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NFL Power Rankings: Where Do Jets and Giants Start the Season

By Nikhil Potpally

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls signals during the first quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls signals during the first quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The start of the NFL season is nearly here. Where do the New York Jet and New York Giants place in our first NFL Power Rankings of the season?

NFL Power Rankings
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a pass as San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Tourek Williams (58) pressures during the first half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

As we head into the start of the 2016 NFL season, we learned how this offseason played a key role in shifting the balance of power within the league. The reigning Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos have a new signal caller, while the runner-up Carolina Panthers lost their top cornerback. The local teams have also made some changes to the roster, through the draft and free agency.

The New York Jets have most of their core returning this year, having locked up Ryan Fitzpatrick for another year. He will attempt to have another career year trying to lead the Jets to the playoffs.

The New York Giants have a new coach leading the way, looking to bounce back after several disappointing seasons. Their revamped defense looks to be much improved from last year, but they have major concerns on the other side of the ball, with their offensive line.

With Week 1 almost upon us, here are the NFL Power Rankings for the entire league.

32. San Francisco 49ers

2015 record: 5-11

The 49ers appear to be at the bottom of the league this year, in spite of hiring Chip Kelly as their new head coach. With Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback and almost no offensive weapons, the 49ers will have a tough year. NaVorro Bowman and Eric Reid will anchor the defense, and 2016 will reflect the development of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. No matter how innovative Kelly’s offense is, Carlos Hyde will have to bear the burden. Gabbert has proven to be nothing more than a NFL backup, and I see the 49ers finding their way to the No. 1 draft pick.

31. Cleveland Browns

2015 record: 3-13

The Browns hope to avoid another lousy season in 2016, dreaming that new coach Hue Jackson can miraculously change the franchise’s fortunes. QB Robert Griffin III will have his work cut out for him when gamebreaking WR, Josh Gordon returns from his suspension in Week 5, but even still, the team isn’t very good. Losing Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz could result in Griffin taking a lot of hits, and his injury history speaks for itself. The defense isn’t very good either, and the Browns will once again be one of the laughing stocks of the league.

30. Philadelphia Eagles

2015 record: 7-9

Trading away your starting QB before Week 1 says it all. The Eagles are clearly in rebuilding mode for 2016 and will try to accelerate the development of Carson Wentz by starting him right away. Their is still some talent on the roster, with Fletcher Cox anchoring the defensive line and Malcolm Jenkins in the secondary. They have solid offensive weapons, with Darren Sproles, Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews joining newcomer Dorial Green-Beckham. However, Wentz will probably struggle this year while adjusting to the NFL and will lead the team to the bottom of the NFC East.

Next: No. 29-25

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