NFL Power Rankings: Commanders Near Bottom Despite Week 1 Win?

Did the Washington Commanders' Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals move them up Sports Illustrated's Power Rankings?

Was the Washington Commanders' gutsy come-from-behind 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals enough to move them up in Sports Illustrated's Power Rankings?

Despite the win, Washington (1-0) was ranked 28th by Sports Illustrated. The Commanders were only ranked ahead of the Denver Broncos (0-1), Chicago Bears (0-1), Houston Texans (0-1) and Cardinals (0-1). 

Among their NFC East foes, the Commanders were right behind the New York Giants (27th), while the Dallas Cowboys (2nd) and Philadelphia Eagles (4th) were in the top five. 

"Commanders-Broncos is going to be a sneaky banger next week. One team tries to fend off absolute embarrassment while the other tries to hoist a Sam Howell-quarterbacked team to a first-place start in the NFC East," SI writes. "Howell is tough, by the way, and was no worse than any of the quarterbacks who made up that middle-tier equator of passers last year. He threw players open, and, at least against the Cardinals, they were able to create a lot of space in the run game."

The Washington defense bailed out the offense, holding Arizona to 210 total yards and forcing two turnovers. Montez Sweat paced the defensive line with 1.5 sacks, five tackles, two of which were for a loss and two forced fumbles. Jonathan Allen had two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.

Sam Howell was 19 of 31, throwing for 202 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The second-year quarterback also ran for a touchdown. Howell was sacked six times, including one when he lost a fumble and it was recovered and ran back for a touchdown by the Cardinals. 

Washington will look to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2011 when they go on the road to face the Broncos on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High.