Training camp is still two months away but it wouldn’t hurt to compile a pre-training camp/pre-season team ranking list right? Obviously, the New Orleans Saints are still top dog especially with the impending return of S Darren Sharper to the team. Sharper re-upped with New Orleans after signing a one-year $1.5 million deal. The Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings round out the top three. Check out our complete rankings below.
1. New Orleans Saints
With the return of veteran Sharper, the Super Bowl champs have kept the defense virtually intact.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts didn’t draft a running back to solve their rushing issues. Peyton Manning sure could use a reliable weapon in the backfield
3. Minnesota Vikings
Favre’s impending return has the Vikings ranked this high — don’t worry he’ll be back before the season starts.
4. San Diego Chargers
Lucky for the Colts they didn’t meet San Diego in the playoffs last year. The Chargers are the Colts kryptonite.
5. New York Jets
Rex Ryan’s defensive philosophy and toughness (or lack thereof because of all the crying) brought the Jets to the AFC Championship last season.
6. New England Patriots
We know Tom Brady will be ready to play but are the Patriots improved defensively?
7. Dallas Cowboys
Good sign for the Cowboys: they finally got past the first round. With Dez Bryant, Tony Romo has no more excuses this season for not getting past the second. No Jessica Simpson jokes please.
8. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay played a classic against the Cards in last years playoffs. The Packers bunkered up their protection for Aaron Rodgers in the draft.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Anquan Boldin will help the Ravens ugly passing game.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were surprising last season. Let’s hope Chad Ochocinco continues to keep his mouth shut for the benefit of us all.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Falcons barely missed the playoffs last season. They’ll improve this year with the drafting of Sean Weatherspoon.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
With McNabb out and Kolb in, I wonder how long ’til Michael Vick sulks until he is named the starter.
13. Houston Texans
Ben Tate will not make a sudden impact for the Texans but give him time and he’ll be a gamer.
14. Arizona Cardinals
Matt Leinart showed us a glimpse of how far he has come. Now he needs to show us he can be good consistently.
15. Tennessee Titans
Vince Young almost rallied the Titans to the playoffs last season. Instead of trying to play underdog and rally late, how about trying to play hard the rest of the way.
16. New York Giants
Jason Pierre-Paul is a long term solution to the Giants nagging problem with their pass-rush.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Without Ben Roethlisberger for six games? Don’t fear because Byron Leftwich is more than capable to hold the fort together.
18. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners look promising on paper. Wasn’t it too early to give LB Patrick Willis a five-year $50 million deal?
19. Miami Dolphins
The addition of Brandon Marshall was great. But it’s still not enough for the Dolphins to make the playoffs.
20. Chicago Bears
Interceptions should be a thing of the past for quarterback Jay Cutler. Oh yeah, they were also suckered into signing Julius Peppers.
21. Washington Redskins
Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb will face the biggest challenge of their careers trying to revive the Redskins franchise.
22. Carolina Panthers
Good news: Jake Delhomme finally out. Better news: Jimmy Clausen battling Matt Moore for the starting job.
23. Denver Broncos
Josh McDaniels better hope his defense doesn’t get figured out in the second half of the season again.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville had a great draft. Persistent rumors of moving the team should die down temporarily if they can win.
25. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks also had a great draft. Matt Hasselbeck is an underrated gunner.
26. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders still haven’t given up on JaMarcus Russell. May I ask why? (Yes I know he lost some pounds. It’s not like it’s gonna help him throw accurately)
27. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are completely lost having no quarterback, running back and O-line.
28. Cleveland Browns
Great move by the Browns to trade Brady Quinn and add Mike Holmgren.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Picking up Eric Berry is a long-term project. Well, so are the Chiefs
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Freeman looks promising. This season will be a learning experience for the young QB.
31. Detroit Lions
The Lions won two games last season — an achievement by itself. Ndamukong Suh should make an instant impact. It’s gonna be fun watching Matthew Stafford continue his progress.
32. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford has an experienced teacher in Pat Shurmur.
NFL Merchandise
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