NFL power rankings.
NFL POWER RANKINGS
New England (13-3 last year):
It will always be the top Super Bowl pick with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady around.
L.A. Rams (11-5):
A popular Super Bowl pick after last season's stunning turnaround.
Minnesota (13-3):
Case Keenum took it to the NFC title game. Kirk Cousins is supposed to make the Super Bowl.
New Orleans (11-5):
The Saints are a Super Bowl contender in an NFC that's stronger than the AFC.
Pittsburgh (13-3):
The Steelers need running back Le'Veon Bell to make their offense work.
Atlanta (10-6):
The Falcons have balance on offense. They need the defense to improve.
Jacksonville (10-6):
The Jaguars never know if the good or bad Blake Bortles will show up.
Philadelphia (13-3):
The Super Bowl champions have Nick Foles at quarterback. He struggled in preseason.
Green Bay (7-9):
Even though Aaron Rodgers has returned, the Packers appear to be behind Minnesota.
Dallas (9-7):
To compete for the NFC East title, Ezekiel Elliott will have to do the heavy-duty work.
Kansas City (10-6):
It's essential for the Patrick Mahomes era to get off to a good start.
Carolina (11-5):
As long as Cam Newton plays well, the Panthers are capable of beating any team.
Houston (4-12):
Bill O'Brien's fifth season kicks off with road games against New England and Tennessee.
Tennessee (9-7):
New coach Mike Vrabel is under pressure taking over a team that won a playoff game.
L..A. Chargers (9-7):
The team plays home games in a stadium that's at least half-full with opposing fans.
San Francisco (6-10):
The 49ers might be good enough to compete for a wildcard playoff berth.
Detroit (9-7):
If the Lions discover a running game, they can compete for a wild-card berth.
Chicago (5-11):
The Bears might not make the playoffs, but they’ve improved significantly.
Baltimore (9-7):
Quarterback Joe Flacco has to stay healthy to help cover up a lot of weaknesses.
N.Y. Giants (3-13):
Quarterback Eli Manning has a new coach and a lot of new weapons.
Seattle (9-7):
The Seahawks will go as far as quarterback Russell Wilson can take them.
Washington (7-9):
There's a lot of pressure on new quarterback Alex Smith to win a playoff game.
Denver (5-11):
QB Case Keenum is trying to work some magic in the Mile High City like he did in the Twin Cities.
Cincinnati (7-9):
Do the Bengals interest anyone outside of Cincinnati? What about inside Cincinnati?
Arizona (8-8):
New coach Steve Wilks has a new QB and an old Larry Fitzerald, who improves with age.
Oakland (6-10):
Jon Gruden is getting a lot of criticism in his return to the sideline, but he's creating a buzz.
Miami (6-10):
This is Adam Gase's third season as coach. He's made a lot of changes on both sides of the ball.
Indianapolis (4-12):
If Andrew Luck can stay healthy for 16 games, the Colts have a shot at an 8-8 record.
Cleveland (0-16):
The Browns won't be a winless laughingstock again, but they still have a lot of issues.
Tampa Bay (5-11):
Without suspended quarterback Jameis Winston, the Bucs should start 0-3.
N.Y. Jets (5-11):
With a rookie starting quarterback in Sam Darnold, the Jets are destined to struggle.
Buffalo (9-7):
The Bills will go from a wild-card team to perhaps the league’s worst team.