NFL Power Rankings a Week after Free Agency Started

It might be a little early for Power Rankings, but free agency and the draft is where you get a sense of what teams are trending up and which are headed in the wrong direction.

1) New England Patriots

They were the best team at the end of the season and believe it or not, they look like they have gotten a lot better over the past week.

2) Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons, of course, blew a 25-point lead in losing the Super Bowl. This is still a very talented team and they lost no players of any note.

3) Oakland Raiders

The Raiders lost players in free agency, but they were guys that for the most part should be easily replaced. Derek Carr will only be better next year and getting a running back would help. The defense needs to improve.

4) New York Giants

The Giants just may be the favorite in the NFC East if they can solidify the offensive line in the draft. The defense was excellent last year and the offense seems to be nearing take off.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are still loaded on offense and I expect they will make strides to fix the defense come draft time.

6) Dallas Cowboys

The retirement of Doug Free could be a big blow to this team’s hopes. Can Prescott repeat last season and can “The Boys” fix the holes in their defense?

7) Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks answered the running back problem by signing Eddie Lacy. Now the question becomes will Lacy get in shape? The Hawks need to address both the offensive and defensive lines if they want to contend for another Super Bowl Championship.

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs were close to making the playoffs last year and I think this is the year they make it. DeSean Jackson is a huge addition. Now, can Winston take his game to the next level?

9) Green Bay Packers

The Packers have Aaron Rodgers, the rest is a question of what are they going to do about a bad defense? Losing Micah Hyde does not seem like an answer. It is time Ted Thompson is held accountable. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm this team should be better than what they have been.

10) Kansas City Chiefs

This team has holes and they have probably reached the ceiling with Alex Smith at quarterback.

11) Tennessee Titans

I expect this will be the year the Titans break through and make the playoffs. A good draft moves them into the top 10 when I do this after the draft.

12) Detroit Lions

The offensive line is looking solid and if Stafford doesn’t get hurt last year the Lions would have won the division.

13) Denver Broncos

The Ronald Leary signing was huge for a bad offensive line. If they can get solid QB play they will be in the mix again.

14) Houston Texans

They are this low because they do not have a viable option at QB.

15) Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins improved their team in free agency, but to be a serious contender they need big time improvements on the defensive side of the ball.

16) Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens need to have a great draft. They will be very good on defense and they have a great head coach. More team speed is a must, but they know have a great safety combo.

17) Philadelphia Eagles

After a week of free agency the Eagles have some offensive weapons. Next up will be the draft. Will they be looking to add a running back? If they do they could get near the top 10 real soon.

18) Washington Redskins

The Skins have been a mess during this off-season.

19) Carolina Panthers

The Panthers brought back Peppers which will helps the defense. They still need to upgrade their defensive backs and offensive line.

20) Indianapolis Colts

The Colts’ defense is a mess, and until they fix it, they will continue to miss the playoffs.

21) Arizona Cardinals

Arizona is getting older as we speak. They better knock it out of the park during the draft.

22) New Orleans Saints

The Saints still have Drew Brees, and the defense was better last year. It wouldn’t surprise me if they climb this ranking page very quickly.

23) Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are seemingly a mess and I don’t know if there is a quick fix available.

24) Los Angeles Chargers

I think they are close to getting very good, very quickly.

25) Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals over the last two years have lost multiple pieces to a consistent playoff team. After looking like he might have a clue for five years it has now been confirmed that Mike Brown has no clue how to run a professional football team.

26) Jacksonville Jaguars

With free agent signings, it seems the Jags are on the right track. I will believe it when I see it.

27) Buffalo Bills

The Bills still have some pieces, but as of right now not nearly enough.

28) Los Angeles Rams

A couple of nice pickups in free agency. Maybe this team is finally on the right track?

29) Chicago Bears

Mike Glennon looks to be the Bears starting QB. With that being said, I might have them rated too high.

30) San francisco 49ers

This team still has a lot of holes, but they seem headed in the right direction.

31) New York Jets

The Jets have signed a long snapper in free agency. This team as always seems to be a mess.

32) Cleveland Browns

It would not surprise me if they are not at the bottom of this list much longer. They have made some moves.