The Actually Correct Pre-Season Power Rankings

1)Pats- What needs to be said? The team who won the super bowl goes out and wins the free agency battle with big name signings, makes great trades to bolster up pre-season injuries, and Gronk is healthy (right now). I don’t see an argument for any team who is better than the patriots on all three sides of the ball.

2)Falcons- while I may not think they are the most talented team out there, they have a Grand Canyon size chip on their shoulder. Matt Ryan should be launching the ball, the headed monster in the backfield lets loose, and the falcons come out this season mad as hell, converting that into w’s.

3)Seahawks- putting the Seahawks in the top 3 hurt almost as much as putting the giants in the top, well, 30 honestly, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Wilson looked in old for this offseason, and I think Thomas Rawls and Eddie Lacy, as well as Chris Carson provide enough of a 1-2 punch that you have to at least respect the run game. After getting Richardson to sure up that defensive line, that Seahawks defense is going to be a nightmare for every team they face.

4)Steelers- I am big big big on the Steelers this year. The offense weapons are at Big Bens disposal, and he is going to use them. The defense isn’t the best, but with the addition of Joe Haden that secondary becomes a little better, the have a good mix of young and veteran players, and honestly I’m too afraid of James Harrison to keep them out of the top 5.

5)Packers- The packers are an interesting story for me. With the addition of Martelus Bennett gives Rodgers a nice option. Their running game is up in the air, but honestly, do they need it? I think the biggest question mark for them is health. The offensive line, secondary and linebacker spots are decent enough to keep them in games and let the strengths of your team win them. If you see a few injuries to those spots, the depth may not be there.

6)Chargers- The chargers are another team who, if they can avoid injury, who I like a lot. Phillip Rivers has some very interesting weapons and if healthy, that chargers offensive can be explosive. Hunter Henry, Keenan Allen, and Melvin Gordon provide some young life and studs like Joey Bosa and Jason Verrett on the defensive side I think will have Los Angeles excited football.

7)Raiders- The Raiders. As excited as I am the about the young talent they bring to the table, I am pessimistically waiting for a slump from somebody. Can Carr keep up the pace even after getting paid? Can Cooper keep showing the brightness he has? Does Lynch have it in him? Can their secondary keep them from getting into shoot-outs? While my heart wants to say yes, my mind is telling me the answer to ALL those questions can’t be yes. I like the raiders this year, do not love them.

8)Giants-Tragically, I’m having trouble seeing flaws on this team. A stellar receiver core and veteran quarterback, along with a defense where everywhere you look is playmakers and game changers. The offensive line and ghostly running game are the only things holding this team back. If Eli can stay upright and make good decisions, this team could make a push to be playing meaningful football late in the season.

9)Cowboys – The boys are back towards the top, and the division will be interesting. Zeke is what hangs this team at 9. If he sues and plays 16 games, I think they can move up. But as of this time, the suspension is upheld and he will be out a third of the season. With that said, Dak plays pretty close to mistake free football and behind that offensive line I think Stephen A. Smith could get 80 yards a game. The corners for the boys have to step up, and if they can put pressure on the quarterback and no easy options for him to get the ball to, this team could be even scarier with a year of experience for that rookie tandem.

10)Chiefs-The chiefs are another interesting team. Kareem Hunt is going to have to step and step up into that starter role. Tyreek Hill has to prove that he has more than just speed in his bag, and the defense is already banged up. But the potential of this team is very high. With 1st rounder Maholmes behind Smith, he could come out guns blazing trying not to lose another starting job. Watch out for Chris Conley, who I expect to have a breakout season.

11)Cardinals- Carson Palmer and Larry Fitz just can’t get enough. Those veterans, along with some young studs like Johnson and John Brown could make that offense no joke. The defense had some great players but I’m not convinced that they can be an elite unit. While this team is good, I don’t see them as great, and that keeps them out of the top 10.

12)Buccaneers- The Bucs have all the tools to be a great team, minus the chemistry. Mike Williams can get some help with Desean Jackson, and the defense was solidified over the offseason and as of late with ward. Martin missing the start of the season will hurt. I think this team will be very good this year, and very scary next.

13)Ravens- I think the Ravens could surprise a lot of people this year. They are out of the lime light after the ray rice tragedy, Flacco has some studs that can get down the field and catch those long balls, rushers who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield, and a very strong defense. If this team figures it out and can play as a cohesive unit, they can turn some heads.

14)Texans- the Texans proved to be one of the elite defenses in the league last year without J.J. After the terrible events in Houston and the rest of the south, this team will be playing for something bigger than most cities. If Savage or Watson can take the reins and run with those weapons the offense has, they could make a run. If quarterback play becomes an issue and the offense can’t gel, it could be another quick out for the Texans.

15)Titans- Mariota is proving that he could be just as good if not better than Winston. The addition of veteran Eric Decker and rookie Corey Davis will give him some more talent on the outside, and two good backs make this team legit. I think the run defense of this team is going to be stellar, but can they defend the pass?

16)Saints- Even with a weaker defense, Drew Brees has shown us time and time again he will score as many points needed to win. 20? You got it. 40? Love to. No Cooks is tough, but emerging receiver Michael Thomas could step in. If AP is of old form as well, this team could be a defenses nightmare.

17)Vikings- on the exact flipside of the coin, the Vikings defense has proven it is towards the top in the league. They fly to the ball and have the youth to do so continuously through the game. Sam “Badford” is my biggest issue. I can’t and won’t trust him to lead a team through the season and into the playoffs, especially one with limited resources at the offensive skill position. A good, not great year for the Vikings.

18)Eagles- I am very high on this Eagles team and earlier in the season predicted them to win the division. I am still believing that, while not having them that high on my list. I am concerned about the secondary and the health of this team. If the offensive line can stay healthy and keep Wentz off the turf, and the defense can play with less mistakes, then this team can be very special. They have multiple players with something to prove this year. If they ball out and live to the potential, very dangerous. If they flop, enjoy the playoff view from the couch Philly.

19)Panthers- I may catch some heat for having the panthers so low, but I’m not sold on their team as unit. I see too many questions on this team to rank them higher than this. I’m not seeing a great pass rush or collective unit of guys who can cover. I don’t see a deep threat for Cam, and I wonder how long Greg Olsen can achieve at the level he has. Love Keuchly, love Cam, loved McCaffrey in college and I think he will be a large asset for this team, don’t know about the rest of team.

20)Lions- Stafford proves that he is an elite quarterback. To somebody I guess because I don’t know how he got that contract. I don’t see this Lions team achieving to a high level. He doesn’t have the top notch receivers, although he does have a nice core of them. The running issues concern me and health of the o-line has already proven to be under question. Up the middle it’ll be tough to run, but if they can’t get pressure to the quarterback their secondary could be torched. A lot.

21)Dolphins- I don’t think the Dolphins will suffer too much with the injury at quarterback. I’m not a Tannehill fan, and what does Jay Cutler have to lose? His reputation? His career? His pride? That is all long gone. Jay can go out there and do what he does best; sling the ball and not give a shit. Fast receivers and a good running attack from Ajayi as well as a defense who did not live up to the expectations last year and a division they could easily go 4-2 in, I think this Dolphins team could surprise.

22)Broncos- While a defensive powerhouse, the offense leave me wondering how long they can manage. Von miller is obviously a stud, but Barrett has to feed off that now. They are already a little banged up, and the loss of ward and his energy will bring that defense slightly. Trevor Siemian isn’t the answer and neither is Brock. While they might be able to keep you afloat, they aren’t winning you games, and I’m afraid of a mediocre season for this team.

23)Redskins- the redskins lost some key layers this offseason and Kirk is not the happiest player on the team. He may ball out for a contract, or he may be distracted and unfamiliar with his new weapons. The defense is nice on the back end, but will they be able to get pressure on the qb and stop the run?

24) Rams – The rams have enough potential on their team to make some noise, and enough questions to finish in the bottom of the league. While the addition of Sammy Watkins looks nice on paper, I’m not sure how his style will mesh with the ram’s game plan. Goff has to prove his worth and competency, and the defense needs to prove they are more than the amazing Donald.

25)Bengals- while the Bengals are extremely talented, I don’t know why this team hasn’t been able to pull it together. They addressed the defense in the draft and hopefully will be enough help to great pressure on the qb and not expose the lack luster secondary. Will this be the year the Bengals get back to the playoffs, or will they have to find a new scapegoat.

26)Colts- The messy, messy colts. While having a fantastic quarterback helps, and a playmaker like Hilton, the rest of the team concerns me. The offense line needs help, Frank Gore can only run for so long (right?) and the defense isn’t good enough in any aspect to cause concern.

27)Bills- The Bills have admitted to tanking and looking to the future. Tough do with a running back like shady and some of the playmakers they have on defense and offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bills try and move a few more pieces as the year goes on. Their defense may be on its way to an above average year with the defensive minded new head coach.

28) Browns- The browns could be decent this year. Kizer will have a few weapons and a decent offensive line. I think this team out of any, minus maybe the Texans, is the most ready to start their rookie qb with a shot at success. Haden leaving the defense hurts, but it has some young playmakers who could impact the game. They aren’t there yet, but this could be the year the browns start to turn it around.

29)49ers- With a team full of young potential the 49ers are not playing for the 2017 season. I think they can prove that they will be ready for the future this year, but I’m not expecting any highlights for the 9ers, unless they are on the wrong side of the clip.

30)Jags- This team is a big question too. While it has some of the tools, I don’t think Blake Bortles has it any more. His mechanics look off, he doesn’t look confident, and I can’t get behind a team led by him. Some nice wr’s and fournette might be able to lift him slightly, but I don’t think this team does anything serious this year

31)Bears – The Bears were hurt with losing their top receiver Meredith to injury and Alshon Jeffrey to free agency. Mike Glennon will start the losing for the bears this season, and I would let him for as long as I can. Save Trubisky for when he has a chance to win games. There front seven is decent, but I don’t think this team can win games on a consistent level.

32)Jets- The Jets proved to us all that they don’t give two shits about this season by trading away Sheldon Richardson. Love the move of naming Josh McCown as the starter a proven and reliable leader who has proven he can lead you to the 1st pick. If the Jets win more than 3 games I will be shocked.