My 2009 Week 1 Power Rankings

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

With the first game of the NFL season coming fast, it's time to crank out my first power rankings of the regular season to follow up my preseason rankings.

These rankings are based on my expectations for these teams for the upcoming season. The number in parentheses is their ranking from my pre-season edition.

1. New England Patriots (1)

I think the Patriots will be one of the best teams this season. It's scary to think that this offense could rival the historic 2007 Pats offense, but with a healthy Tom Brady, it is possible.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (2)

They start off the season with a game against the Tennessee Titans. I think it will be a tough game, but the Steelers and their D will start the game off right.

3. New York Giants (3)

While following my Giants very closely this off-season and training camp, I know that they can be top contenders this year, even if they don't have that No. 1 guy at the receiver spot yet.

4. Atlanta Falcons (5)

I have huge expectations for Matt Ryan and the Falcons this season. I think they could represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this year, if Matt Ryan doesn't hit that sophomore slump.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (4)

The Eagles made the big pickup of Michael Vick and will be looking for some help from him when he comes back in Week 3.

Although they have been hit hard by the injury bug in camp, if they can avoid it, they will have a very good season.

6. Indianapolis Colts (6)

Peyton Manning and the Colts are looking good for this season, and even without Tony Dungy, they will take a tough AFC South.

7. San Diego Chargers (8)

The Chargers will have a great season this year. I think LT will bounce back, and he and Phillip Rivers will lead the Chargers through an easy AFC West.

8. Tennessee Titans (7)

Like I said with the Colts, I think they will take the AFC South, but it will be close between them and the Titans. They will grab a wild card spot for sure.

9. Chicago Bears (10)

Some people don't like the Bears, but I love them this season. Jay Cutler will have a great season despite not having Brandon Marshall, and the Bears will take the NFC North.

10. Minnesota Vikings (11)

Even though I was pulling for Tarvaris Jackson over Sage Rosenfels and Brett Favre, I still think Adrian Peterson will have a great season. The Vikings will grab a wild card in an NFC North that could go any way, except to the Lions.

11. Carolina Panthers (9)

With the rushing duo of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams leading the team, the Panthers will have a good season unless Jake Delhomme plays like he did in the playoffs.

12. Baltimore Ravens (12)

They are "Wacko For Flacco" in Baltimore, but I am not. And even though the defense lost its coordinator, this is still a Top Five defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals (13)

The defending NFC champions could be a very good team again if Kurt Warner can stay healthy. The passing game with Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald will be great.

14. New Orleans Saints (15)

Drew Brees got the nod from me for being the top QB for this season. After putting up 5,000 yards last season, he probably won't do it again but will get around 4,000.

15. New York Jets (14)

I love the Jets with Rex Ryan at the head. They have come in confident and could be very good in the future.

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