A popular trend in the industry is to rank the top 32 teams before the first kick-off, even though there isn't much of a point. But this year, I'm buying into the hype, and giving you my official power ranking for this 2011 season.
1. Green Bay Packers
Try me. Tell me about all the off-season moves that the Eagles made this year. Tell me that the New England Patriots only lost three times last year. I don't care. Green Bay was a contender from game one last year. After losing so many key players to the IR like Finley and Grant and even losing Aaron Rodgers for a couple games, the Packers clawed their way to the big dance and took it all. They may not have made a big bang this summer, but they didn't need to. The Packers are getting back some of their top playmakers and now some of those guys who stepped up last year like Kuhn and Nelson get to be next on the depth chart. No need to build chemistry with new players either. Green Bay probably won't win two straight Super Bowls, but they are the team to beat right now.2. New England Patriots
If Rex Ryan hadn't spoiled the Patriots run last year, who knows where they would have ended up. Even though they had one of the best offenses in the league and had a 14 and 2 record, the Patriots still had some major holes to fill. Their defense was young, injury prone and horrendous last year, but they have made some huge moves to fill those gaps. By bringing in guys like Shaun Ellis, Albert Haynesworth and some other key defensive lineman, the Patriots are looking to address that pass rush they never had. They also significantly beefed up their secondary by bringing back their top cornerback Leigh Bodden from IR and grabbing Ras-I Dowling in the draft. The Patriots were one of the few teams that made some big splashes on the waiver wire while still re-signing their top free agents like Matt Light and Logan Mankins. Look for their new 4-3 fronts to get that pressure on the quarterback that they haven't had since Richard Seymore and Mike Vrabel left.3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is another team that didn't make too many off-season moves (notice a trend?). But in their case, they brought back their key players and even made a couple nice pick-ups such as Jericho Cotchery. Cotchery will be a great veteran in the dynamic Steeler offense. Look for the Steelers to dominate their weakening division this season.4. New York Jets
While the Jets have brought in some very exciting players this summer like Plexico and Mason, you have to also consider some of the players that they lost. The loss of Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchery will hurt the offence this year no matter how well the new receivers do. The Jets will have to find a replacement for Brad Smith in both the wildcat and kick return game. LaDainian Tomlinson has lost a step too, and Shonn Greene hasn't been the replacement that they hoped he would be. The Jets will have their struggles, but remember that other than New England, the AFC East is weak this year. The Jets will get their wins.5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons aren't going to have quite as good of a season as last year, but they are still solid. Matt Ryan leads the way with his new target in Julio Jones who will put on a show. If the Falcons can stay healthy at running back and use newly acquired Ray Edwards to get to the passer, they will do well this season.6. Indianapolis Colts
An injury plagued team and depleted O-line severely hurt the Colts last season. After gaining some fresh legs on the line and some key players back from injury, the Colts once again look to return to the group of elite this season. And let's face it; Peyton Manning is going to find a way to win no matter what.7. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are still a solid team, but their defense is aging, and they lost a key target this year. While Reggie Bush didn't play a huge part in the offense, he most definitely did on third down. Mark Ingram won't be able to replace that. 8. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have the best quarterback in the league on paper in Philip Rivers as well as an explosive awesome. The addition of Bob Sanders is sure to beef up their secondary as well. This has been a team with a history of starting slow, but always finishing strong. It hasn't been long since their last AFC Championship game either. Look for the Chargers luck to turn this year and their talent to finally shine.9. Philadelphia Eagles
Sure, you can tell me about about their offseason moves and the "dream-team", but I'm not sold. The Eagles will have success this season, but this is their rightful spot. As of right now, the Eagles are something known as "paper champs". There is chemistry that needs to be built and issues that need to be addressed. Let's face it too, Mike Vick won't be as good as he was last year. The concerns about Maclin are disheartening too, and Steve Smith isn't his 2009 self either.10. Baltimore Ravens
Up until the addition of Ricky Williams and Lee Evans, the Ravens had been pretty quiet the last couple of months. While these were too good pick-ups, don't look for them to make a huge impact. Joe Flacco needs to step it up this year and lead the Ravens past the Steelers for once. Until he can do that, the Ravens are stuck here.11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. New York Giants
14. Chicago Bears
15. Houston Texans
16. Detroit Lions
17. Cleveland Browns
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. St. Louis Rams
20. Minnesota Vikings
21. San Francisco 49ers
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
23. Denver Broncos
24. Tennessee Titans
25. Oakland Raiders
26. Miami Dolphins
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Arizona Cardinals
29. Carolina Panthers
30. Buffalo Bills
31. Washington Redskins
32. Cincinnati Bengals
