Eagles power rankings roundup: Not everyone has the Birds flying high

Despite tough field conditions in Brazil, the Eagles came away victorious with a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers. After the 2023 season ended in collapse — losing five of six to close the regular season and then falling in the playoffs — the Eagles needed to give fans something to look forward to. They did just that.

The revamped running game behind the team’s biggest offseason addition, Saquon Barkley, was a key factor in keeping the Eagles in the top five of most NFL power rankings heading into their Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. Here’s where some of the experts think things stand after Week 1 ...

NFL.com: 4th

The Eagles moved up into the fourth spot in NFL.com’s power rankings, one spot above where they were in the site’s Week 1 edition.

What they’re saying: “Brazil was a great stage for two new Eagles, Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun. … between [defensive coordinator Vic] Fangio and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, plus Barkley and Baun, it was a great first game for four new Eagles.” —Eric Edholm

ESPN: 5th

The Eagles didn’t move up despite their season-opening win, but they also didn’t fall. Barkley’s performance was enough on its own to keep the Eagles at the No. 5 spot in ESPN’s ranking.

What they’re saying: “Barkley stole the show in Brazil, rushing for over 100 yards and scoring three times against the Packers — twice on the ground and once through the air. He became the second player in franchise history to score three touchdowns in his first game, joining Terrell Owens, who did it in 2004.” —Tim McManus

FOX Sports: 5th

The Eagles won, but still fell a spot to fifth in FOX Sports’ weekly rankings — behind the No. 4 Houston Texans, who climbed up one spot to move ahead of the Birds after beating the Colts at home.

What they’re saying: “Sluggish start for Jalen Hurts and the guys, but we saw so many reasons to be excited about how this offense can come together under Kellen Moore. You’d have liked to see a better effort on defense, but to be fair, the field conditions in São Paulo didn’t do anyone any favors.” —David Helman

Bleacher Report: 5th

Somehow, this fifth spot feels better, probably because the Eagles moved up from the No. 7 to the No. 5 spot in Bleacher Report’s rankings this week — thanks in large part to some new pieces.

What they’re saying: “The mission for the Philadelphia Eagles in Friday's game in Brazil was simple — establish some positive momentum after the 2023 season ended in collapse. With a hard-fought win over the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles did just that — and the team's newest weapon played a huge role in the victory…”

USA Today: 5th

USA Today continues the pattern of placing the Eagles at the No. 5 spot this week — however, that’s a big jump from their previous eighth spot before their season opener.

What they’re saying: “As good as RB Saquon Barkley (132 total yards, 3 TDs) was in his Philly debut, QB Jalen Hurts and the defense still have significant room for improvement as they adapt to the team's third set of coordinators in the past three seasons.” —Nate Davis

CBS Sports: 8th

Finally, CBS Sports had the Eagles placed eighth, their lowest ranking, and put them behind the Cowboys and Ravens. But, hey, that’s still three spots better than last week.

What they’re saying: “The offense showed up in a big way against the Packers in Brazil, but the defense still had some issues. They have to cut down on the big plays.” —Pete Prisco