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Brandon's Positively Pointless Power Rankings Week 1

Brandon

By Brandon,
in Carolina Panthers

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Brandon Newbie

Brandon

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1. Steelers

There's absolutely no reason why the Steelers can't repeat the same performance they had last year with Ben under center and Tomlin leading the team. With most of the team back and a much easier schedule than last year, expect big things.

2. Patriots

The Patriots and their fans welcome the return of Tom Brady with open arms, and for good reason. The only major concern heading into the year is a defense that isn't getting much younger, and it won't be easy to overcome the loss of Bruschi's leadership.

3. Chargers

With a division that puts them as the defacto champions, the pressure isn't very high on the Chargers, which will let them settle into a rhythm at their own pace. More importantly they go into the season a very deep team with few holes on either side of the ball.

4. Giants

Injuries could be a concern on defense, but the early schedule is very forgiving. The excellent ground game of the Giants will be key early in the season to keep the pressure off of the defense. However, if none of the Giant receivers step up it could be a long season.

5. Titans

Kerry Collins continues to defy his age and the defense should still be very strong despite the loss of Haynesworth and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. With additional threats on offense, especially in the passing game, the Titans are as strong as ever.

6. Panthers

Injuries early in preseason threatened to derail the Panthers' season, but with their return imminent they stand to post their first consecutive winning season in team history. The key is going to be defense, which struggled down the stretch last year.

7. Colts

The loss of Tony Dungy won't be easy for the Colts, even with Peyton still under center. With a roster that returns mostly intact from last year they stand to do well, but the running game must improve if they hope for the offensive consistency from years passed.

8. Packers

The addition of Dom Capers has turned a lackluster defense into a force to be reckoned with, which should prove deadly paired with the excellent Aaron Rodgers under center on offense. Rookie BJ Raji has quickly settled in to being a 3-4 NT.

9. Eagles

With injuries all across the team, and an offensive line that hasn't played together yet (even in preseason), the Eagles might struggle early in the season before getting settled in. The big story in Philly has been Vick, but how the defense performs without Jim Johnson may be the biggest question of all.

10. Falcons

Matt Ryan and company should produce another excellent offensive performance, but with a defense that was thoroughly abused last year the pressure will be even higher on the second year quarterback to repeat his performance.

11. Ravens

With a defense as strong as Baltimore's the recipe for success is quite simple. They have a strong running attack and an improved offensive line, which should only aid in the development of sophomore quarterback Joe Flacco.

12. Cardinals

Arizona is hoping the curse of the Super Bowl loser doesn't strike this year, although signs aren't all positive with the turnover they faced this offseason. If the defense will have to step up if they hope to win the tough games this year.

13. Saints

Seemingly every NFC team is facing defensive issues, but none more so than the Saints who have had top offenses that have been let down by terrible defensive play. However, the offense must strive to be more balanced as well, to take pressure off of Brees.

14. Dolphins

With a much tougher schedule than last year, the Dolphins may struggle to return to the playoffs. However the Wildcat offense is not the gimmick many think it is, and the defense should be strong. Can Pennington repeat the excellent performance from last year?

15. Bears

Jay Cutler was a huge addition for the Bears, but the focus has to be on the other areas of the team that struggled last year, such has a very mediocre receiving corps and a defense that didn't live up to expectations. The first couple games do them no favors either.

16. Vikings

The Vikings will have to deal with the addition of Brett Favre, who more than likely will prove to be a curse as opposed to a blessing. With so many carries going to Peterson, any injury can prove catastrophic for the Vikings.

17. Texans

18. Cowboys

19. Seahawks

20. Redskins

21. Jaguars

22. Jets

23. 49ers

24. Bills

25. Buccaneers

26. Bengals

27. Broncos

28. Chiefs

29. Lions

30. Rams

31. Browns

32. Raiders

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Captroop Veteran

Captroop

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Like most of it. I think the Titans are a smidge high, but at least you got the Vikings right. I can't believe the lists that have them in the top 10 (I'm looking at you ESPN!).

Personally I'd flipfop the Buccaneers with the Broncos and the Eagles with the Ravens.

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CharlotteBeer.com Newbie

CharlotteBeer.com

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Hey Brandon, good to see these back up.

I've got to disagree with the Chargers at No. 3, though. I think that team's got a lot of talent, and I really think Rivers is a great quarterback. They are pretty much the guaranteed winners of a very weak division, as you point out, but they only barely won this division last year with an 8-8 record.

I know that once you're in the playoffs anything can happen, but I don't think they're as good a team as most rankings have them.

I should mention, though, that I agree totally with your NFC North rankings. I think the Packers and Bears are going to slug it out for the division this year.

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