NFL Power Rankings - Week 1
The RW Power Rankings are back! You know the drill. I'll be ranking the teams from last to first. I had a good season last year but faltered a bit toward the end, although I was a Chris Johnson injury away from looking like a genius. Oh well. And of course, I'll be making my picks against the spread at the end of the column.
32. Detroit Lions
Starting a rookie QB. Yeah, that'll fix what's wrong with the team. I actually like Matthew Stafford. I just can't like him on the Lions. They have no protection and I'm afraid he'll be doing his best David Carr impression all season. It's going to be another loooooooooong season in the Motor City.
31. Denver Broncos
You know it's a bad sign when Kyle Orton's getting injured is a serious problem for your team. The Brandon Marshall show hasn't helped a bit either. Did I mention that their coach could be Brett Favre's kid? At least he's acting like it. Bad times for a perennial contender.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
We'll see how bad Matt Cassel's injury is but honestly, it won't matter. This team is still a long way away from being good and losing Tony Gonzalez didn't help matters. Starting out the season in Baltimore just adds to the Chiefs' woes. Good team to pick against in your Survival Pool.
29. Oakland Raiders
I usually don't put too much stock into the preseason, but my Raiders looked especially bad. Richard Seymour will not make a big enough difference and he surely wasn't worth a 1st round pick for a team that has zero percent chance of doing anything this season.
28. St. Louis Rams
They have some of the tools to do harm, more so on offense than defense. Ok, they have Steven Jackson. Donnie Avery may catch some deep balls but protecting the QB will still be an issue. Wait, you have to play defense? Uh oh.
27. Cleveland Browns
I think it's great that Cleveland is getting all of this positive attention in the preseason because of their QB battle. Unfortunately, once they make the decision, that'll be it for positive attention for a while. That run at the playoffs and Pro Bowl year out of Derek Anderson sure seem like a long time ago.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yikes. Jon Gruden is going to be very happy that he's up in the Monday Night Football booth as opposed to down on the sidelines watching the epitome of ineptitude that is the Tampa Bay passing attack.
25. New York Jets
I'm not at all sold on their running game and they're starting a rookie at QB. I know the nation has this love affair with Mark Sanchez but it's not like USC had a potent offense with him last season. I think there will be a lot more struggling than people may expect. Rex Ryan will have the defense ready to play but I don't think that will be enough with his offense.
24. Miami Dolphins
I'm sorry to say but I think last season may have been a bit of a fluke. Chad Pennington was great until the playoffs. I wouldn't bank on that again. And you think guys like Bill Belichick have studied the wildcat offense much since last season? I do. Could be a tough campaign for the Dolphins.
23. San Francisco 49ers
It's just a bit tough to get me excited about Shaun Hill even though I know they finished the season off strong. They're still a playmaker or two away but I do expect the defense to continue in its improvement. I woudn't be surprised if the Niners climbed but I'm not willing to bet on it.
22. Buffalo Bills
T.O. was a nice addition and I do think he'll be a good teammate if only to prove everybody wrong. However, Marshawn Lynch is out the first three weeks and they're still a mediocre team even without him. Another long winter in Buffalo for Bills fans.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
Something just doesn't smell right with the Jaguars, especially with how they crumbled so easily last season. Del Rio could be on the hot seat if things don't go well from the first snap and that's never good for a locker room.
20. Chicago Bears
Pardon me if I'm not buying into the Chicago Bears just yet. Jay Cutler is assuredly an improvement but with Devin Hester as his clear first option, I'm not sure if he has the weapons to get things done. Cutler's still unproven in my eyes and Chicago will once again be putting the burden on its defense.
19. Cincinnati Bengals
I smell a comeback out of Esteban & Co. The running game won't be anything special, but it doesn't have to be. I don't think the defense will be all that great but I expect Carson Palmer to be healthy and see a tough passing game to stop.
18. Arizona Cardinals
I drafted Kurt Warner in my fantasy league and I'm not all that comfortable with it. The weapons are still intact but there's just something about teams that lose the Super Bowl. Good thing they play in the NFC West.
17. Washington Redskins
They just can't seem to get their acts together. Jason Campbell is still a big question mark. They're willing to spend the money. But again, it just never pans out. Playing in the NFC East does them no favors.
16. Carolina Panthers
They should be great with their defense and the weapons they have at running back and wide receiver. However, Jake Delhomme. Need I say more?
15. Seattle Seahawks
I see a big comeback year in Seattle. There isn't a better home field advantage in football and with a healthy Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmanzadeh in town you can expect much better from the Seahawks offense. Don't be surprised if they win the NFC West.
14. Houston Texans
I love the Texans offense. Love it. Andre Johnson is a must double cover. Steve Slaton is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. And Matt Schaub is a more than solid QB when he's healthy. The rest of the passing options aren't slouches either. If Mario Williams and company can keep improving, the Texans can surprise some people.
13. New Orleans Saints
Don't forget . . . you have to play defense too.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
Karma will get them. You'll see. These things can't be explained. They just happen.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre can't go a whole season. Has he proven that he can avoid mistakes in big winter games the last few years? They better ride Purple Jesus and pray he doesn't get hurt.
10. Atlanta Falcons
They play in a tough division but I like the Falcons to continue improving. Their defense is solid and Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and the offense have another year under their belts. Not to mention the addition of Tony Gonzalez. Expect them to climb as the season wears on.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Why isn't anyone else higher on them? Flacco took them into Pittsburgh and almost won. He was a rookie. I know the defense is pretty good and now a year older as well. But they're still a top-10 team, right?
8. Dallas Cowboys
I always fall for the Cowboys hype. I'm a sucker. But I just can't see a reason why this team doesn't get better without all of the distrations and plus a healthy Felix Jones.
7. New York Giants
I still like the defense, but Eli's got a lot to prove to me before I call them an elite team. He has yet to have a good go at it without Plaxico to bail him out. This could be a sputtering offense without Plax.
6. Green Bay Packers
I'm pretty high on the Packers this year as you can see. I think Aaron Rodgers makes the leap this year. He's got to be better in the fourth quarter but that's something that comes with experience, which Rodgers got last year. I like the Packers in a division where nobody's talking about them.
5. Tennessee Titans
They will miss Albert Haynesworth, but he wasn't exactly healthy last season. We know they're a Chris Johnson injury away from relying on Baby Fat White, but as long as they're healthy, they're contending.
4. Indianapolis Colts
It will be very interesting to see how they do with a new coaching staff. Peyton Manning was pretty comfortable before. Will this shake things up? In a bad way? Something to watch for. They have the talent to do big things though and I like Donald Brown as a late season surprise.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Not much to really say about the defending champions. They're solid. They're not all that exciting. And you know what you're in for each time you face them. Definitely in the Super Bowl discussion and a big Week 1 matchup with Tennessee.
2. San Diego Chargers
Yes, I know that Merriman didn't win Tila Tequila's game show and the San Diego GM seems to enjoy messing with his star players, but, they're really really good in a really really bad division. Look how far you have to scroll up to get to another AFC West team. It's far. San Diego will be able to rest a lot of starters in second halves.
1. New England Patriots
He's back. They're going to score. A lot.
So there you have it. New England over Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
WEEK 1 PICKS
Tennessee +6 at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati -4 vs. Denver
Cleveland +4 vs. Minnesota
Houston -5 vs. New York Jets
Jacksonville +7 vs. Indianapolis
Dallas -6 at Tampa Bay
Atlanta -4 vs. Miami
Baltimore -13 vs. Kansas City
Carolina +1.5 vs. Philadelphia
New Orleans -13 vs. Detroit
San Francisco +6.5 at Arizona
Washington +6.5 at New York Giants
Seattle -8.5 vs. St. Louis
Green Bay -3.5 vs. Chicago
New England -10.5 vs. Buffalo
San Diego -9 at Oakland
32. Detroit Lions
Starting a rookie QB. Yeah, that'll fix what's wrong with the team. I actually like Matthew Stafford. I just can't like him on the Lions. They have no protection and I'm afraid he'll be doing his best David Carr impression all season. It's going to be another loooooooooong season in the Motor City.
31. Denver Broncos
You know it's a bad sign when Kyle Orton's getting injured is a serious problem for your team. The Brandon Marshall show hasn't helped a bit either. Did I mention that their coach could be Brett Favre's kid? At least he's acting like it. Bad times for a perennial contender.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
We'll see how bad Matt Cassel's injury is but honestly, it won't matter. This team is still a long way away from being good and losing Tony Gonzalez didn't help matters. Starting out the season in Baltimore just adds to the Chiefs' woes. Good team to pick against in your Survival Pool.
29. Oakland Raiders
I usually don't put too much stock into the preseason, but my Raiders looked especially bad. Richard Seymour will not make a big enough difference and he surely wasn't worth a 1st round pick for a team that has zero percent chance of doing anything this season.
28. St. Louis Rams
They have some of the tools to do harm, more so on offense than defense. Ok, they have Steven Jackson. Donnie Avery may catch some deep balls but protecting the QB will still be an issue. Wait, you have to play defense? Uh oh.
27. Cleveland Browns
I think it's great that Cleveland is getting all of this positive attention in the preseason because of their QB battle. Unfortunately, once they make the decision, that'll be it for positive attention for a while. That run at the playoffs and Pro Bowl year out of Derek Anderson sure seem like a long time ago.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yikes. Jon Gruden is going to be very happy that he's up in the Monday Night Football booth as opposed to down on the sidelines watching the epitome of ineptitude that is the Tampa Bay passing attack.
25. New York Jets
I'm not at all sold on their running game and they're starting a rookie at QB. I know the nation has this love affair with Mark Sanchez but it's not like USC had a potent offense with him last season. I think there will be a lot more struggling than people may expect. Rex Ryan will have the defense ready to play but I don't think that will be enough with his offense.
24. Miami Dolphins
I'm sorry to say but I think last season may have been a bit of a fluke. Chad Pennington was great until the playoffs. I wouldn't bank on that again. And you think guys like Bill Belichick have studied the wildcat offense much since last season? I do. Could be a tough campaign for the Dolphins.
23. San Francisco 49ers
It's just a bit tough to get me excited about Shaun Hill even though I know they finished the season off strong. They're still a playmaker or two away but I do expect the defense to continue in its improvement. I woudn't be surprised if the Niners climbed but I'm not willing to bet on it.
22. Buffalo Bills
T.O. was a nice addition and I do think he'll be a good teammate if only to prove everybody wrong. However, Marshawn Lynch is out the first three weeks and they're still a mediocre team even without him. Another long winter in Buffalo for Bills fans.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
Something just doesn't smell right with the Jaguars, especially with how they crumbled so easily last season. Del Rio could be on the hot seat if things don't go well from the first snap and that's never good for a locker room.
20. Chicago Bears
Pardon me if I'm not buying into the Chicago Bears just yet. Jay Cutler is assuredly an improvement but with Devin Hester as his clear first option, I'm not sure if he has the weapons to get things done. Cutler's still unproven in my eyes and Chicago will once again be putting the burden on its defense.
19. Cincinnati Bengals
I smell a comeback out of Esteban & Co. The running game won't be anything special, but it doesn't have to be. I don't think the defense will be all that great but I expect Carson Palmer to be healthy and see a tough passing game to stop.
18. Arizona Cardinals
I drafted Kurt Warner in my fantasy league and I'm not all that comfortable with it. The weapons are still intact but there's just something about teams that lose the Super Bowl. Good thing they play in the NFC West.
17. Washington Redskins
They just can't seem to get their acts together. Jason Campbell is still a big question mark. They're willing to spend the money. But again, it just never pans out. Playing in the NFC East does them no favors.
16. Carolina Panthers
They should be great with their defense and the weapons they have at running back and wide receiver. However, Jake Delhomme. Need I say more?
15. Seattle Seahawks
I see a big comeback year in Seattle. There isn't a better home field advantage in football and with a healthy Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmanzadeh in town you can expect much better from the Seahawks offense. Don't be surprised if they win the NFC West.
14. Houston Texans
I love the Texans offense. Love it. Andre Johnson is a must double cover. Steve Slaton is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. And Matt Schaub is a more than solid QB when he's healthy. The rest of the passing options aren't slouches either. If Mario Williams and company can keep improving, the Texans can surprise some people.
13. New Orleans Saints
Don't forget . . . you have to play defense too.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
Karma will get them. You'll see. These things can't be explained. They just happen.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre can't go a whole season. Has he proven that he can avoid mistakes in big winter games the last few years? They better ride Purple Jesus and pray he doesn't get hurt.
10. Atlanta Falcons
They play in a tough division but I like the Falcons to continue improving. Their defense is solid and Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and the offense have another year under their belts. Not to mention the addition of Tony Gonzalez. Expect them to climb as the season wears on.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Why isn't anyone else higher on them? Flacco took them into Pittsburgh and almost won. He was a rookie. I know the defense is pretty good and now a year older as well. But they're still a top-10 team, right?
8. Dallas Cowboys
I always fall for the Cowboys hype. I'm a sucker. But I just can't see a reason why this team doesn't get better without all of the distrations and plus a healthy Felix Jones.
7. New York Giants
I still like the defense, but Eli's got a lot to prove to me before I call them an elite team. He has yet to have a good go at it without Plaxico to bail him out. This could be a sputtering offense without Plax.
6. Green Bay Packers
I'm pretty high on the Packers this year as you can see. I think Aaron Rodgers makes the leap this year. He's got to be better in the fourth quarter but that's something that comes with experience, which Rodgers got last year. I like the Packers in a division where nobody's talking about them.
5. Tennessee Titans
They will miss Albert Haynesworth, but he wasn't exactly healthy last season. We know they're a Chris Johnson injury away from relying on Baby Fat White, but as long as they're healthy, they're contending.
4. Indianapolis Colts
It will be very interesting to see how they do with a new coaching staff. Peyton Manning was pretty comfortable before. Will this shake things up? In a bad way? Something to watch for. They have the talent to do big things though and I like Donald Brown as a late season surprise.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Not much to really say about the defending champions. They're solid. They're not all that exciting. And you know what you're in for each time you face them. Definitely in the Super Bowl discussion and a big Week 1 matchup with Tennessee.
2. San Diego Chargers
Yes, I know that Merriman didn't win Tila Tequila's game show and the San Diego GM seems to enjoy messing with his star players, but, they're really really good in a really really bad division. Look how far you have to scroll up to get to another AFC West team. It's far. San Diego will be able to rest a lot of starters in second halves.
1. New England Patriots
He's back. They're going to score. A lot.
So there you have it. New England over Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
WEEK 1 PICKS
Tennessee +6 at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati -4 vs. Denver
Cleveland +4 vs. Minnesota
Houston -5 vs. New York Jets
Jacksonville +7 vs. Indianapolis
Dallas -6 at Tampa Bay
Atlanta -4 vs. Miami
Baltimore -13 vs. Kansas City
Carolina +1.5 vs. Philadelphia
New Orleans -13 vs. Detroit
San Francisco +6.5 at Arizona
Washington +6.5 at New York Giants
Seattle -8.5 vs. St. Louis
Green Bay -3.5 vs. Chicago
New England -10.5 vs. Buffalo
San Diego -9 at Oakland
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