NFL Preseason Power Rankings 2017
The season is finally back! Preseason kicked off on 8/4 with the Dallas Cowboys Vs. Arizona Cardinals. As the scrub cowboys pulled out a late victory.
As preseason kicks off, we are going to power rank the teams at this time with moves that were made in the off season, injuries, and etc.
1. New England Patriots
With no surprise to most. The Patriots take the number one spot as they usually always do in power rankings.
With Tom Brady coming back, picking up Brandin Cooks, Dwayne Allen, Stephon Gilmore, David Harris, and Mike Gillislee these Patriots aren't missing a beat.
Not to mention they will have a HEALTHY gronk to start the season out.
Look for them to return back to the Super Bowl led by the golden boy Tom Brady.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Did you watch the Super Bowl? Of course you did, the Falcons were cruising the whole game until the collapse. So with respect you have to put them number 2 just because they were so close to being Super Bowl winners.
That bitter taste is still in that whole organizations mouth. They want to get back to the bowl, and want a rematch with the Patriots. Matt Ryan had a MVP season, with Julio Jones putting up another career year.
They didn't have any big time signings in the off season. But they didn't lose anyone either, and everyone is healthy.
The 2 headed monster in the back field with Freeman, and Coleman will continue to keep defenses off balanced, and we all know about Julio Jones. They will still be a power house this year in the NFC.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense is just unreal. Big Ben, Antonio Brown, Leveon Bell, and Martavis Bryant coming back....That is a scary line up.
They do have to make sure Leveon Bell stays healthy, and gets into camp asap, that is the only down fall I can see from this team. But with the draft pick of James Conner at RB, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing so he can get some reps early in his career. It wouldn't be a dramatic drop off.
Big Ben always gets knocked around back there, they need the O line to keep him healthy for one last push for a Super Bowl with Ben.
4. Seattle Seahawks
They had a weird season. Russell Wilson wasn't his self, the defense wasn't as dominating, Jimmy Graham wasn't as healthy. Earl Thomas went down, and that is a major loss for this team, he plays center field for the defense.
I look for this team to bounce back with the addition of Eddie Lacy at running back, and a stronger defense presence with Thomas back there. Pete Carroll knows what he's doing. Its not like they lose many home games!!
5. Green Bay Packers
That bad man Aaron Rodgers!!! For the Packers, every years its always about how their defense will hold up. Because you know Aaron Rodgers always figures out a way to get the ball into the endzone.
With that being said, they were horrible in the secondary last season, they need to get help at cornerback, and develop the rookies, Kevin King will be a big help, a rookie out of Washington.
6. Oakland Raiders
DAAA RAIAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAS!!! It was ashame last year that Derek Carr went down with a season ending injury right around play off time. This was a top 3 team last year when he was playing. They could of really challenged the Patriots in the AFC with him.
They have a really high powered offense. I know people are loving the signing of BEAST MODE, but I think that sign is overrated. He was out of football last year, and he is 32 years old.... I think hes going to under perform. They have depth are running back if he slacks off. Look for Carr, and Amari Cooper to continue to connect for many touch downs this season.
The defense was the knock for this team, if they can stay above the bottom half this year in defense catergories, they will be the second 3rd best team in the AFC. Khalil Mack can only do so much without any help.
7. Dallas Cowboys
I hate to do this because I am a DIE HARD Eagles fan, but the Cowboys are pretty good. They had a great draft last season, with finding a GEM in Dak Prescott, and ZEEKE holding up to the hype.
13-3 last season was pretty impressive, and with a full training camp with the first team, and Tony Romo out of sight for Dak. They could even be more scary.
Hopefully the defense doesn't make any noise, and Zeeke gets suspended so I don't have to ever talk about the Cowgirls being this high again in my rankings. GO BIRDS!
8. Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford showed the league hes is an elite QB. Even without Mega-tron he put up MEGA numbers. Look for him along with Golden Tate to get another playoff birth.
They need a running back to stay healthy in Detroit to get over the hump to beat the other teams in front of them in the power rankings.
9. New York Giants
The Giants are pretty legit all around. They picked up Brandon Marshall to add another weapon on offense. The defense is very well rounded as well, with Eli Apple, Janoris Jenkins, DRC, and Landon Collins in a solid secondary.
The down fall will be if Eli Manning can limit turn overs, and play elite. As he is a year older, and slower. Also a consistent running game is a need. Odell will be Odell and play big plays especially with the pick up of Brandon Marshall, so Odell wont see double coverage every router ran.
10. Denver Broncos
Elite defense here! A team with Von Miller, Chris Harris, Brandon Marshall, Aqib Talib, and Tj Ward on your defense you always have a chance to compete.
The offense is no slouch either with Damaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Jamaal Charles, and Cj Anderson. They are having a QB battle in camp, so QB play will be a big question mark. They just need a QB that doesn't do anything extra, and limits turnovers. They have enough playmakers at RB, & WR to make it happen.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE. They have all the returning studs on defense back. As always they lack consistent offense. Alex Smith is a game manager, but can he finally get over the hump in the playoffs and make it to the big game?
I think releasing Maclin will haunt them...Tyreke Hill won't be as good as everyone thinks teams will have the best CB on him this year and pay attention more with Maclin gone...RB is up in the air. They will lean on the defense a lot this year to stay in games, but it is a VERY good defense lead by Eric Berry, and Marcus Peters.
12. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a very exciting team, I love watching them, and playing with them in Madden lol. Marcus Mariota is looking like the real deal, and the offense is starting to become something special. With the draft of Corey Davis, and addition of Logan Ryan in the secondary will improve them dramatically.
If Demarco Murray can't hold up a whole season, they have Derrick Henry right behind him to pick up the slack. This is the year that the Titan break out, and make the playoffs.
13. Arizona Cardinals
On paper these boys are so many big time names, and play makers. But injuries have been haunting them, with an aging Carson Palmer, and questionable offense line.
They need a big season out of John Brown, Honeycut, and David Johnson again. Larry Fitzgerald won't be around forever so someone at WR needs to help him out.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I am really liking the Bucs this year. Coming off an impressive 9-7 season and almost making the playoffs, the future is bright for them. Jameis Winston has another year under his belt, and has been improving each year.
They signed Desean Jackson, and drafted two elites on the offensive side as well in Chris Godwin, and Oj Howard.
They also have two studs in the backfield with Doug Martin, and Charles Sims. I like them to challenge the Falcons again this year for the division crown.
15. Houston Texans
SCARY DEFENSE!!!FLAMESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!
A healthy JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Brian Cushing, shewww thats a headache for any offensive coordinator.
The offense is starting to match up with the defense now too. Will Fuller, Deandre Hopkins which is one of the best WRs in the league, Lamar Miller, and now they have a franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson! He will have to battle in camp, and preseason with Tom Savage to start the year though. Tom Savage played well in the opportunities he had last season.
They are a quarterback away from a run in the playoffs, I would of ranked them higher is that position wasn't a big question mark.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
My boys!!! This is the year!! lol as we always say year in and out. But why wouldn't we isn't that what fans are suppose to do? Wanting a Super Bowl? Anyway.....
Injuries, and the corner backs will be the only thing that slows down the birds this year. DO YAL SEE THOSE BOYS ON OFFENSE? UNTOUCHABLE, big signings with Alshon Jeffrey, Torrey Smith, and one of my favorite players in the league Legarrette I will run you over Blount. Not to mention the offensive line is arguablly the best in the league right now with Lane Johnson back.
The offense looks promising, Carson Wentz is on his way to being a stud, top 5 soon in my opinion. Now he has some offense threats that can actually catch the ball, and get first downs for him. So many drives stopped so many times last year with big time drops.
I also still love Jordan Matthews, and I know I will get heat for this but I still have hope for Nelson Agholor. When Matthews catches the ball he is a really good player he has great YAC, and Nelson was a first round pick for a reason he has potential, he didn't handle the pressure well of being a first round pick. I think with the signings this year and him potentially being in the 4 spot at WR it will ease pressure off him, and give him room to operate better in 4 WR sets. Watch the tape of his college games, he can play.
Now the defense... As always that front 7 is going to cause havoc. Fletcher Cox,Vinnie Curry,Derek Barnett,Brandon
Graham,Jordan Hicks, Malcolm Jenkins, and Rodney McLeod ALL STUDS.
Now them corner backs :(. The only promising corner we have on the roster is Sidney Jones our 2nd round pick this year and he probably won't see the field this year because of his Achilles injury. We need to sign a vet like Revis, or Brandon Flowers to show these young boys the ropes. If we get any decent play from our corner backs we should secure a playoff spot this year.
17. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are always a team to watch. They seem to always have decent talent, but they can never seem to string together enough wins to make the playoffs.
Lead by Tyrod Taylor, and Lesean McCoy on the offensive side of the ball, they control the clock very well with the running game. They stay in games if Tyrod doesn't have to air the ball out as much. If they have to rely on his arm a lot, its going to be another losing season for the Bills.
18. Washington Redskins
I like the Redskins offense even though they lost Desean Jackson, and Pierre Garcon. They have young talented WRs with Terrelle Pryor, Josh Doctson, and Jamison Crowder. Also a stud TE in Jordan Reed.
BUT I think this Kirk Cousins saga will effect his play, I don't think he can have a great season again under so much pressure AGAIN to lock up a long term deal.
Also the running game is weak, and the defense is unstable. Injuries always hurt them too with Jordan Reed always missing time.
19. Los Angelos Chargers
INJURIES INJURIES INJURIES. I swear this team can't ever catch a break!! Last season it was Keanon Allen that was out for the season. Now before the season even starts their first round pick WR Mike Williams is out for the season with a back injury.
Injuries alone always set this team back, so they are already behind the 8 ball, and Keanon Allen won't be the same this year. Philip Rivers will have trouble looking for a go to player this year. The defense will keep them in some games.
20. Baltimore Ravens
I am never really a big fan of the Ravens because the offense is so staggering, and they rely heavy on the defense. The signing of Jeremy Maclin will help but Joe Flacco is looking to be sidelined with an injury for some time, and he's always up and down as well with his performances. Look for them to struggle all season.
21. Minnesota Vikings
Sam Bradford doesn't throw enough tds to win games if they are behind. They stole Dalvin Cooks from the Eagles I hate them for that so maybe they don't have to rely on Bradford that much. Stefon Diggs is a great player who really showed he can be elite with his play last year, and so is Adam Theilman. They have been drafting very well in the past couple of years.
The defense is legit with Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes roaming around in the secondary, I just don't like Sam Bradford or Nick Cline. I think they are in the middle of the pack until they get back Teddy Bridgewater, who has more talent then Bradford at the gun. The O line needs to finally stand up and play well this year. Or its another season with out the playoffs.
22. New Orleans Saints
We always know the Saints will put up numbers with Drew Brees. Adding Adrian Peterson to the run game with Mark Ingram should always keep each one another fresh, and a balanced attack for Brees. The loss of Brandin Cooks hurts, they added Tedd Ginn, and Clay Harbor to try to replace him. They will be good holes to fill.
Michael Thomas will be the number one this year, with Willie Snead in the slot they might not miss a step if Ginn can create some big plays like Brandin did. That's a big IF since he can't catch as well as Cooks.
Honestly on the defensive side. I don't know one defensive player they have without googling the roster. I like the draft pick of Marshon Lattimore, he has great size, he can run Wrs off their route, and is a sure tackler with no miss tackles last season at Ohio St. Besides him, I don't see much upside on defense. They have a long way to go.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
They have the players, but they don't have the poise. They can't win the big games, and they took a major step back last year with a losing season.
They had a great draft though, they selected John Ross, Joe Mixon, and Josh Malone to reshape the offense. They all have upsides, John Ross is a speedy receiver who can also help on special teams , Mixon is an all around running back, and Malone can jump.
The defense is filled with veteran savvy players. With Adam Jones leading the way. Look for them to struggle this season since they are very young at WR outside of Aj Green. It could take a couple years for everyone to mature, and reach their potential. We will see, they also need the O line to play well and keep Andy Dalton on the field.
24. Carolina Panthers
It's wild that they are so low on my rankings, when they were just in the Super Bowl 2 years ago! It just shows how good these players are every year in the NFL. They had major set backs with the loss of Josh Norman, and the play of Cam Newton last year. All of those hits Cam has been taking finally caught up with him.
The draft pick Christian McCaffrey is a huge boost in the offense. He can come out of the backfield, line up in the slot, return punts, and kicks. He is a very valuable player. His yac should be very impressive this year for a rookie.
They have to protect Cam as he is going to have to run less, and use his arm this year more, and the secondary needs to step up. They don't have enough play makers on either side of the ball to make any huge noise this year. I have already seen pictures of an overweight Kelvin Benjamin at camp...Not good.
25. Indianapolis Colts
This team is just like how the Colts were built when they had Peyton Manning. Its all about Andrew Luck, if hes healthy, and playing well they are a pretty legit team. When he isn't playing or is hurt they stink.
Remember that season Peyton Manning didn't play? They stunk, and they ended up getting the #1 pick to draft Luck.
The offense is legit leading the way with Luck, and Hilton. The offense can handle their own.
They added Malik Hooker, & Quincy Wilson to help the secondary. Which has been a struggle for them in the years past. The Colts were ever known for their defense, that has to change.
26. Miami Dolphins
The hype of signing Jay Cutler is a mirage, hes been out of football for a couple months, not focusing on it, and is out of shape...
So he gets signed, and hes magically going to care this season?What about last season? He is just a careless player. He has all the talent in the world but he doesn't utilize it to his full potential.
Losing Ryan Tannehill has them low for me. They don't have a chance with out him. I really do like Jarvis Laundry, Jay Train, and Devante Parker. I just don't believe in Cutler.
The defense signed some studs, Lawerence Timmons, and Nate Allen to help the backside. But I believe Cutler will corrupt the team morale with his attitude, and lack of care like what happened in Chicago.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
They have talent, but they underachieve. They lost a lot of close games last year, and Blake Bortles took a major set back. Leonard Fournette is a beast I like him a lot, if he can ease pressure off Bortles they can be decent.
But they have to prove it to be ranked higher. This isn't Madden on Xbox, you have to perform.
28. Los Angeles Rams
Goff stinks..That was the wrong choice...THANK YOU FOR WENTZ!! No wrs...Defense is legit..The holes will be plugged up for Gurley until Goff can prove he can throw..Enough said.
29. Cleveland Browns
I am a Brown believer. They did have a solid draft...Deshone Kizer is a NFL QB he should perform well when he gets his shot. But the Browns always put to much pressure on their QBs, they should ease him into games when he is ready.
Myles Garrett is a freak he will make plays on day 1. Jabrill Peppers is also a freak athlete that can be lined up everywhere on D.
If my boy Josh Gordon can lay off the weed he could have a legit passing attack in the future. These rookies have a lot to prove.
30. San Francisco 49ers
They signed my boy Matt Barkley!!! They may go 16-0.
On a serious note, they have a sneaky good defense, with a spice of the Seattle Seahawks scheme in place. Rueben Foster & NaVarro Bowman will control the middle, making them solid for a front 7.
Honestly I don't even know who they have on offense besides Carlos Hyde.
31. Chicago Bears
Mike Glennon? Really? That's the savior? Better get Mitch Trubisky ready asap.....
The departure of Alshon Jeffrey, Cutler, and a injury bug in Kevin White won't get it done for them..They signed another injury bug player in Victor Cruz..Stick a fork in them.
32. New York Jets
The player that I know they have is Devon Stills, I mean who wouldn't root for that guy?? Besides that they are pathetic at every position besides DT with the big anker Leonard Williams. No Brandon Marshall, No Eric Decker.
There you have it for the upcoming season!!! Go Bird Gang
