View Full Version : NFL Power Rankings
My rankings:
1. Chargers: I continue to love the Chargers:D , I feel they are the best team top to bottom, new coaching staff is biggest question mark, WR's are 2nd, that's about it. Look for Rivers to step up his game.
2. Pats: Probably would have them first if Seymour wasn't hurt and I was more confident in Moss.
3. Colts: Can they stop the running game? Otherwise they're golden.
4. Ravens: Likely the best defense, I'm not as high on McGahee on most on here, but he is a solid upgrade, McNair is probably only an average QB at this point.
5. Saints: Elite offense last year, and Bush should only improve, possibly by a lot, defense is above average.
6. Bears: Great defense, I think Grossman and the pass offense should improve, however I think the running game will take a step back with the loss of Jones.
7. Seahawks: I expect a better year with Alexander healthy, Kerney will help a lot, this is an edit, had them at 11 before.
8. Cowboys: Were a very good offensive team, an average defensive team last year, I expect both of those aspects to improve.
9. Jaguars: 11th in offense, 2nd in defense last year, Garrard will probably be better for them than Leftwich
10. Broncos: Cutler should improve, rest of team is good.
11. Bengals: Hopefully less off the field distractions for them, an easier schedule, and a fully recovered Carson Palmer should lead to more wins.
12. Eagles: Overrated defense(20th last year), and people are making too big of a deal about McNabb coming back, they didn't fall off without him last year, and he's likely to be less effective than in the past since it takes 2 years to fully recover from an ACL injury.
13. Steelers: Good all around, Ben needs to cut down on the int's.
14. Panthers:: Need better QB play, otherwise a playoff team.
15. Rams: Jackson is a beast, I believe he lead the NFL in yards from scrimmage last year.
16. Redskins: Defense should improve a lot with additions of Landry, Fletcher, and Smoot, plus Springs back and Rocky starting. Will be better with turnovers and 3rd down defense which were both flukey bad last year, how much better is what will determine how good they're along with Campbell.
17. Chiefs: Average on offense and defense.
18. Jets: Big overachievers last year, 25th in offense, 18th in defense, Jones should help, but I expect a worse record.
19. Packers: Improved a lot last year, running game is big question mark.
20. Cardinals: Should improve a decent amount, defense not good enough to rank much higher though.
21. Dolphins: Very good D, offense probably not so much, depends mostly on how Green does with his new team.
22. Lions Offense should be much improved, but will the D also be improved? It was 27th last year.
23. 49ers A lot of people are picking them to make the leap, well I think they'll be more like last years popular sleeper pick: Arizona. In 2 years, I expect them to really step up, they really overachieved to get to 7-9 last year as they were 26th in offense and 28th on defense.
24. Giants: Losing Barber will hurt offense, I'm still not sold on Manning, although the offense should still be solid, D is poor.
25. Bills: Bad offense, average D, overachieved record wise last year.
26. Titans: Could easily see them outperforming this rank as Young and the running game have the potential to improve a good deal, however they had the worst D in football last year, doubt they'll have a huge boost there.
27. Falcons: D was actually below average last year, Harrington, offensive system, and Vick distractions are the big question marks. Could easily be much better than this, but it's hard to predict.
28. Bucs: Decent D, offense has potential to improve with Garcia leading them. Also could easily outperform this.
29. Raiders: Very underrated D, offense should improve, but probably still won't be average.
30. Vikings: Good D, good O-line, QB will likely bring them down.
31. Texans: We'll see if Shaub is an upgrade over Carr, I doubt he's much of one.
32. Browns: Have a few promising young skill players in Quinn, Edwards, and Winslow, but QB will be a big issue this year, as will the running game. D is bad as well.
I would break this into tiers:
Elite tier: 1-3
Very good tier: 4-6
Likely playoff tier: 7-12
Likely playoff contender: 13-16
Could contend, more likely to be average to poor tier: 17-24
Probably average at best tier: 25-31
Really bad tier: 32
geschinger
09-06-2007, 10:06 AM
Excellent and well thought out list. I hope you are wrong about the Chargers even though I fear you are right. The more I read/see the more I think the wholesale coaching changes are going to be a non factor.
The Patriots are going to be there in the end and if they can fight through a tough early season schedule at less than 100% they will be tough to beat.
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Colts defense. I just wish they didn't have to start the season against an offense the caliber of NO. Tough way to break in a lot of new guys.
Dr. FLK
09-06-2007, 12:12 PM
I could never put a team with Norm leading them at #1.:D
AgentOrange
09-06-2007, 12:36 PM
Skins are too high.
Dr. FLK
09-06-2007, 12:41 PM
Skins are too high.
Leave my Skins alone! :D
Danielos38
09-06-2007, 01:55 PM
Skins are too low.
You seem to be confused. I edited your post to help you out. :D
Camden_yardbird
09-06-2007, 03:28 PM
The Raiders have to be last here. Russell wont make a difference this year even if he does get signed. They have two mediocre backs, and no elite WR. They are making Luke McCown their starter.
The D is improving, but I do not need this team getting anywhere. 3-4 wins max.
The Raiders have to be last here. Russell wont make a difference this year even if he does get signed. They have two mediocre backs, and no elite WR. They are making Luke McCown their starter.
The D is improving, but I do not need this team getting anywhere. 3-4 wins max.
The D was among the best in the NFL last year, the offense was just brutal. I do expect Culpepper to become the starter at some point, and the offense should improve. The biggest reason they'll be at least somewhat better is Art Shell is gone.
Skins are too high.
Reasons? Where should they be?
Excellent and well thought out list. I hope you are wrong about the Chargers even though I fear you are right. The more I read/see the more I think the wholesale coaching changes are going to be a non factor.
The Patriots are going to be there in the end and if they can fight through a tough early season schedule at less than 100% they will be tough to beat.
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Colts defense. I just wish they didn't have to start the season against an offense the caliber of NO. Tough way to break in a lot of new guys.
Thanks Gesh.
Good points on those teams. Do you see any teams that are too high or low by a decent amount?
geschinger
09-06-2007, 06:13 PM
Thanks Gesh.
Good points on those teams. Do you see any teams that are too high or low by a decent amount?
The two that stick out are that I think the Giants will be a lot better and the Cowboys won't be quite as good as you have 'em. But for the most part, outside of the top dozen or so teams I have to see 'em play a couple of games to have any idea where they might end up.
The two that stick out are that I think the Giants will be a lot better and the Cowboys won't be quite as good as you have 'em. But for the most part, outside of the top dozen or so teams I have to see 'em play a couple of games to have any idea where they might end up.
Why do you think the Giants will be good? The Peyton love extending to his brother? I do think they can be decent, 14-20 range, but I'd be surprised if they end up better than that. The teams in the tier I put the Giants in can mostly be flip flopped, there isn't a whole lot of difference there imo. What don't you like about the Cowboys? I hope you're right about them though.
geschinger
09-06-2007, 06:32 PM
Why do you think the Giants will be good? The Peyton love extending to his brother? What don't you like about the Cowboys? I hope you're right about them though.
Heh, yes, kind of. The hiring of Chris Palmer was a superb one by NY. Look for Manning's accuracy to increase significantly. An accurate Eli is going to be a very good QB in this league. I don't think they're going to be great by any means but I think they'll be at least a middle of the pack team. I think the Eagles and not the Cowboys are going to be best team out of the NFC East.
AgentOrange
09-06-2007, 06:32 PM
Reasons? Where should they be?
Eh, I think they are too low actually. I was just waiting to see if you would get pissed. :D
I think Campbell makes the jump this year. I like the running game and the secondary is looking very solid this year. You might have the best nickel coverage in the game this year.
I am high on the skins this year for some reason.
Heh, yes, kind of. The hiring of Chris Palmer was a superb one by NY. Look for Manning's accuracy to increase significantly. An accurate Eli is going to be a very good QB in this league. I don't think they're going to be great by any means but I think they'll be at least a middle of the pack team. I think the Eagles and not the Cowboys are going to be best team out of the NFC East.
Accuracy rarely gets much better at this stage of a QB's career, so I'm not expecting much there. Plus teams will be able to focus on the pass more with Barber gone.
I don't think the Eagles will be any better than last year, and possibly a little worse. Obviously I think the Cowboys will step it up this year, they have a lot of talent on D and it should be better, Romo will probably improve some, and TO is healthy and likely in a better state of mind this year.
Eh, I think they are too low actually. I was just waiting to see if you would get pissed. :D
I think Campbell makes the jump this year. I like the running game and the secondary is looking very solid this year. You might have the best nickel coverage in the game this year.
I am high on the skins this year for some reason.
Well sorry to dissapoint, maybe if Bryan had seen that he would have given you what you wanted.
Yeah, like I said, Campbell along with causing turnovers and doing better defensively on 3rd down are the keys for the Skins.
geschinger
09-06-2007, 06:55 PM
Accuracy rarely gets much better at this stage of a QB's career, so I'm not expecting much there. Plus teams will be able to focus on the pass more with Barber gone.
I don't think the Eagles will be any better than last year, and possibly a little worse. Obviously I think the Cowboys will step it up this year, they have a lot of talent on D and it should be better, Romo will probably improve some, and TO is healthy and likely in a better state of mind this year.
I know that I might be overly optimistic (considering I'm relying on him for my FFL team) but I do think we'll see a difference. The loss of Tiki will hurt a lot but Jacobs will be effective. Chris Palmer is Eli's gain and Romo's loss. I'm not sure what to expect from Romo... He struck me as a guy who lit up bad teams and really struggled against quality opponents.
I like the Eagles, I think they are going to be a lot better defensively than they were this year.
Well depending on how the other top teams to, the Colts might go up to #1, very impressive win. The Saints looked awful, will have to drop them a decent amount.
AgentOrange
09-07-2007, 07:09 AM
Well sorry to dissapoint, maybe if Bryan had seen that he would have given you what you wanted.
Yeah, like I said, Campbell along with causing turnovers and doing better defensively on 3rd down are the keys for the Skins.
Well with the secondary looking solid this year, I think you are going to see a lot of blitzes because I don't think the front 4 is going to get enough pressure on their own. The only thing I worry about in the secondary is Sean Taylor going for the big hits and not covering properly. That seems to be a minor concern because your corners should be pretty solid in pass coverage.
I like Campbells touch on the deep ball and he stands tall in the pocket as the rush in oncoming.
Plus that running game will help out a lot and the second year in this offensive scheme could do the trick. A lot of the predictors are down on the skins this year, which could be a good thing. Years prior, they are always very high on the skins and they don't come through.
This year has the makings to be different, IMO.
Gibbs needs to get back to pounding the ball with Betts. They should use Portis and Betts like Duece and Bush are with NO. No reason they both can't be on the field in most formations. I am not sure how Portis would adapt to that. What do you think?
Well with the secondary looking solid this year, I think you are going to see a lot of blitzes because I don't think the front 4 is going to get enough pressure on their own. The only thing I worry about in the secondary is Sean Taylor going for the big hits and not covering properly. That seems to be a minor concern because your corners should be pretty solid in pass coverage.
I like Campbells touch on the deep ball and he stands tall in the pocket as the rush in oncoming.
Plus that running game will help out a lot and the second year in this offensive scheme could do the trick. A lot of the predictors are down on the skins this year, which could be a good thing. Years prior, they are always very high on the skins and they don't come through.
This year has the makings to be different, IMO.
Gibbs needs to get back to pounding the ball with Betts. They should use Portis and Betts like Duece and Bush are with NO. No reason they both can't be on the field in most formations. I am not sure how Portis would adapt to that. What do you think?
I agree that the pass rush from the front 4 is a problem, although Carter played great late last year when he changed some things, so I expect a much better overall year from him. But, yeah, they will rely on Greg Williams to dial up a lot of blitzes which will put the secondary in a tough position. However, like you say, they should be up for the task, that's a very good group of db's. I'm not worried about Taylor's pass defense being affected by trying to make big hits, I'm more worried about him getting tricked by play action and taking bad routes to ball carriers.
Yeah, Campbell has a lot of potential, I think he'll be better than he was last year, and much better than Brunell was, boy was he brutal. I thought the two worse moves the Skins have made in the Gibbs era were trading Champ for Portis and signing Brunell. Looks like they were among the worst.
I doubt they'll be on the field at the same time that often since a lead blocker is integral in their system, and I doubt either is good in that role. But yeah, it would be nice to see at times.
To add to my Ravens comment, can any of you guys explain to me what's so great about McGahee? The guy has a 3.9 YPC for his career and has done very little in the ways of catching the ball. It seems to me this guys name and rep has outweighed his actual performance. He'll be an upgrade over Jamal as I said, but I'm not seeing him being as good as many expect.
AgentOrange
09-08-2007, 08:19 AM
To add to my Ravens comment, can any of you guys explain to me what's so great about McGahee? The guy has a 3.9 YPC for his career and has done very little in the ways of catching the ball. It seems to me this guys name and rep has outweighed his actual performance. He'll be an upgrade over Jamal as I said, but I'm not seeing him being as good as many expect.
I think the main reason we are excited about McGahee is because supposedly, Buffalo was a dump. He didn't have a line to run behind at all. That I think contributes to his poor YPC.
We have 4 recievers now that are worth something. (Clayton, Mason, Williams and heap)
Since McGahee doesn't need a FB on most downs, we can run more 4 WR sets (one including Heap who lines up in the slot quite a bit.)
Also, Willis is a great blocker. At least a lot better than Jamal. This can help if they are blitzing, it gives us another line of defense.
Willis can also catch the ball out of the backfield, which for McNair is huge, since we rely mostly on short passes. This can only help on plays that have broken down or protection doesn't allow a play to develop.
He just seems more versitile, and with the way we are building out O-Line (Faster, younger and able to pull the guards more often) We are excited about the possiblity that WM can bring to our offense and be able to open it up a little more.
I am going to predict a YPC of 4.4 this year. Not stellar, but a lot better than what it was in Buffalo.
Maybe some other posters can add some things, but for me, that is why I am excited about having him on the team and in the backfield.
Well the top 3 teams all looked great. It's going to be hard to put them in order for the next rankings, I think a three way tie is in order.
And great win for the Skins! Didn't look great by any means, but got the job done. Clinton looks to be back, so that's nice.
longflyball
09-10-2007, 12:27 AM
Well the top 3 teams all looked great. It's going to be hard to put them in order for the next rankings, I think a three way tie is in order.
A three way tie? :eek:
Please. No.
One. Two. Three.
If that's too hard you'll have to turn this job over to someone else. :D
A three way tie? :eek:
Please. No.
One. Two. Three.
If that's too hard you'll have to turn this job over to someone else. :D
Haha, yeah, I'll put them in order, I've already been thinking about it, a tough call though.
BTW, you or anyone else is more than welcome to post your own rankings.
geschinger
09-10-2007, 12:58 AM
Well the top 3 teams all looked great. It's going to be hard to put them in order for the next rankings, I think a three way tie is in order.
And great win for the Skins! Didn't look great by any means, but got the job done. Clinton looks to be back, so that's nice.
I know it's only one game but of the better teams in the NFC it's ridiculous how poor Chicago and Philadelphia's offense looked and how porous the Cowboys defense looked today.
I know it's only one game but of the better teams in the NFC it's ridiculous how poor Chicago and Philadelphia's offense looked and how porous the Cowboys defense looked today.
Good pick in the survival league.:D
Yeah, well I said the Eagles would be overrated, the Giants wouldn't be good, and the Cowboys would be the best in the NFC East, so far I like those calls. But yes, the Cowboys D didn't look good, but I think being without Newsome to cover Burress was a huge part of that. Their offense looked very impressive though.
The NFC is just not good, I wouldn't be that surprised if any of about 8 teams come out of the East.
geschinger
09-10-2007, 08:45 AM
Good pick in the survival league.:D
Yeah, well I said the Eagles would be overrated, the Giants wouldn't be good, and the Cowboys would be the best in the NFC East, so far I like those calls. But yes, the Cowboys D didn't look good, but I think being without Newsome to cover Burress was a huge part of that. Their offense looked very impressive though.
The NFC is just not good, I wouldn't be that surprised if any of about 8 teams come out of the East.
Heh, yep. I knew GB would not be able to put points up against a very good Eagles defense. I didn't anticipate a special teams meltdown. I still think they'll win the division as their offense will come around and their defense is as good as advertised.
Regarding Dallas, do you mean Newman? He'll definately help but I still not sure it is going to be a good defense when he returns. Their offense did look good but w/Strahan not ready and injuries there wasn't much of a pass rush to make things tough on Romo.
calsmanystances
09-10-2007, 12:58 PM
Heh, yep. I knew GB would not be able to put points up against a very good Eagles defense. I didn't anticipate a special teams meltdown. I still think they'll win the division as their offense will come around and their defense is as good as advertised.
Regarding Dallas, do you mean Newman? He'll definately help but I still not sure it is going to be a good defense when he returns. Their offense did look good but w/Strahan not ready and injuries there wasn't much of a pass rush to make things tough on Romo.
The Cowboys offense is the real deal, even without Terry Glenn. Romo, TO, Witten and the duo of Barber and Jones get it done. The problem is they will need to average 30 a game to have any chance. Losing Newman was a huge blow. They were able to leave him 1-on-1 without safety help and roll their coverage to Anthony Henry's side (he stinks). Now, they obviously cannot do that. Even if he comes back he will be a shell of himself all year (torn tissue in his heel). They are also without Greg Ellis (led them in sacks 6 of the last 8 years) and they lost NT Jason Ferguson for the year in the first half last night. Aside from being an excellent run defender, Ferguson was the only guy on the roster who is a legit NT. They will try using Jay Ratliff there, but he's 295 lbs and more of a pass rusher.
Heh, yep. I knew GB would not be able to put points up against a very good Eagles defense. I didn't anticipate a special teams meltdown. I still think they'll win the division as their offense will come around and their defense is as good as advertised.
Regarding Dallas, do you mean Newman? He'll definately help but I still not sure it is going to be a good defense when he returns. Their offense did look good but w/Strahan not ready and injuries there wasn't much of a pass rush to make things tough on Romo.
The Eagles D isn't even advertised as being that good.
Yes, Newman. I'll stick with Dallas in the East.
geschinger
09-10-2007, 02:27 PM
The Eagles D isn't even advertised as being that good.
Yes, Newman. I'll stick with Dallas in the East.
They have an excellent secondary, they have a talented front with Kearse healthy and they've improved at LB. Teams with strong running games will hurt them but a teams like Green Bay that don't will be shut down. Philadelphia matches up well and will beat Dallas in their head to head matchups. That is why Philadelphia will win the East.
They have an excellent secondary, they have a talented front with Kearse healthy and they've improved at LB. Teams with strong running games will hurt them but a teams like Green Bay that don't will be shut down. Philadelphia matches up well and will beat Dallas in their head to head matchups. That is why Philadelphia will win the East.
Their D should be better, but I don't seeing it being great. Dallas does have a strong running game, so how does the Eagles match up with them well? They'll split their series imo. I say Dallas goes 4-2 in division, the Eagles go 3-3.
geschinger
09-10-2007, 03:26 PM
Their D should be better, but I don't seeing it being great. Dallas does have a strong running game, so how does the Eagles match up with them well? They'll split their series imo. I say Dallas goes 4-2 in division, the Eagles go 3-3.
Maybe I'm underestimating Dallas but I think of their rushing attack being average... Maybe slightly above average.
calsmanystances
09-10-2007, 03:42 PM
Maybe I'm underestimating Dallas but I think of their rushing attack being average... Maybe slightly above average.
Last year, Barber led the NFC with 16 TD's (also had 654 rushing at a 4.8 avg) and Jones had over 1,000 yards. Last night Barber had 11 carries for 65 yards (5.9 avg) and an awesome TD run. He also had a 29 yard catch. Jones had 66 yards and an 11 yard catch.
HoodGuy007
09-10-2007, 03:45 PM
I might be crazy, but I love the Dolphins this year if the O-Line can learn to run block. Washington is not a slouch, and Green torched their secondary. The O-line sucked at creating holes for Brown, but the defense played well enough to not give it away, and you can take 60 yards from Washington's total yardage if Randle-El dooes not catch that freakish batted ball play t the end of the game.
geschinger
09-10-2007, 04:39 PM
Last year, Barber led the NFC with 16 TD's (also had 654 rushing at a 4.8 avg) and Jones had over 1,000 yards. Last night Barber had 11 carries for 65 yards (5.9 avg) and an awesome TD run. He also had a 29 yard catch. Jones had 66 yards and an 11 yard catch.
It's not a bad one two punch but that doesn't tell me a lot about how they compared to the rest of the league. Where did they finish relative to the rest of the league in yardage/avg?
Like I said, I may be underestimating 'em somewhat but I can think of at least 10 teams off the top of my head that I'd say have better rushing attacks and there are probably a few that I wouldn't think of.
I might be crazy, but I love the Dolphins this year if the O-Line can learn to run block. Washington is not a slouch, and Green torched their secondary. The O-line sucked at creating holes for Brown, but the defense played well enough to not give it away, and you can take 60 yards from Washington's total yardage if Randle-El dooes not catch that freakish batted ball play t the end of the game.
I didn't realize 24-38 for 219 yards with 1 TD was considerd torching one's secondary. It's good, but not great by any means, and lets not forget that he's very lucky to have not given up what likely would have basically been a walk off INT at the end of the game.
And yes, you may be crazy.:D Dolphins have a good D, and could be ok, but playoffs? Cue Jim Mora.:D
It's not a bad one two punch but that doesn't tell me a lot about how they compared to the rest of the league. Where did they finish relative to the rest of the league in yardage/avg?
Like I said, I may be underestimating 'em somewhat but I can think of at least 10 teams off the top of my head that I'd say have better rushing attacks and there are probably a few that I wouldn't think of.
Dallas doesn't have a great running game, but it is above average. They were 12th in yards and 15th in YPC last year. Davis should help their running game a decent amount. And what would really help their running game out is if they realized Barber is their best back and gave him more carries.
Bottomline, they're more than capable of taking advantage of a mediocre to poor run defense.
geschinger
09-11-2007, 12:02 AM
Dallas doesn't have a great running game, but it is above average. They were 12th in yards and 15th in YPC last year. Davis should help their running game a decent amount. And what would really help their running game out is if they realized Barber is their best back and gave him more carries.
Bottomline, they're more than capable of taking advantage of a mediocre to poor run defense.
Maybe, we'll have to revisit in a couple of months so you can admit I was right. ;)
Or not.
Maybe, we'll have to revisit in a couple of months so you can admit I was right. ;)
Or not.
No problem, either way, I'm for revisiting this. I'd rather admit I'm wrong on this if that turns out to be the case rahter than ignore it. And again, I hope I'm wrong about the Cowboys since I hate them. The loss of Ferguson will certainly hurt them.
ccbird
09-11-2007, 02:32 PM
It's a two horse race in the NFC East. Dallas is not as good as they looked and Philly isn't as bad as they looked. If it is possible, Washington actually made me think less of them then I thought coming into the season dispite winning. They might still be the worst team in the East even with the Giants missing Eli for awhile.
I think both Philly and Dallas will be right around 10-6 when it's all said and done.
As far as the top three I think it goes
1. New England
2. Indy
3. San Diego
A few other impressions after week 1:
-Denver is not very good but will make the playoffs and get 11 or 12 wins by beating up on Oakland and KC and a weak NFC North.
-Pittsburgh is by far the toughest opponent for Baltimore in the AFC North this year. I expect them to win 10 games this year and possibly more. On the other hand Cinci was very unimpressive. They were handed a game last night and still tried to give it away. I don't see them getting more than 9 wins max.
- Jacksonville disapointed me. I thought they could challenge the Colts for the division but losing at home to the Titans was a very bad loss. Tenn is a scrapy team but still not very good. Jacksonville simply can't lose that game at home on opening weekend. Looks like the Colts will run away and hide again in this division.
- I liked what I saw from Carolina. They beat a good St Louis team in St Louis which is not an easy thing to do. As long as Delhomme is protecting the ball they are a very good team. Foster and Williams are underrated backs and the defense is again top 5 in the NFL. I think they will win the South are one of the odds on favorites to come out of the NFC when it's all said and done.
- OK I didn't want to but I'm really warming up to the idea that Detroit can make a playoff run this year. Just remember I reserve the right to void that sentence come November.