Last year, Tom Collins wrote a great article on Preseason Power Rankings. I had a lot of fun discussing the rankings, so this year I gave it a shot to do my own list released in a 3 part series starting with teams 1-10.Without any delay, here's how I'm ranking the strongest teams in the SFL for 2007.
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings dominated the league last year and I?m having a hard time seeing any kind of change going into this year. The Vikings roster will continue to shine with Culpepper and Moss and a surrounding roster of fantastic support. New starting HB with Michael Bush is a bit of a question mark, but has the offensive line to have a season similar to Cedric Cobbs in Chicago. The transition from last season also includes a new starting RE Gaines Adams, which was selected with their first round pick. I expect the defense to continue to keep them competitive each week.
2. Washington Redskins
Similar to the Vikings, the Redskins transitioned their roster with very few losses. I admit, Washington was not my first pick to win the Super Bowl, the do deserve to be highly ranked this year because of last year?s performance. Two new defensive ends join their roster, Marcus Spears and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, both big names to add to a great defensive line. I expect the Redskins to be just as competitive as last year, but their division this year will be tough.
3. Oakland Raiders
Last year?s Super Bowl contenders are sure to make another strong fight this upcoming season. Pennington is still in his prime, and the roster has all the same pieces minus some new names on the defensive line. Combined that with a transitioning division, the Raiders should finish with a strong record. I feel good putting them within the top 5 this next season.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals stumbled at the end of last season, but I don?t think that was a true reflection of this team?s potential. With some of the changes in Cleveland, I?m putting more confidence in the Veteran QB Jon Kitna to take the Bengals to the top of their division this season. There wasn?t an offseason loss that scared me, so im encouraged by their roster at least sustaining their performance from last year.
5. New York Jets
The Jets are my pick to win the AFC East this year. A bit of a head scratcher last year, when their roster looked great on paper, but their record said otherwise. This year, the roster will click. Some great talent on their roster includes, Darren Sharper, Charles Woodson, Donnie Edwards, Jake Plummer and Steve Smith. All incredible talent. The divisional competition is the difference between them at 1 or them at 5. I think it will be a close race in the East between the Bills and Dolphins, but I foresee the Jets being at the top.
6. St. Louis Rams
It?s a hard prediction because I have the Seattle Seahawks shortly after the Rams, but some insider rumors say a big splash trade will put the Rams at an elite roster. After a strong season last year and a brief wildcard appearance, I think the Rams continue that trend this year. Maintaining their roster and making improvements at defense, including rookie LB Paul Posluszny, I think the Rams are the NFC West team to beat. Interested to see how Drew Brees performs this next season.
7. Seattle Seahawks
Last years NFC West Divisional Champions, the Seattle Seahawks, will be competitive this season. The trio combo of Hasslebeck, Alexander, and Tyree makes for a competitive offense. We saw last year Jerry Azumah and Drayton Florence were incredible on defense including a combined 6 pick sixes. I do see ~29M still in cap space, so I wonder if the Seahawks will make a big move to keep up with the Rams or if that might be a missed opportunity.
8. Buffalo Bills
Last years AFC East Divisional Champions, the Buffalo Bills found some great rhythm. I like the Bills roster and they have the right DNA. There are players like Andre Davis and Travis Henry that I was surprised had 10 TDs last year. I think the defense looks strong, but the offense might put a lot on Steve McNair. So, the Bills can surprise us all, but the division will make it harder to keep the title.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The age of the Jaguars is still in effect in the AFC South. After rising up in the division last year, I am confident the Jaguars will be the top team in the South. The McNabb to Osgood connection will be the difference for a few wins this year and the addition of Keith Brooking formerly from the Atlanta Falcons was a good move. I think a healthy offense and an improved defensive linebacker will make them an improved team this year, but I don?t think it will be mistake free. The division is in a transition with new names in Carolina and the Colts looking for an identity, I see the Jaguars improving on their record because of the consistency found last season when the other teams will be finding a groove.
10. New Orlean Saints
Terribly underrated last year, this year I?m putting them at #10 on my rankings. With an elite defense and running backs Deuce McAllister and DeAngelo Williams, this team has the DNA to gameplan a win each week. The weak spot still points to a growing Quarterback in David Greene, but in a division with B.J Symons, Marc Bulger, and Bruce Gradkowski leading their teams in OVR, I think Greene is right in level with the competition. That being said, the Saints did draft JaMarcus Russel. If he does lead the team, there will be growing pains. On paper, I expect Greene to start and the Saints win their division.
So that?s the top ten. Curious which teams you may have on your radar in the top ten that I left out. Look out for more as I cover teams ranked 11-20 next.
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