2011 NFL Power Rankings

#1 Green Bay Packers
The defending Super Bowl Champions are strong candidates to repeat with impact veterans on both sides of the ball returning from injury this season. As long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, the Packers will be back in the playoffs and the clear favorite in the NFC next season.

#2 New Orleans Saints
When the Saints won the Super Bow in 2009, they ranked 6th in the NFL in rushing, last season they lost in the playoffs and ranked 28th in rushing. The Saints addressed their need at the RB position with the selection of former Alabama standout Mark Ingram in the first round. The addition of veteran DT Shaun Rogers will be huge for the Saints as well.

#3 New England Patriots
An early exit in the playoffs put the damper on a surprising 14-2 regular season last year. Tom Brady is in the prime of his career and the offensive line gets a boost with the addition of first round rookie tackle Nate Solder. Bill Belichick will have his team in the playoffs, there's no doubt about that.

#4 Indianapolis Colts
If the Colts can find some semblance of a running game and keep Austin Collie healthy, they have all of the pieces to contend for a Super Bowl title. They still have that Peyton Manning guy and I hear that he's pretty good, which is why the Colts used their first two picks in the NFL Draft on offensive linemen to protect him and open up holes in the running game.

#5 Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have clearly sold out to win right now. First round draft pick Julio Jones will be the perfect complement for Pro-Bowl WR Roddy White. Atlanta needs its defense, especially the secondary, to improve if they are going to make it to the promised land this season.

#6 New York Jets
The Jets addressed their needs on the defensive line with a pair of linemen in the NFL Draft, but still have issues with their pass rush and secondary. The Jets and Patriots will battle it out for the AFC East crown once again this season.

#7 Pittsburgh Steelers
To say that there are issues on the Steelers offensive line would be an understatement. As long as they add some veterans in free agency and manage to keep Big Ben upright, the Steelers will be the team to beat in the AFC North.

#8 Baltimore Ravens
Ed Reed is the best defensive player in the game when he's healthy. The offense let the Ravens down in the playoffs last season, but they have too many playmakers and a solid young QB in Joe Flacco to not be one of the top contenders in the AFC this year. The Ravens finally picked up a solid cornerback in first round pick Jimmy Smith who will have an immediate impact.

#9 Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Vick played at a level that nobody could have anticipated last season. The Eagles have plenty of young talent on both sides of the ball and are going to compete for the NFC East crown this season.

#10 New York Giants
The Giants won 10 games last season, but missed the playoffs. Injuries played a major role in New York's late season collapse The Giants picked up a solid cornerback in first round pick Prince Amukamara who should step into the starting lineup right away. The Giants have the potential to be the best team in the NFC East this season.