WalterFootball.com: 2010 NFL Power Rankings

WalterFootball.com - Detailed NFL Mock Drafts, Player Prospect Rankings, and One of the Largest Mock Draft Databases on the Web

2010 NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Free Agency

My initial 2010 NFL Power Rankings. I'll be using these rankings as the order for the next update of my 2011 NFL Mock Draft. Expect an update soon.

I've gone from WORST to FIRST, so if you don't see reverse numbering (via Javascript), don't worry; the Rams, Chiefs and Lions aren't my top teams.

Updated: 2/21

St. Louis Rams (1-15) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. 49ers, Lost 6-28
at Cardinals, Lost 10-31
vs. Texans, Lost 13-16
at Titans, Lost 7-47
at Bears, Lost 9-17

Rams general manager Billy Devaney has stated repeatedly that he wants to acquire players who can score long touchdowns. One reason is because of that scoring output (look above). It doesn't matter how good your defense is; you're not going to win games scoring 6, 10, 13, 7 and 9. A second reason is because there were more cobwebs than people in the stands of the Edward Jones Dome in 2009.

The Rams have some nice, young defensive players like James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, David Vobora, O.J. Atogwe, Bradley Fletcher and Ronald Bartell. However, they will continue to suffer until they find some stability at the quarterback position.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Broncos, Won 44-24
at Bengals, Lost 10-17
vs. Browns, Lost 34-41
vs. Bills, Lost 10-16
vs. Broncos, Lost 13-44

The good news is that Jamaal Charles is awesome. Charles somehow finished the year with 1,120 rushing yards even though he was seldom used in the beginning of the season because Todd Haley thought Larry Johnson was a better player. Oops.

The bad news is that pretty much everyone else on Kansas City isn't very good, including Matt Cassel, who is somehow the third-highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Oops.

Even with Charles going, the Chiefs were limited to 14 points or less in four of their final six contests. And considering the defense stinks, Kansas City seems poised for another last-place finish in the AFC West.
Seattle Seahawks (5-11) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Titans, Lost 13-17
at Packers, Lost 10-48
vs. Buccaneers, Lost 7-24
at Texans, Lost 7-34
vs. 49ers, Won 20-17

The Seahawks have more needs than a pregnant wife. I seriously can't name one thing they do well. They aren't a good passing team anymore because Matt Hasselbeck is done. They can't protect Hasselbeck. They can't run the ball. They can't stretch the field because their receivers stink. They can't get to the other quarterback. They can't stop the run. They can't defend the pass because their secondary isn't very good. It's really amazing how much Seattle has regressed.

On a positive note, Jim Mora Jr. is gone, so maybe some talented young players (Justin Forsett, Deon Butler) will actually get to play over crappy, washed-up veterans (Julius Jones, Deion Branch). Oh, and maybe the team won't quit in December like it did last year.
Detroit Lions (2-14) - Previously: --
Final 5 Matthew Stafford Starts (Before Injury):
vs. Browns, Won 38-37
at Vikings, Lost 10-27
at Seahawks, Lost 20-32
vs. Rams, Lost 10-17
at Bears, Lost 24-48

Matthew Stafford needs a franchise left tackle. I know he was hurt on a fluke Hail Mary play, but the pounding he took from Clay Matthews four days later didn't help matters.

In the 10 contests Stafford started last year, the Lions averaged 18.6 points per game. He'll continue to improve, especially if the Lions provide him with a solid No. 2 receiver and better protection. Unfortunately, Detroit's defense (30.9 ppg) has a long way to go.
Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Jaguars, Won 23-17
vs. Raiders, Won 23-9
at Chiefs, Won 41-34
vs. Steelers, Won 13-6
vs. Chargers, Lost 23-30

You really have to commend the Browns for playing well toward the end of the season - Eric Mangini probably threatened to invite the players to his birthday party if they didn't play hard - but at the same time, winning all of those games took them out of the running for Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford.

Cleveland has a decent foundation with its running game, left side of the offensive line and defensive front, but to win consistently, the team will need to find a franchise signal-caller.
Denver Broncos (8-8) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Chiefs, Lost 24-44
at Eagles, Lost 27-30
vs. Raiders, Lost 19-20
at Colts, Lost 16-28
at Chiefs, Won 44-13

The Broncos literally caught a lucky break in the season opener against the Bengals, and used that momentum to catch fire and start the year 6-0. We know the rest - they finished 2-8, they couldn't beat the Raiders or Chiefs at home in must-win games, and Josh McDaniels benched his best player and fired his brilliant defensive coordinator. And we all thought things would go well when McDaniels downgraded his quarterback position before the 2009 NFL Draft...

Great e-mail from Seth S.:

So it's come to my attention that the two dumbest people who currently have direct ties to the NFL are both young, cocky, white guys with "Mc" names - the guru of draft stupidity, Todd McShay, and the coach of my favorite team, the "offensive mastermind" Josh McDaniels. I'm trying to decide if this is pure coincidence or a sign of something deeper... something more sinister.

Both are in their early 30s. Both have strong ties to Massachusetts - McS was born there and McD with the Pats. Both hate certain talented QBs for no rationale reason - McD with Cutler and McS with Clausen. By all accounts, both are huge douches. Both have alienated someone who was much more experienced, older, wiser, and way better at their job - McS with Kiper and McD with Mike Nolan. And both are attempting to ruin football for me.

So I ask you this - are they some evil coalition set on making me pull out all my hair in a combination of frustration and disbelief?

Wait...do we have any confirmation that they've ever been seen in the same room at the same time? Oh no...
Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Previously: --
Bruce Gradkowski's Full Games:
at Steelers, Won 27-24
at Cowboys, Lost 7-24
vs. Bengals, Won 20-17

...And the Raiders didn't look half-bad in that Dallas Thanksgiving game. Bruce Gradkowski isn't a very talented quarterback, but he's accurate and generally makes good decisions. Plus, Oakland played hard for him. Whenever JaMarcus Russell was in the game, the team just didn't seem interested.

Gradkowski won't lead the Raiders deep into the playoffs or anything, but I think an 8-8 finish is possible if he starts all 16 games; Oakland's defense is decent and the running game can be effective if Michael Bush is used.

Isn't this great? I made it through a whole Raiders segment without using any Al Davis goat blood/sacrificing virgin jokes, and I didn't even mention that Undead Al recently made Sebastian Janikowski the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Previously: --
Final 5 (Non-B.S.) Games:
vs. Patriots, Lost 10-17
at Chiefs, Won 16-10
vs. Jets, Lost 13-19
vs. Dolphins, Won 31-14
at Jaguars, Lost 15-18

You really have to like the way Buffalo's defense finished the year. Excluding Brian Brohm's only start at Atlanta, the Bills surrendered 19 points or fewer to every opponent they faced.

Unfortunately, like the Browns, their late-season wins have nullified their chances of getting a quarterback this April. That means the Bills will have to go with Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick or maybe QB Dog Killer as the starting quarterback next year. And unless you're Bucky Brooks, that's not a good thing.
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Browns, Lost 17-23
at Patriots, Lost 7-35
vs. Colts, Lost 31-35
vs. Dolphins, Lost 10-14
vs. Texans, Won 23-18

Ladies and gentlemen, give a hand to the laziest team in the NFL! The Jaguars try hard in only two scenarios: If they're playing a divisional opponent or if they're a big underdog.

Want proof of this? You got it:

Divisional Games (6): 3-3 (4-2 against the spread), 24.5 ppg, +1.5 point differential.
Non-Divisional Games (10): 4-6 (1-9 against the spread), 14.3 ppg, -9.9 point differential.

Oh, and I must note that six of those 10 non-divisional games were against the Rams, Chiefs, Bills, Seahawks, 49ers and Browns!

If you go back to 2008, you'll get the same type of dichotomy. Jack Del Rio is a lazy coach with no work ethic, and his lethargic attitude clearly rubs off on his team (and the fans, who don't put forth enough energy to come to the games on Sunday).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Falcons, Lost 10-20
at Saints, Won 20-17
at Seahawks, Won 24-7
vs. Jets, Lost 3-26
at Panthers, Lost 6-16

Josh Freeman was my nemesis in 2009. Whenever I would bet on him, he would crap the bed. Whenever I would take the other team, he'd play lights out. Look at how erratic he was:

Weeks 9-10, 12, 15-16 (GB, MIA, ATL, SEA, NO): 87-of-145 (60.0%), 1,127 yards (7.8 YPA), 8 TDs, 5 INTs.
Weeks 11, 13-14, 17: (NO, CAR, NYJ, ATL): 69-of-141 (48.9%), 712 yards (5.1 YPA), 2 TDs, 13 INTs.

I guess that type of inconsistency is to be expected from a rookie quarterback. The good news is that with more experience, Freeman will have more of those former games. And because the Buccaneers have their franchise signal-caller, they can focus on upgrading a defense that improved as the year went along, allowing just 14.3 ppg in its final six contests.
Arizona Cardinals (10-6) - Previously: --
Final 5 Real Games:
at Saints, Lost 14-45
vs. Packers, Won 51-45
vs. Rams, Won 31-10
at Lions, Won 31-24
at 49ers, Loss 9-24

Whoa, Cards at 22? Well, you know the rule that says more than half of the teams in this season's playoffs won't make the postseason the following year? This Arizona squad is Candidate No. 1. Kurt Warner announced his retirement, so Cardinals fans need to prepare for the Nick Lachey Hot Tub Offense (i.e. Matt Leinart dinking and dunking).

With Warner gone, an underrated aspect of Arizona's offseason is the eventual departure of Karlos Dansby, one of the top linebackers in the NFL. Considering that the Cardinals' defense surrendered 90 points in its final two games, the team will definitely miss Dansby's presence.

Of course, the Cardinals will move up in these NFL Power Rankings if they acquire Donovan McNabb.
Washington Redskins (4-12) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Chargers, Lost 20-23
vs. Cowboys, Lost 0-17
vs. Giants, Lost 12-45
at Raiders, Won 34-13
vs. Saints, Lost 30-33

What could have been. The Redskins went just 4-12, but suffered a whopping eight losses by eight points or less. And that was despite losing Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Ladell Betts, Chris Horton, Randy Thomas and the mighty Colt Brennan to injured reserve. That last one really hurt.

The good news is that Washington is once again offseason champs. Free agency hasn't even started yet, and Daniel Snyder has already made the biggest splash, hiring Mike Shanahan to be his new head coach.
San Francisco 49ers (8-8) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Rams, Won 28-6
vs. Lions, Won 20-6
at Eagles, Lost 13-27
vs. Cardinals, Won 24-9
at Seahawks, Lost 17-20

I really like the way the 49ers closed out the season, and they have great chance to win a crappy NFC West in 2010. However, I just don't see Alex Smith taking San Francisco deep into the playoffs. In Smith's 10 starts, the 49ers averaged 19.7 points per game and were limited to 20 points or fewer on six occasions.
Chicago Bears (7-9) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Lions, Won 37-23
vs. Vikings, Won 36-30
at Ravens, Lost 7-31
vs. Packers, Lost 14-21
vs. Rams, Won 17-9

People love to blame Chicago's 7-9 season on Jay Cutler. Sure, that's fair. Let's ignore the fact that the defense, missing Brian Urlacher, surrendered 23 points or more on eight occasions. Let's turn our heads away from the fact that Matt Forte was fat and out of shape. Let's not blame the offensive line for blocking poorly or the receivers for not getting open.

Cutler made some bone-headed throws, but he had to force a lot of stuff because the team around him was terrible. However, there is good news. On offense, Devin Aromashodu played like a No. 1 wideout in the final weeks of the season, and Chris Williams was solid at left tackle after he displaced Orlando Pace. On defense, Urlacher will be back, and Tommie Harris was brilliant to close out the year. This is the first offseason in eons that Harris won't be coming off some sort of surgery, and having him back at near-100 percent will be a huge boost.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - Previously: --
Final 5 Real Games:
vs. Jets, Lost 14-24
vs. Chiefs, Won 17-10
at Chargers, Lost 24-27
at Vikings, Lost 10-30
vs. Lions, Won 23-13

The Bengals suffered through the tragic loss of Chris Henry, but they were in a tailspin way before the receiver's passing.

Beginning with a loss at Oakland on Nov. 22, Cincinnati was outscored in its final eight games, 168-121 - and keep in mind, four of the final eight contests were against the Raiders, Browns, Lions and Chiefs!

The Bengals already improved their receiving corps. They signed Matt Jones, so at the very worst, they can snort some cocaine to cheer them up after a loss.
New York Giants (8-8) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Vikings, Lost 7-44
vs. Panthers, Lost 9-41
at Redskins, Won 45-12
vs. Eagles, Lost 38-45
vs. Cowboys, Won 31-24

The Giants didn't feel the need to try hard in the final two weeks of the 2009 season, so I'm not going to try hard here either.

I will say this though, it's hard to believe that a team with such a dominant defensive line two years ago had so much trouble getting pressure on the quarterback this season. And if the players sincerely think the new defensive coordinator was to blame, then they're mistaken. Osi Umenyiora has to stop whining and begin concentrating on football again, and someone needs to tell Justin Tuck to stop doing those awful Subway commercials with Michael Strahan.
Atlanta Falcons (9-7) - Previously: --
Matt Ryan's Final 5 Full Games:
at Buccaneers, Won 20-10
vs. Bills, Won 31-3
at Jets, Won 10-7
at Giants, Lost 31-34
at Panthers, Lost 19-28

Sophomore growing pains for Matt Ryan, but he should be able to move forward with a solid junior year. The Falcons were 9-5 in Ryan's starts, and played pretty well in their final three road games. Atlanta has had trouble in a visiting role during Ryan's brief career, so beating the Jets and Bucs, and taking the Giants to overtime was a good sign.
Carolina Panthers (8-8) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Saints, Won 23-10
at Giants, Won 41-9
vs. Vikings, Won 26-7
at Patriots, Lost 10-20
vs. Buccaneers, Won 16-6

A quarterback can make all the difference. In 12 starts, Jake Delhomme was throwing interceptions left and right, trying desperately to get his son back from the evil kidnappers. At 4-7, the Panthers made the switch to Matt Moore, who was infinitely better. Carolina finished the year on a 4-1 run.

I couldn't believe my ears when John Clayton said that Delhomme would be the starter in 2010. I just don't think John Fox would be that stupid. Consider the numbers:

Delhomme starts: 4-7, 18.1 ppg, 322.1 yards/game, 1.6 INTs/game.
Moore starts: 4-1, 23.2 ppg, 351.1 yards/game, 0.6 INTs/game.

Yes, let's go with Delhomme! He needs to get his son back!

In all seriousness, I like the Panthers next year. They have the running game and the defense, all they need is a quarterback who can move the chains and take care of the football. Moore looks like he can be that guy.
Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Steelers, Lost 24-30
vs. Texans, Lost 20-27
at Titans, Lost 24-27
at Jaguars, Won 14-10
vs. Patriots, Won 22-21

Miami's search for Dan Marino's successor is over. At least I think so. Sure, Chad Henne was inconsistent at times last year, but what first-year quarterback isn't?

Henne was great down the stretch. Look at the numbers in his final games: 130-of-202 (64.4%), 1,366 yards (6.8 YPA), 5 TDs, 7 INTs. The interceptions make that look bad, and Henne did make dumb throws on occasion, but remember that he was a first-year starting quarterback playing without his best offensive weapon (Ronnie Brown) and throwing to a bunch of mediocre receivers.

For the first time in a while, Miami's major issues are on defense; the team allowed 23 points or more on 11 occasions. The entire linebacking corps needs to be reworked.
Tennessee Titans (8-8) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Seahawks, Won 17-13
vs. Chargers, Lost 17-42
vs. Dolphins, Won 27-24
vs. Rams, Won 47-7
at Colts, Lost 17-27

The Titans deserve a lot of credit for battling back from 0-6 to finish 8-8. However, as Emmitt would say, "when push come to shovel, the Titan just couldn't get over the hump day." Tennessee faltered against the Chargers and Colts because their pass rush couldn't get to the quarterback, which exposed the secondary, particularly Nick Harper.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Cowboys, Lost 14-34
at Cowboys, Lost 0-24
vs. Broncos, Won 30-27
vs. 49ers, Won 27-13
at Giants, Won 45-38

Some of the fans were angered when the Eagles signed QB Dog Killer. The rest of the fans were furious when the Eagles were blown out in consecutive weeks against the Cowboys. Mad Philadelphians? Never thought I'd see that.

Moving forward, the Eagles must trade Donovan McNabb. He'll be a free agent in March 2011, so this is their final chance to get something for him. They should be able to net a late first-rounder (Arizona), allowing Kevin Kolb to become the starting quarterback of this football team. A trade like that would work out for both parties; McNabb would finally be able to play in an offense that better suits his skills. He is not a natural West Coast signal-caller, and has been trapped in the wrong system for a decade.
New England Patriots (10-6) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Ravens, Lost 14-33
at Texans, Lost 27-34
vs. Jaguars, Won 35-7
at Bills, Won 17-10
vs. Panthers, Won 20-10

No one took 2009 seriously. Not even Bill Belichick. Belichick traded away Richard Seymour to the Raiders for a 2011 first-round pick (steal), so even he couldn't have had much faith in the 2009 season. And how could he? With Tom Brady coming off that brutal knee injury and the defense rebuilding, the Patriots weren't going to win the Super Bowl.

Everything was going according to plan until Week 17 - when Wes Welker shredded his knee at Reliant Stadium. Even if Welker makes it back for the season opener, he won't be 100 percent. And we've seen Brady struggle without his favorite weapon before.
Houston Texans (9-7) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
vs. Patriots, Won 34-27
at Dolphins, Won 27-20
at Rams, Won 16-13
vs. Seahawks, Won 34-7
at Jaguars, Lost 18-23

The Texans finished the season with a winning record for the first time in franchise history. However, it could have been a lot better. Two losses were the result of a Kris Brown missed field goal in the final seconds. Two more came because the Texans were stuffed at the 1-yard line. Another was the product of a Matt Schaub injury.

If you think about it, Houston could have concluded the year with a 14-2 record. I know... woulda, coulda, shoulda, but the point is that this Texans team is very talented, and should be able to make a run at the playoffs in 2010.
Dallas Cowboys (11-5) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Vikings, Lost 3-34
vs. Eagles, Won 34-14
vs. Eagles, Won 24-0
at Redskins, Won 17-0
at Saints, Won 24-17

I posted the following about Wade Phillips in my 2010 NFL Offseason Needs pages: "Wade Phillips is a joke. The Cowboys can't be considered serious Super Bowl contenders until they find a real head coach."

I thought I would get support from Cowboys fans for this statement. Some e-mails like, "You're right man. Wade Phillips and his 10 chins suck!" Instead, I received about a dozen e-mails from people defending Mr. Turkey Neck.

I don't get it. If Dallas fans want to stick with their clueless, bumbling coach who chokes under pressure, then whatever. But I stand by what I said. I don't think the Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender with Phillips looking confused on the sideline during an important game. But if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.
Green Bay Packers (11-5) - Previously: --
Final 5 Real Games:
at Cardinals, Lost 45-51
vs. Seahawks, Won 48-10
at Steelers, Lost 36-37
at Bears, Won 21-14
vs. Ravens, Won 27-14

Lots to like here: A quarterback who entered elite status last year and has tons of weapons; an offensive line that improved in the second half of the season that will surely see an upgrade this offseason; a defense becoming more comfortable with the 3-4; and lots of momentum after a 7-2 finish. Assuming they do the right things this spring, the Packers are going to be very difficult to beat in 2010.
Minnesota Vikings (12-4) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Saints, Lost 28-31
vs. Cowboys, Won 34-3
vs. Giants, Won 44-7
at Bears, Lost 30-36
at Panthers, Lost 7-26

Why even bother? We all know the Vikings are going to make it deep into the playoffs, outplay the other team, and find some insane way to lose again. Minnesota fans are sadly nodding their heads.

I have the Vikings a bit low in my initial 2010 NFL Power Rankings because of Brett Favre. Favre was outstanding last season, but he turns 41 in October. How long can he keep playing at a high level? I know I said the same thing last offseason, but at some point, there has to be a sharp decline in Favre's production, right?
Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - Previously: --
Final 5 Games:
at Colts, Lost 3-20
at Patriots, Won 33-14
at Raiders, Won 21-13
at Steelers, Lost 20-23
vs. Bears, Won 31-7

The Ravens were secretly a very good team all year, so it didn't shock me at all that they destroyed the Patriots in the opening round of the playoffs. Conversely, they led the NFL in penalties, so it didn't shock me at all either that they continuously shot themselves in the foot at Indianapolis the following weekend.

Why were the Ravens secretly good? Five of their seven regular-season losses came by 3, 2, 2, 3 and 6 points - and the teams they lost those games to had a combined 55-25 record.

Furthermore, Joe Flacco was hurt late in the year. If he stays healthy in 2010 and the front office provides him with a new No. 1 receiver and an upgrade at tight end, this Baltimore team could go the distance.
New York Jets (9-7) - Previously: --
Final 5 Real Games:
at Colts, Lost 17-30
at Chargers, Won 17-14
at Bengals, Won 24-14
vs. Falcons, Lost 7-10
at Buccaneers, Won 26-3

I really like this Jets team. What's scary is that Mark Sanchez and the offense as a whole will continue to improve as the defense stays dominant. If the front office can acquire some pass-rushers through the 2010 NFL Draft - I currently have them taking Jerry Hughes in my 2010 NFL Mock Draft - the Jets should be considered one of the Super Bowl XLV favorites.
San Diego Chargers (13-3) - Previously: --
Final 5 Real Games:
vs. Jets, Lost 14-17
at Titans, Won 42-17
vs. Bengals, Won 27-24
at Cowboys, Won 20-17
at Browns, Won 30-23

Before Nate Kaeding missed all three of his field goals against the Jets, a CBS camera panned to him on the sideline. His face was pale, and he looked like he was overdosing on some of Matt Jones' drugs. I said to myself, "There's no way he's making any long field goals today." Sure enough, Kaeding choked the game away.

The Chargers as a whole didn't play well, so it's tough to blame one guy. But still, if Kaeding hits his two easy kicks, San Diego moves on to the AFC Championship, where they probably lose to the Colts because of more missed Kaeding field goals.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) - Previously: --
Troy Polamalu's 4 Full Games:
at Broncos, Won 28-10
vs. Vikings, Won 27-17
vs. Browns, Won 27-14
vs. Titans, Won 13-10

I continuously ranked the Steelers too high in my 2009 NFL Power Rankings because I thought Troy Polamalu would eventually return to the lineup. And by looking at those four results above, you can tell what he meant to Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers allowed 13.8 points per game in Polamalu's five starts (he left early in one of them.) When he was completely out of the lineup, that number rose to 23.2.

As long as Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger and most of the other core guys are healthy next year, the Steelers should be back in Super Bowl contention.

All in all, if 9-7 is a bad year for your franchise, you're doing pretty well.
Indianapolis Colts (14-2) - Previously: --
Super Bowl Run:
vs. Saints, Lost 17-31
vs. Jets, Won 30-17
vs. Ravens, Won 20-3

Indianapolis' only key unrestricted free agent is Gary Brackett, who was a major part of the defense's improvement. Re-signing Brackett will be important, but ultimately, as long as a healthy No. 18 is under center, the Colts will be a Super Bowl contender.
New Orleans Saints (13-3) - Previously: --
Super Bowl Run:
vs. Colts, Won 31-17
vs. Vikings, Won 31-28
vs. Cardinals, Won 45-14

Years ago, no one would have ever imagined the Saints winning the Super Bowl. An e-mail from David K.:

Wow. New Orleans picking 32nd. I got down to the bottom of Round 1 of your 2010 NFL Mock Draft and saw the fleur-de-lis and did a double take for how out of place it looked. Yes I watched the Saints raise the trophy but still, after 20-plus years of following the draft, something "Pirates and Indians leading their divisions at the all-star break"-like comes to mind as though I might never see this moment again. Will we ever see a Jaguar, Lion or Buffalo at that spot? Jags and Bills will go extinct and the Lions will never rise to the occasion.

Great job, Saints. Now let's see if you can be the first repeat champion since the 2003-04 Patriots.

2010 NFL Free Agents - March 12

2010 NFL Offseason Needs - March 12

2010 NFL Mock Draft - March 9

Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Mock Draft - March 7

2010 NBA Mock Draft - Feb. 25

2011 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 24

2010 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Pre-Free Agency 2010 NFL Power Rankings

2009 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Final Reg. Season | 19 | 20 | 21 | Final |

2008 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Final Reg. Season | 19 | 20 | 21 | Final |

2007 NFL Power Rankings. Week: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21