Glauber's NFC Power Ratings: Giants 'D' must play better

1. Packers: Aaron Rodgers might be the most prolific passer in the game this year. Ryan Grant more than adequate at running back. Biggest issue is whether the Packers' defense can stop the pass.

2. Saints: Defending Super Bowl champs haven't lost much from last year's team. Drew Brees one of best team leaders anywhere. Solid receiving corps. Improving defense. Don't completely rule out another Super Bowl run.

3. Falcons: Matt Ryan was victim of a sophomore slump last year, but looks to pick up the pace in Year 3. Michael Turner an elite running back. Biggest improvement this year is the secondary.

4. Vikings: Tough to see Brett Favre duplicate last year's career year (33 TDs, 7 INTs). Adrian Peterson a workhorse back, and defense is still very good.

5. Cowboys: A rough preseason for Tony Romo, but there's still plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. DeMarcus Ware heads a more than adequate defense.

6. Giants: The big issue here is whether the Perry Fewell defense will be better than the Bill Sheridan defense. If not, watch out. But if the "D" plays up to its talent, it should be a playoff run for Eli & Co.

7. 49ers: It's almost a process of elimination in a very mediocre division. With Kurt Warner out of Arizona, that leaves the Niners as the odds-on favorite. A legitimately good defense; a decidedly average offense.

8. Redskins: Some folks are thinking they go from 4-12 to the playoffs, but we'll say it'll take Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb a full season to recover from the Jim Zorn era.

9. Eagles: Kevin Kolb is at the helm now that McNabb is gone, but it might take some time for the young passer to get in synch with his young offense. Defensive makeover still a work in progress, too.

10. Cardinals: QB Matt Leinart lost the starting job for the second time in three years. First it was to eventual Hall of Famer Warner; now it's to journeyman Derek Anderson. Loss of Warner, Boldin, Rolle, Dansby will hurt.

11. Lions: They got their quarterback last year in Matthew Stafford and their defensive stud this year in Ndamukong Suh, so the building blocks are there. Look for improvement from a team that's still a year or two away from thinking playoffs.

12. Bears: Jay Cutler was a dud last year, so the Bears hope offensive coordinator Mike Martz can change that this year. We won't hold our breath. Average defense, too. Could mean Lovie Smith's job by season's end.

13. Panthers: John Fox comes into the year on the hot seat, and with major quarterback issues, it won't be a surprise to see him finish it in the same spot. In fact, unless Carolina makes an unexpected playoff run, Fox could be out.

14. Seahawks: Pete Carroll gets out of Dodge - aka USC - just in time to avoid sanctions. But don't expect miracles; QB and RB issues will translate to rocky season.

15. Rams: At least there's something to look forward to in St. Louis: Sam Bradford has the makings of a franchise quarterback. Now come the growing pains.

16. Buccaneers: Josh Freeman gets the nod at QB, although a broken thumb in preseason didn't help. Inexperience will again be a killer for the Bucs, who'll be picking high next year.