As the start of the NFL season draws near, excitement and anticipation are building among football fans. With teams making their final preparations and rosters set, the stage is set for an action-packed season. And as always, there are a few surprises in store. Recently, former NFL player Chris Canty shared his updated power rankings, revealing his top five teams heading into Week 1. While some of his choices may come as no surprise, there were a couple of unexpected picks from the NFC North.
At the top of Canty’s list are the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite losing key players to injuries last season, the Eagles managed to rally and claim their first-ever Super Bowl title. Now, with a healthy roster and a determined mindset, they are poised to defend their crown. Led by quarterback Carson Wentz and a strong defense, the Eagles are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
In second place on Canty’s list are the Baltimore Ravens. After narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season, the Ravens made some key moves in the offseason, including signing former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees. With a solid defense and a revamped offense, the Ravens are looking to make a deep playoff run this year.
The third spot on Canty’s list goes to the Minnesota Vikings, who surprised many last season by making it all the way to the NFC Championship game. Despite losing to the Eagles, the Vikings have a strong core of players and a talented new quarterback in Kirk Cousins. With a well-balanced team and a desire to redeem themselves after last year’s disappointment, the Vikings are a team to watch out for.
Next up on Canty’s list are the Green Bay Packers, who are coming off a disappointing season marred by injuries to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, with Rodgers back healthy and determined to prove himself, the Packers are expected to bounce back and make a strong push for the playoffs. With a talented offense and a solid defense, the Packers have the potential to make a deep playoff run.
Rounding out Canty’s top five are the Los Angeles Rams, who made a splash in the offseason by acquiring several big-name players, including wide receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. With a strong offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley, and a revamped defense, the Rams are expected to make a serious run at the Super Bowl this year.
While Canty’s top five teams may seem like a solid list, there are a few notable omissions. The New England Patriots, who have dominated the NFL for the past decade, did not make the cut. This may come as a surprise to many, but with star quarterback Tom Brady getting older and their defense not as strong as in previous years, the Patriots may not be the powerhouse they once were.
Another surprise omission is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been a perennial playoff team for years. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the league, the Steelers have struggled to make it to the Super Bowl in recent years. With some off-field drama surrounding star running back Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers may not be as strong as expected this year.
In the end, these are just one analyst’s power rankings, and only time will tell if they prove to be accurate. With the NFL season set to kick off, fans can look forward to an exciting and unpredictable season. The only thing that is certain is that every team will be giving it their all to make it to the top. So, buckle up, football fans, it’s going to be a wild ride.
