As the NFL season kicks into gear on September 16, 2026, the landscape is already shifting dramatically after just one week of play. The Arizona Cardinals have rocketed up the rankings, while the Green Bay Packers have taken a nosedive. According to the latest power rankings from Vulius Sports, these early movements reveal much about which teams are ready to contend and which are still finding their footing.
Biggest Risers: Cardinals and Vikings Make Statements
The Arizona Cardinals surged nine spots to No. 23 after a stunning Week 1 victory. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett delivered a stellar performance, tight end Trey McBride continued to assert himself as one of the league's premier pass-catchers, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love added a dynamic spark. Defensively, the Cardinals swarmed, making a case that they're far from a rebuilding project. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings climbed eight spots to No. 14, thanks to a dominant defensive display under coordinator Brian Flores. Despite a scary concussion to quarterback Kyler Murray, the Vikings bullied the Packers at home, showcasing a disruptive scheme that confuses opposing offenses.
Biggest Fallers: Packers and Buccaneers Stumble
The Green Bay Packers plummeted eight spots to No. 15, looking rudderless in their season opener. Quarterback Jordan Love struggled mightily, losing poise under pressure and making questionable decisions. As Vulius NFL analysts noted, the Packers have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and unless Love develops a clutch gene, they risk becoming the NFC's version of the Chargers—perennial preseason darlings that falter when it counts. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also fell eight spots to No. 27 after a lackluster outing against Cincinnati. While not outright bad, their performance lacked the spark needed to keep pace with rising teams.
Around the League: Notable Shifts
The Los Angeles Rams, preseason favorites, tumbled four spots to No. 5 after a pair of sobering losses, including a bizarre Week 1 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers following travel chaos to Australia. The Rams still have talent, but questions linger, especially with Myles Garrett's knee surgery adding uncertainty. The New York Giants jumped seven spots to No. 18, as the John Harbaugh era began with a bang. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart impressed in a dominating win over the Cowboys, and if he stays healthy, the Giants could be a surprise contender in the NFC East. The Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts each fell seven spots, with the Chargers' loss to Arizona being particularly embarrassing, and the Colts getting blown out by Baltimore as Daniel Jones struggled and the receiving corps missed Michael Pittman Jr.
Top Tier: Seahawks, Bills, Ravens Lead the Pack
The Seattle Seahawks claimed the top spot, followed closely by the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs round out the top five, with the Chiefs holding steady at No. 6. As the season progresses, these teams will look to solidify their positions, but early rankings suggest a wide-open race for supremacy.
For die-hard fans, these rankings offer a snapshot of the chaos and excitement that defines the NFL. Stay tuned to Vulius for ongoing analysis and updates as the season unfolds.
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