While Elway tries to fly the water hazard on No. 17, pro football will have a new sheriff in town for 1999. And we've selected a No. 1 team that's packing plenty of firepower.
If you've got something to say about the Rankings -- and we're sure you do -- then click here to submit your comments. Selected comments will be published Thursday, Sept. 9.
| TEAM ('98 RECORD) |
ESPN.COM SAYS |
 |
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
Explosive offense is Taylor-made for success, and new coordinator Capers should help the defense Dom-inate. But Mark Brunell (left) must stay healthy for the Jags to reach Atlanta in late January. |
| 2. Vikings (15-1) |
For the Vikes, trying to block out the events of Jan. 17 is like trying to forget "The Blair Witch Project." |
| 3. Jets (12-4) |
Jets fans now holding round-the-clock vigil, praying for health of Vinny Testaverde. |
| 4. Broncos (14-2) |
No, Shanahan didn't push the panic button too early. This machine needs a little Griese. |
| 5. Falcons (14-2) |
If they quit dancing the "Dirty Bird," we'll stop with the Eugene Robinson jokes. |
| 6. Dolphins (10-6) |
No truth to the rumor Jimmy Johnson will field roster of 53 running backs. |
| 7. Packers (11-5) |
Brett Favre has joined that round-the-clock vigil, praying for health of his receivers. |
| 8. 49ers (12-4) |
The running game looks suspect, but then again so does most of the NFC West. |
| 9. Seahawks (8-8) |
Holmgren changing all this team's bad habits -- like missing the playoffs every year since 1988. |
| 10. Bills (10-6) |
Despite his magical '98 season, Doug Flutie can't stop looking back over his shoulder. |
| 11. Bucs (8-8) |
This is the year that will determine if Trent Dilfer can be the quarterback Mel Kiper Jr. thought he would. |
| 12. Titans (8-8) |
New name, new uniforms, new stadium. Make the playoffs or they'll add new coach to that list. |
| 13. Cowboys (10-6) |
Somebody's gotta win the NFC East. Don't they? Right? Anyone? |
| 14. Raiders (8-8) |
Can someone please explain why a .500 team was given the NFL's toughest schedule? |
| 15. Giants (8-8) |
Commission of scientists still investigating their offensive explosion during preseason. |
| 16. Cardinals (9-7) |
Yes, we remember what they did in the playoffs. But have you seen their offseason moves and '99 schedule? |
| 17. Patriots (9-7) |
Pete Carroll still haunted by recurring nightmare where he's trapped in belly of giant Tuna. |
| 18. Steelers (7-9) |
It's hard to believe this team was one play away from the Super Bowl just 20 months ago. |
| 19. Chiefs (7-9) |
While we're talking about dramatic falls, K.C.'s drop was huge. And it might get worse before it gets better. |
| 20. Redskins (6-10) |
No matter how good they look in preseason, we're not falling into the trap of ranking them high again. |
| 21. Colts (3-13) |
Good news: they might be the NFL's most improved team. Bad news: they still play in the NFL's toughest division. |
| 22. Ravens (6-10) |
Scott Mitchell? Tony Banks? Brian Billick trying to drive his first car on retreads. |
| 23. Saints (6-10) |
Next year, Ditka will want to trade all the rest of his picks for a quarterback. |
| 24. Chargers (5-11) |
Still working to convince Ryan Leaf that Siberia is the ideal site for rehab. |
| 25. Rams (4-12) |
If Trent Green had not gotten hurt, they'd probably be five spots higher. |
| 26. Lions (5-11) |
Bobby Ross still expecting Barry Sanders to report any day now. |
| 27. Browns (NR) |
They've got more talent than a typical expansion team, and the NFL's most rabid fan base. |
| 28. Bears (4-12) |
Explain to us again why they released Erik Kramer. |
| 29. Panthers (4-12) |
George Seifert's record winning percentage will come down in a hurry. |
| 30. Bengals (3-13) |
Continuing to solidify their status as the worst-run organization in the NFL. |
| 31. Eagles (3-13) |
And you thought Eagles fans were booing loudly on draft day. |
