Vinnie Iyer — September 10, 2025
NFL power rankings: Packers, Steelers, Chargers surge with Week 1 wins; Chiefs, Lions fall hard for Week 2 originally appeared on The Sporting News
Week 1 had its usual share of surprises to kick off the 2025 season. Beyond some contenders taking hard losses and some “weaker” teams breaking through for big wins, there were questions answered about the high potential teams.
The Super Bowl champions took care of business to start and several other NFC teams also looked super impressive. In the AFC, one old QB made his mark just like old times for a beloved franchise and fan base.
With one game left to play, here’s how all 32 teams stack up against each other in Sporting News’ power rankings ahead of Week 2:
MORE: Worst NFL overreactions to Week 1 | NFL picks against spread for Week 2
NFL Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles 1-0 (previous ranking: 1)
The Eagles’ defense had a rough time early vs. the pass with its defensive line shakeup that faced an immediate Jalen Carter ejection. The passing game also didn’t get a warmup. But when the team runs at a high level with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley — the best rushing QB-RB 1-2 punch in the NFL — it doesn’t matter much.
MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Eagles players ever
2. Buffalo Bills 1-0 (2)
The Bills’ run defense got destroyed by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. They didn’t have much of a running game. But one big break on a Henry fumble was the only opening Josh Allen needed to cap his stellar MVP passing (and running) to come back to outduel Jackson. The win sets a great early tone for the season.
MORE: Ranking the 15 greatest Bills players ever
3. San Francisco 49ers 1-0 (5)
The 49ers saw the invaluable mental toughness and moxie of Brock Purdy manifest in the hostile Seattle environment, fighting through his own mistakes to save his best for last, even when down George Kittle. Also, the defense is back in force with Robert Saleh, even with a lot of personnel losses.
MORE: Ranking the 18 greatest 49ers players ever
4. Green Bay Packers 1-0 (9)
The Packers flex defensively on the Lions and didn’t even need much of Micah Parsons (except late) to get the job done with pressure against a weakened Detroit front. Jordan Love also needed that grinding signature win at home. The Packers are back in the NFC title mix.
MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Packers players ever
5. Baltimore Ravens 0-1 (3)
The Ravens looked great with Henry and Jackson for three quarters until the wheels came off offensively and defensively. Blown leads with John Harbaugh and critical mistakes late keep costing the team in big games, something that needs to be corrected well before the stakes are raised (again) in the playoffs.
MORE: Ranking the 13 greatest Ravens players ever
(Kirby Lee)
6. Los Angeles Chargers 1-0 (10)
The Chargers got over the hump with Justin Herbert not letting a lead go late and they showed how explosive the offense can be even with the running game working out kinks. Jim Harbaugh has developed a real threat to win the AFC in a hurry.
7. Washington Commanders 1-0 (7)
The Commanders had a rather smooth, efficient day at the office with Jayden Daniels picking up where he left off as a rookie and pushing for the early MVP lead. The defense also looked much better overall for Dan Quinn.
8. Kansas City Chiefs 0-1 (4)
The Chiefs did not have enough Patrick Mahomes in a one-dimensional pass-heavy offense without Rashee Rice (and now Xavier Worthy) to pull it out late vs. the Chargers. The pass defense concerns may linger with the Eagles next.
MORE: Ranking the 16 greatest Chiefs players eve
9. Los Angeles Rams 1-0 (8)
The Rams didn’t get many style points at home against the Texans with their offense not producing much despite some OK stats and their defense coming through via sacks and turnovers. But they still keep playing strong situational winning football with Sean McVay.
10. Detroit Lions 0-1 (6)
The Lions fell apart offensively without Ben Johnson, wasting a strong all-around defensive effort in Green Bay before they didn’t gat any complementary help. They must pick up those pieces fast vs. Johnson’s Bears in Week 2.
