Tag: 2023 preview

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) line up before a play during a training camp practice at the Paycor Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Bengals built to contend behind Joe Burrow

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2022 record: 12-4, first place AFC North

Playoff picture: The Bengals are in the upper tier of contenders in the AFC based on their recent track record, which includes a Super Bowl appearance and 3-1 record against the Kansas City Chiefs during Joe Burrow’s highly successful tenure. As long as Burrow is healthy, the Bengals are going to be there in the end.

Biggest Week 1 question: Will the overhaul of the offensive line help preserve Burrow? A calf injury pushed the franchise QB to the sideline for most of the preseason. He was sacked 29 times in the playoffs the past two seasons alone, and 41 in the regular season. If the hits keep coming, the concern could be for Burrow’s longevity. His health is directly tied to the playoff outlook in Cincinnati.

What’s new: Orlando Brown Jr. enters at left tackle, jumping from chief of blindside security for Patrick Mahomes to anchor the Cincinnati front five. That puts 2019 first-rounder Jonah Williams at right tackle and should fortify a line that was anything but bulletproof in recent seasons. Coaches view Brown’s addition as a phase two touch that follows the leadership-altering addition of center Ted Karras in free agency last offseason.

They’re gone: Both safeties found greener pastures and the impact on the pass defense might be more significant than expected. Vonn Bell joined the Carolina Panthers and Jessie Bates II landed with the Atlanta Falcons. Dax Hill, a first-round pick in 2022, steps in at strong safety and the Bengals signed Nick Scott while spending three 2023 draft picks on defensive backs.

On the money: Burrow is about to break the bank. The Bengals are projected to be in the $56 million to $60 million range annually on a new deal for Burrow, which brings the future of other stars on the roster into the picture. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase would be next in line for a massive payday.

Get to know: Cincinnati’s trio of receivers can measure up with any in the NFL, and the Bengals are banking on Vikings castoff Irv Smith to make major contributions at tight end. Coming out of Alabama, Smith was viewed as a reliable third-down and red zone target but the 50th pick in the 2019 draft wasn’t able to stay healthy. He has 91 receptions in four seasons.

Vegas says: FanDuel sees Cincinnati as the division favorite at +150 ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (+220).

–FIeld Level Media

Jun 14, 2023; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay (left), receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Super Bowl remnants help Rams maintain optimism

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2022 record: 5-12, third NFC West

Playoff picture: One season after winning the Super Bowl, the Rams were far off the playoff pace in 2022. Earning a wild-card berth in a division with two expected playoff teams (Seattle, San Francisco) could be a serious challenge.

Biggest Week 1 question: Last season’s poor campaign included the most losses by a defending Super Bowl champion. Nobody wants to run that back. So Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks might tell us whether the Rams have regained their motivation and if coach Sean McVay is closer to revival or retirement.

What’s new: Due to salary-cap issues, the Rams were very quiet on the free agent front. They signed quarterback Brett Rypien, who didn’t even make the 53-man roster and is now on the practice squad. Former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, a fourth-round pick, beat out Rypien for the backup spot behind Matthew Stafford despite throwing three preseason interceptions.

They’re gone: Los Angeles traded standout cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a light return and lost safety Taylor Rapp as a free agent. Linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to Seattle, where he spent the previous 10 seasons. Receiver Allen Robinson II and edge rusher Leonard Floyd were among other departures.

On the money: Keeping Stafford healthy is big after he had concussion issues and a season-ending spinal cord injury in 2022. He only played in nine games and was mediocre when he was on the field. Star receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) also played in just nine games after achieving the rare receiver triple crown in 2021 (leading the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns). Defensive tackle Aaron Donald also battled injuries and had the least productive season (five sacks in 11 games) of his nine-year career.

Get to know: Bennett opening his rookie season as the No. 2 quarterback is stunning. He initially had to walk on and Georgia and later left to play a season at a junior college in Mississippi before returning to the Bulldogs. The rest is history as he won the starting job and guided Georgia to a 29-3 record and two national championships.

Bennett wasn’t viewed as much of an NFL prospect. But Los Angeles picked him and believes in him to the extent that he’s one Stafford injury away from being the starter.

Vegas says: BetMGM doesn’t see a lot of wins for the Rams with the total set at 6.5 (+100).

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) reacts with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half during the wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys embrace pressure to catch Philly in East

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2022 record: 12-5, second NFC East

Playoff picture: The Cowboys made back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2006-07. Even a few performances owner Jerry Jones called disappointments didn’t stop Dallas from winning 12 games and pushing the Philadelphia Eagles for the division title.

Biggest Week 1 question: What can the Cowboys do for an encore? Dallas has star power on either side of the ball and quarterback Dak Prescott promises a strong start, dismissing lingering worries that he’s become INT-happy.

What’s new: Franchise-tagged RB Tony Pollard is the No. 1 ballcarrier for the Cowboys in 2023. He’s returning from a broken leg but should be full speed. Longtime starter Ezekiel Elliott was released but newcomers and veterans expected to play significant roles include CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Brandin Cooks and RB Ronald Jones. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was let go and head coach Mike McCarthy plans to call plays this season. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn interviewed for multiple head-coaching vacancies but is back for his third season.

They’re gone: Elliott was cut and TE Dalton Schultz moved on for more money with the Houston Texans. He was second on the team to CeeDee Lamb with 57 receptions and five TD catches in 2022, but Prescott identified former Schultz understudy Jake Ferguson as the team’s potential breakout player.

On the money: Training camp began with a standoff between the Cowboys and six-time All-Pro RG Zack Martin, who at 32 was miffed at being ninth at the position in salary for this season. Though a contract tweak brought peace, the Cowboys have looming talks with edge Micah Parsons, RT Terence Steele and Pollard imply a slew of difficult decisions are dead ahead.

Get to know: First-round pick Mazi Smith can benchpress a Prius and was coveted for his ability to fit in the Cowboys’ run defense immediately. At 337 pounds, he’ll be the boulder at the center of Dallas’ varied scheme that relies on high heat from Parsons (26.5 total sacks the past two seasons).

Smith’s college teammate, Luke Schoonmaker was drafted 32 picks later and steps into an unclear role on offense as a pass-catching tight end as part of a deep group at the position.

Vegas says: BetMGM set the 2023 win total for the Cowboys at 9.5. Of note, Dallas is on the road for three of its final four games.

–Field Level Media

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints reset with Derek Carr running the show

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New Orleans Saints

2022 record: 7-10, tied-second NFC South

Playoff picture: For a franchise once known as the Aints, the Drew Brees days were the brightest by a mile. The Saints are 0-for-2 in making the playoffs since Brees retired.

Biggest Week 1 question: What do franchise icons Michael Thomas and Jimmy Graham have left? Thomas has played just 10 games in the past three seasons with ankle and toe injuries, but it was not long ago when he was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2019).

Graham, 36, was out of football in 2022 before reuniting with the Saints in July. The five-time Pro Bowler who once had a 16-touchdown season for the Saints could play a supporting role at this stage of his career. He also suffered a medical episode that contributed to an arrest in the Los Angeles area in August.

What’s new: The Saints set the offseason quarterback dominoes in motion by agreeing to a deal with former Raiders signal-caller Derek Carr in early March. This was before anyone knew of Aaron Rodgers’ intentions. After nine seasons in Oakland and Las Vegas, where he developed a reputation as a deep-ball specialist with precious little postseason success, Carr could benefit from the change in scenery as much as the Saints will benefit from an arm of his caliber.

They’re gone: New Orleans needs to replace three regulars on the D-line: defensive end Marcus Davenport and defensive tackles David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle. The Saints spent their first two draft picks on the position group, grabbing DT Bryan Bresee and DE Isaiah Foskey.

On the money: In addition to handing Carr a four-year, $150 million contract, New Orleans gave defensive end Cameron Jordan a two-year extension worth $27.5 million in guaranteed money. The eight-time Pro Bowler has racked up 115.5 sacks in a Saints uniform since 2011.

Get to know: Bresee followed a long line of NFL-bound defensive linemen at Clemson. The Tigers rallied around him last season when his 15-year-old sister Ella died from brain cancer.

Vegas says: BetMGM is anticipating some improvement from New Orleans with Carr in town. The over/under is at 9.5, highest in the NFC South.

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich stands on the sideline with quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers focus on fresh start behind new coach, QB

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Carolina Panthers

2022 record: 7-10, tied-second NFC South

Playoff picture: Carolina’s five-year playoff drought is tied with Atlanta’s for the fourth-longest active streak in the NFL. The Panthers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2015 NFC Championship.

Biggest Week 1 question: Can Bryce Young do for the Panthers what their last No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Newton, did in the 2010s? That is, win Offensive Rookie of the Year, revitalize a middling franchise and guide Carolina to a conference title in a few years’ time? No pressure, kid.

What’s new: Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, was the Panthers’ choice to start anew at quarterback after Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield failed to pan out. He’ll get to work under former NFL quarterback Frank Reich, who gets a second chance as a head coach after an unceremonious early-season firing from the Colts in 2022.

Elsewhere on offense, the Panthers made several mid-tier signings to give Young something to work with. His No. 1 running back will be Miles Sanders, who improved year by year in Philadelphia, and Adam Thielen, DJ Chark Jr. and tight end Hayden Hurst are trustworthy veterans for Young to target. One under-the-radar improvement is on staff: Ejiro Evero, seen as a hot commodity who interviewed for several head coaching vacancies in the winter, is Carolina’s new defensive coordinator.

They’re gone: The Panthers gave up their top wide receiver, D.J. Moore, to Chicago in the deal to move up to the No. 1 overall pick. Carolina will roll with Thielen, Chark and rookie Jonathan Mingo at the position. D’Onta Foreman won’t be back in the backfield.

On the money: There aren’t many big contracts on this roster; the Panthers have the sixth-most cap space in the NFL, per OverTheCap.com. Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns, already the highest-paid player on the team, is in line for an extension but the sides are reportedly not close in their negotiations.

Get to know: Evero’s new 3-4 defense adds a wrinkle for Burns. He shifts from defensive end to outside linebacker. Burns said in July that his individual goals (read: big money in the form of a new deal) do matter, but the team’s objectives mean more, adding, “I feel like I’m a key piece to what we need to get done.”

Vegas says: BetMGM set Carolina’s win total at 7.5, and 92 percent of the handle is going with the under (-115).

–Field Level Media

Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons bank on big-play RB to guide path

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Atlanta Falcons

2022 record: 7-10, tied-second NFC South

Playoff picture: Since blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, Atlanta made the postseason one more time and has now missed the playoffs five years running.

Biggest Week 1 question: While the Panthers, Saints and Buccaneers turn to new starting quarterbacks, the Falcons have the longest-tenured starter in the division — at just four games. Desmond Ridder must show he’s the man for the job, because it would be simple and inexpensive for the Falcons to move on from the 2022 third-round pick out of Cincinnati if this season goes south.

What’s new: The Falcons jumped all over the chance to draft Texas running back Bijan Robinson eighth overall in April’s draft. He will lead a three-headed monster of a backfield, as Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson are sure to be used in creative ways as well. The big defensive additions were the acquisition of cornerback Jeff Okudah from the Detroit Lions and the signing of talented safety Jessie Bates. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees retired from coaching for the third time and Ryan Nielsen was hired from rival New Orleans to replace him.

They’re gone: Rashaan Evans, an inside linebacker who played 98.4 percent of the defensive snaps, did not return and the Falcons also cut starting linebacker Mykal Walker in August. Cornerbacks Isaiah Oliver and Casey Hayward are gone from a unit than ranked in second pass defense last year, but the acquisition of Okudah will mitigate those losses.

On the money: Right guard Chris Lindstrom signed a five-year, $105 million extension in the spring, the largest for a guard in league history.

Get to know: Bates started 79 of a possible 82 games in his first five NFL seasons with Cincinnati and was second-team All-Pro in 2020. He had a career-high four interceptions last year and will add to both Atlanta’s pass defense and its culture, as someone who helped the Bengals grow into a Super Bowl contender.

Vegas says: After two straight 7-10 seasons to start Arthur Smith’s tenure as head coach, the Falcons’ over/under at BetMGM sits at 8.5 wins.

–Field Level Media

Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) runs on to the field to play the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

Titans at crossroads between reload and rebuild

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Tennessee Titans

2022 record: 7-10, second AFC South

Playoff picture: The Titans had made the playoffs in three straight seasons and four of five before last year’s regular-season collapse.

Biggest Week 1 question: This team ended 2022 on a seven-game losing streak and fired Jon Robinson, a well-regarded general manager, early in the skid. With Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry both in contract years and not getting any younger, are the Titans serious about competing in a soft division or is this a team on the decline?

What’s new: Ran Carthon is the new general manager, and perhaps his biggest move was landing free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in July. The Titans desperately needed something more as they keenly felt the absence of A.J. Brown in 2022 after trading him to Philadelphia. Tannehill and company will also be working under new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Charles London.

The Titans will carry three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster after spending a Day 2 pick on a QB for the second straight draft. On the unofficial depth chart, Malik Willis is the backup quarterback and rookie Will Levis, who plummeted to the 33rd overall pick in April, is QB3 after fighting a quad injury in training camp.

They’re gone: The offensive line was remade after the departures of three starters: left tackle Taylor Lewan, center Ben Jones and right guard Nate Davis. Lewan and Jones were Pro Bowl-caliber. Starting tight end Austin Hooper and wide receiver Robert Woods also left.

On the money: Coming off two straight Pro Bowl years, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons earned a four-year contract extension worth $94 million. Simmons has recorded 16 sacks and 30 quarterback hits over the past two seasons.

Get to know: The Titans used the 11th overall pick on Peter Skoronski, a tackle from Northwestern who will start at left guard from Day 1. He benched 30 reps of 225 pounds at the combine, he spent draft day at a local pizza shop instead of in the green room and his grandfather Bob Skoronski was a lineman honored in the Packers Hall of Fame.

Vegas says: BetMGM pegs the Titans’ over/under at 7.5 wins. Tennessee has one of the lightest strength-of-schedule ratings this season, if that carries any weight.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs defend throne with key characters in place

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Kansas City Chiefs

2022 record: 14-3, first AFC West

Playoff picture: The defending Super Bowl-champion Chiefs have reached the AFC Championship game in five straight seasons with memorable meetings with the Bengals and Bills in recent years. The division favorites are also consistently challenged by the Los Angeles Chargers. Five of the past six games between them were decided by one score.

Biggest Week 1 question: The holdout of star defensive end Chris Jones hurts the defense if he doesn’t report before the Thursday night kickoff game with the Detroit Lions. The four-time Pro Bowler wants a huge payday after being one of the top defensive players (15.5 sacks) in the NFL last season. The Chiefs also start the season without Charles Omenihu, who was suspended six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

What’s new: Omenihu, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, was signed in the offseason. First-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah also could play a role up front. Kansas City has two new offensive tackles, spending big money for ex-Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (four-year, $80 million) to play on the right side. Donovan Smith (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) was signed to be the left tackle and protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.

They’re gone: Left tackle Orlando Brown departed for the Cincinnati Bengals and fellow offensive lineman Andrew Wylie and pass rusher Frank Clark also are gone. Receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman relocated in free agency, but the Chiefs are high on second-round pick Rashee Rice.

On the money: Mahomes won MVP honors after a monster season that included 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns. Kansas City has reached the Super Bowl in three of his five seasons as a starter and the franchise has two rings to show for it. Mahomes starred in the playoffs despite a gimpy ankle. Tight end Travis Kelce will be looking for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season.

Get to know: Defensive end George Karlaftis had 6.0 sacks and seven pass breakups during a solid rookie season and he could approach double digits if Jones is around. Karlaftis has a keen ability to deflect passes and part of it stems from his time serving as the goalkeeper on the Greece under-16 national water polo team. Treading water and trying to deflect the ball at the same time went a long way in improving Karlaftis’ hand-eye coordination.

The 2022 first-round pick from Purdue also has been working on his pass-rushing technique with Chiefs legend Tamba Hali.

Vegas says: BetMGM has Kansas City in the favorite role (+600) to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

–Field Level Media