NFL Power Rankings Week 1

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next week: vs PIT

The NFL’s most prolific franchise of the last two decades has earned the right the begin the centennial season atop the league’s hierarchy, despite the losses of talent, most notably Brady’s most reliable target of the last decade in Rob Gronkowski. The almighty Patriots have quietly gotten younger in all areas, and rather than opt for free agency, they went the route of replenishing the roster with savvy young draft picks in the last few drafts. They have shifted to more of a methodical ground and pound team, along with bringing in three big bodied receivers in Josh Gordon, Demaryius Thomas, and 2019 first rounder N’Keal Harry. Even with the latter being placed on the IR-designated to return list, New England still have enough talent on both sides of the ball, along with a very manageable schedule to stay atop of the AFC. There is little reason to believe we will not be seeing the road to Miami going through Foxborough come January. The champs begin their title defense in a fantastic Sunday night matchup hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately beginning a race between the two historic teams on a quest for Lombardi number seven.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs HOU

Not sure there is has been a more heart breaking ending to consecutive seasons in NFL history than the way the Saints have had the last two years. Safety Marcus Williams is still getting eagle-eyed nearly 20 months later. Referee Bill Vinovich may not ever be allowed back into the city of New Orleans, itself. It’s a whole thing. Nevertheless, the only thing Sean Payton and the Saints will be able to do to redeem their postseason misery is to GET OVER IT. Move on. It’s a new year, and among the stacked NFC, they possess one of the most talented teams, including a top tier head coach and a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Payton and Brees. While the departure of Mark Ingram is not ideal situation, Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are capable of replacing his production, if not, exceed it. The trade this past weekend for linebacker Kiko Alonso may not be as big a moved as it is hyped up to be, as the 29 year-old veteran has finished the last two years with an average PFF score of 49.83 over the last four seasons, which is significantly lower than what a starter should be. Regardless of the move, the Saints are still strong enough in all facets. The quest for redemption begins on Monday night when the defending AFC South champion Houston Texans come into town.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-0)

Previous rank: (-) Next Week: @ CAR

The number 3 should painted on the walls of the tunnels as the Rams come out every game. No, not for Dale Earnhardt. Not Allen Iverson. Not even for The Babe himself. It should stand as a reminder for how pathetic the offense looked on the NFL’s grandest stage in February. The Rams finished the season averaging 32.9 points per game, 12^th-highest in NFL history, the exact same average as the Greatest Show on Turf during their ’99 Super Bowl run. I for one, am baffled about how it is possible to have that type of statistical output, yet only have a Zuerlein 53-yarder and the lowest score in Super Bowl history to show for it. The pressure is on for LA to get back to the promise land and redeem themselves. Sean McVay used to be the coaching prodigy, but now is an elite coach. He now has to prove it. Jared Goff used to be a rising star. After that record $110 million in guarantees. The pressure is on him to prove his worth. I believe the Gurley knee issue is merely smoke and mirrors. While it may not be plausible to give the 22 touches a game he has gotten over the last few seasons, it is not out of the realm of possibility to give the former Bulldog a Jamaal Charles-like 17-18 touches a game. Like the Saints, the Rams have redemption on their minds. Who would not salivate to watch a repeat NFC title game in a Who Wants It More battle? Anyhow, the Rams start the year in a coast to coast matchup in Charlotte against the Panthers.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next week: vs WAS

The Eagles are surprisingly flying under the radar as a contender during the preseason. From a talent prospective, they are as stacked as anybody, yet the certainty they will make a deep postseason run is as bleak as the water of the Long Island Sound. Reason being, it is tough to put your chips on a quarterback that has ended consecutive years on IR, while the backup that gave them postseason success is now basking in the sun with his $88 million and Super Bowl MVP trophy down in Jacksonville. The replacement for the replacement is uncertain as well after backups Clayton Thorson and Matt Barkley went down with injuries during the preseason, forcing the Eagles to go get recently retired Josh McCown off the coach and take him house shopping for the 12th time in his 17 year career. Nevertheless, the reason for optimism is they have a top ten quarterback, and bought Wentz a few new toys to play with in running backs Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders and returning veteran DeSean Jackson. Last year’s defense was decimated by injury, most notably in the secondary, however with most starters returning along with the additions of defensive lineman Malik Jackson and LB Zach Brown, the unit figures to be among the league’s best. Until further notice, Philly should be treated as a dangerous team, so as long as the signal caller stays in one piece. A home opener against division foe Washington is exactly what they need to propel them into a strong start to the year.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-0)

Previous rank: (-) Next Week: @ JAX

While many figure to put Kansas City at the top of the Super Bowl favorites, the jury remains out on their defense. The addition of Tyrann Mathieu was a solid get, as good as he played last year for the Texans, there was still not enough of an impact to keep them from finishing as the 28^th ranked passing defense. Only difference is he had a great front seven. Kansas City meanwhile, ranked even worse at 31^st. One area of strength the defense had, however, was tying the league lead in sacks with 55. Oh but 40% of that output in production is gone. While trading for Frank Clark is a manageable replacement for part of that loss, you are looking at two units of pass defenses that finished on the opposites of the spectrum, the good got worse and the bad is not much better. The loss of Kareem Hunt is not a departure being talked about enough. Of course Damien Williams was a solid fill in for the last seven games of the season, but don’t expect him to replace the 25 touchdowns Hunt scored in less than two seasons of work. Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes should be great enough to lead Kansas City as a high flying offense, but expect a regression from the team as a whole in terms of record. The Chiefs will be tested in a potential trap game in Jacksonville against a team looking to return to prominence with new quarterback Nick Foles now at the helm.

DALLAS COWBOYS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs NYG

Cowboys’ fans should breathe a huge sigh of relief after Zeke signed his new deal on Wednesday. After plenty of preseason speculation, Jerry Jones was able to lock up three high profile players to long term deals, getting all distractions out the way before the season begins. While the Cowboys have a remarkably easily schedule the first three weeks all against rebuilding teams, it was paramount to start the year 3-0, being as an unnecessary divisional loss could end up having huge implication come December in a stacked NFC. Dak and Amari remain without long term deals, but it seems as if the former could be in a prove it year, just like his head coach. A great regular season could set up Dallas with a great shot to make it to an NFC Championship for the first time in 24 years, however if they happen to fall short, don’t be surprised if ties are cut with Garrett and Dak Prescott gets franchised. The soon to be 77 year-old owner could be turn to a by-any-means-necessary approach to add whatever he needs to bring a Lombardi back to Arlington. Beginning with a home opener against the Giants, the Cowboys need a statement win to put the rest of the league on notice.

CHICAGO BEARS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs GB

The NFL’s most recent worst to first team begins the year with expectations for the first time since Brian Urlacher was manning the defense. While the success Chicago had on the defense was eerily prophetic after perhaps the dominant debut Khalil Mack had in the opener against Green Bay. The offense was actually the real surprise, in all actuality. Mitch Trubisky exceeded all expectations with his efficiency and poise throughout the year all the way up to the Cody Parkey doink in the Wild Card round. While there was struggle in spots, there was plenty of optimism around Chicago that Matt Nagy will be able to justify the franchise taking the former Tar Heel over the likes of young superstars such as Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson. The entire division has improved, which brings plenty of uncertainty around how the North will shake out. We will not have to wait long to see what the trajectory of this franchise will go in 2019, as the Bears play the Packers for the 199^th time in the NFL Opener Thursday night.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next week: @ CHI

It is pretty obvious to know that at this point, the Packers fate will live and die by Aaron Rodgers’ health. Two years ago, the 4-1 Packers had their season crushed after the Pro Bowl quarterback went down with a collarbone injury against Minnesota. Last year it was more so a hobbled Rodgers for the duration of the season, and after a fallout with longtime Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers finished with their worst record since 2008, the first year of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure as the starter. Green Bay vastly improved on the other side of the ball, investing in three key free agents to give them one of the more formidable units in the league. A turn of a new leaf can be necessary for even the most accomplished franchises. We will find out how much the Green and Yellow reload has improved the team in a tough opener against division foe Chicago.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: @ NE

The Steelers must feel 410 pounds lighter after the departures of two of three former Killer B’s this offseason. Expectations for the team have been lower than recent memory, yet that does not have to deter the franchise of a successful 2019. The defense has returned to elite status and the additions of Mark Barron and first round pick Devin Bush fills the one weakness the unit had last season. Sometimes talent does not always warrant success, and it was evident after wetting the bed at home against a young Jags team in 2017, this team could not reach a Super Bowl presently constructed. Normally, it is tough to replace talent the likes of Bell and Brown, but there is enough quality talent among their skills players to fill the voids and produce a top ten offense behind a top five offensive line. The time for Big Ben to step up as a leader is now. A potential statement making game approaches on Sunday night against the defending champs in Foxborough.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs ATL

The Vikings are a tricky team to place among these rankings, mostly because of questions surrounding Kirk Cousins. “You like that!” was not a phrase to be shouted in 2018 due to the inconsistencies the former Redskin had, notably in primetime against elite teams. New OC Kevin Stefanski and a second year with the Vikes poises for an improved year for Cousins, especially with Dalvin Cook looking to finish his first full year and fufill the promise he possesses as a talent. The defense had a surprisingly down year, especially in the secondary. Bringing back Anthony Barr was huge, and Xavier Rhodes should be able to rebound and return to top 10 status as a cornerback. However, the biggest concern may be tied to kicker. Here are the list of struggles: Drafting a kicker in the 5^th round in 2018, only to cut him two games into the year. Bringing in a former Pro Bowler Dan Bailey, only to have him miss seven kicks in 14 games. Trading a 2020 5^th rounder for a kicker/punter in the preseason, only to cut him 20 days later. In the NFL, most games with playoff contending teams come down to one possession, so if the kicking situation is not solved, that will be the difference between winning a division and missing the playoffs. Minnesota will be hosting the dirty birds to start their 2019 season.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs CIN

Seattle should be jumping for joy after acquiring Jadeveon Clowney this past weekend. Pass rush was a glaring hole after trading Frank Clark to Kansas City in the offseason. Picking up Ziggy Ansah as a replacement was a “meh” move, considering the 30 year-old has struggled with injuries over the last three seasons with Detroit. Having him as a complement to Clowney, makes that move all the more enticing, as it fills out a unit to give the Seahawks one of the most fearsome front sevens in football, headed by All-Pro Bobby Wagner. Russell Wilson will miss Doug Baldwin on the short and intermediate throws, but should physical specimen D.K. Metcalf live up to expectations, Seattle will not have any problem getting the ball down the field through the air. The Seahawks quietly led the league in rushing last season, led by a 1,151 yard outburst by second year pro Chris Carson. Even if he is not able reproduce than kind of production, 2018 first rounder Rashaad Penny should serve nicely as a 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Do not be surprised if Seattle makes a run at the NFC West crown should they put together a string of wins down the stretch. Seattle looks to impose their will on an incoming Bengals team in their home opener.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs TEN

Not playoff caliber teams had quite the overturn the Browns did during the offseason. After giving former Alabama quarterback Freddie Kitchens his first Head Coaching gig, the team has plenty of promise, especially surrounded by an offense full of talent. Former Giants Olivier Vernon and Odell Beckham Jr. were acquired in separate trades with the latter being paired with former college teammate Jarvis Landry. Not to mention bringing in Kareem Hunt on a one year deal, who in all likelihood is a top 10 running back, as a BACKUP is all the more reason to have fans finally take paper bags off their heads. THE DAWG POUND IS BACK. Hold on… Let’s chill for a second. This is the thing with expectations is that, most of the time they must be made with some form of guarantee. Giving the Browns an AFC North crown over the likes of the Steelers and Ravens, who are both very strong with proven Head Coaches. Feeling dangerous isn’t enough to propel a young team like this to automatic success. Baker is really good. There is no denying the talent surrounding him. However there is not one player on the Browns that has sniffed success in the postseason, or even been on consistently good teams for that matter. The back half of the schedule will be workable to the point where Cleveland will have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. To have expectations for more than that is completely ludicrous. The Browns open against a pesky Titans team on Sunday.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs IND

No postseason contender has been hurt more by player availability this offseason than the Los Angeles Chargers. The ongoing holdout by running back Melvin Gordon seems inevitable to lead to a breakup, after GM Tom Telesco announced on Sunday they will not negotiate with the former Badger until after the season. Whether or not you believe he is worth the annual $13 million salary is beside the point. The Chargers are worse as a team without him. Blindside blocker Russell Okung will miss the first six games minimum after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list this past week. Safety Derwin James, who made the All-Pro team as a rookie was placed on IR after breaking his foot, which will keep him out until November at the earliest. What once was looking to be a team poised for a strong start to the year and push division rival Kansas City to the brink, now looks like one backing into the regular season. As a small victory, they begin the year against a Colts team that unLuckily lost their quarterback to a shocking retirement last week.

HOUSTON TEXANS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: @ NO

The Texans have become known within the last few seasons as the baby Patriots, and did not do much to dump that label after wheeling and dealing like the Price is Right during the preseason. Just a month ago, it looked as if Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman looked to be a solid duo to pair with DeShaun Watson. Fast forward to the present, and neither will be playing a down for the team in 2019 (or perhaps again) after Miller tore his ACL and Foreman was cut. In all actuality, the moves to me had an optimistic impact looking towards the future. In J.J. Watt’s historic four year stretch from 2012 to 2015, (won the Defensive Player of the Year in three of those four) Houston’s success was predicated on defensive dominance, however due to the investment in this, instead of a quarterback. Houston would cap out with a divisional round exit, ironically to the Patriots a few times. When Houston traded up for DeShaun Watson, they went with a path to build around him. Oh wait… They didn’t. The former Clemson Tiger has been beaten around so much that it is giving former Texans David Carr war flashbacks. Because of the punishment their franchise QB has taken over the first few years, the Texans had to make a move. Rather than breaking the bank for a defensive playmaker, Houston got DeShaun some protection in Laremy Tunsil. That is a smart investment, regardless of if you think “Oh Clowney was worth X” or “Wow two first rounders and a second? Way too steep”. Picks are nice, but you have to hit on those selections. From 2011 to 2016, the Browns had 9 first round picks. Phil Taylor, Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Barkevious Mingo, Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Danny Shelton, Cameron Erving, and Corey Coleman were those selections. Bust, bust, major bust, major bust, major bust, major bust, traded for a 3^rd rounder, traded for a 5^th rounder, on his fourth team were the results in that order. You know what pick they did hit on? 2019 first. Wait what? They didn’t have a selection? Oh they picked up a top five receiver in his prime on a long term deal with that pick. That makes sense. Houston is not so dumb after all. Well, less dumb that perceived. All these moves have the Texans getting ready to enter the Superdome on Monday night against the Saints.

ATLANTA FALCONS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: @ MIN

Atlanta had redemption on their mind in 2018 after losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion in consecutive years, including the 28-3 comeback en route to Tom Brady getting his pinky ring. However, things took a hard turn after losing defensive stars Keanu Neal and Deion Jones to IR in week 1. Nine key players ended up spending time on IR. Shoot, even kicker Matt Bryant missed games. Well it is a new year, and hopefully for their sake the voodoo has washed off. After bolstering the offensive line with two first rounders in the 2019 draft, the Falcons will look to bring even more firepower to an already very good offense. Having the best receiver in football with a 2^nd year fellow Cremson Tide alum, who scored 10 touchdowns his rookie year, can do wonders for a former NFL MVP quarterback. In a conference where every game matters, the Falcons open up with a big road matchup against the Vikings on Sunday.

*Update*

Julio Jones is reportedly uncertain to play due to injury.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: vs LAR

The Panthers are a very interesting team that could surprise a lot of teams in 2019. Cam Newton looks to show the NFL how good of a quarterback he is and build of a year where he completed a career high 67% of his passes. The former MVP also is changing his throwing motion in order to take pressure of his recently repaired shoulder. The trio of McCaffery, Samuel, and Moore are the best group of skill players he has had since early in his career when he had Pro Bowler Steve Smith and the thunder and lightning duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Not to mention, the additions of defensive lineman Gerald McCoy and safety Tre Boston could strengthen each respective group, to give Carolina one of the more balanced defenses in the league. This is the making of a team that will fluctuate based on which wave they choose to ride. There is plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a wide open (but tough) division. The Panthers can gain some strong momentum if they will be able to take down the defending NFC champions

BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: @ MIA

The defending AFC North champions look to build off a strong rookie campaign by rookie Lamar Jackson. Adding former Heisman winner Mark Ingram was a great get, as it will allow the Ravens to maintain a run heavy team, while having a veteran presence to lean on down the stretch. A big overturn defensively saw 5 defensive starters walk, yet did a solid job bringing in a Super Bowl champion to mentor the young players on that side of the ball. Jackson, meanwhile will have pressure on his shoulders to show the ability to make late game plays to put the team in position to close out games. I mean when you have the league’s best kicker, you won’t have to drive that far, right? Baltimore travels to the home of Super Bowl LIV to take on the depleted Dolphins in their opener.

TENNESSEE TITANS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next week: @ CLE

The seat for Marcus Mariota is getting warm, as the reliability of his health has become a concern for Tennessee. When on the field, Mariota is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the league, but as everyone knows the best ability is availability, and after a season finale absence due to injury, the division leading Colts were able to defeat the Titans handily, resulting in clinching the 6^th seed and final spot in the playoffs. Now, there are no guarantees that the former Duck would have made up the 16 point difference, but it is obvious the odds were much higher for a different result should the Titans not had Blaine Gabbert at the helm. Regardless, Tennessee has a legitimate shot to claim the wide open AFC South crown behind 2^nd year Head Coach Mike Vrabel, and a very underrated defense. Running back Derrick Henry looks to ride the strong finish he had in December, finishing the month with 585 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. The Titans face a tough start to the year, and suspended left tackle Taylor Lewan being ineligible the first month does not matters. Nevertheless, they have the first crack at the new and improved Cleveland Browns, traveling to FirstEnergy stadium for a matchup on Sunday afternoon.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next Week: @ LAC

Man oh man… Well, at least you have Jaco… But on the other hand… Oh brother… It is hard to put into words the disappointment as a fan of the game of football to see an elite talent the likes of Andrew Luck retire so young. While the reasoning is completely understandable, it is tough to see such a good guy walk away in the manner he did. Colts fans should not be ridiculed for booing. They are not booing Andrew Luck the man or player. They are not booing the organization or people within it. They just upset with the situation as a whole. How would you feel Kansas City if Patrick Mahomes throws 50 touchdowns, reaches the AFC championship, then realizes he would rather do something else? Imagine if Kyler Murray struggles, in his rookie year, then says he would rather play baseball with the A’s. Both scenarios would leave fans around the country in shock, with a lot being upset with how it happened. Of course that is a different situation, but in a sense, that is the kind of shock value news of a Luck retirement brings to a casual fan, and regret taking him as their fantasy starting quarterback. Never say never. One year away from the game could bring back a fire the former Stanford Cardinal has not had in years, which could bring him back for years to come. Meanwhile, newly extended and permanent starter Jacoby Brissett has proven to be a solid quarterback, and deserves the chance to see what he can do with the playoff caliber talent around him. Weirder things have happened. Do not be surprised if the Colts march on in to Cali and upset the reeling Chargers on Sunday.

NEW YORK JETS (0-0)

Previous Rank: (-) Next week: vs BUF

New players. New look. New coach. For once, this complete turnover for Gang Green can be considered a good thing. The Jets entered the offseason with a long hill to climb towards regaining relevance following a 4-12 record in 2018. First step was to secure a quality offensive line in front of their 21 year-old quarterback. This was accomplished with the additions of guard Kelechi Osemele and center Ryan Kalil. Next, get the poor kid some toys to play with. Luckily, Head Coach Adam Gase and company gave him a shiny new running back in Pro Bowler Le’Veon Bell. Next, sure up that defense some quality talent. Bring in C.J. Mosley and draft prospect Quinnen Williams. That is quite the successful offseason if you ask me. That is the type of acquired talent and coaching that could warrant a breakout year for Sam Darnold and the New York Jets. Fireman Ed should be elated about the future of this team, as he may not wait too long to find themselves back in the mix of the relevancy once again. An interesting season opener takes place when the division rival Buffalo Bills come into Metlife on Sunday.