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Power Rankings Summary, Week 1: Winning and Grinning

Taking stock of the prominent online power rankings after the Rams start the season 1-0.

Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The season underway, so let's look at the major power rankings.

As always, if there's a power ranking you think merits inclusion, let me know and I'll start putting it in.

Average ranking (# of rankings) 17.30 (10)
Average change from last week 0.00 (!)
Highest ranking (source) 14th (CBS Sports' Pete Prisco)
Lowest ranking (source) 22nd (National Football Post)
Biggest positive change (source) +1 (multiple sources)
Biggest negative change (source) -2 (National Football Post)

SB Nation: 18th (19th last week)

Good thing someone on the St. Louis sideline decided covering Larry Fitzgerald in a cushy zone was a bad idea. Carson Palmer and Fitzgerald took advantage of the Rams' celebrated defense for 80 yards and a touchdown, and it almost cost St. Louis its NFC Cinderella status.

ESPN: 15th (15th)

Jared Cook didn't catch a pass without fumbling it until inside the second-quarter two-minute warning. However, he caught his last six targets for 94 yards and two TDs.

NFL.com: 16th (17th)

Nice comeback at home for these pesky Rams, who are now 1-0 in the NFC West after going 4-1-1 in the division last year. Kicker Greg Zuerlein delivered this sucker, making his shots from 36, 25, 38 and 48 yards out, that last kick going for the win.

Not interested in a kicker? Fine; consider end Robert Quinn, who had three sacks and two forced fumbles. He should be huge for this Ram defense. That said, Jeff Fisher's group will be playing some close games, and having a kicker like Zuerlein could be the difference between making the playoffs or going 7-9.

CBS Sports (Prisco): 14th (14th)

They battled back from 14 down to beat the Cardinals, which is impressive. The passing game looked much improved over a year ago..

CBS Sports (Kirwan): 18th (17th)

The Rams had their hands full with the Cardinals. I like the pass rush, but I'm not so sure RB Daryl Richardson will deliver all that Steven Jackson did. Good news for Sam Bradford: Better pass protection and two new receivers, Tavon Austin and TE Jared Cook.

Yahoo! Sports: 20th (21st)

It was a struggle, but they won. And tight end Jared Cook gives Sam Bradford some much-needed help.

Pro Football Talk: 17th (17th)

And the Rams are now 5-1-1 in the NFC West under Jeff Fisher.

Fox Sports: 15th (14th)

The Rams may have the fastest defense in the entire NFL and the speed-rushing tandem of Chris Long and Robert Quinn are going to cause fits for offensive lines all season.

National Football Post: 22nd (20th)

Sports Illustrated: 18th (19th)

Jared Cook led the Rams with seven catches and 141 yards in Sunday's win over Arizona. Tavon Austin landed second in both categories with six grabs for 41 yards. Sam Bradford must feel like Jimmy Stewart at the end of It's a Wonderful Life every time he walks into the locker room.