As the NFL season gets closer, some of the biggest names in sports analysis bring out their “early power rankings” for the entire NFL. What about from someone who’s not an expert? (yet) Even better, what about from a female football fan?
Here’s my “Early 2019 NFL Power Rankings”
1. Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City losing Kareem Hunt during the season was thought to be a huge blow to the Chiefs as Hunt was the workhorse. That is until Damien and Darrell Williams took over and it was apparent the Chiefs running game was alive and well. Expect rookie Mecole Hardman to step up and fit right into this Chiefs aerial attack. With Patrick Mahomes looking to build off his stellar rookie season, the Chiefs lead the pack.
2. New Orlean Saints
If not for Patrick Mahomes near perfect season, Drew Brees may have won MVP. Brees threw for nearly 4,000 yards and had 32 touchdowns, with names unknown aside from rising star Michael Thomas. Brees is showing he can get it done with just about anybody and with him being nearly 40, expect the Saints to have an all or nothing mentality entering 2019. The biggest question will be is if the Saints can keep Alvin Kamara fresh for four quarters. When now-departed Mark Ingram was out for multiple games, the extra reps hurt New Orleans rushing attack. However, they’re use of draft picks to sure up the offensive line with Max Unger retiring and adding some depth to the secondary, the Saints could make some noise for the second straight season.
3. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams capped their impressive season with a trip to the superbowl, in which they held the New England Patriots to under 15 points. While Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp heal in the offseason and Aaron Donald somehow getting better every season, Mcvay will look to get revenge this season and make another run for the Lombardi. The Rams will need Jared Goff to improve from last season, but a healthier offensive line should help that cause.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Much like the Saints quarterback situation, the Charger’s star QB is getting up their in age and they’re looking to win and win NOW. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have made life a lot easier for Phillip Rivers, and so should a healthy Melvin Gordon. The Chargers defense has also heavily improved since drafting stud Safety Derwin James to pair with the likes of Joey Bosa, Casey Hayward and Melvin Ingram.
5.New England Patriots
New England rounds out the top five for a few reasons. Tom Brady while having a decent season, is starting to show he’s not as perfect as he once was. If not for a pass interference call, Brady would have thrown 4 interceptions during the playoffs. Losing Rob Gronkowski to retirement will leave Brady without his biggest security blanket. Trent Flowers is also gone off the offensive line. But, the Patriots did add N’Keal Harry and Demariyus Thomas in the offseason, a solid upgrade from the receiving core of 2018. Can the Patriots make a run for #7?
6. Indianapolis Colts
In one of the best stories of 2018, the Colts found themselves as the comeback kids. Led by Andrew Luck, the Colts stormed onto the scene with newly rejuvenated TE Eric Ebron and speedster TY Hilton. The offensive line was one of the best in the league and new faces Darius Leonard and Marlon Mack made immediate impacts. With Luck looking possibly better than ever after surgery, the Colts are on the rise.
7. Philidelphia Eagles
Desean Jackson is an Eagles, something Philly fans haven’t heard in years as Jackson has spent the last few seasons with the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jackson will join Alshon Jeffrey and healed quarterback Carson Wentz that could make for a dangerous trio on 2019. That along with Philly’s speedy defense could take them back to the playoffs to the third time in three years. They won it all in 2017.
8. Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson and Deandre Hopkins have incredible chemistry. So incredible that Hopkins didn’t drop a single ball in 2018. Hopkins is arguably the best wide receiver in football and is an instant matchup nightmare for any defense. JJ Watt continues to be dominant and a force to be reckoned with and if Watson can continue to improve the sky’s the limit for this Texans team.
9. Chicago Bears
Kahlil Mack continues to show Jon Gruden that trading him was a huge mistake. Mack was almost unstoppable in 2018 with 12.5 sacks and an interception. Mitch Trubisky will need to continue to improve, but let’s not forget the Bears were one missed kick away from beating the Eagles in the playoffs. The Bears drafted more offensive weapons for Mitch in Riley Ridley and Emmanuel Hall, and signed special teams stud Cordarrelle Patterson in the offseason. Coach Matt Nagy has tons of talent to work with and his defense should continue to be one of the best in the league.
10. Seattle Seahawks
While both Kam Chancellor and Doug Baldwin have retired from football, Russell Wilson has proved he can take over a game by himself. His unique ability to not only be agile as a runner but also throw as accurate as any top quarterback in the NFL makes him a dual threat that defenses struggle with. Adding DK Metcalf in the draft to replace Baldwin will give Wilson another weapon to use and make Seattle a favorite to make the postseason again.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offseason has been a trainwreck after losing both Antonio Brown and Leveon Bell. Two of their top three players now off the roster in April. Luckily for the Steelers that third best player is Big Ben, who’s shown he still has it. The Steelers also bolstered their weakest position in linebacker, drafting Devin Bush and Ulysses Grant. It’s now the Juju show in Pittsburgh who seems more than ready to step out of AB’s shadow.
12.Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins time in Minnesota thus far has been a rollercoaster. One week hes throwing for 300 and the next he’s throwing three interceptions. Cousins should have a bounceback year and has weapons Adam Thielen and Steffon Diggs and a healthy Dalvin Cook. The Vikings need to prove that giving Cousins 80 million guaranteed was warranted
13. Baltimore Ravens
Can Lamar Jackson improve as a passer? Jackson willed the Ravens to the playoffs with his scrambling and rushing ability but ultimately faltered come playoffs as his accuracy and touch hindered his ability. The Ravens defense is legit, and adding Earl Thomas only makes them more deadly.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Similar to Lamar Jackson, accuracy has been an issue for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. While Prescott has shown flashes that he can hit receivers in stride and the deep ball, he’s had games he barley threw for over 100 yards. While having an elite running back in Zeke Elliot helps take some pressure away from the offense, Dak and the Cowboys can’t rely on checkdowns to Zeke forever. The addition of Amari Cooper from Oakland has seemed to give Dak another high motored weapon, and Dak will need to take the next step to make the Cowboys real contenders again.
15. Green Bay Packers
With Mike McCarthy out, it’s now Aaron Rodgers team. Turmoil may have spoiled Green Bay’s season, but the Packers will look to get back on track with the Rodgers to Adams connection. The biggest question will be if the Green Bay defense can be as disruptive without pass rusher Clay Matthews, who was lost to the Rams in free agency. Packers first round pick Rashan Gary has some big shoes to fill.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan had one of the quietest seasons even with over 4,000 yards, thanks to the Falcons record. Julio Jones continues to dominate the game and with the dirty birds using their first two draft picks on offensive lineman to protect Matty Ice, their connection could get even more dangerous in 2019 while opening more holes for the rushing attack.
17. Cleveland Browns
The Browns had one of the most impressive offseasons to date. Freddie Kitchens brought in Odell Beckham jr, and revamped their entire defense. The Browns drafted Greedy Williams, a standout cornerback and added Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon to the defensive side of the ball. Did I mention Baker will now have both OBJ and Jarvis Landry to throw to? But, they need to prove all this talent can win football games, because pretty on paper does not count in May.
18. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had one of the worst meltdowns imaginable in 2018, losing seven of their last eight games after starting the season 6-2. To add insult to injury, Panthers QB Cam Newton required another shoulder surgery and could possibly miss some time in the upcoming season. If Cam comes back healthy and in former MVP winning form, He’ll have a stronger Christian Mccaffrey and fortified offensive line thanks to draft pick Greg Little. While Carolina has the pieces, Cam Newton’s recovery process will be the key factor.
19. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are one of the most interesting teams in the NFL. They have Jimmy G coming back from an injury, added DeForest Buckner, Joey Bosa, and Dee ford to their defensive line. Then, drafted wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd to compliment Marquise Goodwin. San Francisco under John Lynch has added the pieces to be a force in the league especially if the team can pick up where it left off in 2018, allowing only 19 points per game.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have went 5-11 two straight seasons while having one of the most prolific offenses in football. How, you ask? by negating the offensive magic with the worst ranked pass defense. Tampa adding Bruce Arians as head coach and Todd Bowles on defense, and drafting Devin White along with a new secondary could help right the ship. Losing Desean Jackson and Humphries will give Jameis more access to second year man Chris Godwin, and Jameis will need to prove he’s the face of the franchise entering his final contract year after a rocky beginning to his career with off field antics and turnovers.
21. Washington Redskins
At the end of last season, the Redskins looked like a broken team with no real starting quarterback and too many questions with not enough answers. Fast forward to today, and Washington looks like a sleeper team for 2019. Washington drafted quarterback Dwayne Haskins with their first pick in the draft and traded back into the first to grab pass rusher Montez Sweat who adds another big body to the defensive line. Then the Redskins added Haskins teammate at Ohio State, WR Kelvin Harmon and could have an impressive RB duo in Darrius Guice and Adrian Peterson.
22. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee has unleashed the beast that is Derrick Henry into the backfields of the NFL, but their quarterback continues to prove he’s inconsistent and injury prone. Since entering the league, Marcus Mariota has been injured in each of his five years as a Titan. Tennessee added some offensive line help in the draft and some more weapons for Mariota in AJ Brown and tight end Noah Fant, but if Mariota cant stay on the field, Mariota may find himself on a new team in 2020. In the final year of his rookie deal, Mariota must prove he’s the franchise quarterback.
23. Denver Broncos
The Broncos brought in former Superbowl MVP Joe Flacco from the Ravens and fortified their line through the draft, but Flaccos remarks of grooming eventual heir Drew Lock “not being his job” leaves a bad taste in Bronco’s fans mouths. Bradley Chubb and Von Miller continue to be one of the most dangerous dou’s in football, but Flacco will need to prove he can win or he’ll be replaced.. again. Lock could see some starting time if the Bronco’s start to lose, and his football IQ could be the fresh start Denver needs.
24. Buffalo Bills
Quarterback Josh Allen has won the hearts of Bills fans already, and rightfully so. Allen lit up the Minnesota Vikings after fans everywhere counted them out, and can hurt teams with his legs as well. The Bills added pass rusher Ed Oliver in the draft and also skill receiver Cole Beasley in free agency, bringing some life and optimism for Buffalo in 2019. Allen will need to minimize the turnovers heading into his sophomore year.
25. New York Jets
The Jets got tremendously better, and meaner in the offseason. Not only did the Jets land arguably the best running back in the league in Leveon Bell, they also added Linebacker C.J. Mosely and went on to draft Quinnen Williams and Jachai Polite to round out the defensive line. The Jets must capitalize on the talent they’ve been able to acquire and Sam Darnold must continue to improve after an okay rookie season. New York brought in new head coach Adam Gase, who immediately had issues with the Jets GM, who was just fired.
26. Detroit Lions
The Lions addressed their biggest needs in the offseason, offensive and defensive line. With Matthew Stafford getting older, the Lions can’t afford to have him taking so many big hits and needed to add some toughness on defense, and did so with Damon Harrison and Trey Flowers. The Lions will need to capitalize on the bolstered defense and get the most out of newest addition Danny Amendola if they want to make a run for the playoffs and avoid another harsh season.
27. New York Giants
With three first round picks, the Giants sure made them.. interesting. New York took QB Daniel Jones 6th overall as Eli Manning’s eventual heir, and then took two more defensive players in DL Dexter Lawrence and Cornerback Deandre Baker. This was after trading away their number one receiving threat in Odell Beckham Jr. In Fact, the Giants didn’t draft a wide receiver until the 5th round, having only Golden Tate and Sterling Shephard as their top threats. Saquon Barkley might spend another season behind a horrible offensive line and even less help to take the load off of him.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Foles is now a Jacksonville Jag, and the Jaguars defense still ranked in the top five total defense last season despite a 5-11 record. Turmoil with RB Leonard Fournette and lack of offensive weapons could mean trouble for Nick Foles. The Jags will look to return to their 2017 form when they nearly beat the Patriots in the playoffs, and Nick Foles knows a thing or two about beating Brady..
29. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finally fired Marvin Lewis. Andy Dalton is not getting any younger, and if the Bengals want to make the most out of the time Dalton has left in the league, they need to make a statement in 2019. A.J. Green continues to battle the injury bug, and John Ross has still yet to emerge as the deep threat he was meant to be after he posted the fasted 40 yard dash since Chris Johnson. Joe Mixon continues to be impressive, and adding OL Jonah Williams should not only open holes for Mixon but help keep Dalton upright.
30. Miami Dolphins
With Tannehill gone, Miami was all in on tanking for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft to get their quarterback of the future. Since then, Miami has traded for Arizona’s Josh Rosen after they drafted QB Kyler Murray first overall. Rosen had a rough rookie season and will look to start over in Miami. With the Dolphins coming out and saying they had their eyes on next years QB’s, however, it gives little hope for Dolphins fans for the upcoming season.
31. Oakland Raiders
Jon Gruden traded two of his best players away in Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack, traded for diva Antonio Brown, then with the fourth overall pick took Clelin Ferrell over OLB Josh Allen and LB Devin White. Gruden believes Derek Carr is a franchise QB and that newly drafted RB Josh Jacobs is their future RB, but everything Gruden has done since becoming HC has been a huge head scratch. Will Antonio Brown be the same way he was in Pittsburgh? Can Gruden use all of his picks to rebuild the Raiders into the championship caliber team they once were?
32. Arizona Cardinals
Kliff Kingsbury threw away second year QB Josh Rosen for 5’10” Kyler Murray out of Oklahoma, when they could have had DE Nick Bosa. Kingsbury made it known how much he wanted Murray and how “special” he thought Murray was. Arizona then drafted three wide receivers for Murray to have weapons, but the whole thing was extremely embarrassing. Arizona has to make Murray work or they’ll be the laughingstock of the NFL. Can Murray translate his success at the next level?
