NFL 2017 SEASON PREVIEW

The order of the teams is my projected finish in each division.

AFC EAST

Patriots: Wide receiver Julian Edelman will miss the season due an ACL injury but depth at the position will not hinder the team likely to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Dolphins: Cutler should keep the Dolphins hopes for a second straight playoff appearance alive but having to play the league’s sixth toughest schedule could make the return difficult

Bills: Like previous seasons, it will not end with a Bills post-season appearance

Jets: This is a bad team. A very, very, bad team

AFC NORTH

Steelers: The only team that could challenge the Patriots in the AFC

Ravens: Went defense heavy in the draft

Bengals: In any other division they would win it, but with Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the same grouping, it is tough to breakthrough

Browns: Going 6-10 would be considered a success. Have several draft picks over the next few seasons

AFC SOUTH

Texans: Defense should carry them to a third consecutive AFC South crown

Titans: Trendy pick for AFC South champion, will be in the playoff hunt

Colts: Could compete for the division if Luck stays healthy but a deep playoff run is out of the question

Jaguars: How long before Tom Coughlin gets the itch to return to the sideline?

AFC WEST

Raiders: Team was primed for a deep playoff run before Carr’s season-ending injury. AFC dark horse

Chiefs: Won the AFC West last season but that was due to the Raiders meeting the injury bug

Broncos: Top ranked defense but the offense will have to score points

Chargers: Could be in the mix for the division title if the Raiders and Chiefs flop

NFC EAST

Cowboys: Won’t go 13-3 but has the tools to repeat as division champions

Giants: Boasts a deep receiving corps and could prove to be problematic to opposing secondaries

Eagles: Big expectations for Carson Wentz to take the Eagles into the playoffs in his second year

Washington: Kirk Cousins might need to take Washington deep into the playoffs for the payout he is looking for

NFC NORTH

Packers: Still the favorite to win the division but needs more consistent play in order to be taken seriously as a championship contender

Vikings: Bridgewater is currently on the PUP list meaning he will not be eligible to play until midseason. In the meantime, the team’s fortunes depend on quarterback Sam Bradford and their defense is to keep the ship steady

Lions: Was in position to host a playoff game since 1993 but lost their final 3 games. Need to close out better if the Lions are to win the division and be a playoff threat

Bears: Mike Glennon is the starter, but expect Mitch Trubisky to be starting sometime during the season

NFC SOUTH

Falcons: Despite historic collapse in last season’s Super Bowl, still a favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LII

Buccaneers: The addition of DeSean Jackson gives Winston a deep threat and makes them a threat to make the playoffs

Panthers: Expect Christian McCaffery to be in the talks of offensive rookie of the year

Saints: Drew Brees will add more to his potential Hall of Fame resume, but the team has a lot of money in players no longer on the team and it will hinder them in the ability to effectively rebuild while Brees can still play

NFC WEST

Seahawks: Defense is still one of the best but starting to show its age. A healthy Russell Wilson should be in the talks for league MVP

Cardinals: Championship window for Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald is closing

Rams: Can Wade Phillips turn this defense around?

49ers: Team is in rebuilding mode with new coach and general manager