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| VikingUpdate.com "Wait... what did he say about me?" |
New England Patriots (11-5, 1st in AFC East, Rd. 1 Bye)
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| AP Photo/Michael Dwyer Chris Long, a former #2 overall pick, is this year's Patriot pass-rush redemption story. |
Losses: RB Joey Iosefa, WRs Keshawn Martin, Brandon LaFell & Aaron Dobson, TE Scott Chandler, C Bryan Stork, G Josh Kline, DEs Chandler Jones & Akiem Hicks, DTs Dominique Easley & Sealver Siliga, ILBs Jerod Mayo & Dane Fletcher, S Tavon Wilson
Impact Rookies: WR Malcolm Mitchell, G Joe Thuney, CB Cyrus Jones
Breakout Player: G Joe Thuney
Why they won't win it all: The offensive line isn't far enough removed from being in shambles and their linebacker depth leaves a lot to be desired.
Miami Dolphins (8-8, 2nd in AFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: HC Adam Gase, RB Arian Foster, WR Justin Hunter, G Kraig Urbik, DEs Mario Williams, Jason Jones & Andre Branch, OLB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell, SS Isa Abdul-Quddus
Losses: IHC Dan Campbell, RB Lamar Miller, WRs Rishard Matthews & Greg Jennings, G Shelley Smith, T Jason Fox, DEs Olivier Vernon & Derrick Shelby, LB Kelvin Sheppard, CB Brent Grimes, FS Louis Delmas
Impact Rookies: RB Kenyan Drake, WR Jakeem Grant, G Laremy Tunsil, CB Xavien Howard
Breakout Player: WR Devante Parker
Why they won't win it all: Cornerbacks are a piece of burnt toast with legs (Maxwell) and a former WR-turned-CB (Tony Lippett). As good as the front seven is at their best, that defensive backfield's floor is lower than any other in the league (including New Orleans!).
New York Jets (8-8, 3rd in AFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: RB Matt Forte, T Ryan Clady, DE Jarvis Jenkins, DT Steve McClendon, LB Bruce Carter
Losses: RBs Chris Ivory & Stevan Ridley, TEs Jace Amaro & Zach Sudfeld, G Willie Colon, DEs Stephen Bowen & Leger Douzable, DT Damon Harrison, LBs DeMario Davis & Calvin Pace, CB Darrin Walls, Safeties Antonio Allen & Jaiquawn Jarrett, P Ryan Quigley
Impact Rookies: WRs Charone Peake & Robby Anderson, LBs Darron Lee & Jordan Jenkins, P Lachlan Edwards
Breakout Player: OLB Lorenzo Mauldin
Why they won't win it all: Ryan Fitzpatrick's TD:INT ratio (31:15) won't be so friendly the second time around.
Buffalo Bills (6-10, 4th in AFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: RB Reggie Bush, DE Leger Douzable, ILBs Zach Brown, Brandon Spikes & Ramon Humber, OLBs Lorenzo Alexander & Lerentee McCray, SSs Robert Blanton & Colt Anderson
Losses: RBs Karlos Williams & Anthony Dixon, WRs Chris Hogan & Percy Harvin, G Kraig Urbik, DEs Mario Williams & Jarius Wynn, DT Stefan Charles, LBs Nigel Bradham & A.J. Tarpley, CBs Leodis McKelvin & Ron Brooks
Impact Rookies: RB Jonathan Williams, FB Glenn Gronkowski, WR Kolby Listenbee, DE Adolphus Washington, OLB Shaq Lawson
Breakout Player: WR Kolby Listenbee
Why they won't win it all: The Bills defense might be passable thanks to Rex Ryan but, passable doesn't win Super Bowl rings unless Tom Brady is your quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6, 1st in AFC North, #3 seed)
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| Aaron Doster - USA TODAY Sports After breaking a ton of Larry Fitzgerald's records at Pitt, Tyler Boyd is going to emerge as a #2 option quickly for Cincinnati. |
Losses: WRs Marvin Jones & Mohamed Sanu, ILB A.J. Hawk, CB Leon Hall, S Reggie Nelson
Impact Rookies: WRs Tyler Boyd & Alex Erickson, G Christian Westerman, CB William Jackson III
Breakout Player: CB Darqueze Dennard
Why they won't win it all: The Bengals continue to have bad luck with injuries and Vontaze Burfict is not playing by the postseason for any number of reasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, 2nd in AFC North, Wildcard)
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| Photo by Karl Roser Ryan Shazier (#50) is the face of the new era of Steelers defense. |
Losses: RB Jordan Todman, FB Will Johnson, WR Martavis Bryant (Suspended for season), TE Heath Miller, Ts Kelvin Beachum & Byron Stingily, DTs Steve McClendon & Cam Thomas, LB Sean Spence, CBs Antwon Blake & Brandon Boykin
Impact Rookies: CB Artie Burns, S Sean Davis
Breakout Player: DT Daniel McCullers
Why they won't win it all: No receiver takes over the Martavis Bryant deep threat role and the rookie DBs play like rookie DBs.
Baltimore Ravens (9-7, 3rd in AFC North, No playoffs)
Additions: WRs Mike Wallace & Devin Hester, CB Jerraud Powers, SS Eric Weddle
Losses: QBs Matt Schaub & Jimmy Clausen, WR Marlon Brown, DE Chris Canty, LBs Arthur Brown & Daryl Smith, S Will Hill
Impact Rookies: RB Kenneth Dixon, WR Chris Moore, T Ronnie Stanley, DL Willie Henry, LB Kamalei Correa, OLB Matt Judon, CB Tavon Young
Breakout Player: WR Breshad Perriman
Why they won't win it all: Terrell Suggs never returns to full strength, Matt Elam continues to suck and the defense repeats last year's struggles.
Cleveland Browns (3-13, 4th in AFC North, #1 pick in 2017)
Additions: HC Hue Jackson, QB Robert Griffin III, RB George Atkinson III, G Alvin Bailey, DE Stephen Paea, ILB Demario Davis, OLB Corey Lemonier, CBs Jamar Taylor & Marcus Burley, K Patrick Murray, P Britton Colquitt
Losses: HC Mike Pettine, QBs Johnny Manziel & Austin Davis, WRs Brian Hartline, Dwayne Bowe, Taylor Gabriel, Travis Benjamin & Marlon Moore, C Alex Mack, T Mitchell Schwartz, DE Paul Kruger, DT Randy Starks, ILBs Craig Robertson & Karlos Dansby, OLB Barkevious Mingo, CBs K'Waunn Williams, Justin Gilbert & Pierre Desir, FS Tashaun Gipson, SSs Donte Whitner & Johnson Bademosi, K Travis Coons, P Andy Lee
Impact Rookies: QB Cody Kessler, WRs Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis, Rashard Higgins & Jordan Payton, G Spencer Drango, T Shon Coleman, DE Carl Nassib, OLBs Emmanuel Ogbah & Joe Schobert, ILB Scooby Wright III, CB Tracy Howard, SS Derrick Kindred
Breakout Player: SS Ibraheim Campbell
Why they won't win it all: Because they're the Browns.
Houston Texans (13-3, 1st in AFC South, Rd. 1 Bye)
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| Daniel Gluskoter/Icon Sportswire The Texans finally have an interesting new offense to go along with their quality defense. |
Losses: QB Brian Hoyer, RB Arian Foster, WRs Cecil Shorts III & Nate Washington, TE Garrett Graham, S Rahim Moore
Impact Rookies: RB Tyler Ervin, WRs Will Fuller & Braxton Miller, TE Stephen Anderson, SS K.J. Dillon
Breakout Player: QB Brock Osweiler
Why they won't win it all: Too much turnover on offense results in many players not knowing what they are doing in Bill O'Brien's system. Also, Jadeveon Clowney clinches his bust status.
Indianapolis Colts (10-6, 2nd in AFC South, Wildcard)
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| Weston Kenney - Associated Press Whoever the #1 option for Andrew Luck is (Donte Moncrief?), that guy is about to approach 100 catches. |
Losses: QBs Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Ryan Lindley & Josh Freeman, RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Daniel Herron, WRs Andre Johnson & Griff Whalen, TE Coby Fleener, G Lance Louis, DE Billy Winn, ILB Jerrell Freeman, OLBs Jonathan Newsome & Bjoern Werner, CB Greg Toler, Safeties Dwight Lowery & Colt Anderson
Impact Rookies: RB Josh Ferguson, WR Chester Rogers, C Ryan Kelly, T La'Raven Clark, FS T.J. Green
Breakout Player: TE Erik Swoope
Why they won't win it all: The offensive line is now fully invested in a rookie center (Kelly), a 7th-rounder at guard (Denzelle Good) from the 2015 draft and Jack Mewhort's questionable knee.
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7, 3rd in AFC South, No playoffs)
Additions: RB Chris Ivory, OL Patrick Omameh, T Kelvin Beachum, DT Malik Jackson, ILB Arthur Brown, CB Prince Amukamura, S Marqueston Huff, FS Tashaun Gipson, P Brad Nortman
Losses: RB Toby Gerhart, TE Clay Harbor, C Stefen Wisniewski, G Zane Beadles, T Sam Young, DEs Chris Clemons & Andre Branch, S Sergio Brown, P Bryan Anger
Impact Rookies: DE Yannick Ngakoue, ILB Myles Jack, CB Jalen Ramsey
Breakout Player: CB Jalen RamseyWhy they won't win it all: Blake Bortles regresses as he is more fantasy-friendly than NFL-friendly and the free agent signings disappoint.
Tennessee Titans (7-9, 4th in AFC South, No Playoffs)
Additions: QB Matt Cassel, RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Rishard Matthews, Andre Johnson & Marc Mariani, TE Jace Amaro, C Ben Jones, T Dennis Kelly, ILBs Sean Spence & Nate Palmer, CBs Antwon Blake & Brice McCain, FS Rashad Johnson
Losses: QB Zach Mettenberger, RBs Dexter McCluster, Bishop Sankey & David Cobb, WRs Dorial Green-Beckham & Justin Hunter, G Jeremiah Poutasi, DE Ropati Pitoitua, DTs Sammie Lee Hill & Mike Martin, ILB Zach Brown, CB Coty Sensabaugh, Safeties Michael Griffin & Marqueston Huff
Impact Rookies: RB Derrick Henry, WR Tajae Sharpe, G Sebastian Tretola, T Jack Conklin, DT Austin Johnson, OLB Kevin Dodd, FS Kevin Byard
Breakout Player: WR Tajae Sharpe
Why they won't win it all: Mike Mularkey sets coaching back twenty years and the run defense isn't magically cured by drafting Austin Johnson and signing Sean Spence.
Denver Broncos (9-7, 1st in AFC West, #4 seed)
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| denverbroncos.com Even if DeMarcus Ware takes a step backward or the offense is incompetent again, the Broncos can always rely on Chris Harris Jr. to shut down any opponent. |
Losses: QBs Brock Osweiler & Peyton Manning, RB Ronnie Hillman, WR Andre Caldwell, TEs Owen Daniels & Vernon Davis, Gs Evan Mathis & Louis Vasquez, T Ryan Harris, DL Malik Jackson, DE Antonio Smith, LBs Danny Trevathan & Lerentee McCray, CB Omar Bolden, S David Bruton, P Britton Colquitt
Impact Rookies: QB Paxton Lynch, RB Devontae Booker, FB Andy Janovich, G Connor McGovern, DL Adam Gotsis, FS Justin Simmons, P Riley Dixon
Breakout Player: OLB Shane Ray
Why they won't win it all: Gary Kubiak decides to start Trevor Siemian past week 6.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-8, 2nd in AFC West, No playoffs)
Additions: QB Nick Foles, T Mitchell Schwartz, ILB Sam Barrington, CB Kenneth Acker
Losses: QB Chase Daniel, WR Jason Avant, Gs Ben Grubbs & Paul Fanaika, Ts Jeff Allen & Donald Stephenson, DE Mike DeVito, CBs Marcus Cooper & Sean Smith, Safeties Tyvon Branch & Jamell Fleming
Impact Rookies: WRs Tyreek Hill & Demarcus Robinson, G Parker Ehringer, DL Chris Jones, OLB Dadi Nicolas, CB KeiVarae Russell
Breakout Player: CB Phillip Gaines
Why they won't win it all: Andy Reid's clock management rears it's ugly head and one injury to Jeremy Maclin basically eliminates them from any discussions.
Oakland Raiders (6-10, 3rd in AFC West, No playoffs)
Additions: G Kelechi Osemele, OLBs Bruce Irvin & Daren Bates, CB Sean Smith, FS Reggie Nelson
Losses: RB Roy Helu Jr., WR Rod Streater, C Tony Bergstrom, Ts Khalif Barnes & J'Marcus Webb, DE Justin Tuck, LB Curtis Lofton, S Charles Woodson
Impact Rookies: RB DeAndre Washington, DE Jihad Ward, OLB Shilique Calhoun, SS Karl Joseph
Breakout Player: ILB Ben Heeney
Why they won't win it all: None of the defensive prospects around Khalil Mack turn out and Sean Smith regresses now that he's been paid.
San Diego Chargers (4-12, 4th in AFC West, #2 pick in 2017)
Additions: RB Andre Williams, WR Travis Benjamin, C Matt Slauson, DT Brandon Mebane, CB Casey Hayward, FS Dwight Lowery
Losses: RB Donald Brown, WR Malcom Floyd, Cs J.D. Walton & Trevor Robinson, DEs Kendall Reyes & Ricardo Matthews, ILB Donald Butler, OLB Kavell Conner, CB Patrick Robinson, P Mike Scifres
Impact Rookies: RB Kenneth Farrow, FB Derek Watt, TE Hunter Henry, C Max Tuerk, DE Joey Bosa, P Drew Kaser
Breakout Player: TE Hunter Henry
Why they won't win it all: The run defense continues being awful and the offensive line can't stay healthy AGAIN.
New York Giants (9-7, 1st in NFC East, #4 seed)
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| Brad Penner - USA TODAY Sports Will the offseason splurging on defense make up for new head coach McAdoo's deficiencies in that area? |
Losses: HC Tom Coughlin, RB Andre Williams, WR Reuben Randle, C Dallas Reynolds, DL Cullen Jenkins, DEs Robert Ayers & George Selvie, DT Barry Cofield, ILB Jasper Brinkley, CBs Prince Amukamura, Trumaine McBride & Jayron Hosley, SSs Brandon Meriweather & Craig Dahl
Impact Rookies: RB Paul Perkins, WR Sterling Shepard, ILB B.J. Goodson, CB Eli Apple, FS Darian Thompson
Breakout Player: T Ereck Flowers
Why they won't win it all: The offensive line is still a mess of proven mediocre veterans and this team always seems to be the 16th best team out of 32 at the start of every single season. There's nothing special going on with the Eli-led Giants and there never has been besides those two miraculous Super Bowl runs.
Dallas Cowboys (8-8, 2nd in NFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: QB Mark Sanchez, RB Alfred Morris, C Joe Looney, DE Benson Mayowa, DT Cedric Thornton, OLB Justin Durant
Losses: OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, DT Nick Hayden, DEs Greg Hardy & Jeremy Mincey
Impact Rookies: QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott
Breakout Player: RB Ezekiel Elliott
Why they won't win it all: Jerry Jones rushes Tony Romo back and/or Prescott plays like a rookie fourth round quarterback. Also, the pass defense doesn't improve.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-10, 3rd in NFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: HC Doug Pederson, QB Chase Daniel, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, C Stefen Wisniewski, G Brandon Brooks, LBs Nigel Bradham & Stephen Tulloch, CBs Leodis McKelvin & Ron Brooks, Safeties Rodney McLeod & Terrence Brooks
Losses: HC Chip Kelly, QBs Sam Bradford & Mark Sanchez, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Riley Cooper, OL Dennis Kelly, DL Taylor Hart & Cedric Thornton, ILBs DeMeco Ryans & Kiko Alonso, CBs Byron Maxwell, E.J. Biggers & Eric Rowe, S Walter Thurmond, K Cody Parkey
Impact Rookies: QB Carson Wentz, RB Wendell Smallwood, G Isaac Seumalo, T Halapoulivaati Vaitai, DB Jalen Mills
Breakout Player: RB Kenjon Barner
Why they won't win it all: Wentz, as expected, is not ready for the big show and all of that money spent in the offseason goes to waste.
Washington (5-11, 4th in NFC East, No playoffs)
Additions: TE Vernon Davis, DEs Kendall Reyes & Ziggy Hood, CBs Josh Norman & Greg Toler, SS David Bruton
Losses: QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, WR Andre Roberts, TE Logan Paulsen, G Tom Compton, DEs Kedric Golston & Frank Kearse, DT Terrence Knighton, ILB Keenan Robinson, Safeties Dashon Goldson & Jeron Johnson
Impact Rookies: RB Robert Kelley, WR Josh Doctson, CB Kendall Fuller, SS Su'a Cravens
Breakout Player: SS Su'a Cravens
Why they won't win it all: They never establish any offensive consistency and Josh Norman doesn't erase all of the flaws in their defensive backfield.
Minnesota Vikings (10-6, 1st in NFC North, #3 seed)
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| The Vikings new stadium will bring good luck this season..I guess.. |
Losses: WR Mike Wallace, C John Sullivan, T Phil Loadholt, ILB Casey Matthews, CB Josh Robinson, S Robert Blanton
Impact Rookies: WR Laquon Treadwell, CB Mackensie Alexander
Breakout Player: DE Danielle Hunter
Why they won't win it all: The loss of Teddy Bridgewater becomes too much to overcome.
Green Bay Packers (9-7, 2nd in NFC North, Wildcard)
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| Benny Sieu - USA TODAY Sports Blake Martinez is about to have a bigger workload than expected with the release of Sam Barrington. |
Losses: QB Scott Tolzien, FB John Kuhn, WR James Jones, TE Andrew Quarless, G Josh Sitton, DT B.J. Raji, ILB Sam Barrington, OLBs Mike Neal & Andy Mulumba, CB Casey Hayward, P Tim Masthay
Impact Rookies: OL Jason Spriggs, T Kyle Murphy, DE Dean Lowry, DT Kenny Clark, ILB Blake Martinez, OLB Kyler Fackrell
Breakout Player: WR Jared Abbrederis
Why they won't win it all: As it turns out, the play-calling was not the issue and there is much deeper problem going on with this offense that cannot be solved with the current coaching staff.
Detroit Lions (8-8, 3rd in NFC North, No playoffs)
Additions: WRs Marvin Jones, Anquan Boldin & Andre Roberts, TE Andrew Quarless, DE Wallace Gilberry, DT Stefan Charles, LB Jon Bostic, CB Johnson Bademosi, SSs Tavon Wilson & Rafael Bush
Losses: RB Joique Bell, WR Calvin Johnson, DT C.J. Wilson, LB Stephen Tulloch, CB Rashean Mathis
Impact Rookies: RB Dwayne Washington, C Graham Glasgow, T Taylor Decker, DL Anthony Zettel, DT A'Shawn Robinson, SS Miles Killebrew
Breakout Player: RB Ameer Abdullah
Why they won't win it all: Matthew Stafford throws a ton of interceptions now that he has no idea where to throw since his favorite transformer left. Also, the rookie offensive tackle plays like a rookie offensive tackle.
Chicago Bears (6-10, 4th in NFC North, No playoffs)
Additions: QB Brian Hoyer, TE Logan Paulsen, C Ted Larsen, G Josh Sitton, Ts Mike Adams & Bobby Massie, DE Akiem Hicks, ILBs Danny Trevathan & Jerrell Freeman, K Connor Barth
Losses: RBs Matt Forte & Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Marc Mariani, TE Martellus Bennett, OL Patrick Omameh, C Will Montgomery, Gs Matt Slauson & Vladimir Ducasse, Ts Jermon Bushrod & Tayo Fabuluje, DE Jarvis Jenkins, LB Shea McClellin, CB Alan Ball, Safeties Antrell Rolle, Ryan Mundy & Sherrod Martin, K Robbie Gould
Impact Rookies: RB Jordan Howard, G Cody Whitehair, DE Jonathan Bullard, OLB Leonard Floyd, CB Deiondre Hall, FS Deon Bush
Breakout Player: DT Eddie Goldman
Why they won't win it all: Jay Cutler also throws a ton of interceptions, Kevin White takes a year to develop, the o-line still isn't very good and the inexperience of the defense playing together shows.
Carolina Panthers (11-5, 1st in NFC South, Rd. 1 Bye)
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| Carolina isn't going to miss the playoffs as long as Kelvin Benjamin is back healthy. |
Losses: WR Jerricho Cotchery, C Fernando Velasco, G Amini Silatolu, T Nate Chandler, DE Jared Allen, DTs Dwan Edwards & Kyle Love, CBs Josh Norman, Charles Tillman & Cortland Finnegan, SS Roman Harper, P Brad Nortman
Impact Rookies: DT Vernon Butler, CBs James Bradberry & Daryl Worley
Breakout Player: OLB Shaq Thompson
Why they won't win it all: Considering they barely altered the offensive line that shit their pants in the Super Bowl, that has a great shot at happening again. Also, TWO STARTING ROOKIE CORNERBACKS. Nothing to see here, everything is fine.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7, 2nd in NFC South, No playoffs)
Additions: HC Dirk Koetter, WR Cecil Shorts III, G J.R. Sweezy, DE Robert Ayers, LB Daryl Smith, CBs Brent Grimes & Josh Robinson, P Bryan Anger
Losses: HC Lovie Smith, RB Bobby Rainey, G Logan Mankins, DEs Da'Quan Bowers & Larry English, DT Henry Melton, LBs Bruce Carter & Danny Lansanah, CBs Mike Jenkins & Sterling Moore, S Major Wright, K Connor Barth, P Jake Schum
Impact Rookies: G Caleb Benenoch, DE Noah Spence, CB Vernon Hargreaves III, FS Ryan Smith, K Roberto Aguayo
Breakout Player: WR Adam Humphries
Why they won't win it all: Doug Martin of 2013 & 2014 shows up instead of 2012 & 2015 Doug Martin while the safeties are constantly targeted as the weakest position on the whole squad.
New Orleans Saints (8-8, 3rd in NFC South, No playoffs)
Additions: TE Coby Fleener, DEs Paul Kruger & Darryl Tapp, DT Nick Fairley, ILB James Laurinaitis, OLB Craig Robertson, CB Sterling Moore, SS Roman Harper
Losses: QB Garrett Grayson, RB Khiry Robinson, WR Marques Colston, TE Benjamin Watson, Gs Jahri Evans & Mike McGlynn, DT Kevin Williams, OLBs David Hawthorne & Ramon Humber, CBs Keenan Lewis, Brandon Browner & Chris Owens, FS Rafael Bush, K Kai Forbath
Impact Rookies: WRs Michael Thomas & Tommylee Lewis, DTs Sheldon Rankins & David Onyemata, FS Vonn Bell, K Wil Lutz
Breakout Player: OL Andrus Peat
Why they won't win it all: The defense has it's third consecutive historically awful season.
Atlanta Falcons (5-11, 4th in NFC South, No playoffs)
Additions: QB Matt Schaub, WRs Mohamed Sanu & Taylor Gabriel, C Alex Mack, T Tom Compton, DEs Dwight Freeney & Derrick Shelby, DT Courtney Upshaw, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, CB C.J. Goodwin, SS Dashon Goldson
Losses: QB Sean Renfree, WRs Roddy White & Devin Hester, TE Tony Moeaki, C Gino Gradkowski, T Jake Long, DE Kroy Biermann, DT Paul Soliai, LB Nathan Stupar, OLBs Justin Durant & O'Brien Schofield, CB Phillip Adams, FS Charles Godfrey, SS William Moore
Impact Rookies: TE Austin Hooper, LBs Deion Jones & De'Vondre Campbell, SS Keanu Neal
Breakout Player: OLB Vic Beasley
Why they won't win it all: Kyle Shanahan is still the offensive coordinator and his one goal in life is to ruin a quarterback for every franchise.
Seattle Seahawks (10-6, 1st in NFC West, Rd. 1 Bye)
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| Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Bobby Wagner is still the underrated MVP of this defense and a full 16 games from him = a won division. |
Losses: QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Fred Jackson, FBs Will Tukuafu & Derrick Coleman, WR Ricardo Lockette, OL Alvin Bailey, Cs Drew Nowak & Lemuel Jeanpierre, G J.R. Sweezy, T Russell Okung, DT Brandon Mebane, OLB Bruce Irvin, CB Marcus Burley
Impact Rookies: QB Trevone Boykin, RBs C.J. Prosise & Alex Collins, FB Taniela Tupou, WR Tanner McEvoy, TE Nick Vannett, Gs Germain Ifedi & Rees Odhiambo, DT Jarran Reed
Breakout Player: G Germain Ifedi
Why they won't win it all: The offensive line is such a disaster that not even this superb offense can overcome it and Bruce Irvin turns out to be one loss too many on defense.
Los Angeles Rams (9-7, 2nd in NFC West, Wildcard)
Additions: DTs Cam Thomas & Dominique Easley, CB Coty Sensabaugh
Losses: QB Nick Foles, WR Wes Welker, TE Jared Cook, DE Chris Long, DT Nick Fairley, ILB James Laurinaitis, OLB Akeem Ayers, CB Janoris Jenkins, FS Rodney McLeod
Impact Rookies: QB Jared Goff, WRs Nelson Spurce, Pharoh Cooper & Michael Thomas, TE Tyler Higbee
Breakout Player: FS Maurice Alexander
Why they won't win it all: Case Keenum plays less than mediocre football and Goff is forced into action and no reliable wideout steps forward.
Arizona Cardinals (6-10, 3rd in NFC West, No playoffs)
Additions: G Evan Mathis, OLB Chandler Jones, CBs Marcus Cooper & Mike Jenkins, SS Tyvon Branch
Losses: C Lyle Sendlein, G Ted Larsen, Ts Bobby Massie & Bradley Sowell, DE Red Bryant, ILB Sean Weatherspoon, OLBs Dwight Freeney & LaMarr Woodley, CB Jerraud Powers, S Rashad Johnson
Impact Rookies: C Evan Boehm, DL Robert Nkemdiche, CB Brandon Williams
Breakout Player: OLB Markus Golden
Why they won't win it all: Carson Palmer never mentally recovers from the NFC Championship Game disaster and David Johnson does not live up to the hype from his rookie season.
San Francisco 49ers (6-10, 4th in NFC West, No playoffs
Additions: HC Chip Kelly, QB Christian Ponder, WRs Jeremy Kerley & Rod Streater, G Zane Beadles, T Anthony Davis
Losses: HC Jim Tomsula, RB Reggie Bush, WR Anquan Boldin, Gs Alex Boone, Jordan Devey & Brandon Thomas, T Erik Pears, OLB Corey Lemonier, CB Kenneth Acker
Impact Rookies: WR Aaron Burbridge, G Joshua Garnett, DE DeForest Buckner
Breakout Player: DE Arik Armstead
Why they won't win it all: They mess around with their quarterbacks too much, no reliable receiving options appear, Carlos Hyde doesn't work in a Chip Kelly offense and the interior linemen get dominated.
My Official Super Bowl Prediction
Packers 27 - Patriots 16
I mean... I don't know, you don't know, Peter King doesn't know, nobody knows how this is all going to go down. Just based on the way things looks on paper, the trends of last season and the talks around whose stock is going up and whose stock is going down, once again this seems like the likeliest Super Bowl option in my opinion. I hate being boring and picking the same Super Bowl for the fifth time in like... seven years but hey, what two teams have had the most consistent success this current decade? The New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers. If forced to, I believe most people would bet on these two teams above all else to ride their wrecking balls into the postseason. Now, whether or not that gets them to the Super Bowl? Who the hell really knows because injuries are a thing, suspensions are things, Tom Brady being 39 is a thing and the absence of B.J. Raji is a thing. The Packers somehow don't win the NFC North but, surely they'll take a consolation prize in the form of a Vince Lombardi Trophy. Green Bay will take care of Minnesota (because Sam Bradford can't have nice things), Carolina (just pass-rush them to death and you'll do fine) and Seattle (revenge game) on the way to Houston, where they will beat the probably dinged up Patriots (playoff injuries seem to be far more prevalent in the AFC).
Super Bowl MVP: DE Mike Daniels
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| Photo by Evan Seigle The massive(ly underpaid) defensive end will not be stopped just because the Patriots re-hired OL coach Dante Scarnecchia, he'll still have a field day against a Vollmer-less Pats' offensive line. |
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