NFL Power Rankings – Week 1: Who starts out on top?

For the Detroit Lions it all starts with quarterback Matthew Stafford who was just signed to five-year, $135 million contract. The Lions won a lot of close games last season and Stafford was one of the big reasons why. On defense the Lions need to have big seasons from defensive end Ziggy Ansah and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson. Ansah had an injury plagued 2016 season and must bounce back for the Lions to challenge the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North title. Robinson has the potential to be an outstanding defensive tackle. If he can make a jump in his second season, then the entire Lions defense could move to another level.. . . Detroit Lions. 12. team. 50

10. The Houston Texans will be playing inspired football in 2017. Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and the surrounding areas of Texas and the Houston Texans team playing well this year could become a small distraction from the rigors of rebuilding flood ravaged areas. J.J. Watt is not only the leader of the team but a leader in the community as well. His return from injury will make an already good Texans defense even better. If quarterback Tom Savage can have a good season, then the Texans are favored to repeat as AFC South Champions. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be a huge key to Savage’s performance. Rookie QB Deshaun Watson is waiting in the wings should Savage falter.. . . Houston Texans. 11. team