NFL Pre-Season Top 10

My version of the NFL top 10 will be updated each week. Here’s how I see it heading into the season.

1 - New England
Brady’s back at the controls and that makes the Patriots just too hard to defend. Combine that with the brilliance of Belichik and the Patriots are the team to beat once again.

2 - Pittsburgh
The defending champions will remain hungry with Tomlin in charge. The defense is as tough as it gets and Roethlisberger will continue to play a more controlled game as the Steelers look to repeat.

3 - NY Giants
The NFC is still the poor cousin to the AFC, but the Giants combination of a pounding defense and pounding running game make them the most consistent team in the conference. Eli has grown up and knows how to manage an offense.

4 - San Diego
Playing in the easy AFC West almost gives them a bye to the playoffs. LT and a solid defense are the plusses, but can Norv Turner match the top coaches in the league?

5 - Philadelphia
On talent this team could be the class of the NFC, but the loss of Jim Johnson will be a big blow to the defense. Vick adds talent and a new look, but his playing gives McNabb another excuse for bad play.

6 - Indianapolis
I might be rating the Colts too high, but I have a lot of faith in Peyton’s will not to lose. The change from Dungy to Caldwell may actually give the Colts a wakeup call and eliminate some complacency that has been creeping in.

7 - Green Bay
This is my surprise team coming off a 6-10 season. Look for a breakout year for Aaron Rodgers and Packer pride beating the Vikings out for the division title. The new look defense will also help.

8 - Dallas
The Cowboys may be a top 5 team, but they play in the toughest conference. I look for the Giants and Eagles to beat the Cowboys down and Romo has not shown me that he can lead a team all the way.

9 - Minnesota
The favorite by most to win their conference, but I think the addition of Favre will be more of a negative as the season wears on and the body breaks down. Their defense and running game makes them tough to bet against however.

10 - Arizona
You have to show a bit of respect for a Super Bowl team so we’ll start them at the 10 spot. I’m not confident that their air attack and aggressive D can lead them back but they do have an easier conference to play in.

Others to watch: Chicago (addition of Jay Cutler finally gives them a starting QB), New Orleans (Gregg Williams magic can transform the D), Tennessee (loss of Haynesworth keeps them out of my top 10), Atlanta (solid team on the rise), Baltimore (I hate when teams lose a top defensive coordinator)

Super Bowl: New England beats the NY Giants to make up for the lost “perfect” season.