Preseason NFL Power Rankings - Part 4

Primed for a Big Year

The next group is where it really gets interesting. This is the group of teams that I would believe are going to compete solidly for the playoffs and could make some noise once they get there. These are teams that could win the Super Bowl (anything can happen) but ultimately just seem to be missing something that puts them over the top to make them legit contenders.

My teams that are primed for a big year after the jump:

11. San Francisco 49ers - Not sure why, but I think Mike Singletary is an awesome coach. He has a clear plan, makes it known to his players, doesn't BS and easily wins the respect of his players. I think he is going to take this organization to great heights. I also think Alex Smith has the talent to be a very good QB in this league. He had a great year in his second year when he had a good offensive coordinator, but since then has switched systems way too many times. With some stability it will be assured he will become better and once that happens they have the talent around him and the talent on defense to make that jump to a 10 or 11 win team this year.

10. Houston Texans - I think this is another team like the Falcons that could be opening up a large window this year. With playmakers on both sides of the ball that rank amongst the best with Mario Williams, Matt Schaub, and Andre Johnson this team is primed for a big year, their first trip to the playoffs and possibly more. In order to cross that threshold completely though they need to find a way to get more out of some of their players, Amobi Okoye needs to play up to his draft status now that he is past puberty and they need more from their running back. If they get that, they could be a formidable force.

9. New Orleans Saints - The defending champions only number 9 on the list? Indeed. I feel like the Saints pulled off their championship with smoke and mirrors last year. Kudos to them, I would trade both pinky toes to put together a season like they had, but it was done with a "bend but don't break" defense that relied on turnovers. Take away that part of their game and they are a 9-7 or 10-6 team that contends, and I think it will show true this year. Even in a weak division.

8.Atlanta Falcons - I think this team is primed. I think this year marks the opening of the window for the Falcons. A young quarterback, running back and defense means this team can come up and compete for the next 4-5 years. Even though he left, I still want success for Tony G so hopefully good things happen for him and the Falcons this year. (It still hurts --->)

7. San Diego Chargers - The team that has had one of if not the most talented team for most of the decade has a shortening window. This year and maybe the next one or two and their window is officially closed. If Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil are no more this team is hurt severely. Not to mention Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips and much of the defense is aging rapidly. Oh yeah, and Merriman is no longer juicing up which makes him much less of a force on the field. On the plus side Tila Tequila is now safe.

6. Minnesota Vikings - Go away Brett Favre, go away.

5. New York Jets - Without Revis it will be much more difficult to reach the heights of last year, but with improved play from Sanchez (and make no mistake, his play must improve) the team can still compete with it's defense. Hot dogs for everyone.