NFL Power Rankings 2013: Current Stock Report for All 32 Teams

Not every NFL team that begins the season at the bottom of preseason power rankings will end up being stuck in the cellar the whole season.

Last year, the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts started at the bottom and ended up making the playoffs. Turnarounds do happen, although not typically as drastic as that example.

This season, there are apparent contenders and teams going through full rebuilding programs. Jacksonville and Oakland appear to be teams that will start at the bottom and stay there throughout.

But what about everyone else? Injuries have had their impact on the power structure of the league throughout the preseason. While there’s no replacing some starters that go down, top-tier teams have the necessary depth and quality coaching it takes to overcome those injuries.

With all that in mind, here’s a look at how each team stacks up prior to the 2013 season kickoff.

1. San Francisco 49ers

If any team can survive a restructuring of its secondary, it’s the hard-nosed San Francisco 49ers. Their front seven is one of the best in the league, and they’ll rely heavily on that this year. If they can keep up their pass-rush intensity, they shouldn’t miss a beat defensively.

The team is explosive with Colin Kaepernick facilitating the offense. They’ll miss speedy running back LaMichael James for the first couple of weeks after he sprained his MCL, but Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter provide plenty of ability in the backfield.

Kaepernick and the offense’s biggest challenge will be getting the most out of a new-look wide receiver group that’s headlined by Anquan Boldin—and not much else.

2. Seattle Seahawks

It’s scary to think the Seattle Seahawks actually got better defensively this season. Adding Cliff Avrill and Michael Bennett to a front seven that punished quarterbacks last season was a good step. Bruce Irvin returns in Week 5 after a suspension, and the unit will surely take flight after that.

Losing Percy Harvin on offense might temper offensive expectations a bit, but this team has weapons, including quarterback Russell Wilson. The second-year quarterback also has a more-than-capable stable of running backs to work with, including rookie Christine Michael.

3. Denver Broncos

No defense? No problem. The Denver Broncos are all-in on riding Peyton Manning's arm back to the postseason and potentially to the big dance. Stealing Wes Welker from New England to bolster an already impressive wide receiver corps was a coup this offseason. Add in Montee Ball, the NCAA’s all-time touchdown leader, and Denver will be a fun offense to watch in 2013.

Losing Elvis Dumervil due to a fax-machine debacle definitely stings, as does Von Miller’s early-season suspension. Denver would be the top team on this list if it weren’t missing two of its fiercest defenders to start the season.

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have some pretty big question marks heading into this season. Offensively, Can Tony Gonzalez continue to play at a high level as he ages closer to 40? Will Steven Jackson thrive in his second act?

On defense, Osi Umenyiora was a nice addition. But can he stay healthy and be a meaningful contributor in their pass rush? And will rookie cornerbacks Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant step in and be key additions in their secondary?

These are a lot of questions, and there are more, for a team some believe to be ready to take the next step this season.

5. New England Patriots

Tim Tebow was released, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Now that that’s out of the way, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick can resume their usual scheduled programming—winning.

The Pats don’t have any recognizable names at receiver from last season. In fact, 84.1 percent of their pass-catching production from a season ago—made up of Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez, Danny Woodhead and Rob Gronkowski—will not be on the field on opening day this year.

But Belichick’s system has proven time and time again to be able to not only get by, but excel no matter who is catching balls from Brady. Add in an emerging rushing attack and the Pats will be fine this year.

6. Green Bay Packers

Losing offensive tackle Brian Bulaga for the season won’t help Aaron Rodgers find more time to throw this year. He’ll have a tough time, again, but he’s used to playing on the run and getting the ball out quickly.

Eddie Lacy should help him out a bit. The rookie running back must succeed to help alleviate some of the undoubtedly fierce pass-rush opponents are plotting for the Pack this season.

7. Houston Texans

Arian Foster is nicked up again, but the Houston Texans have one of the best backup running backs in the league in Ben Tate. They also finally added a dynamic receiver to pair with Andre Johnson—DeAndre Hopkins.

But as good as their offense is looking, defensive question marks put the Texans at the No. 7 spot. Big plays have been a problem for the Houston secondary throughout the preseason. Although, the team hasn’t had a fully functioning pass rush applying pressure to this point.

8. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck is the real deal. Last year, the rookie helped spark a massive turnaround that saw the 2-14 Indianapolis Colts reach the postseason. This year, Luck and the Colts aren’t happy with just getting there. With Denver’s defense struggling and New England’s offense going through a renaissance, it could be the perfect time to make a real push.

Newly acquired receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and Luck are clicking, leading to the former first-round pick earning a starting job, according to Stephen Holder of IndyStar.com. With Heyward-Bey, T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne catching passes, Luck can take this team even farther in 2013.

9. Baltimore Ravens

Winning the Super Bowl doesn’t guarantee a team a top spot the next year. That’s especially true for a team that went through as many changes as the Baltimore Ravens did since that victory.

Defensively, they lost their heart and soul in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Although they have filled those and other gaps with talented players, it will be hard to replace the leadership and experience they provided.

Without Anquan Boldin (traded to San Francisco) and Dennis Pitta (out for the season), Joe Flacco will need to rely even more heavily on Ray Rice in all aspects of the game.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have a swarming defensive front seven and a competent secondary. As impressive as they can be there, their 2013 campaign will be heavily reliant on the progress of Andy Dalton.

With Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard added to the offense, he just might take the next step this year.

11. Washington Redskins

With Robert Griffin III healthy, the Washington Redskins are a playoff contender. Without him, they’re still a good team with Kirk Cousins behind center. Alfred Morris must avoid a sophomore slump to help fuel the Skins offense no matter who is throwing the football.

Like Griffin, the Skins will be reliant on Fred Davis and Pierre Garçon staying healthy. If they can keep their top players on the field, they should be fun to watch again in 2013.

12. New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton is back. Hopefully the memory of the horrid New Orleans Saints defense from a season ago will be washed away on the wave of his return.

Any time you have Drew Brees putting up big numbers, your team is going to be in every game. With a slightly improved defense likely, that makes the Saints a playoff contender again in 2013.

13. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are hoping the addition of head coach Marc Trestman will help get the most out of Jay Cutler. Relying on defense hasn’t helped them get out of the Packers’ shadow in the NFC North, so this is their answer.

They did get Cutler some new help on the offensive line, although that unit has still struggled this preseason. If the quarterback can’t get any time again this year, the results could be much of the same.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Not every Super Bowl-winning team has deployed a top-rate quarterback on its championship season. However, Christian Ponder has been suspect, at best, to this point in his NFL career. Adrian Peterson is an absolute game-changer, but can he continue to dominate opposing defenses week in and week out?

15. New York Giants

The New York Giants are going to play some good football again in 2013. However, losing Andre Brown for a significant amount of time, per ESPN New York’s Ohm Youngmisuk, puts a big burden on second-year man David Wilson.

While explosive, Wilson will have to prove he is able to carry the full load of the backfield. If the running game struggles, it might be a bumpy road for Eli Manning this year.

16. Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid is a winner. He enters a situation in Kansas City that baffles us all. The Chiefs are stacked with talent, especially on defense, but have not been able to translate talent into results in the win column.

Reid will probably rely heavily on explosive rusher Jamaal Charles to get the ball rolling offensively before asking too much out of quarterback Alex Smith.

17. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has to find a way to run the football if it hopes to compete in the NFC East. While the team did add running back Joseph Randle, there are still interior line questions that need answered.

Defensively, the team’s switch to a 4-3 front will also be a storyline to watch as the season progresses.

18. St. Louis Rams

While the St. Louis Rams boast a stingy defense, offensive questions surround the team. Daryl Richardson will get the nod at running back initially, but the team has unproven talent across the board, including him.

Adding Jake Long at tackle should help Sam Bradford take the next step, but we’ll wait and see before believing it.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers

Finishing 8-8 isn’t a terrible outcome, but it’s not what we’ve come to expect out of the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Ben Roethlisberger’s young offensive line can’t keep him upright, the veteran quarterback may struggle to stay healthy. If that happens, look out.

On the other side of the ball, Troy Polamalu’s health is another concern and something to watch throughout the season.

20. Cleveland Browns

New head coach, new coordinators, but the same starting quarterback? Surely, you’re not talking about the Cleveland Browns.

Ray Horton’s attacking defense and talented front-seven additions Desmond Bryant and Paul Kruger should help them stay in ballgames. How high they fly will rely heavily on Brandon Weeden’s progress and Trent Richardson’s health.

21. Miami Dolphins

Strength of schedule is a debatable topic. However, the Miami Dolphins have what looks to be one of the roughest roads to the playoffs in 2013. The team spent a ton of money in free agency and added some key pieces in the draft, but still has some question marks in the depth department.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As impressive as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offseason has been, the team still has to address its future at quarterback.

Another season is beginning, and the biggest question for the team remains whether or not Josh Freeman can be that future. He’s got the weapons in Vincent Jackson, Doug Martin and Mike Williams, but does he have the ability?

23. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton needs some help, but the Carolina Panthers didn’t do much this offseason for their franchise quarterback. Jonathan Stewart is already hurt, and rookie Kenjon Barner fumbled twice in the preseason. DeAngelo Williams is explosive, but will he be a bigger part of their game plan this year?

24. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a talented football team, but it remains to be seen whether they can put it all together. Offensive line question marks and an inability to find a capable complement receiver to Calvin Johnson could hamper expectations in 2013.

25. San Diego Chargers

Philip Rivers is a good NFL quarterback, but sometimes good signal-callers need help. Help is something he won’t have this season in San Diego.

Losing Danario Alexander for the season hurts, and there isn’t much left in his absence. Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal have been banged up, and rookie Keenan Allen hasn’t impressed to this point.

26. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals aren’t a bad football team. Carson Palmer may actually help them win a couple more games in 2013, but they’re not in a good position to make any type of playoff run this year. Playing in the NFC West is unfortunate, but that tough competition should help make the team more competitive overall.

27. Philadelphia Eagles

Losing Jeremy Maclin for the season was a bad start for Chip Kelly in the NFL. Kelly will have to rely heavily on Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy to keep defenses on their toes with his lightning-quick approach.

28. Tennessee Titans

Even if Chris Johnson returns to form in 2013, the Tennessee Titans need to rely on Jake Locker to lead them out of the AFC South basement. They added some weapons for him to throw to. We’ll see if he has what it takes to stay healthy and play at a high level in the NFL.

29. Buffalo Bills

Rookie quarterback, rookie head coach and a tough schedule make 2013 a daunting task for the Buffalo Bills. E.J. Manuel looks solid, but this will likely be a building season for the Buffalo Bills as they groom multiple young players for bright futures.

30. New York Jets

Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith, it doesn’t matter. This New York Jets team is lacking talent up and down the roster, and it will struggle as a result. It makes sense to give Smith the reins and see what happens, much like the next team in these rankings.

31. Oakland Raiders

For the second year in a row, Matt Flynn could be beat out after being acquired to compete for a starting quarterback job. The Oakland Raiders don’t have much going for them and won’t win many games in 2013, but they could catch a few lucky breaks if Terrelle Pryor can make things happen with his legs.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Justin Blackmon is suspended to start the year, and there’s little hope for the passing game whether it’s Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert behind center. Maurice Jones-Drew could have a resurgent season, but this team lacks the firepower to help him.