NFL Power Rankings 2012: Sleeper Teams That Will Surprise This Season

Things change in the NFL.

If, at the end of the 2012 season, the NFL standings looked similar to what they looked like in 2011, that would be more surprising than the Indianapolis Colts winning 12 games.

Sorry, Colts fans. Cheap shot.

That makes sleepers a popular preseason topic, so let's take a look at mine. 

Note: A full look at my power rankings can be found at the bottom of the page. 

Seattle Seahawks (No. 16)

There are still plenty of question marks surrounding the passing game, but when you have a top-10 defense, an improving offensive line and a running back you can lean on, you are going to find a way to win games.

This Seattle defense is easily my favorite in the NFL. The secondary is huge, everyone flies to ball like, um, a hawk and, as it's showing this preseason, it is going to create a lot of turnovers. 

Should the 'Hawks also get some consistency from Matt Flynn (or Russell Wilson) and the offense, watch out. This could be the 2012 version of the 49ers. 

Carolina Panthers (No. 21)

I've got two words for you: Cam Newton.

Alright, I'm going to need more words. 

With the influx of exciting rookie quarterbacks, the transition of Peyton Manning and of course, Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow and Tim Tebow, Newton is going relatively under the radar for someone who had such a record-breaking season as a rookie.

Considering how ridiculously talented Newton is and how many weapons he has in that offense, going under the radar is a little scary. 

Any step forward for the Panthers would be a huge one. They went 6-10 last year, but that included a lot of close losses and a 4-2 record in their last six. Even without a huge overhaul on defense, this is a sneaky playoff team. 

Buffalo Bills (No. 22)

People forget the Bills started off 5-2 last season with a win over the mighty New England Patriots. People forget Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson were absolutely tearing up the league.

Don't worry, though, because they'll remember once Buffalo starts the season in a similar fashion. 

With a healthy offense and a defense that has added Mario Williams and Stephen Gilmore, the Bills won't be outside the top 15 for long. 

Rank	Team
1	New York Giants
2	New England Patriots
3	Green Bay Packers
4	San Francisco 49ers
5	Baltimore Ravens
6	Houston Texans
7	Philadelphia Eagles
8	Chicago Bears
9	Pittsburgh Steelers
10	Denver Broncos
11	Detroit Lions
12	New Orleans Saints
13	Atlanta Falcons
14	Cincinnati Bengals
15	Dallas Cowboys
16	Seattle Seahawks
17	Tennessee Titans
18	Kansas City Chiefs
19	San Diego Chargers
20	Arizona Cardinals
21	Carolina Panthers
22	Buffalo Bills
23	Oakland Raiders
24	New York Jets
25	Washington Redskins
26	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
27	Miami Dolphins
28	St. Louis Rams
29	Jacksonville Jaguars
30	Cleveland Browns
31	Minnesota Vikings
32	Indianapolis Colts

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