Mike's Power Rankings

In a league priding itself in non-proclaimed parity, this will be a season that more than ever sees the cream rise to the top -- and the crap sink to the bottom. I'm looking squarely at you, Cincinnati.

With virtually no offseason workouts, veteran teams will have a distinct advantage this season. So that's why you see the Patriots at the top of the Power Rankings. The top eight teams are definitely the strongest teams heading into the season. The Colts fall to below average with a handicapping Manning.

The Browns will take advantage of a soft schedule before imploding in the final weeks when they play Pittsburgh and Baltimore four times in their final five games. I don't know if that scheduling is flat out cruel, lifting the hopes of Browns fans, or a blessing since it provides an opportunity to have meaningful games in December.

1. New England (14-2)
2. Philadelphia (13-3)
3. Green Bay (13-3)
4. New Orleans (13-3)
5. Atlanta (13-3)
6. Baltimore (12-4)
7. Pittsburgh (12-4)
8. NY Jets (11-5)
9. Houston (12-4)
10. Chicago (10-6)
11. NY Giants (10-6)
12. Dallas (9-7)
13. Cleveland (9-7)
14. Tampa Bay (8-8)
15. St. Louis (8-8)
16. Kansas City (8-8)
17. San Diego (8-8)
18. Indianapolis (7-9)
19. Arizona (7-9)
20. Tennessee (6-10)
21. Denver (6-10)
22. San Francisco (6-10)
23. Detroit (6-10)
24. Miami (5-11)
25. Oakland (5-11)
25. Minnesota (5-11)
26. Washington (4-12)
28. Seattle (4-12)
29. Carolina (4-12)
30. Buffalo (3-13)
31. Jacksonville (2-14)
32. Cincinnati (2-14)