NFL Week 1 Power Rankings and Preview

After roughly seven months, important NFL action is about to finally commence. The New Orleans Saints enter as defending champions and the Indianapolis Colts look to buck the trend of teams losing in the Super Bowl and struggling the following year. And the two conference runner-ups, the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC and the New York Jets in the AFC, also enter with high expectations. Not to mention, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to be the first team to host a Super Bowl and play in the game.

Before we get to the slate of games, time to unveil the first set of power rankings.

Week 1
1) Indianapolis Colts: They still have Peyton Manning at the helm and should win at least 12 games again. The health of key players besides Manning will ultimately determine if they can get back to the Super Bowl
2) New Orleans Saints: They are the defending champions and defeated QBs Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning to achieve that. They have almost the same team back and should contend again.
3) Green Bay Packers: It might be time to start talking about QB Aaron Rodgers as one of the best quarterbacks playing today. They look to have a dynamic offense and dangerous defense; both featuring players on the rise.
4) Baltimore Ravens: A team once known for its defense now has an offense that might be better. QB Joe Flacco and HB Ray Rice are starting to peak as young players and now Flacco has WRs Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
5) Minnesota Vikings: QB Brett Favre returns and as does hopes for another Super Bowl run. Not having WR Sidney Rice for at least half the year and WR Percy Harvin's trouble staying on the field lately might hurt their chances.
6) New England Patriots: It is hard to discount this team again this year as QB Tom Brady looks ready to make another run to the postseason and gets a surprise: the early return of his favorite weapon, WR Wes Welker. Their defense will be tested though.
7) Dallas Cowboys: They did not look especially sharp this preseason, but will get their prize addition, WR Dez Bryant, finally on the field. The pressure will high again and anything short of the Super Bowl might mean some changes.
8) New York Jets: They have shutdown CB Darrelle Revis back and will depend on their defense greatly if they are to match or exceed the expectations set by coach Rex Ryan. Look to '00 Ravens and '02 Bucs for examples of such defenses/offenses.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Their defense was much better last year as they won the AFC North and add WR Terrell Owens, who still warrants attention, and will open the field up for WR Chad Ochocinco.
10) San Diego Chargers: They are one of trendy picks in recent years, but will probably take a step back without key players like WR Vincent Jackson and OT Marcus McNeil. QB Phillip Rivers will be asked to do a lot more than in the past.
11) Pittsburgh Steelers: Call it a bit of stretch, but this team might not do as bad as some expect during the first four games without QB Ben Roethlisberger. SS Troy Polamulu is back and the defense will again be a strength.
12) Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryan should have a similar breakout year like fellow young QB Joe Flacco. This offense has a couple deep threats, a good run game, and have TE Tony Gonzalez for clutch plays. They might find themselves being able to challenge the Saints.
13) Houston Texans: Their offense was very good without a running game. HB Arian Foster has impressed many in the preseason and might give them a balanced attack to go with a defense on the rise. They look to have the potential to make their first postseason. Unseating the Colts in the division is another story.
14) Tennessee Titans: HB Chris Johnson will be as dynamic as last year, but this team will have QB Vince Young at the helm for all 16 games and that might mean a continuation of the late success they had in going 6-2 after a rough first half.
15) Miami Dolphins: The talk in the AFC East is all about the Jets and Patriots. This team has some young talent and not to mention adding WR Brandon Marshall give this team a great chance to succeed.
16) San Francisco 49ers: The retirement of QB Kurt Warner from the Cardinals has opened up the division and this team looks to be the team in the best position to claim the NFC West crown. Their defense should carry them while their offense develops.
17) New York Giants: Their defense collapses completely in December. They should be better under new Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell. Also QB Eli Manning helped develop multiple young WRs,who should be better this year.
18) Philadelphia Eagles: QB Kevin Kolb is still a work in progress and it is to be expected that the team will take a bit of a step back without QB Donovan McNabb at the helm. QB Mike Vick could be a wildcard on offense.
19) Denver Broncos: QB Kyle Orton is not a flashy quarterback, but is a highly capable one. Their defense will suffer a bit without DE/LB Elvis Dumervil, but QB Tim Tebow could be an interesting weapon on offense that gives them an extra dimension on goal line and 3rd and short plays.
20) Washington Redskins: Getting QB Donovan McNabb will improve their offense as their new OTs. TE Chris Cooley could have a big year. And even though DT Albert Haynesworth has been a major storyline; the defense should still be stout.
21) Arizona Cardinals: Losing QB Kurt Warner will cause a drop off, but there are still big time players like WR Larry Fitzgerald and enough weapons to keep them in games.
22) Carolina Panthers: QB Matt Moore will be on a short leash with QB Jimmy Clausen waiting in the wings. The duel running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, will be asked to carry much of the load for this team.
23) Jacksonville Jaguars: HB Maurice Jones-Drew should be solid. The questions surround defensive pressure and if QB David Garrard can stabilize the passing game.
24) Chicago Bears: Not too sure how QB Jay Cutler will adjust to the Mike Martz offense. If he throws half as many picks as last year, they might be a team that sneaks up on teams.
25) Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll has taken over at the helm and made a bunch of changes. QB Matt Hasselback looks healthy for now and have a handful of nice young guys.
26) Oakland Raiders: They took small steps late last year and during the offseason at improving the team. They might make a run at .500 this year after so many years of futility.
27) Kansas City Chiefs: They have a nice young nucleus after multiple drafts including 2010. Plus add in some veteran leaders like LB Mike Vrabel and the new coaching additions and this team might be a surprise team in the AFC West and around the NFL.
28) Detroit Lions: They have a nice young offense and an improved front line on defense. They might actually win more than 4 games this year if everyone is healthy.
29) Cleveland Browns: They have a more established quarterback starting, but still have several holes including that quarterback at times.
30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman should continue to develop and they should display more consistency on both sides of the ball while still struggling.
31) St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford showed good signs of things to come in the last couple preseason games and have a chance to win game 1 and inspire confidence this year.
32) Buffalo Bills: HB C.J. Spiller will certainly add something to their offense, but the rest of the team will struggle especially on offense.

Now to turn to Week 1's slate of games.

TOP 4 OF THE WEEK

Thursday Night Kickoff Game
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints: The Saints open up the Superdome for another season and the excitement would be high to being with. However, the team is unfurling their championship banner and celebrating their Super Bowl win one last time. The team they draw is the team they beat to get to the Super Bowl. And that guy Brett Favre is back for the Vikings. This has the potential to echo that 30-30 game last January. WR Sidney Rice will be out for the first two months and Favre will need to lean on HB Adrian Peterson and clutch passes. Favre had possibly his best year at age 40 last year and will have that stress on his mind. QB Drew Brees leads one of the most dangerous offenses and time well tell if the defense can put on an echo from a year ago. Regardless of how high the score is; it will be close. Field goal kick separation. PREDICTION: SAINTS

Sunday Night: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins: The Cowboys are coming off their first playoff win in over a decade and the Redskins begin the Mike Shanahan/Donovan McNabb era. This rivalry has been close despite the Cowboys having more overall success against the rest of the NFL. QB Tony Romo again will be under the radar to perform as he tests out his new weapon, rookie WR Dez Bryant. Expect a similar low scoring close game based on Washington getting used to some new plays and Dallas' less than dynamic offense so far. A big play could make the difference from defense or special teams. PREDICTION: COWBOYS

Monday Night: Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets: Rex Ryan goes up against the team that he helped craft on defense. LB Ray Lewis is not happy with Ryan and the Jets' bravado entering the season. The Jets' defense will ultimately decide the winner. If they can keep the Ravens out of the endzone, it will open the door for the Jets to score enough to win. That has to be the strategy because the Jets have to be kidding themselves if they think their offense is viable. Their run game will struggle and Baltimore's improved offense should fine the holes that CB Darrelle Revis cannot cover. PREDICTION: RAVENS

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans: There haven't been too many more lopsided series like this one. The Colts hold a 15-1 edge in the series. However, the Texans got one of those wins two years ago and came close twice last year to getting the better of their division rivals. The Colts are coming off a Super Bowl loss, but doubt that will impact this game at all. QB Peyton Manning should be able to use a full arsenal of receivers to outduel QB Matt Schaub and his strong arm and top target, WR Andre Johnson. The wildcard could be HB Arian Foster. He has gathered some hype as a breakout star and the Colts have struggled with the run in the past. However, Manning gets the Colts on pace for another strong year and torment the Texans once more. PREDICTION: COLTS


THE REST

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: This could be a hard-nosed AFC East battle. The Dolphins' offense with WR Brandon Marshall has the potential to take a step forward with a nice young quarterback in Chad Henne at the helm for the whole year. HB C.J. Spiller might provide some excitement for Bills' fans, but their offense does not look any better than last year when scoring a touchdown seemed like a stretch. PREDICTION: DOLPHINS

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: Both teams looked improved from last year as young guys like QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson on offense and a fierce defensive line have the Lions looking like a serious team while the Bears have a pass rusher in DE Julius Peppers and a new offense for QB Jay Cutler to run under the guidance of Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator. Cutler has a couple nice young receivers, who could begin to display their talent this week. This as the makings of a back and forth battle with some lead changes. The Bears get the last score. PREDICTION: BEARS

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans: Oakland, good luck slowing down HB Chris Johnson. He should cross the century mark and if QB Vince Young can protect the ball; this should not be that close. However, the Raiders could show signs if they are going to turn the ship around this year. PREDICTION: TITANS

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots: Both teams feature defensive question marks that accompany strong offenses. The Bengals made strides last year and will be pressed to duplicate that success while the Patriots have struggled on defense the last two years after having be their strength. WR Wes Welker's return could be a wildcard depending on how much he plays and how effective he is. He looked good in the preseason so that should be a strong indicator. QB Tom Brady is still a top quarterback and that guy WR Randy Moss is still a top receiver. Both are edges for the Pats over their contemporaries on the Bengals. PREDICTION: PATRIOTS

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers: Game 1 under QB Dennis Dixon. The Steelers will be tested on offense, but many are forgetting the defense is back to full strength and could be a difference maker. QB Matt Ryan might be poised to elevate his game in year 3 for the Falcons. He definitely has the quarterback edge over Dixon, but the rest of the team matchups are more important. The Steelers have also been strong at home in recent seasons. PREDICTION: STEELERS

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants: These ended their seasons last year as the Panthers embarrassed the Giants as Old Giants Stadium was being closed. It should be a different type of game this time around as the Giants' defense should be a lot better. QB Eli Manning has his core receivers back for a second year to mature them while QB Matt Moore has some questions around him including his job security. PREDICTION: GIANTS

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is a battle between two of the worse 5 teams. Both showed some signs of getting a little better during the month of December last year. I would say the play of the quarterback for the sake of its position will probably be a large factor. If one commits more turnovers than the other, it would be correlate to that quarterback being on the losing team. Should be interesting to see if KR/PR Josh Cribbs can break some big plays like last year. PREDICTION: BUCCANEERS

Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars: Both teams underachieved last year especially the Broncos, who started 6-0 and missed the playoffs. Not too sure how much he will play, but backup QB Tim Tebow will return to Florida and the area he is from for his first official NFL game. This should be a close game decided late in the 4th quarter with a deep pass. PREDICTION: BRONCOS

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles: Almost ironic that the team that let go of one legend quarterback plays another that let go of the best quarterback in their franchise history. QB Aaron Rodgers has panned out so far; the same might be said of QB Kevin Kolb, but not yet. The Packers are dangerous on both sides of the ball, but expect the Eagles' defense to be about as strong as usual and give the Packers' offense a few headaches. Eagles keep it closer than expected, but Packers have too many tools. PREDICTION: PACKERS

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford starts his official NFL career against QB Derek Anderson trying to reclaim some consistency at the position with a new team. The Cardinals are in transition as they adjust to life without QB Kurt Warner and WR Anquan Boldin, who was a redzone machine when healthy. The shaky play by both quarterbacks will keep this one knotted up to the end. It could be sloppy at times. The Rams are very capable of equaling their win total of 2009 in Week 1. PREDICTION: CARDINALS

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: The 49ers have a lot of buzz and if they are to win the NFC West it might as well start with the team that dominated the division in the mid part of the 2000s. Pete Carroll has reshaped the Seahawks this offseason and has put nice pieces around QB Matt Hasselbeck, who is a solid quarterback when healthy. The 49ers defense led by LB Patrick Willis could be the x-factor in terms of how difficult they make it for the Seattle offense. A statement game of sorts for both. PREDICTION: 49ers

Monday Night: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: San Diego kicks off another season on Monday night and they get an underdog in their division again. The Chargers barely survived last year's opener against the Raiders and something says this year will be a close one again as the Chargers adjust to a couple holdouts and some changes. QB Phillip Rivers is a solid quarterback, but not perfect. The Chiefs have been adding some nice young players through early draft picks and their special teams might be dangerous again like it was when they had KR/PR Dante Hall. The Chargers, though, have enough talent to outlast mistakes and a couple surprises from the Cheifs at home. PREDICTION: CHARGERS

Week 1 is finally here and there should be some exciting games and none more than possibly opening night when the Saints open their championship defense.