Pro Football Post-Pre-season Power Rankings: Pt. 1

By Brett Neal

With the NFL kicking off the first 2013 regular season game on September 5th, there is definitely a distinction between the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some teams have shined, some have dealt with their share of adversity, and others just flat out suck. Here are the YHTS Power Rankings for the NFL's opening week.

Started from the bottom

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Being in the same division as both the Texans and the Colts, the Jaguars don't have much to be excited about. They're so bad, their fans actually want Tebow. The Jags finished a league worst 2-14, and used their 1st round pick on an Offensive Tackle from Texas A&M. I'm sure Jaguar fans are glowing with excitement. Even though ranked last this week, Jacksonville does have something to cheer about; the return of MJD. Maurice Jones-Drew had a foot injury that cost him most of the 2012 campaign, but he is back and should have some fuel left in the tank. However, he's the only thing Jacksonville has. Former first-round pick Justin Blackmon will be serving a 4 game suspension for substance-abuse, but he promised it was his last dance with Mary Jane. Regardless, don't expect him to catch a lot of balls. Blaine Gabbert couldn't hit water if he feel out of a boat.

31. Oakland Raiders

I would've ranked them dead last, but would have been putting my life in jeopardy.

30. New York Jets

The Jets could easily be ranked last, but I think they might win 4 games. First year starter Chris Ivory is a big back who averaged nearly 6 yards a carry as the 4th stringer on the New Orleans Saints. He should have something to prove as the teams only offensive threat. Mark Sanchez is still experiencing shoulder pain after getting smashed while playing behind the backup O-line in the 4th quarter of a preseason game. Not that he's any good to start with, but what a crappy decision by head coach Rex Ryan. Looks like the Jets will turn to rookie Geno Smith as their opening day starter, a change many were hoping for. With the QB position still a need, New York went ahead and signed Brady Quinn (Just incase they want to go ahead and abandon all hope). I'm going to go ahead and call it: this time next year, Quinn will be the next Bachelor. Unfortunately, the marriage will not end well after he's caught cheating on her with Jesse Palmer.

29. Tennessee Titans

Chris Johnson is still trying to find his footing, but did show glimpses of his old self at times last season. Meanwhile, the defense has nothing to boast, Jake Locker will be replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick come week 3, and Kenny Britt will wind up back in prison. Nothing good in Nashville this year, other than the BBQ.

28. Cleveland Browns

There's just nothing fun about being a Browns fan. Their helmets aren't even brown, their orange. Trent Richardson is a fun player to watch, but that's all they have. They even cut Josh Cribbs, whose jersey jersey sales were probably second highest on the team in these past 5 years. Pretty good for a punt returner.

27. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo will decide on Wednesday who will start at QB in the season opener. With Kevin Kolb, E.J. Manuel, and Matt Leinart to pick from, it looks like a lose-lose-lose situation. Regardless, all the QB will have to do is hand the ball to C.J. Spiller. This will be Spiller's first full season as the Bills starting RB, and he wont disappoint. We may have another Ray Rice on our hands.

26. San Diego Chargers 

The Chargers had a pretty good draft this year, but it looks as though this team needs more than a quick fix. Phillip Rivers is lacking receivers once again, and if Ryan Mathews goes down then Danny Woodhead looks to be the starting RB. Don't be surprised if they sign former Charger running back Michael Turner, who was cut by the Falcons and has yet to find a new place to call home.

Will work for food.

25. Arizona Cardinals 

The main goal for the Cardinals this offseason was to upgrade at QB and RB. Instead they brought in Carson Palmer and Rashard Mendenhall. But hey, anything was better than John Skelton. The good news is that head coach Bruce Arians had little to rely on in Indianapolis, but he got the job done with a disciplined rookie QB, a seasoned veteran receiver, and a mediocre running back. Looks like the same recipe he's cooking in Arizona. But don't get too excited

We want Warner

.

24. Philadelphia Eagles 

Rookie head coach Chip Kelly is going to try and run the option read offense with a 33 year old QB. This will either be a bust from week one, or the next sports movie "based on a true story."

23. Miami Dolphins 

Nothing much to look forward to here, but they do play the Bills twice, the Jets twice, as well as the Chargers, Browns, and Panthers. Miami could win 7 games, but only if Lamar Miller is who they say he is. Also, Mike Wallace may win comeback player of the year. You heard me.

22. St. Louis Rams 

A lot of experts like St. Louis this year, even after the team parted ways with long-time Rams RB Steven Jackson. I just don't see them being a better team this year, especially with their schedule. They will probably finish 3rd in the division, but the Cardinals are starting to look like a threat as well. This could be another long year for Sam Bradford and Rams fans altogether.  

21. Detroit Lions 

With Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush, Donkey Kong Suh, and Nick Fairley, this could be the year the Lions finish 3rd in the NFC North!

20. Carolina Panthers 

I really think their defense will come to play this year behind linebacker Luke Kuechly. But I dont see them finishing about .500. They play in a tough division, but should give the Buccaneers a run for their money.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers 

Who knows which Big Ben will show up this year. What we do know is rookie RB Le'veon Bell is out for the first chunk of the season, and loosing Mike Wallace isn't a good thing. I think they have the same ceiling as anyone in the AFC North, but will probably finish around 8-8 just ahead of the Browns and tied with the Baltimore Ravens.

18. Kansas City Chiefs 

Somehow the Chiefs finished 2-14 but still managed to get 6 players to the Pro-bowl... Which means they just can't be that bad. Bringing in Alex Smith and head coach Andy Reid should help the team, but they are a long way from playoff contention.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Tampa Bay could be a fun team to watch this year. Doug Martin is in his second year after putting on a show in his rookie season. Vincent Jackson came back from the dead. Tampa Bay Mike Williams can now be referred to as "Mike Willams," after earning enough relevance (sorry Seattle Mike Williams). And finally, Tampa brought in the NFL's best defense back,  Darrelle Revis, to help create problems in the opponent's passing game. This could pose a threat to the weaker teams, but I see the Falcons and Saints getting by the Bucs with no problems. Could be a 9-7 season for Tampa, but nothing higher.

16. Baltimore Ravens 

Baltimore is ranked in the top 10 of most power rankings so far because of their 2012 Super Bowl season. It's time to put them where they belong. The Ravens will fall to 8-8 on the year, tied for 2nd in the AFC North with the Steelers. The playoffs don't seem to be in the cards this year for Baltimore, who come in this year without the cornerstones of their defense in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Although the defense took a step back, as a team they aren't that far back from the AFC North favorite Cincinnati Bengals. They are one good draft and free agency away from jumping back on the horse.