NFL Power Rankings: As 2018 kicks off, Eagles, Patriots, Rams top our list

Welcome to the start of the 2018 season and the return of the BSJ NFL Power Rankings. Read on to figure out which team starts the year on top, which franchises won the offseason and which teams could be poised to make a big leap in 2018.


1. Eagles: The defending champs get the top spot by default. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. This week: vs. Falcons

2. Patriots: We’re not completely sold on this one, but we’re going to give Bill Belichick and Tom Brady the benefit of the doubt. One thing we do know? Right now, this is the best team in the AFC. This week: vs. Texans

3. Rams: Can make an argument Los Angeles deserves the second spot. They won the offseason — can that carry over and make 2018 a season to remember in LA? This week: at Raiders

4. Saints: New Orleans has become a trendy pick to come out of the NFC this year. Going to be a fun watch. This week: vs. Bucs

5. Vikings: New (and theoretically, better) quarterback added to a team that got to within a game of the Super Bowl last year? That gives them a spot in our top five. This week: vs. 49ers

6. Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey is going to make this season a lot of fun. Already hyperventilating at the prospect of him lined up opposite Odell Beckham in Week One and Rob Gronkowski in Week Two. This week: at Giants

7. Falcons: Not saying that everyone is sleeping on Atlanta, but in the rush to crown the likes of Los Angeles, New Orleans and Minnesota, this is a team could operate under-the-radar all year long. This week: vs. Eagles

8. Steelers: A bit of a mess in Pittsburgh right now. If you’re a running back and you lose the support of the offensive line, that’s not a terrific sign. But there’s still an awful lot of talent in that locker room. This week: at Browns

9. Packers: Not sure what the ceiling is this year in Green Bay, but as long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, they have a shot. This week: vs. Bears

10. Texans: I may be unnecessarily high on this team, but the promise of JJ Watt and DeShaun Watson staying healthy all season is enough for a spot in our Top 10. This week: at Patriots

11. Panthers: Feels like these guys are a little low, but the NFC South is going to be a street fight all season long. This week: vs. Dallas

12. Chargers: If this team could find a way to stay healthy, they’d be on the short list of Super Bowl contenders. Love that Antonio Gates is coming back for one more season. This week: vs. Chiefs