My 2009 Preseason Power Rankings

These power rankings are decided upon last years finish, players gained over the offseason, players coming back from injuries, and how I expect them to finish. Mainly, though, most teams will be judged based on last years performance.

1. Steelers

They won the Superbowl, they are number one until they lose a game.

2. Patriots

They went 18-1 two years ago, last year, without their record setting QB went 11-5. With the acquisition of Fred Taylor this team could be tough.

3. Giants

They had the best record in the NFC last year, they won the Superbowl the previous year, and they get Osi Umenyora back. However, they did lose Plaxico, but by default (and I don't think they are this good) they go here.

4. Colts

They have Peyton Manning and tied for the second best record in the AFC. Too bad they were stuck behind the Titans.

5. Chicago Bears

Last year they went 9-7. In the offseason they added Orlando Pace, Kevin Shaffer, and Frank Omiyele on their offensive line. They demoted Bob Babich and handed over the defensive play calling duties to Lovie Smith. They signed Rod Marinelli to improve the drastically underachieving d-line play. And they added a probowl QB. Enough Said.

6. Tennessee Titans

They had the best record in the NFL last year. However, I don't see them repeating that, especially without Albert Haynesworth.

7. Baltimore Ravens

An incredible defense with a young QB who looked like he could really play last year.

8. Eagles

They beefed up their o-line and were one game away from a Superbowl trip.

9. Cardinals

They did get some help at RB, as well as added some defensive players. However, the only reason they are this high up is because they went to the Superbowl last year.

10. Minnesota Vikings

They were phenomenal against the run last year, they have Adrian Peterson, and most people think that Brett Favre is going to put them over the top. I don't. But still, they went 10-6 last year and added him.

11. Panthers

They played quite well last year, and they have the offense and defense to do it again.

12. San Diego Chargers

They finished last season quite hot, winning their final 3 games, and then the first round against the Colts

13. Falcons

Matt Ryan had an incredible year last year. This year he is still armed with Roddie White and Michael Turner. Oh yeah, and they added Tony Gonzalez.

14. Redskins

They added Albert Haynesworth to an already great defense. They have Clinton Portis and Santana Moss. If Jason Campbell does anything to break out this year, this team could be dangerous.

15. Packers

With great play from their offense this year, they could be a playoff contender. However, they will need their defense to step up.

16. Jacksonville

They improved their offensive line and WR. They already had a good defense, this could be a team that competes for a title.

17. Dallas

The team is overhyped, as usual, and really has a lot of holes. However, being the best of the bottom half sounds just about right for this team.

18. Seahawks

They could be poised for a great year this year. They added Housh and will get Hassellbeck back this year. They also added Edgerrin James.

19. Texans

Everyone's "sleeper" pick. They aren't that good.

20. Saints

Another one of everyone's sleeper pick. They are a good passing offense, with a solid run game. That's it.

21. Dolphins

Does anyone in their right mind think the Dolphins are going to do anything this year? I know they went 11-5 last year, but they were 1-15 the previous year. My guess is the truth lies somewhere in the midde, say: 6-10?

22. Bengals

This team could actually have a much improved year this year, especially if Carson Palmer stays healthy.

23. 49ers

I'm ranking them above the Bills for one reason only; MIKE SINGLETARY!

24. Bills

Terrell Owens was their big addition this year. Will it be a mistake? We will find out.

25. Buccaneers

I actually think this could be a pretty good team this year. However, they lost their starting QB, and are actually having Byron Leftwhich battle Josh McCown for their starting QB role.

26. Chiefs

They added Matt Cassell; I personally think that was a mistake as I think Tyler Thigpen is better but oh well. This team won't be as bad as their 2-14 record last year, as they lost many of games at the very end.

27. Browns

A team that could have an explosive offense... but won't.

28. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.... SUCK

29. Detroit Lions

I know, I know, how could I put them here based off of last year's performance?!?!?! Because they had a solid off-season, and a good draft. I never thought they were a 0 win team, and I still don't think they were (Of course they were, but what I mean is their talent wasn't bad enough to warrant 0 wins). And actually, if you read Bill Simmons' article on how to tell if they are a sleeper, the Lions meet almost all of the criteria:

"As we all know (or should know), a true sleeper pick can only be a team that: (A) flagrantly sucked last season; and (B) generated little buzz heading into this one. That rules out Houston (too much buzz), Green Bay (ditto), the Jets (9-7 last season) and Bucs (9-7 last season). You have to pick someone from this group: the Bills, Browns, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs, Lions, Rams, Bengals and Niners. You need the "Nobody believed in us!" factor. You need a team that nailed its April draft and is blessed by a bad division and/or an easy schedule. You need an easy September for momentum. You need a franchise with fans who lost hope and will lose their collective crap if anything good happens. And you need to feel like you want to throw up even as you're anointing the team your sleeper."

The Lions beyond flagarently sucked last year. Their is absolutely no buzz surrounding them this year. Nobody does believe in them. I do think they nailed their draft. They are blessed with a semi-easy schedule (but hard September). There is no way you can say their fans didn't lose hope and would lose their "collective crap" if they started winning, and who wouldn't want to throw up by picking them as their sleeper. So... this team could be the sleeper! Also, don't forget, they are 2 years removed from going 7-9.

30. Oakland Raiders

From here on out, its going to be teams that sucked last year, and had horrible offseasons. They drafted Darrius Heyword Bey with the 7th overall pick, and a guy who wasn't even on many people's boards in the second round. However, they did add Richard Seymour. So, that should keep them a notch above the rest (plus they are my sleeper pick).

31. Denver Broncos

They lost their team to the Chicago Bears. Brandon Marshall isn't playing for them as of now. And they hired a nar-nar for a head coach. Plus their defense was awful. That is why they are here!

32. St. Louis Rams

They sucked last year, their gonna suck this year, and they'll suck again the following year. They released Orlando Pace and Torry Holt; while I believe it was the right move, they were two of their only stars. This team won't be good for another few years, but they'll have enough high picks to counteract that... in maybe 5 years.


There you have it!