Power rankings for 2009???

[arpeggiomeister]

Looking for opinions on teams going into 2009. Who do you think will be the strongest/ weakest teams and why?

I like the Patriots. I think the addition of Fred Taylor will force teams to respect the running game, which will really open play action.

I like the prospects for New Orleans this year. They have made some moves to improve their defense.

As for the weak teams I haven't made up my mind yet. I know the Buccs are rebuilding. I'd be very interested if someone could weigh in on the Lions' prospects. Shouldn't be too hard to improve over last year. (one win... ...please!!!!) The Raiders have been a disaster for a while.

Who do you like? Who do you hate?

[TheIntegrityKid]

Eagles vs Pats in the SuperBowl...Eagles were in the NFC Title Game and then went out and had THE BEST off-season... Pats, with a healthy Brady are the faves to win it all...

Eagles pull a Giants like upset of them..You heard it here first....

Or earlier on another thread :-)

[TheIntegrityKid]

As far as weak teams go, I say the Bucs have a rough year under a new coach...

And Bengals...eww...

[arpeggiomeister]

Thanks brother. I'll have to take a closer look at the Eagles. They almost pulled the upset in the Pats 18-0 season, but it always seems they do the opposite of what I want. If I cap them to win they lose, if I bet against them they win. lol

[slacker00]

Here's a rough list from me, on the spur of the moment:

32.Lions
31.Bucs
30.Chiefs
29.Broncos
28.Jets
27.Rams
26.Bengals
25.Ravens
24.Redskins
23.Seahawks
22.Browns
21.49ers
20.Bills
19.Raiders
18.Packers
17.Panthers
16.Dolphins
15.Jaguars
14.Texans
13.Colts
12.Titans
11.Vikings
10.Falcons
9.Saints
8.Cowboys
7.Giants
6.Cardinals
5.Bears
4.Eagles
3.Chargers
2.Steelers
1.Patriots

[MrMonkey]

Being a Eagle homer, they look good on paper! But, Westbrook probably won't play till 1st game (then what, no practice all year tues-fri), Hopefully Rookie RB is real deal! Probably pick up veteran insurance!

One Andrews must come back from physical problem and one from mental problem! Okay, BDawk a step slower, but how do you not sign this guy! McNabb gets even more money, while other guys deserve more! Mental aspect of game IMO is so important! Will guys risk injuring themselves now!

S. Brown probably won't be there, unless Banner does his usual procedure of holding onto guys till their value goes from a 2nd rounder to a 4th rounder, all for personal spite! Remember Michael Lewis, oh yeah Sean Cont. better than him! Isn't Lewis starting for SF and where is Sean C., special teams for Jags!

Eagles strategy of long term contracts that the player is underpaid after a few years to IMO is a determent! Bunkley was only draftee in his 1st round range that was forced to get 6 year deal and not 5 years! I think he said to himself, WTF, wanta break stones, I think I'll start playing my 2nd year!

Yes, we have had years of consistant winning and playoffs, just probably bitter about not winning the big one! The management and Reid make it real hard to like them! Just talk English to us dumb fans!!! How would it be if this team was .500 every year! We might find out how good of a def. coor. J Johnson was this year! Hope he beats this disease!

MrMonkey

[waco66]

Packers taking the North .

Quote it.

[Scully]

IMO the Philadelphia Eagles will never win a Super Bowl, let alone even get there, with Donovan McNabb as their quarterback. Not going to happen!

[slacker00]

I'm always a fan of WalterFootball (WF) analysis, here's their 2009 power rankings. I pretty much agree, with the exception of a few key teams. Here's the top 10 teams where I disagree with WF

1.Baltimore Ravens-The biggest discrepency between WF & I. WF has them at #6, I have them at #25. We should probably split the difference. There's no way the Ravens repeat the feat of last year. Losing Rex Ryan will mess with the continuity of this team which relies so heavily on defense. Plus, old man Ray has got to lose another half step sooner or later, I'm betting against Ray Lewis, call me crazy. Besides, the Ravens are one of those teams that seem to be up-down-up-down year after year. This year is a down year.

2.Dallas Cowboys-WF has them at #22. C'mon. I dislike Jerra as much as the next guy, but there's still plenty of talent on this team from the Parcells days. Wade Philips isn't a HOF coach, but he can guide this group to another winning season. Romo isn't my favorite QB, but he can operate this offense, especially without the "distraction" of previous years. I'm kinda high on the 'boys this year after some sensible "addition by subtraction" this offseason. I have Dallas at #8 overall, but still at #3 in their own division.

3.Cleveland Browns-WF has them at 32! I know he's hating on Mangini, and I tend to agree that Mangini is a stink bomb of a HC, but even he can't implode this team down to #32! Cleveland is an 8-8 team, which Man-idiot will downgrade down to 7-9 or 6-10. I have Cleveland at #22.

4.Jacksonville Jaguars-WF has them at 24. This is the same team that beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh year before last in the playoffs. After an injury plagued season last year, they're poised to achieve the expectations from one year ago. Give this team some respect. I've got them at #15.

5.Seattle Seahawks-WF has them at #13. Yeah, maybe I need to fall in line on this one. I'm just not much of a Jim Mora fan. I've got Seattle at #23.

6.Arizona Cardinals-WF has them at #14. By WF's own admission, the Cards are returning everyone and the Super Bowl hangover shouldn't affect them. I dunno, I've got them at #6, right behind the Eagles & Bears in the NFC. Maybe I'm too mystified by last year's magic playoff run and need to come back down to earth.

7.Oakland Raiders-WF has them at #27. Sure it's easy to pile on Al Davis, but I think this season will be Russell's breakout year if he's going to have one. Rob Ryan is steady on defense, maybe Tom Cable can instill a basic toughness into this team to guide them to 8-8. I've got the Raiders at #19.

8-10.That's about it. WF has Bengals at #18, which makes sense. I should upgrade them a bit on my list. WF has the Colts at #5, which is a bit aggressive & optimistic, I can easily see the Colts missing the playoffs this year. Also, WF only has the Saints at #15, but I think the Saints are much better than average in the NFL.

[Chi_archie]

I have the Browns as my weakest for sure....... I don't think they scored ONE offensive touchdown in their last 6 games..... Might have been 5 games can't remember, but that is UNREAL.... maybe the worst offensive stretch of games in NFL history... but they got off the hook because Detroit was on their way to 0-16, even though they were competive

[PorkChop]

Patriots vs Packers.

There's your superbowl.

Call me crazy, ...but who picked Arizona last year? Not a soul.

[Jerry Seinfeld]

Patriots vs Packers.

There's your superbowl.

Call me crazy, ...but who picked Arizona last year? Not a soul.

I posted before I think the Packers have a huge chance to have a strong season. They are way better than their record and they have a soft schedule (really soft schedule). They go 11-5 or 12-4 and earn a bye.

I still don't think they make the Superbowl though. Although I the Conference Championship game is definitely a possibility.

I say Giants vs. Chargers
Giants defense is sick good and the Chargers will be healthy and back to being real contenders. Cannot pick a winner here though, leaning NYG.

[slacker00]

Patriots vs Packers.

There's your superbowl.

Call me crazy, ...but who picked Arizona last year? Not a soul.

Packers are in a much tougher division than AZ. If AZ was in a legit division last season, they don't even make the playoffs.

[realplaya75]

i like the eagles with what they did this offseason they are the favorites in the nfc and i like the steelers still out of the afc, hard to go against them

[HeavyHitter77]

Looking for opinions on teams going into 2009. Who do you think will be the strongest/ weakest teams and why?

I like the Patriots. I think the addition of Fred Taylor will force teams to respect the running game, which will really open play action.

I like the prospects for New Orleans this year. They have made some moves to improve their defense.

As for the weak teams I haven't made up my mind yet. I know the Buccs are rebuilding. I'd be very interested if someone could weigh in on the Lions' prospects. Shouldn't be too hard to improve over last year. (one win... ...please!!!!) The Raiders have been a disaster for a while.

Who do you like? Who do you hate?

Colts all the way

[bangthebook]

We just released our preseason rankings:

Top 5:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers—the defending champs have no signs of getting any weaker. The defense is the best in the NFL and right now Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback in the NFL. All teams will be looking to beat the Steelers.
2. Carolina Panthers—this team was no fluke last year. They have the best running back tandem in the NFL and that with a solid defense will get them into the playoffs. Jake Delhomme will be the difference for this team. If he can succeed against a team that can stop the run than they will go far this year.

3.Philadelphia Eagles—the Eagles did all the right moves in the off-season. They had a great draft, picked up free agents and signed Donovan McNabb to an extension. The offense finally catches up to the defense and they play well this year.

4. New York Giants—the Giants need a wide receiver to replace Plaxico Burress but other than that they have no weaknesses. The solid defense will keep them in games and Eli and the running game will allow them to control the clock. They just have to keep an eye out for the improving Eagles.

5. New England Patriots—Tom Brady is back but one hit can knock him out and ruin the Patriots season. I put them here out of respect for what they have done but don’t think the defense can play with other teams and Brady under pressure will be the Patriots kryptonite.

Read the rest here

[slacker00]

We just released our preseason rankings:

Top 5:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers—the defending champs have no signs of getting any weaker. The defense is the best in the NFL and right now Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback in the NFL. All teams will be looking to beat the Steelers.2. Carolina Panthers—this team was no fluke last year. They have the best running back tandem in the NFL and that with a solid defense will get them into the playoffs. Jake Delhomme will be the difference for this team. If he can succeed against a team that can stop the run than they will go far this year.

3.Philadelphia Eagles—the Eagles did all the right moves in the off-season. They had a great draft, picked up free agents and signed Donovan McNabb to an extension. The offense finally catches up to the defense and they play well this year.

4. New York Giants—the Giants need a wide receiver to replace Plaxico Burress but other than that they have no weaknesses. The solid defense will keep them in games and Eli and the running game will allow them to control the clock. They just have to keep an eye out for the improving Eagles.

5. New England Patriots—Tom Brady is back but one hit can knock him out and ruin the Patriots season. I put them here out of respect for what they have done but don’t think the defense can play with other teams and Brady under pressure will be the Patriots kryptonite.

Read the rest here

Good writeups! You make a strong case for your rankings. I'm not high on the Panthers, but you make a strong case. Also, I notice a bias, preferring NFC teams, which you may not have noticed.

My biggest suggestion is that you take a second look at the Jags, which you have at #25. Maybe Jack isn't the guy for the job, but this is their year to do or die. I like this kind of team with it's back against the wall. If not for an injury riddled distaster last year, this team would have been in the mix last January. I'm not saying top 10, hardly, but this team is absolutely not a cellar dweller.

[LT Profits]

We just released our preseason rankings:

Top 5:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers—the defending champs have no signs of getting any weaker. The defense is the best in the NFL and right now Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback in the NFL. All teams will be looking to beat the Steelers.
2. Carolina Panthers—this team was no fluke last year. They have the best running back tandem in the NFL and that with a solid defense will get them into the playoffs. Jake Delhomme will be the difference for this team. If he can succeed against a team that can stop the run than they will go far this year.

3.Philadelphia Eagles—the Eagles did all the right moves in the off-season. They had a great draft, picked up free agents and signed Donovan McNabb to an extension. The offense finally catches up to the defense and they play well this year.

4. New York Giants—the Giants need a wide receiver to replace Plaxico Burress but other than that they have no weaknesses. The solid defense will keep them in games and Eli and the running game will allow them to control the clock. They just have to keep an eye out for the improving Eagles.

5. New England Patriots—Tom Brady is back but one hit can knock him out and ruin the Patriots season. I put them here out of respect for what they have done but don’t think the defense can play with other teams and Brady under pressure will be the Patriots kryptonite.

Read the rest here

How can you not have San Diego in the Top 5? I think they will end up with the best record in the AFC (admittedly with the help of going 6-0 inside a weak division), and then prove they are for real in the playoffs. Great value at +1615 to win the Super Bowl.

[slacker00]

How can you not have San Diego in the Top 5? I think they will end up with the best record in the AFC (admittedly with the help of going 6-0 inside a weak division), and then prove they are for real in the playoffs. Great value at +1615 to win the Super Bowl.

Yeah, I was gonna mention it too. Seems like he jumped a bunch of NFC teams ahead of them. Plus he's got the Colts in the top 10, which is kinda iffy. It wouldn't surprise me if they took last place in that division. But, yeah, the Chargers should be bringing it very strong this year. They're one of those teams that gets a bad rap after getting snakebit last year.

[bangthebook]

Hard to put SD in the top 5 with all the injury questions. Alot comes down to LT and if the defense can stop anyone

[slacker00]

Hard to put SD in the top 5 with all the injury questions. Alot comes down to LT and if the defense can stop anyone

Merriman should be fine. He's a warrior and finally came to his senses early last season and got his knee rebuilt. He should be back and better than ever. Plus, isn't this his contract year? I'm too lazy to look it up, but I think it is.

LT will be fine. His clock is ticking towards midnight when he'll turn into a pumpkin as all RB do when the get around 30 years old. But LT is a warrior as well, plus a lot of his game is between his ears. He's a professional. If anyone can beat father time from the RB position, I think LT is the type of cat that can do it. LT still has a couple good years left, even if he turns into more of a 3rd down back and reduces his carries, he will still be effective.

Rivers should really start to hit his stride this year. I've been more and more impressed with Rivers the more I watch him. He's turning into more of a leader of the team, with guts and fire. He's finally stacking up the type of experience that wins games that are on the line. I expect a great year from Rivers this year.

Gates should get over his slowed gate. He was hampered last season but gutted it out. Now with an an offseason to cool his heels on ice and get right, I expect Gates to be the most feared offensive TE once again in the league.

Face it, this Chargers team is built to win NOW. They've got a cake division, they've got enough talent. Norv has had a chance to settle his nerves and might some of that wizardry that he has supposedly had all along. One thing about the NFL is injuries are a bitch. But players seem to bounce back better and better from injuries in modern times, so I barely even account for previous season injuries anymore. I guess check out the training camps and get the lowdown. How do they look? Are they getting reps? Are they icing everything? Are they even out there? It's pretty simple to solve the injury riddle in the weeks to come.

[waco66]

LOL at everyone thinking the bears are for real.

[slacker00]

LOL at everyone thinking the bears are for real.

Care to elaborate?

The Bears are only a couple years removed from being in the Super Bowl. The Bears missed the playoffs by one game last year. All of this with garbage at QB. Now they've got a top 5 guy at QB. Plus, I liked the WRs Iglesias and Knox they got in the draft. Cutler has shown what he can do for rookie WRs, basically making Marshall & Royal into studs.

I hope this helps your laughing & confused cluelessness.