-Originally published 2020-
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers – 1st, 12-4 Division Winner
Seattle Seahawks – 2nd, 10-5 Playoffs
Arizona Cardinals – 3rd, 7-9 No Playoffs
LA Rams – 4th, 5-11
Arizona Cardinals
Vegas Win Projection 6.5/7
Round 1 Pick 8 Isaiah Simmons LB, Clemson
Round 3 Pick 27 Josh Jones OL, Houson
Round 4 Pick 114 Leki Fotu DL, Utah
Round 4 Pick 131 Rashard Lawrence DL, LSU
Round 6 Pick 202 Even Weaver LB, California
Round 7 Pick 222 Eno Benjamin RB, Arizona St
The Roster:
After trading up to draft Josh Rosen in 2018 the Cards couldn’t resist the temptation of punting on Rosen and grabbing Kyler Murry with the #1 pick in 2019 and partnering him with new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Murry (3,722 PASS/YDS, 20 TDS, 12 INT, 64% COMP) won Offensive Rookie of the Year in route to a 5-9-1 record and looks like a future star in the league. Murry’s running ability (544 RUSH/YDS, 4 RUSH/TDS) makes him one of the more exciting quarterbacks to watch and difficult to defend. The offensive line was solid last season and key pieces should return. Free agents and 3rd rounder Josh Jones will fill one or two new starting roles. The pass protection was solid despite that amount of sacks (48) Murry took. The high sack was largely on Murry’s shoulder as he scrambled away from protection.
The Cards ended up with the 10th ranked rushing offense in 2019 with contributions from the banged up David Johnson (715 TOT/YDS, 6 TOT/TDS), Murry, Chase Edmonds (303 YDS, 4 TDS), and mid-season addition Kenyan Drake (1,162 TOT/YDS, 4 TOT/TDS). A weapon in the run and passing attack, Drake looked strong to finish the year and both he and Edmonds return. The biggest trade in the offseason that involved the Cards shipping often injured Johnson and draft picks to the Texans for superstar WR Deandre Hopkins.
The receiving core returns veteran Larry Fitzgerald (75 REC, 804 YDS, 4 TDS), and a wave of youth highlighted Christian Kirk (68 REC, 709 YDS, 3 TDS) and speedster Andy Isabella (9 REC, 189 YDS, 1 TD) that never found his footing last season. Although not as involved in the passing game as other offenses, the tight end position returns Maxx Williams (15 REC, 202 YDS, 1 TD) and frees up Charles Clay’s (18 REC, 237 YDS, 1 TD) targets as he hits free agency. Hopkins (104 REC, 1165 YDS, 7 TDS) will immediately step in and average 12+ targets per game as a top-5 receiver. He’ll both steal targets from everyone else and open them up as defenses will have to cover him and Kingsbury will try to spread the defense out.
The defense was the worst in the league in yards allowed in 2019 and dead last in interceptions. It certainly didn’t help that they matched up against three top-10 offenses in division. Steady is the ship as Vance Joseph returns as the defensive coordinator to build on that side of the ball. Pro Bowler LB Chandler Jones (48 TKS, 19 SACK, 8 FF) and FS Budda Baker (134 TKS, .5 SACK, 1 FF) both return. Jones was 2nd in the league in sacks (19). The trio of Baker, LB Jordan Hicks (1.5 SACK, 3 INT, 2 FF), and LB De’Vondre Campbell (2 SACK, 2 INT, 3 FF) were all top-15 in the league in tackles last season (426 combined tackles). The secondary returns veteran CB Patrick Peterson (52 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF) and second-year CB Byron Murphy (75 TKS, 1 INT). First round pick LB Isiah Simmons will walk into a starting position and mid-round defensive line picks Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence could contribute as the team shuffles and builds the defense. Free agent pickup DT Jordan Phillips (25 TKS, 9.5 SACK, 1 FF) should walk into a starting spot after playing for the Buffalo Bills last season.
The Call:
The defense isn’t going from zero to hero overnight. The addition of Hopkins to the offense can’t be understated. Games should be closer this season as the defense comes together and the offense picks up firepower but the wins aren’t going to come yet with a tough division and young team.
The Record: 7-9, 3rd place in NFC West
Los Angeles Rams
Vegas Projected Wins: 8/8.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 52 Cam Akers RB, FSU
Round 2 Pick 57 Van Jefferson WR, Florida
Round 3 Pick 84 Terrell Lewis EDGE, Alabama
Round 3 Pick 104 Terrell Burgess S, Utah
Round 4 Pick 136 Brycen Hopkins TE Purdue
Round 6 Pick 199 Jordan Fuller S, Ohio St
Round 7 Pick 234 Clay Johnston LB, Baylor
Round 7 Pick 248 Sam Sloman K, Miami of Ohio
Round 7 Pick 250 Tremayne Anchrum OL, Clemson
The Roster:
In 2019 the Rams finished 9-7 but without any playoffs and in 3rd place in the tough NFC West. Head coach Sean McVay promptly went to work hiring new Offensive coordinator Kevin O’ Connell and Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley. QB Jared Goff (4,638 Yds, 22 TD, 16 INT, 62% Comp) had to put the ball in the air 626 times last season, tied with Jameis Winston for most passing attempts. The result was a 3rd place finish in passing yards and top-10 offensive finish.
The run game was bottom-10 in the league and with Todd Gurley (857 RUSH/YDS, 207 REC/YDS, 14 TOT/TDS) signing with the Atlanta Falcons, the door is open for 2nd round pick Cam Akers to step in and take the full load of touches in the run and pass game. Neither Malcom Brown (255 YDS, 5 TDS) nor Darrell Henderson Jr (147 Yds) on the depth chart seemed to inspire much confidence in the coaching staff last year. Gurley was involved in the passing attacked and asked to carry the ball 223 times (128 combine Brown & Henderson) on an often “iffy” knee and it’s curious that the Rams look poised to lead heavily on a rookie without any other notable additions made to the group.
The passing attack sees the exit of Brandin Cooks (583 YDS, 2 TD) in a trade to the Texans. Returning to the fold is Robert Woods (90 Rec, 1,134 YDS, 2 TDS) and Cooper Kupp (94 REC, 1,161 YDS) who tied for 2nd in the league with 10 touchdowns last season. Josh Reynolds (21 REC, 326 YDS, 1 TD) and rookie Van Jefferson will provide depth. Tight ends Tyler Higbee (69 REC, 734 YDS, 3 TD) and Gerald Everett (37 REC, 408 YDS, 2 TD) both return and are big contributors to the passing game.
The offensive line only gave up the fewest sacks in the league (22) last season, but was one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Without many changes they’ll shuffle and try to improve in 2020.
On the defensive side, pro bowlers DT Aaron Donald (12.5 Sacks-7th in NFL) and mid-season acquisition CB Jalen Ramsey (49 TKS, 1 INT, 2 FF) return. Last season the unit was 9th in takeaways and recorded 50 sacks, good for 5th in the league. Impact players DE Michael Brockers (57 TKS, 3 SACK), LB Samson Ebukam (45 TKS, 4.5 SACK, 1 FF), and S Taylor Rapp (90 TKS, 2 INT) return. The defense was dealt a blow when Dante Flower Jr (11.5 SACK) signed with the Falcons. Safety Eric Weddle retried and linebackers Cory Littleton (124 TKS, 3.5 SACK, 2 INT, 2 FF) and Clay Matthews (33 TKS, 2 FF) are also gone. Replacements were brought in the form of DT A’shawn Robinson (36 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 FF) and LB Leonard Floyd (40 TKS, 3 SACK). The draft also saw the Rams grabbing some defensive pieces.
The Call:
Rather than waiting for a losing season as an indicator for change, I applaud McVay for making changes that he felt were need by dumping his coordinators, allowing the injury prone Gurley to walk in free agency and retooling the defense. The division is tough though and the offensive line will continue to be a weakness. I can’t see the offense operating much differently than it did last season with Geoff being forced to throw 550 times. Akers rushed 231 times last season for 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns and contributed in the passing game, but will have to prove he can step into the NFL and carry a similar load. I don’t know that the additions are better than the subtractions on the defensive side of the ball, even with heavyweights like Donald, Brockers, and Ramsey in place. I think this team could take another step back this season.
The Record: 5-11, 4th place NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Vegas Projected Wins: 10.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 14 Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Round 1 Pick 25 Brandon Aiyuk WR, Arizona St
Round 5 Pick 153 Colton McKivitz OL, WVU
Round 6 Pick 190 Charlie Woerner TE, UGA
Round 7 Pick 217 Jauan Jennings WR, Tennessee
The Roster:
In 2020, the San Francisco 49ers return to make another Super Bowl run after losing the lead to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. The offense was top-10 and 2nd in points scored. The top-5 rushing offense loses Matt Breida (623 YDS, 1 TD) to the Miami Dolphins, but returns backs Raheem Mostert (772 YDS, 8 TDS), Tevin Coleman (544 YDS, 6 TD) and Pro Bowl FB Kyle Juszczyk. The door is open for Jeff Wilson Jr (105 YDS, 4 TDS) and Jerick McKinnon to pick up carries, especially if Mostert’s July trade request is granted. McKinnon has landed on IR two seasons in a row after signing a nice contract after the 2017 season and hasn’t made an appearance for the 49ers yet.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (3,978 YDS, 27 TDS, 13 INT, 69% Comp) has taken some flack, but is still one of the more reliable quarterbacks in the league. Garoppolo’s top target, TE George Kittle (85 REC, 1,053 YDS, 5 TD) will be the team’s reception lead. With WR Emmanuel Sanders (36 REC, 502 YDS, 3 TD) moving on to the New Orleans Saints, the spot is cleared for second-year man Deebo Samuel (57 REC, 802 YDS, 3 TD) to take the top wide receiver spot. First rounder Brandon Aiyuk will have a chance to start opposite Samual. Young receivers Kendrick Bourne (30 REC, 358 YDS, 5 TDS), Dante Pettis (11 REC, 109 YDS, 2 TDS), and free agent Travis Benjamin provide depth, but won’t see many opportunities in an offensive that incorporates Kittle and running backs (Mostert– 14 REC, 180 YDS, 2 TDS Coleman– 21 REC, 180 YDS, 1 TD) in the pass game.
The 49ers made a great upgrade by trading Washington for OT Trent Williams. He’ll replace the retiring Joe Staley. The offensive line should be solid.
Last season, the 49ers fielded a defense that was top-5 in yards allowed, tied for 5th in sacks (48) and 6th in takeaways (27). Pro Bowler DE Nick Bosa (42 TKS, 9 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF) returns to partner with DE Arik Armstead (52 TKS, 10 SACK, 2 FF) and new additions DL Kerry Hyder (14 TKS, 1 SACK) and first rounder DL Javon Kinlaw bolster the monster defensive line. The linebacking core returns pieces Fred Warner (107 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 INT, 3 FF) and Dre Greenlaw (85 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT). Veteran Richard Sherman (59 TKS, 3 INT) returned to the pro bowl and 2019 and partners with corners K’Waun Willliams (48 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT, 4 FF) and Ahkello Witherspoon (28 TKS, 1 INT) to run back the secondary.
The Call:
This team is reloaded for another Super Bowl run with one of the best coaches in the league in Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers used the draft to upgrade the offensive and defensive line and grab another wide out. Trent Williams was essentially a draft pick since a 5th rounder this season and 3rd in 2021 was traded to acquire him. There is no reason to believe that the running game and crushing defense won’t lead to another division win and run through the playoffs. I think they avoid the Super Bowl hangover.
The Record: 12-4, 1st place NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
Vegas Projected Wins: 9/9.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 27 Jordyn Brooks LB, Texas Tech
Round 2 Pick 48 Darrell Taylor EDGE, Tenn
Round 3 Pick 69 Damien Lewis OL, LSU
Round 4 Pick 133 Colby Parkinson TE, Stanford
Round 4 Pick 144 DeeJay Dallas RB, Miami
Round 5 Pick 148 Alton Robinson EDGE, Syracuse
Round 6 Pick 214 Freddie Swain WR, Florida
Round 7 Pick 251 Stephen Sullivan TE, LSU
The Roster:
Seattle finished 11-5 last season on the back of future hall of famer Russell Wilson (4110 PASS/YDS, 31 TDS, 5 INT, 66% COMP, 342 RUSH/YDS, 3 RUSH/TDS) and came up short in against the Packers in Green Bay in the Divisional round of the playoffs. Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson combine for one of the best QB/Coach duals in the NFL and are reloading for another Super Bowl run.
The Seahawks fielded a top-5 rushing offense and return work horse Chris Carson (1230 RUSH/YDS, 7 RUSH/TDS, 37 REC, 266 REC/YDS, 2 REC/TDS) and back up Rashaad Penny (370 YDS, 3 TDS). Carson was 5th in the league in rushing yards and tied for 5th in attempts. Carols Hyde (1070 YDS, 6 TDS) was signed to spell Carson if Penny isn’t fully record form an injury by the time the season starts or if Penny continues to disappoint. Rookie DeeJay Dallas might get reps as well. The offensive line was a disaster for the umpteenth-year in row and adds rookie Damien Lewis and a few free agents to try and upgrade the personnel. Wilson was sacked a league high 48 times last season.
The wide receiver core of Tyler Lockett (82 REC, 1057 YDS, 8 TDS) and rookie star DK Metcalf (58 REC, 900 YDS, 7 TDS) will be Wilson’s top options. Philiip Dorsett (29 REC, 397 YDS, 5 TDS) was added for depth. At the tight end position Jacob Hollister (41 REC, 349 YDS, 3 TDS) returns and Will Dissly (23 REC, 262 YDS, 4 TDS-6 Games) should contribute after a great start to the season was cut short due to injury. Greg Olsen (52 REC, 597 YDS, 2 TDs) was signed after parting ways with the Panthers. Lockett has proven to be more than a “gadget” player and stepped into the role vacated by the retiring Doug Baldwin last season as a solid receiver. Metcalf fell in the 2019 draft, but looks the part of great talent after 2019’s contributions.
Upgrades were added to the defense in the draft. Both LB Jordyn Brooks and pass rusher Darrell Taylor should carve out starting spots. The defense was bottom-10 in the league in yards allowed, and bottom-5 in sacks with only 28. The secondary was 3rd in takeaways.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner (144 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF) is the staple of the defense and led the NFL with 159 tackles last season. KJ Wright (126 TKS, 3 INT) joins him in the line backing core. In the secondary, CB Tre Flowers (76 TKS, 2 SACK, 3 INT, 1 FF), CB Shaquill Griffin (63 TKS), FS Bradley McDougald (68 TKS, .5 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF) and SS Quandre Diggs (40 TKS, 3 INT, 1 FF) received during a mid-seasons trade with the Lions all return. Jadeveon Clowney (27 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 INT, 4 FF) was a nice piece for the Seahawks last season; he’s currently a free agent.
The Call: The offense has a start running back in Carson, a couple of good receiving weapons in Metcalf and Lockett and superstars in quarterback Russell Wilson and Coach Pete Carroll. Somehow the offensive line has been at the bottom of the league in terms of efficiency for years and yet, the team still wins. The defense needs to improve but has key pieces in place and has consistently been able to force turnovers. The pass rush can’t be any worse and the draft certainly brought upgrades. The team is in good shape to make the playoffs again. They’ll go as far as Wilson can take them.
The Record: 10-6, 2nd NFC West
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles – 1st, 10-6 Division Winner
Dallas Cowboys – 2nd, 10-6 Playoffs
NY Giants – 3rd, 5-11 No Playoffs
Washington – 4th, 3-13
Dallas Cowboys
Vegas Projected Wins: 9.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 17 CeeDee Lamb WR, Oklahoma
Round 2 Pick 51 Trevon Diggs CB, Alabama
Round 3 Pick 82 Neville Gallimore DL, Oklahoma
Round 4 Pick 123 Reggie Robinson II CB, Tulsa
Round 4 Pick 146 Tyler Biadasz OL, Wisconsin
Round 5 Pick 179 Bradlee Anae Edge, Utah
Round 7 Pick 231 Ben DiNucci QB, James Madison
The Roster:
The Cowboys offense was 6th in points scored, 2nd in passing yards, 5th in rushing, and 1st in total yards in 2019. The defense was top-11 in most categories and still the Cowboys managed to miss the playoffs again in 2019 and finish 8-8. Jerry Jones finally fired head coach Jason Garrett after several off seasons of “will he stay? Or will he get shit canned?” His replacement, Mike McCarthy, was one of the better options to replace Garrett, but still has question marks as to whether or not he’s a good coach. He’s still an upgrade to Garret and should hopefully be able to finally push for a Super Bowl with the talent the ‘Boys have acquired.
Dak Prescott (4902 YDS, 30 TDS, 11 INT, 65% COMP) wasn’t given a contract in the offseason and had the franchise tag slapped on him instead. His relationship with Jerry Jones isn’t in a good place, but he is an underrated quarterback if he shows up to work. For the beating he takes in the media, Prescott isn’t an elite QB, but he’s more than capable of leading a team with this much talent to the Super Bowl. Andy Dalton was signed after the Bengal’s decided to cut him loose and he instantly becomes the best backup quarterback in the NFL.
Amari Cooper (79 REC, 1189 YDS, 8 TDS) was paid and returns with Michael Gallup (66 REC, 1107 YDS, 6 TDS) who broke out in 2019. Rookie CeeDee Lamb slide to the Cowboys during the first round of the draft and fills an exciting trio of receivers. Lamb averaged 21.4 yards/per/reception his third and final year at Oklahoma and is known to be able to maneuver downfield after the catch. At the tight end position, Blake Jarwin (31 REC, 365 YDS 3 TDS) looks to step into the starting spot after Jason Witten (63 REC, 529 YDS, 4 TDS) signed with the Raiders. Running back Ezekiel Elliot (1357 YDS, 12 TDS) is one of the best of in the league and went pro bowling in 2019 and Tony Pollard (455 YDS, 2 TDS) is a solid backup. Elliot’s receptions dropped off from 2018 (77) to 2019 (54 REC, 420, 2 TD) but he’s still part of the passing game.
The Cowboys still field one of the best offensive lines in football. Three 2019 pro bowlers in Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith all return.
The defense was ranked 10th in passing and 11th in rushing defense. Key players DE Demarcus Lawrence (44 TKS, 5 SACK), MLB Jaylon Smith (139 TKS, 2.5 SACK, 1 INT), and LB Sean Lee (44 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT) in the front seven. DE Robert Quinn’s 11.5 sacks will be missed as he moves to the Bears. To strengthen the D-line Gerald McCoy (37 TKS, 5 SACK) and Dontari Poe (22 TKS, 4 SACK) were signed after playing with the Panthers last season.
The secondary struggled to turn the ball over last season tying for last in the league with 7 picks. There will changes. CB Jourdan Lewis (50 TKS, 4 SACK, 2 INT), CB Chidobe Awuzie (77 TKS, 1 INT), and FS Xavier Woods (76 TKS, 2 INT) return. Corners Maurice Canady (45 TKS, 1 INT), Daryl Worley (55 TKS, 1 INT), and safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (75 TKS, 2 INT) were all signed during free agency. Rookies Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson II will fight for starting spots. Diggs is the brother of Stefon Diggs, former Vikings, now Bills wide receiver.
The Call:
Too much talent returns for the Cowboys to miss the playoffs. McCarthy is an upgrade over Garrett, even if his time in Green Bay is in question because it only brought one Super Bowl. Dak Prescott isn’t one of the top QB’s in the league, but he’s more than capable of captain the offense. The secondary is a concern on the defensive side with the team infusing several free-agents and multiple draft picks to improve the unit. Thankfully, the quarterback play in the division isn’t that threatening. It looks like the Cowboys are in shape to push forward, maybe not for the division yet, but for the playoffs.
The Record: 10-6, 2nd NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Vegas Projected Wins 9.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 21 Jalen Reagor WR, TCU
Round 2 Pick 53 Jalen Hurts QB, Oklahoma
Round 3 Pick 103 Davion Taylor LB, Colorado
Round 4 Pick 127 K’Von Wallace S, Clemson
Round 4 Pick 145 Jack Driscol OL, Auburn
Round 5 Pick 168 John Hightower WR, Boise St
Round 6 Pick 196 Shaun Bradley LB, Temple
Round 6 Pick 200 Quez Watkins WR, USM
Round 6 Pick 210 Prince Tega Wanogho OL, Auburn
Round 7 Pick 233 Casey Toohill LB, Stanford
The Roster:
The Eagles wrapped up 2019 by winning four straight games against in-conference opponents (beat Giants twice) and took the NFC East with a 9-7 record. It was a small miracle considering the injuries that ravaged the offense and saw everyone short of the Friday Night Lights cast or Air Bud suit up at wide receiver. Alas, it was a sign of things to come. Carson Wentz was ruled out in the first quarter of the NFC wildcard game against the Seahawks with a concussion and 40-year-old backup QB Josh McCown couldn’t pull out a win.
Head coach Doug Peterson is one of the best in the league and will push for the playoffs again. Carson Wentz (4,039 YDS, 27 TD, 7 INTS, 63% COMP) struggles to stay healthy, but is still one of the best quarterbacks in the game. I was in the fan majority that thought it was ridiculous for the Eagles to spend a 2nd round pick on QB Jalen Hurts whom ideally never sees the field outside of a few gadget plays if Wentz stays healthy. Upon further reflects, if he is even decent in the pocket then his running ability provides a nice wrinkle should he ever need to see the field. Any additional “Philly Special’s” that Doug Peterson could scheme up that would partner Wentz and Hurts together would be…..spicy.
The Eagles return a plethora of weapons. First rounder WR Jalen Reagor will join DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Marquise Goodwin, TE Zach Ertz and TE Dallas Goedert. At this point, Jackson and Jeffery might take a back seat as age and injuries took most of last season from both of them. Ertz (88 Rec, 916 YDS, 6 TDs) and Goedert (58 Rec, 607 Rds, 5 TDs) had to carry the offense at the end of last season and speedster Goodwin (9 REC, 186 YDS, 1 TD) was acquired in a trade from the 49ers after getting buried on the depth chart. Even if Jackson gets replaced by Goodwin and Jeffery gets shuffled down the depth chart, this unit is better.
With Jordan Howard gone to the Bears, Jay Ajayi released and Darren Sproles retiring, Miles Sanders (818 RUSH/YDS, 509 REC/YDS, 6 TD) has free reign as a weapon in the rushing and passing game after a spectacular rookie year. Boston Scott (449 TOT/YDS, 5 TDs) and Corey Clement will return as backups. A fleet of free agents will be auditioning for depth as well. The offensive line was one of the best in the NFL and returns Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, and Jason Kelce, all 2019 pro bowlers. Brooks suffered a season-ending injury in during the preseason and will be missed in 2020. The Eagle talked Jason Peters out of retiring and he’ll shift from tackle to guard to replace Brooks.
Last season the Eagles were 3rd in rushing yards allowed and 10th in total yards allowed and returns most of the key vets. The defense added CB Darius Slay (44 TKS, 2 INT) from the Lions, to the secondary to add with CB Rasul Douglas (34 TKS), and S Rodney Mcleod (74 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT). Veteran Malcom Jenkins was lost to the Saints in free agency. The Eagles drafted at the linebacker position to strengthen that portion of the defense. A veteran defensive line returns DT Fletcher Cox (39 TKS, 3.5 SACK), DE Brandon Graham (49 TKS, 8.5 SACK), DE Derek Barnett (30 TKS, 6.5 SACK), and DE Josh Sweat (20 TKS, 4 SACK).
The Call:
The offense was 11th in passing and rushing yards last season and 12th in points despite all of the issues. Making a few upgrades to the offense by adding a WR and to the defense by adding a LB through the draft and returning last season’s key pieces healthy allow the team to move forward without standing still. Coach Peterson and a healthy Wentz are dangerous. The offense has weapons, the trenches on both sides are loaded and the secondary should be in decent shape. They won’t have to get into any shootouts with the quarterbacks in this division. The schedule is tough with matchups again the AFC North (Ravens, Steelers, Browns, Bengals) and NFC West (49ers, Cards, Rams, Seahawks) and a date with the Saints in week 14 will be tough, but this team has the recipe to win the division and be a dark-horse Super Bowl contender.
The Record: 10-6 Playoffs NFC East winners
NY Giants
Vegas Projected Wins 6.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 4 Andrew Thomas OL, UGA
Round 2 Pick 36 Xavier McKinney S, Alabama
Round 3 Pick 99 Matt Peart OL, Uconn
Round 4 Pick 100 Darnay Holmes CB, UCLA
Round 5 Pick 150 Shane Lemieux OL, Oregon
Round 6 Pick 183 Cam Brown LB, PSU
Round 7 Pick 218 Carter Coughlin LB, Minnesota
Round 7 Pick 238 TJ Brunson LB, South Carolina
Round 7 Pick 247 Chris Williamson CB, Minnesota
Round 7 Pick 255 Tae Crowder LB, UGA
The Roster:
The Giants finished 2019 4-12 and found themselves hiring 38-year-old Joe Jude to take over as head coach this past offseason and flanking him with the Jason Garrett at offensive Coordinator. More importantly, the Giants made the transition from Eli Manning to rookie Daniel Jones who was widely mocked when drafted with the 6th pick. Good news is that he wasn’t that bad and NY Giants have potential.
Jones (3,027 YDS, 24 TDS, 12 INTS, 61% COMP) logged time in 13 contests last seasons and can certainly grow as a QB, but the Giant’s poor and banged up roster certainly didn’t contribute much last season. Starting members WR Sterling Shepard (57 REC, 576 YDS, 3 TDS), WR Golden Tate (49 REC, 676 YDS, 6 TDS), and TE Evan Engram (44 REC, 467, 3 TDS) of the receiving core all significant missed chunks of time last season due to injuries. The decimated receiving options allowed rookie Darius Slayton (48 REC, 740 YDS, 8 TDS) to blossom and build a rapport with his fellow rookie QB. All together Shepard, Tate and Slayton played five games together. If you throw Engram in, the quartet played one game together in 2019. The group will be solid for Jones this season if everyone can stay healthy, or just heathier than last year.
RB Squadron Barkey (1,003 YDS, 6 TDS) ate almost all the carries in the backfield and was 2nd on the team in receptions (52 REC, 438 REC YDS, 2 REC TD). Free agent pickup RB Dion Lewis was signed after disappearing on the Titans depth charts last season and can contribute in the passing game. The Giants used the draft to build up a middling offensive line.
The defense was bottom-5 in the league in forced turnovers last season and gave up the 5th most yards through the air. Draft picks were spent in the secondary and a flurry of line backs were snapped up in the later rounds. The defense as a whole will probably be the achilles heel of this team and there’ll be shuffling. The secondary returns CB Deandre Baker (55 TKS), CB Julian Love (32 TKS, 1 INT), S Jabrill Peppers (69 TKS, 1 INT), and S Antonie Betha. On the front seven DT Dexter Lawrence (35 TKS, 2.5 SACK), DE Dalvin Tomlinson (45 TKS, 3.5 SACK), LB David Mayo (72 TKS, 2 SACK), and LB Lorenzo Carter (42 TKS, 4.5 SACK) return. Former Green Bay Packer LB Blake Martinez (149 TKS, 3 SACK) was a nice free agent pick up. Veteran S Antonine Bethea (101 TKS, 1 INT) is about to turn 36 and his contract wasn’t picked up. Second rounder Xavier McKinney will probably start in his place.
The Call:
The schedule isn’t easy; the Giants have a brutal mid-season schedule with six of nine on the road book-ended by west coast trips to LA and Seattle. Building the young offensive skill pieces of Jones, Barkley, Slayton, and Engram should be fun to watch. The defense will be probably be shorting out who gets to stick around for the rebuild as the team will most likely build further on the defensive side of the ball next offseason and could compete for the division in 2021 if health and progress bode well.
The Record: 5-11, 3rd place NFC East
Washington
Vegas Projected Wins 5/5.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 2 Chase Young EDGE, Ohio St
Round 3 Pick 66 Antonio Gibson RB, Memphis
Round 4 Pick 108 Saahdiq Charles OL, LSU
Round 4 Pick 142 Antonio Gandy-Golden WR, Liberty
Round 5 Pick 156 Keith Ismael OL, San Diego St
Round 5 Pick 162 Khaleke Hudson LB, Michigan
Round 7 Pick 216 Kamren Curl S, Arkansas
Round 7 Pick 229 James Smith-Williams EDGE, NC St
The Roster:
Washington tumbled to 3-13 last season and forced rookie Dwayne Haskins into duty when Case Keenum was injured. He wasn’t ready. He’ll have to be now. Keenum is gone and Haskins is quarterbacking a team that was bottom of the league offensively AND defensively in every category. Ron Rivera was hired as head coach after getting ousted in Carolina and has some work ahead of him.
Haskins (1365 YDS, 7 TD, 7 INT, 58% COMP-9 Games) doesn’t inspire a lot of faith quite frankly, but Ron Rivera either saw something when in the QB when he told the job or likes the pieces of the roster and will look to draft a replacement next season. My guess is the latter. Alex Smith is still under contract and recovering from his horrific leg injury, although I expect he’ll be a free agent by the end of the year. Who knows though, if Haskins can’t get enough reps in during the CV-19 shortened offseason and isn’t the quarterback of the future, it wouldn’t be crazy to replace him mid-season with Smith or Kyle Allen (3322 YDS, 17 TDS, 16 INTS, 61% COMP) who stepped in for the injured Cam Newton last season. He followed his old coach to Washington from Carolina.
Washington will have a fleet of running backs fighting for playing time. Often injured and largely unproven Derrius Guice (245 YDS, 2 TDS-5 Games), and last year’s 4th round Bryce Love whom was injured and didn’t see a snap, will finally get significant field time if they can stay healthy. Guice should push for the starting spot after injuries have derailed years of optimism. Free agent additions JD McKissic (438 TOT/YDS, 1 TD) and Peyton Barber (585 TOT/YDS, 7 TOT/TDS) join the club as solid pass-catching backs and Antonio Gibson was snapped up in the 3rd round indicating that the new coaching staff might not be excited with all the options already available. Gibson could be used split out as a receiver like similar to how he was used at Memphis as well. 38-year old Adrian Peterson (898 YDS, 5 TDS) is still a presence and it would be no surprise if he slowly chugs along as healthy, productive veteran and is one of the more reliable options despite the plethora of options by seasons end.
The receiving core is bland, but someone has to pop for the offense to succeed. Terry McLaurin (58 REC, 919 YDS, 7 TDS) is the most talented of the young bunch of wide receivers Steven Sims (34 REC, 310 YDS, 4 TDS), Trey Quinn (26 REC, 198 YD, 1 TD) and veteran Cody Latimer (24 REC, 300 YDS, 2 TDS). Kelvin Harmon (30 REC, 365 YDS) is part of the young wide out core, but he tore his ACL while training and will miss the season. The top TE Jeremy Sprinkle (26 REC, 241 YDS, 1 TD) also returns to round out a group with much to prove.
The offensive line was decent last season and sent Brandon Scherff to the pro bowl. Trent Williams held out and was traded away. He was valuable when contributing and isn’t really replaced.
Rivera’s specialty is defense and he lucked into DE Chase Young with the #2 pick in the draft. Young racked up 16.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles in 12 games his last year in college despite getting doubled teamed with regularity. He’s still only 21 and has room to grow. The front seven returns key players DL Jonathan Allen (64 TKS, 6 SACK) and DE Matthew Ioannidis (58 TKS, 8.5 SACK) and linebackers Jon Bostic (99 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT), Cole Holcomb (99 TKS, 1 SACK), Montez Sweat (48 TKS, 7 SACK) and Ryan Kerrigan (23 TKS, 5.5 SACK). Free agent LB Thomas Davis (104 TKS, 1 SACK) was brought over from the Panthers to plug into the defense. The secondary returns SS Landon Collins (110 TKS, 1 SACK) and CB Fabian Moreau (43 TKS, 3 INT). Free agent acquisitions CB Kendall Fuller (48 TKS, 1 SACK) and CB Ronald Darby (36 TKS, 2 INT) were brought in to shore up the horrible secondary.
The Call:
I don’t see how Washington wins more than a couple games. Rivera is a respected defensive coach and should start to turn things around on that side of the ball with a solid group of pass rushers and solid front seven. The offense is going to need to develop and I don’t believe they have their quarterback yet. The receivers are all young and no one outside McLaurin and Sprinkle has carved out roles. The running back, wide receiver, and quarterback positions could be completely different in 2021 if roles aren’t clarified and players don’t develop. Not having training camps due to CV-19 is going to hurt; I don’t see how this team wins more than a few games this season. This ceiling for the team is high with a lot of youth on the roster with potential to pop. The floor low if the talent turns out average without much room for growth and the rebuild is longer for Rivera than expected.
The Record: 3-13, 4th place NFC East
NFC South
New Orleans Saints – 1st, 11-5 Division Winner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2nd, 10-6 Playoffs
Atlanta Falcons – 3rd, 8-8 No Playoffs
Carolina Panthers – 4th, 4-12
Atlanta Falcons
Projected Vegas Wins 7.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 16 AJ Terrell CB Clemson
Round 2 Pick 47 Marlon Davidson DL Auburn
Round 3 Pick 78 Matt Hennessy OL Temple
Round 4 Pick 119 Mykal Walker LB Fresno
Round 4 Pick 134 Jaylinn Hawkins S Cal
Round 7 Pick 228 Sterling Hofrichter P Syracuse
The Roster:
The Atlanta Falcons had a rough start to 2019 but finished 6-2 thanks to some defensive changes after the bye week. It probably saved Dan Snyder’s job as the Falcons finished 7-9 and had to make a series of salary saving moves in the offseason that may set the roster back on talent going into 2020.
Matt Ryan is still a reliable quarterback coming off an ok year by his standard (4,466 YDS 26 TD, 14 INTs) and the Falcons were 3rd in the league in pass yards per game (294.6). He still has gas in the tank at 35-years-old. Matt Schaub at 1000 years old returns as Ryan’s competent backup.
The offensive weapons for the Falcons certainly take a hit as Austin Hooper TE (75 REC, 787 YDS, 6 TD) signs with the Cleveland Browns and Dovonta Freeman RB (59 REC, 410 REC/YDS, 656 RUSH/YDS, 6 TDs) gets cut. I don’t think this helps Julio Jones WR (99 REC, 1,394 YDS, 6 TDs) but it opens the door for Calvin Ridley WR (63 REC, 866 YDS, 7 TDS) and Russell Gage (49 REC, 446 YDS, 1 TD) to pick up more targets. Hayden Hurst TE (30 REC, 349 YDS, 2 TD) was buried on the Ravens depth chart last year but walks into the Hooper role.
It’s a huge gamble to let Freeman go and sign Todd Gurley RB (857 RUSH/YDS, 12 RUSH/TDS, 31 REC, 207 REC/YDS, 2 REC TDS) in free agency. He does have the ability to contribute in the run game and pass game, but I don’t know how many touches the Falcons expect to give him. Brian Hill RB (323 YDS, 2 TD) was the only notable contributor behind Gurley at running back.
Matt Ryan was destroyed last season, getting sacked 48 times. Alex Max will returned to center, Kaleb McGary and Jake Matthews will return after starting 16 games, Chris Lindstrom will return after missing most of the season with an injury. The Falcons used a 3rd rounder on Matt Hennessy from Temple and he’ll have a chance to play with how terrible this unit has been.
The Falcons were bottom-half of the league in every major statistical category in 2019. Raheem Morris was promoted to defensive coordinator after moving form wide receivers coach to defensive back coach mid-season in 2019 and overseeing a dramatic improvement on defensive during the second half of the season. Despite seemingly figuring it out after the bye week, a losing season and salary crunch has given the Falcons an opportunity to reboot the defense with LB De’Vondre Campbell (129 TKS, 2 sacks, 3 FF, 2 INT), CB Desmond Trufant (season cut short due to injury), and DE/LB Vic Beasley (40 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 FF-Titans) all walking.
As a result, the NFL draft found the Falcons drafting almost entirely on defense at every level. AJ Terrell CB out of Clemson in the 1st and Jaylinn Hawkins S out of California in the 4th. Mykal Walker LB (Fresno) in the 4th and Maron Davidson DL (Auburn) in the 2nd.
The front seven will get a much needed pass rusher infused into the lineup with Dante Fowler’s (54 TKS, 11.5 SACK, 2 FF) signing after a year and a half with the Rams. Grady Jarret (66 TKS, 7.5 SACK, 2 FF) will continue to hold down the interior line.
The line backing core will build around LB Foye Oluokun (60 TKS, 1 FF) and LB Delon Jones (101 TKS, 1 INT). The secondary notables returning that should have starting spots are Isaiah Oliver (59 TKS, 1 FF) at corner and safety Richardo Allen (81 TKS, 2 INT).
The Call:
With the defense making a dramatic turnaround to help the team with six of its last eight hopefully they’ll be able to put a complete season together, even with some pieces moving out in free agency and probably a few rookies moving in. The passing attack should still be elite and Todd Gurley will fit right in if he can stay healthy. The offensive line can’t possibly be as awful as it was last year. Atlanta’s continuity on the coaching staff and with key points on the offense it sure seems like they are in a position to pick up more wins. The biggest problem is the schedule, the Saints are still brutal, the Bucs are suddenly in the picture and the Panthers might be interesting. The team could have a record between 6-10 and 10-6. I think Gurley is an upgrade from Coleman at running back and Hooper to Hurst downgrades the tight end position slightly. I think the defense will be somewhere between where they were in the first half of the season and the second half. They were also the most heavily penalized team in the NFL in 2019, with 127 penalties for over 1,800 yards, and that needs to be cleaned up.
The Record: 8-8, 3rd NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Vegas Projected Wins: 10/10.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 24 Cesar Ruiz OL, Mich
Round 3 Pick 74 Zack Baun LB, Wisconsin
Round 3 Pick 105 Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Round 7 Pick 240 Tommy Stevens QB, Miss St
The Roster:
The Saints will be able to run back 2019’s roster that ran out to a 13-3 record but fell to the Vikings for the second time in three years in the playoffs. The Saint have been in “win now” mode for a while but haven’t been able to get Brees a second Super Bowl ring. In, 2017 the Saint’s lost in the “Minnesota Miracle” after Stephan Diggs scored the game winning touchdown. In 2018 the Saints couldn’t close out the Rams in the infamous “no-call” past interference game. 2019’s overtime loss to the Vikings was another heartbreaker.
Brees (2979 YDS, 27 TD, 4 INT, 74% COMP-11 GAMES) wrapped up 2019 with another pro bowl and returns fellow 2019 pro bowler and NFL receiving yard and reception leader Michael Thomas (149 REC, 1,725 YDS, 9 TDs). The high flying passing offense (4th pts, 9th yrds, 7th pass yrds, 16th rush) also returns tight end Jared Cook (43 REC, 705 YDS, 9 TDS) who lead all TEs in touchdowns in 2019. Running backs Alvin Kamara (81 REC, 533 YDS, 1 TD) and Latavius Murry (34 REC, 235 YDS, 1 TD) were rank 2nd and 4th respectively in receptions last seasons. Emmanuel Sanders (66 REC, 869 YDS, 5 TDS) was a huge signing that allows the Saints to put a true wide out on the field along with Thomas. With Ted Ginn Jr. signing with the Bears, Tre’Quan Smith (18 REC, 234 YDS, 5 TDS) is the only other receiver of note.
The Saints weren’t trying to run the ball down anyone’s throat last season (16th rush yds) and didn’t have a RB break 800 rushing yards but both Alvin Kamara (797 RUSH/YDS, 5 TDS) and Latavius Murry (637 RUSH/YDS, 5 TDS) are perfect additions for the passing game. One of the best offensives lines in the league returns mostly intact, highlighted by pro bowler Terron Armstead. Larry Warford was released after three pro bowl seasons and a salary cap casualty giving rookie Cesar Ruiz a chance to start.
Jameis Winson was signed as Drew Brees backup and will have a chance to rehab his image as a too risky to be a starting QB. Having a real backup allows offensive swiss army knife and part-time backup QB Tasom Hill to do….pretty much everything else on the field (55 PASS/YDS, 156 RUSH/YDS, 234 REC/YDS, 7 TDS, 2 TKS).
The Saints were ranked 4th in run defense and 20th in the pass last season. Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan (53 TKS, 15.5 SACK) was 3rd in the league with 15.5 sacks last season and Marcus Davenport (31 TKS, 6 SACK, 3 FF) returns to bookend him on the D-line. Key pieces LB Demario Davis (108 TKS, 4 SACK, 1 INT), CB Marshon Lattimore (56 TKS, 1 INT), and S Marcus Williams (54 TKS, 4 INT, 1 FF) will return and the Saints will replace some pieces in free agency. CB Eli Apple (56 TKS, 1 FF) was not brought back.
The Call:
The offense will be even more potent this season. Kamara should be fully recovered after playing with an ankle injury most of the season and Latavius Murry is an excellent complement. Michael Thomas will again be a target monster with Cook, Sanders and Smith opening up the field. The trenches on both sides of the ball will be solid again. The secondary will have to clamp down with Brady joining Matt Ryan in division but I think the Saints win more shootouts than they lose.
The Record: 11-5, 1st NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vegas Projected Wins: 9.5/10
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 13 Tristan Wirfs OL, Iowa
Round 2 Pick 45 Antonie Winfield Jr. S, Minneosta
Round 3 Pick 76 Ke’Shawn Vaughn RB, Vanderbilt
Round 5 Pick 161 Tyler Johnson WR, Minnesota
Round 6 Pick 194 Khalil Davis DL, Nebraska
Round 7 Pick 241 Chapelle Russell LB, Temple
Round 7 Pick 245 Raymond Calais RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
The Roster:
The Bucs no longer have to concern themselves on what to do with James Winston. The only concern now is can Brady (and Gronk) win a Super Bowl in Tampa? Tom Brady (4057 YDS, 24 TD, 8 INT, 60% COMP) and coach Bruce Arians styles don’t match so something is going to give. Arians is not a big fan of using the tight end in the pass game and Brady loves his tight ends. Brady will have his pick of targets after luring Gronkowski out of retirement and forcing a trade to Tampa. Gronk will be joining O.J. Howard (34 REC, 459 YDS, 1 TD) and Cameron Brate (36 REC, 311 YDS, 4 TDS) for what could be the best trio of tight ends in the league.
Wide receivers Mike Evens (67 REC, 1157 YDS, 8 TDS) and last year’s breakout Chris Godwin (86 REC, 1333 YDS, 9 TDS) are the two players that fans are most excited to see Brady sling passes to. Rookie Tyler Johnson will probably be the only other receiver of note. Evans has been a 1,000 yard receiver every season of his career and should be the “big play” target. Godwin should get peppered with targets in the “Edelman” role for Brady. The running back situation hasn’t been great. Ronald Jones II (724 RUSH/YDS, 6 RUSH/TDS, 309 REC YDS) is hopefully coming around and Ke’Shawn Vaughn was drafted to replace Peyton Barber. Vaughn (198 ATT, 1028 YDS, 9 TDS) started his career at Illinois and concluded it at Vanderbilt. He could step into the starting role at running back.
Tampa Bay’s defense quietly was 5th in the league in takeaways last season (28) and was hurt by the Jameis Winson-lead offensive leading the league in giveaways (41). They still managed to finish with the best rush defense in the league allowing only 73.8 yards per game. Linebacker Shaquil Barrett (55 TKS, 1 INT, 6 FF) led the league in sacks with 19.5 and had the franchise tag placed on hit this offseason. Pass rusher Jason Perre-Paul (27 TKS, 8.5 SACK, 2 FF) and Ndamukong Suh DT (39 TKS, 2.5 SACK) were re-signed to join William Gholston (38 TKS, 1 SACK), Vita Vea (35 TKS, 2.5 SACK), Lavonte David (120 TKS, 1 SACK, 3 FF), and 2nd year man Devin White (88 TKS, 2.5 SACK, 1 INT, 3 FF) in the front seven. The secondary was one of the worst statistically in the league but should improve without being put into bad situations due to the offensive turning the ball over constantly. Corner Sean Murphy-Bunting (41 TKS, 1 SACK, 3 INT, FF) will be going looks promising going into his second season and Antonie Winfield Jr. should contribute immediately. Tampa’s defense could be one of the surprise stories of the season if the backend can keep the potent Falcons and Saints offenses in-check during division play.
The Call:
Tom Brady steps into an offense full of weapon to throw to and becomes must-watch television. There is a list of issues, unknown running game, questionable O-line, coach and quarterback might not mesh right away, Brady and Gronk are older and might face a larger drop-off than people realize. If the defense steps up to its potential now that it isn’t covering for Jameis Winton’s mistakes, it’s possible this team could be really special.
The Record: 10-6, 2nd NFC Sout
Carolina Panthers
Vegas Projected Wins: 5.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 7 Derrick Brown DL, Auburn
Round 2 Pick 38 Yetur Gross-Matos Edge, Penn State
Round 2 Pick 64 Jeremy Chinn S, Southern Illinois
Round 4 Pick 113 Troy Pride Jr. CB, Notre Dame
Round 5 Pick 152 Kenny Robinson Jr. S, West Virginia
Round 6 Pick 184 Bravvion Roy DL, Baylor
Round 7 Pick 221 Stantley Thomas-Oliver III CB, FIU
The Roster:
The Panthers spent the offseason hiring Matt Rhule from Baylor and completely changing the entire roster. Matt Rhule had success at Temple prior to coaching at Baylor and turned both schools into winners quickly. It already looks like he’s using the same building principals in the NFL.
Cam Newton never returned to the field after an injury in the second game of the season and was ultimately released. The Panthers decided to make Teddy Bridgewater (1384 YDS, 9 TD, 2 INT, 67% COMP-9 Games) the starting quarterback after a solid showing during a few game in absence of Brees on the Saints last season. Houston Roughnecks star PJ Walker (1338 YDS, 15 TDS, 4 INT-5 Games XFL) of the now defunct XFL was also signed. He played for Rhule when they were at Temple.
Offensively, the ball game plan will still flow through superstar Christian McCaffrey who accounted for almost the entire rushing offense (287 ATT, 1387 YDS, 15 TDS) and was essentially a starting receiver (116 REC, 1005 YDS, 4 TDS) at the same time. The rest of the running backs on the roster had few than 40 carries combined.
The actual receiver depth chart will include new addition Robby Anderson (52 REC, 779 YDS, 5 TDS) from the Jets joining DJ Moore (87 REC, 1175 YDS, 4 TDS) who had a breakout season last year and Curtis Samuel (54 REC, 627 YDS, 6 TDS, 130 RUSH/YDS, 1 RUSH/TD). Tight end Greg Olsen (52 REC, 597 YDS, 2 TDS) has left the team and Ian Thomas (16 REC, 136 YDS, 1 TD) looks like he’s next up on the depth chart but it’s not apparent how his production is going to be replaced.
The offensive line struggled last year and surprised when they traded Trai Turner (2019 pro bowl alternate) to the Charges for Russell Okung, a worse offensive lineman. It was rumored to be to have to do with Tuner’s contract. In the offseason, the Panthers signed Michael Schofield who started every game last year for the Chargers. Taylor Moton and Dennis Daley return.
The defense will look completely different with Luke Kuechly announcing his retirement and a lot of turnover. Both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe on the defensive line are gone and signed with the Cowboys. The Panthers responded by drafting entirely on defense to plug holes and the unit will be very different than it was last season. Some of the top returnees include DE Brian Burns (25 TKS, 7.5 SACK, 1 FF), LB Shaq Thompson (107 TKS, 3 SACK), CB Donte Jackson (40 TKS, 3 INT), and S Tre Boston (67 TKS, 3 INT). DE Stephen Weatherly (24 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 FF) of the Vikings was a good free agent pickup that should contribute and former Saint CB Eli Apple (56 TKS, 1 FF) will have a chance to start.
The Call:
With a coaching change the entire roster has been blown up and Christian McCaffrey is the face of the franchise. I expect this team to get crushed in some games this season, but could should flashes. With the Corona virus preventing full offseason practices this team will struggle in a tough division as it rebuilds at every level. In 2021 this team could be dangerous.
The Record: 4-12, 4th NFC South
NFC North
Green Bay Packers – 1st, 10-6 Division Winner
Chicago Bears – 2nd, 9-7 No Playoffs
Minnesota Vikings – 3rd, 8-8 No Playoffs
Detroit Lions – 4th, 6-10
Detroit Lions
Vegas Win Projection: 6.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 3 Jeff Okudah CB Ohio St
Round 2 Pick 35 D’Andre Swift RB Georgia
Round 3 Pick 67 Julian Okwara Edge, Notre Dame
Round 3 Pick 75 Jonah Jackson OL Ohio St
Round 4 Pick 121 Logan Stenberg OL Kentucky
Round 5 Pick 166-Quintez Cephus WR Wisconsin
Round 5 Pick 172- Jason Huntley RB New Mexico
Round 7 Pick 197-John Penisini DL Utah
Round 7 Pick 235-Jashon Cornel DL, Ohio St
The Team:
Losing Matthew Stafford for the 2nd half of the year tanked what was shaping up to be another ho-hum season for the Lions in 2019. Under Stafford, the Lions were an average 3-4-1. With a 0-3 record against eventual playoff bound teams. The Lions trotted out Jeff Driskel and traded for undrafted David Blough from the Browns to mixed results and no wins. Further injures to Kerryon Johnson and Marvin Jones Jr. decimated the skills positions.
Matthew Stafford returns to pilot the offense after sitting out the back half of 2019 with a back injury. Having survived an offseason of trade rumors, personal health rumors and heart-breaking family issues, Stafford seems to be healthy and hopefully rested. He managed a whopping 2,500 yards and 19 TDs last year despite playing half a season. David Blough, last year’s stand-in at Quarterback for six games, remains on the roster but the Lions signed veteran Chase Daniels to nice, cheap deal and he’ll probably be the no.2. Daniels last logged meaningful snaps for the Bears last season after Mitch Trubisky found himself in the doghouse for a couple games. Daniels isn’t a net negative in a pinch, but the Lions will be in the tank again if the Stafford goes down.
Stafford will be returning to toss the ol’ pigskin to one of the top wide outs in the league in Kenny Golladay. Despite working with a backup quarterbacks for eight games, ranking 25th in the league in targets and 65th in receptions, Golladay finished the year with 11 TDs (1st) for 1,190 YDS (7th) and 18.3 YDS per catch (3rd). If he isn’t already, Golladay is ready to step into Top-5 WR conversations. Marvin Jones Jr (62 REC, 779 YDS, 9 TDs) returns as a solid no.2 WR and Danny Amendola (62 REC, 678 YDS, 1 TD) showed enough as an underneath man last season that he was re-signed. Quintez Cephus was drafted in the 5th round and Geronimo Allison (34 REC, 287 YDS, 2 TDS) will get a shot after he fell out of rotation with the Packers last season but no receivers outside of Golladay, Jones, Jr. and Amedola are probably relevant with the coaching staff hope to lean back towards the running game. The coaching staff has to get T.J. Hockenson (32 REC, 367 YDS, 2 TDS) involved in the passing game and will certainly get him on the field more in more sets. He missed 4 games in 2019 with an ankle injury.
Kerryon Johnson missed half of last season but looks productive when healthy. The Lions drafted D’andre Swift who accounted for 1,400 yards of offense at Georgia last season and should be a great complementary piece for the run and passing attack. The Lions have held onto Bo Scarbrough who they signed and started in Johnson’s place last season. He’s a find back-up but not a contributor to the passing game. I’m not a fan of sending a high draft pick on a running back, but this group is setup to be productive.
The Lions shuffled around the offensive line last year and will have new starters in 2020. Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker will return as starters and two top offensive linemen in the league last year. Halapolivaati Vaitai (say it 5 times fast) signed a huge contact to move up from Philly and should grab a starting spot. Veterans Oday Aboushi and Joe Dahl will probably round out the starting five. Rookies Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg might fight for push for starter spots.
Matt Patricia’s defense was horrific last year. It can’t be blamed on injuries to the offensive either; six of their final nine losses were by one possession. The Lions tied for dead last in interceptions, (7) second to last in sacks (28), dead last in pass yards allowed (4,551) and second to last in total yardage allowed (6,406). Paul Pasqualoni was brought hired away from the Eagles as the defensive backs coach to be the new defensive coordinator. It’s his first role as a defensive coordinator.
Trey Flowers lead the team in sacks (7) but I guess he should considering he was signed to a large contract last season. The Lions drafted Julian Okwara in the third round of the draft and grabbed John Penisini out of Utah and Jashon Cornell out of Ohio St in the back end of the draft. All could get a shot at playing time. The Lions took to free agency to try and solve the LB problem by signing a handful of new faces. Jamie Collins Sr. had 7 sacks, 3 FF and 3 INTs. Collins Sr. and Flowers should be the pieces the front seven are built around.
With Darius Slay traded to the Eagles, the Lions are rebuilding with rookie Jeff Okuadah and new addition Desmond Trufant from the Falcons as probable starters. Okuadah is only 21-years-old but ready to contribute immediately. Tracy Walker (98 Tack, 1 INT) at safety has looked promising. No one outside of those three is really exciting in the secondary.
The Call:
As a Michiganer, I know more defensive players than most on the Lions roster but the fact of the matter is that there was only a handful that weren’t garbage last year. Free agency and the draft didn’t bring many promising answers. The focus was on injuries to the offensive last year with Stafford, Johnson, Hockenson and Jones Jr. missing time. The Lions are essentially swapping a few O-lineman, adding D’andre Swift and running back the same offense as last year. Problem is, that team started 3-4-1 (0-3 against eventual playoff teams) and wasn’t able to lean on the run because they were playing from behind.
I just don’t see how this team can integrate the run game as they hope to. The game play will work great in the 1st half of games, but it’ll be the Stafford–Gollaway–Jones Jr. show late when the team is giving up points. This just isn’t a playoff team. The division is too tough. I’m going under the projected 6.5 win total and I think the Lions will clean house, kicking head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn to the curb unless they can attribute poor performance to CV-19 and lack of time to prepare for the season. It shouldn’t be an excuse. The offensive and coaching staff is largely returning intact.
The Record: 6-10, 4th in NFC North
Green Bay Packers
Vegas Win Projection: 9
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 26 Jordan Love QB Utah St
Round 2 Pick 62 AJ Dillon RB Boston College
Round 3 Pick 94 Josiah Deguara TE Cincy
Round 5 Pick 175 Kamal Martin LB Minnesota
Round 6 Pick 192 Jon Runyan OL, Michigan
Round 6 Pick 208 Jake Hanson OL, Oregon
Round 6 Pick 209 Simon Stepaniak OL, Indiana
Round 7 Pick 236 Vernon Scott S, TCU
Round 7 Pick 242 Jonathan Garvin Edge, Miami
The Team:
The Packers made a great run with rookie head coach Matt LaFleur in 2019 running out to a 13-3 record and knocking off the Seattle Seahawks before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. The running game was incorporated more with Aaron Jones (1084 RUSH/YDS, 474 REC/YDS, 19 TOTAL/TDS) used as more of a playmaker out of the backfield and the defense was +12 in turnover differentials, tied for 3rd in the league, despite finishing middle of the league in passing yards allowed and bottom ten in rushing yardage allowed. The Green Bay Packers will be gearing up for another playoff push in 2020.
Aaron Roger (4002 YDS, 26 TDS, 4 INTS, 62% COMP) returns at age 36 and can’t be happy that the Packers traded up and used their first round pick on Quarterback Jordan Love out of Utah State to develop behind him rather than grab another pieces for a Super Bowl run. Seems like a waste of first round pick with Rogers under contract for another three years. Rogers didn’t believe in any of his wide receivers outside of Davante Adams (83 REC, 997 YDS, 5 TDS-12 Games) last season and out of the 37 wide receives drafted this year, zero were selected by the Packers. Devin Funchess was the brought in during free agency but is largely a bust at this point of his career and can’t seem to stay healthy. Allen Lazard (35 REC, 477 YDS, 3 TDS) should find a larger role without many other options.
The running back play was high last season with Aaron Jones and Jamall Williams playing important roles in the running game and passing game, finishing 2nd and 3rd on the team in receptions. Jones was tied for most rushing touchdowns (16) last season. Second round draft pick AJ Dillion out of Boston College adds another option to the backfield. He doesn’t catch passes but he’ll have a chance to receive handoffs and power through some defenders. Jones won’t repeat the monster year he had in 2019, but he’ll be one of the core weapons on offense. Veteran tight end Jimmy Graham (38 REC, 447 YDS, 3 TDS) left in the offseason and giving veteran Marcedes Lewis (15 REC, 156 YDS, 1 TD) a chance to fill his role. The also took a shot on Josiah Deguara in the 3rd round of the draft. The offensive line was top-10 unit in pass protections and run blocking last season. The starting unit returns for 2020. Late draft picks were used to take a few shots on prospects.
The defensive side of the ball won’t see many changes. Key young pieces in the secondary should continue to improve as corners Kevin King (25) (65 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 FF, 5 INT), Jaire Alexander (23) (57 TKS 1 FF, 2 INT), and safety Darnell Savage (22) (52 TKS, 2 FF, 2 INT) look like a dangerous group going forward.
The Packers 3-4 front will return Preston Smith (54 TKS, 12 SACK, 1 FF, 1 INT) and 2019 pro bowl alternate Za’Darius Smith (55 TKS, 13.5 SACK, 1 FF) to the linebacker positions and will give former Cleveland Brown Christian Kirksey a shot as one of only free-agent signing to the team. The young three packs of Dean Lowry (25) (46 TKS, 1 INT), 2019 pro bowl alternate Kenny Clark (24) (60 TKS, 6 SACK), and Tyler Lancaster (25) (25 TKS, 1.5 SACK) up front return. All three stayed healthy last season and will fortify the 3 in the 3-4 front.
The Call:
If the defense takes another step and Aaron Jones and Davante Adams continue to shine, will another playmaker step up on offense? The roster is staying largely the same and the draft didn’t bring significant upgrades. Rogers has two weapons in Jones and Adams and will hopefully be able lean on a few others. The young defense should only continue to improve. This team should win a division full of teams with talent but question on whether they are playoff contenders, but won’t have success in the playoffs again the tough NFC conference.
The Record: 10-6, 1st NFC North
Chicago Bears
Vegas Win Projection: 7.5/8/8.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 43 Cole Kmet TE, Notre Dame
Round 2 Pick 50 Jaylon Johnson CB, Utah
Round 5 Pick 155 Trevis Gipson Edge, Tulsa
Round 5 Pick 163 Kindle Vildor CB, Georgia Southern
Round 5 Pick 173 Darnell Mooney WR, Tulane
Round 7 Pick 226 Arlington Hambright OL, Colorado
Round 7 Pick 227 Lachavious Simmons OL, Tennessee St
The Roster:
The Chicago Bears feel themselves in a real pickle at the end of 2019. They finished the season 8-8 and bottom-5 in the league in total offense (29th points, 29 Yds, 25th pass yds, 27th Rush yds) and top-10 in defense (4th points, 8th Yds, 9th pass yds, 9th rush yds). The Bear continue to voice faith in quarterback Mitch Trubisky (3138 YDS, 17 TDS, 10 INT, 63% COMP) despite declining to pick up the 5th year on Trubisky’s rookie contract which will make him a free agent after this season. The Bears also traded to bring in Nick Foles who is under contract through 2022 unless he choices to void the last two years on his contract after this season. Trubisky limited the Bears offense (6.1 YPT) and the Bears chose to gamble with a probable Foles/Trubisky merry-go-round for 2020 despite having a shot at a large number quarterback options through free agency or the draft. The Bears man an interesting replacement at offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor was hired after not coaching in the NFL last season and having only a couple years previous OC experience with the Bengals.
The mocking of the Bears continued into the draft, where the Bears used their first pick on tight end Cole Kmet, the 10th tight end on the roster at the time. Kmet will probably end up the #1 tight end on the roster for the year, showing just the sad state of the position. Ted Ginn (30 REC, 421 YDS, 2 TDS) was picked up to join the wide receiving core of Allen Robinson (98 REC, 1147 YDS, 7 TDS), Anthony Miller (52 REC, 656 YDS, 2 TDS), and Taylor Gabriel (29 REC, 353 TDS, 4 TDS). Heading into his 7th season, Allen Robinson could still prove to be a stud WR. After starting his career in Jacksonville, Nick Foles might be the best quarterback he’s ever played with. Cordarrelle Patterson made the pro bowl as a return man last year.
The backfield tandem of Tarik Cohen (213 RUSH/RDS, 456 REC/YDS, 3 REC TDS) and David Montgomery (889 RUSH/YDS, 185 REC/YDS, 7 TOT TDS) were perfectly…ick…like the rest of the Bears offense. Rookie Montgomery was the primary ball carrier at 3.7 yards per carry and Cohen was the primary pass catching back and 2nd on the team in receptions (79) after Allen Robinson. The offensive line was no different than any other position group and struggled throughout the year. They allowed 32 sacks and struggled to open the run game. They should improve this season with
On the defensive side, 2019 pro bowlers LB Khalil Mack (45 TKS, 8.5 SACK), CB Kyle Fuller (81 TKS, 3 INT), and FS Eddie Jackson (60 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT) led a defense that sacked the opponent 45 times last season. The Bears released CB Prince Amukamara and S Ha-Ha Clinton Dix and signed S Tashaun Gipson (48 TKS, 3 INT) to fill the hole at safety. LB Leonard Floyd moved on to the LA Rams. The Bears reeled in big time free agent DE/LB Robert Quinn (34 TKS, 11.5 SACK) from the Cowboys to add to the 3-4 defense. Linebackers Danny Trevathan (70 TKS, 1 SACK-9 Games) and Roquan Smith (100 TKS, 2 SACK-12 Games) both missed significant time last year but will return to flank Mack. After drafting CB Jaylon Johnson and a few defensive players in the middle rounds, the defense might be better than it was last season if key players stay healthy.
The Call:
A competent QB will go a long way to helping the offense turn things around. Nick Foles should take the starting QB job away from Trubisky quickly. He can be released after this season and Foles is clearly the better option. Foles can be trusted to open up the offense up more and push the ball downfield. It should keep defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage and will open up RB Montgomery and the run game, going into his 2nd season. Great defenses have helped pull mediocre offenses along before (seasons last season’s 8-8 Bears) and the Bears shouldn’t be any worse than last season. I’m just not sure they make the playoffs in the NFC, but this could be the surprise team of 2020 to sneak in and win a game.
The Record: 9-7, 2nd NFC North, No playoffs
Minnesota Vikings
Vegas Win Projection: 8.5/9
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 22 Justin Jefferson WR, LSU
Round 1 Pick 31 Jeff Gladney CB, TCU
Round 2 Pick 58 Ezra Cleveland OL, Boise St
Round 3 Pick 89 Cameron Dantzler CB, Miss St
Round 4 Pick 177 DJ Wonnum Edge, South Carolina
Round 4 Pick 130 James Lynch DL, Baylor
Round 4 Pick 132 Troy Dye LB, Oregon
Round 5 Pick 169 Harrison Hand CB, Temple
Round 5 Pick 176 KJ Osborn WR, Miami
Round 6 Pick 203 Blake Brandel OL, Oregan St
Round 6 Pick 205 Josh Metellus S, Michigan
Round 7 Pick 225 Kenny Willekes Edge, Michigan St
Round 7 Pick 244 Nate Stanley QB, Iowa
Round 7 Pick 249 Brian Cole II S, Miss St
Round 7 Pick 253 Kyle Hinton OL, Washburn (Kansas)
The Roster:
In 2019 the running game helped lead Minnesota to an 11-5 record and another big win in the playoffs over the Saints in OT thanks to Kirk Cousins (3603 YDS, 26 TDS, 6 INT, 69% COMP) stepping up to make a game winning touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph. Cousins made the pro bowl as an alternate and had the best season of his career. The passing attack will again play a back seat in 2020 but Cousins will still have weapons. Adam Thielan (30 REC, 418 YDS, 6 TDS-10 Games) seems to have trouble staying healthy at this point, but he’ll be partnered with rookie Justin Jefferson from LSU now after Stephan Diggs (63 REC, 1130 YDS, 6 TDS) was traded to Buffalo. Tajae Sharpe (25 REC, 329 YDS, 4 TDS) was signed after starting his career with the Titans. Kyle Rudolph (39 REC, 367 YDS, 6 TDS) and Irv Smith (36 REC, 311 YDS, 2 TDS) will continue to hold the tight end spots.
The Vikings return Dalvin Cook (1135 YDS, 13 TDS), Alexander Mattison (462 YDS, 1 TD), and Mike Boone (273 YDS, 3 TDS) to the backfield. The offensive line wasn’t very effective last year despite the effective running game but the Vikings didn’t make any significant upgrades.
Minnesota was a mediocre 13th in rushing and 15th in pass yards allowed but top 6 in the league in points allowed, sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. Corners Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander, Trae Waynes and safety Andrew Sendejo (1 SACK, 3 INT) are all gone. The Vikings reloaded by spending five of their 15 draft picks on defensive backs. They’ll all get to audition along with a number of free agents for starting spots around returning pro bowl safety Harrison Smith (80 TACK, 1 SACK, 3 INT) and Anthony Harris (58 TACK, 6 INT). In the front seven, DT Linval Joseph (41 TACK, 3 SACK) and DE Everson Griffen (40 TACK, 8 SACK) were released. Key pieces MLB Eric Kendricks (104 TACK), LB Anthony Barr (77 TACK, 1.5 SACK, 1 INT), LB Eric Wilson (59 TACK, 3 SACK), DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (22 TACK, 7 SACK), and DE Danielle Hunter (67 TACK, 14.5 SACK) return. There will be many new faces on defense next season.
The Call:
The defense will have to make significant steps in the secondary to improve. It’s possible that the starting corners will both be rookies. This doesn’t bode well in a divisor with Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. The offense will have again lead on Cook and Mattison in the running game and should have success again. Kirk Cousins looks to be a reliable QB going forward outside of his horrible record in prime-time games. The receiving core will be a question mark this season. Rookie Jefferson and free agent Sharpe will have to get integrated with the offense and Thielan will have to stay healthy. I think the Vikings struggle this season with tough teams on the schedule and unknowns in the secondary, receiver and consistency of Cousins.
The Record: 8-8, 3rd NFC North- No playoffs
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens – 1st, 13-3 Division Winner
Cleveland Browns – 2nd, 10-6 Playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers – 3rd, 9-7 No Playoffs
Cincinnati Bengals – 4th, 4-12
Baltimore Ravens
Vegas Projected Wins: 11/11.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 28 Patrick Queen LB, LSU
Round 2 Pick 55 JK Dobbins RB, Ohio St
Round 3 Pick 71 Justin Madubuike DL, Texas A&M
Round 3 Pick 92 Devin Duvernay WR, Texas
Round 3 Pick 98 Malik Harrison LB, Ohio St
Round 3 Pick 106 Tyre Phillips OL, Miss St
Round 4 Pick 143 Ben Bredeson OL, Michigan
Round 5 Pick 170 Broderick Washington Jr. DL, Texas Tech
Round 6 Pick 201 James Proche WR, SMU
Round 7 Pick 219 Geno Stone S, Iowa
The Roster:
The Ravens wrapped up 2019 getting upset by the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs after a RECORD year and performance by quarterback Lamar Jackson that earned him the MVP.
Jackson (3127 YDS, 36 TDS, 6 INT, 66% COMP) led the #2 offense in football, but should see some regression in his gaudy stat line from last season as teams better prepare for him going into year three. Jackson lead the league in touchdown pass and also managed to finish 6th in rushing yards as a quarterback (176 ATT, 1206 YDS, 7 TDS). If anything happens to him, the backup spot looks to be in good hands with Robert Griffin III returning.
The rushing attack finished #1 in the league by almost 1,000 yards in 2019. Jackson’s led the team in rushing and was the primary reason for the massive rushing totals. His contributions will probably drop in 2020 to try and keep him healthy. Pro bowlers RB Mark Ingram (1018 RUSH/YDS, 247 REC/YDS, 15 TOT/TDS) and FB Patrick Ricard are back. The addition of JK Dobbins in the draft provides another weapon to the running game. Dobbins rushed for over 2,000 yards with Ohio State last season and could slowly take over the stating spot from Ingram who just turned the dreaded age (30) that RB’s tend to drop off. Gus Edwards (711 YDS, 2 TDS) and Justice Hill (225 YDS, 2 TDS) return for depth. The offensive line was one of the best run blocking groups in the league and returns top talents Orland Brown and Ronnie Stanley that made the pro bowl last year. The line does take a blow with Marshal Yanda retiring.
The tight end position was the biggest part of the passing game. Mark Andrew (64 REC, 852 YDS, 10 TDS) was tied for 2nd in the NFL with 10 receiving touchdowns last season and went pro bowling. Nick Boyle (31 REC, 321 YDS, 2 TDS) returns as well. The wide receiver core was weak in 2019 and will be in better shape in 2020. Young pieces Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (46 REC, 584 YDS, 7 TDS) and rookie Devin Duvernay will hopefully emerge as the top targets. Willie Snead (31 REC, 339 YDS, 5 TDS) and Miles Boykin (13 REC, 198 YDS, 3 TDS) will return, but neither are special talents.
The defense was top-6 in the league last season and should be even better this year. In the secondary, pro bowl corners Marlon Humphrey (62 TKS, 3 INT, 2 FF), Marcus Peters (51 TKS, 5 INT) and safety Earl Thomas (47 TKS, 2 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF) return. Former fifth rounder from Grand Valley State, Matt Judon (50 TKS, 9.5 SACK, 4 FF), was a monster last season and made the pro bowl as well. The Ravens reload at defensive line by bringing in stud defense ends Calais Campell (55 TKS, 6.5 SACK, 2 FF) from Jacksonville and Derek Wolfe (33 TKS, 7 SACK, 1 FF) from Denver and drafted Justin Madubuike. The Ravens made the first trade in team history with the Steelers when they traded defensive lineman Chris Wormley (32 TKS, 1.5 SACK) to the squad after he became expendable with all the defense line acquisitions. The Ravens spent draft capital at linebacker, including first round Patrick Queen who should step into a starting spot. Queen was highly touted as a player that could play multiple positions on defense.
The Call:
This team is better than last year. More pieces have been added on defense to continue to make it a threat for the best in the league in 2020. The offense strengthened the run game by adding JK Dobbins who could replace Ingram as the started next season, and hopefully will see more consistency at the wide receiver position. Lamar Jackson won’t put up the numbers he did last seasons, but he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league in his second year and is playing in a system that highlights his strengths.
The Record: 13-3, 1st AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
Vegas Projected Wins: 5.5/6
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 1 Joe Burrow QB, LSU
Round 2 Pick 33 Tee Higgins WR, Clemson
Round 3 Pick 65 Logan Wilson LB, Wyoming
Round 4 Pick 107 Akeem Davis-Gaither LB, Appalachian St
Round 5 Pick 147 Khalid Kareem EDGE, Notre Dame
Round 6 Pick 180 Hakeem Adeniji OL, Kansas
Round 7 Pick 215 Markus Bailey LB, Purdue
The Roster:
The Bengals finally locked in Joe Burrow as the #1 pick and quarterback of the future after months of speculation. I’m on the fence if he’ll be any better than previous Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton as an about-average quarterback that needs a great roster around him to succeed. With Dalton’s tenure in Cincinnati ending with his release, last year’s rookie Ryan Finley is the backup after three disastrous starts last season. This leaves Burrow to will walk in day one and start all sixteen games.
Burrow will have lots of toys on offense. The receiving core of AJ Green, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd (90 REC, 1046, 5 TD), Auden Tate (40 REC, 575 YDS, 1 TD), Alex Erickson (43 REC, 529 YDS) and John Ross (28 REC, 506 YDS, 3 TDS-8 Games) is one of the better groups if everyone is healthy. Green missed all of last season and Ross missed most of the year after a good start. It’s possible both are released next season. Ross’s 5th year rookie option was declined and Green is probably not the elite receiver he once was and expressed desire to move on. It emphasizes the importance of the relationship between rookies Burrow and Higgins. Tight ends CJ Uzomah (27 REC, 242 YDS, 2 TDS) and Drew Sample (5 REC, 30 YDS-9 Games) return as well. Often injured Tyler Eifert signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Joe Mixon (1137 YDS, 5 TDS) was one of the best backs in the league last season and contributes in the passing game (35 REC, 287 YDS, 3 TDS). Veteran Giovani Bernard (404 TOT/YDS) returns as the #2. The offensive line was horrible last season and probably won’t improve much this season with some free agents shuffled in.
The run defense was the worst in the NFL and team was bottom-5 in the league in forcing turnovers. Old man DT Geno Atkins (47 TKS, 4.5 SACK) managed to make the pro bowl and defensive ends Carlos Dunlap (61 TKS, 9 SACK, 2 FF) and Sam Hubbard (75 TKS, 8.5 SACK, 1 FF) both return. Safeties Shawn Williams (111 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT) and Jessie Bates III (95 TKS, 3 INT, 1 FF) should both have roles, but the rest of the defense is in rebuild. Free agency and the mid-to-late rounds of the draft were all used to put the defense together. Corners Mackensie Alexander (37 TKS, .5 SACK, 1 INT) and Trae Waynes (56 TKS, 1 INT, 2 FF) were signed after playing for the Vikings last season and corner LeShaun Sims (32 TKS) was brought in from the Titans. S Vonn Bell (85 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 INT, 2 FF) was added from the Saints. The line backing core might be completely rebuild with draft picks and free agent signee Josh Bynes (44 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT), previously with the Ravens. The defense can’t be any worse than last season, but the free agent acquisitions aren’t the cream of the crop.
The Call:
CV-19 is going to hurt rebuilding teams like the Bengals this season. No training camp can hurt his timing with wide outs and stunt his leading of the system. In theory, the wide receiving core is loaded, but Green hasn’t played in over a year and has injury concerns, Ross has largely been considered a bust and is coming off injury, history tells us rookies like Higgins take time to develop and rest of the group fell into happenstance catching footballs last season with the everyone else on injury reserve. Burrow will be facing a handful of the best pass rushers in the league in his division (Myles Garret-Cleveland, TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward-Steelers, About 6 dudes-Ravens) behind a spotty offensive line and will spend a lot of time running for his life.
I imagine he’ll get settled by the mid-season bye week and we’ll see some flashes of the offense to come in 2021 in the back end of the season.
The record: 4-12, 4th AFC North
Cleveland Browns
Vegas Projected Wins: 8.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 10 Jedrick Willis Jr OL, Alabama
Round 2 Pick 44 Grant Delpit S, LSU
Round 3 Pick 88 Jordan Elliott DL, Missouri
Round 3 Pick 97 Jacob Phillips LB, LSU
Round 4 Pick 115 Harrison Bryant TE, FAU
Round 5 Pick 160 Nick Harris OL, Washington
Round 6 Pick 187 Donovan Peoples-Jones WR, Michigan
The Roster:
The Browns dumped Freddie Kitchens after one disappointing year and promptly made another questionable coaching hired in tapping Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski has come up through the ranks with the Vikings but has one full year as an offensive coordinator and zero years head coaching experience.
One of the biggest issues with last year’s 6-10 team was the offensive line. Guard Joel Bitonio hit the pro bowl but necessary upgrades were made with first rounder Jedrick Willis and free agent Jack Colkin. The line should be in much better shape to support Nick Chubb (1494 YDS, 8 TDS), the #2 rusher in 2019. He should be a monster again and will be spelled by Kareem Hunt who re-signed and Dontrell Hilliard.
The receiving duo of Jarvis Landry (83 REC, 1174 YDS, 6 TDS) and Odell Beckham Jr (74 REC, 1035 YDS, 4 TDS) should be in better shape this season. Landry made the 2019 pro bowl, but Beckham was underwhelming. Rashard Higgins should remain the #3 receiver.Another exciting option was added in tight end Austin Hooper (75 REC, 787 YDS, 6 TDS), formerly of the Falcons and he’ll retake David Njoku as the #1 tight end. Njoku was hurt last season and might have to perform in 2020 to make sure he’s back in 2021. He has demanded to be traded and could be out before the season.
Baker Mayfield (3827 YDS, 22 TDS, 21 INTS, 59% COMP) has to improve in year 3. He still has receiving weapons in place, an upgraded line, legitimate running backs, and an still unproven, but upgraded coaching staff that has table set for him to lead an explosive offense. On his fifth team in five years, Case Keenum was signed as Bakers backup. Keenum (1797 YDS, 11 TDS, 5 INTS, 64% COMP-10 Games) has logged starts on all four teams he was on previously and is more than capable of stepping in if Mayfield can’t get things going. Mayfield should be looking over his shoulder.
The defensive side of the ball was top-10 in pass defense and returns young corners Denzel Ward (42 TKS, 2 INT), Greedy Williams (47 TKS) and adds rookie S Grant Delpit to the ranks, probably in place of the departed Damarious Randall (60 TKS, 2.5 SACK). Delpit won the Jim Thorpe award for best defensive back in the country last year as a junior.
The defensive line will probably get shuffled around after finishing bottom-5 in stopping the run. Returning are Sheldon Richardson (58 TKS, 3 SACK, 3 FF), Larry Ogunjobi (47 TKS, 5.5 SACK), Olivier Vernon (24 TKS, 3.5 SACK, 1 FF), and head banger Myles Garrett (28 TKS, 10 SACK, 2 FF-10 Games). Andrew Billings (35 TKS, 1 SACK) and Adrian Clayborn (17 TKS, 4 SACK, 2 FF) were added in the offseason. The Browns return BJ Goodson (32 TKS) at linebacker but lose an important piece in Joe Schobert (128 TKS, 2 SACK, 4 INT, 2 FF) to the Jacksonville Jags. The defense should be in good shape moving forward assuming Garrett doesn’t get suspended for hitting anyone with a helmet and the Schobert’s contributions are absorbed. They were able to generate a decent pass rush last season, even with Garrett missing time. Corner Ward is going into his 3rd season and Greedy his 2nd. Delpit is an exciting addition.
The Call:
The division is tough, but the roster is primed for the playoffs. These weapons make any quarterback look good, but I think Mayfield remains the starter and this team finds the playoffs. It wouldn’t be crazy that this team fields a top-10 offense and top-15 defense.
The Record: 10-6, 2nd AFC North
Pittsburg Steelers
Projected Vegas Wins: 8.5/9
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 49 Chase Claypool WR, Notre Dame
Round 3 Pick 102 Alex Highsmith EDGE, Charlotte
Round 4 Pick 124 Anthony McFarland JR RB, Maryland
Round 4 Pick 135 Kevin Dotson OL, LA LAF
Round 6 Pick 198 Antonine Brooks Jr S, Maryland
Round 7 Pick 232 Carlos Davis DL, Nebraska
The Roster:
Injuries to the offense derailed the Steelers in 2019 and the stats have to be thrown out. The excellent defense pulled the team to an 8-8 finish. 38-year-old Ben Roethlisberger went down in the 2nd game of the season with a thumb injury and didn’t return. Running back James Conner missed six games, receiver Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster missed four, and injuries disrupted the offensive line as well. I don’t have much belief in the core trio of Roethlisberger, Conner and Ju-Ju going into the year.
Rothethliserber’s backup/part-time starter Mason Rudoph is back, but he isn’t talented enough to be the starter going forward. The receiving core has some weapons, but JuJu (42 REC, 552 YDS, 3 TD-12 Games) might not have the top receiver spot he was being groomed for. Both James Washington (44 REC, 735, 3 TDS) and Diontae Johnson (59 REC, 680 YDS, 5 TDS) had much success last season and round out the young receiving core trio. Added to the mix will be free agent addition rookie WR Chase Claypool to join tight end Vance McDonald (38 YDS, 273 YDS, 3 TDS) and free agent addition Eric Ebron (31 REC, 375 YDS, 3 TD-11 Games).
The running back core of James Conner, Jaylen, Samuels (175 RUSH/RDS, 305 REC/RDS, 2 TOT/TDS), and Benny Snell (426 YDS, 2 TDS) all got reps but weren’t spectacular. The healthy offensive line returns most of its veteran starters and should help the run game this season. Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro were pro bowlers last season.
The defense is headlined by pro bowlers CB Joe Haden (56 TKS, 5 INT, 1 FF), DT Cameron Heyward (71 TKS, 9 SACK, 1 FF), sack specialist DE TJ Watt (52 TKS, 14.5 SACK, 2 INT, 8 FF), and mid-season acquisition FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (65 TKS, 5 INT, 2 FF). The Steelers were a top-5 defense, top-5 passing defense, #1 in forced turnovers (38), and #1 in sacks (54). They’ll again be sacking, picking, and beating people down.
The Call:
It’s easy to say that returning such an impressive defense and a healthy offense should push this team to the playoffs and possibly Super Bowl contention, but I don’t think it’s that easy. I don’t think the offense is elite at any position and between injuries, age, and unproven record up and down the board I don’t think it’ll be anything other than “above average”. The defense will be great again, but it had to be elite last season manage a .500 record and defensive consistency is hard to maintain. A rough season last year pulled an easier schedule this season, but the division with the Browns and Ravens is tougher and they’ll have to beat a few “middle of the road” teams like Denver, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Tennessee to make the playoffs. Even with seven teams from each conference making it in this season, I think it’ll be a push to the end. I’m saying they’re out.
The Record: 9-7, 3rd AFC North, no playoffs
AFC East
Buffalo Bills – 1st, 9-7 Division Winners
New England Patriots – 2nd, 8-8 No Playoffs
Miami Dolphins – 3rd, 5-11
NY Jets – 4th, 5-12
Miami Dolphins
Vegas Projected Wins:6/6.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 5 Tua Tagovailoa QB, Alabama
Round 1 Pick 18 Austin Jackson, OL, USC
Round 1 Pick 30 Noah Igbinoghene CB, Auburn
Round 2 Pick 39 Robert Hunt OL, Louisiana Lafayette
Round 2 Pick 56 Raekwon Davis DL, Alabama
Round 3 Pick 70 Brandon Jones S, Texas
Round 4 Pick 111 Solomon Kindley OL, UGA
Round 5 Pick 154 Jason Strowbridge DL, UNC
Round 5 Pick 164 Curtis Weaver EDGE, Boise St
Round 6 Pick 185 Blake Ferguson LS, LSU
Round 7 Pick 246 Malcolm Perry WR, Navy
The Roster:
The Miami Dolphins rebuild truly begins. They have their head coach Bryan Flores, a Bilichick disciple, and now they have their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Despite his injury history, I think Tua is going to be a superstar. Ol big beard Ryan Fitzpatrick (3529 YDS, 20 TDS, 13 INT, 61% COMP) will probably start the season and ease Tua into the starting role. The horrific offense line will be rebuilt with rookie draft picks and free agent additions.
Free agents signees Jordan Howard (525 YDS, 6 TDS-10 Games) and Matt Breida (743 TOT/YDS, 2 TOT/TDS) will partner to form the new backfield. Both can contribute in the passing game as check-down targets. Kalen Ballage and Patrick Laird are still on the roster and but neither were major contributors last season. At wide receiver, DeVante Parker (72 REC, 1202 YDS, 9 TDS) had a breakout season and should continue to grow with a competent offense around him. Allen Hurns (32 REC, 416 YDS, 2 TDS) and Albert Wilson (43 REC, 351 YDS, 1 TD) both return to the WR core. Preston Williams (32 REC, 428 YDS, 3 TDS) and Isaiah Ford (23 REC, 244 YDS) both missed eight games but return healthy. Tight end Mike Gesicki (51 REC, 570 YDS, 5 TDS) could blossom into a star.
The defense will see a complete overhaul. The defensive line adds DE Shaq Lawson (30 TKS, 6.5 SACK, 1 FF), DE Emmanuel Ogbah (30 TKS, 5.5 SACK, 1 FF), and new line backers Kyle Van Noy (47 TKS, 6.5 SACK, 3 FF), Elandon Roberts (25 TKS, 1 SACK), and Kamu Grugier (20 TKS-10 GMS). The secondary adds less exciting pieces in DB Clayton Fejedelem (14 TKS), CB Byron Jones (42 TKS, 1 FF), and FS Kavon Frazier (Missed 12 GMS in 2019) via free agency. The draft brought additional pieces for the defensive line and secondary. There are contributors up and down, but they’ll need time to blend. Still, the defense will improve this season.
The Call:
The pieces are in place and Flores will be able to see who and what will work on the offense and defense this season. It’ll take another full off season with workouts for the offensive line to come together, Tua to take additional steps, and to make any needed upgrades at the skill positions and the defensive side of the ball. They should still be fun to watch this season.
The Record: 5-11, 3rd AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Vegas Projected Wins 8.5/9
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 54 AJ Epenesa EDGE, Iowa
Round 3 Pick 86 Zack Moss RB, Utah
Round 4 Pick 128 Gabriel Davis WR, UCF
Round 5 Pick 167 Jake Fromm QB, UGA
Round 6 Pick 188 Tyler Bass K, GAS
Round 6 Pick 207 Isaiah Hodgin WR, Oregon St
Round 7 Pick 239 Dane Jackson CB, Pittsburgh
The Roster:
The Buffalo Bills look to take the division from the Patriots now that the Brady is gone. The Bills finished 10-6 last season and made the playoffs, but lost in OT to the Houston Texans. Josh Allen (3089 YDS, 20 TDS, 9 INT, 58% COMP, 510 RUSH/YDS, 9 RUSH/TDS) going into year 3 has more games under his belt than anyone any of the other starters in the division (outside of Fitzpatrick should he start for the Dolphins). He needs to get better with his decision making and continue to develop. Allen’s offensive line remains largely intact and should be solid moving into 2020. They helped paved the way for the 8th ranked rushing offense last season. Frank Gore is gone and leaves Devin Singletary (775 RUSH/YDS, 194 REC/YDS, 4 TOT/TDS-12 GMS) to take the bulk of the carries. Rookie Zack Moss, cousin of retired receiver Santana Moss, was the Pac-12 offensive player of the year in 2019 and will be part of the backfield.
The offense was bottom-10 in the league despite the potent running game. The Bills made a major move to bring in Stefon Diggs (63 REC, 1130 YDS, 6 TDS) from the Vikings to give Allen a true #1 target. Receivers John Brown (72 REC, 1060 YDS, 6 TDS) and Cole Beasley (67 REC, 778 YDS, 6 TDS) and tight ends Dawson Knox (28 REC, 388 YDS, 2 TDS) and Tyler Kroft (6 REC, 71 YDS, 1 TD-11 GMS) return and should thrive with the attention that Diggs pulls away from them.
The defense was top-5 in stopping the pass and top-10 in stopping the run last season. CB Tre’Davious White (54 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 FF) and LB Tremaine Edmonds (96 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 INT) are back after pro bowl appearances. Key pieces DT Ed Oliver (38 TKS, 5 SACK, 1 FF), LB Matt Milano (92 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 FF), corners Levi Wallace (67 TKS, 2 INT), Taron Johnson (47 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 FF), and safeties Jordan Poyer (91 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT, 3 FF) and Micah Hyde (65 TKS, 1 INT, 2 FF) return. Corner EJ Gaines will join the team after missing least season due to injury. Two big defensive ends Shaq Lawrence (6.5 SACK) and Jordan Philips (9.5 SACK) both left in free agency. Free agency added DE Quinton Jefferson (25 TKS, 3.5 SACK), CB Josh Norman (40 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF), and DE Mario Addison (34 TKS, 9.5 SACK, 2 FF).
The Call:
The defense will again be one of the better units in the league. Diggs addition to the offensive can’t be understated. The passing game was suffered last season without a difference maker to throw to. I’m not sure Diggs is an elite wide receiver, but he’s enough to help Allen spread the offense out. Allen will have to show improvement as a decision maker and reliable quarterback in year 3. This is the year to take the AFC East with the Dolphins mid-rebuild, the Pats punting on the offense this season post-Brady, and the Jets…..probably setting themselves back another year, the Bills need to gallop into action.
The Record: 9-7, 1st AFC East
New England Patriots
Vegas Projected Wins: 9/9.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 37 Kyle Dugger S, LEN
Round 2 Pick 60 Josh Uche EDGE, Michigan
Round 3 Pick 87 Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
Round 3 Pick 91 Devin Asiasi TE, UCLA
Round 3 Pick 101 Dalton Keene TE, VA Tech
Round 5 Pick 159 Justin Rohrwasser K, Marshall
Round 6 Pick 182 Michael Onwenu OL, Michigan
Round 6 Pick 195 Justin Herron OL, Wake Forrest
Round 6 Pick 204 Cassh Maluia LB, Wyoming
Round 7 Pick 230 Dustin Woodard OL, Memphis
The Roster:
The Pats are Bradyless for the first time in 20 years and they still could win the NFC East. Belichick reloaded the defense that was top-10 in sacks, led the league in interceptions by a mile with 25, and finished top-10 in running defense and #2 in stopping the pass. LB Don’ta Hightower (60 TKS, 5.5 SACK) and CB Stephon Gilmore (49 TKS, 6 INT) both went to the pro bowl last season and might be the best among their respective positions. The secondary returns other contributors S Patrick Chung (41 TKS), S Devin McCourty (53 TKS, 5 INT, 2 FF), and CB Jason McCourty (38 TKS, 1 INT). The defensive line returns DE Lawrence Guy (49 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 INT), DE John Simon (38 TKS, 4 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF), DT Adam Butler (23 TKS, 6 SACK), and last year’s 3rd rounder DE Chase Winovich (26 TKS, 5.5 SACK).
Linebackers Kyle Van Noy (6.5 SACK) and Jamie Collins (7 SACK, 3 INT) both left holes, but the defense will shuffle to fill the spot they left behind. Free agent signees include LB Brandon Copeland (42 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 FF) and DB Adrian Phillips (36 TKS-7 GMS). Belichick also spend three picks on the defensive side of the ball in the early rounds of the draft. The defense will be the calling card this season and will be tuned up this season as they wait for the offense to come around in 2021.
The offensive side of the ball is a completely different story. The surprise Cam Newton signing is expected to give the offense a competent pilot over second year unknown Jarrett Stidham and 35-year old Brian Hoyer. The speculation is that they’re aiming for Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson or Justin Fields of Ohio State next season if the season takes a turn for the worse. It’s not out of the question. Newton’s never been a great thrower, but should be respectable in a “dink and dunk” system he’ll probably operate with the Pats. The Patriots clearly waited until he had had clean bill of health to sign him which is important because without his athleticism and ability to scramble he’s a below-average quarterback.
The receiving weapons that disappointed Tom Brady will be back again. Julian Edelman (100 REC, 1117 YDS, 6 TD) is getting older but is still steady, N’Keal Harry (12 REC, 105 YDS, 2 TD-7 GMS) should improve with a full season as the #1 wide out, and Mohamed Sanu (59 REC, 520 YDS, 2 TDS) played quarterback in the past, maybe he could take snaps under center if he doesn’t improve as a receiver? Former Jacksonville Jag Marquise Lee hasn’t played significate time since 2017, but was added to the core. The tight end position returns Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo but neither are real threats in the passing game. Belichick’s dog drafted two tight ends in the third round that seem to figure into the passing attack.
The running back group returns mostly intact. With Belichick it’s hard to tell who will be involved in the game plan week-to-week but Sony Michel (912 YDS, 7 TDS) should be the #1, James White (263 RUSH/YDS, 72 REC, 645 REC/YDS, 6 TOT/TDS) is basically a receiver, Rex Burkhead (581 TOT/YDS, 3 TDS) will be involved in the passing and run game, and Damien Harris and Brandon Bolden might get cut in the preseason or could be co-starters by seasons end. Who really knows? The offensive line was one of the better groups in the league and should field mostly the same solid squad.
The Call:
Cam Newton spent most of his time in Carolina with average offensive weapons and experienced decent success. This year’s Patriots will field a below-average group of weapons and rely on Newton to elevate them. I think Belichick and Newton could surprise behind the strength of the defense, but I think the team will ultimately be very inconsistent. Newton should still have a decent season, but will have a hard time finding another starting job when he leaves after 2020, as the quality QB supply starts to match the demand in 2021 with player playing into their 40’s and high quality prospects entering the draft.
Belichick will find a way to draft a top prospect or trade or a disgruntled start (Aaron Rogers? Derek Carr if Marcus Mariota steals his job? Dak Prescott?) next season. Drafting on the defensive side of the ball early ensures that young players on rookie deals can potentially grow into starting roles and keep the unit threatening for years to come. The offense rebuild will come along next season.
The Record: 8-8, 2nd AFC East
New York Jets
Vegas Projected Wins: 6.5/7
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 11 Mekhi Becton OL, Louisville
Round 2 Pick 59 Denzel Mims WR, Baylor
Round 3 Pick 68 Ashtyn Davis S, California
Round 3 Pick 79 Jabari Zuniga EDGE, Florida
Round 4 Pick 120 Lamical Perine RB, Florida
Round 4 Pick 125 James Morgan QB, FIU
Round 4 Pick 129 Cameron Clark OL, Charleston
Round 5 Pick 158 Bryce Hall CB, UVA
Round 6 Pick 191 Braden Mann P, Texas A&M
The Roster:
God help Sam Darold. His career might be seeing ghosts soon. I have nothing positive to say about the Jets, so let’s start at the bottom and build our way up. The Jets managed to finish 7-9 last season by some miracle with Sam Darnold (3024 YDS, 19 TDS, 13 INT, 61% COMP-13 GMS) missing time with mono and the Jets dropping to 0-4 out the gate. Head coach Adam Gase is probably a bad coach but finishing the season 6-2 saved his job. The offensive line was a complete disaster last season and the Jets essentially throw darts at the board in bringing in a number of free agents to rebuild the line. Rookie Mekhi Becton will starter, but was arguable not the best option available at that spot on the draft board. Joe Flacco was signed to be the backup quarterback.
The wide receiver group returns Jamison Crowder (78 REC, 833 YDS, 6 TDS) but releases Robby Anderson and Demaryius Thomas. Rookie Denzel Mims and free agent Breshad Perriman (36 REC, 645 YDS, 6 TDS) who essentially rebuilt his image after a few good games with Tampa Bay last season, and Crowder will make up the new receiver core. Tight ends Ryan Griffin (34 REC, 320, 5 TDS) and Chris Herndon return. Herndon was injured last year but had buzz about potential for becoming a big-time impact player. Le’veon Bell (789 RUSH/YDS, 3 TDS) will again be the lead running back and piece in the passing game (66 REC, 461 REC/RDS, 1 TD). Bilal Powell has departed but Kenneth Dixon and 100 year old Frank Gore (559 YDS, 2 TD) add depth at RB.
The defense was #2 in stopping the run and top-5 in stopping the pass. The defensive line of Hernry Anderson (24 TKS, 1 SACK), Steve Mclendon (35 TKS, 2.5 SACK), and last year’s #3 pick Quinnen Williams (28 TKS, 2.5 SACK) return. The line backing core returns James Burgess (78 TKS, .5 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF), Neville Hewitt (73 TKS, 3 SACK, 2 INT), and Jordan Jenkins (30 TKS, 8 SACK, 2 FF). They were near the bottom of the league in sacks and rookie Jabari Zuniga and free agent Patrick Onwuasor (58 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 FF) should hopefully shake things up. One of the top safeties in the league Jamal Adams (74 TKS, 6.5 SACK, 1 INT, 2 FF) returns with S Marcus Maye (64 TKS, 1 INT), CB Brian Poole (56 TKS, 1 SFT, 1 INT, 1 FF) and additions CB Pierre Desir (45 TKS, 3 INT).
The Call:
Sam Darold hasn’t played with compete team yet, and this won’t be the year either. Is he a good quarterback? This is year three and he’ll be playing behind a new offensive line, a retooled receiver group, and during CV-19 with no training camp. The defense might regress some with new pieces shuffling in and out. Safety Jamal Adams has expressed that wants out and might get traded. I think this squad will have serious issues this year moving the ball offensively and will struggle with a tough schedule.
The Record: 5-11, 4th AFC East
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts – 1st, 10-6
Tennessee Titans – 2nd, 9-7 Playoffs
Houston Texans – 3rd, 8-8 No Playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars – 4th, 3-13
Houston Texans
Vegas Projected Wins 7.5/8
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 40 Ross Blacklock DL, TCU
Round 3 Pick 90 Jonathan Greenard EDGE, Florida
Round 4 Pick 126 Charlie Heck OL, UNC
Round 4 Pick 141 John Reid CB, PSU
Round 5 Pick 171 Isaiah Coulter WR, Rhode Island
The Roster:
The Houston Texas finished 2019 10-6 with a loss in the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach and GM Bill O Brien made a baffling move trading star WR Deandre Hopkins (104 REC, 1165 YDS, 7 TDS) in the offseason. Deshaun Watson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and he’ll have be tossing the rock to the often injured Will Fuller (49 REC, 670 YDS, 3 TDS-11 Gms), Kenny Stills (40 REC, 561 YDS, 4 TDS), free agent addition Randall Cobb (55 REC, 828 YDS, 3 TDS), and Brandin Cooks (42 REC, 583 YDS, 2 TDS) who was acquired in a trade with the Rams. The group isn’t that strong, but the loss of Hopkins frees up over 100 targets to be spread around. The tight ends Darren Fells (34 REC, 341 YDS, 7 TDS) and Jordan Thomas will be involved some. Rumor was that Hopkins was traded because he wanted a raise. That still doesn’t make sense for the move. The Texans opened up their wallet to pay offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil who was acquired via trade with the Dolphins last season and made the pro bowl. Tunsil single-handled approved the pass protection of the Texans awful offensives line. He will be relied on to carry another bad unit this season as the highest paid lineman in NFL history at the moment.
The Hopkins trade brings RB David Johnson (345 YDS, 2 TDS) into the fold and he’ll take the starting spot. Last seasons scheduled starter before suffering an injury, Lamar Miller, and last season’s fill-in starter, Carlos Hyde (1070 YDS, 6 TDS) won’t return. Duke Johnson (410 YDS, 2 TDS) will be the primary #2 and both he (44 REC, 410 YDS, 3 TDS) and Johnson (36 REC, 370 YDS, 4 TDS) will be involved in the passing game.
The defense was middle-of-the-pack last season and won’t see many roster upgrade in 2020. The Texas didn’t have many draft picks put went defense line early to help a unit that was bottom of the league in sacks last season. Veteran DE JJ Watt (22 TKS, 4 SACK, 1 FF) is still effective when on the field. He missed 8 games last season and has only played 32 of 64 regular season games the past four years. Key defensive returnees include LB Whitney Mercilus (48 TKS, 7.5 SACK, 2 INT, 4 FF), LB Zach Cunningham (128 TKS, 2 SACK), CB Bradly Roby (37 TKS, 1 SACK, 2 INT, 1 FF-10 GMS) and FS Justin Reid (71 TKS, 2 INT).
The Call:
The Texans offensive won’t be as potent without Hopkins and that punch wasn’t really replaced. Top players Fuller, Johnson, and Watt all must contribute and are injury concerns. O’ Brien and Watson have made the playoffs several years in a row, but the Texas wide receiver core downgraded, the bad offensive line didn’t upgrade, and not many improvements were made via free agency and limited draft picks. The AFC South is competitive (not to be confused with good) and opening @Kansas City, Baltimore, @Pittsburg, and home against Minnesota is a brutal opening stretch. I think the Texans disappoint this season and miss the expanded playoffs.
The Record: 8-8, 3rd AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
Vegas Projected Wins 8.5/9
Draft Picks 2020
Round 2 Pick 34 Michael Pittman Jr WR, USC
Round 2 Pick 41 Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin
Round 3 Pick 85 Julian Blackmon S, Utah
Round 4 Pick 122 Jacob Eason QB, Washington
Round 5 Pick 149 Danny Pinter OL, Ball St
Round 6 Pick 211 Isiah Rodgers CB, MA
Round 6 Pick 212 Dezmon Patmon WR, Washington St
Round 6 Pick 213 Jordan Glasgow LB, Michigan
The Roster:
The Colt finished 7-9 last season behind Jacoby Brisset (2942 YDS, 18 TD, 6 INT, 60% COMP, 228 RUSH/YDS, 4 TDS) at QB. It was a tremendous disappointment with the roster that had been built for Andrew Luck to step in and push for a Super Bowl in 2019. His abrupt retirement was disappointing and his successor hasn’t been found yet, but veteran Phillip Rivers was signed to, again, push a loaded roster for a ring. Rivers (4615 YDS, 23 TD, 20 INT, 65% COMP) steps into an offense that was top-10 in rushing and bottom-5 in passing after Brisset tapered off. Rookie Michael Pittman Jr steps in to partner with Ty Hilton (45 REC, 501 YDS, 5 TDS-10 GMS) and potentially give Indy two top receivers for the first time in years. Young receivers Parris Campbell (18 REC, 127 YDS, 1 TD-7 GMS) and Zach Pascal (41 REC, 601 YDS, 5 TDS) might actually get more targets as Pittman learns the offense, but the group has lots of potential. At tight end, Jack Doyle (43 REC, 448 YDS, 4 TD) returns and Trey Burton was shipped in from Chicago as Eric Ebron (31 REC, 375 YDS, 3 TDS-11 GMS) departs. Doyle will be part of the passing game but Burton is still a question mark. He was injured last season and it isn’t known if he’s healthy yet.
Rookie Jonathan Taylor, a stud at Wisconsin who went for over 2,000 rush yards and 21 rushing TDs his junior year, should work into a split role with Marlon Mack (1091 YDS, 8 TDS) for carries. Nyheim Hines (199 RUSH/YDS, 2 RUSH/RDS, 44 REC, 320 REC/YDS) will again be the primary pass-catching back and will be very involved. The offensive line is one of the best. Quenton Nelson has been one of the best linemen in the league since entered from Notre Dame and line-mate Ryan Kelly joined him in the pro bowl last season.
The defense was excellent against the run last season and returns DE Justin Houston (38 TKS, 11 SACK, 1 SFTY, 2 FF), DT Grover Stewart (27 TKS, 3 SACK), LB Darius Leonard (99 TKS, 5 SACK, 5 INT, 2 FF), and LB Anthony Walker (112 TKS, 2.5 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF). DT DeForest Buckner (62 TKS, 7.5 SACK, 2 FF) was brought in from in a trade from the 49ers. The secondary returns CB Rock Ya-Sin (58 TKS, 1 INT) and CB Malik Hooker (49 TKS, 2 INT) and grabbed a safety in the third round. The pass defense was bottom-10 in the league last season and will have to turnaround, although the only real threat at quarterback in the division is Deshaun Watson in Houston.
The Call:
Phillip Rivers is known for his interceptions at this point of his career, but he’ll have a real offensive line in Indianapolis, something he didn’t have with the Chargers, and the offense can lean on the run game. Drafting Pittman is a nice addition to the receiving core and there are a number of contributors the passing attack at the running back and tight end potions. The Colts don’t face many top quarterbacks but if the secondary can come around this team could be a surprise Super Bowl threat. The Colts were also the least penalized team in the NFL in 2019, so they don’t hurt themselves. A Super Bowl run could be in the cards, who would have thought that for Mr. Rivers?
The Record: 10-6, 1st AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Vegas Projected Wins 4.5/5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 9 CJ Henderson CB, Florida
Round 1 Pick 20 K’Lavon Chaisson EDGE, LSU
Round 2 Pick 42 Laviska Shenault Jr. WR, Colorodo
Round 3 Pick 73 Davon Hamilton DL, Ohio St
Round 4 Pick 116 Ben Bartch OL, STNMN
Round 4 Pick 137 Josiah Scott CB, Michigan St
Round 4 Pick 140 Shaquille Quarterman LB, Miami
Round 5 Pick 157 Daniel Thomas S, Auburn
Round 5 Pick 165 Collin Johnson WR, Texas
Round 6 Pick 189 Jake Luton QB, Oregon St
Round 6 Pick 206 Tyler Davis TE, Georgia Tech
Round 7 Pick 223 Chris Claybrooks CB, Memphis
The Roster:
The Jacksonville Jaguars are going into full tear down. The defense has been trading off pieces since mid-last season and the team is likely to finish worse than the 6-10 record it had last season. The Nick Foles experiment only lasted a few games as he battled through injuries and was replaced by 6th rounder Garner Minshew (3271 YDS, 21 TDS, 6 INT, 60% COMP). Foles was traded to the Chicago and Minshew will be the starter this season. Minshew was one of the best deep-ball throwers in the NFL last season, but his overall skillset is very average. Veteran Mike Glennon was signed as backup. If the team tanks this season then the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in line to draft a quarterback next year.
WR DJ Chark (73 REC, 1008 YDS, 8 TDS) had a breakout sophomore season and went to the pro bowl. Rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. could very well carve out a starting role by years end. Colorado’s offense ran around getting the ball in his hands last year. The returning receiver core is rounded out by Dede Westbrook (66 REC, 660 YDS, 3 TDS), Chris Conley (47 REC, 775 YDS, 5 TDS) and Keelan Cole (24 REC, 361 YDS, 3 TDS). Tight end Tyler Eifert (43 REC, 436 YDS, 3 TDS) was signed and will be a part of the passing attack. Running back Leonard Fournette (1152 YDS, 3 TDS) finished 7th in rushing. He’s also intricate to the passing attack (76 REC, 522 YDS).There isn’t much depth at running back, but Chris Thompson (138 RUSH/YDS, 42 REC, 378 REC/YDS) was added after being released from Washington. Thompson has made his bones as a pass-catching back. Fournette’s time in Jacksonville has been turbulent and he might be traded. The fifth year on his rookie contract wasn’t picked up and this could be his last season with the Jags. The offensive line wasn’t great last season and won’t see many improvements.
The defense wasn’t great last season and lost DE Calais Campbell (6.5 SACK) and CB AJ Bouye. Pro bowl linebacker Josh Allen (43 TKS, 10.5 SACK, 2 FF) returns, as do safeties Ronnie Harrison (71 TKS, 2 SACK, 2 INT) and Jarrod Wilson (74 TKS, 2 INT, 1 FF). The defensive will add a number of rookies to begin the rebuild with going forward and a handful of free agents to plug in. The Jags signed CB Rashaan Melvin (65 TKS), DT Rodney Gunter (31 TKS, 3 SACK), DE Cassius Marsh (32 TKS, 2.5 SACK) and 2019 pro bowl LB Joe Schobert (128 TKS, 2 SACK, 4 INT, 2 FF).
The Call:
Garner Minshew will have the season to prove himself, but he isn’t set to succeed and will probably hit the bench next season when Jacksonville drafts his replacement. The top playmakers on offense are Chark and Fournette and I’m sure Fournette will be traded before the end of the season. On the defensive side of the ball pricey contracts are shipped out and a rebuild has begun.
The Record: 3-13, 4th AFC South
Tennessee Titans
Vegas Projected Wins 8.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 29 Isaiah Wilson OL, UGA
Round 2 Pick 61 Kristian Fulton CB, LSU
Round 3 Pick 93 Darrynton Evans RB, APLST
Round 5 Pick 174 Larrell Murchison DL, NC St
Round 7 Pick 224 Cole McDonald QB, Hawaii
Round 7 Pick 243 Chris Jackson CB, Marshall
The Roster:
The Titans and rookie coach Mike Vrabel made big changes after a 2-3 start last season and moved beloved, but under-performing QB Marcus Mariota to the bench for Ryan Tannehill (2742 YDS, 22 TDS, 6 INT, 70% COMP, 185 RUSH/YDS, 4 RUSH/TDS-12 GMS). The result was massive to the entire offense. Derrick Henry (303 ATT, 1540 YDS, 16 TDS, 18 REC, 206 REC/YDS, 2 REC/TDS) became the league’s leading rusher, rookie AJ Brown (52 REC, 1051 YDS, 8 TDS) emerged as standout receiver and the Titans finished the regular season 9-7 and marched into the playoff where they ended Tom Brady’s career with the Patriots and laughed at Lamer Jackson’s MVP season before giving up a lead to Patrick Maholmes and the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. The Titans are so confident in Tannehill they allowed Mariota to skip town to Las Vegas and signed Tannehill to a new deal rather than slap the franchise tap on him for a year to see if he can be productive in 2020.
Tannehill won’t be asked to do much in 2020. Derrick Henry will still be asked to be the focal point of the offense. He lead the league with 303 carries last season and averaged 5.1 yards per carried, tied for 4th in the league despite defensives stacking the box against him. He tied the league high with 16 rushing touchdowns. Dion Lewis left in free agency; Darrynton Evans will probably be his replacement in the passing game. The offensive line loses Jack Conklin, but first rounder Isaiah Wilson should help plug the hole and keep the O-line rolling.
Veteran tight end Delanie Walker is gone and so is WR Tajae Sharpe (25 REC, 329 YDS, 4 TDS). The starting receiving trio of Brown, Corey Davis (43 REC, 601 YDS, 2 TDS) and Adam Humphries (37 REC, 374 YDS, 2 TDS) return. Walker missed time last season and Anthony Firkser (14 REC, 204 YDS, 1 TD) and Jonnu Smith (35 REC, 439 YDS, 3 TDS) filled in and will do the same this season. The receiving options aren’t that threatening outside of Brown and Davis could be gone after this season unless he turns his mediocre career around.
The defense lost pro bowlers DE Jurrell Casey (38 TKS, 5 SACK, 1 FF), CB Logan Ryan (105 TKS, 4.5 SACK, 4 INT, 4 FF) and CB LeShaun Simms (32 TKS). DE/OLB Vic Beasley (40 TKS, 8 SACK, 2 FF) was signed and should help out the defense. Key contributors, NT DaQuan Jones (41 TKS, 1 SACK), LB Jayon Brown (93 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT), LB Rashaan Evens (101 TKS, 2.5 SACK), LB Harold Landry (64 TKS, 9 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF) return. Veteran safeties Kenny Vaccaro (75 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT) and Kevin Byard (77 TKS, 5 INT) will lock up the backend. Rookie CB Kristian Fulton should walk into a starting role. The defense was respectable last season and should be again with DE Jeffery Simmons (27 TKS, 2 SACK-9 GMS) and CB Malcom Butler (30 TKS, 2 INT-9 GMS) returning after being limited to nine games apiece because of injury.
The Call:
The game plan will again rely on running Henry into the ground. It certainly worked well last season and excellent scheming on the defense side won games in the playoffs. This team can win games again in 2020, but it can’t play from behind and I like the Colts roster better. I think they’re a playoff team, but they won’t be the fairytale they were in 2019.
The Record: 9-7, 2nd AFC South
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs – 1st, 13-3 Division Winner
LA Chargers – 2nd, 9-7 Playoffs
Denver Broncos – 3rd, 7-9
LA Raiders – 4th 6-10
Denver Broncos
Vegas Projected Wins: 7.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 15 Jerry Jeudy WR, Alabama
Round 2 Pick 46 KJ Hamler WR, PSU
Round 3 Pick 77 Michael Ojemudia CB, Iowa
Round 3 Pick 83 Lloyd Cushenberry III OL, LSU
Round 3 Pick 95 McTelvin Agim DL, Arkansas
Round 4 Pick 118 Albert Okwuegbunam TE, Missouri
Round 5 Pick 178 Justin Strnad LB, Wake Forest
Round 6 Pick 181 Netane Muti OL, Fresno St
Round 7 Pick 252 Tyrie Cleveland WR, Florida
Round 7 Pick 254 Derrek Tuszka EDGE, North Dakota State
The Roster:
The Broncos won four of their final five games in 2019 after a 3-8 start, behind rookie Drew Lock at quarterback. With veteran Joe Flacco’s release, Lock (1020 YDS, 7 TDS, 3 INT, 64% COMP) is the future going forward. The offense needs juice around Lock and that was the top priority in the offseason. Free agency brought Melvin Gordon to plug into the running back group with Phillip Lindsay (1011 YDS, 7 TDS) and Royce Freeman (496 YDS, 3 TDS). Freeman was 2nd on the team in receptions (43 REC, 256 YDS, 1 TD) last season and Lindsay was 4th (35 REC, 196 YDS). The addition of Gordon adds another weapon to the run (612 YDS, 8 TDS-12 GMS) and passing (42 REC, 296 YDS, 1 TD) game. The offensive line was decent last season and might see some changes to the starting lineup with draft capital spent on the O-line.
The wide receiving core consisted of pro bowler and team reception leader Courtland Sutton (72 REC, 1112 YDS, 6 TDS) and not much else. DaeSean Hamilton (28 REC, 297 YDS, 1 TD) returns and Emmanuel Sanders is now with the New Orleans Saints. Tight end Noah Fant (40 REC, 562 YDS, 3 TDS) was 3rd in receptions on the team. Denver attacked the receiver need immediately in the draft and grabbed Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler in the 1st and 2nd round to supply real weapons for Lock.
The defense has nice pieces in place but finished a bottom-10 defense and only forced 17 turnovers last season, one of the worst in the league. Veteran Von Miller (43 TKS, 8 SACK) is still a monster and made the 2019 pro bowl monster. Last season’s rookie pass rusher DE/OLB Bradley Chubb missed almost the entire season due to injury, so we’ll finally get to see him in this defense. Two major losses come in the form of corner Chris Harris Jr and DE Derek Wolfe (7 SACK) moving on. Rookie Michael Ojemudia or former Jacksonville CB AJ Bouye (63 TKS, 1 INT) will plug the corner spot and DE Jurrell Casey (38 TKS, 5 SACK, 1 FF) was added to strengthen the defensive line. Key pieces LB AJ Johnson (88 TKS, 1.5 SACK, 1 INT, 2 FF), LB Todd Davis (126 TKS), NT Shelby Harris (46 TKS, 6 SACK), SS Kareem Jackson (66 TKS, 2 INT, 1 FF) and FS Justin Simmons (85 TKS, 4 INT) all return.
The Call:
The Broncos have a lot of potential on offense and still have a great defense with additions Bouye, Casey, a full season of Chubb and Miller still playing at a high level this team could be very good. I don’t think it happens this season. Lock might be an average quarterback and he won’t have training camp to bond with his young weapons. The running backs are the real heros here. The rushing attack should be solid with the addition of Gordon and the ability of the top all three backs to contribute in the passing attack.
The Record: 7-9, 3rd AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Vegas Projected Wins: 11.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 32 Clyde Edwards-Helaird RB, LSU
Round 2 Pick 63 Willie Gay Jr. LB, Miss St
Round 3 Pick 96 Lucas Niang OL, TCU
Round 4 Pick 138 L’Jarius Sneed S, LA Tech
Round 5 Pick 177 Michael Danna EDGE, Michigan
Round 7 Pick 237 Thakarius Keyes CB, Tulane
The Roster:
Kansas City will reload after it’s first (of several?) Super Bowl win behind Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. Mahomes (4031 YDS, 26 TDS, 5 INT, 65% COMP, 218 RUSH/YDS, 2 RUSH/TDS-14 GMS) established himself as the top quarterback of the league in his 3rd season but it wasn’t without a scare. He missed a couple games after an injury against the Denver Broncos, but rallied to push the Chiefs to 12-4. Chad Henne comes in as a competent backup.
The top-6 passing offense returns superstars Tyreek Hill (58 REC, 860 YDS, 7 TDS-12 GMS) and tight end/receiver Travis Kelce. Both made the pro bowl last season, Kelce (97 REC, 1229 YDS, 5 TDS) was 4th in NFL in receiving yards. Weapons Sammy Watkins (52 REC, 673 YDS, 3 TDS), Demarcus Robinson (32 REC, 449 YDS, 4 TDS), and Mecole Hardman (26 REC, 538 YDS, 6 TDS), who made the pro bowl as a returner, all return to the receiving core.
The running back crew was not an emphasis and the result was a bottom top-10 rushing attack. An upgrade to the position will certainly help as well, and rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaird is just that. Damien Williams (498 RUSH/YDS, 30 REC, 213 REC/YDS 7 TOT/TDS) return and contribute. The offensive line, to no surprise, was a better at pass protecting unit than run blocking but returns most guys and should be productive again.
On the defensive side of the ball, most starters return. The defense was bottom-10 in the league in rushing yards allowed and needs to improve in that area. Pro bowl DE Frank Clark (34 TKS, 8 SACK, 1 INT, 3 FF), DT Chris Jones (34 TKS, 9 SACK, 1 FF), and safety Tyrann “Honey Bager” Mathieu (71 TKS, 2 SACK, 4 INT) highlights those returning. Second rounder Willie Gay will log time as well.
The Call:
The Chiefs are pretty much running things back. Nothing wrong with that. They spent the draft trying to upgrade the defense and adding another offensive weapon, but not running the ball and not stopping the run didn’t stop them winning a Super Bowl last season. The cohesiveness in CV-19 times will help this roster. Back to back Super Bowls?
The Record: 12-4, 1st AFC West-Super Bowl Winners
Las Vegas Raiders
Vegas Projected Wins: 7/7.5
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 12 Henry Ruggs II WR, Alabama
Round 1 Pick 19 Damon Arnette CB, Ohio St
Round 3 Pick 80 Lynn Bowden Jr WR, UK
Round 3 Pick 81 Bryan Edwards WR, South Carolina
Round 3 Pick 100 Tanner Muse S, Clemson
Round 4 Pick 109 John Simpson OL, Clemson
Round 4 Pick 139 Amik Robertson CB, LA Tech
Coach Jon Gruden reloaded in the offseason like a team in full rebuild. The Raiders did manage to finish 7-9 last season but need some glitz on their way to a Las Vegas debut. Derek Carr (4054 YDS, 21 TDS, 8 INT, 70% COMP) will be the starter to begin the year, but he’ll be looking over his should with Marcus Mariota (1203 YDS, 7 TDS, 2 INT, 59% COMP-7 GMS) now in town after the Titans decided not to re-sign him. It’s impossible that we won’t see both quarter backs get some action this season.
Regardless of who is under center, they’ll have shiny new toys to play with. Joining last season’s WR Hunter Renfrow (49 REC, 605 YDS, 4 TD) and veteran Tyrell Williams (42 REC, 651 YDS, 6 TDS) are rookies Henry Rugges II, Bryan Edwards, and Swiss army knife Lynn Bowden Jr. Bowen played some quarterback and was a solid runner as well at Kentucky. He can be moved around the offense in different positions. Nelson Agholor (39 REC, 363 YDS, 3 TDS-11 GMS) was known as a ball dropper with the Eagles and they’re not sad to see him go, but he was added in the offseason. Tight end Darren Waller (90 REC, 1145 YDS, 3 TD) was a solid pieces as well last season and veteran Jason Witten (63 REC, 529 YDS, 4 TDS) won’t add much at this point, but he was signed for depth.
Last year’s 1stt round pick Josh Jacobs (1150 YDS, 7 TDS-13 GMS) proved to be a reliable #1 running back going forward. He was banged up late in the season, but is an every-down threat in the run game and should become more engaged in the pass game (20 REC, 166 YDS-13 GMS) going forward. He’s the best player on the offensive side of the ball and will probably one of the best running backs in the league by seasons end if he can stay healthy. Jalen Richard (145 RUSH/YDS, 36 REC, 323 REC/YDS) will be his backup. The offensive line returns pro bowlers Trent Brown and Rodney Hudson and should be productive again.
The defense was bottom-10 in rush and pass yards allowed last in the league in turnovers forced (15) and Bottom 10 in sacks. Last years draft picks DE Clelin Ferrell (34 TKS, 4.5 SACK) and FS Johnathan Abram (placed on IR week 1) return. Other key pieces DT Maurice Hurst (15 TKS, 3.5 SACK, 1 INT), DE Maxx Crosby (43 TKS, 10 SACK, 4 FF), LB Nicholas Morrow (67 TKS, 1 INT), DB Lamarcus Joyner (48 TKS), CB Trayvon Mullen (49 TKS, 1 INT), and S Erik Harris (67 TKS, 3 INT) return. Upgrades include LB Cory Littleton (124 TKS, 3.5 SACK, 2 INT, 2 FF), LB Nick Kwiatkosi (75 TKS, 3 SACK, 1 SFTY, 1 INT, 1 FF), DE Carol Nassib (33 TKS, 6 SACK, 1 FF), and SS Jeff Heath (63 TKS) in addition to rookies grabbed to upgrade the secondary. The entire defensive unit will be shuffled around after the disastrous results last season.
The Call:
Significant upgrades have been made on defense that should help immediately. The young wide receiving core needs time to develop. This team is setup to develop in the future, but the quarterback controversy and no pre-season camps is going to hurt the chemistry and I don’t think they can compete with the other rosters in this division yet. Two quarterbacks might be required just to make it through divisional play with pass rushers Joey Bosa (LA), Melvin Ingram (LA), Von Miller (DEN), Bradley Chubb (DEN), and Frank Clark (KC) highlighting the pro bowlers they’re be facing multiple times.
The Record: 6-10, 4th AFC West
Los Angeles Chargers
Vegas Projected Wins: 7.5/8
Draft Picks 2020
Round 1 Pick 6 Justin Herbert QB, Oregon
Round 1 Pick 23 Kenneth Murray LB, Oklahoma
Round 4 Pick 112 Joshua Kelley RB, UCLA
Round 5 Pick 151 Joe Reed WR, UVA
Round 6 Pick 186 Alohi Gilman S, Notre Dame
Round 7 Pick 220 KJ Hill WR, Ohio St
The Roster:
The Chargers finished 2019 7-9 despite talent all over the roster. They parted ways with notable player Phillip Rivers and Melvin Gordon in the offseason and are set to revamp on the fly. Veteran Tyrod Taylor (who is still just 30-years-old despite the face it seems like he should be 40 by now) will hold the wheel for perhaps the entire season as Justin Herbert gets accustomed to the NFL. Former South Dakota State quarterback Jacob Easton is now buried on the depth chart and will seemingly never get a shot to play, which I find to be a bummer. I’m not sure if Herbert is going to be a star, and Taylor (9562 YDS, 54 TDS, 20 INT, 53% COMP, 1843 RUSH/YDS, 16 RUSH/TDS –CAREER) is good enough to win if Herbert isn’t ready to perform at a high level yet.
A pair of 1,000 YD receivers returns in Mike Williams (49 REC, 1001 YDS, 2 TDS) and pro bowler Keenan Allen (104 REC, 1199 YDS, 6 TDS). Allen was 6th in the NFL in receiving yards last season and will be the top target again. There isn’t much for depth but Andre Patton and rookies should be in the mix. Often-injured Hunter Henry (55 REC, 652 YDS, 5 TDS-12 GMS) and TE Vigil Green (9 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD) will be part of the passing attack at the tight end position. Running back Austin Ekler receiver a nice extension and will be involved in the passing game. Ekler’s role in the run game will probably be split between returning Justin Jackson (200 YDS) who’s looked good and rookie Joshua Kelly. They’re probably won’t be a true #1 running option, but the running attack should improve from bottom-5 in the league last season. Offensive line changes should help too. Trai Turner from the chargers is an upgrade and Russell Okung returns from injury.
The defense was excellent against the pass (top-10) but last in turnovers (14) and bottom-10 in sacks (30). Pro bowl defensive ends Joey Bosa (64 TKS, 11.5 SACK, 1 FF) and Melvin Ingram (44 TKS, 7 SACK, 1 INT) accounted for most of the pressure and will probably do so again in 2020. The secondary returns corners Casey Hayward (31 TKS, 2 INT), Desmond King (49 TKS, 2.5 SACK, 1 FF), and safety Derwin James (32 TKS-5 GMS) and should be great again. Rookie Kenneth Murray will walk into a starting role and so will free agent acquisition Nick Vigil (108 TKS, 1 SACK, 1 INT, 1 FF).
The Call:
The team is still talented and the quarterback position should be more stable without Rivers even if it isn’t as explosive. There are weapons in the passing game in Allen, Williams, Henry, and Ekler for Taylor and Herbert, who will probably be pushed to start mid-season. It’ll be interesting to see how much work load Ekler picks up and which running back takes the left over carries vacated by Melvin Gordon’s loss. The defense should again be in a good place but relies on the health of defensive ends Bosa and Ingram to put pressure on opposing quarterback. The roster is still primed to be successful but it’s going to be a fist fight in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
The Record: 9-7, 2nd AFC West, Playoffs
