NFL preview: 1-32 projections, breakout picks and a information to each staff
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Large questions. Daring predictions. Breakout fantasy soccer candidates. Over/underneath picks. Document and playoff projections. In-depth schedule evaluation for all 32 groups. That is what it’s worthwhile to know for the 2019 NFL season.
The ESPN Soccer Energy Index (FPI) ranked each staff from 1-32 primarily based on the way it initiatives the season to play out. Click on the hyperlinks under to examine every staff.
Leap on to a staff preview:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE
NO | NYG | NYJ | OAK | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Has the protection improved?
Adam Teicher: The Chiefs did as shut to an entire overhaul of their protection as is feasible in a single yr, however no one is sort of certain the way it will go. They noticed some encouraging indicators in coaching camp, most notably the play of finish Frank Clark, who was acquired in a commerce with the Seahawks, and security Juan Thornhill, a second-round draft decide. However the Chiefs nonetheless have to show they’ve improved on protection. Learn the complete Chiefs preview.
Can the defensive position keep dominant?
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Mike Triplett: One in every of final yr’s hidden strengths, the Saints ranked second within the NFL in run protection and fifth in sacks. However standout DT Sheldon Rankins remains to be recovering from a torn Achilles, and beginning DE Alex Okafor left in free company. The Saints nonetheless have one of many league’s finest ends in Cameron Jordan. However they will want large contributions from younger DEs Marcus Davenport and Trey Hendrickson and new veteran DT Malcom Brown amongst others. Learn the complete Saints preview.
How a lot will Rob Gronkowski’s retirement damage?
Mike Reiss: The Patriots have seemed spectacular at occasions within the preseason, however tight finish is one notable query mark. It would not be a shock if the Patriots hold simply two tight ends on the preliminary roster. Underneath coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots have historically been an offense that reshapes itself yearly primarily based on the power of its personnel. After almost a decade of at-times dominant play at tight finish, the place may very well be deemphasized with out Gronk. Learn the complete Patriots preview.
Can Todd Gurley carry out at excessive stage and make it by the season?
Lindsey Thiry: Gurley rushed for greater than 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons, and final season scored a league-high 21 touchdowns — whilst he nursed a sore knee that sidelined him in Weeks 16 and 17. The Rams took a conservative strategy with Gurley all through coaching camp, limiting him to an every-other-day apply schedule. It stays to be seen if the star again can return to kind, or if he may very well be without end slowed due to his knee. Learn the complete Rams preview.
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Louis Riddick and Victor Cruz element why Rams DT Aaron Donald is the perfect participant within the NFL.
Can Carson Wentz keep wholesome?
Tim McManus: After struggling important accidents in back-to-back seasons, Wentz overhauled his weight-reduction plan and exercise routine this offseason and plans to be smarter in regards to the variety of hits he takes. He hasn’t felt or seemed this good since making an MVP cost in 2017, however must show he could make it by a full 16-plus video games. Learn the complete Eagles preview.
How can the protection exchange Derwin James?
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Eric D. Williams: With the All-Professional security out till at the least November after having surgical procedure to restore a stress fracture in his proper foot, the Chargers are tasked with changing top-of-the-line defensive gamers within the sport. Veteran defensive again Adrian Phillips will attempt to fill the void, but it surely possible will likely be a staff effort to make up for the flexibility and playmaking potential that James brings to the protection. The Chargers imagine they’ve top-of-the-line defenses within the league, so gamers resembling Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Thomas Davis and Casey Hayward have to indicate management and make performs for the Bolts to stay as much as that billing. Learn the complete Chargers preview.
Can the protection return to its vaunted kind?
Courtney Cronin: The Vikings’ once-loaded cornerback group has been depleted by damage (Mike Hughes) and suspension (Holton Hill), and it stays to be seen whether or not Xavier Rhodes will be capable of play like he did in 2017. Coach Mike Zimmer must get inventive in the way in which he schemes to beat the Vikings’ weaknesses, relying closely on Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander to carry this group collectively. At security, All-Professional Harrison Smith will paved the way reverse Anthony Harris, whereas Jayron Kearse offers the Vikings with a unique look once they make the most of their nickel packages (they have been of their nickel protection 77% final season). Learn the complete Vikings preview.
Can Mitchell Trubisky take his sport to the following stage?
Jeff Dickerson: Trubisky is the important thing to every part. The Bears have arguably the perfect protection within the league, however the offense struggled at occasions final yr with Trubisky underneath middle. With none respectable preseason motion, it has been tough to measure Trubisky’s progress over the course of coaching camp. Is he elite? Is he simply common? Will he be any higher than final season? Everyone seems to be anxious to seek out out. Learn the complete Bears preview.
Is that this the Falcons staff Matt Ryan lastly results in a Tremendous Bowl title?
Vaughn McClure: The 2016 MVP, coming into his 12th season, sounded fairly optimistic this summer season, telling ESPN the Falcons have the suitable individuals within the constructing that give them a “nice probability” to get again and, hopefully, win the Lombardi Trophy. The skeptics imagine the Falcons may by no means overcome the Tremendous Bowl hangover from 2016 after their 28-Three implosion and eventual 34-28 extra time loss to the Patriots. Ryan has to show in any other case and hold his teammates targeted on that mission, with the window of alternative closing. Learn the complete Falcons preview.
Will Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur click on?
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Rob Demovsky: It has been the query since Jan. eight, the day LaFleur was employed because the Packers’ coach. And we do not appear a lot nearer to realizing the reply. It is a new offense for Rodgers, whose whole profession as a starter had been underneath Mike McCarthy’s tutelage. Coaching camp noticed days good and dangerous for the offense. It might take some time earlier than anybody is aware of whether or not this technique will work for Rodgers & Co. “You are in all probability not going to know one thing till the center of the season,” GM Brian Gutekunst stated. “This stuff take time.” Learn the complete Packers preview.
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Marcus Spears thinks it was a mistake for the Packers to take a seat Aaron Rodgers through the preseason as a result of Matt LaFleur and Rodgers have to work on their communication.
Will Deshaun Watson get hit much less in 2019?
Sarah Barshop: The Texans have been worst within the NFL with 62 sacks allowed final season. They addressed a gap at left deal with in a commerce with the Dolphins for Laremy Tunsil on Saturday. Watson began all 16 video games final season however performed by a number of accidents. O’Brien stated he believes Watson has improved at getting the ball out faster, however “the proof will likely be within the pudding when the true video games begin.” Learn the complete Texans preview.
Can the rebuilt protection maintain up?
Brady Henderson: That appears much more possible than it did even every week in the past, when Ezekiel Ansah wasn’t even working towards and Jadeveon Clowney was nonetheless in Houston. Clowney’s addition adjustments the outlook in an enormous method as does Ansah being on observe to play in Week 1. Seattle has a pair of premier edge rushers as a part of what now could be the NFL’s finest entrance seven — at the least as soon as Jarran Reed returns from his suspension in Week 7. Learn the complete Seahawks preview.
Can the Cowboys get previous the divisional spherical?
Todd Archer: If Jason Garrett desires to be the coach in 2020, that appears to be the minimal the staff must accomplish since they’ve made it to the second spherical of the playoffs thrice in his tenure. The roster is as proficient because it has been since 2007 and so they have a protection that may very well be dominant. If the Ezekiel Elliott saga would not drag into the season, then the offense will be greater than ample. Learn the complete Cowboys preview.
Does the Steelers’ offense have sufficient firepower to win large with out Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown?
Jeremy Fowler: This query lingered all through the offseason, and it is one Pittsburgh is keen to reply. The Steelers imagine they’ve an opportunity in each sport with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. The following step is discovering whether or not JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner can flip Professional Bowl seasons into Yr Three greatness. The Steelers are assured the manufacturing will likely be there. Outdoors of that, count on the Steelers to unfold the ball with a number of totally different receivers posting respectable numbers — perhaps 500 right here, 700 there — with the hope a no-huddle assault stays one of many league’s finest. Learn the complete Steelers preview.
Can QB Cam Newton keep wholesome?
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David Newton: Now the 2015 NFL MVP has a midfoot sprain that has his standing for the opener considerably in query. For your entire offseason it was his proper shoulder that underwent surgical procedure for the second time in three offseasons that was in query. Whereas the staff stays cautiously optimistic that Newton will likely be prepared for Week 1, with no confirmed backup, having their star participant wholesome will likely be essential to success. Learn the complete Panthers preview.
Can Jimmy Garoppolo keep wholesome for a full season?
Nick Wagoner: For now and the long run, the Niners want Garoppolo, who has 10 profession begins, to play all 16 video games to allow them to actually know what they’ve in him. To contend for the playoffs in 2019, the Niners want him at full power after a torn left ACL final season. If he cannot keep on the sector or struggles to maneuver the offense constantly, San Francisco might have a tricky resolution to make and, doubtlessly, discover itself looking for solutions once more on the sport’s most vital place. Learn the complete 49ers preview.
Has the offense improved sufficient to enhance what needs to be one of many league’s finest defenses?
Michael DiRocco: That primarily relies on what the Jaguars get out of QB Nick Foles and RB Leonard Fournette. Foles led the Eagles to a Tremendous Bowl victory, however he ranks 23rd in Whole QBR amongst all QBs who’ve thrown at the least 1,500 passes since 2012 (Foles’ rookie yr), which implies he has just about been a median QB. That is nonetheless an improve over Blake Bortles, although. There are questions on Fournette’s work ethic, maturity and skill to remain wholesome, however he has had an amazing coaching camp and people contained in the franchise are optimistic this may very well be an enormous bounce-back season. If these two come by with good seasons, the Jaguars will contend for the AFC South title. Learn the complete Jaguars preview.
How will Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr. gel collectively?
Jake Trotter: In Mayfield and OBJ, the Browns boast doubtlessly top-of-the-line QB-WR combos within the NFL. Collectively, they’ve that stage of expertise. The query is whether or not their chemistry really will translate into an elite pass-catching duo. All preseason indicators have pointed in that route. However the strain of precise video games will current the true problem. Learn the complete Browns preview.
Can Lamar Jackson hold defenses sincere together with his arm?
Jamison Hensley: Groups are going to stack the field and drive Jackson to beat them by throwing the ball. Probably the most dramatic developments in coaching camp was Jackson exhibiting important enchancment in his mechanics and his accuracy downfield. That is an space the place he struggled final season. Within the final seven weeks of the common season (when Jackson made all of his begins), he linked on 37.5 % of his throws (9-of-24) that traveled at the least 15 yards. That ranked 24th within the NFL. If Jackson will be extra environment friendly on these passes, the Ravens offense will likely be harmful this season. Learn the complete Ravens preview.
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Matthew Berry likes the additions at WR for the Ravens and thinks their increase in expertise will result in extra passing makes an attempt for Lamar Jackson.
Can the Titans’ offense do sufficient to make the playoffs?
Turron Davenport: New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has to determine a option to make the Titans a balanced assault that may win shootouts or grind it out, relying on the opponent. The Titans invested closely to arrange the offense for a productive season. Their success comes down to 3 issues: the offensive line holding Mariota upright, Mariota’s potential to distribute the ball to the weapons in place and Derrick Henry’s effectiveness within the operating sport. Learn the complete Titans preview.
Can Jacoby Brissett lead the Colts again to the playoffs?
Mike Wells: Andrew Luck is retired and Brissett — like a lot of his teammates — is in his second season in coach Frank Reich’s offense. The straightforward method to take a look at Brissett is by his Four-11 report as a starter in 2017 season. Circumstances are utterly totally different from two years in the past when he was acquired two weeks earlier than the common season. Brissett, who struggled at occasions in coaching camp, is about as much as have an efficient season as a result of the Colts have a greater total roster. Learn the complete Colts preview.
Is the offense going to attain some factors, or what?
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Jeff Legwold: Although the starters had restricted work within the preseason and quarterback Joe Flacco did, certainly, flash some expertise within the offense, the regulars nonetheless didn’t assemble a landing drive in August, and that’s at all times a priority. That is very true for a staff that has been as balky on offense because the Broncos have been for a lot of the previous three seasons. Denver will run the ball higher when the video games rely. However within the passing sport, a participant or two past Emmanuel Sanders and DaeSean Hamilton must decide up the tempo. Learn the complete Broncos preview.
Will Darrell Bevell’s new offense produce sufficient for the Lions to achieve success?
Michael Rothstein: The Lions have stored Bevell’s plan largely hidden throughout preseason video games and through practices with the Patriots and Texans. The franchise made the change from Jim Bob Cooter to Bevell, partly, to seek out an offense that matches Matt Patricia’s total philosophy. So it ought to imply extra operating, play-action and vertical passing. If it really works, the Lions have an opportunity to contend for the NFC North. If it would not, it may very well be one other lengthy season in Detroit. Learn the complete Lions preview.
Can Le’Veon Bell nonetheless carry out at a Professional Bowl stage?
Wealthy Cimini: Bell will likely be productive, and his presence will assist quarterback Sam Darnold, however do not count on a classic Bell yr with 1,900 yards from scrimmage. The considerations: His new surrounding forged is not almost nearly as good as what he loved in Pittsburgh, which can imply extra consideration from defenses. There will likely be early timing points with the offensive line. In any case, the person hasn’t performed a sport in 20 months. The excellent news: He is nonetheless solely 27, and the yr away from soccer undoubtedly preserved some tread on his thinning tires. Learn the complete Jets preview.
Can the offensive line shield Jameis Winston?
Jenna Laine: Winston enters Yr 5 — probably the most pivotal season of his profession — with a well-assembled forged of receiving targets: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. However he will not be capable of do a lot if an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 15 sacks by three preseason video games would not shield him. Learn the complete Buccaneers preview.
Can Josh Allen put his ‘hero ball’ days behind him?
Marcel Louis-Jacques: The Payments need Allen to go for his checkdowns and intermediate choices over pushing the ball downfield this season. His potential to take action and deal with the ball is paramount to the staff’s offensive success in 2019. Learn the complete Payments preview.
Antonio Brown is all-in … however for the way lengthy?
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Paul Gutierrez: It is a honest query, since he left camp for 2 weeks and sought remedy for his frostbitten ft after which took off once more for a day after his grievance to put on his previous helmet was denied, organising GM Mike Mayock’s ultimatum. Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, swears Brown will play no matter helmet sort, and Brown has reconnected with Derek Carr in pregame warm-ups — even when he has needed to gradual up on a few deep balls. Brown has averaged greater than 11 targets per sport since 2013. What occurs if Carr can’t get him the ball and the Raiders get off to a gradual begin? Learn the complete Raiders preview.
How quickly will the Bengals contend for a playoff spot?
Ben Child: After 5 consecutive playoff appearances at the start of the last decade, the Bengals have failed to complete .500 or higher the previous three seasons. This yr will present if the franchise has the mandatory items to be aggressive within the rapid future or search for new gamers to construct round. Extensive receiver A.J. Inexperienced is on the ultimate yr of his contract and Andy Dalton is approaching the ultimate two seasons of his deal. Learn the complete Bengals preview.
Can the offense present any assist?
John Keim: Washington lacks a confirmed playmaker on the skin. Their top-receiving goal (tight finish Jordan Reed) is already within the concussion protocol. Their quarterback of the long run (Dwayne Haskins) is not prepared, so the job, for now, falls to journeyman Case Keenum. There with out perennial Professional Bowl deal with Trent Williams. However they need to have a very good operating sport, particularly if Derrius Guice stays wholesome. Nonetheless, loads of questions must be answered on offense. Learn the complete Redskins preview.
Can Kliff Kingsbury’s offense work?
Josh Weinfuss: It is an not possible query to reply, as a result of no one has seen what Kingsbury’s model of his Air Raid scheme will seem like. And no one will till Week 1. However how properly it really works will dictate how properly the Cardinals do in 2019. And if it would not work, the most important query turns into how dangerous will 2019 go for Arizona? Learn the complete Cardinals preview.
How are the Giants going to deal with their quarterback scenario?
Jordan Raanan: Eli Manning is the unequivocal starter. There isn’t any inside debate about that at this level. However rookie Daniel Jones’ sturdy spring and summer season has the clock ticking rapidly on Manning’s tenure. The second the Giants stumble or Manning has a poor efficiency, the requires Jones will start to ring louder. Does coach Pat Shurmur pull the set off on the first signal of misery or, extra possible, wait till the Giants’ playoff desires disappear earlier than making the extremely anticipated transfer? Probably the latter. And the way a lot will proprietor John Mara and even GM Dave Gettleman be concerned within the delicate scenario to bench probably the most completed quarterback in franchise historical past? Probably lots. Learn the complete Giants preview.
Will Josh Rosen present sufficient to change into the Dolphins’ beginning QB?
Cameron Wolfe: The Dolphins do not wish to rush Rosen on the sector, and the truth that he will not begin Week 1 is not as vital to them. Rosen has proven appreciable enchancment in current weeks however merely being higher than Ryan Fitzpatrick is not sufficient to be the Dolphins’ QB of the long run. Rosen has a sure commonplace of constant efficiency he should attain. Learn the complete Dolphins preview.