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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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Jul 28, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a catch during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a catch during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Houston Texans

2015 record: 9-7

The Texans got really lucky last year, using Andrew Luck‘s injury to coast to the division title. J.J.  Watt is coming off back surgery, so his effectiveness early on will be doubtful. If Brock Osweiler plays like he was paid to play, the offense has a chance to be great with DeAndre Hopkins, Braxton Miller, Will Fuller and Lamar Miller. Jadeveon Clowney is the wild card here, and he can offset Osweiler’s bad play if he can regain his college form. More likely than not, the Colts will beat out the Texans for the division title if the Osweiler gamble backfires.

13. Oakland Raiders

2015 record: 7-9

The Raiders are an emerging team and have almost arrived. Derek Carr is poised to have another strong season, while Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are looking to repeat their success from last year. The defense is anchored by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Khalil Mack and improved with the signing of Bruce Irvin and drafting of Karl Joseph. The Raiders could creep their way up to a winning record this season and possibly make the playoffs as a wild card team.

12. Minnesota Vikings

2015 record: 11-5

The Vikings paid a steep price for Sam Bradford, largely because they believe they are a championship-caliber team. The injury to Teddy Bridgewater hurts them a lot, and the offense will struggle this year. Adrian Peterson is getting older, and Stephon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell need Bradford to prove he’s worth at least half of what the Vikings traded for him. The defense is playoff-level, but 2016 for Minnesota will depend on Bradford’s play.

11. New York Jets

2015 record: 10-6

Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off a career year in which he threw for 31 touchdowns. Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall give him excellent offensive weapons, but their offensive line is shaky. Their defense returns, largely intact, and Muhammad Wilkerson is happy now that he got his new contract. The Jets choked their chance to make the playoffs last year and wasted Fitzpatrick’s best season. I don’t think Fitz will be as good as he was last year, but the rest of the team should hold up to give them a chance at the wild card.  As long as Geno Smith, Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg don’t have to play this year, the Jets should be in contention for the playoffs.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

2015 record: 11-5

The Chiefs were a good team last year even without Jamaal Charles. Their defense was elite with Eric Berry back and Justin Houston applying pressure. The problem is that they couldn’t beat Denver when the division was on the line. The Chiefs should achieve the same success as they did last year as a wild card team, but won’t be able to beat out Broncos for the division title.

Next: No. 9-5

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