Fbkid's preseason power rankings

Training camp is almost here so what better time to do my first power rankings of the season. Many teams have improved through the draft while others through free agency. The list should be interesting and my rankings will next be updated after the preseason games.


1.New York Giants: Considering they are the defending Super Bowl champs, until they lose they are my number one team.

2.New England Patriots: All of the offensive fire power returns but the corners are an issue.

3.Indianapolis Colts: Bob Sanders is the leader of the defense and when he and Dwight Freeney get healthy, the Colts can be a scary team.

4.San Diego Chargers: If not for the injuries, they might have been playing for the Super Bowl last February.

5.Dallas Cowboys: On paper this team looks great but will Tony Romo win a playoff game?

6.Jacksonville Jaguars: The media is starting to notice the Jaguars as many people are calling them contenders in the AFC. It all depends on David Garrard's play though.

7.Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks are one of the most consistent teams in the league and should be among the elite in the NFC again.

8.Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashard Mendenhall should help take the load off of Willie Parker but the offensive line is a big concern.

9.Cleveland Browns: We know they can score but with lack of depth at corner will the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams on the defensive line get them to the playoffs?

10.Green Bay Packers: This team could either go 12-4 or 4-12. We haven't seen much of Aaron Rodgers yet to see if he can lead the Packers back to the playoffs.

11.Minnesota Vikings: Once Tarvaris Jackson or John David Booty develop, this is the team to beat in the NFC.

12.New Orleans Saints: The defense has improved but corner is still a major issue. If the defense gets going the Saints will be marching far into the playoffs.

13.Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles got going late in the season but if Donovan McNabb stays healthy they are in good shape.

14.Houston Texans: If Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson stay healthy, this team is the darkhorse in the AFC.

15.Buffalo Bills: If Trent Edwards improves on his play from last year, they are in very good shape to do some damage. The return of Paul Posluzny will be huge as well.

16.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs lack depth at running back but in a weak division have a shot at making the playoffs again.

17.Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are a year or two away from being a legitimate contender in the NFC. The offensive line is still an issue though.

18.Carolina Panthers: If Jake Delhomme is healthy, this team has a good chance of pushing for a wild card spot.

19.Denver Broncos: If Jay Cutler turns into the elite quarterback many think he is, this team could push for a wild card spot.

20.Washington Redskins: This team has lots of question marks with a new coach in Jim Zorn. The only sure thing is that Clinton Portis will have a big year.

21.Tennessee Titans: The Titans made the playoffs last year because of the defense not Vince Young. If the Titans go out and get a big play receiver for Young to throw to, then they could take the next step. Until then the offense will go as far as LenDale White and Chris Johnson will take them.

22.Baltimore Ravens: Troy Smith is looking very impressive in mini camp and should be the guy starting in week one. Expect a big year from Willis McGahee as Cam Cameron loves utilizing his running backs.

23.New York Jets: They spent lots of money this offseason but do they have a quarterback yet?

24.Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals still have an explosive offense but Rudi Johnson is starting to decline. Keith Rivers will be stud at linebacker and will be a force for years to come.

25.Oakland Raiders: The Raiders improved their offense this offseason and with the defense they have in place,this team could be dangerous by the end of the season.

26.Chicago Bears: Can you believe this is the team that won the NFC two years ago? Until they improve at quarterback the Bears should be around this spot for a while.

27.Detroit Lions: The Lions should actually have a running game now with Mike Martz gone. Look for Kevin Smith to be one of the frontrunners for rookie of the year honors.

28.St.Louis Rams: The defense is getting better but the offensive line hasn't been able to protect Marc Bulger. If Bulger stays healthy the Rams could really improve from last year.

29.Atlanta Falcons: Chris Redman played well in relief last year but is only the answer until Matt Ryan is ready. The main question is if Michael Turner can carry the workload?

30.San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith hasn't been worthy of the number one pick so far and in a Mike Martz offense he will take a beating. On the bright side, Patrick Willis is turning into one of the premiere linebackers in the league.


31.Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs had a great draft but they still don't have a quarterback to get Dwayne Bowe the ball.

32.Miami Dolphins: No matter who they start, it will be a young quarterback. At least the Dolphins are looking towards the future.