The Wide-Right Power rankings: 2008 season

As promised, our ranking of each team in the league. It'll be updated weekly.

1: New England Patriots

Still the team to beat. A healthy Tom Brady is crucial, but as a unit, they've improved where they needed to, and managed to retain their core group on Offence. Defensively, the secondary is the only question, after losing such a quantity of players in Asante Samuel, Randall Gay, and Eugene Wilson. It's still impossible, however, to consider anyone ready to challenge the Pats. The Superbowl - again - is theirs to lose.

2: Dallas Cowboys

It says more about the question marks of others that the Cowboys are the number two team in our rankings. Perhaps on paper the team is the strongest in the NFL though, and if they can find a receiver to join T.O and Jason Witten, Dallas will be there or thereabouts come January.

3: San Diego Chargers

With a healthy Shawne Merriman, the Chargers would leapfrog the Cowboys. Unfortunately, Merriman is the key component to a formidable Defence, and his nagging knee injury could put paid to his own - and the Chargers' - hopes of a Superbowl. Apart from that, the Chargers are the Dallas of the AFC - Great on paper, but lacking that crucial edge come the post-season.

4: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are clinging to their position at the top of the AFC South by the skin of their teeth. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison are both questionable heading into the season, and though Harrison is replaceable, Manning is not. This team will not go if Manning doesn't, but all signs point to him at least starting the season. Whether he finishes it is another matter.

5: Jacksonville Jaguars

The tragic shooting of Richard Collier limits Jack Del Rio's options as he looks to improve his Offensive Line's play. Collier was pushing incumbent RT Khalif Barnes all the way in Camp, so his loss is a huge blow to morale in Jacksonville as his teammates enter the window that is marked 'Superbowl'. Yes, the Jags are legit. If they struggle early, however, their competitive division will make it harder to rebound.

6: Pittsburgh Steelers

Overlooked for much of the offseason, the team is still solid, and the young core that brought a Superbowl ring three years ago is still mainly together. The addition of Rashard Mendenhall in the draft will give Willie Parker a chance to rest, but the loss of Guard Alan Faneca is one of the worst personnel decisions this offseason. Still, with a solid running game, the Steelers can still make the Superbowl.

7: New Orleans Saints

Either the Secondary finally shows up, and the Saints win the NFC, or they struggle, in which case Drew Brees and the high powered offence may be able to carry them as far as the playoffs. Question marks over the Running game too, with Deuce Mcallister still struggling due to injury, and Reggie Bush well... just struggling full stop. Bush needs this season to go well, or his days in New Orleans could well be numbered.

8: New York Giants

The Giants do well to make it to 8th after the loss of their two biggest players in the Superbowl winning team of 2007. With Michael Strahan retiring, and Osi Umenyiora's season ending injury, the mantle falls to Justin Tuck to lead the line that cause such havoc for the Patriots in February. Jeremy Shockey's trade to New Orleans could be a case of 'addition by subtraction', and the Offence is actually one place that the Giants have less concern.

Also, don't get us started on how bad this team's secondary is. Like so many of the teams in the upper echelon of the NFL, they have major question marks heading into 2008 at Defensive Back. It's a pattern that has developed towards the top of the tree, with only the Cowboys and Chargers particularly outstanding in that area.

9: Cleveland Browns

Ignore the preseason: The Browns have a chance this year. Playing in the AFC North is traditionally a struggle, but with both Bengals and Ravens struggling as we head into week one, it's a straight fight between the Browns and Steelers for the Division crown. At the moment the Steelers just edge it - having been there and done that - but if the Browns fire on all cylinders, they can go deep into the playoffs.

10: Seattle Seahawks

The best Defence in the NFL will be as reliable as it has been for the last few years, but the potentially brilliant Offence is hampered by injuries and confusion over the Running game. If Deion Branch is fit, he is an elite receiver who gives the Seahawks a legitimate passing attack. When he is not, the team previously relied on Shaun Alexander. With Alexander's release, the team will ask one of Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, or Maurice Morris to step up and claim the number one job.

11: Houston Texans

Do not adjust your monitor. Yes, the Houston texans are playoff contenders, and here's why: A passing attack that features one of the league's best receivers (Andre Johnson) and a solid Quarterback for the first time in their short history (Matt Schaub). The Defence has future stars in Fred Bennett, Mario Williams, and DeMeco Ryans, all of whom can move into the upper echelon of players at their respective positions. We think the Texans have a shot at the Playoffs, and we aren't afraid to say so. The fact is however, that even being ranked 11th in the NFL, they're still the third best team in the AFC South. In the end, their fate could well be decided by their performances against the Jags and Colts.

12: Green Bay Packers

Let's not mention the F-word. Yes, Brett Favre retired, but this team is still a playoff contender, not least because of a Defence that receives less hype than it's divisional counterparts, yet is consistently amongst the best performing units in the NFL. The biggest question is over Aaron Rodgers, who needs a good start to build momentum and win over sceptics - mainly amongst the team's own fans.

13: Washington Redskins

A poor preseason should not detract from the what has been a refreshing summer of change for the Redskins. New coach Jim Zorn should help the development of Quarterback Jason Campbell, who enters the crucial season in his career. The talent is there, but the team needs Campbell to be more consistent, and most importantly, to stay healthy through the course of 16 games. As a team, the Skins need to avoid the slow start they are renowned for. Tonight's game at New York could easily set the tone for the whole season.

14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs are underrated even now, but perhaps they have been overshadowed by the re-emergence of the Saints as the dominant force in the NFC South. Quarterback Jeff Garcia is the master of making something out of a bad situation, and his 'backyard football' style of play should help the team more than his 'handle with care' durability hinders it. On Defence, the team needs Tanard Jackson and Barret Ruud to continue their brand of hard hitting football that could see both make the pro-bowl this year.

15: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are right on the borderline as far as the Playoffs are concerned. Again, like so many teams, their entire season could hinge on whether their Quarterback is still around by week 12. Donovan McNabb needs to shed the stigma of a brittle Quarterback fast if he wants to remain in Philly after this year. Brian Westbrook can not carry the team on his back - as he has done for the last two years - for much longer, and realistically, this could be both players' last shot at a Superbowl in an Eagles uniform.

16: Buffalo Bills

The Bills? Yeah, that's right. Just look who's after them if you want another shock. Yeah, we'd class the Bills as the second best team in the AFC North, even after seeing the Jets invest big money this offseason. The core group of players is there for the team to build with, especially on Defence. Realistically, it's hard to imagine a Buffalo fan that wouldn't be happy with second place in their division right now.

17: Detroit Lions

We went there alright. Sure, the Lions have question marks all over the field, but they have two of the NFL's best receivers in Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, and a solid enough QB in Jon Kitna. A lot will hinge on if Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith provide a backfield tandem capable of taking on a division stacked with brilliant Defences. The Lions are no exception, and again, we can't state Linebacker Ernie Sims's potential highly enough.

18: New York Jets

A crucial season for the Jets, especially their management. Can Brett Favre deliver a playoff place? If he can't there's going to be yet another offseason of 'umming and arring' in Mississippi for the veteran QB. The team is in good shape all round, but perhaps expecting Favre to help the team supplant New England is a stretch. They should be in the hunt for a wild card spot, however. On Defence, all eyes will be on 6th overall pick Vernon Gholston, but it will also be interesting to see how ILB David Harris fares over the course of a whole season.

19: Arizona Cardinals

The Cards are still in the hunt, but the fact that the team still has Quarterback issues heading into this season tells it's own story. Realistically, this team is still struggling to overcome their tag of 'perennial losers', and the fact that they have put 38yr old Kurt Warner back in charge - 3 years after he lost the QB gig - does not indicate good progress. Despite all of that, the weakness of the NFC West could save them from a poor season. Expect 8-8 or one game either side.

20: Minnesota Vikings

Why so low? Simple: They have question marks at crucial positions, and whilst they made inroads with the acquisition of Bernard Berrian at Receiver, Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson enters the season after an offseason of injury and speculation over his future. If he can pull off a winning season, Jackson will deserve all the plaudits he gets, but again, expect the team to rely too heavily on the league's best Running Back tandem - Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor - for Jackson to find a rhythm.

21: Carolina Panthers

Carolina should, in theory, be challenging New Orleans and Tampa Bay for the NFC South title, but a combination of team disharmony and a reliance on players that have a propensity to blow hot and cold (Julius Peppers, Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith), means that the team's final record could lead to either a playoff place or a top five pick next year. Smith should count for a few big plays, but he is sorely in need of help at wideout, as he finds himself the focus of any defence he faces. Delhomme too, despite a strong start last year, needs to rebound from serious elbow surgery strongly, or his long term future could be at stake.

22: Tennessee Titans

Vince Young is a good football player. With the ball in his hands he is dangerous and a threat to score with his feet and his arm, but he is hampered by a complete lack of weapons with which to make the best of his abilities. TE Alge Crumpler is a half decent addition, but Bo Scaife was already a serviceable guy at the position. Yet again, the Titans may have an outside shot at surprising some teams, but in the toughest division in the NFL, it's hard to see them making the playoffs this season.

23: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bungles? Not quite, but the disastrous last few months could have irreparably damaged their season before it has even begun. With one thing or another, the team has been through the mill so many times that it's almost surprising that Chad Johnson's name is a refreshing distraction for the team. Bad personnel decisions are still following this team around, and sooner or later, Marvin Lewis will have to take responsibility for that. This team is better than Baltimore on paper, but as a unit? When the going gets tough, this team disintegrates.

24: Oakland Raiders

As we descend the ladder, most of these teams have no hope of making the playoffs. The Raiders are, however, a classic example of a team that has managed to find it's 'rock bottom', and could be poised to break out of the mire that they have found themselves in over the last few years. QB JaMarcus Russell carries a lot of weight on his shoulders... yes, we know. He also carries expectation, but with some luck and a bit of time to adjust, he should develop into a fine player. The team's biggest asset is it's running game, which could well help the team scuttle some weak divisional rivals.

25: Miami Dolphins

Again. the Dolphins have hit their low point, and with the Parcells-Sparano combination, have a chance to surprise people. In a tough division, they could struggle, but they should certainly be better than 1-15. The key? A steady Defence. Too often the Dolphins lost on late scores, or gave up huge gains at crucial times last year. While all of the focus is on Chad Pennington at Quarterback, perhaps most important is how they cope with the loss of their two stalwart defensive players, Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas.

26: Atlanta Falcons

It may surprise some to see the Falcons so high, but this team is young, and coach Mike Smith has made some astute moves during the offseason. The drafting of Matt Ryan is a masterstroke, and without wishing to jinx anything, Ryan will be a superstar. I've never seen a Quarterback ooze 'Hall of Fame' from every pore on draft day in the last ten years. Don't forget that the team has a trio of potentially great receivers in Roddy White, Laurent Robinson, and Michael Jenkins. Add young Linebacker Curtis Lofton, and this team can win games. It will be a long road, but at least the foundations are in place for a recovery.

27: Baltimore Ravens

Unfortunately for the Ravens, the Quarterback position is the most important one on the field. Whilst Ryan earned his starting job in Atlanta based on his attitude and ability, Flacco has fallen into the Starters job perhaps slightly sooner than anticipated by many. That's not a knock on a guy who has great physical skills, but Baltimore is a Signal-Caller graveyard. If Flacco wants confirmation, he can ask Kyle Boller, on IR and probably on his way out of the door, despite being drafted in a similiar manner to Flacco in 2003. The team lives and dies on it's Defence. If they are lucky, the Ravens might get a shot at third place in their division - no higher.

28: Chicago Bears

And when we talk about a team that is carried by it's Defense... The Bears have no offence. None. Nada. Zilch. Their Quarterback is a third stringer who is in the job by default because he is not Rex Grossman, and their running game consists of a second round rookie out of Tulane (Matt Forte), and a guy coming back from two bouts of major surgery in the last two years (Kevin Jones). Finally, their best receiving threat is a converted Defensive Back-cum-Return specialist who has managed to become the team's number one receiver, such is the lack of talent on the roster. One thing we guarantee, it'll be a long season in Chicago. They'll win the odd game in inspiring fashion, playing the kind of Defence that wins championships, but they'll also lose just as many playing offence that would disgrace a high school team.

29: Denver Broncos

Contentious? No. The team can't play Defence. Champ Bailey is tremendous, an asset in every sense, but he is alone, an island in a sea of mediocrity. The team will give up huge rushing totals this year, and unfortunately, their Offence is pretty much dependent on their potentially-quite-good playmaker, WR Brandon Marshall, living up to his promise. QB Jay Cutler is one of the better players in the league, but like Bailey, he is going to spend long periods of 2008 feeling that his hard work is in vain. Thankfully, both players can book holidays for January, as they won't be needing their pads in the offseason.

30: Kansas City Chiefs

A team in rebuilding mode, but unlike the Falcons, Raiders and Dolphins, a team that could easily spend this year without a win. This team could either be great in the future, or the fans at Arrowhead could lament the 'class of 2008' in years to come. Either way, it's too soon to judge them, and the team's youth will be a big factor in many losses they experience this season. Although too soon to write off, it's best if many of the players book psychological counselling now, to avoid the rush once the season begins in Kansas City.

31: St. Louis Rams

Wow, it really isn't a good year to be in Missouri. The Rams are somehow worse than last season. Chris Long, a DE, is helping at a position of need, but realistically, St. Louis needs an Offensive line that can take the pounding of a 16 game season. Orlando Pace, Alex Barron, Rich Incognito. If you follow football, you may be familiar with these names, and likewise, if you follow injury reports, you may be familiar with these names. Marc Bulger has become re-acquainted with the St. Louis turf so often he probably shuns his wife and sleeps on the sofa, purely because the thought of spending all night lying down with someone prostrated on top of you just doesn't appeal when it is also your day job. The Rams have players who should in - theory - make this team good. Steven Jackson for example, but his holdout will set this team back 4-5 weeks, and by that time, this season is over for the Rams.

32: San Francisco 49ers

The worst team in the NFL. That's the San Francisco 49ers. Where to start? The third string QB? The 'upgraded' receiver corps of a 35yr old ex-Ram and a mediocre ex Cardinal? The addition of DeShaun Foster, a man who I wouldn't trust with the ball if his hand was covered in tar, or finally the decimated Defensive and Offensive lines? This team is shambolic, and the buck stops with coach Mike Nolan.

Nolan is a personable and friendly guy, but he has made some terrible decisions since his tenure began, and his decision to effectively give up on Alex Smith, the first overall pick just three years ago, shows that no matter what happens this year, he is unlikely to accept that he is the problem. Smith deserved better, and at least a shot at the Mike Martz offence this season. Instead, J.T. O'Sullivan will call the shots. Possibly the only bright spot is the continued ascendency of Patrick Willis, the Linebacker who is set to become one of the league's biggest stars. Indeed, the LB class of 2007, with Willis, Carolina's Jon Beason, and the Jets' David Harris, could well be one of the best in recent NFL history.

Which is certainly the only time that sentence will be used in the same paragraph as the 49ers in 2008.

The Wide-Right 'Predictions and Rankings' for the 2008 Season

Just so you don't think we've forgotten about the site, we thought we'd let you know what we've been doing in the last few days.

Around 2 weeks ago it became clear that writing the team previews - at least in the style that we wanted - would be difficult to achieve before the start of the season. Yes, we know, we should have had this done weeks ago, but so much changes week by week in the NFL (See also: Chad Jackson...), that writing a team preview before cuts have been made is slightly inaccurate.

Thus, later today we will bring you not only the Wide-Right first weekly power rankings, but also our predictions table. We'll also have a fantasy football update and we're considering giving wide-right readers a chance to see exactly how our 16-player Dynasty League goes this season.

In short: It's business time.