John McGrath’s 2015 NFL power rankings

1. New England Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo’s quest to become next Tom Brady on hold after federal judge’s Deflategate ruling.

2. Seattle Seahawks: Best cure for Super Bowl 49 hangover? Russell Wilson’s first touchdown pass to new tight end Jimmy Graham.

3. Green Bay Packers: Seven months after fourth-quarter fiasco in NFC Championship Game cost assistant coach Shawn Slocum his job, Pack special teams still a concern.

4. Denver Broncos: Gary Kubiak, former understudy to John Elway, looking like inspired choice to succeed John Fox as coach.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: During preseason, quarterback Sam Bradford pushed every right button operating high-octane offense.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Future Hall of Famer Steve Smith, beginning his 15th and final season, attempting to become fourth receiver to catch 1,000 yards of passes after 36th birthday.

7. Indianapolis Colts: Amid rumors of power struggle with general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano could be out when contract expires after season.

8. Kansas City Chiefs: Thanks to acquisition of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, offense appears liberated from stubbornly stodgy ways.

9. Arizona Cardinals: Jen Welter on conclusion of summer internship as assistant linebackers coach: “The question coming in was, ‘Would guys in the NFL respond to a woman coaching them?’ Obviously that’s a yes.”

10. Dallas Cowboys: Upgraded pass rush key to Cowboys Super Bowl hopes.

11. Detroit Lions: Golden Tate’s 2014 numbers — 99 receptions, 1,331 yards — were better than Calvin Johnson’s 71 for 1,077.

12. Cincinnati Bengals: At 13 years, Marvin Lewis is second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL behind Bill Belichick.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers: Injuries, suspensions and controversies will test Steelers’ mettle in September.

14. Minnesota Vikings: Six-time Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson poised for comeback campaign after sitting out 2014.

15. Miami Dolphins: Converted Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Tannehill blossoming into big-time quarterback.

16. San Diego Chargers: NFL could determine fate of Chargers future in San Diego at January owners meeting.

17. Buffalo Bills: Awkward cut of running back Fred Jackson, a franchise pillar and fan favorite, suggests front-office dysfunction.

18. New Orleans Saints: Rob Ryan’s porous defense ranked 31st last season in yardage allowed, points allowed and rushing yards per attempt.

19. St. Louis Rams: Relocation to L.A. appears inevitable in 2016.

20. Houston Texans: Based on their “Hard Knocks” conversations, J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork might be destined to co-star in a buddy cop movie.

21. Carolina Panthers: Timberline High product Jonathan Stewart is the real deal, but what’s the deal? Injuries have limited the running back to 28 starts since 2008.

22. Atlanta Falcons: Ex-Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn figures to energize one of league’s most listless teams.

23. New York Giants: Fireworks not in forecast for G-Men, who’ve come to learn the dangers of explosives.

24. Chicago Bears: John Fox oversaw a training camp that emphasized fundamentals foreign to his predecessor, passing-game guru Marc Trestman.

25. New York Jets: Franchise still reeling from incompetence of deposed general manager John Idzik.

26. San Francisco 49ers: When a rugby player from Down Under is the lone source of optimism during the offseason, it’s a sign of a really lousy offseason.

27. Cleveland Browns: If it’s not one thing with Johnny Manziel, it’s another. Just when the quarterback manages to get his head clear, his right elbow acts up.

28. Oakland Raiders: Stadium quandary keeping otherwise irrelevant Raiders in the news.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jags developing more of a presence in London than in northern Florida.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Coach Lovie Smith is as respected as anybody in the business, but another 2-14 record won’t cut it.

31. Washington Redskins: ’Skins have surpassed Jets as league leaders of soap-opera-subplots-to-victories ratio.

32. Tennessee Titans: If wideout Dorial Green-Beckham avoids off-field issues that sabotaged his college career, second-round pick will be recalled as steal of 2015 draft.

john.mcgrath@thenewstribune.com

This story was originally published September 9, 2015 at 8:24 PM with the headline "John McGrath’s 2015 NFL power rankings."