The Bob Head Sayeth: NFL Power Rankings (Preseason)

9/2/2016

Bob Head with Kevin Aherne

NFL kickoff is just days away, and the 2016 season has produced much more uncertainty than in years past. The defending Super Bowl champs lost their top two quarterbacks this off-season, and now rely on a second-year player with one career NFL snap. Then you have the Patriots, who look more powerful than ever - save for the fact that their future Hall-of-Fame quarterback is on the shelf until October.

So, who are the NFL haves and who are the have-nots? Find out below in WBOB's Preseason Power Rankings (organized into divisions named for football movies ascending from great to awful)

Rudy Division

1. Arizona

2016 is probably the last hurrah for Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald, two borderline Hall-of-Famers who still have the skills to win at the highest levels. Combine that a suffocating defense with an improved pass rush (thanks, Chandler Jones) and an elite secondary, and you have one of the most formidable teams in the NFL. If they can learn to run the ball, they will be dominant.

Bob Head Prediction: 13-3 (1st in NFC West)

2. New England

No Brady. No Problem? The first four weeks of the Patriots' schedule might get a little hairy - especially considering they will jump into the deep end with a week 1 matchup at Arizona. Backup-turned-starter Jimmy Garappolo will have to work hard to properly helm the ship in Brady's absence, but he has the weapons on offense (Gronkowski, Bennett, Edelman, et al) to bail him out. While there are some big question marks with the offensive line, the defense is solid as ever, especially with the addition of Barkevious Mingo to the linebacker core.

Bob Head Prediction: 12-4 (1st in AFC East)

3. Carolina

Nearly undefeated a season ago, the Carolina Panthers were the darlings of the NFL - until Cam Newton laid an egg on Super Bowl Sunday. There aren't many marquee names on the roster, but they seem to like it that way. Like a Panther lurking in the jungle, this team can pounce on any opponent who doesn't tread lightly. The key will be to keep Newton out of his own head.

Bob Head Prediction: 13-3 (1st in NFC South)

4. Cincinnati

It's time to admit it, Andy Dalton is an elite NFL quarterback. He has a 3/2 touchdown to interception ratio thoughout his career, and last season, he was nearly 4/1 in that category. His numbers are starting to look a lot like Tom Brady's early years. In addition, the Bengals have added some serious heat to their defense with Karlos Dansby and Taylor Mays. The also improved their receiving core with the additions of Brandon LaFell and rookie Tyler Boyd.

Bob Head Prediction: 12-4 (1st in AFC North)

5. Houston

The Brock Osweiller era has begun in Houston! I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing - but it's certainly an improvement over Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. But, the addition of Lamar Miller (essentially traded for Arian Foster), and the continued growth of receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Jalen Strong make for a multi-dimensional offense. Pair that with tone of the league's most prolific defenses led by JJ Watt. Regardless, it should be a fun Fall in Houston.

Bob Head Prediction: 11-5 (First in AFC South)

6. Seattle

2015 was a rocky year for the Seahawks. Coming off their heartbreaking loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, the team stumbled out of the gate, and failed to win the lowly NFC West division title. Now, they have lost their emotional leader, Marshawn Lynch, to retirement. The key to success for Seattle will depend on the continued development of running back Thomas Rawls, and receivers Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett. The defense is just as solid, so this team is far from stinking, but they are miles away from their dominant stature of years past.

Bob Head Prediction: 11-5 (2nd in NFC West)

7. Miami

Miami in the top stratum? Better believe it. The Dolphins have been quietly rebuilding from beneath New England's shadow, and 2016 will be the year that it all comes together? A Super Bowl contender? Nah. But can they do some damage in the regular season and playoffs. Their secret: they have built up their offensive and defensive lines. And as history shows us, quarterbacks and receivers make the highlight reels, but games are won in the trenches.

Bob Head Prediction: 10-6 (2nd in AFC East)

8. Baltimore

The Ravens are a boring team, but boring teams often contend for championships. What the lack in flare they more than make up for in sound-football fundamentals. Flacco, Dumervil, Suggs, Webb and a ton of role players will lead the Ravens back to the playoffs after a disappointing 2015.

Bob Head Prediction: 10-6 (2nd in AFC North)

Varsity Blues Division

9. Atlanta

Matt Ryan is not an elite NFL quarterback. In fact, he's barely a good one. However, Julio Jones, Devanta Freeman, and a serviceable defense will help push the Falcons into the playoffs. A nice send-off for the Georgia Dome.

Bob Head Prediction: 9-7 (2nd in NFC South)

10. Oakland

Are they moving to Vegas? or maybe LA? How about San Antonio? The Raders have made more headlines in the past few years for their stadium woes than their on-field product, but that will change in 2016. Derek Carr is a legitimate NFL quarterback, Amari Cooper is a solid receiver, and Khalil Mack may be the best defensive lineman in the league. It's been a while since they were last relevant, but the Raiders will win the AFC West.

Bob Head Prediction: 10-6 (1st in AFC West)

11. Pittsburgh

The end of an era. The Steelers have only missed the playoffs three times since drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, and 2016 will be the fourth. While they will post a winning record, their aging defense, and injury-prone defense will do Pittsburgh in in 2016. Look for the Steelers to cut ties with their franchise QB this coming off-season.

Bob Head Prediction: 9-7 (3rd in AFC North)

12. Packers

Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL. He's accurate, he's composed, he makes smart decisions with the football. However, they have been losing their most talented players at a much quicker rate than they have replaced them over the past three seasons. A weak defense and a depleted arsenal of offensive weapons have doomed the Packers to mediocrity in 2016. Luckily, they play in an awful division.

Bob Head Prediction: 9-7 (1st in NFC North)

13. Indianapolis

Andrew Luck was injured for much of 2015. Though, even when he was on the field, he failed to perform like the franchise QB had in seasons past. The Colts just aren't that good anymore. Luck is an elite talent, but he's trying to cook filet mignon on a George Foreman Grill. Another playoff miss for the Colts.

Bob Head Prediction: 8-8 (2nd in AFC South)

14. Washington

Washington is a playoff team, just not a very good one. Kirk Cousins is serviceable, and some key additions to the defense such as Josh Norman, Kendall Reyes, and Greg Toler will lead the 'Skins to their second straight NFC East crown (if you can call it that).

Bob Head Prediction: 9-7 (1st in NFC East)

15. Denver

Boy, did they screw this one up! They lost Peyton to retirement, and then lost backup and heir-apparent, Brock Osweiler, to Free Agency. Now, the defending Super Bowl champs will rely on 2nd year backup, Trevor Siemian, to lead the Broncos to mediocrity. They will still be proficient with the run, and their defense is still solid, but the Broncos will take one giant leap backward in 2016.

Bob Head Prediction: 8-8 (2nd in AFC West)

16. New Orleans

Drew Brees is on the back nine. They haven't done much to improve their offensive weaponry, but they have added a few big hitters on defense - namely, Nick Fairley. The Brees and Sean Payton combo should be good for a winning seaons, but don't expect to see the Saints playing football in January.

Bob Head Prediction: 8-8 (3rd in NFC South)

Necessary Roughness Division

17. Kansas City

Can Jamaal Charles stay healthy? Can Alex Smith remain okay-ish under center? Will Eric Berry perform at his best amid a contract dispute? The answers to these questions will largely determine the level of success that the Chiefs will achieve in 2016.

Bob Head Prediction: 7-9 (3rd AFC West)

18. New York

New coach, same team. First-year coach Ben McAdoo will be cooking with old groceries in 2016. The team drafted well, but failed to bring in any big names in free agency to bolster their rebuilding process. The New York Football Giants do have one chance to make the postseason, and that involves an implosion in Washington.

Bob Head Prediction: 7-9 (2nd NFC East)

19. Jacksonville

Blake Bortles is a solid quarterback, but the Jaguars have miles to go. While this may be a conference leading team in two to three years, the Jaguars are still very much a rebuilding team. There offense will be lethargic at times and explosive at others, and the defense will bend and often break. We'll see you in 2017, Jags.

Bob Head Prediction: 7-9 (3rd AFC South)

20. Cleveland

Robert Grifffin III is not a serviceable NFL quarterback. As much as we wish that wasn't true, he's not durable enough to be a runner and not poised enough to be a thrower. They have no credible offensive weapons, and a mediocre defense. They will squeak out a few home wins with help from the Dawg Pound, but don't expect much more than that.

Bob Head Prediction: 6-10 (4th in AFC North)

21. Minnesota

Apparently franchise quarterback Teddy Bridgewater nearly lost his leg due to a gruesome non-contact injury this preseason, and now the Vikings have lost a leg to stand on in regards to their playoff hopes. Now, 36 year-old Shaun Hill will take the reins. There's always next year - if Bridgewater is even ready to go by then.

Bob Head Prediction: 5-11 (2nd NFC North)

22. Los Angeles

They were the St. Louis Rams, but they also used to be the LA Rams, and now they're the... LA Rams. Confused? So is Jared Goff, wondering why he is behind the oft-concussed Case Keenum on the depth chart. While this team is still really bad, they are improving, and will be relevant next year with Goff under Center, Gurley in the backfield, and hopefully Jeff Fisher in the press box.

Bob Head Prediction: 5-11 (3rd in NFC West)

23. San Diego

Ugh. What a mess. The city doesn't even want to be associated with the Chargers anymore. Their ineptitude was highlighted this offseason with the petty contract dispute with Joey Bosa, arguably the best player from the 2016 NFL Draft.

Bob Head Prediction: 6-10 (4th in AFC West)

24. Dallas

No Romo. No Problem. Despite losing their "franchise QB" to a broken back, sources close to the team have tabbed rookie quarterback Dak Prescott as the real deal. Dallas boasts arguably the best draft class in the NFL, and has no shortage of offensive weapons. Though, injuries and inexperience will plague the team and they will once again miss the playoffs.

Bob Head Prediction: 5-11 (3rd NFC East)

The Game Plan Division

25. Detroit

The Lions 2016 season ended in March when their top offensive weapon, Calvin Johnson, opted to retire early (a la Barry Sanders). They did add veteran wide out Anquan Boldin, and they do have a formidable running game, but with a swiss cheese defense and no deep threat, it's back to the drawing board for Detroit.

Bob Head Prediction: 5-11 (3rd NFC North)

26. Philadelphia

To borrow a phrase from their basketball counterpart, the Eagles are two years away from being two years away. They shuffled the deck to acquire the draft pick that turned into Carson Wentz, but the team has some gaping holes, mainly in the trenches. But not all hope is lost for the now Chip Kelly-less Eagles - this team has an upside, which unfortunately won't be realized until 2018 or beyond.

Bob Head Prediction: 4-12 (4th in NFC East)

27. Chicago

Can someone explain to us how Jay Cutler still has a job. He's somehow both a has-been and a never-was. They lost Matt Forte to the Jets, and no longer boast a stand-up defense. It will be along time before we see another playoff game at Soldier Field.

Bob Head Prediction: 4-12 (4th in NFC East)

28. New York

The Jets are puzzling. They have a serviceable quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, and they possess some true offensive weapons in Matt Fort and Brandon Marshall, but something seems to be missing. outside of an aging Darrell Revis, the Jets lack any defensive stalwart.

Bob Head Prediction: 4-12 (3rd in AFC East)

29. Tennessee

This is a tough one. With the emergence of Marcus Mariota as a legitimate NFL quarterback and the signing of DeMarco Murray, the Titans will be fun to watch in 2016. They do lack a deep threat, and any defensive solidarity, so expect another rough year in Nashville.

Bob Head Prediction: 4-12 (4th in AFC South)

30. Tampa Bay

Similar to Tennessee, Tampa Bay's quarterback and offensive weapons are exciting to watch, but this team lacks strength in the trenches. Jameis Winston will spend more time running from pass rushers than he will be checking down receivers in the pocket, and the team will be chasing points all season.

Bob Head Prediction: 3-13 (4th in NFC South)

31. Buffalo

All you need to know about the 2016 Buffalo Bills in that they signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a six-year contract extension worth $92 million.

What. The. Hell?

Bob Head Prediction: 3-13 (4th in AFC East)

32. San Francisco

Until the Colin Kaepernick ordeal, we forgot that San Francisco still had an NFL team. Not really, but this team is god-awful. They were bad in 2015, and somehow they got worse.

Bob Head Prediction: 2-14 (4th in NFC West)

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