Post by Cincinnati Bengals (Chris) on Sept 4, 2018 3:59:42 GMT -5
NFC WEST
The NFC West has been rather rocky since leaving the Midwest Football League, and that didn’t change last year—though the division did produce two playoff teams for the first time since 2014, in Seattle and Arizona. There was no Super Bowl on the plate for Cecil on that occasion, as it turns out, but he’ll be looking to rectify that this time around. Can anyone hope to contain him in 2018? Can Mett get 6-6 Arizona back to where they’re contending neck-and-neck with the Seahawks in 2014? Can Trey build on his best season by finish and try to nab a playoff spot? And will Nate get off the launching pad to contend for a spot as well? 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.
Arizona Cardinals (Mett)
Last year’s finish: 15th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Mett found some success again in 2017, following two years of losing records (5-7 in both 2015 and 2016, after entering the league at 10-2 in 2014). Much of that success was due to a great gamble he made in the offseason, trading for the league’s second-highest-scoring player, Carson Wentz (4 points off Russell Wilson’s lead) through Week 13, when he suffered his ACL injury and missed the rest of the season (It’s possible he would’ve passed Wilson that week, as he still had game time left when he suffered the injury. Though he did qualify for the playoffs as the 7-seed, he was swiftly eliminated by eventual league champion, Matt, by 26+ points in the first round of the playoffs. This team perhaps has the talent to replicate that success, but needs quite a bit of luck, and perhaps some work, to achieve that, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, in addition to Wentz, the Cardinals sport potentially exciting rookie Royce Freeman, who reportedly just won the lion’s share of work in the Denver backfield. Arizona also returns Jacquizz Rodgers at running back, for whatever work he can siphon off in the Tampa Bay backfield. At receiver, Mett sports Golden Tate, still an elite option, Keelan Cole, who looks primed to be Jacksonville’s #1 WR this year, and ancillary pieces Travis Benjamin, Trent Taylor, and T.J. Jones (In addition to Kendall Wright, provided he should resurface). Tight end is pretty barren right now for Mett, as it includes just Geoff Swaim and the just-released Clive Walford. On defense, the outlook is a lot less rosy—as FantasyPros, the site that I am now using in conjunction with Fantrax, and PFF, projects as the worst defense in the league. The line returns intact (Minus castoff Hau’oli Kikaha) with Eddie Goldman, Malik Jackson, and Coret Liuget. Combined, it was an average unit in 2017. At linebacker, Dylan Cole returns after a solid rookie year, but there are questions about his role. Fred Warner is an enticing rookie, who is backing up Reuben Foster (Though he is slated to start in his stead through the first two weeks), and serviceable veterans Brian Orakpo and Nick Perry. Defensive back is manned by Trumaine Johnson, Damarious Randall, Desmond Trufant, and Davon House. It’s not a particularly noteworthy group based on past performance, but could be league average or slightly better.
X-factor: Defense. As outlined above, Arizona has as good a chance as any to serve as runner-up to Cecil in this division, but he’s going to have to make some improvements on this side of the ball to do so. Otherwise, it could be another 5-7 campaign.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Los Angeles Rams (Trey)
Last year’s finish: 23rd (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Trey had his best season by record in 2017, at 5-7, finishing third in the division, and was one game and one spot out of the playoffs, though in a notoriously soft NFC. His chances of repeating or improving upon that feat in 2018 likely depend on several key factors. Firstly, relying on Sam Bradford, and only Sam Bradford (For health reasons), is a recipe for disaster. Luckily, Trey mitigated that some by drafting Eli Manning backup Kyle Lauletta, and though Manning has been as durable as they come, father time is undefeated, and he figures to get hit aplenty this year, looking at the real-life Giants’ OL. Secondly, what will the roles be for second-year back Jamaal Williams and rookie rusher Nyheim Hines? Both figure to play a part in committees, but to what degree? If both win the majority of the touches in their respective backfields outright, Trey will be a serious contender for a playoff spot in the NFC. Thirdly, can Amari Cooper recover to play at the level he did in his first two seasons in the pros? Trey doesn’t have a lot of receiving help around him (Though presently injured TE Hayden Hurst could potentially become an intriguing option later this year). Lastly, can any superstars emerge from this defense? Kyle Van Noy, Kenny Clark, Ronald Darby, and Ryan Kerrigan are all solid options, but can any of them, or perhaps Shaquill Griffin, or rookie Bradley Chubb, turn the corner? If not, we’re looking at a below-average to average unit.
X-factor: High-end performers. Maybe some are already on the roster--maybe not. It’s hard to say with so many players being eased into new roles. But right now, it’s a roster devoid of many serious difference makers. I’ll admit that might change, but that’s just the scale of things right now.
Projected division finish: 4th
San Francisco 49ers (Nate)
Last year’s finish: 27th (Division: 4th)
Outlook: The San Francisco 49ers’ franchise has been all over board (But never good) since our former commissioner, Mike, left the league (And left the Niners’ franchise footing the bill from his last-year attempt to go all-in and win it all), a trend that new owner Nate is no doubt hoping to end. Offensively, San Francisco is really a mixed bag. Eli Manning returns at quarterback, but rookie signal caller Josh Rosen joins the fold as well. Lamar Miller also returns at running back, where he’s been a top-20 option since arriving in Houston. However, there are some concerns over workload, especially when Dont’a Foreman returns. Isaiah Crowell should also put up some significant points, though from what is looking like the back half of a committee with Bilal Powell. Rookies John Kelly and Bo Scarbrough (Less so) also represent potential options if their teams’ lead runners go down. Wide receiver is an issue, where the Niners rate near league-worst, but rookies Trey Quinn, Dante Pettis, and Keke Coutee provide some optimism for future stability, maybe as soon as by the end of this year. Tight end production is also cast in doubt for Nate, with only Benjamin Watson, who is outperforming expectations for his age, and Luke Willson, who may have a role in Detroit’s TE group, on the roster. On the defensive side of the ball, the outlook is no different. San Fracisco is strong in some areas—like at defensive back, where Darius Slay, Darian Stewart, and Jalen Ramsey form an above average unit. Defensive line also looks okay for the 49ers, with Bruce Irvin and Julius Peppers both having been productive in the past, and high-upside rookies Marcus Davenport and Taven Bryan all options there. Linebacker is a little worse off, with only three on the roster, and only one ticketed for a guaranteed role (Jamie Collins), though his projection should improve with the Browns’ release of Mychal Kendricks. Beyond that, Samson Ebukam and Craig Robertson are the only backers in San Fran’s stable.
X-factor: Receiving options and linebacker. There are significant holes at each of these positions that are going to limit the Niners’ ability to contend. Perhaps if Rosen ever wrestles the Arizona job from Bradford, San Fran can get a return for Eli that fills one or two of those needs.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Seattle Seahawks (Cecil)
Last year’s finish: 9th (Division: 1st)
Outlook: As always with Cecil, I find myself thinking how ridiculously deep and talented (Fantasy Pros ranks him with the league’s #1 starters and bench) this team is, and this year is no exception. Just going down the list, here’s what the Seahawks have:
• Three current starting running backs (Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Chris Carson), plus Tarik Cohen, who was a lightning rod in his rookie campaign
• Two of the top receivers in the game (Julio Jones and Mike Evans), as well as another who can be when present and in his right mind, in Josh Gordon
• Three starting tight ends (Travis Kelce, O.J. Howard, and if Adam Gase’s recent comments are meant to be taken with any seriousness, Mike Gesicki as well)
• Two former top-5 picks at DL (Myles Garrett and Soloman Thomas), both of whom are seemingly ready to blow up this season
• Five starting linebackers for now (Deion Jones, Darron Lee, Shaq Thompson, Ben Gedeon, and Shaquem Griffin), and another potentially if/when Rueben Foster returns from his suspension.
• Several of most-talented defensive backs in the league, including Jamal Adams, Derwin James, Budda Baker, and Andrew Sendejo.
X-factor: Quarterback. This has been an area in flux for Cecil since RGIII lost his job for good in 2014—and though not having a quarterback didn’t cost the Seahawks their playoff lives last year, it surely could’ve down the line had he made it that far. Cecil spent a very high pick on Pat Mahomes in last year’s draft, just as the Chiefs did in the actual draft, so obviously he’s confident in his talent. Talent aside, Mahomes has been known to make some head case throws…and more than just a few. So while it’s great that he has the arm talent and the bravado, sometimes that can work against him. If he runs with the job and is able to play turnover-free football, he’ll be a stabilizing force for Seattle, and perhaps give him the weapon he needs to get over the top again and truly not hold him back. But if he struggles with interceptions, something he did as recently as this training camp, it’s possible we’re looking at a really dismal outing from that position in Seattle again. Regardless, Cecil should have enough to win this division with his eyes closed, but what happens beyond that might depend on Mahomes’ ability to stay away from the bad play.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the fifth of our divisional previews, this time the AFC West, which should drop later today or tonight. Thanks again guys.
The NFC West has been rather rocky since leaving the Midwest Football League, and that didn’t change last year—though the division did produce two playoff teams for the first time since 2014, in Seattle and Arizona. There was no Super Bowl on the plate for Cecil on that occasion, as it turns out, but he’ll be looking to rectify that this time around. Can anyone hope to contain him in 2018? Can Mett get 6-6 Arizona back to where they’re contending neck-and-neck with the Seahawks in 2014? Can Trey build on his best season by finish and try to nab a playoff spot? And will Nate get off the launching pad to contend for a spot as well? 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.
Arizona Cardinals (Mett)
Last year’s finish: 15th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Mett found some success again in 2017, following two years of losing records (5-7 in both 2015 and 2016, after entering the league at 10-2 in 2014). Much of that success was due to a great gamble he made in the offseason, trading for the league’s second-highest-scoring player, Carson Wentz (4 points off Russell Wilson’s lead) through Week 13, when he suffered his ACL injury and missed the rest of the season (It’s possible he would’ve passed Wilson that week, as he still had game time left when he suffered the injury. Though he did qualify for the playoffs as the 7-seed, he was swiftly eliminated by eventual league champion, Matt, by 26+ points in the first round of the playoffs. This team perhaps has the talent to replicate that success, but needs quite a bit of luck, and perhaps some work, to achieve that, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, in addition to Wentz, the Cardinals sport potentially exciting rookie Royce Freeman, who reportedly just won the lion’s share of work in the Denver backfield. Arizona also returns Jacquizz Rodgers at running back, for whatever work he can siphon off in the Tampa Bay backfield. At receiver, Mett sports Golden Tate, still an elite option, Keelan Cole, who looks primed to be Jacksonville’s #1 WR this year, and ancillary pieces Travis Benjamin, Trent Taylor, and T.J. Jones (In addition to Kendall Wright, provided he should resurface). Tight end is pretty barren right now for Mett, as it includes just Geoff Swaim and the just-released Clive Walford. On defense, the outlook is a lot less rosy—as FantasyPros, the site that I am now using in conjunction with Fantrax, and PFF, projects as the worst defense in the league. The line returns intact (Minus castoff Hau’oli Kikaha) with Eddie Goldman, Malik Jackson, and Coret Liuget. Combined, it was an average unit in 2017. At linebacker, Dylan Cole returns after a solid rookie year, but there are questions about his role. Fred Warner is an enticing rookie, who is backing up Reuben Foster (Though he is slated to start in his stead through the first two weeks), and serviceable veterans Brian Orakpo and Nick Perry. Defensive back is manned by Trumaine Johnson, Damarious Randall, Desmond Trufant, and Davon House. It’s not a particularly noteworthy group based on past performance, but could be league average or slightly better.
X-factor: Defense. As outlined above, Arizona has as good a chance as any to serve as runner-up to Cecil in this division, but he’s going to have to make some improvements on this side of the ball to do so. Otherwise, it could be another 5-7 campaign.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Los Angeles Rams (Trey)
Last year’s finish: 23rd (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Trey had his best season by record in 2017, at 5-7, finishing third in the division, and was one game and one spot out of the playoffs, though in a notoriously soft NFC. His chances of repeating or improving upon that feat in 2018 likely depend on several key factors. Firstly, relying on Sam Bradford, and only Sam Bradford (For health reasons), is a recipe for disaster. Luckily, Trey mitigated that some by drafting Eli Manning backup Kyle Lauletta, and though Manning has been as durable as they come, father time is undefeated, and he figures to get hit aplenty this year, looking at the real-life Giants’ OL. Secondly, what will the roles be for second-year back Jamaal Williams and rookie rusher Nyheim Hines? Both figure to play a part in committees, but to what degree? If both win the majority of the touches in their respective backfields outright, Trey will be a serious contender for a playoff spot in the NFC. Thirdly, can Amari Cooper recover to play at the level he did in his first two seasons in the pros? Trey doesn’t have a lot of receiving help around him (Though presently injured TE Hayden Hurst could potentially become an intriguing option later this year). Lastly, can any superstars emerge from this defense? Kyle Van Noy, Kenny Clark, Ronald Darby, and Ryan Kerrigan are all solid options, but can any of them, or perhaps Shaquill Griffin, or rookie Bradley Chubb, turn the corner? If not, we’re looking at a below-average to average unit.
X-factor: High-end performers. Maybe some are already on the roster--maybe not. It’s hard to say with so many players being eased into new roles. But right now, it’s a roster devoid of many serious difference makers. I’ll admit that might change, but that’s just the scale of things right now.
Projected division finish: 4th
San Francisco 49ers (Nate)
Last year’s finish: 27th (Division: 4th)
Outlook: The San Francisco 49ers’ franchise has been all over board (But never good) since our former commissioner, Mike, left the league (And left the Niners’ franchise footing the bill from his last-year attempt to go all-in and win it all), a trend that new owner Nate is no doubt hoping to end. Offensively, San Francisco is really a mixed bag. Eli Manning returns at quarterback, but rookie signal caller Josh Rosen joins the fold as well. Lamar Miller also returns at running back, where he’s been a top-20 option since arriving in Houston. However, there are some concerns over workload, especially when Dont’a Foreman returns. Isaiah Crowell should also put up some significant points, though from what is looking like the back half of a committee with Bilal Powell. Rookies John Kelly and Bo Scarbrough (Less so) also represent potential options if their teams’ lead runners go down. Wide receiver is an issue, where the Niners rate near league-worst, but rookies Trey Quinn, Dante Pettis, and Keke Coutee provide some optimism for future stability, maybe as soon as by the end of this year. Tight end production is also cast in doubt for Nate, with only Benjamin Watson, who is outperforming expectations for his age, and Luke Willson, who may have a role in Detroit’s TE group, on the roster. On the defensive side of the ball, the outlook is no different. San Fracisco is strong in some areas—like at defensive back, where Darius Slay, Darian Stewart, and Jalen Ramsey form an above average unit. Defensive line also looks okay for the 49ers, with Bruce Irvin and Julius Peppers both having been productive in the past, and high-upside rookies Marcus Davenport and Taven Bryan all options there. Linebacker is a little worse off, with only three on the roster, and only one ticketed for a guaranteed role (Jamie Collins), though his projection should improve with the Browns’ release of Mychal Kendricks. Beyond that, Samson Ebukam and Craig Robertson are the only backers in San Fran’s stable.
X-factor: Receiving options and linebacker. There are significant holes at each of these positions that are going to limit the Niners’ ability to contend. Perhaps if Rosen ever wrestles the Arizona job from Bradford, San Fran can get a return for Eli that fills one or two of those needs.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Seattle Seahawks (Cecil)
Last year’s finish: 9th (Division: 1st)
Outlook: As always with Cecil, I find myself thinking how ridiculously deep and talented (Fantasy Pros ranks him with the league’s #1 starters and bench) this team is, and this year is no exception. Just going down the list, here’s what the Seahawks have:
• Three current starting running backs (Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Chris Carson), plus Tarik Cohen, who was a lightning rod in his rookie campaign
• Two of the top receivers in the game (Julio Jones and Mike Evans), as well as another who can be when present and in his right mind, in Josh Gordon
• Three starting tight ends (Travis Kelce, O.J. Howard, and if Adam Gase’s recent comments are meant to be taken with any seriousness, Mike Gesicki as well)
• Two former top-5 picks at DL (Myles Garrett and Soloman Thomas), both of whom are seemingly ready to blow up this season
• Five starting linebackers for now (Deion Jones, Darron Lee, Shaq Thompson, Ben Gedeon, and Shaquem Griffin), and another potentially if/when Rueben Foster returns from his suspension.
• Several of most-talented defensive backs in the league, including Jamal Adams, Derwin James, Budda Baker, and Andrew Sendejo.
X-factor: Quarterback. This has been an area in flux for Cecil since RGIII lost his job for good in 2014—and though not having a quarterback didn’t cost the Seahawks their playoff lives last year, it surely could’ve down the line had he made it that far. Cecil spent a very high pick on Pat Mahomes in last year’s draft, just as the Chiefs did in the actual draft, so obviously he’s confident in his talent. Talent aside, Mahomes has been known to make some head case throws…and more than just a few. So while it’s great that he has the arm talent and the bravado, sometimes that can work against him. If he runs with the job and is able to play turnover-free football, he’ll be a stabilizing force for Seattle, and perhaps give him the weapon he needs to get over the top again and truly not hold him back. But if he struggles with interceptions, something he did as recently as this training camp, it’s possible we’re looking at a really dismal outing from that position in Seattle again. Regardless, Cecil should have enough to win this division with his eyes closed, but what happens beyond that might depend on Mahomes’ ability to stay away from the bad play.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the fifth of our divisional previews, this time the AFC West, which should drop later today or tonight. Thanks again guys.