Remember Crusher asking me for my top teams heading into the season. Ranking based on last year's standungs, plus roster changes, SOS etc for the upcoming season.
#1: Ravens
They got all the pieces in place for a super bowl run, but just need to get over the proverbial hump. Roster mainly intact minus Tucker, plus made a few more additions this offseason with mix of proven free agent vets and some solid draft picks as usual. SOS I'd say maybe just a tad easier this year. The travel is a bit more friendlier and one extra home game. Only concern I have is having the bye week earlier than usual. Health/injuries, Lamar's inability to win the big playoff game vs Mahomes/Allen and a new unproven rookie kicker are the only obstacles standing in the way from getting to the Super Bowl. Can Tyler Loop make the big kick if it comes down to it? His preseason performance was promising but that is definitely a wildcard. The only team that can beat the Ravens are themselves. That being said, I think they made enough improvements to take the leap over Eagles to be my projected #1 team going into week 1. Last year I felt like the Eagles were better than the Ravens ever since their head to head match and they proved it by winning the Super Bowl.
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Remember Crusher asking me for my top teams heading into the season. Ranking based on last year's standungs, plus roster changes, SOS etc for the upcoming season.
#1: Ravens
They got all the pieces in place for a super bowl run, but just need to get over the proverbial hump. Roster mainly intact minus Tucker, plus made a few more additions this offseason with mix of proven free agent vets and some solid draft picks as usual. SOS I'd say maybe just a tad easier this year. The travel is a bit more friendlier and one extra home game. Only concern I have is having the bye week earlier than usual. Health/injuries, Lamar's inability to win the big playoff game vs Mahomes/Allen and a new unproven rookie kicker are the only obstacles standing in the way from getting to the Super Bowl. Can Tyler Loop make the big kick if it comes down to it? His preseason performance was promising but that is definitely a wildcard. The only team that can beat the Ravens are themselves. That being said, I think they made enough improvements to take the leap over Eagles to be my projected #1 team going into week 1. Last year I felt like the Eagles were better than the Ravens ever since their head to head match and they proved it by winning the Super Bowl.
Eagles bruising offense remains intact with a bit more depth added. AJ Dillon is a nice pickup, another bruiser. I see the Eagles passing game putting up better numbers than last season. Because of how much they relied on Saquon I don't think 300+ attempts will be feasible again for him but having Dillon onboard will help take off some of the load . On defense Eagles lost some well-known pieces I think they will regress just a bit defensively but they did a good job as usual restocking their defense with quality young talent. They lost some vet playmakers in Darius Slay and CJ Gardner. Eagles secondary was stingy last season, but losing those two I think their impact will be felt, but its still a quality DB group that got younger and will get better in the future. Eagles 2025 SOS is gonna be much tougher than last year since they're playing the AFC West/NFC North tandem, plus they have 9 road games this time and don't have the luxury of having 3 back-to-back home stands like last season. I don't see the Eagles going 14-3 or better, but they still have a tough roster to withstand a tough schedule and be in contention for the Super bowl. They are still the team to beat in the NFC until proven otherwise but boy does that schedule look a bit brutal. Because of some of these changes I mentioned, I have them slightly weaker than Ravens in power ratings but its close.
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#2 Eagles
Eagles bruising offense remains intact with a bit more depth added. AJ Dillon is a nice pickup, another bruiser. I see the Eagles passing game putting up better numbers than last season. Because of how much they relied on Saquon I don't think 300+ attempts will be feasible again for him but having Dillon onboard will help take off some of the load . On defense Eagles lost some well-known pieces I think they will regress just a bit defensively but they did a good job as usual restocking their defense with quality young talent. They lost some vet playmakers in Darius Slay and CJ Gardner. Eagles secondary was stingy last season, but losing those two I think their impact will be felt, but its still a quality DB group that got younger and will get better in the future. Eagles 2025 SOS is gonna be much tougher than last year since they're playing the AFC West/NFC North tandem, plus they have 9 road games this time and don't have the luxury of having 3 back-to-back home stands like last season. I don't see the Eagles going 14-3 or better, but they still have a tough roster to withstand a tough schedule and be in contention for the Super bowl. They are still the team to beat in the NFC until proven otherwise but boy does that schedule look a bit brutal. Because of some of these changes I mentioned, I have them slightly weaker than Ravens in power ratings but its close.
This was close but I have the Bills narrowly edging out the Chiefs for the #3 spot to start the season the reason why will be discussed later in #4. Bills could just as easily be in the #5 spot. There's nothing I really saw during the off-season that made me think wow the Bills are much improved. Addition by subtraction. Joey Bosa replaces legend Von Miller. Bosa has a little more in the tank but main obstacle through his career has been health. Josh Palmer replaces Amari Cooper. Shame I would have to liked to see if Cooper could make an impact in year #2 with Bills. He was invisible at times to fit in due to being traded midseason which is understandable. Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore are good depth pieces. Overall, offense from last season is still much intact. Defensively, the Bills are good but not great. They can be flaky at times. They did spend a decent amount of draft picks to improve on defense. There is potential for growth but they will be a bit green for sure. Fortunately for them, they dominate the AFC East and they'll also be blessed with another easy schedule playing the NFC South. Things will get a bit tricky toward the 2nd half of the schedule where they will bound to lose a few road games.
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#3 Bills
This was close but I have the Bills narrowly edging out the Chiefs for the #3 spot to start the season the reason why will be discussed later in #4. Bills could just as easily be in the #5 spot. There's nothing I really saw during the off-season that made me think wow the Bills are much improved. Addition by subtraction. Joey Bosa replaces legend Von Miller. Bosa has a little more in the tank but main obstacle through his career has been health. Josh Palmer replaces Amari Cooper. Shame I would have to liked to see if Cooper could make an impact in year #2 with Bills. He was invisible at times to fit in due to being traded midseason which is understandable. Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore are good depth pieces. Overall, offense from last season is still much intact. Defensively, the Bills are good but not great. They can be flaky at times. They did spend a decent amount of draft picks to improve on defense. There is potential for growth but they will be a bit green for sure. Fortunately for them, they dominate the AFC East and they'll also be blessed with another easy schedule playing the NFC South. Things will get a bit tricky toward the 2nd half of the schedule where they will bound to lose a few road games.
Chiefs went 15-2 the best ever record in Mahomes era despite struggling uncharacteristically on offense but their defense was solid and they had unbelievable "luck" in close games. It's up to you to determine what that means. Let's see if they can replicate that record again this season.. I don't think they quite will. Offensively, I think they will be a bit more productive this year because I just don't see Mahomes having another down year but their offense won't be at full strength with Rashee Rice missing the first 6 games. Chiefs had issues last season at left tackle, a void left by Orlando Brown. It was bad that Joe Thuney had to switch to tackle but he's no longer with the team. It was a priority for Chiefs to pick up the best tackle in the draft. The left side of the line might still be iffy at guard so we'll see if the rookie Josh Smith can deliver immediately on the left side. What he has shown in preseason seems promising. Chiefs starting defensive unit remains solid, not too many changes but they did lose some veteran depth there. Still a solid defensive unit I would still rank them above the Bills. Chiefs SOS isn't too demanding, middle of the road. AFC West should be more competitive, NFC East as well. Overall Chiefs are still kings of AFC in name until either Bills or Ravens can finally knock them out. I don't agree with some rankings that have Lions or Packers or even Commanders ahead of Chiefs. That's bullshit. It's the Eagles and the AFC Trinity of Bills/Chiefs/Ravens in any order of your preference. The top 4 QB's in the league currently with as complete a roster as can be from top to bottom and overall consistency year over year. Everyone else needs to improve.
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#4 Chiefs
Chiefs went 15-2 the best ever record in Mahomes era despite struggling uncharacteristically on offense but their defense was solid and they had unbelievable "luck" in close games. It's up to you to determine what that means. Let's see if they can replicate that record again this season.. I don't think they quite will. Offensively, I think they will be a bit more productive this year because I just don't see Mahomes having another down year but their offense won't be at full strength with Rashee Rice missing the first 6 games. Chiefs had issues last season at left tackle, a void left by Orlando Brown. It was bad that Joe Thuney had to switch to tackle but he's no longer with the team. It was a priority for Chiefs to pick up the best tackle in the draft. The left side of the line might still be iffy at guard so we'll see if the rookie Josh Smith can deliver immediately on the left side. What he has shown in preseason seems promising. Chiefs starting defensive unit remains solid, not too many changes but they did lose some veteran depth there. Still a solid defensive unit I would still rank them above the Bills. Chiefs SOS isn't too demanding, middle of the road. AFC West should be more competitive, NFC East as well. Overall Chiefs are still kings of AFC in name until either Bills or Ravens can finally knock them out. I don't agree with some rankings that have Lions or Packers or even Commanders ahead of Chiefs. That's bullshit. It's the Eagles and the AFC Trinity of Bills/Chiefs/Ravens in any order of your preference. The top 4 QB's in the league currently with as complete a roster as can be from top to bottom and overall consistency year over year. Everyone else needs to improve.
Remember Crusher asking me for my top teams heading into the season. Ranking based on last year's standungs, plus roster changes, SOS etc for the upcoming season. #1: Ravens They got all the pieces in place for a super bowl run, but just need to get over the proverbial hump. Roster mainly intact minus Tucker, plus made a few more additions this offseason with mix of proven free agent vets and some solid draft picks as usual. SOS I'd say maybe just a tad easier this year. The travel is a bit more friendlier and one extra home game. Only concern I have is having the bye week earlier than usual. Health/injuries, Lamar's inability to win the big playoff game vs Mahomes/Allen and a new unproven rookie kicker are the only obstacles standing in the way from getting to the Super Bowl. Can Tyler Loop make the big kick if it comes down to it? His preseason performance was promising but that is definitely a wildcard. The only team that can beat the Ravens are themselves. That being said, I think they made enough improvements to take the leap over Eagles to be my projected #1 team going into week 1. Last year I felt like the Eagles were better than the Ravens ever since their head to head match and they proved it by winning the Super Bowl.
With Harbaugh as head coach and Jackson as the starting QB, Baltimore does not have what it takes to get over the hump.
Trashmonsters - Unite & Horrify.
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Quote Originally Posted by Digitalkarma:
Remember Crusher asking me for my top teams heading into the season. Ranking based on last year's standungs, plus roster changes, SOS etc for the upcoming season. #1: Ravens They got all the pieces in place for a super bowl run, but just need to get over the proverbial hump. Roster mainly intact minus Tucker, plus made a few more additions this offseason with mix of proven free agent vets and some solid draft picks as usual. SOS I'd say maybe just a tad easier this year. The travel is a bit more friendlier and one extra home game. Only concern I have is having the bye week earlier than usual. Health/injuries, Lamar's inability to win the big playoff game vs Mahomes/Allen and a new unproven rookie kicker are the only obstacles standing in the way from getting to the Super Bowl. Can Tyler Loop make the big kick if it comes down to it? His preseason performance was promising but that is definitely a wildcard. The only team that can beat the Ravens are themselves. That being said, I think they made enough improvements to take the leap over Eagles to be my projected #1 team going into week 1. Last year I felt like the Eagles were better than the Ravens ever since their head to head match and they proved it by winning the Super Bowl.
With Harbaugh as head coach and Jackson as the starting QB, Baltimore does not have what it takes to get over the hump.
Tight race between Lions and Packers for #5 , but I chose the Packers. I feel like the addition of Micah Parsons gives their defense a boost to an already solid defense. Pass rush is what they needed to improve on however I do think their run defense takes a hit without Clark and TJ Slayton. Small price to pay but nearly even exchange after also losing Jaire Alexander earlier in the year. Nate Hobbs is a decent replacement but not all pro like Jaire. Overall I feel like Packers did a good job retaining their core group. The main concern as usual is the health of Christian Watson. They'll be without him early in the season.
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#5 Packers
Tight race between Lions and Packers for #5 , but I chose the Packers. I feel like the addition of Micah Parsons gives their defense a boost to an already solid defense. Pass rush is what they needed to improve on however I do think their run defense takes a hit without Clark and TJ Slayton. Small price to pay but nearly even exchange after also losing Jaire Alexander earlier in the year. Nate Hobbs is a decent replacement but not all pro like Jaire. Overall I feel like Packers did a good job retaining their core group. The main concern as usual is the health of Christian Watson. They'll be without him early in the season.
I think Lions had an unbelievable season last year at 15-2 but what goes up most come down. I'll give the Lions a respectable #6 for now based on what they did last season, but losing the way they did to Washington in the divisional does not give me a good impression that they will bounce back strong this season. Not only did they lost both coordinators, but they lost some key vets on their roster. My concern is on offensive line after losing Ragnow and Zeitler in the interior. Jared Goff is not a good QB when pressured. Defensive line also lost a bit of depth. They weren't able to retain Zadarius Smith. I am not sure how much effective Aidan Hutchinson will perform after coming back from major injury. Lions are still a talented team but they will have a challenging season.
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#6 Lions
I think Lions had an unbelievable season last year at 15-2 but what goes up most come down. I'll give the Lions a respectable #6 for now based on what they did last season, but losing the way they did to Washington in the divisional does not give me a good impression that they will bounce back strong this season. Not only did they lost both coordinators, but they lost some key vets on their roster. My concern is on offensive line after losing Ragnow and Zeitler in the interior. Jared Goff is not a good QB when pressured. Defensive line also lost a bit of depth. They weren't able to retain Zadarius Smith. I am not sure how much effective Aidan Hutchinson will perform after coming back from major injury. Lions are still a talented team but they will have a challenging season.
Almost chose the Texans for this spot. The only reason I have the Rams a tick higher was them being the more accomplished team over the last 4 seasons with slightly more playoff success and a previous Super Bowl winner. Veteran Matt Stafford is back for another season and throwing to a more decorated veteran reciever in Davante Adams to replace Cooper Kupp. The Rams slightly lost some depth but return most of the same starters from last season. They have a young defensive core that will only improve over last season with Defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse leading the way. They will be in playoff contention again if they can stay healthy and possibly I could rate them higher than the Lions over the course of the season but for now i will stick them at #7. When they beat the Lions in week 15 then it will be official.
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#7 Rams
Almost chose the Texans for this spot. The only reason I have the Rams a tick higher was them being the more accomplished team over the last 4 seasons with slightly more playoff success and a previous Super Bowl winner. Veteran Matt Stafford is back for another season and throwing to a more decorated veteran reciever in Davante Adams to replace Cooper Kupp. The Rams slightly lost some depth but return most of the same starters from last season. They have a young defensive core that will only improve over last season with Defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse leading the way. They will be in playoff contention again if they can stay healthy and possibly I could rate them higher than the Lions over the course of the season but for now i will stick them at #7. When they beat the Lions in week 15 then it will be official.
This ranking could get reversed if Texans beat the Rams in week 1.. Interestingly, that I put these teams right next to each other. I think Texans did surprisingly well last season considering CJ Stroud mostly avoided the sophomore slump and put nearly similar numbers compared to his rookie season despite losing Tank Dell to brutal injury. I think Texans are poised to break out of their 10-7 record and strive for something better. Christian Kirk is an interesting addition as well as adding Nick Chubb who won't be the same player he once was but is still serviceable in the backfield to complement Damion Pierce. Only concern on the offensive side is the adjustment at left tackle with Laremy Tunsil gone. Tunsil to me is overpaid and overrated so makes sense that they decided not to keep him around and go with a new young talent. When they get Mixon and Tank back from the reserved list this offense will be a little deeper. Defensively I could see the Texans finally crack top 10 in defense, adding some new vets to the mix like CJ Gardner and Sheldon Rankins to go along with the young anchors in Will Anderson and Derek Stingley. I think Texans had a good offseason and are making the right moves.
Sip on that plus money honey!
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#8 Texans
This ranking could get reversed if Texans beat the Rams in week 1.. Interestingly, that I put these teams right next to each other. I think Texans did surprisingly well last season considering CJ Stroud mostly avoided the sophomore slump and put nearly similar numbers compared to his rookie season despite losing Tank Dell to brutal injury. I think Texans are poised to break out of their 10-7 record and strive for something better. Christian Kirk is an interesting addition as well as adding Nick Chubb who won't be the same player he once was but is still serviceable in the backfield to complement Damion Pierce. Only concern on the offensive side is the adjustment at left tackle with Laremy Tunsil gone. Tunsil to me is overpaid and overrated so makes sense that they decided not to keep him around and go with a new young talent. When they get Mixon and Tank back from the reserved list this offense will be a little deeper. Defensively I could see the Texans finally crack top 10 in defense, adding some new vets to the mix like CJ Gardner and Sheldon Rankins to go along with the young anchors in Will Anderson and Derek Stingley. I think Texans had a good offseason and are making the right moves.
Going to wrap up the last two spots quick. #9 and #10 is tough but I could fit 4 or 5 different teams on here. I'll pick the two that makes the most sense to me because they seem similar.
#9 Commanders
Commanders were the cinderallas of last season and were one game away from making it to the Super Bowl until they crashed into a brick wall. Nobody expected them to make it to the conference final. Now that they have expectations will there be Regression? Maybe, but what I do know is they are making investments on their team to try avoid the one-hit wonder tag. Deebo Samuels could be a good weapon for Jayden Daniels. Defensively, they made quite a bit of moves by adding more proven vets on that side of the ball. On paper that sounds good, but I think the Commanders might be good for 10 wins and another playoff wildcard spot.
#10 Broncos
It was close choice between Broncos and Steelers, but I will give Broncos the nod. The Broncos like the Commanders were pretty active in free agency. They improved their running game with JK Dobbins; added more pieces to an already stacked defense with Greenlaw and Hufanga. Broncos are also trying to avoid the sophomore slump with Bo Nix. Having that extra 9th home game might do them wonders in a more crowded AFC
Those are my top 10 teams going into the season. Will one of these teams have a disappointing season and miss the postseason? its always possible, but I have a feeling they will all make the playoffs again if they stay healthy.
Sip on that plus money honey!
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Going to wrap up the last two spots quick. #9 and #10 is tough but I could fit 4 or 5 different teams on here. I'll pick the two that makes the most sense to me because they seem similar.
#9 Commanders
Commanders were the cinderallas of last season and were one game away from making it to the Super Bowl until they crashed into a brick wall. Nobody expected them to make it to the conference final. Now that they have expectations will there be Regression? Maybe, but what I do know is they are making investments on their team to try avoid the one-hit wonder tag. Deebo Samuels could be a good weapon for Jayden Daniels. Defensively, they made quite a bit of moves by adding more proven vets on that side of the ball. On paper that sounds good, but I think the Commanders might be good for 10 wins and another playoff wildcard spot.
#10 Broncos
It was close choice between Broncos and Steelers, but I will give Broncos the nod. The Broncos like the Commanders were pretty active in free agency. They improved their running game with JK Dobbins; added more pieces to an already stacked defense with Greenlaw and Hufanga. Broncos are also trying to avoid the sophomore slump with Bo Nix. Having that extra 9th home game might do them wonders in a more crowded AFC
Those are my top 10 teams going into the season. Will one of these teams have a disappointing season and miss the postseason? its always possible, but I have a feeling they will all make the playoffs again if they stay healthy.
I like your list and especially choosing the Broncos over the Steelers. The Steelers look good on paper but the reality will be made clear in the flesh. I predict the wheels are about to fall off in steeltown.
There's no such thing as "hate speech" only those that hate free speech.
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I like your list and especially choosing the Broncos over the Steelers. The Steelers look good on paper but the reality will be made clear in the flesh. I predict the wheels are about to fall off in steeltown.
It will be interesting if the Bills or Ravens will finally get over the hump…I think the Ravens are a little better than the Bills but Buffalo has the easier schedule so that helps them out…That first game will be big this Sunday for both teams..
Every Head Coach and QB combo has won a Super Bowl in their first 5 years together so will see if Harbaugh-Jackson or McDermott-Allen can break that by winning their first Super Bowl in year 8 together…
Good Luck this season DK
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It will be interesting if the Bills or Ravens will finally get over the hump…I think the Ravens are a little better than the Bills but Buffalo has the easier schedule so that helps them out…That first game will be big this Sunday for both teams..
Every Head Coach and QB combo has won a Super Bowl in their first 5 years together so will see if Harbaugh-Jackson or McDermott-Allen can break that by winning their first Super Bowl in year 8 together…
Not sure if the O-line and running game will be able to complement Rodgers doesn't have the same mobility, he once had the luxury of that in Green Bay.
Steelers secondary looks scarier but I expect nothing less when the Ravens play them.
@Mcmanus
Long overdue, hoping that year #8 has a nice ring to it. Always great to conversate with you about football thank you and good luck as well
Sip on that plus money honey!
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@C-70Blues
Duly noted, again
@Buffalobob89074
Not sure if the O-line and running game will be able to complement Rodgers doesn't have the same mobility, he once had the luxury of that in Green Bay.
Steelers secondary looks scarier but I expect nothing less when the Ravens play them.
@Mcmanus
Long overdue, hoping that year #8 has a nice ring to it. Always great to conversate with you about football thank you and good luck as well
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