NFL power rankings: Post-draft edition
8. Kansas City Chiefs
Look, I’d love to put the Chiefs ahead of the Broncos, but they have to beat Denver first. Kansas City has a better roster in almost every area, but there is something to be said about getting over the hump. The Chiefs are, in my opinion, a legitimate Super Bowl contender on paper. I haven’t felt like that since the 1990s.
7. Denver Broncos
Denver lost a ton of talent this offseason, but it still has Peyton Manning. Manning is the biggest wild-card in the league, though. If he’s merely good, the Broncos are toast. Still, it has to be seen again.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens sustained some losses in free agency (Torrey Smith, Owen Daniels) but the core is strong and the front seven, nasty. Baltimore will win the AFC North and be a force in January.
5. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are going to be the top-seeded AFC team this year with a schedule featuring the AFC and NFC South. This is basically Andrew Luck and mediocrity, but Luck could get them to the Super Bowl.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
4. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has a tremendous offense and an improving defense after taking Byron Jones and Randy Gregory with its first two picks. The main question is, how much does DeMarco Murray’s departure hurt?
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers were a last-minute collapse away from going to the Super Bowl last year. Expect Green Bay to play with its hair on fire in 2015.
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots could be in deep trouble if Tom Brady gets suspended. Even if Brady plays all 16 games, New England lost plenty in Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Shane Vereen and Vince Wilfork.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is loaded again, this time with Jimmy Graham. The offensive line is a real concern, but the rest of this group is outrageous. The defense is still elite despite losing Byron Maxwell.