JOHN McCLAIN’S NFL POWER RANKINGS WEEK 1
1. Denver (12-4): The Broncos are the first Super Bowl champion to begin the next season with a quarterback who hasn’t thrown an NFL pass.
2. Carolina (15-1): Cam Newton and Co. should have revenge on their mind when they begin the season against the Broncos on Thursday.
3. Pittsburgh (10-6): The Steelers have so much offensive firepower they should be able to overcome any defensive shortcomings.
4. Seattle (10-6): A team with Super Bowl aspirations kept 15 rookies. Russell Wilson needs to have a running back to replace Marshawn Lynch.
5. New England (12-4): Even with Tom Brady missing the first four games, the Patriots should be good enough to dominate the AFC East.
6. Arizona (13-3): The Cardinals are a legit Super Bowl contender, but Carson Palmer will have to play a lot better in the playoffs.
7. Green Bay (10-6): The Packers have the NFL’s best quarterback, but they will go only as far as their defense will take them.
8. Minnesota (11-5): The Vikings might end up being better with Sam Bradford at quarterback, but they paid a steep price to acquire him.
9. Cincinnati (12-4): The talent is as good as any team in the NFL, but until the Bengals win in the playoffs, few will believe in them.
10. Kansas City (11-5): The Chiefs are starting the season with injury issues, but Andy Reid is a coach who can guide them through turbulence.
11. Houston (9-7): The Texans should have an outstanding defense and an improved offense built around Brock Osweiler and lots of speed.
12. Indianapolis (8-8): The Colts will rely heavily on quarterback Andrew Luck to work miracles with an offense and defense that are lacking.
13. Oakland (7-9): The Raiders are loaded at the skill positions, led by quarterback Derek Carr, and they could have a dominating defense.
14. Dallas (4-12): Dak Prescott has to manage the game and not commit turnovers. The running game will take pressure off him.
15. Washington (9-7): Kirk Cousins is playing for a new contract. Washington usually goes from worst to first when it wins the division.
16. Baltimore (5-11): The Ravens have quarterback Joe Flacco back to help them overcome all those close defeats they suffered last season.
17. N.Y. Jets (10-6): Ryan Fitzpatrick is under a lot of pressure to produce after he stayed away from cap and got the contract he demanded.
18. Jacksonville (5-11): Jaguars fans are going to be devastated if their team doesn’t have a winning record at the very least.
19. Atlanta (8-8): They started 5-0 last season and then collapsed with a 3-8 finish in Dan Quinn’s first season as their coach.
20. Tennessee (3-13): If Marcus Mariota can stay healthy to go with their power running game, the Titans are capable of finishing .500.
21. Tampa Bay (6-10): If Jameis Winston improves on his rookie performance, the Bucs could be a wild-card contender.
22. Miami (6-10): With Adam Gase getting his first head coaching job, there are high expectations for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
23. Buffalo (8-8): Rex Ryan is supposed to get fired after his second season if the Bills don’t make the playoffs? Really?
24. N.Y. Giants (7-9): A new head coach for Eli Manning, and the defense should be improved after an unbelievable spending spree.
25. New Orleans (7-9): As long as Drew Brees is healthy, the Saints can score against any team, but their defense is average.
26. Detroit (7-9): Jim Caldwell can’t afford another slow start like last season, or he could become the first coach to be fired.
27. San Diego (4-12): With Philip Rivers as their quarterback, the Chargers have no business having another record like last season.
28. Chicago (6-10): The Bears could be improved in John Fox’s second season, but losing offensive coordinator Adam Gase could impact them.
29. Los Angeles (7-9): The Rams will play rookie Jared Goff over Case Keenum sooner rather than later, and they will be in a losing mode.
30. Philadelphia (7-9): Switching from Sam Bradford to Carson Wentz could be a recipe for defeat because of the rookie’s inexperience.
31. Cleveland (3-13): The Browns are rebuilding under Hue Jackson and should be one of the worst teams in the league again.
32. San Francisco (5-11): Chip Kelly has all kinds of problems with his roster, beginning with an issue at quarterback with Blaine Gabbert.