The opening week of the 2026 NFL season is now complete after the Chiefs defeated the Broncos 31-10 on "Monday Night Football." We saw a lot of scoring, as 49.4 points per game tied 2012 for the most in Week 1 since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970, per ESPN Research. But that still led to some close finishes, including an overtime win by the Lions over the Saints and the Bills' dramatic five-point victory over the Texans.
How do these teams fit in our updated Power Rankings ahead of Week 2? To form the list, our power panel of more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up against one another, ranking them from No. 1 to 32.
In addition to our 1-32 ranking, NFL Nation reporters named a non-QB newcomer -- defined as a rookie, offseason acquisition or coaching hire -- who shined in Week 1. From Texans running back David Montgomery scoring three touchdowns to third-round defensive tackle Domonique Orange's big stop for the Vikings, we picked 32 players and coaches who impressed in their debuts. (And again, no quarterbacks allowed.)
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
1. Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Texans 36-31
Preseason ranking: 3
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR DJ Moore
Moore's five catches for 100 yards were somewhat aided when Houston safety Reed Blankenship went for an interception and missed badly, giving Moore an easy path to a 43-yard touchdown. However, Moore also did a lot of things that didn't end up in his standard receiving totals. He drew a 46-yard pass interference penalty and later an illegal contact flag. He also slapped away what appeared to be a very likely interception for Houston safety Calen Bullock. It was everything the Bills could have asked for when they traded for Moore in March. -- Aaron Schatz
2. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Patriots 13-10
Preseason ranking: 2
Non-QB newcomer debut: S Rodney Thomas II
Rookie running back Jadarian Price had a solid debut, but Thomas gets the nod for helping Seattle's defense hold New England to 10 points. Starting for an injured Ty Okada, Thomas had a pass breakup, which resulted in an interception, and an open-field tackle on consecutive drives. The plays got Seattle the ball back for drives that ended with a field goal and the tying touchdown. Thomas, a former starter with the Colts, signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Seahawks and began on the practice squad. -- Brady Henderson
3. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Colts 41-23
Preseason ranking: 8
Non-QB newcomer debut: Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle
In his first game as Baltimore's offensive playcaller, Doyle kept the Colts on their heels by putting quarterback Lamar Jackson under center and using play-action. The result? For the first time in the Ravens' 31-year history, they had a 300-yard passer (Jackson), a 150-yard receiver (Zay Flowers) and a 100-yard rusher (Derrick Henry) in the same game. There will be plenty of opportunities for Doyle's unit to put up more points. Over the next seven games, Baltimore faces five teams -- the Saints, Cowboys, Browns, Bengals and Bills -- who allowed 27-plus points in Week 1. "Man, first NFL game, [he] came out of the gates on fire," Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said of Doyle. -- Jamison Hensley
4. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the 49ers 27-7
Preseason ranking: 1
Non-QB newcomer debut: CB Trent McDuffie
The Rams traded four draft picks for the All-Pro cornerback in March as part of their effort to rehaul their CB room. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, McDuffie allowed only two receptions for 22 yards on four targets in Week 1, including two passes defensed. One of the passes defensed came in the first quarter, when McDuffie broke up a pass intended for Niners tight end George Kittle. McDuffie intercepted the ball but was just out of bounds. -- Sarah Barshop
5. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Rams 27-7
Preseason ranking: 9
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Mike Evans
Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was also impactful in his Niners debut, but it's hard to argue with Evans' production. He finished with six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, and each of those catches somehow went for either a first down or a score. That gave him the most receiving first downs by any player in a team debut since the Rams' Puka Nacua had six in 2023. Evans signed a three-year deal with the 49ers in free agency. -- Nick Wagoner
6. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Commanders 24-22
Preseason ranking: 5
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks had two catches for 73 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. His 64-yard catch-and-run in the first half marked the longest reception of his career, providing a much-needed spark to the Eagles' new-look offense. Wicks, acquired via trade from the Packers in April, has assumed the role of WR2 behind DeVonta Smith. Hurts and Wicks built a rapport over the spring and summer, and it translated to Week 1. -- Tim McManus
7. Chicago Bears (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Panthers 59-37
Preseason ranking: 12
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Kalif Raymond
The veteran wideout led the Bears with eight catches on nine targets for 84 yards. Five of his receptions came on third down, demonstrating the trust quarterback Caleb Williams quickly built with Raymond after he signed a one-year deal in March. Perhaps the moment most emblematic of his buy-in for what coach Ben Johnson asks of his offensive players is the block Raymond had during running back Kyle Monangai's 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter. -- Courtney Cronin
8. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Broncos 31-10
Preseason ranking: 13
Non-QB newcomer debut: RB Kenneth Walker III
For one game at least, Walker was everything the Chiefs could've hoped for, bringing more explosive highlights to their rushing attack. Walker produced a career-high 173 rushing yards, with his best moment being a breakaway 60-yard touchdown on fourth-and-inches early in the third quarter. His best trait against the Broncos was his elusiveness, as he forced 14 missed tackles, the most by any Chiefs player in a game since 2018. Walker caught a short touchdown pass, too. -- Nate Taylor
9. Denver Broncos (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Chiefs 31-10
Preseason ranking: 4
Non-QB newcomer debut: RB Jonah Coleman
You know it was a bad opener -- and the three-touchdown loss to the Chiefs was brutal -- when Coleman's 27-yard kickoff return made him the best non-quarterback newcomer. It was that kind of night for a team that returned more players from last season than any other in the league. Jaylen Waddle had one catch for 2 yards, safety Tycen Anderson had one tackle and Coleman was the only rookie in uniform for the game. -- Jeff Legwold
10. New England Patriots (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Seahawks 13-10
Preseason ranking: 6
Non-QB newcomer debut: Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones
Signed to a three-year, $36.5 million deal in free agency, the eight-year veteran totaled four QB hits, one sack and two tackles. He was generally a solid presence setting the edge in the running game, as well. The Patriots targeted Jones over retaining K'Lavon Chaisson, who led the team with 7.5 sacks last season. Runner-up choice: Sixth-round rookie linebacker Namdi Obiazor (TCU), who led the team with three special teams tackles, including one on the opening kickoff. -- Mike Reiss
11. Houston Texans (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Bills 36-31
Preseason ranking: 10
Non-QB newcomer debut: RB David Montgomery
Montgomery, who was acquired via trade from the Lions in March, finished with the most touchdowns in a debut in Texans franchise history. He had three touchdowns and 79 total yards (60 rushing and 19 receiving), as Houston scored its most points in a season opener under coach DeMeco Ryans. Overall, the Texans finished with 124 rushing yards on 32 carries, which helped create more passing lanes for quarterback C.J. Stroud en route to 287 passing yards. Montgomery said, "That's going to be our identity." -- DJ Bien-Aime
12. Detroit Lions (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Saints 31-30 (OT)
Preseason ranking: 11
Non-QB newcomer debut: OC Drew Petzing
Week 1 certainly wasn't pretty, but Petzing's offense looked like a well-oiled machine as it marched downfield for a 10-play, 70-yard drive in overtime that was capped by a 4-yard touchdown grab from WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Petzing spent his past three seasons in Arizona, and in his Lions debut, he helped RB Jahmyr Gibbs record a career-high 34 touches. Quarterback Jared Goff thought Petzing "adjusted good" and "settled us down when we needed it and got us into the right plays." -- Eric Woodyard
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Browns 34-10
Preseason ranking: 17
Non-QB newcomer debut: LG Emmanuel Pregnon
Pregnon allowed only one QB pressure on 25 pass-block snaps in Week 1. That 4% pressure rate was tied with left tackle Anton Harrison for the best of any Jaguars offensive lineman. Pregnon, a third-round pick out of Oregon, didn't move into the starting lineup until the second half of training camp. He was impressive enough that the Jaguars moved starting left guard Ezra Cleveland to right guard just to get Pregnon on the field. -- Michael DiRocco
14. Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Vikings 39-22
Preseason ranking: 7
Non-QB newcomer debut: K Trey Smack
How about a 59-yarder for your first NFL field goal? Smack nailed it in the first quarter against the Vikings. He made all of his field goal attempts, also hitting from 43 and 26 yards. He even made a 40-yarder that coach Matt LaFleur took off the board because of a penalty on the Vikings. Smack's only miscues were a missed extra point attempt and one kickoff into the end zone. -- Rob Demovsky
15. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Buccaneers 33-27
Preseason ranking: 16
Non-QB newcomer debut: Edge Boye Mafe
Mafe showed why he was Cincinnati's first big free agent signing with a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against Tampa Bay. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he tied rookie edge rusher Cashius Howell with a team-high four pressures. Mafe made the most of his one-on-one matchups and provided solid early returns for Cincinnati's revamped front. He led all Bengals defensive linemen with 37 snaps. On a unit that will be rotated heavily this season, Mafe appears to be leading the charge on the edge. -- Ben Baby
16. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Giants 28-20
Preseason ranking: 15
Non-QB newcomer debut: S Caleb Downs
Considering how poorly the defense played, it's strange to give this to Downs, but the 11th pick in this year's draft had a productive debut. And there wasn't an offensive player who fits in this category. Downs finished with seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He played 61 of 69 snaps, splitting time between safety and the slot. With Malik Hooker suffering a fractured forearm Sunday, the Cowboys might have to alter Downs' alignment somewhat, even if he is a valuable slot defender. -- Todd Archer
17. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Packers 39-22
Preseason ranking: 22
Non-QB newcomer debut: NT Domonique Orange
A third-round pick from Iowa State, Orange made a key play in Sunday's comeback victory. With 13:17 remaining, the Packers decided to take a field goal off the board after a Vikings penalty and go for it on fourth-and-1. Quarterback Jordan Love checked into a sneak play, but Orange -- known by the nickname "Big Citrus" -- fought off center Sean Rhyan and stuffed Love for no gain. "If I was a quarterback," Orange told reporters afterward, "I'd try that, too. But they don't know about Big Citrus yet." -- Kevin Seifert
18. New York Giants (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Cowboys 28-20
Preseason ranking: 24
Non-QB newcomer debut: TE Isaiah Likely
Likely was quarterback Jaxson Dart's go-to receiver, catching two third-down passes on the game-ending drive to go along with two touchdowns earlier. Overall, Likely caught all eight targets for 78 yards. The chemistry with Dart throughout training camp carried over to the season, to the point where it's easy to see Likely having a huge campaign despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in any of his four years with the Ravens. The performance was no surprise to coach John Harbaugh. "I mean, we paid him a lot," Harbaugh said with a laugh. "That's what we paid him for, and he did it." -- Jordan Raanan
19. Los Angeles Chargers (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Cardinals 26-14
Preseason ranking: 14
Non-QB newcomer debut: C Jake Slaughter
The second-round pick out of Florida was put in a tough position. Slaughter spent most of his college snaps at center, but he competed for the left guard spot throughout most of training camp. When starting center Tyler Biadasz suffered a preseason ACL injury, Slaughter was thrust into the starting role. On Sunday, he had as good a performance as you'd hope a rookie center to have, with no major blunders. He allowed just one quarterback pressure, according to the NFL Next Gen Stats. -- Kris Rhim
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Bengals 33-27
Preseason ranking: 18
Non-QB newcomer debut: LB Josiah Trotter
The son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter became the first rookie to record a pick-six and a sack in his NFL debut since sacks became an official stat in 1982, according to Elias Sports Bureau. His pick-six helped turn a four-turnover performance into a one-score game. He also amassed 10 tackles, including two tackles for a loss. -- Jenna Laine
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Falcons 20-13
Preseason ranking: 21
Non-QB newcomer debut: DC Patrick Graham
Even with Falcons do-everything back Bijan Robinson racking up 173 scrimmage yards, it's hard to point to anyone other than Graham. The Steelers' pass rush dominated third-string quarterback Cooper Rush, and the buy-in from the Steelers' veterans was evident. T.J. Watt, who admitted he was stubborn about the idea of moving around in the old scheme, did just that Sunday. Not only did Watt have a pick-six, but he also recorded a sack from each side of the D-line. Graham passed his first test with flying colors. -- Brooke Pryor
22. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Ravens 41-23
Preseason ranking: 19
Non-QB newcomer debut: RB Seth McGowan
McGowan never carried the ball, but he had quite a special teams impact. The sixth-round pick showed promise in training camp as a kick returner and made his debut Sunday. He returned five kicks for 164 total yards. His longest return, a 66-yarder in the fourth quarter, took the ball to the Ravens' 30-yard line. McGowan is expected to get some work behind starting running back Jonathan Taylor as the season progresses, according to coach Shane Steichen. -- Stephen Holder
23. Washington Commanders (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Eagles 24-22
Preseason ranking: 20
Non-QB newcomer debut: LB Sonny Styles
Styles finished with one sack, in which he trucked running back Saquon Barkley en route to Jalen Hurts, as well as two tackles for a loss and a QB hit. Styles got caught out of position on a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Goedert -- but that was because Styles and two teammates pointed at Goedert at the snap, expecting a false start call. Styles also took over playcalling duties when Frankie Luvu injured his groin. The No. 7 pick wasn't perfect, but it was a good debut. -- John Keim
24. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Chargers 26-14
Preseason ranking: 30
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Kendrick Bourne
The Cardinals' third WR threat and fourth receiving option had the second-best day Sunday, behind only TE Trey McBride. Bourne signed a two-year deal with Arizona in March and reunited with Mike LaFleur, who coached him in San Francisco from 2017 to 2020. It translated to Bourne catching all eight of his targets for 75 yards. "I'm pretty sure none of y'all had him on y'all fantasy [teams] to play how he played, but just was in the right spot at the right time, a lot of plays," quarterback Jacoby Brissett said. "And we put him there because we trust him there." -- Josh Weinfuss
25. New Orleans Saints (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Lions 31-30 (OT)
Preseason ranking: 25
Non-QB newcomer debut: TE Noah Fant
Fant, who signed to a two-year deal in spring, made what could have been the go-ahead touchdown in overtime. Quarterback Tyler Shough found him for an 8-yard score with 1:38 left in OT, but the Saints couldn't convert the 2-point conversion for the win. Though Fant had only four receptions for 33 yards, most of that came in the second half, when the Saints' offense finally began to click. His eight targets indicate that he'll be a key piece of the unit moving forward. -- Katherine Terrell
26. Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Bears 59-37
Preseason ranking: 23
Non-QB newcomer debut: OT Monroe Freeling
The No. 19 pick gave up a first-quarter sack to Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat, but Freeling settled in at right tackle as the shootout loss moved along. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Freeling allowed three total pressures on 41 pass plays. He allowed that 7.3% pressure rate despite being asked to block individually on 70.7% of his pass plays. Freeling was a starting left tackle throughout his final season at Georgia, and those outings made up the bulk of his college workload. Moving to the opposite side isn't easy, and Freeling, despite a hiccup, adapted well for a solid debut. -- Mike Kaye
27. New York Jets (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Titans 23-10
Preseason ranking: 29
Non-QB newcomer debut: TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq had only four touches (three receptions and one rush), but he scored one of the Jets' two touchdowns (on a 3-yard end-around), and his versatility enabled OC Frank Reich to use creative personnel packages. After missing most of training camp because of a hernia, the No. 16 pick was limited to 26 offensive snaps, but his role will continue to grow. Sadiq joined Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome as the only two tight ends in history to score a rushing TD in his first career game. -- Rich Cimini
28. Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)
Week 1 result: Beat the Dolphins 27-13
Preseason ranking: 27
Non-QB newcomer debut: Edge Kwity Paye
The Raiders have been searching for a secondary pass rusher to support All-Pro Maxx Crosby. Paye, who signed a three-year deal in free agency, showed Sunday that he could fill that role with two sacks, five pressures and five quarterback hits. Under first-time defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders want to be aggressive and make life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. If Paye continues to have performances similar to the one he had in Week 1, the outlook for Las Vegas could be a lot different this season. -- Ryan McFadden
29. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Steelers 20-13
Preseason ranking: 26
Non-QB newcomer debut: Edge Za'Darius Smith
The Falcons signed Smith less than a month ago, when they lost Jalon Walker (torn ACL) for the season and James Pearce Jr. (suspension) for the first eight games. Smith retired in the middle of last season with the Eagles due to his mother's illness. Despite the time away and having just turned 34 years old, the 2020 All-Pro second-team selection showed Sunday that he can still get to the quarterback. He sacked QB Aaron Rodgers twice, helping lead a defense that mostly bottled up the Steelers' offense. -- Marc Raimondi
30. Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Jets 23-10
Preseason ranking: 28
Non-QB newcomer debut: LB Anthony Hill Jr.
Hill shined in his NFL debut with 16 tackles and two passes defended, one of which should have been a forced fumble after he punched the ball out of tight end Mason Taylor's grasp. The second-round pick showed range and speed against the Jets. "I thought Anthony flew around," coach Robert Saleh said. "I thought he did a good job controlling the huddle. He was all over the field, made a lot of tackles, showed really good range." -- Turron Davenport
31. Miami Dolphins (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Raiders 27-13
Preseason ranking: 32
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Caleb Douglas
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was one of the league's best rookies in Week 1 with 14 tackles, but the Dolphins' passing offense would have been nonexistent without Douglas. The third-round pick established himself as the team's WR1 with five catches on seven targets for 94 receiving yards, including 81 yards in the first half. There were some growing pains, as there likely will be throughout the season, but his debut was a great start in an otherwise disappointing opener for the Dolphins. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
32. Cleveland Browns (0-1)
Week 1 result: Lost to the Jaguars 34-10
Preseason ranking: 31
Non-QB newcomer debut: WR Denzel Boston
The second-round pick's production -- two receptions for 59 yards and a TD -- came in garbage time, but Boston's 46-yard touchdown catch on a deep post was the kind of play he made throughout training camp. He also had the most snaps (47) and routes run (26) of any Browns receiver in Week 1, a sign of the big role that the team has planned for him going forward. -- Daniel Oyefusi
