If McNabb can return to 2004 form, the Eagles have a chance to be NFC Champions again.

A Surprising Week One Brings About Different Power Rankings than Expected

By: John Bekisz

Posted: 9/20/06

The NFL has finally kicked off. Throw out your baseball stat sheets and get those last minute fantasy drafts in this weekend, because this NFL season has no reason to disappoint.
Week one provided some exciting games to watch; especially the Sunday Night Football debut pitted the Colts against the Giants. So here are some of the top power rankings in the AFC and the NFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers:Defenses win Super Bowls, and this defense is Super Bowl caliber. Led by Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, Larry Foote, and Deshea Townsend. Their offense will be there, but the way their defense plays, doesn't mean they have to be sharp every game. Big Ben is a strong force in the pocket and Willie Parker is a talented running back. This is the team to beat this year.
Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning is the NFL's best quarterback, leading the NFL's best offense. The Colts defense is athletic and aggressive which overwhelms teams at times. They can win a shootout or a standoff: this team is elite.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos add a young and talented receiver in Javon Walker, which they desperately needed for quarterback Jake Plummer's arsenal. Either Mike or Tatum Bell will rush for over 1,000 yards, because Mike Shanahan is just that talented. Their defense bends, but doesn't break, as it is led this year by Al Wilson (MLB), Champ Bailey (CB) and John Lynch (FS).
Cincinnati Bengals:Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson will play some pitch and catch, but the real question on whether this team improves or not is on the defense's shoulders.
New England Patriots:The only team that can give them a run for the money at another division title is the Miami Dolphins. Last time I checked, Tom Brady is still the Patriot's quarterback and Bill Belichick is still their head coach. Mr. Belichick can still draw some great defensive schemes.
Baltimore Ravens:Their big nasty defense is back. Steve McNair has looked like his pro-bowl days in preseason, what's not to like about this team? Oh yeah, their big nasty defense might be back.
That is it for your AFC power rankings, now here it is for your NFC power rankings.
Carolina Panthers: There is nothing wrong with Carolina. The team's defense is solid, especially their front four, and their offense is improved by adding Keyshawn Johnson alongside Steve Smith. Their running back situation is a question, but DeShaun Foster should be able to handle the load.
New York Giants:Their tough schedule does make for an interesting season, but Eli Manning is poised to break out of his shell. Their defense is improved, especially with the additions of experienced cornerback Sam Madison, and run-stopper extraordinaire LaVar Arrington. Their offense has plenty of weapons, and the addition of speedy deep threat Sinorice Moss, should open up some room for the running game.
Seattle Seahawks: Traditionally, the Super Bowl losers rarely repeat the success of last season. Shaun Alexander finally has his money and Steve Hutchinson doesn't play LT for them anymore. Matt Hassleback is a good quarterback, and Deion Branch will be a big help, but he is below a Brady, the two Mannings, or Palmer,although winning their division should be a breeze.
Chicago Bears :This defense had better be the best in the NFL, otherwise, the Bears are going nowhere. They have no quarterback, and though the defense can put a tremendous strain on opposing teams, the Bears simply cannot put points up. They can win their easy division, but nothing further.
Dallas Cowboys:The addition of Terrell Owens is a big boost. Make no doubt about it, he will be a head case, however; he will show up to play. Drew Bledsoe still has a laser-cannon for an arm, but he still struggles with mobility. The defense is inconsistent, but FS Roy Williams is a force to be reckoned with.
Atlanta Falcons:Ok Michael Vick can scramble, we get that, but he still can't throw the football, however he has a winning percentage of .618%. Michael Jenkins adds much needed speed to the WR core and Warrick Dunn is a good, consistent back. Their defense has improved with the addition of John Abraham.

Games of the Week:
Baltimore 27, Tampa Bay 0:Baltimore going in and absolutely manhandling the Bucs in every aspect of the game is shocking, and even worrisome. Baltimore's defense (3 INT's; 1 TD) looked like the defense back in 2000, and Steve McNair (3 TD's) could turn out to be an excellent offensive pick up.
Atlanta 20, Carolina 6:Carolina was without Smith, fine. However, their usually dominant front four could not muster anything against Warrick Dunn, who trampled all over them. Michael Vick was patient in the pocket and able to limit his mistakes, which bodes well for the Falcons.
Indianapolis 26, New York 21:Indianapolis did not win this game, New York lost this game. Big Blue dropped three interceptions, which would have wiped out a touchdown and two Indy field goals; combined with a short missed field goal by Feely, and no pressure on Manning, all led to a Colts "victory."