ESPN Power Rankings Week 1: Giants open at twelve
Today, ESPN released their first 2013 regular season ‘NFL Power Rankings’. The GMEN opened up in the twelfth spot, which I believe is a very reasonable place for them.
Aug 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the sideline during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Giants 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are a team with some flaws, notably the offensive line, but they are always in contention as long as Eli Manning at the helm. If the defensive line can stay healthy, I think the defense overall will be much improved. Sitting at #12 the Giants are right on the edge of a playoff berth, which is where I think they will be by seasons end. I don’t think they are a great team, but they are solid enough to have a legitimate shot at a playoff spot, and once they get there, we all know that anything can happen.
Rankings for the rest of the NFC East:
Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) smiles after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Redskins won 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
10. Washington Redskins – It’s not a surprise that ESPN would overrate the Redskins and their star RG3. I think their offense can be very good if, and this is a BIG IF, RG3 is able to stay healthy all year. Lastly, they have a very difficult road schedule (@Green Bay, @Denver, @Minnesota, @Atlanta plus the NFC East games), and I think they will end up having a hard time getting to ten wins.
18. Cowboys – ESPN is notorious for crowning the Cowboys in the pre-season, so I am pretty shocked to see them all the way at 18. I actually think they might have a good year and they will be a very tough match-up week one for the Giants.
Aug 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on against the New York Jets during the first half of a preseason game at Metlife Stadium. The Jets won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
25. Eagles – It seems like the NFC East is being a little undervalued by the voters. I, like a lot of people, am intrigued to see what Chip Kelly’s offense will be like. With that being said, their defense will most likely be terrible. Still, I think they will end up being better than this ranking reflects.
One too high:
2. Atlanta Falcons – I am not even sure they are the best team in their division, let alone the second best team in the league. Their offense has a lot of explosive players, but their defense will hold them back.
One too low:
Aug 9, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
13. New Orleans Saints – There is no denying that their defense is very suspect, but I have a feeling that Drew Brees and Sean Payton will be out for revenge on the NFL this season.
Overall, I think that ESPN’s power rankings for week one were pretty fair and well done. The Giants spot is right where they should be at this point.
Do you agree with the Giants ranking? Don’t agree with me that ESPN is undervaluing the NFC East? Well, let me hear it in the comments below!
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