#1 Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning and company had one hell of a season last year as they were able finish the regular season with a 14-2 record and make it all the way to the Super Bowl to face the New Orleans Saints.

Unfortunately, Drew Brees and his crew got the best of the Colts in the Super Bowl, but heading into next season Indianapolis are the unanimous decision for #1 in the NFL power rankings.

The four-time NFL MVP might be one year older and one year closer to calling it a career, but he is still the best quarterback in this league and will be looking to add to his legendary career with the Colts by winning a second Super Bowl title.

#2 San Diego Chargers

Last season the Chargers started off the year uncharacteristically with three losses in the first five games, but after that third loss, Philip Rivers and company went on a 11-game winning streak, won the AFC West division once again and cruised into the playoffs.

Even though the San Diego Chargers ultimately lost to the New York Jets in the playoffs, the Chargers had a great season and will continue to have success next season.

This year the Chargers potent offense will be on display once again with one key addition in rookie running Ryan Matthews.

#3 Minnesota Vikings

This ranking at number three for the Minnesota Vikings all depends on the return of future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

With Favre behind center, the Vikings are arguably one of the best teams in the NFL and perhaps the best team in the NFC Conference, but without the Silver Fox, the once potent offense of the Vikings will struggle to put points on with the air attack.

Even without the 11-time Pro Bowler, the Vikings will still be a force to be reckoned with a lockdown defense and one of the best running backs in the game in Adrian Peterson. If Favre doesn’t return though I would anticipate this ranking going down to the bottom half of the top ten if not lower.

#4 Dallas Cowboys

Perhaps the one team with the most at stake heading into next season is the Dallas Cowboys. Not only will they have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL with Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo having multiple weapons at his disposal, but the Super Bowl will be played on their home field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

No team in the history of the NFL has ever played in a Super Bowl on their home field and there would be no better time for the Cowboys to do just that.

#5 New Orleans Saints

I believe the that the New Orleans Saints won’t miss a beat next season as they should have another successful season with a great chance of repeating as Super Bowl champions, but they will have their work cut out for them in the NFC Conference with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings gunning for the top spot.

This ranking is a bit low in my opinion, but at least they are still in the top five heading into next season.

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