Buffalo Bills: Why They Should Have Gotten More Love in ESPN Power Rankings

I have always labeled myself an eternal Bills optimist.

Sounds crazy, I know.

But it's something I'm almost certain was passed down genetically from my pops and it's a mindset that right now, I think I'll have for the rest of my life. 

I have been working on not letting that interfere with analyzing the team's direction or current situation. 

Today, ESPN released its first 2011 NFL Power Rankings and I'm sure you've already checked them out. 

Green Bay at the top, followed by New England, the Eagles...blah, blah, blah. Watching ESPN every day over the last two weeks made it pretty clear who they thought were the top five teams. 

I, obviously, am more concerned with the No. 31 position that was given to the Buffalo Bills.

I am undoubtedly a huge Bills follower, backer, whatever you want to call it, but I'm not delusional. I know the Bills aren't likely to contend in the loaded AFC this year. Hell, the best two squads in the Conference might be the Patriots and the Jets. 

But No. 31? 

Really?

An 11-year playoff drought justifies anyone's thought that Buffalo will once again be camped out in the NFL's cellar when the year is finished, and gives mainstream media all the reason to make the Bills the league's afterthought. 

But in looking at the teams directly above them, who has gotten considerably better? 

Everyone applauded Carolina for re-signing defensive end Charles Johnson and running back DeAngelo Williams. Ok, fine. Unless Jimmy Clausen makes huge strides with the Panthers receiving corp, which isn't exactly scaring anybody, how do they vault the Bills?

The Washington Redskins quarterback situation is far worse than the Bills'. John Beck, Rex Grossman or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Be honest, who you taking?

I'm taking Fred Jackson over Ryan Torain and say a push at best on defense. Buffalo's receiving corps certainly trumps the Redskins.

As far as the Broncos go, let's not even start. I have never thought a quarterback controversy has that much impact on a team, but the one in Denver this season could get ugly and could easily divide that locker room. 

The Browns aren't in much better shape than the Bills, although I did like what I saw from a gritty Colt McCoy last season. The defense should be more productive and there is that Peyton Hillis guy. 

Even the 49ers I don't understand. Alex Smith is getting what seems like his fifth chance under his fifth coach to excel and the defense is going through wholesale changes. 

This is not to say Buffalo should be in the Top 20. Marcell Dareus will instantly make the run defense more stout, Kyle Williams will be Kyle Williams and thinking logically the offense should be more efficient in Chan Gailey's second year at the helm.

However, there are still holes at offensive tackle and middle linebacker. Fitzpatrick is likely close to, if not already at his ceiling. Plus, we aren't sure about Shawne Merriman or if Steve Johnson will build on his 2010 season. 

In summation, it's not the end of the world. The preseason hasn't even started yet, guys will get hurt, "contenders" will falter and supposed bottom feeders will sneak away with some surprise wins.

Just watch.

But the only way the Bills return to relevance and gain some respect is by winning the winnable games and closing out the tight ones.

Until that happens, they'll be relegated to the bottom of any "Power Rankings" list.

For the voters, it's just too easy to put Buffalo there.