NFL Power Rankings 2016: Week 1

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 13, 2016

Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is congratulated by team mates after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The score on Sunday looked a lot closer than it really was. The Atlanta Falcons were trailing 31-13 late in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a last ditch effort made it a one score game as they lost by seven. Their late offensive push was nice, but they have always been a team that can put up points in a hurry with quarterback Matt Ryan, receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman. The problem has been their defense. Head coach Dan Quinn was supposed to fix that, but that hasn’t yet happened. They let second-year quarterback Jameis Winston throw all over them as he tossed four touchdown passes and wasn’t sacked all game. With Tampa on the rise, Carolina fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and Drew Brees looking for one last run in New Orleans, Atlanta is in a terrible spot. They are in danger of falling to the bottom of their division with no way to climb back up anytime soon.. . . Atlanta Falcons. 24. player. 44

Next: No. 23 Colts

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