It is finally getting to be that time once again. Summer coming to an end is a bummer, but it means that we get NFL football. This will be a ranking of every team entering into the 2019 NFL season. The ranking will be followed by a short explanation of the ranking.
32. Miami Dolphins: This team blows! Tanking is more of a NBA and MLB thing except with the Miami Dolphins. They just traded one of their best receivers and their best tackle for future draft picks. Their quarterbacks are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen.....Not to mention they have few to no weapons on each side of the ball. The Dolphins have to be the early favorite to have the leagues worst record.
Record Prediction: 3-13
31. Cincinnati Bengals: This team blows too. Andy Dalton sucks and their best player AJ Green is already hurt. They have a couple good weapons like Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd, but that's really it. It's safe to assume the Bengals will be drafting high for a quarterback in the 2020 draft.
Record Prediction: 3-13
30. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, that's it. This team has nothing on defense and other than Saquon little on offense. Eli Manning has been in a steep decline and every chance the media gets they will clammer for Daniel Jones. This team will not only suck, but have the media all over them until Daniel Jones gets a shot.
Record Prediction: 4-12
29. Arizona Cardinals: This is a young team that is building for a future and is not built to win now. They have a rookie quarterback, a rookie head coach, and two high drafted receivers in their rookie and sophomore seasons. The Cardinals should look to see promising signs from Kyler Murray and not be focused on contending this year.
Record Prediction: 4-12
28. Detroit Lions: Bill Belichick disciples have a history of being bad head coaches and Matt Patricia is off to a terrible start. Matt Stafford is a decent quarterback but he doesn't have a ton around him other than Kerryon Johnson and Kenny Golladay. Also, the defense sucks. This could end up being a very short stint in Detroit for Matty P.
Record Prediction: 5-11
27. Oakland Raiders: If I've learned one thing from Hard Knocks it's that I don't like Derek Carr or Antonio Brown. Carr is just annoying and Brown is so self absorbed it's insane. For the Raiders though their season rides on these two. The Raiders have nothing going on defense and have a bunch of new offensive players including Trent Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Josh Jacobs. For them to gel it'll take time and playing in such a tough division doesn't give them much of it.
Record Prediction: 6-10
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This season will ride on the arm of Jameis Winston for the Bucs. This is a make or break year for the former number one pick. The Bucs have some potential with new head coach Bruce Arians, who is known for getting the most out of quarterbacks. They also have very good pass catchers between their receivers and tight ends. However, their defense is among the worst in the league which is tough when you have to play Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Drew Brees all twice a year. This team stinks of 6-10.
Record Prediction: 6-10
25. Washington Redskins: The biggest issue for the Skins is the quarterback and receivers. They're starting the year with Case Keenum who is realistically a career backup and Keenum has no good weapons to throw to. The Skins do have a nice rotation of running backs and a good defense that should keep them from being really, really bad.
Record Prediction: 6-10
24. San Francisco 49ers: The problem with this team has been injuries. Their number one receiver Marquise Goodwin is already hurt, Jerrick McKinnon is going to miss another whole season, and Jimmy G is coming off knee surgery. The 49ers are a young team with potential, but haven't had luck getting going. The success of Jimmy G will likely determine the success of San Francisco.
Record Prediction: 6-10
23. Buffalo Bills: This team has the feel that they will play hard defense, run the football, and take deep shots down the field. The Bills have a decent rotation of running backs, but have almost no weapons for young Josh Allen to throw to. Their defense is always good which will keep them in some games. This team won't be good, but I don't think they'll be awful either.
Record Prediction: 7-9
22. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts would be much higher if Andrew Luck hadn't retired. However, he did and now they have former Brady backups Brissett and Hoyer as the options. These guys are maybe the two best backups in the league, but to lead a team to the playoffs could be difficult over 16 games for Brissett. The Colts are good on both sides of the ball and have plenty of weapons to throw to. I think the Colts will contend for a playoff spot all year, but fall just short in the end.
Record Prediction: 7-9
21. Denver Broncos: This Broncos team is built very similarly to Ravens teams of the 2010s. A good defense, good running backs, and Joe Flacco at quarterback. Flacco has seen his best years behind him, but he isn't the worst quarterback ever. They've drafted Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant to be playmakers and if they develop this year than Denver could make some noise. Their great defense will keep them relevant, but don't expect this team to make the playoffs.
Record Prediction: 8-8
20. New York Jets: The Jets were the team of the offseason acquiring Leveon Bell, Jamison Crowder, and CJ Moseley. They have a young defense that should be very good this year. Sam Darnold looks like he could finally be the answer at quarterback. On paper this is a pretty good roster, but then again it is the Jets. I think at the end of the day they'll contend, but to me this team feels a year away from really making a run.
Record Prediction: 9-7
19. Tennessee Titans: When I think of an average football team I think of the Titans. They have a strong defense, but almost nothing going on offense. Derrick Henry and Corey Davis are good players, but it feels like they should be better. Also, they have two quarterbacks, which means they have no quarterbacks. The Titans will be average like always.
Record Prediction: 9-7
18. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons seem to still be snake bitten from their Super Bowl debacle in 2016. Since then they've won just one playoff game and failed to reach the playoffs last season. They are stacked like always on offense, but have a weak defense in a division filled with strong quarterback play. Also, Matt Ryan is a notorious choker. The Falcons could make the playoffs as a wild card, but beating out the Saints for the division will be tough.
Record Prediction: 9-7
17. Carolina Panthers: The big question for the Panthers is the health of Cam Newton. The Panthers were 6-2 last season before Newtons shoulder flared up. They have a solid defense and young weapons on offense. The Panthers aren't a Super Bowl contender, but could be a playoff team if Newton is 100% and stays that way all season.
Record Prediction: 9-7
16. Green Bay Packers: The Packers had a terrible year last year and most of that was because Rodgers wasn't great when he played. However, they have a new offensive minded coach and a revamped defense. The only issue is that Davante Adams is the only real weapon Rodgers has to throw to. Unless someone else emerges or Matt LaFleurs system is just that good the Packers will have to rely mostly on Rodgers again. That would mean they'll be good but not a contender like they once were.
Record Prediction: 9-7
15. Cleveland Browns: Generally when a team is this hyped up there is only one way to go. The Browns might have the best roster in the league and are stacked on both sides of the ball. However, they have a ton of head strong personalities that are being dealt with by a first year head coach. Also, none of the players there or organization are used to winning. Theoretically the Browns should be Super Bowl contenders, but I think they are a year away. I think this year will be figuring stuff out and next year could be there big season if it doesn't fall apart by then.
Record Prediction: 9-7
14. Chicago Bears: I don't have a lot of confidence in the Bears and that's because of Mithchell Trubisky. In a draft with Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes the Bears took Trubisky and it'll cost them for years to come. If they had either of the others they might be Super Bowl favorites, but instead I predict they'll miss the playoffs this year. Last year the Bears surprised everyone with Matt Nagy's offensive scheme. However, now the whole league has a year of film on them and their offensive weapons are just decent in my opinion. Their dominant defense will for sure keep them in playoff contention, but I could see them missing the playoffs this year.
Record Prediction: 9-7
13. Jacksonville Jaguars: This is my sleeper team for the upcoming season. They are only a year removed from being a couple plays away of beating the Patriots and advancing to the Super Bowl. The issue for years has been Blake Bortles as the quarterback which has been fixed by Nick Foles. The Jaguars have a young and hungry defense that is one of the best in the league. They have a motivated Leonard Fournette who could have a bounce back year. If Nick Foles can be just a decent quarterback the Jaguars could return to what they were in the 2017 season.
Record Prediction: 10-6
12. Baltimore Ravens: This team will ride or die with Lamar Jackson. The young signal caller hasn't been able to consistently throw the ball at a NFL level which is a problem. I don't think he will figure it out either and that's why I think the Ravens which just be decent this season. They have a good defense and strong running game, but those will only take you so far when your quarterback is inept.
Record Prediction: 10-6
11. Minnesota Vikings: Entering last season the Vikings were picked by many people to be in or even win the Super Bowl. Well they didn't even make the playoffs. The NFC North seems to be won by a different team every year and this could be the year the Vikings bounce back. They still have a dominant defense, a capable head coach, and a finally healthy Dalvin Cook. The Vikings should win the division if Kirk Cousins doesn't screw it up.
Record Prediction: 10-6
10. Steelers: I don't respect Mike Tomlin as a coach, in fact I think he's the most overrated coach in the league. However, he has never had a losing season and Big Ben can still sling it. The defense is improved and even though they lost Brown and Bell that may be good for the overall locker room and team dynamic. Every season the Steelers are overhyped and they disappoint. Maybe the underdog role will serve the Steelers nicely. If Big Ben can stay healthy the Steelers are my pick to win the AFC North.
Record Prediction: 11-5
9. Texans: The Texans made big moves by acquiring Kenny Stills and Laremy Tunsil. They got Watson another weapon and some much needed help up front. This season I think the Texans may actually struggle on defense believe it or not. JJ Watt is an aging star, Clowney and Honey Badger are both gone, and there isn't a ton else. This feels like another classic Houston season of decent regular season and maybe win one playoff game at most.
Record Prediction: 11-5
8. Philadelphia Eagles: I'm trying to put my biased aside when I judge Philly because I really don't like them. To be fair though they have a lot of nice weapons for Wentz to throw to and a nasty front seven. However, their secondary is just average and the health of Wentz is a huge question. It's possible that they will return to the dominance they had during their Super Bowl year. However, I predict that they'll be a wild card team that could make a Super Bowl run if they get hot at the right time.
Record Prediction: 11-5
7. Seattle Seahawks: With the addition of Clowney this Seahawks defense could be back to being one of the leagues best. They have a strong, power running attack with Chris Carson and of course Russell Wilson leading the way. The only issue with Seattle could be the lack of weapons on offense. Doug Baldwin retired, DK Metcalf is already hurt, which leaves Tyler Lockett as the only reliable pass catcher. The Seahawks will win like they always have with a strong defense, power running attack, and deep shots down field. For me Seattle will definitely be in the playoffs and I think they could make a run for the division title too.
Record Prediction: 11-5
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Last year was a rare one for the Chargers in that they stayed pretty healthy. Unlucky for them All-Pro safety Derwin James is going to miss a good chunk of the season and left tackle Russell Okung will miss some time as well. Even with those injuries they still have a very good defense and plenty of weapons on offense to work with. The problem for this LA team will be winning on the road in the playoffs. I think the Chargers are for sure a playoff team but I'm not sure if Philip Rivers will ever get over the hump.
Record Prediction: 11-5
5. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have one of the best rosters in the league and are coming off a season where they made the Super Bowl. I think this team could be victim to a Super Bowl hangover. In the Super Bowl Todd Gurley's knees looked like my grandmothers and Jared Goff was exposed. However, they still have a strong defense, several playmakers on offense, and a great play caller in Sean Mcvay. I suspect that the Rams will take a step back this season, but still be good enough to make the playoffs and possibly win the division.
Record Prediction: 11-5
4. Dallas Cowboys: I would not be shocked in the slightest if the Cowboys made the Super Bowl this season. They have a young and dominant defense, the leagues best running back, and the leagues best offensive line. I am one of the few people who believe in Dak Prescott too. I think he gets unnecessary hate. In every playoff game he's played in he's played well. Not to mention he has never had a losing season. He can't be your best guy, but with the pieces around him I think he can get it done. A question for me this season will be the health of Amari Cooper. There was a clear difference in Dallas last year when Cooper came in. If he gets hurt the Cowboys don't have much else at the receiver position. If Dallas can stay healthy I expect big things this season.
Record Prediction: 12-4
3. Kansas City Chiefs: I think the Chiefs are primed for another big season. I don't think Mahomes will be as good as last year just because 50 touchdowns is hard to duplicate, but I still think he'll be very good. They still have all their weapons on offense except for Kareem Hunt, but Damien Williams and LeSean Mccoy should be able to fill that gap. The problem with KC will be defense. They lost several key defensive players but brought in Frank Clark and the Honey Badger. The AFC is kind of weak so I wouldn't be shocked if they were back in the AFC Championship game. However, I would never pick them to beat the Patriots if the game is in Gillette.
Record Prediction: 12-4
2. New Orleans Saints: The Saints got screwed two years in a row. They lost on a miracle play by Stefon Diggs and then a blatant pass interference no call. I think this year they will be hungry to get Drew Brees one more Super Bowl before he's done. They have a solid defense and all the weapons on offense to make it happen. They also have one of the best home field advantages in the league which will help in the playoffs. The Saints are my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season.
Record Prediction: 13-3
1. New England Patriots: The Pats are the only acceptable team to be ranked number one. They won the Super Bowl last season and I think they are actually better this season. They've added Damien Harris, Demaryius Thomas, N'keal Harry, and a full year of Josh Gordon on offense. The defense was the strength of the team last year and everyone is back except for Trey Flowers. To make matters better they have the easiest schedule in the league based off of last years records. The only threat I see in the AFC would be the Chiefs and we went 2-0 last year against them. Expect another season of Brady and Belichick destroying opponents and being back in the Super Bowl.
Record Prediction: 13-3
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