ESPN's NFL Power Rankings for 2005

[Ilmater]

Here is the story.

The ranks are:

1. Patriots
2. Eagles
3. Colts
4. Broncos
5. Chiefs
6. Seahawks
7. Falcons
8. Panthers
9. Ravens
10. Titans
11. Dolphins
12. Packers
13. Vikings
14. Rams
15. Cowboys
16. Buccaneers
17. Bengals
18. Redskins
19. Raiders
20. Jaguars
21. Bears
22. Saints
23. Bills
24. Jets
25. Lions
26. Steelers
27. Browns
28. Texans
29. Giants
30. Cardinals
31. 49ers
32. Chargers

My Take:

Broncos at #4? I think that's a bit high. They lost Bertrand Berry, Ian Gold, and Clinton Portis. John Lynch, Champ Bailey, and Garrison Hearst are poor replacements. They're going to put a rookie in Gold's spot, and a backup in Berry's spot. I'd put them in the top 10, but just barely.

Seahawks is dead on. They're going to be a big contender this year. However, I wouldn't put the Rams as far down as they are. They'll have some issues, but Bulger will be better this year IMO.

The Cardinals will be much better if they can get McCown into shape soon enough. They have two incredible receivers, an incredible running back (GO SHIPP!!), an upgraded defense (Berry, Karlos Dansby), and a lot of returning players. That helps a lot. I bet they go .500 this year.

I'd put the Dolphinslower, but that's just a gut feeling.

I'd also put the steelers below the Browns and Texans. I just don't see any upside to their team this year.

My biggest change would be the Bucs. I'd bet they finish 4-12. They have no RB, no defensive line, they lost Lynch, they lost KJ: what exactly do they have? Brad Johnson? Yeah. OK. That will save them.

 

[gistech1978]

yeah the bucs are way too high.
cardinals are too low.

i agree there.

 

[EvilYoda]

Whoo hoo! 25!!

 

[BigKev]

I think the Browns are too low as well. I think they'll have a decent year.

 

[DrPizza]

I'm scratching my head, trying to decide where I'd rank the 'Skins...
How much of winning comes from the coach, and does Joe Gibbs still have it?

 

[maddogchen]

damn 49ers 31st.....sad

 

[Yourself]

I think the Viks shoulda been a bit higher. They have picked up quite a few defensive players in the past couple months through free agency(Antoine Winfield) and the draft(Udeze). The fact that Michael Bennett is actually healthy to start mini-camp is nice also.


Self

 

[gistech1978]

Originally posted by: Yourself
I think the Viks shoulda been a bit higher. They have picked up quite a few defensive players in the past couple months through free agency(Antoine Winfield) and the draft(Udeze). The fact that Michael Bennett is actually healthy to start mini-camp is nice also.


Self

kevin williams should continue to improve as well.
they still have hovan? not a bad d line there.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: Yourself
I think the Viks shoulda been a bit higher. They have picked up quite a few defensive players in the past couple months through free agency(Antoine Winfield) and the draft(Udeze). The fact that Michael Bennett is actually healthy to start mini-camp is nice also.


Self

Good Point. I'd put them higher as well. Maybe 7th.

And since I didn't mention it earlier, the Falcons are WAY too high. They'll NEVER do that well.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: BigKev
I think the Browns are too low as well. I think they'll have a decent year.

That's what Brownie fans say every year. The starting lineup this year is going to be very different than last. Butch Davis better know what he's doing, because, if not, it's going to be another looong season.:frown:

 

[imported_Strang]

I'm mildly concerned about the Seahawks ranking -- they never seem to do well when they're expected to. On paper, though, they're right up there.

It's kinda funny, seeing as people were calling for Holmgren's head just a year ago (not to mention all the Hasselbeck booing).

 

[Chumpman]

Falcons higher than the Panthers? Sure we lost 3/4 of our defensive backfield and half our O-line, but I still think we're better.

 

[pcmodem]

49'ers SUCK.

Yes, I'm a 49'ers fan.


It all starts with the ownership, and 49'ers owner (it's his wife's team) John York's goal and rallying cry is "We'll be 15 million dollars under the salary cap in 2006!"

That'll excite the fans. Not.


Well, we had the 1980s and a good 1990s.
-PCM

 

[Spooner]

I'm a Niners fan as well and am not looking forward to this upcoming season.

 

[gistech1978]

Originally posted by: Spooner
I'm a Niners fan as well and am not looking forward to this upcoming season.

you guys will enjoy rashaun woods.
now if there were just a QB to get the ball to him.
and a running game.
and a defense...

 

[CPA]

Broncos no. 4? I dont think so. They should be ranked #1.

 

[imported_Strang]

Originally posted by: CPA
Broncos no. 4? I dont think so. They should be ranked #1.

Why, did they trade Jake Plummer?

 

[UpGrD]

Pack is a bit low, should be at least in the top 8.
They were 1 bad play away fron the NFC title game.

 

[Deeko]

Dallas will definitely be better than #15.....Seahawks will definitely be lower, eagles will MOST DEFINITELY be lower...who cares if they have T.O., they don't have a defense anymore, and they lost Duce. I swear analysts are missing those two factors.

 

[SeaSerpent]

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Aquaman]

Go Seahawks

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Chumpman
Falcons higher than the Panthers? Sure we lost 3/4 of our defensive backfield and half our O-line, but I still think we're better.

Yeah.. but you have to remember that ESPN loves Michael Vick.

 

[Francodman]

Originally posted by: CPA
Broncos no. 4? I dont think so. They should be ranked #1.

:beer:

 

[monk3y]

I don't think the seahawks should be that high...

 

[imported_Strang]

Originally posted by: InstincT
I don't think the seahawks should be that high...

Why not? Their offense was hot last year (despite the dropped balls), their defense has been improved through Grant Wistrom and Bobby Taylor (ntm Tubbs and Boulware through the draft). Hasselbeck has come through as a big game QB (other than the pick at the very end of the playoff game). Shaun Alexander's in a contract year and wants out of Seattle badly. Like I said, on paper, they're ranked pretty fairly, imo.