NFC Preseason Power Rankings

While the NFC has its share of top tier teams, there really isn’t a juggernaut that separates itself from the crowd. Here’s how we rank them coming into the season:

1)     NY Giants: The key here is depth and consistency. No member of the starting OL has missed a game in two seasons. Drafting William Beatty out of UConn should add some depth and allow their rushing attack to be even more effective in the fourth quarter. Their front 7 is sick with easily 6 guys on the DL that could start almost anywhere. The team’s only question mark is at receiver, where one of their youngsters has to step up and take some pressure off of Eli Manning.

2)     Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Reid added depth and the team should be healthy for the first time in years. Brian Westbrook does turn 30 this year, but drafting LeSean McCoy should offset any wear and tear on number 36. DeSean Jackson should improve on a very nice rookie campaign and Kevin Curtis is healthy enough to provide McNabb with a reliable underneath option. The key offensively will be the health of the retooled OL. Defensively we wonder about a hangover after the emotional passing of Jim Johnson and losing Brian Dawkins in the off-season. Losing MLB Stewart Bradley to injury doesn’t help.

3)     Minnesota Vikings: As scary as it sounds, Brett Favre will have the most talent surrounding him that he’s had in his career. This one’s all up to Favre and the rest of the team staying healthy. Watch out for Bobby Wade. He led the team in receptions the last two years and could really thrive as Favre’s security blanket.

4)     New Orleans Saints: Did anyone else notice that Drew Brees passed for more than 5,000 yards without his top 2 receiving options?  Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey are healthy and there are rumors that the Saints are finally going to let Pierre Thomas take over as the every down back. Former Bills coach Gregg Williams came in to shore up the defense and the additions of Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, and Malcolm Jenkins in the secondary should slow opposing offenses enough to allow the Saints to return to their 2006 form or better.

5)     Atlanta Falcons: Last year’s breakout was just the beginning. The Falcons added a HOF TE in Tony Gonzalez and drafted Perria Jerry to help shore up the interior defense. Safety William Moore should contribute immediately and Matt Ryan will only get better. The Gonzalez acquisition was particularly nice for this team as he can take pressure off of Michael Turner and the running game in the red zone. Watch T Garrett Reynolds a late round pick out of UNC. We think that he’ll step in and add depth to the most improved OL in football last year.