Written by: Commish
The Commissioner’s Power Rankings: Week 1
Written by: Commish
As the NAFC (North American Football Conference) season kicks off, it’s time for the first power rankings of the season. These rankings are based on roster strength heading into Week 1 and consider depth, star power, and overall team balance. Let’s dive in.
1. Atlantic City Aces
Key Players: Justin Jefferson, Travis Etienne Jr., Kenneth Walker III
Atlantic City is set for a dominant season, with an all-around balanced team. Jefferson is a top-tier wide receiver, and Etienne and Walker bring stability to the running back position. Their depth and firepower across the board make them the team to beat.
2. Albuquerque Roadrunners
Key Players: Christian McCaffrey, Stefon Diggs, Travis Kelce
McCaffrey and Diggs alone provide Albuquerque a dangerous core, but Kelce gives them that extra advantage with a potential league-best tight end. If their stars stay healthy, Albuquerque could push for the top spot.
3. California Rebels
Key Players: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Tee Higgins
The Rebels have the dynamic duo of Mahomes and Hill, which alone could carry the team week to week. Adding Higgins into the mix gives them another big-play receiver, making them a dangerous offensive powerhouse. Plus, they are defending Yuma Bowl Champions.
4. Moscow Black Bears
Key Players: Breece Hall, Calvin Ridley, Jaylen Waddle
Moscow’s roster looks well-rounded, particularly with Waddle and Ridley leading their receiving corps. The Black Bears may not have the flashiest roster, but consistency and balance could make them dangerous.
5. El Paso Red Devils
Key Players: CeeDee Lamb, Mike Evans, Kyren Williams
Lamb and Evans form a solid wide receiver tandem, but the running back situation for El Paso is unproven. If Williams and White can contribute, the Red Devils may rise, but there are concerns in terms of depth and consistency.
6. Burlington Boss Hogs
Key Players: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, De’Von Achane
Burlington has one of the best quarterbacks in Hurts and a reliable star running back in Barkley. However, the question marks surrounding Achane and the supporting cast make Burlington a bit of a wild card.
7. Los Angeles USMC
Key Players: Lamar Jackson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Davante Adams
The Los Angeles squad boasts a lethal combination of Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability and a star-studded receiving corps with Adams and St. Brown. If Lamar returns to MVP form, USMC could climb these rankings fast.
8. Seattle Heist
Key Players: Garrett Wilson, DK Metcalf, Jahmyr Gibbs
The Heist have star receivers in Wilson and Metcalf, but a lot hinges on Gibbs’ breakout potential. Seattle has big-play potential but may need more reliability from their backfield to compete with the upper echelon.
9. Anchorage Commandos
Key Players: Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, Rhamondre Stevenson
Anchorage has some great pieces with Henry and Brown, but their quarterback situation is less than ideal. If the Commandos can find some stability under center, they might pull off some upsets, but they’re in a tough spot going into Week 1.
10. Des Moines Metro Raiders
Key Players: Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Taylor, Anthony Richardson
Des Moines faces an uphill climb. While they have talented backs, the uncertainty surrounding Taylor’s situation and reliance on a rookie quarterback in Richardson leaves a lot of question marks. The Raiders will need a lot to go right to make a push this season.
11. Austin Oilers
Key Players: Ja’Marr Chase, Raheem Mostert, D’Andre SwiftChase is a monster in fantasy, and when Swift and Mostert are healthy, they’re more than capable of putting up big points. If Austin can navigate their injuries, they’ll be a serious threat.
12. Montana Wombats
Key Players: Bijan Robinson, Aaron Jones, Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Wombats have plenty of youth and potential, but their lack of depth after Bijan and Aaron Jones is concerning. Coach Barry Smwock has his work cut out for him as they face uphill battles against more complete teams.
Final Thoughts
Week 1 is just the beginning of what’s sure to be an exciting season in the NAFC. Some teams already look like early favorites for the Yuma Bowl, while others have work to do to climb out of the basement. Stay tuned for more rankings, analysis, and breakdowns as the season unfolds.
