Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 1
Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback
Eli Manning(10) throws a pass during the first half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
team. 15. . (0-0). Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 12
The Saints enter the season without long-time TE Jimmy Graham. The loss of his presence on offense will be detrimental to Drew Brees, who will now have to rely more on the aging Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks. The Saints look to be moving toward a more balanced offense, utilizing Mark Ingram and newly acquired C.J. Spiller to improve the run game. The Saints are an enigma because they could surprise the nation and make the playoffs ro be in the running for the No. 1 pick. It’s too early to tell what to make of New Orleans, but at the moment, they look to be outclassed in the NFC and in their division.
(0-0). Previous: . New York Giants. 11. team. 31.
The New York Football Giants are another fickle team that are difficult to predict. One has to assume that HC Tom Coughlin is on the hot seat this season, and may be gone at year’s end if he doesn’t deliver a playoff appearance. The Giants’ passing game looks as strong as ever with Eli Manning targeting Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr., but there isn’t much of a running and while not bad, the defense is not a strength of the team.
10. team. 87. . (0-0). Previous: . Carolina Panthers
The Panthers offense suffered a huge blow after WR Kelvin Benjamin was lost to a torn ACL during the preseason(lesson: never have a fantasy draft early). Without Benjamin, the Panthers offense becomes more one dimensional, making Cam Newton rely on TE Greg Olsen and the oft injured RB Jonathan Stewart to produce. While the Panthers are a team that could sneak into the postseason because of their defense, it will be difficult following the injury to Benjamin.
St. Louis Rams. 9. team. 51. . (0-0). Previous:
Jeff Fisher‘s team made a significant change at QB this offseason, acquiring Nick Foles. Foles health is superior to that of Sam Bradford‘s, and will give the team the stability at the position they have craved for years. The running game is a strength with Tre Mason and Todd Gurley presenting a 2-headed monster at the position. The front-seven is as good as any in the NFL. The Rams will make a run at the postseason this year, but in the tough NFC West, it may prove difficult to attain a playoff berth.
Next: Tier II: Wild Card Contenders