JimNasium
07-08-2007, 12:27 PM
Probably a repost but I'm too lazy to search and you can't make me search. I have no problem with where they have us ranked.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-07-07-power-rankings_N.htm
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 does 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.
• Panelists: Deborah Barrington, Jarrett Bell, Chris Colston, Jim Corbett, Nate Davis, Arin Karimian, Sean Leahy, Tom Pedulla, Matt Pitzer, Tom Weir, Larry Weisman, Skip Wood and Scott Zucker
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-07-07-power-rankings_N.htm
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 does 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.
• Panelists: Deborah Barrington, Jarrett Bell, Chris Colston, Jim Corbett, Nate Davis, Arin Karimian, Sean Leahy, Tom Pedulla, Matt Pitzer, Tom Weir, Larry Weisman, Skip Wood and Scott Zucker