Week 1 of the NFL season did not disappoint ... especially if you were backing underdogs. They were 12-4 ATS and nine of those 'dogs were outright winners. So what does it all mean for Week 2? I'm not sure. What I am sure of, though, is a few teams I think are worth isolating from the Power Rankings -- for better or worse -- when you go to the wager window:
Los Angeles Chargers (14th in ESPN.com power rankings): The Chargers closed as 2.5-point underdogs against the Washington Football Team in D.C., and for good reason. That's a tough place to play, especially when Washington can roll out that defensive front seven backed up by a raucous crowd. It absolutely did not faze Brandon Staley in his head-coaching debut or QB Justin Herbert in his first true road game in front of a loud crowd. The revamped offensive line was awesome protecting Herbert, and the sophomore QB was nails in the fourth quarter guiding the team to a go-ahead score and a game-icing drive.
Next week the Chargers welcome the Dallas Cowboys (13th in the power rankings) to SoFi Stadium as 3-point favorites. I think the Chargers are truly a top-10 team in the NFL this season and are currently undervalued in these rankings, so I will gladly lay the points with them against Dak and his high-octane offense.
Play: Chargers (-3)
Denver Broncos (20th): The Broncos should be about five or six spots higher than I see them in these rankings. That defense is quite legit, and say what you will about Vic Fangio as a head coach, the man is one of the best defensive schemers in the modern game. The loss of Jerry Jeudy stinks, but depth at pass-catcher was not an issue for the offense. Next week, the Broncos are in Jacksonville as 6-point favorites. After what the Jags (32nd in the power rankings) and Urban Meyer showed against Houston in Week 1, I'm heavy on the Broncos stomping the Jags on the road.
Play: Broncos (-6)
Philadelphia Eagles (21st): Kudos, Nick Sirianni. Everyone was mocking the hire of Sirianni after his rather awkward introductory news conference, but guess what? Games are won on the field. And Sunday on the Mercedes-Benz Dome turf in Atlanta, the Iggles absolutely smashed the Falcons. Perhaps it's more of a reflection on the Falcons, but Jalen Hurts was wildly efficient on offense. The offensive line won the battle in the trenches. The defense harassed Matt Ryan all day. I thought the NFC East would be a two-horse race with WFT and Dallas ... but maybe the Eagles are a team to be reckoned with this season. Happily take Eagles +3.5 at home vs. the 49ers (No. 7 in the power rankings).
Play: Eagles (+3.5)