Tier 1- Legit Super Bowl contenders
Tier 2- Decent/good teams, but lack something
Tier 3- More than likely miss playoffs, but may make it with a couple of breaks
Tier 4- Takes a miracle
Tier 1
1. New England Patriots (Previous: 1)
Belichick, Brady, and Gronk want to take care of unfinished business.
2. Green Bay Packers (Previous: 2)
An extremely efficient machine that is tough to beat.
3. New York Giants (Previous: 3)
Only real question into this season is focus and drive after such an emotional Super Bowl win.
4. San Francisco 49ers (Previous: 4)
With new receivers and a full training camp to learn Harbaugh's system, Alex Smith should be interesting to watch this year.
5. Baltimore Ravens (Previous: 5)
Despite losing some offensive linemen and key defensive players, they continue to reload.
6. Houston Texans (Previous: 6)
After losing a couple of key players on the lines, what can they do this year?
7. Chicago Bears (Previous: 9)
Offensive line remains a question, but defense can compensate. Remember, they went 7-3 with that offensive line before Cutler went down last year.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous: 7)
Defense should get better with a full training camp to figure out Jim Washburn's Wide 9, Vick will be better than last year, though he was decent last year.
Tier 2
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous: 8)
The Mike Wallace contract situation could prove to be an issue in training camp, at least for now.
10. Atlanta Falcons (Previous: 10)
Should be interesting to see Roddy White and Julio Jones this year, especially if Julio stays healthy.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous: 12)
The development of Andy Dalton will be a great thing to watch in training camp and during the season.
12. Detroit Lions (Previous: 13)
Should be fun to watch again with Stafford and Megatron, but recent string of arrests calls into question team discipline.
13. San Diego Chargers (Previous: 16)
I said they "most likely won't make the playoffs" last time, but I feel more uneasy about Peyton Manning's neck now.
14. New Orleans Saints (Previous: 14)
Brees finally got his contract, but the Bountygate fallout could prove to be too much for the Saints.
15. Denver Broncos (Previous: 11)
Peyton's health continues to worry me, plus I realize outside of Peyton Manning, Champ Bailey, and Von Miller, the supporting cast is somewhat average.
16. Dallas Cowboys (Previous: 15)
Once again, they enter the season with high expectations *looks in Skip Bayless' direction*, but can they produce?
Tier 3
17. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous: 18)
On second thought, if they stay healthy, they can be in the running for the AFC West late.
18. Buffalo Bills (Previous: 17)
Same as the last time: Ryan Fitzpatrick must get better for them to make a run at the playoffs. Mario alone won't do it.
19. Carolina Panthers (Previous: 19)
Ryan Kalil is dreaming big, but they still have a few holes to fill. No doubt Ron Rivera is moving them in the right direction, though.
20. New York Jets (Previous: 20)
Rex Ryan lost weight, but the defense took a step back last year. The Sanchez-Tebow QB battle should make for interesting theater.
21. Oakland Raiders (Previous: 24)
Carson should improve, Run-DMC just needs to stay healthy, but most of all, the defense MUST cut down on penalties.
22. Arizona Cardinals (Previous: 21)
The John Skelton-Kevin Kolb QB controversy will be the story to watch. While Kolb is penciled in as the starter, the Cards played better with Skelton.
23. Washington Redskins (Previous: 26)
Obviously, all eyes are on RGIII, and for good reason. But, Mike Shanahan's seat has gotten warmer and warmer in DC.
24. Tennessee Titans (Previous: 22)
Defense continues to be the key for improvement in Tennessee. Question is, can CJ2K bounce back from last year?
Tier 3
25. Seattle Seahawks (Previous: 23)
With Matt Flynn at QB, this training camp should be interesting to watch to see if he can handle a starting role.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous: 25)
With some added pieces (Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks), what can Greg Schiano do in Year 1 in Tampa?
27. St. Louis Rams (Previous: 27)
Jeff Fisher is already changing things up in St. Louis, but this team has a long way to go to reach even playoff status.
28. Miami Dolphins (Previous: 28)
I'll be honest. The only way I'll watch any of their games this season is if they show Mrs. Tannehill in the stands frequently, even if Ryan's not starting.
29. Minnesota Vikings (Previous: 30)
Year 2 of the Christian Ponder Project is underway, with the main issue being his continued development.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous: 29)
Maurice Jones-Drew's camp holdout could create a problem if it lingers on and on.
31. Cleveland Browns (Previous: 31)
With a 28 year old rookie QB (Weeden) and a top rookie running back (Richardson), the Browns look like they've hit the reset button again.
32. Indianapolis Colts (Previous: 32)
Andrew Luck is in at QB, but he and the Colts have their work cut out for them this season.
Think I overrated or underrated a team? Please feel free to let me know in the comments.
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