Pre-Training Camp NFL Power Rankings: Giants on Top
Since Jesse and I have finally finished recapping the offseason moves of all 32 NFL teams, it’s time to start looking ahead to this season which we have also started to do at With the First Pick. I don’t really like Power Rankings but it gives you a sense of the state of the league as I see it currently, so here goes nothing.
1. New York Giants
The Giants are the reigning Super Bowl champions, and I really don’t see any holes on their roster at this moment. They are locked and loaded for another Super Bowl run.
2. Green Bay Packers
Packers would be my number one team if I didn’t make it mandatory in my power rankings that the Super Bowl champions have to be dethroned or look terrible to get moved out of the top spot. Aaron Rodgers should once again contend for MVP, and the Packers re-stocked the defensive side of the ball.
3. New England Patriots
The reigning AFC champions look loaded once again, and they were unusually active in the free agent market, picking up a guy in Brandon Lloyd who could elevate the level of this offense.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Another team who didn’t lose much in its pursuit for the NFC title was San Francisco, who added some weapons at the receiver position that I like. They are once again one of the top teams in the league.
5. Baltimore Ravens
I think losing Terrell Suggs could hurt this team, but their roster is stacked, and its mainly with players drafted by Ozzie Newsome. Just a good looking roster.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles re-stocked and re-loaded this offseason. They look like a Super Bowl contender.
7. Denver Broncos
The Broncos signed Peyton Manning this offseason, making them instant Super Bowl contenders.
8. Houston Texans
The Texans’ defense is stacked. Can the offense get healthy and make a run in 2012?
9. Chicago Bears
When healthy, the Bears looked like they could be one of the best teams in the game last season.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are one of the NFL’s constants, and they should be one of the best again in 2012.
11. Detroit Lions
The Lions are the NFL’s version of the OKC Thunder. When will they emerge as a dominant NFC force?
12. New Orleans Saints
Distractions and all, I still expect the Saints to be one of the top contenders in the NFC in 2012.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a hot young team with a very good looking core defensively. This is a team that could surprise in 2012.
14. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are good enough to prove they are more substance than style, it’s just a matter of time.
15. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a very talented roster, but can they handle high expectations?
16. Tennessee Titans
I think the Titans are one of the best sleeper teams in the NFL this season.
17. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers should rebound to contend for an AFC West title, but they struggle with constant disappointment.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs return one of the best rosters in the NFL, aside from the quarterback position. That is their fatal flaw.
19. New York Jets
The Jets traded for Tebow in the offseason, and I think he will take over as the starter sooner rather than later.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has new uniforms and a new look offensively. Their defense is ready, so this is a darkhorse team in 2012.
21. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton is one of the best players in the league already, and with some consistency, the Panthers could vie for a playoff spot.
22. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo could be much better than this, especially with the additions they made to the defensive side of the ball in free agency.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has a new head coach who should be able to get the best out of his players. The question is, are they deep enough defensively to compete in the NFC South?
24. Arizona Cardinals
I’m not sure what to make of the Cardinals, especially with their QB situation so muddled. They could be better than expected.
25. Washington Redskins
RGIII should lead this team to a better record than it had last year, but that might not be saying much.
26. Oakland Raiders
Oakland has some nice pieces, but some financial troubles and a poor use of draft picks caused them to have a very average offseason.
27. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck will be the Colts’ new quarterback, but the team is re-loading for the future. They will show flashes of brilliance.
28. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford and the Rams need to put up or shut up. This team showed how good it could be in 2010, now they need to bring it.
29. Miami Dolphins
Miami doesn’t have the feel of a contender, but they played surprisingly well for a stretch last season.
30. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is going to be breaking in a new backfield in 2012, so expectations should be low.
31. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has all kinds of off the field and injury distractions, but if they are fully healthy, they will be a tough out every week.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville made some bold moves this offseason, and their growth will hinge on the development of Blaine Gabbert.