49ers open on top of NFL Power Rankings

^{San Francisco's Randy Moss is congratulated by quarterback Alex Smith after Moss caught a touchdown pass during the first half of the Niners' 30-22 victory over the Packers Sunday. (AP)}

The opening week of the NFL season taught us a few things — RG III is legit, Brandon Weeden isn't — but the 16-game schedule is a marathon, not a sprint. What teams showed in the first week is not predictor of what's ahead. So, here's our first NFL power rankings of the season; do not expect the rankings to look the same at season's end, or even next week.

5. Atlanta (1-0): Things couldn't have gone much better for the Falcons in their 40-24 victory over Kansas City. Matt Ryan (23-for-31, 299 yards passing, 3 TDs), Julio Jones (6 catches for 108 yards, 2 TDs), and Roddy White (6 catches, 87 yards) all had big days, as the offense converted 5 of 10 third downs with no turnovers. Next up: vs. Denver.

10. EAGLES (1-0): Twelve penalties, five turnovers, four Michael Vick interceptions — if Eagles fans feel bad about the team's start, how must Cleveland fans feel knowing their team somehow still lost, 17-16? As for the positives, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2 INTs), Kurt Coleman (2 INTs), DeMeco Ryans and the defense looked strong, and they'll need to be this week against Baltimore's potent no-huddle offense. LeSean McCoy (20 carries, 110 yards) rolled through the Browns and could have done even more damage with a few more plays called his way. Next up: vs. Baltimore.

22. Minnesota (1-0): Blair Walsh became the first kicker to win his NFL debut by sending the game into overtime with a last-second field goal—and then winning it with another. He had four field goals on the day as the Vikings beat Jacksonville, 26-23, in the return of Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 84 yards and 2 TDs on 17 carries. Next up: at Indianapolis.