Preseason Power Rankings
I got into an argument last night about the Steelers' chances this season. I think they are a veteran team who is very much in the middle of their window to win a(nother) championship. The 6-2 finish to Pittsburgh's year was more indicative of their talent base than their 2-6 start.
The argument got me thinking that it's time for some ridiculously early, meaningless, and arbitrary power rankings. Because everyone loves those. Let's start by unveiling my top ten before I head out of beautiful Stamford for the night. The rankings on based on how I think the teams will finish the season.
1. New England Patriots - Like I was going to pick anyone else? The Patriots could struggle early in the season because of all the new parts and a tough schedule, but should peak late in the year as usual.
2. San Diego Chargers - A season-long experiment in how much a head coach matters. The talent level is still the tops, and the division isn't nearly as strong.
3. Indianapolis Colts - The cornerbacks were replaceable, and the offense should run at peak form. The concern remains the run defense.
4. Philadelphia Eagles - Great organization, great quarterback, and promising lines on offense and defense gives Philly the best chance of any NFC team.
5. New Orleans Saints - Football Outsiders points out than an elite offense is far more predictable than counting on a defense to be great every year. And the Saints will have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - See my comment on the Saints.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers - Most of the talent on this team is in it's prime, and they are motivated to prove last year was a fluke.
8. Chicago Bears - Disrespect! The defense is unlikely to remain as dominant, and Rex Grossman is the worst starting quarterback for any contender.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Everything is in place but the passing game. We think this is the year Byron Leftwich makes good.
10. Baltimore Ravens - Three teams from the AFC North can't really finish the season among the best ten teams, but the roster deserves to be here.
Comments
Eagles best in the NFC? You need to lay off that crack you've been smoking. Are you serious?
Posted by: Chip | August 6, 2007 07:57 PM
Ok, so the Grossman thing I understand but the defense getting worse, they are mostly the same unit except they upgraded their DT and overall depth.
Posted by: Kip | August 6, 2007 10:02 PM
the bears gave away all of their backup safeties and are starting arch deluxe.
that makes the defense worse, and is certainly not better overall depth.
they lost a tackle and gained a tackle.
the rest of the defense is pretty much the same, and i don't expect them to be considerably worse.
but when your safeties are liabilities, it makes your defense increasingly susceptible to the big play.
Posted by: The Dox | August 6, 2007 10:22 PM
I think you forgot Denver. They are certainly better than Jacksonville and Pittsburgh and probably better than Baltimore and Cincy. I'd put them 4th best in the AFC behind New England, Indy and San Diego.
I also don't think New England is going to be the best team in football this season. I don't trust their aging defense and questionable recievers. The talent in the AFC is too great to give the Pats an automatic bid for the top spot based on past performance and head coach.
Posted by: Jacyln | August 7, 2007 01:26 AM
Good list, Greg.
I think the Bengals are way too high -- the defense is still subpar, and the offense won't be quite as explosive minus Chris Henry's playmaking ability.
For what it's worth, I agree with your take on the Steelers. They seemed to be playing much more like the real Steelers down the stretch last year.
I still think the Bears are the team to beat in the NFC, and I like the Jaguars a whole hell of a lot this year. I think they'll take the division from the Colts.
No Denver Broncos in the Top 10? Surprising.
My pick for the worst record in the NFL this season: Kansas City Chiefs.
Posted by: Chris Wesseling | August 7, 2007 01:30 AM
I agree with where the Bears are listed. Here's why:
- I think they caught a few teams by surprise last year
-Teams will be better prepared for Hester
- Due to their record last year they should have a tougher schedule this year
Posted by: Dave | August 7, 2007 06:03 AM
Please...will anyone ever give Seattle any credit. New defensive secondary to stop the big play issues they had. Deep Dline. Healthy Alexander. Best home field advantage. Holmgren...
Posted by: Verms | August 7, 2007 12:55 PM