It may be the offseason, but there’s no sleep for the NFL. I enjoyed doing the projected division standings last season, so now my plan is to do the mock division standings during the offseason. What you see right now won’t be permanent. I will do more research on team schedules, roster changes, offseason moves, etc. I’ll have the final division made before Week 1 of the regular season rolls around. This first posting will be very lengthy. It’s an introduction into what to expect as the offseason changes continue. With each posting, some teams will be explained while others won’t. Stay tuned and I’ll do my best to keep you all updated.

NFC WEST

49ERS – Should have the majority of their roster back. Hopefully they re-sign a few to return and sign a couple of new ones to fill the void. The key for a playoff and Super Bowl run is the quarterback position.

RAMS – Will be favored for a Super Bowl return, but the target’s on their back and their own division will try consuming them.

CARDINALS – The disgruntlement of Kyler Murray in the offseason could hurt Arizona’s chances of a playoff return. Also, linebacker Jordan Hicks was released after being one of the leading tacklers on the team.

SEAHAWKS – Russell Wilson goes to Mile High and leaves Seattle down low in the dirt. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner was also released from the team. Unless Drew Lock can bounce back and make waves with his new team, consider Seattle in rebuilding mode.

NFC EAST

COWBOYS – Still favored to win the division, but how much does this affect them after Amari Cooper was traded and offensive lineman La’el Collin looking to be traded? They aim for Bobby Wagner since defensive coordinator Dan Quinn had history with Wagner in Seattle. Here’s a quick note: Amari Cooper’s arrival helped Dak Prescott improve and stay longer in Dallas. Could his trade change Prescott’s long term to short term?

COMMANDERS – We’re out of the Football Team brand and into the Commanders brand. Questionable, but wins will make everyone forget the new name like before and appreciate it. They have Carson Wentz and could get decent production out of him (as long as he’s healthy), but there must be more offensive production and health consistency on both sides of the ball.

EAGLES – Philly surprisingly made it to the playoffs, and the improved run game was the reason for this change. However, the Jalen Hurts debate still stands as before. Is he the guy or not? Also, how different will this defense be if Fletcher Cox does get traded?

GIANTS – Is a complete dumpster fire. The rebuilding process will be longer. Don’t expect much change unless the division itself collapses to where New York has a shot at a division title.

NFC NORTH

PACKERS – Aaron Rodgers is back. Good for Packer Nation, bad for the rest of the division. Davante Adams is also franchise tagged, but he’s happy his quarterback returns. Special teams needs improvement and the offensive line must work to stay healthy.

BEARS (TIED) – Justin Fields will be the starter, but can this offense be better without Tarik Cohen after being released? Here’s a tidbit: No Ohio State quarterback has survived long term in the NFL. However, Justin Fields originally played at Georgia as a freshmen before transferring to Columbus. Since Stafford won the Super Bowl as a Georgia Bulldog, it’s possible Fields can last. But will we get the Georgia version or the Ohio State version?

VIKINGS (TIED) – It’s possible the Vikings will prosper without Mike Zimmer after inconsistent seasons during his tenure. However, defense needs some change. Kirk Cousins signed a one-year extension, which is good for the team. Hopefully a new coach can get him better opportunities for a postseason run.

LIONS – Despite their record, the Lions deserve some praise for their effort every game, even in bad losses. They stuck it out against five playoff teams (2-4, played Packers twice) and won three of their last six since the start of December. They are still in rebuild mode, however.

NFC SOUTH

BUCCANEERS – I originally had Tampa Bay projected to finish second. But Tom Brady returning from his brief retirement puts them back at the top (pulling a Brett Favre, I see). However, Tom is 0-4 against New Orleans in the regular season. It’s also unsure if he will play for Tampa Bay this season too. Depending on what the Panthers do at quarterback, Tampa Bay’s top spot is temporary.

PANTHERS – Carolina has a slight edge over New Orleans because they have a quarterback and a potentially balanced roster. They are also battling the Saints for the Deshaun Watson trade. If they succeed, they could jump Tampa Bay whether Brady is there or not.

SAINTS – No Drew Brees, no Sean Payton, no way they are a playoff team! The Saints will run through their defense and special teams. What type of offense will they be with their new head coach? Will Michael Thomas be in a Saints’ uniform or somewhere else? How much will be on Alvin Kamara to carry the offense? Who will be New Orleans’ 2022 quarterback? They are battling Carolina for the Deshaun Watson trade at the moment.

FALCONS – Matt Ryan’s performance has lacked a bit last season. Maybe it’s the offensive line (allowed 40 sacks, tied 5th most), maybe it’s not having Calvin Ridley and relying heavily on rookie Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson, or maybe his arm ain’t what it used to be. Atlanta’s defense also needs a major makeover. Changes will be coming to Atlanta.

AFC WEST

CHARGERS – They are rightfully at the top to start out this offseason, and adding Khalil Mack to the roster helps the case. They have Justin Herbert, good receivers, a good running back lineup, and potentially an improved defense if things go well in the draft and offseason. The offensive line should expect to improve this year and hopefully it gives Herbert a couple of more seconds in the pocket. Will coach Brandon Staley finally stop making Y.O.L.O. calls on fourth downs unless it really matters?

CHIEFS (TIED) – The Chiefs will be back in the playoffs vying for another Super Bowl appearance. Patrick Mahomes had a down year due to turnovers, but maybe the offensive line could be the reason since they needed time to jell??? They need more targets in the receiving core outside of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. They also need some more help on defense.

BRONCOS (TIED) – It’ll be an ongoing argument if the Broncos should jump the Chiefs and maybe the Chargers. They needed THE quarterback to get them over the hump, and getting Russell Wilson may have done it. This makes them a playoff team, a division title contender, and maybe a Super Bowl contender. Give him time to adjust to his new team and he will start cooking in high altitude. Also, now two-time Super Bowl champ Von Miller hints a return to Denver.

RAIDERS – The Raiders need help on the defensive front to take some pressure off Maxx Crosby (who signed a big contract not too long ago). They could also add some helpful depth in the running back position to take some pressure off Josh Jacobs. More importantly, where are we with Derek Carr? Is Josh McDaniels cool with coaching him?

AFC EAST

BILLS – Should still win the division for a few more season, but who’s going to step up at running back? They only had one 100-yard rusher outside of Josh Allen. After a great defensive showing this past season, they failed to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs again in the playoffs. It may have proven why none of them received Pro Bowl honors. If they want to get over the Kansas City playoff hump, they must add one more piece to that puzzle.

PATRIOTS – Had a surprising, not surprising season, and Mac Jones played decently well himself. Unfortunately, he was eventually exposed as a rookie in four of their last five games, including against the Bills in the playoffs. The Patriots should be fine, but a return to the playoffs may prove a tad difficult with the Dolphins trailing close behind. What they really need is a number one go-to receiver for Jones.

DOLPHINS – After a miraculous mid-season run, the Dolphins should have reason to be a playoff team next season. Their defense is legit as long as they keep them together and healthy. But what will this offense become under new coach Mike McDaniel? Will they stick with Tua Tagovailoa and mold him as their own or go after someone else?

JETS – The Jets will still chill with the NFL bottom feeders, but maybe they could shock some teams next season. They fairly competed, but they still have ways to go before they can actually compete.

AFC NORTH

RAVENS – If it wasn’t for the injuries last season, Baltimore would’ve been in the playoffs. It’s possible they bounce back for a big season with everyone healthy and intact. There isn’t much concern or holes in their roster except the offensive line. Maybe an update at the receiver position too. Let’s see what happens in the draft and free agency.

BENGALS – The Bengals had a fantastic Cinderella season. If their offensive line could’ve found a way to hold up Aaron Donald on the final drive, a win could’ve been possible. Now the team knows what to do in the offseason. However, a playoff return may not be so easy.

STEELERS – Steeler fans can now worry about their 2022-’23 season. Ben Roethlisberger finally retires, but not one Steeler fan believes in Mason Rudolph as their quarterback. They are looking at Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and NFL quarterbacks on the move to see who will fill that void. The offensive line must improve too.

BROWNS – The Browns received Amari Cooper in a trade, but they are letting Jarvis Landry seek a trade right after the move. It’s unclear on whether the Browns keep Baker Mayfield or not. If they can’t find a quarterback about as good or as a healthy Baker Mayfield, they will join the NFL bottom feeders for sure next season.

AFC SOUTH

COLTS (TIED) – It’s hard to say whether the Colts will drop or not. Despite the Wentz trade, they still have a balanced, Pro Bowl-caliber roster. But Eric Fisher not re-signing with the Colts could downgrade them a bit. They are in the conversation for a quarterback search, but a decent one will give them a playoff opportunity.

TITANS (TIED) – Tennessee lucked out against the Bengals despite being the AFC’s overall seed. One main problem is the quarterback position. Yes, it’s debatable but the offense has a good roster that can take them far. As long as Derrick Henry is healthy, he carries them to the playoffs. But, he needs backups to take the pressure off him. I also rarely heard anything about Ryan Tannehill’s three interceptions in their loss against Cincy, but that was the main reason. Is he really the answer for the Titans’ Super Bowl chances now?

JAGUARS – It was filled with low moments and high moments. The lowest was Urban Meyer’s off the field issues. One of the highest was a big time upset against the Bills when Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen outplayed Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The other was when the Jaguars (the supposed circus in Jacksonville) got the last laugh against the Colts (the now supposed clowns of the AFC South). Jacksonville will be better this year in this weak division, but here’s to hoping that Travis Etienne returns from injury. James Robinson was alright, but Etienne is the better back to have. They also must continue adding more pieces around Trevor Lawrence.

TEXANS – Deshaun Watson managed past his lawsuit, but he won’t return to Houston. So where does this leave the organization? Down alongside the NFL’s bottom feeders. In my opinion, be patient with Davis Mills and continue the rebuild.