2008 NFL Preseason Power Rankings
Jimmy Boyd gives his 2008 Preseason NFL power rankings below to give you a quick grasp of the teams that are expected to be the strongest in the league this season. Schedules and other factors come into play in terms of which teams Jimmy likes to win the Super Bowl so make sure you check out his 2009 Super Bowl predictions to see how he likes the biggest game of the year shaping up.
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#1
New England Patriots
The Patriots could have some major questions at
cornerback and on the offensive line, but with
some of the best skill players in football and
an easy schedule, New England could run the
regular season table again.
#2
San Diego Chargers
If healthy, the most complete roster in the
league should be smelling its first Super Bowl
in 14 seasons.
#3
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo knows he has to get the job done in
the postseason to validate a big contract and
his one of a kind talent. He'll break through in
2008-09.
#4
Indianapolis Colts
Colts have some health concerns with key
contributors Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney,
but they were able to win a lot of games without
them last season. Another strong season only
depends on Manning being under center.
#5
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags are looking to move up on this list by
nabbing a couple strong pass rushers in the
draft to make Peyton Manning uncomfortable.
#6
New York Giants
The defending NFL Champs are somehow flying a
little bit under the radar entering the 2008
season. This hard nosed, balanced team should
not be taken lightly.
#7
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger appears primed to enter the
elite QB ranks along side Peyton Manning and Tom
Brady. A killer schedule could leave the
Steelers on the outside of the playoffs looking
in however.
#8
New Orleans Saints
One of the league's best offenses will get some
help from a lot of new faces on defense,
including LB Jon Vilma and rookie DT Sedrick
Ellis.
#9
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are hungry and deep and ready to take
the league by storm. Again.
#10
Minnesota Vikings
Offseason homeruns with wide receiver Bernard
Berrian and defensive end Jared Allen have the
Vikes ready to win the North.
#11
Seattle Seahawks
Adding Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett will
revitalize the running game and leave the Sea
Birds at the top of the West again.
#12
Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb's health is paramount to
competing for a division title as the Eagles
have one of the most dangerous defenses in the
league.
#13
Tennessee Titans
The run game and defense will keep the Titans
competitive against any team in the league.
#14
Green Bay Packers
With it becoming increasingly clear that the
Packers don't want Brett under center, a drop
off is inevitable despite the returning talent
everywhere else.
#15
Baltimore Ravens
The defense will be back in 2008 and so should
the winning. Better offense is expected as well
under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
#16
Washington Redskins
The Skins add arguably the best pass rusher in
football, Jason Taylor, to a team which made the
playoffs in 2007.
#17
Denver Broncos
The Broncos underachieved in 2007 despite having
a team with 10-win talent. They should be better
in 2008.
#18
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The defense always keeps the Bucs in playoff
contention. Gruden has had trouble putting
together back-to-back winning campaigns in Tampa
though.
#19
Chicago Bears
The defense still has plenty of playmakers and
all signs point to it returning to form this
season, but it doesn't appear that the offense
will do much of anything with Rex Grossman or
Kyle Orton under center.
#20
Carolina Panthers
If Jake Delhomme is near 100 percent following
Tommy John surgery, the Panthers will compete.
Otherwise you'll see more of last season's
pathetic offense.
#21
Houston Texans
A tough division will keep Houston's improvement
from showing but this team is moving in the
right direction.
#22
San Francisco 49ers
With Mike Martz now in town to call the plays,
the 49ers are hoping to turn some heads.
#23
Cincinnati Bengals
There is still talent on this offense, but too
much drama for this franchise to only be
focusing on winning football games.
#24
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona must show it can win on the road before
I feel confident in this team making major
strides in the NFC.
#25
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are ahead of schedule in their
rebuilding process and could be a playoff
surprise if the offense comes alive. That's
likely another year or two off though.
#26
St. Louis Rams
Morale is low after a 3-13 season and it should
be as a backfield with Marc Bulger and Stephen
Davis is expected to deliver. If St. Louis
avoids the injury bug, they could undergo a big
turnaround.
#27
New York Jets
With major questions at the QB spot, the Jets
will be struggling to score points again as
teams continue to sit on the run against them.
#28
Oakland Raiders
Oakland is getting excited as 2007 No. 1 overall
draft pick JaMarcus Russell will be joined in
the backfield with 2008 top draft choice Darren
McFadden. They should be more fun to watch, but
they won't be ready to win many games yet.
#29
Atlanta Falcons
This team is starting from ground zero, but it
took a nice step in the right direction by
getting running back Michael Turner.
#30
Detroit Lions
Converting from a pass-happy attack to a
balanced one is a good move over the long haul,
but it's going to take some time.
#31
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have already taken major strides in
terms of personnel under Bill Parcells, but the
QB spot will hold this team back.
#32
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will take many bumps and bruises as
the youngest team in the NFL.
If you liked this article, you can also check out our 2008 NFL predictions article on who we see making the playoffs and our 2008 NFL Season Win Totals on which bets are worth making. We also have individual predictions article with our look at the 2008 NFL MVP odds and odds to win the 2008 Rookie of the Year.
August 7th, 2008