8. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The Dallas Cowboys defense was one of the main storylines that people focused on this offseason, and for good reason. It was the worst unit in football last year, but with the Cowboys having a top-10 scoring offense, that horrific defenses essentially wasted away what could have been a playoff year.
Logically, then, the defense should immediately be improved in Week 1 the next year, right? Well, not necessarily. This heavy lift from Christian Parker, the new defensive coordinator, could take some time to truly get off the ground.
Fortunately, the offense should be good enough to where the defense doesn't have to emerge as a top unit or anything. WIth that said, we can't totally discount the horrible defensive performance on Sunday Night Football, as the Giants were toying with the Cowboys.
The unit should get better as the season goes on, and as long as it's not the worst in football, the Cowboys will have a chance to sneak into the postseason.
7. Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Green Bay squandered a second-half lead to the Vikings. They honestly had the win wrapped up to a degree, but it's never that easy in the NFL. The Packers have now lost six games dating back to the 2025 regular season and playoffs. Losing six games in a row in the NFL can totally derail a season, so unless the Packers put this behind them and stack a few wins here, they'll again struggle to get into the postseason.
Of note, the offensive line might be a bottom-5 unit in the sport, and without Micah Parsons in the picture, the defense doesn't feel that threatening. We could be approaching a 'code red' situation with the Packers if near-immediate change doesn't begin occurring here shortly.
For now, though, we'll give the Packers a small benefit of the doubt and rank them No. 7.
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