Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Ravens look to rebound after playoff loss
BALTIMORE RAVENS (14-3)
New faces: DE Calais Campbell, DE Derek Wolfe, G D.J. Fluker, LB Patrick Queen, RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Devin Duvernay, LB Malik Harrison.
Key losses: G Marshal Yanda, DT Michael Pierce, TE Hayden Hurst, RT James Hurst, LB Patrick Onawuasor, LB Josh Bynes, DE Chris Wormley, WR Seth Roberts, S Tony Jefferson, CB Brandon Carr, S Earl Thomas.
Strengths: Offense put up record numbers last year behind versatile QB Lamar Jackson, who worked hard during offseason to be even better in 2020. He’s got four solid running backs, with Dobbins joining an already impressive trio of Mark Ingram, Gus Williams and Justice Hill. Receivers Marquise Brown and Willie Snead, along with tight end Mark Andrews, will be joined by Chris Moore and Duvernay to help make passing game worthy supplement to ground attack that last year racked up record 3,296 yards.
Weaknesses: Ravens hope Campbell and Wolfe fortify defensive front pierced for 217 yards rushing in playoff loss to Tennessee, but they’ll need strong production from Queen at middle linebacker. In addition, offensive line must make up for loss of Yanda, a potential Hall of Famer, and is counting on C Matt Skura to return to form after knee injury kept him sidelined for final four games and postseason.
Pandemic development: Ravens had two players opt out, KR De’Anthony Thomas and reserve Andre Smith. Team appears to have solid handle on enforcing necessary protocols to keep players healthy, as no positive tests were announced after training camp moved into high gear in middle of August. With essentially same coaching staff as last year, there weren’t too many additions to playbook that couldn’t be taught during Zoom sessions that replaced minicamp workouts.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 13-2. Over/under wins: 11 1/2.
Expectations: Ravens went 14-2 during 2019 regular season and entered playoffs looking to go distance, quest that went awry with loss at home to Tennessee in their first postseason game. GM Eric DeCosta worked to fortify defense and appears to have filled holes. Ravens have drive and manpower to finish what they started last year. Nothing less than reaching Super Bowl will do for team with reigning NFL MVP guiding offense, and defense good enough to cut loose seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, deemed derisive influence in very positive locker room.
BUFFALO BILLS (10-7)
New faces: WR Stefon Diggs, DEs Mario Addison and rookie A.J. Epenesa, DTs Vernon Butler and Quinton Jefferson, CB Josh Norman, LBs A.J. Klein and
Tyler Matakevich, RBs Taiwan Jones and rookie Zack Moss, OLs Brian Winters and Daryl Williams.
Key losses: DT Jordan Phillips, DE Shaq Lawson, RBs Frank Gore and Senorise Perry, LBs Lorenzo Alexander, Julian Stanford and Maurice Alexander, CB Kevin Johnson, OL LaAdrian Waddle.
Strengths: Familiarity is key for Bills, who return majority of starters, which is considered valuable with coronavirus pandemic-shortened offseason. Offense returns nine starters with exception of Diggs and offensive lineman to start in place of injured right guard Jon Feliciano. NFL’s No. 3-ranked defense (yards allowed) returns nine starters, with Klein slotted to replace Alexander, and hole needs to be filled at DT after starter Star Lotulelei opted out for season. Also helps that numerous offseason veteran free-agent additions — Butler, Addison and Norman — have ties to head coach Sean McDermott from previous stint as Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator.
Weaknesses: Biggest question mark revolves around QB Josh Allen, and whether he can continue smoothing out inconsistency and accuracy issues entering third season. Allen enjoyed sixpoint jump from rookie season in completing 58.8% of attempts, and yet still finished 32nd in NFL among starters. Offense struggled generating points in scoring 20 or fewer 11 times, including 22-19 OT loss at Houston in AFC wildcard playoff.
Pandemic development: McDermott smartly sent rookies home for remote work to calm potential outbreak after five players tested positive in late July. Team opened camp Aug. 17 with no players on COVID-19 list. Had only two players opt out: Lotulelei and CB E.J. Gaines, who was to compete for starting job opposite Tre’Davious White.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 28-1. Over/under wins: 9.
Expectations: Team built to win now, and claiming first AFC East title since 1995 is realistic goal, especially with Tom Brady no longer standing in Bills’ way in New England. Buffalo has drastically rebuilt depth at most every position in making playoffs two of past three seasons under McDermott and GM Brandon Beane. Much falls on Allen’s shoulders to prove he can continue upward trend in developing into bona fide starter at position that’s been unsettled since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following 1996 season.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-14)
New faces: QB Joe Burrow, WR Tee Higgins, G Xavier Su’a-Filo, CB Trae Waynes, CB Mackensie Alexander, CB LeShaun Sims, S Vonn Bell, LB Josh Bynes, DT D.J. Reader.
Key losses: QB Andy Dalton, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Darqueze Dennard, TE Tyler Eifert, LT Cordy Glenn, LB Nick
Vigil, CB B.W. Webb, G John Miller.
Strengths: Adding Higgins in second round of draft and keeping A.J. Green with franchise tag gives Bengals deep receiving corps in Burrow's first season. Green missed all last season with ankle injury. Higgins is similar to Green in style. Bengals return Tyler Boyd, who had 90 catches for 1,046 last season, and running backs Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard, who can catch ball out of backfield. 2017 first-round pick John Ross III enters fourth season of injury-sidetracked career.
Weaknesses: Offensive line has struggled last few years and was focus in offseason, with Glenn and Miller released. Last year's first-round pick Jonah Williams moves in at left tackle after missing rookie season with shoulder injury, and Su'a-Filo takes over at guard. How well new players fit will be key to offense breaking in rookie quarterback.
Pandemic development: Nobody was more affected by loss of practice time than Burrow, Heisman Trophy winner from LSU who takes over right away. Bengals worked with him on videoconferencing as much as possible, but he'll have limited practice time and no preseason game experience heading into season opener.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 200-1. Over/under wins: 5 1/2.
Expectations: After historically bad first season under coach Zac Taylor — only second team in club history to go 2-14 — Bengals went out of character and splurged in free agency to overhaul horrid defense. They also brought in new face for franchise in Burrow, coming off one of best passing performances in NCAA history. They haven't won playoff game since 1990 season, fifth-longest streak of futility in NFL history, and they played in half-empty stadium last season as fans gave up. Addition of Burrow makes them relevant again, though there are still significant questions about Taylor's coaching ability and organization's ability to finally get it right after so much losing.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (6-10)
New faces: Coach Kevin Stefanski, RT Jack Conklin, rookie LT Jedrick Wills, TE Austin Hooper, LB B.J. Goodson, S Karl Joseph, CB Kevin Johnson, QB Case Keenum, DE Adrian Clayburn,
S Andrew Sendejo, WR Jojo Natson, F Andy Janovich, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, LB Malcolm Smith, rookie WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie TE Harrison Bryant, rookie S Grant Delpit.
Key losses: LB Joe Schobert, LB Christian Kirksey, S Damarious Randall, LT Greg Robinson, S Morgan Burnett, WR Antonio Callaway.
Strengths: Multiple weapons on offense and Stefanski, who was Minnesota's coordinator last season; he plans to let quarterback Baker Mayfield use them all. Star receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry both slowed by injuries in 2019 and still managed to go over 1,000 yards. Duo is healthy now after surgeries. Hooper gives Mayfield dependable middle-of-field target. Nick Chubb has quickly become one of league's best backs and Kareem Hunt gives Browns 1-2 backfield punch as good as anyone's.
Weaknesses: Losses of Schobert and Kirskey as free agents debilitated linebackers, who took another hit when expected starter Mack Wilson suffered left knee injury during training camp. Goodson brings some interior toughness and attitude. Sione Takitaki will get more snaps than as rookie, and third-round pick Jacob Phillips from national champion LSU may have to play more than initially thought. This group needs to grow up quickly.
Pandemic development: Stefanski was deprived of any on-field work with his team due to COVID-19 outbreak. Every team in NFL was affected, but it's much bigger challenge for new staff having to install schemes and build chemistry on Zoom calls.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 8.
Expectations: Tempered and then some. Preseason hype in 2019 strangled Browns, who had playoff aspirations collapse into cold, 6-10 reality. Cleveland's postseason drought stretching to 2002 is league's longest, and playing in one of league's most physical divisions makes things that much tougher. All eyes will be on Mayfield, who regressed in Year 2 but worked on body in offseason and has spent career silencing critics. This is huge season for him and Browns.
DENVER BRONCOS (7-9)
New faces: OC Pat Shurmur, WR Jerry Jeudy, DL Jurrell Casey, CB A.J. Bouye, RG Graham Glasgow, RB Melvin Gordon, WR/KR KJ Hamler, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, CB Michael Ojemudia, P/KO Sam Martin, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DT McTelvin Agim, QB2 Jeff Driskel, contract negotiator Rich Hurtado.
Key losses: OC Rich Scangarello, CB Chris Harris Jr., DE Derek Wolfe, DE Adam Gotsis, FB Andy Janovich, RB Davontae Booker, salary cap director Mike Sullivan.
Strengths: As usual, Denver's defense is potent and will have to carry load while offense jells. Even without Harris and Wolfe, Broncos should be better with revitalized Von Miller, healthy Bradley Chubb, trade acquisition Casey and improving ILB Alexander Johnson.
Weaknesses: GM John Elway refurbished offense in offseason, but chemistry takes time. LT Garett Bolles kept starting job by default when Elijah Wilkinson went back to right side with RT Ja'Wuan James' opt out. That rendered center best camp competition with trio of candidates owning zero NFL starts. Also highlighting Elway's decision to bypass tackle in draft's second round was Hamler's hamstring injury that delays speedster's debut. Despite RB Phillip Lindsay's back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Broncos broke bank (two years, $16M) for oft-injured Gordon, who promptly missed time with rib injury.
Pandemic development: Virtual offseason wasn't ideal for young offense with new coordinator, second-year QB
and unit that averages 24.3 years and 18.9 games of NFL experience per projected starter.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 50-1. Over/under wins: 8.
Expectations: Coronavirus pandemic forced NFL teams into unconventional offseason and wiped out entire preseason, two factors that led Elway to reduce expectations for Lock in 2020. Lock's own ambitions haven't abated one bit. “Not being able to be with the guys as much as you normally would is not going to change how I feel going into the season,” Lock said. That's exactly kind of swag Elway and fans expected from Lock. But it'll be uphill climb for Broncos to avoid becoming first team to miss playoffs five consecutive years following Super Bowl title.
HOUSTON TEXANS (11-7)
New faces: RB David Johnson, WRs Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb, SSs Eric Murray and Jaylen Watkins, OTs Roderick Johnson and Brent Qvale, LB Tyrell Adams, DT Ross Blacklock, DE Jonathan Greenard.
Key losses: WR DeAndre Hopkins, RBs Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller, CB Johnathan Joseph, NT D.J. Reader.
Strengths: Quarterback Deshaun Watson has improved in each of three seasons since Texans traded up to select him with 12th overall pick in 2017 draft, and should continue development this season. He's the undisputed star of unit after offseason trade of receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He will play behind line that was much better last season with addition of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who should be more comfortable in second season in system.
Weaknesses: Three-time Defensive Player of the Year end J.J. Watt continues to play at high level when healthy as he enters 10th season. But Texans have struggled to generate much pass rush outside of his production. New coordinator Anthony Weaver will look for ways to get to quarterbacks more after Houston managed just 31 sacks last season. Secondary gave up too many big plays and Texans will need young safety Justin Reid and cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. to improve.
Pandemic development: Texans won't have fans at home opener against Baltimore on Sept. 20 because of coronavirus. They haven't yet decided if fans can attend later games and team officials say that will depend on threat level of virus in city, which is currently at highest level.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 50-1. Over/under wins: 7 1/2.
Expectations: Coach Bill O'Brien knows that simply getting to playoffs or winning first-round game is not enough for this franchise anymore. Next step will be tall task without Hopkins, who has carried offense for years, but Texans could still be dangerous behind Watson and with defense featuring healthy Watt.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-9)
New faces: QB Philip Rivers, DT DeForest Buckner, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB T.J. Carrie, WR Michael Pittman Jr., RB Jonathan Taylor, TE Trey Burton, DT Sheldon Day, FB Roosevelt Nix, CB-KR Isaiah Rodgers, S Tavon Wilson.
Key losses: DE Jabaal Sheard, K Adam Vinatieri, TE Eric Ebron, S Clayton Geathers, WR Devin Funchess, OL Joe Haeg, WR Chester Rogers, WR Dontrelle Inman, C Josh Andrews.
Strengths: Acquiring Buckner makes world of difference. He upgrades run defense, improves interior pass rush, and gives defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus more flexibility with rotations and schemes. He'll also be teaming with DE Justin Houston and OLB Darius Leonard, giving Colts three defenders with Pro Bowl resumes. Offensive line, led by two-time All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson, has been among league's best at protecting quarterbacks past two seasons, and top-10 ground game could be even better with new 1-2 punch of 1,000-yard rusher Marlon Mack and second-round pick Jonathan Taylor.
Weaknesses: Andrew Luck's sudden retirement last August created hole at quarterback, and after Jacoby Brissett got second chance to start, GM Chris Ballard brought in 38-year-old Rivers. Reich expects Rivers to revert to pre-2020 form by reducing turnovers. With exception of Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton, Rivers will be working with young, promising group of receivers including Pittman Jr., this year's second-round pick, and Parris Campbell, secondrounder who missed most of 2019 with injuries.
Pandemic development: Reich believes roster composition and maturity level of team give Colts competitive advantage this season. He used Zoom calls for everything from playbook installation
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-10)
New faces: LB Joe Schobert, TE Tyler Eifert, RB Chris Thompson, DE Cassius Marsh, QB Mike Glennon, CB CJ Henderson, LB K'Lavon Chaisson, WR Laviska Shenault, DT DaVon Hamilton, OC Jay Gruden, QBs coach Ben McAdoo.
Key losses: DL Rodney Gunter, DT Al Woods, DE Aaron Lynch, DE Lerentee McCray, CB Rashaan Melvin, DL Calais Campbell, DT Marcell Dareus, CB A.J. Bouye, QB Nick Foles.
Strengths: Jaguars might have their most talented receiving corps in years, with DJ Chark coming off Pro Bowl, Chris Conley coming off career year, and Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole playing for new contracts. They drafted Shenault in second round, and he's been solid in camp.
Weaknesses: D-line is debacle and became more beleaguered after Yannick Ngakoue was traded to Minnesota. Including him, Jacksonville has lost six linemen since start of camp, with Woods and McCray opting out, Gunter and Lynch retiring, and DT Dontavius Russell (hip) going on injured reserve. Carl Davis (four games) and Josh Mauro (five) also are suspended to start season. Josh Allen, who made Pro Bowl as rookie, is significant building block.
Pandemic development: Virtual offseason proved challenging for team changing offensive system and tweaking defensive scheme.
Vegas says: Ultimate long shot. Super Bowl odds: 150-1. Over/under wins: 4 1/2.
Expectations: Despite returning 17 of 22 starters, few outsiders expect to Rivers' cadence, something Rivers credited for no false starts on first day of practice. Plus, Colts had only three backups opt out.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 25-1. Over/under wins: 9.
Expectations: Over past three seasons, Ballard has slowly and steadily built roster. Now, after missing playoffs four of last five years, Indy believes Rivers can lead it back to postseason. Rivers is coming off one of worst seasons of career, but if he cuts down turnovers and relies on better offensive line and strong ground game, defense should hold up its end and Colts could be one of league's most improved teams.
much from Jacksonville. In fact, there's been more talk about team tanking to draft Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence than Minshew being NFL's next great late-round pick. Jags finished last in AFC South last two years, lost seven games by 10 or more points in 2019, and traded away three of its best defenders (Ngakoue, Campbell and Bouye). Owner Shad Khan kept coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell despite public pleas for change, giving them shot to prove tyrannical executive Tom Coughlin was main problem. Marrone and Caldwell now have one of NFL's youngest teams and believe improved culture could lead to better results.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (15-4)
New faces: DE Taco Charlton, CB Antonio Hamilton, LB Darius Harris, P Tyler Newsome, OG Kelechi Osemele, OT Mike Remmers, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, FS Tedric Thompson, RB DeAndre Washington.
Key losses: TE Blake Bell, CBs Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne, RBs LeSean McCoy and Spencer Ware, LBs Darron Lee and Reggie Ragland, DEs Emmanuel Ogbah and Terrell Suggs, DT Xavier Williams, FS Jordan Lucas, OG Stefen Wisniewski, P Dustin Colquitt.
Strengths: Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, armed with 10-year contract extension, leads one of NFL's most dynamic offenses. He returns plenty of weapons in TE Travis Kelce and WRs Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, but Chiefs also used first-round draft pick on RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire. G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opted out due to COVID-19 and Wisniewski left in free agency, but Chiefs have depth to replace them along offensive line.
Weaknesses: Defensive backfield has been question mark for Chiefs for years. SS Tyrann Mathieu is elite playmaker and FS Juan Thornhill should return after excellent rookie season was cut short by ACL injury. But CB depth is untested after losing Fuller to free agency and with Bashaud Breeland facing potential suspension for start of season. Thompson and rookie DBs L'Jarius Sneed and Bopete Keyes could be pressed into service early.
Pandemic development: Chiefs were set to return 20 of 22 starters from
Super Bowl championship team, and that meant missing summer workouts probably affected them less than other teams. Duvernay-Tardif opted out along with rookie OL Lucas Niang and Damien Williams, but Chiefs are deep at those positions.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 6-1. Over/under wins: 11 1/2.
Expectations: After winning first Super Bowl in 50 years last season, Chiefs hope to make it short wait for third title in franchise history. All returning pieces combined with EdwardsHelaire and free-agent acquisitions mean Kansas City could have deeper and more talented roster than championship bunch. Mahomes must stay healthy and avoid any regression after signing 10-year extension that could pay him close to half-billion dollars, and playmakers around him also must stay on field. But with defense that should be improved in Year 2 of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system, confidence is high that Chiefs can defend their championship.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (7-9)
New faces: WR Henry Ruggs III, LB Cory Littleton, DT Maliek Collins, CB Damon Arnette, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, CB
Prince Amukamara, S Damarious Randall, TE Jason Witten, QB Marcus Mariota, DE Carl Nassib, WR Nelson Agholor, S Jeff Heath.
Key losses: LB Tahir Whitehead, CB Daryl Worley, S Karl Joseph, DE Benson Mayowa, RB DeAndre Washington, S Curtis Riley.
Strengths: Raiders invested heavily in offensive line with team spending most money in NFL at position. Rodney Hudson has been league's best passblocking center for years, RT Trent Brown excels when healthy, LG Richie Incognito was pleasant surprise after sitting out 2018. With more improvement from LT Kolton Miller and healthy season from RG Gabe Jackson, QB Derek Carr should have plenty of time to throw.
Weaknesses: Secondary has been issue for years for Raiders. Team has some intriguing young pieces but no proven commodities. CB Trayvon Mullen had solid second half as rookie but remains untested. First-round pick Arnette, Amukamara battling for other spot. LaMarcus Joyner struggled in slot last season. Both starting safeties should be new with Johnathan Abram returning after going down with seasonending shoulder injury in opener last season, Randall coming over as free
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-11)
New faces: OT Bryan Bulaga, CB Chris Harris Jr., DT Linval Joseph, OG Trai Turner, QB Justin Herbert, LBs Kenneth Murray and Nick Vigil, OL coach James Campen
Key losses: QB Philip Rivers. RB Melvin Gordon, FB Derek Watt, S Adrian Phillips, OT Russell Okung, WR Travis Benjamin, LBs Jatavis Brown and Thomas Davis Sr., DT Brandon Mebane.
Strengths: DEs Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram form one of top passingrushing duos in league and combined for 181⁄2 sacks last season. Bosa is highest-paid defensive player in NFL after signing five-year, $135 million extension in late July. Secondary has potential to be one of league's best with addition of Harris. S Derwin James was limited to six games last season after being All-Pro selection as rookie in 2018. After 14 years of Rivers as starter, offense will be more mobile and unpredictable with Taylor (or possibly Herbert) under center.
Weaknesses: Left tackle remains glaring hole. Sam Tevi moves there from agent after falling short of first-round expectations in Green Bay, Cleveland.
Pandemic development: Excitement for debut season in Las Vegas dealt major blow when coronavirus led to decision to ban fans from games all season. Players will get to enjoy fancy new environment, but home-field advantage may have to wait another year.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 66-1. Over/under wins: 7 1/2.
Expectations: After tearing down team in first year under coach Jon Gruden, Raiders showed improvement last season. Anything less than playoff berth would be disappointment in third year, especially with extra wild-card team this season. Raiders one of three teams to score less than 20 points per game each of past three seasons. Offense should be improved by addition of speedy Ruggs on outside and healthy seasons from RB Josh Jacobs, WR Tyrell Williams. Now team needs Carr to be willing to throw deep more than in past. Defense allowed 27.7 points per game last two years but should be much stronger in middle with Collins providing interior rush. Littleton, Kwiatkoski provide best pair of LBs for Raiders in years.
right side, but allowed eight sacks last season, among most by AFC tackles. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both gained 1,000 receiving yards last season, but Chargers lack depth at receiver and don't possess much speed. Defense was among worst in league in not getting off field on third downs, finished last in takeaways (14). Linebacking unit remains young and lacks depth.
Pandemic development: Coach Anthony Lynn had coronavirus in June between end of offseason zoom sessions and start of training camp. Chargers were one of few teams to not have anyone opt out for season.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 45-1. Over/under wins: 7 1/2.
Expectations: Chargers move into SoFi Stadium looking to return to form from two years ago, when they won 12 games and advanced to divisional playoff round. Taylor or Herbert will have variety of weapons at skill positions, but how much time they have to throw depends on how quickly line can coalesce. Turnovers — committing and forcing — and giving up big plays were downfall last season, along with being plagued by injuries. There is good mix of veterans and rookies, but Kansas City remains class of AFC West.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-11)
New faces: QB Tua Tagovailoa, CB Byron Jones, LB Kyle Van Noy, RB Jordan Howard, RB Matt Breida, C Ted Karras, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB Elandon Roberts, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, DE Shaq Lawson, OL Ereck Flowers, S Clayton Fejedelem, T Austin Jackson, CB Noah Igbinoghene, S Kavon Frazier, WR Chester Rogers, TE Adam Shaheen.
Key losses: S Reshad Jones, C Daniel Kilgore, S Walt Aikens, DE Taco Charlton, DE Charles Harris, G Evan Boehm, LS Taybor Pepper, LT J'Marcus Webb, DT John Jenkins.
Strengths: Dolphins believe they've finally found coach to lead them to first playoff win since 2000. Brian Flores won raves for steering remarkable turnaround in his rookie season last year, when Miami started 0-7 but improved dramatically despite NFL-record roster turnover. Strongest position on roster is cornerback, where veteran Byron Jones and first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene join Xavien Howard, giving Miami potentially one of NFL's best trios. That would upgrade defense that allowed league-high 39 touchdown passes last year.
Weaknesses: Offensive line is getting its annual overhaul, receiving position is thin and quarterback is in transition, with Miami likely to switch from 37-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick to top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa at some point. So it's easy to wonder how Dolphins will score.
Pandemic development: Cancellation of NFL offseason programs hurt Dolphins more than most teams because they have so many newcomers, including six free agents signed for nearly $200 million, and three firstround draft picks. Receivers Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns opted out because of coronavirus.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 6.
Expectations: Flores to rely on newcomers who may need time to mesh, and that's true on offensive line, where Dolphins could start three rookies. So 2020 may be repeat of 2019, with Miami significantly better in December than in September. Biggest question is when Tagovailoa starts to play, and slow start could accelerate answer.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-5)
New faces: QB Cam Newton, K Justin Rohrwasser, S Kyle Dugger, LB John Uche, LB Anfernee Jennings, LB Cassh Maluia.
Key losses: QB Tom Brady, LB Kyle Van Noy, LB Jamie Collins, LB Elandon Roberts, S Duron Harmon, DT Danny Shelton, K Stephen Gostkowski, FB James Develin, offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
Strengths: Brady is gone, but New England still has NFL's most successful coach in Bill Belichick. He's made career of finding talent in unlikely places and getting best out of those players. Despite taking free agency hit on defense, cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of Year Stephon Gilmore anchors strong secondary that also returns starting S Devin McCourty and CB Jason McCourty. Offensive line is also mostly intact. Center David Andrews is back after spending 2019 on injured reserve. He is joined by fellow multiyear starters LG Joe Thuney and RG Shaq Mason. If LT Isaiah Wynn stays healthy following two injury-plagued seasons, unit could be among best in AFC.
Weaknesses: Race to be Brady's successor has been Newton's job to lose since he arrived in July, but he hasn't
had long to digest playbook. Belichick hinted he's open to playing multiple QBs this season. Yet even with confidence coaching staff has in second-year Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer, not having definitive leader of offense for much of training camp will hurt chemistry early on. Defense will also be down three of its top five tacklers from last season.
Pandemic development: Patriots had league-high eight players opt out because of COVID-19 concerns. Defensive side of ball was affected most with starting LB Dont'a Hightower and S Patrick Chung both choosing to sit out. They were joined by starting right tackle Marcus Cannon, RB Brandon Bolden, TE Matt LaCosse, WR Marqise Lee, FB Danny Vitale and OL Najee Toran.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 18-1. Over/under wins: 9 1-2.
Expectations: Losses aside, Patriots should be OK on defense, but their hopes on offense hinge on health of Newton coming off foot injury that limited 2015 MVP to two games in 2019. New England will also need to see improvement out of young group of receivers. Julian Edelman did admirable job giving Brady dependable target last season, but at age 34 he'll need some help carrying load. Still, it's hard seeing Belichick-coached team not being threat to at least be in hunt for 12th straight AFC East title.
NEW YORK JETS (7-9)
New faces: First-round pick OT Mekhi Becton, second-round pick WR Denzel Mims, S Bradley McDougald, WR Breshad Perriman, CB Pierre Desir, C Connor McGovern, RB Frank Gore, QB Joe Flacco, LB Patrick Onwuasor, CB Quincy Wilson, OT George Fant, G Greg Van Roten, WR Chris Hogan, OL Josh Andrews, third-round pick S Ashtyn Davis, third-round pick RB La'Mical Perine, sixth-round pick P Braden Mann.
Key losses: S Jamal Adams, WRs Robby Anderson and Demaryius Thomas, CBs Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, LT Kelvin Beachum, G Brian Winters, LB Brandon Copeland, RB Bilal Powell, RB-WR Ty Montgomery, OT Brandon Shell, P Lachlan Edwards.
Strengths: Adam Gase's offense will feature two of NFL's most successful running backs in Le'Veon Bell, looking
to have big season after subpar numbers in first year with Jets, and 37-year-old Gore, who insists he has plenty left and should serve as complement to Bell in backfield. New York deep at tight end with healthy Chris Herndon to go along with Ryan Griffin, Daniel Brown and Trevon Wesco. Despite loss of Adams, McDougald should step in and provide solid 1-2 punch with Marcus Maye. Davis should also see lots of time in threesafety packages.
Weaknesses: Wide receiver group is Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman and then who knows? Mims entered camp expected to be key contributor, but dealt with hamstring issue. Jets signed Hogan during camp to provide veteran presence after Mims and Vyncint Smith (core muscle) went down. Cornerback could be issue. Desir and Poole missed portion of camp with injuries, but New York needs someone from mostly inexperienced group to step up. Wilson, acquired from Colts during draft, could be unheralded addition. Jets still lack consistent pass rusher.
Pandemic development: Jets will start five players on offensive line who didn't start in Week 1 of last season. Oline group tried to build chemistry remotely using Zoom calls and texts, but had to wait until camp to work on field together. How quickly they build cohesion will go long way toward determining offense's success.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 7.
Expectations: Big year for Gase and Darnold, with their futures with Jets somewhat tied to each other. Gase is entering just second season in New York, but is charged with overseeing development of Darnold into what Jets believe is franchise quarterback. Renovated Oline should help, and so should healthy Herndon and addition of Perriman. But if offense struggles again and Darnold fails to take next step, Gase could be on way out — and Jets and GM Joe Douglas could begin wondering if they need to start looking in another direction at QB. New York hasn't made playoffs since 2010 season, so Gase needs to keep Jets in contention until at least December.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8-8)
New faces: TE Eric Ebron, OL Stefen Wisniewski, DT Chris Wormley, FB Derek Watt, WR Chase Claypool, LB Alex Highsmith, RB Anthony MacFarland Jr., OL Kevin Dotson, S Antoine Brooks, DT Carlos Davis, wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, quarterbacks coach Matt Canada.
Key losses: G Ramon Foster, DT Javon Hargrave, LB Tyler Matakevich, LB Mark Barron, FB Rosie Nix, LB Anthony Chickillo, CB Artie Burns, S Sean Davis, TE Nick Vannett, WR Johnny Holton.
Strengths: Defense that led league in sacks and turnovers while almost singlehandedly keeping Steelers in playoff hunt into late December returns largely intact. Only major departure was lineman Javon Hargrave, but veteran Tyson Alualu should be capable replacement. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was sensation after being acquired in mid-September and leads secondary that should be among NFL's best. Outside linebacker duo of TJ Watt and Bud Dupree combined for 26 sacks in 2019 and both have plenty to play for with new contracts on horizon.
Weaknesses: Offense sputtered without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is returning after missing most of last season with right elbow injury. He led NFL in passing in 2018 but will have offense that lacks big-time playmaker it had during wide receiver Antonio Brown's prime. Running game went nowhere in 2019. Management has repeatedly espoused confidence in James Conner, it also didn't rush to sign him to new deal. It feels very much like “prove it” season for both Conner and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, whose numbers tumbled in 2019 without Roethlisberger under center and Brown on other side of field drawing double coverage.
Pandemic development: Continuity is practically way of life for Steelers. That should be benefit in 2020. Stability of coaching staff and nucleus that includes Roethlisberger, guard David DeCastro and defensive tackle Cam Heyward means Pittsburgh can focus on refining instead of figuring out new system or who is going to play where.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 26/1. Over/under wins: 9 1/2.
Expectations: Steelers spent offseason retooling, not rebuilding, after missing playoffs for second straight year. They are pinning hopes on return to postseason on Roethlisberger's surgically repaired right arm and defense that has potential to be dominant. Window to get it done before Roethlisberger retires is closing quickly. If Roethlisberger looks as he did in 2018 and defense plays as it did last fall, Steelers believe they should not only close gap on reigning AFC North champion Baltimore, but pass Lamar Jackson and Ravens entirely.
TENNESSEE TITANS (11-8)
New faces: ILB coach Jim Haslett, DB coach Anthony Midgett, LB Vic Beasley Jr., CB Johnathan Joseph, OT Isaiah Wilson, CB Kristian Fulton, RB Darrynton Evans, DL Jack Crawford, LB Nick Dbzubnar, OT Ty Sambrailo, RB Senorise Perry.
Key losses: Defensive coordinator Dean Pees, DB coach Kerry Coombs, DT Jurrell Casey, CB Logan Ryan, WR Tajae Sharpe.
Strengths: Continuity for franchise coming off its first AFC championship game in 17 years. Coach Mike Vrabel did not hire new coordinator to replace Pees but will work with OLB coach Shane Bowen to oversee defense scheme in its third season. Offense has 10 of 11 starters back, with NFL's top QB in passer rating in Ryan Tannehill and league's leading rusher in Derrick Henry.
Weaknesses: Greg Joseph must prove he can fix kicking woes of by far NFL's worst field goal unit last season. DT Jeffery “Big Jeff ” Simmons is being asked to replace five-time Pro Bowl lineman in Casey, and Titans leaning on Fulton to help fill void left by Ryan's departure as free agent.
Pandemic development: Not only did Wilson miss out on traditional offseason program, Titans' first-round draft pick started training camp on Reserve/COVID-19 list. He was removed Aug. 4 after being in quarantine, and future right tackle has been working d to catch up on his conditioning.
Vegas says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
Expectations: Titans vividly remember they missed playing in franchise's first Super Bowl since 2000 by one victory, and they want another chance at AFC title game with easier road as AFC South champs. Tannehill has four-year, $118 million deal after coming off bench last season and going 9-4 as starter. Offense was explosive with Tannehill at QB, and WR A.J. Brown is poised for breakout season after leading all rookies in receiving yards.