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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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NFL Power Rankings
Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Zac Dysert (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

29. San Diego Chargers

2015 record: 4-12

Another bad season could mark the end of Mike McCoy‘s head coaching career in San Diego. Phillip Rivers, Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates will lead the offense while Melvin Gordon tries to bounce back after his poor rookie season. The loss of Eric Weddle affects the team from a leadership perspective, but also diminishes their secondary. The offseason drama with Joey Bosa doesn’t bode well for the team, and he probably won’t be ready to make an impact in Week 1.

28. Tennessee Titans

2015 record: 3-13

The offseason moves to trade for DeMarco Murray and draft Derrick Henry improve Tennessee’s running game, but their passing game doesn’t scare anyone. Trading away DGB takes another weapon away from Marcus Mariota, who will try to have another good season. Their defense is solid behind coordinator Dick LeBeau and the return of Derrick Morgan will help. Unfortunately, I don’t think Mariota is good enough to carry the offense just yet, and Murray will not have the Cowboys’ offensive line in front of him. The Titans won’t be all that much better in 2016 than 2015.

27. Los Angeles Rams

2015 record: 7-9

New city, same Rams. Jeff Fisher hasn’t elevated the Rams above mediocre since he joined the team, but this season will be different. I see them taking a step backward, and tumbling down. Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley are great, but they can’t carry the team by themselves. No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff is the third string QB, getting outplayed by Sean Mannion for the backup job behind Case Keenum. The Rams gave up a boatload for Goff, and a bad season won’t help them next year since they don’t have their early draft picks. Unfortunately for L.A, the Rams will not have a good debut season.

26. Miami Dolphins

2015 record: 6-10

The Dolphins lost running back Lamar Miller in free agency and will be relying on Arian Foster to play like his Houston days. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line has big names, but the secondary isn’t good. Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams sounds good on paper, but how will they play together? Their offense will have to run through Jarvis Landry, unless Devante Parker proves he is not a bust. I don’t think Ryan Tannehill is very good, and the tough schedule puts them in a tough spot. 2016 will not go well for Miami and rookie coach Adam Gase.

25. Detroit Lions

2015 record: 7-9

The Lions lost a potential Hall-of-Fame WR in Calvin Johnson, and replaced him with Marvin Jones. Anquan Boldin adds some leadership to the offense, but the WRs will have to step up to fill the void left by Calvin’s departure. Matthew Stafford still has a cannon arm and Ameer Abdullah will look to play better in 2016. The defense is solid, with Haloti Ngata and Darius Slay leading the way. Head coach Jim Caldwell’s job is probably on the line, and I don’t think the Lions will be any better this year.

Next: No. 24-20

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