By Monte Perez
Pre-Season Football Starts on August 4th. A lot can happen before the start of the season, but here are The Sports Whisperer’s Top 10 NFL Pre-Season Power Rankings.
Honorable Mention:
Minnesota Vikings:
This team has talent on both sides of the ball. If Kirk Cousins doesn’t make big mistakes, they can win their division.
#10) Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles have a top 3 offensive line and a top 7 defense. If Jalen Hurts can take the next step at the quarterback position, this team can win their division.
#9) Denver Broncos:
For years the Broncos were without an elite quarterback. That changed with Russell Wilson coming over from Seattle. Wilson is a playmaker and that should make all the difference in the world for this team.
#8) Green Bay Packers:
The Packers have a top 7 offensive line and 2 very productive running backs in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion. Green Bay lost Devante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, but Rodgers is still an elite quarterback. Their defense could be a top 5 unit by the end of the year.
#7) San Francisco 49ers:
Trey Lance takes over the reigns under center for Jimmy Garoppolo. The biggest weakness on this team is injuries. Year in and year out this team can not seem to stay healthy. When they are at full strength they can compete with any roster in the NFL
#6) Cincinnati Bengals:
In two years, Joe Burrow was sacked 83 times. He was sacked 51 times in 2021. Despite a weak offensive line, the Bengals made it to the Super Bowl last season. Cincinnati has improved their line in the off-season, and I expect them to contend for the AFC North title.
#5) Los Angeles Chargers:
This team is filled with stars on both sides of the ball. On Defense, Derwin James, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Asante Samuel Jr. On offense, Justin Herbert, Mike Williams, Austin Eckler, and Keenan Allen. Rookie coach, Brandon Staley made a ton of bad calls during their games. If he can get out of his own way and let the team make plays, they could be a legitimate title contender.
#4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
I am not as high on the Bucs as most people. But their division is a mess. Too many question marks for the Falcons, Saints and Panthers. Tampa should win 12 games based on their weak division alone. You can never count out Tom Brady.
#3) Buffalo Bills:
Josh Allen is a legitimate MVP Candidate. Adding Von Miller will help a good Buffalo Bills defense be great. The problem I keep having for this team is their lack of a running game. If they want to advance to a Super Bowl, they can not rely on Allen to make every play. They must get production out of their running back position.
#2) Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs lost Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins but acquired JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Marquez Valdez-Scantling from the Packers. Creed Humphries is the best Center in the NFL that most fans do not know about. Kansas City has been to 4 straight AFC Championships. I expect Mahomes to put up legendary numbers this season by spreading the ball around.
#1) Los Angeles Rams:
What do you do after you win a Super Bowl? Well, if you are the Rams, you go out and acquire wide receiver, Allen Robinson from the Chicago Bears, and linebacker Bobby Wagner from the Seattle Seahawks. Sean McVay is the best coach in the NFL right now and this team is loaded with talent. Aaron Donald is still the best defensive player in the NFL and Jalen Ramsey is an elite defensive back. Cooper Kupp and Mathew Stafford are one of the best QB/WR combos in the NFL. This team could win back-to-back titles.
With the NFL season around the corner, and all teams now reporting, get season ready here!
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