THE NFL! A League of Chaos and Drama every single weekend! I wonder what is going to one-up all the crazy things that happened last year. Considering how this league works they find a way to do so. A majority if not all of these 16 teams have a chance to make noise. Let’s take a look shall we.
Buffalo Bills (The McKinley Curse is at Stake): The Best Team that Buffalo has seen on paper since at least 1993. That’s great. Last year they got a taste of success yet were robbed by Leslie Frazier playing prevent defense and the inability to contain Travis Kelce. Now the Bills are trying to not let that happen again. There is one thing that concerns me. No it’s not giving Von Miller $20M a year for 6 years, no it’s not the McKinley Curse, or investing 55% of their cap into 4 players. It’s the lack of an Elite Running Game. If you are going to play in a Run and Shoot Offense in Buffalo in December and January you will need to run the ball. It can’t just be Josh Allen. Devin Singletary, and James Cook have promise but they will need to break out into their full potential if Buffalo has a chance at winning it all. It’ll be tougher since they have a new Offensive Coordinator. Cap Hell is coming this offseason and the Pegulas know that they don’t want to make the same mistakes as they are doing with the Sabres right now. At least your Receiver Room and Secondary is loaded again.
Miami Dolphins (The Art of a Track Team): Once again the Dolphins had to change the entire culture of their team in order to finally emerge into a Legit Contender. What is that, 3 in 5 years? This time Miami went to the high stakes table. They dumped Brian Flores, perhaps the best coach that they have had since Don Shula, in favor of a young offensive mind in Mike McDaniel. (The Fins offense in terms of strengths and weaknesses is the opposite of what he had in San Francisco) Then they sent a king’s ransom to the Chiefs for Tyreek Hill and gave him a massive extension shortly afterwards. That’s not including Terron Armstead, one of the best tackles on the open market coming to South Beach as well. The Dolphins on paper may have the fastest team in the league with Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Cedric Wilson out wide. The issue is not Tua Tagovailoa but the O-Line. Other than Armstead it’s full of question marks and guys who aren’t ready for the big time. Also can you guys tell Tyreek Hill to be careful about what he says. I get that he called Tua the most accurate QB in the NFL, but with the schedule they have to open the season with I wouldn’t say that. (Patriots, Ravens, Bills, Bengals. OUCH!) I also wouldn’t want to tell Dolphins fans that (YoYo Sound) Stephen Ross got caught tampering with both Tom Brady, and Sean Payton’s agents in the offseason. (Let me guess they will tamper with Lamar Jackson’s mother next as well as Marlon Humphrey’s agent) No 1st Round picks until 2025. (Remember their 2024 1st Round pick belongs to the Eagles) Have fun being trapped, Miami!
New England Patriots (Men Who Won’t Suck): I have one rule for any football fan. Never disrespect Bill Belichick. Because usually that backfires against anyone who says that. The Patriots this offseason did take a hit on defense with losses of Dont’a Hightower and JC Jackson but they will still find quick fixes. In comes Mack Wilson, Jabrill Peppers, and the return of Malcolm Butler. On the other side, Mac Jones is looking to follow up an excellent rookie season. Adding DeVonte Parker via trade certainly helps, and Damien Harris could become a 1000 yard rusher. They aren’t a fancy team on paper, but they execute the fundamentals and have guys that put the goals of the team ahead of individual goals. It’s a New England trademark for the last 20 years and even without Brady it’s still going strong. I’m not sleeping on them because everyone got burned on them last year, they’re making the playoffs if they stay healthy. Although like Miami they will be tested right out of the gate.
New York Jets (Foolish Thinkers): I don’t understand this. One year after Cincinnati did the unthinkable, all of North Jersey believes that the ButtFumble will do the same. They have good reasoning. Signing CJ Uzomah, and Laken Tomlinson. Plus they drafted a generational talent in Sauce Gardiner whose flair and personality will be perfect both in the secondary and in NYC at night. The other draft additions are Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, and Breece Hall. Yes the roster on paper looks promising when it comes to skill players. But their weakness is in the trenches. On both sides. That will be the key to them getting out of the basement. Also I wonder why Zach Wilson is getting plenty of hype this offseason. Wasn’t his rookie year a massive disappointment? It’s probably because of the New York Media, but we all know what the real reason is. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (Ex-Girlfriend of Zach Wilson admits that they broke up because he slept in his mom’s friend’s bed) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That’s a move that would make 1960s Joe Namath himself proud. No wonder it’s the Jets, they love doing the same things over and over. Usually it doesn’t work out. What will it be this time? CRACK! And then Wilson gets hurt in the 1st preseason game and has to miss time. (The Football Gods show no mercy) Now they have to rely on past prime Joe Flacco instead. It’s fitting that their 1st game of the season will be a grudge match against a team that he once led to a championship. I wonder who that is?
Baltimore Ravens (Planet LJ’s Redemption Tour): Lamar Jackson is out for blood! Just like every other great player in Ravens History, the National Media is talking at him and trying to get in his head. (Catchy reference eh) His response to ESPN ripping him for not showing up at OTAs was adding 15-25 pounds of muscle. (His throwing mechanics are even better than they were in years prior) It’s 2012 Joe Flacco syndrome, playing out the 5th Year Option of the Rookie Contract and trying to get a Super Bowl out of it. (This is also Giannis in 2020-21 too) The Ravens themselves are trying to overcome possibly the Unluckiest Season in Franchise History. (That’s due to injuries and Joe Burrow) Instead of keeping Wink Martindale around for another year, John Harbaugh decided to replace him with the anchor of Michigan’s BIG10 Title Run last year in Mike Macdonald. (Good to have him and Zach Orr back on the coaching staff) The hiring of Mike Man comes with the arrivals of Marcus Williams, Kyle Fuller, the return of Michael Pierce, and another generational defensive player in Kyle Hamilton. (Add in David Ojabo once he recovers from a torn achilles) As for the offense they fixed the O-Line with Tyler Linderbaum, Morgan Moses, and the potential return of Ronnie Stanley. Like most years though, Baltimore is being criticized for not having big name receivers especially with Marquise Brown gone but don’t tell that to Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman. (Now do you understand why EDC traded Hollywood) Also I would not sleep on Isaiah Likely after what he has done in Training Camp and the Preseason. With Cap Hell one year away, the Ravens are going to do everything they can to get to Arizona. THE FUTURE BE DAMNED! (If they miss the playoffs with most of the team healthy, I WANT HEADS!)
Cincinnati Bengals (The New Frontier): This organization just set the Guinness World Record of going from the Most Depressing Fanbase in the NFL, to the 2nd Coming of #Sacksonville! All it took was 2 generational talents and an insane amount of luck and cohesion to do so. Look at this list of crap that Bengals players, coaches, and fans have said this offseason. Eli Apple called Lamar Jackson a Return Man, Joe Burrow called out both the Ravens and Steelers defenses for talking trash, Joe Mixon claiming that they were the Best Team in Football by a wide margin, JaMarr Chase telling Peter King that he is the best WR in the game, Local News Channels said that them and Cleveland will rule the AFC North for a decade, Lou Anamulo trashing Lamar, and Patrick Mahomes, and their fanbase called John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin hypocrites. (And oh yes Bungles fans said that Evan McPherson would run circles around Tucker in terms of talent, accuracy, and skill) I have a counterstatement. If you’re going to talk that much crap YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO BACK IT UP! And the AFC North isn’t forgiving and it will not be tripping over themselves unlike last year. Yes they upgraded the O-Line and Secondary, (The O-Line has been an issue of theirs since the 80s) and have Chase, Higgins, and Tyler Boyd at WR, but my concern as an outsider is are they really that good, or did everything go their way? Not to mention they have the hardest schedule in the AFC by a country mile. This year will be their test to see if they can maintain success. As good as Joe Burrow is, he will have a tough time trying to get back to the top especially with many teams out to get them. (Not to mention he was injured and Training Camp) In fact they are not the only team in the AFC North with a delusional fanbase… (Oh and they introduced the White Bengal Uniforms. Marylander: I DARE YOU TO WEAR THOSE TO THE RAVENS ANNUAL BLACKOUT GAME!)
Cleveland Browns (LeafsNet of the NFL): That would go to these guys! I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. The Browns took an already unlikable team and fan base and made it even more unlikable. Trading the entire future of the franchise plus cutting a good chunk of talent in order to acquire Deshaun Watson. A man who hasn’t played in almost 2 years and has been suspended for 11 games due to his off-field allegations. Not to mention they gave him $46M a year for 5 years. (Plus they traded for the bad contract of Amari Cooper) The Browns have talent on their roster that’s not the problem. But due to this trade, and being slammed up against the cap they had to give up Mack Wilson, JC Tretter, Jarvis Landry, and Austin Hooper. At least Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are both in their primes so at least they have that going for them. They are a hard team to crack especially with Watson’s situation plus a makeover of the roster. There’s also being in the AFC North with 3 other juggernauts who are loaded from top to bottom. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are going to have to play out of their minds just to have a chance to compete. But to be honest if they don’t start 6-5 during the Deshaun suspension, Cleveland will be back in the basement again. (They will be underdogs in 9 of the 11 games Watson misses) For a team that lowballed Baker Mayfield the best QB that Cleveland has had since Bernie Kosar in favor of a man with a giant question mark there can only be one thing proclaimed. Browns being the Browns. (The Ride Never Ends Dawg Pound!)
Pittsburgh Steelers (Life Without the Leader of Men): It’s very weird to talk about the Steelers and not mention Ben Roethlisberger. I know right. (He and Joe Flacco had some great duels over the years. I have to respect that) But even without Big Ben, Pittsburgh is still a very solid team. The young talent on display is why. Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, Diontae Johnson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and oh yeah TJ Watt coming off a historic campaign. (22.5 Sacks in 14 games is evidence) There’s also the veteran Cam Heyward and the newly acquired Myles Jack. The biggest question mark will be the starting QB. Both Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett have upside and it’ll be interesting to see what Mike Tomlin decides to do. It will probably be Trubisky since he is free from Chicago and is in a better situation. (He was probably the best QB that the Bears have had since Jim McMahon in 1985. THAT’S SAYING SOMETHING!) Either way, I think the Steelers will be in playoff contention. Why? Remember the 2 QB Controversies they had under Bill Cowher in 1996 and 2002. They made the playoffs and won playoff games in both years. I expect the same here if the rest of the team plays up to their potential. Who knows what the future will be like in Pittsburgh but I wouldn’t sleep on the Steelers if I were you. I can never count them out as a fan of a rival, it’s one of the major rules that I have when it comes to following the NFL. Anyways Good Luck, Yinzers. I hope our much respected rivalry continues. (The New Frontier better not show up!)
Houston Texans (You’re Free): Even if the Texans are expected to be bad they at least may have the 2nd Coming of the Herschel Walker Trade. Luckily for them Jimmy Haslam drank the stupid juice on Deshaun Watson, so Houston won’t have to pay any of Watson’s salary. With the last great piece of the Bill O’Brien Era gone there is one conclusion. GET THE TANKS OUT OF THE SHED! Derek Stingley is an excellent talent on defense but the need for a Franchise QB is growing by the day. HOUSTON WANTS BRYCE YOUNG OR CJ STROUD BABY! If they somehow get Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba thanks to Cleveland’s desperation that will give them instant credibility. I will laugh so hard at the Browns if that happens.
Indianapolis Colts (Another Quick Fix at QB): Every year I keep hearing that the Colts are a Super Bowl Contender and will make serious noise. And like most times in the Post-Manning Era they are revealed to be a team with overrated commodities and the inability to finish the job. Many Colt fans think it’s because of the QB. I disagree. You can have Matt Ryan all you want but just like Rivers and Wentz before him but their Offensive Line excluding Quenton Nelson is massively inconsistent. When that crew is on, Jonathan Taylor is an MVP Candidate. If not, they are stuck in quicksand. At least the defense added Yannick Ngakoue, and Stephon Gilmore to go with Shaquille Leonard. (It’s strange that he changed his name from Darius to Shaquille) Indy is a confusing team especially given the past few years but will this be the year they finally take the AFC South Title, or will they continue to be a 2nd Tier Team. I wonder what Reich, and Ballard’s future will be like if they fail.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Khan’s Fantastic Circus): No team caused more chaos and massive overpayments in the offseason than Jacksonville. BY A WIDE MARGIN! And I’m not talking about the Christian Kirk deal, that’s just icing on the cake. I’m talking about signing 3 of the worst defensive contracts of the offseason, plus paying Zay Jones, and Evan Engram way too much as well. And it intensified when they had no idea who to draft. As expected Trent Baalke won the power struggle and they choose Travon Walker as the #1 pick in the draft instead of the consensus #1 pick Aidan Hutchinson. Even if they hired Doug Pederson as Head Coach, he is literally right back to where he was in Philadelphia. The only way he succeeds is if Trevor Lawrence doesn’t repeat his rookie year. Just like the Jets they believe they can do what the Bengals did last year. I mean it is the AFC South so anything is possible but I think the Jaguars have a long way to go before they become good again. The key, don’t overpay everyone and make wise decisions in the draft. Good luck Jags. HONK HONK!
Tennessee Titans (Winds of Change): Last year was a disaster thanks to injuries and being way too cocky before the playoffs. The Titans will have a redo of last year but how will they do with AJ Brown leaving? Look I like them adding Robert Woods, and drafting Treylon Burks but I wonder how Ryan Tannehill will overcome his rough show in the playoffs. I think he will, the O-Line was the most decimated unit on the entire roster last year and it showed at the end of the season. Even if Tannehill does struggle, they may have drafted his successor this year in Malik Willis. Derrick Henry if healthy should be a wrecking machine again especially if the Offensive Line isn’t banged up like last year. Same with the defense who should be a force like last year after what they did against the Bengals even in defeat. (Harold Landry out for the year is not a good sign) Tennessee is a weird team to judge simply due to how weak the rest of their division is. (Excluding Indianapolis) As long as they crush the competition in the AFC South they should be fine. In this, the last year of Mike Vrabel’s contract let it be known that the Titans will make the playoffs and not lose in an elimination home game AGAIN!
Denver Broncos (“Let’s Ride” -DangerRuss): No team has been through more Opening Day Starting QBs since John Elway retired than the team he used to play for. (22 different QBs since 1999) Elway as an executive hasn’t been as good but it won’t stop him from trying. This offseason they chucked the entire future of the organization and then-some to the Seahawks for Russell Wilson and gave him a massive extension too. (It’s funny that the QB that beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII is with them. The Irony) That’s great but what about the O-Line? They made 0 upgrades this offseason to help out Wilson. Look I get that their line has some good run blockers, but did you not see how bad they were when it came to pass blocking. That’s the main reason why they didn’t make the playoffs. Although Wilson does have a similar sporting cast like he did in Seattle especially with Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Denver’s defense may have lost Shelby Harris but they added Randy Gregory and his massive hype machine to a unit full of underrated commodities. As I said earlier, the success of the Broncos will be determined in the trenches. I know their fanbase will disagree with me but this is all true. Hopefully I’m wrong about them.
Kansas City Chiefs (Hunter Becomes Hunted): Just like the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots, the majority of the media is waiting for Kansas City to fall off hard. I get it they want new storylines but you have to respect the long time juggernauts regardless of opinions. The Chiefs just happen to be one of those teams. Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu may be gone but this is still a well oiled machine that will be right near the top. As long as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are healthy, KC should be solid Super Bowl Contenders. Not to mention Andy Reid has always been a man with a plan. He is going to have a Plan B this year at WR with JuJu Smith Schuster, and Marques Valdez-Scantling on board. And they still have Mecole Hardman so losing the Cheetah isn’t a big pill to swallow when you still have enough speed out wide. On defense I like the Justin Reid signing, he should be a minor upgrade now that the Honey Badger is gone. The Chiefs may be overlooked compared to years prior but with Mahomes and Reid’s System they will still find new ways to win. The rest of the AFC West wants a serious fall from the Kingdom of the Division.
Las Vegas Raiders (Blackjack The Team): No team went through as much off the field drama last year than the Raiders. And not only did they overcome losing Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock, plus Henry Ruggs, they still made the playoffs with a 4 game win streak to end the year. Now Vegas has expectations for the 1st time in 5 years. Especially with the signing of Chandler Jones, and throwing 2 future 1st Round picks at Davante Adams. The trio of Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfroe should be feared right away. Same with Derek Carr, one of the more underrated QBs in the game coming off perhaps his best year and now is looking to finally win a playoff game for the 1st time in what has been a solid career. Even if the Raiders have plenty of talent on display there is one concern. That happens to be their new HC in Josh McDaniels. The last time he had a Head Coaching job was 11-12 years ago in Denver. In his 1st year McDaniels started 6-0 and was the talk of the league. (That included an OT win against his old boss Bill Belichick) And once the Broncos walked into M&T Bank Stadium in Week 8 that season his flaws were laid bare and he never recovered from it. (That same Ravens team got him fired less than a year later) Now after 10 more years of training in New England, McDaniels should learn from his mistakes. He should, right?
Los Angeles Chargers (BE AGGRESSIVE Analytics Style): No team this offseason has received more hype coming off a non-playoff season than the Chargers. All it took was adding Khalil Mack and JC Jackson to a defense that was BAAAAAAD last year. (Oh by the way Derwin James hasn’t done a thing of note since 2018 besides in Madden) That doesn’t include the offense led by an internet and media sensation in Justin Herbert. Turns out that being a classic pocket passer, and playing in the LA market increases the stock of a guy that has never made the playoffs I see. He also has Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams to work with. (And an upgraded O-Line) There are 2 things that concern me about the Bolts. The Traditional Chargerings of years prior and Brandon Staley’s analytics. Both go together like PB&J Sandwich. Those elements cost the Chargers a playoff spot last year, and like their big brothers in the Rams they will throw their future out the window to fix their glitches very quickly. Will they emerge as the glamorous contenders like ESPN thinks they will be? Who knows. But do they not realize that this is a franchise that has fooled them with agony almost every single year that they have huge expectations. PAUSE.
Chaos. That’s how the AFC is going to be. CHAOS! The AFC North and West will be just that and the other 2 divisions could be just like that if things get crazy like they did last year. Who will be good or ugly this time around.
AFC East:
- Bills 13-4 (#1)
- Patriots 9-8
- Dolphins 8-9
- Jets 5-12
AFC North:
- Ravens 12-5 (#2)
- Bengals 11-6 (#5)
- Steelers 10-7 (#7)
- Browns 5-12
AFC South:
- Titans 11-6 (#4)
- Colts 9-8
- Jaguars 4-13
- Texans 3-14
AFC West:
- Chiefs 12-5 (#3)
- Raiders 11-6 (#6)
- Chargers 10-7
- Broncos 7-10
AFC Wild Card:
#3 Chiefs over #6 Raiders
#5 Bengals over #4 Titans
#2 Ravens over #7 Steelers
AFC Divisional
#1 Bills over #5 Bengals
#2 Ravens over #3 Chiefs
AFC Championship
#1 Bills over #2 Ravens
Bragging Rights Sports 