The 2014 NFL season is just over 48 hours away, meaning it’s overdue that we begin to rank every team based on where they stand in their quest for the Lombardi Trophy.
Every week, XN Sports will rank every NFL team its power rankings. Here is the Week 1 edition based on each team’s 2013 campaign, their free agent additions and losses, draft and other offseason happenings.
1. Seattle Seahawks
They’re the defending Super Bowl champs, and they might be morphing into an even more dynamic offensive team. Look out.
2. Denver Broncos
The loss of Eric Decker and possibly Wes Welker hurts, but the offense could be more balanced and the defense looks poised to be an elite unit.
3. New Orleans Saints
The team added more weapons for Drew Brees, while Rob Ryan has assembled a very turnover-prone defensive unit.
4. New England Patriots
With Rob Gronkowski back in the fold, Tom Brady finally has a playmaker. This defense is re-tooled.
5. Green Bay Packers
A healthy Aaron Rodgers is all the difference, plus Julius Peppers gives the defense a complimentary pass-rusher opposite Clay Matthews.
6. San Francisco 49ers
This is a low position for San Fran, but so many losses on the defensive side of the ball due to injuries and suspensions make me worry.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
The team lost both coordinators, so we have to see how the offense looks under Hue Jackson and if the defense shows up without Mike Zimmer.
8. Chicago Bears
A healthy Jay Cutler at the helm should propel Chicago’s offense to among tops in the NFL. The defense is relying on a lot of new faces.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
DeSean Jackson is gone, and injury prone Jeremy Maclin needs to step up as a No. 1 receiver. Has the defense improved?
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
A revamped front seven on defense should allow the Steelers to return to what they do best.
11. San Diego Chargers
The Bolts addressed their secondary, which was a weakness in 2013. Can Philip Rivers continue to his ascension back to the “elite” group?
12. Baltimore Ravens
Gary Kubiak and Joe Flacco seem like a perfect pairing. Can C.J. Mosley solidify this defense?
13. Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne is back in the fold, but can the Colts find a running game? This defense doesn’t look better than mediocre.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan has a new left tackle and his top two receivers back. The defense is transitioning to a 3-4.
15. Detroit Lions
First-year coach Jim Caldwell should be a good presence for Matthew Stafford. The Lions could be primed for a surprising year.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lovie Smith is re-establishing the Tampa 2 in Tampa Bay. Will Josh McCown continue where he left off in Chicago?
17. Arizona Cardinals
The offense looks very, very dangerous, but there are a lot of question marks surrounding the Cards’ defensive front seven.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Smith doesn’t have many weapons aside from Jamaal Charles but their defense should be solid.
19. New York Jets
Will Geno Smith take a step forward with new target Eric Decker? Can the Jets overcome a weak secondary?
20. New York Giants
Will Eli Manning continue to struggle, and can the Giants generate a pass rush?
21. Miami Dolphins
What will the offense look like under Bill Lazor’s tutelage?
22. Carolina Panthers
A lot of losses in the Panthers receiving corps and offensive line, as well as the defensive backfield.
23. Washington
Is this the RGIII of 2012 or the RGIII of the 2014 preseason?
24. Minnesota Vikings
How long before the Teddy Bridgewater era begins? What impact will Zimmer have on the D?
25. Cleveland Browns
Johnny Football is looming in the shadows.
26. Tennessee Titans
Can offensive guru Ken Whisenhunt help Jake Locker live up to the first-round status?
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles looked legit in the preseason. He can be the spark this franchise needs.
28. St. Louis Rams
The loss of Sam Bradford hurts. The front four has the chance to be the best in football.
29. Dallas Cowboys
A lot of offense, but not a lot of defense. They’ll need to win in shootout fashion.
30. Houston Texans
J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney should be nasty. Can Bill O’Brien muster together an offense?
31. Oakland Raiders
Starting Derek Carr should help, but there are many questions marks on this team.
32. Buffalo Bills
E.J. Manuel is already in a make-or-break year. So far, it doesn’t look too bright.
