Parody is a part of what makes the NFL special. Every year, we see teams rise and fall from the year before, and 2020 will be no different. Here are 10 teams that are trending in the right direction going into 2020.
- Arizona Cardinals –
Arizona has done just about everything right this offseason by giving second-year QB Kyler Murray a top 3 WR in Nuk. They added a defensive mismatch in Isaiah Simmons to eliminate any mismatch opportunities. Outside of addressing the O-line more Arizona could be a team to look to go from worst to first in their division. Considering the Cardinals went 7-9 last year, they have an elevated chance of reaching that goal.
- Cincinnati Bengals –
Finally, the Bengals get their “hometown” kid in Joe Burrow and have done better at providing weapons with Mixon, Green, Boyd, Ross, and Tee Higgins to help him settle into his role as the savior of the Bengals. Again addressing the O-line will need to be a priority from now on to give their young QB any chance in the league.
- Miami Dolphins –
The theme for this list is to have a good young QB in place. Without it, it’s hard to take advantage of the low salary of a player on their rookie deal. The Dolphins selected Tua Tagaviloa with the 5th overall selection and his Tackle to protect him with the 18th in Austin Jackson. That combination is hoping to be the answer in South Florida but will need time and more weapons to help acclimate his game to the NFL. Loaded with draft ammunition, they will have ample time and opportunity to continue this rebuild.
- Cleveland Browns –
The hype from last year’s offseason moves has died almost completely from this time a year ago. They have elite players at just about all of the premier positions. The biggest downfall for the 2019 Browns was lack of NFL coaching and OT play, going through this offseason having addressed both with Kevin Stefanski replacing Freddie Kitchens, along with the addition of Jack Conklin via Free Agency and Jedrick Wills in the 1st round of April’s draft.
- Denver Broncos –
The Broncos have had struggles finding a replacement for Peyton since he retired in 2015. Drew Lock may be their guy after going 4-1 in their last 5 games of the season. Following what the Chiefs proved to the league by surrounding your young QB with as much talent as possible, the Broncos now have Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, KJ Hamler, Jerry Jeudy, Phillip Lindsay, and Melvin Gordon. With solid O-line play, this should be enough speed and playmaking ability to develop Drew Lock for the long haul.
- LA Chargers –
For the 1st time in almost 2 decades, Philip Rivers is no longer the starting QB of the Chargers. Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert will likely battle for that distinction with Herbert most likely sitting for a couple of games to get adjusted. The Chargers have one of the most versatile and deep rosters in the entire league. Their defense is stacked with absolute ballers with plenty of firepower on offense as well. The AFC West seems to have gotten even tougher this offseason.
- Indianapolis Colts –
Having snatched up Philip Rivers from the Chargers, the Colts have a very interesting and talented roster in place. Having a top 5 O-Line, a solid supporting cast with new additions in Michael Pittman and Jonathan Taylor, the Colts should have plenty of ways to challenge many of the NFL’s elite this year with flexibility for the future.
- Philadelphia Eagles –
2019 was a harsh year for the players’ health in Philadelphia. Constantly having integral players sitting out on gameday and missing time and they STILL won the NFC East. Adding plenty of speed threats to aid Carson Wentz and his heroic efforts from a year ago, the Eagles offense should be much improved. The defense will take a hit with the departure of Malcolm Jenkins but they have enough talent to make up for the loss of 1 player.
- Oakland Raiders –
Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are doing a surprisingly good job handling the Raider’s resources from the Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper trades. Adding solid talent in each of the past 2 drafts at premium positions, the Raiders have added talent to their roster with improvements each year as well. Drafting the fastest player in the draft, Henry Ruggs III, in order to mimic the Chiefs and Tyreek Hill. Speed kills in the NFL and they added plenty of it this offseason. The Chief’s path to repeat as AFC West champion looks a whole lot harder than it did a year ago.
- Buffalo Bills –
Despite making the playoffs last year the Buffalo Bills are still on the rise. Tom Brady no longer resides in Foxborough and will no longer compete for AFC East titles. The Bills steady retooling and addition of difference-maker after difference-maker on both offense and defense makes this an easy placement on this list. Adding a top receiver in Diggs only adds to their potential with Josh Allen entering Year 3, the Bills hope he can have a massive uptick in production and if so, watch out for Bills Mafia.
