2020 NFL SEASON PREVIEW

NFL 2020 SEASON PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

The oddest offseason of my whole life probably just happened and there’s going to be a lot of turmoil in the NFL standings from last year to this year, but the contenders have mostly remained the same (or so I think). Who’s going to step-up in a season where fans won’t play as much of an advantage and it comes down to coaching and players’ skill? Read to find out the notable offseason moves by every team, their Vegas-wins odds, and how I think they’ll fare this year!

AFC East

New England Patriots

Notable Acquisitions: Devin McCourty (re-signed), Joe Thuney (Franchise Tag), Marqise Lee (FA), Cam Newton (FA), Kyle Dugger (Draft), Josh Uche (Draft), Anfernee Jennings (Draft)

Notable Losses: Stephen Gostkowski (cut), Tom Brady (FA), Kyle Van Noy (FA), Rob Gronkowski (Un-retired, trade), Jamie Collins (FA), Phillip Dorset (FA), Danny Shelton (FA), James Develin (retire)

Vegas Odds

2020 Win Total: 9 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 12-4

Verdict: (10-6) The Patriots lost a lot of pieces this offseason and did not draft any immediate impact rookies. I also am not sure how good Cam Newton will be upon his return but the Patriots will be in contention for a playoff spot by the end of the year, and might even snag the last wild card spot depending on which way the ball bounces in a few of their games.

 

Buffalo Bills

Notable Acquisitions: Stefon Diggs (Trade), Josh Norman (FA), Mario Addison (FA), A.J. Epenesa (Draft), Zach Moss (Draft), Quinton Spain (re-signed), A.J. Klein (FA), Jake Fromm (Draft), E.J. Gaines (FA)

Notable Losses: Lorenzo Alexander (retire), Stephen Hauschka (cut), Frank Gore (FA), Shaq Lawson (FA), Jordan Phillips (FA), Star Lotulelei (opt-out)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 10-6

Verdict: (11-5) After obtaining a legitimate WR1, and investing more into their front seven, the Bills are ready to end the Patriots reign over the AFC East. They now have the talent to keep up and Josh Allen should grow even more this season and help capture a division crown.

 

New York Jets

Notable Acquisitions: Breshad Perriman (FA), Connor McGovern (FA), Brian Poole (re-signed), Pierre Desir (FA), George Fant (FA), Kalen Ballage (Trade), Joe Flacco (FA), Frank Gore (FA), Greg Van Roten (FA), Mekhi Becton (Draft), Denzel Mims (Draft), Ashtyn Davis (Draft), La’Mical Perine (Draft), Bryce Hall (Draft), Jordan Jenkins (re-signed), Patrick Onwuasor (FA), Alex Lewis (re-signed)

Notable Losses: Robby Anderson (FA), Kelvin Beachum (FA), C.J. Mosley (opt-out), Trumaine Johnson (cut), Darryl Roberts (cut), Brandon Copeland (FA), Jamal Adams (Trade)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 6.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

Verdict: (3-13) One year after calling the Jets a “Dark Horse” for a wild card spot, they stunk and also had their no. 1 linebacker opt-out. Not to mention their number one defensive player was traded away because he was sick of how much the team stunk. They had a good draft (one of the better ones in my opinion) but Sam Darnold has not given me any reason to be positive for this season.

 

Miami Dolphins

Notable Acquisitions: Byron Jones (FA), Kyle Van Noy (FA), Tua Tagovailoa (Draft), Solomon Kindley (Draft), Austin Jackson (Draft), Shaq Lawson (FA), Jordan Howard (FA), Ereck Flowers (FA), Emmanuel Ogbah (FA), Noah Igbinonghene (Draft), Raekwon Davis (Draft), Curtis Weaver (Draft), Matt Breida (Trade)

Notable Losses: Taco Charlton (FA), Reshad Jones (cut), Evan Boehm (FA), Kalen Ballage (Trade), Daniel Kilgore (FA), John Jenkins (FA), Allen Hurns (Opt-out), Ray Smith (retire)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 6 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 5-11

Verdict: (5-11) The Dolphins showed some resilience down the stretch last season and I’d expect them to put up quite the fight in their contests this year. The win total may seem high, but they do play in the AFC East and play some of the other horrible team this year. I am also of the belief that Tua shouldn’t play this year in order to ensure his health for the long-term rebuild.

 

NFC East

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Notable Acquisitions: Rodney McLeod (re-signed), Darius Slay (Trade), Jason Hargrave (FA), Nickell Robey-Coleman (FA), Will Parks (FA), Jalen Reagor (Draft), Jalen Hurts (Draft), K’Von Wallace (Draft), Jack Driscoll (Draft)

Notable Losses: Malcom Jenkins (FA), Ronald Darby (FA), Jordan Howard (FA), Nelson Agholor (FA), Darren Sproles (retire), Josh McCown (retire), Timmy Jernigan (FA), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins:9-7

 

Verdict: (6-10) It’s hard to imagine this scrappy Eagles team finishing below .500, but they had some serious losses to free agency and everyone else who they face this season got significantly better. It’s not so much that the Eagles got worse, everyone that’s on their schedule just got that much better. Look for this to be an off year for Doug Peterson’s squad. Also keep your eyes peeled for some Jalen Hurts at some point this year.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Notable Acquisitions: Mike McCarthy (New Coach), Dak Prescott (Franchise Tag), Amari Cooper (re-signed), Sean Lee (re-signed), Gerald McCoy (FA), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FA), Dontari Poe (FA), Greg Zuerlein (FA), Aldon Smith (FA), Daryl Worley (FA), Andy Dalton (FA), CeeDee Lamb (Draft), Trevon Diggs (Draft), Neville Gallimore (Draft), Tyler Biadasz (Draft)

Notable Losses: Travis Frederick (retire), Randall Cobb (FA), Jason Witten (FA), Robert Quinn (FA), Byron Jones (FA), Jeff Heath (FA), Xavier Su’a-Filo (FA), Maliek Collins (FA), Cam Fleming (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 10 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 8-8

 

Verdict: (12-4) After one of the more surprising offseason hauls that includes one of the most successful regular season coaches (McCarthy) and a bevy of talent brought in that exceeds the talent that left from the draft, this Cowboys team is ready to live up to its hype. It also helps that they play in the NFC Least. With all the weapons in tow Prescott might have a legitimate shot at MVP this season.

 

New York Giants

Notable Acquisitions: Joe Judge (New Coach), Blake Martinez (FA), Leonard Williams (Trade/Franchise tag), James Bradberry (FA), Cameron Fleming (FA), Colt McCoy (FA), Andrew Thomas (Draft), Xavier McKinney (Draft), Matt Peart (Draft)

Notable Losses: Eli Manning (retire), Rhett Ellison (retire), Mike Remmers (FA), Cody Latimer (FA), David Mayo (FA), Michael Thomas (FA), Alec Ogletree (cut), Antoine Bethea (team option declined)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 6.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 4-12

 

Verdict: (2-14) The AFC North and NFC West are not the divisions you want your second-year quarterback to face up against but that is the hand the Giants were dealt, and I just don’t think they’re ready for this schedule. The AFC North and NFC West are the two best divisions in football from top to bottom and present huge problems and game changers on both sides of the ball that the Giants just don’t quite have at this time. Good luck to brand new coach who may be on the hot seat before the bye-week this year.

 

Washington Football Team

Notable Acquisitions: Football Team (Name), Ron Rivera (New Coach), Brandon Scherff (Franchise Tag), Kendall Fuller (FA), Kyle Allen (Trade), Jon Bostic (re-signed), Ronald Darby (FA), Thomas Davis (FA), Sean Davis (FA), Chase Young (Draft), Antonio Gibson (Draft),Saahdiq Charles (Draft)

Notable Losses: *Racially insensitive team name/logo (retire), Vernon Davis (retire), Case Keenum (FA), Colt McCoy (FA), Josh Norman (FA), Quinton Dunbar (FA), Ereck Flowers (FA), Chris Thompson (FA), Jordan Reed (FA), Paul Richardson (FA), Adrian Peterson (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 3-13

 

Verdict: (2-14) You could read the Giants blurb above and then heighten it. I have not seen a lot from Haskins or Alex Smith to think they could carry their team to victory and when you combine that with a depleted offensive line that no longer has Trent Williams, a completely unproven backfield, and Scary Terry as your no. 1 receiving threat, you might have a 32nd ranked offense in the league and a defense that will desperately try to keep them in games. Kudos to the name/brand change though. Can’t take that victory away from them.

 

AFC West

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Notable Acquisitions: Chris Jones (Franchise Tag), Bashaud Breeland (re-sign), Antonio Hamilton (FA), Mike Remmers (FA), Demarcus Robinson (re-sign), Anthony Sherman (re-sign), Taco Charlton (FA), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Draft), Willie Gay Jr (Draft),

Notable Losses: Emmanuel Ogbah (FA), Kendall Fuller (FA), Reggie Ragland (FA), Cameron Erving (FA), Stefen Wisniewski (FA), LeSean McCoy (FA), Jordan Lucas (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 11.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 12-4

 

Verdict: (12-4) The defending Super Bowl champions retained some good talent and also acquired some under-the radar depth and upgrades. They also have the best passer in the game right now and got him some more help in the draft. It’s hard to lose when you can confidently score over 21 points a game. They also retained two of their biggest contributors on defense and stayed balanced in the draft.

 

Denver Broncos

Notable Acquisitions: Justin Simmons (Franchise Tag), Graham Glasgow (FA), Melvin Gordon (FA), AJ Bouye (Trade), Jurrell Casey (Trade), Jeremiah Attaochu (Re-sign), Jerry Jeudy (Draft), KJ Hamler (Draft), Lloyd Cushenberry (Draft), Big Al (Draft), Shelby Harris (Re-sign)

Notable Losses: Derek Wolfe (FA), Chris Harris (FA), Connor McGovern (FA), Will Parks (FA), Andy Janovich (Trade), Joe Flacco (FA), Adam Gotsis (FA), Devontae Booker (FA), Brandon Allen (FA), Kyle Peko (Opt-out), Ja’Wuan James (opt-out), Todd Davis (cut)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

 

Verdict: (10-6) After one of the bigger hauls in the offseason, the Broncos got better on both sides of the ball and invested heavily into weapons for second-year quarterback Drew Lock. It helps that the AFC West faces the AFC East for a few easy wins. The only downside is the unknow on Von Miller’s injury and how serious it can be. Miller is still the best player on this Denver defense and their contention for the playoffs rides heavily on his ankle diagnosis.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Notable Acquisitions: Richie Incognito (Re-sign), Cory Littleton (FA), Damarious Randall (FA), Jason Witten (FA), Marcus Mariota (FA), Jeff Heath (FA), Eli Apple (FA), Maliek Collins (FA), Henry Ruggs (Draft), Damon Arnette (Draft), Tanner Muse (Draft), Bryan Edwards (Draft)

Notable Losses: Tahir Whitehead (FA), Karl Joseph (FA), Daryl Worley (FA), Dion Jordan (FA), Will Compton (FA), Benson Mayowa (FA), DeAndre Washington (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

 

Verdict: (6-10) The Vegas Raiders may pick up more games in the second half of the season when they try out Mariota at quarterback but ultimately both QBs in the room suffer from holding onto the ball for way too long. They also continued their streak of reaching for defensive talent to try and replenish the better secondary talent that they had. Jon Gruden continues to make head-scratching moves and the Vegas debut will be a dud in more than one way.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Notable Acquisitions: Trai Turner (Trade), Bryan Bulaga (FA), Linval Joseph (FA), Chris Harris (FA), Justin Herbert (Draft), Kenneth Murray (Draft), Hunter Henry (Franchise Tag), Nick Vigil (FA), Ronald Blair (re-signed)

Notable Losses: Philip Rivers (FA), Antonio Gates (Retire), Russell Okung (Trade), Thomas Davis (FA), Melvin Gordon (FA), Michael Schofield (FA), Adrian Philips (FA), Travis Benjamin (FA), Jatavis Brown (retire)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 5-11

 

Verdict: (4-12) The Chargers were resilient last year and got better at arguably almost every position. My cause for their concern and prediction stems from the QB room. I don’t think Tyrod is good enough to carry a Chargers offense to victories the same way that Philip Rivers did, and Justin Herbert has a lot of developing to do in my opinion. The Chargers have also buffed their offensive line which will help Ekeler’s production.

 

NFC West

 

San Francisco 49ers

Notable Acquisitions: Trent Williams (Trade), Travis Benjamin (FA), Joe Walker (FA), Arik Armstead (re-signed), Jimmie Ward (re-signed), Ben Garland (re-sign), Javon Kinlaw (Draft), Brandon Aiyuk (Draft)

Notable Losses: DeForest Buckner (Trade), Emmanuel Sanders (FA), Joe Staley (retire), Levine Toilolo (FA), Sheldon Day (FA), Elijah Lee (FA), Matt Breida (Trade), Travis Benjamin (opt-out), Spencer Long (retire)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 10.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 13-3

 

Verdict: (11-5) The 49ers will probably regress a little bit this year from being the number one seed in the NFC but could still clinch a playoff spot. Their whole division got a lot better and accounts for half of their losses in my projection and the other two losses are really great teams between the Saints and Cowboys. I think they’re just a little bit worse this year with the depth on both sides of the line dwindled following trades and retirements. A lot of their production depends on the steps Jimmy G takes.

 

Seattle Seahawks

Notable Acquisitions: Greg Olsen (FA), Mike Iupati(re-sign), Quinton Dunbar (Trade), Bruce Irvin (FA), Brandon Shell (FA), Cedric Ogbuehi (FA), BJ Finney (FA), Jordyn Brooks (Draft), Darrell Taylor (Draft), Jamal Adams (Trade)

Notable Losses: Quinton Jefferson (FA), DJ Fluker (FA), George Fant (FA), Al Woods (FA), Jadeveon Clowney (FA), Germain Ifedi (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 11-5

 

Verdict: (12-4) This year the Seahawks get their running backs healthy and have an absolute star for the first time since the Legion of Boom in the secondary with the Jamal Adams trade. The Hawks would not have given up so much if they didn’t think Adams was going to help Seattle get back to the Super Bowl. They also improved at the o-line and get 2019’s first round pick healthy as well. Greg Olsen will probably also be a huge step in improving the offense.

 

Los Angeles Rams

Notable Acquisitions: Andrew Whitworth (Re-sign), Michael Brockers (Re-sign), A’Shawn Robinson (FA), Leonard Floyd (FA), Cam Akers (Draft), Van Jefferson (Draft), Terrell Lewis (Draft), Terrell Burgess (Draft), Brycen Hopkins (Draft)

Notable Losses: Dante Fowler Jr. (FA), Cory Littleton (FA), Brandin Cooks (Trade), Greg Zuerlein (FA), Eric Weddle (retire), Todd Gurley (FA), Nickell Robey-Coleman (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 9-7

 

Verdict: (8-8) I think the Rams are in the middle of a reload (not a rebuild) and have put themselves in a bit of a hole with all the draft picks they don’t have. They lost some great defensive contributors but hope to maximize the ones they acquired in the draft. I think the Rams are poised to be good once again but not this year with the youth they acquired and the lack of depth they have at multiple positions. Look for Cam Akers to be a potential ROTY candidate.

 

Arizona Cardinals

Notable Acquisitions: Kenyan Drake (Transition tag), Larry Fitzgerald (re-sign), DJ Humphries (re-signed), DeAndre Hopkins (Trade), Isaiah Simmons (Draft), Josh Jones (Draft), Leki Fotu (Draft), Jordan Phillips (FA), Devon Kennard (FA), De’Vondre Campbell (FA), Kelvin Beachum (FA)

Notable Losses: David Johnson (Trade), Pharoh Cooper (FA), Zach Kerr (FA), Rodney Gunter (FA), Joe Walker (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 5-10-1

 

Verdict: (11-5) The Cardinals had as close to a perfect offseason as anyone could possibly have. They maintained the talent they had, drafted positions that were of need, and acquired a top 3 receiver in the game for Kyler Murray. Hopkins presence will also answer the question on Christian Kirk because there are no excuses for him as well. Getting rid of Johnson’s contract will also be helpful for the future and helped bring in a solid linebacker core against one of the divisions in football who runs the ball best. Look for a surprising MVP run by Kyler Murray.

 

AFC North

 

Baltimore Ravens

Notable Acquisitions: Matthew Judon (Franchise Tag), Jimmy Smith (re-sign), Calais Campbell (Trade), Derek Wolfe (FA), DJ Fluker (FA), Patrick Queen (Draft), J.K. Dobbins (Draft), Devin Duvernay (Draft), Malik Harrison (Draft), Chuck Clark (FA), Andre Smith (re-sign), Pernell McPhee (re-sign)

Notable Losses: Michael Pierce (FA), Patrick Onwuasor (FA), Earl Thomas (Cut), Brandon Carr (FA), Marshal Yanda (retire), Hayden Hurst (Trade), Chris Wormley (Trade), De’Anthony Thomas (opt-out), James Hurst (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 11.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 14-2

 

Verdict: (13-3) The best team in football last year looks to repeat much of the same but built this team to go further into the playoffs. The Ravens lost a bit of talent in the offseason (Marshal Yanda in particular is rough) but made their defense so much better and got rid of distractions in the locker room. Patrick Queen is a linebacker who could be a rookie of the year candidate to provide the Ravens with what they missed when Mosley went to the Jets. With the best front 7 in the NFL, the Ravens are going to win a lot of games and have improved Jackson’s running threat with the drafting of J.K. Dobbins in the draft.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Notable Acquisitions: Eric Ebron (FA), Chris Wormley (Trade), Stefen Wisniewski (FA), Bud Dupree (Franchise Tag), Zach Banner (re-sign), Jordan Dangerfield (re-sign), Chase Claypool (Draft), Alex Highsmith (Draft), Anthony McFarland (Draft)

Notable Losses: Ramon Foster (retire), Javon Hargrave (FA), Nick Vannett (FA), BJ Finney (FA), Artie Burns (FA), Mark Barron (FA), Sean Davis (FA), Tyler Matakevich (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 8-8

 

Verdict: (10-6) The hope for the Steelers is that the defense plays out of its mind like it did last year behind Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the offense closes the gap on the weight carried with Big Ben back and Ebron repeating what he did last year for the Colts. The Steelers only missed the playoffs by a game or two and I think Big Ben is the difference in those 1-2 games en route to a return to the playoffs for Pittsburgh.

 

Cleveland Browns

Notable Acquisitions: Kevin Stefanski (New Coach), Kareem Hunt (re-sign), Jack Conklin (FA), Austin Hooper (FA), Adrian Clayborn (FA), Karl Joseph (FA), Andrew Billings (FA), Andy Janovich (Trade), Case Keenum (FA), Andrew Sendejo (FA), Jedrick Wills (Draft), Grant Delpit (Draft), Jordan Elliot (Draft), Jacob Phillips (Draft), Kevin Johnson (FA), Ronnie Harrison (Trade),

Notable Losses: Joe Schobert (FA), Eric Murray (FA), Christian Kirksey (FA), Demetrius Harris (FA), Damarious Randall (FA), Ricky Seals-Jones (FA), Justin McCray (FA), Juston Burris (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 6-10

 

Verdict: (10-6) I was never very high on Freddie Kitchens and I think it was wise of the Browns to move on. All Stefanski has to do is keep the drama low and this is a very talented Browns team that could make the playoffs. They had a great offseason and beefed up their line immeasurably. They are also buying into Nick Chubb as the guy and brought over Andy Janovich to help Chubb give an identity to this Browns offense. Baker Mayfield’s expectations have been lowered and I think that release of pressure will help him grown and the offensive line will help him bounce back and have a strong season.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Notable Acquisitions: Joe Burrow (Draft), AJ Green (Franchise Tag), Trae Waynes (FA), DJ Reader (FA), Mackensie Alexander (FA), Vonn Bell (FA), Tony Brown (re-sign), Xavier Su’a-Filo (FA), Josh Bynes (FA), Tee Higgins (Draft), Logan Wilson (Draft), Mike Daniels (FA)

Notable Losses: Andy Dalton (FA), Tyler Eifert (FA), Marqise Lee (FA), Dre Kirkpatrick (FA), Andrew Billings (FA), John Miller (FA), Clayton Fejedelem (FA), Trey Burton (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 5.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 2-14

 

Verdict: (4-12) The unfortunate thing for 2020’s number one overall pick is that the Bengals have a lot of work to do and arguably didn’t address their biggest weakness *offensive line* enough to give Burrow the time he needs to work with. I believe in Burrow scoring points with the offense, but I am not positive that the defense can keep them in games. These wins that they do get are on Burrow’s arm alone.

 

NFC North

 

Green Bay Packers

Notable Acquisitions: Christian Kirksey (FA), Ricky Wagner (FA), Devin Funchess (FA), Jordan Love (Draft), Marcedes Lewis (re-sign), AJ Dillon (Draft), Josiah Deguara (Draft)

Notable Losses: Bryan Bulaga (FA), Blake Martinez (FA), Geronimo Allison (FA), Jason Spriggs (FA), Ibraheim Campbell (FA), Jimmy Graham (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 13-3

 

Verdict: (9-7) The Pack made a lot of head scratching decisions this offseason and instead of helping their franchise quarterback try and reach one more Super Bowl, they drafted positions that won’t start immediately and lost a lot of snaps in the offseason on both sides of the ball. The line actually got worse in my opinion and the Packers lose more games this year mainly because everyone else in the NFC got better and they remained stagnant. Look to the future Packer fans because there is no Super Bowl in your immediate future.

 

Minnesota Vikings

Notable Acquisitions: Michael Pierce (FA), Anthony Harris (Franchise Tag), CJ Ham (re-sign), Tajae Sharpe (FA), Anthony Zettel (FA), Ameer Abdullah (re-sign), DeMarquis Gates (FA), Justin Jefferson (Draft), Jeff Gladney (Draft), Ezra Cleveland (Draft), Troy Dye (Draft), Yannick Ngakoue (Trade)

Notable Losses: Stefon Diggs (Trade), Xavier Rhodes (FA), Linval Joseph (FA), Mackensie Alexander (FA), Trae Waynes (FA), Andrew Sendejo (FA), Laquon Treadwell (FA), Stephen Weatherly (FA), Jayron Kearse (FA), Everson Griffen (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 10-6

 

Verdict: (10-6) The Vikings acquired a ton draft value and effectively replaced Diggs with Justin Jefferson. The Vikings lost a lot of talent but drafted players that will fill the void and bring forth a bit more athleticism. The Vikings are the same team of the past few years and will win some tough games but it’s up to Cousins to “survive the fittest” of the revamped NFC and see if he can make it to an NFC championship once in his whole career.

 

Chicago Bears

Notable Acquisitions: Robert Quinn (FA), Jimmmy Graham (FA), Artie Burns (FA), Demetrius Harris (FA), Nick Foles (Trade), Artie Burns (FA), Danny Trevathan (re-sign), Deon Bush (re-sign), Brett Urban (re-sign), Jason Spriggs (FA), Jaylon Johnson (Draft), Cole Kmet (Draft), Germain Ifedi (FA), Barkevious Mingo (FA), Jordan Lucas (FA),

Notable Losses: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FA), Nick Kwiatkoski (FA), Nick Williams (FA), Chase Daniel (FA), Leonard Floyd (FA), Cornelius Lucas III (FA), Kevin Pierre-Louis (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 8-8

 

Verdict: (7-9) The Bears didn’t sign Cam Newton and let Leonard Floyd walk. Those two moves alone will keep the Bears out of the playoffs. Where other teams tried to address their problems, the Bears traded for Nick Foles and still named Mitch the starter. I still don’t see an answer in the QB room unless Foles works up some of his magic once more. The defense will still be elite, but the Chicago front office is wasting Khalil Mack’s best years with ineptitude on the offensive side of the ball. Good luck Nagy.

 

Detroit Lions

Notable Acquisitions: Duron Harmon (Trade), Desmond Trufant (FA), Danny Shelton (FA), Reggie Ragland (FA), Nick Williams (FA), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (FA), Jamie Collins (FA), Tony McRae (FA), Danny Amendola (re-sign), Oday Aboushi (re-sign), Adrian Peterson (FA), Jeff Okudah (Draft), D’Andre Swift (Draft), Julian Okwara (Draft), Jonah Jackson (Draft)

Notable Losses: Graham Glasgow (FA), A’Shawn Robinson (FA), Rashaan Melvin (FA), Sam Martin (FA), Logan Thomas (FA), Mike Daniels (FA), Jeff Driskel (FA), JD McKissic (FA), Rick Wagner (FA), Devon Kennard (FA), Darius Slay (Trade)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 3-12-1

 

Verdict: (3-13) One more season should be all it takes to remind the Lions that they should never have let Jim Caldwell walk. Patricia is a joke and one more abysmal season should be all it takes for the whole operation to be flushed down the toilet and start a true rebuild for Detroit. Swift should have a great season though.

 

AFC South

 

Houston Texans

Notable Acquisitions: David Johnson (Trade), Randall Cobb (FA), Vernon Hargreaves (re-sign), Bradley Roby (re-sign), Darren Fells (re-sign), Brandin Cooks (Trade), Ka’imi Fairbairn (re-sign), AJ McAaron (re-sign),

Notable Losses: DeAndre Hopkins (Trade), DJ Reader (FA), Jonathan Joseph (FA), Carlos Hyde (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 10-6

 

Verdict: (8-8) The Texans lost some of their most important pieces this offseason and just barely held onto the talent they had. I don’t see Johnson being reinvigorated by a change of scenery and the same goes for Cooks. The offense will be carried by Deshaun Watson and that won’t be enough to make it into the playoffs in a division that got a bit better.

 

Tennessee Titans

Notable Acquisitions: Derrick Henry (re-sign), Ryan Tannehill (re-sign), Kamalei Correa (re-sign), Jonathan Joseph (FA), Dennis Kelly (re-sign), Vic Beasley (FA), Ty Sambrailo (FA), Isaiah Wilson (Draft), Kristian Fulton (Draft), Darrynton Evans (Draft), Jadeveon Clowney (FA)

Notable Losses: Jurrel Casey (Trade), Dion Lewis (FA), Jack Conklin (FA), Marcus Mariota (FA), Tajae Sharpe (FA), LeShaun Sims (FA), Darius Jennings (FA), Austin Johnson (FA), Logan Ryan (FA), Tramaine Brock (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 8.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 9-7

 

Verdict: (8-8) The surprise AFC runner ups last year come into this year having kept their core with Derrick Henry and Tannehill while also sneaking Vic Beasley onto the roster. They did lose Conklin who was worth a lot of snaps and I am not sure if Ty Sambrailo and Isaiah Wilson are going to be the answer and I think the Colts are the favs for the south this year.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Notable Acquisitions: DeForest Buckner (Trade), Phillip Rivers (FA), Michael Pittman Jr. (Draft), Jonathan Taylor (Draft), Trey Burton (FA), Xavier Rhodes (FA), Sheldon Day (FA), Anthony Castonzo (re-sign). Tavon Wilson (FA), Julian Blackmon (Draft), Jacob Eason (Draft), TJ Carrie (FA)

Notable Losses: Eric Ebron (FA), Devin Funchess (FA), Josh Andrews (FA), Joe Haeg (FA), Dontrelle Inman (FA), Chester Rogers (FA), Trevon Coley (FA), Pierre Desir (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

 

Verdict: (12-4) This team was in contention for a playoff spot heading down the stretch and then proceeded to get a lot better on the offensive side of the ball in the draft. Trey Burton won’t be able to replace Ebron, but he should help soften the blow and Pittman Jr should have a great year with Rivers leading the offense. Buckner should team up with Darius Leonard to form an intimidating defensive front and put the Colts in a unique position to contend for a championship in Rivers’ first year.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Notable Acquisitions: Tyler Eifert (FA), Chris Thompson (FA), Al Woods (FA), Timmy Jernigan (FA), Rodney Gunter (FA), Aaron Lynch (FA), Adam Gotsis (FA), Joe Schobert (FA), Darqueze Dennard (FAM), Cassius Marsh (FA), Rashaan Melvin (FA), Tramaine Brock (FA), Tyler Shatley (re-sign), Keelan Cole (re-sign), CJ Henderson (Draft), K’Lavon Chaisson (Draft), Laviska Shenault (Draft), DaVon Hailton (Draft)

Notable Losses: Calais Campbell (Trade), AJ Bouye (Trade), Nick Foles (Trade), Yannick Ngakoue (Trade), Leonard Fournette (FA), Marqise Lee (FA), Cody Davis (FA), Cedric Ogbuehi (FA), Ronnie Harrison (Trade), Josh Dobbs (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 4.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 6-10

 

Verdict: (1-15) Sacksonville is no longer and the Jags made sure to get the most out of a team that no longer is getting picks from Campbell, Bouye, Foles, and Ngakoue. They picked up some great offensive talent this draft but still haven’t addressed their offensive line the way that they have been needing to do for years. Minschew is an alright quarterback but that just won’t do it in this AFC South or in this league. #TankforTrevor

 

NFC South

 

New Orleans Saints

Notable Acquisitions: Emmanuel Sanders (FA), Andrus Peat (re-sign), Drew Brees (re-sign), David Onyemata (re-sign), Malcolm Jenkins (FA), DJ Swearinger (re-sign), Margus Hunt (FA), Jameis Winston (FA), Cesar Ruiz (Draft), Zach Baun (Draft), Adam Trautman (FA),

Notable Losses: Teddy Bridgewater (FA), Vonn Bell (FA), AJ Klein (FA), Eli Apple (FA), Zach Line (retire),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 10.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 13-3

 

Verdict: (14-2) One of the best in the NFC will return right back to the top with some new faces in town and a stronger offense than before. Cesar Ruiz should contribute immediately at the center position and Baun will be a great addition to this New Orleans front seven. The Saints have a few years’ worth of chips on their shoulders and will look to push pass that to win Brees’ second title and hopefully send him off into the sunset.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Notable Acquisitions: Hayden Hurst (Trade), Tyeler Davison (re-sign), Dante Fowler (FA), Todd Gurley (FA), Laquon Treadwell (FA), Justin McCray (FA), Deone Bucannon (FA), Darqueze Dennard (FA), AJ Terrell (Draft), Marlon Davidson (Draft), Matt Hennessy (Draft)

Notable Losses: Desmond Trufant (FA), Ty Sambrailo (FA), Austin Hooper (FA), De’Vondre Campbell (FA), Vic Beasley (FA), Adrian Clayborn (FA), Wes Schweitzer (FA)

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 7.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

 

Verdict: (7-9) The Falcons were very unlucky last year with injuries and their bad luck continues this year with a strong schedule. The Falcons improved a lot this past offseason but not to the level where they can compete with their division. The Bucs have gone all in on this season and I think that if the Falcons don’t quite make the jump this season it’s not time to panic. It’ll also be interesting if Hurst provides the same level of productivity as Hooper did. If Gurley returns to his top 10 form, then this Falcons team will make the playoffs, but I just don’t see that comeback happening.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Notable Acquisitions: Tom Brady (FA), Joe Haeg (FA), Jason Pierre-Paul (re-sign), Leonard Fournette (FA), Rob Gronkowski (Trade), Shaquil Barrett (re-sign), Ndamukong Suh (re-sign), Josh Wells (re-sign), Kevin Minter (re-sign), Tristan Wirfs (Draft), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Draft), Ke’Shawn Vaughn (Draft)

Notable Losses: Jameis Winston (FA), Peyton Barber (FA), Breshad Perriman (FA), Carl Nassib (FA), Beau Allen (FA), Mike Liedtke (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 9.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 7-9

 

Verdict: (12-4) After a complete offseason overhaul, the Bucs are here and they’re ready to compete. Signing 6-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady is sure to be a safer bet at QB than Famous Jameis, and to get the players they did for as cheap as they did shows that the mission in Tampa is to win an NFL Championship. Fournette brings a more solid presence at running back than Ronald Jones was going to provide and the Bucs defense returns a lot of starters and adds Winfield Jr. who will be an immediate impact starter. The Bucs also have weapons at receiver and while they may not win their division in this prediction, I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to do it.

Carolina Panthers

Notable Acquisitions: Matt Rhule (New Coach), Robby Anderson (FA), PJ Walker (FA), Teddy Bridgewater (FA), Pharoh Cooper (FA), Russell Okung (Trade), Stephen Weatherly (FA), Seth Roberts (FA), Michael Schofield (FA), Zach Kerr (FA), Tahir Whitehead (FA), Derrick Brown (Draft), Yetur Gross-Matos (Draft), Jeremny Chinn (Draft), Troy Pride (Draft), Tre Boston (re-sign), John Miller (FA)

Notable Losses: Greg Olsen (FA), Cam Newton (FA), Daryl Williams (FA), Trai Turner (Trade), Gerald McCoy (FA), Bruce Irvin (FA), James Bradberry (FA), Greg Van Roten (FA), Mario Addison (FA), Vernon Butler Jr. (FA), Dontari Poe (FA),

Vegas Odds:

2020 Win Total: 5.5 Wins-Vegas Insider

2019 Wins: 5-11

 

Verdict: (3-13) I am not buying into this turnover in Carolina until they invest more into their offense. In an offseason that did everything to ignore offense other than Teddy Bridgewater, I see this rebuild in Carolina taking a few years (and a division that’ll also be rebuilding). The Panthers are ahead of the south in terms of planning ahead but just substantially outclassed in talent this upcoming season.

Written by Rex Hime