Early power rankings

So ESPN has already created its NFL Power Rankings for the 2007 NFL season.

Way too early? Absolutely.

Pointless? At this time, yes.

So intriguing that I decided to make my own? You betcha.

Below is my way-too-early, will-almost-certainly-be-changed "power rankings" of all 32 NFL teams with a bit of analysis at the end.

1. New England
2. Indianapolis
3. Denver
4. Chicago
5. San Diego
6. Baltimore
7. New Orleans
8. Cincinnati
9. Seattle
10. Dallas
11. Carolina
12. Philadelphia
13. Pittsburgh
14. New York Jets
15. San Francisco
16. New York Giants
17. Jacksonville
18. Arizona
19. St. Louis
20. Kansas City
21. Tennessee
22. Atlanta
23. Buffalo
24. Minnesota
25. Green Bay
26. Washington
27. Houston
28. Miami
29. Detroit
30. Cleveland
31. Tampa Bay
32. Oakland

Team that might be too high: Denver (3)
I'll admit the only reason I have Denver this high is because of the Travis Henry signing. The Broncos still need a bit of help on the defensive line, but adding Henry to that rushing scheme will produce 1,500 yards and take a huge load of Jay Cutler.

Team that might be too low: Atlanta (22)
Atlanta has enough weapons to win the NFC South. Ultimately, though, I think the controversies surrounding Michael Vick, questions in the secondary and a brand new coach and scheme will spell trouble in Hot-lanta.

Team that could make the biggest jump: Miami (28)
If the Dolphins work out a deal for Trent Green, or some other solid, veteran quarterback, Miami immediately vaults into the playoff race. Adding Joey Porter to an aging defense was an OK move, not a great one. But when you have Cleo Lemon - yes, Cleo Lemon - behind center, it doesn't matter how good your skill guys are.

Team that could take the biggest fall: New Orleans (7)
New Orleans had everything go right last season. Reggie Bush slipping to the No. 2 spot. The Dolphins picking Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees. A soft schedule. An inspiring story.
It's going to be tough to do that again. Sean Payton should find new and better ways to use Reggie Bush, but the defense is just OK and if brittle Brees goes down, the season will nosedive.

Team I really, really, really wanted to put higher: Tennessee (21)
I love Vince Young. Great leader, great skills. The problem, though, is that Tennessee didn't address its wide receiver need. If the Titans sign Keyshawn Johnson - which will probably happen if Oakland doesn't make an offer - that sort of helps, but where's the guy who can stretch the field? The loss of Adam Jones also leaves a big dent in their corners, so I couldn't justify putting them any higher, at least not yet.

Teams I'm not yet sold on: New York Jets (14), Jacksonville (17), Arizona (18), St. Louis (19)
It's hard to believe New York made the playoffs last season. Jacksonville's QB situation is a big mess, and the Cardinals always seem like that perennial sleeper team that never pans out. But one of these teams will probably make the playoffs.

The ultimate sleeper: Houston (27)
I'm not sure Houston would have offered Matt Schaub that huge deal if it knew Brady Quinn would be available. However ... the defense should be a bit better, although the safeties are pretty bad. The Texans will need good play from their veteran (read:old) linebackers. If this offensive line somehow finally comes together, with Schaub tossing it to Andre Johnson, with Ahman Green, Ron Dayne and Wali Lundy splitting carriers, with Mario Williams much more comfortable in his second season, this team could cause some problems.