ESPN NFL Preseason Power Rankings

[MrRant 0]

We're pretty sure it won't make Steelers fans happy, but the Seahawks open on top after coming up just short in 2005. These rankings were compiled from seven members of ESPN.com's football staff. Each of the seven ranked the teams from 1-32, and the average of those rankings was used to determine our offseason Power Rankings. Of our seven voters, three had Seattle No. 1, three had the Steelers No. 1 and one had the Colts in the top spot.

 

ESPN.com's Power Rankings

The offseason rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff -- writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Michael Smith, Scouts Inc. insiders Jeremy Green and Keith Kidd and ESPN.com NFL editors Peter Lawrence-Riddell and James C. Black.

 

The Seahawks lost some key players in G Steve Hutchinson and WR Joe Jurevicius, but most importantly they were able to re-sign the NFL's reigning MVP, RB Shaun Alexander. Losing Hutchinson will hurt, but don't expect it to have too much of an impact on Alexander. He might not be able to match last season's amazing numbers (1,880 yards rushing and 28 TDs), but he'll be in the neighborhood.

 

As for the Steelers, they lost some key players this offseason (Antwaan Randle El, Chris Hope, Kimo von Oelhoffen). But assuming Ben Roethlisberger really is ready when the season starts, Pittsburgh will be fine. Big Ben is the key at this point. All the reports are positive, but he obviously suffered some major injuries to his face, and until he gets back on the field we really won't know what kind of an impact it might have on his season.

 

A number of teams made big moves from the last time we ranked them (after Week 17). The Cowboys made perhaps the offseason's biggest move, signing Terrell Owens, and jumped from No. 16 in our final rankings to No. 7 this offseason. The Dolphins, who finished 2005 on a six-game winning streak, moved all the way up to No. 8 (from No. 14) and look poised to challenge the Patriots in the AFC East. Assuming he's healthy, Daunte Culpepper gives the Dolphins the top-flight QB they've lacked since Dan Marino left town.

 

Anyway, on to the rankings, which we're sure will look completely different after Week 1. You can rank the teams yourself with SportsNation's NFL Power Rankings.

 

2006 Power Rankings: Offseason

RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT

 

1 (2) Seahawks 13-3-0 Super Bowl losers have struggled in recent years, but the Hawks appear equipped for another run.

 

2 (6) Steelers 11-5-0 Obviously the injuries to Ben Roethlisberger weren't as serious as they could have been. But as much work as it sounded like he needed on his face, it's not going to be an easy road back.

 

3 (1) Colts 14-2-0 With the versatile Edgerrin James now in the desert, Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai have big shoes to fill.

 

4 (3) Broncos 13-3-0 Between Jay Cutler and Javon Walker, they've brought in their QB-WR tandem of the future.

 

5 (9) Panthers 11-5-0 There's some question about how Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Smith will get along. As much as both guys want the ball, they also want to win and the Panthers should do enough of that in '06 to keep both WRs happy.

 

6 (4) Patriots 10-6-0 Yes, the Pats lost some key players this offseason. But are you really ready to hand the AFC East to someone else with Brady and Belichick still at the wheel?

 

7 (16) Cowboys 9-7-0 Dallas' offseason was all about T.O. If Owens is the player he was in his first season in Philly (77 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 TDs), Dallas could be very good.

 

8 (14) Dolphins 9-7-0 If Daunte Culpepper is as healthy as it sounds, the Dolphins got a steal in getting him for a second-round pick.

 

9 (8) Bengals 11-5-0 Tough offseason for the Bengals with all the off-the-field issues. On the field it's pretty simple -- Cincinnati's season rests on the health of Carson Palmer's left knee.

 

10 (12) Redskins 10-6-0 Will this offseason's free-agent spending spree be the one that finally pays off for the Redskins?

 

11 (10) Giants 11-5-0 A WR (Plaxico Burress) and his QB (Eli Manning) don't have to get along. That said, it'll be interesting to see how Burress responds the first few times he's open and Manning misses him.

 

12 (11) Jaguars 12-4-0 A little more production from the passing game and they could become serious contenders in the AFC.

 

13 (5) Bears 11-5-0 The Bears gave up only 12.6 points per game last season and the defense might have to be just as good this year if they want to go back to the playoffs.

 

14 (13) Chiefs 10-6-0 Larry Johnson is the real deal, but we're curious as to how that aging O-line will hold up.

 

15 (7) Buccaneers 11-5-0 Chris Simms was solid last year, but the Bucs will need a few more big plays from the passing attack in 2006.

 

16 (20) Ravens 6-10-0 If he can stay healthy Steve McNair will make the Ravens a better team. But that's a pretty big if.

 

17 (15) Chargers 9-7-0 A huge part of their success depends on how the offense flows through Philip Rivers.

 

18 (21) Eagles 6-10-0 With a healthy Donovan McNabb the Eagles should be right back in the mix in 2006. That said, it's hard to see them being as good as they were in 2004 without T.O.

 

19 (17) Vikings 9-7-0 Steve Hutchinson will obviously help the Vikings. But man, that was a lot of money (7 years and $49 million) to pay for an offensive guard.

 

20 (18) Falcons 8-8-0 We can't imagine that Michael Vick would be benched, but there will be calls for Matt Schaub if Vick continues to struggle.

 

21 (24) Cardinals 5-11-0 They had arguably the best offseason. Whether that translates to wins remains to be seen.

 

22 (22) Rams 6-10-0 Offensive guru Scott Linehan has even more talent to work with than he did in Minnesota and Miami.

 

23 (19) Browns 6-10-0 The Browns made some solid moves this offseason. Willie McGinest can still play and he's going to be huge in the locker room.

 

24 (26) Lions 5-11-0 One thing we're pretty sure you won't see Rod Marinelli doing this summer is riding a motorcycle onto the field at training camp.

 

25 (28) Raiders 4-12-0 Art Shell is clearly a natural fit, but he might have a harder time molding this clay into a winner.

 

26 (29) Packers 4-12-0 Having Brett Favre return is huge, but inking Ahman Green and Charles Woodson was just as significant.

 

27 (31) Saints 3-13-0 Sean Payton has made it pretty clear that he's going to get rid of guys who aren't buying into what he wants to do.

 

28 (23) Bills 5-11-0 Craig Nall, J.P. Losman or Kelly Holcomb? Well, they're going to have to pick one of them, right?

 

29 (25) Titans 4-12-0 Starting at quarterback, Billy Volek! Uh, let's see how long that lasts.

 

30 (32) Texans 2-14-0 OK, the NFL draft was almost two months ago, but we're still trying to grasp Mario Williams over Reggie Bush.

 

31 (27) Jets 4-12-0 Their biggest issue midway through last year remains a mystery heading into this season ? who?s going to start at quarterback? That?s definitely not an encouraging sign.

 

32 (30) 49ers 4-12-0 So Norv Turner is supposed to come in and rescue the offense? Good luck!

[Guest]

The Colts and Broncos aren't that good.

[naiwf 0]

The same can be said of the Cowboys and Dolphins. Putting the Bengals in the Top 10 when Palmer may not play this year is also silly.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Yeah, this is way too early to judge anything, but with the offseason moves, the Cardinals should be ranked higher, and the Patriots are probably too high (as usual). This should mark the return of the Dolphins to the top of the AFC East if Culpepper's healthy.

[tominator89 0]

Eagles at 18. Not really a surprise since everyone is writing them off.

[Guest Felonies!]

Last I heard (which was like a week ago), Thomas Jones and Nathan Vasher were holding out for more money. Vasher was one of the better players for Chicago last year, so hopefully they're able to lock him up if they haven't already. I'm hoping that with a full year of Grossman, the offense will actually do more than the bare minimum that it needs to do. There were some promising flashes of brilliance from Rex at the end of the year, but I have a bad feeling he gets hurt again, since he tends to be as injury-prone as his ursine counterparts on the North Side. In general, I'm kind of wary, since the last time Chicago had a great season, they stunk up the joint for another three years.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

This should mark the return of the Dolphins to the top of the AFC East if Culpepper's healthy.

The team's going to miss Ricky. Ronnie Brown should be fine, but having both Ronnie & Ricky would've made me fell a hell of a lot more confident.

[Maztinho 0]

Yes... my team (Niners, don't hate) STILL SUCKS!

 

Colts shouldn't be that high, and I don't buy Miami as a top ten team either.

[slabinskia 0]

One bad season and they are writing off the eagles. I see no reason why they won't finish 10-6 at the worst. Yes their division is better, but the chances of them going 0-6 in the division again is slim and none.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Considering they fill all their big needs(Minus the big name WR), I think the Eagles will be back in their winning ways.

 

McNabb is healthy(He played all of his games last season injured) and now they don't have to put up with the headache Terrell Owens, and continue to develop Reggie Brown. Eagles had an amazing draft.

 

Dallas I think will flop big time. Just think, Terrell Owens couldn't work with Donovan McNabb who is a great QB and makes very rare mistakes, how is he going to work with Drew Bledsoe who, while has a stronger arm then McNabb doesn't have the desicion making and mobility of McNabb. How is Terrell going to react when Bledsoe over throws him on 3rd downs? I think this is a disaster in the making. Bill Parcells has a bigger temper then Andy Reid, and he will not put up with Terrell's bullshit.

 

I think the Dolphins will take the AFC East this year! This is the year! With Daunte Culpepper at helm, Ronnie Brown progressing into a pro bowl type RB, and Chris Chambers finally having a good QB, the Dolphins finally have a good offense to go along with their good defense. All this time they were missing a good QB, and now if Culpepper comes back healthy, they have a Pro Bowl QB who can possibly take them to the Superbowl, if he's 100%. Nick Saban is a great young coach, and I think he will turn this team into success.

 

Saints got underrated big time. Even with Drew Brees shoulder surgey, he has shown on the Chargers, he is a good desicion maker who makes rare mistakes. I really think the Saints will be a sleeper. They got a ton of talent on offense for Sean Payton to work with.

[RepoMan 0]

28 (23) Bills 5-11-0 Craig Nall, J.P. Losman or Kelly Holcomb? Well, they're going to have to pick one of them, right?

 

Good thing the Bills drafted a saftey over Leinart. The Bills days in Buffalo are numbered, not due to league economics(which Wilson is bitching about to distract the public from a crappy team and make pepole feel like the got to buy tix to keep the team in town), but because the senile duo of Marv and Wilson are going to kill off the fan base.

[Guest]

Philadelphia is fine, Dallas will be good, the Chiefs (division winners, natch) and Saints are underrated.

 

Jacksonville is going to get in the playoffs again, that's what I care about. They need to fill the hole that Jimmy Smith left and they'll be fine.

[razazteca 0]

30 (32) Texans 2-14-0 OK, the NFL draft was almost two months ago, but we're still trying to grasp Mario Williams over Reggie Bush.

Will the Texans get more than 3 wins this season?

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Philadelphia is fine, Dallas will be good, the Chiefs (division winners, natch) and Saints are underrated.

 

Jacksonville is going to get in the playoffs again, that's what I care about. They need to fill the hole that Jimmy Smith left and they'll be fine.

 

Jacksonville I think will take the divison this year. They drafted good weapons for Leftwich, also Reggie Williams and Matt Jones are coming along fine. Jimmy Smith was a HOF player, but I think it's good for the Jaguars because now they can develop their team more.

 

I think Drew will be a good NFL RB, and that he got slept on big time in the Draft.

[Guest Vitamin X]

One bad season and they are writing off the eagles. I see no reason why they won't finish 10-6 at the worst. Yes their division is better, but the chances of them going 0-6 in the division again is slim and none.

 

This is exactly the same way I feel about the Packers, except people are writing them off much worse.

 

With the cupcake schedule, an improved defense, and Favre still around, I'm sticking to them finishing at least at .500, just like Philly.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

One bad season and they are writing off the eagles. I see no reason why they won't finish 10-6 at the worst. Yes their division is better, but the chances of them going 0-6 in the division again is slim and none.

 

This is exactly the same way I feel about the Packers, except people are writing them off much worse.

 

With the cupcake schedule, an improved defense, and Favre still around, I'm sticking to them finishing at least at .500, just like Philly.

 

I have big time troubles seeing the Packers finish .500, this year. Farve is getting to old and the reciever core is not good enough for him, maybe if this was 30 year old Brett Farve this team would be a playoff team, but Brett Farve can't make his WR's better then they are anymore. He needs the help, bad mouthing his best WR on the team didn't help either.

 

I think the Vikings, Bears, and Lions made the improvements on their teams to be better then the Packers.

[2GOLD 0]

30 (32) Texans 2-14-0 OK, the NFL draft was almost two months ago, but we're still trying to grasp Mario Williams over Reggie Bush.

Will the Texans get more than 3 wins this season?

 

I think they will do a lot better than people are thinking they will. They addressed all of their needs in the draft. Grabbed defense, two strong offensive linemen and I think snagged some offensive help late.

 

Just a question of if that offensive line can improve at all from last season cause they are going to have a solid defense.

[TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0]

30 (32) Texans 2-14-0 OK, the NFL draft was almost two months ago, but we're still trying to grasp Mario Williams over Reggie Bush.

 

OMG THEY DIDNT TAKE REGGIE!!! BIG MISTAKE

 

We get it already.

[Just John 0]

I still don't get why people think losing Randle El was a big deal. He was the freakin #3 receiver and a part time kick returner. Santonio Holmes (and plenty of other college players) could do that. The only loss I see is the Steelers can't run that screen 'n pass from Randle El to Ward. I bet the Steelers do better than the Seahawks.

 

I think the Cardinals will be a playoff team this year.

[Guest Princess Leena]

 

28 (23) Bills 5-11-0 Craig Nall, J.P. Losman or Kelly Holcomb? Well, they're going to have to pick one of them, right?

 

Good thing the Bills drafted a saftey over Leinart. The Bills days in Buffalo are numbered, not due to league economics(which Wilson is bitching about to distract the public from a crappy team and make pepole feel like the got to buy tix to keep the team in town), but because the senile duo of Marv and Wilson are going to kill off the fan base.

 

C'mon... you're from Buffalo. Nothing can kill off the Bills' fanbase. Except when the city is eventually dead since everyone under the age of 30 has no choice but to move south.

[Guest Vitamin X]

One bad season and they are writing off the eagles. I see no reason why they won't finish 10-6 at the worst. Yes their division is better, but the chances of them going 0-6 in the division again is slim and none.

 

This is exactly the same way I feel about the Packers, except people are writing them off much worse.

 

With the cupcake schedule, an improved defense, and Favre still around, I'm sticking to them finishing at least at .500, just like Philly.

 

I have big time troubles seeing the Packers finish .500, this year. Farve is getting to old and the reciever core is not good enough for him, maybe if this was 30 year old Brett Farve this team would be a playoff team, but Brett Farve can't make his WR's better then they are anymore. He needs the help, bad mouthing his best WR on the team didn't help either.

 

I think the Vikings, Bears, and Lions made the improvements on their teams to be better then the Packers.

 

Vikes lost their star QB, defense is old, and still haven't found an adequate replacement for Randy Moss. The Bears traditionally shit the bed after they make a great run (and they may have a few too many questions on offense still to be the best), and the Lions are still the Lions. Green Bay severely underachieved last year, but with the schedule and all the injuries, plus The Sherm playing for OT all the time when they could go for the win led to a ridiculous amount of close games lost. I don't think we'll see that as much with the more aggressive (supposedly) Mike McCarthy.

 

It's the NFL, after all, anything can happen.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

The Bears would need a herculean effort by their defense again this year to do anything of note. Even if Rex Grossman stays healthy all year, he's going to amount to like a 200ish yard per game passer. The Bears's bread and butter is the running game. If Thomas Jones hold out, fuck him, they have Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson. Vasher's the one they do need to get in camp.

 

With all this said, they certainly will be better than the ultimate rebuilding team in Green Bay. The only improvement I think that would be "noticeable" is the LB corps with AJ in there.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

One bad season and they are writing off the eagles. I see no reason why they won't finish 10-6 at the worst. Yes their division is better, but the chances of them going 0-6 in the division again is slim and none.

 

This is exactly the same way I feel about the Packers, except people are writing them off much worse.

 

With the cupcake schedule, an improved defense, and Favre still around, I'm sticking to them finishing at least at .500, just like Philly.

 

I have big time troubles seeing the Packers finish .500, this year. Farve is getting to old and the reciever core is not good enough for him, maybe if this was 30 year old Brett Farve this team would be a playoff team, but Brett Farve can't make his WR's better then they are anymore. He needs the help, bad mouthing his best WR on the team didn't help either.

 

I think the Vikings, Bears, and Lions made the improvements on their teams to be better then the Packers.

 

Vikes lost their star QB, defense is old, and still haven't found an adequate replacement for Randy Moss. The Bears traditionally shit the bed after they make a great run (and they may have a few too many questions on offense still to be the best), and the Lions are still the Lions. Green Bay severely underachieved last year, but with the schedule and all the injuries, plus The Sherm playing for OT all the time when they could go for the win led to a ridiculous amount of close games lost. I don't think we'll see that as much with the more aggressive (supposedly) Mike McCarthy.

 

It's the NFL, after all, anything can happen.

 

The lost their star QB last year and didn't have Moss either and still did decent. And now they made improvements to the offense by adding Hutchinson and Richardson.

 

The Lions are making great strides for their future by hiring Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson. And now they finally got a decent QB for their young WR Core.

 

Packers big free agent signing was Charles Woodson who problay will play 5 games for them.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Time for the Steelers to play the underdog card!

[TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0]

I think the Giants should be about as good as last year's run of 11-5, give or take one. The addition of Arrington was great, plus they get Pierce back. They got rid of both the Will CB's, finally. Madison, McQuarters, Demps, should be solid secondary additions. I was confused when they took Kiwankua...however its spelled...in the first round since their top two defensive players already play his position. I guess they want to get ready to phase Strahan out, or something. The WR corps upgrade with Moss was solid, adding some speed and a deep threat for Eli as he continues to emerge in his 3rd season. Tiki will be Tiki and the line should hold up.

[sfaJack 0]

Considering the Giants were one of the worst 11-5 teams the NFL has ever had last year I'll be happy if they're on that same level this year. With as tough as the East is going to be, they would finish no better than 3rd, further opening the door for the Cowboys to play in the NFC Championship Game.

[UZI Suicide 0]

The NFC East is going to be fun to watch this year. Definitely the best division in football. All four teams are legit contenders to get to the Superbowl, IMO.

 

Dallas will win the division of course.

[NoCalMike 0]

Dallas is ranked too high, but again what ELSE is new? I have no doubt that the addition of Owens will be good for another couple of wins, but it will be the same old story, Dallas will look impressive over weak teams because Owens will abuse crappy corners, but when the schedule gets tough and Bledsoe turns into Bledsoe, the soap opera will begin.

 

NFC East will be the best division in football.

 

Of course my bias has Washington coming in 1st, but that is mainly because by the end of the season they were clearly the best team in the East, kicking the shit out of the cowboys, and beating a respectable Giants team, and I think they had the best offseason out of the three, especially with the addition of Al Saunders to the coaching staff. Mostly, Santana Moss will be able to be triple covered anymore, and Portis showed last year he is elite RB even without the "Denver system"

[Vampiro69 0]

I am glad to see a few of the posters here give my Cardinals some love. They may only be ranked 21 in the preseason power poll, but I think they will either win the NFC West or take a wild card spot.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Eagles are taking the NFC East.

 

They had the best draft selecting this year(Brodick and Winston are going to help us out big time filling needs that we need, Bloom could develop into a good KR, and Avant could be a sleeper). Yes one of the main reasons that I'm picking the Eagles, is because they are my team. But everyone in this thread has done the same.

 

Howard and Gaffney were good signings aswell. But I think the main the thing that will help us out is that Donovan McNabb is healthy. Everyone mentions we don't have a big name WR, but we went to the NFC Divison Championship 4 straight years without a big name WR(T.O. got injured in his 1st season and McNabb lifted his team to the Superbowl).

 

Last year also showed the potential of Reggie Brown and Ryan Moats. Those guys will be key players next year. People are sleeping on Reggie Brown, he will be our #1 WR most likely. Ryan Moats will most likely serve as a 3rd down/Short yardage RB.

 

GO EAGLES GO!