BY RALPH VENTRE
The lights turned bright in Los Angeles and the Buffalo Bills were more than ready.
After blowing out the defending Super Bowl champions in the second half of the National Football League opener, the Bills have taken over the No. 1 ranking in Talking Pigskin’s Top 10 Power Poll.
The Indianapolis Colts were the lone team to fall out of the Top 10 following a season-opening tie at Houston. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers emphatically broke into the top tier by notching a Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Outside Looking In
Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins
FROM 10 TO 1…
No. 10 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (Previous Rank: 9) 📉
Davante Adams looked fabulous in Silver and Black, but Derek Carr was under pressure frequently during the season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite multiple miscues, including three Carr interceptions, the Raiders were one drive away from pulling out a victory against a division rival.
No. 9 CINCINNATI BENGALS (Previous Rank: 7) 📉
The reigning AFC champions slide down two spots to No. 9 following the Week 1 overtime home loss to Pittsburgh. Cincinnati’s offensive line looked rather porous and the defense somewhat average. Despite three interceptions in the first half, Joe Burrow put the Bengals in position to win the game before special teams miscues costed them dearly.
No. 8 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (Previous Rank: 6) 📉
The 49ers’ Week 1 performance provided some cause for concern, but one can’t ignore the fact that the game was played through tremendously miserable weather and field conditions in Chicago. San Francisco still boasts a great roster despite a 19-10 loss to the Bears, but Trey Lance may be leaving the door for Jimmy Garoppolo.
No. 7 GREEN BAY PACKERS (Previous Rank: 4) 📉
The Packers slip three spots following a disappointing effort in Minnesota. The Allen Lazard-less receiving corps showed little ability to get open and the injury-plagued offensive line hung Aaron Rodgers out to dry, but one has to think the reigning two-time NFL MVP will right the ship in the coming week.
No. 6 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (Previous Rank: NR) 📈
The Chargers’ reinforced defense looked awfully good against a Raiders offense that features no shortage of weapons. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert continues to show that he is the real deal, catapulting Los Angeles from No. 11 up to No. 6 in the Talking Pigskin Power Poll.
No. 5 BALTIMORE RAVENS (Previous Rank: 8) 📈
The Ravens did what they were supposed to do against an inferior Week 1 opponent and Lamar Jackson looked locked in while connecting on three long touchdown passes. The offense should only get better when running back J.K. Dobbins finally returns.
No. 4 LOS ANGELES RAMS (Previous Rank: 1) 📉
Not only was the Rams’ run game was lackluster, but the overall performance was a dud on a night that begin with a championship banner raising. Receiver Allen Robinson was somewhat invisible, and the defensive secondary could not keep up with the Bills’ potent passing attack. Still, no need for Rams fans to overreact after one week.
No. 3 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (Previous Rank: 5) 📈
It wasn’t pretty, but it’s hard to complain about a 19-3 road win. Even though he’s aging, Tom Brady clearly has some pep left in his step and the Bucs will likely account for a higher red zone efficiency than they did in Dallas.
No. 2 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (Previous Rank: 3) 📈
Tyreek Who?
So much for Patrick Mahomes missing Tyreek Hill. The former NFL MVP looked sensational in a dismantling of Arizona. While the Chiefs’ defense frustrated Arizona signal caller Kyler Murray, Kansas City’s high-powered attack went 6-for-6 in the red zone.
No. 1 BUFFALO BILLS (Previous Rank: 2) 📈
Josh Allen and the Bills committed four turnovers, but still defeated the defending Super Bowl champions by a three-touchdown margin.
Sean McDermott’s defense kept the Rams in check with the front four consistently pressuring Matthew Stafford to the tune of seven sacks. It was only Week 1, but Buffalo looked downright scary.
TALKING PIGSKIN 
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