In my last column, written prior to the preseason, I asked if it was early for powers ranking at that time. Well the answer is the same now as it was then – it is always too early for power rankings. They are usually done haphazardly with seemingly nothing but an unreasonable algorithm that turns humans into 1s and 0s.
That said, it doesn’t mean that a) they aren’t interesting to read and b) that we can’t arrive at a reasonable idea of where teams will lie. Our rankings heading into tonight’s NFL kick-off from 32-1 are below. (Click for our Pre-season Rankings)
32 – Oakland Raiders
I cannot believe I ranked any team below the one quarterbacked by Blaine Gabbert. Man, I have to feel bad for Matt Flynn after losing his starting job in back-to-back years.
31 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Henne should still start in my opinion. I think we will see him soon after Gabbert gets giddy in the pocket again – that is unless he has improved. MJD is the main reason for the jump over Oakland.
30 – New York Jets
The BUTT FUMBLE, may not be able to occur for the first 2 weeks due to injury, but we risk what was formerly known as the Orlovski, but now heralded as the Geno Smith, the inexcusable QB run out of your own endzone safety.
29 – Buffalo Bills
The Bills have many problems, but potential for upside with E.J. Manuel. Let’s see how he does. I think he has it tough with Stevie J as his only major target. Although he did show some good quick release reads in the preseason.
28 – Tennessee Titans
Not sure Jake Locker has what it takes. Can Chris Johnson return to form? I don’t see Tennessee coming anywhere near the playoffs. 4-6 wins max.
27 – San Diego Chargers
This team is lucky they get to play the Raiders twice. Wow, there are two games I still don’t plan on watching.
26 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Upgrades at defense will help them pick off a couple of victories, But Freeman will likely be a free man after his release in the offseason due to inconsistent play. Unless Freeman changes what I felt was a sub-par preseason performance, the above statement remains true. Only real in-season action will tell.
25 – Minnesota Vikings
Even with Greg Jennings, from what I saw 11 in the box is still the way against the Vikings.
24 – St. Louis Rams
Just not sure about these guys. They played strong last year, but is the division too much?
23 – Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith seems like the only legit receiver here. If Cam takes responsibility and stops sulking they could get some surprising wins with a good run game.
22 – Cleveland Browns
Weeden looked like he could carry a franchise in the preseason. But there is a trade-off between Freeman’s poor play and Weeden’s good play. Only regular season games can reveal the truth.
21 – Baltimore Ravens
I do not believe in this team like the rest of people seem to. Sure, Baltimore won the Bowl. But that team is a shadow of its former self. This is not the same team.
20 – Arizona Cardinals
I think Arians is a great coach, Palmer can get Fitz the ball again, and Mendenhall can pound the rock. A lot I like here, tough division though.
19 – Kansas City Chiefs
Last time I forget to add KC and they ended up around here. This time they deserve it.
18 – Miami Dolphins
Losing Keller is HUGE to a developing QB in his second year. I am not sure this team upgraded the way people are making it sound.
17 – Detroit Lions
This team has serious talent on both sides of the ball. Can they come together as a team?
16 – Philadelphia Eagles
Really liked the small amount of Chip’s offense he previewed. I think these guys will do better than expected, even without Maclin.
15 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Wow these guys lost a lot of nice pieces, and lost even more due to preseason injury. Still, they have Dick. The defense wins this team games by catching balls, and thanking Dick.
14 – Chicago Bears
This spot remains dependent on how many passes B. Marsh drops in the endzone.
13 – Dallas Cowboys
Romo is still better than you think.
12 – Washington Redskins
Personal opinion: start Cousins for the first few weeks. Nobody wants to see RG 3’s knee go out again in the first few weeks when he could be sitting and resting. Take it slow. You have been warned.
11 – Cincinnati Bengals
This team keeps on moving forward and will fight for the division. However, the one thing that is always plugging up their offenses holes is still in Pittsburgh. Dick Lebeau is a legendary defensive mastermind, and will befuddle this team and take the division.
10 – New York Giants
Such a close division, I am giving it to the Giants on experience. Might not even win the division but will go the farthest out of the division in the playoffs
9 – Indianapolis Colts
Luck continued to look good in the preseason. I think these guys can continue to turn heads if Wayne can stay at last year’s pace.
8 – San Francisco 49ers
Still feel these guys are a few receivers short of last year with the Crab injury and they lost some good pieces on D.
7 – New Orleans Saints
Swapped them back with Atlanta, although I think these teams are equal. Brees has his coach back, and this could get ugly for opposing defenses.
6 – Atlanta Falcons
Strong team – too bad New Orleans gets their coach back.
5 – Seattle Seahawks
I think last time I might have been like everyone else and on Seattle’s balls. Russell throws some nice ones, but I do not think they are better than the next 4 teams.
4 – New England Patriots
Tom Brady! Yep, he has won it with less and he looked great with what he had in the preseason.
3 – Houston Texans
Currently sitting above New England due to their strong defense and New England’s uncertainty with several positions.
2 – Green Bay Packers
I think these guys have some good tools, and a powerful team of lesser known individuals that play as a group of one. They make a solid team.
1 – Denver Broncos
Still number 1 after the preseason. I really don’t see this changing all year.
There it is, my NFL opening day power rankings. There were some bug changes and a few teams who remained where they were, or close to it.
Any teams you feel are out of place? Lay it down.
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