NFL Power Rankings, but Still too Early to Tell

As I was surfing the net yesterday, looking for any football related news that mattered (no offense, Greg Spires to the Raiders is not too interesting), I found the newest NFL Power Rankings.

Sure, it's never too early to think about next season, but to honestly evaluate teams is another thing altogether.

1. New England Patriots—Of course the Patriots are first. I know they got beat in their final game, but I would be hard pressed to find someone who thinks they will no longer be in the mix. They suffered a key loss in Asante Samuel, but the Patriots always find ways to recover.

2. San Diego Chargers—The Chargers will have an easy road to the playoffs because the AFC West has gone from a highly-competative division to the mirror image of the NFC West's "someone please win the division."

They have been on the verge of greatness for the past three years, and barring injuries in the playoffs, they may have gone all the way last year. The loss of Michael Turner will prove to be bigger than they thought, but still not enough to hold them out of the AFC Championship game.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars—Normally the Colts would have been in this spot, but with the recent allegations against Marvin Harrison, they could be falling furthur than expected. The Jaguars are one of the league's most improved teams in the offseason.

Fred Taylor is admitting that his time is short, which means he may run harder, and David Garrard does not make mistakes. A new receiving corps will definitely help, and the loss of Marcus Stroud will not be noticed too much with the addition of two of the draft's best DE's and Derek Landri's improved play at the end of last season. There may be a new Division Champ in the AFC South.

4. Dallas Cowboys—Do not buy into the hype that Tony Romo doesn't have his head in the right place. He is a good QB with a good supporting cast. The reality with this team is that the window is closing. They are one bad season away from a TO explosion, and bringing in Pacman is not going to help their team cohesion. Regardless, they still appear to be the best overall team in the NFC.

5. New York Giants—They had a great season, but the verdict is still out on Eli Manning. Don't believe me...ask the Giants why they brought in David Carr and drafted Andre Woodson. Plaxico is still the most underrated receiver in the business, and if they switch to a two-TE set, they could be unstoppable. The Giants would normally be one spot higher, but with Strahan mulling retirement, they may as well stay in this spot.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers—An incredible draft, picking up what many would consider the best RB and the best WR in the draft. Big Ben gets the target he desires in Limas Sweed, and they finally get the hard-nosed runningback they wanted in Mendenhall, who adds some insurance to the Willie Parker recovery. I see no reason why the Steelers should not run away with their division, and go deep into the playoffs.

7. Indianapolis Colts—There are other teams I would rather put in this spot, but something about Peyton Manning will not allow me to do it. Peyton is a great QB that could win under almost any circumstances, but now he may have to do it without Marvin Harrison. Last season he held his own without Harrison, but showed many weaknesses in forcing passes. Look for the Colts as a wild card, as they watch the Jaguars take the division.

8. Philadelphia Eagles—I do not believe that the Eagles stay in this spot, mainly due to the Lito Sheppard situation. As long as the Eagles do maintain both Sheppard and Samuel on the roster, with Dawkins at safety, I can't honestly see anyone throwing the ball against them. Sure, there are some holes up front, but they have a defensive backfield full of play makers. Mix that with a healthy Donovan McNabb, and you may be looking at the revival of the Eagles. 

9. Cleveland Browns—Sure they are the Browns, but they are improved. Shaun Rogers was a huge pick up, and some healthy QB-competition will only make Derek Anderson better. There are still some questions about this team, but do not count them out of the wild card race.

10. Minnesota Vikings—If Adrian Peterson

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