Power Rankings: New England is No. 1

[Ego74]

Power Rankings: New England is No. 1

ESPN.com

With the draft and the main portion of free agency behind us, it's time to check in with our offseason Power Rankings.

ESPN.com's Power Rankings
This week's rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff -- writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Michael Smith, the Insiders from Scouts Inc., and ESPN.com NFL editors Peter Lawrence-Riddell and James C. Black.
The Patriots open on top after their second straight Super Bowl championship. While they've lost some key parts of their championship teams, they still have to be considered the favorites heading into 2005.

A number of teams moved from the last time we ranked them (after Week 17). Despite losing Randy Moss, the Vikings jumped from No. 16 in our final rankings all the way to No. 4. With a number of solid additions on defense (Pat Williams, Fred Smoot, Sam Cowart, Darren Sharper), the Vikings have to be considered the favorites in the NFC North. Staying in the NFC North, the Packers dropped from No. 7 to No. 18 after an offseason that saw them lose starting guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle and starting safety Sharper.

Another team that made a big jump is the Cowboys, who leaped from No. 26 to No. 12. Dallas had a solid offseason, adding starters on defense (CB Anthony Henry and DT Jason Ferguson) and offense (OG Rivera and QB Drew Bledsoe) through free agency.

Anyway, on to the rankings. Also, stop by the Power Rankings Show on SportsNation at noon ET to chat with the NFL Power Ranker.

2005 Power Rankings: Offseason
Team Rec. Comment
1 (2) Patriots 14-2-0 The Patriots took some hits this offseason, but with Belichick, Brady, Dillon, Seymour, etc., they're still the team to beat
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2 (3) Eagles 13-3-0 The Terrell Owens saga obviously will continue to be the big story in Philly. Owens can certainly be a headache, but there's also no doubting his talent -- nor that the Eagles are a better team with him on the field.

3 (4) Colts 12-4-0 Offense will obviously be there, but did the Colts do enough in the offseason to help the defense?

4 (16) Vikings 8-8-0 Loss of Randy Moss will impact the offense, but the additions on defense (Pat Williams, Fred Smoot, etc.) should make the Vikings an improved team in 2005 and the favorites in the NFC North.

5 (1) Steelers 15-1-0 We're not trying to preach, but riding a motorcycle without a helmet (as Ben Roethlisberger has said he'll continue to do) is about as smart as playing football without a helmet.

6 (6) Falcons 11-5-0 With his big new contract and some offseason issues, Michael Vick will find a decent amount of pressure on him to take his game up to another level.

7 (13) Ravens 9-7-0 The Ravens got Kyle Boller some weapons this offseason; now he has to prove he knows how to use them.

8 (5) Chargers 12-4-0 The Chargers have come a long way since our offseason Power Rankings a year ago, when they were No. 32.

9 (8) Jets 10-6-0 The Jets seem like a good spot for Ty Law. The team needs another CB, and you know Law would be excited to get to play the Patriots twice a year.

10 (17) Panthers 7-9-0 It has been a tough offseason for the Panthers, but with their talent, they should be back among the NFC's best teams this season.

11 (18) Chiefs 7-9-0 K.C. was all about defense this offseason (signing Kendrell Bell, trading for Patrick Surtain, drafting Derrick Johnson). But will it be enough to make the Chiefs a contender again?

12 (26) Cowboys 6-10-0 With some solid offseason additions, and a weak NFC, the Cowboys should be back in contention for a playoff spot in 2005.

13 (10) Seahawks 9-7-0 The Seahawks might not have wanted him back, but they are a better team with Shaun Alexander running the ball.

14 (11) Jaguars 9-7-0 The Jaguars improved from 5-11 to 9-7 last season. Don't expect another four-win jump, but a playoff spot is a reasonable expectation.

15 (9) Broncos 10-6-0 The Broncos made waves by picking Maurice Clarett in the third round. But would you bet against Mike Shanahan turning him into a solid NFL back?

16 (19) Bengals 8-8-0 The offense, which was No. 10 in the NFL in scoring last year (23.4 points per game), should be even better in 2005 with a more experienced Carson Palmer.

17 (21) Lions 6-10-0 With Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers to throw to, it's an understatement to say the pressure is on Joey Harrington.

18 (7) Packers 10-6-0 The Packers had a tough offseason. But with Favre, Walker and Green back on offense, it's too early to write them off in the NFC North.

19 (12) Bills 9-7-0 The Bills were headed in the right direction at the end of 2004. But can they maintain that momentum with J.P. Losman, essentially a rookie, taking over at QB?

20 (14) Saints 8-8-0 The Saints are such an up-and-down team that trying to predict what they'll do is almost useless.

21 (15) Rams 8-8-0 The Rams might not be much better than they were in 2004. But in the NFC West, that might not matter.

22 (23) Cardinals 6-10-0 In a weak NFC West, the Cardinals have to be considered legitimate playoff contenders heading into the season.

23 (28) Raiders 5-11-0 Offense (Randy Moss and Lamont Jordan) dominated the offseason. But if the defense isn't any better, the Raiders won't be either.

24 (20) Texans 7-9-0 Is this the year David Carr finally takes the next step to be among the NFL's elite QBs?

25 (24) Giants 6-10-0 Eli Manning doesn't need to lead the Giants to the playoffs this year, but he does need to show considerable improvement or he's going to start to feel the heat.

26 (29) Bears 5-11-0 We're actually Thomas Jones fans, but Cedric Benson gives the offense more of an every-down back and more stability.

27 (25) Buccaneers 5-11-0 The Bucs' defense isn't good enough anymore to overcome an offense that has averaged just 18.8 points per game each of the last two seasons.

28 (30) Dolphins 4-12-0 The Dolphins didn't have much of a choice when it came to trading Patrick Surtain. But they'll miss him on the field. He's still one of the NFL's best corners.

29 (22) Redskins 6-10-0 If the Redskins finish this low, they'll be sending the No. 4 overall pick in next year's draft to the Broncos.

30 (27) Titans 5-11-0 With a healthy Steve McNair, the Titans can be competitive. But with all the losses this offseason, Tennessee is going to take some lumps this year.

31 (31) Browns 4-12-0 The Browns needed Kellen Winslow to be an impact player for them this year, and right now that doesn't look very likely.
32 (32) 49ers 2-14-0 Personally, we would've liked to see Mike Nolan in a coat and tie on the sideline.

 

[Ego74]

Chat with NFL Power Ranker
Welcome The Show! On Tuesday, ESPN.com will reveal the offseason NFL power rankings. Where will your team fall?

Join the creator of the rankings in The Show on Tuesday at noon ET o discuss the rankings and preview the upcoming season.

SportsNation Buzzmaster: OK, folks. The Power Ranker will be here any second. Here are the rankings .. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking .. get your questions ready ..

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: It's been a while and the Ranker is operating on very little sleep (just added a baby to the family), but we're ready to talk rankings.

Mike IL: Isn't it a little early to be ranking teams. The games are played on the field, not, through a chat room.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Well you're a ton of fun, aren't you Mike? Yeah, the games are on the field and that's what the standings are for when the season starts. Sure it's early, but these rankings are supposed to be fun.

Chris (Youngstown): Vikes ahead of the Steelers, Same old power ranker, terrible

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Yeah, we figured that would have some follks in Pittsburgh sratching their heads. We don't really have a great explanation other than people being unsure exactly what to expect of Big Ben in his second season. He struggled some late and if that continues, the Steelers could step back a little.

Dan (Boston): It's never too early to put my 49ers in last!

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Yeah Dan, that one really wasn't too hard. The Pats were unanimously No. 1 and the 49ers were unanimously No. 32.

Baltimore, MD: The Ravens have all the right pieces this year, like 2000. How far will they go? Baltimore Vs Atlanta in the Superbowl. I Think so. Baltimore SB XXXX Winners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: As we alluded to in the Rankings, where Baltimore ends up with depend a lot on Boller. they got him some weapons, now what can he do with them.

Patrick (St Paul): For the ravenous fan Baltimore is...you'd think he'd know its Super Bowl XL

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Good catch Patrick.

Fraser (Toronto): Explain Miami's low position. With Ricky Williams this team made the playoffs. Without him they dropped to 4-12. I would argue that a better coach, a better offensive coordinator, an awesome o-line coach and a new running back, should enable this team to be much more competitve.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: The Dolphins will be better with Saban and Co., but they still have A.J. Feeley at QB.

Dave, Long Beach, NY: Do you think JP Losman will breathe life into the bills offense or have a rocky first season?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Losman is going to be interesting (and fun we think) to watch this year. He's athletic and can do a lot of things, but that also means he's probably going to make a lot of mistakes. We think he'll be good, but expect some bumps in 2005.

Todd (Cincy): How close are the Bengals to being top 10 material?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Very close Todd. Like we said, the offense has a lot of good, young talent. If Lewis can get the defense going (and he will eventually), they'll be knocking on the door of the top 10.

Mark, Hamden, CT: How will the Packers defense rank this year? With very little offseason activity, How do you think the DB's will come through?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Hey Mark, the ranker knows a few folks who live in Hamden. As for the Packers, they weren't very good on D last year and we see no reason why they'll be any better this year.

Danny (Vancouver): Perfect example.....I ask a question about a completely overhauled Seahawks D and the question you answer is about a Packers D that did nothing in the offseason.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: We aim to please Danny. And yeah, the Seahawks made some decent moves on D (we like the Andre Dyson signing). But they also lost some players, too (Ken Lucas, Chike Okeafor). In the end, we're not sure they came out ahead.

Big Joe (Raider Nation): What's up with those Raiders this year. I expect a one game climb from last year to (6-10). So many people act like we are going to be good. We had the 3rd worst defense in the league last year and all we did was lose Napolean Harris and Phillip Buchanon while adding nothing more than fast, rookie DB's. Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: The Raiders are going to be a lot of fun to watch this year, but we're not sure what that will translate into in the win column. Like you said, the defense still has to be a big concern.

Will (Los Angeles): Wasn't it tempting to put the Raiders in the top 15-20 at least? You know they very well could beat the Patriots on Thurs night opener.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: There was one memeber of our panel who did have them in the top 15. But like we said, with the questions about the D, that's too high for right now.

martin meriden,cy: by the way ranker congrats on the newest addition to the family

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Thanks Martin -- it's been a ton of fun so far.

pete, scranton PA: yo you morons! How do you rank the Bolts ahead of the Jets when NY beat them IN SAN DIEGO to close last year? Every year you buffoons do nothing but bash the jets

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: No real response to this, but it's probably the 30th or 40th e-mail we received from a Jets fan, so we'll give them their due.

joe - cubicle hell: Assuming the D holds its own - Can the Lions give MN a run in the NFC Norris? I believe the D can be top 10.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Yeah, the Lions can make a run at the NFC North. But we think it'll have more to due with Joey Harrington than the D.

T.J. (Gainesville): With Rex Grossman finally healed and Cedric Benson to run, how do the Bears favor in their division?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: The Bears will be better, but they're still No. 4 in the NFC North.

Khalil, D.C.: Power ranker, Is the Eagles spot at number 2 contingent on T.O. returning? Say it ain't so.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: They could take a hit without T.O. But they're still the best team in the NFC without him. But taking the Super Bowl step without TO might be tough. That said, we think he'll be back. It's one thing when you're not missing paychecks, but when those stop coming, most guys start playing.

Brad (Oil City, PA): Please Quit avoiding my question. Steelers 5th are you kidding ME!! After a 15-1 seson and not losing to many players. I think they should be aheade of the Vikes and the Colts! Once again the Steelers are Disrespected thats okay we were Disrespected last year and look what happened!!!!

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: That's why we did it Brad -- we like to think of the rankings as a motivational tool.

Steve (Indy): Is there any chance that Indy can finally beat NE this year? I just don't see their defense as having improved at all.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Sure there's a chance -- playing them in Indy would certainly help.

Darius (Oakland): Can Dallas compete w/ Philly for the East crown?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Obviously we think the Cowboys are going to be better, but they're probably not quite ready to compete with the Eagles.

Bob (Jacksonville, FL): Since you have the Bucs ranked so low, does that mean you think the Cadillac will stall? If he gets 1,000 yards, I say the Bucs make the playoffs.

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Not sure 1,000 yards is the magic number -- Michael Pittman rushed for rushed for almost 1,000 last year and they finished 5-11.

Travis (Canada): No resposne to any of my questions, are you sure you don't have the kid with you now answering the questions for you?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: That was pretty funny Travis -- good one.

Scott (Little Rock, AR): What kind of impact do you think Matt Jones can have in Jacksonville?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: Not much if he keeps hurting his hamstring. That said, he's certainly a great athlete, but it's hard to expect a lot from a guy who has never played WR.

Ryan (Girard): I think people need to give the Browns more credit than what their getting. They have a solid o-line now and their defense looks promising. Somebody give some props to the group running the show up there

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: The Browns (with Crennel and Savage) are definitely in good hands. that said, they're still going to struggle this year.

Ricky (Knoxville, Tn): What is your favorite team?

SportsNation NFL Power Ranker: OK Folks, that's it for today. Thanks for all the questions -- it's always a good time to talk NFL. Next chat a 1 ET is the president of the baseball HOF.