As the first week of the NFL season came and went, some teams won, some teams lost, and some teams, like the Buffalo Bills, saw life in perspective. With just one game down and fifteen to go, it’s hard to tell who’s good, who’s bad, and who’s just plain awful. But, with our week one power rankings, we’re trying to do just that.

One week:

1. Indianapolis Colts: In what was supposed to be a close game, Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne led Indianapolis to beat New Orleans. The only thing the saints are marching on now is remorse.

2. New England Patriots: We all know that the “real” Super Bowl last year was between the Pats and Colts. With New England punishing the New York Jets, the championship itself may rear its head.

3. San Diego Chargers: Phillip Rivers wasn’t exactly a great QB in this game, but the Chargers found a way to win against “Da Bears.” Still, if they want to regain the opportunities that eluded them last season, they had better make sure their offense isn’t offensive to their fans.

4. Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo, rebounding in style from his mistake in last year’s playoff game, made every Fantasy player want to be on his team. If the Cowboys can stay frozen, they’ll be the team to beat in the NFC.

5. Denver Broncos: The Denver Broncos recently haven’t done well on opening day. This trend, until Jason Elam’s literal last second field goal, seemed to continue. Not only was it a great road win for Denver, but it was a great emotional victory, and one that will give Jay Cutler a boost in his young confidence.

6. Carolina Panthers: Two words for Carolina fans: they’re back. The duo of Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith once again provided the foundation for a solid victory, away from home no less. The Panthers’ defense also did a great job of silencing Steven Jackson. Let’s face it, that’s not easy to do.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sure, they won big, but let’s not get carried away: They were playing the Browns. However, Big Ben looked great in his 2007 debut, showing fans that the source of his 2005 power wasn’t in his appendage. We’ll see how they do when they play a team that doesn’t come from Cleveland.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: If the most disappointing part of Cincinnati’s games remains Chad Johnson’s over-the-top but unconvincing touchdown celebration, the Bengals could have a breakout season. They cut him close to the end, but his defense figured out how to win. That’s what good teams do.

9. Chicago Bears: No, they didn’t win, but they kept one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to just 14 points. Still, if they’re going to be contenders, even in the NFC, they have to have some kind of offense: put Brian in and give Rex the axe.

10. Seattle Seahawks: They started off slow, but the Seahawks eventually found themselves flying. If their defense continues to play well, and Shaun Alexander can stay free on the jury, they’ll make the playoffs. Where they go from there is anyone’s guess.

11. Baltimore Ravens: The loss to the Bengals not only hurt the Ravens’ pride, it also left Steve McNair with a severed shoulder and Ray Lewis with a biceps injury. In light of having more turnovers than a neighborhood bakery, the Ravens have a lot of work to do on offense.

12. New Orleans Saints: Yes, they were roughed up at Indy, but don’t count the Saints out just yet. If last year taught us anything, it’s that this team and its fans are full of heart. Heart wins where talent fails.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: A loss to Green Bay wasn’t exactly how Donovan McNabb wanted to start the season, but writing them off is a huge overreaction. The Lambeau course on opening day is one of the toughest places to play. Add to that and hope the Eagles never get their feathers this ruffled again.

14. Green Bay Packers: Sunday’s game reminded people in Green Bay why they support the home team. In a less-than-stellar division, Green Bay actually has some playoff potential. They have Favre’s experience and leadership along with young talent. They are going to surprise some people.

15. Houston Texans: After destroying the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston fans may find themselves needing to chant “Super-Bowl, Super-Bowl.” But let’s not get too crazy. The Chiefs are not a very worthy opponent. If the Texans can easily beat someone better, Houston fans may have a reason to get excited.

16. Tennessee Titans: With Vince Young and Chris Brown as threats, the Titans could see an explosive year. What’s more, his defense actually played… well, well.

17. San Francisco: Their defense and offense seemed to have switched roles, with the defense actually playing very well and the offense lacking. Still, Alex Smith won when he had to and Frank Gore, running back extraordinaire, will have a good season. This team will have a better year than average.

18. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings were true warriors against the Falcons on Sunday. While they looked great, keep in mind that Atlanta has had a rough offseason. Still, if the Vikings can do this with teams whose seasons haven’t been beaten by Fido, the Minnesotans could make the NFC North pretty competitive.

19. Washington Redskins: It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win. His offense got the job done when needed. An overtime win on opening day is always exciting. For now, the Redskins are sitting pretty.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: AFC Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Lose When Opponents Score: Without their defense dominating, the Jaguars won’t win. If his offense doesn’t start doing … anything, this is going to be a long, long season.

21. Miami Dolphins: The overtime loss to the Washington Redskins hurt the Fins, both qualifying and emotionally. Still, there are signs of life: Trent Green did well in his debut (he would have done better if his receivers held onto the ball). If his defense can stop the run, the Dolphins will bounce back.

22. New York Giants: The Giants-Cowboys game was getting exciting, and then the injuries came. The Giants aren’t low in the power rankings because they played horribly, but because their entire team was apparently injured. Brandon Jacobs will be out for a month, Osi Umenyiora will be out for a few months and Eli Manning will be out for at least one game, maybe more. The Giants will be happy come October.

23. Arizona Cardinals: In fact, his defense played well against the 49ers. Too bad the same can’t be said for his offense. If they’re going to have a lackluster season, Arizona’s receivers will have to open up so Leinhart has somewhere to go.

24. Detroit Lions: In what was the previous anti-Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions destroyed the Oakland Raiders. The Lions aren’t going to win a championship, but their offense should have a productive year. This could be a turning point.

25. New York Jets: Jets fans are realizing that if they want to be a good team, they’ll have to learn to play with the big boys. Not only did they lose to the Patriots, but they looked horrible. Hopefully the coach they call Man Genius can find a way to win.

26. Buffalo Bills: With thoughts and prayers for Kevin Everett, football seems unimportant. Hopefully he, even if his football career is over, can recover and lead a good and full life.

27. St. Louis Rams: When your star runner has a lousy game, you’re not going to win. Losing at home on opening day is going to be tough for the Rams to get over. Steven Jackson will have to turn it around, and not turn it around, if the Rams are going to salvage the season.

28. Atlanta Falcons: It’s really a shame that the entire team has to suffer because of one man’s inhuman decisions. It would be nice to see Joey Harrington do well. He may not be a better quarterback than Michael Vick, but I bet he’s a better person.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Don’t write this team off just yet…give it some games. His defense showed signs of life, but his offense struggled in every sense of the word. Still, Gruden knows how to train. He will find a few tricks up his sleeve.

30. Oakland Raiders: Even when they were horrible last year, their defense was excellent. That seems to no longer be the case. The Chargers and Broncos are happy the Raiders are in their division.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Wow this team looks bad. Opponents might even have a chance to win at Arrowhead in November and December of this year. Like the Raiders, the Chargers and Broncos welcome the Chiefs’ presence in the AFC West.

32. Cleveland Browns: Look for Brady Quinn to be the starting quarterback before the season is over. You can also put it down and chalk it up to a “rebuild” year.