Power Ranking NFL Helmets: Why ESPN Had It All Wrong

Last week ESPN.com released its power rankings of NFL helmets, and while I think the eight bloggers who voted on the helmets did a pretty good job, I don't agree with all of their selections.

I based my rankings off of team history and how much I like the colors and logo on the helmet, and while this is about as subjective of a ranking as you are going to find, I believe many will agree with my order (particularly a certain fan base whose team is No. 1).

Feel free to leave a comment on how you think the order should go, and let me know whether you agree or disagree with my rankings.

Now it's on to the rankings and all 32 teams' helmets.

32. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals 34-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

The Bengals did not receive a single vote from the ESPN.com bloggers, and I have to agree. Cincinnati has the worst helmets in the league, but the franchise does have a new quarterback and receiver to look forward to this season.

31. Houston Texans

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans hands running back Arian Foster #23 the game ball after Houston defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17 at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/G

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

The Texans were another team that did not receive a vote and yet another team that the writers had right. Houston doesn't have history on its side, nor does it have that great of a logo.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Image

ESPN.com rank: T-22nd

The Ravens got one eighth-place vote, the only vote they received, but I think that was much too high for Baltimore.

29. Tennessee Titans

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Eric Foster #68 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

The Titans were yet another team that did not receive a single vote in the poll, but look on the bright side Tennessee fans: Vince Young is leaving town and Jake Locker is on his way!

28. Carolina Panthers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: T-22nd

Jonathan Stewart is one of my favorite players in the NFL, but not even he could make me rank the Panthers helmet higher. Carolina should be happy that this is one ranking it didn't finish last in.

27. Atlanta Falcons

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: A giant flag with the Atlanta Falcons logo is seen on the field against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty I

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

The Falcons could use more help defensively, but I think they have a real shot at getting to the Super Bowl this season. Their helmet, on the other hand, is not that great. They did not receive a single vote from the ESPN.com bloggers and I wouldn't have given them one either.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Lorenzo Alexander #97 of the Washington Redskins attempts to tackle Mike Thomas #80 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

ESPN.com rank: 26th

The Jags received one 10th-place vote in the poll which was good enough to put them in last of the 26 teams that received a vote. I think 26th is about right because their helmets are all right, but nothing special.

25. Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Gerard Lawson #47 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by C

ESPN.com rank: 17th

You know what I think of when I think of the Eagles logo?

Tony Danza and Mark Wahlberg.

Combine the two and you have the "Invincible Garbage-Picking, Field-Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon."

24. St. Louis Rams

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Running back Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams rushes with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: 13th

Sam Bradford looks to be well on his way to restoring the "greatest show on turf" in St. Louis, but I think 13th is too high for the Rams helmet.

23. Seattle Seahawks

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball during pregame before taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

ESPN.com rank: 19th

I was a little bit surprised that the Seahawks even got a vote in the poll or that anyone east of Boise remembered that Seattle actually has a football team, but I like the 'Hawks old helmets better than their current ones, and so they will stay out of the top 20 for now.

22. New Orleans Saints

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints calls a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: 11th

The Saints only got votes from two of the writers, but they were both top-five votes and that nearly catapulted New Orleans into the top 10. I tend to side with the other six bloggers who didn't give the Saints a vote.

21. Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Ken Whisenhunt of the Arizona Cardinals talks with quarterback John Skelton #19 during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Card

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

We have almost completed our mandatory run through the NFC West, and while the Cards helmets aren't anything spectacular, I don't think there are 26 better ones.

20. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

ESPN.com rank: T-22

Bill Belichick can't be too happy about his team's rank in the ESPN.com helmet poll, so you can bet that he will be working to change that this season.

19. Detroit Lions

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Amari Spievey #42 of the Detroit Lions returns a second quarter interception while playing the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: 17th

Something about the Lions helmet just seemed cooler when Barry Sanders was wearing it. Maybe Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley can have that same kind of effect this year.

18. Buffalo Bills

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Brian Brohm #4 of the Buffalo Bills passes against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: T-22nd

Bills fans would probably love to see their team pick 18th in next year's draft. If only team history and style could influence wins.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Larry French/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for a receiver during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by

ESPN.com rank: 19th

The Bucs got two votes in the poll to finish in 19th place, and I think that's a pretty fair placement for them. Tampa Bay has some good-looking helmets, but there are plenty others in the league that are better.

16. Cleveland Browns

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Linebacker Keyaron Fox #57 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles wide receiver Joshua Cribbs #16 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Eighth

I'm sure Browns fans are going to disagree with my ranking of their team's helmet, but there just isn't much to it. They are only as high as they are in my poll due to the history of their logo.

15. San Francisco 49ers

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Unranked

I was pretty surprised to see that the Niners didn't receive a single vote in the poll, but maybe that has something to do with the fact that they looked a lot better with Joe Montana at quarterback than Alex Smith.

14. Denver Broncos

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos scrambles against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: 15th

I think the writers got the Broncos helmet pretty close. I like their colors and their logo isn't bad either.

13. Minnesota Vikings

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a first quarter pass while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Seventh

Adrian Peterson has made the Vikings helmet look great the last few seasons. Now we will see how the Christian Ponder era goes. Favre wouldn't really come back, would he?

12. Miami Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Linaebacker Koa Misi #55 of the Miami Dolphins takes down running back Maurice morrice #28 of the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/G

ESPN.com rank: 10th

The Dolphins have a good-looking helmet, but sticking with the movie theme, make sure you always have the laces out.

11. Washington Redskins

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins attempts to make a hand off during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/

ESPN.com rank: 21st

Maybe Daniel Snyder can buy his way into ESPN.com's top-10 next season. I thought they were ranked a little lower than where they should be.

10. New York Giants

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: 15th

The Giants helmet begins my top 10, but it's not even the best helmet in its own city.

9. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Brad Maynard #4 of the Chicago Bears punts against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

ESPN.com rank: Ninth

The Bears helmet isn't flashy, but it gets the job done, just like their on-field product. Chicago is another team that benefits from being a traditional power in my rankings.

8. New York Jets

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets drops back during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martine

ESPN.com rank: 14th

I'm not a big fan of New York sports teams, but I do think the Jets have a good-looking helmet and so they deserved to be in the top 10.

7. San Diego Chargers

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty I

ESPN.com rank: Fifth

The Chargers powder-blue jerseys are among my favorite unis in the league, and while I like their helmets as well, I don't like them enough to put them in the top five.

6. Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Robert Mathis #98 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Photo by Jon

ESPN.com rank: Second

The Colts have a nice, clean logo on their helmet that definitely fits their name, but I think second is a little too high for Indy in these rankings.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vish

ESPN.com rank: 12th

The Chiefs have a solid team history and a good-looking helmet, which is enough to get them into the top five in my rankings.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play in the defensive huddle as Brett Keisel #99 and Casey Hampton #98 (c) look on against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 201

ESPN.com rank: First

The Steelers were the No. 1 team in the ESPN.com helmet poll by a pretty wide margin, but they did receive just one first-place vote. Their helmet is obviously quite recognizable, but I don't like it quite as well as the three ahead of them.

3. Green Bay Packers

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with the MVP trophy after speaking to the media during a press conference at Super Bowl XLV Media Center on February 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Ima

ESPN.com rank: 4th

The defending Super Bowl champs have both a cool logo and plenty of history on their side, which is good enough to get them into the top three in my rankings.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles with teammate Stephen McGee #7 on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsy

ESPN.com rank: Sixth

I can't believe the Cowboys didn't at least crack the top five in this poll, after all they used to be (maybe still are) "America's team," and the star is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys.

1. Oakland Raiders

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 18: New Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson pauses as he speaks to reporters during a press conference on January 18, 2011 in Alameda, California. Hue Jackson was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing the fired

ESPN.com rank: Third

As much as it pains me to put the Raiders at the top of this list, Oakland deserves to be No. 1 because they have the most recognizable helmet in the league.