NFL Power Rankings: Where Each Team Stands During Busy Offseason
Don't worry, folks. The NFL season is right around the corner, and soon our Sundays will be mainly for watching football.
This offseason went by fast thanks to how active free agency was. Contenders strengthened their teams, while poor franchises tried to find their way back to stardom.
Here is where each NFL team stands after a busy offseason.
32. Tennessee Titans
1 of 32
Key Additions: QB Marcus Mariota (2015 first-round draft pick), WR Dorial Green-Beckham (2015 second-round draft pick)
Key Departures: WR Nate Washington, OT Michael Oher
The Titans made a splash at this yearโs NFL draft by drafting dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick. The team followed up by drafting a big-time playmaker in Doral Green-Beckham who is a perfect complement to Mariota and the Titans offense.
However, while the team is making good decisions as part of the rebuilding process, the fact of the matter is this young and inexperienced roster has a long way to go. Defensively, the team has big holes in the secondary and has a front seven that has been underwhelming the past few seasons.
Itโll be interesting to see where head coach Ken Whisenhunt goes from here. Thereโs nowhere to go but up for the Titans.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
2 of 32
Key Additions: TE Julius Thomas, RB T.J. Yeldon (2015 second-round pick)
Key Departures: WR Cecil Shorts III, CB Will Blackmon
The Jaguars had the most salary-cap space heading into this offseason, and many believe they came up short. While they failed to acquire elite talents like Randall Cobb and DeMarco Murray, the Jaguars signed former Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas to give second-year quarterback Blake Bortles another receiving option.
In this yearโs draft, the Jaguars addressed two of their top needs by drafting Florida linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. and Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon with their first two picks. However, things took a turn for the worst as Fowler suffered a season-ending ACL injury during rookie minicamps.
The Jaguars showed spots of brilliance last season especially against teams like the Eagles and the Giants. However, the team has far too many holes, especially on its offensive and defensive fronts, to contend just yet.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3 of 32
Key Additions: QB Jameis Winston (2015 first-round pick), CB Sterling Moore
Key Departures: DE Michael Johnson, DE Adrian Clayborn
The Buccaneers needed to find their signal-caller of the future and feel they have that and more in former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston, the top pick in this yearโs NFL draft, fits one of the biggest holes on the roster. While the team tried out quarterbacks Josh McCown and Mike Glennon last season, it needed a fresh face to take the next step in the rebuilding process.
Winston may mesh very well with talented receiver Mike Evans for the near future, but this doesnโt fix all of the teamโs problems. The Buccaneers still have glaring holes on the offensive line and in the secondary that will hold them back this season.
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29. Oakland Raiders
4 of 32
Key Additions: WR Amari Cooper (2015 first-round pick), WR Michael Crabtree
Key Departures: RB Darren McFadden, WR Denarius Moore
The Raiders may have finally found their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr, and they added weapons for him this offseason.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper was recognized by many as the most polished receiver in this yearโs draft class. The team also acquired Michael Crabtree, an impressive talent who has played sparingly because of a variety of injuries since being drafted in 2009.
The team has a young and talented defensive front seven but still lacks potential in its secondary. Former first-round pick D.J. Hayden has underwhelmed since joining the team and risks losing his roster spot. This young team is worth watching this season, but Oakland wonโt contend for another few years or so.
28. Chicago Bears
5 of 32
Key Additions: LB Pernell McPhee, WR Kevin White (2015 first-round draft pick)
Key Departures: WR Josh Morgan, DT Stephen Paea
The Bears were atrocious last season, which led to the firing of head coach Marc Trestman this offseason. Chicago hired former Denver Broncos head coach John Fox in order to turn the team around.
The team traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall, which led to the Bears drafting former West Virginia standout Kevin White with its first overall pick at this yearโs draft. The Bears also added former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee in hopes to bolster the defense.
There are plenty of question marks surrounding quarterback Jay Cutler, among other aspects of the team. While the future of the franchise is in good hands with Fox, the Bears remain toward the bottom of the NFC.
27. Washington Redskins
6 of 32
Key Additions: DT Terrance Knighton, CB Chris Culliver
Key Departures: LB Brian Orakpo, OT Tyler Polumbus
The Redskins were supposed to be one of the most intriguing teams last season after acquiring wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The quarterback situation, along with a putrid defense, led to an unimpressive 2014 season, though.
The team added girth to the defense by signing former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency. But Washington equally lost what it gained in former linebacker Brian Orakpo, who signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
The Redskins have plenty of weapons on offense, but the starting signal-caller job remains a mystery. Robert Griffin III hopes to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2014, but there is no telling if he will be the same quarterback he was during his rookie season.
26. San Francisco 49ers
7 of 32
Key Additions: WR Torrey Smith, RB Reggie Bush
Key Departures: OG Mike Iupati, LB Patrick Willis
The 49ers had one of the strangest offseasons in recent memory. In addition to cutting ties with head coach Jim Harbaugh, a few of the teamโs key players decided to retire.
While the team lost key players such as linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, defensive end Justin Smith and tackle Anthony Davis, San Francisco added vertical threat Torrey Smith and veteran running back Reggie Bush to help out quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
New head coach Jim Tomsula has quite a lot to deal with already, and the season hasnโt even started. Many fans and experts alike expect the 49ers to have a down season in 2015.
25. Atlanta Falcons
8 of 32
Key Additions: DE Adrian Clayborn, LB Justin Durant
Key Departures: LB Sean Weatherspoon, WR Harry Douglas
The Falcons have one of the most talented offenses in the league led by quarterback Matt Ryan. However, the defense kept them out of the playoffs last season for the second straight year.
The team did well in addressing its issues this offseason by adding talented edge-rusher Adrian Clayborn and former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant. Atlanta was toward in the bottom in almost every defensive statistical category last season, which led to the hiring of new head coach and former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
What the Falcons have going for them is the fact that they play in one of the worst divisions in football and could possibly challenge for a playoff spot. However, their work-in-progress defense will hold them back from accomplishing anything substantial this season.
24. Cleveland Browns
9 of 32
Key Additions: WR Dwayne Bowe, CB Tramon Williams
Key Departures: TE Jordan Cameron, QB Brian Hoyer
The Browns had another mediocre season in 2014 due to an inept offense and quarterback situation. However, they made a splash in the draft by filling some key holes on offense and defense.
They went offensive and defensive line with their first two draft picks. The team selected defensive tackle Danny Shelton with its first overall pick and center Cameron Irving with its second pick.
Cleveland added depth at quarterback by signing Josh McCown this offseason. While the Browns hope quarterback Johnny Manziel can come around and produce, McCown is a solid short-term option.
The Browns have an improving defense but need more key playmakers on offense to compete in the AFC North.
23. New Orleans Saints
10 of 32
Key Additions: CB Brandon Browner, LB Anthony Spencer
Key Departures: TE Jimmy Graham, LB Curtis Lofton
The Saints still have quarterback Drew Brees and can compete as long as he is around. In 2014, the problems were the putrid defense and Brees' surprisingly inconsistent play.
Brees threw for the fewest passing yards in his career since 2010 and struggled to find comfort in the pocket. He was also sacked the second-most times in his career, which resulted in the team struggling from beginning to end. Losing tight end Jimmy Graham this offseason wonโt help Brees either in 2015.
The defense allowed the fifth-most points in the NFL last season and failed to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Rookie linebacker Stephone Anthony should help bolster the defense in his first season of action.
The Saints have an opportunity to win the division but need to perform better defensively.
22. New York Giants
11 of 32
Key Additions: RB Shane Vereen, WR Dwayne Harris
Key Departures: S Antrel Rolle, CB Walter Thurmond III
The Giants have one of the top offenses on paper entering the 2015 season as wide receiver Victor Cruz returns from a season-ending knee injury.
Cruz joins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to form one of the top receiving tandems in the league. The Giants also did a great job of boosting the offensive line by drafting tackle Ereck Flowers with the ninth overall pick. In addition, they drafted safety Landon Collins out of Alabama, who is one of the most undervalued prospects in this yearโs rookie class.
The defense is still a question mark. The team will lose defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul for the first few games of 2015 because of a traumatic hand injury he suffered on July 4.ย
21. Minnesota Vikings
12 of 32
Key Additions: CB Terence Newman, WR Mike Wallace
Key Departures: OG Vladimir Ducasse, FB Jerome Felton
The up-and-coming Vikings are also one of the youngest teams in the NFL. The team has its franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater but has a few key holes to fill because of free agency.
The Vikings lost starting guard Vladimir Ducasse and fullback Jerome Fulton in free agency. The two helped protect Bridgewater last season as the rookie impressed on multiple levels. However, the team bolstered its defense by drafting corner Trae Waynes. The Vikings desperately needed help in the secondary and got a promising prospect in Waynes.
The team also traded for wide receiver Mike Wallace, who can help Bridgewater take another step forward this season. While Vikings fans have reason to be optimistic in 2015, the team is still young and will need time to come full circle.
20. Houston Texans
13 of 32
Key Additions: WR Cecil Shorts III, DT Vince Wilfork
Key Departures: WR Andre Johnson, LB Brooks Reed
The Texans have one of the top all-around players in defensive end J.J. Watt but failed to make the playoffs in 2014. The team underwhelmed offensively due to injuries to wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster and has a quarterback situation that is questionable to say the least.
Quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer will battle for the starting job in training camp, but neither has performed well in the NFL. The team ranked 24th in passing last season and lost Andre Johnson in free agency. Former first-round pick DeAndre Hopkins will need to produce at a high level this season for the team to find any success offensively.
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowneyย returns after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 of last season. Nevertheless, the defense still has a suspect secondary that has the potential to be eaten alive in a pass-heavy AFC South.
19. St. Louis Rams
14 of 32
Key Additions: LB Akeem Ayers, QB Nick Foles
Key Departures: DE Kendall Langford, QB Sam Bradford
The Rams have one of the most physical defenses in the NFL and feel they can finally compete in the NFC West. If they hope to challenge the Seahawks and Cardinals, they will need to find stability offensively.
The team drafted Georgia stud running back Todd Gurley with its first selection in this yearโs draft. The Rams also swapped quarterbacks with the Philadelphia Eagles, which resulted in the acquisition of proven starter Nick Foles.
St. Louis also added to the depth of its stout front seven by acquiring linebacker Akeem Ayers from the New England Patriots. The team still has plenty of question marks at wide receiver but hopes to make a surprise run in 2015.
18. Buffalo Bills
15 of 32
Key Additions: RB LeSean McCoy, WR Percy Harvin
Key Departures: LB Kiko Alonso, S DaโNorris Searcy
The Bills made quite a bit of noise this offseason including the hiring of former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. They also acquired playmaking running back LeSean McCoy from the Eagles and seem just one or two players away from serious contention.
The team upgraded its receiving corps by signing playmaker Percy Harvin in free agency. He has struggled since he broke out during the 2014 Super Bowl, but he will assume a large role in the Bills offense.
The Bills have one of the best front sevens in football with a physical defensive line. Defensive linemen Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams anchor one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. However, the team lost one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL, Kiko Alonso to the Eagles.
The Bills need to figure out whether or not quarterback EJ Manuel is truly the franchise quarterback. He reportedly is having a good offseason by all accounts, but he needs to prove it on the field for the Bills to compete in a stacked AFC East.
17. New York Jets
16 of 32
Key Additions: CB Darrelle Revis, WR Brandon Marshall
Key Departures: WR Percy Harvin, FB John Conner
The Jets had one of the busiest offseasons of any team in the NFL from top to bottom. They not only made a splash in free agency but introduced a new regime with head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan.
The Jets acquired one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in Darrelle Revis and followed up by signing cornerback Antonio Cromartie. The team solidified its secondary by signing talented nickelback Buster Skrine in free agency.
Offensively, New York added more weapons for struggling quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets traded for star receiver Brandon Marshall and drafted another vertical threat in Devin Smith from Ohio State.
Geno Smith needs to take a big step forward this season if he wants to keep his starting job. He was one of the least effective quarterbacks last season, and rookie Bryce Petty or veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick could take over if he struggles early.
16. Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Key Additions: DT Ndamukong Suh, TE Jordan Cameron
Key Departures: OG Shelley Smith, WR Mike Wallace
The Dolphins made the biggest splash of the offseason in signing highly coveted defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in free agency. The team responded by upgrading its offense by drafting wide receiver DeVante Parker and signing tight end Jordan Cameron.
Miami had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season led by edge-rusher Cameron Wake. He recorded 11.5 sacks and forced three fumbles in 2014. Cornerback Brent Grimes is also rising up the leagueโs secondary rankings, as he accumulated five interceptions last season.
The team signed franchise quarterback Ryan Tannehill to an extension this offseason, a move many fans and experts have questioned. However, it would be wise to judge Tannehill once he gets legitimate receiving threats and an offensive line that can protect him.
15. Carolina Panthers
18 of 32
Key Additions: WR Ted Ginn Jr., OT Jonathan Martin
Key Departures: DE Greg Hardy, RB DeAngelo Williams
The Panthers had one of the best defenses in the league last season but struggled offensively. Quarterback Cam Newton played with an erratic offensive line and a receiving corps that lacked experience and big-play ability as a whole.
The team barely won the NFC South after recording just a 7-8-1 record in 2014. Newton was sacked early and often, which led to the team struggling all season long. However, Newton and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin built a good tandem last season that will get better in 2015.
The Panthers drafted wide receiver Devin Funchess from Michigan in the second round. While he didnโt light up the stat sheet while at Michigan, he is a promising prospect who provides length and athleticism to the Panthers offense.
Carolina can easily compete in the NFC South, and the offense will get better with time. The fact that the Panthers already have a great defense sets them apart from a lot of teams in the NFL.
14. Kansas City Chiefs
19 of 32
Key Additions: WR Jeremy Maclin, LB Justin Houston (re-signed with the Chiefs)
Key Departures: DT Kevin Vickerson, TE Anthony Fasano
The Chiefs were one of the most balanced teams last season and added a key weapon offensively to help quarterback Alex Smith this offseason.
The team signed free-agent receiver Jeremy Maclin, who had a breakout season last year. He recorded 1,318 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns to lead the Eagles.
The Chiefs ranked dead last in the NFL in passing touchdowns, and no receiver on the team scored a touchdown in 2014. Maclin will fill a much-needed void to lead an improved offense this season and beyond.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
20 of 32
Key Additions: RB DeMarco Murray, CB Byron Maxwell
Key Departures: WR Jeremy Maclin, S Nate Allen
The Eagles had probably the most talked-about offseason thanks to head coach Chip Kelly's barrage of moves.ย
The team began the offseason by trading star running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso. The Eagles followed up by failing to strike a deal with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in free agency. Then they swapped quarterbacks with the St. Louis Rams and acquired former No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford.
The Eagles then signed a megadeal with star running back DeMarco Murray and acquired Legion of Boom corner Byron Maxwell from Seattle. The team made a lot of moves on both sides of the ball that come with both risk and reward.
It is clear that Kelly wanted to make a statement this offseason by completing changing the landscape of his team. While the Eagles have plenty of talent on the roster, the question remains whether or not they will be able to bring positive results to the city of Philadelphia.
12. Detroit Lions
21 of 32
Key Additions: DT Haloti Ngata, WR Lance Moore
Key Departures: DT Ndamukong Suh, RB Reggie Bush
The Lions suffered a disappointing end to their season in 2014 with a close loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the postseason. However, most of the key starters return, and Detroit is poised to make a run in 2015.
Though the team lost defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency, it was able to sign arguably the second best defensive lineman in former Baltimore Raven Haloti Ngata. The Lions also upgraded the slot receiver position by signing journeyman Lance Moore.
Detroit addressed its offensive line and running back woes in the draft. The Lions drafted former Duke guard Laken Tomlinson with its first pick before selecting running back Ameer Abdullah in the second round.
If the team hopes to make a deep run in the postseason in 2015, it will need to get big contributions from the young players on both offense and defense. The Minnesota Vikings have closed the gap in the NFC North, which makes the route that much harder for the Lions.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
22 of 32
Key Additions: LB A.J. Hawk, DE Michael Johnson
Key Departures: S Taylor Mays, OT Marshall Newhouse
The Bengals have done exceptionally well in the regular season for the past three years but havenโt been able to break through in the postseason. During the offseason, the team upgraded its defensive front, which will be key in a tough AFC North division.
Quarterback Andy Dalton will have to prove himself this season after receiving a big contract. Backup quarterback A.J. McCarron has been vocalย this offseason after stating he would challenge for the starting job in training camp.
The Bengals acquired another weapon to team up with All-Pro A.J. Green,ย signing vertical threat receiver Denarius Moore from the Oakland Raiders in free agency.
This is a make-or-break season for head coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals. Theyโre poised to make a run this season but will need to keep everything intact.
10. San Diego Chargers
23 of 32
Key Additions: RB Melvin Gordon (2015 first-round draft pick), WR Stevie Johnson
Key Departures: RB Ryan Mathews, CB Shareece Wright
The Chargers narrowly missed the playoffs last season with a 9-7 record. After an active offseason, they managed to keep quarterback Philip Rivers around while adding some weapons for him to play with.
The main priority for the Chargers this offseason was to find an identity in the running game. San Diego used its first draft pick on Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, who is expected to be the next big thing in the NFL.
The Chargers have a solid defense that is underrated compared to the rest of the league. Second-round draft pick Denzel Perryman is a huge upgrade to a linebacking corps that desperately needed help.
San Diego is a winning team, especially with the new weapons it gained this offseason. Donโt be surprised if the Chargers give the Broncos a run for their money in 2015.
9. Baltimore Ravens
24 of 32
Key Additions: CB Kyle Arrington, TE Maxx Williams (2015 second-round draft pick)
Key Departures: WR Torrey Smith, LB Pernell McPhee
The Ravens came just short against the New England Patriots in the divisional round last year. Baltimore has improved offensively this offseason and added some depth to its secondary.
The team that is traditionally known for its run-stuffing defense may be known for its high-powered offense this season. The Ravens went offense with their first two draft picks, selecting wide receiver Breshad Perriman and tight end Maxx Williams.
Williams is an intriguing talent whom many believe could end up in the upper echelon of tight ends within the next few years. Perriman was a reliable playmaker at Central Florida who can knock the top off a defense.
The Ravens could challenge many teams in the AFC with their high-powered offense and ever-improving defense. Head coach John Harbaugh should be trusted this season and beyond.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Key Additions: RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Bud Dupree (2015 first-round draft pick)
Key Departures: CB Brice McCain, DE Brett Keisel
The Steelers have been one of the most improved teams over the past three seasons. After a stretch in which the Baltimore Ravens seized control of the AFC North, the Steelers have renewed the rivalry with an explosive offense and an improving defense.
The biggest need for the Steelers this offseason was a true pass-rusher, and they got that and more in first-round draft pick Bud Dupree. He was one of the top edge-rushers in the draft class and is a freak athlete, a trait that should greatly help the defense.
Antonio Brown is arguably the best receiver in the league right now and played out of his mind last season. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has plenty of targets including in the run game with star running back Le'Veon Bell.
The Steelers will make noise this year and will be right in the mix for the top team in the AFC. While the defense is still developing, the impressive offense could take them great places.
7. Arizona Cardinals
26 of 32
Key Additions: OG Mike Iupati, CB Alfonzo Dennard
Key Departures: CB Antonio Cromartie, LB Sam Acho
The Cardinals were the top team in the NFC last season before starting quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a season-ending injury late in the season. Now completely healthy, Arizona is ready to challenge Seattle for the NFC West crown.
Offensively, the team filled a major void on its line by adding guard Mike Iupati in free agency. Though injury-prone in San Francisco, he is a great guard when healthy and can help Palmer stay composed in the pocket.
The defense took a hit when corner Antonio Cromartie decided to test the waters in free agency. The Cardinals followed by adding cover specialist Alfonzo Dennard from the Patriots.
The Cardinals are a complete team when healthy and can make a deep run if Palmer stays on the field. If he gets hurt again and the team has to rely on a backup quarterback to finish the season, it could be disastrous for Arizona.
6. Denver Broncos
27 of 32
Key Additions: WR Demaryius Thomas (re-signed with the team), TE Owen Daniels
Key Departures: OG Orlando Franklin, DT Terrance Knighton
The Broncos have been the class of the AFC the past few seasons but came up short in the postseason in 2014. Quarterback Peyton Manning struggled during the final weeks of the regular season and postseason and will look for redemption.
While the Broncos lost tight end Julius Thomas in free agency, they did the right thing by re-signing wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to an extension. Denver also signed veteran tight end Owen Daniels, a player whom head coach Gary Kubiak knows very well.
Defensively, the team has a strong secondary with corners Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. Denver managed to make one of the biggest steals of this yearโs NFL draft by selecting highly coveted edge-rusher Shane Ray.
The Broncos should win the AFC West despite the improvements of other teams. With a new-look offense, Manning will need to play at a high level for the Broncos to make it back to the Super Bowl.
5. Dallas Cowboys
28 of 32
Key Additions: DE Greg Hardy, LB Jasper Brinkley
Key Departures: RB DeMarco Murray, LB Justin Durant
The Cowboys showed signs of the team of the '90s in 2014 with an impressive run to the postseason. They won their first postseason game in years and came up just short of making it to the NFC Championship Game.
The team was led by running back DeMarco Murray, who decided to sign with the rival Eagles in free agency. Dallas then filled the hole by adding Darren McFadden, a player who has great potential but has been riddled by injuries during his NFL career.
The re-signing of wide receiver Dez Bryant is crucial to the teamโs success. Bryant has been one of the top wide receivers in the league the past few seasons and is only going to get better.
A strong offensive line and a defense that is impressive when fully healthy can make some noise this year. The Cowboys may face challenges in their division, but they no doubt are the best time coming out of it.
4. New England Patriots
29 of 32
Key Additions:ย CB Bradley Fletcher, DE Jabaal Sheard
Key Departures: CB Darrelle Revis, LB Akeem Ayers
The Super Bowl champion Patriots had to make some tough choices this offseason, especially with letting corner Darrelle Revis sign with the rival Jets. New England also cut ties with longtime defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, who signed with Houston in free agency.
The Patriots are still one of the top teams in the AFC based on the number of top-caliber players and coaching they have. Head coach Bill Belichick always seems to find a way to win with the players that he has, and this season will be no different.
One clear question mark on the team will be in the secondary. The Patriots managed to re-sign safety Devin McCourty to a long-term deal but lost corners Revis, Brandon Browner, Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington in free agency.
The Patriots will be fine but may face challenges later in the season. Quarterback Tom Bradyโs impending suspension may distract the team, but New England will find a way to win as it always does.
3. Indianapolis Colts
30 of 32
Key Additions: WR Andre Johnson, RB Frank Gore
Key Departures: S Sergio Brown, WR Hakeem Nicks
The Colts emerged as one of the top contenders in the AFC in 2014 thanks mostly to the elite play of quarterback Andrew Luck. They added more weapons for Luck this offseason, which could make the Colts that much more dangerous.
The team added wide receiver Andre Johnson in free agency from the Houston Texans while also using its first-round pick on speedy receiver Phillip Dorsett. This will make the job that much easier for T.Y. Hilton and will draw away double-teams from the star playmaker.
The Colts defense remains suspect especially with the loss of safety Sergio Brown. Head coach Chuck Pagano will need to find a way to utilize the players he has on defense in order to make it to the top of the AFC.
The offense will be arguably the best in the NFL this season and will most likely carry the team going forward. The Colts have question marks on defense, but many believe they will find a way to be at the very least average defensively.
2. Green Bay Packers
31 of 32
Key Additions: S Damarious Randall (2015 first-round draft pick), WR Ty Montgomery (2015 third-round draft pick)
Key Departures: LB A.J. Hawk, CB Tramon Williams
The Packers were just one or two plays away from making it to their first Super Bowl since 2010. Now, they are one of the top teams in the NFL and made an effort to get better this offseason.
The team needed help in the secondary and got that and more in safety Damarious Randall. The teamโs first pick in this yearโs draft is a talented athlete who should complement Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix in the secondary.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the reigning MVP for a reason and will once again put up big numbers in 2015. Many question whether or not he can get better, and the scary part is that he can. The team added new target Ty Montgomery to the receiving corps, which will add more depth to the offense.
The front seven remains a question mark, but the unit does have impressive talents such as Julius Peppers and Datone Jones. If the Packers can stay healthy and linebacker Clay Matthews can stay on the edge, Green Bay may take over the NFC.
1. Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
Key Additions: TE Jimmy Graham, CB Cary Williams
Key Departures: C Max Unger, CB Byron Maxwell
The Seahawks open up 2015 as the favorites after making a splash this offseason. After the team lost corner Byron Maxwell to the Eagles in free agency, it made a surprise move by trading for tight end Jimmy Graham.
The front office added physical corner Cary Williams to the already elite Legion of Boom, and he should fit nicely into Seattleโs defensive scheme. Offensively, Seattle still has running back Marshawn Lynch, quarterback Russell Wilsonย and a plethora of receivers who can make big plays.
What separates Seattle from the rest of the league is its depth. The second- and third-string players for the Seahawks could fill a starting lineup for another team in the league, and thatโs scary.
Seattle, like all teams in the league, does have a weakness. The offensive line has been inconsistent the past few seasons and lost starting center Max Unger in free agency. Seattle is the clear favorite to win the Super Bowl this season, but it will need to boost the offensive line to strengthen its case.
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