1. Carolina Panthers
History doesn’t bode well for them getting back to the Super Bowl, but most teams didn’t have Cam Newton as their QB though.
2. New Orleans Saints
The defense last year was a disaster. It won’t be that bad this year.
3. Atlanta Falcons
They need to be more balanced on offense and try not to force the issue.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If former head coach Lovie Smith was only given two years to turn this around, how long does Dirk Koetter have?
1. Green Bay Packers
They weren’t Super Bowl contenders last year and that could be in large part due to the injury to WR Jordy Nelson.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The defense is right where it needs to be. They made some offensive upgrades that will keep them in contention with Green Bay.
3. Chicago Bears
2015 was a solid year for Jay Cutler and the Bears defense. Lets see if they can repeat that.
4. Detroit Lions
They will realize pretty quickly that not having Calvin Johnson will hurt more than they’re letting on.
1. Dallas Cowboys
There’s far too much talent on this team for them not to win the division.
2. Washington Redskins
Things are starting to look better for them. Kirk Cousins looks like a legitimate franchise QB.
3. New York Giants
A big free agent investment on defense puts less pressure on the offense to score 30+ points per game.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Chip Kelly era is over. Even most die hard Eagles fans will give them a pass this year to undo everything.
1. Denver Broncos
Their QB play will be about the same as it was last year, but their success hinges on the defensive side and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
2. Oakland Raiders
A few more tweaks should have them contending for a Wild Card spot this year.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
They’ll contend for the division title, but Oakland is right up there with them to challenge Denver.
4. San Diego Chargers
They can’t be any worse than last years team. WR Keenan Allen playing all year long will help QB Philip Rivers a lot.
1. Houston Texans
They believe they have found their QB in Brock Osweiler. Now it’s time to go out and prove it.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts success relies on whether Andrew Luck will avoid a repeat of the 2015 debacle.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Was last season just a fluke? For Gus Bradley’s job security it better not be.
4. Tennessee Titans
Having two workhorse running backs to go with QB Marcus Mariota is a great start to their rebuilding plan.
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