My Power Rankings

[#1BucsDefense]

There was a challenge, and I'll answer.

1. New England Patriots: Maybe not the most original choice for #1, but everyone is ranking them this high for a reason. They were one game away from the superbowl last year, and then they made all those big moves in the offseason, bringing in a whole new group of good WRs, and adding Adalius Thomas to that already good defense. There's a reason they're this decade's dynasty.

2. Indianapolis Colts: You've got to like the defending superbowl champs. That offense will be just as good as ever, and the defense will be good enough. We all know they'll easily win the division, and they showed us that their defense can wake up in the playoffs.

3. San Diego Chargers: They just have too much talent to be ranked any lower. The best RB in the NFL, the best TE, a good QB, good OL, and they even drafted a WR in the 1st round, the only position on their offense that could've used some help. With all the focus on the offense, people forget that the Chargers also have a good defense. I'm not sure about Norv, but even I could coach this team into the playoffs with that kind of talent.

4. Denver Broncos: Cutler may only be a 2nd year QB with limited experience, but I think he's got what it takes, and he'll have a great running game to support him, the addition of Henry will make that good running game a great running game. They already had the best CB in the league, and then they added Bly, just try passing on them. They also fixed the problem of their D-line through the draft. It should be fun watching the Chargers and Broncos fight to win the division, but whoever loses will get the wild card anyways.

5. Baltimore Ravens: McNair still has enough in the tank for another season, and that defense will be dominating as usual. Add in McGahee to improve the running game, and the Ravens should have a good season in front of them.

6. New Orleans Saints: Another team with a great offense that will be hard to stop. Bush showed considerable improvement in the last half of last season, Deuce is a great RB as well, Brees is one of the best QBs in the league, and they added Meachum to an already good WR group. They also had a decent defense last season which looks to be improving for this season. I could see them winning the NFC.

7. Chicago Bears: This team did so many things wrong this offseason. They lost their defensive coordinator, traded away Jones for much less then he's worth, the Briggs problems, and Tank. But even with all of that, they still have a great defense, and Cedric Benson should be able to pick up the slack that Jones leaves. Olsen will help Grossman, and he has shown signs of being a good QB, they just get mixed in with some of the most horrible games by a QB out there. They won't return to the superbowl, but they'll still win their division.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: They have an offense that just can't be stopped by other NFL teams, but the police might be able to stop them. If they can behave and improve on defense they'll be a force to be reckoned with. But those are some big ifs.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: It all comes down to McNabb. If he can stay healthy, they're a potential superbowl team. If he can't, they probably won't even make the playoffs.

10. NY Jets: Pennington started a full season for the first time in his career, and you could see the difference in that team. Their biggest weakness was a lack of a primary RB, and Jones solves that problem.

11. Dallas Cowboys: Despite his slippery fingers in the playoffs, Romo is a good QB, with some good targets in Owens, Glenn, and Witten to throw to. And Jones and Barber will be great as a 1-2 RB punch.

12. San Francisco 49ers: This is a team that is getting consistently better every year. Alex Smith showed huge strides in his 2nd year that should continue in his 3rd, Frank Gore was incredible, and now that Vernon Davis is healthy and they've added Darrell Jackson they have some good receiving threats. Their defense was suspect, so they went out and got Clements, drafted the best LB in the draft, and got Michael Lewis. Watch out for the 49ers.

13. Seattle Seahawks: SA is still a very dangerous RB, and Hasselbeck is a good QB. But they didn't make any significant improvements in the offseason, and their division is no longer a cake walk.

14. St Louis Rams: Jackson is just a beast, the 2nd best RB in the league behind LT. Bulger is a great QB throwing to a great WR in Holt. Now if the defense could just keep up.

15. Washington Redskins: Campbell sat for a while, but it made him a better QB that will be ready to compete this year, and having Moss to throw to doesn't hurt. Portis and Betts will make a good RB tandem to help take the pressure off Campbell. Now if they could just find that defense from 2005...

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Another team that will be defined by their QB. We've seen what they can do when Big Ben plays well, we've also seen what they do when he doesn't.

17. Carolina Panthers: This is a team that could go in either direction. We know Steve Smith will do well, but there are still a lot of question marks on that offense. How will DeAngelo Williams and Dwayne Jarett do? What about Delhomme? I don't think they'll fall flat on their face, but nothing spectacular either, thus the middle of the pack ranking.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Great run defense, and great running offense. Chester Taylor was good enough, but with the addition of Peterson they'll be able to run the ball all day, which is a good thing since they won't be able to pass much with Tavaris Jackson, and nothing much at WR.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars: They need to figure out who their starting QB is. But until then, Jones-Drew and Taylor will just pound away at the other teams.

20. Buffalo Bills: Despite some key loses on defense and offense, the Bills should still be able to compete. JP Losman showed considerable improvement last season, and Lee Evans is an emerging star. Lynch should be able to come in an perform well immediately as the starting RB.

21. Miami Dolphins: I like their defense, I like Ronnie Brown, I even like their WR group with Chambers and Ginn. But Trent Green isn't going to lead them to the playoffs, and neither will Beck in his first season.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I really hope I'm wrong about this one, and I hope we do better than this, but I just don't see it. Garcia is old, and has only had success with one of his last three teams. While me did make some upgrades on defense, it still isn't what it used to be. Our WR group is horrible or unproven outside of Galloway, and Cadillac didn't inspire much confidence in me last season. Add in Gruden, and I don't see a big season for us. Hopefully I'm wrong.

23. NY Giants: The loss of Tiki will hurt them significantly, and Eli is too inconsistent. And now with Strahan and his problems, the Giants are going to fall this season.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Every year they're supposed to be the surprise team, and every year they fall short. Levi is a good OT, but he can't fix that OL by himself. I like Leinart and those WRs, and Edge is still a good RB, but its just not enough. Add in a lousy defense and the Cardinals will feel right at home at the bottom of the NFC West again.

25. Cleveland Browns: The Browns took some positive steps this offseason, but that doesn't translate into wins right away. They have a good young offense, but Quinn is still a rookie that probably won't start until halfway into the season, Jamal Lewis is not the RB he used to be, and that defense is still lousy. I expect the Browns to surprise people.....in 2008.

26. Oakland Raiders: They'll improve from last year, but that doesn't mean much. Their defense will keep them in every game, but that offense just doesn't have it yet. With either JaMarcus or Daunte as the starting QB, the offense will still be bad enough that this team isn't going to win much yet.

27. Tennessee Titans: Vince Young has potential, but I'm not buying into all the hype. He needs to learn how to pass or he'll just become another Vick w/o the criminal charges. Young and that offense will miss what Travis Henry did for them, and even though Pacman is a scumbag, he was a good defensive player for them and losing him will hurt a defense that wasn't very good to begin with.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: After running LJ into the ground last season, he probably won't even finish the season this year. But even if he does, the Chiefs dominant OL is a thing of the past, they're very shaky at the QB position, and their defense is nothing special.

29. Detroit Lions: They might have added CJ, but WR was probably the only area of that team that didn't need help. They took a bad defense and traded away Bly, one of their best defensive players. Kitna might throw for a lot of yards, but he also led the league in turnovers last season. And they don't have much at RB with Jones and his injury problems. Its between them and the Packers for bottom of the NFC North.

30. Green Bay Packers: Favre should've retired a couple of years ago, they have no real RB, and the defense won't be helping them out much.

31. Houston Texans: They didn't fix their O-line, so it won't matter who they have at QB. Combine that with the fact that Ahman Green is past his prime, and they don't have a good receiving option outside of Andre Johnson, and that team isn't going anywhere soon.

32. Atlanta Falcons: No, I didn't just put them here because I don't like them. Even before the Vick problems they weren't that good a team, but now they have to rely on Harrington as their QB, and Vick will be a distraction for the team. Its looking like Petrino will get to bring in his guy in Brohm next year.

[UCLABUCSFAN]

Nice, in-depth analysis. Looks like you put a ton of time into it. The only thing
I don't agree with is the Redskins at 15, but I guess they do have the potential
to come out of nowhere.

[Pook]

Great rankings.

Hard to argue with the Patriots. I think they are as much a consensus #1 as is possible. I, however, would put the Chargers at 2, over the Colts. I know Norv Turner doesn't have a good track record as a head coach but he's never had a team this talented. Plus, the offence that he installed before he left is still basically the same. I think all the talent he has will over come all the changes.

I don't think the Texans will be that bad to be placed below the Lions. Schaub is an improvement over Carr. He'll lower the number of sacks just by getting rid of the ball when it's supposed to go. I can't even begin to count how many times Carr would hold the ball on 3- and 5-step drops. Seriously, at the NFL level, you just can't get sacked on a 3-step drop. Their D could be improving. Mario Williams isn't really that spectacular, nor was he worth a #1 pick, especially over Reggie Bush but he's servicable. Demeco Ryans should be alright, although I think a lot of his stats came from teams just running on them and the fact that he was one bright spot in the disaster that was the Texans.

But on the whole, good rankings, good analysis.

[BannedSrqFan]

It's hard to argue with 22nd. We have a long way to go to prove ourselves and those first 6 games are brutal....

[TomatoVSC]

I think the Colts should be quite a bit lower, and Buffalo should be a little higher(somewhere around 15). Other than that, it looks good.

[arizona480]

Very nicely done, will you update them at the end of preseason? I know it hard to get a look at all the teams in preseason, but hopefully we will get an idea.

[NewOrleans]

You forgot to talk in the 3rd person - which gaines you some respect.

[whodatfever]

This looks to be a ton of work. Nice job!

[#1BucsDefense]

bump...

I used to hate rankings....now I know why. people used to link them to sports writers. much better seeing them here, written by our very own members here...... nice stuff... great breakdown....quality thread.

I still say the falcons will roar back and rally now that vick is gone.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by arizona480

Very nicely done, will you update them at the end of preseason? I know it hard to get a look at all the teams in preseason, but hopefully we will get an idea.

This one took me a while to do, so unless there are some significant changes between now and opening day, I'm going to leave the rankings as there are. At most I might just edit this one if an important player from one of the teams gets injured.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by TheChronic

I used to hate rankings....now I know why. people used to link them to sports writers. much better seeing them here, written by our very own members here...... nice stuff... great breakdown....quality thread.

I still say the falcons will roar back and rally now that vick is gone.

Thanks, I had fun making it.

Maybe if the Falcons had a better backup QB, but Harrington has been pretty bad in his career, and I don't see him turning it around now. And Dunn being injured will hurt them a lot, he's underrated. Although Norwood is a good backup, and the future starting RB for that team, he is still just a 2nd year player who has never started a game in the NFL. And it will be hard for the Falcons to rally with all the distractions Vick will cause, because this case will be going on all season and then some. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[BannedSrqFan]

Originally Posted by TheChronic

I used to hate rankings....now I know why. people used to link them to sports writers. much better seeing them here, written by our very own members here...... nice stuff... great breakdown....quality thread.

I still say the falcons will roar back and rally now that vick is gone.

Uh, no. They have other issues besides the dog murderer (allegedly).

[Head173]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

Thanks, I had fun making it.

Maybe if the Falcons had a better backup QB, but Harrington has been pretty bad in his career, and I don't see him turning it around now. And Dunn being injured will hurt them a lot, he's underrated. Although Norwood is a good backup, and the future starting RB for that team, he is still just a 2nd year player who has never started a game in the NFL. And it will be hard for the Falcons to rally with all the distractions Vick will cause, because this case will be going on all season and then some. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Well we all know the receiving corps he had in Detroit... The situation is worse now! Much worse! At least in D-Town they could catch!

Very nice thread and I agree with most of your rankings. That Redskins @ 15 really sticks out in particular. That and Denver.


The Skins will have a great secondary but no pass rush. They haven't addressed that since Bruce Smith I think. Carter is ok and he started turning it on late in the season so it is looking hopeful. But the thing that really gets me about them @ 15 is Campbell. They went out of their way last year to throw less and run more. They say it was to protect him, but they have a down the field offense. If you're gonna pulll your starter and put in the replacement I think you would want to try and stretch the field more since that is your main gameplan. I would want to know what the kid can do instead of waiting until TC the next year. But they say he is the most improved. I still say they will be down next to us this year.


Putting Denver above some of the playoff teams from last year that will certainly compete this year... I don't know. I think they belong about 10 or so. Cutler has to be decent for them to bench Plummer. Well maybe. The Snake was known for stinking it up from time to time. I think they'll do good this year but I don't see them in the playoffs with all the other powerhouses.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

4. Denver Broncos: Cutler may only be a 2nd year QB with limited experience, but I think he's got what it takes, and he'll have a great running game to support him, the addition of Henry will make that good running game a great running game. They already had the best CB in the league, and then they added Bly, just try passing on them. They also fixed the problem of their D-line through the draft. It should be fun watching the Chargers and Broncos fight to win the division, but whoever loses will get the wild card anyways.

The signing of Simeon Rice was definitely a great move for the Broncos. Before this year their D-line was the biggest concern, and Rice is a great pass rusher to add to that defense. And I like that the Broncos are not relying on Rice for the D-line, but instead have him as a compliment to it, some help so that the rookies have time to ease into their roles. Between Elvis, Moss, Crowder, and Rice they should be fine at DE. And if Thomas can behave he's 1st round talent for them at DT. Between them and the Chargers there's going to be a very dangerous wild card team in the AFC.

[fundamental]

great rankings

[Hutchens72]

I agree pretty much with our position especially because of our WR unit. Man that hurt watching Paris Warren going down. He really was laying his heart out on the field and probably could have the number 2 guy, hell the #1 is old man Galloway went dont. Get well soon Paris! You were the man in preseason!

[BucFanInKC]

Nice job of ranking teams.

Right off the top, I think that no one in the league has a better roster than Diego. The biggest question with the team is Norv Turner's past failure's as a HC. If he can't win with this team, he never will win anywhere. I can only imagine that Rivers should start taking off under Turner. This will be measured by how much Rivers improves and what happens with Alex Smith.

I think you have Pittsburgh a little low. Admittedly I am a Mike Tomlin honk. I think he brings a youthful vigor to a team with a rich history of defensive prowess. I think he will continue that tradition. The return of Big Ben to health is a positive for the team and the offense. I think he has a nice comeback type year. The AFC North on paper looks like the best division in football.

[Gooshdawg]

Im looking forward to your wonderful week 2 power rankings.

[The Sombrero]

I stopped reading after number 5.

You can very well be correct. But, it's really hard to come out with any kind of rankings when 4 teams have yet to take a regular season snap.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by The Sombrero

I stopped reading after number 5.

You can very well be correct. But, it's really hard to come out with any kind of rankings when 4 teams have yet to take a regular season snap.

Look at the date the thread was created, I did it before 32 teams had yet to take a regular season snap. Yea, it was harder to rank the teams before they played, but that's the fun in it.

[Gooshdawg]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

Look at the date the thread was created, I did it before 32 teams had yet to take a regular season snap. Yea, it was harder to rank the teams before they played, but that's the fun in it.

Im glad it was in fun and not serious, otherwise Id have to say you suck at it.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by Gooshdawg

Im glad it was in fun and not serious, otherwise Id have to say you suck at it.

Ok, you don't agree with my rankings. Why don't you tell me which ones you disagree with, or better yet do your own rankings.

[Gooshdawg]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

Ok, you don't agree with my rankings. Why don't you tell me which ones you disagree with, or better yet do your own rankings.

3 of your bottom 4 won yesterday and 4 of your top 10 lost. I think you put too much heart into it and not enough of your head.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by Gooshdawg

3 of your bottom 4 won yesterday and 4 of your top 10 lost. I think you put too much heart into it and not enough of your head.

It's been one game. I created these rankings to be a reflection of the season as a whole, not just one game. If at the end of the season my rankings are all screwed up, then that's one thing, but not after one game.

Oh, and 3 of the top 10 who lost, lost to teams I had ranked higher than them.

[BucfanPA]

you know you might want to swap Philly and Dallas after what happened yesterday. and maybe push Houston up to the top 5

[Gooshdawg]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

It's been one game. I created these rankings to be a reflection of the season as a whole, not just one game. If at the end of the season my rankings are all screwed up, then that's one thing, but not after one game.

Oh, and 3 of the top 10 who lost, lost to teams I had ranked higher than them.

Its the 4 one of the top ten I had a problem with.

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by Gooshdawg

Its the 4 one of the top ten I had a problem with.

The 4 one? What does that mean? I'm going to assume you're referring to the Eagles considering they lost to the Packers.

[Gooshdawg]

Originally Posted by #1BucsDefense

The 4 one? What does that mean? I'm going to assume you're referring to the Eagles considering they lost to the Packers.

The Packers at 30 is a joke. They will have a top 10 defense and maybe a top 5. Yet you claim the defense wont help them much. So are you just doing the first week?

[#1BucsDefense]

Originally Posted by Gooshdawg

The Packers at 30 is a joke. They will have a top 10 defense and maybe a top 5. Yet you claim the defense wont help them much. So are you just doing the first week?

Oh, I see, you just don't like it because I ranked your team very low. Looking back, maybe I should've given the Packers D a little bit more credit, but either way I'd have the Packers in the bottom 10 of the rankings.