1.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/bos.gif[/IMG][/URL]Champions until proven otherwise. Lost James Posey in the offseason who was huge for them but kept Eddie House and drafted Bill Walker near the end of the draft. If healthy finally from his knee problems he could end up being the biggest steal in the draft. The big 3 are back and they should be hungry to prove last year wasn't just a one year run.




2.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/lal.gif[/IMG][/URL]Bynum is back and supposedly 100% recovered from his knee problems. The front court of him and Gasol is scary good. They lost Turiaf to FA but that should not be a loss that hurts them at all. Sasha Vujacic was resigned and Kobe wants a ring without Shaq badly. Look for them to come out of the gates on fire.




3.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nor"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/nor.gif[/IMG][/URL]Chris Paul....Anything else? Tyson Chandler keeps improving every year and is one of the leagues top rebounders. The signed James Posey in FA who will provide them with hustle and heart come playoff time. He hits big shots. They could use an upgrade at sg but Mo Pete and Bonzi will have to do for now. They are aging and are not great scorers but CP3 makes the best with what he's got. With him on the floor you will get open looks.




4.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/hou"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/hou.gif[/IMG][/URL]If Yao and Tracy can stay healthy this team could finally be for real. Adding Artest for little to nothing was the best move so far of the offseason. He will bring toughness and defense as well as the third scoring option that Houston has lacked recently. He also loves Rick Adlemen which is a great sign.




5.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/sas"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/sas.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Spurs are the machine that keeps on going and going. Great mental toughness and veteran leadership here. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are ready to lead this team into the new season. They didn't really address thier problem of age yet and come playoff time thats going to hurt them. Michael Finley is back for one more run at it as is Bruce Bown. Robert Horry did not contribute much last year but his departure could hurt worse then expected. He was a great locker room guy and could always be counted on to hit the big shot and play under control.





6.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Utah%20Jazz.gif[/IMG]Utah is just scratching the surface in my opinion. They have been knocking on the door for a few seasons now, and if the AK to Russia talks can go away for good, then they can focus on winning the west. Its going to be tough but Deron Williams is getting better every year and is closing the gap, if there is one.... between himself and Chris Paul for the title of best PG in the league. Deron and Carlos Boozer form one of the best tandems in the league. Jerry Sloan returns as coach and together they have a great shot at reaching the finals.




7.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Cleveland%20Cavaliers.gif[/IMG]Lebron James makes them a contender in the East by himself. They added a legit pg who can score consistently in Mo Williams this offseason which makes them even tougher. They still need to address thier frontcourt soon though. Big Z is getting older and slower FAST. And Ben Wallace is pretty much worthless as a starter at this point. He has the worst contract in the league by far. Wally Sczerbiack needs to stay healthy and be able to knock down shots constently this year and the Cavs just may take out the Celtics in the playoffs.




8.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Detroit%20Pistons.gif[/IMG]The core of RIP,Chauncy,and Prince is returning for another go round. These guys seem to breeze through the regular season every year but falter in the playoffs. HC Flip Saunders is on the hotseat this season if Detroit fails again. This team is built to play for a championship now, not in the future. Rodney Stuckey was a pleasent surprise last season and hopefully he can continue to build upon last seasons sucess.




9.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Phoenix%20Suns.gif[/IMG]New Coach, same team. Big mistake by GM Steve Kerr last year in trading for Shaq. They have two more years with the big man at 20 mill a pop. Shaq is a shell of his former self at this point. Steve Nash doesnt look like he is slowing down but fathertime is right around the corner. Amare Stoudamire keeps on getting better and better and is fully recovered from knee surgery. Its pretty much now or never for this group of guys.




10.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Dallas%20Mavericks.gif[/IMG]Dallas has all the tools to get it down this year, they just have to do just that, GET IT DONE. Rick Carlisle is going to make a huge difference I think, as he wont micro manage like Avery Johnson did. He will let Jason Kidd loose and DIrk should flourish because of it. The only bad blood they have right now is Josh Howard. His status is in the air right now as he is fast becoming one of the most hated athletes in sports.




11.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Orlando%20Magic.gif[/IMG]Orlando is up and coming fast. Dwight Howard looks to establish his dominance at the Center position even more this year and if he can get along with Stan Van Gundy he will be better for it. Hedo Turkaglu is coming off of a MIP award and he will be a big part of this team as well. They need to figure out if Jameer Nelson is going to be the future pg of this team or not.




12.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Toronto%20Raptors.gif[/IMG]Made a big move in trading pg T.J. Ford for PF/C Jermaine O'neal. If O'neal is healthy then it will be interesting to see how he meshes with Chris Bosh. Jose Calderon is in for a big season. He is on of the more underated players in the league. Not much depth here but they can make it work if everyone stays healthy.




13.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Philadelphia%2076ers.gif[/IMG]Philly was a surprise team last season and with the addition of former MVP candidate Elton Brand, they will be even better. They overpaid badly to keep Iggy around but this core in the East could be special. Lou Williams is a fan favorite and will play a bigger role this season as well.




14.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Portland%20Trail%20Blazers.gif[/IMG]Oden is back! Huge expectations this season for Portland fans. Jerryd Bayless was a huge addition in a draft day trade with the Pacers. He had an outstanding summer league and has Portland officials excited at the prospect of having him and Brandon Roy play together. Lamarcus Aldridge will threaten for an allstar bid this year and Portland should make the playoffs.




15.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Los%20Angeles%20Clippers.gif[/IMG]This could be the Clippers best season in years. They are built for one or two years is the problem. Elton Brand screwed them and left for the money in Philly but they managed to lock up Allstar Baron Davis. They also grabbed Marcus Camby from Denver for nothing but a future second rounder. Ricky Davis comes over from Miami and Jason Williams is here to backup Baron at the point. Could be a nice season for the Clip show. Its going to be interesting. They also lost Corey Maggette so they will need someone to step up into that second scoring option role. Chris Kaman is one of the best Centers in the league and will be perfect playing next to Camby who will start at PF.




16.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Washington%20Wizards.gif[/IMG]Gilbert Arenas is out until at least the second month of the season. No telling how the team will react to his return since they have played without him for so long. Caron Butler has really matured in the league and was an allstar last year. Antawn Jamison resigned and will be a big contributer once again.




17.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Denver%20Nuggets.gif[/IMG]Denver could very well be the worst defensive team in league history. They were just awful last season and they gave away thier best defensive player in Marcus Camby to save some cash. I have no idea what direction this team is going in, especially dealing with the Carmelo Anthony offcourt issues. They are in for a long season. Barely made the 8 seed last season and I don't see them making the playoffs at all this year.




18.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Golden%20State%20Warriors.gif[/IMG]Losing Baron Davis is a huge blow to this franchise. Monta Ellis was resigned to be the pg of the future but he celebrated by riding a moped and tore up his ankle then lied about how it happened. Smart move Monta. His status right now is up in the air. Brought in Maggette who will contribute in the scoring department and if he can jell with Steven Jackson they could be a nice solid team once again and compete for the 8 spot out West but its not likely.




19.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Atlanta%20Hawks.gif[/IMG]Atlanta lost Josh Childress to Greece, but I think Marvin Williams can fill that void with more minutes. Mike Bibby is back and fully healthy which is great news for ATL. They have a good upside and were able to lock up Josh Smith as well. Coaching issues reamain a problem as management doesn't seem convinced that Mike Woodson is the man.




20.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Miami%20Heat.gif[/IMG]Probably should fly much higher up the rankings but I'll let them prove it first. Two rookies they drafted in Beasley and Chalmers look to be great additions but both had marijauna issues already in the rookie transition program. Thats not a good sign. No new deal in place for Marion so he may be playing for a new contract next season which is good for Miami. Wade is healthy again too so this is going to be an exciting season for Heat fans.




21.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Charlotte%20Bobcats.gif[/IMG]Surprise, Surprise, the Bobcats I think will be much improved with Larry Brown now in the fold. Emeka has resigned and Morrison is back from season ending injury last year. They have some solid depth and big time scorers in Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace. These guys are all young and hungry. D.J. Augustine was a great draft pick and will prob push Raymond Felton for the starting pg role right away.




22.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Sacramento%20Kings.gif[/IMG]Sacramento is not going to be a very good team this year. They have some good young players but the roster is just poorly put together right now. The Ron Artest experiment is over and they got nothing in return for him. Francisco Garcia is capable of scoring big numbers and should take that starting spot that Artest had this year. Beno Udrih is going to be the full time starting pg now. Hmmmmm......




23.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Indiana%20Pacers.gif[/IMG] I like this Pacer team. Mike Dunleavy is one of the most underated players in the league and Brandon Rush in my opinion was the steal of the draft. They also attained Roy Hibbert and Jarrett Jack. Those two are good solid additions to this ball club. Troy Murphy is a good shooter but not great with his back to the basket. Either way he should compliment Hibbert nicely. They need to find another pg somehow as they have decided to part ways with Jamal Tinsley.




24.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Milwaukee%20Bucks.gif[/IMG]The Bucks will finish the season ranked much higher. They managed to trade for Richard Jefferson and Luke Ridnour this offseason. They also hired Scott Skiles as Head Coach who has a reputation of turning teams around early. They are going to be very exciting this season. Michael Redd is coming off a gold medal preformance in the Olympics so should be in groove and ready to go. This could be the most improved team in the NBA.




25.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Chicago%20Bulls.gif[/IMG]Tough times for Bulls fans. I think they made a big mistake in taking Derik Rose over Michael Beasley in the draft. Even if Rose turns out to be better then Beasley he will struggle this year. He had an awful summer league and left early with injuries. Luol Deng was resigned long term but Ben Gordon is on the outside. He refuses to sign for less then 12 mill a year and no team is prepared to pay him that. He may find himself on a one year tender or playing overseas. The Bulls still lack a quality Center and until they find one Drew Gooden will have to man the position. He is no scrub but is undersized and should be playing PF.




26.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Minnesota%20Timberwolves.gif[/IMG]The T-Wolves have no where to go but up. They are just too young to make much noise. Being in the West doesnt help matters any either. Al Jefferson is one big bright spot though and he is progressing fast and turning into one of the best young post players in the league. Sebastion Telfair has yet to live up to the hype but was resigned because he did show improvement last year and is slowly getting better. They traded for Mike Miller who will be the teams best scorer and probably team captain.




27.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20York%20Knicks.gif[/IMG]I wanted to put them higher then this but past years has forced me to leave them near the bottom until they prove otherwise. I think they have a roster that translates well to new coach Mike D'Antoni's style of play. Stephon Marbury still has not been told if he is staying or going yet, and Allan Houston was brought back. Both situations are laughable and make me think that this is the same NY Knicks that we have seen over the last 5-6 years but something about them is intriguing. Im curious to see what happens in NY this year.




28.[IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/80x60/okc.gif[/IMG] Formerly the Seattle Sonics... They still have Jeff Green and Kevin Durant so thats a nice duo to build around. Durant only got better as the season rolled on last year. They will compete more this year but will still be one of the leagues worst teams. Too young and too inexperianced.




29.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20Jersey%20Nets.gif[/IMG]Vince Carter is it. This team is doing nothing but clearing cap space to make a run at Lebron in 2010. They are moving to Brooklyn soon so anything they do before then is pretty much meaningless. I dont even think they are trying to win.




30.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Memphis%20Grizzlies.gif[/IMG]Worst team in the entire league. Im not going to waste my time even trying to come up with something nice to say about them. Perrenial losing organization.

Darius Ali

1.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team28.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DAL.gif[/IMG][/URL]Dallas comes out with the big win tonight against Philly at home to up thier recored to 2-0. Their defense is better then they showed during this game. With Brady out for the year I think Dallas is the favorite to win it all now.



2.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team14.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/PIT.gif[/IMG][/URL]Im going with Pittsburgh at number two. They are 2-0 and pretty much shut down the Browns offense on Sunday that was supposed to be among the leagues best this season. Willie Parker looks great so far along with Big Ben.




3.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team18.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NE.gif[/IMG][/URL]I know everyone thinks the Pats should be alot lower but until they lose a game they will be in the top 3 in my book. EVERYONE said they would lose to the Jets on Sunday and Cassel would play badly. But they showed great poise and coaching while Cassel managed the game perfectly and did not throw an INT.




4.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team8.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NYG.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Giants have played near flawless ball so far and are also 2-0. Eli was outstanding on Sunday and they ARE the defending champs so until they lose they really can't fall too far.




5.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team17.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/GB.gif[/IMG][/URL]Aaron Rodgers has quieted all doubters. He destroyed Detroit with over 300 yds passing and 3 Td's with no Int's. This team went 13-3 last season and I think they actually may be better without Favre and his carefree wing it all over the field approach.




6.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team7.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/PHI.gif[/IMG][/URL]Killed the Rams in game one and almost beat Dallas tonight but didn't. 1-1 record but they are still a team to be reckoned with. So far thier offense is surprising me.




7.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team13.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/IND.gif[/IMG][/URL]Peyton Manning led a 4th quarter comeback this week against a tough Minnesota defense and once he gets back in rythem from his surgery the offense should run even more smoothly. As long as he is around they will prob never fall out of the top ten.




8.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team21.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DEN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Denver is the best team in thier division which isnt saying much but Cutler looks outstanding so far. They are coming off a huge win with a two pt conversion in the final seconds against the Chargers. Brandon Marshall grabbed 18 balls and thats the second highest total for a single game ever. Denver is a dangerous team.



9.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team12.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/BUF.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Bills look outstanding so far, but keep in mind that they have played two subpar teams. Marshawn Lynch is a beast and Trent Edwards has continued to build on last seasons success. Maybe a bit high for them but they are still undefeated so I'll keep em here until they lose.




10.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team29.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CAR.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Panthers look very good without Steve Smith, but keep in mind that its taken two last min comebacks to get those wins. With Smith back they will have one of the best weapons in football. They are a top ten team right now for sure, but Im not ready to put them any higher.




11.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team4.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NO.gif[/IMG][/URL]Big let down loss against the Skins this week but they have a great offense. They MUST get more yds on the ground though. Reggie Bush is not getting it done. He is a weapon in the passing game but he is a RB and must learn how to run between the tackles to give the Saints a more balanced attack.




12.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team11.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SD.gif[/IMG][/URL]Lets be real now, the Chargers are 0-2 but both losses are flukes. One insane grab at the buzzer and the blown call against Denver. They are a different team without Merriman recking havoc on defense but they still have a good offense.




13. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team16.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CHI.gif[/IMG][/URL]Dissapointing loss to Carolina but the Bears will be fine. Orten is a great game manager and thats what this team has been lacking. They lose Devin Hester but he is not much of a factor anywhere other then special teams. This team is built on defense and thats whats going to carry them this season.




14.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team23.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/ARI.gif[/IMG][/URL]The worst of the 2-0 teams. They have beaten terrible teams back to back in San Fran and Miami. Kurt Warner will NOT lead this team to the playoffs. It WONT happen.




15.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team24.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/BAL.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Ravens have yet to play thier second game, but in week one the defense looked like the old Ravens defense. They looked good running the ball as well. Having a rookie QB will eventually catch up to them but so far so good for Baltimore.




16.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team27.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/WAS.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Skins have some nice weapons on Offense but Im still not sold on Jason Cambell. They beat the Saints this week which was a surprise.




17. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team6.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/MIN.gif[/IMG][/URL]0-2. Great defense and run game. PLEASE for the love of God get AP some help. The man deserves it before he turns into Barry Sanders. Travaris Jackson is never going to be an elite QB.




18.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team30.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/JAC.gif[/IMG][/URL]For some reason Del Rio has gone away from the run and thats why the Jags are winless. They are a running team. Period. Jerry Porter will help when he gets back but for now, use Drew and Fred Taylor. They are great backs in this league. Garrard is not going to win games with his arm.




19.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team15.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/TB.gif[/IMG][/URL]No way should Brian Griese being starting over Jeff Garcia. Thats horrible. The Bucs should win 8-9 games regardless though.




20.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team25.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NYJ.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Jets are the most overated team in the NFL. Brett Favre is not going to be the savior of this team like everyone wants.




21.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team10.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/TEN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Titans are 2-0. Kerry Collins is a Trash QB in my opinion but they team as a whole is very solid. I don't see them making the post season this year and I would have them lower but they have not lost so its not fair to have them any lower then here.




22.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team20.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CIN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Its just a shame that the Bengals are ranked so low. This team is a mess. Marvin Lewis has lost control of this team and the locker room. I think its time for him to go. They will not move forward until either him or Chad whatever he calls himself today, are gone.



23.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team31.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CLE.gif[/IMG][/URL]Im shocked that the Browns have not played better football. They have some nice tools and I think they will improve and make a run at the playoffs. If they don't then Romeo Crennell may lose his job.



24. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team1.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DET.gif[/IMG][/URL]Great offense. No defense. Thats what happens when you draft WR's in the first round every year.




25.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team5.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SF.gif[/IMG][/URL]Sneaky team thats better then advertised. Patrick Willis is a beast and so is Frank Gore. Mike Martz has been great for this team so far. Big OT win against Seattle this week.




26.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team22.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/STL.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Rams need to start playing defense. Torry Holt and Marc Bulger are not getting any younger. Steven Jackson has been terrible since getting a bigger contract.




27.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team32.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/HOU.gif[/IMG][/URL]Schaub has the ability to play better and must do that for the Texans to be considered a legit team. Andre Johnson can't do it all himself. They also have no run game at all.




28.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team19.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SEA.gif[/IMG][/URL]Seattle has been killed with injuries. They have no WR core at all. Hasselback is aging and Holmgren may have worn out his welcome here. Not looking any better for next week either as Deion Branch is not going to play then either.




29.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team26.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/OAK.gif[/IMG][/URL]Looked pathetic in week one but showed some heart against the Chiefs in week two. Tons of inside problems and they may be looking for a new Head Coach soon. That would be a huge mistake for a team that has had no consistency as far as coaching goes for the last 6 years.




30.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team2.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/ATL.gif[/IMG][/URL]This team is bad. Very bad. They have some game changers here and there and may be able to steal a few more wins but no more then 3-4 win season for this team. And to think they could have L.T. instead of Vick....




31.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team3.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/KC.gif[/IMG][/URL]Lost to the Raiders. Enough said.




32.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team9.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/MIA.gif[/IMG][/URL]Miami is just a joke. No run game. No coaching. No nothing. They will have the worst record in the league again and may not win a game this season.

Darius Ali

[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/nwe.gif[/IMG]1. The New England Patriots top this first edition of power rankings and for good reason. Yes they lost the superbowl and yes Tom Brady may have a injured foot, but lets be real here. Any team that goes 18-0 and loses the superbowl in the last few minutes is not going to slip much if at all. Replay that Superbowl ten times and the Pats win at least 8 times. A healthy Randy Moss is returning with a long term contract. Brady is Brady, and the with the exception of a few loses on the Defensive side of the ball the Pats will be the favorites once again to win it all. Thier offense alone should get them 12 wins.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/dal.gif[/IMG]2. I'll put Dallas at number two to start the year. Romo had another year to fully grasp being an NFL starter and has a great relationship with Terrell Owens who is probably the second best WR in the game today. Marion Barber will be the feature back this season and he is a handfull. A big powerfull back who punnishes defenders. They will not lose in the first round of the playoffs this season.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/ind.gif[/IMG]3. The Colts with thier legendary offense are back with Peyton recovering from surgery and Marvin Harrison looking to put his offseason legal issues behind him. The Colts defense has improved over the years and vet safety Bob Sanders leads them into the new season. You can never count the Colts out of any game. There is no doubt that they are a top 3 team.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/sdg.gif[/IMG]4. San Diego has L.T. and the rest of the league doesn't. If Merriman can stay healthy and take care of his knee and Philip Rivers continues his improvement then the Chargers could be playing for a Superbowl this year.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/pit.gif[/IMG]5. Big Ben is healthy again and ready to go. Hines Ward is aging fast but with Willie Parker back at full strength the Steelers can make another run this season. They have a a team full of veterans. Thier O-line could be better but still good enough to propel them through the season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20York%20Giants.gif[/IMG]6. Giant fans won't be happy that NY is ranked this low to start the year but in all honestly I struggled to even have them this high. There are serious concerns on the D-Line where Osi Umenyiora is lost for the season with a knee injury and Michael Strayhan has retired. Eli Manning also needs to prove that his playoff run wasn't a fluke and that he can carry this team through an entire regular season with consistency.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Jacksonville%20Jaguars.gif[/IMG]7. The Jags found gold when they signed Jerry Porter this offseason. This gives them a true number one WR which they have lacked for awhile now. Porter had ups and downs in Oakland but honestly, thats Oakland. He has a ton of talent and should explode on the scene this season. The two headed running attack of Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew will once again be a force in the Jacksonville backfield.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20Orleans%20Saints.gif[/IMG]8. Adding Jeremy Shockey makes this already explosive offense even more potent. This is do or die for Reggie Bush to prove he wasn't a bust and the Saints certainly have the fire power to carry him even if he doesn't perform well.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Cleveland%20Browns.gif[/IMG]9. The Browns are an up and coming team after decades of mediocrity. Derrick Anderson played great last season and Braylen Edwards is establishing himself as one of the games best WR's. They were a blocked FG in Oakland away from the playoffs last season. Romeo Crennell will have this team ready to go.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Green%20Bay%20Packers.gif[/IMG]10. The Packers will not be devestated from the loss of Favre contrary to popular opinion. Aaron Rodgers will be just fine. This team was 13-3 last season and still has the main pieces. Very solid defense coming along with A.J. Hawk and Charles Woodson coming of a great seasons. Look for the Pack to win in the area of 10-12 games and get into the postseason once again.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Seattle%20Seahawks.gif[/IMG]11. Seattle got Julius Jones this offseason and he should help improve the run game significantly over last season. The WR core in Seattle is not looking good and with Deion Branch coming of surgery thats even worse for Hawk fans.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Philadelphia%20Eagles.gif[/IMG]12. IF McNabb can stay healthy then Philly could be a solid team this season. L.J. Smith is a great tightend and Brian Westbrook is resigned after his little holdout bid.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Minnesota%20Vikings.gif[/IMG]13. Adrian Peterson is already a top 3 back in the league and only going to get better barring injury. Adding WR Bernard Berrian from Chicago should help Tarvaris Jackson's develoupment. Jared Allen is in town and he helps the pass rush imensely.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Houston%20Texans.gif[/IMG]14. They have a very hard schedule to open the season. Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee away from home, followed by a Week Five matchup against the Colts. If they can go 2-2 then they will be ok. I like Schaub alot and Andre Johnson is a beast. Mario Williams is proving that he was worth the number one pick. Ahman Green is healthy and if he has anything left the Texans will surprise alot of people.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Tampa%20Bay%20Buccaneers.gif[/IMG]15. They won thier division last season but Jeff Garcia is a year older. They may have the best defense in the league but they have to get production out of thier offense. Its such a shame that Cadillac Williams has been hit with injuries. If the offense can put up 20 pts a game min they can win the division again but the Saints are going to be a force to deal with.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Carolina%20Panthers.gif[/IMG]16.They are only starting off this low because Steve Smith is out for the first two games after punching a teammate in practice. Good job Steve. They don't have a run game so they need thier best WR on the field. Julius Peppers needs to rebound from a subpar last season and he has all the tools to do that.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Washington%20Redskins.gif[/IMG]17. Jason Campbell had better prove this year that he is a capable long term starter. Clinton Portis is good for another 1200 yds and 8-10 Tds but he needs help through the air. Im picking them to pull off the upset against NY in week one.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Arizona%20Cardinals.gif[/IMG]18. Arizona has a new coach and all the weapons on offense to succeed. With Seattles decline over the last few seasons the Cards could jump up this year. Boldin needs to be kept happy though. They also need to protect, protect, protect, starter Kurt Warner. If he is pressured then its a turnover waiting to happen.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20York%20Jets.gif[/IMG]19. With Brett Favre in the mix the Jets have high expectations for this season. He must learn the playbook and fast. Thomas Jones is an above average back and the addition of Alen Faneca on the O-line is huge. The Jets should compete for a wild-card spot this season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Tennessee%20Titans.gif[/IMG]20. I hate putting the Titans this high because Vince Young is horrible in my opinion. But until they miss the playoffs, which they would have done last season had the Colts played thier starters in week 17, they will be right in the middle of the pack. LenDale White is a solid back and the Jeff Fisher is a very good coach. All thier sucess depends on Vince improving. This is do or die time for him. So far his stats have been atrocious.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Denver%20Broncos.gif[/IMG]21. The Broncos are also ranked so low because of Brandon Marshalls 3 game suspension. He is an up an coming star if he can stay out of trouble. I like Jay Cutler alot and Shannahan always has this team competing. No matter who they throw in at RB over the years, it has been successfull.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Detroit%20Lions.gif[/IMG]22. John Kitna is VERY underated and Detroit may make some noise this season. Although, they are Detroit. Nothing good ever happens there. They definetly have the firepower with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson but they lost Mike Martz to the Niners. We'll have to see how much that affects the offense. They also have a rookie in Kevin Smith starting at RB.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Cincinnati%20Bengals.gif[/IMG]23. Then Bengals should be so much higher on this list. Its a shame. I think Marvin Lewis has lost all control. The players walk all over him and the Chad Johson show has gotten out of control. They say they want to clean up thier act but they bring back Chris Henry? Yeah ok. Same old Bengals. Did nothing to improve a poor defense either.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Buffalo%20Bills.gif[/IMG]24. Everything rests on how second year man Trent Edwards performs. Lee Evans is a great and Marshawn Lynch is going to be a good one as well but they need good, consistent QB play. It doesnt help that they are in the Pats division either.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/St%20Louis%20Rams.gif[/IMG]25. The Rams had a horrible year last season but thier O-line was pretty beat up and injured. Bulger, Holt, and Steven Jackson are still here. If they can just get better play on the defensive side of the ball then they will drastically improve from last season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Chicago%20Bears.gif[/IMG]26. The Bears are finally going with Kyle Orten as the starter. A move they should have made two seasons ago. Devin Hester is back and will once again be a factor on special teams. The Defense will once again be among the leagues best but they have issues at the RB position after releasing problem child, Cedric Benson. Look for another down year in Chicago.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Baltimore%20Ravens.gif[/IMG]27. The Ravens are not going to win many games this season. Ray Lewis is on his last legs and thier QB position is a mess. Rookie Joe Flacco will open the season but without any legitimate WR options to throw too he will struggle. Joey Harrington and Troy Smith are the backups and niether inspires much confindence at this point.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Oakland%20Raiders.gif[/IMG]28. Well the good news is that the Raiders are no longer the joke of the league. The bad news is that they are still not good. They have a bright future with Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden though. Those two along with an improved Defense that was already pretty good will help Oakland improve once againg this season. Think 7 wins, which for the Raiders is ALOT.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Kansas%20City%20Chiefs.gif[/IMG]29. Kansas City gained Glen Dorsey but lost Jared Allen. As much as I love Herm Edwards, he just isn't a very good Head coach. Not going to be a very good year for Chief fans. Dwayne Bowe however is going to be a stud at WR.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/San%20Francisco%2049ers.gif[/IMG]30. The Alex Smith saga is over. He lost his starting job to.... whats his name again? J.T. O'sullivan? Wow. Does it get much worse then that? Well at least they got offensive wizard Mike Martz. Maybe he can pull 5-6 wins out of this club.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Miami%20Dolphins.gif[/IMG]31. Miami has nowhere to go but up. Chad Pennington should be able to improve thier record by a few games. Ted Ginn is explosive in the return game and should catch more passes this season. They have Jake Long to improve the line and a new head coach. 3 wins maybe?


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Atlanta%20Falcons.gif[/IMG]32. The Falcons are just horrible. Nothing reallly more to say. Matt Ryan is a rookie QB but is paid more then Tom Brady.................:scared:

Darius Ali