NFL Lockout: Power Ranking Top 5 Teams Post-Lockout

The NFL lockout will soon be over, which means teams can finally get back to football. 

Heading into the 2011 season, we know which teams won't be hurt that much by the lockout. There are a handful of teams with a legit shot at winning the Super Bowl this coming year, but a lot can change as the season progresses. 

Right now, there are a few teams way above all the others. Some NFL clubs could take a leap in the power rankings after the free agent frenzy concludes in a little over a week, but the top teams won't change. 

Here are the top five teams in the NFL today. 

5. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons just missed out on a Super Bowl run last year, but it was Aaron Rodgers' destiny to roll through the NFL last season. 

In 2011, the Falcons return a high powered offense that will rise up. Atlanta took a gamble at the 2011 NFL Draft by jumping way up to land Julio Jones, but it will pay off because the rookie is extremely talented. 

The Falcons will go after a defensive end once the lockout is over, which will boost their defensive play. The secondary has issues, but the offense will take this team very far in 2011. 

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have lost the Super Bowl, but they won't let that loss ruin the 2011 season. Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Rashard Mendenhall will be back and ready to dominate the AFC North once again. 

As usual, the Steelers defense is their strongest asset, and guys like Troy Polamalu, Ike Tyalor, Lamar Woodley, and James Harrison will rule the field for Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers might have a few suspended players to begin the season because of problems in the offseason, but it won't hurt them in the long run. They are a playoff team, and a team that should always be feared. 

3. Indianapolis Colts

When you have Peyton Manning as your quarterback you're going to be one the top teams in the league. Manning may be coming off neck surgery, but he will still be a big time competitor on the field in 2011. 

But this team is more than just Manning. The run game will need to be worked out this year, but with a healthy receiving core, the Colts will be good to go. 

Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Collie, Blair White and even Jacob Tamme will all be dangerous this year because of Manning. If all of these guys stay healthy then the Colts won't even need a run game. 

2. New England Patriots

As long as Tom Brady is at quarterback, the New England Patriots are going to be a power house. We've seen Bill Belichick win games without him, but when Brady is on the field, the Patriots are always Super Bowl contenders. 

The young defense has a year under them, and although they didn't get a normal offseason, they will be better in 2011. They weren't terrible last year, but they did give up way too many passing yards. 

Nobody knows if the Patriots will be active in the free agent market, but it's possible they could go after a receiver to help Brady. In the end, it doesn't matter who lines up out wide because Brady is going to deliver. 

1. Green Bay Packers

The reigning Super Bowl champs will be tough to beat in 2011. The defense will be strong again, and with Aaron Rodgers behind center, the Packers will always be dangerous. 

Rodgers solidified himself as an elite quarterback last year with the Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. If his entire team is healthy in 2011, then the Packers' chances of repeating as champs are very good.

With Ryan Grant returning to the back field, the Packers will have a more balanced team, which will help them all season long.