NFL Power Rankings: Mid-May Hot Cheerleader Edition—Houston Over Dallas?

The 2010 NFL season is just three and a half months away, and avid fans across the country are clinging to the NBA Playoffs, and the World Cup, and other sporting events to cope with the pain of football absence.

Currently, the biggest headlines in the NFL are the suspensions to Ben Roethlisberger and Brian Cushing.

Other stories circulating around the league have been covering Tim Tebow jersey sales, the aspects of Brett Favre’s one-and-done year or return to Minnesota, available free agents, and general predictions and power rankings for the upcoming season.

But with the many typical lists of power rankings, it’s time to mix it up with a fan favorite – cheerleaders! Everyone likes cheerleaders, and I’m sure no exception!

In this edition, little has to do with the performance conducted with the players, rather the passion, love, and striking appeal the cheerleaders bring to the equation.

VOTP, Why this article was written

Many Bleacher Report writers cover these types of articles on a regular basis, and others wait until their 50th, and continue the trend when they reach occasional milestones.

But I sought out to receive my first “Pick of the Day” with my 50th piece.

However, I wanted to still carry the trend before unveiling on a milestone such as my 100th article. So enjoy this one, because there won't be many more!

Verse of this Piece

As a tree produces fruit, wisdom gives life to those who use it, and everyone who uses it will be happy. —Proverbs 3:18

32. Detriot Lions

The Lions are selected as the worst ranked team for the fact they’ve never had cheerleaders.

The reason is owner William Clay Ford has never been behind the idea.

When the initial decision was made not to forego adding cheerleaders, it was for a whole family atmosphere.

However, I’ve personally attended a game at Ford Field in November 2007, where the 6-2 Lions hosted the 6-2 Giants.

Despite the winning record and solid economy at the time, the atmosphere was quiet, calm, and it was as if the fans were watching a movie.

Guys and especially male athletes’ success depends heavily with the admiration he receives, and additional cheerleaders would bring the Lions’ franchise just what it needs - some excitement.

31. N.Y. Giants

The Giants and Lions are the only teams to never have an official cheerleading squad.

For the G-Men, it hasn’t been so bad. They’ve been a perennial playoff contender since fans can remember.

And contrary to the Lions, Giants players can at least glance at the great squads that play in their inner division.

30. Cleveland Browns

The closest thing the Browns have ever come to having an official cheerleading squad was an all-girl marching band that joined in the 40s (see left).

When people ask why Cleveland doesn’t have cheerleaders, the most common answer given is their old-school mentality.

This is, after all, a team that prefers a solid brown scheme to featuring a logo on the side of their helmets.

But there are rumors that a squad could be on the horizon in Cleveland in the not-so-distant future.

29. Green Bay Packers

The Packers have had an official cheerleading squad in the past, but the decision was made not to reinstate them in 1998.

The decision to discontinue the program was announced during a television news poll in which fans voted just slightly more on the discontinuation side.

There are currently no plans for an official squad to return, but for several years the team has featured squads via local St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin.

Compared to other venues, though, they’re not as much of the gameday experience at Lambeau Field.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

After many abysmal seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers were ironically the first NFL franchise to welcome an official cheerleading squad dating back in 1961.

The existence was a short run, as the squad was banned in the early 70s.

But there’s no question it did something to help the team, as they’ve put together six Super Bowl rings since.

27. Chicago Bears

The Bears’ squad shifts ahead of the Steelers due to the eminence the Honey Bears brought to Chicago during ’77-’85. A couple of legendary mascots were also removed from the team after the cheerleading squad was pulled away.

26. St. Louis Rams

The Rams are no longer the best show on turf.

Their replacements: The Rams’ cheer squad.

Just like the on-field performance by the Rams players, the cheer squad puts forth a great effort week after week, and at times even looks good, but can’t hold up elite status.

25. Seattle Seahawks

The SeaGals are imperative for sleepy Seattle.

In recent years, the Seahawks have been at the bottom of the league, but a great future promises to be on the horizon with Pete Carroll leading the charge.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota used to be one of the most feared places to play with its outdoor venue.

But fortunate for every other franchise in the league, the Vikings now play indoors.

23. Tennessee Titans

The Titans' cheerleaders are very pretty, just like the Titans' on-field play.

Unfortunately, the competition from the other teams in the league put the Titans near the bottom.

22. Atlanta Falcons

I know what these girls are thinking.

They Falcons’ cheer squad is excited for the upcoming season, as Atlanta has a promising postseason run lying ahead.

21. New Orleans Saints

The Saints haven't stopped partying in New Orleans.

They looked great during the Super Bowl, but they had a few glaring errors it seems that didn't go unnoticed.

And this is no hard feelings; I'm just a brunets kind of guy.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville is a lovely city, and I've heard the same about their cheerleaders.

The city is actually small, and the team's effort to get its name out there is almost cute. Just like this cheerleader.

19. Buffalo Bills

Despite the often frigid temperatures the Bills encounter, their cheerleaders take their jobs seriously. And they look good doing it, too.

18. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' squad certainly had a lot to cheer about last season, and they'll feel the same in '10.

17. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens' squad is a little underrated.

They put their hearts into it each week, and even though they don't always look the best, the atmosphere in Baltimore on any given Sunday in the months of fall and winter is always upbeat and cheer-personified.

16. San Diego Chargers

Just like the franchise, the Bolts' squad is overrated. There's no ignoring it, they look great, spectacular at times. But they're put last in the division for a reason.

15. Carolina Panthers

A run-of-the-mill franchise, the Carolina Panthers' upcoming season is anyone's guess.

But one can cling to the idea that it will closely resemble last year's. The same is true for the Top Cats, looking beautiful and cheerful throughout the struggles.

14. Kansas City Chiefs

In 2009, these cheerleaders just had to put up a smile and hope for the best.

But now there's some excitement coming to the field with the newly acquired draft picks, which are all energetic, and excel when they're on the field.

This will cause the cheerleaders to really get enthusiastic, and now we'll see them more on the highlight reels, even if it is just for the running game and special teams.

13. Arizona Cardinals

Never has the Arizona Cardinals' logo at midfield received so much attention.

Now without Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals will have to receive more chirping from its sidelines.

12. Washington Redskins

They're nicknamed the 'skins, so it's only fitting that they show a lot of skin.

And albeit they may not look the best, we're likely to see much more of them as Donovan McNabb comes into town with revenge in mind against the Eagles.

Everyone in Washington is already pumped!

11. San Francisco 49ers

In the average American city, you might have to be a successful celebrity-type to land such a beautiful, high-spirited girl.

But in San Francisco, you just have to be straight and be able to hold down a job!

I've never been to this glorious and eminent city, but one look at this picture is enough to prepare me to pack my bags and scurry out the door!

10. New England Patriots

If you're planning a visit to Boston, be sure it's between the months of September and October, or else you're likely to receive the "jacket treatment."

This is a phrase I just fabricated to illustrate the fact they're wearing jackets, and not the typical unis. But they're still good looking, nonetheless.

9. Denver Broncos

The Broncos cheerleading squad doesn't start a domino drooling effect, but it's certainly full of gorgeous ladies like this one, who bring high energy and are full of surprises each week.

That sounds a lot like their 6-0 start that began the '09 season.

9. Denver Broncos

The Broncos cheerleading squad doesn't start a domino drooling effect, but it's certainly full of gorgeous ladies like this one, who bring high energy and are full of surprises each week.

That sounds a lot like their 6-0 start that began the '09 season.

8. Oakland Raiders

Some of the most ungodly ogre-like and evil-like creatures enter the Raiders' venue throughout the season, but the pom-pom squad certainly contradicts the criteria.

7. Cincinnati Bengals

Is it any wonder why Chad Ochocinco is always so jubilant and effervescent?

It's of course do in part to the tremendous appeal of the BenGals.

6. N.Y. Jets

The Jets' cheer squad was just recently introduced into the league, and it's already stirring tons of commotion.

There are rumors that LT, Santonio Holmes, and even Rex Ryan joined the organization just to be around these cheerleaders.

Despite the fact that was a satire statement, it very well could have been one of the many reasons they did join the franchise.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

A new era has begun in Philadelphia with Donovan McNabb gone to Washington, and the new kid Kevin Kolb stepping up to the platform.

But until that era unravels in front of us, let's keep dosing pictures of these glorious cheerleaders!

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Oh my, Tampa Bay. Their franchise has seen the worst, and then some.

But their cheerleaders are mind-blowing hot.

3. Miami Dolphins

Ah, Miami. Is there any greater place to be on a fall Sunday?

These girls are absolutely gorgeous.

I'm always reminded with a song at the site of these girls. The title is "Stop and Stare." True story.

2. Dallas Cowboys

The vibrant and legendary Dallas Cowboys cheerleader’s squad is almost as recognized as the game itself.

I personally watched the Cowboys win their last game in Texas Stadium. It was ironically my first visit to the eminent stadium, and I did not leave disappointed.

I wonder why there's an entire section in the brand new stadium that's practically dedicated to just sitting in front of the cheerleaders....

1. Houston Texans

This is no mistake.

After a great amount of research, I've come to the realization that Houston has the best cheerleaders. That's my girl Duyen by the way (not literally).

Move aside Dallas, your neighbor kicked you out!

I've never seen the Texans play, or for that matter even been to the diverse cultural and energetic city that Houston is, but plans of visit will be in October.

This is the year Houston breaks its shell and makes the highly anticipated postseason run!

Conclusion

The twins of Larisa and Marisa Coy are no longer on the team, but there's still an ample number of beatuful girls avaliable in Houston for our viewing pleasure.

Appreciate the reads, don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts!