It’s hard to believe but the 2014 NFL season will kick off before we know it. With that said, I’ve got start thinking about getting my thoughts out there for this year. For today, I’m going to start with a basic power ranking of teams from 1-32. Later I’ll release the dates I’ll have the previews out. I think I will do it like I did my baseball preview where I’ll start from 32 and go all the down to number one over the next several weeks.
So without any further ado, let’s get this thing started.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars - No MJD, Rookie QB, Zero Star power everywhere. You get the picture.
31. Oakland Raiders - Oakland is the new island of misfits with some decent young talent.
30. Tennessee Titans - Zero star power. Zero offensive weapons. Average defense.
29. Houston Texans - Huge ? at QB. Defense will be terrific but will they be able to score?
28. St. Louis Rams - I like a lot of the talent here, but it’s a make or break year for Mr. Bradford and I’m heading towards the edge of the bandwagon.
27. Miami Dolphins - I had to put one of the three non-NE AFC East teams in the lower half. To me the Dolphins did the least to improve.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 35-year old QB w/ limited full time NFL experience. D was already subpar, and losing Revis doesn’t help.
25. Minnesota Vikings - How much longer can AP literally carry this team on his back?
24. Arizona Cardinals - I thought the Carson Palmer experiment would go better. AZ did little to improve their future at QB.
23. Buffalo Bills - Until CJ Spiller gets a majority of the RB touches, this team will be middle of the pack.
22. Dallas Cowboys - A lot of teams got a lot better in the offseason (NYG, CLE, ATL, WAS) and DAL didn’t.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - It’s so hard to keep a juggernaut together. Aging QB, defense plus tough schedule.
20. Washington Redskins - Improved a lot, but their defense still isn’t any good. Effects RGIII trade still being felt.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Nick Foles was 2013’s biggest revelation, I have my doubts he can keep it up.
18. Cleveland Browns - “Johnny Football” might win them a few games, but the team is getting better. Still not there.
17. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Flacco is the poor man’s Eli Manning. Defense will be strong, per usual. Offense will leave a lot to be desire.
16. New York Jets - Somehow Rex Ryan gets a talent-less team to .500. Now they have players. I expect more.
15. New York Giants - Somehow a team with a lot of talent was sub-500. I expect more but suspect we won’t get it.
14. Chicago Bears - This offense is powerful. This defense is terrible. But it will get it done.
13. Cincinnati Bengals - Don’t sleep on Cincinnati. They always seem to be there. Can they turn the corner and get that elusive playoff victory?
12. Detroit Lions - I think a change in voice from the head coach does a lot. I expect Detroit to be near a playoff spot in ‘14.
11. Carolina Panthers - Biggest question is how much will Steve Smith’s absence hurt this team?
10. San Diego Chargers - They found a way last year. A young defense grew up a lot last year.
9. New Engalnd Patriots - For the first time under Bill Bellichick, the defense may get more attention than the offense.
8. Indianapolis Colts - At this point you’re nit-picking, but no run game and an unmovitived Hakeen Nicks.
7. New Orleans Saints - Despite losing some nice playmakers the past several years, Drew Brees keeps this offense relevant.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Strong defense in a weak division will get them back to the postseason.
5. Atlanta Falcons - If their healthy, they’re one of the best.
4. Green Bay Packers - If all is well, Aaron Rodgers and company could set records in 2014.
3. Seattle Seahawks - It’s so hard to repeat and play at a high level. The ‘Hawks have the makeup to do it though.
2. San Francisco - As complete of a unit as there is in the National Football League.
