Preseason Power Rankings: 1-10

Victor Cruz

1. Green Bay Packers: Even with a 15-1 record in 2011, Green Bay succumbed to New York in the NFC Championship game, who as we know went on to win the Super Bowl. Led by reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' passing game is in a league of its own. The Green Bay defense on the other hand ranked dead last in passing yards allowed, receiving yards allowed, and total yards allowed. Drafting linebacker Nick Perry will only help this defense, which, on a positive note, led the league in interceptions (31). The NFC North appears to be even more competitive this upcoming season, but the Packers will find a way to earn the number one seed in the post season.

2. New England Patriots: Last season, New England came within a reception of the Super Bowl, but fell short to Eli and the New York Giants. However, the Patriots have been busy this off-season, eagerly signing Brandon Lloyd, Joseph Addai, along with rookies Dont'a Hightower and Chandler Jones. Tom Brady passed for 5235 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2011; with wide receivers like Lloyd, Gronkowski and Welker, he has a chance at duplicating these fabulous numbers. Entering the 2012 season, anything short of a Super Bowl victory would be considered a disappointment for this north-eastern powerhouse.

3. New York Giants: The defending champions had a quiet off-season, which only makes them more lethal. Though they do not top out at number one on this list, the Giants posses a great passing game as well as a spectacular pass rush. Breakout stars Victor Cruz and Jason Pierre Paul will only be more valuable in 2012. New York spent their 32nd overall pick on running back David Wilson in an attempt to replace Brandon Jacobs. A 9-7 record will likely improve by next season, and the Giants will look to become the 8th team in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Coach of the Year Jim Harbaugh went to work last spring, adding Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to a struggling offense. Now that Alex Smith has a lethal receiving corp, this 49ers offense could be dangerous. The offense may have been improved slightly, but everyone knows the best part of this team is their shut-down defense. San Francisco drastically turned their game around after the firing of Mike Singletary. In fact, the 49ers defense did not allow a rushing touchdown last season until Week 16. The NFC West is one of the most uncompetitive divisions in football, and San Francisco has enhanced an already stellar roster.

5. Detroit Lions: For the first time in his three-year career, quarterback Matthew Stafford managed to stay healthy throughout the duration of the season, playing all 16 games. This past first, run second team was spectacular last season, largely in part due to Stafford's 5,038 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Superstar Calvin Johnson is undisputedly the best wide receiver in the game today, and as he enters his prime, Johnson's best days are still to come. Detroit bulked up their O-line by drafting Riley Reiff with the 23rd overall pick. Even with big names like Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril, the defense struggled last season, sinking below the line of mediocrity. I doubt Stafford can up last years performance, but assuming he can stay healthy, Detroit will give the Green Bay Packers a run for their money.

6. Houston Texans: The Houston Texans, a new team to the NFL, finally showed fans how competitive they can be. For the first time since the franchises creation in 2002, Houston beat out a struggling Indianapolis and won the AFC South. However, the loss of Mario Williams, a leader on the field, creates a hole that desperately needs to be filled. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips helped the Texans go from worst-to-first defensively. DE Whitney Mercilus was a great pick in the draft, and is one of the most underrated rookies entering 2012. Andre Johnson and Arian Foster are both superstars, but it will be absolutely essential that Matt Schuab stays healthy if they wish to improve their 10-6 record.

7. Baltimore Ravens: Last season, the Baltimore Ravens proved they deserved the number one spot in the AFC North over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens did not do much to improve their roster in the off-season, but drafting Courtney Upshaw was quite the steal. Joe Flacco has yet to prove he is an elite quarterback, and until then, the Ravens offense will struggle to consistently put points on the board. Obviosuly, it is not the offense that Baltimore is known for, but instead their defense. Sadly, this defense is slowly crumbling. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis aren't getting any younger, and Terrell Suggs will not play next year due to injuries. Overall, this team will not be quite the same as 2011, but if Joe Flacco improves, Baltimore can make a deep playoff run.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: This young, inexperienced team has turned into one of the most competitive franchises in the NFL. Second year players like AJ Green and Andy Dalton need to lead Cincinnati back to the playoffs. The Bengals had yet another spectacular draft last April, selecting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, defensive tackle Devon Still, and guard Kevin Zeitler. The defense improved dramatically in 2011, and should only get better. The offense needs more experience before a Super Bowl win, and signing a veteran wide receiver this off-season will only help. No longer is the AFC north dominated by Pittsburgh and Baltimore. In fact, the Bengals' speed, youth, and drive will help them top Pittsburgh in the standings.

9. Chicago Bears: No team was more of a disappointment then the Chicago Bears. In the 2010 playoffs, Chicago earned the second seed thanks to a 12-4 record, and started 2011 at 7-3. However, after Jay Cutler suffered a season ending injury in Week 11, the Bears went 1-5, ending finishing the year 8-8. The Bears wasted no time in signing Brandon Marshall, a wide receiver with great hands. The Bears defense had trouble defending the pass, but was stellar in stopping the run. Chicago chose to draft defensive end Shea McClellin, a decent all around pass rusher. If Jay Cutler can avoid injury, the 2012 Bears team will be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Otherwise, it will be just another disappointing season.

10. Atlanta Falcons: The 2011 Atlanta Falcons finished 2011 with a 10-6 record, somewhat of a disappointment after a 13-3 record back in 2010. However, it is difficult to explain their sudden dip in production; Matt Ryan had the best season of his career, Michael Turner looked stayed healthy, Julio Jones played nicely opposite Roddy White, and even the defense managed to improve in several areas. Besides a slight increase in points allowed, the main thing that hindered Atlanta's success was arch nemesis New Orleans. Now that the Saints organization is in shambles, Atlanta should try and take advantage. Atlanta strengthened their pass protection when drafting center Peter Konz and offensive tackle Lamar Holmes. Atlanta's biggest signings were linebacker Lofa Tatupu and cornerback Asante Samuel. With New Orleans struggling, Atlanta should pounce on the opportunity for the number one spot in the AFC South.

Preseason Power Rankings: 11-17

Jason Babin

11. Philadelphia Eagles: The "Dream Team". That is what many people called last season's Philadelphia Eagles, hyping up a team that was destined to fail. Things were looking good; Michael Vick was coming off an MVP like season, the Eagles 10-6 record earned them the third seed in the playoffs just a year earlier, and newly signed cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were expected to improve an already intimidating defense. By the time Week 6 rolled around, Philadelphia was 1-4, having lost to the Giants, 49ers, Falcons and Bills. The Eagles were unable to get any type of streak going, losing to Arizona one week, and then defeating the New York Giants the next. Philadelphia may be spectacular on paper, but they have yet to put all of the pieces together. Drafting Fletcher Cox should give offensive linemen trouble when having to deal with Jason Babin (18 sacks) as well. Their consistency will improve by the beginning of next year, and they might even top New York in the standings.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Pittsburgh Steelers will not make the playoffs. Yes, you heard me correctly; the Pittsburgh Steelers will NOT make the playoffs. Sure, the defense ranked first overall in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed last season, but this defense is aging, and fast! Assuming Mike Wallace returns by September, the Steelers offense will slip to a sub-par scoring team, and they will have to rely a lot on their defense. Pittsburgh's franchise did not make much of an attempt to add youth to this defense, choosing to draft two offensive linemen in Mike Adams and David DeCastro. Pittsburgh wasn't even able to escape past Denver in last year's wild card game, proving how their dominance in the NFL is gradually slipping away. Ben Roethlisberger had more turnovers (22) then passing touchdowns (21), and he must be more reliable if he wishes to lead Pittsburgh back into the post season.

13. Denver Broncos: Out with the old and in with the new. In this case, Tim Tebow is considered the old, and Peyton Manning the new. It was announced last March that John Elway and the Denver Broncos were signing an injury inflicted quarterback named Peyton Manning. Manning had missed all of last season to a neck injury, and there is no guarantee he can play 100% in 2012. The Broncos on the other hand are coming off of an 8-8 season and a spot in the playoffs. There is no debating that Manning is better then Tim Tebow, so with a all-pro quarterback at the helm, Denver could be lethal. The Broncos have made strides on defense, and have a great running game as well. Manning's leadership skills will shine through while wearing the orange Denver jerseys, and he could make the Broncos one of the best teams in NFL.

14. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys were just one game away from the post season. Had they beaten the New York Giants in Week 17, a different champion would have been crowned last February. Dallas did little to rebuild their team, but they remain a dangerous playoff contender. Tony Romo had one of his best seasons statistically speaking, passing for 4,184 yards and 31 touchdowns. Dez Bryant and Miles Austin are two dangerous wide receivers, especially if both stay healthy. Demarcus Ware consistently sacks the opposing team's quarterback, and not much should change in 2012. Newly drafted rookie Morris Claiborne must be the shut down corner Dallas is hoping for, otherwise the pass defense will continue to suffer. New York is destined to come out firing, and the only way for Dallas to compete is to strengthen their pass defense.

15. New Orleans Saints: The "Worst Off-season" is quite obviously awarded to the New Orleans Saints. Not because of their lack of transactions, but because of the Saints Bounty scandal. The Saints organization lies in shambles after losing several players, their GM, and head coach Sean Payton. The Drew Brees contract negotiations continue, but it would come as a shock to everyone if this quarterback were not wearing black and gold this September. All eyes will be on Brees to see if his leadership skills can prevail. Last year's 12-4 record would be a stretch in 2012, but the Saints remain a legitimate contestant in the battle for a playoff spot.

16. Buffalo Bills: The Buffalo Bills are so close, yet so far. The mega-deal made between Buffalo and linebacker Mario Williams caught headlines everywhere, and he should make an immediate impact on this defense. The signings did not stop there, however, for the Buffalo Bills drafted corner back Stephon Gilmore from South Carolina. Offensively, the Bills will need more production out of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, or they will have to rely too much on their running game. Rushers CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson have one of the best running back duos in the NFL, and the two will be dangerous in 2012. The defense has made several strides, but the offense continues to lag behind. If a passing game is formed in Buffalo, they have a chance at playing in the Wild Card Round.

17. San Diego Chargers: A 4-1 start last season made San Diego appear to be the favorite to come out of the AFC South. Sadly, a 6-game losing streak stretching from Week 6 to Week 11 kept them from the playoffs. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 4,624 yards and 27 touchdowns, but the loss of Vincent Jackson will hurt his statistics in 2012. Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd has the skills necessary to be one of the league's best, and he must play spectacularly along side newly-acquired Robert Meachem. Ryan Mathews is an up and coming running back, and if he were to suddenly cool off, rusher Ronnie Brown would take his place. While the offense ranked well overall, the defense was mediocre at best. Rookie Melvin Ingram may not be the biggest linebacker, but he has what it takes to become an elite defender in the NFL. Consistency is the bug thing for this team, and a lot is on the line for Norv Turner; another season spent watching the post season at home and Turner will lose his job on the spot.

Preseason Power Rankings: 18-24

Andre Johnson

18. Carolina Panthers: The big news that came out of North Carolina last season was the superb season from Cam Newton. The clear choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Newton broke 10 rookie records, 12 NFL records, and 5 franchise records. Newton can do it all, wether it be a pass downfield to Steve Smith, or rush for a first down, defenses are absolutely dumbfounded by this young sensation. The running back trio, consisting of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Tolbert, is undisputedly the best in the league. Luke Kuechly is one of the best all around defenders to come out of last April's draft, and his impact will be apparent as early as Week 1. After Newton and their fabulous running game, though, there is not much depth on this Panthers roster. New Orleans has left the NFC South wide open, and if all goes well, Carolina might be able to slip into the number one spot.

19. New York Jets: If there is one team who has stolen all of the headlines this off-season, it is the New York Jets. Rex Ryan and company have a hard time avoiding the spotlight, and after signing quarterback Tim Tebow, not much had changed. Mark Sanchez appeared to struggle in 2011, causing the Jets to miss the playoffs at 8-8. This quarterback duo gives Rex Ryan an endless amount of plays and offensive setups to choose from. The Jets have shown they can compete (lost AFC Championship 2009 & 2010), but a horrible offense held them back. New York has one of the best pass defense in the NFL, led by corner back Darrelle Revis. Quinton Coples helps the defense, but the best rookie drafted is wide receiver Stephen Hill, who in many ways resembles Calvin Johnson. Defense will not be a problem, but if the Jets wish to compete in a competitive AFC East, the offense must improve immediately.

20. Seattle Seahawks: In the eyes of football fans, Seattle seemingly wasted a first round pick on defensive end Bruce Irvin, where several highly rated ends were still on the board. Seattle's defense could have used a rookie pass rusher like Whitney Mercilus, who ranked first in the nation in terms of sacks last season. For the most part, the Seahawks did a great job of shutting down the opposing teams offense (7th overall in points allowed per game with 19.7). Backup up quarterback sensation Matt Flynn finally has been given the chance to start, signed by Seattle in the off-season. Pete Carroll is dealing with a hit or miss scenario when coaching Flynn, for he has only started two NFL games. Receivers Mike Williams, Sidney Rice, and Kellen Winslow are three reliable targets for Flynn to choose from. Breakout star Marshawn Lynch proved to be a top running back last season, and has even high expectations to start off 2012. The Seahawks are on the brink of success; one final push, and Seattle can become one of the NFL's best.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Statistically speaking, the Kansas City Chiefs had one of the best pass defenses in the league. Shocking, right? Considering safety Eric Berry was injured, and that they ranked 27th overall in total sacks, it is hard to figure out how they did so well in this area. Brandon Flowers is one of the best shut down corner in the league, and had a lot of pressure to cope with in 2011. It is also strange how the offense has so many weapons, but they ranked 31st overall in points per game. Jamaal Charles and newly acquired running back Peyton Hillis will be a great new duo next season. The passing game on the other hand, with Matt Cassel leading the show, has weapons like Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster, and Kevin Boss. The Chiefs have made baby steps towards yet another playoff appearance, but several things must be fixed before that can happen.

22. Arizona Cardinals: Arizona may not have given star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald a top-notch quarterback this past off-season, but they did select receiver Michael Floyd with the 14th overall pick in the draft. Signing Floyd will draw defenders away from Fitzgerald, where as in the past, up to three corner backs attempted to shut down the star Cardinal. Kevin Kolb and John Skeleton will fight for the starting role throughout the duration of training camp, Kolb appearing to be the better option. Arizona's strength on defense was sacking the quarterback (7th overall). Otherwise, this group fell into the "average" category; not an outstanding defense, but not really the bottom of the chain either. Arizona could be next year's sleeper team, as was San Francisco in 2011. Once Kevin Kolb can consistently put up great numbers each and every Sunday, the 49ers may have a challenge inside their own division.

23. Tennessee Titans: Last March, Titans running back Chris Johnson tweeted he will lead the league in rushing yards by the end of 2012. This is the Chris Johnson that rushed for 2,008 just three years ago. However, this is the same Chris Johnson who was unable to score a touchdown up until Week 5 of the 2011 season. The Titans running back gained 10 pounds in the off-season, so it would not surprise me if there was a sudden spike in Johnson's statistics next season. The passing game has a new face in wide receiver Kendall Wright, a small, talented rookie from Baylor. Surprisingly, the defense held up well last season, not giving up many points to the other team. Tennessee could do a better job sacking the quarterback (31st overall in 2011), therefore helping their pass defense. The Titans came close towards a spot in the playoffs last season, and have a chance at duplicating their luck if Johnson turns his game around.

24. Oakland Raiders: Oakland missed out last April by not owning a single first or second round pick in the draft. As a result, the Raiders have officially fallen off of the radar. Running back Darren McFadden has had extreme difficulty staying healthy, so there is no guarantee he can play all 16 games in 2012. The Raiders lack a reliable wide receiver, which will only hurt quarterback Carson Palmer. The Raiders defense is not one who causes offenses to tremble in anticipation, which will most likely stay the same next year. I predict the 8-8 record of 2011 to only worsen by 2012. Oakland is many years away from becoming a Super Bowl contender, especially with so many holes needing to be filled

Preseason Power Rankings: 25-32

Percy Harvin

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised most football fans last season, after a 10-6 record back in 2010, you would think 2011 would not lead to a record of 4-12. Things are looking up for Tampa Bay, who, in the off-season, signed pro bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson, pro bowl guard Carl Nicks, and a brand new head coach by the name of Greg Schiano. Quarterback Josh Freeman (3,592 passing yards, 16 TD's) can throw to Jackson, presumably his number one wide receiver in 2012, or third-year wide receiver Mike Williams. Running backs LeGarrette Blount and rookie Doug Martin make up one of the most underrated running games in the league. Though they spent a lot of time upgrading their offense in the off-season, Tampa Bay has one of the worst, if not THE worst, defenses in the NFL. The Bucs ranked dead last in points allowed, rushing yards allowed, rushing touchdowns allowed, total sacks, and many other defensive categories. Newly drafted safety Mark Barron will not be able to resurrect this defense, and it appears the Buccaneers are several years away from a playoff appearance.

26. Washington Redskins: The Redskins were one of the more unpredictable teams in league last season. In Week 1, they fended off the Giants in Washington 28-14, but in Week 8 they were shut out by Buffalo 23-0. Hopefully, Robert Griffin III can turn around the Redskins organization. RGIII possesses arm strength, accuracy, and speed, the obvious first overall pick in most drafts. Griffin will have a great season statistically, and might even beat out Luck for Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, it will be exactly like the Carolina Panthers; a quarterback with great statistics but still not able to win many games. The Redskins might earn a few extra wins thanks to RGIII, but in no way are do I expect to make the playoffs.

27. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins may top out at 27 on this list, but they are still capable of making the playoffs in 2012. Reggie Bush finally lived up to his first-round-draft-pick potential last season, recording 854 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in a nine-week span. Unfortunately, this offense lost two key players in the off-season; running back Ronnie Brown and wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Chad Ochocinco and Davone Bess will not be able to fill the hole left by Marshall, nor can rookie Ryan Tannehill fix the problem at quarterback. The defense needs several adjustments, where linebacker Cameron Wake appears to be the lone star. Had Marshall and Brown stayed in Miami, the Dolphins would be a serious contender in 2012. However, with them gone, Miami must fight for the slightest chance at a playoff spot.

28. Indianapolis Colts: After many months of scouting reports and analysis, Andrew Luck is a part of the National Football League. Once he slips on the Colts jersey in September, everyone will be watching to see how Luck fares against a professional team. The Stanford alum's best wide receiver is Reggie Wayne, and I'm sure he passes to the veteran receiver throughout his rookie season. Even with Joseph Addai gone, running back Donald Brown has a lot of potential, especially after averaging 4.8 yards per carry in 134 attempts. The defense looked absolutely atrocious last season, ranking in the bottom five in most of the important defensive categories. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney (if signed) are the two best defenders in Indianapolis, but they cannot do it all on their own. The Colts are several years away from becoming a highly competitive team, but Luck should be able to improve last year's record of 2-14.

29. St. Louis Rams: Entering the NFL draft, St. Louis was hoping to select a wide receiver with their first round pick, preferably Justin Blackmon. Sadly, both Blackmon and Michael Floyd were taken before the Rams had the chance to pick. At the 14th overall spot, the Rams were forced to take defensive tackle Michael Brockers of LSU. Drafting Blackmon would have capped off an excellent off-season for St. Louis, which included the signings of cornerback Janoris Jenkins, wide receiver Steve Smith, and cornerback Cortland Finnegan. The defense in St. Louis should improve thanks to their two new cornerbacks. The Rams' offenensive star is running back Steven Jackson, who is coming off of his 7th straight 1,000 yard season. Sam Bradford needs to improve his game if St. Louis wants a record above .500. Otherwise, you can count on this team looking for yet another big draft in 2013.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars: At the 30th spot, the Jacksonville Jaguars are projected to finish in the bottom tier by the end of Week 17. Maurice Jones Drew is the star of this team, but unfortunately for Jacksonville, running games do not win championships. Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne will never be able to lead Jacksonville into the playoffs, and until the Jaguars sign a top-notch quarterback, the drought will continue. There is not telling if rookie Justin Blackmon can play well along side Zach Miller and Laurent Robinson, but Jacksonville's receiving corp has improved since last season. The defense looked good in some areas, not allowing many yards against opposing teams. If the Jags manage to have another successful draft next April, they could be a serious threat come 2013.

31. Cleveland Browns: Cleveland's long and tiring search for a quarterback continues. Colt McCoy was quickly booted from the starting role, and replaced by the 28 year old Brandon Weeden. Despite their lack of defensive weapons, the Browns faired well when protecting their end zone last season, ranking second in passing yards allowed. This impressive streak will surely come to an abrupt hault by next season, as once again, the Browns finish last in the AFC North. The loss of Peyton Hillis neither helps nor hurts this Cleveland offense, especially after drafting Trent Richardson with the 3rd overall pick. Trent will rush for 700 yards at most in his rookie season, and the Browns organization can not rely on their rookie running back to lead such a weak offense.

32. Minnesota Vikings: When looking at Minnesota's roster, there are several big names with big talents. Jared Allen was just a sack away last season from breaking the single season sack record held by Michael Strahan. His ferocity should carry over into 2012 as he leads one of the best pass rush defenses in the league. Adrian Peterson is a mega star in the NFL, even though injuries affected last season's statistics. After wide receiver Percy Harvin and quarterback Christian Ponder, the talent drops off. The Vikings defense may be talented when it comes to sacking the opposing teams quarterback, but they struggled in nearly every other defensive category. Matt Kalil should be able to protect young Christian Ponder, but the Vikings are many years away from the playoffs.

Preseason Power Rankings

     Ever tried to fill out a March Madness bracket? If so, you know what its like to make predictions even before the "games begin." There has been little news since April relating to the NFL, where football takes a backseat to the NBA and NHL playoffs. Now that most of the big names have been signed, we are beginning to get a sense of who will succeed, and who will fail come 2012. With the start of training camp less than two months away, The NFL Report will prepare you for another fabulous year of football with rankings and analysis on each and every team. Be sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!