NFC North:
It is a new era in Green Bay. Mason Crosby, arguably the best placekicker the Packers have had in ages, retired after the 2022 season. Aaron Rodgers took his drama to New York (Jets), along with Randall Cobb & Aaron Lazard. Jordan Love is the new QB, backed by rookie Sean Clifford. While the Pack rolled through the pre-season, the real fun starts September 10.
Journeyman QB Teddy Bridgewater returns to the NFC North, now with Detroit, and wearing an odd number for his position. Then again, with defensive players now allowed, as of last year, to wear single digits, just like in college, Bridgewater choosing a linebacker's number, 59, makes a bizarre sort of sense. Minnesota may regret dumping Dalvin Cook (Jets). Chicago brought in DJ Moore (Carolina) to give Justin Fields a big play receiver to throw to.
Projected order of finish:
1. Detroit.
2. Green Bay.
3. Chicago.
4. Minnesota.
AFC North:
Baltimore brought Odell Beckham, Jr. out of limbo (last with the Rams), and also added journeyman receiver Nelson Agholor (New England) to work with Lamar Jackson. Defensively, Jadaveon Clowney joins the defensive line after spending the last two years in Cleveland. Getting back to the playoffs is a certainty in "Charm City".
The biggest thing that stands out in Pittsburgh is drafting a 2nd generation defensive back in Joey Porter, Jr. (Penn State), whose dad was an assistant with the team for a number of years after retiring. The linebacking corps gets some help with Kwon Alexander coming in (Tampa Bay). In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow is just getting back onto the practice field after missing all of preseason with an injury. The Bengals should be fine. Cleveland is Cleveland.
Projected order of finish:
1. Baltimore.
2. Cincinnati.
2 (tie). Pittsburgh.
4. Cleveland.
The Derek Carr era begins in New Orleans, as Carr (Las Vegas) has supplanted Jameis Winston as the Saints' starter. That a former Raiders coach, Dennis Allen, is the coach in New Orleans will help orientate Carr in his new home. The Saints have some legal issues to deal with, though. Alvin Kamara starts the season suspended, and ageless tight end Jimmy Graham was involved with some legal problems recently.
Tampa Bay seems to think that Baker Mayfield is the heir to Tom Brady, rather than 3rd year pro Kyle Trask. Mayfield crashed & burned in Carolina, and, before that, Cleveland, peaking too soon, and spending too much time on commercials for Progressive Insurance. Speaking of the Panthers, top draft pick Bryce Young (Alabama), if given enough time, can be a difference maker for Carolina. It's year 2 for Desmond Ridder in Atlanta, but the Falcons aren't going anywhere.
Projected order of finish:
1. New Orleans.
2. Carolina.
3. Tampa Bay.
4. Atlanta.
AFC South:
Indianapolis is putting its trust in Shane Steichen to get them to the playoffs. Frank Reich was a failure, now in Carolina, but Steichen, a career assistant, is an unknown quantity. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson and veteran Gardner Minshew (Philadelphia) are pressing Sam Ehlinger for the starting job. Houston is making noise with rookie QB CJ Stroud (Ohio State) taking the starting job from Davis Mills. Tennessee just heisted veteran kicker Nick Folk from New England for draft picks. Meanwhile, they drafted another QB, Will Levis (Kentucky) to supplement Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. Whichever one is the starter will get to throw to DeAndre Hopkins, who returns to the division after spending the last three years in Arizona. Jacksonville is just looking for respect.
Projected order of finish:
1. Tennessee.
2. Houston.
2 (tie). Indianapolis.
4. Jacksonville.
Of course, I could be wrong.
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