On the heels of my Dolphins preview, I will now list my team rankings, by division, and a short explanation why I think they're at that spot. No records, just rankings.
Ready?
Go!
AFCEast
1. New England Patriots - Until proven otherwise, they are still the class of the division. A sub par running game, and an unhappy Randy Moss could knock them from the top spot. But, it's always hard to go against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, as much as it hurts to say.
2. Miami Dolphins - As stated in my Dolphins preview, this season will heavily depend on Chad Henne's right arm, and the play of a young, but talented defense. If the R & R Express has a full head of steam as well, they could make a case for the East title. They could just as easily fall to 3rd as they could push for first. (read my previous blog post for a more in depth Dolphins preview, http://steamingpileofsports.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-take-on-upcoming-miami-dophins.html)
3. New York Jets - As much as it pains me to say it, the Jets and the Dolphins could very well be interchangeable. The race for the division could be a tight one with the top 3. The Jets may even have the most talented roster on paper (insert puking sound here). With the #1 defense, and a strong running game in place, again a young QB, Mark Sanchez is the key to their success.
4. Buffalo Bills - Well well well. It's lonely at the bottom, and the Bills have been there for what seems like a decade. New coach Chan Gailey hopes to succeed where Dick Jauron could not. It seems as though Buffalo has had some promising young talent for years. They've just not been able to put it together. Quarterback Trent Edwards may be on a short leash this year, and a player to watch will be rookie C. J. Spiller.
West
1. San Diego Chargers - Phillip Rivers is an elite QB now. The running game should still be okay with rookie, Ryan Mathews, and Darren Sproles coming in to steal some carries. Shawne Merriman's health, and the play of the secondary will be the achille's heel of this team. Merriman may even be traded this year. Nonetheless, they are the best of the west.
2. Denver Broncos - Could it be "touchdown Jesus! (Tebow)" in Denver this year? Not if Kyle Orton performs as he did in the preseason. Although I believe we will see Tebow play a bit this year, and I think he'll be successful. The biggest concerns are injuries to their runningbacks, who's gonna fill Brandon Marshall's shoes, and the loss of sackmaster Elvis Dumervil for the year. Defense will still be strong enough to carry them to 2nd in the division.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Quick, name one Chiefs player that didn't used to play for Miami (Chris Chambers), or Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel? That's it right? Don't worry, I had to look it up as well. After reviewing the roster there are some interesting pieces in place. Thomas Jones is a proven NFL running back, and the WR's are the strongest point of this team. The defense will resemble something like wet facial tissue this year, but the offense may creep up on some teams.
4. Oakland Raiders - The NFL is a better place when the Raiders are good. The only reason I put them last is because it seems that even with talent, they haven't been able to get it done. They have a tremendous amount of young potential on offense, but are relying on Jason Campbell to throw passes, who has proven to be mediocre to this point. They may have been big winners at this year's draft, but that won't show this year. Lastly, Al Davis just needs to step aside. He's been hurting this team's progress for years. The game may have passed him by.
North
1. Baltimore Ravens - This team is loaded on offense. Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, T. J. Houshmanzadeh, Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and on and on. If Joe Flacco doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year, he should quit the NFL. On defense, as long as Ray Lewis can breathe he's the anchor of a dangerous unit. They should easily win this division.
2. Cincinnati Bengals - This team is going to be a traveling circus. When Chad Johnson (yes, I called him Johnson, THAT"S HIS NAME!), and Terrell Owens roll in to town, you know it's gonna be fun. Lost in all the firepower of the Carson Palmer lead offense, is a returning top 5 defense, and all in all one dangerous team. It will be a tight race with Baltimore for first place.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers - Big Ben will miss 4 - 6 games to start the year. Leaving them with Byron Leftwich, and Dennis Dixon. Who? Exactly! Steelers may surge lat, but it won't be enough this year, with the Bengals, and the Ravens in this division.
4. Cleveland Browns - Like the Raiders, the NFL is a better place when the Browns are good. If these rankings were based on fans, they would be in first place. Unfortunately, they are a rebuilding franchise, with Mike Holmgren taking over the football operations this year. They have a veteran QB on the backside of his career, but rookie Colt McCoy may benefit from Jake Delhomme's experience in the long run. This is a 2-3 year project to get to 8-8 for this club.
South
1. Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning. Enough said.
2. Houston Texans - I think the Texans take a giant step forward this year. Matt Schaub was at the top in passing yards last year, and has one of the best receivers in football at his disposal. A solid defense, and an average running game carry Houston to the playoffs this year, but are no mach for the Colts.
3. Tennessee Titans - Arguably this best halfback in football last season, even Chris Johnson can't make up for below average QB play. Vince Young can, and will win games. But he is more of an athlete than a QB. I just think that the Texans could be a more complete team at this point. But we'll see, won't we.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - This is a make or brake year for coach Jack Del Rio. Sadly, I see them finishing last, and he'll be shown the door. They'll be exciting at times, but not good enough. This team will be in L.A. soon.
NFC
East
1. Philadelphia Eagles - With quite possibly the most well rounded set of skill position players, newly crowned QB Kevin Kolb will lead this top to the division crown. Hopefully they appreciate him more than they did Donovan McNabb.
2. Dallas Cowboys - Until Tony Romo prove otherwise, this team will always be in second place. In a QB starved league, if he under performs, he will probably keep his job, and Wade Phillips will be fired. They can challenge the Eagles, but I feel are just not as good overall.
3. New York Giants - Coach Tom Coughlin is another one on the hot seat. If the Giants finish where I think they will, he'll be out. The pass rush has not been the same since Michael Strahan retired.Tthe 3 headed monster at running back failed to produce, and Eli Manning has fallen back to his erratic play. If they fire on all cylinders, they could be the spoilers of the division.
4. Washington Redskins - Team chemistry is already a problem, with coach Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb (who is already hurting by the way) disagreeing publicly on the Albert Haynesworth situation. The combination of Clinton Portis, and Larry Johnson will be formidable, but the pass attack lacks a true threat. I want the Redskins to do well, but they don't have the juice to keep up in this the NFC East.
West
1. San Fransisco 49ers - The 49ers are poised to return to the playoffs this year. Frank Gore is one of the top 3 runningbacks in the NFL, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will provide Alex Smith with some potent weapons downfield. Defensive guru Mike Singletary will have his defense ready again, and finally earn the elusive division title. This franchise deserves it.
2. Seattle Seahawks - In his 1st season, Pete Carroll gets the luxury of falling in to 2nd place in the NFL's worst division. Matt Hasselbeck is still a good QB, but hasn't finished a season in a couple years. Aside from that, not much else to this team. A decent defense will keep them in games.
3. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford could be for real. He showed some flashes in the preseason, so we'll see if it translates to the real games. An All-Pro running game is already in place with Steven Jackson, let's just hope he hasn't been burnt out by carrying this horrible team over the last few years.
4. Arizona Cardinals - This team went from the best to a mess in just 1 offseason. Both of the top 2 quarterbacks from last year are gone, along with Anquan Boldin. They lost their top 2 defensive players as well. Too many holes on both sides of the ball will leave the Cardinals in the cellar.
North
1. Green Bay Packers - Aaron Rogers has been nothing short of spectacular since taking the reins from Brett Favre. Backed by a solid running game, and a headhunting defense, they should be just about unstoppable this year.
2. Minnesota Vikings - Brett Favre has proven that even pushing 40, he makes you an instant contender. Adrian Peterson in the backfield is as dangerous as anyone. But questions at the wide receiver position could doom them. They traded for former Dolphin Greg Camarillo, who we all know will NOT drop a pass, but won't break any big plays any time soon. They stand firmly in 2nd in this division.
3. Chicago Bears - Which Jay Cutler will show up? Can Brian Urlacher play this entire season? Will the 2008 version of Matt Forte show up? Can Devin Hester be a real wide receiver? Tons of talent, but tons of questions plague this team. If they hold it together, they can give this division a run for their money. They could sneak up on some people this year, and could crash the NFC North party. Until proven otherwise, this is where they stay.
4. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford needs to take another step this year. They have an above average runningback, Kevin Smith, and one of the best young receivers, Calvin Johnson, in the NFL. But it will take more than that to climb out of the bottom of the barrel. The defense is essentially nameless, so we'll wait to see if there are any worth remembering by season's end.
South
1. New Orleans Saints - The defending champs are gonna be hard to beat again. With a rare combination of heart that matches their talent, it will be hard to bet against them. The main question is the off field distractions for Reggie Bush. If his head isn't in it, he may have an off year. Luckily, I don't think he really cares, so they should be just fine.
2. Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons are the only threat to the Saints in this division. Matt Ryan is a proven, winning NFL QB, and Michael Turner is a game changing runningback. The defense could be a weak spot this year, but they do have a good pass rush, which could mask some of the deficiencies. I still have them firmly in 2nd place though.
3. Carolina Panthers - Matt Moore will start the season at QB most likely, but look for Jimmy Clausen to take over, and provide some hop for the years to come about mid season. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will provide a dangerous ground game, and I think they will show enough to save coach John Fox's job, at least for one more year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Fitting that we end in Tampa. They will be the worst team in football this year. Hard to believe this is the same team that Jon Gruden and Tony Dungy enjoyed so much success with. Cadillac Williams is the only notable offensive player, and hasn't proved to be durable yet. Ronde Barber, the team's best defender, is on his way out, and I can't for the life of me think of 1 more good thing to write about this team, even after reading the depth chart. Tough time in the bay this year.
FIRST COACH TO BE FIRED
Jack Del Rio - Jacksonville
NFL MVP
Aaron Rogers, QB - Green Bay Packers
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Chris Johnson, RB - Tennessee Titans
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Vontae Davis, CB - Miami Dolphins
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Ryan Mathews, RB - San Diego Chargers
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE - New York Giants
MY SUPER BOWL PICK
We go old school this year in Dallas. I think it will be the Green Bay Packers over the Indianapolis Colts in an offensive shootout. Maybe even a record setting total points scored.
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