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Harris's NFL Power Rankings: Top 5 Teams After Week 1

Writer: Harrison Russell
Harrison Russell
Sep 17
5 min read

Welcome back to Harris's Sports World after a long-awaited hiatus. I'm backkk!

And what a week to come back to. Week 1 gave us everything: offensive explosions, breakout performances, statement wins, and some teams that already look like legitimate contenders. Now I know it's only Week 1 and things can change quickly, but some teams made it very clear that they're going to be a problem this season.

So today, I'm giving you my Top 5 NFL teams after Week 1. These rankings are based on overall performance, strength of opponent, and how complete each team looked during the opening week of the season.

No. 5 Buffalo Bills


Starting at number five, I have the Buffalo Bills.

Man, when I tell you this game was one of the most entertaining games of Week 1, I mean it. Buffalo walked away with a 36-31 win over Houston, and offensively they looked fantastic. Josh Allen was in complete control, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns while continuing to show why he's one of the best quarterbacks in football. Dalton Kincaid looked like a future superstar, and DJ Moore already looks comfortable in this offense after arriving this offseason. The Bills offense simply had answers every time Houston tried to punch back.

What impressed me most wasn't just the scoring. It was how many different ways Buffalo was able to move the football. They stretched the field, attacked the middle, and constantly kept Houston guessing.

Now here's why they're only number five.

That defense still concerns me. Giving up 31 points isn't exactly inspiring confidence when you're trying to compete with the elite teams in the AFC. Houston was able to get back into this game multiple times, and against better opponents later in the season, that could come back to bite them.

The offense looks championship-caliber. The defense still has questions. That's why Buffalo comes in at number five.




No. 4 Baltimore Ravens

Coming in at number four, I have the Baltimore Ravens.

When I watched this game, one thing became very clear: Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are still one of the most dangerous duos in football.

Lamar was excellent through the air, throwing for over 300 yards, but the real story was Derrick Henry. The man looked like he turned the clock back five years. Every time Indianapolis thought they had him contained, he was breaking tackles and finding the end zone. That's exactly why Baltimore brought him in.

Zay Flowers was also phenomenal before leaving with an injury. The connection between him and Lamar looked unstoppable, and if he's healthy moving forward, that's going to make this offense even scarier.

The reason Baltimore isn't higher is simple. As dominant as they looked, I still want to see them do it against a stronger opponent. Indianapolis never really felt like they were in control of this game, but I need another week before I move the Ravens any higher.

Still, this is one of the most complete teams in football right now, and they're absolutely a Super Bowl contender.

No. 3 Chicago Bears

At number three, I have the Chicago Bears.

Man, this offense is ridiculous.

The Bears put up 59 points in Week 1, which is honestly insane to even say out loud. Caleb Williams looked comfortable, the running game was explosive, and it felt like every player on the roster was making plays. DeAndre Swift ran all over Carolina, Caleb made plays with both his arm and his legs, and the receiving corps looked as deep as advertised.

What impressed me most was that they scored 59 points and it still felt like they left plays on the field. That's scary.

Now for the concern.

That defense gave up 37 points.

Bryce Young had one of the best games I've seen him play, and Carolina moved the ball far too easily at times. If Chicago wants to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, that defense has to improve.

The offense might be the best offense in football right now. The defense keeps them from being higher than number three.

No. 2 Seattle Seahawks

At number two, I have the Seattle Seahawks.

I know some people are probably surprised by this ranking, but hear me out.

The Seahawks won a tough defensive game despite dealing with injuries and despite losing Sam Darnold during the game. Most teams would have folded. Seattle didn't.

Drew Lock stepped in and did exactly what he needed to do. He didn't try to be the hero. He managed the game, took care of the football, and got the ball to his playmakers when opportunities were there. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued to prove why he's one of the best young receivers in football, and the defense completely controlled the flow of the game.

What really impressed me was the defense. Even with injuries, they continued to pressure the quarterback, create confusion, and make life difficult for New England all afternoon.

This team knows how to win in multiple ways.

They can win shootouts. They can win defensive battles. They can win with their starter or their backup quarterback.

That's why I have Seattle all the way up at number two.

No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs

And finally, my number one team after Week 1 is the Kansas City Chiefs.

Honestly, this one wasn't that difficult.

Everyone wanted to know what Patrick Mahomes would look like coming back from injury, and for the most part, he looked like Patrick Mahomes. He was comfortable in the pocket, he was making plays outside the pocket, and he looked confident leading this offense again.

But the biggest story from this game was Kenneth Walker.

When I tell you this man went absolutely crazy, I mean it. He completely took over the game. Denver had no answer for him whatsoever. Every time the Broncos needed a stop, Walker found another big run. Every time Kansas City needed a spark, Walker delivered.

What makes Kansas City so dangerous is balance.

You already have Patrick Mahomes.

You already have Travis Kelce.

You already have Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.

Now you're adding a running game that can dominate a football game by itself.

That's terrifying.

And let's not forget the defense. They were flying around all night, forcing mistakes, getting after the quarterback, and making Denver uncomfortable from the opening drive. Kansas City looked prepared, healthy, and focused.

When I look at all 32 teams right now, the Chiefs are the team I trust the most.

That's why they're my number one team after Week 1.

Honorable Mention: San Francisco 49ers

I know some of you are probably wondering where the 49ers are.

Trust me, they were close.

The 49ers picked up an impressive win over the Rams, Brock Purdy looked sharp, and the defense was absolutely flying around the field. Mike Evans already looks like he's going to be a major weapon in this offense, and once George Kittle gets fully back to himself, this offense could become one of the best in football.

Honestly, the only reason they're not in my Top 5 right now is because I thought the teams above them had slightly stronger Week 1 performances.

Don't be surprised if San Francisco is in the top 5 next week!


 
 
 

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