2014 NFL Power Rankings – Preseason
By John Hendrix
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prior to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Buffalo Bills at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
We’re kicking off the preseason in full gear tonight, football fans. There’s a slew of games scheduled for tonight, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the preseason will bring. I gave you a fairly detailed explanation a while back on my previous power rankings during minicamp. So, before you blast me on these rankings and comments, be sure to read my prior notes.
Spoiler alert, there’s not a lot of movement from seven weeks ago! Enjoy!
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) | Previous Ranking: 32
The Jags are going to be without Toby Gerhart (hip flexor) for their first preseason affair. Should Gerhart turn out to be the workhorse the Jags are looking for, then I believe they can move up the rankings.
31. Oakland Raiders (4-12) | Previous Ranking: 31
Maurice Jones-Drew and Matt Schaub lead the Oakland Raiders, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing right now.
30. Houston Texans (2-14) | Previous Ranking: 30
Arian Foster spells all the difference in the world for the Texans, and he’s not playing in the first game. We can’t ignore the other offseason distraction of Andre Johnson, so we’re not going to anoint the Texans for anything other than a bottom three ranking.
29. Washington Redskins (3-13) | Previous Ranking: 28 (-1)
The Redskins can’t be too thrilled with a banged up Desean Jackson right now. Until I see any shape or form of RGIII from 2012, then I don’t give the Redskins much.
28. Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1) | Previous Ranking: 27 (-1)
Mike Zimmer and Norv Turner, it’s up to you to make a quarterback in Minnesota. For Adrian Peterson’s sake, I sure hope they get something decent.
27. Cleveland Browns (4-12) | Previous Ranking: 29 (+2)
Despite what is going on with Josh Gordon, the Browns are showing some good things from training camp. The quarterback battle between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel is going to be very exciting to watch. Hoyer was playing fairly well before an injury forced him out of the season.
26. Buffalo Bills (6-10) | Previous Ranking: 26
E.J. Manuel didn’t look good in his first outing, and we have no idea who will end up being the team’s owner. Fans have been waiting since 1999 to get a playoff team, let that sink in a little.
25. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) | Previous Ranking: 25
Hard Knocks sure is funny. Again, let me reiterate what I said last time, I don’t think this team did enough in the offseason to warrant anything that resembles a playoff team.
24. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 22 (-2)
The losses of Sean Lee and DeMarcus Lawrence really put a dent in this squad’s defense. I’m just wondering if the Cowboys will be able to stop anyone. (Insert Jerry Jones with young girl comment here).
23. Tennessee Titans (7-9) | Previous Ranking: 24 (+1)
There’s a lot to like about the Titans right now, and a lot of it has to do with Bishop Sankey. I personally give head coach Ken Whisenhunt the benefit of the doubt, but we need to see it translate on the field.
22. Miami Dolphins (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 23 (+1)
The talent could be there for the Dolphins. The keyword is COULD.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) | Previous Ranking: 21
I’m not changing my thoughts on the Bucs to finish second in the NFC South this season, yet.
20. New York Jets (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 20
CJ?K looks to run wild, but will he?
19. St. Louis Rams (7-9) | Previous Ranking: 19
The Rams have their work cut out for them, but I like Sam Bradford’s chances, IF he stays healthy.
18. Detroit Lions (7-9) | Previous Ranking: 17 (-1)
The Lions have the talent to deliver great things, but they’ve been in that situation for a while now. It’s time for them to deliver.
17. New York Giants (7-9) | Previous Ranking: 18 (+1)
When you win in the preseason, I have to give you a little recognition. A re-tooled defense paired with a new offensive coordinator could speak volumes for the team this season, they rallied around their rookies at the Hall of Fame game. It will all rest on Eli Manning.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 16
Dick Lebeau says that Ryan Shazier is ahead of schedule. That’s tremendously scary. So is Le’veon Bell cutting down his weight to 220 pounds.
15. San Diego Chargers (9-7) Previous Ranking: 15
The Chargers subtly remain in the top half of powe rankings talk. I’m interested to see what the team does in what could be Antonio Gates final season.
14. Carolina Panthers (12-4) | Previous Ranking: 12 (-2)
I’m giving the Panthers the benefit of the doubt that their seasoned wide receiver corp will at least produce. I’m more interested in their secondary, which lost three key members from last year’s defense, only to be replaced with older veterans. This will be a perfect time for the Panthers to figure out what they have.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) | Previous Ranking: 14 (+1)
As long as Andy Reid is coach of any team, they are always going to remain a contender. Alex Smith says that contract talks won’t become a distraction, but we might know better than that.
12. Chicago Bears (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 13 (+1)
Martellus Bennett, what were you thinking? Just because you are a veteran doesn’t entitle you to anything. I applaud Marc Trestman for his actions, and kudos to rookie Kyle Fuller for playing football.
11. Baltimore Ravens (8-8) | Previous Ranking: 11
(Insert Ray Rice’s ridiculous actions comment here).
10. Cincinatti Bengals (11-5) | Previous Ranking: 10
I thought the Law Firm (Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis) would be the one-two punch with second year sensation Giovani Bernard. Well, I was wrong. Rookie Jeremy Hill is placing the Law Firm on the roster bubble. The Bengals already have a scary threat about them.
9. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) | Previous Ranking: 7 (-2)
It’s not that I don’t believe the Cardinals are a good team, but Andre Ellington is said to be the ‘work horse’, and I’m hoping we get to see a lot of this during the preseason. Make me a believer!
8. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) | Previous Ranking: 8
The Eagles are my favorites to win the NFC East this year, assuming that Nick Foles is the real deal.
7. Green Bay Packers (8-7-1) | Previous Ranking: 9 (+2)
I’m liking what I’ve been hearing about the Packers. It’s hard to discount Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers deserve to be ranked higher because of him.
6. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) | Previous Ranking: 6
Losing Vick Ballard puts even more pressure on Trent Richardson to produce.
5. New England Patriots (12-4) | Previous Ranking: 5
Remember this name: James White. He’s impressing everyone. The Patriots are still the second best team in the AFC, unless proven otherwise.
4. New Orleans Saints (11-5) | Previous Ranking: 4
Injuries on both sides of the ball aren’t encouraging at this point, but one thing is certain: the defense is going to have some real grit in 2014.
3. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) | Previous Ranking: 3
Even with an injury plagued running back corp, the 49ers are the second best team in the NFC, for now.
2. Denver Broncos (13-3) | Previous Ranking: 2
I’m excited to look at what rookie wide receiver Cody Latimer will produce during the preseason. Do you think the Broncos will average 30 points/game during the preseason?
1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3) | Previous Ranking: 1
Despite the whole Marshawn Lynch fiasco and Sidney Rice announcing retirement, the Seahawks still remain firmly in command of the top spot.
Previous Rankings:
Like our list? Hate our list? Who would you change out, and why?