Madden 08 Power Rankings (10-6)
by The power rankings continue for Madden 08 based on the current NFL team rosters. Below are 10-6, and you can find 32-28 here and 27-22 here and 21-16 here and 15-11 here.
10- Cincinnati Bengals 
Yes the offense has Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, and TJ Houshmandzadeh. However they essentially signed no free agents to help the team. Last year’s 30th ranked defense actually looks as if it could be worse due to a couple departures. The loss of Eric Steinbach also hurts the offensive line. However the offense should be able to produce plenty of points and can even do a better job than a team like the Lions in that respect. This is where a team listed earlier in the rankings such as the Cowboys or Eagles could be viewed as better overall depending on an individual’s play style.
9- St. Louis Rams 
The Rams have a similar resume as the Bengals, although they at least addressed their weaknesses and the defense isn’t in nearly as bad a shape. Drew Bennett comes in to make for a great 3WR set with Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. The addition of Randy McMichael should not be ignored. He’ll provide yet another weapon for Marc Bulger to look for. Steven Jackson is one of the best RBs in the league and is also great receiving out of the backfield.
8- Chicago Bears 
Coming off the Super Bowl appearance things have not gone well over the off-season for the Bears. Lance Briggs can not be counted on to appear for the team, even if he isn’t traded he may still hold out for much if not all of the season. Tank Johnson may be suspended at the start of the year. Their availability in the game will be in question. Thomas Jones was traded away, leaving Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson. That duo should hold up fine in the game but it isn’t the same strength that was last year with Jones & Benson presented together. Not much in the way of free agent signings and the draft isn’t going to provide much help out of the gate although Greg Olsen should give a decent receiving threat. Oh, lets not forget Rex Grossman is the QB. Still they’ll be rated well as a team due to the strong (but weakened) defense and the now versatile Devin Hester.
7- Seattle Seahawks 
Seattle is shaping up to be one of the most balanced teams this year. They may not be used to blow you away with one particular side of the ball, but they they look good on both. Big time weapon players such as Shaun Alexander, Walter Jones, and Matt Hasselbeck will be on display on offense and the defense holds one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL. Patrick Kerney should also help to provide pass rush from the DE position that was somewhat lacking last year.
6- Baltimore Ravens 
The big name coming in is of course Willis McGahee. How much of an improvement will he be though over Jamal Lewis who was still a very good power RB in Madden last year? Regardless he should be considered an upgrade. The big name loss is Adalius Thomas from the defense. Despite that the Ravens should continue to have one of the best defenses in the game. Steve McNair will still be given the benefit of the doubt in his ratings.