Keeping it real
  • 06:05 PM ET  08.31
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I will probably get tired of doing this, but I will at least start out giving it a shot. I see all of the SI writers doing power rankings and I know they put a ton of work into it - far work than I will. But, I think it will at least start out as fun and hopefully lead to some good discussions and most likely some butt-whipping Throwdowns.

Some caveats.

  • No, I am not a sports writer. I just love football
  • These are based mainly on my opinion and how they looked in the game overall
  • I will use Peter King's tie breaker method: How will they fare on a neutral field?
  • I will use opposing teams winning % from 2006 until the halfway point
  • See caveat number 2
  • See caveat number 1
  • This is all in fun and designed to open some heated and legitimate discussions

So, here is my pre-season Top 10 Power Rankings. I am only doing 10 because I do not have the time and patience, or attention span to do all 32. I will try to keep this up all year, so wish me luck. I welcome constructive advice.

  1. Colts - Until they lose they are still the Super Bowl Champions
  2. Saints - Sean Payton is a genius and Brees looked good this pre-season. How are teams going to defend Brees, Bush, McAlister, and Colston
  3. Pats - Holy crap did they look scary this pre-season
  4. Chargers - Once LT starts playing, how good will they look then. The only thing that worries me is their coaching staff
  5. Steelers - Tomlin's defense is very scary. Big Ben looks decent. He looks improved over last season
  6. Cowboys - As long as they don't lose any starters they will be OK. Plus I'm a Cowboys fan
  7. Bears - Two words why they are not higher - Rex Grossman. They will only go as far as he will take them.
  8. Jags - They always look good early on and this is my "chic" pick to make some noise this year, until they collapse after about week 10 as usual
  9. Seahawks - I don't know, Holmgren always finds a way to motivate his team
  10. Eagles - Two words - Donovan McNabb. They will only go as far as he takes them.

On the bubble:

Broncos

Ravens

Rams

Bucs

Jets

Again, this is my list and my opinion. I did not, nor will I, try to match it to the SI writers. It may in some instances, but it is merely a coincidence.

Thanks for reading.
August 31, 2007  06:10 PM ET

BOO. Cowboys at six is ridiculous, Eagles should be ahead of them.

August 31, 2007  06:18 PM ET

You are going to take some heat on this one, Steelers at 5?

August 31, 2007  06:20 PM ET

Top 32 teams is what SI does

August 31, 2007  06:22 PM ET

On the bubble, Rams???? They have no D to go with that offense, looking at 6-10 or 7-9......

August 31, 2007  06:32 PM ET

Yeah, I like the Steelers at five.

August 31, 2007  06:32 PM ET

SI had them tied for 8th.

August 31, 2007  06:34 PM ET

Why do people keep saying the Bears will only go as far as Grossman takes them? The defense will determine how far they make it in the playoffs, just like last year. Grossman is just along for the ride. He doesn't have to play amazing every game, just limit his mistakes. Either way, the defense and special teams can carry the offense again if need be.

August 31, 2007  06:45 PM ET

I'm a steeler fan thru and thru. However even I have to admit that the Ravens are the team to beat in the AFC North.

September 1, 2007  07:45 AM ET

What happened to your Cowboys team against Houston?

September 1, 2007  08:50 AM ET

Not a bears fan, but Grossman is not what the bears are built around. He was not special last year and they made it to the super bowl.

September 1, 2007  09:05 AM ET

how did the patriots look scary?????

tom brady 346 yds 3 td 2int
welker 5 catches 60 yds
stall 4 catches 60 yds
adalius 7 tackles


whats so scary about that? those are the new stars...and moss ddidnt even play.

September 1, 2007  01:40 PM ET

You have under rated the Texans..TBL

September 2, 2007  12:20 PM ET

what....steelers at 5?...cowboys 6? how can you possible put those teams over the DEFENDING NFC Champs...i mean come on...who have the steelers and cowboys added this offseason to improve there team....tony romo is going to tank this season no way there getting past the eagles. the steelers are average at best but the ravens and bengals have them beat

September 3, 2007  03:29 PM ET

There is no way the Saints are the second best team in the league. They finished 10-6 in the pathetic NFC and got **** toasted in the NFC Championship Game. They are in the top ten, but no way do they crack the top 5. The Steelers at #5!? For a team that has a new coach and a banged up quarterback to be this high is ridiculous. They are probably the third best team in their own division. The Cowboys at #6!? The Cowboys are decent, but they also have a new coach, an unproven one at head coach mind you, and we really don't know what to make of Romo yet. He was atrocious at the end of the season after a tremendous start. Also, the Cowboys secondary was torn apart at the end of the year, giving up something like three or four touchdown passes a game. I'll give you credit though, you tried to make some bold picks, and you did, but you just didn't make the right ones.

September 3, 2007  04:39 PM ET

Steelers defense does look pretty darn scary this year and i think their offence will get going a couple games in also...

September 3, 2007  04:39 PM ET

I agree with the steelers defense looking scary this year and i think the offence will get going a few days in also..

September 3, 2007  04:51 PM ET

You just never know about the Jags. Garrard is a better QB, they could make some noise.

September 4, 2007  12:10 PM ET

I love the Steelers at 5. They have a great shot to win the division, but are overlooked.

September 4, 2007  03:43 PM ET

You guys are always forrgetting "The Raiders" whats up?

 
September 4, 2007  04:14 PM ET

That's because right now they are forgettable

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