2014 NFL Power Rankings: Week 1 ESPN.com

Week: Select Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Training camp. Preseason. Final cuts. It's all in the rearview mirror.

The real football is finally here, so let's examine the 2014 hierarchy.

Are the Seahawks, who reigned supreme in '13 and in our post-draft rankings, still the team to beat? Our ESPN Power Panel (a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities) says yes. The Broncos begin the season at No. 2, followed by the Patriots, 49ers and Saints.

If you're hoping for early movement up top, Week 1 certainly offers potential. Seattle hosts NFC North favorite Green Bay (No. 6) in Thursday night's opener, and Denver has a Sunday night date with defending AFC South champion Indianapolis (No. 8).

Even if the status quo survives Week 1, don't count on our hierarchy staying static for long. Once the season picks up steam, change becomes a constant.

Note: "Last Week" refers to the post-draft edition of our rankings. The comments below are provided by ESPN Stats & Information.

• SN: Rank 'Em | Seahawks' staying power hinges on D | Potential 2014 surprises | Team Power Rankings charts since 2002