NFL Power Rankings: Week 1
by Dave Ryan
The season is set to begin tonight as the Giants kick off their title defense. Here is the initial edition of the Power Rankings.
1. New England Patriots
Still riding high atop the league, let’s not forget that the Pats only had one single blemish all of last season. Tom Brady has Moss and Welker at his full disposal yet again, but it will be a healthy Laurence Maroney that makes these guys the class of the NFL for a second straight year.
Next Game: vs. KC
2. Dallas Cowboys
With an offense continuously on the prowl for touchdowns and a defense that is beginning to come into its own, the Cowboys have more than enough firepower to take the next step and go deep into the playoffs. Tough divisional rivals might be nipping at their heels, but Dallas has plenty of experience working on its behalf.
Next Game: at CLE
3. Indianapolis Colts
Even with a hobbled Peyton Manning entering the season, it isn’t hard to make a case for Tony Dungy’s crew as one of the NFL’s best teams. Another year means another playoff berth for Peyton Manning and company, as the Colts set their sights on a second Super Bowl title in three years.
Next Game: vs. CHI
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Breakout-star David Garrard showed a glimpse of what he is capable of last season, and an improved group of receivers can only add to his value. Defensively, the Jaguars have very few peers, so look for Jacksonville to elevate towards powerhouse status in 2008.
Next Game: at TEN
5. San Diego Chargers
It was unbelievable to hear the criticism of tailback LaDainian Tomlinson after San Diego’s unfortunate exit in last year’s playoffs. Tomlinson is back with a major chip on his shoulder and appears ready to leave doubters wallowing in the dust. The next step in Philip Rivers’ development should coincide with a huge year for Tomlinson, as the Chargers try to duplicate their success from last season while inching further into the postseason.
Next Game: vs. CAR
6. New Orleans Saints
It would be a grave mistake to look past a sleeping giant like the Saints this season. Look for the electric Reggie Bush to have a monster season, while tight end Jeremy Shockey continues his stellar career with the incredibly-accurate Drew Brees getting him the ball.
Next Game: vs. TB
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
For a conference that is absolutely stacked with Super Bowl-caliber teams, everyone outside of Pittsburgh seems to be forgetting about the Steelers entering the 2008 season. The combination of Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall gives Pittsburgh a potentially dominant rushing attack, which should open up the field for Ben Roethlisberger to have another excellent season.
Next Game: vs. HOU
8. Philadelphia Eagles
An injury to starting wide receiver Kevin Curtis places a serious question mark on Philadelphia’s passing attack, but if the preseason is any indication, then it looks like rookie wideout DeSean Jackson is ready to answer the call. The Eagles are still primed for a big year on both sides of the ball, and an excellent special teams unit should help to put these guys back into the NFC mix.
Next Game: vs. STL
9. New York Giants
Here’s hoping that those shiny rings don’t let Eli Manning and the Giants get complacent entering the year. After all, this is essentially the same team that narrowly missed getting to the playoffs altogether last season. A new-found confidence throughout the roster is a big help, although injuries and a stacked division will make a repeat extremely difficult for the defending champs.
Next Game: vs. WAS
10. Cleveland Browns
Shaun Rogers, acquired for third- and fifth-round picks from the Lions, will be able to help stuff the run on a consistent basis, but stopping the pass is a different story. Strong-armed Derek Anderson will help the offense stay on the winning side of a few high-scoring shootouts during the year, but this team looks like it will yield plenty of points to opposing teams.
Next Game: vs. DAL
11. Denver Broncos
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to question Mike Shanahan when it comes to his running game entering a new season. Even though three players should all see time during the year, the ever-shifty Selvin Young looks like the guy to take a grasp on the starting role. A more experienced Jay Cutler running the show means the Broncos could be a big surprise in 2008, especially with star wide receiver Brandon Marshall as his No. 1 target.
Next Game: at OAK
12. Minnesota Vikings
Even though nearly everything else is in place for the Vikings to ascend to the status of playoff squad, the quarterback position still remains a serious question mark. Third-year signal caller Tavaris Jackson possesses a very strong arm and quick enough feet to scramble away from defenders, but managing things on a game-to-game basis is still something he has yet to prove.
Next Game: at GB
13. Washington Redskins
It’s hard to believe that four teams from the same division can all find a spot in the top-15 rankings entering the season, but all four have the talent to make a run for a divisional title. The Redskins have plenty of playmakers in place, and with a determined Clinton Portis and an improved Jason Campbell, a spot in the playoffs isn’t too far out of reach.
Next Game: at NYG
14. Seattle Seahawks
Life after Shaun Alexander could indicate lots of work for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, but scoring points should not be much of a problem through the air for the Seahawks. Alexander’s old backup, Maurice Morris, and free-agent acquisition Julius Jones will share the carries in the rushing game, even though neither looks ready to handle a full-time load.
Next Game: at BUF
15. Green Bay Packers
Those expecting a major drop-off with Aaron Rodgers under center are clearly mistaken. The mechanically-inclined Rodgers has the arm and the moxie to succeed and to help fans forget all about the Hall of Fame quarterback the team let walk away this off-season. With a trio of outstanding receivers, the Packers should be right in the thick of the playoff hunt this year.
Next Game: vs. MIN
16. New York Jets
Shelling out big money in free agency is always an interesting — albeit, unlikely — way to make a run at a Super Bowl. With a legend like Brett Favre in town, the team’s hopes are certainly as high as ever. Favre will surely morph into his former self after a few games, but an inexperienced defense could keep the Jets from living up to expectations.
Next Game: at MIA
17. Houston Texans
From complete despair under David Carr to sheer optimism under veteran Matt Schaub, the Texans arguably have the best team on paper in the history of their franchise. Unfortunately for them, games aren’t played on paper, and a crowded conference full of legitimate contenders might postpone Houston’s emergence.
Next Game: at PIT
18. Tennessee Titans
Year three of Vince Young’s tenure with the team is the most important of all, and fans are beginning to get restless with his mediocre play. The Titans still live and die with their rushing attack, so LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson might need to carry an extremely heavy load for the team to make the playoffs.
Next Game: vs. JAX
19. Carolina Panthers
An unfortunate injury to quarterback Jake Delhomme severely crippled Carolina’s chances last season, but its defense managed to hold strong and pick up most of the slack for a woeful offense. With Delhomme back and a ground game ready to explode with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers offense might finally be able to catch up to its defense and help this team to sneak into the postseason.
Next Game: at SD
20. Cincinnati Bengals
The on-again-off-again saga of the troubled receiver Chris Henry continued when the team re-signed him weeks ago in the hope that he has finally cleaned up his act. Although the crowd-pleasing Chad Ocho Cinco (formerly Chad Johnson) claims he’s fine, his shoulder injury isn’t going to make things easier on the Bengals offense. With plenty of young players on defense looking to find their niche in the league, it’s going to be hard for Carson Palmer’s arm to throw this team into a playoff berth.
Next Game: at BAL
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A roster full of aging veterans might help Jon Gruden’s team in the experience department, but injuries have become more and more prevalent for the Bucs over the past few seasons. There are many young players who should begin to see increased time at skill positions, but just a few key injuries could derail this team.
Next Game: at NO
22. Detroit Lions
Even though everyone in Detroit was ready to break out a newly-purchased Kevin Smith jersey this weekend, the Lions made a quick move to add veteran free-agent Rudi Johnson to their stable of tailbacks. Johnson has injury troubles and is aging more quickly than many might think, but he figures to throw a wrench into Detroit’s perennially mediocre backfield. A Pro Bowl season out of second-year receiver Calvin Johnson looks to be in the works, but the Lions are still working backwards with a turnover-prone quarterback like Jon Kitna at the helm.
Next Game: at ATL
23. St. Louis Rams
For as long as the Rams tried to play hardball with star runner Steven Jackson this off-season, they had no business letting him sit out the season. Jackson is the focal point of an offense that looks like nothing more than a shell of its former self, and the Rams should struggle to keep their heads above water yet again.
Next Game: at PHI
24. Buffalo Bills
As things finally start to look up for Buffalo fans, the addition of a guy like Brett Favre to their division is one of the worst things that could happen. The Bills have loads of young talent waiting to step up and contribute, but it’s hard to believe they can make an impact at this point with a brutal schedule ahead of them.
Next Game: vs. SEA
25. Arizona Cardinals
Amidst a painful to watch quarterback controversy, the Cardinals have assembled plenty of talent over the past few years. A popular choice by some experts to make a run last season, Arizona’s defense will be the key to a possible improvement in 08-09. Things might look promising on the surface, but extensive locker room drama could wind up sinking this team for another season.
Next Game: at SF
26. Baltimore Ravens
Chronic underachiever Kyle Boller has been sidelined for the season, but it really doesn’t matter too much for Baltimore fans. First-rounder Joe Flacco has already been named the starter at quarterback, while second-year quarterback Troy Smith will be patiently waiting for his chance to shine. The defense is still dangerous and the rushing game should be even better than last season, but the Ravens will only go as far as their two quarterbacks are willing to take them.
Next Game: vs. CIN
27. Oakland Raiders
It’s tough to predict exactly what the Raiders will do with a full season under JaMarcus Russell’s leadership. The talent has never been in question, but putting it all together is a whole different story. Expect some jaw-dropping plays from stud rookie Darren McFadden on a weekly basis, even though it won’t be enough to save the Raiders from another losing year.
Next Game: vs. DEN
28. Atlanta Falcons
Widely considered to be the most underrated offensive player in the league during his tenure in San Diego, free-agent acquisition Michael Turner is chomping at the bit for a chance to become a feature tailback. Even with an offense filled with speed players who can break a game open much like Turner, Atlanta’s shaky defense isn’t going to make things easy on this extremely young squad.
Next Game: vs. DET
29. Chicago Bears
Things are looking messy on offense yet again in Chicago, and breaking in a rookie running back isn’t going to speed things up. The addition of Devin Hester to a depleted wide receiving corps will undoubtedly make for some highlight reel plays on offense, however the Bears just don’t have the talent to compete in what should be a much-improved NFC North.
Next Game: at IND
30. San Francisco 49ers
The decision to start career-backup J.T. O’Sullivan adds a bit of intrigue into the new Mike Martz era, but it hardly comes as a surprise. Expect the Niners to fight hard all season long with head coach Mike Nolan’s job on the line, but it’s probably too little too late for this team to make any semblance of a run.
Next Game: vs. ARI
31. Miami Dolphins
It really wasn’t much of a surprise to see Bill Parcells back in a position of power in the NFL. Even without actually being the guy calling the shots on the field, Parcells will exude his influence in an effort to get the Dolphins over the hump. Two major talents at tailback and an emerging Ted Ginn Jr. still won’t be enough, as this team slowly works to pull itself out of the AFC East’s cellar.
Next Game: vs. NYJ
32. Kansas City Chiefs
After making every attempt to build up their defense in recent years, the Chiefs have also struck out in finding enough skill players on the offensive side of the ball. Starting quarterback Brodie Croyle looked horrendous last season, and all indications are that things aren’t going to change a whole lot in 2008.
Next Game: at NE
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