NFL Power Rankings: Where Do Jets and Giants Start the Season

The start of the NFL season is nearly here. Where do the New York Jet and New York Giants place in our first NFL Power Rankings of the season?

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a pass as San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Tourek Williams (58) pressures during the first half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

As we head into the start of the 2016 NFL season, we learned how this offseason played a key role in shifting the balance of power within the league. The reigning Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos have a new signal caller, while the runner-up Carolina Panthers lost their top cornerback. The local teams have also made some changes to the roster, through the draft and free agency.

The New York Jets have most of their core returning this year, having locked up Ryan Fitzpatrick for another year. He will attempt to have another career year trying to lead the Jets to the playoffs.

The New York Giants have a new coach leading the way, looking to bounce back after several disappointing seasons. Their revamped defense looks to be much improved from last year, but they have major concerns on the other side of the ball, with their offensive line.

With Week 1 almost upon us, here are the NFL Power Rankings for the entire league.

32. San Francisco 49ers

2015 record: 5-11

The 49ers appear to be at the bottom of the league this year, in spite of hiring Chip Kelly as their new head coach. With Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback and almost no offensive weapons, the 49ers will have a tough year. NaVorro Bowman and Eric Reid will anchor the defense, and 2016 will reflect the development of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. No matter how innovative Kelly’s offense is, Carlos Hyde will have to bear the burden. Gabbert has proven to be nothing more than a NFL backup, and I see the 49ers finding their way to the No. 1 draft pick.

31. Cleveland Browns

2015 record: 3-13

The Browns hope to avoid another lousy season in 2016, dreaming that new coach Hue Jackson can miraculously change the franchise’s fortunes. QB Robert Griffin III will have his work cut out for him when gamebreaking WR, Josh Gordon returns from his suspension in Week 5, but even still, the team isn’t very good. Losing Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz could result in Griffin taking a lot of hits, and his injury history speaks for itself. The defense isn’t very good either, and the Browns will once again be one of the laughing stocks of the league.

30. Philadelphia Eagles

2015 record: 7-9

Trading away your starting QB before Week 1 says it all. The Eagles are clearly in rebuilding mode for 2016 and will try to accelerate the development of Carson Wentz by starting him right away. Their is still some talent on the roster, with Fletcher Cox anchoring the defensive line and Malcolm Jenkins in the secondary. They have solid offensive weapons, with Darren Sproles, Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews joining newcomer Dorial Green-Beckham. However, Wentz will probably struggle this year while adjusting to the NFL and will lead the team to the bottom of the NFC East.

Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Zac Dysert (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

29. San Diego Chargers

2015 record: 4-12

Another bad season could mark the end of Mike McCoy‘s head coaching career in San Diego. Phillip Rivers, Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates will lead the offense while Melvin Gordon tries to bounce back after his poor rookie season. The loss of Eric Weddle affects the team from a leadership perspective, but also diminishes their secondary. The offseason drama with Joey Bosa doesn’t bode well for the team, and he probably won’t be ready to make an impact in Week 1.

28. Tennessee Titans

2015 record: 3-13

The offseason moves to trade for DeMarco Murray and draft Derrick Henry improve Tennessee’s running game, but their passing game doesn’t scare anyone. Trading away DGB takes another weapon away from Marcus Mariota, who will try to have another good season. Their defense is solid behind coordinator Dick LeBeau and the return of Derrick Morgan will help. Unfortunately, I don’t think Mariota is good enough to carry the offense just yet, and Murray will not have the Cowboys’ offensive line in front of him. The Titans won’t be all that much better in 2016 than 2015.

27. Los Angeles Rams

2015 record: 7-9

New city, same Rams. Jeff Fisher hasn’t elevated the Rams above mediocre since he joined the team, but this season will be different. I see them taking a step backward, and tumbling down. Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley are great, but they can’t carry the team by themselves. No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff is the third string QB, getting outplayed by Sean Mannion for the backup job behind Case Keenum. The Rams gave up a boatload for Goff, and a bad season won’t help them next year since they don’t have their early draft picks. Unfortunately for L.A, the Rams will not have a good debut season.

26. Miami Dolphins

2015 record: 6-10

The Dolphins lost running back Lamar Miller in free agency and will be relying on Arian Foster to play like his Houston days. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line has big names, but the secondary isn’t good. Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams sounds good on paper, but how will they play together? Their offense will have to run through Jarvis Landry, unless Devante Parker proves he is not a bust. I don’t think Ryan Tannehill is very good, and the tough schedule puts them in a tough spot. 2016 will not go well for Miami and rookie coach Adam Gase.

25. Detroit Lions

2015 record: 7-9

The Lions lost a potential Hall-of-Fame WR in Calvin Johnson, and replaced him with Marvin Jones. Anquan Boldin adds some leadership to the offense, but the WRs will have to step up to fill the void left by Calvin’s departure. Matthew Stafford still has a cannon arm and Ameer Abdullah will look to play better in 2016. The defense is solid, with Haloti Ngata and Darius Slay leading the way. Head coach Jim Caldwell’s job is probably on the line, and I don’t think the Lions will be any better this year.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is injured during the first quarter during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

24. New Orleans Saints

2015 record: 7-9

The Saints will once again rely on Drew Brees to carry the team. He has Brandin Cooks to help him out, but his safety blanket has always been the tight end position. Losing Jimmy Graham and Benjamin Watson in consecutive years hurts, and it is up to Coby Fleener to become Drew’s new favorite pass catcher. If C.J. Spiller has a good season, the offense should do fine. However, the defense is not very good and I can see them giving up a lot of points. This year, the offense won’t score enough to make up for the points allowed by the defense.

23. Chicago Bears

2015 record: 6-10

The Bears are somewhat of a sleeper team this year. They will have Kevin White alongside Alshon Jeffrey this season, and we can finally see why they chose White with the seventh overall pick last year. Jay Culter has some more protection with the recent signing of Josh Sitton, and this season could be his rebound year. The defense will be asked to play much better than it did last year, and will determine the success or failure of this team.

22. Dallas Cowboys

2015 record: 4-12

The injury to Tony Romo was a big blow to the Cowboys’ dreams for 2016, and in all likelihood has moved them from the top of the NFC East to #3. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been getting a lot of hype, and we will see if it’s warranted. Their defense is dealing with suspensions and does not look steady. Dez Bryant is healthier and will give Prescott a reliable receiver while he gets accustomed to the league. I think reality will set in for the Cowboys and we will find out how important Romo is to Dallas. They won’t go win-less without Romo like last year, but they won’t be competing for a division title unless Romo comes back earlier than expected.

21. Atlanta Falcons

2015 record: 8-8

The Falcons got off to a very strong start last year before choking towards the end of the season. Julio Jones will attempt to play all 16 games this year and if he does, Matt Ryan will put up big numbers behind the improved offensive line. The defense will have another year under its belt with Dan Quinn as head coach, but this team will need its offense to play like it did last year. Unfortunately, the Falcons still don’t look like a playoff team behind that defense and will have another average season.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

2015 record: 5-11

The Jaguars look like they’ve improved a lot since last year, but they’re still the Jaguars. Blake Bortles wants to take another step forward while Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns are emerging as a top tier duo. Chris Ivory helps their running game, but their improved defense will have to hold up their end. Dante Fowler Jr and Jalen Ramsey will get their first taste of NFL action and will have their share of setbacks. The Jaguars have a bright future, but this year won’t be their year.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls signals during the first quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

19. Baltimore Ravens

2015 record: 5-11

The Ravens will be looking to bounce back in 2016 after an injury-plagued 2015 season. Joe Flacco and Steve Smith are back and will point the offense in the right direction again. The problem is that the Ravens weren’t a Super Bowl team even before they got injured last year. Justin Forsett should be back to help their running game, but the re-tooling of the offensive line could take time. The defense is aging, with Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil highlighting that side of the ball. The Ravens look like they will have another disappointing season.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2015 record: 6-10

The Bucs are a team on the rise and their offense is in great shape. Jameis Winston, Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans are enough for the Bucs to put points on the board. Their defense should be solid, with Gerald McCoy clogging up the middle. Their secondary and pass rush are question marks, but I think the Tampa Bay offense will carry them in games. New coach Dirk Koetter has his work cut out for him, and I can see the Bucs finishing 7-9 or 8-8.

17. Buffalo Bills

2015 record: 8-8

Rex Ryan has been given an ultimatum by the Bills’ new owners, make the playoffs or lose your job. Rex appears to have taken this seriously, drastically toning down his talk this offseason. The defense lost Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus is facing a suspension. Rob Ryan was brought in to be the defensive coordinator but his work with the Saints wasn’t great at all. A new contract for Tyrod Taylor gives him the security he wanted, but his play must improve this year. LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins will be heavily depended upon to produce, but the Bills probably won’t be any better this year.

16. New York Giants

2015 record: 6-10

The Giants improved a lot on the defensive side of the ball, but their offense didn’t change much. The return of Victor Cruz should have a minor impact, but if the running game emerges and Sterling Shepard lives up to his hype, this offense has real potential. The offensive line is still worrisome and could limit the success Eli Manning has this year. The defense is much better, with the additions of Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins. Darian Thompson has the ceiling of a young Earl Thomas, but he will need to establish himself early on. The Giants have a chance at winning their division, but I think their offensive line will hold them back. $200M spent on roster upgrades this offseason, but $0 towards the offensive line.

15. Washington Redskins

2015 record: 9-7

The Redskins were the only team in the NFC East who rose up to clinch the horrible division. The division this year is looking almost as bad and the Redskins hope to get lucky once again. I think Kirk Cousins won’t be as good as he was last year, but the emergence of Jordan Reed as a top tier tight end will help the offense put up enough points. Although I don’t think Josh Norman deserves to be the highest paid CB in the league, he does make the Redskins defense better. The Redskins are the safe bet to repeat as NFC East champions, but could face challenges if the Giants are firing on all cylinders.

Jul 28, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a catch during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

14. Houston Texans

2015 record: 9-7

The Texans got really lucky last year, using Andrew Luck‘s injury to coast to the division title. J.J. Watt is coming off back surgery, so his effectiveness early on will be doubtful. If Brock Osweiler plays like he was paid to play, the offense has a chance to be great with DeAndre Hopkins, Braxton Miller, Will Fuller and Lamar Miller. Jadeveon Clowney is the wild card here, and he can offset Osweiler’s bad play if he can regain his college form. More likely than not, the Colts will beat out the Texans for the division title if the Osweiler gamble backfires.

13. Oakland Raiders

2015 record: 7-9

The Raiders are an emerging team and have almost arrived. Derek Carr is poised to have another strong season, while Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are looking to repeat their success from last year. The defense is anchored by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Khalil Mack and improved with the signing of Bruce Irvin and drafting of Karl Joseph. The Raiders could creep their way up to a winning record this season and possibly make the playoffs as a wild card team.

12. Minnesota Vikings

2015 record: 11-5

The Vikings paid a steep price for Sam Bradford, largely because they believe they are a championship-caliber team. The injury to Teddy Bridgewater hurts them a lot, and the offense will struggle this year. Adrian Peterson is getting older, and Stephon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell need Bradford to prove he’s worth at least half of what the Vikings traded for him. The defense is playoff-level, but 2016 for Minnesota will depend on Bradford’s play.

11. New York Jets

2015 record: 10-6

Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off a career year in which he threw for 31 touchdowns. Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall give him excellent offensive weapons, but their offensive line is shaky. Their defense returns, largely intact, and Muhammad Wilkerson is happy now that he got his new contract. The Jets choked their chance to make the playoffs last year and wasted Fitzpatrick’s best season. I don’t think Fitz will be as good as he was last year, but the rest of the team should hold up to give them a chance at the wild card. As long as Geno Smith, Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg don’t have to play this year, the Jets should be in contention for the playoffs.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

2015 record: 11-5

The Chiefs were a good team last year even without Jamaal Charles. Their defense was elite with Eric Berry back and Justin Houston applying pressure. The problem is that they couldn’t beat Denver when the division was on the line. The Chiefs should achieve the same success as they did last year as a wild card team, but won’t be able to beat out Broncos for the division title.

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates after a sack in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

9. Indianapolis Colts

2015 record: 8-8

Andrew Luck is back, and he has a better offensive line to protect him. The defense remains the weakest link of the team, but Luck has overcome that in the past to lead the team into the playoffs. The young receiver corps will develop on the fly with Luck throwing them the ball instead of Matt Hasselbeck. Fans should be concerned about their defense, but it is good enough to stop the offenses within their division. Luck’s poor play in 2015 prior to the injury should be overlooked because of his track record. Luck will again show the league why he was the No. 1 overall pick and will pick up where he left off in 2014.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

2015 record: 12-4

The Bengals were a top team before Andy Dalton suffered a thumb injury last year. With him back at full strength, I expect A.J. Green to be a top five WR this year. If Jeremy Hill plays like he did two years ago, the offense can overcome the losses of Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones. Cincinnati boasts a top defense and can slow down any opposing offense. The Bengals are a playoff team, but they will have their hands full with the Steelers for the division title.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

2015 record: 10-6

The Steelers had the opportunity to have the best offense in the league. Suspensions to LeVeon Bell and Martavis Bryant and a serious injury to Ladarius Green affected those projections. They still have Big Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, so I wouldn’t count out the offense completely. As long as the secondary isn’t Swiss cheese, the Steelers are once again a playoff team in 2016.

6. Green Bay Packers

2015 record: 10-6

The Packers almost made it to the NFC Championship Game last year without Jordy Nelson. Free agent signing, Jared Cook, adds a dangerous receiving threat alongside Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. The offensive line took a hit when the team cut Josh Sitton, but they should still play well enough for Rodgers to find open receivers. The defense got better with rookie Kenny Clark joining Julius Peppers, Letroy Guion and Mike Daniels, while the secondary is good with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett and Quinten Rollins. The Packers will make some noise in the playoffs, and will have a good 2016 season.

5. Denver Broncos

2015 record: 12-4

You don’t normally see the defending Super Bowl champions starting their next year without their No. 1 or 2 QBs on the roster. The Broncos found themselves in a unique situation, in which Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler bolted for more money. The intended replacement, Mark Sanchez, brought back memories of his years with the Jets, and was cut. The Broncos are entering 2016 with Trevor Siemian as the starting QB, with draft pick Paxton Lynch learning behind him. No matter how good the Broncos defense is, the offense will still have to function for the team to do well. The Broncos have good weapons in Demaryius Thomas, C.J. Anderson and Emmanuel Sanders, but their performance hinges on how well the QB plays. The 2016 Broncos will try to disprove the notion that the QB is the most important position on an NFL team, with Von Miller leading the way instead.

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

4. Carolina Panthers

2015 record: 15-1

The Panthers are on a quest to prove that 2015 was not a fluke and Cam Newton is trying to bounce back from a bad Super Bowl performance. The return of Kelvin Benjamin gives him another offensive weapon, but the loss of Josh Norman will hurt them defensively. Luke Kuechly is still the dominant force on the defense, so we can still expect it to be among the league’s best. I don’t think the Panthers will go 15-1 again, but they can repeat as division champs. They are no longer the best team in the NFC, and I don’t see them as NFC champions this year.

3. Seattle Seahawks

2015 record: 10-6

The Seahawks got hot towards the end of last year and will look to maintain their momentum this year. The offense lost Marshawn Lynch, but Thomas Rawls established himself as a power running back in 2015. Doug Baldwin torched opposing defenses in the second half of the year and if he plays anything like that again, this offense will put up a lot of points. Jimmy Graham is back from his injury and will try once again to gel with the offense. The Legion of Boom is always dangerous to face and the defensive line improved since last year. I think the Seahawks are the only team in the NFC that scares Arizona.

2. New England Patriots

2015 record: 12-4

The most difficult challenge for the Patriots in the regular season will be to survive the first four weeks of the season without Tom Brady. If Jimmy Garoppolo and Bill Belichick can go at least 2-2, Patriot fans would be thrilled. The Pats added Martellus Bennett to help them in two tight-end sets to pair with Rob Gronkowski. Their offense was top-notch a few years ago with Gronk and Aaron Hernandez, and Gronk-Bennett have the potential to be even better. The defense took a hit by trading Chandler Jones, but leave it to Belichick to minimize his loss. The Pats will once again be a Super Bowl contender, and will feast once Brady returns.

1. Arizona Cardinals

2015 record: 13-3

The Cardinals are the most complete team in the league. The addition of Chandler Jones improves the weakest link of their defense, and the secondary is back to full strength with Tyrann Mathieu expected back Week 1. The offense, led behind QB Carson Palmer, will rely on Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson to carry the load. Jarron and Josh Brown add depth to the WR corps, and if Michael Floyd steps up, the Cardinals offense will be almost impossible to stop. Arizona has an elite offense and defense, which position them well for a successful season.