OTW Preseason Rankings #1 - #5

Each season fans across the country believe their team is the best team going into the first game. Without a team of my own this season, perhaps an unbiased opinion will be helpful to those who may have a false sense of security in how well their team has stacked up in the preseason.

1. Orlando Predators - The Preds have shown they are one of the elite teams in the AFL with the re-signing of most of the 2010 roster. QB Nick Hill really came around last season with the addition of Bobby Sippio, and once Sip's suspension is over, the Preds will be a tough task for any team. Not to mention T.T. Toliver and Josh Bush also hauling in passes, the Preds look to be elite on offense. Defensively, the Preds bring back Kenny McEntyre, who was surprisingly great last season despite his age. They added Rayshawn Kizer back to the roster as well as newcomer Travis Coleman, who was a starter for the Alabama Vipers last season.

2. Philadelphia Soul - The Soul are returning to the City of Brotherly Love in search of back-to-back Arena Bowl titles. It is likely the Soul will have a quarterback battle in camp, but the winner of the competition will certainly find the season to be much easier. Former Tulsa Talons starter Justin Allgood and former Iowa Barnstormers star Ryan Vena will duke it out to see who has the priviledge of hooking up with the likes of Donovan Morgan, Larry Brackins and anyone else the Soul put on the field at wide receiver.

Defensively, the Soul will have Chris Martin in the backfield, a star for the Chicago Rush last season, and Tanner Varner, one of Iowa's most explosive defensive backfield members.

3. Spokane Shock - It's difficult to ever leave the Shock out of the top three in any kind of ranking. This franchise has seen four championship games in five seasons, including two Arena Cup titles in the af2 and last year's Arena Bowl championship. The Shock will once again be explosive on offense and stingy on defense with a core of last year's title team. QB Kyle Rowley won two of the Shock's three titles under center, and this season he will be back. Khareem Smith will anchor the defensive line and with Alex Teems and Nygel Rogers in the backfield, most teams will find it difficult to score points.

4. San Jose Sabercats - The Cats will be back in the Bay Area once again, and when San Jose is playing Arena Football, you can bet they will be a top notch contender. However, will QB Mark Grieb's age show? Will he be able to successfully return after two seasons off? Will Otis Amey be the force he was in 2008, and who will fill the huge void left by James Roe? Defensively, will the SaberCats be able to fill voids left by All-Ironman Jason Geathers? Will Marquis Floyd playing for former Cats DC Kevin Guy in Arizona be an issue? The questions abound, but with this team's veteran leadership, the likelihood of San Jose being a contender is very good.

5. Arizona Rattlers - The Rattlers were very competitive last season, finishing with a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. Head coach Kevin Guy will have a core of players returning along with a few newcomers from around the league. QB Nick Davila will be the signal caller once again, and will have plenty of options when he drops into the pocket. Nate Forse being the biggest addition to the team at wide receiver. Forse was dominant last season, hauling in 111 catches for 1300+ yards and 26 scores. Defensively, the Rattlers will be surrounded with a few questions but still bolstered with All-AFL performers Marquis Floyd and Jason Geathers.