Full preseason NFL power rankings: Where the Falcons should rank
The team that the Atlanta Falcons opened up last season so disappointingly against.
The Philadelphia Eagles sneaked into the playoffs last season because of a dominant running game. This season they have added some key pieces, none bigger than A.J. Brown. You figure that run game will be back and now adding Brown with DeVonta Smith should upgrade their passing game.
Their defense, as always, will be led by their defensive line that should also get Brandon Graham back from injury.
Now that Russell Wilson has moved on from the Seahawks, is there any team that relies on their quarterback more than the Green Bay Packers?
Aaron Rodgers lost Davante Adams but added Sammy Watkins — not to say he has been a great player — as well as some promising rookie wide receivers, but come on, you would still rather have Adams.
Their defense has been quietly good over the past couple of years so they should be able to help out Aaron Rodgers enough to make them a competitive team.
Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill were a match made in heaven, but now they have been split up and that will have a big effect on how explosive the Chiefs offense can be, hence why they may be lower than some would think. Mecole Hardman needs to step up for them this year.
Still, they have Travis Kelce who has been the best tight end since Tony Gonzalez, so this offense will still be dangerous.
As for the defense, they played well down the stretch last season and the loss of Tyrann Mathieu may seem like a big hit but he was not that great last season, in fact, call me crazy but Justin Reid might be an upgrade at this point.
This is a team that you should keep an eye on, they are full of talent and could make a deep run.
Assuming everyone can stay healthy they have an offense led by Derek Carr — who is underrated — who has a ton of weapons with Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller. Those are some amazing football players right there.
They paired Chandler Jones with Maxx Crosby which makes for a pass-rushing duo that can rival anyone, but their secondary will determine how dominant the Raiders can be.
Yes, three straight AFC West in the top ten, with one more still to go. This division is filled with teams that were not afraid to make moves and it should be the most competitive division in the league.
Russell Wilson completes this team, for the most part. They have a great young running back and some talented pass catchers. Wilson will have a lot of fun, especially now that he has a solid offensive line.
Their defense was among the best in the league last year and there is no reason why they couldn’t duplicate that.