NFL Power Rankings

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15. Buffalo Bills-

Huge questions about the offense. I think the defense will be very much improved and not just because of the Mario Williams addition. They have a lot of young talented players who should improve with their experience.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

A forgotten team. Good defense, good chemistry between Dalton and Green and stability at the head coaching position usually leads to good things.

13. Chicago Bears-

Good defense. Offense should be much better with a healthy Cutler, the Brandon Marshall addition and the return of Matt Forte.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers-

They always have a good defense, even though there are some serious age questions on this one. The offensive line looks terrible. Big Ben is going to get battered. I think the Mike Wallace holdout will effect the offense as well.

11. Atlanta Falcons-

Great home field advantage. Good young QB, explosive offense. The defense needs a better pass rush.

10. Denver Broncos-

Assuming Peyton Manning is healthy. I’ve seen him take less talented teams to 12-4. What is Peyton Manning though?

9. Detroit Lions-

A young promising team that continues to get better. They have really found their stride drafting. Questions abound about their defense, but I expect them to be very good.

8. Philadelphia Eagles-

Pre-season power rankings are based on paper and you have to assume players will stay healthy. As currently constructed, the Eagles are one of the league’s most talented teams. If Michael Vick stays healthy they should be Superbowl contenders with their explosive offense and plus defense.

7. San Francisco 49ers-

This spot is giving props for last year’s performance. I think the N.F.C. West is much improved. I think the 49ers are likely to fall off some. I don’t really believe in Alex Smith. They can’t possibly have the turnover differential they had last year. That defense is still very good though.

6. New Orleans Saints-

Drew Brees, Drew Brees, Drew Brees. Any questions? I’m not concerned about the rest of the stuff. Great quarterbacks make teams better.

5. Baltimore Ravens-

I think the Ravens are going to fall off every single year and they never do. If you can’t beat ’em, join em. They’ll probably be playing in the A.F.C. Championship game to try and make the Superbowl. Business as usual.

4. Green Bay Packers-

The Packers had one of the best franchise differentials in the history of the sport. Is that likely to happen again? Probably not. Aaron Rodgers, while great, isn’t likely to repeat his last season’s performance again. He could easily be the best QB in the league this year, but not approach his numbers from last year. How improved is this defense? Even with my questions I recognize they are very talented on paper.

3. New England Patriots-

What looks to be an improved defense, plus the greatest quarterback of his generation. A very winnable division and new shiny toys on offense. Oh they also have a great coach. They could win 13 or 14 games this year and no one would be surprised.

2. Houston Texans-

Really good defense and an explosive offense. I also think they will benefit from playing in what is other wise rebuilding division. They enter the season with six games in their division they should be favored, perhaps heavily in. I expect them to accumulate a lot of wins in 2012.

1. New York Giants-

Just my own personal opinion. You have to dethrone the champions to move them off the top spot. Really good QB, great pass rush they stand a chance to get back to the playoffs and make noise though I would not predict them to win the Superbowl.

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