Seahawks ranked No. 1 in AP NFL power rankings

NEW YORK — The Seattle Seahawks start the preseason right where they ended last season, as the No. 1 team in the AP Pro32 NFL power rankings.

In balloting by 12 media members who regularly cover the NFL, the top three teams in the AP Pro32 were the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos.

The Super Bowl champion Seahawks grabbed 11 first-place votes on Tuesday and had 383 points.

“The world champions are still intact and have the ability to repeat, but that’s a long way off,” said Pat Kirwan of SiriusXM NFL Radio/CBSSports.com.

Their NFC West rival from the Bay Area earned the other first-place vote and had 360 points.

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News put the 49ers in the top spot.

“The 49ers can run the ball and play defense,” Gosselin said. “With Vernon Davis, a healthy Michael Crabtree and the addition of Stevie Johnson, the 49ers should be able to pass it now as well.”

The Broncos and New England Patriots, who faced each other in the AFC championship game, followed at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Both AFC powers were active in the offseason trying to get an edge on the other.

After getting blown out in the Super Bowl, Denver added wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to help out Peyton Manning, and DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward to bolster the defense.

“Peyton Manning isn’t going away just yet and the Broncos have enough firepower on offense and some key additions on defense to get back to the big game,” Kirwan said.

The Patriots added Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to help a defense that lost key starters last season to injury.

“Tom Brady still is plenty good enough to win a championship,” Newsday’s Bob Glauber said. “Question is whether there’s enough around him to give him a chance.”

The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints were tied for fifth.

ESPN’s Herm Edwards thinks the Packers are a strong favorite to repeat as division champions.

“A healthy Aaron Rodgers along with the running game of Eddie Lacy and the additions on defense, Julius Peppers and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, is not good for the NFC North,” Edwards said.

Alex Marvez of Foxsports.com agreed.

“This looks like Green Bay’s best roster since their Super Bowl-winning team of 2010,” he said.

The Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers rounded out the top 10.

The Bengals have made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and lost in the first round each time. They haven’t won a playoff game since 1990, which ties for the sixth-longest streak of postseason futility in NFL history.

“The time is now for this roster, especially QB Andy Dalton.” ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold said.

Rounding out the bottom of the poll were the Cleveland Browns,, Jacksonville Jaguars and, at No. 32, the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders, who added Maurice Jones-Drew, Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley in the offseason, finished 4-12 last season.

“The Raiders have been through seven head coaches since posting their last winning record in 2002,” noted Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.