Super Bowl contenders: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen put 30 NFL teams on notice in Week 1

Caleb Williams and Josh Allen torched opposing defenses.

C.J. Stroud couldn't hold onto the ball with another big victory on the line, which sent the Houston Texans tumbling down the Week 1 power rankings of Super Bowl contenders.

6

It was a brilliant beginning for the NFL, which followed up a long flight to Australia with must-watch finishes featuring the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.

Throw in Jaxson Dart taking over New York on Sunday Night, and it was hard to rank the elite teams in the NFL after Week 1.

A powerhouse Monday Night Football matchup between Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs and Bo Nix's Denver Broncos will shake this list up again.

talkSPORT's power rankings includes the top 15 teams in the NFL right now.

As a result, the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins won't get mentioned again.

Quarterback problems for the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns also kept those teams out of the NFL's current top 15.

Keep checking back regularly as we move from Week 2 to Week 18, the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

6

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

Aaron Rodgers picked up his 164th career victory with a Week 1 win.

But it’s easy beating the Atlanta Falcons in 2026.

Next week, the future Hall of Famer must beat the Patriots in New England as Rodgers’ retirement tour kicks in. 

14. Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)

Comeback season starts now for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ dynasty.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

The Bengals started 2-0 last year, then fell to 2-4.

A 33-27 home win over Baker Mayfield and the Bucs helped start Joe Burrow in the right direction in 2026. 

6

12. New York Giants (1-0)

MVP, MVP, MVP.

The chants that Jalen Bruson heard with the Knicks could soon serenade Jaxson Dart in New York.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)

Of course, it was only the Browns.

But when Trevor Lawrence is this good (four touchdowns, 150 rating), it’s easy to get excited about year two of Liam Coen in Duval.

10. Detroit Lions (1-0)

Dan Campbell’s crew fought through one of the toughest games of Week 1.

It’s only going to get tougher this year in the loaded NFC North. 

6

9. New England Patriots (0-1)

Drake Maye has an interception problem in big games.

But, surely, Maye can beat the 42-year-old Rodgers in Week 2. 

Right?

8. Denver Broncos (0-0)

The NFL saved the best for last in Week 1.

It’s time to see what Bo Nix can do vs the Chiefs after winning the West last year. 

7. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)

The Rams thought flying all the way to Australia was a pain.

Just wait until they have to face John Harbaugh, Jaxson Dart and the new-look New York Giants in Week 2. 

Ranking the top 10......

Quarterbacks of all-time - Can anyone better Tom Brady?

Wide receivers of all-time - Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?

Running backs of all-time - Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and more

Tight ends of all-time - How does Travis Kelce compare?

6. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

The 49ers received the biggest Week 1 boost, thanks to respecting the culture and customs of Australia. 

5. Chicago Bears (1-0)

Bryce Young threw for a game-high 361 yards and the Panthers couldn’t stay in the game.

That’s how sharp Ben Johnson’s Bears offense was on Sunday while putting up 59 points.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

It wasn’t always pretty vs the Commanders.

But with Stefon Diggs’ help, the Eagles reminded the NFL that they’re true Super Bowl contenders. 

6

3. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

This ranking completely hinges on the health of Sam Darnold’s glute tendon.

Drew Lock might win a couple games but the Seahawks aren’t repeating as champs without their trusted veteran QB. 

2. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Only the Bears’ scorching offense overshadowed Lamar Jackson’s attack in Week 1.

Welcome to the winning column, Jessie Minter. 

6

1. Buffalo Bills (1-0)

The Bills started Week 1 on top and ended it by humbling Stroud in Houston.

Josh Allen is also still the best QB in the league.

Join talkSPORT's dedicated US Sports YouTube channel The S* Word every Tuesday and Thursday for our brand new NFL shows.
On Tuesdays, Will Gavin and US senior reporter Brian T. Smith will debate the biggest talking points from the NFL weekend, while on Thursdays, Efe Obada joins the crew to talk with players past and present and break down what to look for across the league.