NFL Predictions for 2010 Season: Power Ranking All 32 Teams

The 2010 NFL season is right around the corner. Is there anything better than this time of year?

Can the New Orleans Saints win back-to-back titles? It won't be easy in an NFC that features the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys.

The Indianapolis Colts, defending AFC champions, want nothing more than to return to the Super Bowl.

However, the AFC is also tough, thanks to teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Jets, to name just a few.

Before all the madness begins, here are my power rankings.  

No. 32 - St. Louis Rams

After seeing quarterback Sam Bradford against the New England Patriots in his first start, I thought the St. Louis Rams had to start him right away. He finished 15-22 with 189 yards and threw two touchdowns. Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced Saturday that Bradford had earned the starting job.

The Rams open the season with a winnable game, at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Bradford will give the Rams fans something to be excited about in Week 1. 

No. 31 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be successful in 2010, it all starts with starting quarterback Josh Freeman. This will be his first full season in that role.

From what we saw last year, Freeman showed some signs of promise. But he also had some problems, as rookies usually do. 

Aside from Freeman, the Bucs still have major question marks. Their two biggest concerns are at defense and wide receiver. 

With the Cleveland Browns coming to Tampa Bay in Week 1, the Bucs have a great chance to start the season on the right foot. On the other hand, a home loss to a bad team could set a negative tone for the rest of the season. 

No. 30 - Buffalo Bills

This season, the Buffalo Bills need some sort of spark. That's why they chose running back C.J. Spiller with the ninth pick in the 2010 draft.

Although their biggest concern wasn't at running back, Spiller was arguably the best player in the draft. With few weapons on offense, it was wise of the Bills not to pass up on him.

Now they just need to find a taker for running back Marshawn Lynch. 

As with every team, the Bills' success will begin at quarterback. That means all eyes are on Trent Edwards. This is his last chance to prove he can be a starting quarterback in this league. 

The Bills will open the season by hosting the Miami Dolphins in an AFC East battle. Anything can happen in Week 1; remember Week 1 last year against the Patriots?

The Bills need to win this game. 

No. 29 - Kansas City Chiefs

G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images

A year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Matt Cassel from the Patriots, and thought they had their quarterback of the future.

Unfortunately, Cassel's first year as a Chief was not too impressive. Don't think this team is ready to give up on him yet, though. 

The Chiefs have talent on offense, with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in the backfield, and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe looking to have a rebound year. 

Defense was a huge concern last year for the Chiefs, as they ranked among the worst in the league. Now, with rookie safety Eric Berry aboard, they have begun building their defense. 

No. 28 - Cleveland Browns

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

How important was it for the Cleveland Browns to add Mike Holmgren as their president? Just ask any other team with which Holmgren has been associated.

Holmgren wasted no time in changing things in Cleveland. He made major changes at quarterback, adding Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, and Colt McCoy, while getting rid of Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, and Brett Ratliff. 

Delhomme will be the starter to begin the season, and he badly needed a change of scenery. While Delhomme's unpredictability may scare some people in Cleveland, he's the most logical choice to start for the Browns. 

No. 27 - Detroit Lions

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Assuming Matthew Stafford improves in his second year as a starting quarterback, the Detroit Lions have many weapons on offense, and could be explosive.

With Calvin Johnson among the league's best receivers, and rookie running back Jahvid Best showing a lot of promise, this team could put up points.

The main problem is their defense, which ranked last in 2009. Coach Jim Schwartz will not let that defense stay down for too long, though.

The Tennessee Titans' defense was the best in the league when Schwartz was their defensive coordinator. 

The Lions aren't ready for the playoffs yet, but if they can continue to build their defense up, and if Matthew Stafford becomes an elite quarterback, the playoffs could be in their sights. 

No. 26 - Jacksonville Jaguars

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Aside from running back Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive weapons are limited. David Garrard has struggled with consistency as a starter, and has not been the quarterback the Jags thought he was. 

Also, remember when their defense was among the league's best? That's not the case anymore.

Last year, the Jags ranked 27th in pass defense. That must change, because their offense can't save them. 

This could very well be the last year for coach Jack Del Rio, and the last chance for David Garrard to prove he's cut out to be a starter in the league. 

No. 25 - Seattle Seahawks

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

After dominating the NFC West for years, the Seahawks have slumped in the last few seasons. Their success begins with the health of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. When he's healthy, the Seahawks are tough to beat. 

This offseason, the Seahawks hired Pete Carroll as their head coach. Carroll had great success coaching at the college level with USC, but struggled during an earlier stint in the NFL as head coach of the New England Patriots. 

Will Carroll have success with the Seahawks? This is not exactly a team on the rise, but they are in the weakest division in football. A record of 9-7 could win this division and host a playoff game. 

Seattle opens the season at home against the San Francisco 49ers, a divisional game that could have meaning later in the year. 

No. 24 - Oakland Raiders

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Could the Oakland Raiders actually win the AFC West this year? Probably not, but they will be no pushover in 2010.

The Raiders made a great move in acquiring Jason Campbell during the offseason, giving them a good quarterback. That's something they haven't had since the Rich Gannon era. 

This is a big year for Michael Bush, who will be the featured running back in Oakland. 

They already have a very good defense, and if the Raiders can find an offense, they stand to improve on last year's 5-11 record.

Don't sleep on the Raiders. 

No. 23 - Denver Broncos

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

2009 was a roller coaster for the Denver Broncos and their fans. The Broncos started off going 6-0, before falling to 6-4.

Just when Broncos fans thought the season was over, their team wins the next two games to go to 8-4.

The Broncos faithful breathed a sigh of relief, only to see the team collapse and lose its final four games, finishing the season at 8-8 and missing the playoffs.

During the offseason, the Broncos did not get any better, losing wide receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami and linebacker Elvis Dumervil to injury. 

However, the Broncos understood they needed to make a splash, and did so by drafting quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round of the 2010 draft.

No. 22 - Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

What a difference quarterback Kurt Warner makes to the Arizona Cardinals. Thanks to Warner, for the past two seasons the Cardinals have been threats to win not only the NFC, but the Super Bowl.

In 2008, in fact, they were seconds away from winning the championship before Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes made one of the most famous catches in Super Bowl history. 

Two years later, the Cardinals are in trouble. Matt Leinart, drafted in 2006, was thought to be the Cardinals' quarterback of the future. After struggling as a backup to Warner and failing to impress as a starter this preseason, the Cardinals chose to go a different direction and released Leinart. 

Now, the Cardinals turn to Derek Anderson. You don't know what you're getting from him. 

The only thing they have going for them is that they are in the weak NFC West. 

No. 21 - Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Jay Cutler needs to have a good season this year. Let me repeat, Jay Cutler needs to have a good season this year.

The Chicago Bears gave up a lot for quarterback Jay Cutler, including quarterback Kyle Orton--who went to the Denver Broncos in 2009--and a slew of draft picks.

Cutler repaid the Bears by making mistake after mistake, and led the league with 26 interceptions in 2009. 

With a full season in Chicago behind him, and offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the offense, Cutler could have a big year. Martz loves to throw the ball, and the Bears have a bunch of explosive receivers. 

This could also be a big year for third-year running back Matt Forte. After an impressive rookie season, Forte had a disappointing second year.

Now, the Bears need Forte and Cutler to succeed more than ever. 

No. 20 - Carolina Panthers

Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images

Before you all get on the Jimmy Clausen bandwagon, let's not forget how good quarterback Matt Moore was at the end of the last season.

Moore started the Panthers' last five games, going 4-1. He developed a good connection with receiver Steve Smith, and will be looking to carry that into 2010.

It seems we say this every year, but the Panthers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the backfield, the Panthers have the best running game in the league.

The combination of their running game plus receiver Steve Smith makes the Panthers a dangerous team on offense. 

Don't count out the Panthers this season. 

No. 19 - Philadelphia Eagles

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the youngest and most talented offensive rosters in the NFL. This season, all eyes will be on quarterback Kevin Kolb.

The Eagles made one of the most controversial moves of the offseason by choosing to trade Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins, passing the torch to Kevin Kolb.

Some people criticized this move, and some people praised it. Only time will tell if Kevin Kolb is the real deal. 

I don't think the Eagles will make the playoffs this season. With a bad offensive line and a questionable defense, the Eagles could struggle in 2010.

In 2009, the Eagles had 11 wins, but none of those wins came against a playoff team. That tells you something. 

No. 18 - Tennessee Titans

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans had a roller coaster season in 2009. After starting out 0-6, they improved to finish 8-8.

Quarterback Vince Young was impressive in 2009, but can he play like that for a full season? And can running back Chris Johnson come close to duplicating his performance last season, during which he ran for more than 2,000 yards? Those are two of the question marks for the Titans in 2010.

The poor play of Titans' defense was one of their biggest disappointments in 2009. The Titans boasted the best defense in the NFL in 2008, but lost defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to the Detroit Lions and tackle Albert Haynesworth to the Washington Redskins after that season.

Oh, what a big difference those two made. 

No. 17 - New York Giants

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Last season, the New York Giants had high expectations, but after a red-hot start, they fell apart late in the year and finished 8-8.

Now, with the Giants three years removed from their Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, they are looking to find the defense that helped them get a title. 

After losing defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to the Rams, the Giants' defense was in disarray in 2009.

Even though quarterback Eli Manning had the best statistical year of his career, the Giants were not able to make the playoffs. 

The Giants have the talent to be among the league's elite once again--for example, watch out for running back Ahmad Bradshaw this season--but I must stress again the importance of their defense.

No. 16 - Miami Dolphins

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

After a disappointing season in 2009, the Miami Dolphins went to work in the offseason, landing linebacker Karlos Dansby and receiver Brandon Marshall.

How big will Brandon Marshall be for quarterback Chad Henne? Just ask Kyle Orton. 

This year matters more for Henne than for anyone on the Dolphins. Henne will be playing his first full season as a starting quarterback. The Dolphins are very optimistic about him. 

The health of Ronnie Brown is huge for the Dolphins as well. When healthy, Brown is among the best running backs in the NFL, but it seems his season is cut short by injuries each year.

While healthy, he gives the Dolphins a scary offensive weapon with his ability to operate the wildcat formation. 

No. 15 - Washington Redskins

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

More than anything, the Washington Redskins are eager to get back on the field after a disastrous 4-12 season in 2009. 

Redskins owner Dan Snyder made some major changes this past offseason, with the biggest move being the trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb.

With a good defense already, the Redskins were struggling to find a quarterback with big play ability, and they found their man with McNabb.

Joining McNabb in Washington was Mike Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach. The offense will not be non-existent under him, that's for sure. 

The Redskins have the makings of a good team, and could do well in 2010. McNabb's number-one goal remains earning a Super Bowl title. Can he deliver one to the Redskins?

No. 14 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Edmonds /Getty Images

Ben Roethlisberger had a terrible offseason. Commissioner Roger Goodell ruled that the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback had violated the NFL's personal conduct policy and suspended Big Ben for the first six games, before reducing his suspension to four games. 

So, for the first four weeks, it looks like Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback.

If either of them can get the Steelers to 2-2, the Steelers could be in good shape when Roethlisberger returns. 

It will be an interesting season in Pittsburgh. I honestly don't know what to expect. I wouldn't be surprised if they won the AFC North, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they missed the playoffs. 

No. 13 - Houston Texans

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

For the past few seasons, people have been picking the Texans as a sleeper team to make the playoffs.

However, late-season collapses have doomed the Texans, and they are still searching for their first playoff berth in franchise history. 

I'm high on the Texans in 2010. Quarterback Matt Schaub is fresh off of the best year of his career, and is ready to join the elite. All he needs is a playoff berth. 

That's also what coach Gary Kubiak needs to save his job: a playoff berth. I was surprised Kubiak kept his job last year. This season, he has no room for excuses.

This Texans team is good enough to make the playoffs. I wouldn't bet on them, judging from their track record, but I'll roll the dice and say they will make it.

No. 12 - San Francisco 49ers

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Let me just say this: I love the San Francisco 49ers this year. I think quarterback Alex Smith is extremely underrated, and is ready to take over this team.

The Niners have surrounded Smith with talent on offense. Frank Gore is among the best running backs in football, while tight end Vernon Davis exploded in 2009, scoring 13 touchdowns--more than any other tight end in the league.

This is also potentially a breakout year for wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The sky is the limit for him. 

In addition, the Niners have built a scary defense, led by linebacker Patrick Willis. 

If the 49ers don't win the NFC West this year, I will be shocked. 

No. 11 - San Diego Chargers

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Last year, the San Diego Chargers were the hottest team in the league up until the playoffs, when they lost to the New York Jets. Kicker Nate Kaeding remembers that game. He missed three field goals from close range, and the Chargers lost to the Jets by three points.

The Chargers were supposed to be different last season; it was supposed to be the year they finally get to the Super Bowl.

Instead, the Chargers ended the year disappointed in front of their stunned home crowd.

In 2010, the Chargers are a different team. It's hard to believe that running back LaDainian Tomlinson won't be wearing a Chargers uniform, but the Chargers have put a lot into his rookie replacement, Ryan Matthews. 

The Bolts also have a question mark at wide receiver. It's widely known that Vincent Jackson is unlikely to be wearing a Chargers uniform this year, because he thinks he deserves more money.

After one good year, his demands for a bigger paycheck mean that his days as a Charger are numbered.

No. 10 - Atlanta Falcons

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons got hit by the injury bug last season, and it cost them a playoff berth. Quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner were unable to stay healthy all year.

It's a fresh season though, and there's good reason to believe that the Falcons will return to the playoffs.

Ryan is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, and Turner is healthy again. 

I think the Falcons can challenge the New Orleans Saints this year for the NFC South. I don't think they will win it, but I do think they will be right on the Saints' tails. 

No. 9 - New England Patriots

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

In 2009, the New England Patriots' defense was exposed, especially in the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens during which they got embarrassed 33-14 in Foxborough. 

It's a new season though, and I'm not going to be the guy discounting the Patriots.

Tom Brady is now two years removed from his torn ACL, and wide receiver Wes Welker is back as well. This offense is still among the most dangerous in the NFL. 

They are in a competitive division--the AFC East--and with everybody talking about the New York Jets this year, the Patriots aren't on everyone's radar. 

No. 8 - Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Quarterback Carson Palmer badly needs to add a playoff win to his resume, and with the talent the Cincinnati Bengals have, this could very well be the year. 

The Bengals made a splash in the offseason by signing Terrell Owens and putting him next to Chad Ochocinco.

As Ochocinco said, the pair of receivers are like "Batman and Robin." If they both can play to their full potential, the Bengals will be a very tough team to guard on defense. 

Don't forget that this team is the reigning AFC North champions. With a balanced offense and a strong defense, they are built for a playoff run. 

No. 7 - New York Jets

Al Bello/Getty Images

After their surprising playoff run a season ago, the New York Jets were busy in the offseason, picking up running back LaDainian Tomlinson, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, linebacker Jason Taylor, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

Those additions looks good on paper, but will they translate?

After a long process, the Jets finally locked up Darelle Revis, with Jets fans rejoicing everywhere. Now, with Revis locked up, the Jets have no more distractions and can focus on the season. 

Not all the Jets' hopes lie with Revis, though. Second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez must show considerable improvement for the Jets to be where they want to be.

Sanchez didn't look too sharp in the preseason, but it's his play when the regular season starts that matters.

No. 6 - Minnesota Vikings

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Surprise, surprise: Brett Favre is back for another year. After again making the Vikings wait for the entirety of training camp, and false reports saying the quarterback would retire, Favre chose to come back for one more year.

He says it's his last. This time I actually believe him. 

The Vikings have all the pieces in place to compete for a Super Bowl title. But they need to get healthy first, especially at wide receiver.

With Sidney Rice out for at least half of the season, Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian will have to step up big time. But will Harvin's health hold up?

Assuming the Vikings get healthy at receiver, and assuming Favre can duplicate the season he had in 2009, the Vikings could finish what they started last year and send Favre out on top.

Now, wouldn't that be a fitting end for Brett? 

No. 5 - Green Bay Packers

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers, one of the favorites to win the NFC, are going to be a scary team in 2010.

In his two years as a starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers has gotten better and better. Judging from preseason play, he continues to improve. 

With an improved offensive line, and a defense that forces a lot of turnovers, the Packers have built a team that can beat anyone.

What Aaron Rodgers badly wants to do this season, though, is beat Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. In both meetings with the Vikings in 2009, Rodgers was good, but eventually out-dueled by Favre, resulting in two Packer losses.

But 2010 is a new season, and the Packers are my pick to win the NFC North-- and maybe even compete for a Super Bowl. 

No. 4 - Dallas Cowboys

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have their sights set on one thing in 2010: A Super Bowl title.

Owner Jerry Jones would like nothing more than to host Super Bowl XLV with the Cowboys competing for the title. No team has ever had a home Super Bowl, but this year, that streak could be broken. 

The Cowboys are loaded with weapons, and there's good reason to believe that this team can win a championship.

Last season, they finally won their first playoff game last season in more than 10 years. This season, a single playoff win won't satisfy them. 

No. 3 - Baltimore Ravens

Larry French/Getty Images

I'm very high on the Baltimore Ravens this season. With quarterback Joe Flacco continuing to get better, he now has a big weapon in wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Joining Boldin is T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who just adds another weapon to the Baltimore offense. 

In addition, the Ravens' offense already has Ray Rice, who is ready to join the NFL's elite running backs. 

The Ravens will miss safety Ed Reed, who is out for the first six weeks of the season with a hip injury, but they will be able to overcome his absence. 

The Ravens have few flaws, and I see them finishing this season as AFC North champions, as well as representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. 

No. 2 - Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

As long as Peyton Manning is the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, you always have to be scared of this team.

Do you remember the last time the Colts didn't have 12 wins or more? In 2003. Talk about consistency. 

After coming so close to their second Super Bowl in four years, the Colts will look to take it one step further, and win it this year.

Again, as long as they have Manning, don't count them out of it. 

No. 1 - New Orleans Saints

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Because they are the defending Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints get the number one ranking.

Because the 2010 season has not yet begun, I can't put anyone ahead of this team quite yet. 

Now, the question is, can the Saints repeat the success they saw last season? Because their roster is nearly identical to last year's, the Saints are definitely a threat to win another championship.

It won't necessarily be easy, though. The Saints have some competition in the NFC, and everyone wants a piece of them.