NFL Power Rankings 2015: Examining the Best Teams Before Start of Regular Season

Although none of the games will count for a few more weeks, it is never too early to take a look at the best and the worst teams in the NFL.  

The first week of the preseason might get fans excited about the return of football, but it doesn't really tell us much about the talent level of each team. However, a look at past results and offseason transactions can give us a realistic breakdown about what to expect over the course of the year.

While there are certain to be plenty of surprises—both good and bad—here is a look at predictions for power rankings heading into the 2015 season.

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

Top Teams

Seattle Seahawks 

John Froschauer/Associated Press

There was some attrition, but the Seattle Seahawks returned most of the key players from the team that came within a play of winning two consecutive Super Bowls.

Despite Kam Chancellor's contract situation, the squad still has the best secondary in football thanks to players like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. In an era featuring incredible passing numbers across the board, Seattle was the only team in the league that allowed fewer than 200 passing yards per game.

There is no reason to think the defense will stop being one of the best in the NFL in 2015.

Meanwhile, the offense still has Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, but it also has an elite weapon in tight end Jimmy Graham. The Pro Bowler was acquired in a trade in March, and he now adds a new dimension to what was a run-heavy attack.

Interestingly, Graham is encouraged by the change in scenery despite leaving a high-powered attack with the New Orleans Saints. He recently discussed the adjustment, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times:

"

You know, here, when I look on film and I see these safeties, everyone is so worried about the run that when you are open normally you are one-on-one and you just have to make a move on one guy and you have all kinds of great routes. For me, I don’t see it as an adjustment I see it as, for me personally, as an improvement.

"

His overall numbers should be down, but Graham will remain a huge part of the offense, especially in the red zone. Combining his ability to win just about any jump ball, Lynch's strength to run inside and Wilson's dual-threat skill, the Seahawks will be almost impossible to defend in short yardage.

All of a sudden the already great team has fewer weaknesses.

Green Bay Packers

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

While Green Bay Packers fans don't really want to remember it, the team was a few missed plays in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game away from competing in the Super Bowl. The squad is now determined to improve upon this result in 2015.

According to Forbes, the Packers are already the preseason favorites to take home a championship:

The hype starts with reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off of an incredible season at quarterback. Last season he finished with 38 touchdowns and just five interceptions, always seeming to make a big play at the right time.

Adding in playmakers like Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson along with an improving offensive line, and it's no wonder this was the highest scoring offense in football last season.

The question is whether the defense can hold up its end of the bargain.

The secondary will at least be in better shape thanks to rookie additions of Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, as well as the continued improvements of young players like Casey Hayward and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. With Clay Matthews still causing mayhem up front, the Packers should have a lot more balance this season.

New England Patriots

The big story surrounding the New England Patriots this offseason is who won't be able to play on the team, at least the first month. Tom Brady is currently suspended the first four games of the year due to his alleged involvement in deflated footballs in last year's playoffs. Obviously, losing the future Hall of Fame quarterback for part of the season is a big deal.

That said, the Patriots have been a model of consistency for more than a decade. Head coach Bill Belichick has won at least 10 games in each of the last 12 seasons. The only time the squad missed the playoffs was an 11-5 year with Matt Cassel starting the majority of games.

Even if Brady does miss one quarter of the season, this franchise has a way of succeeding regardless.

New England still has an interesting mix of running backs, including LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray, as well as a talented young quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. The offense can succeed without Brady and then go back to dominating when the starter returns to the lineup.

With an opportunistic defense that can cause turnovers, the Patriots should remain a top contender for the Super Bowl throughout the season.

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