West

KANSAS CITY (12-4) Strengths:

Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, armed with 10-year contract extension, leads one of NFL’s most dynamic offenses. 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 Stefen Wisniewski left in free agency, but Chiefs have depth to replace them along offensive line.

Defensive backfield has been question mark for Chiefs for years. SS Tyrann Mathieu is elite playmaker and FS Juan Thornhill has returned after excellent rookie season was cut short by ACL injury. But CB depth is untested after losing Kendall Fuller to free agency and with Bashaud Breeland facing potential suspension.

Win Super Bowl: 6-1. Over/under wins: 11½.

After winning first Super Bowl in 50 years, Chiefs hope to make it short wait for third title in franchise history. All returning pieces combined with Edwards-Helaire 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.

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Expectations: DENVER (7-9) Strengths:

As usual, Denver’s defense is potent and will have to carry load while offense jells. Even without CB Chris Harris Jr., DE Derek Wolfe and LB Von Miller (ankle injury), Broncos could be better with healthy Bradley Chubb, trade acquisition DL Jurrell Casey and improving ILB Alexander Johnson.

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. Despite RB Phillip Lindsay’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Broncos broke bank (two years, $16M) for oft-injured Melvin Gordon, who promptly missed time with rib injury.

Win Super Bowl: 50-1. Over/under wins: 8.

Coronavirus pandemic forced NFL teams into unconventional offseason and wiped out entire preseason, two factors that led Elway to reduce expectations for QB Drew Lock in 2020. Lock has plenty of swagger, but it’ll be uphill climb for Broncos to avoid becoming first team to miss playoffs five consecutive years following Super Bowl title.

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Expectations: LAS VEGAS (7-9) Strengths:

Raiders invested heavily in offensive line with team spending most money in NFL at position. Rodney Hudson has been league’s best pass-blocking 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 Damon Arnette looks to have hold on other spot. LaMarcus Joyner struggled in slot last season. At safety, Johnathan Abram returns to pair with Erik Harris, who survived a training-camp challenge from free-agent addition Damarious Randall — who was released. Abram went down with season-ending shoulder injury in opener last season.

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Win Super Bowl: 66-1. Over/under wins: 7½.

After tearing down team in first year under coach Jon Gruden, Raiders showed improvement last season. Anything less than playoff berth would be disappointment, 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 WR Henry Ruggs III on outside and healthy seasons from RB Josh Jacobs, WR Tyrell Williams.

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L.A. CHARGERS (5-11)

Strengths:

DEs Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram form one of top pass-rushing duos in league and combined for 18½ sacks last season. Secondary has potential to be one of league’s best with addition of CB Chris Harris Jr. S Derwin James was limited to six games last season after being All-Pro selection as rookie in 2018. After 14 years of Philip Rivers as starter, offense will be more mobile and unpredictable with Tyrod Taylor (or possibly Justin Herbert) under center.

Left tackle remains glaring hole. Sam Tevi moves there from right side, but allowed eight sacks last season, among most by AFC tackles. Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both gained 1,000

Weaknesses:

receiving yards last season, but Chargers lack depth at position and don’t possess much speed. Defense was among worst in league in getting off field on third downs, finished last in takeaways (14). Linebacking unit remains young and lacks depth.

Win Super Bowl: 45-1. Over/under wins: 7½.

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.

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Expectations: East

NEW ENGLAND (12-4) Strengths:

Tom Brady is gone, but New England still has NFL’s most successful coach in Bill Belichick. CB 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 IR. He is joined by fellow multiyear starters LG Joe Thuney and RG Shaq Mason.

Race to be Brady’s successor has been Cam Newton’s job to lose since he arrived in July. He won it in training camp, but hasn’t had long to digest playbook. Belichick hinted he’s open to playing multiple QBs this season. Defense will be down three of its top five tacklers from last season.

Win Super Bowl: 18-1. Over/under wins: 9½.

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 improvement out of young group of receivers. Still, it’s hard seeing Belichick-coached team not at least being in hunt for 12th straight AFC East title.

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Expectations: BUFFALO (10-6) Strengths:

Offense returns nine starters with exception of WR Stefon Diggs and offensive lineman to start in place of injured right guard Jon Feliciano. NFL’s No. 3 defense (yards allowed) returns nine starters, with LB A.J. Klein slotted to replace Lorenzo Alexander, and hole needs to be filled at DT after starter Star Lotulelei opted out.

Biggest question mark revolves around QB Josh Allen, and whether he can continue smoothing out inconsistency and accuracy issues entering third season. Offense has struggled under Allen, scoring 20 or fewer 11 times, including 22-19 OT loss at Houston in AFC wild-card playoff.

Win Super Bowl: 28-1. Over/under wins: 9.

Team built to win now, and claiming first AFC East title since 1995 is realistic goal, especially with Tom Brady no longer standing in the way. Buffalo has drastically rebuilt depth at most every position in making playoffs two of past three seasons. Much falls on Allen’s shoulders.

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Expectations: N.Y. JETS (7-9) 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-yearold Frank Gore, who insists he has plenty left. New York deep at tight end with healthy Chris Herndon to go along with Ryan Griffin, Daniel Brown and Trevon Wesco. Despite loss of S Jamal Adams, Bradley McDougald should step in and provide solid 1-2 punch with Marcus Maye.

Wide receiver group is Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman and then who knows? Jets signed Chris Hogan during camp to provide veteran presence after Denzel Mims and Vyncint Smith went down. Cornerback could be issue. Jets still lack consistent pass rusher.

Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 7.

Big year for Gase and QB Sam Darnold, with their futures with Jets somewhat tied to each other. Renovated O-line should help, but if offense struggles again and Darnold fails to take next step, Gase could be on way out. New York hasn’t made playoffs since 2010 season.

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Expectations: MIAMI (5-11) Strengths:

Coach Brian Flores won raves for steering remarkable turnaround in his rookie season last year, when Miami started 0-7. 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 leaguehigh 39 touchdown passes last year.

Offensive line is getting its annual overhaul, receiving position is thin and quarterback is in transition, with Miami likely to switch from 37year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick to top draft

Weaknesses:

pick Tua Tagovailoa at some point. It’s easy to wonder how Dolphins will score.

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Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 6.

Flores will rely heavily on newcomers who may need time to mesh, especially on offensive line, where Dolphins could start three rookies. Biggest question is when Tagovailoa starts to play.

Expectations: North BALTIMORE (14-2) Strengths:

Offense put up record numbers last year behind versatile QB Lamar Jackson. He’s got four solid running backs, with J.K. 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 Devin Duvernay to help make passing game worthy supplement to ground attack that last year racked up record 3,296 yards.

Ravens hope Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe fortify defensive front pierced for 217 yards rushing in playoff loss to Tennessee, but they’ll need strong production from Patrick Queen at middle linebacker. In addition, offensive line must make up for loss of G Marshal Yanda, a potential Hall of Famer, and is counting on C Matt Skura to return to form after knee injury.

Win Super Bowl: 13-2. Over/under wins: 11½.

Ravens went 14-2 in 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. Ravens have drive and manpower to finish what they started last year. Nothing less than reaching Super Bowl will do.

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Expectations: PITTSBURGH (8-8) Strengths:

Defense led league in sacks and turnovers. 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 LB duo of TJ Watt and Bud Dupree combined for 26 sacks in 2019.

Weaknesses:

Offense sputtered without QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is returning after missing most of last season with right elbow injury. Offense lacks big-time playmaker it had during wide receiver Antonio Brown’s prime and running game went nowhere in 2019.

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Win Super Bowl: 26-1. Over/under wins: 9½.

Steelers spent offseason retooling, not rebuilding, after missing playoffs for second straight year. They are pinning hopes on Roethlisberger’s surgically repaired right arm and defense that has potential to be dominant.

Expectations: CLEVELAND (6-10) Strengths:

Multiple weapons on offense and new coach Kevin 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. Nick Chubb has quickly become one of league’s best backs and Kareem Hunt gives Browns 1-2 backfield punch as good as any.

Losses of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirskey as free agents debilitated linebackers, who took another hit when expected starter Mack Wilson suffered left knee injury during training camp. This group needs to grow up quickly.

Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 8.

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.

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Expectations: CINCINNATI (2-14) Strengths:

Adding WR Tee Higgins in second round and keeping A.J. Green with franchise tag gives Bengals deep receiving corps in No. 1 overall pick Joe 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 yards last season, and running backs Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard, who can catch ball out of backfield.

Offensive line has struggled past few years and was focus in offseason, with LT Cordy Glenn and G John Miller released. Last year’s first-round pick Jonah Williams moves in at left tackle after missing rookie season with shoulder injury, and Xavier Su’a-Filo takes over at guard.

Win Super Bowl: 200-1. Over/under wins: 5½.

After historically bad

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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.

South HOUSTON (10-6) 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 WR DeAndre Hopkins.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year end J.J. Watt continues to play at high level when healthy. But Texans have struggled to generate much pass rush outside of his production. Houston managed just 31 sacks last season and secondary gave up too many big plays.

Win Super Bowl: 50-1. Over/under wins: 7½.

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.

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Expectations: TENNESSEE (9-7) Strengths:

Continuity for franchise coming off its first AFC Championship Game in 17 years. Coach Mike Vrabel did not hire new coordinator to replace Dean 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.

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 Jurrell Casey, and Titans leaning on CB Kristian Fulton to help fill void left by Logan Ryan’s departure.

Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 8½.

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. Offense was explosive with Tannehill at QB, and WR A.J. Brown is poised for breakout season after leading all rookies in receiving yards.

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Expectations: INDIANAPOLIS (7-9) Strengths:

Acquiring DT DeForest Buckner from 49ers makes world of difference. He’ll team with DE Justin Houston and OLB Darius Leonard to give 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.

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 Philip Rivers. With exception of Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton, Rivers will be working with young, promising group of receivers including Michael Pittman Jr., this year’s second-round pick, and Parris Campbell, second-rounder who missed most of 2019 with injuries.

Win Super Bowl: 25-1. Over/under wins: 9.

After missing playoffs four of past 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.

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Expectations: JACKSONVILLE (6-10) 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 Laviska Shenault in second round, and he’s been solid in camp.

D-line is debacle, especially after trading Yannick Ngakoue to Minnesota. Including him, Jacksonville has lost six linemen since start of camp. 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.

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Win Super Bowl: 175-1. Over/under wins: 4½.

There’s been more talk about team tanking to draft Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence than about Gardner Minshew being NFL’s next great late-round pick.

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