September used to be bittersweet growing up. Bitter because it meant school was starting again. Sweet because football season was back!
Now? I work and not as a teacher. Therefore, no such thing as summer vacation. But the blissful beginning of a season anew continues to happen for me, so for that, I am thankful. Football season is such a gift, unless you are married to or dating an individual who loves football. In other news, my fiancé is not happy about football season. Plus she’s a teacher, so it’s the opposite of happy season for her. I can check how she’s doing during halftime though, right?
In keeping with a tradition that I started long ago, it is time for the RudinWrites Power Rankings. I will not be doing these weekly, but instead quarterly. I felt like doing them weekly married me too much to my previous week’s rankings (plus I’m lazy and don’t want to write a Power Rankings column every week).
Here are my rankings entering the season, and my playoff predictions as well:
- Washington FC (for “Football Club” because that sounds way better than a racial epithet)
Sorry if I’m not all in on the Kirk Cousins era the way a saving face but not really Mike Shanahan is.
- Cleveland Browns
Speaking of eras I’m not buying into . . . Josh McCown! It’s not going to help that Cleveland can’t run or stop the run either.
- Carolina Panthers
This is not a referendum on Cam Newton. The Panthers have no wide receivers and can’t protect Cam in the pocket.
- Oakland Raiders
The C&C Football Factory (that’s what I’m calling Carr and Cooper) are still a couple of years away, but the Raiders FINALLY look like they’re making wise decisions.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs were 2-14 last season and are turning the reins over to a rookie QB. And excuse me if I don’t think Jameis is Andrew Luck just yet.
- Tennessee Titans
Speaking of bad teams turning things over to a rookie QB, I don’t think the Titans are much better and I am probably only ranking them over the Bucs because I like Mariota so much more than Winston. Gee, I wonder why?
- Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars might surprise some teams this year. I’m not saying Bortles is the answer but that defense is getting better and could win them some games. Acquiring Julius Thomas and drafting T.J. Yeldon didn’t hurt either.
- San Francisco 49ers
Is anybody on this team besides Colin Kaepernick back this season?
- Chicago Bears
Everybody wants to talk about how bad Cutler has been but have you noticed that the Bears can’t seem to stop anyone for about three plus years now?
- New York Jets
Ryan Fitzpatrick . . . Geno Smith . . . ? I know you’re wondering how they’re not dead last, but the Jets are going to be awfully tough to score on this season.
- Houston Texans
J.J. Watt is an absolute beast and will be in the MVP race. The problem is that Arian Foster is hurt and Brian Hoyer is the QB. Not a recipe for success.
- New Orleans Saints
Jimmy Graham is off to Seattle and Drew Brees doesn’t seem to be Drew Brees anymore. I don’t think the supporting cast is quite up to snuff enough to bridge those gaps.
- Atlanta Falcons
I haven’t given up on Matt Ryan yet and I am 1,000% in on Julio Jones. The Falcons aren’t any higher because their offensive line still can’t block.
- New York Giants
Losing JPP was a tremendous loss. That once vaunted D-Line is now one of the worst pass-rushing units in the league. At least they get to play Washington twice!
- St. Louis Rams
I loved the drafting of Todd Gurley and while I’m not that impressed by Foles, I won’t have to be with the scary front four they suit up.
- Detroit Lions
I’m curious, why does everybody see an improved team when Megatron hasn’t shown he can stay healthy and the Lions lost the most valuable defensive force not named J.J. Watt?
- Buffalo Bills
A lot of people are on board the Tyrod Taylor train but while I am not joining them, I do like that ominous defense they still have.
- Minnesota Vikings
I will find it hard to root for this team because of Adrian Peterson, but I love Teddy Bridgewater. He is a star in the making and playing against 8 men in the box sure won’t hurt.
- Kansas City Chiefs
They will be decent but not great, which makes Alex Smith, the prototypical game manager the perfect QB for this team!
- San Diego Chargers
I have been known to refer to Philip Rivers as “Noodle Arm” and they do have a very meh defense. However, they improved their O-Line and drafted Melvin Gordon which should open things up a bit.
- Cincinnati Bengals
I am not sure their defense will return to form. Jeremy Hill may be an elite running back; however, the Bengals are stuck in mediocre land with no sign of making the jump.
- Baltimore Ravens
I’m not necessarily anti-Baltimore, but I am nowhere near as high on them as others are. No more Ngata and despite his heroics in that Super Bowl run, I am still not sold on “Elite Joe Flacco.”
- Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s weird to think of Pittsburgh as an up-tempo team, but that is what they’ve become. Unfortunately for them, you also need to play defense. While they addressed some needs in the draft, I don’t think this is the year it all comes together. Plus, they added Michael Vick and there’s no way that the dogs in heaven are letting this team win. Remember, I think Michael Vick should have the right to play football professionally, I just don’t have to root for him or his team.
- Arizona Cardinals
If you promised me that Carson Palmer stays healthy, I’d have them higher, but he’s coming off an ACL surgery and it’s just too hard to gamble on him in his mid-thirties.
- Philadelphia Eagles
I’ll believe that Sam Bradford is the answer when I see it. They have upgraded the defense and Chip Kelly is an offensive wizard, but how far can Sam Bradford really carry you?
- Miami Dolphins
My sleeper! Do I think they’re better than New England? No. Is Ryan Tannehill a top-5 QB? No, but he’s darned good. That defense though? Scary good now that Suh is with them.
- Denver Broncos
I don’t like that their O-Line took a hit although a commitment to the run game with the able C.J. Anderson could allay some of the fears I’m having for Peyton. The Broncos will be what they have been with Peyton. Better than good but not great.
- Seattle Seahawks
They did address their one glaring problem by adding Jimmy Graham for RedZone targets. However, if Kam Chancellor doesn’t capitulate, the Seahawks have an even worse problem on their hands. Between the Super Bowl loser’s hangover and some problems the players on defense have with management, I have a feeling I won’t be dealing with the nausea that hits me when I see Pete Carroll jump up and down with that stupid grin on his face.
- Dallas Cowboys
I fall in love with the Cowboys’ potential seemingly every year, but this is the year, I promise! They won’t make the Super Bowl but don’t be shocked if they make the NFC Championship.
- New England Patriots
What can I write here that will give you any more info than you already have about this team? As to why they’re not higher . . . Revis Island has moved.
- Indianapolis Colts
It’s not now or never for the Colts, but I think Andrew Luck’s time has come. They added weapons around him in Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. They don’t have a Super Bowl defense, but I am not certain you need a Super Bowl defense in today’s NFL with all of the rules emphasizing offense and the passing game.
- Green Bay Packers
I think Green Bay would have won it all last year if not for Rodgers’ calf injury. He’s the best in the game and that kind of QB advantage masks a lot of weaknesses in today’s league.
So there you have it. I have Indianapolis over New England in the AFC Championship and Green Bay over Dallas in the NFC Championship, culminating with Aaron Rodgers accepting the MVP trophy in the Super Bowl. Enjoy the season!