Yesterday, we ranked the bottom feeders of the league, where we previewed teams 32 thru 20. Now onto the middle tier of the NFL in 2017. We believe these teams are on the cusp of sneaking into the playoffs.
20. New Orleans Saints
Well, they got Manti Te’o. Ok, that makes no difference, just wanted to say that for fun. But for once, they have a true fearsome running attack with Adrian Peterson. Will be interesting to see how they mix him in because they’ve never had a consistent power running game under Drew Brees. Drafting CB Marshon Lattimore should help their sad defense secondary. Still, the Saints will have to put up big points to stand any chance in games.
19. Indianapolis Colts
Will this be finally the year Luck can lead the Colts into the playoffs? Probably not cuz their front office is garbage. Their defense still stinks. Addition of first round pick Malik Hooker should help but they are still very thin on the defensive end. It will be a very very tall order for Luck to try and bail them out of every game.
18. Tennessee Titans
A lot of analysts sleeper team to really rise. I just don’t see it. Their defense, which wasn’t that great, was still overrated in my opinion. I like Mariota but he hasn’t shown the consistency a big time QB needs. I’m a big fan of his so hopefully the addition of first round pick WR Corey Davis will give him the much needed help on the outside. They play in a division where the defenses are very physical so I don’t like the matchups they have.
17. Detroit Lions
I really liked the signings of G T.J. Lang and RT Rick Wagner to support the D and O lines. The offense isn’t what it once was with Megatron but Stafford did a decent job keeping things together. They play in a tough division going up against GB and the tough Minny defense.
16. Minnesota Vikings
Well known their biggest lost is AP. But they picked up a couple nice RB threats in Latavius Murray and drafting Dalvin Cook. Their QB situation remains a dud if its Sam Bradford to start the season. But their defense should keep them in every game. Detroit Lions
15. Los Angeles Chargers
A lot of analysts have the Chargers down in the dumps. And well, they’re ranked the lowest out of what could be the toughest division in football, the AFC West. I could easily swap them with the Broncos but I gotta give some respect to that defense. Chargers are led by the always fierce and uber-competitive at the helm, Phillip “Master Baby Maker” Rivers. Always underappreciated, he looks to put up yet again, big numbers. He’s had very limited help at WR. Doesn’t help that WR Keenan Allen is made of glass. They drafted another Mike Williams WR (who may or may not be
out for the season with looming back surgery). Hopefully this one pans out better than the past ones. Losing Woodhead could be a big key as he was truly the all-purpose back every team needs.
14. Denver Broncos
Defense, defense, defense. Not much new on the offensive side for Denver, which isn’t good news, cuz Siemian was pretty pedestrian. Loss of DeMarcus Ware will be big. But they still got Von Miller. He’ll have to carry the load in a big way in a loaded AFC West.
13. Baltimore Ravens
Ok, I don’t really know why I have Balt this high. But every time I doubt Joe Flacco, he punches me in the face. Adding Jeremy Maclin will give him a much needed possessional WR. Of course, their defense will be big and physical as usual with additions of S Tony Jefferson, CB Brandon Carr and rookie CB Marlon Humphrey.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Everyone is picking Tampa as a breakout team, and I’ll ride that train as well. Winston can be a bone-head part of the time but he’s got a strong arm and capable of making big plays. I love their offensive additions for Winston. DeSean Jackson will be a nice deep threat and I absolutely LOVE Alabama rookie OJ Howard at TE. Their defense is filled with young talent so it should be an exciting season for Bucs fans.
11. KC Chiefs
I’m not the biggest fan of this transition period in the KC offense. Pat Mahomes was a surprise pick in the draft as QB replacement and I’m not sold on him. They also let go their most consistent WR in Maclin. The defense will still be tough and Reid is still a crafty head coach.
Stay tuned tomorrow where we finish up the list! Which team do you think should be #1?
