2022 Preview

[Laimbeer40]

NFC EAST

Arizona

QB: Kyler Murray (A)
RB: D.Henderson, S.Ahmed, B.Bolden (D-)
WR: J.Jefferson, C.Lamb, Claypool, OBJ (A)
TE: A.Trautman, M.Williams (B-)
DEF: (A-)
K: N/A

... Super deep on defense everywhere but DE. If he could turn that into a RB, then I would like his odds a lot more. If Kyler stops playing video games and maybe OBJ signs somewhere to add even more punch to a killer unit, then they could make some noise.
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Dallas

QB: M.Corral (F)
RB: R.White, J.McKinnon, T.Jones (D)
WR: G.Pickens, Wan'Dale, T.Marshall, A.Roberts (C+)
TE: T.McBride (F)
DEF: (C+)
K: N/A

... Well I guess Slou can focus on scouting college games this season. Thank god he hit on the WR's he drafted. There is a lot of potential on his defense. This team has no depth to speak of.
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NY Giants

QB: LamJack, J.Fields (A)
RB: K.Walker, Burkhead, K.Vaughn (D+)
WR: DJ Moore, T.Boyd,�Thielen, S.Sharpe (A)
TE: E.Engram, D.Arnold (B)
DEF: ©
K: Butker (A)

... Jeff did next to nothing in FA and it hurts because they need to fill out the DE and LB starters. DB is very strong. If Ken Walker pans out and the defense gets squared away, then this could be a wild card contender.
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Philadelphia

QB: M.Stafford, J.Wolford (A-)
RB: A.Gibson, T.Pollard, M.Carter (B)
WR: J.Chase, D.Smith, Jeudy, R.Doubs (A)
TE: K.Pitts, Hockensen (A+)
DEF: (A)
K: T.Bass, R.Blankenship (A)

... This team is stacked and they should run through the NFC East like a hot knife thru cold butter. Joe just outworks everyone in the division.
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Washington

QB: G.Smith, K.Pickett (D+)
RB: B.Scott, B.Brown, J.Corbin (F)
WR: G.Wilson, Westbrook-Ikhine, A.Wesley, D.Patmon (D)
TE: H.Hurst (B-)
DEF: (B-)
K: D.Hopkins (A)

... Well oldmancoffee must like a challenge. Unfortunately he self-inflicted a couple more wounds to an already struggling team by dropping some players with decent potential (D.Milne, J.Fortson). Not saying they are great but they are at least on a roster. I am rooting for this team but obviously it will be a minute before they can compete.


WRAP-UP
- Philly will win the division in a cake walk. Can they go undefeated??
- Cards and G-Men are in the wild card hunt
- Washington and Dallas will be looking for more draft picks.

[thepetis]

Good stuff, Laim!

[josepha2k]

Always a fun read. One of my favorite leagues.

[Laimbeer40]

NFC CENTRAL

Chicago

QB: Wentz, M.Rudolph ©
RB: D.Harris, A.Abdullah, Juszczyk (C-)
WR: Deebo, D.Johnson, Aiyuk, Berrios (A)
TE: D.Schultz, D.Bellinger (A)
K: J.Sanders, Piniero (A)
DEF: (A)

... I made the mistake of underrating Chicago last season. QB and RB is still problematic However the rest of the squad is strong plus they have the Aaron Donald x-factor. 
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Detroit

QB: M.Ryan (B)
RB: E.Mitchell, Mostert, K.Herbert (C+)
WR: C.Kupp, Hardman, K.Osborn, K.Shakir (B+)
TE: Z.Ertz (B+)
K: G.Zeuerlein (A-)
DEF: (B-)

... I could see Matty Ice having a resurgent season and he plays in a division that is cheeks. Kupp, Ertz and Elijah Mitchell will be doing heavy lifting at the skill positions as DET is still working on their depth. This squad could make the playoffs with a solid defense alas they seem to be lacking in that category. 
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Green Bay

QB: Burrow (A)
RB: AJ Dillon, N.Hines ©
WR: A.Robinson, C.Godwin, K.Toney, I.McKenzie (A)
TE: B.Jordan, F.Moreau ©
K: J.Tucker (A+)
DEF: (B-)

... No work was done in free agency to help this squad so not sure if the owner is still active to be honest. The passing game is really solid. The two RB's they have aren't bad but they have zero beyond them. Justin Tucker is a GOAT. The defense lost a little luster with the odd Blake Martinez release. 
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Minnesota

QB: Tannehill (B-)
RB: M.Gaskin, T.Davis-Price, T.Montgomery (C-)
WR: S.Diggs, AJ Brown, McLaurin, N.Collins (A+)
TE: G.Everett ©
K: Gould (A)
DEF: (B+)

... Pretty solid squad here. RB has a lot of bodies but no bona fide starters. WR is fire and has excellent depth. Hope Tannehill doesn't lose his job to Malik Willis. Defense took a blow with Harold Landry's torn ACL but they should still be strong.
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Tampa Bay

QB: Trubisky (C-)
RB: C.Edmonds, M.Gordon, M.Boone (B-)
WR: M. Jones, Q.Watkins, D.Eskridge, T.Sherfield (C-)
TE: D.Knox, Higbee, Tonyan (A)
K: M.Gay (A)
DEF: (A)

... Defense lost a little luster with Marcus Maye's gun charge but the rest of the D should be firing on all cylinders. Trubisky could struggle to keep his job. WR is pretty weak but TE is good and deep. 

WRAP-UP

- I don't see anyone running away with the division. Any of these teams could win it.
- Bears and Bucs defenses will keep them in the running. 
- Vikings aren't as strong on defense but the WR's could push them over the top.
- Lions and Pack lag behind. DET for lack of depth and GB for a potentially inactive owner

[4sFull]

Yes, sir. Best division in football. Prove me wrong AFC East. Last thing you want to see in the playoffs is a team from the NFC Central!

[Bama]

Playoffs? Did you say Playoffs?

[Laimbeer40]

NFC WEST

ATLANTA

QB: Goff, D.Watson (B+)
RB: D.Swift, B.Hall, C.Reynolds (B+)
WR: B.Cooks, J.Crowder, J.Guyton, J.Ross (D+)
TE: Alie-Cox, D.Parham (C+)
K: A.Seibert (B)
DEF: (C-)

... Cap was an issue that prevented ATL from improving this offseason in free agency. They took some L's with Watson's suspension and TY Hilton going unsigned. Breece Hall hasn't been amazing in preseason and depth is an issue everywhere. Probably going to be a tough season.
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CAROLINA

QB: T.Lance, Mariota, Z.Wilson, Garoppolo (B+)
RB: Dobbins, D.Williams, P.Strong (D)
WR: E.Moore, J.Dotson, C.Conley, K.Coutee (C-)
TE: N.Vannett (F)
K: B.Maher, J.Slye (B)
DEF: (B-)

... If only they could flip their QB depth for some other skill guys on offense. There is a depth problem on offense. Fortunately they nailed their rookie 1sts with Dotson and Aiden Hutchinson. Gonna be a tough year.
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JACKSONVILLE

QB: B.Mayfield ©
RB: S.Perine, S.Michel (F)
WR: J.Waddle, M.Gallup, D.Gray, S.Miller (C-)
TE: I.Likely, Chiggy (B)
K: D.Carlson (A)
DEF: (F)

... Currently this team doesn't even have a legal roster as they are below the 30 player minimum and the league office will have to step in. They had a couple of W's in the offseason with Baker finding a starting QB job and the emergence of Isaiah Likely. But ultimately they were not active enough. Yet another tough season.
-----------------

LA RAMS

QB: D.Lock (D-)
RB: A.Jones, Javonte, M.Ingram (A)
WR: C.Sutton, J.Meyers, A.Lazard, J.Reagor (B)
TE: Jonnu (C+)
K: C.Santos (B)
DEF: (A-)

... This is the best offense the Rams have had in a long time. The defense looks like they are up to the challenge. Jonnu Smith had a promising training camp at TE. The top RB's are really good. The WR's should be able to cobble together some decent weeks. But it's a bad sign when your QB can't beat out Geno Smith. Trade idea: 2023 LAR 2nd to Panthers for QB Marcus Mariota. If they get a QB somewhere, then a wild card is within reach.

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NEW ORLEANS

QB: R.Wilson (A-)
RB: McCaffery, Kamara, Rhamondre (A)
WR: K.Allen, DK Metcalf, M.Thomas, C.Patterson (A)
TE: L.Thomas, D.Smythe ©
K: W.Lutz (A-)
DEF: (D)

... Well the offense should be bananas especially if Logan Thomas finds his old form. But the defense has a ways to go. In this division it should be a waltz in the park even with just warm bodies on D.

WRAP-UP

- Saints should run away with the division.
- Rams might just be a player or two away from the playoffs
- Falcons, Panthers and Jags should be looking at next year... or the one after that.

[Gwise]

NFC WEST

ATLANTA

QB: Goff, D.Watson (B+)
RB: D.Swift, B.Hall, C.Reynolds (B+)
WR: B.Cooks, J.Crowder, J.Guyton, J.Ross (D+)
TE: Alie-Cox, D.Parham (C+)
K: A.Seibert (B)
DEF: (C-)

... Cap was an issue that prevented ATL from improving this offseason in free agency. They took some L's with Watson's suspension and TY Hilton going unsigned. Breece Hall hasn't been amazing in preseason and depth is an issue everywhere. Probably going to be a tough season.
--------------------

CAROLINA

QB: T.Lance, Mariota, Z.Wilson, Garoppolo (B+)
RB: Dobbins, D.Williams, P.Strong (D)
WR: E.Moore, J.Dotson, C.Conley, K.Coutee (C-)
TE: N.Vannett (F)
K: B.Maher, J.Slye (B)
DEF: (B-)

... If only they could flip their QB depth for some other skill guys on offense. There is a depth problem on offense. Fortunately they nailed their rookie 1sts with Dotson and Aiden Hutchinson. Gonna be a tough year.
-------------------

JACKSONVILLE

QB: B.Mayfield ©
RB: S.Perine, S.Michel (F)
WR: J.Waddle, M.Gallup, D.Gray, S.Miller (C-)
TE: I.Likely, Chiggy (B)
K: D.Carlson (A)
DEF: (F)

... Currently this team doesn't even have a legal roster as they are below the 30 player minimum and the league office will have to step in. They had a couple of W's in the offseason with Baker finding a starting QB job and the emergence of Isaiah Likely. But ultimately they were not active enough. Yet another tough season.
-----------------

LA RAMS

QB: D.Lock (D-)
RB: A.Jones, Javonte, M.Ingram (A)
WR: C.Sutton, J.Meyers, A.Lazard, J.Reagor (B)
TE: Jonnu (C+)
K: C.Santos (B)
DEF: (A-)

... This is the best offense the Rams have had in a long time. The defense looks like they are up to the challenge. Jonnu Smith had a promising training camp at TE. The top RB's are really good. The WR's should be able to cobble together some decent weeks. But it's a bad sign when your QB can't beat out Geno Smith. Trade idea: 2023 LAR 2nd to Panthers for QB Marcus Mariota. If they get a QB somewhere, then a wild card is within reach.

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NEW ORLEANS

QB: R.Wilson (A-)
RB: McCaffery, Kamara, Rhamondre (A)
WR: K.Allen, DK Metcalf, M.Thomas, C.Patterson (A)
TE: L.Thomas, D.Smythe ©
K: W.Lutz (A-)
DEF: (D)

... Well the offense should be bananas especially if Logan Thomas finds his old form. But the defense has a ways to go. In this division it should be a waltz in the park even with just warm bodies on D.

WRAP-UP

- Saints should run away with the division.
- Rams might just be a player or two away from the playoffs
- Falcons, Panthers and Jags should be looking at next year... or the one after that.

Good stuff! Carolina is looking to prove you wrong and already moved a little qb depth for a piece I think will add value in our receiving core. Still yet we’ve got a ways to go in this division.

[Laimbeer40]

AFC EAST

Buffalo

QB: Jameis, Taysom (B)
RB: J.Taylor, D.Felton, P.Lindsay (B)
WR: T.Higgins, DJ Chark, Golladay, Julio (B+)
TE: M.Andrews (A)
K: M.Crosby (B)
DEF: (B)

... Pretty solid across the board. Has the best TE in the game and perhaps the best RB as well. WR is really deep even though there isn't that A+ stud. A defense led by Nick Bosa could be the key.
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Indianapolis

QB: D.Jones, Brissett (C-)
RB: Chubb, B.Robinson Jr, McKissic (B-)
WR: R.Anderson, P.Campbell, M.Thomas, J.Gordon (D)
TE: Fant ©
K: Succop, G.Joseph (A)
DEF: (A)

... The skill guys leave something to be desired. If Robinson can come back from being shot he could provide a nice boost. However the defense has some studs that could blow up any given week.
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Miami

QB: D.Mills ©
RB: J.Robinson, J.Warren, J.Mason (D)
WR: D.Hopkins, K.Turpin, J.Darden, D.Brown (D)
TE: T.Tremble (D)
K: S.Ficken ©
DEF: (F)

... Dolphins have picked up some decent talent along the way. Don't forget they have C.Ridley stashed for next season. Next year's draft is essential for them because they will have a long wait if they only make strides of 1 star player added each offseason.
--------------

New England

QB: Tua (A+)
RB: CEH, Singletary, Z.Moss (B)
WR: Hollywood, Mooney, R.Woods, A.Cooper (A-)
TE: W.Dissly (D-)
K: n/a
DEF: (B)

... Maybe that is a homer grade for Too but I still like his outlook this season if he can show some durability. They have a good job with depth at WR/RB. Dissly is the easiest spot to upgrade along with kicker. The defense is really solid but zero depth which is a concern. Playoffs are within reach.. weren't they supposed to be tanking this year?
----------------

Tennessee

QB: Dak (B+)
RB: Mixon, Zeke, H.Haskins (B+)
WR: Lockett, J.Landry, S.Moore, V.Jefferson (B-)
TE: Kittle, P.Brown (A)
K: C.York (B)
DEF: (B)

... Some things definitely didn't go TEN's way this offseason. Tyron Smith's injury for the Cowboys affects Murph's QB and #2 RB. Rookies Skyy Moore and Hassan Haskins had underwhelming preseasons. And the biggie are the rumors that George Kittle might be hurt. Titans were already trending toward rebuild but may have been straddling the fence. Does this push them further in that direction?

WRAP-UP

- Bills were aggressive in the offseason and it shows. They are the Vegas favorite to win the division.
- Pats look like they could be a wild card and Colts could also find themselves in that picture.
- Titans could press things and make playoffs but might be tempted to sell off.
- Dolphins making baby steps but still 1-2 years away.

[Laimbeer40]

AFC CENTRAL

Baltimore

QB: T.Brady, M.Willis (A)
RB: D.Pierce, C.Akers, K.Ingram (C+)
WR: H.Renfrow, C.Wilson, J.Tolbert, C.Moore ©
TE: Kmet, OJ Howard (A-)
K: G.Gano (B)
DEF: (A)

... Love the QB situation having a clear succession plan. The RB grade would have been higher a few days ago. Cam Akers WOOF. Renfrow going to have to pull a lot of weight. Where did OJ Howard come from? Way to stick with him. The defense has a lot of studs. JB spent his money well this offseason.
-----------------

Cincinnati

QB: J.Allen, J.Love (A+)
RB: J.Jacobs, M.Sanders, R.Dowdle (B-)
WR: M.Evans, J.Reynolds, J.Winfree, R.McMath ©
TE: CJ Uzomah (F)
K: J.Elliott (A)
DEF: (B-)

... Let's see how far Josh Allen can carry this squad. Jacobs and Sanders were surprisingly good in Week 1. Mike Evans is obviously a stud but the rest of the WR are garbage. The defense isn't bad but definitely needs depth and another starting LB.
-----------------

Cleveland

QB: A.Rodgers, S.Howell (B)
RB: E.Benjamin, G.Bernard, D.Williams (D)
WR: T.Burks, J.Palmer, C.Watson, E. St. Brown (B-)
TE: D.Njoku, T.Conklin (B)
K: N.Folk, M.Prater (A-)
DEF: (C+)

... Week 1 raises some concerns about A-Rod. WR should be inconsistent this season due to the youth the Browns have. Eno Benjamin barely keeps the RB group from being an F. There are no real studs on defense but there is some solid youth with potential. 
-----------------

Houston

QB: J.Hurts (A)
RB: D.Henry, J.Conner, D.Montgomery (A)
WR: C.Samuel, A.Pierce, S.Watkins, R.Cobb (C+)
TE: D.Goedert (A)
K: Y.Koo (A)
DEF: (B-)

... This team is really solid. The Texans could probably acquire a WR to shore that position up. The defense has some boom/bust players but the D-Line is pretty rough. 
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Pittsburgh

QB: J.Herbert (A)
RB: N.Harris, J.Williams, K.Drake (A-)
WR: R.Bateman, M.Williams, R.Gage, O.Zaccheaus (C+)
TE: P.Freiermuth (A-)
K: C.Boswell (A)
DEF: (B)

... The defense is halfway there but they do have Micah Parsons which is huge. My memory must be failing me but when did this team get good? 
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WRAP-UP

- Should be a dogfight between Houston and Pittsburgh. Slight lean to the Texans as the favorite.
- Can never count out JB in Baltimore but they have to make up some ground.
- Bengals are fading a bit but they have a few studs that keep them relevant.
- Browns will have a hard time competing in this division. Probably not bad enough for a Top 5 draft pick though.