The National Football League's pre-season games have just started and most teams are putting their new rookies, acquisition and coaches through their first field test. For most rookies it will be their first snap, carry, pass, sack, interception or reception of the season.

By Kelvin Goh Wong 

In the last couple of seasons, it was rookies that have made the most impact for teams, especially in the quarter back position.

With success of the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and defending champions, New Orleans Saints, dominating teams through the air, most of teams moving towards the passing game rather than running the ball most of the time.

The change can be seen on the defensive end as well with defences opting to go for line-backers that play better coverage than stuffing the run in between the tackles.

Rookies like Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman and Matthew Stafford were all rookie quarterbacks who started in their first season and made a significant impact on their franchises.

The trend continued this year; with the first overall draft pick Sam Bradford looking to start for the St. Louis Rams after signing on for USD50 million (RM 170 million).

Some teams also loaded up on free agents and trade acquisitions this off season as well, adding to their roster and better their chances of winning. Big names like Brandon Marshall, Santonio Holmes, LaDanian Tomlinson, Anquan Boldin and Antonio Cromartie will all be in different jerseys this season.

The biggest trade would probably be the Philadelphia Eagles trading long time franchise quarterback, Donovan McNabb to division rivals, the Washington Redskins. This would mean that the Eagles would have to play the Redskins twice a season for a playoff spot with McNabb leading the Redskins.

Now which teams have probably done enough to contend for a title? Here are the projected top five best teams in the league this year.

Indianapolis Colts

It's hard to look past a team led by arguably the best quarterback in the league. With Peyton Manning back under center and last season's rookies developing into better players, look for manning to light it up through the air again this season.

Look for Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez and Reggie Wayne to rack-up receptions and touchdowns for the Colts as Manning averages about 200-300 yards passing.

Look for running-back Joseph Addai to be a factor this season as most defenses would be sending heavy blitz packages after Manning that would probably force him to check-down or audible to a run play.

The downside for the Colts is the team's dependence on Manning. Should their leader be injured at any point of the season, Curtis Painter, The back-up quarterback is no where near ready to lead the team.

The Colts should cruise into the play-offs, but Manning's hunt for a second championship may still prove elusive.

New Orleans Saints

With the image of cornerback Traci Porter picking of Peyton Manning to seal off their Superbowl win still fresh in their minds, the Saints have kept most of their key pieces around their quarterback Drew Brees.

Led by Brees, the cast of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Jeremy Shockey will be gunning to defend their title, trying to win the Superbowl back to back, a feat rarely produced in the NFL.

Brees will have Jahri Evans and Jermon Bushrod to provide him sufficient protection throughout the season as he carves out opposing teams with his pin-point passing.

The Saints look poised for a repeat as they also maintained most of their defensive play makers in Darren Sharper, Roman Harper and Tracy Porter. Should go well into the playoff is Brees stays healthy.

The New York Jets

The Jets had a dream season last season, as head coach Rex Ryan seemed to bring his defensive master class from Baltimore to New York.

With impressive performances from Darelle Revis and efficient game management by rookie quarterback sensation, Mark Sanchez, the Jets made it to the conference finals, only to be stopped by the Colts, who went on to lose in the finals.

Coach Ryan acquired Antonio Cromartie in the pre-season in an effort to defend better against the leagues top passers. The inclusion of Santonio Holmes from Pittsburgh and LaDanian Tomlinson from San Diego also gives the offence a new depth in their ability to score.

The Jets key to success lies in the growth of their second year quarterback, Mark Sanchez and running back, Shonn Green. Should these to players' show improvements in their game this year, the Jets may just be the team sneak in and runaway with a title.

Dallas Cowboys

With Tony Romo now over the December losing streak that kept them out of the playoffs for so long, the Cowboys look to make another run into the playoffs.

Besides Miles Austin, who is looking to continue his tremendous form last season, Romo now has another new weapon in the form of Dez Bryant, the best projected draft pick at wide receiver who fell down the pecking order due to some personal issues he had.

Picked up by the Cowboys in the draft, Bryant now looks to line-up next to Austin and Roy Williams and make an immediate impact on the team and the league.

The biggest question mark that the Cowboys have is at the offensive line, as they looked shaky to start to the season, allowing opposing team's defense to reach their quarterback.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have a healthy Carson Palmer for the second year running after the major reconstructive surgery on his knee.

Last season the Bengals added key pieces of offence like running-back Cedric Benson and rookie tight-end Jermaine Gresham. Both played a big part in the team's great performance last season, going undefeated in their division.

Also a big part of their play-off run last season was their improved defensive line-up, with rookie linebacker, Rey Maualuga, and cornerback Leon Hall coming up big for the defense.

This year the Bengals have added a wide selection of weapons for Palmer to throw to. With the inclusion of wide receivers Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant to the existing cast of Chad Ochocinco and Andre Caldweld, Carson should have no problems carving up opposing teams through the air.

Retaining Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator to head their sturdy defense, look for the Bengals to be force this season.