Colts, Patriots top preseason AFC power ratings,
1.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Key additions: WR Andre Johnson, RB Frank Gore, WR Phillip Dorsett (rookie).
Key losses: WR Reggie Wayne (unsigned), WR Hakeem Nicks, KR/PR Josh Cribbs, RB Trent Richardson.
Analysis: Colts QB Andrew Luck put his team on the cusp of winning the AFC last year before getting crushed by the Patriots in a game that will forever be remembered as part of the Deflategate scandal. Indianapolis improved its roster this year, specifically with significant upgrades at receiver and running back. The schedule also lends itself to claiming the top seed, given that the Colts are in one of the NFL’s weakest divisions and they play the NFC South.
2.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Key additions: DT Malcom Brown (rookie), S Jordan Richards (rookie).
Key losses: CB Darrelle Revis, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley.
Analysis: New England was poised to enter the season with plenty of uncertainty — Jimmy Garoppolo or Matt Flynn filling in during Tom Brady’s suspension — but an uncertain start is nothing new for the Patriots. They got a boost on Thursday, though, when a judge lifted Brady’s suspension, and even if they get off to a slow start, they are talented enough to rally back toward the top of the AFC. Furthermore, if TE Rob Gronkowski stays on the field, he can make any quarterback dangerous.
3.DENVER BRONCOS
Key additions: TE Owen Daniels, DE Shane Ray (rookie), OT Ty Sambrailo (rookie), TE Jeff Heuerman (rookie).
Key losses: WR Wes Welker (unsigned), OT Ryan Clady (injured), TE Julius Thomas.
Analysis: How many more years can QB Peyton Manning keep it going? There were times last season when it looked like he was nearing the end, but he is too intelligent and too accurate of a thrower to be written off. He also has plenty of weapons, including WR Demaryius Thomas, and it also helps that Denver is coming off a season in which it had the best defense in the conference.
4.PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Key additions: RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Bud Dupree (rookie), CB Senquez Golson (rookie), WR Sammie Coates (rookie).
Key losses: S Troy Polamalu (retired), WR Lance Moore.
Analysis: QB Ben Roethlisberger said the team is shooting to average 30 points per game this year, something only the Packers and Broncos accomplished in 2014. However, Pittsburgh was not far off that goal at 27.3. In a surprising reversal of Steelers tradition, the loaded offense is the key to this team’s chances at a Super Bowl, and the defense is trying to find its footing.