RK |
TEAMS |
|
CHG |
RCRD |
1 |
BUCCANEERS |
The champs always open in the top spot in my rankings, which is why the Bucs are here. I don't expect them to move far off this spot at all this season. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
2 |
BILLS |
This is a deep, talented team that has the weapons to score a bunch on offense. The defense will be better as well, which is why they are my pick to win it all. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
3 |
CHIEFS |
The rebuilt offensive line should make the offense get back to scoring points in a big way with Patrick Mahomes lighting it up. There are some concerns about the defense that have to improve. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
4 |
PACKERS |
Surprise, surprise. Aaron Rodgers is back. Since he is, they are once again a team that can win it all. This is another team that has to make strides on defense to get to a Super Bowl. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
5 |
BROWNS |
The talent is there, so it's time to live up to the expectations. The Browns are the favorite in the AFC North for a reason. Can they handle the hype? |
-- |
0-0-0 |
6 |
49ERS |
No matter who plays quarterback, this is the team I think will win the NFC West. Jimmy Garoppolo will likely start the season, but Trey Lance will get snaps as well. They are healthy again, which is bad news for the rest of the division. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
7 |
RAVENS |
The big issue is whether the passing game will improve enough this season. Lamar Jackson is an amazing weapon, but the passing game has to be better to win it all. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
8 |
RAMS |
Matt Stafford brings his gunslinging mentality to the offense. That's a good thing. The defense should again be among the best, which is why some are picking the Rams to be a Super team. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
9 |
CARDINALS |
They've added some nice veteran pieces in J.J. Watt and A.J. Green, showing it's time to make a real playoff push. This is a big season for coach Kliff Kingsbury. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
10 |
TITANS |
They should score a lot with all the weapons, including Derrick Henry and Julio Jones, so it's all about the defense for this group. They were dreadful last season, so any improvement should give them a division title. |
11 |
0-0-0 |
11 |
PATRIOTS |
Mac Jones will be a rookie starter, which can be challenging - no matter how good he looked in the preseason. Bill Belichick again has the talent to get this team back into the postseason. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
12 |
COLTS |
Carson Wentz is the big question mark here. He has to stay healthy, but even then there are those who wonder if he's the guy. The young defense will have to carry this team early in the season. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
13 |
FOOTBALL TEAM |
The defense will be nasty, maybe even the best in the NFL. So the big question is whether Ryan Fitzpatrick can be good enough on offense. I think he can be. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
14 |
COWBOYS |
Dak Prescott is back, the offensive line is healthy again and the defense has added some key players. This is the year Mike McCarthy has to get this team a division title. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
15 |
DOLPHINS |
It's all about Tua Tagovailoa. If he makes the strides, they will be a playoff team - and maybe more. If not, there will be changes coming. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
16 |
VIKINGS |
The defense, which is usually the calling card for Mike Zimmer-coached teams, will be back to playing at a high level after a bad 2020. Couple that with a good offense, and the Vikings should be back in the postseason. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
17 |
BRONCOS |
The defense will carry this team, which means Teddy Bridgewater has to just manage the offense without turning it over. Denver will push for a playoff spot. |
-- |
0-0-0 |
18 |
SEAHAWKS |
They still have Russell Wilson, which always makes them a threat. The key to their season will be the improvement of the defense, which means improvement of the pass rush. I am not sure it's good enough, which is why they are the fourth team in the division in my book. |
6 |
0-0-0 |
19 |
SAINTS |
Jameis Winston opens as the starter at quarterback in the post-Drew Brees era, but you know the Taysom Hill gimmick will be a big part as well. Sean Payton loves the makeup of this team, but will the fallout from being displaced by a hurricane impact their start? |
1 |
0-0-0 |
20 |
CHARGERS |
I don't see a sophomore slump for Justin Herbert, which means the offense will be explosive behind an improved offensive line. The defense gets back Derwin James, which will help that side grow. |
1 |
0-0-0 |
21 |
STEELERS |
Ben Roethlisberger is back, and he's looked good so far. But the biggest question is the offensive line. They made big changes there. The defense will be outstanding again. |
1 |
0-0-0 |