We are back with more team previews, could we find some contenders in this bunch or are they just canon-fodder to the New England Patriots.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have actually played better in spite of themselves. Two straight 8-8 seasons I think is actually not bad for a team that had the 30th ranked defense last year and has had their star QB miss ten games in the past two seasons. However its probably more likely due to their below average division. While drafting Quincy Wilson and Malik Hooker will more than likely improve the defense, if the health of Andrew Luck and his offensive line hit a wall again they could miss the playoffs for a third straight year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Albert was supposed to help this poor offensive line but with his retirement it leaves the Jaguars with really only one proven guy up front in their Center, Brandon Linder. While Leonard Fournette if healthy, can be an asset, if Bortles does not turn down his interception numbers expect this team to not improve too much on its three wins from last year, despite Jalen Ramsey leading a talented defense.
Kansas City Chiefs: While Patrick Mahomes likely wont take over the QB spot this year, being drafted in the first round means Alex Smith’s time is running out. Speaking of offense well have to see how 3rd round pick Kareem Hunt pans out as he could very well provide a spark to this running game that It doesn’t have. While Travis Kelce is out there to throw to, receiving options are limited for the team unless Tyreek Hill takes a more consistent step forwards.
Los Angeles Chargers: The injury bug is already hitting this team hard as Mike Williams and Forrest Lamp are both hurt, (Lamp probably out for the season). Both were going to be big contributor’s for this offense. The Chargers did also draft Dan Freeney and Russel Okung, addressing multiple holes in their offensive line. They also continued to improve their secondary by drafting Desmond King and Rayshawn Jenkins but I still believe with the tough division there in they will not make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams: Hopefully for the Rams the Aaron Donald contract situation wont hold a dark cloud over the team. The Rams will try to address their pass-catching problems with adding Cooper Kupp and Gerald Everett, however Goff and Gurley will be held back by a very below average o-line. This season may be the same as past for the Rams but if Gurley bounces back and Goff improves this team could give some headaches to teams around the league.
Miami Dolphins: Tannehill may have been a so-so QB last year but his absence does provide instability at a position this team needs to be better. While Jay Cutler had his best year of his career with Coach Adam Gase, Cutler is a roller coaster and could just as well be bad as he could be good. Other than that this team does have some very good talent led by an impressive front seven and a Jay Ajayi led running game. But they are still at a disadvantage knowing that more than likely they will have to depend on a wild card spot again unless they upset the Patriots.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings could really go either way. For a while last year they looked like a top five team last year and then fell off. Despite trading a lot of their picks in last years draft the Vikings did end up with Dalvin Cook and Pat Elflein, a RB and a Center who will help boost their horrible running game. However I still question the Sam Bradford experiment and while their defense is good, its not good enough to carry single handily to any deep playoff run.
