1. New England Patriots
New England has lost Randall Gay, Asante Samuel, Donte Stallworth and Junior Seau, but they still have the talent to make a clear challenge at being the best team in the NFL. This is more complemented by having the easiest schedule, but Bill Belichick never fails to deliver a postseason team. Though they are the clear-cut No. 1 team, Dallas may give them a run for their money.
2. Dallas Cowboys
This is the most challenging team in the NFC. Tony Romo's second full year at starting QB, Tank Johnson in his first full season at nose tackle after adjusting to the 3-4 Dallas defense last year, and veteran leadership from Zach Thomas with DeMarcus Ware. Combined with the depth and talent at corner with Adam Jones and Mike Jenkins means ridiculous possibilities in Dallas, another go to receiver is the only strict need.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has nagging injuries to their best players on the team; Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders, and Dwight Freeney. Their biggest weaknesses are on the defensive front at defensive tackle and their linebacker core is their Achilles heel. However, Tony Dungy always seems to find a way to win as one of the best head coaches in the NFL
4. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are complemented with a good schedule by playing against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos twice. Adding Chris Chambers with Craig Davis gives their receiving core a major facelift, while their defensive line and linebackers are also their weak spot to some degree. They'll struggle to retain the Merriman, Edwards combo they had two years ago.
5. New Orleans Saints
This year the Saints are out to prove they're the real deal, last season we filled their heads with so much hype I'm surprised they could still fit their helmets on. Put Sedrick Ellis and Bobby McCray on their defensive line, John Vilma in the 4-3 scheme he excels in, Jeremy Shockey at TE, and McKenzie, David, Gay and rookie Tracy Porter at CB, wow. Combined with first round pick Meachem and a plethora of receivers, like I said, wow.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars smash mouth coach Del Rio, my favorite, will have a good defensive line, as usual, despite their losses and can hopefully get a shutdown pass defense with Drayton Florence, Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis and spectacular second-year safety Reggie Nelson. Jerry Porter is an athletic receiver who put up 6 TD in Oakland, imagine if he had a good quarterback, combined with Troy Williamson, Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, and Matt Jones, this team has clear potential.
7. New York Giants
Eli walked into last season as a questionable and unconfident quarterback and walked out with a Super Bowl ring out-dueling Brett Favre, Tony Romo, and Tom Brady. They have some serious losses with Michael Strahan, but his proteges Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora will serve well.
Mathias Kiwanuka should step up to the losses of Torbor and Mitchell. And Aaron Ross will need to handle a major load with the loss of Gibril Wilson.
8. Minnesota Vikings
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Brett Lissenden 11 months ago
Some good insight but I think you have severely overrated the Cowboys and underrated the Chargers. Very difficult to put the Saints at Number Five after last season too, although I agree they will be much better this year. Of course we'll have to see how it all turns out. I tend to think the Patriots will have a little bit of a Super Bowl hangover at least. They will obviously still be a top team, but maybe not the best.
Edit Comment Cancel
Silver Fox 11 months ago
Dallas has the talent but lack the chemistry to even win a playoff game (Coach Phillips is too laid back). Not only the Pats ,but both Colts and Chargers would defeat the Cowboys. Even the Jaguars and Steelers could possibly beat Dallas. The Giants would hold their on if not beat Dallas again in the post season.
Edit Comment Cancel
gregory caldarella 11 months ago
Saints over the Giants??? This is a new one. I have seen the Giants be picked for 3rd in their division but the Saints better than them this year is something I haven't heard. The Saints do have an easier schedule but cmon...still no love for the defending champs. I can take Dallas being ranked ahead but there's gotta be some more respect. Also Aaron Ross will have nothing to do with the loss of Gibril Wilson it will be hard hitting rookie safety Kenny Phillips out of "The U" that will fill that void.
I also find it interesting to see how much confidence you have in the Vikes despite their pathetic QB. But they did just miss out on the playoffs last year despite Jackson's poor play so you could be right with this one. Very good arguments all around.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Butler 11 months ago
well we had the saints winning the super bowl last year before they played a game, they came in cocky and had felt like they really had nothing to prove, they've spent a ridiculous amount of money on free agency and just have no excuses but to be a great time this year, if they dont, then sean payton may be overrated.
Edit Comment Cancel
gregory caldarella 11 months ago
i'll say this he was overrated after he he had first year success as the OC for the Giants and then he got ran out of town for just calling a flat out miserable game...could this be the same thing with his HC position in New Orleans??...we shall see but I gotta say I was very impressed with what he did in his first year considering I thought he would be terrible but his reunion with Shockey could really enhance an offense that struggled at times last year
Edit Comment Cancel
ryan norton 10 months ago
what? the bills are kick ass u wait and see
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.