Post Pre-Season Rankings
Disclaimer: These are NOT professional opinions and are the
author’s sole opinions of each team. While they aren’t professional, there has
been some heavy thought, analysis, and research put into these rankings. Feel
free to comment whether you agree or disagree. I’m always willing to listen to
what others have to say.
IT’S HERE! The 2015-2016 NFL season is finally upon us and
this year couldn’t be more exciting with tons of teams having revamped for the
season and every single one thinking they have a chance at the Super Bowl. Well,
I’m here to crush those hopes and dreams (not really) with these rankings...
Essentially, theses rankings are just going to show the teams that are
strongest heading into the season. That doesn’t mean the titans won’t fall or
that the David’s won’t stand up to the Goliath’s but for now this is how each
team looks.
Another disclaimer: These rankings will change throughout
the season so don’t think they are set in stone because they aren’t.
1.
Green Bay Packers (same)
Yes, the Packers hold on to their throne at
No. 1 even with the loss of Jordy Nelson. Why? Aaron Rodgers. Enough said. The
only true loss the Packers have with Jordy Nelson gone is they won’t beat the
2013 Denver Broncos’ offensive records like everyone thought they would. That’s
all the Packers have lost. The Packers are still the NFC juggernaut to beat
along with Seattle and if all they lost was a chance at the record books and
not a chance at the Super Bowl, then they are set for the oncoming season.
2.
New England Patriots (same)
Tom Brady is back! The Patriots keep their
No. 2 spot because they are the reigning Super Bowl champs and the
Brady-Bellichick duo can never be counted out of anything. The secondary still
has many questions to be answered and Brady needs to figure out what he is
going to do on offense with his WR group having a plethora of injuries. That
won’t take Brady long though as he has a chip on his shoulder to show he can
win without any “Gate” nonsense thrown in his face. Watch out everyone, a
heated Brady is coming for you all.
3.
Indianapolis Colts (+2)
Andrew Luck is a wonder to watch. He is the
conductor of his offense and can orchestrate them as he pleases. The sky is the
limit for this Colt’s offense and Luck is ready to charge them forward into the
season. On the flip side of the team is the defense. As long as the defense can
keep the opposing offense from scoring more points than the high-octane Colts
offense, then nobody will stand in this team’s way for a deep playoff run.
4.
Seattle Seahawks (same)
Some could argue this is a little low but
when you look at how the starting offense has struggled in the pre-season, then
it’s really not low at all. The offensive line is the weakest link of this team,
which is dangerous for an offense that relies on a mobile quarterback and an
all-time bruiser of a running back. The Legion of Boom is the Legion of Boom
still but the loss of Dan Quinn (old DC) might hurt and nobody knows what’s
going on with Chancellor’s holdout. The Seahawks remain a favorite in the NFC
but there are questions as to whether they can remain No.1 or 2 team in the
NFC. If you ask me, Sherman and Carroll won’t accept anything but No. 1.
5.
Arizona Cardinals (-2)
The Cardinals are better than last year
already and they haven’t even played a single season game. So why are they
better? They are healthy. Palmer is back and the Cards D has all of their key
players back. The Cardinals offense is solid and Palmer has finally found is
stride at the ripe age of 35. The only concern I have for this team is how the
defense will fare without their beloved Todd Bowles (now HC of the Jets). Don’t
get me wrong, this defense will fly like last year but I’m not convinced it
will soar above and beyond like it did with Todd Bowles at the helm.
#StillANoFlyZone?
6.
Dallas Cowboys (+2)
Who dem Boys? Frankly, these Boys are the
best Boys we have seen in over 10 years. It seems like the reason they are
overlooked is because too many people have hatred towards them or think Tony
Romo is over-rated. In reality, Romo is a great QB (not elite) who could lead
his team to a Super Bowl with the right pieces in place and this year, he has
them. Dallas has a defense that can hold its own against any opponent and
Murray isn’t as huge of a loss to the offense as people are thinking. As long
as the RB committee that the Dallas offense has set up can keep pressure off of
Romo, then this Dallas team can start surprising people again this year. Last
year was no goof. That much I can tell you.
7.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-1)
I really don’t want to put the Steelers
this low as they are a top 5 team, but due to so many suspensions hurting them
early in the season, they aren’t a top 5 team heading into the season. Roethlisberger
and the Steelers Offense have a great test in Week 1 against the Patriots to
show whether or not they can handle playing without their star players. The
Patriots are also a great test to see if a young Steelers defense can outplay a
QB of Tom Brady’s level. This team will get better as the season goes on but
this is where they are as of right now.
8.
Denver Broncos (-1)
Denver is still the best in their division
for now but only the 4th best in the AFC. The biggest issue here is
still whether Manning can perform. He doesn’t have to perform like an MVP
anymore but he does need to avoid being a liability to his team or the Broncos
are in for a rough season. What’s juicy about this team though, is thinking of
the potential the defense has with Wade Philips as the new Defensive
coordinator. With the talent on the roster and his genius schemes, I won’t be
surprised if the Broncos are known for their defense more than their offense by
the end of the season.
9.
Philadelphia Eagles (+2)
If any team has as high of ceiling as the
Seahawks or Packers, its the Eagles. So why are they so low? Their roster’s
offensive core is built around Bradford, Murray, and Matthews; all of these
players are injury prone which is no bueno. However, if they stay healthy all
season, the sky is the limit for this speedy offense. Also, the defense has so
much talent that it could contend for top 3 honors this year. For now the
Eagles are looking like a boom or bust team. So far, they have a lot of boom
and no bust.
10. Baltimore
Ravens (same)
Pretty frustrating when your first round
pick isn’t even ready to play for the season yet. When looking at Baltimore,
the biggest questions are usually on offense and going into this season is no
different. Leaning on the ground game in a 60-40 ratio for run-pass play
calling is what this offense is designed to do. As long as OC Trestman can
utilize Forsett like he used to utilize Matt Forte in Chicago, then this
offense will soar like it did last year. After all, it did put up two 14-point
leads against the Super Bowl Champs. This offense is more potent than people
think as long as it follows the formula it’s designed to run by.
11. Detroit
Lions (+2)
You hear that sound off in the distance?
It’s Ameer Abullah pounding his way for another 30 yards in practice. Man, that
kid can run and he is starting to look like the answer the Lions have been
looking for at RB. If this holds to be true, the Lions will finally have a
balanced offensive attack that already had a ton of firepower. I’m still
wondering how much the Lions D is going to miss Suh. At least they got Ngata in
the offseason.
12. Kansas
City Chiefs (same)
I’m not buying all this speculation that
the Chiefs are going to beat the Broncos for the AFC West Crown. It’s very
possible but when I look at the two teams, I see two defenses that are equal in
strength and two offenses that are almost equal. The tiebreaker for the
offenses is that the Broncos have a better quarterback. Until Alex Smith, who
is better than just being a game manager, proves that he can outduel Manning,
Denver keeps their crown and Chiefs remain 2nd best.
13. Cincinnati
Bengals (-4)
Pretty big fall for the Bengals here. At
some point, Andy Dalton has to show up in big games or this may be his last
year. It may sound like a bad idea to get rid of a QB who has taken your team
to 5 playoff appearances but when you cant win those playoff games due to poor
quarterback play, something has to give. In this case, that something would be
the removal of Dalton. I’ve said it once and I will say it again, the Bengals
have a Super Bowl caliber roster......that is…..when Andy Dalton isn’t the
quarterback.
14. San
Diego Chargers (same)
Enough about this “Chargers moving to L.A.”
talk. Nobody should care about that right now because what should be talked
about is that Philip Rivers got an extension and is now ready to chase a Super
Bowl in his last few years while he still can. He is ready to guide his offense
into the post-season and he finally has a defense to support him for a playoff
run. Don’t sleep on the Chargers like everyone else is right now or it might
come back to nip you in the rear.
15. Miami
Dolphins (+2)
Want to know what’s crazy? People thinking
the Dolphins will beat the Patriots for the AFC East Crown. Want to know what’s
not crazy? People speculating they will make the playoffs. The Dolphins defense
is looking to become a surprise top 12 (maybe top 10?) defense and the gears
are finally syncing together on offense. This team is well rounded and balanced
which is all it needs to be to make the post-season. On a side note, here is a
random bold prediction for you: Tannehill throws for over 4,300 yards this
season. You’re welcome.
16. Minnesota
Vikings (+2)
To be honest, as much as I love the
Bridgewater and AP combination on offense, I’m not completely sold on the wide
receiver group just yet. Wallace is the No. 1 receiver but he doesn’t act or
play like one. I’m thinking he falls to No. 2 when Charles Johnson (heard of
him?) starts to outplay him as the season progresses. On the flip side of the coin, the Vikings D
will be the biggest key factor for the Vikings to reach their potential. Mike
Zimmer is defensive genius and he has had his system in place for a year now.
17. Buffalo
Bills (+2)
Welcome to being an NFL starter, Tyrod
Taylor. Yes, for those of you who read my last rankings, I admit that I was
wrong. Matt Cassel isn’t the starter like I thought he would be and it’s
actually for the better of this team that he isn’t the starter. Taylor
outplayed every other QB during the pre-season and deserves the starting job.
However, now he just needs to prove that he can be great in a regular season
game too. If he does prove that he is the QB of the future for the Bills, then
this team is dangerous. With Rex Ryan conducting a talented Bills Defense and a
fine-tuned Taylor guiding the offense, this team will reach its potential and
make the playoffs. That’s a lot of ifs and maybes though
18. Houston
Texans (-4)
Another team with a steep fall in the
rankings. The loss of Arian Foster hurts for a Texans offense that was already
lacking playmakers. If the Texans are lucky, the Brian Hoyer we saw in the
first half of last season will show up to carry a limp offense until Foster
comes back from injury. As for the defense, I REALLY want to see Jadeveon
Clowney combined with J.J. Watt. To the quarterbacks who face this Houston
defense this year, good luck. You’ll need it.
19. Carolina
Panthers (-3)
Losing Kelvin Benjamin is a huge blow to a
Panther’s offense that was already thin when it came to wide receiver. The
Panthers will be looking toward Newton and rookie WR David Funchess to carry
the load on offense now. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it’s not a good
thing either. Look for the Panthers D to do most of the heavy lifting. The goal
is to always win the division and when you play in a division as bad as the NFC
South, all you need is a decent offense and a dominant defense to win. The
Panthers have just that.
20. St
Louis Rams (+4)
A nice boost for these Rams if you ask me.
They get the nod here over the teams below simply because the Rams have a
defense that will stand up against the best offenses in the NFL. The defensive
line is a monster and will keep the Rams in games as long as the Rams offense
can function. Speaking of the offense, Foles still looks inconsistent. For Rams
fans, at least it’s better than watching your “franchise saving QB” fall to the
ground with a season ending injury every year.
21. New
York Giants (+1)
The Giants are a perfect example of how
opposites don’t attract. The offense is fantastic but the defense is terrible
and it doesn’t bode well for the Giants going into this season. It doesn’t help
when your best defensive player blows up his hand with fireworks in the
offseason and has to remove a finger either. It’s up to Manning, Beckham, and
Cruz to keep this team in games for now.
22. New
York Jets (-2)
The Jets are the exact opposite of the team
they share their stadium with; their offense is mediocre but their defense is
amazing. Todd Bowles masterful defensive schemes will keep the Jets
competitive. One can only hope that Fitzpatrick will bring some FitzMagic with
him to give a spark to the offense. When you have players like Eric Decker,
Brandon Marshall, and Chris Ivory on your offense as well, something has to
happen.
23. New
Orleans Saints (same)
This is one of the most intriguing teams to
look at this season. They have completely changed their identity on offense
from being a passing attack to a running attack. So why would you do that when
Drew Brees is your QB? The answer is simple. Brees always has thrived when the
running game has been relevant and Sean Payton knows this. With Payton’s
innovative offensive schemes and Brees finally having support again, the Saints
can finally go back to being a winning team.
24. Atlanta
Falcons (-3)
The trenches on both side of the ball are
the deciding factor of whether this team is successful or not. The pass rush
needs to get to the opposing quarterback and the offensive line needs to its
quarterback. There is talent on both sides of the ball but talent doesn’t
matter if it can’t be protected or utilized correctly, especially on defense.
Hopefully, HC Dan Quinn can turn things around. If not, it’s going to be another
miserable season for Falcons fans this year.
25. San
Francisco 49ers (+1)
No team went through a more unfortunate and
dramatic offseason that the 49ers. With so many veterans retiring and Jim
Harbaugh gone, this team is barely recognizable. However, not everything to be
said about this team is negative. Don’t believe me? Go watch some highlights of
Jarryd Hayne and Carlos Hyde. They look to be the playmakers on the team this
year. If only some consistent QB play could come as well; that would be
immensely helpful.
26. Chicago
Bears (-1)
At this point, it feels like the new
coaching staff and front office are just waiting for Cutler to leave so they can
start over. Nobody seems to be giving him a chance anymore and, frankly, I’m
not either. Yes, QBs can always have one good year but I think Cutler’s one
good year was when the Bears had over 10 wins a couple seasons ago. Cutler
holds this team back, Bears fans know it, I know, Packers fans know it, and so
does the coaching staff. We’ll see if he can finally prove us all wrong. There
is something to watch for on this Bears team and that’s to see if Alshon
Jeffrey can emerge as a No. 1 WR after Marshall’s departing. Hey, at least it’s
something positive to look for.
27. Oakland
Raiders (+1)
It must feel good to be a Raiders fan…or
somewhat good at the least. Watching Carr connect with rookie WR Amari Cooper
will be lots of fun to watch this year and the duo should finally give a spark
to what would otherwise be a dead offense. Right now, the Raiders aren’t going
to blow peoples’ minds (unless a 7-9 season from the Raiders blows your mind
then, hey, everyone has their own opinion) but watch as the tables start to
turn in the coming years. This is a young roster with tons of potential and the
Raiders are just starting to claw at that potential. Imagine how well these
players will play when they have matured and have a few years under their belt.
Be patient Raiders fans, your moment is coming sooner than later. But first,
your team has to show that they can reach that potential. If they don’t, then
you are starting back at square one…again.
28. Jacksonville
Jaguars (+2)
It’s hard to be optimistic about a lower
team that is finally piecing together a solid roster yet plays with the Colts
in their division. The plus side to being in AFC South is the Jaguars aren’t
the worst in the division but that’s not much to brag about. HC Gus Bradley
needs to get this defense finally rolling or the Jaguars won’t be doing much.
As for the offensive side of the ball, Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, and T.J.
Yeldon look very promising as playmakers this year. If only the Jaguars had
solved their offensive line troubles. Godspeed Blake Bortles. Godspeed I
wouldn’t want to be playing behind that line either.
29. Washington
Redskins (-2)
I have no clue what’s going on inside Coach
Jay Gruden’s head. It seems as if he wanted Kirk Cousins to win the job all
along and then finally gave Cousins the starting job two weeks before they face
the Dolphins. What’s scary about this situation, is that two weeks isn’t enough
time with the starts for Cousins to make himself look like he deserved the job.
The plus for Cousins though is that his teammates fully support him and are
saying he is the leader they needed. That’s a step in the right direction,
Washington. Now don’t trail off that path… or mention RG3.
#stayawayfromthedrama
30. Cleveland
Browns (same)
The Browns are this low because their
starting QB isn’t better than the ones listed above and their back up QB Johnny
Manziel is having elbow problems. It doesn’t help that the offense doesn’t have
even a shred of playmaking ability. Browns DC Jim O’ Neill will have to work
hard to create top-notch defense to make up for the heavily flawed offense. If
not, the Browns will be the “easy win” on everyone’s schedule this season.
31. Tampa
Bay Buccaneers (+1)
It’s going to be a rocky season for this
Bucs team but that’s to be expected when your starting quarterback is a rookie.
From the looks of it, the offense will come and go as Jameis Winston does, that
is, unless Doug Martin comes back exploding onto the scene. I don’t see that
happening though with the offensive line being so damn horrible. I’m still
wondering why the Bucs didn’t make the offensive line a priority this
offseason. Guess we’ll find out.
32. Tennessee
Titans (-1)
The Titans are last because their roster
isn’t exactly eye opening. Yes, they have Marcus Mariota, but what else do they
have? The defense is average on its best days and Mariota doesn’t have a
running game to support him yet. With all of that in mind, the Titans are last
right now. However, they do have the ability to change their fortunes and their
ranking. They aren’t doomed. After all, it’s only the beginning of the season.
Things always change!
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