2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week One

(Will Brady and Moss be laughing last?)

While the talk of the league is Tom Brady and his knee, there are still plenty of story lines to get tripped up in, causing us all to lose focus of a core issue:

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still the NFL champions, and nothing has changed to make us think it will end differently in 2009.

Well, unless you're a hopeless NFL romantic.

Yes, if you're like the millions who saw their jaws drop when Michael Vick signed with the Eagles, Brett Favre un-retired again, and several transactions and injuries began to re-shape contending teams, then nothing is quite what it seems.

But this early in the season, you're going in one of four directions.

You're either promoting the hell out of your home team, digging deep for an underdog and betting the house on Atlanta or New Orleans, sticking with the Steelers, or rethinking the NFL like it's 2007 and banking on Brady throwing another 50 touchdown passes.

Sadly, though, in this day and age, we're wise enough to agree that, while those all seem like good causes, they are all fairly unlikely to be the end result.

We all know that we can predict the Vikings, Packers, or Eagles to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but the chance that even the formerly 0-16 Detroit Lions make a run at it is still there.

Well, maybe the league isn't that crazy.

Regardless, follow the craziness. Attach yourself to the injury report, monitor Favre and Vick, and bank on both the Patriots and Steelers at least making the playoffs.

As for the rest of this chaos we call the NFL, read below to see where the other teams rank...for now.

1. New England Patriots

If Brady is healthy (knee and shoulder included), it's hard to put anyone else but the Patriots here. Just the mere possibility of a return to 2007 form is enough to make them the favorites.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Not much changes for a smash-mouth team that's oozing confidence. It really hangs on the health of their running backs and whether or not Ben Roethlisberger's off-field issues become a major distraction.

3. New York Giants

They lost Steve Spagnuolo, sure, but they still have one of the best defensive lines in football, if not the best. You can talk about the loss of Plaxico Burress all you want, but this is a run-first team anyway. They'll be fine.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

The loss of Jim Johnson (cancer), Stewart Bradley (season-ending injury), and Brian Dawkins (free agency) really hurt this team. But what sane person is going to bet against that explosive offense?

5. San Diego Chargers

There's still tread on LT's tires, and he has plenty of help to keep this offense running smoothly. With Shawne Merriman back, as well as some added help in the draft, this defense could soar back to elite status.

6. Indianapolis Colts

They lost Tony Dungy and Marvin Harrison, but with Tom Moore sticking around in some capacity, Peyton Manning and the offense shouldn't miss a beat. Now, about Bob Sanders staying healthy...

7. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco just keeps getting better, and that three-headed horse at running back is in no way a bad thing. Sure, Rex Ryan is gone, but that defense is still elite. Just ask Mark Sanchez.

8. Tennessee Titans

Losing Jim Schwartz hurts more than people think, and without the space eater Albert Haynesworth, defending explosive offenses like Indianapolis and Houston twice a year just got a lot more difficult. But does any team truly match their running game?

9. Arizona Cardinals

They lost their stud offensive coordinator (Todd Haley), and now they want to make this a balanced offense? Still, if Kurt Warner makes it through the season, they should be able to win their division.

10. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan looked like a primo pro in year one. With Tony Gonzalez added to the mix, this offense only gets better. But can the defense continue to grow and keep this a balanced squad?

11. Minnesota Vikings

It's up to you to buy into the Favre hype or not, but his performance against the Texans suggests at least a little optimism. Adrian Peterson busting a 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of that game reinforces that same optimism.

12. New Orleans Saints

It remains to be determined if the draft and free agency will make this a Super Bowl defense, but as long as Drew Brees is around, this team is more than just "in the mix."

13. Green Bay Packers

I still don't love the rush attack or the offensive line, but Aaron Rodgers has looked flat-out unstoppable all preseason. If this defense can play even half as good as they have throughout preseason, this could be a very dangerous team.

14. Carolina Panthers

Jon Fox has been successful but has yet to register back-to-back playoff berths in Carolina. However, if that rush offense is as good as it was last year, expect a deeper playoff run.

15. Dallas Cowboys

First they drop T.O., and now his replacement, Roy Williams, goes down. A lot of guys need to step up to make things happen in Dallas, namely Tony Romo. With Jessica Simpson finally no longer a distraction, that's not entirely impossible.

16. Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler gives them a legit threat at quarterback, making Greg Olsen and Devin Hester players opposing defenses now have to plan for. Oh, and then there's that Matt Forte guy. But is this defense still one that can carry them to wins if needed to?

Want the final 16 teams? Go here for the complete NFL Power Rankings: Week One.