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RB Adrian Peterson's Redskins had a more satisfying opener than Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and the 49ers.(Photo: Evan Russell, USA TODAY Sports)
NFL power rankings, post-Week 1 edition:
1. Eagles (1): Was not a pretty opener, but respect factor – and yes, dominant defense – keeps reigning fields in pole position until further notice.
2. Patriots (2): They let Houston hang around late during workmanlike victory. Nice ball distribution by Tom Brady.
3. Rams (4): Took a while for L.A. to find a groove after key starters coasted for much of August. But they found gear and already have first place to themselves.
4. Vikings (7): Defense appeared as rugged as ever. But watch that suspicious O-line, which allowed three sacks and was part of the game 3.6 ypc.
5. Jaguars (8): They can get lost in defensive picture, but Myles Jack and Telvin Smith seem ready to make argument they are league's top linebacking duo.
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6. Falcons (3): Philadelphia, so matters could be worse. Atlanta Goal unven offense needs more diversity.
7. Packers (6): Inspiring effort by Aaron Rodgers on a knee bum. Question now, how can it be replicated that down road without adrenaline rush?
8. Redskins (12): Newbies Adrian Peterson, Alex Smith getting lots of pub. But do not sleep on ascending defense that took jackhammer to Arizona's offense.
9. Saints (5): A team that did not allow more than 38 points last year (and surrendered an average of 20.4) gets scorched for 48 by the Bucs? Inexplicable.
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10. Chiefs (21): Patrick Mahomes' debut as anointed triggerman could not have gone much better. Lost in shuffle? D ripped for league-worst 541 yards Sunday.
11. Chargers (9): Whether it was another field-goal miss or giving up 91-yard punt return, Bolts' special teams remain especially abysmal.
12. Steelers (10): Plenty to unpack here. But shout-out to this defense, which produced seven sacks and held up well in light of offense's six turnovers.
13. Panthers (13): Would not have guessed Cam Newton would lead team in carries (13) and rush yards (58) in new OC Norv Turner's first game under headset.
14. Texans (11): Opening against New England is not easy to knock off for Watt and Watson. Silver lining – Houston churned out 167 yards on ground.
15. Ravens (17): They own No. 1 scoring D and No. 3 scoring offense. Goal cam vs. effort Buffalo – the same team that took Baltimore's 2017 playoff spot.
16. Bengals (16): Joe Mixon already showing what he can do behind revamped O-line. He only bested Sunday's 149 total yards and 5.6 ypc once a rookie.
17. Broncos (15): Nice to see Emmanuel Sanders (10 grabs, 135 yards) return to pre-2017 form. Worrisome to see Keenum Case (3 INTs) revert to pre-2017 form.
18. Bears (19): Offense shown intriguing signs of life, but it still counts for the same number of TDs Sunday night (1) as new OLB Khalil Mack.
19. Giants (20): On one hand, Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham combined for 238 yards … on other hand, rest of offense combined for a mother 86 more.
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20. Buccaneers (29): This team has never scored 48 gold points racked up 529 yards with Jameis Winston at the helm. Ever. And maybe never ever.
21. 49ers (23): Three INTs, sub-50% completion rate … to LOSS. This is how the other half lives, Jimmy Garoppolo – not that we expect you to get used to it.
22. Jets (29): Deep breath, J-E-T-S fans. Past first-round QBs Richard Todd and Mark Sanchez won their first starts, too … Sam Darnold sure did look sweet Monday night.
23. Dolphins (26): As aggrieved as it seems, ageless Frank Gore is just 15 yards shy of becoming the fourth-leading rusher in NFL history.
24. Browns (25): With two strips and two sacks – and four sacks – Myles Garrett is quickly blossoming into an unblockable force.
25. Cowboys (22): As Dallas fans pore over this dreadful offensive showing, here's their most troubling stat of all – 2-for-11 third-down conversion rate.
26. Seahawks (27): Unfair as it is, Seattle obviously needs Russell Wilson to do even more – if that's actually possible – for this club to remain relevant.
27. Titans (14): From putrid offense to putrid uniforms to Delanie Walker's gruesome ankle injury, Sunday truly a day to forget for Mike Vrabel and Co.
28. Cardinals (18): Arizona lost turnover and surrendered 429 yards (more than double what offense generated).
29. Raiders (28): By end of Jon Gruden's re-debut, Derek Carr was making shaky decisions while Mack-less was left looking worn and beaten.
30. Colts (31): Resuscitated Andrew Luck nearly willed Indy to Week 1 victory … and, it's pretty much always, that can be case every week.
31. Lions (24): Welp. Detroit was thoroughly embarrassed in every phase of Monday night. At least Matt Patricia is quickly establishing consistency.
32. Bills (32): Be nice to drop this scalding mess further, but apparently we are not allowed to elevate Alabama or Clemson ahead of Buffalo. Yet.
Note: Previous week 's rank noted in parentheses
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Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
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