NEW YORK (AP) – Ballot and comments from AP Pro 32 panel voter Alex Marvez of Foxsports.com:
ALEX MARVEZ (Foxsports.com)
1. New England – An infusion of veteran and rookie talent, especially in front seven and at wide receiver, makes Super Bowl runner-up even more stout entering 2012.
2. Green Bay – Not much changed personnel-wise this offseason. That’s OK for team that went 15-1 in regular season before playoff collapse that will serve as this season’s motivation.
3. Houston – If quarterback Matt Schaub had stayed healthy in 2011, fierce defense would have led Texans into Super Bowl.
4. Philadelphia – Relative lack of drama this offseason could make Vince Young’s “Dream Team” proclamation into reality (albeit one year late for jettisoned Young).
5. Denver – Peyton Manning’s medical problems almost derailed Hall of Fame career. Now back on field, Manning will be pain in neck for opposing defenses.
6. New York Giants – It’s easy to forget G-Men almost didn’t make playoffs last season until late push. Let’s see if being defending NFL champions provides early-season motivation.
7. San Francisco – All 11 starters return from one of NFL’s stingiest defenses. Question now is whether quarterback Alex Smith and rest of offense can provide enough complementary firepower.
8. Atlanta – Falcons are hoping change of offensive and defensive coordinators leads to first playoff win under head coach Mike Smith.
9. Cincinnati – Bengals shocked last season by making playoffs. Don’t be surprised if deeper postseason run occurs with quarterback Andy Dalton entering second NFL season.
10. Detroit – Offseason drama aside, Lions are talented bunch with quarterback (Matthew Stafford) just beginning to come into his own.
11. Pittsburgh – How quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will take to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system is unknown, but Steelers have certainly improved offensive line and return plenty of defensive talent.
12. Buffalo – NFL’s longest active playoff drought (12 seasons and counting) is set to end thanks to defensive upgrades led by free-agent signing of pass-rushing beast Mario Williams and hiring of Dave Wannstedt as coordinator.
13. San Diego – Uncharacteristic flurry of free-agent signings reflects general manager A.J. Smith’s realization that he, like head coach Norv Turner, is on hot seat after two years out of playoffs. Team’s hopes still rest on arm of quarterback Philip Rivers.
14. Carolina – Should I say Cam-olina Panthers? 2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of Year Cam Newton is just scratching surface of how good a quarterback he can become.
15. Kansas City -There’s legitimate reason Chiefs expressed interest in signing Peyton Manning. Matt Cassel is in make-or-break season under center after poor 2011.
16. Chicago – Quarterback Jay Cutler should take less beating in new offensive coordinator Mike Tice’s system. But just like last season, Bears project to being third-best team in NFC North.
17. Baltimore – The window may have closed on storied veterans Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Matt Birk when Billy Cundiff missed tying field goal in last season’s AFC championship game loss to New England.
18. New Orleans – Signing of Drew Brees to long-term contract extension is one of few good-news items this offseason for team that entered training camp covered by dark cloud from bounty scandal.
19. Dallas – Until Cowboys find way to consistently win in clutch, this team won’t be back in playoffs.
20. Tennessee – Titans aren’t world-beaters, but wild-card spot isn’t out of question playing in division with downtrodden Indianapolis and Jacksonville.
21. Arizona – Kevin Kolb and John Skelton aren’t just competing for starting spot. Winner of that battle must prove he’s difference-maker at quarterback or efforts of standout defense will be wasted.
22. New York Jets – Two-headed quarterbacking systems like what New York will attempt with Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are recipe for disaster.
23. Seattle – Just like with Arizona, it’s hard to get too excited about Seahawks until Matt Flynn, Russell Wilson or Tarvaris Jackson cements himself at quarterback.
24. Washington – Redskins finally have their quarterback in Robert Griffin III, but RG3 doesn’t equal appearance in 2013 Super Bowl.
25. Tampa Bay – At least Bucs should be more disciplined bunch under first-year head coach Greg Schiano.
26. Oakland – First full season post-Al Davis may be rough one with Raiders unable to upgrade roster much because of salary-cap restraints.
27. St. Louis – Rams are off to good start in rebuilding under new head coach Jeff Fisher but still have long way to go.
28. Cleveland – Addition of three rookies (running back Trent Richardson, quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Josh Gordon) give Browns fans reasons for excitement – in 2013.
29. Jacksonville – It may not be fair for second-year player, but quarterback Blaine Gabbert is facing make-or-break season after calamitous 2011 performance.
30. Minnesota – Health of running back Adrian Peterson (knee) leads list of offensive questions.
31. Miami – Real “Hard Knocks” will be taking place every Sunday when hapless Dolphins take field.
32. Indianapolis – Welcome to NFL, Andrew Luck.
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