ESPN's First Power Rankings





#1 Pitt
#2 NE
#3 Giants
#4 Eagles
#5 Colts
#6 Ravens
#7 Chargers
#8 Titans
#9 Cards
#10 Panthers


#12 Bears
#14 Vikings
#17 Packers
#32 Lions



Looks like not everyone is buying into the NFC North



http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking?season=2009&week=0 

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ESPN is on crack. No way da Bears finish ahead of us in '09.

And Pittsburgh won't repeat. Colts are no longer a top 5 team. Top 10? Sure, but not top 5.

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The rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Jeffri Chadiha, Tim Graham, Matt Mosley, James Walker, Kevin Seifert, Paul Kuharsky, Pat Yasinskas, Bill Williamson and Mike Sando, as well as our Scouts Inc. Insider Matt Williamson. Our bloggers contributed the comments.


The Bears had a better record than us last year with a so-so qb so i can buy into the better team with Cutler,

I got a kick out of the Vikings explanation :

Subject to change based on the Vikings' pursuit of Brett Favre. Without him, they have the same major question -- quarterback


They never said it would change for better or for worse lol.

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I've seen several rankings and everyone put's us between 14-21. I can't see anything crazy about that. We are your average middle-of-the-road team.

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Hmmm - potentially though - we can be major players considering the general age over experience under transition with our current roster.

Barring a smooth rollover to 3-4 and a slight OL tweak, playoff team we be easy.

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How well and fast the Packers can adjust to their new 3-4 scheme will determine al ot for the success of the 09 team. It's going to be a major transition and not an overnight thing for them to make this complex switch successfully. When they do get it down, watch out NFC North offenses!

On a side note, I don't see the Panthers as a top 10 team with that douchebag Delhomme as the QB. I think the Panthers should be mentioned right up there with the Vikings when it comes to teams with QB issues and yet somehow Carolina is ranked #10 and the Vikings with descent receivers, better Rbs(although Williams/Stewart are studs) and a better defense are at #14.

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It's all a guessing game anyway.
Everyone can make a list, and someone will get it right and everyone else will get it wrong.
Any of those teams in the top could fall, or any (except the Lions) team thats considered bad could rise up to the challenge.
I'm glad they don't pick us higher.
Easier to sneak up on everyone that way.

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true - I rate us a few higher IMO ... cowboys should be higher also.

Hog Wash!

I would put the Packers at Number 10.

They will have a better record than the Cards, Panthers. Falcons, Bears, Vikes (Without Brett) Saints, and Dolphins. All are ranked higher thean the Pack.

Side Note: If Garcia starts the Raiders will be Much Much higher than 30th. I would say perhaps 15th.

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This is the only value that these power rankings provide right now... it feeds discussion and debate in a quiet section of the season... if the OTA's were more open they could be discussing something more relevant to the upcoming season.

Website hit generator.. nothing more.

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