Pats can take it from the top
You know who’ll be No. 1. As we delve into our initial, pretraining camp power rankings for 2017, there isn’t a lot of drama for who holds the top spot. The Patriots, who held the same standing in our rankings a year ago, had the type of offseason that makes championship aspirations not just realistic, but expected.
The question, of course, is which teams hold the best chance of knocking the Pats from that perch. For the most part, the contenders are from likely sources, and without question, someone will emerge from a lower rung and make things a little more interesting.
Until then, though, the rest of the league is in chase mode.
1. Patriots
The 19-0 talk usually doesn't start until the Pats rip off eight or more wins to start the season. It's only July, and there has already been about two months of it.
2. Falcons
A few reasons we do not expect a total Super Bowl loss hangover: The addition of defensive tackle Dontari Poe makes that line scary; Desmond Trufant returns from injury to sew up the secondary; speed still kills.
3. Raiders
If the Raiders win that showdown with the Pats in Mexico City — an early regular-season Game of the Year candidate — then home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs could be within reach.
4. Cowboys
Don't expect a sophomore slump from either quarterback Dak Prescott or running back Ezekiel Elliott. Combined with its dominant offensive line and solid defense, there's a lot to like.
5. Steelers
At a certain point, you have to wonder why this team is always hurt at key positions. Assuming better health, though, the Steelers will be right in the mix where they always are.
6. Packers
Signing tight end Martellus Bennett was a nice addition, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers locks this team in the top 10 until proven otherwise.
7. Chiefs
Even with the loss of Poe, the roster is strong enough for a deep playoff run. But one has to wonder if this is quarterback Alex Smith's last go, as the drafting of Patrick Mahomes could signal a major organizational shift.
8. Giants
No, the offensive line wasn't really addressed as it should have been this offseason, but the weapons for quarterback Eli Manning are drool-worthy. Don't forget this team swept Dallas last season.
9. Seahawks
This may be a little high, as you get the sense that the core group that went to back-to-back Super Bowls is coming apart at the seams. Still, this is still the best team in the NFC West.
10. Titans
A popular pick, yes, but for very good reason. The offensive line and running game is about as good as it gets, and new weapons at receiver in Eric Decker and rookie Corey Davis will make quarterback Marcus Mariota happy.
11. Broncos
No, the offensive line and quarterback play have been lacking. But the defense hasn't, so if either of the former make a leap, you'll see a bounce-back season.
12. Buccaneers
Speed everywhere shows that this personnel department knows what it's doing. QB Jameis Winston must improve his decision-making, though.
13. Saints
The offense should be even better than usual, which is saying something. The defense only needs to be mediocre to see this team in the postseason.
14. Panthers
One wonders how much more pounding Cam Newton can take. But running back Christian McCaffrey, a probable Rookie of the Year candidate, should help.
15. Dolphins
Coach Adam Gase has made some nice strides. The personnel is there for another playoff berth, but the O-line must stay healthy.
16. Texans
The defense is where it needs to be. The best-case scenario is rookie QB Deshaun Watson lives up to his vast potential.
17. Cardinals
There is still enough here to overtake Seattle. This could be QB Carson Palmer's last shot at winning something meaningful.
18. Lions
They got better with the retirement of Calvin Johnson. Improved health at the running back position could go a long way.
19. Eagles
The `D' should again be strong, and QB Carson Wentz is in a better position to succeed with the arrival of receiver Alshon Jeffrey.
20. Ravens
If receiver Jeremy Maclin gives Joe Flacco a reliable target, they can sneak into the playoffs.
21. Vikings
The additions of RBs Latavius Murray and Dalvin Cook should add much-needed pop to the offense.
22. Redskins
A solid roster here and QB Kirk Cousins has outperformed expectations, but one gets the sense the 'Skins will backslide.
23. Colts
Andrew Luck will keep this team in games, and rookie free safety Malik Hooker should provide an instant playmaking force.
24. Bengals
Will this finally be the year the bottom falls out from coach Marvin Lewis? It very well could be.
25. Chargers
They could leap forward, but face a battle in an AFC West that has better positioned teams.
26. Bills
The offense seems too onedimensional, and there are question marks at nearly every level of the organization.
27. Jaguars
Rookie running back Leonard Fournette will be fun, but it appears the franchise must move on from quarterback Blake Bortles sooner rather than later.
28. 49ers
New general manager John Lynch made a few interesting moves to help this team, but there's still a long way to go.
29. Bears
It would be a surprise if John Fox were still coaching this team a year from now.
30. Rams
The league's worst offense last year doesn't seem to have much of a shot at getting better.
31. Browns
Even if they'd somehow grabbed Pats backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo as it reportedly wanted, they would still not be anywhere close to contention.
32. Jets
There are some very good quarterback prospects in the 2018 draft class, and the Jets will get a chance to pick the best one.