NFL Power Rankings: Pre-training camp edition

29. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins have some talent, especially on offense, but I have several concerns with this team. First, I’m not a Jay Gruden fan. I don’t think his track record is that impressive and if his last name wasn’t Gruden I’m not sure he’d be where he is today. Second, their defense was a mess last year and I just don’t see enough improvements on that side of the ball. Third, RG3 (while incredibly talented) is still an injury waiting to happen and that offense won’t be the same without him. Finally, their locker room seemed to be a mess last year and now they’ve added DeSean Jackson to the mix. If things go badly to start the year, look out, this could turn into a dumpster fire.

28. Buffalo Bills

It seems like the Bills are stuck in the NFL equivalent of the movie “Groundhogs Day”. Every season we hear talk about them being a team on the rise that this year they are going to finally take that next step. Then they go 6-10 and we do the whole thing all over again. Unfortunately for Bills fans it looks like this year could be more of the same. I’m not convinced that EJ Manuel is a NFL starting caliber QB and losing Kiko Alonso is going to hurt on defense. I hope I’m wrong, but 6-10 sounds about right again this season.

27. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are another team that just needs some good QB play to get them back to playoff contention. Unfortunately, there’s talk of letting Matt Cassel play this season because he gives them the best chance to win now. I’ve watched my fair share of Cassel in KC and can tell you that Cassel isn’t leading that team to the playoffs. So while he may be good for one or two more wins this season, is that really worth delaying your future for? The Vikings should go with Teddy Bridgewater from day one. The additions they made on defense should help that side of the ball and having Adrian Peterson and Cordarrelle Patterson on offense makes them dangerous.