Football

NFC South

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1. New Orleans Saints

They addressed a few areas, but this is the same team that is clamoring for a chance at another Super Bowl title.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They are going all in to win and getting QB Tom Brady on board will see to that. Assuming they’re in the playoffs who knows what will happen next.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Once again the offense is among the most talented in the league, but can the defense match that and stay healthy?

4. Carolina Panthers

Owner David Tepper believed enough in former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule to give him a 7-year $60 million dollar contract. Continue reading →

NFC North

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1. Green Bay Packers

Yes, they were 13-3 last year, but they overachieved. As long as QB Aaron Rodgers stays healthy they will remain contenders.

2. Minnesota Vikings

The defense has been overhauled with many departures, but head coach Mike Zimmer has a good scheme that has stood the test of time.

3. Chicago Bears

Even if they decide at some point to make a change at QB they won’t be any better than a .500 team.

4. Detroit Lions

Head coach Matt Patricia hasn’t improved this team since being hired 3 seasons ago and GM Bob Quinn won’t survive either with another losing season. Continue reading →

NFC East

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1. Dallas Cowboys

It’s assumed that Mike McCarthy will avoid the same head scratching decisions that led to Jason Garrett’s exit in Dallas.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

A lot has to go right, but they are fortunate they play in an extremely weak division.

3. New York Giants

The future looks good at quarterback and running back, but there is still plenty of work to be done elsewhere.

4. Washington Redskins

If Ron Rivera thought his last year in Carolina was a rough ride, this first year in Washington will take the cake. Continue reading →

AFC West

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1. Kansas City Chiefs

They are primed for another Super Bowl run and as long as QB Patrick Mahomes is healthy, they will be for many years.

2. Las Vegas Raiders

The current regime is starting to see their plan come to fruition and it should result in a playoff appearance.

3. Denver Broncos

A solid off-season saw them surround their young quarterback with more weapons and solidified a sound defensive unit.

4. Los Angeles Chargers

Playing second fiddle in LA will start to take its toll on the franchise, but it helps being in a brand new stadium you didn’t have to pay for. Continue reading →

AFC South

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1. Indianapolis Colts

Even with a less than ideal quarterback situation last year, they were still competitive and now adding QB Philip Rivers should improve those odds.

2. Tennessee Titans

They kept QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry while adding Jadeveon Clowney for the defense. Not a bad offseason.

3. Houston Texans

It would seem that Bill O’Brien is safely entrenched as the Head Coach/GM in Houston barring a catastrophic collapse.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

To think it was only 3 seasons ago that they were one game away from their first Super Bowl appearance. Continue reading →