NFL power rankings Week 1: NFC edition

With NFL Week 1 kicking off soon, it’s time for some power rankings. We take a look at the state of play in the NFC.

16. New York Giants

If we don’t see Daniel Jones before the end of the season, it would be truly stunning. Eli Manning is likely playing his final season with Big Blue.

15. Washington Redskins

Where are the weapons for Washington? The Redskins could have a bright future with Dwayne Haskins, but he’s currently on the bench behind Case Keenum, waiting his turn.

14. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are hoping to ride into contention on the arm of Kyler Murray and the brain of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Both have a ton to prove.

13. Detroit Lions

The Lions are neither here nor there. Matthew Stafford is good enough to keep Detroit from sinking to a top pick, but the rest of the roster doesn’t inspire much confidence in a playoff run.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bruce Arians has a chance to turn around another franchise. This time, he’ll look to fix Jameis Winston and get the talented Buccaneers going in the right direction.

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11. Carolina Panthers

How healthy is Cam Newton? Right now, that’s the only question that matters for a franchise still searching for its first Super Bowl win.

10. San Francisco 49ers

Jimmy Garoppolo has to stay upright for 16 games. If he does that, we’ll finally find out whether Kyle Shanahan can coach, and how good the supporting cast is (or isn’t).

9. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks will always contend for the playoffs with Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll. Oh, and the front seven isn’t bad either.

8. Chicago Bears

If Mitchell Trubisky doesn’t improve, the Bears aren’t making the playoffs. If he does, they can reach the Super Bowl.

7. Green Bay Packers

What to make of Aaron Rodgers pairing with new head coach Matt LaFleur? It’s all about this new-fangled duo in Green Bay.

6. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have all the high-profile stars on offense, but it’s their defense which could carry the day. Dallas is a legitimate contender in the NFC.

5. Atlanta Falcons

Yes, the Falcons deserve this spot. Atlanta was ravaged by injuries last season and should be a formidable foe in 2019 with good health.

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4. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are going to be much better after adding Rick Dennison and Gary Kubiak to the coaching staff. Both will make a huge difference in blocking schemes and the run game.

3. Los Angeles Rams

The main concern here is whether Todd Gurley can ever approach being an MVP-caliber player again. If so, there’s reason to believe the Rams could be back in the Super Bowl.

2. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees remains elite. The offense has weapons all over. The defense is good enough. New Orleans remains a favorite.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

If Carson Wentz is healthy, the Eagles have the best roster in the NFC. Period.