Friday 9 September 2016 18:09, UK
Richard Graves from Sky Sports News HQ provides his predictions for Sunday's NFL games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons
With Matt Ryan at quarterback (QB), Julio Jones at wide receiver (WR) and a combination of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman at running back (RB), there can be little doubt as to the offensive firepower the Falcons possess and the O-line will be greatly enhanced by the addition of centre, Alex Mack. However Dan Quinn's defence remains a concern. They weren't able to stop opponents last year and all the signs through pre-season are pointing to a poor pass rush this term. It was an area they attempted to address through the draft but highly-rated safety, Keanu Neal will miss the start of the season through injury.
The Bucs also addressed the defensive side of the ball in the draft, taking cornerbacks, Vernon Hargreaves and Ryan Smith in the first and fourth rounds while adding pass rush help with Noah Spence in the second round and claiming Robert Ayers - a top 10 rated pass rusher in each of the last two seasons - in free agency. It's a big season for second year QB Jameis Winston, who after flashing potential at times during his rookie year needs to be more consistent and better in his decision making this time round.
Pick - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens
Defence, defence, defence! That's how Buffalo approached the draft as head coach, Rex Ryan looks to put his stamp on this team. Given Tom Brady's four game suspension for New England, the AFC East is a wide open division this year and if the Bills can tighten up a defensive unit which was disappointing in 2015, they should have the firepower on offence to win games and push for a play-off berth.
Did anyone foresee the Ravens jettisoning running back, Justin Forsett in their final roster cuts? No, me neither! It was perhaps the biggest surprise when the rosters were finalised this past weekend and aligned to a veteran wide receiver (Steve Smith) and franchise quarterback (Joe Flacco) who are both working their way back from serious injury, we're left wondering where the Ravens' offence will come from. True, they added help at WR in Mike Wallace but tight end (TE) Ben Watson is now injured and their offensive line was dealt a blow when they lost Kelechi Osemele in free agency. They attempted to plug a number of holes through the draft but it's difficult to see the Ravens contending this year.
Pick: Buffalo Bills
Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans
A lot is expected from the Houston Texans this year after they were the surprise winners of the AFC South last season. They spent BIG in free agency, signing QB Brock Osweiler and RB Lamar Miller to big money deals. In the draft they looked to complement DeAndre Hopkins with speedster Will Fuller while boasting a defence that includes the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year, J. J. Watt.
For all the hype surrounding their off season business though, it's worth remembering Osweiller was ultimately benched in Denver in favour of a less than stellar Peyton Manning and Miami allowed Miller to walk, preferring to go with Jay Ajayi and former Texans running back, Arian Foster. It's time for these Texans to deliver on the field and the performance of their big name acquisitions will be closely scrutinised.
It feels like a year of transition in Chicago. They added the best two linebackers available through free agency in Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman to sure up a porous defence. Offensively, they lost RB Matt Forte and TE Martellus Bennett. Competing in a division which includes the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, it's difficult to see the 2016 Bears being good enough to challenge them although head coach, John Fox has made a career out of building strong defensive teams. The issue here is on offence.
Pick: Houston Texans
San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs look to be the class of the AFC West at the start of the season. They sured up their offensive line by adding Mitchell Schwartz in free agency and although they lost cornerback (CB) Sean Smith, they addressed the defensive side of the ball in the draft. They showed down the stretch last season they could survive without RB Jamaal Charles but his return from injury will boost their offence. After a slow start in 2015, they powered into the play-offs and are expected to continue that form this year.
The San Diego Chargers were decimated by injuries last season, surely they can't be so unfortunate this time around?! It's not been a good off season though, first there was the uncertainty over whether they'd even stay in San Diego and then, having surprised everyone by taking defensive end (DE) Joey Bosa in the first round of the draft, they failed to get a contract agreed with the rookie until last week. Losing Eric Weddle - their star safety - also leaves a big hole to fill in their secondary. This is a big season for head coach Mike McCoy and a tough assignment to start it at Arrowhead Stadium.
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
After a hugely disappointing campaign last time around, the Saints start 2016 with markedly reduced expectations. Their first round pick, defensive tackle (DT) Sheldon Rankins broke his leg in training camp, ruling him out for an extended period and the salary cap prevented them from making any major signings in free agency. That being said, Coby Fleener arrived to replace Ben Watson at tight end but the Saints parted company with CB Brandon Browner and WR Marques Colston. Make no mistake, the Saints are in rebuilding mode this but with Drew Brees under centre, they will at the very least remain competitive.
The Raiders are many pundits tip to be dark horses in 2016. There's certainly plenty of optimism surrounding their offense and with a year already under his belt, WR Amari Cooper can only improve still further. His understanding with QB Derek Carr is something everyone in Oakland should be excited about! Defensively, veteran Charles Woodson's retirement leaves a hole in a unit which was at times suspect last season but the addition of Sean Smith from the Chiefs and pass rusher Bruce Irvin from Seattle will certainly help. Expect them to be in the play-off hunt, come the end of the season
Pick: Oakland Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets
What an off season it's been for the Jets - playing a game of brinkmanship with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick until the final hour before signing him up for 2016. Despite losing Chris Ivory, they added veteran running back experience in the form of Matt Forte and this is an offence which remains capable of putting up points.
The loss of Damon Harrison to the Giants was a blow to their defensive line but this unit is arguably the strength of the Jets and it's one they've added to through the draft and by bringing in nose tackle, Steve McLendon. "Gang Green" still feel the pain of missing out on the play-offs in the final week of the regular season. Expect them to be in contention again.
If only the Bengals could win in the post season! They've been the most consistent team in the NFC North over the past five years (Browns fans may argue that - sorry Cleveland) but they've had to reorganise on offence this year, losing wide receivers, Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency. They took Tyler Boyd in the second round of the draft. This is a tough, physical division though and it's no surprise they focused their attention on strengthening an already good defensive unit, adding help in the secondary and along the defensive line. A. J. Green will once again command double team coverage in the passing game, it'll be down to Andy Dalton to take advantage of the match up problems that creates.
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles
I've heard plenty of experts talking up the Eagles this season under a new coach, with a new quarterback, heralding in a new era. It's not a sentiment I agree with. All summer they've claimed Sam Bradford would be the starting QB for week 1 in Philadelphia. That changed on Saturday when the Vikings shocked everyone by trading away a 1st and 4th round pick for him. Rather than hand the reigns to Chase Daniels (who they paid big money for in free agency) the team announced Carson Wentz - the man they paid a king's ransom to trade up for in the draft - would be the starter.....IF he's healthy. Wentz may turn out to have a better career that Jared Goff (no. 1 overall pick in the draft) but this is a big gamble behind an offensive line which inspires no confidence at all. Defensively, they acquired hard hitting safety, Rodney McLeod but the question remains whether they can avoid costly errors on offense and how well they can protect their rookie quarterback.
Cleveland hope, with Sashi Brown in charge of personnel decisions, they've turned the corner. They made 14 picks in the draft - all 14 made their 53 man roster over the weekend. In contrast, following the trade which took CB Justin Gilbert to the Steelers, none of their top picks from the previous 3 drafts are now with the team. They've gambled on Robert Griffin III rediscovering the form of his rookie season in Washington and talented wide receiver, Josh Gordon claims he's a reformed character although he will see out the remainder of his suspension at the start of the season. No one is expecting playoff football this year in Cleveland but the promise of better times to come gives cause for optimism
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Minnesota Vikings @ Tennessee Titans
Watch out for the Titans. They've solidified their offensive line with the addition of centre, Ben Jones and if DeMarco Murray can rediscover the bruising form of two years ago in Dallas then, alongside rookie, Derrick Henry, Tennessee have a ground attack which should instil fear into opposing defences. That in turn should afford Marcus Mariota more time to display his undoubted talent and utilise the threat of WR Rishard Matthews. Expect the Titans to play their part in a competitive AFC South Division.
The Vikings are in "win now" mode. If anyone doubted that, then the blockbuster trade they pulled off to bring Sam Bradford from Philadelphia should erase it. For the first time in his NFL career Bradford will get to operate behind a good offensive line and have a strong running game to lean on. If he can look after the ball and utilise the threat of Stefan Diggs and rookie WR Laquon Treadwell then Adrian Peterson will be set for another big year on the ground. Defensively, Mike Zimmer's team are well set. They head into the 2016 campaign as the reigning division champs. The Vikings and the Packers will battle it out for the NFC North title again
Pick: Minnesota Vikings
Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks
It's a new era in Seattle. An era without Marshawn Lynch. Thomas Rawls figures to be their starting running back but after an impressive pre-season campaign, Christine Michael figures to get his fair share of playing time as well. The Seahawks said goodbye to Russell Okung and J. R. Sweezey on the offensive line but added Germain Ifedi with their first pick in the draft. They suffered notable losses on defence as well with linebacker (LB) Bruce Irvin heading to Oakland and DT Brandon Mebane leaving in free agency as well. That being said, unlike 12 months ago, they head into the season with a healthy secondary and the "legion of boom" restored to full strength. The Seahawks will be the primary challengers to Arizona's NFC West crown.
Meanwhile the Miami Dolphins head into the new season with a much changed roster as well. Unable to retain pass rushing duo, Olivier Vernon and Derrick Shelby in free agency, they brought in veteran defensive end, Mario Williams and traded for LB Kiko Alonso and CB Byron Maxwell. Running back, Lamar Miller has also gone so second year running back Jay Ajayi gets the lead role with Arian Foster backing him up. In truth, the Dolphins are tied to the huge contract they handed Ndamukong Suh. They did acquire the talented offensive tackle, Laremy Tunsil - arguably the best player in this year's draft - after he slid due to off field concerns but if Miami are to do well this year, they need their free agent acquisitions to rebound from last season's disappointments.
Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions @ Indianapolis Colts
Protect the quarterback should be the words etched on the minds of everyone in Indianapolis. After Andrew Luck was knocked out for the year following the pounding he took against Denver, that certainly appears to have been the philosophy in the draft. The Colts took centre, Ryan Kelly in the first round and added two more offensive tackles. This team is acutely aware their fate is tied to that of their quarterback in a division which will be more competitive this time around.
The Lions are coming to terms with life after WR Calvin Johnson following his retirement this off season. Marvin Jones is the free agent signing from Cincinnati who is tasked with filling Megatron's boots. Through the draft Detroit attempted to strengthen the line on both sides of the ball but pre-season suggests QB Matthew Stafford will still be a player under duress. That being said, the Lions were one of the more impressive teams in the second half of last season. The question is, which Detroit Lions side will turn up in 2016.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts
