After losing in a 31-17 game during Super Bowl XLIV to the New Orleans Saints, the Indianapolis Colts are listed as the number one contenders in front of the Saints; but where do the rest fall?
According to several ESPN writers the top five are rounded out by the Vikings (where Brett Favre was waiting to announce his return), Cowboys (who are ready to get a “home game” Super Bowl win and the Baltimore Ravens (who firmly believe that they possess a turbo powered offense).
Sitting at number six among those polled are the Packers who need a little more pass protection for their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers and the number 7 position goes to the New York Jets who now have 12 of the position players from the Pro Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons have been put in position 8 since running back Michael Turner is now healthy and in good condition.
Position 9 has been given to the Patriots as it seems that Tom Brady may just be capable of keeping the team ahead of the rest of the AFC teams. In spot 10 we have the San Diego Chargers, although if they had Vincent Jackson the spot may be a little more secure. At number 11 sits the Cincinnati Bengals and number 12 goes to the San Francisco 49ers that finally have a strong defense and providing quarterback Alex Smith is up to the challenge.
Number 13 is being assigned to the Dolphins where Chad Henne is about to see if is able to go up against the other big boys of the AFC East. At 14 are the Houston Texans where their passing defense will play a big part in their fate. Position 15 goes to the Cardinals and at 16 the Giants will need to straighten out their problems with the defense in order to remain in contention.
Ranked at number 17 the Philadelphia Eagles show lots of talent but their schedule is what is lowering their ranking. Showing good offensive skills the Tennessee Titans have been placed at number 18 and position 19 goes to the Steelers while there is some doubt that those first games without Ben Roethlisberger could have a huge affect on the season. Position 20 has been given to the Redskins where new quarterback Donovan McNabb will most likely add at least one touchdown for each game.
At 21 sits the Chicago Bears, 22 goes to the Carolina Panthers who have the youngest roster in the NFL and 23 has been assigned to the Denver Broncos. Spot 24 has been saved for the Raiders and 25 goes to the Seattle Seahawks although the original expectations for Whitehurst were dampened when they started practicing. Number 26 has been set for the Jaguars, 27 is reserved for the K.C. Chiefs where it is hoped that Eric Berry can offer some immediate help.
The Cleveland Browns are currently in 28th place by those polled followed by the Detroit Lions, who have no where to go except up, at number 29. The Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams are 30, 31 and 32 respectively.
