Ranking Every NFL Team - 2019
Sept 6, 2019 20:28:17 GMT -6
Reignman, Funkytown, and 3 more like this
Post by Danchat on Sept 6, 2019 20:28:17 GMT -6
With the NFL getting into gear for its 100th season, I'm going to take some time to rank every single team in the NFL. You could call this a "power rankings" article, though I'm not going to update the article like many other sites do. I know many here are not fans of power rankings. I also can't stand when ESPN poops out a power rankings list and they just rank all of the teams by record. That's not how I'm doing things here. The list will rank all 32 teams by 1) team talent, 2) coaching, and 3) strength of schedule. The team talent carries most of the weight, with only a little bit being decided by the difficulty of the schedule.
The point of the article is to show my opinions of each team and which ones I am high on and which ones I am low on. You'll also see which players have been added and subtracted from each roster, including rookies drafted within the top 3 rounds. That should give you a decent idea of the incoming and outgoing talent on each roster.
Without further ado, let's get started!
Teams #32-23
Teams #22-12
Teams #11-1
Alright, so now to tell me why I'm wrong and why you are right? Which teams do you have overrated and underrated?
The point of the article is to show my opinions of each team and which ones I am high on and which ones I am low on. You'll also see which players have been added and subtracted from each roster, including rookies drafted within the top 3 rounds. That should give you a decent idea of the incoming and outgoing talent on each roster.
Without further ado, let's get started!
Teams #32-23
#32 - Miami Dolphins
Added: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Josh Rosen, DT Christian Wilkins, G Michael Deiter
Lost: LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, QB Ryan Tannehill, RT Ja'Wuan James, DE Cameron Wake, DE Robert Quinn
The Dolphins are the one NFL team that seems committed to tanking - at least this isn't the MLB where there's at least 7 teams doing that! The Fins added nothing in free agency and have a new coach in Brian Flores. It was my belief that this team overachieved with Adam Gase as the coach, so I expect this team to lose 13-14 games. Fitzmagic might will them a few wins, but I expect them to be drafting a QB very high, if not first overall, next season.
Strengths: ST (Special Teams)
Weaknesses: HB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB
#31 - Oakland Raiders
Added: WR Antonio Brown, WR Tyrell Williams, LT Trent Brown, LB Vontaze Burfict, S/CB Lamarcus Joyner, ED Clelin Ferrell, HB Josh Jacobs, SS Jonathan Abram, CB Trayvon Mullen
Lost: HB Marshawn Lynch, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jared Cook, G Kelechi Osemele, CB Rashaan Melvin, FS Reggie Nelson
After the Raiders purged their top-tier talent in ED Khalil Mack and WR Amari Cooper, the Raiders went on a reloading tour with 3 first round picks and several major free agent additions. Why do they rank so low? Well, part of that is because I don't think very highly of Derek Carr as a QB and Jon Gruden as a head coach, and they have few playmakers on the roster. Putting nutheads Richie Incognito, Antonio Brown, and Vontaze Burfict in the same room is a horrible idea. Is there even a single player on their defense that is above average? They also have a hard-as-nails schedule that has them play the Chiefs and Chargers twice alongside facing the NFC North. I don't like their odds of taking a step forward this season.
Strengths: HB, WR
Weaknesses: TE, OL, DL, LB, Coaching
#30 - Washington Redskins
Added: QB Case Keenum, T/G Ereck Flowers, S Landon Collins, QB Dwayne Haskins, ED Montez Sweat, WR Terry McLaurin
Lost: WR Jamison Crowder, T/G Ty Nsekhe, ED Preston Smith, LB Zach Brown, LB Mason Foster, SS Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
The Redskins look like a car that is swerving and is about to fly off the road. Not only has the team made questionable moves at every turn, but they've ripped off their injured players by covering up medical information and forcing them to play through injury. All-Pro LT Trent Williams has vowed to never play for the team again, and he appears to be serious. The Skins are going to be in meltdown mode with Case Keenum at QB and young'un Dwayne Haskins in the wings. They need to fire everyone and start to gain ground again in 2020.
Strengths: DL, ST
Weaknesses: QB, WR, LB
#29 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Added: WR Breshad Perriman, DT Ndamukong Suh, ED Shaq Barrett, LB Deone Bucannon, LB Devin White, CB Sean Bunting, CB Jamel Dean
Lost: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Adam Humphries, DT Gerald McCoy, LB Kwon Alexander, CB Brent Grimes
The Bucs were torn apart by injuries on defense last year, and the offense was boom or bust. With Bruce Arians coming out of retirement, the offense should improve, but the defense just looks awful on paper again. The D-line is simply bad, and adding Suh won't move the needle too much. Devin White is a great start at linebacker, but there's nothing there to build around him. The DBs group is easily the most barren in the NFL. Throw a mediocre Jameis Winston who hasn't quite panned out yet, and this team does not appear to have playoff aspirations.
Strengths: WR, Coaching
Weaknesses: HB, DB, ST
#28 - Arizona Cardinals
Added: RT Marcus Gilbert, ED Terrell Suggs, LB Jordan Hicks, QB Kyler Murray, CB Byron Murphy, WR Andy Isabella, DL Zach Allen
Lost: QB Josh Rosen, G Mike Iupati, DL Rodney Gunter, ED Markus Golden, LB Josh Bynes, LB Deone Bucannon, S Tre Boston, S Antoine Bethea
The Cardinals had the first overall pick in the draft and took a QB despite drafting one the previous year. It's hard to know whether this was the right move - Josh Rosen was in over his head, but Kyler Murray has a much higher upside to him. Outside of the QB position, the team did get better on paper, but they should still be a bottom 5 team.
Strengths: HB, DB, DL
Weaknesses: OL, LB, ST
#27 - New York Giants
Added: WR Golden Tate, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Mike Remmers, ED Markus Golden, FS Jabrill Peppers, SS Antoine Bethea, QB Daniel Jones, NT Dexter Lawrence, CB DeAndre Baker
Lost: WR Odell Beckham, ED Olivier Vernon, S Landon Collins, LB B.J. Goodson
Normally, the story of the offseason for the Giants would be the drafting of the heir to Eli's throne, but the big news was that they traded superstar Odell Beckham away. Saquon Barkley looks like a superstar in his own right, but now the Giants don't have anybody all that good to throw to [outside of Barkley]. The defense is also very lackluster, with little talent in their front 7 and zero proven pass rushers. Daniel Jones should take over at some point, but I also think Jones was a mediocre QB prospect.
Strengths: HB, OL
Weaknesses: QB, ED, LB
#26 - Detroit Lions
Added: TE Jesse James, ED Trey Flowers, CB Justin Coleman, CB Rashaan Melvin, TE T.J. Hockenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, S Will Harris
Lost: G T.J. Lang, ED Ziggy Ansah, S Glover Quin
Say hello to the Chinese bootleg mimicking the New England Patriots! The Lions have done everything to emulate Belichick's formula, including hiring a past assistant and finding former Patriots or players who are similar. Of course, the Lions are missing the key ingredients - legitimate Brady and Belichick knock-offs - and the team seemed to quit on Patricia in year one. Stafford took a sizeable step back in 2018, and adding Darrell Bevell as the OC with an apparent focus on the running game makes the upside of this team appear to be very shallow.
Strengths: DL, ST
Weaknesses: LB, Coaching
#25 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Added: QB Nick Foles, WR Chris Conley, T/G Cedric Ogbuehi, LB Jake Ryan, ED Josh Allen, T Jawaan Taylor, TE Josh Oliver
Lost: QB Blake Bortles, HB T.J. Yeldon, WR Donte Moncrief, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, RT Jermey Parnell, DT Malik Jackson, FS Tashaun Gipson
I don't think it was too surprising to see the Jags take a step back in 2018. The surprise was that they plummeted right back to rock bottom. Bortles imploded and the defense took a major step back, and the season seemed like it was over in an instant. Foles is a better QB, but I don't like the personnel that surrounds him. He was a WR/TE corps that is as shallow as a kiddy pool, and they had better hope HB Leonard Fournette rebounds after a bad 2018 season. I do think the defense will be better - the defensive line now with Josh Allen should be nearly unstoppable - but it's going to be up to this defense to win games this year.
Strengths: DL, DB, ST
Weaknesses: HB, OL, Coaching
#24 - Cincinnati Bengals
Added: G John Miller, LT Jonah Williams, TE Drew Sample, LB Germaine Pratt
Lost: TE Tyler Kroft, LB Vontaze Burfict
The Bengals are finally free of Mavin Lewis' eternal grasp after about 57 years of being the head coach. Hyperbole aside, it's hard to say what will happen with newbie Zac Taylor in charge. There's not much to love with the offense, as Dalton has been a middling QB and while he's got some solid weapons, the offensive line is going to be a total disaster. The defense is what's keeping them from being a bottom 5 team - the defensive line is sneakily loaded with Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, Carl Lawson, and a few other highly touted prospects. They've also got a bunch of solid DBs. Still, don't expect much from them this year... they should be the clear doormat of the AFC North.
Strengths: HB, DL, DB
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#23 - Denver Broncos
Added: QB Joe Flacco, RT Ja'Wuan James, CB/S Kareem Jackson, CB Bryce Callahan, TE Noah Fant, C Dalton Risner, QB Drew Lock, DT Dre'Mont Jones
Lost: QB Case Keenum, RT Jared Veldheer, C Matt Paradis, ED Shaq Barrett, LB Brandon Marshall, CB Bradley Roby, SS Darian Stewart
The Broncos continue their search for a new franchise QB, as John Elway has struggled to find one after Peyton Manning's retirement. This offseason brought Flacco and Lock. The offense does have some potential with Phillip Lindsay and a solid offensive line, but I imagine the QBs will hold this team back. On defense, Denver has Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, a dangerous pass rushing duo. They've got a decent roster, but with a mediocre QB and difficult schedule, I don't see Denver making a playoff push this season.
Strengths: HB, ED
Weaknesses: QB, WR, LB
Added: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Josh Rosen, DT Christian Wilkins, G Michael Deiter
Lost: LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, QB Ryan Tannehill, RT Ja'Wuan James, DE Cameron Wake, DE Robert Quinn
The Dolphins are the one NFL team that seems committed to tanking - at least this isn't the MLB where there's at least 7 teams doing that! The Fins added nothing in free agency and have a new coach in Brian Flores. It was my belief that this team overachieved with Adam Gase as the coach, so I expect this team to lose 13-14 games. Fitzmagic might will them a few wins, but I expect them to be drafting a QB very high, if not first overall, next season.
Strengths: ST (Special Teams)
Weaknesses: HB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB
#31 - Oakland Raiders
Added: WR Antonio Brown, WR Tyrell Williams, LT Trent Brown, LB Vontaze Burfict, S/CB Lamarcus Joyner, ED Clelin Ferrell, HB Josh Jacobs, SS Jonathan Abram, CB Trayvon Mullen
Lost: HB Marshawn Lynch, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jared Cook, G Kelechi Osemele, CB Rashaan Melvin, FS Reggie Nelson
After the Raiders purged their top-tier talent in ED Khalil Mack and WR Amari Cooper, the Raiders went on a reloading tour with 3 first round picks and several major free agent additions. Why do they rank so low? Well, part of that is because I don't think very highly of Derek Carr as a QB and Jon Gruden as a head coach, and they have few playmakers on the roster. Putting nutheads Richie Incognito, Antonio Brown, and Vontaze Burfict in the same room is a horrible idea. Is there even a single player on their defense that is above average? They also have a hard-as-nails schedule that has them play the Chiefs and Chargers twice alongside facing the NFC North. I don't like their odds of taking a step forward this season.
Strengths: HB, WR
Weaknesses: TE, OL, DL, LB, Coaching
#30 - Washington Redskins
Added: QB Case Keenum, T/G Ereck Flowers, S Landon Collins, QB Dwayne Haskins, ED Montez Sweat, WR Terry McLaurin
Lost: WR Jamison Crowder, T/G Ty Nsekhe, ED Preston Smith, LB Zach Brown, LB Mason Foster, SS Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
The Redskins look like a car that is swerving and is about to fly off the road. Not only has the team made questionable moves at every turn, but they've ripped off their injured players by covering up medical information and forcing them to play through injury. All-Pro LT Trent Williams has vowed to never play for the team again, and he appears to be serious. The Skins are going to be in meltdown mode with Case Keenum at QB and young'un Dwayne Haskins in the wings. They need to fire everyone and start to gain ground again in 2020.
Strengths: DL, ST
Weaknesses: QB, WR, LB
#29 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Added: WR Breshad Perriman, DT Ndamukong Suh, ED Shaq Barrett, LB Deone Bucannon, LB Devin White, CB Sean Bunting, CB Jamel Dean
Lost: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Adam Humphries, DT Gerald McCoy, LB Kwon Alexander, CB Brent Grimes
The Bucs were torn apart by injuries on defense last year, and the offense was boom or bust. With Bruce Arians coming out of retirement, the offense should improve, but the defense just looks awful on paper again. The D-line is simply bad, and adding Suh won't move the needle too much. Devin White is a great start at linebacker, but there's nothing there to build around him. The DBs group is easily the most barren in the NFL. Throw a mediocre Jameis Winston who hasn't quite panned out yet, and this team does not appear to have playoff aspirations.
Strengths: WR, Coaching
Weaknesses: HB, DB, ST
#28 - Arizona Cardinals
Added: RT Marcus Gilbert, ED Terrell Suggs, LB Jordan Hicks, QB Kyler Murray, CB Byron Murphy, WR Andy Isabella, DL Zach Allen
Lost: QB Josh Rosen, G Mike Iupati, DL Rodney Gunter, ED Markus Golden, LB Josh Bynes, LB Deone Bucannon, S Tre Boston, S Antoine Bethea
The Cardinals had the first overall pick in the draft and took a QB despite drafting one the previous year. It's hard to know whether this was the right move - Josh Rosen was in over his head, but Kyler Murray has a much higher upside to him. Outside of the QB position, the team did get better on paper, but they should still be a bottom 5 team.
Strengths: HB, DB, DL
Weaknesses: OL, LB, ST
#27 - New York Giants
Added: WR Golden Tate, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Mike Remmers, ED Markus Golden, FS Jabrill Peppers, SS Antoine Bethea, QB Daniel Jones, NT Dexter Lawrence, CB DeAndre Baker
Lost: WR Odell Beckham, ED Olivier Vernon, S Landon Collins, LB B.J. Goodson
Normally, the story of the offseason for the Giants would be the drafting of the heir to Eli's throne, but the big news was that they traded superstar Odell Beckham away. Saquon Barkley looks like a superstar in his own right, but now the Giants don't have anybody all that good to throw to [outside of Barkley]. The defense is also very lackluster, with little talent in their front 7 and zero proven pass rushers. Daniel Jones should take over at some point, but I also think Jones was a mediocre QB prospect.
Strengths: HB, OL
Weaknesses: QB, ED, LB
#26 - Detroit Lions
Added: TE Jesse James, ED Trey Flowers, CB Justin Coleman, CB Rashaan Melvin, TE T.J. Hockenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, S Will Harris
Lost: G T.J. Lang, ED Ziggy Ansah, S Glover Quin
Say hello to the Chinese bootleg mimicking the New England Patriots! The Lions have done everything to emulate Belichick's formula, including hiring a past assistant and finding former Patriots or players who are similar. Of course, the Lions are missing the key ingredients - legitimate Brady and Belichick knock-offs - and the team seemed to quit on Patricia in year one. Stafford took a sizeable step back in 2018, and adding Darrell Bevell as the OC with an apparent focus on the running game makes the upside of this team appear to be very shallow.
Strengths: DL, ST
Weaknesses: LB, Coaching
#25 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Added: QB Nick Foles, WR Chris Conley, T/G Cedric Ogbuehi, LB Jake Ryan, ED Josh Allen, T Jawaan Taylor, TE Josh Oliver
Lost: QB Blake Bortles, HB T.J. Yeldon, WR Donte Moncrief, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, RT Jermey Parnell, DT Malik Jackson, FS Tashaun Gipson
I don't think it was too surprising to see the Jags take a step back in 2018. The surprise was that they plummeted right back to rock bottom. Bortles imploded and the defense took a major step back, and the season seemed like it was over in an instant. Foles is a better QB, but I don't like the personnel that surrounds him. He was a WR/TE corps that is as shallow as a kiddy pool, and they had better hope HB Leonard Fournette rebounds after a bad 2018 season. I do think the defense will be better - the defensive line now with Josh Allen should be nearly unstoppable - but it's going to be up to this defense to win games this year.
Strengths: DL, DB, ST
Weaknesses: HB, OL, Coaching
#24 - Cincinnati Bengals
Added: G John Miller, LT Jonah Williams, TE Drew Sample, LB Germaine Pratt
Lost: TE Tyler Kroft, LB Vontaze Burfict
The Bengals are finally free of Mavin Lewis' eternal grasp after about 57 years of being the head coach. Hyperbole aside, it's hard to say what will happen with newbie Zac Taylor in charge. There's not much to love with the offense, as Dalton has been a middling QB and while he's got some solid weapons, the offensive line is going to be a total disaster. The defense is what's keeping them from being a bottom 5 team - the defensive line is sneakily loaded with Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, Carl Lawson, and a few other highly touted prospects. They've also got a bunch of solid DBs. Still, don't expect much from them this year... they should be the clear doormat of the AFC North.
Strengths: HB, DL, DB
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#23 - Denver Broncos
Added: QB Joe Flacco, RT Ja'Wuan James, CB/S Kareem Jackson, CB Bryce Callahan, TE Noah Fant, C Dalton Risner, QB Drew Lock, DT Dre'Mont Jones
Lost: QB Case Keenum, RT Jared Veldheer, C Matt Paradis, ED Shaq Barrett, LB Brandon Marshall, CB Bradley Roby, SS Darian Stewart
The Broncos continue their search for a new franchise QB, as John Elway has struggled to find one after Peyton Manning's retirement. This offseason brought Flacco and Lock. The offense does have some potential with Phillip Lindsay and a solid offensive line, but I imagine the QBs will hold this team back. On defense, Denver has Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, a dangerous pass rushing duo. They've got a decent roster, but with a mediocre QB and difficult schedule, I don't see Denver making a playoff push this season.
Strengths: HB, ED
Weaknesses: QB, WR, LB
Teams #22-12
#22 - Buffalo Bills
Added: WR Cole Beasley, WR John Brown, TE Tyler Kroft, G/T Ty Nsheke, G Quinton Spain, C Mitch Morse, CB Kevin Johnson, DT Ed Oliver, RT Cody Ford, HB Devin Singletary
Lost: T Jordan Mills, G John Miller
The Bills had an up-and-down season as rookie QB Josh Allen flashed his ability as a deadly scrambler, but has yet to prove his ability as a quality passer. Defenses should start picking up on how to stop Allen from running, and after that, I'm not a fan of the pieces surrounding him on offense. The defense is full of young playmakers like rookie Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, and Tre'Davious White and has the upside to be a top 10 unit. They don't quite look playoff-caliber yet, but they could be in 2020.
Strengths: DB, DL
Weaknesses: TE, OL, ST
#21 - San Francisco 49ers
Added: HB Tevin Coleman, G Ben Garland, ED Dee Ford, LB Kwon Alexander, CB Jason Verrett, ED Nick Bosa, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Jalen Hurd
Lost: WR Pierre Garcon
Many had expectations for the 49ers to be competitive last year, but this hope was crushed when Jimmy Garoppolo blew his ACL. Whether he can remain healthy is a serious question at this point. If he can play, he's got a bunch of young HBs and WRs to get the ball to and a stud TE in George Kittle. The offensive is really good, too. The defense was full of holes last season, but that should also improve with the additions of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Unfortunately the NFC is stacked and I see the 49ers falling short of their expectations once again.
Strengths: OL, DL, ST
Weaknesses: LB, DB
#21 - Houston Texans
Added: ED Barkevious Mingo, LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, CB Bradley Roby, S Tashaun Gipson, S Jahleel Addae, G/T Tytus Howard, CB Lonnie Johnson, G/T Max Scharping, TE Kahale Warring
Lost: ED Jadaveon Clowney, WR Demaryius Thomas, T Kendall Lamm, DT Christian Covington, CB Kareem Jackson, CB Kevin Johnson, FS Tyrann Mathieu
The Texans won the AFC South last year, but they had a terrible offseason. It was so bad, their GM was fired at the end of it! Head Coach Bill O'Brien seems to be on the hot seat, and I think this season the bubble will burst. The team panicked right before the season started and shipped off their second best defensive player, Jadaveon Clowney, to Seattle for a 3rd rounder - and then they topped that off with acquiring LT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills for 2 1sts and a 2nd rounder!! Not only is that a bigger trade than the Khalil Mack one, but they've completely mortaged the future for a solid LT and a middling WR. Unbelievable. These moves are going to put this team behind for a few years. The Texans winning the division last year was a fluke, expect a late season collapse from this team.
Strengths: QB, WR, DL
Weaknesses: HB, OL, DB, Coaching
#19 - Baltimore Ravens
Added: HB Mark Ingram, ED Pernell McPhee, FS Earl Thomas, WR Marquise Brown, ED Jaylon Ferguson, WR Miles Boykin
Lost: QB Joe Flacco, WR John Brown, WR Michael Crabtree, DL Brent Urban, ED Za'Darius Smith, ED Terrell Suggs, LB C.J. Mosley, S Eric Weddle
The Ravens finally moved on from Joe Flacco, and the move proved to work, as Lamar Jackson re-energized the offense and got the team to the playoffs. They'll have to prove their blend of old school / college football offense will work in a full season, now that opposing DCs have tape on them. The Ravens' defense lost a bunch of talent, including their top pass rusher (Smith), top linebacker (Mosley), top safety (Weddle, and the heart and soul of the defense (Suggs). Only Weddle was replaced, and I could see the Ravens defense have some problems this season.
Strengths: HB, DL, ST
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#18 - Minnesota Vikings
Added: RG Josh Kline, DT Shamar Stephen, C Garrett Bradbury, TE Irv Smith Jr., HB Alexander Mattison
Lost: HB Latavius Murray, DT Sheldon Richardson, SS Andrew Sendejo
Well, this ranking isn't going to win me any points on Purple Pain. The Vikings are coming off of a massively disappointing 8-7-1 season, but they're returning with mostly the same team. While the offense should be better thanks to Stefanski & Kubiak, they only found one true needle-mover to help the O-line - first rounder Garrett Bradbury. The defense continues to age and several players are starting to decline. The special teams unit is a perennial disaster. Add on to that a QB who can't win big games, and it would be easy to see the Vikings get lost in a highly competitive NFC conference.
Strengths: WR, DB
Weaknesses: OL, ST
#17 - Tennessee Titans
Added: QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Adam Humphries, G Rodger Saffold, DL Brent Urban, ED Cameron Wake, DT Jeffery Simmons (inj), WR A.J. Brown, G Nate Davis
Lost: G Quinton Spain, G Josh Kline, ED Derrick Morgan, ED Brian Orakpo, NT Bennie Logan
The Titans are a very solid team on paper. They've got a solid running game, a strong run defense, and some talented DBs. Mike Vrabel seems to be a hit as a head coach, and the team appears to be headed in a good direction... but the QB position is the biggest question mark. Marcus Mariota can't stay healthy and has been mediocre when on the field, and he's onto year 5. If he can finally take a step forward, this should be a playoff team. If not, Ryan Tannehill will likely end up manning this squad by season's end.
Strengths: DL, LB
Weaknesses: QB
#16 - Atlanta Falcons
Added: G Jamon Brown, G James Carpenter, ED Adrian Clayborn, G Chris Lindstrom, RT Kaleb McGary
Losses: HB Tevin Coleman, G Andy Levitre, G Ben Garland, ED Bruce Irvin, CB Robert Alford
I don't see any major weaknesses with this Atlanta squad, as they've got talent at every position. Their biggest pitfall will be injuries - they tore their defense to shreds last season. The Falcons opted to remodel the O-line over the offseason instead of focus on defense, which was a curious decision. They could easily win the division, but they are also a threat to bottom-out again if their top players hit the IR.
Strengths: QB, WR
Weaknesses: ED
#15 - Dallas Cowboys
Added: WR Randall Cobb, ED Robert Quinn, DT Christian Covington, DT Trysten Hill, G Connor McGovern (inj)
Lost: WR Cole Beasley, ED Randy Gregory, DT David Irving
The Cowboys surprised me last year, as they passed up the Super Bowl Champ Eagles to win the division. They were able to win a playoff game, but they still don't seem in the ballpark of the Rams or the Saints. They didn't do much over the offseason, using what little cap room and draft capital they had to beef up the D-line. They will need Ezekiel Elliott to report to the team soon, or their rating will drop - Dak isn't a bad QB, but without Elliott, the running game will be an empty threat. The Cowboys should be on the fringe of a playoff spot in a tough NFC conference.
Strengths: HB, LB
Weaknesses: DB, Coaching
#14 - Carolina Panthers
Added: C Matt Paradis, DT Gerald McCoy, ED Bruce Irvin, ED Brian Burns, LT Greg Little, QB Will Grier
Lost: WR Devin Funchess, LT Matt Kalil, C Ryan Kalil, ED Julius Peppers, LB Thomas Davis, FS Mike Adams, SS Da'Norris Searcy
The Panthers got hot, off to a 6-2 start, but then dropped 6 games straight. Cam Newton appears to be fully recovered from the shoulder injury he played through, and the trenches have been bulked up over the offseason. With a stronger O-line and D-line, I think the Panthers can pick up where they left off in that 6-2 run. I'll pencil them into a wild card spot.
Strengths: HB, DL, LB
Weaknesses: DB
#13 - Indianapolis Colts
Added: WR Devin Funchess, ED Justin Houston, CB Rock Ya-Sin, ED Ben Banogu, WR parris Campbell, LB Boby Okereke
Lost: QB Andrew Luck, WR Dontrelle Inman, G Matt Slauson
I was planning on predicting the Colts be the Super Bowl representing team in the AFC, but then Andrew Luck made the stunning announcement that he's retiring. It's a shame, since this roster is finally ready for a deep playoff run, but now it seems they'll be lucky to win their division. I originally had them ranked 5th, but Jacoby Brissett at QB dropped them 8 whole spots. This team is too talented to tank, however, as the team is oozing with talent at WR, TE, the young O-line, and the defense should be good as well. I had this team with zero weaknesses until Luck hung up the cleats. Now we'll never know if the 2019 Colts would finally get to the promised land with Luck... and I highly doubt they'll do it without.
Strengths: WR, TE, OL, Coaching
Weaknesses: QB
#12 - Green Bay Packers
Added: LB B.J. Goodson, G Billy Turner, ED Preston Smith, ED Za'Darius Smith, SS Adrian Amos, DL Rashan Gary, FS Darnell Savage, G/C Elgton Jenkins, TE Jace Sternberger
Lost: WR Randall Cobb, DL Muhammad Wilkerson, ED Nick Perry, ED Clay Matthews, LB Jake Ryan, CB Bashaud Breeland
I don't like putting my arch-nemesis so high in the ratings, but I'll say, the Packers are looking better on paper than they usually do. A big reason why is because Mike McCarthy is gone; a second reason why is that they finally went out in free agency and spent some money on some players still in their prime. Everything still hinges on Rodgers' health - unless Tim Boyle is going to pick up the slack - so I can't quite have the Packers as a top 10 team. If Aaron can stay healthy and prove McCarthy was holding him back... well, watch out!
Strengths: QB, OL, LB
Weaknesses: WR, TE
Added: WR Cole Beasley, WR John Brown, TE Tyler Kroft, G/T Ty Nsheke, G Quinton Spain, C Mitch Morse, CB Kevin Johnson, DT Ed Oliver, RT Cody Ford, HB Devin Singletary
Lost: T Jordan Mills, G John Miller
The Bills had an up-and-down season as rookie QB Josh Allen flashed his ability as a deadly scrambler, but has yet to prove his ability as a quality passer. Defenses should start picking up on how to stop Allen from running, and after that, I'm not a fan of the pieces surrounding him on offense. The defense is full of young playmakers like rookie Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, and Tre'Davious White and has the upside to be a top 10 unit. They don't quite look playoff-caliber yet, but they could be in 2020.
Strengths: DB, DL
Weaknesses: TE, OL, ST
#21 - San Francisco 49ers
Added: HB Tevin Coleman, G Ben Garland, ED Dee Ford, LB Kwon Alexander, CB Jason Verrett, ED Nick Bosa, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Jalen Hurd
Lost: WR Pierre Garcon
Many had expectations for the 49ers to be competitive last year, but this hope was crushed when Jimmy Garoppolo blew his ACL. Whether he can remain healthy is a serious question at this point. If he can play, he's got a bunch of young HBs and WRs to get the ball to and a stud TE in George Kittle. The offensive is really good, too. The defense was full of holes last season, but that should also improve with the additions of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Unfortunately the NFC is stacked and I see the 49ers falling short of their expectations once again.
Strengths: OL, DL, ST
Weaknesses: LB, DB
#21 - Houston Texans
Added: ED Barkevious Mingo, LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, CB Bradley Roby, S Tashaun Gipson, S Jahleel Addae, G/T Tytus Howard, CB Lonnie Johnson, G/T Max Scharping, TE Kahale Warring
Lost: ED Jadaveon Clowney, WR Demaryius Thomas, T Kendall Lamm, DT Christian Covington, CB Kareem Jackson, CB Kevin Johnson, FS Tyrann Mathieu
The Texans won the AFC South last year, but they had a terrible offseason. It was so bad, their GM was fired at the end of it! Head Coach Bill O'Brien seems to be on the hot seat, and I think this season the bubble will burst. The team panicked right before the season started and shipped off their second best defensive player, Jadaveon Clowney, to Seattle for a 3rd rounder - and then they topped that off with acquiring LT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills for 2 1sts and a 2nd rounder!! Not only is that a bigger trade than the Khalil Mack one, but they've completely mortaged the future for a solid LT and a middling WR. Unbelievable. These moves are going to put this team behind for a few years. The Texans winning the division last year was a fluke, expect a late season collapse from this team.
Strengths: QB, WR, DL
Weaknesses: HB, OL, DB, Coaching
#19 - Baltimore Ravens
Added: HB Mark Ingram, ED Pernell McPhee, FS Earl Thomas, WR Marquise Brown, ED Jaylon Ferguson, WR Miles Boykin
Lost: QB Joe Flacco, WR John Brown, WR Michael Crabtree, DL Brent Urban, ED Za'Darius Smith, ED Terrell Suggs, LB C.J. Mosley, S Eric Weddle
The Ravens finally moved on from Joe Flacco, and the move proved to work, as Lamar Jackson re-energized the offense and got the team to the playoffs. They'll have to prove their blend of old school / college football offense will work in a full season, now that opposing DCs have tape on them. The Ravens' defense lost a bunch of talent, including their top pass rusher (Smith), top linebacker (Mosley), top safety (Weddle, and the heart and soul of the defense (Suggs). Only Weddle was replaced, and I could see the Ravens defense have some problems this season.
Strengths: HB, DL, ST
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#18 - Minnesota Vikings
Added: RG Josh Kline, DT Shamar Stephen, C Garrett Bradbury, TE Irv Smith Jr., HB Alexander Mattison
Lost: HB Latavius Murray, DT Sheldon Richardson, SS Andrew Sendejo
Well, this ranking isn't going to win me any points on Purple Pain. The Vikings are coming off of a massively disappointing 8-7-1 season, but they're returning with mostly the same team. While the offense should be better thanks to Stefanski & Kubiak, they only found one true needle-mover to help the O-line - first rounder Garrett Bradbury. The defense continues to age and several players are starting to decline. The special teams unit is a perennial disaster. Add on to that a QB who can't win big games, and it would be easy to see the Vikings get lost in a highly competitive NFC conference.
Strengths: WR, DB
Weaknesses: OL, ST
#17 - Tennessee Titans
Added: QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Adam Humphries, G Rodger Saffold, DL Brent Urban, ED Cameron Wake, DT Jeffery Simmons (inj), WR A.J. Brown, G Nate Davis
Lost: G Quinton Spain, G Josh Kline, ED Derrick Morgan, ED Brian Orakpo, NT Bennie Logan
The Titans are a very solid team on paper. They've got a solid running game, a strong run defense, and some talented DBs. Mike Vrabel seems to be a hit as a head coach, and the team appears to be headed in a good direction... but the QB position is the biggest question mark. Marcus Mariota can't stay healthy and has been mediocre when on the field, and he's onto year 5. If he can finally take a step forward, this should be a playoff team. If not, Ryan Tannehill will likely end up manning this squad by season's end.
Strengths: DL, LB
Weaknesses: QB
#16 - Atlanta Falcons
Added: G Jamon Brown, G James Carpenter, ED Adrian Clayborn, G Chris Lindstrom, RT Kaleb McGary
Losses: HB Tevin Coleman, G Andy Levitre, G Ben Garland, ED Bruce Irvin, CB Robert Alford
I don't see any major weaknesses with this Atlanta squad, as they've got talent at every position. Their biggest pitfall will be injuries - they tore their defense to shreds last season. The Falcons opted to remodel the O-line over the offseason instead of focus on defense, which was a curious decision. They could easily win the division, but they are also a threat to bottom-out again if their top players hit the IR.
Strengths: QB, WR
Weaknesses: ED
#15 - Dallas Cowboys
Added: WR Randall Cobb, ED Robert Quinn, DT Christian Covington, DT Trysten Hill, G Connor McGovern (inj)
Lost: WR Cole Beasley, ED Randy Gregory, DT David Irving
The Cowboys surprised me last year, as they passed up the Super Bowl Champ Eagles to win the division. They were able to win a playoff game, but they still don't seem in the ballpark of the Rams or the Saints. They didn't do much over the offseason, using what little cap room and draft capital they had to beef up the D-line. They will need Ezekiel Elliott to report to the team soon, or their rating will drop - Dak isn't a bad QB, but without Elliott, the running game will be an empty threat. The Cowboys should be on the fringe of a playoff spot in a tough NFC conference.
Strengths: HB, LB
Weaknesses: DB, Coaching
#14 - Carolina Panthers
Added: C Matt Paradis, DT Gerald McCoy, ED Bruce Irvin, ED Brian Burns, LT Greg Little, QB Will Grier
Lost: WR Devin Funchess, LT Matt Kalil, C Ryan Kalil, ED Julius Peppers, LB Thomas Davis, FS Mike Adams, SS Da'Norris Searcy
The Panthers got hot, off to a 6-2 start, but then dropped 6 games straight. Cam Newton appears to be fully recovered from the shoulder injury he played through, and the trenches have been bulked up over the offseason. With a stronger O-line and D-line, I think the Panthers can pick up where they left off in that 6-2 run. I'll pencil them into a wild card spot.
Strengths: HB, DL, LB
Weaknesses: DB
#13 - Indianapolis Colts
Added: WR Devin Funchess, ED Justin Houston, CB Rock Ya-Sin, ED Ben Banogu, WR parris Campbell, LB Boby Okereke
Lost: QB Andrew Luck, WR Dontrelle Inman, G Matt Slauson
I was planning on predicting the Colts be the Super Bowl representing team in the AFC, but then Andrew Luck made the stunning announcement that he's retiring. It's a shame, since this roster is finally ready for a deep playoff run, but now it seems they'll be lucky to win their division. I originally had them ranked 5th, but Jacoby Brissett at QB dropped them 8 whole spots. This team is too talented to tank, however, as the team is oozing with talent at WR, TE, the young O-line, and the defense should be good as well. I had this team with zero weaknesses until Luck hung up the cleats. Now we'll never know if the 2019 Colts would finally get to the promised land with Luck... and I highly doubt they'll do it without.
Strengths: WR, TE, OL, Coaching
Weaknesses: QB
#12 - Green Bay Packers
Added: LB B.J. Goodson, G Billy Turner, ED Preston Smith, ED Za'Darius Smith, SS Adrian Amos, DL Rashan Gary, FS Darnell Savage, G/C Elgton Jenkins, TE Jace Sternberger
Lost: WR Randall Cobb, DL Muhammad Wilkerson, ED Nick Perry, ED Clay Matthews, LB Jake Ryan, CB Bashaud Breeland
I don't like putting my arch-nemesis so high in the ratings, but I'll say, the Packers are looking better on paper than they usually do. A big reason why is because Mike McCarthy is gone; a second reason why is that they finally went out in free agency and spent some money on some players still in their prime. Everything still hinges on Rodgers' health - unless Tim Boyle is going to pick up the slack - so I can't quite have the Packers as a top 10 team. If Aaron can stay healthy and prove McCarthy was holding him back... well, watch out!
Strengths: QB, OL, LB
Weaknesses: WR, TE
Teams #11-1
#11 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Added: WR Donte Moncrief, LB Mark Barron, CB Steven Nelson, LB Devin Bush, WR Diontae Johnson
Lost: HB Le'Veon Bell, WR Antonio Brown, TE Jesse James, RT Marcus Gilbert, S/CB Morgan Burnett
The Steelers lost some talented players and missed the playoffs last year, but oddly enough, I have them ranked pretty high. Bell and Brown may be gone, but James Connor and JuJu Smith-Schuster look like fine replacements. The Steelers are perennially great in the trenches, and their O-line and D-line are looking good this year. It remains to be seen if Big Ben will start to decline.
Strengths: OL, DL
Weaknesses: S, ST
#10 - New York Jets
Added: HB Le'Veon Bell, WR Jamison Crowder, G Kelechi Osemele, LB C.J. Mosley, CB Brian Poole, DL Quinnen Williams, T Chuma Edoga
Lost: HB Isaiah Crowell, DL Mike Pennel, CB Morris Claiborne
Yes, that's right, I have the Jets at #10. It's contingent on Sam Darnold taking a big step forward in his sophomore season, and I think the 22 year old is going to break out. Darnold improved down the stretch, and he's now got a solid array of weapons around him. The defense, meanwhile, added the draft class' best prospect in Quinnen Williams and their safety duo is the best in the NFL. Paired with an easy schedule, I think the Jets will push for a wildcard spot.
Strengths: HB, DL, S
Weaknesses: OL, ED, ST
#9 - Seattle Seahawks
Added: ED Jadeveon Clowney, G Mike Iupati, ED Ezekiel Ansah, ED L.J. Collier, S Marquise Blair, WR D.K. Metcalf, LB Cody Barton
Lost: WR Doug Baldwin, ED Frank Clark, CB Justin Coleman, FS Earl Thomas
Seattle is that team that you keep thinking is going to become irrelevant due to the leakage of talent on their roster, but it just doesn't happen. The Carroll-Wilson combo has simply been too effective to let that happen. The run-first offense has limited upside, but it got the job done last year despite a perennially below average O-line. Meanwhile the defense has had a lot of young players take over pretty since the Legion of Boom broke up. Adding Jadeveon Clowney to the D-line is a huge boost. They aren't quite a Super Bowl contender, but I like their chances to make the playoffs again.
Strengths: Coaching, QB, HB, LB
Weaknesses: TE, OL, DB
#8 - Chicago Bears
Added: WR/HB Cordarrelle Patterson, HB Mike Davis, CB Buster Skrine, SS Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, HB David Montgomery
Lost: HB Jordan Howard, CB Bryce Callahan, SS Adrian Amos
The Bears had an out-of-nowhere 12-4 season, winning the NFC North when nobody picked them to do so. It helped adding Hall of Fame-caliber pass rusher Khalil Mack, and upgrading from the decrepit John Fox to Matt Nagy solved many of the offense's woes. Most teams simply weren't a match for the Bears defense. Chicago barely added to the roster this offseason, and they'll hope to keep up their defensive play with the loss of Callahan and Amos. QB Mitchell Trubisky still has a ton to prove and his development will determine whether this team will be another one-and-done in the playoffs or if they'll become a real Super Bowl contender.
Strengths: OL, DL, LB, DB
Weaknesses: QB, ST
#7 - Cleveland Browns
Added: HB Kareem Hunt, WR Odell Beckham, G Eric Kush, ED Olivier Vernon, DT Sheldon Richardson, S/CB Morgan Burnett, CB Greedy Williams, LB Sione Takitaki
Lost: QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Breshad Perriman, LB Jamie Collins, S Jabrill Peppers
It just doesn't feel right putting Cleveland in the top 10, but after hoarding tons of draft picks, I think this team is finally ready to compete. They appear to have finally found their franchise QB in Baker Mayfield, GM John Dorsey seems to be prepared for the job, and HC Hue Jackson is finally gone. This team is deep at most positions, though their offensive line might be iffy this year. I'm not ready to say they're going to go on a deep playoff run, but I expect them to win the AFC North.
Strengths: QB, HB, WR, DL
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#6 - Los Angeles Chargers
Added: LB Thomas Davis, DT Jerry Tillery, S Nasir Adderley, T Trey Pipkins
Lost: WR Tyrell Williams, DL Darius Philon, DL Corey Liuget, CB Jason Verrett, S Jahleel Addae
The Chargers have a perennially respectable roster, but always come short in the playoffs. Philip Rivers is a great regular season QB, and I expect another solid season from him. The team added nothing in free agency, but the roster was mostly solid already. The offense line is a pretty big concern with their blind-side man dealing with heart issues, and HB Melvin Gordon is holding out for a contract extension. On the defensive side, the Chargers will be living in other teams' backfields with Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, and Jerry Tillery wreaking havoc. Injuries (like the current one to Derwin James) is what usually saps this team's potential to win a Super Bowl, alongside Rivers' postseason struggles.
Strengths: QB, WR, LB, Coaching
Weaknesses: OL, DL
#5 - Kansas City Chiefs
Added: ED Frank Clark, ED Alex Okafor, LB Damien Wilson, CB Bashaud Breeland, FS Tyrann Mathieu, WR Mecole Hardman, S Juan Thornhill, DT Khalen Saunders
Lost: C Mitch Morse, DL Allen Bailey, ED Dee Ford, ED Justin Houston, CB Steven Nelson, FS Eric Berry
The Chiefs moved up for QB Patrick Mahomes because Alex Smith didn't have what it took to win games in the playoffs. Mahomes was handed the job in his second year, and he didn't just run away with the job - he ran away with the MVP award. The Chiefs have a high floor thanks to Reid's competent coaching staff and a high ceiling thanks to Mahomes' ability as a QB. The defense was a sieve at points last year, and they've switched from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, swapping some very important defensive players around. The defense still looks to be mediocre, which is only thing keeping this team back from being a top 3 squad in my eyes.
Strengths: QB, TE, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB, DB
#4 - Los Angeles Rams
Added: ED Clay Matthews, FS Eric Weddle, FS Taylor Rapp, HB Darrell Henderson
Lost: HB C.J. Anderson, G Rodger Saffold, C John Sullivan, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Dominique Easley, LB Mark Barron, S Lamarcus Joyner
The Rams came up short in the Super Bowl, and while it was a massive disappointment, Sean McVay has solidified himself as a top-tier coach. I do have some worries about regression in 2019 with many key players gone, but I think most the positions are covered. The offensive line might see the most regression with two young guys getting plugged in, and with HB Todd Gurley's arthritic knee, the running game might take a hit. I expect this team's elite coaching (also thanks to Wade Phillips!) to get them through any rough spots they may encounter.
Strengths: WR, DL, DB, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB
#3 - New England Patriots
Added: WR Demaryius Thomas, ED Michael Bennett, LB Jamie Collins, WR N'Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, ED Chase Winovich, HB Damien Harris, T Yodny Cajuste
Lost: WR Chris Hogan, LT Trent Brown, ED Trey Flowers, CB Eric Rowe, WR/HB Cordarrelle Patterson
Those darn Patriots... they can lose talented players in free agency and watch their starters age past their expiration date, yet the team continues to simply win. There's not many reasons to doubt the Patriots' ability to win it all again, even with the loss of their top pass rusher and left tackle in free agency. You simply know they will find a way to replace the players and move on. My minor concerns with this team are that they are losing their C David Andrews for the season with a serious medical condition, and the front seven doesn't look quite as good as it usually does. But does any of that matter? Belichick and Brady will mask their issues and just keep winning.
Strengths: QB, HB, WR, DB, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB
#2 - New Orleans Saints
Added: HB Latavius Murray, TE Jared Cook, G/C Nick Easton, DT Malcom Brown, G/C Erik McCoy, S/CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Lost: C Max Unger, DT Tyeler Davison, S Kurt Coleman
The Saints were robbed of a Super Bowl appearance thanks to a crucial non-call in the Championship against the Rams, and while they still had plenty of chances to win that game, that makes it two seasons in a row where the Saints lost playoff games in a most unsatisfactory way. New Orleans is loaded to the brim with talent, and are the first team on this list to have no weaknesses listed. The clock is ticking on this team - it could be Brees' last year, the key players are getting older, and the team can't afford many free agent splashes. They simply need to figure out how to get over the "hump" when it comes playoff time.
Strengths: QB, HB, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: None
#1 - Philadelphia Eagles
Added: HB Jordan Howard, WR DeSean Jackson, DE Vinny Curry, DT Malik Jackson, LB Zach Brown, LT Andre Dillard, HB Miles Sanders, WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Lost: QB Nick Foles, HB Jay Ajayi, WR Golden Tate, ED Michael Bennett, ED Chris Long, DT Haloti Ngata, LB Jordan Hicks
The Eagles didn't play up to their 2017 standards in 2018 until the end of the season came, and then they stepped things up and made a playoff run. I'm incredibly bullish on the Eagles this year; despite Wentz's ability to get injured, I think the Eagles are once again a Super Bowl contender. Their offense is stacked at every position and has competent coaching. The defense received some reinforcements and the front seven looks good, though the CB group isn't great. Outside of that, the Eagles have one of the best teams on paper; let's see if they can repeat what they did in 2017 and see if Philly can go for a second ring in three years.
Strengths: WR, TE OL, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: None
Added: WR Donte Moncrief, LB Mark Barron, CB Steven Nelson, LB Devin Bush, WR Diontae Johnson
Lost: HB Le'Veon Bell, WR Antonio Brown, TE Jesse James, RT Marcus Gilbert, S/CB Morgan Burnett
The Steelers lost some talented players and missed the playoffs last year, but oddly enough, I have them ranked pretty high. Bell and Brown may be gone, but James Connor and JuJu Smith-Schuster look like fine replacements. The Steelers are perennially great in the trenches, and their O-line and D-line are looking good this year. It remains to be seen if Big Ben will start to decline.
Strengths: OL, DL
Weaknesses: S, ST
#10 - New York Jets
Added: HB Le'Veon Bell, WR Jamison Crowder, G Kelechi Osemele, LB C.J. Mosley, CB Brian Poole, DL Quinnen Williams, T Chuma Edoga
Lost: HB Isaiah Crowell, DL Mike Pennel, CB Morris Claiborne
Yes, that's right, I have the Jets at #10. It's contingent on Sam Darnold taking a big step forward in his sophomore season, and I think the 22 year old is going to break out. Darnold improved down the stretch, and he's now got a solid array of weapons around him. The defense, meanwhile, added the draft class' best prospect in Quinnen Williams and their safety duo is the best in the NFL. Paired with an easy schedule, I think the Jets will push for a wildcard spot.
Strengths: HB, DL, S
Weaknesses: OL, ED, ST
#9 - Seattle Seahawks
Added: ED Jadeveon Clowney, G Mike Iupati, ED Ezekiel Ansah, ED L.J. Collier, S Marquise Blair, WR D.K. Metcalf, LB Cody Barton
Lost: WR Doug Baldwin, ED Frank Clark, CB Justin Coleman, FS Earl Thomas
Seattle is that team that you keep thinking is going to become irrelevant due to the leakage of talent on their roster, but it just doesn't happen. The Carroll-Wilson combo has simply been too effective to let that happen. The run-first offense has limited upside, but it got the job done last year despite a perennially below average O-line. Meanwhile the defense has had a lot of young players take over pretty since the Legion of Boom broke up. Adding Jadeveon Clowney to the D-line is a huge boost. They aren't quite a Super Bowl contender, but I like their chances to make the playoffs again.
Strengths: Coaching, QB, HB, LB
Weaknesses: TE, OL, DB
#8 - Chicago Bears
Added: WR/HB Cordarrelle Patterson, HB Mike Davis, CB Buster Skrine, SS Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, HB David Montgomery
Lost: HB Jordan Howard, CB Bryce Callahan, SS Adrian Amos
The Bears had an out-of-nowhere 12-4 season, winning the NFC North when nobody picked them to do so. It helped adding Hall of Fame-caliber pass rusher Khalil Mack, and upgrading from the decrepit John Fox to Matt Nagy solved many of the offense's woes. Most teams simply weren't a match for the Bears defense. Chicago barely added to the roster this offseason, and they'll hope to keep up their defensive play with the loss of Callahan and Amos. QB Mitchell Trubisky still has a ton to prove and his development will determine whether this team will be another one-and-done in the playoffs or if they'll become a real Super Bowl contender.
Strengths: OL, DL, LB, DB
Weaknesses: QB, ST
#7 - Cleveland Browns
Added: HB Kareem Hunt, WR Odell Beckham, G Eric Kush, ED Olivier Vernon, DT Sheldon Richardson, S/CB Morgan Burnett, CB Greedy Williams, LB Sione Takitaki
Lost: QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Breshad Perriman, LB Jamie Collins, S Jabrill Peppers
It just doesn't feel right putting Cleveland in the top 10, but after hoarding tons of draft picks, I think this team is finally ready to compete. They appear to have finally found their franchise QB in Baker Mayfield, GM John Dorsey seems to be prepared for the job, and HC Hue Jackson is finally gone. This team is deep at most positions, though their offensive line might be iffy this year. I'm not ready to say they're going to go on a deep playoff run, but I expect them to win the AFC North.
Strengths: QB, HB, WR, DL
Weaknesses: OL, LB
#6 - Los Angeles Chargers
Added: LB Thomas Davis, DT Jerry Tillery, S Nasir Adderley, T Trey Pipkins
Lost: WR Tyrell Williams, DL Darius Philon, DL Corey Liuget, CB Jason Verrett, S Jahleel Addae
The Chargers have a perennially respectable roster, but always come short in the playoffs. Philip Rivers is a great regular season QB, and I expect another solid season from him. The team added nothing in free agency, but the roster was mostly solid already. The offense line is a pretty big concern with their blind-side man dealing with heart issues, and HB Melvin Gordon is holding out for a contract extension. On the defensive side, the Chargers will be living in other teams' backfields with Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, and Jerry Tillery wreaking havoc. Injuries (like the current one to Derwin James) is what usually saps this team's potential to win a Super Bowl, alongside Rivers' postseason struggles.
Strengths: QB, WR, LB, Coaching
Weaknesses: OL, DL
#5 - Kansas City Chiefs
Added: ED Frank Clark, ED Alex Okafor, LB Damien Wilson, CB Bashaud Breeland, FS Tyrann Mathieu, WR Mecole Hardman, S Juan Thornhill, DT Khalen Saunders
Lost: C Mitch Morse, DL Allen Bailey, ED Dee Ford, ED Justin Houston, CB Steven Nelson, FS Eric Berry
The Chiefs moved up for QB Patrick Mahomes because Alex Smith didn't have what it took to win games in the playoffs. Mahomes was handed the job in his second year, and he didn't just run away with the job - he ran away with the MVP award. The Chiefs have a high floor thanks to Reid's competent coaching staff and a high ceiling thanks to Mahomes' ability as a QB. The defense was a sieve at points last year, and they've switched from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, swapping some very important defensive players around. The defense still looks to be mediocre, which is only thing keeping this team back from being a top 3 squad in my eyes.
Strengths: QB, TE, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB, DB
#4 - Los Angeles Rams
Added: ED Clay Matthews, FS Eric Weddle, FS Taylor Rapp, HB Darrell Henderson
Lost: HB C.J. Anderson, G Rodger Saffold, C John Sullivan, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Dominique Easley, LB Mark Barron, S Lamarcus Joyner
The Rams came up short in the Super Bowl, and while it was a massive disappointment, Sean McVay has solidified himself as a top-tier coach. I do have some worries about regression in 2019 with many key players gone, but I think most the positions are covered. The offensive line might see the most regression with two young guys getting plugged in, and with HB Todd Gurley's arthritic knee, the running game might take a hit. I expect this team's elite coaching (also thanks to Wade Phillips!) to get them through any rough spots they may encounter.
Strengths: WR, DL, DB, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB
#3 - New England Patriots
Added: WR Demaryius Thomas, ED Michael Bennett, LB Jamie Collins, WR N'Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, ED Chase Winovich, HB Damien Harris, T Yodny Cajuste
Lost: WR Chris Hogan, LT Trent Brown, ED Trey Flowers, CB Eric Rowe, WR/HB Cordarrelle Patterson
Those darn Patriots... they can lose talented players in free agency and watch their starters age past their expiration date, yet the team continues to simply win. There's not many reasons to doubt the Patriots' ability to win it all again, even with the loss of their top pass rusher and left tackle in free agency. You simply know they will find a way to replace the players and move on. My minor concerns with this team are that they are losing their C David Andrews for the season with a serious medical condition, and the front seven doesn't look quite as good as it usually does. But does any of that matter? Belichick and Brady will mask their issues and just keep winning.
Strengths: QB, HB, WR, DB, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: LB
#2 - New Orleans Saints
Added: HB Latavius Murray, TE Jared Cook, G/C Nick Easton, DT Malcom Brown, G/C Erik McCoy, S/CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Lost: C Max Unger, DT Tyeler Davison, S Kurt Coleman
The Saints were robbed of a Super Bowl appearance thanks to a crucial non-call in the Championship against the Rams, and while they still had plenty of chances to win that game, that makes it two seasons in a row where the Saints lost playoff games in a most unsatisfactory way. New Orleans is loaded to the brim with talent, and are the first team on this list to have no weaknesses listed. The clock is ticking on this team - it could be Brees' last year, the key players are getting older, and the team can't afford many free agent splashes. They simply need to figure out how to get over the "hump" when it comes playoff time.
Strengths: QB, HB, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: None
#1 - Philadelphia Eagles
Added: HB Jordan Howard, WR DeSean Jackson, DE Vinny Curry, DT Malik Jackson, LB Zach Brown, LT Andre Dillard, HB Miles Sanders, WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Lost: QB Nick Foles, HB Jay Ajayi, WR Golden Tate, ED Michael Bennett, ED Chris Long, DT Haloti Ngata, LB Jordan Hicks
The Eagles didn't play up to their 2017 standards in 2018 until the end of the season came, and then they stepped things up and made a playoff run. I'm incredibly bullish on the Eagles this year; despite Wentz's ability to get injured, I think the Eagles are once again a Super Bowl contender. Their offense is stacked at every position and has competent coaching. The defense received some reinforcements and the front seven looks good, though the CB group isn't great. Outside of that, the Eagles have one of the best teams on paper; let's see if they can repeat what they did in 2017 and see if Philly can go for a second ring in three years.
Strengths: WR, TE OL, DL, ST, Coaching
Weaknesses: None
Alright, so now to tell me why I'm wrong and why you are right? Which teams do you have overrated and underrated?
I'll need to read this a few more times before I could formulate a more in depth reply worthy of your effort.
