Preseason Power Rankings 08-09

Well, its a new NFL football season, and that means my preseason Power Rankings need to be released, so here we go. Just remember, when it comes to football I seem to know basically nothing, and that will show when a team like Oakland or Atlanta makes the playoffs, and I have them in the basement. Ah well, thats just how it goes.

32. Atlanta Falcons: As soon as they gave up on the Joey Harrington experience, I knew I had no choice to put them at 32. They are starting a rookie QB who I think is extremely overrated in BJ Ryan. They have, what I consider, a subpar running game, and their best WR is Roddy White (no offense to him, he's just not that great). The worst part, however, is that their defense doesn't make up for these weaknesses. This will be the second year in the Michael Vick recovery period, and who knows how long it will last. (Predicted Record: 2-14)

31. Oakland Raiders: I don't exactly know what to think about this team. I want to think that this is the year Oakland turns it around. However, Darren McFadden is surprisingly part of the reason why I don't think they will. They had a top 10 running back in the NFL last year in Justin Fargas, and suddenly he is second fiddle. He is the only good player on this Oakland team, and putting him on the sideline is going to hurt them greatly. Don't get me wrong, though.. McFadden is an amazing player, but he isn't Adrian Peterson and he doesn't have the Minnesota o-line, so don't expect that change to be immediate (Predicted Record: 4-12)

30. San Francisco 49ers: What a difference a single year makes. Last year this was the trendy pick for a team to make a massive improvement into the playoffs. This season, they are instead hyped as the bottom of the barrel of a somewhat strong NFC West (more like densely mediocre). Is it possible that this Frank Gore led team could land somewhere between great and horrible, of course. However, when nearly every NFL team has strengths, the 49ers just don't have enough of them to survive. (Predicted Record: 5-11)

29. Chicago Bears: I should only need to say one name to explain this position: Kyle Orton. They could have the single greatest defense every assembled (which they don't), and it wouldn't matter. This may be the worst offense I have seen in a long time, with a rookie RB, mediocre WR's, and an atrocious QB. The fact that this alone didn't put them at the very bottom just shows that their defense must be somewhat good. (Predicted Record: 4-12)

28. Houston Texans: Everyone believes this team is up and coming. They are an elite team with the future ahead of them. Everyone believes this... except me. Maybe its my natural hatred for Schaub (only because he replaced my boy Carr), or the fact that I believe an NFL team needs to have a RB on the roster. But yeah, don't fall into the hype. This is in no way an 8-8 team, and last year was an outlier. They will return back to normal soon enough, and be a team that only looks at the future. (Predicted Record: 4-12)

27. Buffalo Bills: Oh god, I better remember to lock my door at night. If there is one thing I have learned about Buffalo fans, is that for some bizarre reason they have crazy optimism (the exact opposite problem as Giants fans I know). Everywhere you go, you here that this is a great Bills team, a wildcard team, and the best defense ever. Well, while there defense has some strengths, their cornerbacks aren't anything special and their Linebacker crew is very overrated (in particular that schmo Paulozny). Also, I am not one of the people drinking the Edwards kool-aid, because I remember when we heard the exact same things about Loss-man. Lynch is amazing, I don't want underemphasis that (although I don't like him as a person, thanks to that hit and run joke). Ah well, just don't get your hopes up to high Bills fan, because then it will be more painful. (Predicted Record: 6-10)

26. Kansas City Chiefs: Hold on while I look up the QB of this team... No, I seriously had to look it up because the Chiefs are just that far off my radar. It seems its Brody Croyle, a player who I know nothing about, headlining a team I know nothing about. I know they have Larry Johnson though, and if hes healthy that makes them better than these six teams below them. I also know they traded their best defensive player, so that can't help. So yeah, in the end, I am just throwing the Chiefs here because right now I just know so little about them (Predicted Record: 5-11)

25. Detroit Lions: Dear lord, how can a young up and coming team be starting Jon Kitna. They have my boy still as the backup... Let Orlovsky play. I had a Madden season once when he started, and he was amazing (ok, so what if that means nothing in the real world?) But yeah, on to actual reasons for why the Lions won't improve too much. They have a decent defense, nothing to scoff at, but overly cheer for either. WR wise, they have one of the most underrated WR (Roy Williams) and one of the most overrated WR's (Calvin Johnson), so I don't know how to handle that. My big problem with the Lions, however, that they could end up running a 3-back system, and that is just one too many. Picking up Rudi Johnson could be a great decision, or one that backfires horribly. It will probably be the second case, only because of the Lions recent post Barry Sanders history. (Predicted Record: 5-11)

24. Tennessee Titans: The fact that this was a playoff team last year still amazes me. Their roster really hasn't gotten weaker sense that playoff appearance, and yet this team still does not like like an 8 win team. At no single position am I impressed, except for Kicker, and well great kicker does NOT equal playoff team. Maybe this team will amaze again, but as an Indy fan I am not at all afraid of this Titans team, and I expect them to fall back down to earth this season, as I am sure that last season must've had some heavenly intervention for them to even make it to the postseason. (Predicted Record: 6-10)

23. Miami Dolphins: Maybe this a little too high, and maybe Buffalo fans will get even more outraged when I have them at the bottom of the division. But I think Miami is moving in the right direction. I love their 65-35 system of Ronnie Brown (maybe the most underrated RB if he is healthy) and the return of Ricky Williams. They have a smart QB who will utilize the field in Chad Pennington, and their defense took a hit with Taylor's departure, they still have a decent secondary and linebackers. I expect this team to surprise a lot people, including the Jets week 1 (Predicted Record: 7-9)

22. Cleveland Browns: Derek Anderson is like a one night stand. Last season, everyone completely loved him, and he was an amazing player. This year, he is just like old news. Oh sure, you talk highly of them, but in truth you barely care. Anderson's night of being coveted is over, and now the love is gone. First, I'd like to thank you for reading that horrible metaphor, and realize that the Browns had one amazing season. Similar to the Titans they will fall back to earth and fast. Plus their RB's is like 80 in power runningback years, so I don't expect Jamal Lewis to stay healthy for long (Predicted Record: 6-10)

21. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers seem to be a popular pick to win the NFC South, and I am not actually sure why. They do seem to have a decent runningback tandem in Stewart and Williams, but nothing out of this world. Their QB is still the painfully mediocre Delhomme, and their lead WR can't keep out of trouble because of his anger problems. Their defense has Peppers and really not much else. In the weak South they should still do decent anyway, but playoffs... I find that very hard to believe (Predicted Record: 7-9)

20. New York Giants: This has to be the first team to go from Superbowl champion to anticipated to not make the playoffs. Everyone seems to just assume that the Giants are done, and I hate to be part of that belief. Losing Osi was the final straw, because you know Eli will return to form (after his godly playoff run). Their running game is deep, but without a true star. But they won the Superbowl because of their D-line, and with Strahan and Osi gone, that power is gone too. The final straw, is that the NFC East is the best division in football, and that will make it even more difficult for the Giants to survive. (Predicted Record: 7-9)

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Similar to the Titans, I never had high expectations for the Bucs. I mean, they slipped into the playoffs without a single top 10 talent at any position. That is a great sign of coaching and team effort, and that should remain with the Bucs this season. However, I don't think they will actually reach the postseason this time around, but they shouldn't be an embarrassment either. (Predicted Record: 7-9)

18. Arizona Cardinals: For a change, I tried to not overrate the Cardinals, which I very commonly do. They are my favorite NFC team, but I will try and not let that cloud my judgment. The fact is, at key positions, they have old (but experienced) players, and that is a two edge sword. If Warner and James can play up to par, this could be a great team. They have the best WR duo in the NFL if Boldin can somehow remain happy, and you can't ignore that, along with a pretty decent defense. I just am not prepared to jump on the bandwagon too soon, because I have been known to do so. (Predicted Record: 8-8)

17. New York Jets: The Bret Favre experience. I do think adding him helps the Jets, because it makes teams more afraid of the passing game. However, I just don't know if they have the running game to take advantage of that, and if Mangini is a smart enough coach to use Favre wisely as a diversion. No matter what the Jets do this season, they will be compared to the Packers because of the Favre decision, and likely they won't compare too greatly. (Predicted Record: 8-8)

16. Cincinnati Bengals: For a few years, the Bengals were an extremely trendy pick. They have a potent offense, although one that has been made a lot weaker with the departure of Rudi Johnson. Their defense is in the Indianapolis mold of being fast and making turnovers, and as Indy showed the league it takes a few years for that to completely come together. However, the division is just too tough for that to happen right away, although you never know if they pull together a few early season divisional wins. (Predicted Record: 8-8)

15. Seattle Seahawks: This is a team that on paper never looks good. Many consider Hasslebeck a terrible QB, yet he puts up wins. The same goes for what always looks like a bad receiving core, and an unconventional defense. The fact is, however, that this team always seems to win the division, no matter how good the challenging teams are. Its not a long shot to say that Seattle will do it again, except I don't think they will. However, I wouldn't underestimate them either, because that is exactly what the Seahawks play off of. (Predicted Record: 8-8)

14. Greenbay Packers: Just barely outside of the playoffs, Greenbay is getting way too much press for not being that good. The main issue I have is the Ryan Grant love. The only reason he was that successful last season, is because teams were putting 7 men in coverage to stop Favre, and because the run game was weak at the beginning of the year. Now teams will be planning on shutting down Grant (Because Rogers doesn't scare anyone), and I expect he won't even reach a thousand yards total. Maybe I am wrong, but I just don't love this Rogers-Grant combo, and I think that is what will keep them out of the playoffs. (Predicted Record: 9-7)

13. Washington Redskins (*Wild Card): My first playoff team on the list, I feel that the Redskins are about as good as they were last season. A team that has a complete roster from top to bottom with little overall weakness. The biggest problem for the Redskins will be the division, which is strong from top to bottom so they are going to need to get wins in any way possible. However, I think they will pull through, although by the thinnest of margins (Predicted Record: 9-7)

12. Baltimore Ravens: Here is where my inconsistencies show. While I criticized Atlanta for using a rookie QB, I am much more forgiving towards the Flacco-led Ravens. It might be because after Brohm, Flacco is the QB I was most impressed with coming into the NFL (although Henne is looking good for Miami), and I don't think Flacco will need to do near as much as Ryan. In the end, I am probably extremely over estimating the Ravens, and they are actually a three win team, but whats a Don Wisniewski preview without some outrageous reaches (Predicted Record: 9-7)

11. New Orleans Saints (*Division champ): And here is my worst team that will end up winning a division. I think the Saints will rebound this season, because they do have talent in place as long as Deuce stays healthy. The key with the Saints is that Bush is only effective if hes not the main ball carrier. He never did that in USC, and he will never be that successful in the NFL (unlike Mario Williams). However, in a split back system he isn't too bad and with Drew Brees leading the helm, the Saints should not be that terrible. The NFC South is the snooze division, but the Saints will come out on top. (Predicted Record: 10-6)

10. St.Louis Rams (*Division champ): Ok, lets take a moment so you can catch your breath from laughing. Yes, I realize that they only own 4 games last season, and had the second overall pick in the draft. However, I also realize that they have a superb QB, a superb RB, and superb WR's. They also added Chris Long to a suspect defensive line, and their secondary is respectable. The entire fate of the St.Louis Rams lies on their one weakness, the o-line. I personally think they will become respectable this season, but if they don't then Bulger will not be the pro-bowl talent I expect him to be. (Predicted Record: 10-6)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (*Wild Card): I love how I have a little run of NFC teams here. It seems that the worst playoff teams are in the NFC, as I have already shown 4 NFC playoff teams, and zero AFC playoff teams. The NFC might be deeper than the AFC, but when it comes to the top they aren't even close to the AFC. Anyway, the Eagles have one of the top 5 players in the entire NFL, and its one who is quiet, respectful, and cares more about winning then himself. This pick is entirely behind Westbrook, as he is an absolute superstar. They may not end up being as good as Dallas, but I would not rule that out. (Predicted Record: 10-6)

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (*Wild Card): The worst AFC playoff team. A lot of people think this is the year Jacksonville will jump Indy in the division. That is just absolute crazy talk. However, you can't doubt them as a playoff team. They are fairly deep at every position, so injury problems shouldn't dishevel them like most teams, and there is no huge weakness. When it comes to a dual-back system, as long Taylor stays healthy it is one of the best. However, while they are deep in every position, there is not a lot of dominant players on this team. There are few of Pro-bowl caliber, and that may come to haunt them when they need a big play. (Predicted Record: 10-6)

7. Denver Broncos (*Wild Card): Similar to my Rams prediction, this one seems completely unfounded. In some ways, its an attempt to forgive myself for having them as the single best NFL team last year in the preseason. The team is basically the same as last year, besides the RB position, so it really isn't a push for me to make them a playoff team. They have a superb QB in Jay Cutler, a sick cornerback crew led by Bailey and Bly, a decent o-line, and all that jazz. This should be a rebound year for them, but we will wait and see (Predicted Record: 10-6)

6. Dallas Cowboys (*First Round Bye): As we all know, I don't really like the Cowboys and I hate Tony Romo. But none of that matters when I make my power rankings. The fact is, Dallas is overall a pretty good regular season team. I expect they will win the division, but come playoff time don't be surprised if a team like St.Louis knocks them off as they just aren't a clutch team. (Predicted Record: 11-5)

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (*Division) The Steelers look pretty good, and are floating under the radar also. A strong dual back system along with Big Ben and a typical Steelers defense. In many ways last year was to set up for this year, and this year I expect to see Pittsburgh dominate once again. People are forgetting about this team, but I expect them to be around come playoff time. (Predicted Record: 10-6)

4. Minnesota Vikings (*Homefield Advantage): I am just one of those bandwagon jumpers. I like the set up for the Vikings on every position but one. My theory, however, is that Rex Grossman led a great Bears team, so why can't Jackson led an otherwise stacked Vikings team. They have one of the best pass rushes (on paper) and one of the best offensive lines. And if you have great lines, you have a great team. It's the number one rule (Predicted Record: 11-5)

3. New England Patriots (*Division): Now I made the mistake of making up the list before the O'Neil signing, but I just can't trust a team with no cornerbacks and a mediocre d-line. Its a given that the Patriots will put up points, but I don't imagine it will even come close to rivaling last season. The loss of Stallworth will mean teams will actually cover Wes Walker, and we all know Maroney is about as useful as a brick in the Patriots offense. Maybe I am trying to convince myself that this team is bad just for personal gratification, but I just am withholding judgment for awhile (Predicted Record: 12-4)

2. San Diego Chargers (*First Round Bye): A week ago this was my number one team. However, you can't underrate the loss of Shawn Merriman (or in this case the imminent loss of him trying to play through it). An injured Merriman keeps this team from the elite area. Also with Rivers and Gates banged up, this team is injured before the regular season has even begun. That will be the biggest challenge for the Chargers this season, staying healthy (Predicted Record: 12-4)

1. Indianapolis Colts (*Homefield Advantage): I hate having my favorite team on the top (never actually have before) but on paper I think they are the most complete team. Sanders and Freeney should be back by the regular season, and I am not too worried about Sanders producing immediately (he is the reigning defensive player of the year). It looks like the week 1 Sorgi nightmare won't occur, and Harrison is going to go haywire, as no one seems to be afraid of him anymore. My only worry is that for the first third of the season we won't have Saturday on Sundays (hahaha, I am so funny), but that is when Indy is best anyway, and Saturday will squeeze right in when he is healthy. Maybe I am overly optimistic, but I love the way Indy looks this year for change... or at least until the play the Chargers in the playoffs (Predicted Record: 13-3)