Buffalo Bills
2024 Record: 13-4
Off. Rank: 10 | Def. Rank: 17
Points Scored: 30.9 (2) | Allowed: 21.6 (11-T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(30) Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky
2(9) T.J. Sanders DT South Carolina
3(8) Landon Jackson EDGE Arkansas
4(7) Deone Walker DT Kentucky
5(34) Jordan Hancock CB Ohio State
5(37) Jackson Hawes TE Georgia Tech
6(1) Dorian Strong CB Virginia Tech
2025 Projection: 14-3
Comment: With the force of nature that is 2024 MVP josh Allen leading the offense, the Bills should cruise to another AFC East title, but what they would really like is the best record in the conference and playoff games on the January Buffalo tundra, where they excel. With James Cook in the backfield with Allen, the running game should be productive, and, judging by the Bills' draftees - all defensive players - Buffalo's management is more than satisfied with the offense from 2024.
Picking up Joey Bosa in the off-season should be an upgrade on defense, and top draft pick, cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky is projected to start on the right side. Landon Jackson and Deone Walker will rotate in and out up front as run-stoppers or in special situations. With the AFC East looking still amon the weaker divisions, the Bills are poised to improve on their 2024 campaign, with eyes on the Super Bowl. The Bills, Bengals, Chiefs and Ravens are on a collision course in 2025.
Miami Dolphins
2024 Record: 8-9
Off. Rank: 18 | Def. Rank: 4
Points Scored: 20.3 (22) | Allowed: 21.4 (10)
Top Draft Picks:
1(13) Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
2(5) Jonah Savaiinaea OG Arizona
5(5) Jordan Phillips DT Maryland
5(13) Jason Marshall Jr. CB Florida
5(19) Dante Trader Jr. S Maryland
6(3) Ollie Gordon II RB Oklahoma State
7(15) Quinn Ewers QB Texas
7(37) Zeek Biggers DT Georgia Tech
2025 Projection: 10-7
Comment: Miami dropped from the #1 offense in 2023 to #18 in 2024, partly due to injury, and then inconsistency, from QB Tua Tagovailoa. While Tua did manage to start 11 games, the Dolphins' record in those contests was an ordinary 6-5. Without him, Miami was 2-4, and that was enough to keep them out of the playoffs in a contested wild card race.
With Tagovailoa back and ostensibly healthy, the Dolphins should rebound and at least contend for a playoff spot. Second round pick Jonah Savaiinaea is projected to start at right guard and protect Tua's blind side. The offense is still loaded with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at wideout positions and they've beefed up the front line with #1 pick, Kenneth Grant. Ollie Gordon, out of Oklahoma State may see some time in special situations and could be special.
If the Dolphins return to the playoffs, it will be because Tua stays healthy and their rookies pan out.
New York Jets
2024 Record: 5-12
Off. Rank: 24 | Def. Rank: 3
Points Scored: 19.9 (24-T) | Allowed 23.8 (20)
Top Draft Picks:
1(7) Armand Membou OT Missouri
2(10) Mason Taylor TE LSU
3(9) Azareye'h Thomas CB Florida State
4(8) Arian Smith WR Georgia
4(28) Malachi Moore S Alabama
5(26) Francisco Mauigoa LB Miami
5(40) Tyler Baron EDGE Miami
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: The last two, maybe three, or four, seasons for the Jets have been extremely disappointing, to say the least. A healthy Aaron Rodgers and a solid defense were supposed to lead the Jets to the playoffs the past two seasons, and neither materialized. Not only were the Jets outplayed just about every week, the defense, despite ranking third in yards allowed, gave up far too many big plays and seemed to have no field position awareness, often resulting in easy points for their opponents.
With Rodgers departed for Pittsburgh, the starting QB almost has to be Justin Fields, beacuse, Tyrod Taylor, Brady Cook, or Adrian Martinez would lead to another mediocre season. The Jets need to improve offensively, and that starts with better production from RBs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. A healthy Fields can get them out of some jams, but consistency needs to be addressed.
Offensive tackle, Armand Membou and tight end Mason Taylor, the Jets' top two draft picks are expected to fill holes in the offense, but the players picked on defense all look like backups. Overall, this looks like another season of frustration from a team that dosn't really have much direction.
New England Patriots
2024 Record: 4-13
Off. Rank: 31 | Def. Rank: 22
Points Scored: 17.0 (30) | Allowed 24.5 (22)
Top Draft Picks:
1(4) Will Campbell OT LSU
2(6) TreVeyon Henderson RB Ohio State
3(5) Kyle Williams WR Washington State
3(31) Jared Wilson C Georgia
4(4) Craig Woodson S California
4(35) Joshua Farmer DT Florida State
5(8) Bradyn Swinson EDGE LSU
6(6) Andres Borregales PK Miami
2025 Projection: 5-12
Comment: After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, some improvement should be expected from the formerly awesome Patriots. Drake Maye made progress at QB, but not enough to overcome his inexperience along with inconsistencies on a defense that fell from #7 in 2023 to #22 in 2024.
It didn't take long for the Patriots to go from first to worst after the Brady/Belichick era passed, and rebuilding in the NFL is a long and tortuous practice. New England picked up a blue-chipper in running back TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State, who may pan out, but the remainder of the draft picks don't inspire much confidence. The Patriots are a team short on talent and that's a long term problem.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
2024 Record: 9-8
Off. Rank: 9 | Def. Rank: 25
Points Scored: 27.8 (6) | Allowed: 25.5 (25 -T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(17) Shemar Stewart EDGE Texas A&M
2(17) Demetrius Knight Jr. LB South Carolina
3(17) Dylan Fairchild OG Georgia
4(17) Barrett Carter LB Clemson
5(17) Jalen Rivers OG Miami
6(17) Tahj Brooks RB Texas Tech
2025 Projection: 13-4
Comment: An 0-3 start, and then three straight losses in weeks 10, 11, and 12, absolutely crushed the Bengals in 2024. Other than those six games, Joe Burrow and gang were 9-2, won their last five straight and just missed the playoffs with a 9-8 mark. Burrow led the league in passing.
Determined not to let that happen again, the Bengals get some schdule relief, with their first two games in 2025 against perennial bottom-feeders, Cleveland and Jacksonville. They also close out at home against Arizona and Cleveland, so, if they're close, the division may be theirs for the taking.
The aerial attack of Burrow to the trio of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas promises to be unstoppable, and, if Chase Brown and rookie Tahj Brooks can move the chains on occasion, all the better.
Cincinnati addressed some of their defensive issues, drafting Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M and Demetrius Knight Jr. from South Carolina, in the first and second rounds. The defense needs only to improve a little, because Cincinnati will mostly just outscore everybody other than maybe the Bills, Chiefs, and Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens
2024 Record: 12-5
Off. Rank: 1 | Def. Rank: 10
Points Scored: 30.5 (3) | Allowed: 21.2 (9)
Top Draft Picks:
1(27) Malaki Starks S Georgia
2(27) Mike Green EDGE Marshall
3(27) Emery Jones Jr. OT LSU
4(27) Teddye Buchanan LB California
5(3) Carson Vinson OT Alabama A&M
6(2) Bilhal Kone CB Western Michigan
6(10) Tyler Loop PK Arizona
6(27) LaJohntay Wester WR Colorado
2025 Projection: 12-5
Comment: The Ravens had the league's top rushing offense for the second straight season, and the #1 offense overall, but the defense took a few too many steps backwards and some bad breaks in the playoffs kept them out of the conference championship for another year. With the league's most dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, most defenses become worn out in the late stages of games, which is where the Baltimore offense excels.
The Ravens looked for solid role players in the draft outside of #1 pick, Malaki Starks of Georgia, who will start at safety and is expected to get the defense back to elite status. As usual, they're the pick to win the division by most books, but the Bengals are going to be better this season and a wild card could be a possibility.
One big change will be Tyler Loop, drafted out of Arizona, replacing Justin Tucker as place kicker, after Tucker's poor performance in 2024 and some unseemly allegations forced the Ravens to release him. It's a major change, as Tucker, for many years, was the most accurate field goal specialist in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 23 | Def. Rank: 12
Points Scored: 22.4 (16) | Allowed: 20.4 (8)
Top Draft Picks:
1(21) Derrick Harmon DT Oregon
3(19) Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa
4(21) Jack Sawyer EDGE Ohio State
5(28) Yahya Black DT Iowa
6(9) Will Howard QB Ohio State
7(10) Carson Bruener LB Washington
2025 Projection: 8-9
Comment: The Steelers were 10-7 each of the past two seasons, so, with Aaron Rodgers running the offense this year, can they continue to march to the playoffs and maybe move forward? Mike Tomlin got the defense to improve from 22 to 12, a nifty accomplishment, and the Steel Curtain of old may be rising again. If the Steeler defense gets even better and Rodgers actually shows up, Pittsburgh may surprise more than a few teams, but there are a lot of unknowns.
The burning question is whether the Steelers can win a playoff game, something they haven't done in quite a long time - 2017, when they beat the Chiefs, 18-16, in the divisional round. Considering Rodgers age and history the past few years, they may not get the opportunity to find out. Rodgers just doesn't seem like the right fit for this group.
Cleveland Browns
2024 Record: 3-14
Off. Rank: 28 | Def. Rank: 19
Points Scored: 15.2 (32) | Allowed: 25.6 (27-T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(5) Mason Graham DT Michigan
2(1) Carson Schwesinger LB UCLA
2(4) Quinshon Judkins RB Ohio State
3(3) Harold Fannin Jr. TE Bowling Green
3(30) Dillon Gabriel QB Oregon
4(24) Dylan Sampson RB Tennessee
5(6) Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado
2025 Projection: 2-15
Comment: The Browns will be one of the more entertaining teams in the league this year if only for the potential of a quarterback carousel that will see Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillion Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders get a crack at the job.
With their first five games against the Bengals, Ravens, Packers, Lions, and Vikings, the Browns will almost surely start out the 2025 campaign no better than 1-4, and that's a hopeful prediction. 0-5 is more likely.
Statistically, the Browns were just about the worst team in the league and leaning on unknowns like Ohio State RB, Quinshon Judkins (2nd round), a couple of high profile QBs and one who is thought to be over the hill (Flacco) doesn't bode well in one of the toughest divisions in the league. Winning five games would equal a huge success, but it's not likely unless the team really jells in the latter stages of the season.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
2024 Record: 8-9
Off. Rank: 13 | Def. Rank: 29
Points Scored: 22.2 (17) | Allowed: 25.1 (24)
Top Draft Picks:
1(14) Tyler Warren TE Penn State
2(13) JT Tuimoloau EDGE Ohio State
3(16) Justin Walley CB Minnesota
4(25) Jalen Travis OT Iowa State
5(14) DJ Giddens RB Kansas State
6(13) Riley Leonard QB Notre Dame
2025 Projection: 10-7
Comment: Who gets the starting quarterback job - either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones (from the Giants) may not be as important a matter in the overall scheme of things for the Colts. They had a very productive draft after managing to piece together an 8-9 record last year under adverse conditions and should be improved enough to challenge Houston in the division.
Tyler Warren, tight end out of Penn State and edge rusher JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State are almost certain starters, and corner Justin Walley out of Minnesota will see plenty of action. Running back DJ Giddens from Kansas State may turn out to be one of the real sleepers from this year's draft. An improved running game can only benefit the Colts who appear to be on the verge of a breakout season.
Oddly enough, the Colts didn't draft many defensive players. Apparently, the staff believes they have a good enough core, despite what the stats said about last season, when they were ranked 29th. Could be modeling themselves after the Bengals, with enough offense to just outscore everybody. The talent is there, from Jonahan Taylor at running back to the unknown quantity of Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard.
Houston Texans
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 12 | Def. Rank: 14
Points Scored: 21.9 (19) | Allowed: 21.9 (14)
Top Draft Picks:
2(2) Jayden Higgins WR Iowa State
2(16) Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
3(15) Jaylin Noel WR Iowa State
3(33) Jaylin Smith CB USC
4(14) Woody Marks RB USC
6(11) Jaylen Reed S Penn State
6(21) Graham Mertz QB Florida
2025 Projection: 10-7
Comment: Considering the success of HC DeMico Ryans and QB C.J. Stroud, the past two seasons, the Texas shoud be on top of the South division at season's end. The problem lies in them still appearing to be a step or two behind the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals in playoff potential.
Picking up RB Nick Chubb should help the offense grind down opposing defenses and wideout Nico Collins might lead the league in receptions. Houston should sweep their divisional games against Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, virtually guaranteeing six wins, but after that, it's questionable how well they'll perform.
Last season, they proved their mettle against the Chargers with a 32-12 romp in the wild card, but were no match for the Chiefs in a 23-14 loss the following week. Making the playoffs shouldn't be a problem. Getting through the second round might be.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2024 Record: 4-13
Off. Rank: 25 | Def. Rank: 31
Points Scored: 18.8 (26) | Allowed: 25.6 (27-T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(2) Travis Hunter CB Colorado
3(24) Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane
3(25) Wyatt Milum OG West Virginia
4(2) Bhayshul Tuten RB Virginia Tech
4(5) Jack Kiser LB Notre Dame
6(18) Jalen McLeod LB Auburn
6(24) Rayuan Lane III S Navy
2025 Projection: 6-11
Comment: The Jaguars addressed their most burning need in the draft by picking up the best college athlete in years, Travis Hunter, the two-way WR-CB from Colorado in the first round, and then grabbing another corner, Caleb Ransaw from Tulane, in the second. Those two should cut down on the big plays that plagued the Jaguars in 2024.
Having a healthy Trevor Lawrence back at QB may not solve the other issues, however. Before his season-ending injury against the Eagles, the Jags were just 2-6 with him behind center. After that gut-wrenching, 28-23, loss at Philly, it was straight downhill, losing every game except the two against Tennessee.
Bottom line is the Jaguars just aren't that talented and a new head coach - Liam Coen, former offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay - isn't likely to solve all their problems in his first year.
Tennessee Titans
2024 Record: 3-14
Off. Rank: 26 | Def. Rank: 2
Points Scored: 18.3 (27) | Allowed: 27.1 (30)
Top Draft Picks:
1(1) Cam Ward QB Miami
2(20) Oluwafemi Oladejo EDGE UCLA
3(18) Kevin Winston Jr. S Penn State
4(1) Chimere Dike WR Florida
4(18) Gunnar Helm TE Texas
4(34) Elic Ayomanor WR Stanford
5(31) Jackson Slater OG Sacramento State
6(7) Marcus Harris CB California
2025 Projection: 5-12
Comment: Brian Callahan's first season as the Titans' head coach didn't pan out very well. In fact, it was downright embarrassing at times.
Tennessee has its hopes pinned on Cam Ward, the QB out of Miami they picked as the #1 pick in the draft. Will Levis, who started most games last season, was too careless with the football. It remains to be seen how Ward adjusts to the pressure expected to come at him from all sides.
The other major concern for the Titans is on defense. How does a team allow 311 yards per game, second, league-wide, and give up 27 points a game (30th)? Too many big plays, turnovers and bad red zone play. If the Titans can fix a few of those, they'll be better, but they have a long way to go. Because of last season's recod, the Titans have one of the easist schedules on the planet, but they open at Denver and host the Rams in week two. A win in either of those games would be incredible. Week three against the Colts will reveal what this team is all about.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Record: 15-2
Off. Rank: 17 | Def. Rank: 9
Points Scored: 22.6 (15) | Allowed: 19.2 (4)
Top Draft Picks:
1(32) Josh Simmons OT Ohio State
2(31) Omarr Norman-Lott DT Tennessee
3(2) Ashton Gillotte EDGE Louisville
3(21) Nohl Williams CB California
4(31) Jalen Royals WR Utah State
5(20) Jeffrey Bassa LB Oregon
7(12) Brashard Smith RB SMU
2025 Projection: 13-4
Comment: The Chiefs, under Andy Reid, and with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, are the cream of the crop, the Alpha dog, the heavyweight champs. You just don't win nine straight AFC West titles, go to seven straight AFC Championships - and win five of them, plus three Super Bowls without being something special.
The combination of exceptional coaching, discipline and daring by talented players on both sides of the ball, and a healthy dose of winning attitude have etched the Chiefs as one of the great NFL dynasties of all time.
In 2024, the Chiefs ran up a record of 15-2, playing mostly with grit, guts, and luck. Despite being ranked 9th defensively and 17th on offense, they earned the first playoff week bye and went on to win the AFC Championship, defeating Buffalo, 32-29, but losing to the Eagles in the Super Bowl, 40-22. Of their 15 wins in 2024, all but four were by one-score margins (7 points or less), proving that they had the right stuff at the right time.
In 2025, there will be questions raised and douters, as there alwasy are. Is Travis Kelce too old? What about the Bengals, Bills, Ravens, and the challenge from Denver in their own division. The Chiefs are odds-on to win a 10th straight division title. How they fare in the post-season, well, just look at their record.
Denver Broncos
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 19 | Def. Rank 7
Points Scored: 25.0 (10) | Allowed: 18.3 (3)
Top Draft Picks:
1(20) Jahdae Barron CB Texas
2(28) RJ Harvey RB UCF
3(10) Pat Bryant WR Illinois
3(37) Sai'vion Jones EDGE LSU
4(32) Que Robinson EDGE Alabama
6(40) Jeremy Crawshaw P Florida
7(25) Caleb Lohner TE Utah
2025 Projection: 12-5
Comment: The Broncos made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2015 thanks largely to the heady play of rookie QB Bo Nix and a stingy, opportunistic defense.
The Broncos quietly rebuilt over the past few years with Bo Nix the missing piece that help pull the team together. They were the most-improved team in the league, especially on defense, where they improved from 29th to 7th-best in the league. They also displayed toughness in allowing just 18.3 points per game, third in the NFL.
Denver was mid-pack early in the 2024 season until they won four straight over Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cleveland, and Indianapolis, to iprove to 9-5 and position themselves for the playoffs. It was probably the 16-14 loss at Kansas City in week 10 that inspired them, losing that game on a fluke. They needed to win against KC in the final week of the season to make the playoffs, and won, 38-0, though the Chiefs were playiing almost exclusively subs.
Only needing to take one more step forward, the Broncos appear poised to challenge the Chiefs in the division. If they achieve that, the sky's the limit.
Los Angeles Chargers
2024 Record: 11-6
Off. Rank: 20 | Def. Rank: 11
Points Scored: 23.6 (21) | Allowed: 17.7 (1)
Top Draft Picks:
1(22) Omarion Hampton RB North Carolina
2(23) Tre Harris WR Ole Miss
3(22) Jamaree Caldwell DT Oregon
4(23) Kyle Kennard EDGE South Carolina
5(22) KeAndre Lambert-Smith WR Auburn
5(29) Oronde Gadsden II TE Syracuse
6(23) Branson Taylor OT Pittsburgh
6(38) R.J. Mickens S Clemson
2025 Projection: 10-7
Comment: Head coach Jim Harbaugh has his guy, Justin Herbert, at QB, but the Chargers were ranked 20th on offense, and 21st in points, so they obviously needed upgrading going into 2025. The defense was top notch, allowing the fewest points per game, 17.7, in the entire league. Their 11-6 record was good enough for a wild card, but they got bounced in the widl card, 32-12, by Houston. No offense, no defense. One and done.
The biggest change is in the backfield, where Najee Harris, via the Steelers, replaces J.K. Dobbins, who flamed out in the latter part of the season and ends up in Denver. The talent is there in the receiving corps, with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris (2nd round, Ole Miss). If the running game clicks, the Chargers may challenge in the AFC West, but they're still not of the caliber of Kansas City. They may also be overtaken in the division by Denver, which made the playoffs last season and is brimming with young talent.
The Chargers picked up some role players via the draft, but something still seems to be missing. Attitude? Discipline? Playing in the same division as the Chiefs?
Las Vegas Raiders
2024 Record: 4-13
Off. Rank: 15 | Def. Rank: 27
Points Scored: 18.2 (29) | Allowed: 25.5 (25-T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(6) Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State
2(26) Jack Bech WR TCU
3(4) Darien Porter CB Iowa State
3(34) Caleb Rogers OT Texas Tech
3(35) Charles Grant OT William & Mary
4(6) Dont'e Thornton Jr. WR Tennessee
4(33) Tonka Hemingway DT South Carolina
6(4) JJ Pegues DT Ole Miss
2025 Projection: 3-14
Comment: The Raiders picked up Geno Smith from Seattle to replace Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell at QB, which should be an upgrade, but Las Vegas had serious promlems on defense that a change at QB is going to remedy.
Adding Austin Jeanty from Boise State - the top running back in the country by far - should also take some pressure off Smith, who will not have to rely on a one-dimensional passing game.
The Raiders didn't score much, ranked 21st, and gave up too many points (24th). A better offense may cut down on the time the defense has to be on the field, and Smith should help by not turning the ball over.
The Raiders didn't do much to address their defensive inabilities via the draft, so they may not be much improved from last season. They might be even worse, challenging the likes of Cleveland and Tennessee for worst records.
Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Record: 14-3
Off. Rank: 8 | Def. Rank: 1
Points Scored: 27.2 (7) | Allowed: 17.8 (2)
Top Draft Picks:
1(31) Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama
2(32) Andrew Mukuba S Texas
4(9) Ty Robinson DT Nebraska
5(7) Mac McWilliams CB UCF
5(25) Smael Mondon Jr. LB Georgia
5(32) Drew Kendall C Boston College
6(5) Kyle McCord QB Syracuse
6(15) Myles Hinton OT Michigan
2025 Projection: 14-3
Comment: The Eagles have built what looks to be a dynasty in the making. They won the Super Bowl, after all, and looked confident and powerful doing so, taking down the Chiefs in unceremonious fashion, 40-22, in a Super Bowl that was forgettable.
Beyond the obvious talents of Jalen Hurts, wideouts DaVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and running back Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia defense improved from #30 in 2023 to #2 in 2024 in terms of points allowed and from #26 to #1 n yardage. They are a solid group and should get even better, The Eagles' top five drafees were defensive players who will serve as back-ups, roll-players or relief for starters.
Philly has a unique playing style that, with the addition of Barkley in the backfield, now has swagger. A return trip to the Super Bowl is not beyond expectations.
Washington Commanders
2024 Record: 12-5
Off. Rank: 7 | Def. Rank: 13
Points Scored: 28.5 (5) | Allowed:23.0 (18)
Top Draft Picks:
1(29) Josh Conerly Jr. OT Oregon
2(29) Trey Amos CB Ole Miss
4(26) Jaylin Lane WR Virginia Tech
6(29) Kain Medrano LB UCLA
7(29) Jacory Croskey-Merritt RB Arizona
2025 Projection: 11-6
Comment: Jayden Daniels was mostly unstoppable in 2024, and his surrounding cast on offense picked up on his positive vibe, leading to a couple of playoff wins nobody expected, topping Tampa Bay, 23-20 in the widl card and abusing the Lions, 45-31, in the divisional round before being excused by the Eagles, 55-23, in the conference championship.
Daniels ignited the offense, from 19.4 points per game in 2023 to 28.5 (5th) in 2024. The defense caught on as well, improving from a ranking of 30 to 18 last year in points allowed. The coaching of Dan Quinn played a huge part in unleashing Daniels' and other players talents and he brought a winning attitude to a team that had been mired in mediocrity for years.
The schedule gets tougher this year and the Commanders won't be able to sneak up on anybody. If Daniels continues to shine, expect Washington to be in close pursuit of the Eagles all season in the division and maybe overtake them, though it appears that they'll be second best and a wild card come playoff time.
Dallas Cowboys
2024 Record: 7-10
Off. Rank: 16 | Def. Rank: 28
Points Scored: 20.6 (21) | Allowed 27.5 (31)
Top Draft Picks:
1(12) Tyler Booker OG Alabama
2(12) Donovan Ezeiruaku EDGE Boston College
3(12) Shavon Revel Jr. CB East Carolina
5(12) Jaydon Blue RB Texas
5(16) Shemar James LB Florida
6(28) Ajani Cornelius OT Oregon
7(1) Jay Toia DT UCLA
7(23) Phil Mafah RB Clemson
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: The season went straight downhill after QB Dak Prescott went down in week nine. Actually, the Cowboys weren't very good when Prescott was suited up. They were 3-5, and 4-5 afterwards.
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer took over a job almost nobody wanted. With owner Jerry Jones watching like a helicopter mom, there's little room for error, putting pressure on the staff and players. America's team has become America's nightmare and the Cowboys will continue to suffer with prima donas and crybabies who don't know how to win in the NFL. Seven wins is likely to be the high bar for these misfits.
New York Giants
2024 Record: 3-14
Off. Rank: 30 | Def. Rank: 24
Points Scored: 16.1 (31) | Allowed: 24.4 (21)
Top Draft Picks:
1(3) Abdul Carter EDGE Penn State
1(25) Jaxson Dart QB Ole Miss
3(1) Darius Alexander DT Toledo
4(3) Cam Skattebo RB Arizona State
5(18) Marcus Mbow OG Purdue
7(3) Thomas Fidone II TE Nebraska
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: QB Daniel Jones was traded to the Colts, leaving the door open for Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and eventually, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, drafted in the second round. Picking up Cam Scattebo our of Arizona State in the fourth round might turn out to be one of the pest draft moves of 2025. The Giants desperately need a solid, every down RB, and Scattebo fits nicely.
New York also tried to beef up the defense with Abdul Carter of Penn State as their top pick and DT Darius Alexander from Toledo in the third round. Both have solid prospects and should start or at least play major roles for a defense that needed help in 2024.
Wideout Malik Nabers may emerge as the go-to receiver, but beyond him, the Giants are a little tight on quality. Quarterback play being the biggest obstacle to success in New York, they're likely to struggle until Dart gets his opportunity, maybe mid-season, and, with a rookie, it could go either way. The Giants should improve. They can't realistically get much worse.
NFC North
Detroit Lions
2024 Record: 15-2
Off. Rank: 2 | Def. Rank: 20
Points Scored: 33.2 (1) | Allowed: 20.1 (7)
Top Draft Picks:
1(28) Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State
2(25) Tate Ratledge OG Georgia
3(6) Isaac TeSlaa WR Arkansas
5(35) Miles Frazier OG LSU
6(20) Ahmed Hassanein EDGE Boise State
2025 Projection: 13-4
Comment: The Lions had an outstanding season, earned the playoff first week bye, but then got bumrushed at home by a surprisingly versatile Washington squad in the divisional round, 45-31. They may have run into the wrong team at the wrong time, and they were missing a few starters on defense, but it was an ugly way to end an outstanding, 15-2 season.
Given their disappointment, expect the Lions to come - pardon the pun - roaring back. All the best pieces are still in place, and Dan Campbell's coaching style will continue to evolve, possible to the point of being just a little more conservative in some situations.
The Lions have little to prove from a regular season standpoint, but many to imprss come playoff time. Another one-and-done season would spread doubt through the rabid fan base and the players themselves. Judging by the draft, the coaching staff bolstered the offense more than the defense, prefering to count on a healthy Aidan Hutchinson and top draft pick, Tyleik Williams, one of college's premier defensive tackles from Ohio State. The next step forward for the Lions will come from an improving defense.
Green Bay Packers
2024 Record: 11-6
Off. Rank: 5 | Def. Rank: 6
Points Scored: 27.1 (8) | Allowed: 19.9 (6)
Top Draft Picks:
1(23) Matthew Golden WR Texas
2(22) Anthony Belton OT NC State
3(23) Savion Williams WR TCU
4(22) Barryn Sorrell EDGE Texas
5(23) Collin Oliver LB Oklahoma State
6(22) Warren Brinson DT Georgia
7(21) Micah Robinson CB Tulane
2025 Projection: 12-5
Comment: In 2024, the Packers underperformed, not able to keep pace with Detroit and Minnesota in what was probably the league's most dominant division. It wasn't anybody's fault; the team actually improved on both sides of the ball. The problem was the scedule, with four losses to Minnesota and Detroit combined, another loss to the Eagles, and a season-ender that didn't matter, a 24-22 loss to Chicago.
Green Bay ended up having to play the opening round of the playoffs in Philadelphia, which ended their season with a 22-10 loss. Jordan Love and his cadre of talented young receivers have big hopes for the 2025 campaign and their 2024 success attests to the team's overall ability. Their defense became even more stingy, but they'll have to win their home games against the Lions and Vikings if they're to be taken seriously. If their balanced draft helps with overall depth, they could take the division. At the very least, they'll likely finish ahead of Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings
2024 Record: 14-3
Off. Rank: 12 | Def. Rank: 16
Points Scored: 25.4 (9) | Allowed: 19.5 (5)
Top Draft Picks:
1(24) Donovan Jackson OG Ohio State
3(38) Tai Felton WR Maryland
5(1) Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins EDGE Georgia
6(25) Kobe King LB Penn State
6(26) Gavin Bartholomew TE Pittsburgh
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: The Vikings have chosen to go with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback after Sam Darnold's poor performance in the playoffs. Darnold shipped off to Seattle. How McCarthy performs is key to whether or not the Vikings can be as successful in 2025 as they were in 2024. Any team that lines up Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor as wideouts ought to be feared. McCarthy just needs to deliver and not wilt under pressure.
The choice of Donovan Jackson (OG Ohio State) as their #1 pick in the draft was obviously to protect McCarthy and maybe provide more running room for Aaron Jones out of the backfield.
The defense didn't need much help, and Kobe King from Penn State may find his way to a starting role as the season progresses. The Vikings appear to have all the right pieces in all the right places, but much depends on McCarthy and the coaching staff.
Chicago Bears
2024 Record: 5-12
Off. Rank: 32 | Def. Rank: 27
Points Scored: 18.2 (28) | Allowed: 21.8 (13)
Top Draft Picks:
1(10) Colston Loveland TE Michigan
2(7) Luther Burden III WR Missouri
2(24) Ozzy Trapilo OT Boston College
2(30) Shemar Turner DT Texas A&M
4(30) Ruben Hyppolite II LB Maryland
5(33) Zah Frazier CB UTSA
6(19) Luke Newman OT Michigan
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: There ware high hopes in Chicago with the #1 draft pick, Caleb Williams, and all the hype surrounding him, but, as so often happens in the real world, the hype didn't pan out into victories often enough.
Chicago was pumped after a 4-2 start. Then came the bye week and a string of 10 straight losses, and, even though some of those were close, the nembers went in the wrong columns. The best that could be said was they moved up in the draft and got a new head coach - Ben Johnson, former offensive coordinator of the Lions.
Johnson's experience with Detroit will come in handy when they play the Lions, but, beyond that, he's got his hands full with a team that ranked last in offense and 27th on defense. The Bears will be better because of a lighter schedule, the coaching changes, but it's unclear whether Williams and the recent draftees have the right stuff. Theyve got a big hill to climb in a division that's loaded.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
2024 Record: 8-9
Off. Rank: 6 | Def. Rank: 23
Points Scored: 22.9 (13-T) | Allowed: 24.9 (23)
Top Draft Picks:
1(15) Jalon Walker LB Georgia
1(26) James Pearce Jr. EDGE Tennessee
3(32) Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
4(16) Billy Bowman Jr. S Oklahoma
7(2) Jack Nelson OT Wisconsin
2025 Projection: 11-6
Comment: The team now belongs to Michael Penix Jr., who sat out ost of 2024 watching Kirk Cousins and the defense self-destruct. After a 6-3 start, the Falcons lost four straight, but, by the time they got to 7-7 with an unimpressive, 15-9, win over Las Vegas, it was too late. Penix got the call to start and was solid in a 34-7 win against the Giants, but could not produce victories in overtime losses to Washington and Carolina, denying the Falcons the playoffs.
The Falcons can lean on Bijan Robinson and a bevy of back-ups in a strong rushing attack. This division remains ripe for the taking and Atlanta may prove to be the best of the bunch. Atlanta's defense needs to step up a bit over last season's performance.
If the Falcons are to find success, they've got to survive the first five weeks, against Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Carolina, Washington, and Buffalo. A 2-3 mark after five weeks would be OK, but 1-4 or 0-5 are possible. 3-2 or better would be a huge boost to the team's confidence and morale. The most interesting match-ups are with Minnesota in week 2 and Washington in week 4. That game on 9/23 will pit Penix against last season's rookie sensation, Jayden Daniels, and should prove to be an exciting, pivotal affair.
When it comes to divisional foes, sweeping all six games from Tampa Bay, Carolina, and New Orleans would be fantastic, but even going 4-2 would likely give Atlanta a leg up in the division race.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 3 | Def. Rank: 18
Points Scored: 29.5 (4) | Allowed: 22.6 (16)
Top Draft Picks:
1(19) Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State
2(21) Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
3(20) Jacob Parrish CB Kansas State
4(19) David Walker EDGE Central Arkansas
5(21) Elijah Roberts EDGE SMU
7(19) Tez Johnson WR Oregon
2025 Projection: 9-8
Comment: Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin comprise the skill set that led the Buccaneers to the playoffs last season, only to be upended in a tight, 23-20, loss to Washington, that was essentially decided on a Mayfield interception.
Given their position as last season's division champion, they should be expected to do well again in 2025, and could be better if the defense shows improvement. They were middle of the road last year, but the draft was productive with Benjamin Morrison of Notre Dame and Jacob Parrish of Kansas State capable of starting at either cornerback position, and David Walker of Central Arkansas and Elijah Roberts, out of SMU added for more speed up front. The choice of Ohio State wideout, Emeka Egbuka, as the #1 pick shows that offense was a priority that will likely be well served.
Tampa Bay has a little bit tougher schedule than last season, and they figure to battle with Atlanta for the division crown. Getting into the playoffs as a wild card from this division is an iffy proposition.
New Orleans Saints
2024 Record: 5-12
Off. Rank: 21 | Def. Rank: 30
Points Scored: 19.9 (24-T) | Allowed: 23.4 (19)
Top Draft Picks:
1(9) Kelvin Banks Jr. OT Texas
2(8) Tyler Shough QB Louisville
3(7) Vernon Broughton DT Texas
3(29) Jonas Sanker S Virginia
4(10) Danny Stutsman LB Oklahoma
4(29) Quincy Riley CB Louisville
6(8) Devin Neal RB Kansas
2025 Projection: 4-13
Comment: Going 5-12 does have its advantages. The Saints first six opponents in 2025 will be Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, Buffalo, NY Giants, and New England. Outside of the Bills, those are all winnable games. Derek Carr needed to stay healthy for the Saints to succeed in 2024, He didn't, they failed, and now he's history. Tyler Slough, 2nd round pick out of Louisville, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener will vie for the starting job at QB, which doesn't bode well for New Orleans.
Whoever winds up behind center, they'll have planty of options. Alvin Kamara is one of the most productive RBs in the league, and Chris Olava and Rashid Shaheed can haul in anything thrown their way. The Saints' defense, considered among the best just a few years ago but since has fallen on hard times, didn't draft any immediate starters and that's likely to be a problem as the season progresses.
New Orleans seems to have too many holes to fill and fires that need dousing. They're not going to get it all done in one season.
Carolina Panthers
2024 Record: 5-12
Off. Rank: 29 | Def. Rank: 32
Points Scored: 20.1 (23) | Allowed: 31.4 (32)
Top Draft Picks:
(8) Tetairoa McMillan WR Arizona
2(19) Nic Scourton EDGE Texas A&M
3(13) Princely Umanmielen EDGE Ole Miss
4(12) Trevor Etienne RB Georgia
4(20) Lathan Ransom S Ohio State
5(2) Cam Jackson DT Florida
5(27) Mitchell Evans TE Notre Dame
2025 Projection: 4-13
Comment: The IdleGuy.com prediction for the Panthers last season was five wins and that's just what they did. The team is short on talent and their draft was uninspiring. They basically filled gaps that were wide open, hoping for the best.
Sorry to say, but somebody's got to finish last, and the Panthers fit the bill perfectly. When you're last in both points and yards allowed, there is just no known quick fix. The Panthers didn't beat a single playoff team last season and three of their wins were in overtime, beating the Giants, Cardinals, and Falcons, which isn't saying much.
Some people contend that QB Bryce Young was improving in the late stages of the season, but, going from 3-7 to 5-12 after the bye week doesn't look very convincing. These guys are just bad, and not in a good way.
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 15 | Def. Rank: 26
Points Scored: 21.6 (20) | Allowed: 22.7 (17)
Top Draft Picks:
2(14) Terrance Ferguson TE Oregon
3(26) Josaiah Stewart EDGE Michigan
4(15) Jarquez Hunter RB Auburn
5(10) Ty Hamilton DT Ohio State
5(36) Chris Paul Jr. LB Ole Miss
2025 Projection: 11-6
Comment: The Rams need to get off to a better start in 2025 to improve on their back-to-back 10-7 seasons in 2023 and 2024.
The Rams struggled to a 1-4 mark to start the 2024 season, but improved, winning 9 of their next 11 before a subs-only game to end the season with a 30-25 loss to Seattle. In the playoffs, they dusted Minnesota, 27-9, before losing a very close one to Philadelphia, 28-22. A few breaks in that game could have sent them to the confernce championship and maybe the Super Bowl, so expectations are high this year.
Ageless Matthew Stafford will lead the offense once again, and he's got solid targets in Puca Nacua and Davante Adams. If they can get any production from their running backs, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, they will be able to exert serious ball control on their opponents and win plenty of games.
They're hopeful that top draftee, tight end Terrance Ferguson out of Oregon can supplement the production of Tyler Higbee. On defense, they appear sound, though their numbers from last season suggest they need to be more cohesive against the better offenses in the league. The defense may not be dominant, but they should at least be sufficient as the offense racks up the points.
San Francisco 49ers
2024 Record: 6-11
Off. Rank: 4 | Def. Rank: 8
Points Scored: 22.9 (13-T) | Allowed: 25.6 (29)
Top Draft Picks:
1(11) Mykel Williams EDGE Georgia
2(11) Alfred Collins DT Texas
3(11) Nick Martin LB Oklahoma State
3(36) Upton Stout CB Western Kentucky
4(11) CJ West DT Indiana
4(36) Jordan Watkins WR Ole Miss
5(9) Jordan James RB Oregon
2025 Projection: 9-8
Comment: Wow! Talk about imploding. The 49ers went from a 12-5 record and a Super Bowl appearance (losing in OT to Kansas City, 25-22) in 2023 to 6-11 in 2024. That's some backtracking.
A lot of San Francisco's demise can be traced to injuries, though that also reveals a lack of depth. The 49ers front line starters were solid, but the subs were just place-holders. Although the numbers were playoff caliber - 4th on offense, 8th on defense - that didn't translate to on-field success. A tough schedule, injuries, turnovers and poor red zone play cost the 49ers at least five games, and that's the difference between 6-11 and 11-6.
San Francisco had little choice but to keep Brock Purdy as their starting QB. He did take a step back in 2024, but so did the whole team. Plus, the options available to them were somewhere between Aaron Rodgers and some iffy draft chances. Christian McCaffrey will be back and he should be productive, but Deebo Samuel flew the coop and he was an important element to the offense.
Judging by the draft, the front office obviously though defense was where the problems manifested, so the first five players chosen were all defenders. How well they'll perform is a metter of coaching and how quickly they adapt. The 'Niners will rebound from a horrid 2024 campaign. Given the level of consistency in the division - almost none - they may rise to the top.
Arizona Cardinals
2024 Record: 8-9
Off. Rank: 11 | Def. Rank: 21
Points Scored: 23.5 (12) | Allowed: 22.3 (15)
Top Draft Picks:
1(16) Walter Nolen DT Ole Miss
2(15) Will Johnson CB Michigan
3(14) Jordan Burch EDGE Oregon
4(13) Cody Simon LB Ohio State
5(38) Denzel Burke CB Ohio State
6(35) Hayden Conner OG Texas
2025 Projection: 8-9
Comment: Arizona did well to finish with an 8-9 record last season. By week 14, every team in the division had an equal opportunity to finish either first or last. The Cardinals took the easy way out, won two and lost two, finishing third behind the Rams and Seahawks.
While the offense led by Kyler Murray is among the most exciting in the league, it is also turnover-prone and subject to untimely lapses. The same can be said of the defense, which did improve in 2024, but not in any measurable way. They, similar to Seattle are middling to mediocre in the larger scheme.
That's probably why the draft was almost entirely focused on defense, with the first five picks all on that side of the line. Walter Nolen, (DT, Ole Miss), and Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) are slated for starting roles, though Nolen is already on the injured list.
In a division that still appears to be up for grabs, who knows? Arizona could just as easily finish first or last.
Seattle Seahawks
2024 Record: 10-7
Off. Rank: 14 | Def. Rank: 14
Points Scored: 22.1 (18) | Allowed: 21.6 (11-T)
Top Draft Picks:
1(18) Grey Zabel OG North Dakota State
2(3) Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina
2(18) Elijah Arroyo TE Miami
3(28) Jalen Milroe QB Alabama
5(4) Rylie Mills DT Notre Dame
5(30) Tory Horton WR Colorado State
5(39) Robbie Ouzts TE Alabama
2025 Projection: 7-10
Comment: The Seahawks made the biggest move in the league, off-loading Geno Smith for Minnesota cast-off, Sam Darnold. His success with the Vikings was washed away in a poor playoff performance, but he'll get help from Cooper Kupp, who joins up from the Rams.
What the Seahawks need, besides a new QB is a running back, and they didn't draft any, so the burden falls upon the shoulders of Kenneth Walker III or maybe Zach Charbonet, neither of which seem particularly dangerous.
Seattle's overall numbers are more middle-of-the-road than any other team in the league. They're not great or horrible in any departement, which leads one to wonder how they'll get past 8-9 or 9-8. The road to the playoffs looks shrouded in mystery.
|
|||
| search engine by freefind |
College Football Forecast Sports, Page 7
College Football Picks Sports, page 7.
MLB Players of the Day Sports Extra, page 7a.
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks
Week 2 Results: Rick: 9-7; Flip: 4-12
Rick’s Note: Since the NFL reduced preseason to just three games a few years ago, the final week of preseason - which used to be automatic, no starters - has taken on new dimensions, with plenty of teams playing starters, including QBs, in a final tune-up before the regular season. The reasoning is that many starters haven’t played a snap over the first two weeks and they need to get timing down, feel a few hits, deliver a block or two, etc. Running backs may get some extra carries. Much depends on the coaching mentality, so tread carefully here. Next week, no such guessing games, as everybody’s a go, unless injured.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5, 36) at Carolina Panthers 7:00 pm - Despite the Steelers being a road favorite, Aaron Rodgers is not going to play, nor is DK Metcalf, though other Pittsburgh starters will. Carolina hasn’t played well, losing both of their preseason outings by wide margins (Texans, Browns).
The Panthers can’t generate much in the way of offense (17 points), so this looks like a prime UNDER candidate and a win for the Steelers.
Coin Flip: Pittsburgh
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Steelers 24 Panthers 6
While the Patriots are in the same mode, they’re in better shape than most teams at this juncture, having outscored the opposition by 38 points in two preseason wins. The Giants have scored 34 and 31 points in wins over the Bills and Jets. This could turn into something once the competitive juices start flowing.
Coin Flip: Giants
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Patriots 27 Giants 24
Philadelphia Eagles at NY Jets (-2, 35) 7:30 pm - Justin Fields and a host of other key starters will sit this one out. Assuming the same goes for the Eagles, this game looks like a pass for gaming purposes. Philly has nothing to prove and will be evaluating 2nd and 3rd stringers. Could be incredibly boring.
Coin Flip: Jets
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jets 17 Eagles 10
The Falcons are likely to give Michael Penix Jr. some snaps. Atlanta lost to Detroit in their first game, 17-10, and to Tennessee, 23-20, last week. Coaches would probably like to get a win into their preseason mix.
Coin Flip: Cowboys
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Falcons 20 Cowboys 14
J.J. McCarthy probably will get some snaps for Minnesota. The Titans have been favored in both of their games, yet haven’t covered. Third time probably not a charm. High hopes for a team going nowhere this season.
Coin Flip: Titans
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Vikings 24 Titans 10
Chiefs plan on playing all starters, including Patrick Mahomes, according to head coach Andy Reid. Could be an interesting first half. Figure on the second half being somewhat even, edge to the home team.
Coin Flip: Chiefs
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chiefs 27 Bears 20
Baltimore Ravens (-2.5, 36) at Washington Commanders 12:00 pm - With Lamar Jackson questionable (foot), and Derrick Henry not in need of a tune-up, Washington may have its way in this crosstown match-up.
Last week’s 31-17 loss to the Bengals probably didn’t sit well with coaches or players, so expect a better effort here.
Coin Flip: Commanders
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Commanders 20 Ravens 17
Don’t expect to see much of Joe Burrow or other Cincy stars. After two close games against Green Bay and Baltimore - both losses - Indy may step up here.
Coin Flip: Bengals
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Colts 20 Bengals 17
Judging by the line, Stetson Bennett IV will start for the Rams and the only Matthew Stafford sighting will be on the sidelines. Being that the Rams are loaded and deep, not buying this lopsided set-up.
Coin Flip: Rams
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 24 Browns 20
Houston may be in the same situation, resting starters for next week. Tough call, but the Lions are in line for a break-out game.
Coin Flip: Texans
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Lions 30 Texans 17
The Broncos, having won both of their games handily, will likely give starters a rest. With Saints QBs looking to impress, the edge goes down Bourbon Street.
Coin Flip: Broncos
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Saints 24 Broncos 14
Green Bay is 1-1, schooled by the Jets, 30-10 in week one, but rebounding for a win at Indianapolis last week, 23-19. This is one of the toughest calls on the board this week, so take the points.
Coin Flip: Packers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 23 Packers 21
Jacksonville hasn’t impressed many, but Miami seems to have a plan.
Coin Flip: Jaguars
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Dolphins 26 Jaguars 13
Josh Allen may take some snaps, but probably not enough to matter if the defense is going to play like they have been, allowing 72 points in two games. On the road, in the heat, Tampa looks like a winner here.
Coin Flip: Buccaneers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buccaneers 27 Bills 17
The 49ers continue to look somewhat in disarray, needing to bounce back from last season’s meltdown. This is not a likely place for that to happen.
Coin Flip: Chargers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chargers 20 49ers 14
Arizona is facing an identity crisis over what kind of team they are: physical or finesse, while being something of a novelty with Kyler Murray running the offense. The Raiders at least tied Seattle, 23-23, in their first game and lost a close one to the 49ers last week, 22-19.
Coin Flip: Raiders
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Raiders 30 Cardinals 20
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks
Week 1 Results: Rick: 8-8; Flip: 9-7
Rick’s Note: These are preseason games with early lines (Monday, Tuesday), so there may be changes depending on starters, injuries, players sitting. Expect most teams to play their starters for most or all of the first half, many will go into the 3rd quarter. BTW: Plenty of scoring in Week 1, so OVER plays may be fruitful.
Friday, August 15
Tennessee Titans (-4.5 , 37.5) at Atlanta Falcons 7:00 pm - Both teams return from losses, though Tennessee’s was more brutal, a 29-7 stomping at Tampa Bay. Edge to the Falcons, their 17-10 loss to Detroit not a knock. Titans’ #1 draft pick, Cam Ward, had one good series resulting in a TD. Ward vs. Michael Penix Jr. should be interesting. Expect some good scoring opportunities.
Why do the books keep making the Titans favorites on the road? Their defense is almost non-existent.
Coin Flip: Tennessee
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Falcons 30 Titans 14
The Chiefs are probably the better team, but Seattle has motivation and home field advantage.
Coin Flip: Kansas City
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 23 Chiefs 17
Miami Dolphins (-4 , 36.5) at Detroit Lions 1:00 pm - Both teams are likely to light up the scoreboard pretty well this week. Detroit will be looking at right guard Tate Ratledge, their #2 pick out of Georgia, for pass protection and fitting in with the rest of the offensive line.
Miami might be a little constrained on offense, with both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle listed as questionable.
Coin Flip: Detroit
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Lions 28 Dolphins 20
Carolina suffers from mediocrity. Witness their 30-10 loss to Cleveland last week. Houston at home could make this very one-sided.
Coin Flip: Carolina
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Texans 34 Panthers 13
The Colts dropped a 24-16 decision in Baltimore last week and the QB controversy continues between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Green Bay needs to step it up on defense after last week’s 30-10 misadventure against the Jets.
Coin Flip: Green Bay
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Colts 27 Packers 17
The Vikings made the move to J.J. McCarthy at QB last week and he did OK, leading a scoring drive in his only series. He’ll get more scrutiny this week.
Coin Flip: New England
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Vikings 24 Patriots 16
Philly looks to go 2-0 after holding off the Bengals last week, 34-27. The Eagles defense is probably going to be on their toes and looking for picks and fumbles against what still is a second-rate Cleveland team.
Coin Flip: Philadelphia
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Eagles 20 Browns 10
Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell will be taking snaps for Las Vegas, spelling trouble with a capital “T” for San Fran.
Coin Flip: Las Vegas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Raiders 28 49ers 13
Coin Flip: Dallas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ravens 26 Cowboys 13
The Chargers lit up New Orleans, 27-13 and are ready to go. Could be a close call. One to watch.
Coin Flip: L.A. Chargers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 24 Chargers 23
Tough one to call, so the points may come in handy.
Coin Flip: N.Y. Jets
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jets 20 Giants 17
Tampa Bay should trot out Baker Mayfield and a talented receiving corps, so watch out for secondary issues on Pittsburgh defense.
Coin Flip: Pittsburgh
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buccaneers 31 Steelers 21
Coin Flip: Arizona
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Broncos 26 Cardinals 13
Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5 , 38.5) at New Orleans Saints 1:00 pm - Jaguars are probably a notch or two better than whatever New Orleans can put on the field though their defense still needs lots of work. The Saints are really in the weeds with Spencer Rattler of Tyler Shough at QB.
Coin Flip: New Orleans
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jaguars 24 Saints 9
Da Bears are still questioning whether they have the right man in Caleb Williams. In his defense, despite errors of judgement, he did manage to keep them in games last season. Bills defense will be tested.
Coin Flip: Buffalo
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 23 Bills 20
Cincinnati Bengals (-3 , 41.5) at Washington Commanders (ESPN), 8:00 pm - Shootout? One of the highest O/U on the board this week closes out the second preseason weekend as Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow square off.
Might be worth watching and may even go down to the wire.
Coin Flip: Cincinnati
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bengals 34 Commanders 30
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks
Thursday, August 7
Indianapolis Colts (-6, 36.5) at Baltimore Ravens, 7:00 pm - Looks like Anthony Richardson is going to get the nod to start this game. He and Daniel Jones are vying for the #1 QB spot, so both may get some PT.
The Ravens are likely to sit many starters, including Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, which is why they’re home dogs. Keep an eye out for defensive rookies Malaki Starks at safety and Mike Green, a edge rusher. They were the two top picks by the Ravens in the draft and will get long looks.
Coin Flip: Baltimore
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Colts 21 Ravens 13
Jake Browing will likely start for the Bengals and Desmond Ridder will get into the game in the second half. That Brooks will get some carries.
The Eagles will probably rotate Tanner McKee and Kyle McCord. The second half should get interesting.
Coin Flip: Bengals
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Eagles 23 Bengals 17
Sam Darnold comes over from the Vikings for Seattle, and he will probably get the start, but backups Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Drew Lock should have an edge over Aiden O’Connell and Cam Miller for the Raiders.
Coin Flip: Seattle
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 16 Raiders 14
Detroit Lions (-3.5, 32.5) at Atlanta Falcons, 7:00 pm - After the way last season ended, one and done against Washington in the playoffs, the Lions have much to prove in 2025. They didn’t prove a thing in their 34-7 loss in the Hall of Fame game loss to the Chargers, so expecting some subtle wrinkles involving backup QB Hendon Hooker, and maybe a better effort.
Atlanta just missed the playoffs in 2024 and the team belongs now to Michael Penix Jr., who will see extensive playing time, possibly the entire first half. The Falcons aren’t kidding around this season and should prove worthy. The rest of the league is catching up to the Lions’ offensive style.
Coin Flip: Detroit
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Falcons 20 Lions 7
Carolina has Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer backing up Bryce Young, who has still yet to prove he belongs, so he may get a lot of action here. These are two lower-tier teams with limited offensive prowess, so expect the place-kickers to dominate in a close one.
Coin Flip: Carolina
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Browns 16 Panthers 15
The quarterback situation probably explains why the Patriots are favored here, but Washington is very much an up-and-coming team that has set their sights much higher than New England, which only seeks a small degree of respect, like improving on their back-to-back 4-3 seasons.
Coin Flip: Patriots
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Commanders 17 Patriots 13
N.Y. Giants (-1.5, 37.5) at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm - The Bills spent their top five draft picks on defensive players, so expect to see some rookie mistakes when the Giants have the ball.
New York will be testing out QB Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss and RB Cam Scattebo for Arizona State. Probably going to do OK here.
Coin Flip: New York Giants
Fearless Rick’s Pick: NY Giants 24 Bills 16
Second half could be all Texans.
Coin Flip: Minnesota
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Texans 31 Vikings 21
Mason Rudolph and Skylark Thompson will toss it around for Pittsburgh. First stringers vs. second stringers leans to the homeboys.
Coin Flip: Jacksonville
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jaguars 20 Steelers 13
The Rams are going to be a tough out this season after taking the NFC West last year. Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett IV will do damage to the Dallas secondary.
Coin Flip: Dallas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 34 Cowboys 14
Teddy Bridgewater will be behind center for most of the first half, so, considering Tennessee’s open defense, expect the Bucs to lay one on them here. Why is Tennessee favored at all? Cam Ward hype?
Coin Flip: Tampa Bay
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buccaneers 23 Titans 10
Arizona has declared most of their first team starters good to go, including QB Kyler Murray. Chiefs could light up a so-so Arizona defense.
Coin Flip: Kansas City
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chiefs 24 Cardinals 14
That puts pressure of the Green Bay frontline defenders, especially with the development of second year back, Braelon Allen. This one could get physical and likely a close one.
Coin Flip: Green Bay
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Packers 23 Jets 20
Also, Bo Nix is expected to start for the Broncos and backup Sam Ehlinger has impressed in practice. San Francisco was a flop last season and has plenty of questions to be answered. Denver is already eyeing the post-season.
Coin Flip: San Francisco
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Broncos 34 49ers 9
Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears (-3, 32.5), 1:00 pm - Because of multiple concussions, Tua Tagovailoa isn’t likely to see much action here or in any preseason game, but his counterpart, Bears’ QB Caleb Williams has no health issues but he, and most other starters won’t be on the field in this preseason opener. Case Keenum should see a lot of playing time.
For Miami, QB Quinn Ewers makes his NFL debut. The Bears and Dolphins both need to improve, so expect to see long looks at draft picks.
Coin Flip: Miami
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 21 Dolphins 14
The trio of Spencer Rattler, Tyler Though, and Jake Haener - none of which are impressive - will vie for the starting QB role, which spells trouble in paradise and New Orleans.
Coin Flip: Los Angeles Chargers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chargers 24 Saints 6
Your ad could be in the next issue of idleguy.com for as little as $6 per month. Contact Fearless Rick using the form on page 12 for more information.
Use Coupon Code SUMMER20 for 20% off all orders at the HOT SUMMERTIME SALE of vintage magazines, going on now!
Cumulative: Rick: 17-15; Flip: 13-19
Thursday, August 21
New England Patriots at NY Giants (-6.5, 37.5) (Prime Video), 8:00 pm - Giants’ starters are unlikely to see much playing time as all NFL teams have to cut their rosters down from 90 to 53 players by 4:00 pm Tuesday, August 26, so they’re going to be making evaluations.
Friday, August 22
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys (-2.5, 35.5) 8:00 pm - Dallas hasn’t won a game yet, so there’s no reason to take them here, even at home. The controversy surrounding Micah Pasons is unbalancing the players and coaches.
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans (-3.5, 37.5) (CBS) 8:00 pm - Minnesota’s defense is top-flight, so don’t expect Tennessee’s rookie QB, Cam Ward have an easy time in what figures to be at least a few series, possibly the first half.
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (-2, 41.5) 8:20 pm - The Bears were a very fired-up bunch in dispatching the Bills, 38-0, last week. Caleb Williams looked sharp in a first-quarter TD drive and the Bills defense could not stop Chicago’s 2nd and 3rd units the entire game.
Saturday, August 23
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 36.5) 1:00 pm - Indy has made it clear that Daniel Jones has secured the starting QB position, so, it’s likely he’ll be in for much of the first half to get timing right with his receivers. Playing against the Bengals is probably a bigger deal for the Colts than it may appear, as the Bengals are a likely playoff team and the Colts have ssights set on the post-season.
LA Rams at Cleveland Browns (-7.5, 39.5) 1:00 pm - Cleveland is definitely going with ageless Joe Flacco as their starter, who is likely to see some action here.
Houston Texans at Detroit Lions (-1.5, 35) 1:00 pm - The Lions have played three games already (Hall of Fame, plus weeks 1 and 2), and haven’t shown much offense (41 points total). Being a top contender, the coaching staff is probably not concerned and will be more focused on player evaluation.
Denver Broncos (-5, 40) at New Orleans Saints 1:00 pm - Both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough have played reasonably well in the QB battle of New Orleans, but no decision about which will be the opening day later has been made so expect to see both.
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-2.5, 37.5) 4:00 pm - Seattle’s offense clicked against Kansas City last week in their 33-16 blowout win, so it’s likely the confidence is building and they should keep it close against the Packers and possibly spring the minor upset.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (-3, 35.5) 7:00 pm - Both teams have already posted a preseason tie (Jags, 17-17, last week at NO; Dolphins, 24-24, week 1, at Chicago). The difference is the Jaguars lost their other game (31-25, to Pittsburgh) while the Dolphins topped the Lions last week, 24-17.
Buffalo Bills (-2.5, 37) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:30 pm - The Bills’ defense looked shoddy against the Bears last week in that ugly, 38-0, loss. Of course, it was second and third stringers against Chicago’s #1 unit early on, but they couldn’t handle even the backups.
LA Chargers (-1, 35.5) at San Francisco 49ers 8:30 pm - The Chargers haven’t missed a beat, going 2-1, the only loss last week’s 23-22 decision against the Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (-1.5, 37.5) 10:00 pm - Both teams are likely to finish near or at the bottom of their divisions, but the Cardinals appear capable of getting there quicker.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3, 41) at Seattle Seahawks 10:00 pm - The Seahawks played the Raiders to a 23-23 tie last week, which doesn’t say much about their defense other than it might not be as sound as the coaches believe. Even with Mahomes and most of the other starters playing, this game is probably more important to Seattle than KC, even though the Chiefs lost to Arizona last week, 20-17.
Saturday, August 16
Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans (-2 , 38.5) 1:00 pm - Houston QB C.J. Stroud is expected to start and play the first half, and both RBs, Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb are banged up (Mixon is OUT), so expect the Texans to toss it a lot on offense.
Green Bay Packers at Indianapolis Colts (-6 , 40) 1:00 pm - Green Bay QB had surgery to his non-throwing hand and will likely sit this one out, leaving most of the important first half duties to Malik Willis, who has proven a solid backup.
New England Patriots (-1.5, 38.5) at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 pm - Showing they have plans to improve upon last season’s 4-13 mark, the Patriots went out last week and stuffed Washington, 48-18. Drake Maye and the New England offense might find Minnesota’s defense a little stingier.
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5 , 37.5) 1:00 pm - Cleveland is a little light in the QB department, so expect Joe Flacco to handle most of the snaps on offense.
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders (-6 , 40.5) 4:00 pm - 49ers were throttled by the Broncos last week, 30-9, and didn’t look very serious. Expect a better performance against the Raiders, though probably not enough to keep this one close.
Baltimore Ravens (-2.5 , 37) at Dallas Cowboys 7:00 pm - Ravns appear to be out for blood. Dallas sems to be out to lunch and out of luck.
L.A. Chargers (-3.5 , 36.5) at L.A. Rams 7:00 pm - Concerns over Rams’ QB Matthew Stafford may extend into the regular season as the veteran continues to be absent from practices. Not to worry, Stetson Bennett IV was 16-24 for 188 yards, 2 TD, 1INT in a 31-21 2in over the Cowboys last week. He’s fully capable. Or, Jimmy Garappolo
N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants (-3 , 38.5) 7:00 pm - Both teams are coming off wins - Giants, 34-25 vs. Bills; Jets, 30-10 vs. Packers - as both teams appear to be in good shape with Russell Wilson for the Giants and Justin Fields for the Jets at QB.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5 , 37.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers 7:00 pm - The debut for Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers’ outfit offers some intrigue. Does he still have the skills at age 41? How well will he mesh with his new teammates? Plenty of veterans on Pittsburgh’s roster including Robert Woods and DK Metcalf at wideout.
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (- 6.5, 40) 9:30 pm - The Cardinals cashed a 20-17 win over Kansas City’s subs last week. Expect the sledding to get a little rougher here. Denver snuffed San Fran, 30-9, in their opener, on the road. At home for this means more menacing.
Sunday, August 17
Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears (-2 , 38.5) (FOX), 8:00 pm - Probably going to be some highlight reel stuff here with Josh Allen behind center and RB James Cook signed to a 4-year extension.
Monday, August 18
Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5, 37.5) at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 pm - You won’t see either Jalen Hurts or Joe Burrow here, but it’s amusing that the world champs are home dogs in their preseason opener. Sure, Cincy is going to challenge the Ravens in the AFC North, but the Eagles are loaded and their top five draftees were all defensive players.
Las Vegas Raiders (-4.5, 37.5) at Seattle Seahawks, 10:00 pm - Boy, the Raiders just plain stink (4-13 last season) and are probably destined for the basement in the AFC West. Will Geno Smith get in the game? Possible, especially since he was traded from Seattle. But, all eyes will be on Ashton Jeanty, the nation’s leading college rusher out of Boise State last season.
Friday, August 8
Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers (-6.5, 32.5), 7:00 pm - The Browns have five QBs on their roster, but Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are probably not going to play, so the start belongs to Shedeur Sanders, sone of Neon Deion, out of Colorado. It’s his chance to make or break.
Washington Commanders at New England Patriots (-6.5, 34.5), 7:30 pm - There’s limited likelihood that Jayden Daniels will be involved at all. He’s already proven his ability. Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson will see the bulk of the action at QB for the Commanders, while the Patriots may want to give their #1, Drake Maye, some work.
Saturday, August 9
Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (-1.5, 38), 4:00 pm - Vikings shipped Sam Darnold to Seattle in favor of J.J. McCarthy, who will get in some work here, though he’ll be working with backups primarily. That’s an edge for Houston, who have experienced backup QBs, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz and Kedon Slovis.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5, 35.5), 7:00 pm - Most reports say Aaron Rodgers and most other key starters will sit out this game, so expect more offense from the Jags, who will start Trevor Lawrence and top pick Travis Hunter, who will play both offense and defense.
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5, 33.5) at L.A. Rams, 7:00 pm - Until the Cowboys prove they can actually win a game, especially on the road, they’re worth taking a stand against. Micah Parsons is still holding out, so there’s the usual controversy issue already for Dallas.
Tennessee Titans (-3.5, 32.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 pm - Cam Ward will debut for the Titans, a team which went 3-14 last season and has plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals (-1.5, 38.5), 8:00 pm - As usual, many starters for the Chiefs will be in for maybe an opening drive, if that, so the ball will be in the hands of QBs Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe for most of the game.
N.Y. Jets at Green Bay Packers (-2.5, 36.5), 8:00 pm - Justin Fields is likely to be the Jets’ starting QB and he’s also a go for this game, at least for the first few series. The Jets are revamping their offense with a focus on the running game, and Fields is an adept scrambler and can handle RPOs.
Denver Broncos (-6, 34.5) at San Francisco 49ers, 8:30 pm - Reports are swirling about how the Broncos abused Brock Purdy and the SF offense in joint practices, so there’s a reason Denver is a road favorite.
Sunday, August 10
New Orleans Saints (-1, 36.5) at L.A. Chargers, 4:05 pm - The Chargers already can boast a 34-7 preseason win over the Lions in last week’s Hall of Fame game, so expect them to be geared up against a disjointed Saints squad.