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UPGRADES

Atlanta plus 6

The Falcons' didn't get "the W" on Sunday against Seattle, but their offensive line showed notable signs of improvement compared to last season. At left guard, James Carpenter started and was an effective power blocker for Todd Gurley in the first half. Carpenter rotated with rookie Matt Hennesey from Temple and both guards along with Chris Lindstrom moved people around. This line carried an average grade in the preseason, but with increased cohesion and the continued stalwart play from center Alex Mack, they are looking more like a top unit.

Jacksonville up 1

While most of the league is sorting through new lineups without preseason, the Jags returned all five players at all the same spots and did an exceptional job rushing the ball against an underrated Indianapolis defensive front. This mauling group led the team to victory behind the technical talent of center Brandon Linder and a bounce-back performance from left tackle Cam Robinson. Robinson tore his ACL two seasons ago and finally looks like he's back to 100%. This line grades just inside the top-ten.

LA Rams up 2

The Rams' offensive line had their way run blocking against Dallas last week, and the Rams' running backs combined to rack up 153 total yards on 40 carries, with two rushing touchdowns. Andrew Whitworth appears to have found the fountain of youth at left tackle and the new-look interior of Joe Noteboom, Austin Blythe, and Austin Corbett passed all obvious tests. This group may have a stouter test this week against Philadelphia, but the line heads into the matchup with a top-ten grade.

Carolina up 4

On paper, the Panthers' wholesale changes, with no preseason should have led to widespread confusion. But the new-look line played well during a tough home loss to Las Vegas. Looking closer, many of these players do have experience together, just not on this Carolina team. Left guard Michael Schofield and center Matt Paradis started Super Bowl 50 together in Denver (against Carolina). Schofield would then go to the Chargers, where he worked with current Panther's offensive line coach Pat Meyer and left tackle Russell Okung. Based on their early performance together, this line gets an early cohesion upgrade to join the middle of the line rankings.

Seattle up 4

Center Ethan Pocic won the battle for the starting spot against free agent B.J. Finney. As Pocic has game experience, and they both have similar individual grades, the model prefers the player with experience in the system. The Seahawks offensive line had their usual problems in pass protection against Atlanta, but they were able to find some luck in outside rush plays to Chris Carson. Rookie guard Damien Lewis had three penalties in his debut. But overall this still a lower-tier line, but getting slightly better.

DOWNGRADES

Pittsburgh down 6

It's hard to downgrade an offensive line after a winning performance, but the Steelers' injuries are starting to accumulate. Right tackle Zach Banner was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL and will miss the entire year. Stefan Wisniewski (who was filling in for David Decastro) injured his pectoral and was forced from the contest. Decastro did not practice on Wednesday and is considered questionable for this weekend's home game against Denver. When healthy this line is among the best in the league, however, they are only average without Decastro.

Dallas down 14

With right tackle La'el Collins on injured reserve (undisclosed, but he complained to media of neck pain after a car accident in preseason), most expected Cam Erving to get the start Week 1 against the Rams. However undrafted free agent rookie Terence Steele got the unexpected start and he predictably struggled. Meanwhile, Fleming sprained his MCL on special teams and has been placed on injured reserve. The team signed Alex Light of their practice squad, but all the uncertainty causes the Cowboys' line grade to fall to the middle of the pack.

LA Chargers down 6

Center Mike Pouncey missed Week 1's contest against Cincinnati with a hip injury. This injury has lingered from last season, and the coaches moved Dan Feeney to center, giving Forest Lamp the start at left guard. Right guard Trai Turner had a knee injury and he too was ruled out just prior to kick off. Tyree St. Louis got the start and struggled in pass protection. Turner is expected to play this week against Kansas City, but Pouncey has been removed from the model until he proves he is healthy. The line as a whole has talent but grade in the bottom of the rankings until a lineup solidifies.

Cincinnati down 1

Right guard Xavier Su'a-Filo was forced from last week's game against the Chargers with an ankle injury. Su'a-Filo was put on injured reserve. During the game he was replaced by Billy Price, who actually represents an upgrade in cohesion, having familiarity with the scheme and the other players around him. Right tackle Bobby Hart was extremely shaky in pass protection, and as this is not the first time for Hart, his individual grade takes a hit. Left tackle Jonah Williams was good in his delayed debut and quarterback Joe Burrow brings excitement to this offense, but the line still grades among the league's worst.

OTHER NEWS

BAL: Rookie Tyre Phillips beat out veteran D.J. Fluker for the starting right guard position. Phillips is a third-round rookie from Mississippi State. No change to rankings.

BUF: After much speculation, the right side starters were guard Cody Ford and tackle Daryl Williams. These are the best five linemen and the Bills are an average group.

CLE: Right tackle Jack Conklin has been limited in practice with a knee and a finger injury and left tackle Jedrick Wills is limited with a shin injury. It's a short week but both are expected to play Thursday night.

GB: With Billy Turner unavailable, the Packers started the game with Lucas Patrick at left guard and the usual left guard Elgton Jenkins at right tackle. Patrick injured his shoulder early and Jenkins moved back to guard. Rick Wagner played well at right tackle and should get the start this week against Detroit. It's a lot of movement but how to downgrade a unit that just scored 40+ points? This is a deep, top-tier group.

LVR: Right tackle Trent Brown only played 3 snaps on Sunday at Carolina before he was forced from the game with a calf injury. Sam Young replaced Brown for 15 snaps, then he too was forced from the game, leaving backup guard Denzelle Good to play right tackle for the duration. The team plays Monday night against New Orleans, and Brown might be able to start given the extra day of rest. With or without Brown, this is one of the best lines in football.

NYG: Center Nick Gates and right tackle Cameron Fleming had awful performances last week against Pittsburgh. The offense was limited all evening due to the uncertainty. No downgrade as their grade is already terrible.

PHI: Week one against Washington saw several injuries. Without Lane Johnson, Jack Driscoll got the start at right tackle. Driscoll was injured, pressing Jordan Mailata into duty. Nate Herbig got the start at right guard for Matt Pryor, and it was notable Pryor did not enter the game, even after Driscoll was forced out. The team should have Lane Johnson back in action was a full participant in practice and is expected to play this week against the Los Angeles Rams. With Johnson, they are a good line. Without him, Kelce or Peters, watch out.

SF: With Weston Richburg on PUP, center Ben Garland out with an ankle injury, Hronnis Grasu got the start at the pivot against Arizona. Garland is not on this week's injury report and should start at the Jets. Grasu and Garland carry similar grades, so no change to ranks.

FULL RANKINGS