NFL Power Rankings – The Top 15

15. New Orleans Saints:

The offense should be explosive yet again while the defense has a chance to be solid. But health will determine how far they go because depth is an issue.

14. New York Jets:

Mark Sanchez was absolutely the right pick, but neither he nor Kellen Clemens is quite ready to be a championship-level starter in 2009-2010.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars:

David Garrard is a much better QB than he showed last year. If the o-line plays better as expected and gets the running game going again, the world will remember just how good Garrard can be in a hurry.

12. Chicago Bears:

They might be the best of a weak NFC North crop and Jay Cutler should be a star in the Windy City for years to come.

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11 Atlanta Falcons:

Between a healthier offensive line and the addition of Tony Gonzalez, the offense should take flight as Matt Ryan matures. The defense has a few holes but they feed off the home crowd well.

10. New York Giants:

The expected loss of Plaxico Burress will hurt more than the Giants let on, even though the running game is still fierce.

9. Carolina Panthers:

The stage is set for another title game run, but Jake Delhomme has to deliver and that could be a little too much to ask.

8. Arizona Cardinals:

Kurt Warner can’t keep playing like an MVP forever, can he? He might not have to this year for Arizona to contend as they make strides towards becoming a more complete team.

7. Baltimore Ravens:

Ray Lewis and other holdovers’ age deterioration and free agency losses continue to take their toll on the team but the offense should finally come around behind Joe Flacco this year.

6. Tennessee Titans:

QB remains a sticking point but this is a tough, physical team and LenDale White reported to camp in the best shape of his life which should allow for another banner year rushing the ball for Tennessee.

5. San Diego Chargers:

Philip Rivers has answered a lot of questions and the offense should be more than fine. Shawne Merriman’s health will determine the Bolts’ Super Bowl chances.

4. Indianapolis Colts:

Marvin Harrison is finally expected to be gone but the offense will reload with Anthony Gonzalez and Donald Brown stepping into big roles.

3. Philadelphia Eagles:

Donovan McNabb can have another MVP-type year with the types of playmakers he’s now surrounded by in Philly. But Brian Westbrook’s health is a potential concern.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers:

Expect a vintage tough, smart, well-rounded Steelers squad in 2009-2010. Rashard Mendenhall could add even more power to the run game if he comes back healthy.

1. New England Patriots:

They went 11-5 last year without Tom Brady and didn’t make the playoffs. Now that Brady’s back, expect arguably the league’s most talented team to be extremely motivated to finish what they started in 2007 with a Super Bowl win.