NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Revisiting Preseason Predictions

Predicting how the NFL season will turn out prior to Week 1 can be nearly impossible.

There are always several "surprise teams" that no one sees coming, just like there are some overrated teams that fall short of expectations. And through nine weeks of 2012, there have certainly been plenty of surprises.

Let's reflect on what we thought about all 32 teams prior to the season and what we think about them now.

(All "Preseason Rankings" are from the AP Pro32, while the current power rankings are my own.)

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1. Atlanta Falcons

Preseason Ranking: 10

2012 Record: 8-0

Coming into the season, Atlanta was an afterthought in the ultra-competitive NFC. Matt Ryan and the Falcons were extremely impressive in the preseason, but not many foresaw Atlanta's fast start.

At the midpoint of the 2012 season, the Falcons look like a Super Bowl contender. Ryan benefits from throwing to one of the NFL's best receiving corps. It will be interesting to see if they can keep their momentum going into the playoffs this season.

2. Houston Texans

Preseason Ranking: 6

2012 Record: 7-1

Prior to the 2012 season, many viewed the Houston Texans as the most complete team in the NFL. And halfway through the season, that same argument could be made.

Defensive end J.J. Watt has been a beast rushing the passer, while Houston's offense has successfully built leads behind Arian Foster and Matt Schaub. The AFC is clearly the weaker of two conferences, making the Texans a serious threat at reaching their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

3. Chicago Bears

Preseason Ranking: 12

2012 Record: 7-1

The forecast for the 2012 season was bright for Chicago. While the Bears brought back all the key pieces to their dominant defense, they added wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins. Finally, the Bears had landed a true No. 1 receiver.

Now eight games into the season, the Bears' defense has been even more dominant than anyone expected. Jay Cutler and Marshall have hooked up for seven touchdowns already this season, and the Bears look like a serious threat in the NFC.

4. San Francisco 49ers

Preseason Ranking: 4

2012 Record: 6-2

Along with the Houston Texans, many viewed the 49ers as one of the most complete teams in football. After beating the Green Bay Packers convincingly in Week 1, San Francisco has remained in the conversation as the best team in the league.

Quarterback Alex Smith, for the most part, has taken care of the football, while the defense has continued its dominance. This team is built for cold-weather football, making the 49ers a tough-out in the NFC once the playoffs are underway.

5. Green Bay Packers

Preseason Ranking: 1

2012 Record: 5-3

Coming into the season, the Packers were one of several teams carrying the "Super Bowl or bust" philosophy. Green Bay was flat-out beaten in every facet of the game by San Francisco in Week 1, before replacement officials stole a Packers win in Week 3. The Pack's third loss of the season came by way of a second-half collapse at Indianapolis.

The first time the 2012 Packers looked like the 2011 squad was against the previously undefeated Texans in Houston. Now, Aaron Rodgers looks like the MVP again as the Packers sit at 6-3. Green Bay remains a very dangerous team in the NFC.

6. New York Giants

Preseason Ranking: 3

2012 Record: 6-3

Following their Super Bowl XLVI victory, the New York Giants came into 2012 with high expectations. Quarterback Eli Manning looks like a legitimate MVP candidate, and top receiver Victor Cruz has taken off right where he left off last season.

The Giants dropped a hard-fought game to the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, but they have perhaps the best defensive line in football and an offense that can score plenty of points. This remains a dangerous team.

7. New England Patriots

Preseason Ranking: 2

2012 Record: 5-3

The Patriots always have high expectations for themselves coming into a new season and 2012 was no different. There were plenty of question marks surrounding New England's defense coming into the season, but by all accounts, they've been a much improved unit.

Typically, the Patriots rely heavily on Tom Brady and a high-flying passing game, but the emergence of running back Stevan Ridley has added yet another dimension to the offense. New England should coast to the AFC East title, and once again, be a serious threat in the playoffs.

8. Denver Broncos

Preseason Ranking: 11

2012 Record: 5-3

Denver was one of the most talked about teams in the league coming into the season, and Peyton Manning has not disappointed. Through eight games, Manning has thrown 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

While Manning remains in the MVP conversation, the Broncos defense has been terrific as of late. Von Miller has developed into one of the best defensive players in football, while Champ Bailey continues to defy the laws of aging. Denver is a serious Super Bowl contender.

9. Baltimore Ravens

Preseason Ranking: 5

2012 Record: 6-2

The Baltimore Ravens were my preseason pick to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLVII. That will be difficult without middle linebacker and emotional leader Ray Lewis and top-tier cornerback Lardarius Webb. However, the Ravens can not be overlooked in a watered-down AFC.

Joe Flacco has been impressive through the majority of the season, while Ray Rice has looked like, well, Ray Rice. Wide receiver Torrey Smith has developed into one of the most explosive receivers in the league, giving Baltimore one of the most-feared offenses in football.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Preseason Ranking: 7

2012 Record: 5-3

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the New England Patriots, have defined the definition of "consistency" in recent seasons. With a franchise quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger and a swarming defense under Dick LeBeau, the Steelers have a recipe to win a lot of football games.

Through eight games, Pittsburgh has suffered some injuries to several key players, but the Steelers got their most impressive win of the season this week against the New York Giants. As usual, the Steelers will be a tough-out in the playoffs.

11. Seattle Seahawks

Preseason Ranking: 22

2012 Record: 5-4

Many people knew the Seahawks had a great defense coming into 2012, but not many people knew they were this good. After Week 9, Seattle ranks fifth in the NFL in yards allowed, giving up an average of 312 yards per game.

Without the aid of the replacement officials, the Seahawks would have lost to the Packers and be sitting at 4-5. However, they won the game and are now sitting in playoff contention. Right now, it looks like the NFC West could produce two playoff teams. Who woulda thunk it?

12. Indianapolis Colts

Preseason Ranking: 27

2012 Record: 5-3

Coming into the season, expectations were extremely low for the Indianapolis Colts in Andrew Luck's first NFL season. Between an offense centered around rookies and a young defense learning a brand new scheme, the Colts had a lot of issues to sort out.

And after head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, the Colts were forced to deal with yet another obstacle. But Luck and the Colts turned some heads after beating Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. Fast forward to Week 9 and the Colts are in position to earn a wild card in the AFC.

13. Detroit Lions

Preseason Ranking: 13

2012 Record: 4-4

The Lions took the "next step" as a team in 2011, making the playoffs on the arm of Matthew Stafford. Detroit's passing attack was one of the most feared in the league, featuring All-World wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The only knock on the Lions coming into the season was their perceived lack of discipline.

But after an unimpressive 1-3 start, the Lions have fought their way back to a 4-4 record. They face an uphill battle in an ultra-competitive NFC North, but they're still in playoff contention.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Preseason Ranking: 15

2012 Record: 3-5

The story always seems to be the same with the Dallas Cowboys. They have loads of talent all over the field but never seem to put it all together and win football games. After adding cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys hoped they'd solved their biggest issues from 2011.

And by all accounts, the Dallas defense has been much better in 2012. However, Tony Romo's negatives have overshadowed his positives up to this point. Still, the Cowboys are still in the NFL wild card conversation.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Preseason Ranking: 26

2012 Record: 4-4

The Buccaneers were perhaps the most active team last summer in terms of personnel acquisitions. Tampa Bay signed wide receiver Vincent Jackson from San Diego and guard Carl Nicks from New Orleans in hopes of adding some veteran stability to a mediocre offense. Still, expectations weren't very high for the 2012 Buccaneers.

But halfway through the season, Tampa's offense has been much improved. Quarterback Josh Freeman has been hot coming out of the Bucs' bye week, and rookie running back Doug Martin has been absolutely sensational.

Don't look now, but Tampa Bay is quietly putting together an impressive season under Greg Schiano.

16. Miami Dolphins

Preseason Ranking: 30

2012 Record: 4-4

With a new head coach and a no-name offense other than running back Reggie Bush, the Miami Dolphins had low expectations for 2012. However, the Dolphins' talent on defense was reason for optimism headed into the season.

But after eight games, the Dolphins have surpassed all expectations under new head coach Joe Philbin. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been terrific, and the Dolphins are at .500 halfway through the season.

17. Minnesota Vikings

Preseason Ranking: 28

2012 Record: 5-4

Coming into the season, the Minnesota Vikings were widely considered to be the "little brother" of the NFC North. Even though they boast likely the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson and one of the most dynamic receivers in the league in Percy Harvin, not much was expected from Minnesota this season.

But the Vikings rushed out to a surprising 4-1 start. However, the Vikings have dropped three of their past four games, and their schedule won't get any easier moving forward as they play the Packers and Bears twice.

18. San Diego Chargers

Preseason Ranking: 16

2012 Record: 4-4

Much like the Dallas Cowboys, the story always seems to feature the same script for the San Diego Chargers. Under head coach Norv Turner, the Bolts seem to stumble out of the gates before flipping the switch later in the season.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was heavily criticized after a disappointing 2011 season, and for the most part, he has been better in 2012. Still, they face an uphill battle moving forward as they try and play catch-up to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

19. New Orleans Saints

Preseason Ranking: 9

2012 Record: 3-5

Amid the "bounty-gate" scandal, the Saints had a very turbulent offseason. Head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season, leaving the Saints without their leader headed into the year.

New Orleans failed to find its identity early on, losing their first four games of the season. Now that interim head coach Joe Vitt has returned to the team, the Saints have reason for optimism. However, at 2-5, the Saints have no room for error moving forward.

20. Philadelphia Eagles

Preseason Ranking: 8

2012 Record: 3-5

Expectations for the Eagles were extremely high last season after signing defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. While they failed to live up to their lofty expectations in 2011, the Eagles entered 2012 with playoff aspirations.

Philadelphia narrowly escaped with one-point wins over Cleveland and Baltimore in the first two weeks of the season, but the Eagles have dropped four of their past five games. Quarterback Michael Vick has been a walking turnover, causing some to chant "Bench Vick, start Nick."

21. Arizona Cardinals

Preseason Ranking: 25

2012 Record: 4-5

Coming into the season, not much was expected from the Arizona Cardinals. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald remains one of the NFL's best players regardless of position, but the Cardinals' lack of consistency at quarterback has hindered his potential since Kurt Warner's retirement.

The Cardinals shocked the league by rushing out to a 4-0 start to the season, but they've lost their last five games to put themselves below the .500 mark. Arizona's defense is the real deal, but the Cardinals will struggle to catch up to the division-leading San Francisco 49ers.

22. Cincinnati Bengals

Preseason Ranking: 14

2012 Record: 3-5

The 2011 season was promising for the upstart Cincinnati Bengals. After spending their first-round pick on Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, the Bengals spent their second-round pick on TCU quarterback Andy Dalton. The two carried Dallas to the playoffs in 2011 and expected to build upon their success in 2012.

But so far this season, Cincinnati has struggled to return to form. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are as consistent as NFL teams come, and at 3-5, the Bengals face an uphill battle to the playoffs.

23. Washington Redskins

Preseason Ranking: 25

2012 Record: 3-6

The Washington Redskins put everything behind rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III coming into the season. For better or worse, the Redskins were tied to RG3.

And early returns on Griffin have been terrific. The former Heisman trophy winner has hurt teams with his legs as well as his big arm, as Washington rushed out to a 3-3 start. However, a three-game skid has the Redskins at 3-6 on the season. They won't be making the playoffs.

24. St. Louis Rams

Preseason Ranking: 29

2012 Record: 3-5

Most people viewed the NFC West as the San Francisco 49ers' to lose—not many were expecting much from the other three teams in the division. However, the NFC West probably boasts the best four defenses in football of any division.

Sam Bradford and the Rams offense haven't been spectacular through eight games, but they've been good enough to keep them in most games. And the Rams defense has been quite good, with talented corners on the outside and a tenacious pass rush up front. St. Louis may be a year or two away from competing for the playoffs, but this is a team on the rise.

25. New York Jets

Preseason Ranking: 19

2012 Record: 3-5

Despite the Giants winning the Super Bowl, the Jets grabbed the headlines this summer. Why? Well, because they signed a certain backup quarterback named "Tim Tebow."

Tebow hasn't been much more than a decoy so far this season, and the Jets have been below-average on offense. Playing in the same division as the New England Patriots and surprise Miami Dolphins, the Jets won't be seeing the postseason this year.

26. Buffalo Bills

Preseason Ranking: 20

2012 Record: 3-5

Expectations were somewhat high for the Buffalo Bills coming into this season. After signing prized free agent defensive end Mario Williams, the Bills boasted one of the league's strongest defensive lines on paper. But entering Week 9, Buffalo had been allowing over 170 rushing yards per game.

The Bills were competitive against the 7-1 Houston Texans on Sunday, but their playoff hopes will continue to diminish unless they put together a winning streak soon. C.J. Spiller has been sensational for much of 2012, but the Bills need more from their passing game if they want to beat good football teams.

27. Oakland Raiders

Preseason Ranking: 23

2012 Record: 3-5

Coming into the season, the key to the Oakland Raiders having success was Darren McFadden's health. If McFadden were to stay healthy, many thought the Raiders would take a step forward as a team. But if they were without their best player, the Raiders looked like a weak offensive team.

Well, McFadden stayed healthy until he suffered a high-ankle sprain Sunday against the Bucs, but he hadn't been playing well even prior to his injury. Buried in the division behind the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers, Oakland likely won't be seeing the postseason this year.

28. Tennessee Titans

Preseason Ranking: 21

2012 Record: 3-6

The Titans' offense goes how Chris Johnson goes. And entering the 2012 season, many foresaw a "bounce-back" season from CJ2K. Tennessee benched veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in favor of second-year quarterback Jake Locker, giving Titans fans some hope for the future.

Johnson started the season extremely slow, but he has got it going as of late. The Titans have gotten a nice boost from rookie wide receiver Kendall Wright, but they currently sit at 3-6 and have all but eliminated themselves from playoff contention.

29. Carolina Panthers

Preseason Ranking: 18

2012 Record: 2-6

Last season, Cam Newton put together perhaps the most impressive season for a rookie quarterback in NFL history. So obviously, expectations for Newton and the Panthers were extremely high entering 2012. Panthers' center Ryan Kalil even took a full-page ad out in the paper, telling fans the Panthers would be playing in Super Bowl XLVII this season.

But fast forward to Week 9, the Panthers have buried themselves into a 2-6 hole. Sorry Kalil, it doesn't look like you will be in the Super Bowl this season. Maybe next year.

30. Cleveland Browns

Preseason Ranking: 32

2012 Record: 2-7

The hope of the Cleveland Browns rested on the shoulders of a couple of rookies coming into the 2012 season. Quarterback Brandon Weeden was given the keys to the offense ahead of incumbent starter Colt McCoy, and running back Trent Richardson immediately assumed the role as the focal point of the Browns' offense.

Cleveland's dynamic duo, along with fellow rookie Josh Gordon, has shown flashes of brilliance halfway through the season. But still, playing in the same division as the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is a daunting task for a young football team. It will be a couple of years before the Browns threaten for a playoff spot.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Preseason Ranking: 31

2012 Record: 1-7

Coming into the 2012 season, the Jaguars had several question marks surrounding the team. Jags quarterback Blaine Gabbert struggled mightily as a rookie in 2011, but many were expecting an improvement headed into this season. And with Maurice Jones-Drew's lingering holdout, Jacksonville faced another big question mark at a key position.

Eight games into the season, the Jaguars don't have much hope. Jones-Drew suffered a foot injury, and the Jags currently sit at 1-7. It's at least encouraging to see Gabbert's development in his second season as a professional.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Preseason Ranking: 17

2012 Record: 1-7

Several respected NFL writers picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West before the season. Most picked the Broncos, but the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers all had their fare share of bandwagon riders.

But at the midway point of the 2012 season, there's no way around it—the Chiefs look like the worst team in football. Kansas City has turned the ball over an NFL-high 29 times, and its record has fallen to an NFL-low 1-7 on the season. On the bright side, Kansas City is the front-runner to land the No. 1 pick and a franchise quarterback.

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