With training camp just around the corner, it’s official: football is back. For those who consider the USFL and XFL as excellent substitutes for the NFL this spring, good on you. I certainly did not. Here are my NFL Pre-Training Camp Power Rankings.
In terms of the power rankings, they’ll be simplistic without too much in-depth analysis into each team. Throughout the coming days and weeks, I plan to release a full analysis with all 32 teams. Let’s just get the juices flowing.
32: Arizona Cardinals
So, Cardinals fans. How we feeling?
In all seriousness, Arizona isn’t going anywhere this season. DeAndre Hopkins is gone. Kyler Murray is out for at least the first half of the season. A first-year head coach in Jonathan Gannon having to deal with a subpar offense? Good luck. At least the defense isn’t that bad led by Budda Baker.
Matter of fact, is Kyler even going to be here long-term? I understand he signed an extension that is set to begin in 2024. But, with the Cardinals set to earn the number one overall pick in the 2024 Draft, is Caleb Williams the choice?
31. Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young finally solves the team’s quarterback issues for the next decade. Miles Sanders comes over from Philadelphia to lead the backfield. But, adding Adam Thielen and DJ Chark doesn’t make the receiver corps look appealing. D.J Moore is now with Chicago in the trade for Young.
Defensively, Derrick Brown is holding things down on the defensive line. Brian Burns and Shaq Thompson are a solid linebacker duo. But, the growing pains that come with a rookie quarterback who’s working with a below-average offensive line? Good luck.
30. Houston Texans
Like the Panthers, C.J. Stroud arrives as the savior at the quarterback position. So much for the Davis Mills era, right?
29. Los Angeles Rams
This is what happens when you sacrifice all of your first-round picks and you have no space. You get the Los Angeles Rams. The return of Cooper Kupp will only make things easier for defenses to contain this offense. Oh, and outside of Aaron Donald, who else do you have on defense?
28. Tennessee Titans
Drafting Will Levis made me strongly dislike this team’s front office. You drafted Malik Willis in the third round last year, and the best thing you could do is draft another quarterback. Heck, Ryan Tannehill is still there. Outside of Derrick Henry, you have nobody. Sure, Jeffery Simmons is still solid on the defensive side of the ball. But, all I see is a top-five draft pick on the way.
(DeAndre Hopkins was not signed prior to publishing. He is definitely somebody).
27. Denver Broncos
Don’t believe the hype of the arrival of coach Sean Payton to help Russell Wilson. Just don’t. Running back Javonte Williams is still battling back from an ACL injury, meaning free-agent addition Samaje Perine will be the starter. Patrick Surtain II is going to be a star for years to come. But, no amount of cooking from Wilson will lead this team to wins as long as he is under center.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
So, the solution to the quarterback position was Jimmy Garroppolo? How about next time, let’s not hire a former Patriots offensive coordinator (Josh McDaniels) to be your head coach and improve on the defensive side of the ball. Sounds good?
Also, just trade Davante Adams at this point
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I feel bad for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. In fact, I feel bad for everyone on the Tampa offense. Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback? Laughable. This team needs Caleb Williams more than the Cardinals do.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson will have a solid year as the QB1 for the Colts. Jonathan Taylor will have a bounce-back season. Losing Bobby Okereke hurts, and Stephon Gilmore was shipped off to Dallas. To make matters worse, the best free agent addition was a kicker?
23. Atlanta Falcons
Running back Bijan Robinson better show out in the first few weeks of the season. Otherwise, many fans will question why drafting a running back in the top ten was the right decision.
22. New Orleans Saints
Remember when Michael Thomas was good? No? Never mind, then. Signing Derek Carr to replace Andy Dalton was a good choice.
21. Washington Commanders
I am excited to see what Sam Howell will do as the starting quarterback. Seeing Brian Robinson on the field last year was inspiring. Can Chase Young bounce back and perform to his number two overall status?
20. Green Bay Packers
It’s finally Jordan Love‘s time. Yay.
19. New England Patriots
Seeing Christian Gonzalez land with New England was exciting. I like the addition of Juju Smith-Schuster in free agency. Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear number one back. You can always trust the defense to get you fantasy points. But, is Mac Jones‘s spot actually safe?
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth in the 12 personnel gives me goosebumps. Kenny Pickett is set to have a better second season compared to his rookie year. Joey Porter Jr. will have an outstanding career, and I have him becoming a top-ten cornerback in the next few years. Diontae Johnson will catch at least one touchdown this year.
17. Chicago Bears
Justin Fields shushed the doubters last year. Leading the team in both passing and rushing is no easy task. But, 1,143 yards rushing last season? Unbelievable. Add D.J. Moore to his arsenal, and it’s finally time for the Bears to own the Packers for the next few years.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s arrival adds to a wideout group led by D.K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. I still believe Geno Smith‘s 2022 was a fluke, but he could prove me wrong. The return of Kenneth Walker III at running back will be nice to see. Devon Witherspoon opposite of Tariq Woolen forms a potentially dangerous cornerback duo, which is needed to shut down Deebo Samuel and Cooper Kupp in the division.
15. Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a top-five wide receiver by the end of this season. Detroit’s secondary got so much better, they have a chance to sneak in and make some noise this year in the playoffs.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
Losing left tackle Cam Robinson for the first half of the season will hurt. But, Trevor Lawrence looks settled into the NFL after an outstanding 2022. Christian Kirk and Zay Jones are still here, and adding Calvin Ridley from the Falcons gives Lawrence a chance to have over 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns this season.
13. Cleveland Browns
Will Deshaun Watson show the Browns didn’t make a mistake by acquiring him? Nick Chubb is a solid running back. It’s Watson leading this offense I am worried about. Adding Elijah Moore at wide receiver doesn’t scream eye-popping. Their defense is scary, led by Myles Garrett and the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard‘s chance to be the lead back has finally arrived. But, as long as Dak Prescott is under center, this team isn’t going anywhere.
11. New York Giants
Drafting Deonte Banks was a great addition for the G-Men, addressing the cornerback issue opposite of Adoree’ Jackson. Daniel Jones got his extension and now must show the front office that his 2022 was a sign of things to come.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Alright, alright. They finally got some wide receivers in Baltimore. From Odell Beckham Jr. to Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson has some weapons at his disposal. Now, he doesn’t have to force-feed Mark Andrews all the time. Kidding. Not really.
9. Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the game. His rapport with Kirk Cousins is now more important than ever with the departure of Adam Thielen. They did add Jordan Addison to replace him. Is Alexander Mattison the answer at running back? I see this team making some sort of move to improve at this position by the deadline. Minnesota’s defense needs to improve from what was a disastrous 2022.
8. Miami Dolphins
Oh, if adding Jalen Ramsey to this defense isn’t dangerous then I do not know what is! Tua Tagovailoa has to stay healthy. Other than that, I expect big things from this team.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
It was an unfortunate end for the Chargers last season in the playoffs. But, Justin Herbert will still have his weapons in Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen. Don’t forget about the addition of wide receiver Quentin Johnston. I love their defense led by Derwin James Jr.
6. New York Jets
If Aaron Rodgers still performs at an MVP level, then all of the New York teams will be in the playoffs this season. Ahmad Gardner is a top-five cornerback. Most importantly, the wideouts finally have a solid quarterback!
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon is still the lead back in Cincinnati, agreeing to a restructured contract to stay. Joe Burrow looks to make a return to the AFC Championship game with his fellow weapons in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Orlando Brown Jr. was such a much-needed addition for the offensive line. Losing some key defensive players hurts, but drafting Jordan Battle at safety softens the blow.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Defensively, this unit is so dangerous. Nick Bosa is set to get paid very soon. It’s hard to find a hole in this team. The only thing preventing San Francisco from being higher on the list is the quarterback position. Will Purdy be healthy and ready to go by Week One? I wouldn’t count on it. That means entrusting either Trey Lance or Sam Darnold to lead this unit. Ouch. Can Christian McCaffrey stay healthy and play another full season?
3. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen. As long as he’s under center, this team will always contend for a Super Bowl appearance. Gabriel Davis‘s 2022 was such a disappointment, but at least Stefon Diggs is still there. Von Miller and Leonard Floyd will lead this defense along with Tre’Davious White at cornerback. I cannot wait to see Damar Hamlin back on the field.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
They have a bunch of Georgia Bulldogs on the roster. But, hey who am I to judge? After an outstanding season that saw them in the Super Bowl, the Eagles are set to dominate the NFC landscape and make their way back to the promised land for revenge. Jalen Hurts looks to add an MVP award to his name. Lost Miles Sanders? No worries for this team, as they add D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny to the equation. Don’t get me started on the defense. I am shivering in my boots.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Ah, the reigning Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. He proved last year he doesn’t need Tyreek Hill to succeed. Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are the best duo in this league. Travis Kelce remains as Mahomes’s top target and best tight end in the game. Will it be a running back by committee approach once again? Defensively, this team should be fine despite losing Rashad Fenton. I just don’t know who will emerge as the top wide receiver on this team. It’s not wise to trust Kadarius Toney or Marquez Vales-Scantling to fill that role. Maybe it’s time to call up DeAndre Hopkins? Regardless, this team will remain the best in the NFL until further notice. Because let’s face it. It’s Patrick Mahomes.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! My new podcast “Nate Ball” is coming out on Monday July 17th, 2023. Be sure to look out for the first episode next week! We will cover everything in the NFL, so don’t miss out!
