NFL Power Rankings: Top Risers Heading into Opening Week

With less than two weeks remaining until the start of the 2012 NFL regular season and only a relatively meaningless fourth preseason game to go, we've learned just about all we will from football's exhibition season.

And even though none of the games will count in the large scheme of things, some teams have looked so good in the preseason it's impossible to ignore.

Whether it's spurred by a new quarterback, an improved defense or better coaching, these squads have looked strong enough to shoot up our power rankings headed into the regular season.

With that in mind, here's a look at the biggest risers based on preseason play and a snapshot at the new-look power rankings.  

Atlanta Falcons

For the past few seasons the Falcons have been everyone's under-the-radar Super Bowl pick.

Led by a top-tier quarterback in Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner and a veteran defense, Atlanta has all the necessary pieces for playoff success. However, in three postseason appearances in the Mike Smith era, the team is yet to come away with a victory, losing by more than 20 points in two of those contests.

With the New Orleans Saints in a state of peril after the Bountygate situation and the rest of the division not ready to compete, this could finally be the year Atlanta takes the next step.

The offense has looked elite in the preseason, with most expecting a breakout year from second-year wide receiver Julio Jones, and the high-priced secondary should solve Atlanta's coverage woes. 

For those betting folks out there, the Falcons come into the season as a good buy at just 25-1 to win the Super Bowl.

If Smith cannot pull off at least one playoff victory with this talented roster, it may be time to start looking elsewhere for a coach. 

Seattle Seahawks

Coming into the preseason, the Seahawks were on my list as a possible "worst team in football" contender.

And while the weaknesses on defense and questions about whether Marshawn Lynch can go "Beast Mode" two years in a row remain, quarterback Russell Wilson's play this season has flipped the script. 

After signing free agent Matt Flynn to take over the job in the offseason, Wilson usurped the high-profile acquisition by doing what he's done at every level: be really, really awesome at playing quarterback.

Wilson's play during the Seahawks' 3-0 preseason so far has not only been better than Flynn, but better than nearly every other signal-caller in the NFL. His stats, 35-of-52 (67.3%) for 464 yards, five touchdowns against one interception, are a case in duality between efficient and big-play prone. And his 150 rushing yards are proof positive that his dual-threat days from college won't subside in the pros. 

While it's wholly unrealistic to expect that level of excellence to continue through the regular season, Wilson gives the Seahawks the type of wild card that strikes fear into defenses on a weekly basis.

Pete Carroll's bunch isn't a division (or even playoff) favorite, but if everything goes well, this team could (like its quarterback) surprise everyone. 

Denver Broncos

The apparent concerns we all had about Peyton Manning's arm strength and ability to throw to his right subsided at least somewhat on Sunday. The $96 million man went 10-of-12 for 122 yards and his first two touchdowns of the preseason against an elite San Francisco 49ers defense that returns all 11 starters from last year. 

Manning showed good zip on the ball when needed and showed the patented Peyton touch on his two touchdown throws to receiver Eric Decker.

There are still questions about whether running back Willis McGahee can repeat his 2011 renaissance or if Manning can connect with any receiver other than Decker. But if No. 18 has shown us anything over the years, it's that he knows how to finesse questionable talent. 

Offensive questions aside, if the first-team defense can continue its stellar preseason play into the regular season, the Broncos come into the regular season as favorites in the AFC West. 

NFL Power Rankings

Team	2011 Record
1. New England Patriots	13-3
2. Green Bay Packers	15-1
3. New York Giants	9-7
4. Atlanta Falcons	10-6
5. Houston Texans	10-6
6. San Francisco 49ers	13-3
7. Baltimore Ravens	12-4
8. New Orleans Saints	13-3
9. Dallas Cowboys	8-8
10. Pittsburgh Steelers	12-4
11. Detroit Lions	10-6
12. Denver Broncos	8-8
13. San Diego Chargers	8-8
14. Cincinnati Bengals	9-7
15. Philadelphia Eagles	8-8
16. Chicago Bears	8-8
17. Seattle Seahawks	7-9
18. New York Jets	8-8
19. Tennessee Titans	9-7
20. Washington Redskins	5-11
21. Buffalo Bills	6-10
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4-12
23. Kansas City Chiefs	7-9
24. Carolina Panthers	6-10
25. Oakland Raiders	8-8
26. Arizona Cardinals	8-8
27. Indianapolis Colts	2-14
28. Jacksonville Jaguars	5-11
29. Cleveland Browns	4-12
30. Miami Dolphins	6-10
31. Minnesota Vikings	3-13
32. St. Louis Rams	2-14

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