1. Tennessee- The Titans are coming off a disappointing 7-10 finish after earning the top seed in the AFC in 2021. The biggest reason was a non-existent offensive line that allowed 49 sacks, along with a secondary on defense that was torched for 274.8 yards per game by opposing QB’s. The O-line has been completely revamped with the addition of Northwestern 1st round pick Peter Skoronski at LG as well as free agent signees LT Andre Dillard (PHI) and RG Danielle Brunskill (ATL). The secondary, which was decimated by injuries to CB Kristian Fulton, and S Amani Hooker, is on the mend and added depth by acquiring Buccaneers free agent CB Sean Murphy-Bunting. The defensive line, which held opponents to a league low 76.9 rushing yards per game returns 6th year All-Pro DT Jeffrey Simmons and on offense the receiving corps added DeAndre Hopkins (ARI) and veteran Chris Moore (HOU). With division foes Houston and Indianapolis both rebuilding and interconference matchups against a weaker NFC South there are plenty of opportunities for victories on the schedule. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 7.5
2. Denver- The Broncos greatly underperformed expectations in 2022 finishing 5-12 including losing 7 out of their final 9 games. However, outside of the embarrassing 51-14 Christmas Day loss to the Rams, the team was competitive in just about every other game on the schedule losing 5 games by 3 points or less and 9 games by no more than a touchdown. The defense was the primary reason finishing 7th in the league in total yards allowed per game while boasting a top 10 ranking in both rush yards allowed per game and INT’s. The defensive line lost sack leader DE Dre’Mont Jones but signed DE Zach Allen from Arizona after a 5.5 sack, 11 TFL performance last year. The secondary should once again be elite with the return of both S Justin Simmons (NFL best 6 INT’s in 2022) and All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II. It is hard to imagine 9-time Pro-Bowl QB Russell Wilson can look any worse in 2023 after completing just 60.5% of his passes last year while tallying only 9 total TD’s in his 10 starts. The schedule offers a chance at some early momentum with only 1 of the first 5 games against a playoff teams from last year. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 8.5
3. Los Angeles Rams- The Rams are coming off a disastrous 5-12 year, which set the mark for the worst season by a defending Super Bowl champion in NFL history. It got so bad that HC Sean McVay actually contemplated retirement. In addition to that, the franchise lost 20 players in free agency this past offseason that included CB Jalen Ramsey, LB Bobby Wagner, and DT Greg Gaines. Despite all of that, there are plenty of reasons for optimism entering 2023. The offense gets back QB Matthew, who missed the final 8 games with a bruised spinal cord as well as 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year WR Cooper Kupp whose season was also cut short due to an ankle injury. After a disappointing start RB Cam Akers finished 2022 on a strong note with 3 straight 100-yard rushing games to close out the season. Although the defense lost some big names it retains cornerstone player Aaron Donald at DT as well as third-year coordinator Raheem Morris. The schedule doesn’t offer many gimmes but if healthy Stafford and Co. will contend for a Wild Card spot in a much weaker NFC (sans Brady and Rodgers). OVER/UNDER Total Wins 6.5
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