Cardinals open on top of NFL Power Rankings

This ranking depends a lot on QB Carson Palmer playing like he did in last year's regular season, when he threw for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns, and not like he did in the playoffs, when he threw six interceptions in two games. The Cardinals offence could be poised to improve, too, if second-year RB David Johnson takes on a bigger role, and they have playmakers on defence, including DE Calais Campbell, incoming pass-rusher Chandler Jones and ballhawk Tyran Mathieu.

Key Injuries: None

The Seahawks have some holes, most notably on the offensive line, and they have to replace running back Marshawn Lynch, but Thomas Rawls should be ready to run and Seattle found out last season that QB Russell Wilson could orchestrate an effective passing attack. If they get can get more out of TE Jimmy Graham in his second season with the Seahawks, then the Seahawks could be back in Super Bowl contention.

Key Injuries: None

After last season's outrageous 15-1 season, before falling to Denver in the Super Bowl, the Panthers come into this season with high expectations. The return of WR Kelvin Benjamin gives QB Cam Newton another option in the passing game, and while the Panthers have a formidable defence, losing CB Josh Norman to Washington as a free agent does leave some concern about the secondary.

Key Injuries: None

The receiving corps has been overhauled, with Brandon LaFell and rookie Tyler Boyd joining stalwart A.J. Green, and the Bengals are missing TE Tyler Eifert early in the season while he recovers from ankle surgery. But, if RB Jeremy Hill bounces back from an underwhelming 2015 season, the Bengals should have a potent attack. They have some defensive playmakers -- DT Geno Atkins is one of the best, OLB Vontaze Burfict is a hard-hitting presence as long as he's staying on the right side of the rules, but they're going to need someone to step up in the secondary, after Leon Hall and Terence Newman departed in the offseason and first rounder William Jackson III suffered a torn pectoral muscle..

Key Injuries: TE Tyler Eifert (ankle)

The Steelers have a powerhouse offence, and will survive three weeks without RB LeVeon Bell, but there will be opportunities for secondary contributors like Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates and, eventually, injured TE Ladarius Green.  It doesn't look like they have real impact defenders, unless linebackers Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier have a big year. In any case, the Steelers should contend when they are fully healthy, but may still be pretty good in the meantime. 

Key Injuries: RB Le'Veon Bell (suspension), WR Martavis Bryant (suspension), TE Ladarius Green (ankle)

The Packers have potential, but need a few things to break right around QB Aaron Rodgers. If RB Eddie Lacy is in shape, he could be very productive behind a strong offensive line. If WR Jordy Nelson is healthy after missing a year with a torn ACL, then they could light things up offensively. Mike Daniels is a presence on the defensive line, and there are some playmakers elsewhere -- including safeties Ha Ha Clinton Dix and Morgan Burnett, CB Sam Shields and (recently-cleared of PED accusations) pass rushers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.

Key Injuries: None

The Chiefs aren't a flashy team, largely due to QB Alex Smith, who is merely okay as starting quarterbacks go, but if RB Jamaal Charles is back to his old self, the Chiefs' offence could be pretty effective and they have solid defenders at every level. Early on, they're going to be missing OLB Justin Houston, who has 56 sacks in 70 career games. But, veteran linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali are still getting it done, linemen Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard are quietly effective and the secondary is anchored by safety Eric Berry and second-year CB Marcus Peters.

Key Injuries: OLB Justin Houston (knee)

QB Jimmy Garoppolo gets a shot to start the first four games while Tom Brady is suspended, and as long as he doesn't fall on his face, the Patriots should ultimately be contenders. They have some injury concerns, but they've still got Gronk and WR Julian Edelman to ease Garoppolo through the early going. Even with RB Dion Lewis injured, they should be competent offensively, and while the defence isn't full of stars, pass rusher Jaball Sheard while linebackers Jamie Collins and Donta Hightower are strong and the secondary (Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, Justin Coleman) ought to help keep them competitive while they wait for Brady to return.

Key Injuries: QB Tom Brady (suspension), RB Dion Lewis (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (hip)

Has there been a defending Super Bowl champ that had a quarterback with the (lack of) credentials that Denver's Trevor Siemian has? A seventh-round pick last year, he has yet to throw a pass in the league, and now Denver's offence will depend on Siemian. That could be a problem for receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but the Broncos offence was nothing special last season either. They still have Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware wreaking havoc on the pass rush, and the secondary (Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart, Bradley Roby) is impressive, so Denver is going to be competitive. The question is whether quarterback play will put a ceiling on their potential.

Key Injuries: None

A young team that could be ready to hit their stride now, QB Derek Carr has quality receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, and RB Latavius Murray (who is getting pushed by rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard) and a strong offensive line, so they should put up points. They might have the best defensive player in the league in DE Khalil Mack, quality corners Sean Smith and David Amerson along with free agent safety Reggie Nelson. If all these pieces come together, the Raiders could very well be ready for their first winning season since 2002.

Key Injuries: None

Right off the top, the Texans' season will depend on the health of DE J.J. Watt, a beast who has recorded 69 sacks over the past four seasons. He's complemented by Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney in an otherwise solid defensive group. Offensively, new QB Brock Osweiler needs to keep feeding WR DeAndre Hopkins and expectations are high for RB Lamar Miller, but the effectiveness of the Texans' offence will go a long way to determining their fate this season.

Key Injuries:  DE J.J. Watt (back)

The Jets played hardball with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick before ultimately bringing him back and his return gives the Jets legitimate playoff hopes. They've added LT Ryan Clady, to make up for the retirement of D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and added veteran RB Matt Forte, a proven multi-purpose back. Mix those vets in with experienced receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker and the Jets should have enough to compete offensively and they are still formidable defensively, with a forceful 3-4 defensive line and a quality secondary led by veteran CB Darrelle Revis.

Key Injuries: None 

The Falcons have a solid lineup, but a little star power too -- with WR Julio Jones and RB Devonta Freeman leading the way on offence. Freeman's emergence last year was a surprise, but if he can't maintain that pace, Tevin Coleman will offer another backfield option behind a quality offensive line. Defensively, Atlanta doesn't have big names, but DE Vic Beasley (the 8th pick in 2015) has potential and the secondary, led by corners Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, is effective. 

Key Injuries: SS Keanu Neal (knee)

The defence sure looked better prior to training camp, but after losing top interior defender Marcell Dareus to a four-game suspension and their top two picks to injuries, the Bills are a little more vulnerable on that side of the ball. Offensively, expectations are higher for QB Tyrod Taylor, who looked good as a first-time starter last year. If RB LeSean McCoy and WR Sammy Watkins can stay healthy, they could have big years and keep the Bills in the playoff hunt, but there is precious little depth, so a significant injury to either one could be devastating.

Key Injuries: DT Marcell Dareus (suspension), OLB Reggie Ragland (knee), DE Shaq Lawson (shoulder)

The Saints will move the ball, potentially even more effectively than they did last season after adding TE  Coby Fleener and second-round WR Michael Thomas. The question, as always, is whether the Saints can stop anyone, and a broken leg suffered by first-rounder Sheldon Rankins doesn't inspire confidence that there will be sufficient improvement on that side of the ball.

Key Injuries: DT Sheldon Rankins (fibula)

The Ravens should be better than last season's 5-11 campaign, certainly if they have wideouts Steve Smith Sr. and Breshad Perriman, old and new respectively, ready to contribute. Safety Eric Weddle is a nice addition, but Baltimore needs big years out of veteran pass rushers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil if they are going to take a big step forward.

Key Injuries: TE Benjamin Watson (Achilles), CB Kyle Arrington (concussion)

2015 was decidedly disappointing for the Colts, and QB Andrew Luck, specifically, as he played only seven games and played poorly in those seven games. If the Colts are going to get the offence back in gear, they need young receivers Donte Moncrief and Philip Dorsett to take bigger roles alonside T.Y. Hilton. Defensively, the Colts have questions, especially with one of their bona fide playmakers, CB Vontae Davis, suffering an ankle injury.

Key Injuries: G Jack Mewhort (knee), CB Vontae Davis (ankle)

The big question for Washington is whether QB Kirk Cousins can duplicate his breakout 2015 season, and he does have enough pass catchers (TE Jordan Reed and wideouts DeSean Jackson, Jamison Crowder and Pierre Garcon) to make it work. Their defence has holes, but adding Josh Norman at cornerback, across from Bashaud Breeland, is an upgrade and incoming DE Chris Baker should help a defensive line that could use that strength.

Key Injuries: OLB Ryan Kerrigan (groin)

The Jaguars are getting a lot of hype for a team that was 5-11 last season, but they have lots of weapons surrounding QB Blake Bortles, including running backs Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon, tight end Julius Thomas as well as receivers Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson. Even with a shaky line, they should be able to score. Defensively, they've made a lot of upgrades, with free agent DE Malik Jackson joining last year's injured first-rounder Dante Fowler Jr., as well as this year's first two picks -- CB Jalen Ramsey and LB Myles Jack -- to give the Jaguars legitimate reason for optimism.

Key Injuries: None

The Ben McAdoo era begins with the Giants and they have upgraded the defensive line in a big way with DE Oliver Vernon and DT Damon Harrison, while veteran CB Janoris Jenkins and rookie Eli Apple will be counted on to improve pass coverage. Offensively, the Giants have an elite wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., but it's a pretty pedestrian group otherwise.

Key Injuries: None

It's time for the Lions to find out what life is like without Calvin Johnson, and they probably won't like it much, but they've put together a decent receiving corps with Marvin Jones and Anquan Boldin joining Golden Tate. If second-year RB Ameer Abdullah performs, the Lions' offence could still be productive. Defensively, the line is strong and CB Darius Slay was outstanding in 2015, but the overall depth isn't great.

Key Injuries: TE Eric Ebron (ankle)

The Chargers could be significantly better, at least offensively, with some improvement from second-year RB Melvin Gordon, and a return to health for WR Keenan Allen and TE Antonio Gates. Can they be better defensively? With first-round pick DE Joey Bosa finally signed, there is at least a chance.

Key Injuries: WR Stevie Johnson (knee)

The addition of rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott behind the league's best offensvie line, gives the Cowboys a chance to be good, but starting the season without Tony Romo, and with fourth-round pick Dak Prescott, at quarterback, it's not going to be easy. Defensively, they need more difference-makers; ILB Sean Lee can't do it alone, and having a couple of starter suspended to start the year isn't helping matters.

Key Injuries: QB Tony Romo (back), ILB Rolando McClain (suspension), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (suspension)

Losing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a devastating knee injury puts a big cloud over the Vikings, but they've been a run-first offence whenever they've had Adrian Peterson available, so that shouldn't change. It does seem likely, however, that the passing attack will be limited under veteran QB Shaun Hill. Without the ball, the Vikings are still sturdy, with an impressive defensive line, led by DT Linval Joseph and DE Everson Griffen, and rising star linebacker Anthony Barr.  

Key Injuries: QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee)

If the Dolphins are going to be competitive, they will likely need significant bounceback seasons from incoming veterans, RB Arian Foster and/or DE Mario Williams. There are a lot of pieces being cobbled together, but it's hard to know if it's all going to come together as hoped. 

Key Injuries: None

The Bears will need some breakthrough performances offensviely, perhaps from RB Jeremy Langford and WR Kevin White, if they are going to be competitive, but their defence should be improved with the additions of linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan.

Key Injuries: OLB Pernell McPhee (knee)

It's a new day in Philadelphia, with Doug Pederson taking over as head coach, but the Eagles still have the core of a roster that was compiled by the previous regime, and that includes QB Sam Bradford. They did make an interesting deal with Tennessee to acquire WR Dorial Green-Beckham. DT Fletcher Cox is a standout defender, but the Eagles could use more on that side of the ball. 

Key Injuries: None

It's certainly possible that the Bucs take a step forward, especially if second-year QB Jameis Winston continues to develop, but there are still a number of questions away from the skill positions.

Key Injuries: G J.R. Sweezy (back)

While the rest of football turns to spread offences and wide-open passing attacks, the Titans appear poised to focus their offence on a power running game led by veteran DeMarco Murray and rookie Derrick Henry. If nothing else, the Titans playing smashmouth football will be an interesting change of pace.

Key Injuries: WR Kendall Wright (hamstring)

A move to the West Coast doesn't change much about the Rams. They have a top running back, Todd Gurley, and superstar defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, but the lineup is full of holes, most notably at quarterback, where Case Keenum and rookie Jared Goff don't inspire much confidence. They have some defensive talent. Can that and Gurley carry the Rams to a competitive season?

Key Injuries:

It's going to be fascinating to see how the 49ers operate under Chip Kelly, especially with a receiving corps that is sorely lacking talent, a situation only made worse with breakout candidate Bruce Ellington suffering a season-ending injury. But, the on-field stuff is flying under the radar for the 49ers right now because the biggest story in sports these days is about (likely backup, if not cut) QB Colin Kaerpnick's decision not to stand for the national anthem.

Key Injuries: WR Bruce Ellington (hamstring)

If everything breaks right for the Browns, they might be okay. That means QB Robert Griffin III turns his career around and the receiving corps takes off with rookie Corey Coleman, former QB Terrelle Pryor and (suspended for the first four games) Josh Gordon pushing the play downfield. But, to be fair, how often do things break right for the Browns?

Key Injuries: WR Josh Gordon (suspension)