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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
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is injured during the first quarter during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

24. New Orleans Saints

2015 record: 7-9

The Saints will once again rely on Drew Brees to carry the team. He has Brandin Cooks to help him out, but his safety blanket has always been the tight end position. Losing Jimmy Graham and Benjamin Watson in consecutive years hurts, and it is up to Coby Fleener to become Drew’s new favorite pass catcher. If C.J. Spiller has a good season, the offense should do fine. However, the defense is not very good and I can see them giving up a lot of points. This year, the offense won’t score enough to make up for the points allowed by the defense.

23. Chicago Bears

2015 record: 6-10

The Bears are somewhat of a sleeper team this year. They will have Kevin White alongside Alshon Jeffrey this season, and we can finally see why they chose White with the seventh overall pick last year. Jay Culter has some more protection with the recent signing of Josh Sitton, and this season could be his rebound year. The defense will be asked to play much better than it did last year, and will determine the success or failure of this team.

22. Dallas Cowboys

2015 record: 4-12

The injury to Tony Romo was a big blow to the Cowboys’ dreams for 2016, and in all likelihood has moved them from the top of the NFC East to #3. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been getting a lot of hype, and we will see if it’s warranted. Their defense is dealing with suspensions and does not look steady. Dez Bryant is healthier and will give Prescott a reliable receiver while he gets accustomed to the league. I think reality will set in for the Cowboys and we will find out how important Romo is to Dallas.  They won’t go win-less without Romo like last year, but they won’t be competing for a division title unless Romo comes back earlier than expected.

21. Atlanta Falcons

2015 record: 8-8

The Falcons got off to a very strong start last year before choking towards the end of the season. Julio Jones will attempt to play all 16 games this year and if he does, Matt Ryan will put up big numbers behind the improved offensive line. The defense will have another year under its belt with Dan Quinn as head coach, but this team will need its offense to play like it did last year. Unfortunately, the Falcons still don’t look like a playoff team behind that defense and will have another average season.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

2015 record: 5-11

The Jaguars look like they’ve improved a lot since last year, but they’re still the Jaguars. Blake Bortles wants to take another step forward while Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns are emerging as a top tier duo. Chris Ivory helps their running game, but their improved defense will have to hold up their end. Dante Fowler Jr and Jalen Ramsey will get their first taste of NFL action and will have their share of setbacks. The Jaguars have a bright future, but this year won’t be their year.

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