Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 1

Aug 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback

(8) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins are headed for a difficult season. Robert Griffin III has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and the front-office, leading the team to name Kirk Cousins their starter. Now without the threat of an RGIII injury derailing a game. Alfred Morris looks to rush over 1000 yards this season, but the Redskins don’t have much talent and the organization as a whole is in disarray. They’ll be lock for a Top 3 pick in the draft.

Following Jim Harbaugh‘s departure amongst a litany of off-the-field issues with players and injuries, the 49ers are in complete disarray entering the season. While Colin Kaepernick has shown flashes of brilliance, he still has to prove he’s an elite quarterback. That will prove difficult for him this season in the incredibly deep NFC West. New Head Coach Jim Tomsula does not have much to work with on the defensive end, as LB Navarro Bowman who is returning from an ACL injury will have to anchor a depleted squad.

The Chicago Bears went 3-1 in preseason play under new Head Coach John Fox. Despite their success in exhibition games, this will not translate into the regular season. QB Jay Cutler is too inconsistent, but the Bears still do have offensive weapons such as Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffrey to make things interesting on a game to game basis. Offense isn’t so much an issue with the Bears as is the defense. Lacking any semblance of a pass rush, it will be a long season for the Bears — especially when you face potent offenses in Green Bay, Detroit and Minnesota twice a year.

First Overall pick Jameis Winston will lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense with a myriad of weapons including Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson to go along with running back Doug Martin. The Bucs offense looks potent enough on paper, but will Winston’s inexperience, youth and lack of maturity have an effect on the squad? That remains to be seen. Lovie Smith has done a good job in developing the Tampa defense, as  DT Gerald McCoy and LB Lavonte David anchor the squad. This team will be good in a couple of seasons, but are still too young to contend. 

Next: Tier III: Playoff Pretenders