NFL Power Rankings Pre-Free Agency

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15. Dallas Cowboys-

A very talented team that plays in a tough division and struggles from inconsistency. A team that just seems to always be in its own way.

14. Chicago Bears

If Jay Cutler had stayed healthy they could have made some noise in the playoffs. Terrific defense, good quarterback, great running game. They need WR help and OL help.

13. San Diego Chargers-

I’m not a fan of Norv Turner (who is), but the roster is talented. They have to figure out their WR and OT position. They also have to get tougher on defense.

12. New York Jets-

The Jets win despite their QB play. If Sanchez takes a step-forward next year they’ll be good. I also expect having to watch the Patriots and Giants play in the Superbowl will really spark this team to work hard next year and make some noise.

11. Detroit Lions-

The Lions are very talented, if Stafford stays healthy they deserve this lofty ranking.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers-

The defense is aging and they have to get younger, faster on defense. The Todd Haley move could be genius or blow-up with him and Big Ben. Should be fun to watch.

9. Philadelphia Eagles-

This is largely based on where I think the rosters of teams are, and the roster of the Eagles is terrific.

8. Atlanta Falcons-

This year they don’t have a first round pick, but have the rest of their picks and have one of the best all around rosters heading into free agency.

7. San Francisco 49ers-

The quarterback question keeps the 49ers low. They used a lot of smoke and mirrors this year I feel. Playing a first place schedule as the hunted is a little more difficult.

6. Baltimore Ravens-

Joe Flacco did his best to disprove doubters in the A.F.C. championship game, but he will have to play at that kind of high level consistently if they want to win a Superbowl.

5. Houston Texans-

The Texans might have been the best team in the A.F.C. last year with Schaub healthy. And that’s the only position I think teams are allowed to excuse for injury. They have to decide what to do with Mario Williams, but they have emerging young pass rushers without him and I could see him being allowed to leave.

4. New Orleans Saints-

The Saints change at defensive coordinator could do them wonders. They still have to get someone to rush the passer without blitzing all the time, but their offense is almost good enough to overcome no matter how bad the defense plays. They host the Superbowl next year and could win the Superbowl at home. That’d be something.

3. Green Bay Packers-

The Packers near perfect season ended in ruin. Their defense played poorly all year I expect the defense to be much better next year, though I doubt the same kind of regular season success. QB play trumps all and the Packers have plenty of good quarterback play.

2. New England Patriots-

The Patriots winning 12 games with Tom Brady is like clock-work how could you not count on them to be near the top of the league when all is said and one.

1. New York Giants-

I always give respect to the defending Superbowl champions. The Giants have a terrific quarterback and the best defensive line in football. Now there are a lot of questions they have to address in free agency, but you can’t take anything away from the champs. Had they not won the Superbowl I would have them between 6 and 10 I think.

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