Welcome to the first edition of my 2008 NFL Power Rankings. Some are predictable like a Young Jeezy* lyric, others may surprise you like a new Roots album. Enjoy, and feel free to comment.
*No disrespect. I fucks with Jeezy!
1. Patriots
The Pats are the Lil’ Wayne of the NFL: love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no doubting that they’re the top dogs in the game right now.
2. Chargers
They ousted the Colts from the playoffs last year and with all the key players on offence healthy, they oust them again in here in the power rankings.
3. Colts
With very few roster changes, Peyton Manning and co are in nice position for another 13 win season.
4. Cowboys
They addressed every hole this off-season and locked up all their key players to long term deals, now they just have to win a playoff game.
5. Giants
Losing Strahan hurts but wasn’t unexpected. They’ll still be playing with a chip on their shoulder, which makes them still very dangerous. Plus, Lil’ Eli can ball now!
6. Steelers
Losses on the offensive line could hurt them, but they have a great system in place for cultivating young players and the team shouldn’t miss a beat. Plus, they had one of the best drafts in the league.
7. Jaguars
Sure, they beat a Steelers team devastated by injuries in last year’s playoffs but their off-season moves aren’t impressing anyone. David Garrard is a solid QB and a great leader, but Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson are far from elite receivers.
8. Browns
They addressed their holes in a big way by adding Shaun Rodgers and Korey Williams to their defensive line, and Donté Stallworth makes their offense even more lethal. They’re out to prove last season was no fluke.
9. Seahawks
Their reign at the top of the NFC West has hardly been contested the last several years and that shouldn’t change in the near future.
10. Saints
Last year there was more easy scoring in the Super Dome than in the Red Light District and the Saints addressed it in a big way. If their re-vamped defense can come together, New Orleans could see a return to the playoffs.
11. Vikings
A lot of this team’s success will be contingent on whether or not Bryant McKinnine gets suspended for violating the league’s conduct policy–he’s crucial to their running game.
12. Packers
If Aaron Rogers can forget about replacing a legend and simply focus on managing the game, The Pack should see very little drop off in the wins column from last season.
13. Eagles
Sure, they made some additions to their defense, but where’s Donnovan McNabb’s go-to-guy? The last time he had one (T.O.), they went to the Super Bowl.
14. Titans
Speaking of go-to-guys…how about that Justin Gage? But seriously, Vince Young can’t be expected to become a better passing QB until he gets more legitimate receivers. Alge Crumpler is a step in the right direction.
15. Buccaneers
They really turned it around last year. Jeff Garcia manages this team so well and the defense is always solid. They’ll have to maintain focus to avoid another early exit from the playoffs.
16. Texans
This could be the year the Texans get over the hump. Then again, so was last year and they play in one of the toughest divisions in the league.
17. Redskins
A rather quiet off-season for the ‘Skins…could Dan Snyder actually be content with his team?It’ll be interesting to see how this team does with an inexperienced coach and a still-unproven QB.
18. Bills
Adding Marcus Stroud made their defense significantly better. Trent Edwards could become a solid NFL quarterback as long as he continues to limit his mistakes and manage the game.
19. Jets
They spent a lot of money in all the right places this year, but can it all come together in one season? And who’s their QB? The old guy who can’t throw the ball more than 20 yards or the young guy who they won’t let throw more than 20 yards?
20. Cardinals
Every year people pick The Cards as the team to turn it around and become an elite contender. Every year they’re wrong. Questions at the quarterback position and inconsistency on defense will keep this team near the bottom again this season.
21. Rams
Last season should prove to be a major fluke. This team has too many weapons on both sides of the ball to be that terrible again. All they have to do is stay healthy.
22. Panthers
I’m not buying that this team is supposed to be a contender again this season. They lost more than they gained this off-season and Jake Delholme had Tommy John’s surgery, which is no joke.
23. Ravens
If Johnathon retires as expected, that will hurt this team more than anything else. His protection skills would have greatly helped their young starting QB—whoever that may be.
24. Bears
Kyle Orton is a better QB than many give him credit for. He could be of the Brad Johnson mold—nothing flashy, but if he limits his mistakes he can take you to a Super Bowl. Oh, but it won’t be this year, they have too many issues all over the field.
25. Bengals
What are the odds they can rally and prove Ocho Cinco wrong and become a playoff contender again? Hmmm…38-1 seems a bit generous.
26. Broncos
What happened to this team? They went from being a perennial playoff team to having holes all over the place. Mike Shannahan has rested on his laurels too long and will have to put together a winning season to keep his job.
27. Lions
Well at least they didn’t draft a receiver again! (That joke will never get old). But seriously, this is another team that had more key losses than additions. John Kitna: prepare to be disappointed.
28. 49ers
It’s do or die for Alex Smith but fortunately he’s got Mike Martz calling the plays, so he’ll definitely have that chance.
29. Raiders
One word comes to mind when you look at this team on paper: explosive. The question is whether the explosions will be on the field or in the locker room.
30. Chiefs
They’ve build a solid foundation of young talent in all the right places. This team will be a contender…in a couple years.
31. Dolphins
It’ll be interesting to see if Bill Parcells can turn this team around from the skybox instead of the sideline. The Jason Taylor saga has been way too much media attention for a team that won only one game last season.
32. Falcons
Matt Ryan’s going to have to deal with a couple years of growing pains before The Falcons are contending again. At least they’ve moved past Michael Vick, that’s the first step…
Tags: 2008, Football, griff, nfl, power rankings
