Foxboro Blog Top 12: Preseason

It’s that time again!  The Foxboro Blog Top 12 has returned!  As has been the tradition since the debut of this blog, I’ll be doing a weekly ranking of the league’s upper eschelon.  Unlike most Power Rankings, the Top 12 doesn’t bother with the cellar dwellers and instead focuses on the teams contending for the league’s twelve post-season slot and, ultimately, the Super Bowl.  Without further ado, here are my selections before any actual games have been played.  You can rest assured that there will certainly be some seismic shifts of this list in the days to come.

Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
1		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Saints
		This one is out of respect.  I have no reason to put anyone above the Super Bowl Champions just yet. They’ll have to earn this spot next week by taking down the Saints on opening night.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
2		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Dolphins
		Yes, I’m biased, but I believe New England is poised for a Super Bowl run.  There are few, if any, areas where the team looks weaker than the 14-2 squad from last season. In many instances, the Patriots were able to shore up some weak spots.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
3		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Bears
		Just like last season, I’m liking me some Atlanta Falcons.  They could be the team to beat in the NFC, but part of me wonders if they’re due for another dip after their recent string of up and down years.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
4		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Packers
		Just like the Patriots, the Saints had some good off-season moves to strengthen some weak areas.  I have a hankering that Super Bowl XLI winner is lurking within these top 4 spots.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
5		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Steelers
		I’ve got nothing but respect for Baltimore since their drubbing of the Pats in the ’09 playoffs.  I’m picking them to win this week against Pittsburgh, and thus they get the #5 ranking.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
6		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Ravens
		The Steelers can thank the Jets for knocking off New England and opening the door for their AFC Championship.  I think the Steelers are tough, but I’m not buying the hype.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
7		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Cowboys
		There’s no question that the Jets took some steps backwards this season in terms of personel.  Still, this team continues to have a penchant for exceeding my expectations.  I can’t count them out.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
8		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Rams
		Love the moves on defense.  Not so sure that Vick will hold up for all 16 games.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
9		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Vikings
		On paper, they have been contenders for years now.  On the field, they always seem to have issues.  I’m tempering my expectations here with a #9 ranking.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
10		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Colts
		Remember this ranking so you can laugh at me in three months.  The annual overhyping of the Texans before an epic collapse is back once again.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
11		N/A	N/A	0-0	vs. Lions
		The Buccs could really make some noise if they didn’t play in the toughest division in football.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
12		N/A	N/A	0-0	@ Texans
		This is purely out of default.  I can’t imagine the Colts not contending after a decade plus of excellence.  With Manning’s neck, though, who knows?  Unlike Brady’s ACL, this could be a devastating injury that ends Peyton’s career.  Or he could be back Week 2 throwing lasers.  Again, who knows?