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