2011 NFL Power Rankings: Post-Nnamdi Asomugha to Eagles Edition

In case you missed it, the Philadelphia Eagles hit the offseason home run of the century by luring the NFL's best cornerback in town when they signed Nnamdi Asomugha. How has this changed the landscape of the NFL? We break down our AN (after Nnamdi) NFL power rankings.

How will your team stack up after one week of free agency? Are the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers still the teams to beat in the NFC and AFC? How will the major signings and trades shake things up?

We give you your first look at our preseason power rankings, ranked No. 32 to No. 1.

32. Cincinnati Bengals

Power Ranking: 32

Free Agents: LB Thomas Howard, CB Nate Clements, RB Cedric Benson, S Gibril Wilson, QB Bruce Gradkowski, RB Brian Leonard, T Dennis Roland, WR Quan Cosby

Rookies: LB Dontay Moch, QB Andy Dalton, RB Jay Finley, G Clint Boling, C Ryan McKnight, CB Korey Lindsey, WR A.J. Green, WR Ryan Whalen, S Robert Sands

Released: DE Antwan Odom, WR Shay Hodge, K Clint Stitser, T Andrew Mitchell

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: Cincinnati lost its starting quarterback (Carson Palmer), its best wide receiver (Chad Ochocinco), a top cornerback (Johnathan Joseph) and had to release a promising defensive end due to health issues (Antwan Odom).

The offseason was not kind to the Bengals.

The team will roll out either rookie Andy Dalton or journeyman Bruce Gradkowski—neither of whom is ready to handle the tough defenses the Bengals see in the AFC North.

31. Tennessee Titans

Power Ranking: 31

Free Agents: TE Daniel Graham, LB Barrett Ruud, DT Shaun Smith, QB Matt Hasselbeck

Rookies: LB Akeem Ayers, QB Jake Locker, S Tommie Campbell, DE Karl Klug, DT Jurrell Casey, DT Zach Clayton, T Byron Stingily, RB Jamie Harper, LB Colin McCarthy

Released: QB Vince Young, DT Tony Brown, DE Kareem Brown

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: The Titans may have made a huge mistake in signing quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to a multi-year deal at 36 years old. The team hopes to work Jake Locker in as soon as possible. Either way, wins will be at a premium in Nashville this year.

Tennessee does have a good defense still, but playing without defensive line coach Jim Washburn and his project Jason Babin will be tough. Picking up Barrett Ruud will help, but the team still has many question marks scattered over the roster.

30. Seattle Seahawks

Power Ranking: 30

Free Agents: K Brandon Coutu, DT Junior Siavii, G Robert Gallery, WR Sidney Rice, QB Tarvaris Jackson, DT Alan Branch, DT Brandon Mebane, LB Leroy Hill, LB Matt McCoy

Rookies: T James Carpenter, G John Moffitt, CB Byron Maxwell, LB K.J. Wright, WR Kris Durham, DE Lazarius Levingston, CB Richard Sherman, LB Malcolm Smith, S Mark LeGree

Released: LB Lofa Tatupu, G Stacy Andrews

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: The Seattle Seahawks made waves with their signing of wide receiver Sidney Rice, but who is going to throw him the football?

The team has Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson, neither of whom scares opposing defenses.

The 'Hawks may be better on defense, but the offense is troubling.

29. Cleveland Browns

Power Ranking: 29

Additions: DE Derreck Robinson, G Billy Yates, K Phil Dawson, LB Marcus Benard, TE Evan Moore, G John Greco, S Usama Young, DE Jayme Mitchell, DT Brodrick Bunkley, Brandon Jackson

Rookies: TE Jordan Cameron, WR Greg Little, S Eric Hagg, T Jason Pinkston, DE Jabaal Sheard, CB Buster Skrine, RB Owen Marecic

Released: QB Jake Delhomme, LB Eric Alexander

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: The Browns had an amazing 2011 NFL draft class, but they will still be a very young team in 2011.

Even if Colt McCoy becomes a legitimate starter early in 2011, he has few established targets at wide receiver and a defense that is left with holes at key positions—notably all over the secondary and defensive line.

Cleveland has talented young players sprinkled across the roster. Once those players come together, the Browns will be a tough out. They just are not ready right now.

28. Carolina Panthers

Power Ranking: 28

Free Agents: TE Ben Hartstock, S Kevin Payne, K Olindo Mare, S Sean Considine, LB Omar Gaither, RB DeAngelo Williams, LB James Anderson, DT Ron Edwards, DE Charles Johnson, TE Greg Olsen, TE Jeremy Shockey

Rookies: QB Cam Newton, C Zack Williams, CB Brandon Hogan, WR Kealoha Pilares, DT Sione Fua, LB Lawrence Wilson, T Lee Ziemba

Released: LB Nic Harris, QB Keith Null, DE Tyler Brayton, DT Ed Johnson, K John Kasay

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: The Carolina Panthers are getting better, that much is for sure. The team may have overpaid for DE Charles Johnson and RB DeAngelo Williams, but paying a little more to keep talented players locked up may be necessary for a team coming off a 2-14 record.

The Panthers will struggle behind first-year quarterback Cam Newton in the NFL's toughest division, but there is a lot to like here.

27. Buffalo Bills

Power Ranking: 27

Free Agents: LB Nick Barnett, DE Lionel Dotson, QB Tyler Thigpen, CB Drayton Florence, QB/WR Brad Smith

Rookies: CB Aaron Williams, LB Kelvin Sheppard, S Da'Norris Searcy, DT Marcell Dareus, LB Chris White, CB Justin Rogers, DT Marcus Jasper, T Chris Hairston

Released: None

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: Are the Buffalo Bills getting closer to respectability or just treading water?

The 2011 offseason would indicate they are treading water, barely. Losing starting linebacker Paul Posluszny hurts, even with the additions of Nick Barnett in free agency and Kelvin Sheppard through the draft.

I am curious to see how Brad Smith gets used here, as head coach Chan Gailey is an offensive genius. The trouble is he lacks the parts needed to turn this team into a contender.

26. Washington Redskins

Power Ranking: 26

Additions: RB Tim Hightower, T Jammal Brown, T Willie Smith, S O.J. Atogwe, WR Santana Moss, DT Barry Cofield, WR Donte' Stallworth, QB Kellen Clemens, WR Jabar Gaffney, CB Josh Wilson, P Sav Rocca, DE Stephen Bowen, G Chris Chester

Rookies: DT Chris Neild, LB Markus White, G Maurice Hurt, CB Brandyn Thompson, WR Aldrick Robinson, RB Evan Royster, WR Niles Paul, S DeJon Gomes, RB Roy Helu, WR Leonard Hankerson, DE Jarvis Jenkins, LB Ryan Kerrigan

Released: C Casey Rabach, DE Phillip Daniels, DT Maake Kemoeatu, RB Chad Simpson, RB Andre Brown, WR Roydell Williams, P Josh Bidwell, T Mike Williams

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: The Washington Redskins definitely got better this offseason with signings like that of O.J. Atogwe, Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield. They also made a smart trade for power runner Tim Hightower and found depth players to fill in key spots.

Here's the deal...John Beck is still their starting quarterback. I cannot take any team seriously as long as that's happening.

25. San Francisco 49ers

Power Ranking: 25

Free Agents: QB Alex Smith, K David Akers, LB Larry Grant, LB Antwan Applewhite, DE Ray McDonald

Rookies: LB Aldon Smith, QB Colin Kaepernick, CB Curtis Holcomb, G Mike Person, S Colin Jones, WR Ronald Johnson, RB Kendall Hunter, CB Chris Culliver

Released: CB Nate Clements, K Joe Nedney, C Eric Heitmann

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: The 49ers may field a team in 2011 very similar to the 2010 edition of this team, which means another 6-10 record is not out of the question.

Trusting Alex Smith for one more year seems like a worthless transaction. What's more troubling is that the team cut cornerback Nate Clements and to date has signed no one to replace him.

Getting better at cornerback and nose tackle will be priorities for the rest of the offseason.

24. Arizona Cardinals

Power Ranking: 24

Additions: QB Kevin Kolb, DE Vonnie Holliday, G Deuce Lutui, TE Todd Heap, G Floyd Womack, CB Richard Marshall, G Daryn Colledge, LB Stewart Bradley, WR Chansi Stuckey, TE Jeff King, DE Nick Eason

Rookies: RB Ryan Williams, CB Patrick Peterson, TE Rob Housler, WR DeMarco Sampson, DE David Carter, LB Quan Sturdivant, RB Anthony Sherman, LB Sam Acho

Released: CB Da'Mon Merkerson

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: The Arizona Cardinals have had a great offseason so far, finding their franchise quarterback in Kevin Kolb and making moves through the draft, free agency and trades to better the roster.

But it is still not enough, especially in a shortened offseason where many new players will be attempting to learn a new scheme and new teammates in a hurry.

Arizona has to find a way to improve play along both lines and hope rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson is ready to go Week 1.

I'll say it again, because I know the commenters will be all over this one: I like what Arizona did this summer, and I do think it will be in the running for a division championship.

23. St. Louis Rams

Power Ranking: 23

Free Agents: CB Al Harris, LB Zac Diles, OG Harvey Dahl, DT Justin Bannan, WR Mike Sims-Walker, S Quintin Mikell

Rookies: DE Robert Quinn, CB Jonathan Nelson, LB Jabara Williams, CB Mikail Baker, S Jermale Hines, WR Greg Salas, WR Austin Pettis, TE Lance Kendricks

Released: LB Larry Grant

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: The St. Louis Rams are riding high off a competitive 2010 season under rookie quarterback Sam Bradford. Now it is time to win the division back.

The Rams will face hardship in learning a new offense in such a short time frame, but Josh McDaniels has a quarterback-friendly offense and blocking scheme. He will have Bradford ready and rolling by September 11.

St. Louis could see competition from Arizona depending on how fast their free agents gel. There is not much separating the two clubs on paper.

22. Denver Broncos

Power Ranking: 22

Additions: TE Dante Rosario, TE Daniel Fells, RB Willis McGahee, DE Jeremy Jarmon

Rookies: LB Von Miller, S Rahim Moore, S Quinton Carter, T Orlando Franklin, DE Jeremy Beal, LB Mike Mohamed, TE Julius Thomas, TE Virgil Green, LB Nate Irving

Released: LB Dominic Rhodes, S Renaldo Hill, RB Correll Buckhalter, TE Daniel Coats, RB Mike McLaughlin

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: Playing in what has become a very talented division, the Denver Broncos are expected to struggle again in 2011 despite a solid offseason featuring an impressive draft class from John Elway's first year running the show.

New head coach John Fox must decide who his quarterback is, and early on. Once that's decided, Denver has the tools to be competitive.

21. Miami Dolphins

Power Ranking: 21

Free Agents: RB Reggie Bush, QB Matt Moore, DT Ronald Fields, LB Jason Trusnik, LB Kevin Burnett, DT Tony McDaniel

Rookies: C Mike Pouncey, RB Daniel Thomas, DT Frank Kearse, CB Jimmy Wilson, RB Charles Clay

Released: LB Channing Crowder

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: The Miami Dolphins' 2011 season will be determined by how well Chad Henne plays at quarterback and what the team can get from newcomers Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas at running back.

I will say the idea of Bush lining up at quarterback in the Wildcat is exciting, but will it be enough to pressure the Jets and Patriots for the division crown?

Most likely not, and Miami will still struggle to stop the more powerful offenses in the NFL.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Power Ranking: 20

Additions: QB Donovan McNabb, LB Mark Washington, T Scott Kooistra, WR Devin Aromashodu, WR Michael Jenkins, NT Remi Ayodele

Rookies: QB Christian Ponder, TE Kyle Rudolph, DT Christan Ballard, CB Brandon Burton, T DeMarcus Love, S Mistral Raymond, C Brandon Fusco, LB Ross Homan, DE D'Aundre Reed, WR Stephen Burton

Released: S Madieu Williams, DT Jimmy Kennedy

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Fourth

Notes: The Minnesota Vikings may be ranked fourth in the NFC North right now, but they are a lot closer to competing than most think. In fact, I could see all four NFC North teams finishing 8-8 or better.

The Vikings will be in good hands while Donovan McNabb mentors Christian Ponder, helped by the presence of Adrian Peterson in the backfield.

One major question mark is at defensive end, where the team is trying to replace Ray Edwards with Brian Robison. Time is the only judge here, but I did like Robison coming out of Texas.

19. Oakland Raiders

Power Ranking: 19

Free Agents: S Michael Huff, QB Trent Edwards, T Khalif Barnes, LB Jarvis Moss, LB Jon Condo

Rookies: T Joseph Barksdale, C Stefen Wisniewski, CB DeMarcus Van Dyke, WR Denarius Moore, TE Richard Gordon, CB Chimdi Chekwa, TE David Ausberry, RB Taiwan Jones

Released: G Robert Gallery, S Quentin Scott

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: If any team is going to push the Chiefs and Chargers this season, it will be the Oakland Raiders. In fact, I almost ranked Oakland higher than San Diego until reviewing draft classes and signings one last time.

There is talent here, and the players love head coach Hue Jackson. For Oakland to win the AFC West, it needs a receiver to step up as a true No. 1 guy. Jacoby Ford may be that player, or maybe it's Louis Murphy. Either way, for this team to win, it has to become a threat throwing the football.

Replacing Nnamdi Asomugha on defense will not be easy, but the Raiders rush the passer so well that the coverage should not have to hold up for too long.

18. San Diego Chargers

Power Ranking: 18

Free Agents: QB Billy Volek, C Scott Mruczkowski, RB Mike Tolbert, S Bob Sanders, TE Randy McMichael, WR Vincent Jackson, WR Kelley Washington, LB Antwan Barnes, CB Dante Hughes, DE Jacques Cesaire, LB Takeo Spikes, T Jeromey Clary, LB Travis LaBoy

Rookies: CB Shareece Wright, T Steve Schilling, LB Jonas Mouton, RB Jordan Todman, CB Marcus Gilchrist

Released: WR Buster Davis, TE Kris Wilson, LB Jyles Tucker, LB Brandon Lang, CB Donald Strickland

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: I had serious internal debates over whether to place Oakland here or San Diego. In the end it came down to Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates.

I'm not particularly in love with the Chargers defense, but their offense will be good enough to win games, especially with Vincent Jackson under contract and in uniform for all 16 games.

Unless major changes happen in the next four weeks, San Diego is in jeopardy of losing out to the Raiders for the top spot in the AFC West.

17. New York Giants

Power Ranking: 17

Free Agents: DE Mathias Kiwanuka, G David Baas, G Kevin Boothe, TE Bear Pascoe, T Jamon Meredith, P Steve Weatherford

Rookies: DT Marvin Austin, WR Jerrel Jernigan, T James Brewer, LB Greg Jones, S Tyler Sash, LB Jacquian Williams, RB Da'Rel Scott, CB Prince Amukamara (unsigned)

Released: DT Rocky Bernard, G Shawn Andrews, RB Madison Hedgecock, C Shaun O'Hara, G Rich Seubert

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: How did the New York Giants get better last week? They haven't re-signed RB Ahmad Bradshaw or WR Steve Smith. They didn't fix Osi Umenyiora's displeasure with his contract. They haven't signed first-round pick Prince Amukamara. Eli Manning is still their quarterback.

I have serious beliefs that the Redskins may be better than the Giants this year, but I would like to wait until Bradshaw and Smith have signed before making that decision final.

The Giants have done nothing to get better through free agency.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

Power Ranking: 16

Free Agents: LB Paul Posluszny, LB Clint Session, G Jason Spitz, CB Drew Coleman, S Dawan Landry, P Matt Turk

Rookies: QB Blaine Gabbert, S Chris Prosinksi, CB Rod Issac, WR Cecil Shorts

Released: G Justin Smiley, G Vince Manuwai, DE Derrick Harvey, CB Tyron Brackenridge, QB Scott Riddle

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: This, folks, is how you use free agency to turn over a roster in a hurry.

The Jacksonville Jaguars did an amazing job fixing a defense that was terrible in 2010 and adding at offensive guard to upgrade a young offensive line.

The lone weakness on the roster right now is at cornerback, where Drew Coleman will help, but he alone cannot plug the massive hole in the Jaguars secondary.

The run defense in Jacksonville should be better, but stopping the pass will be tough.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Power Ranking: 15

Free Agents:  G Kyle Kosier, T Doug Free, DE Kenyon Coleman, DE Marcus Spears

Rookies: T Tyron Smith, RB DeMarco Murray, LB Bruce Carter, CB Josh Thomas, C Bill Nagy, WR Dwayne Harris, RB Shaun Chapas, G David Arkin

Released: WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber, LB Kelvin Smith, G Leonard Davis, T Marc Colombo, K Kris Brown

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: We are banking on a healthy Tony Romo turning things around in Dallas this season with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin as his primary targets, and of course Jason Witten in there too.

Dallas will live and die by running the ball and pressuring safeties with play-action passing. They have the talent on both sides of the ball to win tough games and push for a playoff spot.

There are some question marks at cornerback, but a new defensive coordinator (Rob Ryan) may fix those problems without making major personnel changes.

14. Detroit Lions

Power Ranking: 14

Free Agents: LB Justin Durant, LB Stephen Tulloch, CB Chris Houston, CB Eric Wright, WR Rashied Davis, C Dylan Gandy, K Dave Rayner, QB Drew Stanton, S John Wendling, CB Maurice Leggett, DT Quinn Pitcock

Rookies: DT Nick Fairley, RB Mikel Leshoure, WR Titus Young, T Johnny Culbreath, LB Doug Hogue

Released: WR Bryant Johnson, LB Jordon Dizon

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: The Detroit Lions are done playing around in the basement of the NFC North. This may be the year the Lions visit the playoffs again.

That's all possible if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy at quarterback. He has played just 13 games in two seasons. Stafford holds the Lions' success in his hands.

An improved offensive line would have been nice, but Detroit played free agency smart in getting better on defense and re-signing key players.

13. Chicago Bears

Power Ranking: 13

Free Agents: RB Marion Barber, DT Amobi Okoye, WR Roy Williams, C Chris Spencer, TE Matt Spaeth, LB Nick Roach, P Adam Podlesh, WR Sam Hurd, DT Anthony Adams, DE Vernon Gholston

Rookies: T Gabe Carimi, S Chris Conte, DT Stephen Paea, LB J.T. Thomas, QB Nathan Enderle

Released: G Herman Johnson, TE Brandon Manumaleuna

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: The Chicago Bears are a bit of an enigma. They could easily finish top-five in the NFL if the offensive line comes together and new additions at wide receiver pay off. Or they could lose their hold on the NFC North and finish dead last in the division.

Mike Martz may be a genius on offense, but expecting big things from Roy Williams and Sam Hurd may be too optimistic. However, that's what the Bears are banking on for a passing game after trading Greg Olsen.

We're waiting, anxiously, to see how well this works.

12. Indianapolis Colts

Power Ranking: 12

Free Agents: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, QB Nate Davis, DT Antonio Johnson, DT Eric Foster

Rookies: T Anthony Castonzo, G Ben Ijalana, DT Drake Nevis, RB Delone Carter, CB Chris Rucker

Released: None

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: I looked for a picture of Peyton Manning at training camp here, but—oh, wait, he still can't practice due to a neck injury!

While the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans were busy improving their rosters through free agency, the Indianapolis Colts were trying to figure out how to turn off the alarm clock that had been ringing for five days announcing free agency began.

It would seem the Colts believe they are good enough to win the AFC South, and a Super Bowl, this season without making any move outside the organization to get better.

This is a team that went 10-6 last year with very few injuries on offense other than Austin Collie, a third-option receiver, and running back Joseph Addai. Are you telling me those two players are worth two or three wins?

Of course, getting Dallas Clark back may be worth a win or two, but is Peyton Manning healthy enough to play himself? Manning, who had two offseason neck surgeries, has still not thrown this offseason and is not ready to start training camp.

The Colts, whether fans want to agree or not, are primed for a disappointing season. Just remember you heard it here first.

11. New York Jets

Power Ranking: 11

Free Agents: WR Santonio Holmes, DT Kenrick Ellis, P Chris Bryan, QB Mark Brunell, WR Plaxico Burress, S Eric Smith, K Nick Folk, CB Donald Strickland

Rookies: DT Muhammad Wilkerson, WR Jeremy Kerley, WR Scotty McKnight, RB Bilal Powell, QB Greg McElroy

Released: QB Erik Ainge, CB Will Billingsley

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: The Jets will finish second in the AFC East by default more than talent.

How have the Jets replaced Braylon Edwards, or Brad Smith, on offense? If you think Plaxico Burress is the answer after he spent the last two seasons in prison, think again.

And how about on defense? How have the Jets replaced cornerback Antonio Cromartie? They were overconfident in their ability to sign Nnamdi Asomugha, and now they are caught with their manhood in their hands looking for cornerbacks.

I expect a letdown in New York this season.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Power Ranking: 10

Free Agents: P Michael Koenen, T Jeremy Trueblood, G Davin Joseph, LB Quincy Black

Rookies: LB Mason Foster, TE Daniel Hardy, DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da'Quan Bowers, TE Luke Stocker, S Ahmad Black, CB Anthony Gaitor

Released: None

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Third

Notes: I realize that other teams were demoted and jumped on for not making moves through free agency to get better. Those teams do not have the youthful talent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay won 10 games last year with a very young roster. Keeping that roster together and building through the draft is the best way to make those 10 wins 11 or 12 this year, with a playoff berth on the way.

If rookies Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers can contribute early, watch out.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Power Ranking: 9

Free Agents: DT Kelly Gregg, WR Steve Breaston, C Casey Wiegmann, TE Leonard Pope, T Ryan O'Callaghan, S Jon McGraw, CB Travis Daniels, WR Terrance Copper, RB Jackie Battle

Rookies: WR Jonathan Baldwin, G Rodney Hudson, RB Shane Bannon, DT Jerrell Powe, LB Gabe Miller, QB Ricky Stanzi, CB Jalil Brown, DE Allen Bailey

Released: WR Chris Chambers, CB Jackie Bates, G Brian Waters, TE Brad Cottam

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: I have been very vocal on Twitter about my love of the Chiefs offseason thus far. Their draft class was near flawless, addressing positions of need and getting the best value for their picks.

Free agency has been much of the same. Kansas City signed the best available slot receiver and a player familiar with head coach Todd Haley's offense. They also made a move to shore up the defensive line with nose tackle Kelly Gregg.

Overall, there is a lot to love in Kansas City this season despite a tough schedule.

8. Houston Texans

Power Ranking: 8

Free Agents: CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning, G Kasey Studdard, DT Damione Lewis, T Rashad Butler, WR Jacoby Jones, DT Tim Bulman, QB Matt Leinart

Rookies: DE J.J. Watt, LB Brooks Reed, CB Brandon Harris, CB Rashad Carmichael, S Shiloh Keo, QB T.J. Yates, T Derek Newton, LB Cheta Ozougwu

Released: QB Dan Orlovksy, DT Amobi Okoye, WR David Anderson

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: The Houston Texans are ready to take control of the AFC South.

In 2010, the Texans split with the division champion Colts, winning one and losing one during the regular season. Had Houston's defense been better, it's easy to see how it could have won the division last year.

In 2011, the defense will be better. Much better. Coupled with the hiring of coordinator Wade Phillips are the signings of top players Joseph and Manning in the secondary, as well as a draft class loaded with players for the 3-4 scheme Phillips will be installing in Houston.

7. New Orleans Saints

Power Ranking: 7

Free Agents: CB Fabian Washington, WR Courtney Roby, S Roman Harper, T Jermon Bushrod, WR Lance Moore, LB Scott Shanle, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB Danny Clark, RB Darren Sproles, B Korey Hall, LB Will Herring, LB Curtis Johnson, CB Leigh Torrence, S Chris Reis, S Pierson Prioleau

Rookies: LB Martez Wilson, RB Mark Ingram, DE Cameron Jordan (unsigned), LB Nate Bussey, DE Greg Romeus, CB Johnny Patrick

Released: LB Stanley Arnoux, LB Jason Kyle, CB Randall Gay

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: The New Orleans Saints dominated free agency by re-signing their own key players, moving an overpaid running back in Reggie Bush and making small, subtle signings that will make a big impact on their roster.

The Saints were good enough last year to finish second in the talented NFC South, a position we expect them to hold again this year as long as the team can stay healthy.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Power Ranking: 6

Free Agents: FB Vonta Leach, G Marshall Yanda, CB Chris Carr

Rookies: CB Jimmy Smith, T Jah Reid, RB Anthony Allen, WR Torrey Smith, WR Tandon Doss, QB Tyrod Taylor, CB Chykie Brown, DE Pernell McPhee

Released: NT Kelly Gregg, WR Derrick Mason, RB Willis McGahee, TE Todd Heap

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): Second

Notes: When looking at the Baltimore Ravens, it is important to note that they have not only made the playoffs the last three years, they've also won a game once getting there.

That should not change in 2011 as the Ravens get a little younger and rely more on Joe Flacco and Ray Rice to carry the offense.

Baltimore is good enough to challenge Pittsburgh for the division crown. Both teams should be in the running for the conference title.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Power Ranking: 5

Free Agents: T Jonathan Scott, T Willie Colon, CB Ike Taylor, K Shaun Suisham

Rookies: DE Cameron Heyward, T Marcus Gilbert, CB Cortez Allen, LB Chris Carter, G Keith Williams, RB Baron Batch

Released: WR Antwaan Randle El, T Max Starks

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: The defending AFC champions have done little to improve a roster that was loaded with talent during the 2010 season.

Pittsburgh is banking on seeing 16 games from Ben Roethlisberger, a stronger running game and a smart defense that can eliminate errors and play with less than stellar athletes at some positions, while lining up absolute studs at others.

Pittsburgh will once again be in the running for a No. 1 seed and a Super Bowl run.

4. Green Bay Packers

Power Ranking: 4

Free Agents: WR James Jones, FB John Kuhn, K Mason Crosby, WR Brett Swain, TE Spencer Havner

Rookies: T Derek Sherrod, WR Randall Cobb, TE D.J. Williams, G Caleb Schlauderaff, LB D.J. Smith, LB Ricky Elmore, TE Ryan Taylor, DE Lawrence Guy, RB Alex Green, CB Davon House

Released: LB Nick Barnett, LB Brandon Chillar, DE Justin Harrell, LB Brady Poppinga, T Mark Tauscher, S Michael Greco, CB Curtis Young

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: It was actually tough to put the defending Super Bowl champions this high in the rankings due to some questionable free-agency moves.

The Packers lose three of their best offensive linemen from the 2010 season (Tauscher, Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz) to free agency, yet they have made no moves to replace them. The team did draft tackle Derek Sherrod in the first round, but can they really expect him to start as a rookie with four weeks to prepare?

Green Bay is a tough team to question, but I do not see how it will be better in 2011 with a worse offensive line.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Power Ranking: 3

Free Agents: G Justin Blalock, DE Ray Edwards, K Matt Bryant, T Tyson Clabo, LB Stephen Nicholas, LB Mike Peterson, CB Brent Grimes

Rookies: WR Julio Jones, LB Akeem Dent, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, K Matt Bosher, G Andrew Jackson, DE Cliff Matthews

Released: WR Michael Jenkins, DE Jamaal Anderson

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: Before free agency began, the Atlanta Falcons were my pick to win the NFC and play in the Super Bowl. That has changed, but they are still a top-three team in the NFL for the 2011 season.

The talent is there at every position. The addition of defensive end Ray Edwards makes the defense a very talented, complete unit. The offense was already amazing before they added wide receiver Julio Jones. They should be downright unstoppable this year.

Anything short of a Super Bowl will be a disappointment in Atlanta this year.

2. New England Patriots

Power Ranking: 2

Additions: WR Chad Ochocinco, DT Albert Haynesworth, T Matt Light, DT Stephen Williams, RB Kevin Faulk, RB Sammy Morris, G Logan Mankins, S Brandon McGowan, LB Tracy White

Rookies: T Nate Solder, CB Ras-I Dowling, QB Ryan Mallett, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley, T Marcus Cannon, CB Malcolm Williams, TE Lee Smith, LB Markell Carter

Released: DT Ty Warren, LB Tully Banta-Cain, DE Marcus Stroud, T Nick Kaczur, TE Alge Crumpler, CB Tony Carter

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: I have few rules in life, but one of them is to never doubt Bill Belichick. No, seriously.

The Patriots made the offseason their little girl, trading for Pro Bowlers Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth and giving pennies on the dollar if the two can pan out in New England. Early signs are good.

The biggest coup was re-signing guard Logan Mankins to his one-year franchise tender. Mankins missed seven games in 2010 due to a holdout. His presence will help power an offense that figures to run the ball heavily in 2011.

No matter who your favorite team is, you must realize the Patriots are the clear-cut favorite in the AFC.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Power Ranking: 1

Additions: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Jason Babin, WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, TE Donald Lee, QB Vince Young, DT Cullen Jenkins, LB Akeem Jordan, G Evan Mathis

Rookies: G Danny Watkins (unsigned), LB Greg Lloyd, RB Stanley Havili, LB Brian Rolle, C Jason Kelce, G Julian Vandervelde, RB Dion Lewis, K Alex Henery, LB Casey Matthews, CB Curtis Marsh, S Jaiquawn Jarrett

Released: RB Noel Devine, DE Jeremy Clark, CB Gerard Lawson, RB Leonard Weaver

Predicted Order of Finish (Division): First

Notes: Even as I type this tonight, having read the Eagles' transactions beforehand, I still cannot believe the haul they were able to bring in through free agency. It's really quite amazing.

Not only did the Eagles sign the best unrestricted free agent on the market in Nnamdi Asomugha, they also traded for a top-15 cornerback and got a second-round pick as part of the deal. To top it off, they added stud defensive linemen in Babin and Jenkins.

The offense did not need help, but it got it anyway in potential role players Higgins, Lee and Mathis. Vince Young may be the wild card here, as the Eagles need insurance in case of a Michael Vick injury. Under Andy Reid, Young will probably turn into Randall Cunningham 2.0.

The Eagles are absolutely loaded. Anything less than a Super Bowl win will be a disappointment.