The preseason is already underway, with backups fighting to usurp the big names and starters while the undrafted rookies are just hoping to land a spot amongst 53 for chance to say they are an NFL player. But hey, football is back. Whether we like it or not, the big guns are going to be pumping out "power rankings" in force. So why not create some of our own?
So why not one-up them and make our very own? Brandon (Brick Top), Douglas (Douglas M) and 3k join me (Eric) in posting their very own rankings. Hit the jump to check out where we think the league stands! Raiders in the top ten? What!?
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Team |
Doug M |
ram_rod |
Brick Top |
3k |
Average |
Say What? |
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2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Talent wise, this team could be anywhere in the Top 10. They have a great defense, and while they lost a few players, this statement is still true. Great QB? True. This team has the best home field advantage in the NFL, which gives them at least a .500 season before they play a single down this year. -Douglas |
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1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
There is a core to this team that is undeniable. No matter where you fall as an NFL fan, it is hard to deny future HOF QB Tom Brady his due. It's time for that grudging shake of the head or kicking the dirt to acknowledge this team exists at the very top of the NFL- Douglas |
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3 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
The Falcon's front office believes they are at the point of dotting the "I-s" and crossing the "T-s". QB Matt Ryan has all the physical tools and is as bright as they come. But there have been a number of teams in the past who were crowned in the pre-season, only then to fail because they believed their own hype (see: Cowboys). -Douglas |
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5 |
5 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
How often do you hear the phrase "Now or Never?" This former SB championship team has a great core of players, but they are getting long in the tooth. If the Saints acquire any more RB's, they can change their name to USC. It's time to look at the whole picture, or lower power ratings will be the least of your worries. -Douglas |
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7 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
Like every season, they could very well wind up on the top of the NFL by the end of the year. But one thing I've learned about the Steelers over the years is you never know when they will become a team in need of rebuilding. -Douglas |
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4 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
The Jets have the talent to win it all even with the losses they suffered this year through free agency. My biggest doubt about a team like the Jets is they are fueled by emotion. Teams like this have a tendency to burn out. -Douglas |
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8 |
10 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
Pay attention Eagles. You have officially been "Dream Team" hexed. Yes, you added some great players to an already good team. But don't be surprised if Lithuania beats you at the buzzer and every team stretches your pre-season notions of who everyone thought you could be. -Douglas |
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6 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
I wish that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed could be five years younger for this team. While their defense is still worthy of mention, it is on the edge of failing to be the dominant force it was only a few years ago. This is a team that will be there in the coming post season. - Douglas |
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11 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
9 |
The only question is if Peyton can stay healthy. If he can, the Colts are Super Bowl contenders. If he can't, they will probably have a top 5 pick. - Brandon |
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14 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
If only they weren't in the toughest division in football. They are very young and talented. Look for them to be a force, maybe sooner than later. - Brandon |
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12 |
9 |
13 |
13 |
11 |
Can they repeat the season they had last year? With the Chargers improving it's hard to see the Chiefs winning the division, even if they do improve. - Brandon |
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9 |
13 |
14 |
14 |
12 |
The Rams improvement last year was rewarded with the toughest schedule in the NFL. Did Stan Kroenke's dog make a mess on Commissioner Goodell's lawn, and this was the payback? QB Sam Bradford is now capable of leading his team against the very best the NFL has to offer. My prediction for their first game against the Eagles? Think Lithuania... - Douglas |
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18 |
16 |
9 |
8 |
13 |
Top offense and defense last year. If they improve their special teams play, they should win the AFC West and have a good shot in the playoffs. - Brandon |
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15 |
14 |
12 |
17 |
14 |
They made some improvements on the weakest point on the team, the O-Line. Now the question is can Jay Cutler improve? - Brandon |
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13 |
19 |
16 |
11 |
15 |
Will they or won't they? The Texans always seem hovering around .500. If they stay healthy, they might have a shot. If they don't, look for them to stick around this spot. - Eric |
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19 |
12 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
They lost some starters on the O-Line. This will hurt them early in the run game, which has defined this team the last few years. - Brandon |
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10 |
15 |
22 |
21 |
17 |
The Raiders team this year should scare quite a few teams. The problem they face is a big one: They are the Raiders. Can they get by this genetic flaw and win? Their coach, Hue Jackson, is the key and they may finally have the guy who can open the door to a winning season. - Douglas |
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17 |
17 |
19 |
15 |
18 |
This team can make some major waves if they break their 50 year funk. But can Stafford shake his fragile tag? - Eric |
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23 |
18 |
17 |
20 |
19 |
Romo is back and Jason Garrett, who did well last year as HC, is now entering his first full season. They have a lot of talent but don't mesh together. I'm expecting some more of the inconsistency that was seen last year. -Brandon |
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16 |
21 |
21 |
23 |
20 |
Remember when Tavaris Jackson played for the Vikings and had weapons like Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson? Oh wait, you don't. Let the second Whitehurst era begin. -Eric |
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22 |
24 |
20 |
18 |
21 |
If they get good QB play from McNabb, they will be a good team this year and if not they will have a very similar year to last year. They have all the talent you would like to see in a team. It's in McNabb's hands now. - Brandon |
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20 |
20 |
24 |
27 |
22 |
They drafted Blaine Gabbert but it's still a question if he will start the first game. Their defense, specifically the pass rush, will have to improve to take some pressure off the offense. - Brandon |
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26 |
29 |
18 |
19 |
23 |
A new HC and two new QB's are in. Time will tell if firing Jeff Fisher will pay off. If Peyton Manning isn't healthy, look for the Titans to take an advantage. - Brandon |
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24 |
25 |
23 |
26 |
24 |
If Kevin Kolb doesn't work out, I hear Brett Favre is waiting for a team to give him a call...-Eric |
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21 |
23 |
27 |
29 |
25 |
Wouldn't it be great if Pat Shurmur calls an all out aerial assault in week one? Of course, Peyton Hillis is more likely to have 30 draw plays...by the first half. -Eric |
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29 |
22 |
25 |
24 |
26 |
After all the rumors, Henne is still the QB. They brought in Reggie Bush and drafted Mike Pouncey to inject the offense with talent. Don't expect it to help much with the Pats and Jets in the division. -Brandon |
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30 |
28 |
26 |
22 |
27 |
Jim Harbaugh may be the super coach to everyone in the bay area, but I'll believe a successful team led by Alex Smith when I see it. -Eric |
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28 |
26 |
28 |
25 |
28 |
I'm going with them as my sleeper pick of the year. I think Kyle Orton is in a horrible situation, but they might just surprise some folks. -Eric |
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25 |
30 |
29 |
30 |
29 |
I wish I had something sarcastic and witty to say about Dan Snyder. But all I can come up with is that he's an overspending moron. What is the over/under on Shanahan giving a call to Elway, hoping he'll take the reins from Rexy after his seventh pick of the season (week two?) - Eric |
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27 |
27 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
They decided to play hardball with Palmer and instead of trading him he's retired. It's not looking good for the Bengals offense this year. - Brandon |
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31 |
31 |
31 |
28 |
31 |
DeAngelo Williams is back, the defense looks good and Cam Newton is in. But they still have a long way to go in the rebuilding process. -Brandon |
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32 |
32 |
30 |
32 |
32 |
Nothing seems to ever go right for this team. In such a tough division, you wonder how long until the whispers come through about bringing the NFL to Toronto. -Eric |
If you want to read more about our rankings, Douglas M went above and WAY beyond this week, so check out his entire rationale about why he put every team in their spot.