NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Where do Chiefs begin title defense?
By Grant Tuttle
9. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a team that could win it all, or they could miss the playoffs. I really don't know. What I do know is this: Geno Smith had the best year of his career last season and their defense has some young talent that can destroy a team that is not ready for them. While they don't appear to be a Super Bowl contender at the moment of writing this, they could easily climb into contention.
10. Miami Dolphins
We all know what the key to a successful season in Miami looks like. Tua Tagovailoa must stay healthy and they must get more production out of their defense. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are going to be a problem again this season. It will truly depend on how much good Vic Fangio can get out of the talented players at every level of their defense. If they can build a top-ten defense, they could be a real contender.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a team that could be dominant or disappointing. Trevor Lawrence has had some really great moments in the NFL, but he has yet to take the leap to the upper-echelon of quarterbacks. The Jaguars need to establish an identity and a winning culture, something that has never been established in Duval. The pieces are there and if they can keep their footing, they will be playoff-bound again.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the most overlooked teams in the NFL is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many reflect on last season and forget that they went most of the season without TJ Watt and that they also had a winning season despite their injury and talent concerns. Now, Kenny Pickett is in year two with a tremendous group of receivers at his disposal. The Steelers are a dark horse contender.