Preseason Edition

For many teams and their fans, July is a month made for optimism as every team has the same record and aspirations of glory. To truly put a meaningful power ranking out in July is a little ironic as no one has stepped on the gridiron yet. We’re pretty stoked to put a ranking together anyhow, as it not only is fun for some debate and discussion, but also gives a glimpse into teams that may be overvalued or undervalued when we look at wagers against the spread. We’ll pin these rankings so we can look back in February to see how we did.

1. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are the most balanced team in the league and have all of the pieces in place to make another run this year. Will there be any hangover from the blown call in the NFC Championship game? Hard to imagine Sean Payton and Drew Brees allowing that to happen. Does Brees have one more elite season left in him? He’s defied the odds his entire career, no reason to think he won’t do it again.

2. New England Patriots

If we had no history to go on we might start the Pats out around the five or six spot. But fool me 100 times and shame on me. Even if they’re not the most talented team in the league we’re not doubting that they’ll be right back in their usual spot of AFC champions. Speaking of aging quarterbacks, at this point we’re going to assume that Tom Brady is going to play until he’s 50.

3. Los Angeles Rams

The return of a healthy Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp along with some time for Sean McVay to plan for a new season should have this offense humming again. McVay and his staff will need to clear the head-trash of the team to avoid a Super Bowl hangover. This team just has too much talent on both sides of the ball and special teams to not be in the mix again this year.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

To be honest the Chiefs probably could have taken the number one slot in a preseason poll, at least based on the fanfare and media love they’re still getting. We struggled even getting them this high up despite Patrick Mahomes and the insanely fun and impressive season they had a year ago. The “potential” loss of Tyreek Hill is going to hurt this team a lot more than people think. Don’t be surprised if it takes the defense a few weeks to come together as a unit either.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

We’ve already received the hate mail about our drooling over Carson Wentz and this Eagle’s team in 2019 and we get it. This team could make us look foolish but we’re committed to them making us look really smart for a change. Wentz and the offense will need to put a lot of points on the board every week until they’ve proven the defense can hold up. Fly Eagles Fly.

6. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts went heavy in the draft on defense in an effort to bolster a unit that was already pretty improved the previous year. This team is solid across the board, however depth could be a big issue if they can’t stay healthy. An extra nugget for everyone: Marlon Mack is a guy you fantasy players are going to want to keep a close eye on this year.

7. Chicago Bears

The bread and butter of this squad is of course the dominating defense, but let’s not forget how Mitch Trubisky played a year ago. If Trubisky can go from quality quarterback to top-tier quarterback this team will be really tough to beat. Even though Tarik Cohen is clearly the better option at RB, the loss of Jordan Howard is a little concerning. We know the defense will show up each week, let’s see what this offense can do.

8. Los Angeles Chargers

The “other” team in L.A. is also poised for a deep playoff run if some things can fall into place for them. Philip Rivers can still fill a box score throwing down the field but the Chargers should really take the Denver Bronco approach late in John Elway’s career. Run the ball with with Melvin Gordon, play good defense let Rivers make plays when necessary. About that good defense… They could be right behind the Bears in that category.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Since we’re on a roll with defenses we’ll go with another really strong unit here in Dallas. This “D” doesn’t look that spectacular on paper but they really came together as a strong unit in 2018. Jerry Jones got the last laugh with the Amari Cooper trade and the ‘Boys hope that he can continue to make the passing game a threat to free up Ezekiel Elliot. Word has it Jason Witten looked fast and athletic during OTAs. We’ll believe it when we see it on the field, but you have to imagine he can help continue Dak’s progression.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Take it easy Browns fans; it’s just a preseason ranking that doesn’t mean anything. Call us old school but the bully is the champ until he’s been taken out. (Yes, we know the Ravens won the division last year). It’s understandable that people aren’t as hyped about the Steelers with Antonio Brown not on the roster but it’s very possible this team could be improved. Mike Tomlin needs to get them to clean their play up if they want to try to continue their dominance over Cleveland and the rest of the AFC North.

11. Houston Texans

The Texans could really be a sleeper team this year if they can do a better job protecting Deshaun Watson. Give them credit for investing their draft picks on the offensive line even if draft experts didn’t particularly like the players they took. The secondary is pretty thin and the defense could be a little shaky overall despite some big names, but if Watson can take the leap to mega-superstar this team can be competitive with anyone.

12. Cleveland Browns

When is the last time you’ve seen the Browns this high in an NFL power ranking? It’s all hype at this point and if you’re buying into it we can’t blame you. Even without the addition of OBJ this team would have been vying for a playoff spot. It looks like the Brownies finally landed their franchise QB in Baker Mayfield after two decades of trying. Potentially good offense and defense in “The Land”, but how will this team handle the pressure of being expected to win?

13. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are the easiest team to break down and evaluate in the entire league. This team is going to go as far (or possibly not go anywhere) as quarterback Kirk Cousins takes them. The defense needs to be more dominant than they were in 2018 but ultimately it’s up to Cousins to live up to the hefty contract he signed a year ago. Dalvin Cook staying healthy would also help both Cousins and the team’s hopes of getting back into the playoffs.

14. San Francisco 49ers

You have to be willing to take some chances on a preseason poll and we’re going to do that with the Niners. Coming off a lost season, this group is understandably flying under the radar of the media. There’s a lot to like about this team with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. This team is pretty talented overall with a fairly young roster, just don’t look too closely at the wide receiver position.

15. Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll just keeps doing an amazing job re-loading players every season at USC… err Seattle. It’s remarkable that the college-style approach that Carroll uses continues to be successful in his stint as the Seahawks head coach. This team is not remarkably talented like some of the previous groups, but they are a competitive bunch that will fight hard each week. We should probably mention that Russell Wilson is pretty good at winning games too. This team is 4-12 without Wilson at the helm.

16. Green Bay Packers

Some old faces out and some new faces in for the Pack as they usher in the Matt LaFleur era at Lambeau. Green Bay could absolutely climb up these rankings just because of Aaron Rodgers, but this seems like a good starting spot for them. There are three keys to their success this year: Keep Rodgers healthy, run the football well, and win inside their division. They have the potential to do all three, though the odds do seem stacked against them.

17. Atlanta Falcons

If you’re playing Madden or building a fantasy roster then the Falcons would be right at the top of your rankings. When it comes to a team actually competing for wins and losses on Sunday it’s a little different story. This team definitely has some weapons & some sizzle and should continue to move the ball well on Sundays. The defense should be improved as they get some key players back after an injury-riddled 2018 season. A bounce-back season is definitely a possibility.

18. Tennessee Titans

Marcus Mariota has now completed four seasons in the NFL and it’s still hard to decide if he’s a franchise quarterback or not. He has a lot to prove this year if he wants to remain in Tennessee even though this team is always hovering around the playoff line. The Titans made what could be a quiet and sneaky good move in the off season grabbing WR Adam Humphries to bolster the receiving corp. Let’s see if Tennessee’s ugly style of football can net them enough wins to keep them in the hunt.

19. Carolina Panthers

Other than testing the rehabilitation of Cam Newton’s throwing shoulder, there isn’t a ton of excitement to look forward to in Panther’s camp this summer. The offseason was fairly quiet, yet potentially productive, as the team focused on adding some younger playmakers to help a defense that struggled. Carolina needs some supplemental talent to assist their stars and most importantly a healthy Cam Newton.

20. Baltimore Ravens

Seeing Baltimore at number 20 just feels wrong based on John Harbaugh’s track record and how the team defied odds last season. They have to be at least a little concerned when they see a defense lacking the dominant talent they’ve had for the better part of two decades. Lamar Jackson’s development will ultimately determine if this team progresses or regresses. It’s an over-exaggerated and unfair comparison, but this offense almost resembles the “wildcat” phase that defenses caught up to really quickly. I’m a little worried going into this season if I’m a Ravens fan.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars

Nick Foles had an absolutely magical run with the Philadephia Eagles that was really hard to understand. If he can duplicate even a portion of that wizardry with the Jaguars they’ll have a good season. Call it a strictly gut feeling but this has bust written all over it. This offense isn’t great overall and Foles won’t have the luxury of working with guys like Ertz and Jeffery. Two things the Jags absolutely need to have if they’re going to win are a motivated Leonard Fournette at running back and a defense that actually backs up its big talk.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jameis Winston has made a lot of people say “WTF” throughout his college and NFL career, and this is a ranking that could fall into that trap for us. The frustrating thing about the Bucs is if they’d just clean up their play they’d end up winning more games than they lose. This defense has a lot of new faces on it which can’t be any worse than their injury plagued group from a year ago. Don’t make us regret this one Jameis.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

Not a lot of early love or high expectations for the Bengals, which may actually play in their favor in a hyped up division. They were dealt an early season “Bengal-like” blow losing their first round pick Jonah Williams for his entire rookie campaign so the offensive line could still be a problem. Despite that loss, this team should be able to put points on the board without too much trouble. What’s of equal or greater concern than the offensive line is a relatively inexperienced and very thin defense.

24. Denver Broncos

A veteran quarterback behind a solid offensive line with a stable of running backs. A defense that features three potential All-Pro players at key positions. The Denver Broncos certainly won’t be a pushover and should be able to play competitively week in and week out. So why are they starting the season so low in our rankings? The answer: This team seems to be built to compete in a league styled for 1989 and not 2019.

25. Oakland Raiders

We won’t know how good this Oakland team will be until we see them on the field, but they should provide some excitement for their loyal Black Hole fans. The Raiders are a potpourri of random players thrown together which generally doesn’t seem to end up well. Let’s assume new GM Mike Mayock and Coach Jon Gruden have a vision, but it just may be another year or so before we start to recognize what that vision is. Let’s keep an eye on that Derek Carr / Antonio Brown relationship throughout the season.

26. Buffalo Bills

The Bills were able to address their biggest weakness from a season ago by bolstering an offensive line that was abused regularly. That should provide a spark to the aging running game and allow QB Josh Allen to develop in his second season. If the defense can get any kind of pass rush going they should keep them in a lot of games. This team is headed in the right direction but needs another year of development and another good draft before they’re a factor.

27. Washington Redskins

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and the Redskins have been hit as hard as anyone. With a healthy Alex Smith this team could probably make a legitimate run at the playoffs. We’ll see how the QB position unfolds and if it ends up being a strength or a weakness for the Skins. Watch out for this defense in 2020; they are young and super talented.

28. New York Jets

The New York Jets have the most potential of our preseason rankings to climb up this list. If Sam Darnold can elevate his play to a high level this team will win some games. They showed some signs of life a year ago and added some recognizable stars to the roster. We’re just stubborn and want to make the Jets earn their way up the ladder through their play on the field, which they very well may.

29. Detroit Lions

The Lions revamped quite a bit of their offense and potentially could come together as a good group if rookie TE T.J. Hockenson can live up to his first round billing. The big concern with this team is the defense, which looks shaky at best. If you follow the Lions you know they’ll battle each week behind Matt Stafford; it’s just tough to see this team being competitive in the top-heavy NFC North.

30. New York Giants

We’re not even going to attempt to understand whatever the Giants vision for this team truly is. It’s very possible that Eli Manning will have a rough finish to his career and rookie Daniel Jones will have an even tougher go of it. The Giants may find themselves in a multi-year rebuilding mode. Unless Saquon Barkley can somehow run for 3,000 yards this season???

31. Arizona Cardinals

The Kyler Murray era will begin in Arizona and provides a lot more optimism than the Josh Rosen era did. Murray is the type of draft pick that can completely change the trajectory of a franchise. Knowing that’s how this team is viewed will make it interesting to see how he responds to that pressure. The Cardinals would be wise to try to lean as heavily as they can on veterans David Johnson and future HOF’er Larry Fitzgerald.

32. Miami Dolphins

The Adam Gase and Ryan Tannehill regime was like 14 years ago right? New head coach Brian Flores has his work cut out for him in what is the rarely-admitted rebuilding season. The biggest problem there is they most likely still don’t have their franchise QB, unless Josh Rosen can find a way to show them enough in his time there. That is if they don’t get infatuated with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s typical 2-game stretch of offensive dominance. The Dolphins could be occupying the cellar for most of this season.