NFL training camps are so close we can practically taste the blood, sweat and tears about to be shed. It’s the perfect time to reveal the first power rankings of the 2015 season.
So much can change between now and Week 1. Freak injuries during camp shake up the balance of power in the NFL every single year. Further muddying the waters is the simple fact that last year’s observations can only get you so far when projecting what will happen in the future.
With that in mind, here’s a cursory look at where each NFL team stands heading into training camp.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Graham makes Seattle’s red-zone offense unstoppable. His ability to dominate one-on-one battles in tight spaces will be a tremendous weapon for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks this year. Marshawn Lynch is the best running back in football and Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense confounds even the best offenses the league has to offer.
2. Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL—bar none. With Eddie Lacy in the backfield pounding defenses into submission up front, Rodgers will continue shredding secondaries, throwing to his talented and underrated receiving corps.
Green Bay has added some exciting defensive backs, and Clay Matthews is a dominant force no matter where he lines up.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Like Peyton Manning before him, Andrew Luck has the ability to carry the Colts on his shoulders. He might not have to this year, however, as general manager Ryan Grigson loaded up with some high-profile veteran talent. Andre Johnson and Frank Gore will be big players on offense, while Trent Cole’s pass-rushing prowess will boost a mediocre defense.
4. Dallas Cowboys
With Dez Bryant’s contract situation resolved, the Cowboys can now focus on football. Sean Lee must stay healthy for the defense to dominate, but with some added pressure from rookie Randy Gregory and Greg Hardy, this unit should frighten opposing offensive coordinators.
5. New England Patriots
Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Vince Wilfork all moved on. Tom Brady might miss some games if his suspension is upheld.
It’s not going to matter. Legendary head coach Bill Belichick will have the Patriots in prime contention to challenge for another Lombardi Trophy this upcoming winter.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome is the best general manager in the NFL, hands down. His ability to continue stocking the Ravens with viable talent is simply amazing. Rookie receiver Breshad Perriman complements Joe Flacco’s strengths to perfection, and Baltimore will be torching defenses through the air on a regular basis.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh’s offense could lead the league in a number of offensive categories this year. Ben Roethlisberger is prolific and now has the supporting cast to make another run at a championship. Look for continued development from Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton and Le’Veon Bell.
8. Denver Broncos
Never mind that Manning can’t throw 40-yard passes any more. His penchant for dissecting defenses before the snap gives Denver’s offense a chance to score 40 points on any given Sunday. Defensively, the Broncos feature a dynamic front seven and underrated secondary. The biggest concern is the team’s offensive line, which lost Ryan Clady to injury before the season.
9. Arizona Cardinals
The addition of rookie running back David Johnson makes Arizona’s offense quite intriguing. Combined with the arrival of veteran guard Mike Iupati, the Cardinals intend on bullying opposing defenses with a power-running game, which should open things up for Carson Palmer through the air.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s defense isn’t being talked about much in the national media, but the Eagles will be tough to score on this upcoming season. Provided Chip Kelly’s brash personnel decisions pay off, the Eagles will challenge Dallas for the NFC East crown.
11. Minnesota Vikings
It’s not surprising Minnesota’s defense has blossomed under the tutelage of head coach Mike Zimmer. Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr are two of the best young players in the league at their position. Teddy Bridgewater’s pretty good, too, and with the return of Adrian Peterson the Vikings offense will be formidable.
12. Miami Dolphins
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So much depends on Ryan Tannehill’s development for the Dolphins this year. If he continues to grow, learns how to read defenses pre-snap and cuts down on turnovers, then Miami has enough talent to legitimately challenge the Patriots this year. Ndamukong Suh will make the entire front seven better, meaning Cameron Wake could have a career year rushing the passer off the edge.
13. Atlanta Falcons
The arrivals of new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie pass-rusher Vic Beasley should provide a tremendous spark to a defense that gave up more yardage than any other team in the league last year. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan should also provide a boost, and his fresh perspective could mean great things for Matt Ryan and the team’s passing attack.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati has all the pieces to challenge Baltimore and Pittsburgh for the AFC North title—all but one. Andy Dalton is holding the offense back, but he’s the best quarterback the Bengals have. Unless Dalton learns to thrive under pressure, this team will continue coming close to greatness but failing to win when it counts.
15. Kansas City Chiefs
Opposing offenses are in for a terrific struggle competing against the front seven of the Chiefs. Kansas City’s defense will be downright dominant at times. However, Alex Smith and the passing offense isn’t explosive enough to challenge the top AFC teams on a consistent basis.
16. Buffalo Bills
Speaking of teams with all the pieces but one, Buffalo’s quarterback situation is woeful. It’s looking like EJ Manuel or Tyrod Taylor will be responsible for distributing the ball to the talented Bills receivers, meaning all that talent will be wasted. The team’s outstanding defense, guided by Rex Ryan, will keep Buffalo in games, but 8-8 could be the ceiling for the Bills.
17. Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly leads a front seven that can straight-up fly to the football. With the addition of Devin Funchess, along with second-year receiver Kelvin Benjamin, Cam Newton may finally have the weapons offensively to score points in bunches.
18. San Diego Chargers
Look out for rookie running back Melvin Gordon this year. He could win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award by a wide margin. If he does, and if San Diego’s run defense improves, then the Chargers could surprise a lot of people in 2015.
19. Detroit Lions
So much talent, yet so little discipline.
That’s been the knock on Matthew Stafford his entire career. With a completion rate of below 60 percent and 85 interceptions in 77 starts, he hurts his team almost as much as he helps it.
20. New York Giants
An offensive line that can’t block anybody?
Check.
A defense that can’t stop anyone from running the ball?
Check.
Mediocrity is in store for the Giants and their fans in 2015.
21. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers suffered one of the most traumatizing offseasons in the history of the NFL. A new coaching staff and overwhelming turnover on both sides of the ball means there are a lot of moving parts that must come together in a short amount of time.
That said, talent isn’t a problem. On both sides of the ball, San Francisco has playmakers, meaning Jim Tomsula’s squad could bust the national doom-and-gloom narrative squarely in the chops.
22. St. Louis Rams
Maybe Nick Foles is all that and a bag of chips.
Not likely, though, meaning the Rams are going to sink to the bottom of the NFC West once again, despite featuring an outstanding defensive front seven.
One player to watch, however, who could tilt the balance of power slightly is rookie running back Todd Gurley. If he comes back healthy after his ACL injury last year then St. Louis will certainly be formidable on both sides of the ball.
23. New Orleans Saints
Adding Browner was a nice move by the Saints to shore up a horrible pass defense, but he can’t rush the passer. Junior Galette was supposed to continue ascending, but he’s rehabbing from a pectoral tear and could even be released this summer.
On the other side of the ball, it’s going to be very interesting to see how head coach Sean Payton deals with the loss of Graham, who tallied 46 touchdowns the past four years.
24. New York Jets
It’s not encouraging for Jets fans that Geno Smith is the team’s best option at quarterback. Don’t be surprised if Ryan Fitzpatrick is called into duty early as Todd Bowles tries to get his team in order in his inaugural season as the head coach.
25. Houston Texans
Another team without a franchise quarterback, Houston will languish near the bottom of the rankings without one, despite J.J. Watt’s best efforts. It’ll be fascinating to watch the competition between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett unfold this summer on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
26. Cleveland Browns
Despite the fact Johnny Manziel is far from ready to take over as the starting quarterback for the Browns, there’s a good chance he’ll get his second chance this year. Josh McCown has put together nice stretches in his career but he’s JAG (just a guy). Neither quarterback is good enough to propel Cleveland to a winning season.
27. Chicago Bears
Until Jay Cutler proves he’s a real leader on the sideline and stops trying to force the ball into triple-coverage on the field, the Bears are going to be average on offense. Vic Fangio will improve the team’s defense, but Chicago needs to bring in more talent up front in the years to come.
28. Oakland Raiders
Sorry to break it to you, Raiders fans, but adding Trent Richardson and Michael Crabtree isn’t going to resurrect the team’s woeful offense. One good reason to watch Oakland this year, though, is the emerging linebacker Khalil Mack, who has that “wow” factor.
29. Washington
It might not be long before Washington surges up the rankings, given the overhaul new general manager Scot McCloughan put together in his first year at the helm. A lot depends on Robert Griffin III, who has struggled tremendously since breaking out as a rookie.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Nobody should expect Jameis Winston to lead the Bucs to a winning season as a rookie. While he certainly possesses elite traits as a passer, there’s a good chance he will lead the league in interceptions if he plays all 16 games, given his penchant for forcing the ball into coverage.
31. Tennessee Titans
Projecting Tennessee’s roster a couple years into the future provides an optimistic view of the franchise. However, the upcoming season is going to be a trying one for rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Titans. Another two-win total is certainly not out of the question.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
There are so many holes to fill on Jacksonville’s roster. Blake Bortles may have the talent to succeed in the NFL but he won’t get an honest chance to prove it until the Jaguars can protect him and provide him the weapons on the outside to thrive. Adding tight end Julius Thomas was a nice first step, but much more is needed.
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