The Oklahoman

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (15-5, Super Bowl champions)

-

Strengths: Tom Brady turned 44 during training camp and is not showing any signs of getting old. He has a plethora of playmakers at his disposal, as well as one of the NFL’s top defenses to help him chase an eighth Super Bowl title. No team has repeated as Super Bowl champs since the Bradyled 2003 and 2004 Patriots.. Weaknesses: After finding a way to retain all 22 starters, the defending champs truly are a team with no perceived weaknesses. A young secondary that was a liability early last season not only improved steadily, but was dominant during a postseason run that included victories over Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 6-1. Over/under wins: 11.5.

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-12)

Strengths: Even with the trade of WR Julio Jones, the greatest receiver in franchise history, the Falcons have a deep group of potential targets for quarterbac­k Matt Ryan. Calvin Ridley emerged as one of the league’s top receivers, Russell Gage showed he was ready to step into a leading role, and top draft pick TE Kyle Pitts is a dynamic tight end with receiver-like skills. The Falcons will likely go with plenty of double-tight end sets, pairing Pitts with Hayden Hurst.

Weaknesses: The offensive line is extremely young and requires big improvemen­t from RG Chris Lindstrom, RT Kaleb McGary and C Matt Hennessy to prevent Ryan from taking another awful pounding. The defensive front has been a perpetual area of concern and must get more pressure on opposing quarterbac­ks. The Falcons desperatel­y need DE Dante Fowler to step up his game after a disappoint­ing 2020 season. If the Ryan, 36, went down for an extended period, the team’s shaky depth would be a problem.

FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 60-1. Over/under wins: 7.5.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States