NFL Power Rankings 2011 / 2012 season

The next five weeks will tell us who is the best team in the NFL. The wannabies are gone (Jets and Eagles) and we're down to the cream of the crop. So who are going to be the team that rises to the occasion and who will end up disappointing their fans?

What happened to:

Eages & Jets - both said they would be in the Superbowl, both failed to get to the playoffs - at least the Eagles looked good at the end of the year and have something to build on.

Preview to season:

Well pre-season has come and gone and the season has finally started. Much has been written about the Packers repeating, but it remains to be seen if their defense can hold up over the year.

This year is probably going to throw up some suprises, so hold on to your breaches!

(Vote in the Polls below the rankings)

The Saints look unstoppable and one wonders whether the lack of experience in the playoffs will diminish the 49ers chances. It’s going to be tough to hold the Saints down and it remains to be seen whether the physical 49ers will be able to stop them.

The 49ers do have a chance though – they’ve gone under the radar this year and have a very balanced team that is efficient and well run. However, the Saints are the form team and will look to show the world that they are here for business.

My Prediction: Saints 38, Niners 23

With the talk of The Saints and the Packers, all talk of these two teams has been subdued. The Patriots seem to be throwing the ball incredibly well, while the Broncos are focusing on the ground – turnovers are going to be key for this game.

I suspect the experience Patriots will do just enough to win this one but it’s going to be close, and going to be a battle.

My Prediction: New England 30, Denver 26

This game may turn on how well Yates can handle the pressure of a playoff game on the road. This is a battle of two efficient teams that are likely to use the short pass to move the ball up the field quickly and efficiently. Baltimore will have to watch out for Houston’s running game, and one wonders whether the Houston defense will be up to the task.

This could come down to subtleties – it’s one of the more interesting match-ups and very hard to predict. I suspect that Baltimore will be more confident as Houston does have a few injuries – but on the day it remains to be seen if this will make a difference.

Baltimore 21, Houston 17

The Giants will point to history and predict that they’ve been to Greenbay and won before – Greenbay will point to their Super Bowl rings from last year. However, history isn’t likely to play a part.

The Packers have Jennings back to assist them, and their offense is firing on all cylinders. The Giants are finally fairly healthy but you wonder if their defense has enough to stop the Packers – if the Giants turn up then this could come down to one mistake, and with the way Manning is playing I can’t see it coming from the Giants – if the Giants don’t turn up then this is going to be a walkover.

I have to have one upset, and considering how well the Giants have been playing and how close to losing the Packers have been over the last few weeks then I can see the Giants pulling off another upset.

My Prediction: Packers 31, Giants 34

Here are the teams that have impressed me in the pre-season:

Lions - could be the surprise team of the season - they've been improving for a few years and have a pretty solid defense - could even steal the division from the Packers.

Cardinals - as an Eagles fan I feel the Cardinals got a real steal with Kolb - they have a weak division so could do well and gain a lot of confidence.

Packers - simply such an experienced team who now have the winning habit.

Patriots - need I say more?

Eagles - not sure yet - if Vick is hit, they will fail - if Vick is protected they have the potential to win.

Jets - awww man - never sure about this team - plenty of attacking options, but they seem to lack that extra 'step' - could be Superbowl bound - could be a big failure.