Here we are, the final thing of football season to start, the NFL. Now, you may say "The preseason started a month ago." Yes, you would be correct, but I like to say the official start of the NFL season is Week 1 of the regular season. In this article, this will have all of the NFL teams and I will predict where each team will end at the end of this article. Now to predict the Super Bowl winner, I'm going to hold off on that. With all that said, here's is the preview of the NFL season.
We start now with the AFC East
AFC East
New England Patriots
The defending Super Bowl Champions didn't just rest on their laurels this offseason. They would improve in many ways. They would add Brandin Cooks from New Orleans and Tight End Dwayne Allen from the Colts. That gives more weapons for quarterback Tom Brady to throw to. Despite losing Julian Edelman, the Patriots looks like they could be an incredible force on the offensive side of the ball. Malcolm Mitchell broke out late last season and Chris Hogan broke out during the playoffs. The Patriots would also bring in defensive tackle Lawrence Guy from the Ravens this offseason as well as cornerback Stephon Gilmore from Buffalo. Gilmore and Malcolm Butler could for a very good cornerback tandem in Foxboro this season. As you can see, the Patriots spent most of their offseason adding more pieces to their machine. They are definitely making a case to make a run for back-to-back Super Bowls.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins looked like their season could've been over when Ryan Tannehill tore his knee. However the Dolphins went and got Jay Cutler out of retirement and reunited him with Adam Gase, who was his offensive coordinator in Chicago. Cutler won't have a lack of weapons at his disposal. He'll have the services of running back Jay Ajayi, who broke out last season, as well as receivers, Jarvis Landry, Davante Parker and Kenny Stills. They would also add tight end Julius Thomas from Jacksonville. The defense will be anchored by their D-Line, powered by defensive end Cameron Wake and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. They would add linebacker Lawrence Timmons from the Steelers this offseason. He will be teaming up with Kiko Alonso to solidify the linebackers. The Dolphins look like the season won't be lost after what they added in the offseason. They will be in likelihood contending for a playoff spot come December.
Buffalo Bills
Their offseason was quite confusing to say the least. They fired their GM after the draft, they go out and trade several players during the preseason and released one player in June and would sign with their rivals up north. What the Bills have left is star running back, LeSean McCoy, who looks like he still has a lot left in him as well as quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is a good dual threat QB. The biggest strength of the Bills defense would be their defensive linemen with Marcell Dareus being the anchor. The Bills look like they have the pieces, however, it looks as though the team is looking toward the future with the amount of draft picks they accumulated.
New York Jets
The Jets look like they are in full rebuild mode at the moment. The quarterback competition in training camp was Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. The best part of their offense is probably their running game with Matt Forte nd Bilal Powell. The receivers are ok at best with Robby Anderson being their top receiver and was an undrafted free agent last season and had a good season. He had 42 catches for 587 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets went out and traded their best defensive player in Sheldon Richardson to the Seahawks a few days ago. The defense looks like it will be lead by Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson. In all, the Jets probably won't be very good this season and they're just hoping to do well in the very near future.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers
After a run to the AFC Championship game last season, the Steelers are looking to get to the Super Bowl. They actually went and improved during the preseason after getting cornerback Joe Haden after Cleveland released him. The defense looks to be improved along side players Cameron Hayward, James Harrison and Ryan Shazier. The offense is looking good with quarterback Ben Rothlisberger leading the offense along wit running back Le'Veon Bell, receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant and tight end Jesse James. The Steelers aren't just looking for a division title, they are looking to dethrone the Patriots and win their seventh Super Bowl
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are always in the hunt for the division or a playoff spot come December. I expect nothing less of them barring a significant injury to certain players. The Bengals offense led by Andy Dalton has been very good over the course of six seasons with the likes of wideout AJ Green and running backs Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard. On defense, the cornerback tandem of Adam "Pacman" Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick looks to be their strength. Players like defensive end Carlos Dunlap and George Atkins look to get pressure on their AFC North Rivals. The Bengals haven't won a playoff game under head coach Marvin Lewis, could this be the year they win a playoff game.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are quite an interesting team. Traditonally, they have been a defense first team but lately, their offense has been really good. Joe Flacco leads the offense and has several weapons in running backs Terrence West and Danny Woodhead, as well as receivers Brandon Perriman and Mike Wallace. On defense, linebacker Terrell Suggs returns for another season on the outside and CJ Mosley will one of the linebackers manning the inside. The cornerbacks look to be solid with Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr. The Ravens look to get to the playoff and possibly dethrone the Steelers as kings of the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are currently in year two of their rebuild and they are looking for improvements. They will have several rookies in key spots, like rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer from Notre Dame. Wide Receiver Corey Coleman looks to be the top target for Kizer. He had 33 catches for 413 yards and three touchdowns. Veteran Kenny Britt also looks to get some targets as well. On defense, the Browns used their No 1 draft pick on Myles Garrett from Texas A&M and also drafted safety Jabrill Peppers from Michigan. Overall, look for the Browns to struggle but they should improve over the course of the year.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been disappointing over the last two seasons after making the playoffs in Andrew Luck's first three seasons. Hopefully for the Colts that Luck's injury won't sideline him for too long. Whoever the backup is will have the services of receiver TY Hilton as well as running back Frank Gore. The defense has been probably the weakest point of the Colts for quite a while. They did however worked on getting better on defense through free agency and through the draft. Overall, if the Colts defense improves and Andrew Luck comes back early, the Colts could make a run for the postseason.
Tennessee Titans
Could this be the year that the Titans contend for the division or a playoff spot? With quarterback Marcus Mariota, things are looking up for the Titans. With running back DeMarco Murray and receivers Rishard Matthews, Corey Davis and Eric Decker, who was signed as a free agent from the Jets. They look to have some good pieces for a great offense. The defense will be led by outside linebackers Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. The team's offense will be able to put up points but will the defense be able to get a few stops. If that occurs, look for the Titans to get into the playoffs.
Houston Texans
Despite the quarterback play last year, the Texans ended up winning the AFC South with a ferocious defense led by JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. On offense, Tom Savage is currently the starting quarterback for now. First rounder Deshaun Watson from Clemson is the backup. Running back Lamar Miller looks to keep the pressure off Savage and Savage will have the services of receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, as well as tight end CJ Fiedorowicz who had a breakout season last year. Not to be outdone by Watt and Clowney, middle linebacker Brian Cushing is a force and top corner Jonathan Joseph will be containing the team's No 1 receiver. All in all, if the Texans get good quarterback play along with their amazing defense, the Texans could easily contend for the Super Bowl but quarterback play has been their downfall over the last few seasons.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are an unusual team to talk about, they shouldn't be too bad. However, it's more of the division they play in that makes it difficult to compete especially with them lacking a premier quarterback. They drafted Leonard Fournette in the first round to take pressure off quarterback Blake Bortles. Wideout Allen Robinson is slowly becoming one of the better receivers in the NFL. The defense looks to be interesting with defensive linemen Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell. Linebackers Paul Posluzny and Myles Jack. The secondary of Jalen Ramsey, AJ Bouye, Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church. The one thing that prevents Jacksonville from contending is really quality quarterback play. This is almost a make or break year for Bortles.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing end to their season after losing a home playoff game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Chiefs releasing Jamaal Charles and with Spencer Ware out for the season with an injury, the running game will be led by Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West. Quarterback Alex Smith will rely on the running game to get the passing game going to get the ball to speedster wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. The Kansas City defense will look as good as ever with players like Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Marcus Peters and Eric Berry to lead the way. The Chiefs are looking to take the division again and are looking to get further into the playoffs after last season's disappointment.
Oakland Raiders
After Derek Carr went down in Week 16 last season, so did the Raiders chances at the division and a playoff win. They were beaten badly by Houston in the Wild Card round. However, there is a lot of optimism in Oakland. With Derek Carr at quarterback, Marshawn Lynch coming out of retirement and joining the Raiders, and wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, the Raiders looks like a Top 10 offense. The defense was serviceable last season, it will led once again this season by Khalil Mack. All in all, I believe if Derek Carr didn't get hurt last season, I believe the Raiders would've taken the division and potentially went to New England for the AFC Championship but hindsight is 50/50 and we'll never know what would have happened.
Denver Broncos
There's a bit of a question mark in Denver on who will play quarterback for the Broncos. As of right now, it's going to be Trevor Siemian. The Offensive line is looking well improved and Siemian will have several weapons in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders at wideout. CJ Anderson returns and they added Jamaal Charles but has been hurt the last few seasons. The strength of the Broncos is definitely their defense, led by Von Miller, who was Super Bowl 50's MVP. The tandem of cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris make the Broncos defense hard to crack. The Broncos look to get back into the playoffs on the strength of their defense but it will be difficult with how good the division is looking this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
After a surprising move to Los Angeles after only knowing San Diego as it's home, the Chargers will have consistent quarterback play from Philip Rivers. Rivers welcomes back Keenan Allen who missed all but one game with an injury. Antonio Gates returns for another season but it looks like fellow tight end Hunter Henry will also get time. Melvin Gordon had a breakout second season with the Chargers after rushing for 997 yards and would've had 1,000 yards had he not missed the final three games of the regular season. The Chargers are hoping to have another great season from defensive end Joey Bosa, who earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors after recording 10.5 sacks last season. The Chargers hope to be contending for the division but with how good the other teams are in it, they could be looking at the basement but there's definitely some hope for the Chargers.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a bunch of question marks, one of them is will Ezkiel Elliott's suspension remain at six games or will it be reduced down? Several players on defense are suspended for the start of the 2017 season. On offense, Dak Prescott returns after a surprising rookie season, where he led the Cowboys to a 13-3 season but fell short in the NFC Divisional Playoff game to Green Bay. If Elliott's suspension holds up, then the Cowboys running game will be led by Darren McFadden. Prescott will have several targets on offense like Dez Bryant and Terrence Williams. The offensive line looks to be the key to the Cowboys success. The defense will lead by linebacker Sean Lee along with defensive end Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence. All in all, the Cowboys look like they could contend but in the tough NFC East, it will be a fight til the end.
New York Giants
The Giants look to try and get another chance at the postseason like last season. The Giants did get some injuries at wide receiver during training camp in preseason and both are uncertain to play in Week 1. If unable to go, quarterback Eli Manning will be relying on veteran Brandon Marshall, who was a free signing from the Jets. Paul Perkins looks to be the feature back in the Giants offense. The defense looks solid with defensive linemen Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon manning the defensive ends and about 10 starters back from a playoff team a season ago. The Giants are looking to give Eli Manning another Super Bowl as they have given him more weapons than ever before and the Giants defense usually is very good.
Washington Redskins
After just missing the playoffs last season, the Redskins look to get back in. Kirk Cousins is back for another season and they added a new weapon in Terrelle Pryor, who was signed from the Browns in free agency. Jamison Crowder looks to improve on last season as he caught 67 passes for 847 yards and seven touchdowns. Rob Kelley looks to improve on a breakout 2016 season where he rushed for 704 yards and six touchdowns. The defense is led by Ryan Kerrigan and Josh Norman, an addition from last season. The Redskins look to improve on their 28th ranked defense, if they are unable, they will looking at another year of missing the postseason.
Philadelphia Eagles
There's definitely hope for the Eagles with how well Carson Wentz played last season. He threw for 3,782 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Eagles went out in the offseason and got him more weapons in receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith. Also return tight ends Zach Ertz and Brent Celek. They also went out and got LeGarette Blount to complement Darren Sproles. The Eagles also improved the defense by trading for Ronald Darby during the preseason and the defense looks solid with Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks and Malcolm Jenkins. There's definitely some hope in Philly, but will that translate to wins and possibly a Super Bowl? Looks like we'll have to wait and see.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers
The Packers will always be contenders in the NFC a long as they have quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Running back Ty Montgomery is hoping to improve on his breakout 2016 season after rushing for 457 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 44 passes for 348 yards. The Packers return wideouts Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. The defense was exposed in the NFC Championship game against Atlanta. The defense will be led by Clay Matthews and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. Overall, the Packers look to be the favorites for the NFC North but can they rise to the top of the NFC and get to the Super Bowl is the question.
Detroit Lions
After a disappointing end to the season, the Lions come in extending their franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford and offense looks to improve from 2016. The lack of a running game won't help but doesn't mean it won't be used with Theo Riddick getting touches in the passing game. The Lions also have Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. They added Kenny Golladay in the third round of this year's draft and looks to have a breakout year. The defense is probably the most questionable with the Lions. The defensive line is questionable, the linebackers are young and the secondary looks to be their strength but if they can't get a pass rush, the secondary will have a tough time. Overall, the Lions look to have a good offense and maybe an okay defense.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings last season started off well, they had a 5-0 record but fell down at the end. Sam Bradford is back after starting all of last season after Teddy Bridgewater missed all of last season and looks to miss most of this season. The Vikings parted ways with Adrian Peterson and drafted Dalvin Cook out of Florida State to be their feature back. The Vikings have Stefon Diggs as their primary receiver. They also look to have Kyle Rudolph involved in the passing game. The defense looks solid for Minnesota. With Everson Griffin on the D-Line, Anthony Barr at linebacker and corners Xavier Rhodes and Trae Wayne. The Vikings can compete for the NFC North Crown but will need to overcome Green Bay and they do have the pieces on defense but do they have the offense is the question.
Chicago Bears
The Bears offseason was quite confusing, they go out and sign QB Mike Glennon to a big contract and then trade up to get quarterback Mitch Trubisky out of North Carolina. For now, Mike Glennon is the starter. Jordan Howard looks to keep the pressure off of Glennon after a good rookie season. He'lbe targeting receivers Kevin White, Markus Wheaton and tight ends Dion Sims and Zach Miller. The defense looks to be the biggest question is Chicago. They need another great season from Leonard Floyd who recorded seven sacks in his rookie year. Overall, the Bears look like they will be a few years away from contending but they are hoping they have the pieces to eventually contend.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
After blowing the biggest lead in Super Bowl history, the Falcons are hoping to not have a Super Bowl hangover like their NFC South rival did last season. Matt Ryan is coming off his best season as a pro. He'll have the services of superstar receiver Julio Jones, who is turning into one of the top receivers in the game. He'll also have Devonta Freeman to lessen Matt Ryan's workload and keep the defense guessing. Alongside Julio Jones will be Mohamed Sanu and tight end Auston Hooper. The Falcons defense will be anchored by linebacker Vic Beasley and the cornerback tandem of Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant. Overall, the Falcons look like they have too much talent to have a Super Bowl hangover but you never know how a team will react after falling in the Super Bowl like they did.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had a rough season last year after making the Super Bowl in 2015. I expect them to be better than last year. Led by quarterback Cam Newton, they look to get back into the playoffs. They went out and drafted Christian McCaffrey out of Stanford to help the running and passing games. Jonathan Stewart is currently the starter at running back right now. The Panthers have some good targets in receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, as well as tight end Greg Olsen. Funchess looks to have a breakout season after Ted Ginn left in free agency. The Panthers defense is anchored by Luke Kuechly. The defensive line if Charles Johnson and Star Lotulelei look to give the Panthers a great pass rush to help their secondary. The Panthers are hoping that last year was just an off year and not a trend of things to come but I can see them taking the division if the Falcons or another team falter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers look like a team currently trending up with the tandem of Jamesis Winston and Mike Evans. They also added several players to their offense like DeSean Jackson from Washington and drafted tight end OJ Howard from Alabama. The Bucs defense looks to be anchored by veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The secondary also looks promising with corners Vernon Hargraves and Brent Grimes and safeties Chris Conte and Keith Tandy. The Buccaneers are a team that looks up and coming with several young players and veteran pieces in place. Don't be surprised if the Bucs are contending for a playoff spot come December.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints always seem to have a very good offense with Drew Brees but it always seems that their defense is lackluster. They were No 1 in total offense last season but were 27th in defense last season. Drew Brees leads the Saints offense and they added Adrian Peterson in free agency this offseason to help their offense and to complement Mark Ingram. The receivers are solid with Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. and tight end Coby Fleener will help them spread the field. The defense is potentially their weakest position, but looking to improve would be defensive end Cameron Jordan. They drafted linebacker Alex Anzalone from Florida. The Saints are hoping to improve on the defensive side to complement their high-powered offense but we will see how they fare.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are always in the mix for the NFC West. With a great quarterback, a fantaic running game with their offensive line and incredible defense, it's no wonder, they are good year in and year out. Russell Wilson is a good dual threat quarterback and he has weapons to spare with Thomas Rawls at running back, receivers Doug Baldwin and Paul Richardson, and tight end Jimmy Graham. The offensive line looks to be key to their success on offense. The Seahawks defense got a boost when they traded for Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson a few days ago, solidifying their defensive line that already has defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. The linebackers are solid with KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner. The secondary is incredible with Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. All in all, the Seahawks are overall look like one of the best teams in the NFC. I don't see a doubt in my mind if we see them playing in the Super Bowl in February.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals seem like they are always in the conversation of teams when you talk about the playoffs but they haven't seemed to get over the hump and get to the Super Bowl. Running back David Johnson had a breakout season last year where he rushed for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns. Quarterback Carson Palmer will have the services of Larry Fitzgerald who returns for another season. The Cardinals defense is very solid and they drafted linebacker Haason Reddick in the first round from Temple. They are led by linebacker Karlos Dansby and a great secondary led by cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu. All in all, I expect the Cardinals to be very competitive this season with an incredible running game and a very good defense.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are looking to be in full rebuild. The starting quarterback is looking to be Brian Hoyer, backed up by 3rd rounder CJ Beathard from Iowa. They brought in free agents Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. The defense looks very young at the moment, with the defensive line having two first rounders in Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. The linebackers are anchored by Navarro Bowman and they drafted Reuben Foster from Alabama in the first round. The secondary also has two first rounders in safeties Eric Reid and Jimmie Ward. Overall, I can see the 49ers being competitive in a few years if the draft picks stay and pan out.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams last season were not very good defensively. Todd Gurley is looking to rebound from a tough second season. The Rams went out and got Robert Woods from Buffalo and then went and traded for Sammy Watkins. This gives Jared Goff several targets to throw to. Aaron Donald has yet to report to the Rams. The Rams linebackers look to be solid with the addition of Connor Barwin and the return of Robert Quinn and Alec Ogletree. The Rams are under a new head coach and they hope that will Jared Goff in his second season and his first full season at QB for the Rams.
Predictions
AFC
East: Patriots
North: Steelers
South: Texans
West: Raiders
Wild Cards: Titans and Colts
NFC
East: Eagles
North: Lions
South: Panthers
West: Seahawks
Wild Cards: Buccaneers and Cardinals
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