INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Indianapolis is hard to predict and finds ways to spoil their opportunity. They’re a talented team that can compete against literally any team, even the Chiefs, Ravens, and 49ers. Look at the logs since 2021. Unfortunately, they drop games against teams they have a chance against or had no business losing to like the Tom Brady-less Patriots, Washington, pre-Stroud Texans, a clown town Jaguars, and a Joe Burrow-less Bengals. The run defense must improve and so could some offensive executions so Indy wouldn’t be in that position for a playoff spot twice out of the last three seasons. Anthony Richardson’s health is vital for how far Indy can go to compete for at least a wild card spot.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Tua, Tyreek, Jaylen, and Raheem are among Miami’s top players that signed contract extensions. Key pieces, including Odell Beckham Jr, Jordyn Brooks, Calais Campbell, Kendall Fuller, and Jordan Poyer were added to help Miami hopefully end their 24-year playoff drought. Their schedule has some winnable games, but others are tricky while the rest are tough. The offense will be high-flying as usual, but they need their defense to come through. Even if they make the playoffs, there’s that playoff drought I mentioned. Last season, they went from needing a win to hold on to their number two seed to being a wild card that traveled to the literally frozen Chiefs empire to become “popped sicles” to the Chiefs. They must run the table in an unpredictable AFC East division (except for New England) and win the title to have a legitimate shot at winning their first playoff game in 24 seasons.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This team’s talented. Too talented to play average football. I like their offense, defense, special teams, and various ways they run their offense with guys they have on there. I would love to run various plays knowing I have Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill on the same team with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and a defense that’s well-balanced. My problem with them is Derek Carr and the head coach. Carr got paid a lot when he arrived at NOLA, but I was convinced that the signing was farfetched. I’m also not sold on Dennis Allen as head coach. He didn’t work out with the Raiders, and last season with New Orleans showed that there’s a problem here. If New Orleans doesn’t take a step forward with their built roster, Allen has got to go.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills lost some key pieces on both sides after last season. However, the roster is still viable enough to compete for the division title. Josh Allen must have his new slot of receivers on the same page with him or a lot will be targeted at James Cook and Dalton Kincaid. Defense needs Von Miller available whether it’s starter or a legitimate pass rusher on third downs and critical drives. Their schedule still makes them a viable threat, but it all depends on the locker room as a whole and the last six games of the season (49ers, at Rams, at Lions, Patriots, Jets, at Patriots).

DALLAS COWBOYS

First off, the offseason. Did little to make moves for Jerry Jones to follow through on his “All In” comment. Second, the draft was alright but with nothing to convince me that they improved key spots on their roster. Finally, Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott have one last chance to prove that Dallas is ready to compete for the NFC title. Their schedule’s no cake walk, so now they will really be tested on how far they’ll go. With the coach and QB situation, I wouldn’t be surprised if a certain known college quarterback finds himself at Dallas next season…and maybe his daddy follows. Hint: He’s the starter at Colorado. Just thinking hypotheticals, people.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Since the Super Bowl’s existence, the Browns can’t find a way to make it to the promise land. They have running backs, an offensive line, and a solid defense with a good defensive coordinator to compete for the postseason and more. Their Super Bowl window is more open than some think, but one position either makes or breaks their opportunity: the quarterback position. Deshaun Watson either takes Cleveland to new heights that haven’t been seen since pre-Super Bowl era, or they’re the same ol’ Browns that we all know and acknowledged over decades with lists of quarterbacks they’ve gone through since Bernie Kosar.

NEW YORK JETS

They’re here because they’re the New York Jets. I understand they have an elite defense, skills positions led by Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers of course. But the Jets are still the Jets, and Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles tear after the first four plays in Week 1 proves it. That’s what happens when an organization fails to oversee their awful offensive line for the past couple of seasons prior to his injury. However, Rodgers should be recovered with a chance to prove to the world that he and New York can bring home another Lombardi Trophy. No question the Jets are built to win it all but overcome the 50-plus year curse and end the playoff drought before talking about Aaron Rodgers and the Jets Super Bowl chances.