the opposite of Kyle Orton. I know he's playing well, but at what point do they start thinking about life after him. He's won nowhere.
27. Chiefs - I remember when this team was good. Not that long ago.
28. Texans - I am backtracking on Schaub already. He looked pitiful.
29. Raiders - I thought it was all preseason hype, but Russell really did look fat.
30. Niners - O'Sullivan's a step up from Smith. (I had to write something)
31. Bengals - The offense looked like that couple that shows up at a party and can't stand each other but hasn't broken up yet.
32. Rams - Linehan will easily be the first coach to go.