Arizona Cardinals: Pre-Week 1 Power Rankings
By Erich Becker
32. Carson Palmer is healthy, the o-line is a questionmark, speed all over the field at running back and wide receiver with a deep core set of players on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals’ season will be make or break on the health of the QB and keeping him healthy (the O-line). The tools are there, it’s up to Bruce Arians, with 21 wins in two seasons at the helm, to see if he and Steve Keim can start bringing in more awards.. (0-0). Previous: N/Ath. Arizona Cardinals. 6. team
5. team. 46. Andrew Luck can win you games (or lose them if you take into account Week 16 last season). T.Y. Hilton can catch the ball, run and score point and riding themselves of the terrible Trent Richardson after an ill-advised trade can only help the team in the long run. The defense will be a key component having given up the second most points of any division winner last season. The division won’t be a cake walk but it really is the Colts’ to lose.. (0-0). Previous: N/Ath. Indianapolis Colts
Oct 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws in the pocket for a second quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
4. team. 123. Can the Cowboys recover from losing DeMarco Murray? That’s the real question, there’s a lot of yards, scores and possession time to make up with his departure to Philly, a decision that may come back to haunt the team, but until then, Tony Romo is a capable QB, there are good weapons around him, if the defense can hold up, another division crown could be in the making.. (0-0). Previous: N/Ath. Dallas Cowboys
49. Based on the laurels of Aaron Rodgers and what Mike McCarthy can do losing a host of players to injury, including Jordy Nelson will propel the Packers up these rankings until real games are played. Can the team recover? . (0-0). Previous: N/Ath. Green Bay Packers. 3. team
team. 36. Questionable play calling in the Super Bowl aside, Russell Wilson is a great percentages QB, Jimmy Graham should make up for the lack of named receivers in Seattle, the defense is still strong but takes a hit without Kam Chancellor. A power team at home, but not unbeatable over the last two seasons, the road to Santa Clara could take a detour up north.. (0-0). Previous: N/Ath. Seattle Seahawks. 2
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) holds up the Lamar Hunt Trophy as he is interviewed after the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
(0-0). Previous: N/Ath. New England Patriots. 1. team. 47. They won the Super Bowl, not because of deflated balls, or spying on plays, they won it on the field and we saw them do that. If Seattle was the better team, New England beat them not with the ball in Tom Brady’s hand, but on defense. Love them, or hate them, they were the best team in the league last season and their status remains unchanged until 16 games are played this weekend.
There’s a lot of flux in these rankings and some of the positions may surprise you (“the Browns, that high?! really!”), but after a host of games are played this weekend expect the rankings to shift based on what’s shown. Preseason is hard to gauge because, most teams are just trying to get through all four games with the minimal amount of injuries and move to things that matter. Things matter now and starting tomorrow in New England, they’ll matter for the next four months, for most teams.