The NFL is almost back. The long National Football League off-season had its usual amount of drama and intrigue. The Aaron Rodgers will he, won’t he saga, he didn’t. Julio Jones got traded to the Titans, Matt Stafford and Jared Goff swapped teams. Dak Prescott finally re-signed with the Cowboys for a cool $160m over four years. We had a normal draft that included hugs from the Commissioner that saw quarterbacks taken with the first three picks, five in the first round in total. Then there was the bizarre DeShaun Watson trade request followed by 22 civil lawsuits of alleged sexual misconduct.
Covid is still very much a part of things, the league announced that if a game is postponed due to a Covid outbreak on one team cannot be re-scheduled the team with the outbreak will forfeit the game. The NFL will not, at this stage be extending the season to accommodate any extra games.
The season will now be 17 games long for each team (even Jeff Fisher can’t go 7-9), the playoffs will now consist of 14 teams instead of 12. The pre-season will have three games instead of four.
The International series is back, although London will only host two games instead of the usual four in 2021.
The 56th Super Bowl will take place on February 13th 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The Teams…
Arizona Cardinals
It’s year three for Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray which in NFL terms means now or never, for Kingsbury at least. Murray has improved but still needs to do more if this team is going to make the post-season. AJ Green joins DeAndre Hopkins in what could be a great duo if Green can hold up. JJ Watt comes in to improve the defensive line which can only help Chandler Jones. Malcolm Butler replaces Patrick Peterson at corner which is one of several changes across the board.
- Super Bowl Odds: 33/1
- Key Addition: JJ Watt
- On the Hot Seat: Klif Kingsbury
- Fantasy Choice: DeAndre Hopkins
- Predicted Record: 8-9
- Playoffs: No
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were a laughing stock in 2020, losing several games that seemed harder to lose than win. They lost eight games by one score. As a result, GM, HC and both coordinators are gone. Titans former OC Arthur Smith is now the HC. Star receiver Julio Jones was traded and the offensive line has injuries and question marks. The Falcons drafted well, first-round choice Kyle Pitts will be a nightmare for defenses and could get a total of four starters from this group.
- Super Bowl Odds: 50/1
- Key Addition: Kyle Pitts
- On the Hot Seat: Deon Jones
- Fantasy Choice: Calvin Ridley (or Pitts)
- Predicted Record: 9-8
- Playoffs: No
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen just got paid, $258m over 6 years. Buffalo are one of the most complete teams in the NFL, and they bring back 21 starters from last year. The one issue the Bills did have was getting to the opposing quarterback. They drafted defensive ends with their first two picks in the draft. They went 6-0 in the division last year and although the AFC East looks better the Bills will still be favoured to retain the division quite comfortably.
- Super Bowl Odds: 12/1
- Key Addition: Emmanuel Sanders
- On the Hot Seat: Mario Addison
- Fantasy Choice: Stefon Diggs
- Predicted Record: 13-4
- Playoffs: Yes (Super Bowl)
Baltimore Ravens
Getting through the regular season with relative ease seems like a common theme for the Ravens, but unfortunately so does losing in the playoffs due to Lamar Jackson being bottled up by opposing defenses. Simply put, OC Greg Roman needs to add a more significant passing game to help against the best the AFC has to offer. Sammy Watkins was signed in FA and Rashod Bateman was drafted in the first round in order to strengthen what seems to be the team’s only real weakness.
- Super Bowl Odds: 12/1
- Key Addition: Rashod Bateman
- On the Hot Seat: OC Greg Roman
- Fantasy Choice: Lamar Jackson
- Predicted Record: 12-5
- Playoffs: Yes
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers rebuild continues with Sam Darnold at quarterback. The star of the show, Christian McCaffrey is set to return after missing 13 games through injury. The Panthers again had an excellent draft and are the youngest team in the NFL which means that they’ll have to take the rough with the smooth for another season. The offensive line is still a weakness that won’t help Darnold.
- Super Bowl Odds: 66/1
- Key Addition: Jaycee Horn
- On the Hot Seat: Sam Darnold
- Fantasy Choice: Christian McCaffrey
- Predicted Record: 6-11
- Playoffs: No
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow’s early-season injury slowed down what was hoped to be a progressive year for the Bengals. Burrow is expected to be under center week 1. The young quarterback will have a new toy, receiver Ja’Marr Chase was drafted in the first round. Long time Bengal AJ Green is gone but running back Joe Mixon returns with a new contract. Cincinnati has tried to improve a poor offensive line through free agency and the draft and only time will tell. The defense has also had something of an overhaul. The team should be better with Burrow back but the roster has holes and has its limits.
- Super Bowl Odds: 100/1
- Key Addition: Ja’Marr Chase
- On the Hot Seat: Zac Taylor
- Fantasy Choice: Joe Mixon
- Predicted Record: 5-12
- Playoffs: No
Cleveland Browns
The Browns won their first playoff game in 26 years, if they had found some offense in the divisional road they would have gone to the AFC championship game for the first time since 1989. Despite the talent on the roster, the team ranked 16th in total offense and 17 in total defense. The passing game let them down but the defense with lots of big names came up short, which is probably why they only return four starters on this side of the ball. Some question marks remain over Baker Mayfield and 2021 will be a big year for him.
- Super Bowl Odds: 16/1
- Key Addition : (S) John Johnson
- On the Hot Seat: Baker Mayfield
- Fantasy Choice: Nick Chubb
- Predicted Record: 11-6
- Playoffs: Yes
Chicago Bears
Despite some erratic play from the quarterback position the Bears went 8-8 and squeaked a wildcard spot. The lack of any offense meant they were one and done in the post-season. No surprise then that Bears signed Andy Dalton and drafted Justin Fields, Mitch Trubisky has now departed, Nick Foles is currently still around. Chicago has the third toughest strength of schedule and this will be a problem for a team that hasn’t changed that much.
- Super Bowl Odds: 40/1
- Key Addition: Justin Fields
- On the Hot Seat: Matt Nagy
- Fantasy Choice: Allen Robinson
- Predicted Record: 6-11
- Playoffs: No
Dallas Cowboys
The injury to Dak Prescott officially ended the Cowboys season that didn’t look to promising to begin with. Prescott is expected to be back under center in week 1. Significantly three starters on the offensive line are also set to return which will help both Prescott and the under-fire RB Ezekiel Elliott. Former Falcons HC Dan Quinn is now the DC who has 15 new players on the defensive side of the ball. A weak and un-predictable division could be the perfect tonic for the Cowboys.
- Super Bowl Odds: 28/1
- Key Addition: Micah Parsons
- On the Hot Seat: Mike McCarthy
- Fantasy Choice: Ezekiel Elliott
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: Yes
Denver Broncos
The Broncos still hold hope that Drew Lock can be ‘the guy’ but added Teddy Bridgewater as a fall back option. Denver has legit receivers in the returning Courtland Sutton and Juedy and drafted a possible gem at running back in Javonte Williams, so expect the offense to be better than the 23 ranked unit from last year. The Broncos got two new starting corners by adding both Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency. Denver has what looks like a favourable schedule so come well make a jump in 2021.
- Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
- Key Addition: Javonte Williams
- On the Hot Seat: Drew Lock
- Fantasy Choice: Courtland Sutton
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: Yes
Detroit Lions
The Lions are in a long-term rebuild. New GM, 16 new coaches and, a large roster overhaul that included trading Matt Stafford. As well as Stafford the likes of Golladay, Marvin Jones and Adrian Peterson are gone. D’Andre Swift is one of the few pluses as is rookie lineman Penei Sewell. The defense ranked dead last in 2020and probably won’t be much different in 2021.
- Super Bowl Odds: 150/1
- Key Addition: Penei Sewell
- On the Hot Seat: Jared Goff
- Fantasy Choice: D’Andre Swift
- Predicted Record: 1-16
- Playoffs: No
Green Bay Packers
There always seems to be a QB related drama in Green Bay but despite the threat of retirement, Aaron Rodgers returns. If things don’t start well the season and relationship could go south in a hurry. WR Randall Cobb is back in a move that will no doubt please Rodgers, RB Aaron Jones was re-signed. The Packers have been beaten in the NFC title game two years running, can they get back there again?
- Super Bowl Odds: 12/1
- Key Addition: Randall Cobb
- On the Hot Seat: Aaron Rodgers
- Fantasy Choice: DeVonte Adams
- Predicted Record: 13-4
- Playoffs: Yes
Houston Texans
What was worse than the Texans 2020 season? Answer, the Texans off-season. JJ Watt is gone, DeShaun Watson’s legal issues and, a less than impressive draft in which they only had five picks. As it stands no one really knows if Watson will still be with the team come September and if he is will he play or sit out? The Texans currently have 4 other QB’s on the roster so looks like they’ll start without him. Tyrod Taylor looks like the starter at this point. The roster has had a large turnover which for the most part looks like a good thing. How does the 30th ranked defense get better without JJ Watt?
- Super Bowl Odds: 150/1
- Key Addition: Tyrod Taylor
- On the Hot Seat: David Johnson
- Fantasy Choice: Brandin Cooks
- Predicted Record: 3-14
- Playoffs: No
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts quietly went 11-5 in 2020 and have replaced the now retired Phillip Rivers with Carson Wentz who may miss the start of the season after having foot surgery. The Colts return 17 starters and have the (tied) 23rd easiest schedule. The one area of need was addressed in the draft when the Colts took defensive end Kwity Payne in the first round. The Colts will have 10 new assistant coaches which could be an issue early on.
- Super Bowl Odds: 22/1
- Key Addition: Carson Wentz
- On the Hot Seat: Carson Wentz
- Fantasy Choice: Jonathan Taylor
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: No
Jacksonville Jaguars
Exciting times in Jacksonville. Urban Meyer is the head coach and Trevor Lawrence was drafted number one overall. Despite only winning one game in 2020 the organisation is adamant that this isn’t a rebuild. The 22 returning starters would certainly seem to back up that claim. Free-agent signings Shaquill Griffin, Carlos Hyde, Malcolm Brown, and Marvin Jones will improve the roster. Former Broncos QB Tim Tebow is currently signed on as a tight end but may not make the final roster.
- Super Bowl Odds: 80/1
- Key Addition: Trevor Lawrence
- On the Hot Seat: Most of the roster from 2020
- Fantasy Choice: Trevor Lawrence
- Predicted Record: 4-13
- Playoffs: No
Kansas City Chiefs
Two injuries to the O-line destroyed the Chiefs bid for consecutive Lombardi trophies, no surprise then that KC spent big on guard Joe Thuney in free agency, they also added Kyle Long and drafted center Creed Humphrey who could start week 1. Eric Fisher was lost in free agency as were Sammy Watkins and Le’Veon Bell but all the main offensive weapons for Mahomes are still around. The defense will once again be asked to do just enough.
- Super Bowl Odds: 9/2
- Key Addition: Joe Thuney
- On the Hot Seat: Frank Clark
- Fantasy Choice: Patrick Mahomes
- Pick of the schedule: Week 5 Buffalo
- Predicted Record: 14-3
- Playoffs: Yes
Las Vegas Raiders
Jon Gruden has yet to prove that it was the right decision for owner Mark Davis to bring him back on that rather long and large contract. Gruden resisted the temptation to replace QB Derek Carr, mainly because Carr was one of the few bright spots for the Raiders last season. Running back, Josh Jacobs was another, rushing for over 1000 yards. The defense was the real problem, ranking 25th overall. This is probably why GM Mike Mayock drafted 5 defensive players, including safety Trevon Moehrig in the second round. The O-line has had a rebuild too. They play in a tough division were offense dominates.
- Super Bowl Odds: 66/1
- Key Addition: Yannick Ngakoue
- On the Hot Seat: John Gruden
- Fantasy Choice: Josh Jacobs
- Predicted Record: 7-10
- Playoffs: No
Los Angeles Chargers
The Sean McVay coaching tree continues to grow, former Rams offensive coordinator Brandon Staley is now the head coach replacing Anthony Lynn. QB Justin Herbert was named offensive rookie of the year in 2020 but will have to learn a new system in 2021. Herbert also has a new center, Corey Linsley brings experience and leadership to a rebuilt offensive line. TE Hunter Henry left in free agency and was replaced by Jared Cook. Derwin James will look to overcome the injury bug that has plagued him over the last two seasons.
- Super Bowl Odds: 28/1
- Key Addition: Corey Linsley
- On the Hot Seat: Derwin James (has to stay healthy)
- Fantasy Choice: Keenan Allen
- Predicted Record: 9-8
- Playoffs: No
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams pulled off the most significant trade of the off-season when they effectively swapped Jared Goff for Matt Stafford. The bad news is that they lost impressive running back Cam Akers for the season with a torn Achilles. The team did not have a first round draft pick and may not have added a single starter with the picks they did have. The Rams have one of the league’s best defenses and now have a legit QB but will that be enough to do deep into the playoffs?
- Super Bowl Odds: 12/1
- Key Addition: Matthew Stafford
- On the Hot Seat: Sean McVay
- Fantasy Choice: The Defense
- Predicted Record: 12-5
- Playoffs: Yes (Super Bowl)
Miami Dolphins
In 2020 the Dolphins finished 10-6 and narrowly missed the playoffs. Fitzpatrick is gone so Tua will be the man to lead the offense. The addition of Alabama wide-out Jaylen Waddle and FA Will Fuller was designed to help the young QB. The team was dealt a blow when star corner Xavien Howard ask to be traded, however, it now appears a new contract will be agreed. The roster is largely the same as last season although the schedule doesn’t look too tough.
- Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
- Key Addition: Jaylen Waddle
- On the Hot Seat: Tua Tagovailoa
- Fantasy Choice: DeVante Parker
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: No
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were expected to be a playoff team in 2020, instead, they went 7-9 because the defense was terrible. This is why the team only returns 5 starters on that side of the ball. The big addition is corner Patrick Peterson. The offense and in particular Dalvin Cook carried the team to its seven wins, ranking fourth overall. The Offensive line has been upgraded after poor pass protection last year. Kellend Mond was drafted in the third round to provide some competition to Kirk Cousins who played well in 2020 throwing 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. They need a good start as the back half of the schedule looks brutal.
- Super Bowl Odds: 50/1
- Key Addition: Patrick Peterson
- On the Hot Seat: Kirk Cousins
- Fantasy Choice: Dalvin Cook
- Predicted Record: 5-12
- Playoffs: No
New England Patriots
The Pats missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 which did not come as much of a surprise given the players that were not available. Guard Joe Thuney and receiver Julian Edelman (retired) will both be missed but the Patriots made some significant additions such as, Hunter Henry, Trent Brown, Nelson Agholor and Jalen Mills. Dont’a Hightower was one of several Patriots players who opted out of last season but returns in 2021. Belichick may have struck gold in the draft when quarterback Mac Jones fell to them at 15. The Cam Newton experiment didn’t work so it was somewhat surprising that he was re-signed.
- Super Bowl Odds: 28/1
- Key Addition: Trent Brown
- On the Hot Seat: Cam Newton
- Fantasy Choice: Nick Folk
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: Yes
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees has officially retired and WR Michael Thomas and the organisation are in a feud that may see Thomas traded. Starting CB Marshon Lattimore could be suspended due to a stolen firearm charge. On the field Taysom Hill and Jamesis Winston will compete for the starting job now Brees has gone. New Orleans lost seven other significant contributees in the off-season and their draft was unspectacular, although they do return 9 starters on both sides of the ball. The defense is now the strongest side of the ball for the Saints.
- Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
- Key Addition : ?
- On the Hot Seat: Winston and Thomas
- Fantasy Choice: Alvin Kamara
- Predicted Record: 8-9
- Playoffs: No
New York Giants
The Giants were in the playoff hunt until the end but only because of a dreadful division. The ‘G Men’ only won 6 games but were competitive in most despite the loss of running back Saquon Barkley, who will be back in some capacity although it is unlikely he’ll be a full go in the early stages of the season. Much depends on third-year QB Daniel Jones who has been inconsistent. The defense was the big plus for New York in 2020 and returns 10 starters. Kadarius Toney (WR) and Azeez Ojulari (OLB) were notable additions during the draft.
- Super Bowl Odds: 66/1
- Key Addition: Kenny Golliday
- On the Hot Seat: Daniel Jones
- Fantasy Choice: Kenny Golliday
- Predicted Record: 7-10
- Playoffs: No
New York Jets
Adam Gase is gone, replaced by former 49ers DC Robert Saleh. In short, the Jets have 20 new coaches as they look to change the losing mentality that has seen them miss the playoffs for 10 straight years. Rookie Zach Wilson replaces Sam Darnold. The offense can’t get any worse than last year especially with the additions of Tevin Coleman, rookie Michael Carter, Corey Davis, and Kellan Cole. Linebacker CJ Moseley returns after opting out last year and safety LaMarcus Joyner was added in free agency. Unfortunately for the Jets, the roster is still not good enough to end that long playoff drought.
- Super Bowl Odds: 80/1
- Key Addition: Corey Davis
- On the Hot Seat: CJ Moseley
- Fantasy Choice: Corey Davis
- Predicted Record: 4-13
- Playoffs: No
Philadelphia Eagles
Doug Peterson and Carson Wentz are gone, former Colts OC Nick Sirianni is the new head coach and Jalen Hurts is now the starter after a good four-game audition at the end of last season. Despite those changes 18 starters return, 19 if you include Hurts. So how then do the Eagles improve on a 4 win season? Rookie receiver DeVonta Smith could have an impact but it looks like it’ll be a long season in Philly.
- Super Bowl Odds: 80/1
- Key Addition: DeVonta Smith
- On the Hot Seat: Miles Sanders
- Fantasy Choice: DeVonta Smith
- Predicted Record: 5-12
- Playoffs: No
Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite winning a division that sent three teams to the playoffs last year this feels like a make a break year in Pittsburgh for both Big Ben and head coach Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh started 11-0 and then fell apart. Seven starters from 2020 have left and with the offense the obvious weakness the Steelers drafted offense with its first four draft selections, significantly RB Najee Harris who seems like a perfect fit.
- Super Bowl Odds: 40/1
- Key Addition: Najee Harris
- On the Hot Seat: Ben Roethlisberger
- Fantasy Choice: Chris Boswell
- Predicted Record: 9-8
- Playoffs: No
San Francisco 49ers
Injuries killed the 49ers season in 2020, the team returns 10 starters on each side of the ball. The big question is at QB. The team traded up to draft Trey Lance with the third overall pick, not exactly a glowing endorsement for incumbent Jimmy Garoppolo. The addition of veteran center Alex Mack will help. On defense, the team ranked 5th overall despite finishing 30th in sacks. This number should rise significantly with the return of Nick Bosa.
- Super Bowl Odds: 12/1
- Key Addition: Alex Mack
- On the Hot Seat: Jimmy Garoppolo
- Fantasy Choice: George Kittle
- Predicted Record: 9-8
- Playoffs: Yes
Seattle Seahawks
The early part of the off-season was littered with rumours that Russell Wilson wanted to be traded, citing the offensive line as the reason. Aside from Gabe Jackson, the line is largely the same but the Seahawks do seem to have established a running game, something Wilson hasn’t had since Marshawn Lynch left town. Although the roster has had something of an overhaul none of it is very significant, except perhaps the loss of Shaquill Griffin.
- Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
- Key Addition : (G) Gabe Jackson
- On the Hot Seat: Both co-ordinators
- Fantasy Choice: DK Metcalf
- Predicted Record: 10-7
- Playoffs: Yes
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs became the first team to ever win a home Super Bowl. Tampa returns all 22 starters from that game which has probably never happened before in the free agency era. Tom Brady is 44 and yet we are still waiting for the decline to set in. The defensive line wreaked havoc in the Super Bowl and this will now be the focus of opposing teams. Repeating is very difficult but it’s hard to think the Bucs won’t go deep into the post-season once again.
- Super Bowl Odds: 7/1
- Key Addition: Giovani Bernard
- On the Hot Seat: No one, they just won the Super Bowl!
- Fantasy Choice: Chris Goodwin
- Predicted Record: 12-5
- Playoffs: Yes
Tennesee Titans
The Titans lost OC Arthur Smith who left to be the head coach in Atlanta, Tight Ends coach Todd Downing is now the OC. The Titans pulled off a significant deal when they got Julio Jones via trade from the Falcons. Jones and AJ Brown will give opposing defenses nightmares. On defense only 6 starters return although LB Bud Dupree was signed in FA. This means both sides of the ball have question marks but it would be a big surprise if Tennessee didn’t make the post-season.
- Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
- Key Addition: Julio Jones
- On the Hot Seat: DC Shane Bowen
- Fantasy Choice: Derrick Henry
- Predicted Record: 11-6
- Playoffs: Yes
Washington Football Team
Washington won the division in 2020 with a 7-9 record but still went toe to toe with the eventual champion Buccaneers in the playoffs. Ryan Fitzpatrick replaces Alex Smith and receivers Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin will be a handful. The defense ranked 2nd overall last season and only lost corner Ronald Darby in the off-season. A similar record to last year could be enough to win the division and with ‘Fitzmagic’ it could be a fun ride.
- Super Bowl Odds: 50/1
- Key Addition: Ryan Fitzpatrick
- On the Hot Seat: Landon Collins
- Fantasy Choice: Terry McLaurin
- Predicted Record: 8-9
- Playoffs: No