2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Los Angeles Rams crush Oakland Raiders 33-13

1. New England Patriots

Remember some of the concerns in the offseason surrounding the New England Patriots, and whether it would be worth keeping Rob Gronkowski around when looking at some of his injury concerns? Well, after Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, it’s safe to say the Patriots are glad he’s around after the tight end led the offense in receiving by hauling in seven catches for 123 yards and a score.

When healthy, Gronkowski has proven to be one of the most difficult players to defend since his size and strength makes him an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. And even though this was only one game, New England hopes this is an early sign of what the 2018 season has in store for their beloved tight end.

It’s only September, but does anyone else think someone else in the AFC East is going to finish on top ahead of the Patriots when considering Tom Brady seems to have picked up where he left off last season after winning MVP? The future Hall of Famer continues to show that not even the absence of Julian Edelman is going to slow him down from making a push for that sixth ring, and chances are New England will become quite comfortable near the top of these rankings over the next couple of months.