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Denver Broncos boast NFL's best offensive nucleus

Published: Dec 19, 2013 at 09:36 AM

Chris Wesseling

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

Every Thursday, Chris Wesseling rolls out the power rankings for one specific NFL position.

So far, we have ranked the top running backs, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, tight ends, defensive tackles, wide receivers, defensive ends, kick returners, running backs, linebacker duos, wide receiver duos, safeties and cornerbacks in the league.

Last week, we produced the NFL Honors stock watch.

With the end of the season approaching, we are beginning to look forward to next season. Which organization has the best nucleus of offensive talent?

The premise is this: If I am the best head-coaching candidate on the market, which offensive personnel would I most want to take over? Withour further ado, here's the list:

1. Denver Broncos

The Broncos are on pace to break the 2007 Patriots' scoring record because they have the best collection of talent in the league. Peyton Manning's age is a concern, but he's enjoying the finest quarterback season in NFL history. He has given no indication that he will consider walking away from the game in the next year or two. Wide receiver Eric Decker is the one impact player due to hit free agency, so there will be pressure to work out a long-term deal or perhaps break out the franchise or transition tag.

2. Green Bay Packers

From the perspective of age and physical gifts, Aaron Rodgers is the most valuable commodity in the league. Workhorse Eddie Lacy has emerged as a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are a dynamite 1-2 combo at wide receiver even if James Jones is a free agent and Jermichael Finley's career is in jeopardy. The offensive line welcomes left tackle Bryan Bulaga back from injury in 2014.

3. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees is one of a handful of difference-makers at quarterback. Jimmy Graham will almost assuredly become the highest paid tight end in the league. There's no chance the Saints will allow him to hit the free-agent market. The offseason shopping list will have to include young legs at wide receiver and offensive line help to jump-start a fine backfield trio.

4. Chicago Bears

Even as an impending free agent, Jay Cutler has to be viewed as an asset because the Bears control his rights via the ability to wield the franchise tag. The rest of the offense is loaded. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett compose the league's most dominant receiving arsenal, and Matt Forte has long been one of the finest all-around running backs in football. It shouldn't go unnoticed that all five members of the offensive line have played every snap this season.

5. Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson has yet to lose at home and rivals Manning and Dan Marino for the most successful first two seasons ever. The backfield is the deepest and most physical in the NFL. Sidney Rice will likely be a salary-cap casualty and Golden Tate will be a free agent, so there are questions at wide receiver even with Percy Harvin coming back healthy. The offensive line is better than average when all five starters are in the lineup.

6. New England Patriots

Tom Brady remains one of the most valuable players in the NFL, but he's surrounded by question marks. Nobody plays his position better than Rob Gronkowski, but he's now recovering from knee reconstruction on top of four forearm surgeries and a back procedure in the past calendar year. Shane Vereen is a major asset in the passing game, but the coaching staff doesn't trust its best runner. Leading receiver Julian Edelman is a free agent. Danny Amendola doesn't get vertical, and the young deep threats are unreliable.

7. Detroit Lions

The Lions boast playmaking "triplets" in Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. The revamped offensive line has exceeded expectations. The problem area is one of the most shallow wide receiving corps in the league. Nate Burleson's run-after-catch ability has evaporated and Ryan Broyles can't stay healthy. Beyond Johnson, Packers castoff Jeremy Ross is the only receiver to flash playmaking ability this season.

8. San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick has his season back on track now that Michael Crabtree is back in the lineup. The tight ends and offensive linemen are among the league's best. Although the backfield is deep, Frank Gore's aging legs and accumulation of carries are a red flag going forward. If Anquan Boldin leaves via free agency, there's a glaring need at wide receiver.

9. Indianapolis Colts

Any prospective coach would be enticed by Andrew Luck as the face of the franchise. Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener have the potential to emerge as one of the premier tight-end tandems. T.Y. Hilton is a fine sidekick at wide receiver, but there have to be concerns about Reggie Wayne returning from ACL surgery at age 35. If Da'Rick Rogers is an intriguing wild card, Trent Richardson is a frustrating enigma. The biggest drawback to this collection is an offensive line that has been a sieve the past two years.

10. Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Foles is the quarterback for the next 10 centuries after turning the Eagles' season around, but would any prospective coach choose him over Luck? It's a shame we never got to see Chip Kelly's offense with Jeremy Maclin. That might happen in 2014 if the Eagles re-sign him before he hits the open market. LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson are among the most dangerous playmakers in the league. The offensive line has rebounded from a disasterous 2012 to function as one of the NFL's most effective units.

We examine coaches on the hot seat and chat with Packers guard Josh Sitton on the latest "Around The League Podcast."

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