NFL Power Rankings

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks for an open man during their preseason game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 1, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

(Sep. 1, 2016 - Source: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)

1) New England Patriots

The season opener at Arizona is going to be tough but the Patriots should be at the top of the division by the time QB Tom Brady returns from his suspension.

2) Green Bay Packers

With the return of WR Jordy Nelson, Green Bay’s offense should be even more explosive in 2016.

3) Seattle Seahawks

Marshawn Lynch retired in the offseason but the Seahawks still have one of the best defenses in the NFL, which makes them a serious Super Bowl contender.

4) Carolina Panthers

They should have won the Super Bowl last year and probably have the strongest team on paper this season.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are a popular Super Bowl pick, and their offense is one of the best in the league, but is the defense good enough to go all the way?

6) Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are fired up after the horror of last year’s NFC Championship Game and need another healthy season from QB Carson Palmer.

7) Denver Broncos

Denver may still have the best defense in the NFL but I think many expect more from QB Trevor Siemian than he can and will deliever.

8) Cincinnati Bengals

There is a good chance the Bengals will make the playoffs for the sixth straight year but what are the odds that they’re actually going to win a game in the postseason?

9) Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs will be a tough team to play, with or without RB Jamaal Charles’ return to action.

10) Indianapolis Colts

Last year I predicted the Colts to win the Super Bowl and I was way off. Am I ranking them too high again before the start of the season?

11) New York Giants

The defense will be better than last year and on offense there’s WR Odell Beckham. The NFC East is up for grabs.

12) Dallas Cowboys

Things should get interesting in Dallas if QB Dak Prescott can keep the Cowboys in contention while QB Tony Romo recovers from his back injury.

13) Minnesota Vikings

I think the Vikings gave up too much to acquire QB Sam Bradford (first-round pick in 2017 and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2018) but they had to do something with QB Teddy Bridgewater out for the season and plenty of talent on the roster.

14) Oakland Raiders

Anything is possible from winning the division to another losing season but the pieces are finally coming together for the Raiders. They may well be the surprise team in 2016.

15) Baltimore Ravens

With plenty of motivation to bounce back from a 5-11 season, Baltimore could have the last laugh in the AFC North.

16) Houston Texans

QB Brock Osweiler could potentially turn the Texans into one of the top teams in the AFC.

17) Washington Redskins

In 2012, I liked that the Redskins drafted QB Kirk Cousins in the third round in addition to first round pick QB Robert Griffin III. Last season showed why it was a wise move.

18) New York Jets

With the acquisition of RB Matt Forte, the Jets will be a playoff contender once again.

19) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars will not be a pushover like in previous years but will it be enough to end a run of five straight losing seasons?

20) New Orleans Saints

The Saints of 2016 look like the Saints of 2015; a good offense but the defense will let them down again and again.

21) Atlanta Falcons

Their fortunes will heavily depend on QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones but that’s not news, is it?

22) Philadelphia Eagles

This year’s second overall pick QB Carson Wentz becomes Philadelphia’s starter a little sooner than anticipated but the QB Sam Bradford trade to Minnesota was the right thing to do.

23) Miami Dolphins

As talented as QB Ryan Tannehill is, the Dolphins have yet to have a winning season with him behind center. Is this going to be the year?

24) Chicago Bears

The loss of RB Matt Forte isn’t going to make the Bears a better team in 2016. It looks like this is going to be another long and disappointing season.

25) Buffalo Bills

The Bills look exciting on offense but I don’t see them ending their playoff drought this season.

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If QB Jameis Winston can progress further the Buccaneers will cause one or the other surprise this season.

27) San Diego Chargers

Never count out QB Philip Rivers and the Chargers but I don’t see them making the playoffs this season.

28) Detroit Lions

WR Calvin Johnson’s retirement leaves a big void for the Lions but their passing offense will still be good with QB Matt Stafford, WR Anquan Boldin and WR Golden Tate; just not as good as it used to be.

29) Los Angeles Rams

The defense is still strong and talented but the offense will prevent the Rams from making waves this season.

30) Tennessee Titans

QB Marcus Mariota looks improved and so is the running- as well as passing offense. The Titans are headed in the right direction.

31) San Francisco 49ers

I wouldn’t even know where to start because this team could even be worse than last season.

32) Cleveland Browns

We know what QB Robert Griffin III can and cannot do. Let’s see how this translates to the Browns.