NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Midway Edition

Power rankings are a great way to take the pulse of the NFL's landscape through two weeks of play in the preseason, so that's what our Tuesday morning focus will be: looking at all 32 NFL teams and ranking them in order of which team has the best chance to win a Super Bowl this year.

This is not a ranking of the best preseason teams, and you will see that a team that has won a head-to-head matchup might be lower than a team it beat. This cannot be said enough: Preseason records mean nothing. At all.

What does matter, a lot, is preseason play—how the starters look, how confident a team can be in its depth chart and what injuries have done to each roster.

32. Buffalo Bills

Strengths

The Buffalo Bills defensive front seven will feature a host of young potential stars like Marcell Dareus and proven veterans Kyle Williams and Shawne Merriman. The team is anchored by Williams, one of the best nose tackles in the NFL. The Bills also have a great young wide receiver in Steve Johnson and an underrated back in Fred Jackson.

Weaknesses

Where to begin? The offensive tackle position is pretty bad, and definitely unproven. The quarterback position is a huge question mark, as the Bills have very few weapons for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The cornerbacks are talented, but their play has not been good, as the front seven did not generate much pass rush in years past.

Bottom Line

To win in the NFL today you need a good quarterback, and that's the bottom line. Buffalo doesn't have a great quarterback or the offensive tackles to protect one if it did.

31. Tennessee Titans

Strengths

The Tennessee Titans have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, anchored by tackles David Stewart and Michael Roos. Both are Pro Bowl quality. The Titans also have a very good defensive line, even if you haven't heard of most the players they will trot out in the 4-3 defense.

Weaknesses

The Titans are ranked No. 31 overall for a reason. The team is playing without one of the NFL's best running backs, Chris Johnson, and it is breaking in two new quarterbacks in a lockout-shortened season. Whether it's Jake Locker or Matt Hasselbeck under center, struggles are expected.

Bottom Line

If Chris Johnson is signed to a long-term deal, the Titans have a chance to win a handful of games. Without him, they are easily in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Johnson is the heart and soul of this team and talented enough to carry a young team.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Strengths

Patrick Willis is back at inside linebacker and he's one of the best in the NFL at his position. The team is also happy with its young offensive line, even though it'll be under the microscope this year, as the unit is expected to make a huge jump from young prospects to legitimate starters.

The wide receiver crew could be a strength if everyone can get healthy at the same time. Vernon Davis might be the best all-around tight end in football.

Weaknesses

The glaring hole is at running back if Frank Gore is not signed to a contract extension and given a raise. There is a chance Gore will be traded if the team cannot come to an agreement on a new deal with his agent soon. Other weaknesses are spotted throughout the roster. The team is still unsettled at quarterback and cornerback, even after making big additions through free agency and the draft.

Bottom Line

If the 49ers can get all their players healthy and happy, they could win the NFC West. Jim Harbaugh's offense is a great fit for Alex Smith at quarterback and Michael Crabtree at wide receiver, but the two haven't been working out together as Crabtree misses training camp (again).

29. Washington Redskins

Strengths

The Washington Redskins are not a team of hugely talented players, but their run game has been amazing this year. The offensive line, particularly when running the ball, has been a definite strength here. The depth at running back and wide receiver is also a strength. The defense, in general, could be very good. In fact, the defense might be the best unit of any on this team.

Weaknesses

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has to decide between John Beck and Rex Grossman at quarterback. Is that weak enough for you?

Bottom Line

The Redskins are better on paper than they get credit for. If the running game can power the offense and limit Beck's play, they might be able to upset a few teams.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Strengths

The Cincinnati Bengals have a defensive front seven good enough to pressure NFL offenses and a running game that can be powerful enough to control the clock. They also have one of the better left tackles in the NFL, Andrew Whitworth. You have to like the depth at wide receiver and the talented Jermaine Gresham at tight end.

Weaknesses

The Bengals are starting a rookie second-round draft pick, Andy Dalton, at quarterback and banking on Adam "Pacman" Jones to start at cornerback. There are also legitimate question marks at right tackle and safety.

Bottom Line

If the Bengals still had Carson Palmer at quarterback, this might be a playoff team, or at the least a team with the talent to make a run at a wild-card spot. Without Palmer, the Bengals will struggle to find their way until Dalton can learn Jay Gruden's offense.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Strengths

The Seattle Seahawks offensive line is loaded with talented young players, and if they all pan out, the team will be set along the offensive line. There is also enough talent at linebacker to win games on defense, even if Aaron Curry has been a bit of a disappointment.

Mike Williams and Sidney Rice are excellent options at wide receiver, and Zach Miller teamed with John Carlson at tight end could be devastating.

Weaknesses

Take your pick between Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback. Either way, things look bad under center in Seattle. There are also serious questions at cornerback and along the defensive line. Oh, and can Marshawn Lynch repeat his playoff performance versus the Saints, or is he the back that failed to show up against the Bears?

Bottom Line

Seattle is lucky it plays in the worst division in the NFL. Even so, not much can be expected of the Seahawks this season. Barring a miracle, the quarterback play here will be the downfall of the team. Here's hoping for a top-five pick and a shot at Andrew Luck, Landry Jones or Matt Barkley in 2012.

26. Cleveland Browns

Strengths

The backfield is impressive in Cleveland this year, as the Browns are confident in Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis to power the offense. It helps that the offensive line is nasty, especially from left tackle to center. The defense will be young, very young, but it will at least be fast. Cornerback Joe Haden looks like a future Pro Bowler, as does safety T.J. Ward with his bone-crushing hits.

Weaknesses

The aforementioned defense will keep the Browns from winning close games. Unless Jabaal Sheard can have a once in a decade rookie season, the Browns will struggle to rush the passer. The linebackers are equally shaky. We're talking about a defense that might feature the worst or most unproven talent in the entire league. As great as McCoy has been this preseason, who will his No. 1 receiver be?

Bottom Line

The 2011 season will be the year Colt McCoy establishes that this is his team. McCoy and Hillis are going to scare defenses with smart, fast play, but they are all the Browns can count on this year. The receivers and defense are just too young.

25. Carolina Panthers

Strengths

The defense will be fiery and fast, thanks in large part to defensive ends Charles Johnson and my sleeper pick of the year Greg Hardy. The running game should dominate again, with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart a great one-two punch. The offensive line should again be solid, especially at left tackle and center.

Weaknesses

The quarterback position will be the No. 1 question mark. Will 2011 first overall pick Cam Newton start, or does "veteran" Jimmy Clausen take the reins after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft? The secondary could also be a big issue, as the team has yet to find a legitimate shutdown cornerback to challenge the dominant passing attacks it will see in the NFC South.

Bottom Line

Carolina may not win many games this year, but that doesn't mean it won't be fun to watch. If you love fast-paced, aggressive football, give Carolina a chance. Cam Newton will see the field, and he'll be worth the price of admission by himself. Carolina will be much better than the two wins it posted in 2010.

24. Miami Dolphins

Strengths

The Miami Dolphins have one of the NFL's best offensive tackles, Jake Long, and one of the most talented pass rushers in Cameron Wake. There's enough skill at wide receiver (Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess) to pressure defenses. The defensive line is a great mix of young and old talent.

The running backs might be unproven, but Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas should be a great one-two punch. The cornerbacks are solid, and improving as they mature.

Weaknesses

Chad Henne has yet to progress as a passer, but he's being given the keys to the franchise in Miami. The offensive line should be great from center out to left tackle, but on the right side there are major question marks. Marc Colombo? Come on. The safeties are also worth questioning, even if they are expected to be much better this year.

Bottom Line

If Henne improves, Miami could make the playoffs on the strength of its running game and the defense. If Henne struggles, the Dolphins will too. The 2011 season is all about Henne.

23. Denver Broncos

Strengths

The best players on the Denver Broncos are spread apart: wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, left tackle Ryan Clady, cornerback Champ Bailey, defensive end Elvis Dumervil and linebacker D.J. Williams. There are enough talented players to win football games. There are also young players who could really become something special. Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller could be special.

Weaknesses

The quarterback situation, no matter who is starting, is a weakness. We've seen what Kyle Orton can do, and it's not pretty. Same for Tim Tebow. There are more questions on offense, like who will run the ball and can Knowshon Moreno ever prove he's not a massive draft bust? The defensive tackles are absolutely horrible as well.

Bottom Line

The Broncos will struggle to run the ball and stop the run, the two things you need to do in order to win in the NFL. That's the precursor to what could be a very long season. If anything can redeem the Broncos, it will be the passing game and the pass rush.

22. Oakland Raiders

Strengths

The Oakland Raiders may be the laughingstock of the NFL for various reasons, but no one is laughing at the talent on their defensive line or at running back. The Raiders defensive tackles are the best in the NFL, and their defensive ends aren't far behind. The duo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush at running back is good enough to win football games singlehandedly if both can stay healthy.

Weaknesses

I am not sold on Jason Campbell as more than a game manager at quarterback, and I am 1,000 percent not sold on this offensive line. The Raiders are also thin at cornerback and overrated at safety. For Oakland to match its eight wins from last year, the offensive line will need to play out of this world without Tom Cable there to coach them up.

Bottom Line

The Raiders are a talented football team in a weak division, but there are not enough pieces to the puzzle here to convince me that Oakland is more than a middle-tier team. The quarterback and offensive line are unproven, and the secondary is pretty terrible.

21. St. Louis Rams

Strengths

Sam Bradford is a bona fide franchise quarterback. Steven Jackson is a workhorse, Pro Bowl running back, and the offensive line is legit, with two young tackles who look like 10-year studs. The defense is young but improving. Chris Long and James Laurinaitis are building blocks to a unit that will improve this year.

Weaknesses

The Rams will rely on young players to provide big production at wide receiver, tight end and defensive end. That means there is room for a huge letdown. The secondary is average, nothing to write home about, and will need help from a front four that has struggled to get after the quarterback.

Bottom Line

The Rams are good enough to win the NFC West, but that's about it for now. Until Bradford is a threat to win games on his own, and until he has more polished weapons at receiver and tight end, the offense will struggle at times. The defense will be aggressive and schemed well, but overcoming a lack of talent will not be easy.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Strengths

Adrian Peterson. Jared Allen. Chad Greenway. Percy Harvin. Kevin Williams. Donovan McNabb? The Minnesota Vikings have real playmakers at key positions. They are good enough to win more than enough games, even in a tough NFC North. The most underrated unit on the team might be the linebackers. All three are very solid.

Weaknesses

McNabb is both a strength and a weakness. How well he will play is anyone's guess. The offensive line is not great, which may be a nice way to say they could very well suck this year. The team also needs a solid No. 2 wide receiver.

Bottom Line

Minnesota could either be a wild-card surprise or a horrible bottom-five team. Honestly. If Donovan McNabb doesn't play well, the Vikings will tank, and we'll see rookie first-round pick Christian Ponder way too soon.

19. Arizona Cardinals

Strengths

Do you believe in Kevin Kolb? The Arizona Cardinals have one of the NFL's best receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and a top-five safety in Adrian Wilson. There is enough talent on defense that Arizona could be one of the better units in the league if the young cornerbacks come together soon.

Weaknesses

Who will run the ball? The Cardinals traded Tim Hightower and then lost Ryan Williams for the season to injury. The offensive line is not great, even with Daryn Colledge added to the mix. The Cardinals also need Patrick Peterson to play like the No. 5 overall pick if they hope to win the NFC West.

Bottom Line

How well Kevin Kolb plays will be the difference between the Cardinals and the rest of the NFC West. There is not much separating these teams on paper, and the quarterback play in all four cities is the key to the season. The pressure will be on Kolb and the passing game to cover up the weakness of the running game from Week 1 on.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars

Strengths

The running game is amazing, with Maurice Jones-Drew a legitimate top-five running back. The Jaguars also made big additions through free agency, adding linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session. They also have young studs all over the defensive line.

Weaknesses

The wide receiver position will be a big question mark, as neither Jason Hill nor Mike Thomas has shown the absolute ability to stand out against elite NFL defenders. There are also question marks at guard, where the team hopes Jason Spitz can go from backup to star.

Bottom Line

David Garrard is the wild card here. If Garrard plays up to his talent level, Jacksonville is a playoff team. If Garrard struggles, rookie Blaine Gabbert will come in and the season will be written off. No pressure, though.

17. Detroit Lions

Strengths

The Detroit Lions are actually a very good team in hiding. The defensive line is out of this world good. The offensive line is solid enough, if even underrated. You have to like the wide receivers and tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Matthew Stafford, the former No. 1 overall pick, can be good if he can stay healthy.

Weaknesses

Stafford's inability to stay healthy, the loss of two running backs to injury and the lack of an elite cover corner are all that is keeping the Lions from making a playoff appearance. Those are pretty big issues, though.

Bottom Line

Detroit is the sexy pick to make the playoffs this year, and it just might be able to if it can find someone to run the ball hard between the tackles. Jahvid Best wasn't that guy last year, and Mikel Leshoure is out for the year after being drafted in the second round. Running the ball is the key here, and if Detroit can't, it will fall way behind in the NFC playoff race.

16. Indianapolis Colts

Strengths

If everyone is healthy, the Indianapolis Colts' skill players are tops in the NFL. Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie...they are all very good. The defense is a no-name group, but they fly to the ball and are exceptional at defensive end.

Weaknesses

Manning's injury and the fact that he hasn't played this preseason is a pretty huge issue right now. So is the fact that two rookies are penciled in to start at left and right tackle. The Colts are also pretty weak at defensive tackle and linebacker.

Bottom Line

With Manning in the lineup we can call the Colts a possible playoff team, as I see them slipping out of the AFC South lead this year. Without Manning, write them off completely. They may not win a game without him.

15. Chicago Bears

Strengths

As always, the defense and running game will be amazing for the Chicago Bears. Put me in the minority, but Jay Cutler is a very good game quarterback. He'll make mistakes, but give him a better offensive line and a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver and he'll take off.

Weaknesses

I mentioned the offensive line and wide receivers, and that's really where the weaknesses begin and end. The line is in shambles, and Chicago would be my prediction for which team will give up the most sacks this year. The Bears added some name wide receivers, notably Roy Williams, but they are still left with question marks about just how good the unit will be.

Bottom Line

The play-action will be a huge weapon in Chicago this year, as it might be the only way the offense can give Cutler any time at all to throw the ball. Chicago won the NFC North last year, and it returns almost the entire team. If the additions pay off, the Bears could repeat.

14. New York Giants

Strengths

The defensive line is one of the best in the NFL, featuring studs Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul. There are talented players at running back, where one of my favorite players, Ahmad Bradshaw, lines up each week. Safeties Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips are nasty. The passing game is above average, even without Steve Smith. The passing game is good enough to help win close games.

Weaknesses

The offensive line lost two veteran starters in free agency and features as many question marks as answers. The linebackers are fast but unproven. And at cornerback the team has talented young players, but they need to take the next step this year. Oh, and Eli Manning threw 25 interceptions last year.

Bottom Line

If Manning can limit his turnovers and the wide receivers can do a better job of actually catching the ball, the Giants could easily repeat their 10-win performance from a year ago. The offensive line will need to come together very soon if the team hopes to do anything on offense over the course of the entire season.

13. San Diego Chargers

Strengths

There is a lot to love about the San Diego Chargers on paper. Quarterback Philip Rivers heads up a very deep passing attack. The defensive line and secondary should be good as always. The wide receivers and tight end group are good enough to go head to head with any defense in the NFL. I like the offensive line more than most. They are a versatile group able to both power the run and protect Rivers.

Weaknesses

Coach Norv Turner is a classic underperformer. He alone knocks the team down a peg or two. I have one major question mark, and it's the running game. Ryan Mathews has been a bust so far, and Mike Tolbert hasn't shown the burst needed to carry the load for a full season. Maybe the two combined with Jordan Todman can get it done.

Bottom Line

The roster is very good, but the presence of Turner and the lack of a viable running attack put the Chargers on the fringe of the playoff picture.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Strengths

What's not to like here? The Dallas Cowboys return injured stars Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, as well as returning star players Jason Witten and Miles Austin and a defense good enough to win a playoff berth. The Cowboys run game is a strong, three-headed monster, and the pass rush will be great again with DeMarcus Ware leading the charge.

Weaknesses

How will the secondary hold up under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's defense? So far the defense has not been impressive. The offensive line has two new starters at left guard and right tackle. How well they play will be a huge early-season key.

Bottom Line

If Dallas does not make the playoffs this year, the season will be a disappointment.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Strengths

Josh Freeman might be the NFL's best quarterback under 25 years old. He's supported by young stars Mike Williams, LeGarrette Blount and Gerald McCoy. Speaking of McCoy, the defensive line is loaded with talented players ready to break out in their first or second years. The secondary has a nice mix of veteran smarts and young speed.

Weaknesses

I am not sold on either guard. Davin Joseph might be one of the most overrated linemen in the NFL, and Ted Larsen isn't the answer at left guard. The linebackers are young, and replacing Barrett Ruud may be tough, even if Mason Foster looks like an ass-kicker.

Bottom Line

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be young again in 2011, but this is largely the same team that won double-digit games in 2010 and almost made the playoffs. This season it will be playoffs or bust.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

Strengths

The Kansas City Chiefs were a surprise 10-win team and division champ last year. They bring back almost the entire team, with a few nice additions. Steve Breaston, Kelly Gregg, Jared Gaither, Le'Ron McClain and Brandon Siler could all play huge roles this year as the Chiefs try to repeat. These new additions also bring playoff experience, something the Chiefs showed last year they need.

And if you don't love Jamaal Charles, you need to check your pulse. He's the NFL's most electric running back.

Weaknesses

The offensive line could be considered a question mark after the team let Brian Waters go and then failed to upgrade at right tackle, unless they move Gaither there. Other than the offensive line, that's about it. The Chiefs have a solid roster.

Bottom Line

The running game is good enough to lead the NFL in yards, the passing game should be a major improvement in 2011 and the defense will be smart again under Romeo Crennel.

9. New Orleans Saints

Strengths

Drew Brees is still the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, and Sean Payton is still the head coach. That's good enough for me. The offensive line features the best guard combination in the NFL, with Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks, and the defense is fast and nasty. The cornerbacks and linebackers are severely underrated.

Weaknesses

The tackles, on both offense and defense, are questionable. The offensive tackles are average on a good day. The defensive tackles are talented, but they are also injured often. If the Brees of 2010 shows up, tossing interceptions like they are free hot dogs at a baseball game, New Orleans will again fail to live up to expectations.

Bottom Line

If 2010 Brees shows up, the Saints will lose. If 2009 Brees shows up, the Saints might go 13-3 in the NFL's best division.

8. New York Jets

Strengths

Where to begin? The New York Jets have a Pro Bowler at almost every position group. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has led New York to the playoffs the last two years, the linebackers are downright frightening and the cornerback duo is good enough to shut down even the Tom Bradys of the NFL.

Weaknesses

Who will rush the passer, and who will run the ball? The Jets are hoping Muhammad Wilkerson and Shonn Greene, respectively, can get the job(s) done. The Jets also lost three receivers (Brad Smith, Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery) and will try to replace their production with Plaxico Burress, who just spent 22 months in prison.

Bottom Line

The Jets are a Super Bowl contender—not because of the talent level at each position, but because of the whole of the team. The Jets are well coached, aggressive and can fight with the best teams. The abilities to run the ball and rush the passer have to develop, or they will once again be on the outside looking in at the Super Bowl.

7. Houston Texans

Strengths

The NFL's best overall offense (yeah, I just said that) will take the field in Houston this year, and explosions are to be expected. Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels will power the high-octane attack in Houston this year.

Oh, and the defense should be leaps and bounds better after adding Wade Phillips at coordinator and picking up Johnathan Joseph, J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed this summer.

Weaknesses

Honestly, there aren't many. The biggest knock here would be the lack of a true No. 2 receiver and the inexperience of the defense playing in a 3-4 scheme. Defenses usually come around faster than offenses, so this might not even be an issue in Houston.

Bottom Line

This is supposed to be the year the Texans knock off the Indianapolis Colts as the best team in the AFC South. Those expectations are very real, and the talent is in place to make it happen.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Strengths

The strengths in Baltimore are all over the place: Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans on offense and Michael Oher with Marshall Yanda and Ben Grubbs on the offensive line. And that defense, which is downright nasty, will again be good enough to shut down opposing offenses any time Flacco and co. stall.

Rice should have a huge year with more passing options to draw defenders out of the box, and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are still un-freaking-believable.

Weaknesses

Right tackle jumps off the page as an issue. The Ravens drafted Jah Reid and signed Mark LeVoir to fill the lone weakness on an otherwise damn good line. The cornerbacks could be better, but in the Baltimore scheme they are often covered by Reed and a pass rush that's a nightmare to defend against.

Bottom Line

Three straight years the Ravens have made the playoffs and won a game. Three straight years they have failed to win two games in the playoffs. This is the year for Baltimore to finally take the jump into the AFC Championship picture.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Strengths

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC last year, so this is a great team coming back again this year. Ben Roethlisberger keeps getting better, as do his options at wide receiver. The running game is powerful enough to take over games, and this defense is flat-out nasty. Dick LeBeau, the defensive coordinator, knows how to run a defense. Mike Tomlin, the head coach, knows how to run a team.

Weaknesses

The offensive line is always an issue on paper, but they tend to hold up well during the season. Same with the cornerbacks. Outside of Ike Taylor, who I would call above-average, the cornerbacks are underwhelming. Thankfully the Steelers scheme protects them.

Bottom Line

There are expectations here to not just make the Super Bowl, but to win it. The Steelers have enough talent to win their second title under Tomlin.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Strengths

Matt Ryan leads an all-star offense with exceptional talent at every position. The running game will again be dynamic with Michael Turner, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers. The passing attack will hugely benefit from Julio Jones being added through the draft. The defense will love the pickup of Ray Edwards at defensive end. His presence rounds out a very underrated starting 11.

Weaknesses

The loss of Harvey Dahl at guard may sting a bit throughout the season, but that's about it. If the Falcons can keep Tony Gonzalez and John Abraham healthy, they should be in the running for the NFC championship all season.

Bottom Line

The Atlanta Falcons won the most games of any NFC team last year, and that's what should be expected again this year. The additions of Jones and Edwards are enough to put the Falcons in the Super Bowl.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Strengths

These players all play for one team: Michael Vick, Vince Young, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Steve Smith, Brent Celek, Donald Lee, Jason Peters, Trent Cole, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. On paper, this is the most talented team the NFL has seen since...maybe ever?

Weaknesses

Of the many great players listed above, none are interior offensive linemen, linebackers or safeties. Critics of the Eagles will point to those three areas as the weakness in the armor that is the Philadelphia roster.

Bottom Line

Can Andy Reid and Juan Castillo game-plan around their weakness? The team has young players to fill huge roles on the line, at linebacker and at safety, but how soon can they expect their youngsters to play at the All-Pro levels of their surrounding teammates?

2. Green Bay Packers

Strengths

The Green Bay Packers are coming off a Super Bowl-winning season after making the playoffs as a 10-win wild-card team. They bring back all but one starter from that team. Aaron Rodgers will have the offense on track, and Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews and Tramon Williams headline a defense that knows how to attack the ball.  The Packers will be good. Count on it.

Weaknesses

Outside of some youth at defensive end and linebacker, there are none. Honestly. What weakness would you expose as a coordinator game-planning for the Green Bay Packers? All you can do is hope they make a mistake and then jump on it.

Bottom Line

The Green Bay Packers might not have the raw talent of the Philadelphia Eagles, but they are the best team in the NFC. That word, "team," should be remembered when the Eagles are losing to the Packers in the NFC title game.

1. New England Patriots

Strengths

I believe very strongly in three things: 1) a great Belgian beer, 2) the spread offense and 3) Bill Belichick.

Belichick's 2011 Patriots are as good as any team he's ever fielded, maybe even better than the 2007 team that went undefeated during the regular season. Tom Brady returns from his unanimous MVP season with a new cast of talented playmakers helping him on offense. Belichick also reloaded the defense, giving New England depth at defensive line that most teams would dream to have.

Weaknesses

Look at the Patriots roster and tell me where a weakness is. Really. Do this. Leave it in the comments. There are no holes on this roster. And a tip: Don't say outside linebacker, because Gary Guyton and Rob Ninkovich at strongside 'backer make this linebacker crop better than most of the starting threesomes in the league right now.

Bottom Line

It will be a huge disappointment if the New England Patriots are not playing in their fifth Super Bowl under Bill Belichick this year. The team has been quiet in the playoffs since the Super Bowl loss following the 2007 season, which means it is past due for a ring.