NFL Power Rankings: 5 Teams Guaranteed to Plummet After Week 1

Thursday officially kicks off the first week of the 2011 NFL season. Fans couldn't be more anxious, especially considering there was almost no season at all due to the lockout.

Well, we were happily informed in late July that there would be an NFL season. As a result, the preseason was more closely examined than ever before.

Since we paid such close attention to the fake games, it's easier to see which teams will falter in Week 1, despite all of their talent and previous endeavors.

Here are five teams guaranteed to plummet in the NFL power rankings after Week 1.

Chicago Bears

First off, the Chicago Bears have a tough game against the Atlanta Falcons of the NFC South in game 1. They won their division like Chicago in the 2010 season, but definitely don't have as good of a defense.

This game is at home for the Bears, and they've made some solid offseason acquisitions in running back Marion Barber, wide receiver Roy Williams, and recently signed safety Brandon Meriweather from New England.

The Bears are expected to compete with the Packers for the NFC North title, but a loss at home in Week 1 could severely damage their confidence.

In addition, a loss would continue to make critics skeptical of QB Jay Cutler and a pass defense that still needs a lot of work (and we all know how effective Atlanta is in the passing game).

Dallas Cowboys

Psycho NFL history buffs like myself know that the Dallas Cowboys, lead by head coach Tom Landry, finished 0-11-1 in their inaugural season.

Twenty-nine years later, Landry is arguably the greatest football coach to ever live.

That being said, Jason Garrett is slightly ahead of Landry right now. Garrett went 5-3 last season as an interim head coach (he was promoted to the position in January 2011).

Garrett's first game this season is a big test on the road against the New York Jets. Although the Cowboys will start off the 2011 season rather slowly, their future is still very bright.

The biggest reason Dallas will plummet after Week 1 is because of all the hype surrounding Garrett.

After his great performance earlier this year, he's going to be expected to turn this legendary franchise around in his first full season at the helm. Frankly, that's unfair to him.

Make no mistake about it, Big D is on the rise with Garrett, but not quite yet.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Yes they're ranked No. 22 in the NFL preseason power rankings, but being that there are 32 NFL teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars could really hurt themselves with a loss in Week 1.

They are playing a home game versus their division rival, the Tennessee Titans. This game is extremely important for both franchises, considering the questionable status of the Indianapolis Colts.

The problem for Jacksonville is that David Garrard is a flaky QB and their backup QB is rookie Blaine Gabbert. Although Gabbert has great potential, he isn't quite ready to take over just yet (but he will be someday).

The Titans still have a solid defense. Offensively, they were able to keep running back Chris Johnson; he finally signed on the dotted line in early September. In addition, the team signed QB Matt Hasselbeck, who is  serving as a teacher for rookie Jake Locker.

Tennessee is the better team. The fact that the Jags' time in Jacksonville is limited will only add unwanted pressure, increasing the chance that the Jags drop the game.

Indianapolis Colts

Even after getting activated off the PUP list, Indianapolis Colts' QB Peyton Manning has yet to really practice.

According to an article by ESPN News Services, Manning may be out for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans:

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"The four-time league-MVP who has never missed a start in his NFL career is doubtful for Sunday's game at Houston because of lingering soreness in his back following offseason neck surgery."

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And even if Manning is able to play, he won't be 100 percent, and Indy still has plenty of other injuries that are setting them back.

If you count the fact that the game is against their division rivals in Houston, it doesn't look good for the Colts.

Houston is healthier, raring to go and finally ready to relieve Indianapolis of their AFC South champion duties.

Also, regardless of whether Manning plays or not, Indy will start off slow much like they've done in the past. Just don't be surprised if they manage to pull off another mid-to-late season run.

Baltimore Ravens

With all of their offseason moves, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to contend for the Super Bowl. The team acquired wide receiver Lee Evans and released tight end Todd Heap and wide receivers Derrick Mason and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. In addition, they drafted rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith and rookie defensive back Jimmy Smith.

Frankly, cynicism still exists surrounding QB Joe Flacco and until the Ravens best the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North title, nothing will change.

This makes their Week 1 battle against Blitzburgh in Baltimore the Raven's most important game of the year. Beginning the year 0-1 and one game behind the Steel Curtain could mean that this season will just be a disappointing encore to last season.

In addition, right now Pittsburgh is still the better team, so until the Ravens prove otherwise, the Steelers remain the team for them to beat.

Be sure to check on John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.