NFL power rankings: Patriots, Packers among Super Bowl favorites
The NFL season is only days away. Which teams are the favorites for Super Bowl LII. Our Matt Verderame gives his power rankings headed into Week 1.
It’s finally back. After eight months of free agency, draft talk, more draft talk, OTAs, minicamps and training camp, we finally have real football. We know all the rosters, and we know all the expectations. Now, 32 teams get down to business, some hoping to surprise, while others aim to avoid disappointment.
So who is the best team in the NFL right now? Who can challenge said team? And who might be the favorite for the top spot in next year’s draft? Let’s count ’em down…
New York Jets 0-0
Last week: W, 16-10 vs. PHI
Last rank: 32nd
The Jets are going to be one of the league’s poorest teams, and smart money says they are the odds-on favorite to have the league’s worst record. New York spent most of the offseason jettisoning high-priced players such as David Harris, Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Ryan Clady, Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis. The result is a team high on youth but low on talent.
New York also plays a very tough schedule that includes games against the AFC West and NFC South, along with four contests against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Frankly, it would be shocking if the Jets find a way to win more than two games, especially with the most pathetic offense we’ve seen in years.
Outside of Matt Forte, one would be challenged to name a single player on offense. Josh McCown is going to start the season under center, but we will see plenty of Christian Hackenberg. Unfortunately, neither of them will have any weapon on the outside with both Marshall and Decker gone, and Quincy Enunwa out for the season.
This is the third season for head coach Todd Bowles, and barring a miracle, it is going to be his last in New York.