Post by Cincinnati Bengals (Chris) on Aug 19, 2018 22:15:54 GMT -5
AFC NORTH
For the fifth-straight year, I’ll be handling PRs and Divisional Previews, which begin…NOW! We start with the AFC North, a division that saw two playoff teams last year, one that made it all the way to the Super Bowl, and both of whom finished in the top-7. Pittsburgh won the division for the record-setting fourth-consecutive year, but the margin might surprise you (As CIN was a dropped Jay Cutler INT, subsequent Cutler TD, and a 6-point loss to Baltimore away from claiming the title himself). Can Chris ever bridge that gap, or will Garrett continue to rack up titles? Will Kevin make things interesting? How much growth will Baltimore show with likely a new QB at the helm for the true year-1 of his rebuild? Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Baltimore Ravens (Goose)
Last year’s finish: 29th (Division: 4th)
Outlook: 2017 did not go the way that Baltimore planned, as Goose lost both running backs that he was counting on; Spencer Ware (Who not only lost his job, but his replacement, Kareem Hunt, is on division-rival Garrett's Steelers), and Darren Sproles. He didn't shore up that position in the draft, so clearly that's going to be a weakness. Quarterback, however, is a different story, as Goose did end up re-signing Matt Stafford for $12, and drafting Sam Darnold to be his future at the position. Unfortunately, if Darnold starts immediately, he'll be tasked with trading Stafford (Likely) away. Receiving options are just okay, but on the rise for the Ravens (Both in this league, and in real life), with Sterling Shepard, John Brown, and rookie DaeSean Hamilton, and tight end occupied by second year backup Adam Shaheen (Who suffered a TBA injury in last night's pre-season game), and talented rookie Dallas Goeddert. Defensively, rookie Derek Barnett produced a fine rookie year and is trending further upward, as are second-year player Hasson Reddick and third-year LB Patrick Onwausor. Outside of Von Miller and Avery Williamson, there isn't a lot remaining to be excited about on the defensive end. Goose is likely in for another long year, but the young talent on this team, plus future picks, serve to ensure that Baltimore won't be down for long, and could start to climb back up the division as early as next year.
X-factor: Running back. I'll alternate from last year when I said defense was the most important. Now, it's all about finding that running back that will give Baltimore value, consistently, on a week-to-week basis. As of right now, that player isn't on the roster.
Projected division finish: 4th
Cincinnati Bengals (Chris)
Last year’s finish: 7th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Coming off his best finish ever in 2017, and the first time that Chris participated in the playoffs for the second-consecutive year, the Bengals are a legitimate threat to Garrett's four-consecutive division crowns. On paper, this is probably the best Cincinnati team in franchise history. The quarterback position sees the return of the underrated Tyrod Taylor, who has his best supporting cast ever, as well as rookie Baker Mayfield--Taylor's handcuff. Running back is loaded with the second-year 3-down back Christian McCaffrey and 2017 star Chris Thompson. Additionally, he is loaded at WR, with Stefon Diggs, second-year stud Cooper Kupp, an apparently healthy Emmanuel Sanders, and Julian Edelman, once he returns from his 4-game suspension. Delanie Walker is back to man tight end, though presently, CIN does not have a backup for him. Defensively, it's another complete unit, coming off of a top-10 finish last year, and should be better in 2018. The defensive line is led by Kawann Short and Jabaal Sheard, but the linebacking corps is the engine that powers the machine, with Blake Martinez, rookie top-IDP option Tremaine Edmunds, 10 PPG LB Brandon Marshall, second-year phenom Zach Cunningham, Josh Bynes, and veteran Derrick Johnson, all of whom currently as listed as starters at middle or inside linebackers for their respective teams. In the secondary, Lamarcus Joyner and Micah Hyde return after career years, as does top-15 fantasy DB Glover Quin, and off-season addition hybrid LB/DB Su'a Cravens. If enough of those players meet their projections, Chris could end Garrett's historic run and earn his first division title.
X-factor: Health. For the first time, Chris' team doesn't really have any glaring holes. The bigger question is health. If his team is able to maintain that, it's likely that he bests his personal best finish of a year ago. If not, things could go haywire really quickly.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Cleveland Browns (Kevin)
Last year’s finish: 21st (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Kevin's 2018 pre-season projection looks like, as of the moment of writing this, very similar to 2017. Drew Brees returns at QB, but running back is an empty hole, with only Mike Gilislee, Mike Davis, Rod Smith, and Akrum Wadley, none of whom currently project to have an early season role. That's a problem for the Browns. Wide Receiver is considerably more settled, with the combination of Jamison Crowder, Albert Wilson, Dez Bryant, should he sign, former 1st rounder Kevin White, and DeDe Westbrook, provided he can produce meaningful stats in a crowded Jacksonville receiving corps. Tight end is a little more unsettled, with only Tyler Kroft, flanking the oft-injured but returning Tyler Eifert in real life. Defensively, the Browns once again profile as a solid unit after finishing 12th in scoring on that side of the ball last year. Led by third-year superstar Joey Bosa, and Emmanuel Ogbah, provided that he keeps his job, on the defensive line, and second-year linebacking sensation T.J. Watt, as well as veteran Justin Houston, who may still have some value, and youngsters Martrell Spaight, Nicholas Morrow, and Jerome Baker, who might be able to work their own ways into value. The defensive backfield is quite numerous, but so far only second-year phenom Tre'Davious White, Reggie Nelson, and Mike Adams have ever had much of a fantasy value. Expect Cleveland's defense to hover around the same place it was last year.
X-factor: Running back again. For the second year in a row, running back is Kevin's crux. Find a running back without forfeiting one of the team's most important assets, and maybe this is the year Kevin upsets the division hierarchy and makes a moderate playoff run. Otherwise, third place seems like a pretty safe bet.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Pittsburgh Steelers (Garrett)
Last year’s finish: 2nd (Division: 1st)
Outlook: Garrett once again made the Super Bowl last year, his second appearance, on the strength of a defense that ranked #1, as well as an offense that ranked #2, but this time fell short against Matt's Vikings. Once again, it appears he is in the driver's seat in this division, but is perhaps not as solidly in command as he once was. Once again, Garrett returns the core of Le'Veon Bell and Rob Gronkowski, but whereas in seasons past he's supplemented that with Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, and Jordan Matthews (Who is still on his roster, but not on an actual team's roster), this year's version includes Kareem Hunt, who broke out last year after Garrett drafted him, T.Y. Hilton, whom he added in an off-season trade, and Will Fuller, who made the first impact of his career with Deshaun Watson last year. Beyond that is evidence of a bit of fraying at the fringes of his roster--Only Vance McDonald and Christian Kirk project to have any kind of early season impact (Outside of QB Ryan Tannehill that is). Also, missing from that #1 overall defense of a year ago are DL Everson Griffen, Devin McCourty, Keenan Robinson, and Cory James. Garrett has tried to replace them with a combination of Malcom Young, Bennie Logan, Antoine Bethea, Deshazor Everett, and Andre Hal. That'll probably plug the holes, but in addition to smaller roles for Mychal Kendricks (Who will now be splitting time with Joe Schobert) and Todd Davis, whose third down snaps will now be taken by Su'a Cravens, it certainly might make a dent in the high-end of this defense's production possibilities. This all may seem gloom and doom considering that the Steelers still have Zach Brown, Myles Jack, Mark Barron, Jahleel Addae, and Geno Atkins returning, but it's certainly worth noting. Expect that Pittsburgh's defense will drop a little in the rankings, but will still probably be top-5 in the league or just below.
X-factor: Depth/defense. Again, Garrett likely has the best team in the division, and probably even the conference--but it is getting closer, and though Garrett is 5-0 all-time against Chris, they play tight games. Outside of the drubbing Garrett delivered the Bengals in the Second Round of the playoffs last year, each of their last three games has been decided by less than 10 points--the last two by a touchdown or less. If healthy, Garrett still probably has just enough to get by, but his margin is shrinking.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the second of our divisional previews, this time the AFC South, which should drop in the next few days. Thanks again guys.
For the fifth-straight year, I’ll be handling PRs and Divisional Previews, which begin…NOW! We start with the AFC North, a division that saw two playoff teams last year, one that made it all the way to the Super Bowl, and both of whom finished in the top-7. Pittsburgh won the division for the record-setting fourth-consecutive year, but the margin might surprise you (As CIN was a dropped Jay Cutler INT, subsequent Cutler TD, and a 6-point loss to Baltimore away from claiming the title himself). Can Chris ever bridge that gap, or will Garrett continue to rack up titles? Will Kevin make things interesting? How much growth will Baltimore show with likely a new QB at the helm for the true year-1 of his rebuild? Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Baltimore Ravens (Goose)
Last year’s finish: 29th (Division: 4th)
Outlook: 2017 did not go the way that Baltimore planned, as Goose lost both running backs that he was counting on; Spencer Ware (Who not only lost his job, but his replacement, Kareem Hunt, is on division-rival Garrett's Steelers), and Darren Sproles. He didn't shore up that position in the draft, so clearly that's going to be a weakness. Quarterback, however, is a different story, as Goose did end up re-signing Matt Stafford for $12, and drafting Sam Darnold to be his future at the position. Unfortunately, if Darnold starts immediately, he'll be tasked with trading Stafford (Likely) away. Receiving options are just okay, but on the rise for the Ravens (Both in this league, and in real life), with Sterling Shepard, John Brown, and rookie DaeSean Hamilton, and tight end occupied by second year backup Adam Shaheen (Who suffered a TBA injury in last night's pre-season game), and talented rookie Dallas Goeddert. Defensively, rookie Derek Barnett produced a fine rookie year and is trending further upward, as are second-year player Hasson Reddick and third-year LB Patrick Onwausor. Outside of Von Miller and Avery Williamson, there isn't a lot remaining to be excited about on the defensive end. Goose is likely in for another long year, but the young talent on this team, plus future picks, serve to ensure that Baltimore won't be down for long, and could start to climb back up the division as early as next year.
X-factor: Running back. I'll alternate from last year when I said defense was the most important. Now, it's all about finding that running back that will give Baltimore value, consistently, on a week-to-week basis. As of right now, that player isn't on the roster.
Projected division finish: 4th
Cincinnati Bengals (Chris)
Last year’s finish: 7th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Coming off his best finish ever in 2017, and the first time that Chris participated in the playoffs for the second-consecutive year, the Bengals are a legitimate threat to Garrett's four-consecutive division crowns. On paper, this is probably the best Cincinnati team in franchise history. The quarterback position sees the return of the underrated Tyrod Taylor, who has his best supporting cast ever, as well as rookie Baker Mayfield--Taylor's handcuff. Running back is loaded with the second-year 3-down back Christian McCaffrey and 2017 star Chris Thompson. Additionally, he is loaded at WR, with Stefon Diggs, second-year stud Cooper Kupp, an apparently healthy Emmanuel Sanders, and Julian Edelman, once he returns from his 4-game suspension. Delanie Walker is back to man tight end, though presently, CIN does not have a backup for him. Defensively, it's another complete unit, coming off of a top-10 finish last year, and should be better in 2018. The defensive line is led by Kawann Short and Jabaal Sheard, but the linebacking corps is the engine that powers the machine, with Blake Martinez, rookie top-IDP option Tremaine Edmunds, 10 PPG LB Brandon Marshall, second-year phenom Zach Cunningham, Josh Bynes, and veteran Derrick Johnson, all of whom currently as listed as starters at middle or inside linebackers for their respective teams. In the secondary, Lamarcus Joyner and Micah Hyde return after career years, as does top-15 fantasy DB Glover Quin, and off-season addition hybrid LB/DB Su'a Cravens. If enough of those players meet their projections, Chris could end Garrett's historic run and earn his first division title.
X-factor: Health. For the first time, Chris' team doesn't really have any glaring holes. The bigger question is health. If his team is able to maintain that, it's likely that he bests his personal best finish of a year ago. If not, things could go haywire really quickly.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Cleveland Browns (Kevin)
Last year’s finish: 21st (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Kevin's 2018 pre-season projection looks like, as of the moment of writing this, very similar to 2017. Drew Brees returns at QB, but running back is an empty hole, with only Mike Gilislee, Mike Davis, Rod Smith, and Akrum Wadley, none of whom currently project to have an early season role. That's a problem for the Browns. Wide Receiver is considerably more settled, with the combination of Jamison Crowder, Albert Wilson, Dez Bryant, should he sign, former 1st rounder Kevin White, and DeDe Westbrook, provided he can produce meaningful stats in a crowded Jacksonville receiving corps. Tight end is a little more unsettled, with only Tyler Kroft, flanking the oft-injured but returning Tyler Eifert in real life. Defensively, the Browns once again profile as a solid unit after finishing 12th in scoring on that side of the ball last year. Led by third-year superstar Joey Bosa, and Emmanuel Ogbah, provided that he keeps his job, on the defensive line, and second-year linebacking sensation T.J. Watt, as well as veteran Justin Houston, who may still have some value, and youngsters Martrell Spaight, Nicholas Morrow, and Jerome Baker, who might be able to work their own ways into value. The defensive backfield is quite numerous, but so far only second-year phenom Tre'Davious White, Reggie Nelson, and Mike Adams have ever had much of a fantasy value. Expect Cleveland's defense to hover around the same place it was last year.
X-factor: Running back again. For the second year in a row, running back is Kevin's crux. Find a running back without forfeiting one of the team's most important assets, and maybe this is the year Kevin upsets the division hierarchy and makes a moderate playoff run. Otherwise, third place seems like a pretty safe bet.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Pittsburgh Steelers (Garrett)
Last year’s finish: 2nd (Division: 1st)
Outlook: Garrett once again made the Super Bowl last year, his second appearance, on the strength of a defense that ranked #1, as well as an offense that ranked #2, but this time fell short against Matt's Vikings. Once again, it appears he is in the driver's seat in this division, but is perhaps not as solidly in command as he once was. Once again, Garrett returns the core of Le'Veon Bell and Rob Gronkowski, but whereas in seasons past he's supplemented that with Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, and Jordan Matthews (Who is still on his roster, but not on an actual team's roster), this year's version includes Kareem Hunt, who broke out last year after Garrett drafted him, T.Y. Hilton, whom he added in an off-season trade, and Will Fuller, who made the first impact of his career with Deshaun Watson last year. Beyond that is evidence of a bit of fraying at the fringes of his roster--Only Vance McDonald and Christian Kirk project to have any kind of early season impact (Outside of QB Ryan Tannehill that is). Also, missing from that #1 overall defense of a year ago are DL Everson Griffen, Devin McCourty, Keenan Robinson, and Cory James. Garrett has tried to replace them with a combination of Malcom Young, Bennie Logan, Antoine Bethea, Deshazor Everett, and Andre Hal. That'll probably plug the holes, but in addition to smaller roles for Mychal Kendricks (Who will now be splitting time with Joe Schobert) and Todd Davis, whose third down snaps will now be taken by Su'a Cravens, it certainly might make a dent in the high-end of this defense's production possibilities. This all may seem gloom and doom considering that the Steelers still have Zach Brown, Myles Jack, Mark Barron, Jahleel Addae, and Geno Atkins returning, but it's certainly worth noting. Expect that Pittsburgh's defense will drop a little in the rankings, but will still probably be top-5 in the league or just below.
X-factor: Depth/defense. Again, Garrett likely has the best team in the division, and probably even the conference--but it is getting closer, and though Garrett is 5-0 all-time against Chris, they play tight games. Outside of the drubbing Garrett delivered the Bengals in the Second Round of the playoffs last year, each of their last three games has been decided by less than 10 points--the last two by a touchdown or less. If healthy, Garrett still probably has just enough to get by, but his margin is shrinking.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the second of our divisional previews, this time the AFC South, which should drop in the next few days. Thanks again guys.
