The 2007 NFL season kicks off in a few hours, and I think it fitting to do a top ten power rating before the season officially gets on the way. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but don’t think that just because this is a Cowboys blog that the Cowboys will top the list, or top the NFC teams, or even be considered the top team of their division.

I am a fan, but I also believe the best form of analysis is unbiased analysis. And, as much as I’d like to rate them at the top of the NFC, they’ll need to get some proving done before they move up in the list.

Without further ado:

1. Chargers

Most people seem to hinge the Chargers season on ‘If Norv Turner doesn’t screw it up,’ but my question would be: Do you know what owners Norv Turner coached under? It’s not as if Gibbs is having any more luck under Snyder, and Oakland has been getting a new coach every year. If anything, I think the Chargers might be more scary with Norv Turner at the reigns — we all know he’s an offensive guru, and he has the toys to play with at the Chargers.

2. Patriots

The Patriots flew up everyone’s list with the edition of Randy Moss, but I think picking up Stallworth might have been their smartest move. We’ll have to see Randy on the field before we’ll know how well he’ll work out. But, given that Brady has been able to get it down without many weapons at receiver, we can expect he’ll get the job done with his new weapons.

3. Colts

The Colts lost a valuable piece of their offense when Tarik Glenn (LT) decided to retire, but they are still going to be a powerhouse on offense. But, they made it to the Super Bowl on the improved play of their defense during the playoffs, and they might not be able to repeat that again this year.

4. Saints

The Bears are the sexy pick to be at the top of the NFC, but Grossman hasn’t answered any questions and they lost their top running back. Right now, I’d give dibbs to the Saints. There’s no reason to expect they won’t be able to score buttloads of points again this year.

5. Bears

If Cedric Benson can stay healthy and run as well as Thomas Jones, the Bears will be dominant. But Grossman needs to step up and play with more consistency. The defense cannot continue to bail him out of trouble spots, and not ever team is the Arizona Cardinals.

6. Ravens

The addition of Willis McGahee at running back is a definite boost, and they are still one of the dominant defenses in the NFL. With veteren leadership at quarterback, they should be in the mix of playoff teams come January.

7. Eagles

Donovan McNabb is back, but for how long? If he can remain injury free, the Eagles will be tough to beat. But trouble could come from an unexpected spot: The mischievous kids of coach Andy Reid. Another arrest or two is bound to be a distraction, and his sons have shown all the same signs of being on their best behavior as Pacman Jones.

8. Cowboys

On paper, the Cowboys look like the team to beat in the NFC, but paper won’t mean much come Sunday night. They still need to prove they can rise above the Eagles and take control of the NFC East, and with injuries to Terence Newman and Greg Ellis still plaguing them, that might be a tough thing to do.

9. Seahawks

Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander are back, and the team is healthy. Look for them to be much improved over the injury-plagued Seahawks team from a year ago.

10. Bengals

The Bengals had a dismal end of the season last year, but they still have a high-powered offense led by everyone’s favorite #85.

Teams that will make the jump to the next level:

The Titans. They may have lost Pacman, but they still have Vince Young, and he’s not to be confused with Michael Vick. Young is more like a Michael Vick that can beat you with his arm as well, and as he becomes more comfortable with the NFL passing game, he might very well become the scariest weapon in the NFL.

The 49ers. They’ve been through their rebuilding, and they have some talented young stars. Frank Gore surprised everyone last year, but don’t be surprised this year. He’ll be one of the best backs in the NFC. Alex Smith was shaky coming out of the gate his rookie year, but improved last year. If he can take the next step, the 49ers will be competing for a playoff spot come December.