Ebony Bird’s Offical Unbiased Power Rankings: Week 1

Before each week I will post the power rankings. For the first week I have based the rankings on what happened last season, in the draft, free agency, and what I saw in preseason. The first twelve teams are the teams that I predict to make the playoffs. At the end of each post I will leave links for all of my previous power rankings so you can see how teams have dropped and risen throughout the season.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers- As much as it pains me the Steelers are the #1 team as of now. They are defending champs with a stellar defense and a quarterback who knows how to win. Until proven otherwise, the Steelers are atop the NFL.
2. New England Patriots- Tom Brady is back and will be firing on all cylinders. With weapons like Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Golloway, and new tight end Chris Baker expect Brady to be back. The defense will only have to be mediocre as the high flying offense and sure running of Fred Taylor takes over games. 16-0? No. Far from it? No.
3.  San Diego Chargers– The Chargers will win their division. Led by an experienced Phillip Rivers and a revitalized LT the Bolts will have an electrifying offense again this year. Sorry for that pun. I know it wasn’t “pun”-ny. Sorry again. Shawne Merriman is back. San Diego will of course win the otherwise hapless AFC West and will storm into the playoffs full power.
4. New York Giants– The New York Giants are the definition of smash mouth football. They hit hard and blitz on defense. They run the football down your throat. However, if Spagnuolo’s departure affect’s this D, the offense better find a passing game or the Giants could easily find themselves slipping from the graces of a very competitve.
5. Indianapolis Colts- The Colts are without Tony Dungy, but they still have Peyton Manning. With a speedy defense and various targets on offense don’t expect the Colts to miss a step.
6. Philadelphia Eagles- I previously thought that the Eagles would be tops in the NFC, but the addition of Mike Vick made me think twice. Its not that Vick is a bad player, its just that he isn’t the best for the Eagles. Their offense was doing well and heading in one direction, but with the addition of Adam Sandler (Longest Yard reference) they have pulled a U- turn and now in a complete opposite direction.
7. Tennessee Titans- The Titans lost their season opener Sunday to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they showed that they haven’t taken a step back from last year. With their run and mentality the Titans are here for the long run.
8. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan is surrounded by many weapons and a solid defense. With the run power of Michael Turner, the big play potential of Roddy White, and the consistency of Tony Gonzalez the Falcons may be one of the best offenses this year.
9. Baltimore Ravens- The Ravens, despite what many prognosticators are predicting will be one of the best defenses in the NFL. Our front 7 are a very cohesive bunch that are effective. Ed Reed is our secondary. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice will lead us to having our first good offensive season in years. We will be there come January, fighting to play in February.
10. Green Bay Packers- Aaron Rodgers played great last year. He played great this summer. And he will play great this year. With their new blitz happy defense the Packers will be back to their 2007 form.
11. New Orleans Saints- I believe that this fire powered offense led by Drew Brees will finally have an adequate defense, and will head to the playoffs.
12. Seattle Seahawks- Emerging from the weakest division in the NFL the Seahawks will re-assume their position atop the NFC West. With Matt Hasselbeck healthy and the addition of T.J. Houshyomama, the Seattle offense will be just fine. The defense will get a boost from rookie LB Aaron Curry, and it will be enough to win the division.
13. Chicago Bears
14. Arizona Cardinals
15. Minnesota Vikings
16. Houston Texans
17. Dallass Cowboys (I’d love to say that was a typo, but…)
18. Carolina Panthers
19. Miami Dolphins
20. New York Jets
21. Washington Deadskins
22. San Francisco 49ers
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Buffalo Bills
25. Cincinati Bengals
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
27. Kansas City Chiefs
28. Oakland Raiders
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Denver Broncos
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Detroit Lions