Week 1 NFL Powerrankings

New Orleans Saints rejoiced this National Football League season, when they concluded the year with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. But that was then, and this is now.

Who now hold the title as the best team in the NFL? Is it the reigning Super Bowl champs? The losers? Or even a surprise team?

Did anyone help themselves through free agency or the draft? Lets break down this issues NFL rankings, 1-32.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Record Prediction (13–3)

Yes they lost to the Saints but I have a single name for you, Peyton Manning, the quarterback only 4-time Most Valuable Player winner in NFL history. They have won 12 games every year since 2003 and don’t look for them to slip.

They added defensive end Jerry Hughes in the draft to increase the pass rush, get wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez back from injury and most importantly, get safety Bob Sanders back from injury too (well for now anyways).

Bottom line, they have a top three offense and a top 10 defense. They are obviously Super Bowl contenders once again.

2. New Orleans Saints – Record Prediction (12–4)

Have they stopped partying in New Orleans? They bring hope to a region that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina.

In football news, they will be good once again. QB Drew Brees leads the potent offense, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams continues to think of fearsome schemes.

They have a ball-hawking defense but will be without Pro Bowler S Darren Sharper for the first six weeks due to being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after offseason microfracture surgery on his knee. Yes last year’s first round pick Malcolm Jenkins has made the switch to S (where he belonged afterall) but don’t downplay Sharper’s influence and leadsership.

3. Dallas Cowboys – Record Prediction (12–4)

Jerry Jones’ wet dream would be to host the Super Bowl in his stadium and then have his team play there. Well he might actually get his fantasy.

This team is loaded. And sure Dallas always seems to be loaded, but this is different. QB Tony Romo has actually won a playoff game now, they have three starting caliber running backs, a Pro Bowl tight end, multiple weapons at WR, and a quality line. And all that is just on offensive.

Their defense has possibly the best pass rusher in all of football with DeMarcus Ware, up and coming shut down corner Mike Jenkins, and a formidable front seven. Their secondary might end up being shakey at the beginning of the season, but will overcome injuries and youth to become a formidable unit.

4. Green Bay Packers – Record Prediction (12 – 4)

You can put Aaron Rodgers up in the elite level of QB’s now. Don’t listen to this talk of he hasn’t done this and he hasn’t done that. Just watch him play. Dude has a cannon for an arm, is accurate and athletic. And yes, he is better than Brett Favre. He took some hits last year but that was before their line shored up. The Packers even drafted future franchise left tackle Bryan Bulaga to help shore up the line.

Rodgers has weapons all around him so expect another huge year from the future MVP.

Their defense was elite all year until cornerback Al Harris injured his knee. And even then, the defense was great until those pesky Cardinals dropped 51 on them in the playoffs. Watch for reigning Defensive Player of the Year CB/S/jack of all trades Charles Woodson to have another monster year.

I love this team and expect them to go very deep into the playoffs.

5. New England Patriots – Record Prediction (11–5)

Look at these numbers, a completion percentage of 65.7, 4,398 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 96.2.

Pretty impressive right? Those are Tom Brady’s 2009 numbers. Yet we were saying all offseason that those weren’t typical Brady numbers. This is laughable because that was actually Brady’s second best statistical season ever. Yes it wasn’t really close to his record breaking 2007 numbers, but that was a pretty darn good year.

The offense will have a great year but the defense will a huge question mark. They will have to deal with youth and inexperience due to injuries to key players. But let’s trust Bill Belichick. He is a great defensive mind and will figure something out to get the most out of his defense.

6. Baltimore Ravens – Record Prediction (11–5)

Funny to think of the Ravens as an offensive first team, but they have surrounded young Joe Flacco with weapons and are primed for a big offensive season.

They added Anquan Boldin through a trade, recently T.J. Hoiushmanzadeh after he was cut, and a few other intriguing pieces. If Flacco has a bad year, it’s his fault.

Their defense has been completely slaughtered due to injuries, and mainly their usually dominate secondary.

Future Hall of Famer S Ed Reed will be pulling a Sharper and be out the first six weeks of the season due to a hip injury. Not only is Reed out but so are the teams top three CB’s are either out or just back from ACL injuries. There is still a lot of talent in the secondary but that secondary concerns me.

7. New York Jets – Record Prediction (11–5)

I had them lower but then just as I finished, they Jets and Darrelle Revis reached an agreement on a 4-year $47 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. So in other words, I bumped them up a few spots.

They still have questions but Revis makes the NFL’s no. 1 defense that much better. Do they have to still blitz the secondary to get a pass rush? Will all those egos work together? And is Mark Sanchez the answer at QB?

They have a lot of talent but I don’t know if all those egos will mesh. They still are contenders nonetheless

8. Atlanta Falcons – Record Prediction (11–5)

The 2009 Falcons didn’t have as good a year as two years ago but they have no one to blame but themselves. Their big four: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, all had numbers that were considerably worse than 2008.

Turner and the Falcons defense were their biggest problems. Their “D” couldn’t seem to stop anyone. While Turner was constantly injured due to the extremely heavy workload he took in ’08.

This year, the Falcons expect to be an elite team. Turner should be healthier and Ryan should be over his “sophomore slump,” but then again the main concern is the defense.

If the additions of Dunta Robinson (free agency), Peria Jerry (injury/ draft), Sean Weatherspoon (draft) and others don’t help, then it could just be shoot outs all season for Atlanta.

9. Tennessee Titans – Record Prediction (10–6)

Chris Johnson had a ridiculous year but can he do it again? And can Vince Young actually throw enough to take the pressure of the run game? Will the defense be better this year?

These three questions are typical for most teams but this is especially true for the Titans. Johnson has been talking about rushing for 2,500 yards but that’s a pipe dream. Young has a good arm and great athleticism, but can he be accurate enough to hit his receivers in tight spaces, in stride or put it only where his receivers can get the ball/ that’s debatable.

The defense suffered last year when Albert Haynesworth bolted for the big money in Washington. They also lost mainstay Keith Bullock late in the season and then in free agency to the New York Giants.

They will have to hope that veterans Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin can continue to hold down the secondary, while first round draft pick Derrick Morgan will have to produce immediately.

Though they have talent, they will have to beat the Colts to be true contenders.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Record Prediction (10–6)

This team is very intriguing. They had a very good defense with two bonafide corners, a good front seven and just traded for former first rounder Reggie Nelson.

Then there’s the offense. It’s loaded now with young talent, a good line (though former first round pick LT Andre Smith appears to be eating away his potential and spot in the league away) and potentially great QB.

QB Carson Palmer hasn’t been impressive the last few years but he still has all the tools to be an elite QB even though he already is 31.

But let’s get down to the real business, Chad Ochocino and Terrell Owens. The two aging former superstars are still talented, particularly Ochocino, but they are on the downslide and crazy characters. If the Bengals want to win, these two need to take a chill pill and let the younger receivers be bigger options in the “O.”

11. Minnesota Vikings – Record Prediction (10–6)

Not going to lie, I'm a huge Vikings hater. I can’t stand Favre, Adrian Peterson and Childress. But mainly Favre or AP.

They have a dominant front seven lead by Jared Allen and the Williams boys but everywhere else seems to have a question mark.

Their secondary is full of injuries, so can they cover anyone?

Will Adrian Peterson get over his fumbilitis?

Who will Favre throw to with Percy Harvin always complaining of migraines and Sidney Rice out with hip surgery?

Is the line going to hold up with their age?

Finally most importantly and most unlikely, will Favre be recovered enough from ankle surgery and have another great year as a soon to be 41 year old QB?

12. Miami Dolphins – Record Prediction (9-7)

I just can’t go against a Bill Parcells’ team. Their defense will be good, they will run the ball and be able to throw the ball down the field now.

They made two huge and important moves in the offseason when they signed Karlos Dansby and traded for Brandon Marshall.

My only question is, will they have a consistently healthy running back? Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams aren’t exactly young and they are injury prone.

Can Parcells find a waiver wire guy that can produce if these two guys get hurt?

With weapons on offense surrounding QB Chad Henne now and a talented defense, they could get the final wildcard spot in the playoffs at the minimum.

13. Houston Texans – Record Prediction (9–7)

I wanted to put them higher and give them a better record but they have two major problems and nothing to do with their team. They have to defeat the Colts and the Titans.

QB Matt Schaub threw for the most passing yards last year and has by far the best wide receiver in the league with Andre Johnson to throw to.

The offensive line should be solid and Schaub should have good weapons to throw to, but who is going to step up and run the ball? Steve Slaton can’t hold on to the ball and I just don’t have faith in Arian Foster.

The defense lost Dunta Robinson, but should be used to him being out due to injuries anyways.

“Super” Mario Williams will anchor the defensive line with his fellow talented running mates. DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing (well after he returns from suspension) will dominate the middle of the field. The secondary is a wait and see project at the moment, in my opinion.

I'm not happy with the pick of Kareem Jackson instead of say Kyle Wilson to replace Robinson and Bernard Pollard only had one good year and that was last year after he was released by the Chiefs. Time will tell with this unit.

14. New York Giants – Record Prediction (9–7)

This team could rise up the rankings fast. They will be finally healthy and could be deadly.

Eli is only getting better and has weapons all around. The running game is a question mark in my opinion but that won’t be because of their line.

Injuries ravaged their secondary and defensive line, but everyone is fully recovered. Expect the defense of three years ago. And yes, that was the year they won the Super Bowl.

Don’t be surprised if they have a top five defense and offense.

Go Big Blue right?

15. San Diego Chargers – Record Prediction (9–7)

They are full of talent as usual, but are lacking at two crucial positions, a number one receiver and the all important left tackle.

Now I understand that the NFL is a business but this is an uncapped year so pay your guys. The Chargers refuse to pay WR Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil.

So you expect me to give them a higher ranking and a better prediction when they don’t have the LT to protect franchise QB Phillip Rivers and his best weapon?

Brandyn Dombrowski was added for depth two years ago but he won’t be able to just step in and replace the Pro Bowler McNeil. If you believe that like a few of my buddies, then you are sadly mistaken.

They traded for Patrick Crayton a few days ago but he’s only a slot receiver. I like Legedu Naane but he hasn’t produced at a high level yet, and Malcolm Floyd is just not a top flight receiver.

Also I have some questions about their defense.

Well this could be the year that the Chargers finally fall back to the pack in the AFC West.

16. San Francisco 49ers – Record Prediction (9–7)

The Niners had a good defense last year that they bolstered in the second round of the draft but they addressed their biggest need in the first round.

With the 11th and the 17th overall picks, the Niners took linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. They will start at left guard, Iupati, and right tackle, Davis.

With their mean line, they will run the ball down opponent’s throats and give their QB time to throw.

QB Alex Smith finally has the stability that he has never had before and has dangerous weapons. Doubters still don’t believe in him but with the talent and constancy around him, expect a good year from the former top overall pick.

The only slight downfall on defense is the suspect secondary and questionable pass rush. They might not pile up the sacks, but they will stop the run and not give up huge plays in the passing game.

17. Philadelphia Eagles – Record Prediction (8–8)

They made some good moves but then blew others.

They traded away a QB that couldn’t win the big game and inserted a young QB that has seen the system for a few years. I like the Donovan McNabb for Kevin Kolb switch. People aren’t giving Kolb a chance. Well he has a decent line, dangerous weapons and a coach that will nurture him.

Their secondary is questionable so when they traded up in the draft everyone expected them to take S Earl Thomas. So when they took DE Brandon Graham everyone was surprised. I’d rather have Thomas than the overrated Graham.

Anyways, after the questions marks, the Eagles will still be a decent team that will live and die in shoot outs.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Record Prediction (8–8)

They are like the Giants. They could be much higher on the list but it’s not certain they will be a playoff contender this year.

Of course everyone knows that QB Ben Roethlisberger is out for the first four games due to suspension. Dennis Dixon could play great for the time being, but what if when Ben gets back and they are 0-4? Will the season be lost? What about 4-0? Will Big Ben start if they are undefeated?

Time will tell. More like that so-so O-Line will tell.

The defense should be back to its dominant self with Troy Polamalu back from injury, but can their corners shut anyone down? Should have addressed that problem instead of drafting three LB’s in the first five rounds last April.

19. Arizona Cardinals – Record Prediction (7–9)

Kurt Warner is gone. That’s all I should have to say the Cards.

They replaced Warner with Matt Leinart first, then Derek Anderson. Ummmm, no. Big QB issues here.

But that’s not the only important player they lost. On defense they lost S Antrel Rolle and LB Karlos Dansby.

Arizona then replaced Rolle with Kerry Rhodes who could be good, but he’s always a roller coaster with a good one year bad the next. They drafted Daryl Washington to replace Dansby but didn’t address the other inside LB.

This team could be dangerous, but on the other hand, I wouldn’t expect much.

20. Washington Redskins – Record Prediction (7–9)

I doubt they even do this good but I like the Redskins defense a lot.

The offense on the other hand is dreadful. McNabb was a good piece but he has no weapons. His best weapons are his two top TE’s and Santana Moss. The two wide outs they drafted in the second round three years ago are complete busts. They have no help in sight.

McNabb could have protection after drafting Trent Williams and trading for dominant but injury prone Jammal Brown, but then he won’t have any help from his old running backs.

Everyone can praise them because of McNabb but Shanahan only wins with Elway. I expect a very long season from the ‘Skins.

21. Kansas City Chiefs – Record Prediction (7–9)

ESPN the Magazine says that the Chiefs could go 9–7 and win the division. Not so fast. They are still one of, if not the youngest teams in the NFL.

Their O-Line is much improved, as are their weapons for third year starter Matt Cassell but the defense is a concern. Well isn’t it always for the Chiefs?

They have used high draft picks on their D-Line but none of them have panned out yet. Their linebacking core is suspect. And their secondary is very young.

Head Coach Todd Haley picked up his ego and agreed to two big time coordinators, Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weiss.

General manager Scott Pioli continued to disappoint fans when he didn’t go after his big need in the draft. He did take talent but this class will be vital to his job security.

They have talent at most positions on the field but youth and inexperience may be too much for them to overcome.

22. Carolina Panthers – Record Prediction (6–10)

The Panthers have some weapons on offense but how long does it take for Jimmy Clausen to overtake Matt Moore as the starting QB?

They have many of the same guys on defense but I just have a gut feeling they will let everyone down.

They could be good but head coach John Fox does not seem to inspire or lead the team well anymore.

They did get a steal with Clausen, but the QB battle might be the most interesting thing about the Panthers this year.

23. Oakland Raiders – Record Prediction (6–10)

Raider Nation got their best QB since Rich Gannon was forced to retire. Jason Campbell should have been a Pro Bowler by now but the Redskins screwed him over.

They have ok weapons and an average O-Line to surround Campbell with, but they will have to get healthy and perform up to their billing.

The defense should be slightly impressive with the drafting of MLB Rolando McClain and holdovers of Richard Seymour and Nnamdi Asomugha.

The ESPN depth chart for them is confusing, but hey, the Raiders are run by a head case.


24. Chicago Bears – Record Prediction (6–10)

The once vaunted Bears defense has lost its luster from age and underperforming. Then this off season they went out and got the prize piece, Julius Peppers.

Three problems with the signing. They paid too much, he doesn’t always play up to his abilities and did I mention they paid too much?

Management brought in Mike Martz to help the incredibly talented Jay Cutler, but they didn’t add any valuable weapons.

Everyone is up on Johnny Knox but Knox, Devin Hester and Devin Aromashodu aren’t good enough weapon to make Martz’s offense effective.

Add that to the Bears below average line, and you can expect a long grueling season in the Windy City.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Record Prediction (6–10)

The Jags are in a very tough division and don’t have a good QB. They have a good line, running backs and wide outs, but nothing special at QB to lead them to a much better record than this.

Their defense is very good anymore and they didn’t draft well. With John Henderson and Marcus Stroud replaced by overdraft Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton and busts at DE, their front four is pathetic.

So to the Colts, Texans and Titans don’t really have much to worry about when they are pounding the Jags D into the ground.

Besides, does Jacksonville even care about the Jaguars?

26. Denver Broncos – Record Prediction (6–10)

The Broncos started incredibly hot last year at 6-0 but didn’t even make the playoffs after finishing 8-8.

Denver’s defense wore down and the offense went anemic. They had a chance to possibly make the playoffs if they had beaten the lowly Chiefs but crumpled

During the offseason the franchise left tackle, Ryan Clady, tore his patella in a game of pickup basketball.

Then the Broncos went out and traded their best weapon WR Brandon Marshall.

On top of that Pro Bowl OLB Elvis Dumervil tore his pectoral muscle in training camp.

With all their injuries and poor draft (see my 2010 NFL Mock Draft) this looks like a long cold season for the Mile High team.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Record Prediction (5–11)

Only four years ago Seattle was in the Super Bowl. Now they are a bottom six team.

Through poor overall drafting, age and injuries, the Seahawks have gone from the pride of the Northwest to the laughingstock of the league.

They have tried quick fixes with Deion Branch, T.J. Houshmanzadeh and others but that just hasn’t worked out.

After the season, Seattle lured USC head football coach Pete Carroll away from the prestigious school and with him comes hope… but give him three or four years till they start winning like the fierce Seahawks of the past.

28. Detroit Lions – Record Prediction (4–12)

The Lions are still a couple of years away, especially on the O-Line and secondary, but they are definitely on the road to relativity.

Matthew Stafford looks like a good pick but he has to get more experience, which he won’t get if the Lions continue to put that line on the field. They added Nate Burleson Tony Scheffler and Jahvid Best to Stafford arsenal.

Their offense could put up some nice numbers but that line is just so worrisome.

Head coach Jim Schwartz had management go and get Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams to shore up the D-Line. Then they drafted crazy good DT Ndamakong Suh to further the lines capabilities.

After the D-Line, the defense isn’t very impressive. Full of has-beens and never-weres. Louis Delmas had a nice rookie season but we have seen that before. They will give up tons of passing yards unless that D-Line gets a sack on every play, which is impossible.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Record Prediction (4–12)

Tampa gave QB Josh Freeman weapons when they drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. Both great talents but questionable characters. I think Freeman will take their talent and day though.

The running game will probably be lacking this season but RB’s are a dime a dozen.

In the draft, the Bucs took DT’s Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their first two picks, hoping they will dominate on the defensive line for the next 10 years. Behind them the linebacking core is talented but will they put it together.

Will the secondary survive with Aqib Talib out for the first few games after a suspension? While he is out, will the ancient Ronde Barber and promising Tanard Jackson be able to hold down the fort?

They are at least three years away, but they could be exciting now.

30. Cleveland Browns – Record Prediction (3–13)

Everyone thought that the Browns would be on the up and up when Mike Holmgren was hired on. Well I'm not one of those people. I knew they would suck, wouldn’t draft well, and not do well in any other way in the offseason.

You can say they played well the last few weeks of the year but those weren’t very good teams.

They have a few nice pieces, but nothing like the team that went 10-6 three years ago.

Until they win more than seven games, don’t tell me that Mike Holmgren is some magician and football god.

31. Buffalo Bills – Record Prediction (2–14)

CJ Spiller… and that is all. Just kidding but in all reality, it’s true.

They have a few nice pieces on defense and WR Lee Evans but after that? No one.

It’s a sad thing for a franchise that had greats such as Jim Kelley, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, James Lofton, Bruce Smith and O.J. Simpson.

In fact, they might even be in east New York in the near future.

32. St. Louis Rams – Record Prediction (1–15)

I debated the Bills here but that’s how little I have faith in Sam “Bustford” and the other busts littering the roster.

The only successful player on their team is Steven Jackson. I feel sorry for the poor guy. I wish for his sake they would trade him to a contender.

And don’t give me that, “the Rams went 3-1 in the preseason so you never know” argument.

The 2008 Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the preseason, and they went 0-16 in the regular season. And last year, the Colts went 1-3 in the preseason, and ended up going to the Super Bowl.

Expect another very long season in the Gateway City.