Preseason Power Rankings

 

I disagree so adamantly with the power rankings I have come across this preseason that I felt it imperative to post my view on the best and the worst the NFL will have to offer in 2016.

First we the best of the best. 5 of my top 6 are from the NFC. I feel very confident that the Super Bowl champs are one of these elite half dozen squads.

1. Panthers Projected 13-3
2. Cardinals Projected 13-3
3. Packers Projected 12-4
4. Chiefs Projected 11-5
5. Seahawks Projected 11-5
6. Redskins Projected 11-5

Next we have the middle of the pack. Some of these teams will be wildcard teams and some may win their divisions with a record barely over .500 because of how weak those divisions are. I'd say the Saints, Ravens and Raiders have the best chance of missing the playoffs from this group.

7. Jaguars Projected 10-6
8. Vikings Projected 10-6
9. Bengals Projected 10-6
10. Bills Projected 9-7
11. Texans Projected 9-7
12. Broncos Projected 9-7
13. Ravens Projected 9-7
14. Raiders Projected 9-7
15. Saints Projected 9-7

Next up are the average to below average group. I know it's outrageous to some that I have the Steelers and Pats included in this group.  Oh well, it's my list. The Rams, Titans and Bucs are the real up and comers in this group. Watch out in 2017.

16. Patriots  Projected 8-8
17. Steelers Projected 8-8
18. Giants Projected 8-8
19. Bucs Projected 8-8
20. Falcons Projected 8-8
21. Titans Projected 7-9
22. Jets Projected 7-9
23. Eagles Projected 7-9
24. Rams Projected 7-9

Finally the dumpster juice of the league. A bunch of teams that are just lost. The Chargers battle with Joey Bosa is inexplicable. The Dolphins let their young homegrown talent walk in free agency... guys like Miller and Vernon were scouted, drafted and developed in south Florida. They are now on other teams and Miami got nothing for them. Head scratcher.

The 49ers and Lions simply have the wrong HC in charge. And, the Browns are in the midst of a LONG rebuilding project. Their defense will be the worst in the league in 2016. The Big question mark is Dallas. I think their offense could be special, even if Romo is sidelined. But even if Prescott lives up to his preseason hype, that doesn't make up for one of the weakest defenses in the game.

25. Cowboys Projected 6-10
26. Lions Projected 6-10
27. Chargers Projected 6-10
28. Bears Projected 6-10
29. Colts Projected 5-11
30. Dolphins Projected 5-11
31. 49ers Projected 5-11
32. Browns 4-12

AFC South Season Preview

Luck, Mariota, Osweiler and Bortles... four young bucks who think they have what it takes to lead their respective teams to the promise land. Let's start with the 'elder' and most experienced of the group... Mr. Andrew Luck.   

***Indianapolis Colts***

What I like:

• Luck is the best QB in this league under 30 years of age. The only thing that guys like Palmer, Rivers, and Brady have on him is experience, and there is no substitute for it.  
• Sadly Luck is the only thing I like about this organization.   

What I hate:

• Coaching staff is full of weak personnel who mostly fizzled out as HC's and coordinators and have since been demoted .  
• O-line is unacceptable.  
• Secondary was OK before the Vontae Davis injury. Now they are counting on Cromartie as a starter... that's bad news.
• Not a fan of Hilton or the other pass catchers. Dorsett was a guy I was so excited about in the 2015 draft. His rookie season was a complete bust.
• The backfield is a joke. Gore is finished as a starter.
• Their owner is a nut job. This guy stumbled into the #1 overall pick on the best draft years possible over the past 2 decades. He lands Manning and Luck back to back. And his team has a achieved a grand total of 1 Super Bowl win during this stretch. When the 49ers went from Montana directly to Young they tallied 5 rings if I am not mistaken.  
• Luck can only pray that after this season there is a complete overhaul in this organization and they can start to surround him with some talent.

I predict 5-11 and those wins will be completely because of Luck's brilliance.

***Tennessee Titans***

What I like:

• I predicted Mariota would be a complete bust on the pro level. SO FAR he has proven me wrong. So far.   
• The coaching staff is very interesting. LeBeau, Grimm and a few of the other coaches who joined the team to work with former HC Wisenhunt decided to remain on staff to work with Mike Mularkey.  I am lost on why they didn't give Chip Kelly a shot to reunite with Mariota... but inside that organization Mularkey is respected. Good for them for not taking the bait and making a flashy move just for the sake of it.
• Outstanding young O-line with lots of upside.   
• Great mix of pass catchers. Some young up and comers and some savvy vets. Surprising that they bailed out on Green-Beckum so quickly.   
• Deep, bruising backfield.
• Solid, under the radar secondary.

What I hate:

• LB's and D-line lack game changers. LeBeau has his work cut out for him.
• Balanced team overall, but the sub par front 7 will hold them back from being a playoff team.      

I think they go 7-9 and I am worried that Mariota may have his 3rd different HC when he starts his 3rd year in the league. Not a formula for long-term success.  

***Houston Texans***

What I like:

• Pretty amazing coaching staff.      
• I am not a fan of their #1 pick WR Fuller because he is a one trick pony, but in this particular offense I think he may actually do well. Trading up one spot and passing on WR Doctson was a mistake IMHO. He was a much more complete player coming out of school.  
• Love the value of rookie Center Nick Martin in the second round. O-line needed an infusion of young talent.    
• @NukeDaBomb AKA Hopkins is a top 3 WR in this league today and he might be #1. The rest of the WR's are also a useful/ dynamic group.   
• The backfield is solid. I like Miller and Blue as a duo.
• Watt is a beast. D-line has depth.
•  The LB corps could be epic if Clowney emerges this year.     

What I hate:

• TE's are terrible.     
• O-line is a work in progress.  
• I think the whole Osweiler thing is a complex situation. I like the fact that he had the guts to walk away from the world champions and Elway's shadow to go try and blaze his own path. But, from what I understand the difference in the money offered by Houston was not a lot. So it comes off as Brock only being interested in money, and not winning. that is the part that I hate. It all boils down to winning. If both the Broncos and Texans make the playoff's this story is over. If The Texans struggle and Lynch excels in Denver Brock looks real bad. If Brock plays like a top 5 QB in 2016 and the Broncos miss the playoffs John Elway, for the first time ever, looks like he isn't a football God.       

I see them going 9-7 and a possible wildcard. 2017 will be their year, if they have made the right moves.     

***Jacksonville Jaguars***

Please take a moment to read my thorough analysis of this team from a previous post: 2016 Jaguars

I predict 10-6 and a division title. Bortles and Bradley need an appearance in the post season to be considered a legitimate program, and the time is NOW.  

-Jay Wagner

NFC North Season Preview

Mike Zimmer shocked most of the league by winning this division last year, and his kicker shocked the world by missing a short, easy field goal and ending their season. I'm rooting for the Vikings in 2016, but I suspect that Rodgers and Co. will put up a little better fight with Jordy Nelson back in the lineup.   

***Minnesota Vikings***

What I like:

• Adrian Peterson is truly great.  
• Their O-line has finally arrived as a top squad... at least on paper.   
• Looks like their #1 pick WR Treadwell will be used as a slot guy, which is exactly what he is.
• Rudolph is very underrated at TE.
• There's nothing I don't LOVE about their defense. Can't find a weakness. 

What I hate:

• I don't see Bridgewater as a guy that can take the team on his back when it's needed. That's an important missing attribute for a starting QB.  
• Paterson is simply a bust as a former 1st round pick. I would have cut him by now.  
• Blair Walsh should also be gone. No excuse for missing that kick.  

I predict 10-6 and a possible wildcard birth.

***Chicago Bears***

What I like:

• I like John Fox, and there are so many reasons not to. I can't help it. He's a true CEO style HC and was able to win with Jake Delhomme, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning. 0-2 in the big game isn't anything to be proud of, but at least he's been there.   
• How can you not want to see what this offense looks like with Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White as bookends??? 
• Lots of solid, blue-collar football players on their D-line and O-line .   
• I can see Kyle Fuller and Tracy Porter as one of the most underrated CB tandems around.  

What I hate:

• Jay Cutlers pouty face. Seriously. He's the poster child for generation "why me".
• The aforementioned blue-collar, lunch pail guys are not high enough caliber to help this team beat The Vikings or Packers. They need to continue to try and rebuild this team.  
• I am lost on why they dumped guys like Marshall, Bennett and Forte. I know they weren't spring chickens, but these guys can help you win. They could have been the difference in what will be a very hard fought division.    

I think they go 6-10 and have set themselves up for a very rocky offseason. If Forte has the Success in NY that Marshall did last year people are going to start asking questions about who's making these decisions.

***Detroit Lions***

What I like:

• They have one of the best young O-lines in the league and they built it through the draft. Great foundation.     
• Stafford is a legitimate #1 QB. I actually think that he may excel with Megatron retired as crazy as that may sound.  
• They did everything they could to compensate for the shocking retirement of Johnson. Savvy vets like Boldin, Kerley, and Marvin Jones join forces with Golden Tate. That's a squad any decent QB should be able to win with.   
• Ezekiel Ansah simply needs help. He's a true game changer on their defense.
• DC Jim Bob Cooter. Nuff' said.      

What I hate:

• I don't like their backfield and I haven't for years. They should snatch up Karlos Williams ASAP.    
• Caldwell is not a guy with the right temperament for Detroit. Too passive.  
• Too many holes on defense. That offense will have to score well over 20 every week to even have a chance. That's a bad formula.
• They started to fall apart when they fired Schwartz. Big mistake. Schwartz, Suh and Megatron were the heart and soul of that team. They were so close to figuring it all out. So sad.    

I see them going 6-10 and that's unacceptable with a real franchise QB in his prime.   

***Green Bay Packers***

What I like:

• Rodgers, Nelson, Cobb... combine with the TE duo of Richard Rodgers and Jared Cook are a nice bunch of pass catchers. Adams and Lacey are the big question marks. If they are in prime form this offense will be unstoppable.  
• I don't know if Hundley is a winner or not, but I like the fact that they respect the back QB position enough to draft a guy in the 2nd round to fill it. .
• A host of game changing playmakers of defense including Peppers, Clinton-Dix, Mathews and NJ native Mike Daniels.  
• Outstanding veteran depth on the defense.
• I consider Mike McCarthy as one of the top HC's in the NFL. He not only looks like a head coach he looks like a head coach from Green Bay Wisconsin. He was WAY too conservative in the 2014 NFCCG by putting a leech on #12 when they had a lead in Seattle. It cost them what may have been a shot at their second title. I think he learned from that.

What I hate:

• Their O-line. Guys like Bulaga are constantly missing time. #12 needs a solid unit protecting him, not a different line up every week.   
• That's about it folks. Very solid organization and roster from top to bottom. If Lacey is dominant and they stay relatively healthy, watch out! 

I predict 12-4 and the biggest threat to the Panthers. What I will say is that many key players on this team are aging quick. If Mathews, Rodgers and McCarthy want to solidify their legacy they need to do it now. Another ring will do just that.

-Jay Wagner

NFC West Season Preview

This division has yielded the NFC representative in the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years. The 49ers and Seahawks have made it to the big game recently, but the 2016 Cardinals may be the best squad this division has seen in decades.  

***Arizona Cardinals***

What I like:

• Arians is a top 5 HC in the league.  
• Four deep at WR.   
• Three deep in the backfield.
• Finally a solid O-line.
• The trade for Chandler Jones was brilliant. He's exactly what their front seven was missing. 
• Peterson and Mathieu are a dynamic duo.
• Great depth at the QB position.

What I hate:

• Their first round pick, Nkemdiche, is a disaster off the field and wildly inconsistent on the field. I know they have reformed some other troubled guys, but is the 'juice worth the squeeze' with this one?
• They are planning to start rookie Brandon Williams opposite Peterson. I can't imagine he's ready for that role.  
• Lastly, I'm not a Carson Palmer fan. In the regular season I rank him as a top 10 QB easily. In the post season I would take about 20 other guys (including Mark Sanchez believe it or not) ahead of him. He has one playoff win in his long career and he looked like a deer in the headlights last year once January football started. IMHO he doesn't have what it takes to win the big one. And make no mistake, this team is a major contender to win it all in 2016.  

I predict 13-3,and most likely an early exit in the post season.

***Seattle Seahawks***

What I like:

• Drafting guys like Chancellor (5th round), Sherman (5th round), R.Wilson (3rd round), Thomas, L.Wilson (5th round), Wagner, Sweezy (7th round)... is what building a winner through the draft is all about.  
• Their HC knows how to connect to today's young pro players. He's also the oldest HC in the league, ironically.  
• I'm glad Lynch is retired. I was never a fan of the off the field crap. I could never root for him. I think their front office is glad to be done with him too.   
• Love their WR's. No true #1, but a bunch a guys who do their jobs well and can step up in big moments.
• Their secondary is still epic.
• I like Thomas Rawls running style. If he stays healthy I could see him as a top 10 fantasy football back.  

What I hate:

• I know they can't re-sign everyone, but Bruce Irvin will be missed.
• Their O-line is weak. They drafted some solid guys over the years, but they have let them walk as free agents. Again, can't re-sign everyone 
• Not enough depth at RB.  
• The Jimmy Grahm thing is inexplicable to me. I think he's the most talented TE in the game. HOW can he be so invisible in this offense? Huge fail for this organization last year.   

I think they make the playoffs at 11-5. Watch out if you have to face them in a one and done scenario. They excel when their backs are against the wall.

***Los Angeles Rams***

What I like:

• Thank God they bailed on St Louis! Most people have no idea how little that market supported their NFL franchise. They didn't deserve one. It's a sin that those fans have a championship and Cleveland doesn't.    
• Gurley is a beast, obviously. My only concern is his durability. 
• A very under the radar WR corps. Can they live up to their draft positions? 
• A nasty, gritty defensive roster and coaching staff. There will be lots of ice baths after playing against them for 60 minutes.    

What I hate:

• Goff has tremendous upside, but I think Wentz is the superior prospect. Therefore I would say their #1 overall pick was a fail. He's also being portrayed as a complete air head on "Hard Knocks". If I'm a Rams fan I am VERY concerned if Keenum beats out their #1 pick to start week #1.   
• I am not a Jeff Fisher guy. He coaches his players to take cheap shots. He single handedly sabotaged Vince Young's career. He hasn't even posted an 8-8 season since taking over this team years ago.  
• The O-line is improving, but it's weak.
• Their TE's are all 3rd string quality.
• No depth at RB.   

I see them going.... what else but 7-9 like every year. I think they need to promote Greg Williams to HC next season.  

***San Francisco 49ers***

What I like:

• They have been a Linebacker machine up there in northern Cali... churning them out year after year.
• LOVE former college teammates Armstead and Buckner reunited on their D-line.
• Defense, overall, is greatly improved.  

What I hate:

• HATE Chip Kelly.  
• Hate both of their "starting" QB's. (However, I am interested to see Kap run Kelly's offense... if that ever happens). 
• Hate the WR's, RB's and TE's.
• O-line is missing a couple of pieces.  

I predict 5-11 and Kelly and Baalke are out the door by January.

-Jay Wagner

AFC North Season Preview

 

Lets start with one of my top sleeper teams in the league, and a team I expect to see make the playoffs... Ozzy's Ravens.  

***Baltimore Ravens***

What I like:

• Best Head Coach in football.  
• Legitimate franchise QB.   
• Suggs, Steve Smith and Dumervil back from IR. 
• There first round pick Ronnie Stanley was not only a major need, but the #3 player on my draft board .
• Best front office in the NFL.
• TE Watson and SS Weddle aren't flashy free agent signings, but they are blue-collar winners.
• I am not a Mike Wallace fan, but I actually think he will flourish paired up with Flacco. 

What I hate:

• They didn't address the RB position enough. Forsett won't replicate his success last year. Flacco needs a solid run game.   
• The O-line is still re-building. 
• D-line is weak. I like Jernigan, but he will need help on that line.    

I predict 9-7,and a dark-horse wildcard candidate. I wouldn't want to face these savvy vets in the post season.

***Cincinnati Bengals ***

What I like:

• Best drafting team over the past 5 to 6 years in the whole league... 2nd place isn't even close.
• Legitimate #1 QB, #1 WR and elite TE. 
• Outstanding backfield.
• Best 4 man defensive line in the league.  
• I like adding Dansby to their game changing LB corps.
• One of the top back-up QB's in the game.   
• Great job managing the cap and retaining their homegrown talent.  

What I hate:

• Their WR's are much weaker this year. Huge drop off after AJ.  
• Adam Jones is exactly what you don't want in a veteran CB. He's a hot head, and he's only getting slower. I would have dumped him and sent a message after is meltdown in the post season last year. 
• Their coaching staff has been plundered over the last few seasons. It's not what it once was.    
• Keeping Marvin Lewis and letting Hue Jackson walk was a mistake. I think in the next few years Zimmer and Jackson may end up coaching against each other in a super bowl. And Brown let them both walk so that he could hold on to a coach that has been in charge for over a decade and hasn't registered ONE SINGLE playoff win. It's just wrong.

I think also go 10-6. The head to head record could decide which of these first 2 teams make the post season.

***Cleveland Browns***

What I like:

• Hue Jackson isn't just a great hire, he's a 1000% improvement over Pettine. 
• The entire coaching staff is impressive. Ray Horton at DC, and Hamilton, and Al Saunders on offense. WOW.  
• I am a big Duke Johnson fan. Is he the next Jamaal Charles?    
• Once Josh Gordon is back in the lineup, the WR corps looks interesting. Letting Benjamin walk was questionable.
• Barnidge is a beast at TE.
• Joe Hayden is a top 10 player in this league, top 10 overall, not just as a defensive back.

What I hate:

• The defense is a mess.   
• They obviously purged the roster. I see the merit in starting fresh, but guys like Alex Mack have been warriors for this city for years and had something left in the tank. 
• Their linebackers simply can't cover anyone. They may end up as the worst ranked defense in the league in 2016.
• The RG III thing was just crazy. Passing on Wentz was unexplainable. RG III doesn't make it 5 games without a significant injury.    

They have a bright future, but this year I see them going 4-12. And I'm being nice. 
  

***Pittsburgh Steelers***

What I like:

• Great coaching staff. 
• Big Ben is the man.  
• Antonio Brown may be the best offensive weapon in the NFL.    
• I really like how they have been rebuilding the LB corps.
• D-line is a force to be reckoned with.

What I hate:

• Le'Veon Bell is an embarrassment. If he's not in trouble with the league he's injured. Yes, he's a rare talent, but he's unreliable. If they give this guy a big contract extension they will be pissing on the great culture of winning that has been cultivated in the Steel City for the last 40+ years. 
• The Ladarius Green situation is concerning. If he isn't out there this year, they have a huge hole at the TE position.  
• The secondary is getting old. I don't see Gay as anymore than a nickel back at this point, and he's their #1 CB.     

I see them going 8-8 and missing the playoffs. 

-Jay Wagner

 



AFC West Season Preview

Yet another fascinating division. Lets start with one of the best teams in the league, and a team I expect to see deep in the playoffs... the one and only KC Chiefs.  

***Kansas City Chiefs***

What I like:

• Their coaching staff is deep and savvy.  
• The backfield is four deep, which is necessary with a fragile guy like Charles as the #1 back.   
• They simply stole Maclin from Philly last season. True #1 WR's rarely come on the market. 
• Kelce is in the discussion for best TE in the league .
• The Houston/ Hali bookend pass rushing tandem is also in the discussion for best in the NFL.
• They certainly hit a homerun with their 2012 1st round pick CB Marcus Peters.
• I'm a huge Nick Foles fan. He's reunited with the coach who drafted him. Hope he takes Smith's job sooner rather than later. 

What I hate:

• I simply don't like Alex Smith. Yes he has won games for them, and he will continue to do so this season. I know winning QB's don't grow on trees. But he is simply too conservative. On 4th and goal, with 0:00 left on the clock, down by 5, Smith would throw the ball away to avoid a turnover... And think it was smart. He can win in the regular season, but he's not a post season gamer. Period.    
• WR corps, D-line, and secondary have holes and lack depth. Luckily Reid can make lemonade out of lemons. He knows what he has and will make the best of it.   

I predict 11-5,and the clear cut winner of this division.

***San Diego Chargers***

What I like:

• I'm a Rivers fan. He is on the same level as his draft mates from the Steelers and Giants. Unlike Eli and Big Ben he is ringless. He has been saddled with a weak roster for his whole career, and he never complains.
• Sneaky good offensive squad. 
• Love the addition of free agent Travis Benjamin. With Allen coming back from injury Rivers finally has two solid playmakers on the outside.  
• Love their first two picks. Bosa is a rare pass rusher, Von Miller like. (more about him in the next section). Second round pick TE Hunter Henry is a long term starter IMHO. I had him as a first round talent. He and Gates are a perfect duo.
• I really like their backfield. Gordon will continue to progress. All Woodhead and Oliver do is make plays.   

What I hate:

• The O-line will hold them back this year, as it did in 2015.
• Their defense is not even a top 20 squad. On paper they are bottom 5, especially without Bosa. 
• McCoy is not a winner. Shocking to me that he still has this job. Rather see either of his coordinators in the top spot over him.    
• Finally the Bosa fiasco. Unacceptable. His camp is dug in. They need him WAY more than he needs them. Your franchise QB is no spring chicken, get this guy signed and on the field. In this day and age it shouldn't be this hard to sign a 1st round pick.

I think they miss the playoffs at 6-10. They aren't a horrible team, but the defenses in this division can hold them to under 21 and the opposing offenses will easily score 28+ on their weak defense. You can do the math.

***Denver Broncos***

What I like:

• Miller is signed.   
• Whomever starts at QB has some nice weapons to play with on offense.  
• That defense is still scary.    

What I hate:

• They had no back up plan for Osweiler. I'm glad they didn't overpay him, but Sanchez and Lynch are two terrible options.   
• Lynch was not a 1st round talent. Ridiculous/ desperate reach. Should have taken the aforementioned TE Hunter Henry.  
• I am very concerned about that O-line.   

I see them going 9-7 and possible wildcard birth.   

***Oakland Raiders***

Please reference my thorough post from a few weeks back:

Raiders Post

I predict 9-7 and another possible wildcard birth.

-Jay Wagner

NFC South Season Preview

This is the most interesting division in football IMHO this year. Lets start out with the New Orleans Saints. Can their HC and star QB somehow make one final run at greatness. Make no mistake, the window is closing quickly on #9.  

***New Orleans Saints***

What I like:

• Their 1st round pick Sheldon Rankins was one of my top overall players in this years draft. Much need reinforcement on their D-line.  
• They have been rebuilding that O-line for a couple of years and it's starting to take shape.   
• They always seem to find great value in free agency, picking up guys who are blue collar producers. I like the signing of veterans LB Laurinaitis, HB Hightower and FB Kuhn. None are superstars, but these guys help you win games.
• Fleener is the right fit for this system, I predict a fantasy football beast this year.
• Their coaching staff boasts Dan Campbell and Dennis Allen, as well as mainstays like Joe Vitt. Great group of teachers.

What I hate:

• Lets start with their secondary. Vaccaro and Byrd should be the best safety tandem in the game, but the huge money free agent signing of Byrd a few years back has proven to be a mistake. He just can't stay healthy or regain his form when he turned heads in Buffalo.   
• Their OLB's are simply weak. The D-line is starting to look like a game changing squad, but without a legitimate outside pass rushing threat from the LB position they will be much less effective.
• The WR corps is a bit weak, but we will see if they shine with Brees as their captain.

I predict 9-7,most likely on the outside looking in at the post season.

***Atlanta Falcons***

What I like:

• The offense is simply stacked across the board.
• They got better with the additions of Alex Mack and Mohamed Sanu.
• They have maybe the best combination of a true franchise QB, true #1 WR and true bell cow RB.  
• Their coaching staff is impressive. Bryan Cox and Raheem Morris are two of my fav assistants in the league.

What I hate:

• So much about the defense. It's a bunch of under achievers like Upshaw, Reed, Wheeler. It looks like a 12 year old signed these guys because of their name recognition on his Madden video game. The Freeny move is a perfect example.
• Their last two 1st round picks. Beasley was a bit productive his rookie year, which I did not expect. But I still think he was a reach in the 1st round. Same thing with this years pick Keanu Neal. It was obviously a need pick, and a major reach.
• Quinn needs a few Sherman's and Chancellor's out there. Instead he is stuck with Alford's and Allen's. We shall see if he is the defensive genius he claims to be.   
• I hate their TE's. One weak spot of an otherwise imposing offense.

I think they miss the playoffs at 8-8. Which is a disappointment for a team with Ryan, Jones and Freeman. That defense will hold them back.... again.

***Tampa Bay Bucs***

What I like:

• They retained Doug Martin. Conventional thinking would have let the RB with durability issues walk once his rookie contract was up. But, as an organization you have drafted well the last few years. Keep that nucleus together!   
• Evans is a true #1, and a redzone nightmare.
• Winston showed he has the brain and arm to play in this league in 2015. 
• Defense is a top 10 group on my list, at least on paper.   

What I hate:

• Not loving the coaching staff. I hated the firing of Lovie. The rookie HC will have growing pains and Mike Smith, their DC, is my least fav assistant coach on the planet.  
•  They wasted money and a roster spot with Vincent Jackson. He's washed up. Evans desperately needs a bookend to take some of the pressure off of him. Very weak pass catchers.
• The O-line is improving, but it's still a year away.  

I see them going 8-8 only because this division is so stacked. Watch out 2017, this team is 2 or 3 pieces from making a run.  

***Carolina Panthers***

What I like:

• Cam is the man. He's everything you dream of in a franchise QB. Everything.
• The rushing attack is scary.
• Benjamin is back! Worst WR corps in football 2 years ago, now with Brown, Funchess, Ginn and #13 back. Add in Olsen and that's a formidable group of pass catchers.  
• My fav back up QB in the league. Anderson is a perfect fit for them. Hopefully he doesn't see the field, but if Cam goes down for a few weeks they will still believe they can win. What a luxury.
• Outstanding front seven, led by Kuechly... my DPOY, every year.

What I hate:

• Secondary lacks a true superstar. They are OK, but the loss of Norman will be felt.  
• More about Norman, I think that franchising him and then pulling the tag after most teams spent most of their cap money was very, very shady. It was a disservice to the player and the other teams. That's not the way the tag was intended to be used. And I think Carolina did it on purpose.  
• I am concerned about the lingering let down after losing in the big game. They were the most dominate team in football including their MVP QB, and they were thoroughly handled on the biggest stage. Hopefully their tough HC passes that mental toughness on to them.

I predict 13-3 and another deep run in the playoffs.

-Jay Wagner

NFC East Season Preview

Lets start out with the sad, sad state of affairs in Dallas. Giving yourself GM duties when you own a major sports franchise may be fun, but it's not very rational. Jerry Jones admits that he would have fired any GM that performed as poorly as he has during the past 15+ years. Yet he continues to steer this ship into iceberg after iceberg.

***Dallas Cowboys***

What I like:

• Ummmm, maybe the best O-line in the league =) 
• The backfield is amazing, and very deep.  
• Three talented WR's, including one of the most significant game changers in the NFL.  

What I hate:

• Tony Romo as their starting QB. He shrinks in big moments, and his durability isn't even in question anymore. I'd be comfortable betting big cash that he misses at least 4 to 6 games this year, for any number of fragile, old man issues.
• They signed a deal with the devil when they brought in Greg Hardy last season. He's obviously a low life. I applaud the Panthers for parting ways. BUT, since Jerry already crossed that bridge I have no idea why they didn't retain him in 2016. They desperately need his services. Big mistake parting ways IMHO.
• Their defense is shockingly devoid of talent. It's the product of poor drafting and free agent decisions.

I predict 6-10, and more importantly 1- 5 in their division.

***New York Giants***

What I like:

• Their 2nd round pick Sterling Shepard. Great guy to compliment #13.
• Eli Manning. Sooo underrated. Perfect mental toughness to play QB in NY. 
• That very expensive, new look defense. If the defense stays relatively healthy Spagnuolo should be able to do some great things with them.  

What I hate:

• Dumping Coughlin. With the roster he was handed in 2015, it's hard to understand how his team performed below upper managements expectations. Last years defensive roster was an embarrassment.
• Their weak backfield. Jennings and Vereen are OK role players, but this team desperately needs a bell cow RB.
• The O-line just can't seem to get right. They have spent some high draft picks in an attempt to build a dominate squad in the trenches. And it's just not coming together.  
• And finally I hate watching Cruz struggle to return to the field. He's such an easy guy to root for, but it's been over 20 months since he's played in a real game. Maybe it's time to accept that he suffered a career ending injury in 2014. Hope I'm wrong.

I think they miss the playoffs at 8-8

***Washington Redskins***

What I like:

• Everything about the offense except the backfield.
• LOVE Josh Doctson as their 1st pick. Outstanding mix of old and young WR's,
• O-line could easily emerge as the best in the league.
• TE's are outstanding.
• Cousins should grow and build on a break out 2015.
• I also like their HC. He really won me over last year. He was a true leader.
• I liked their defense before the Josh Norman signing. Adding him to the mix makes them a potential top 5 unit.

What I hate:

• Their aforementioned backfield. I agree with letting Morris walk as a free agent, his ship has sailed, at least as a starter. But, they are putting way too much faith in Matt Jones.
•  Only other thing I can come up with is depth at QB, but that grasping at straw's.

I see them going 11-5 and wining the division.

***Philadelphia Eagles***

What I like:

• Their coaching staff is terrific. I'm glad Peterson got his shot as a first time HC, and I am a huge fan of Schwartz as DC. OC Frank Reich may be the best young assistant coach in the game. Huge upgrade from Chip Kelly and his staff.  
• O-line is very much under the radar. They will be the glue that helps this team as they rebuild.
• Love Celek and Ertz as TE's. Great tandem.
• I like how they very definitively moved on from the poor acquisitions of guys like Alonzo, Maxwell, Sanchez and Murray. They decided to wipe the slate clean with those players. Also like the guys they didn't dump. 

What I hate:

• They simply blew up all of my draft and free agent predictions by keeping Bradford and then moving up very aggressively to the #2 spot to take "whomever the Rams didn't want". That was one of the most curious things about the offseason for me, and it threw a wrench into where all of the pieces should have fallen.
• I can't fathom why you would take a player #2 with the intention of sitting him. Just glance at their defense and explain to me how they could pass on guys like Bosa, Ramsey and Buckner.
• I have a ton of faith in Schwartz, as I just stated, but this defensive squad is hopeless.
• Their wideouts have been a big disappointment. They have an awful lot to prove.

I predict 7-9 and hopefully the Philly faithful understand that this rebuild will take a few years.

-Jay Wagner

AFC East Season Preview

Lets start out with the mighty New York Jets! I was a fan of the Jets for 30 years and have recently decided to end this abusive relationship... kind-of-like "a dog that's been kicked too much", to quote The Boss. But I still have lots of opinions about this cursed franchise.

***New York Jets***

What I like:

• They have a legitimate starting QB who is both popular with fans and the locker room.
• They have a smart, disciplined Head Coach who is all about accountability.
• Forte and Powell should be an outstanding and dynamic one/ two punch out of the backfield.
• Pryor showed some real progress in his sophomore campaign, and Gilchrest fit in very well last year. This could possibly be the best safety duo in the league in 2016.  The are both very much under the radar.

What I hate:

• The O-line is a mess. Even with Clady healthy for 16 games they are a C+ squad. And I see little to no chance Clady plays even 8 games. Without him they are a D-. No team can win with a D- offensive line.
• The Jets haven't had an elite threat at TE since... well since my whole 30 years as a fan at least. Kellen Davis is currently #1 on the depth chart one week into training camp. Wow, just wow.
• The LB corps. is terrible. Two old man in the middle and a bunch of young nobody's on the outside. Boy did OLB deserve a huge free agent signing or a 1st round pick. Another hole the Jets haven't been able to fill during any of the previous THREE GM's reigns.
• No legitimate #3/ slot receiver. Decker, Marshall... and then nobody. All you need is for one of our two top wideouts to go down and the offense is back to the stone ages.
• Drafting Hackenberg was simply dumb. Petty and Hackenberg are very similar prospects. Combined with Geno and FitzMagic one of them will have to be dumped. We won't have 4 QB's on the final 53. Really confusing move.
• The chances Fitz stays healthy for 16 games and can replicate his performance from last season are both very slim. The Jets did a great job signing him for short money, but I still don't think he can lead a team to the playoffs.

I predict 7-9 and back to the drawing board next offseason for the star crossed Jets.

***New England Patriots***

What I like:

• Free Agent signings of Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett. Their pass catchers are under the radar right now. As a group, including the WR's, TE's and RB's, they are a bunch of match up nightmares.
• O-line should be much improved this year.
• Chung and McCourty are both game changers.

What I hate:

• Tom Brady's face (LOL)
• Trading Chandler Jones. Just plain stupid. Their pass rush was weak with him in the line up, now it's a joke.
• Not signing a veteran back up QB. If Garoppolo goes down in the pre-season the Pats are 0-4, it's that simple.

I think they miss the playoffs at 8-8

***Buffalo Bills***

What I like:

• Tyrod Taylor is an exciting story. Finally someone let a guy who wasn't a bluechip prospect to ride the bench for a few years, learn and develop, compete in camp, win the job and go out and win games. I am not convinced he can be their savior, but at least he's getting his shot.
• O-line is very solid.
• The offense is overflowing with weapons.
• Their offensive coordinator is the best coach on their staff, and he is allowed to do whatever he wants on that side of the ball.

What I hate:

• Their whole draft.
• Their loser Head Coach.
• Their undisciplined defense, that was terribly exposed last year.

I see them going 9-7 and making the playoffs.

***Miami Dolphins***

What I like:

• Their WR's. 3 exciting guys a top their depth chart. I also like the TE Cameron, but he's always hurt.
• I am the biggest Jay Ajayi fan on the east coast I think. I loved him in the 2015 draft, I think they got an amazing value where they picked him, and I think he can replace Miller no problem.

What I hate:

• Basically their entire off season. I heard a quote "The Dolphins did an outstanding job of getting older and more injury prone this offseason". So accurate.
• Hate the trade for Maxwell and Alonzo.
• Hate the signings of Mario Williams and Arian Foster. The Foster thing will be remembered as essentially a swap of Arian Foster and Lamar Miller between the Phins and Texans. No way Miami comes out looking good with that comparison.
• Their secondary is a joke.
• Their O-line isn't funny, it's just sad.
• Tannehill needs a change of scenery. Four seasons and not even a playoff birth from a 1st round pick?? Not acceptable.  
• Oh, and I hate their choice for Head Coach.

I predict 5-11 and hopefully Tannenbaum is out on his ear.

-Jay Wagner