USA Today Power Rankings (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

What do you think?

I'm calling this thread out to the 70,000+ readers of the Daily Email Update. Let's hear it.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...gs_N.htm?csp=34

1 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Notes: The skies above Foxborough, Mass., have never been clearer entering a season. Unless catastrophe strikes in the form of a major injury, the Patriots should contend for the Super Bowl. (Eight first-place votes)

2 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Notes: The Chargers are talented, but trouble seems to build at playoff time when they have lost their last four games. Super Bowl XLII is possible, but their postseason history could be hard to shake in January. (Three first-place votes)

3 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Notes: They might find having a target on their backs as Super Bowl champs a big obstacle .But look for the Colts, defensive holes aside, to win yet another divisional crown and go deep into the postseason. (Two first-place votes)

4 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Notes: Because there aren't many dominant teams in the NFC, the Saints' fortunes should stay clear and sunny all season. Another NFC South title and deep playoff run are possible.

5 BALTIMORE RAVENS

Notes: By keeping the core of its team, Baltimore might avoid a slipup and repeat as AFC North champs. But with aging leaders such as Ray Lewis and Steve McNair, warning signs are approaching.

6 CHICAGO BEARS

Notes: Another NFC North title could be in the cards. But it will be harder because the schedule gets much tougher after last season's 13-3 campaign toward the Super Bowl. The defense must stay tough to get back to the title game.

7 DENVER BRONCOS

Notes: There's been a lot of change in the AFC West this offseason, especially in Denver. The Broncos could narrow the gap with the Chargers, and there's no reason to believe they can't contend in the conference.

8 CINCINNATI BENGALS

Notes: Warning signs for the Bengals — They could win nine or 10 games, finish second in the AFC North and still miss the playoffs. The AFC is that strong.

9 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Notes: Turbulent times in the NFC East could benefit the Eagles. With change happening in Dallas, Philly has a good shot at a sixth division crown in seven years. Returning to the Super Bowl will be a tougher task.

10 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Notes: All three NFC West competitors have improved, but the Seahawks have won the last three division crowns. The team's core (Hasselbeck, Alexander) remains, and so do its chances of another playoff spot.

11 DALLAS COWBOYS

Notes: Wade Phillips inherited a playoff team with lots of potential. But last year's wonderboy, Tony Romo, must not slip into a sophomore slump for Dallas to make a deep playoff run.

12 N.Y. JETS

Notes: There have been upgrades on offense (Thomas Jones) and defense (top pick Darrelle Revis and second-rounder David Harris). But there still don't seem to be enough 3-4 compatible players on defense.

13 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Notes: At the outset, it looks like a transitional season in Pittsburgh as the team adjusts to life without Bill Cowher, Joey Porter and Jeff Hartings and with new coach Mike Tomlin. But this is a squad that's about 18 months removed from a Super Bowl title.

14

TIE CAROLINA PANTHERS

Notes: The Panthers have a favorable schedule, but did little to upgrade their roster outside of the draft. QB Jake Delhomme enters the season on uncertain ground, but last year's preseason sleeper pick should still contend for a playoff spot.

14

TIE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Notes: The Jaguars underachieved at 8-8 last season and they did not add many new parts in the offseason. Unless the quarterback position stabilizes, another mediocre season may be coming.

16

TIE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Notes: The 49ers have assembled a lot of talent, and they have a chance to end a streak of four seasons without a winning record. Alex Smith is maturing at QB, and if Vernon Davis, et al., provide weapons, the team could contend for its first NFC West crown since 2002.

16

TIE ATLANTA FALCONS

Notes: New coach Bobby Petrino brings optimism. But the cloud of uncertainty around Michael Vick threatens the team's long-term forecast. Yet if the Falcons stay healthy and the draft picks deliver, their outlook could still be bright.

18 ST. LOUIS RAMS

Notes: Last season brought improvement for the Rams. But this offseason brought upgrades for their entire division. The talent — and experience — of Marc Bulger could help tip the NFC West in St. Louis' favor.

19 TENNESSEE TITANS

Notes: Year No. 2 for Vince Young brings tests against the Colts and Saints in the first three weeks. The QB has proved he is a sparkplug, but a huge problem remains: Who is going to catch the ball?

20 N.Y. GIANTS

Notes: The Giants enter the season as the '06 playoff squad least likely to make it back to the postseason. Tiki Barber left a giant void in the backfield for Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns. And Eli Manning faces vociferous critics if he falters.

21 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Notes: After losing Trent Green this offseason and key O-linemen the past few seasons, the Chiefs must patch up some holes. The defense is a strong point. But with giant questions under center, this season is a question mark.

22 ARIZONA CARDINALS

Notes: Is this when Arizona finally turns the corner? They've got a bolstered line, a star running back, stud receivers and a Hollywood QB. This team should score a lot of points, and it's up to new coach Ken Whisenhunt to deliver.

23 BUFFALO BILLS

Notes: The O-line is stronger, a plus for rookie running back Marshawn Lynch. But Nate Clements' departure left a big hole in the defensive backfield. Tough competition in the AFC East makes the outlook for Buffalo bleak.

24 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Notes: Brett Favre is back. But you wonder if he's asking himself why. The failure to acquire Randy Moss and the lack of a proven running back are ominous signs. Last season's 4-0 flurry to end the campaign will be tough to sustain in 2007.

25

TIE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Notes: Too old (Joey Galloway) or too young (Gaines Adams). That's the theme in Tampa. The Bucs look to be another year away from contending, which could leave Jon Gruden and new QB Jeff Garcia frustrated.

25

TIE MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Notes: Rick Spielman, Brad Childress and Co. swear they have a plan, but it's hard to see it panning out anytime soon. They're relying on second-year QB Tarvaris Jackson, but that's a tall order when he's missing dependable receiving options. They defense is a strength, but the offense may be a liability.

27 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Notes: Aside from a brief 6-0 run in 2005, the Redskins cannot break out of an extended cold snap. The team is 21-27 since Joe Gibbs came back in 2004, and his Hall of Fame resume is starting to get tarnished.

28 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Notes: There's a lot to prove in Miami. New QB Trent Green will provide leadership and experience. And this is a squad that needs a giant boost of confidence under new coach Cam Cameron.

29 DETROIT LIONS

Notes: Detroit lost eight games by seven points or fewer in 2006. A better offense should develop under dependable QB Jon Kitna and stud receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Second-year coach Rod Marinelli continues to implement his vision.

30 CLEVELAND BROWNS

Notes: The Browns made a big splash on draft day, but top picks Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn are unlikely to have a big effect this season. There's reason for optimism in Cleveland, but the payoff won't likely arrive this season.

31 HOUSTON TEXANS

Notes: The offense has a new QB (Matt Schaub) and new running back (Ahman Green). But the Texans still need to improve their sagging offensive line.

32 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Notes: With a solid defense and and upgraded offense, the Raiders could approach .500 after four consecutive dismal seasons. New coach Lane Kiffin needs to establish himself and bring stability back to a franchise that ran amok in 2006.

 

[bostonfred]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it.

No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

 

[vikingdave]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it.

No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

Hi Jon Kitna...

 

[Joe Bryant]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it. No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

#1? Over your Patriots? With all the Patriots gained? You sound like poor mouthing Lou Holtz here, Fred.Lou said his last year at South Carolina that Tennessee was so good that his team was going to take a vote on Tuesday before the game to see if they were even going to make the trip over to Knoxville... J

 

[bostonfred]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it. No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

#1? Over your Patriots? With all the Patriots gained? You sound like poor mouthing Lou Holtz here, Fred.Lou said his last year at South Carolina that Tennessee was so good that his team was going to take a vote on Tuesday before the game to see if they were even going to make the trip over to Knoxville... J

Joe I have a lot of respect for what the Colts did last year. I think they got away with one against the Patriots in the AFCCG, but the Patriots have gotten away with plenty in the playoffs in the past. They ramped up their level of play across the board, and while they've lost some minor parts, they've kept the core intact. It's hard to pick against them as #1 overall. Personally, I think they should be #2. I think the Pats, last year's #2, moved up enough that they overtake the Colts at that spot. There's a lot of talk about how good the offense is going to be, but this defense should be much improved from last year's unit, too. But I wouldn't fault a ranking that had Colts 1/New England 2. I do find fault with one that puts Norv Turner's Chargers #2, ahead of the Colts. Of the consensus top 3 teams in the AFC, I think they have the most to prove to move up in the rankings.

 

[massraider]

The Raiders got hosed!

We should be at least #31.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I've got no problem with the top several teams.

Denver is way overrated though - I'd move them out and Dallas up - and reshuffle a bit in the middle.

1 NEW ENGLAND

2 SAN DIEGO

3 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

4 BALTIMORE RAVENS

5 CHICAGO BEARS

6 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

7 CINCINNATI BENGALS

8 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

9 DALLAS COWBOYS

10 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

 

[bostonfred]

I've got no problem with the top several teams.Denver is way overrated though - I'd move them out and Dallas up - and reshuffle a bit in the middle.1 NEW ENGLAND2 SAN DIEGO 3 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS4 BALTIMORE RAVENS 5 CHICAGO BEARS 6 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 7 CINCINNATI BENGALS 8 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 9 DALLAS COWBOYS10 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

If there were a Saints-Colts Superbowl, would you put money on the Saints? In a playoff game between the Ravens and Colts, would you give points to the Colts? If the Bears make the playoffs this year, would you bet on Grossman to get them back to the Superbowl, let alone beat Manning?

 

[Spiderman]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

 

[bostonfred]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it. No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

Seriously? If anything I think #29 is too high.The Lions defense is going to be historically bad this season.

 

[LHUCKS]

Looks pretty good to me actually.

 

[SSOG]

Looks pretty good to me actually.

I was thinking the same thing. I could quibble a bit here or there, but there was nothing I saw anywhere that stood out as the sort of conclusion that I simply couldn't imagine a rational, reasonable person coming to.

 

[Afro Samurai]

Tampa seems a little low. they could easily go 8-8.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

:( :( Bears had a very charmed season last year and although they were very good, they have a long way to go to get back to where they were. I see injuries and just some bad luck being a problem this next year. Minnesota's defense might be just as good as the Bears this year IMO.

 

[Phlash]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it.

No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

#1? Over your Patriots? With all the Patriots gained? You sound like poor mouthing Lou Holtz here, Fred.

Lou said his last year at South Carolina that Tennessee was so good that his team was going to take a vote on Tuesday before the game to see if they were even going to make the trip over to Knoxville... :(

J

Joe I have a lot of respect for what the Colts did last year. I think they got away with one against the Patriots in the AFCCG, but the Patriots have gotten away with plenty in the playoffs in the past. They ramped up their level of play across the board, and while they've lost some minor parts, they've kept the core intact. It's hard to pick against them as #1 overall. Personally, I think they should be #2. I think the Pats, last year's #2, moved up enough that they overtake the Colts at that spot. There's a lot of talk about how good the offense is going to be, but this defense should be much improved from last year's unit, too.

But I wouldn't fault a ranking that had Colts 1/New England 2. I do find fault with one that puts Norv Turner's Chargers #2, ahead of the Colts. Of the consensus top 3 teams in the AFC, I think they have the most to prove to move up in the rankings.

Ok, the Colts won the Super Bowl, big deal. No way should they be the #2 team over the Chargers... they have lost defensive players on a defense that was already historically BAD against the run last year. Sure, Peyton will bring them 10-12 victories a year, but their defense is just terrible. I'd rank them as low at #5, despite the Superbowl victory (and I'd put the Saints ahead of them, as their defense showed me a lot last year and will improve with a second year under Payton). The Chargers are just loaded with great players, and their defense is not even just good, its great. And their offense is comparable to the Colts. While Peyton is a far better QB than Rivers, and the Colts WRs are way better, the Chargers have maybe the best O-line, RB, and TE in the league.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

:( :( Bears had a very charmed season last year and although they were very good, they have a long way to go to get back to where they were. I see injuries and just some bad luck being a problem this next year. Minnesota's defense might be just as good as the Bears this year IMO.

Seattle came pretty darned close to making it to the NFC Championship game despite the fact they played without a healthy Shaun Alexander for a good chunk of the year.With the addition of Greg Olson, Garrett Wolfe and Devin Hester to the offense - the Bears offensive speed skyrockets off the charts compared to last year. ...granted Wolfe and Hester will probably only be used for gadget plays - but they still have to be accounted for.Last year the Bears had the easiest schedule. This year they have the SECOND EASIEST schedule. God bless the NFC North. :(The few things that worry me about the Bears are a holdout by Briggs, Tommie Harris's hamstring not holding up - or Benson morphing into a China doll. Rex will wise up, and if not Griese is there.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I've got no problem with the top several teams.Denver is way overrated though - I'd move them out and Dallas up - and reshuffle a bit in the middle.1 NEW ENGLAND2 SAN DIEGO 3 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS4 BALTIMORE RAVENS 5 CHICAGO BEARS 6 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 7 CINCINNATI BENGALS 8 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 9 DALLAS COWBOYS10 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

If there were a Saints-Colts Superbowl, would you put money on the Saints? In a playoff game between the Ravens and Colts, would you give points to the Colts? If the Bears make the playoffs this year, would you bet on Grossman to get them back to the Superbowl, let alone beat Manning?

Indy won't be playing in the Super Bowl this year, as New England is poised to take it all. A huge influx of talent - and Indy lost quite a bit. I'd have more confidence in San Diego if they would have won ONE playoff game recently.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

It's tough to pick the bottom, because you can always seem to make a case for a team to be at least mediocre. That said, both Washington and Minnesota seem pretty low to me.

Mostly, I just expect the young QBs to perform better in their 2nd years as is usually the case. Campbell or Jackson or both could totally bust, but since both seem to have the tools, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt for being able to lead their teams reasonably well. And outside of inexperienced QBs, both of those teams have a solid talent-base.

 

[Browns Rule!]

These rankings are rediculous. I understand Oakland being last, I don't think they will, but its understandable. Why is Houston next to last? That is flat out stupid. They finally got a QB worth talking about in Shaub, they will have a better running back in Ahman Green, and their defense should be better. The Browns 3rd to last, GIVE ME A BREAK, the Browns are going to win the Super Bowl this year.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Bills and Rams are too low.

Falcons and Jets are too high.

 

[Davej626]

Indy should be #2, not #3. I might even say #1, but I'm physically incapable of it. No way Detroit should be #29. They've got a legitimate shot at .500.

#1? Over your Patriots? With all the Patriots gained? You sound like poor mouthing Lou Holtz here, Fred.Lou said his last year at South Carolina that Tennessee was so good that his team was going to take a vote on Tuesday before the game to see if they were even going to make the trip over to Knoxville... J

Careful Joe. You are starting to sound like one of those Patriot fans....

 

[Power Monster]

I like the Colts at #2 SD #3. No brainer- Manning over Rivers all day any day of the week. Better receivers as well. Defense might prove me wrong but then again that defense was lame last year and kicked it into gear during the playoffs.

The Bears are going to come back to earth this year and will have a miserable time if that DL is going to get exposed. Benson is going to kill them if he cannot sack up and take on the pressure.

The Saints appear to be headed in the right direction.

Denver has to get solid QB play.

Seattle still has some great offensive talent but that defense really slipped a lot in 2006.

The Bengals at 8? Give me a break!

I think the Rams will be much better than the Falcons this season. As a matter of fact- the Falcons are going to be a lousy team this year. They will implode until they part ways with Vick.

KC is another team that is going to have a long season. Tons of man love for LJ. That OL is a joke, tough schedule, two of the top 5 teams in the AFC in their division, luke-warm receivers, some holes in the defense and the Herm Edwards factor.

 

[joffer]

These rankings are rediculous. I understand Oakland being last, I don't think they will, but its understandable. Why is Houston next to last? That is flat out stupid. They finally got a QB worth talking about in Shaub, they will have a better running back in Ahman Green, and their defense should be better. The Browns 3rd to last, GIVE ME A BREAK, the Browns are going to win the Super Bowl this year.

who's your favorite team?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

outside of the top 3 does anyone really have a chance at the SB? The NFC champ will be smashed and I just dont see Balt,Cincy or Pitt being able to breakthrough and beat SD,Indy or NE, let alone two of them.

 

[dparker713]

How has this guy learned absolutely nothing about football over the course of the last decade? There is one certainty in football these days, and thats the end of hte year rankings will have several surprises. Yet his rankings nearly mirror last years draft order. There isnt a single bold prediction in that list.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

These rankings are rediculous. I understand Oakland being last, I don't think they will, but its understandable. Why is Houston next to last? That is flat out stupid. They finally got a QB worth talking about in Shaub, they will have a better running back in Ahman Green, and their defense should be better. The Browns 3rd to last, GIVE ME A BREAK, the Browns are going to win the Super Bowl this year.

who's your favorite team?

Steelers I believe.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

Move the Bengals way down. Move the 49ers up.

 

[DanFouts]

#1 Pats

#2 and #3 are even. SD = Indy. This will be settled on 11/11

 

[ookook]

outside of the top 3 does anyone really have a chance at the SB? The NFC champ will be smashed and I just dont see Balt,Cincy or Pitt being able to breakthrough and beat SD,Indy or NE, let alone two of them.

I think the NFC teams are being systematically under-valued.Philly, Dallas, and Seattle all look to be in good shape assuming they stay healthy. They look every bit as good as Cinci, Denver, and Baltimore. For that matter, there are a lot of teams listed above the Packers that I am not convinced are better. Bills? Chiefs? Titans? Falcons? FORTY-NINERS? OMFG!Sure, I think that the Colts or Patrtiots have the best chance to win the superbowl, but I dispute that means the NFC is totaly outclassed.

 

[Buckna]

Minor quibble, but I fail to see any logical reason to not rank the reigning Superbowl champions anything other than #1 in any preseason rankings. This goes for any year unless there were major offseason changes like the loss of a QB or coach or other high-profile players to that team.

~~~~~

31 HOUSTON TEXANS

Notes: The offense has a new QB (Matt Schaub) and new running back (Ahman Green). But the Texans still need to improve their sagging offensive line.

Hello broken record, just more proof that no one takes notice of the Texans in the slightest. 6-10 last year and they only got better on defense and at QB & RB. The only reason to rank them that low is if you believe Schaub is going to be absolutely dreadful. They should easily rank above teams like the Browns & the Dolphins who they soundly beat last year.

 

[Workhorse]

The only things that would potentially keep the Patriots from #1 overall right now are the health/decline of Rodney Harrison and the Asante Samuel situation. If training camp rolls around and neither situation is resolved, the Patriots secondary is a MAJOR concern heading into the season.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Eagles > Bears. That one isn't hard.

 

[ImTheScientist]

As a Seahawks fan I will say that @ #10 they are overrated

above them should be:

11) Cowboys

13) Steelers

14) Panthers

16) 49ers

18) Rams

So that would really put them around #15

 

[cj*]

Move the Bengals way down. Move the 49ers up.

Just for once it would be nice to see you talk about another team. Almost makes you look envious lmao. By the by, it must really sting to see the bengals rated above your beloved steelers at any time in any publication. Welcome to a new season.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

b]When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year?

Isn't that pretty much what happened to Roethlisberger from '04 to '05? He didn't make the Superbowl in 04, but he led his team to a great regular season record, then threw 5 picks in 2 games in the AFC divisional playoffs and championship game (essentially the superbowl the last few years, it seems), then came back in 05 and led his team through the playoffs where his team won the superbowl.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

Move the Bengals way down. Move the 49ers up.

Just for once it would be nice to see you talk about another team. Almost makes you look envious lmao. By the by, it must really sting to see the bengals rated above your beloved steelers at any time in any publication. Welcome to a new season.

Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed the off-season. Get ready to be swept.

 

[Spiderman]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

Their all world defense took a hit ??????They added Anthony Adamsd, and Adam Archuleta, and get Tommie Harris back healthy at DT. Few expect Lance Briggs to sit out the entire season, and a lot of analysts expect to be there for Game 1 as he would be walking away from a lot of money. The only thing this team lost was safety and DT depth, but, as mentioned above, they got Adams, and also have their 3rd round pick, Dusty Dvoracek, from Oklahoma, ready to be part of the tackle rotation. Alex Brown may be a backup at DE, that's how talented their ends are, and they still have the solid combo of Vasher and Tillman. Losing Briggs would be a hit, but this defense has too many pieces to not be great again. I didn't even mention Brian Urlacher.Offensively, you are right. The only thing that ruin what should be a great season is Rex Grossman, but they have loaded him up weapons around him in the newly drafted Olson, Devin Hester now playing some WR to go with Muhaammed, Berrian, Des Clark, and Mark Bradley. It's time for Benson to earn his money as well so this offense, while having some questions, has a lot of potential to strike fast.

 

[butcher boy]

heh, keep hating on the Niners, people. They're gonna surprise a few of you. I think 16 is about right. I think their ceiling is 10-6 or maybe even 11-5, but 9-7 or 8-8 wouldn't surprise me either.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Eagles > Bears. That one isn't hard.

Until the China Dolls known as Jevon Kearse and Donovan McNabb go down again.

 

[PsychoMan]

Saints too high. No way they'll end up #4.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Move the Bengals way down. Move the 49ers up.

Just for once it would be nice to see you talk about another team. Almost makes you look envious lmao. By the by, it must really sting to see the bengals rated above your beloved steelers at any time in any publication. Welcome to a new season.

It is a little strange, considering they both had the same record last year, the Steelers finished much stronger and beat the Bengals in the season finale. I'd move Pittsburgh up a notch or two and the Bengals down a few, right below them.Maybe the author of this article thinks the coaching changes are going to doom the Steelers' season, but I don't see it. And, as we all know, I'm as big a Cowher fan as you'll find.

 

[PsychoMan]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

The Bears will be a better team than they were last year, but they probably won't win as many games, due to their schedule being 2x as hard. They will still win the NFC norrus and contend for the NFC crown though. You really shouldn't be counting them out, especially because they're in the NFC. Not really seeing the "very flawed" either ... somewhat flawed? yes. very flawed? nope.

 

[gump]

How has this guy learned absolutely nothing about football over the course of the last decade? There is one certainty in football these days, and thats the end of hte year rankings will have several surprises. Yet his rankings nearly mirror last years draft order. There isnt a single bold prediction in that list.

Didn't exactly go out on a limb, did they?Considering the fact that the NFL is the toughest league to predict...about all I will predict is that this prediction is way off.

 

[g5jamz]

Panthers are under the radar....GOOD!

 

[Liquid Tension]

2 up and 2 down

Miami's defense will be solid enough and with adding some speed to the offense and Trent Green along with a coach who has coached in the pros, the Dolphins will not be in the bottom 10 let alone the bottom 5.

Detroit lost too many close games (8) to stay where they are ranked.

I think Dallas won't be as good as I have faith that Parcells was doing something right

I think Tennessee will be on of the bottom 10 teams as they were pretty lucky and there is not enough talent on the roster.

 

[bostonfred]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

Their all world defense took a hit ??????They added Anthony Adamsd, and Adam Archuleta, and get Tommie Harris back healthy at DT. Few expect Lance Briggs to sit out the entire season, and a lot of analysts expect to be there for Game 1 as he would be walking away from a lot of money. The only thing this team lost was safety and DT depth, but, as mentioned above, they got Adams, and also have their 3rd round pick, Dusty Dvoracek, from Oklahoma, ready to be part of the tackle rotation. Alex Brown may be a backup at DE, that's how talented their ends are, and they still have the solid combo of Vasher and Tillman. Losing Briggs would be a hit, but this defense has too many pieces to not be great again. I didn't even mention Brian Urlacher.Offensively, you are right. The only thing that ruin what should be a great season is Rex Grossman, but they have loaded him up weapons around him in the newly drafted Olson, Devin Hester now playing some WR to go with Muhaammed, Berrian, Des Clark, and Mark Bradley. It's time for Benson to earn his money as well so this offense, while having some questions, has a lot of potential to strike fast.

I was talking about Briggs, which is bigger than any of the other stuff you mentioned. If Briggs comes back early, then I agree that they will have improved. If Benson and Grossman both make big strides, the offense could get better, but name a unit on any team that wouldn't get better if two of its key players made big strides. The reason we're talking about it with the Bears is that they were disappointing last year, not because there's a reason to think they're making strides right now. Right now, though, the team lost one of its best offensive and defensive players, and made minor improvements across the board. Maybe Briggs comes back happy, and maybe Benson pulls a Larry Johnson, but for now, while I think they'll make the playoffs because of their terrible division, I'm not convinced that they're a top football team.

 

[purestrength]

Colts being given little chance to win the Super Bowl after just winning it and not losing any major parts . . . I think they'll like the new disrespect card they've been given and run with it.

Bears - Thomas Jones = lucky to make playoffs in 2007.

 

[bostonfred]

The Bears are the best team in the NFC. They are loaded. If Rex Grossman shows continued growth, this team will be back in the Super Bowl.

What's the last team to get crushed in the Superbowl and come back strong the following year? Who's the last team to go to back to back Superbowls? When's the last time a team's QB got humiliated as badly as Grossman did, and then showed "continued growth" en route to another Superbowl appearance the following year? I'm not saying they can't go back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears miss the playoffs if they didn't play in such a cake division. They're a very flawed team, and their all-world defense took a hit this summer.

The Bears will be a better team than they were last year, but they probably won't win as many games, due to their schedule being 2x as hard. They will still win the NFC norrus and contend for the NFC crown though. You really shouldn't be counting them out, especially because they're in the NFC. Not really seeing the "very flawed" either ... somewhat flawed? yes. very flawed? nope.

I can understand why you'd say this, especially since your sig says "Rex Grossman will start the entire 2007 season, throw for 20+ touchdowns again, and throw less interceptions than last year, yet you can draft him as your QB3!!! -Friggin ME". But this is a team that lost one of its best offensive and best defensive players. It's a team that wants to run the ball, but lost its best running back. It's a team that wants to pass the ball deep to keep the defense honest, but struggled with the deep pass in the second half of the season. The Superbowl wasn't the first time Grossman struggled on a national stage. Here are 5 of Grossman's last 9 games:15/34, 176yards 0 TD 3 INT6/19, 34 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT2/12, 33 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT11/26, 144 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT20/28, 165 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTInterspersed in there were four decent to good games against St. Louis, Tampa, Detroit, and Seattle. But the reality is that the guy struggled, hard, against good teams. He had a passer rating of zero against Green Bay. Think about that. I understand that the Bears are the class of the NFC North, and seem very likely to make the playoffs because of it. But once they get there, it seems like a matter of when, not if, the team will implode.

 

[PhillyFunk]

Mark my words: The Bears had a FLUKE season! Any team led by Benson and/or Peterson will NOT make the playoffs. And that doesn't even take Rex Grossman into consideration.

BUMS!!!