NFL Power Rankings: Who Are This Year's Super Bowl Dark Horses?

The NFL regular season is rapidly approaching, and while preseason has little effect on the rankings, I am taking a look at where every team stands going into Week 3. There are some teams that are on the rise and teams who are losing their stock. But the elite teams have really solidified themselves as they prep for potential Super Bowl runs.

Have the Giants stepped down from the No. 1 spot? What teams have shown large improvements or validations of their potential?

All 32 teams want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, and there may be a team that comes out of nowhere to make an unlikely run at a Super Bowl. Super Bowl dark horses will be predicted, and each team is ranked with a percentage out of 100 percent.

32. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are, to put it bluntly, awful. They are by far the worst team in the league heading into to the 2012-13 season. The offensive line is terrible. Andrew Luck has no weapons, and the defense is nothing to brag about.

This team is clearly rebuilding and are nowhere close to competing within the next 2-3 years. There are just way too many holes on this squad.

Super Bowl Chances:

.1% - No team has a 0 percent chance.

31. Minnesota Vikings

Another team that is among the laughing stocks of the NFL is the Minnesota Vikings. Cristian Ponder isn't the answer at QB, and there are no proven threats outside of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. Also, the offensive line is suspect at best.

The defense is virtually non-existent outside of Jared Allen. Harrison Smith and Matt Kalil figure to be studs, but they are just rookies.

The Vikings are a few years away from scaring any team.

Super Bowl Chances:

1%

30. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland is an interesting team. They have yet to prove much, but I have a feeling this team could be better than bad.

Six wins would be a good year for this team, and I think they could get there. Trent Richardson is going to be a staple in the backfield. Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden should be an upgrade over Colt McCoy. The Browns have an average offensive line as well.

The killer of this team is the lack of receiving options and the unknown that rookies always are. The defense was solid in 2011, and if they can build upon that, this team could surpass their abysmal expectations.

Super Bowl Chances:

1.8%

29. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford is better than he played last season. His rookie year showed the kind of potential he possesses at QB, and I think he will have his best year yet with the Rams. Steven Jackson is the man on this offense. Rookie receiver Brain Quick figures to have a big role as well.

The defense has nothing to speak of giving up over 25 points-per-game. They also gave up over 5,700 yards. The offense will have to be stellar to score as much as the defense allows, something that seems improbable, and that will likely negatively affect the team's success.

Super Bowl Chances:

3.3%

28. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins missed out on the top-two quarterback prospects and were never really close to acquiring Peyton Manning's services. Now they are left with draft wild-card Ryan Tannehill who had a strong senior season at Texas A&M.

Outside of Reggie Bush, the Dolphins have slim pickings in terms of playmakers. The offensive line is below-average as well.

The defense is very strong featuring solid starters in Karlos Dansby, Keith Burnett, Vontae Davis, Yeremiah Bell and Cameron Wake.

Super Bowl Chances:

8%

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew may have his foot out the door as his holdout for a bigger contract continues. Blaine Gabbert has to prove he is a legit NFL starter, and new weapon Justin Blackmon figures to help him out.

The offensive line is just barely average. However, the receiving corps including Laurent Robinson, Justin Blackmon and Marcedes Lewis figures to be formidable. Gabbert has to put all the pieces together this year.

The defense was solid last season, and the drafting of Andre Branch will only help. Tyson Alualu also showed sparks of the potential that caused Jacksonville to draft him 10th overall in 2010.

Super Bowl Chances:

11%

26. Oakland Raiders

Oakland was without their first three picks in this years draft leaving them virtually unable to improve with youth. They decided to stick with Carson Palmer at quarterback and are hoping for a full season from star running back Darren McFadden.

The defense is forgettable, only featuring players like Richard Seymour and Rolando McClain. And to that point the Raiders were 27th in the league last year against both the run and the pass.

Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey may have a strong season, but Carson Palmer hasn't been truly effective in a few seasons. It is not trustworthy to rely on him to be a consistent threat.

Super Bowl Chances:

13.5%

25. Washington Redskins

All the talk about this Redskins this offseason has been around rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. Considered one of the best prospects in recent history, Griffin was selected second by a Redskins team that desperately need a savior at QB.

Pierre Garcon was a strong acquisition, and Fred Davis and Santana Moss are poised to have a good season.

The defense is reliant on Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan performing well and should not be trusted any week. The offense needs to put up a lot of points.

Super Bowl Chances:

16%

24. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have a marginal offensive line and very few receiving threats outside of Stevie Johnson. C.J. Spiller may finally get a chance to carry the load with Fred Jackson coming off of a broken leg. Spiller displayed the explosiveness and pure speed that he did in Clemson and finally translated it into NFL success.

The Bills have stud defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and reliable linebacker Nick Barnett. Jairus Byrd had a tough last season, but he is a ball-hawker and someone to keep an eye on.

Super Bowl Chances:

19.5%

23. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have a very good defense behind stud defensive back Earl Thomas. Brandon Browner is a big, physical corner, and Brandon Mebane sures up the defensive line. Rookie Bruce Irvin may make an impact as well.

Russell Wilson appears to have snagged the starting quarterback spot away from free-agent signee Matt Flynn. Marshawn Lynch is a beast and will likely have similar success to last season.

Golden Tate had incredible promise coming out of Notre Dame, and he may be getting his shot now.

Super Bowl Chances:

23.5%

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers could be a strong team in 2012-13, but I would like to see how all the new pieces fit once the regular season begins. The free-agent signings of Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks will only help. Rookie Doug Martin also figures to be in the mix.

They drafted Alabama safety Mark Barron with the seventh overall pick. He figures to be a Day 1 starter for a weak Bucs secondary. Adrian Clayborn and Gerald McCoy should continue to improve as well.

There is a solid core to this team, but questions remain and no one knows if Josh Freeman will be his old self, or last years version.

Super Bowl Chances:

26%

21. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of talent in the receiving and running game, but no one to properly run the offense. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are both incompetent NFL starters. But having Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd on the field surely helps.

Beanie Wells had a strong year last season for him to look to build upon.

The defense is slightly above-average. Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett are good at the defensive line which is backed by strong linebacker Daryl Washington.

Patrick Peterson is going to be a star. This may be the the time for the former LSU cornerback. Adrian Wilson is still trucking along at SS for the Cardinals.

Super Bowl Chances:

29%

20. New York Jets

The Jets took some risks in the 2012 NFL draft selecting two players who are high-risk, high-reward players. Quinton Coples could be a monster at DE, or he couldn't. And Stephen Hill out of Georgia Tech has big upside.

Shonn Greene still hasn't shown a lot in terms of performance. The offensive line is stout, and Dustin Keller combined with Santonio Holmes could be intriguing.

Darrelle Revis is the best of the defense while Muhammad Wilkerson, David Harris and the infamous Bart Scott hold down the fort.

Super Bowl Chances:

31.5%

19. Carolina Panthers

Carolina was a popular team last year after Cam Newton started going "HAM." Newton put up one of the best rookie seasons of all time for a quarterback. The Panthers also have DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the backfield who are both exceptional players.

However, outside of Steve Smith there is not much to speak of in terms of weapons. The defense is lackluster. John Beason is their best player.

Super Bowl Chances:

34%

18. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs go into 2012-13 hoping Jamaal Charles regains his old form because they are going to need his production. The offense has decent weapons in Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin, but Matt Cassel is not reliable enough to get the ball to them with any consistency.

The defense should see a boost with the return of Eric Berry. Their secondary is solid as a whole. Brandon Flowers makes plays and Stanford Routt is an above-average starter. Tamba Hali at linebacker also figures to make an impact.

If you're looking for a consistently average NFL team, it's the Kansas City Chiefs.

Super Bowl Chances:

39%

17. Tennessee Titans

Jake Locker recently won the starting position in Tennessee, and he should be an upgrade over Matt Hasselbeck. The Titans added a new receiving threat in rookie Kendall Wright, and big-time player Kenny Britt is working his way back from a torn ACL.

Chris Johnson looks poised to have a huge year after disappointing everyone in 2011.

Kamerion Wimbley should make a difference on defense. Second-year man Akeem Ayers could be in for a big year, too. Michael Griffin is solid for their secondary. Another good but not great NFL team. They should finish around 8-8 or 9-7.

Super Bowl Chances:

43%

16. San Diego Chargers

Last season in San Diego, Philip Rivers put together his worst season as a pro throwing 20 interceptions. Ryan Mathews has star potential, but he can't seem to stay on the field. Robert Meachem was a good pickup, but he is no Vincent Jackson.

I liked the Corey Liuget selection in the draft, but this defense isn't nearly as formidable as it has been in the past. The offense has the ability to outscore the opponents, but Rivers can't have another 20 interception season.

Super Bowl Chances:

48.5%

15. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals played well last season finishing a respectable 9-7. The pairing of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green proved to be a strong connection. Both players should improve even further this year. Jermaine Gresham is a good tight end and gives Dalton another good target.

The defense was very stingy last season finishing top 10 against both the run and pass. Nate Clements should be solid again at corner, and there is hard hitter Rey Maualuga at LB. Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are solid on the defensive line.

Super Bowl Chances:

58%

14. New Orleans Saints

The Saints had, to put it mildly, a tumultuous offseason. The bounty scandal rocked the team and the fans of New Orleans. But Drew Brees is still a quarterback with an abundance of weapons around him, including all-world tight end Jimmy Graham. The offensive line is still good even with the loss of Carl Nicks. There figures to be a running back carousel again with Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram all splitting the load.

Second-year defensive end Cameron Jordan is poised to break out on defense. The loss of Jonathan Vilma to a year-long suspension is a big one though, as Curtis Lofton steps in to replace him. The offense should put up a massive amount of points again and keep this team in contention.

The loss of coach Sean Payton for the year cannot be overstated either, as he is a big reason for the Saints success.

Super Bowl Chances:

64% - Super Bowl Dark Horse

You can never count out a team with Brees at the helm. If the Saints get hot at the right time, they could make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.

13. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys always seem to be a team that fails to live up to their potential. This year could be different. DeMarco Murray had a breakout campaign at running back last season and will look to turn that momentum into further success this season. Tony Romo, if he stays healthy, is a very good NFL quarterback. Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are huge weapons at his disposal; they're also a headache for opposing defenses.

The Cowboys also traded up in the draft to grab the stud cornerback out of LSU, Morris Claiborne. He should make a solid impact as a rookie. DeMarcus Ware is still an animal at his outside linebacker position in the 3-4 defense, and Jay Ratliff is a very good nose tackle.

Super Bowl Chances:

68%

12. Denver Broncos

The biggest storyline out of Denver this offseason was the addition of quarterback Peyton Manning, who the Colts let go after uncertainty surrounding the health of his neck. The Broncos were glad to pick him up. Demaryius Thomas could be in for a breakout campaign with Manning tossing him the rock now. He also has his former Colts teammate Jacob Tamme at TE.

The defense is going to be reliant on pressure created through blitz schemes, as the teams two best pass-rushers are outside linebackers Von Miller and Robert Ayers. D.J. Williams plays the inside linebacker position well in the 3-4 scheme. But without consistent pressure this secondary will have some issues.

Super Bowl Chances:

72% - Super Bowl Dark Horse

Peyton Manning would do anything to get another ring, and the Broncos are in a below-average division. That should allow them to compile a decent record and secure a good seeding for the playoffs.

11. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are a wild-card team, no not for the playoffs, but for in-season performance. They have a solid core in place on offense with a ridiculous wide receiver pairing of Roddy White and Julio Jones for quarterback Matt Ryan to work with. Michael Turner is still more than serviceable at running back, and rookie Peter Konz could force himself into the starting lineup.

The defense was stout against the run in 2011 allowing just 97 yards per game on the ground. John Abraham is getting older but is still a solid player at defensive end. Third-year LB Sean Weatherspoon has a lot of talent and should be another solid contributor on defense. The Falcons also acquired former Patriot and Eagle Asante Samuel to man one of the cornerback slots.

Super Bowl Chances:

74%

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are consistently among the best teams in the NFL, and they start off the top 10 teams. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is without running back Rashard Mendenhall who is coming off of injury. But he does have a very good receiver in Mike Wallace along with an upgraded offensive line.

The defense should again be near the top 10 of the league in yards allowed. James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor are all prominent players for the Steelers. And don't forget about underrated safety Ryan Clark who quietly puts up solid numbers year after year.

Super Bowl Chances:

75.5%

9. Detroit Lions

It still blows my mind how quickly the Detroit Lions turned around a team that was a few years ago one of the worst teams in the history of the NFL. Matthew Stafford was finally able to stay on the field, and he showed his limitless potential. Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL. However, the offensive line will have to protect Stafford so he can get CJ the ball. They still don't haven a proven threat at running back, though.

The defense is talked about a lot because of a big-time defensive line featuring Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril. The secondary is atrocious, and the linebacking corps is not much better.

The Lions are another team that will be carried as far as their offense can take them.

Super Bowl Chances:

77%

8. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles had massive expectations in 2011 that were thwarted by injuries and players under-performing. This year could be different with a healthy Mike Vick ready to have a big year along with a brilliant running back LeSean McCoy. Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson are still a strong combination at wide receiver as well.

The defense is very strong as well with big names like Trent Cole and new acquisition DeMeco Ryans. They have very good cornerbacks, too in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the shut-down Nnamdi Asomugha.

The Eagles should have a better showing in 2012 and have a legitimate shot at the Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl Chances:

81%

7. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears made a lot of improvements this offseason. However, they notably didn't address the offensive line. Chicago brought in Cutler's former teammate Brandon Marshall to be the teams No. 1 receiver, and then they drafted South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery to accompany him. Michael Bush was brought in as a free agent and will help take some of the burden off of Matt Forte.

The Bears defense should be strong again, but the problems with Brian Urlacher's knees can't be ignored. Julius Peppers and Henry Melton are the studs on the defensive line and will look for Shea McClellin and Stephen Paea to step up. The secondary remains virtually unchanged with the best player still being Charles Tillman.

The Bears also have arguably the best special teams in the league with return master Devin Hester and the almost-automatic Robbie Gould. Their coverage teams are phenomenal, too.

Super Bowl Chances:

83%

6. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have one of the most formidable offenses in the NFL. Running back Arian Foster is the best in the biz, and receiver Andre Johnson is consistently phenomenal. Matt Schaub has been a solid starter for Houston, and he has a new weapon in DeVier Posey.

The defense is right up there with offense as well. J.J. Watt is a beast at defensive end and should be in for a big year. Brian Cushing is the best of the linebackers, and the Texans will also look for rookie Whitney Mercilus to make an impact at OLB. Johnathan Joseph is a big contributor at cornerback.

Super Bowl Chances:

85.5%

5. San Francisco 49ers

The defense steals the show in San Francisco as the 49ers are among the league's best at stopping other teams. Patrick Willis has taken over the distinction of best linebacker in the NFL, and second-year man Aldon Smith is coming off of a 14 sack rookie season. Navarro Bowman and Justin Smith are also great players for the 49ers.

The offense is reliant upon the running game and the legs of Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. No one truly knows what Randy Moss has left in the tank, but he could be a nice target for quarterback Alex Smith. Smith is nothing to brag about, but teams have won the Super Bowl with game managers at quarterback. Vernon Davis is a monster at tight end, and Smith just has to get him the ball for him to show his stuff.

Super Bowl Chances:

87%

4. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers were stellar last season, but ultimately they fell short in their pursuit of another Super Bowl ring. Aaron Rodgers had one of the best statistical seasons ever with 45 TDs and only 6 INTs.

Wide receiver Jordy Nelson broke out in a big way last season, and there is still Greg Jennings on the other side. Jermichael Finley finally started coming into his own in 2011, and Rodgers will probably get him the ball even more this season. There is not much to talk about at running back; James Starks isn't the answer.

The defense was among the worst in the NFL last season, and the Packers spent a lot of picks trying to improve it. They picked up rookies Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy who could have big impacts in their first season. Clay Matthews is incredible at rushing the passer. However, the secondary is still prone to giving up big plays outside of Charles Woodson.

Super Bowl Chances:

90%

3. Baltimore Ravens

It's not like the Baltimore Ravens needed any more impact players on defense, but they went and got one anyway in Alabama product Courtney Upshaw. Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs are two of the best mentors a rookie could have. That is one scary linebacking group. Haloti Ngata is the best 3-4 defensive end in the league, and Ed Reed is still one of the best safeties in the business.

Joe Flacco has never really been great at quarterback, but he has options in wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Vonta Leach leads the way for star running back Ray Rice. The offense should improve on last season's numbers, and it could be the push that gets them over the hump and into the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Chances:

92%

2. New England Patriots

Any team led by Bill "The Hoodie" Belichick and Tom Brady is going to be a successful team. So is the case for the New England Patriots. Wes Welker and the combo of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez is more than enough for Brady to work with. But the Patriots threw in Brandon Lloyd for good measure as well.

The Pats made defense a priority in the draft picking up Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower and Chandler Jones, defensive end out of Syracuse. Vince Wilfork occupies a lot of the room in the middle and will give the linebackers space to work with. Jerod Mayo is a strong player, and Devin McCourty at corner is a good player as well.

This team always has Super Bowl potential with Tom Brady at the helm.

Super Bowl Chances:

93.5%

1. New York Giants

Was there really any question who was going to be the No. 1 team? The New York Giants are the defending Super Bowl champs, and as of right now they are deserving of the top spot. Eli Manning finally established himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL, and he has huge threats around him in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.

Cruz broke onto the scene last season having a phenomenal season for New York. Ahmad Bradshaw is a solid running back, and the offensive line is able to create lanes for him to run in.

The defensive line is one of the strongest units in the league. Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora are all very good at rushing the passer. Mathias Kiwanuka is a solid linebacker, and the secondary is bolstered by Prince Amukamara and Corey Webster at corner.

Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle man the safety positions. Terrell Thomas is a difference maker at corner if he's healthy, but that remains to be seen.

Super Bowl Chances:

95%