We’re again for our annual version of preseason shock predictions — one for every of the 32 NFL groups forward of the 2025 season.
It is an odd idea, in fact, as a result of if we may predict these items then they should not actually be surprises. However the concept is to gather a few of the data I have been gathering across the league all through coaching camp and current a possible shock which will or could not have been in your radar as a fan. We hit potential stat leaders, under-the-radar groups, award candidates, sleeper gamers to observe and place teams which may look higher (or worse) than anticipated.
As all the time, I acknowledge that a few of these may be extra stunning than others, and that these of you who comply with a particular crew carefully won’t be as shocked as those that do not comply with stated crew that carefully. However we’re right here for all the folks, and we hope you take pleasure in it. Let’s start within the NFC East.
Leap to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
NFC EAST
Do not be shocked if … the Cowboys name edge rusher Micah Parsons’ bluff.
What I am listening to: Parsons continues to take a seat out practices as he awaits a contract extension, however this case has gone sideways. Staff proprietor and GM Jerry Jones believes he and Parsons agreed on the parameters of a deal again within the spring and that the deal modified materially as soon as Parsons bought his agent concerned. Parsons, in the meantime, believes it is Jones who’s guilty — that the proprietor ought to have all the time anticipated that he’d be coping with the agent. Parsons has demanded a commerce and refused to take part in observe or preseason video games.
The Cowboys’ season begins every week from Thursday in Philadelphia, and because the days dwindle, it appears to be like much less possible that Parsons will present up and play. Do not count on a last-minute Hail Mary just like the deal Dallas did with QB Dak Prescott on the morning of final season’s opener. Prescott was practising, and the 2 sides had been speaking. This factor appears much more frosty, and Jones seems dug in. Except Parsons relents and instructs his agent to get a deal carried out even when it is on the crew’s phrases, it is laborious to think about him getting his extension earlier than the season begins. So then Parsons has a option to make: play on his present contract or not, with the Cowboys overtly holding the specter of a 2026 franchise tag over him.
Do not be shocked if … the Giants lead the league in sacks.
What I am listening to: Phrase out of Giants camp is Abdul Carter is all the pieces the crew believed him to be when it made him the third decide on this 12 months’s draft. Including Carter to a defensive entrance that already options Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux ought to give the Giants one of many extra fearsome and tireless go rushes in the complete NFL.
There are a ton of questions on the offensive facet of the ball, even past the one about when Russell Wilson must go the beginning QB job over to rookie Jaxson Dart. However the protection up entrance ought to be the crew’s power, and it could possibly be sufficient to propel the Giants to some shock wins in opposition to their tough-looking schedule — particularly if they will generate turnovers and provides the offense some quick fields. New York tied for eighth in sacks final season with 45.
Do not be shocked if … they preserve tinkering with the protection.
What I am listening to: The reigning Tremendous Bowl champs misplaced 5 key contributors from final season’s protection and are working to exchange them with youthful gamers they’ve drafted in recent times, anticipating the roster turnover. They’re enthusiastic about guys like Moro Ojomo and Jalyx Hunt. They’re extraordinarily fired up about rookie first-round decide Jihaad Campbell. And with two-thirds of their wage cap dedicated to the offense, they may want manufacturing from younger gamers on the defensive facet of the ball.
However not each growth timetable goes as deliberate, and asking youthful gamers to tackle bigger roles brings some threat. This Eagles group has little interest in stopping at one Tremendous Bowl title. They’re considering dynasty ideas. We have already seen GM Howie Roseman make a number of trades this month, together with one which introduced in cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders to deal with a probably skinny space of the protection. Roseman will not sit on his arms if extra questions rise.
Do not be shocked if … Deebo Samuel will get some work at operating again.
What I am listening to: I do not suppose it’s going to be precisely prefer it was in San Francisco in 2021, when Samuel was getting six, seven carries per sport and infrequently even serving because the crew’s main operating again. However Washington’s coaches imagine Samuel could be a issue when lined up within the backfield, and so they’ll be in search of methods to get him touches. Do not forget that Wes Welker, who’s on the Commanders’ employees as a personnel analyst, was the 49ers’ large receivers coach for the primary three years of Samuel’s profession and has a robust relationship with him — and a fairly good concept of easy methods to get the perfect out of him.
Over six seasons, Samuel has 202 rushes for 1,143 yards and 20 TDs.
NFC NORTH
Do not be shocked if … rookie tight finish Colston Loveland is a big a part of the Bears’ offense.
What I am listening to: The Bears chosen Loveland tenth on this 12 months’s draft, so he isn’t any form of sleeper. However he took some time to rise up to hurry this offseason as a result of he was recovering from an harm, and for that cause, some may need puzzled if it’d take a while for him to work his manner into the offense.
I do not suppose it’s going to. Loveland is the man whose title comes up each time I ask any person about Bears camp. He is quarterback-friendly. He is massive and quick. He is polished in his route operating. He was wholesome to start out coaching camp, so he superior shortly as soon as August bought going. And his reference to quarterback Caleb Williams is alleged to already be excellent. The Bears have plenty of excellent go catchers, with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and Luther Burden III. However as Williams continues his growth underneath new coach Ben Johnson, he may lean on Loveland quite a bit — particularly early.
1:22
Yates: Loveland is ‘late-round flier’ TE choice in fantasy
Discipline Yates breaks down what Bears rookie Colston Loveland presents fantasy managers in want of a decent finish.
Do not be shocked if … Jahmyr Gibbs is the top-scoring fantasy operating again.
What I am listening to: Yeah, not precisely the boldest prediction, contemplating Gibbs was second in fantasy factors per sport final season and really scored essentially the most factors complete as a result of Saquon Barkley sat out Week 18. However lots of people credit score that to a livid end, which coincided with David Montgomery’s absence from the lineup.
Sure, Montgomery is again wholesome, which portends a return to the two-headed operating again operation that Detroit favors. However the Lions imagine Gibbs has one other gear to achieve. They suppose an improved Jameson Williams will open up the sector for shorter passes to the backs. And if they’ve a weak point, it is on the inside of their offensive line, the place middle Frank Ragnow retired. That might make the Lions much less prone to depend on Montgomery between the tackles and extra prone to get artistic with Gibbs in house.
Do not be shocked if … quarterback Jordan Love is an MVP finalist.
What I am listening to: It appears like Love will probably be totally wholesome and able to go for Week 1, even after having a process a few weeks in the past to deal with an harm to the thumb of his non-throwing hand. Do not forget that Love injured his knee in final season’s opener in opposition to the Eagles in Brazil and took some time to get again to full well being.
Bear in mind additionally that the Packers had the youngest roster within the league final season and nonetheless completed within the prime 5 in defensive EPA and defensive effectivity within the first 12 months of a brand new defensive system. They drafted Matthew Golden within the first spherical so as to add a possible true No. 1 WR to Love’s already deep large receiver corps. Additionally they have depth at tight finish, an affect operating again in Josh Jacobs and a robust offensive line. And of their seven losses final season, six got here to the Lions, Vikings and Eagles — the highest three groups within the NFC.
If the Packers can enhance their efficiency in opposition to the league’s prime contenders and Love can keep wholesome, they’re set as much as win plenty of video games this season. And in the event that they do this, their quarterback goes to be a prime MVP candidate.
Do not be shocked if … Jordan Mason leads the crew in speeding.
What I am listening to: The Vikings love Aaron Jones Sr. Should you’ve ever talked to Jones, you recognize why. He is a good participant and an ideal man to have in your locker room. However he is additionally 30 years previous and coming off a 322-touch season.
The Vikings traded for Mason, the previous 49ers again who they imagine provides an explosive factor to their run sport. Up to now, they have been thrilled with Mason’s play, and so they envision a fairly even break up in operating again duties this season between him and Jones. However throughout some Christian McCaffrey absences in San Francisco, Mason did present the power to perform as extra than simply a part of a tandem. He ran for 789 yards on 153 carries final season. So it isn’t laborious to image a situation through which the Vikings resolve to lean extra on him because the season goes alongside. Once more, nothing in opposition to Jones — this might simply be the pure evolution of issues in Minnesota.
NFC SOUTH
Do not be shocked if … tight finish Kyle Pitts Sr. finally ends up getting traded.
What I am listening to: A part of that is what I am seeing — or reasonably not seeing. Pitts is within the closing 12 months of his contract, enjoying for $10.878 million on the fifth-year choice from his rookie deal. The Falcons have made no transfer to increase him past this season. The fourth decide of the 2021 draft has averaged 49 catches per season and caught a complete of 10 landing passes in his four-year profession whereas struggling to persistently keep wholesome.
When No. 2 receiver Darnell Mooney went down with an harm early in coaching camp, there was plenty of speak about Atlanta filling that void by enjoying two-tight finish units and mainly utilizing Pitts as a receiver. And the Falcons completely may nonetheless attempt that. However there are positively indicators that they do not view Pitts as an ideal match for what they’re making an attempt to do on offense. Mooney’s coaching camp absence gave a few of the youthful receivers on the roster an opportunity to indicate what they will do, and if a number of of them has emerged as a dependable contributor by the point the commerce deadline rolls round, do not be shocked if Pitts is on the transfer.
Do not be shocked if … quarterback Bryce Younger is in line for a contract extension subsequent spring.
What I am listening to: The Panthers imagine the development Younger confirmed towards the top of final season will carry over into 2025 — not simply due to the way in which he carried out on the sector but in addition due to how comfy he bought in his function as beginning quarterback. Coaches really feel like Younger has turned a nook by way of his confidence and outward competitiveness. And now Carolina added large receiver Tetairoa McMillan within the first spherical of this 12 months’s draft to a receiver room that already included final 12 months’s first-round decide Xavier Legette and veteran Adam Thielen.
The Panthers may need an extended approach to go earlier than being aggressive (although perhaps not, if their offseason enhancements on protection have plenty of prompt affect). However they suppose they’ve Younger heading in the right direction after a disappointing rookie 12 months in 2023 and a tough begin to 2024 that noticed him benched for veteran Andy Dalton.
Do not be shocked if … Spencer Rattler will get a fairly future as beginning quarterback.
What I am listening to: The Saints introduced Rattler as their beginning QB on Tuesday. He beat out rookie Tyler Shough in a really shut coaching camp competitors. Shough was the fortieth decide within the draft and turns 26 subsequent month, so it is cheap to suppose they need him to play quickly. However Rattler has already surpassed expectations by beating out Shough, and if he performs within the common season the way in which he did all through camp, he may maintain on to the job longer than many count on.
Rattler had followers within the Saints’ constructing final season who felt he had extra room to develop. Shough will get his probability, and if the Saints begin dropping plenty of video games, perhaps they go to him only for the sake of change. However Rattler has the job for now, and I do not get the sense that it is a quick leash.
Do not be shocked if … rookie Emeka Egbuka is the Bucs’ main receiver.
What I am listening to: The crew has been completely raving about first-round decide Egbuka all through the summer season, praising him as hyper-advanced for a rookie in all sides of his sport. Chris Godwin, who’s working his manner again from a significant season-ending ankle harm, is on a really unsure timetable for returning to the sector and an much more unsure one for returning to his previous self. Veteran Mike Evans’ subsequent sub-1,000-yard season will probably be his first, however he’s 32 and missed three video games final season. And Jalen McMillan, final 12 months’s rookie standout who caught seven landing passes within the closing 5 video games of the season, will miss the beginning of 2025 due to a neck harm.
If he is all the pieces we’re being advised he’s, Egbuka can play any of the large receiver spots within the Tampa Bay offense, already has the belief of quarterback Baker Mayfield and seems in line for a large share of the goal alternative on one of many league’s finest offenses.
NFC WEST
Do not be shocked if … tight finish Trey McBride is the Cardinals’ main receiver once more.
What I am listening to: Certain, the Playing cards drafted large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth decide in 2024. And sure, all the pieces we have heard out of Arizona this offseason has indicated Harrison is enhancing on his reference to quarterback Kyler Murray and ought to be a much bigger a part of the offense than he was as a rookie. However that also does not imply he’ll be the largest a part of it.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system is constructed to function McBride as its prime goal, and all indications are that the Cardinals see no cause for that to vary. McBride is an distinctive participant who has been a dependable performer for Murray each time they have been on the sector collectively. And sure, fantasy soccer managers, I feel you’ll be able to count on his landing numbers to climb. McBride had 111 catches for 1,146 yards final season, however he scored simply two TDs.
Do not be shocked if … quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has to start out sooner or later.
What I am listening to: The Rams imagine beginning QB Matthew Stafford is on monitor to be wholesome and begin Week 1 after struggling all through camp with a again harm that stubbornly refused to comply with his or the crew’s restoration timetable. However Stafford is 37 years previous and has handled again points up to now. (To his credit score, he has discovered methods to play by them.) My understanding is that this is not one thing the Rams count on to sideline Stafford for an extended time frame or have an effect on his play early within the season, however that it is one thing that may have to be monitored and managed all through the season.
Meaning there may come every week when Stafford feels he cannot play by it. And that is the place you could possibly see backup Garoppolo — who began one sport final season — having to step in and preserve issues buzzing. Once more, I count on Stafford to robust this out and make it by the season; this Rams crew has him satisfied he can win one other Tremendous Bowl earlier than he is carried out. Nevertheless it won’t all the time be the smoothest course of.
1:02
Why Orlovsky is not overly involved concerning the Rams
Dan Orlovsky outlines why Matthew Stafford’s again harm is not impacting his expectations for the Rams.
Do not be shocked if … the 49ers find yourself again within the Tremendous Bowl.
What I am listening to: Good issues! I do not perceive why so many individuals are sleeping on the 49ers, who had been within the Tremendous Bowl two seasons in the past and noticed their 2024 season fully disintegrate due to accidents. They misplaced some guys this offseason, positive, however they nonetheless have Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner … I may go on, however you get the thought. A variety of expertise.
At this stage of their careers, McCaffrey and Williams specifically must be thought-about harm dangers, but when they keep wholesome, there is not any cause this cannot be an elite offense for quarterback Brock Purdy. Ricky Pearsall, the crew’s 2024 first-round decide who was recovering from a gunshot wound at the beginning of final season, seems poised to tackle a number one function whereas Jauan Jennings figures out his calf/contract state of affairs and Brandon Aiyuk works his manner again from a knee harm.
This crew has a superb probability to bounce all the way in which again to being among the best — if not the perfect — within the NFC, particularly in opposition to a schedule that features simply 4 video games in opposition to groups that made final season’s playoffs.
Do not be shocked if … their protection retains them within the playoff race.
What I am listening to: The Seahawks ranked within the prime 10 in defensive effectivity and defensive EPA final 12 months in Mike Macdonald’s first season as their coach, however they nonetheless completed in the course of the pack in yards allowed and factors allowed. Of their second 12 months in Macdonald’s system, they need to be dominant. His protection has labored in every single place he has been, together with the Ravens and the College of Michigan. His skill to scheme up pressures is pretty much as good as anybody’s. It takes time to study a brand new scheme, however after enjoying in it for a 12 months, Seattle’s defensive gamers are primed for a large season on that facet of the ball.
AFC EAST
Do not be shocked if … the Payments make a commerce or two to enhance their protection.
What I am listening to: Buffalo feels nice about its offense, which outscored each crew within the NFL final 12 months besides the Lions. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless placing issues collectively on the defensive facet of the ball, the place the Payments completed within the backside half of the league final season with 5.5 yards allowed per play. The security place has been a very thorny query mark, particularly contemplating how necessary that place is in coach Sean McDermott’s protection.
McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich have carried out a superb job in recent times of creating in-season changes and bringing that group collectively. However do not be shocked if the entrance workplace appears to be like to assist them out right here within the coming weeks or months with a strategic addition or two.
Do not be shocked if … the Dolphins are literally a wild-card contender.
What I am listening to: All the vibes are unhealthy, I get it. The Tua Tagovailoa-Tyreek Hill factor. A cornerback getting damage seemingly each different day. The truth that the Mike McDaniel magic mud appeared to all blow away final season in Yr 3. McDaniel is the most well-liked title on all the preseason scorching seat lists, and expectations for the Dolphins couldn’t be decrease.
However I do not know. I hate simply saying the identical factor everybody else is saying, and a go to to their coaching camp final month bought me considering it won’t be as horrible as of us are saying. The Dolphins began 2-6 final season however rebounded to win six of their subsequent eight and in the end finish the season 8-9. We have seen groups fold up in these conditions, and this one didn’t. McDaniel and the entrance workplace used that have to determine the robust tradition guys, transfer on from most of those that weren’t and usher in outdoors veterans with robust management reputations.
A ton rests on the Dolphins’ skill to maintain Tagovailoa wholesome; actually everybody you speak to in that constructing mentions it. And the favored outdoors opinion is that they did not make investments sufficient within the offensive line this offseason. However McDaniel was 20-14 in his first two seasons in Miami and made the playoffs each instances. There’s an opportunity — a probability — he may have the ability to get the Dolphins again to the place they had been in 2022 and 2023. I do know I am out on a limb right here, however generally you have to exit on a limb.
Do not be shocked if … rookie TreVeyon Henderson is the crew’s No. 1 operating again all season.
What I am listening to: Should you’ve been prepping for fantasy drafts, you are already throughout this. Henderson has been essentially the most explosive factor of the Patriots’ offense all through camp, and the teaching employees is wise sufficient to know New England wants some explosiveness. The considerations about Henderson are whether or not he can maintain as much as a full-time beginning RB’s workload, contemplating he break up carries with Quinshon Judkins final 12 months at Ohio State. Rhamondre Stevenson remains to be there if the Patriots wish to preserve the rookie’s workload lighter early within the season. However there’s some sentiment in Foxborough that Henderson goes to be the kind of participant they do not wish to take off the sector.
1:36
Why TreVeyon Henderson is making a leap in fantasy
Discipline Yates and Daniel Dopp clarify why TreVeyon Henderson is such an intriguing participant in fantasy.
Do not be shocked if … the Jets lead the league in speeding.
What I am listening to: They’re extraordinarily excessive on second-year operating again Braelon Allen, the 2024 fourth-round draft decide who’s nonetheless solely 21 years previous. Additionally they know what they’ve in Breece Corridor, who could be a main ball provider, a receiving again or some mixture of the 2. And in Justin Fields, the Jets have one of the electrifying runners on the quarterback place the league has ever seen. This crew’s offensive DNA goes to lie in its run sport. And if Fields can present a constant skill to get the ball downfield to Garrett Wilson within the passing sport, it’s going to solely open issues up extra for the Jets to run, run, run.
AFC NORTH
Do not be shocked if … large receiver Zay Flowers takes a third-year leap.
What I am listening to: The Ravens’ offensive identification remains to be going to be of their excellent run sport, however Flowers is their No. 1 large receiver, and his absence from final season’s divisional spherical playoff sport in Buffalo (knee) performed an element of their loss. He is wholesome now and has had a pleasant camp. However the principle cause I am searching for Flowers this season is the truth that DeAndre Hopkins has been on the crew because the spring.
Final 12 months on the Tremendous Bowl, Chiefs coaches had been raving to me concerning the affect Hopkins had after Kansas Metropolis acquired him — not as a go catcher however as a trainer, notably for rookie wideout Xavier Worthy. They talked about how Hopkins would seize the pill after a drive, stroll over to Worthy and educate him a few of the finer particulars about route-running methods. They felt Worthy’s improved efficiency all through the season was due partially to Hopkins’ assist, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh advised me once I visited their camp that he has seen comparable issues from Hopkins since he has been in Baltimore. Maybe Hopkins has the identical form of affect on Flowers that he had on Worthy.
Do not be shocked if … the Bengals return to the AFC Championship Recreation.
What I am listening to: The skin concern about the way in which the protection has regarded in preseason video games will not be shared by these contained in the constructing. The Bengals are putting in a brand new scheme underneath new defensive coordinator Al Golden, and the teaching employees made a acutely aware determination to place as little of that scheme on tape as potential within the televised preseason video games. Individuals who have been at observe say the first-team protection has carried out pretty properly in opposition to Joe Burrow and among the best offenses within the NFL — even with defensive finish Trey Hendrickson not taking part earlier than agreeing to his new deal.
Cincinnati’s protection has just one path to go after final season’s collapse. Opponents scored 25.5 factors per sport on the Bengals, tied for seventh most within the league. If that unit can get again to even the center of the pack, it is a harmful crew with a potent offense and gamers who know easy methods to win playoff video games. As poorly because the previous two seasons have gone in Cincinnati, the Bengals nonetheless managed to complete 9-8 in each of them. If that is all-time low, you’ve got a contending roster.
Do not be shocked if … rookie tight finish Harold Fannin Jr. catches plenty of passes.
What I am listening to: Fannin was one of the productive school tight ends of all time at Bowling Inexperienced, the place he set FBS single-season data for catches (117) and yards (1,555) by a decent finish in 2024. He slipped to the third spherical of the draft due to a disappointing 40-yard sprint time on the mix (4.71 seconds), however Browns coach Kevin Stefanski noticed a hyper-versatile, hyper-productive prospect who could possibly be utilized in quite a lot of alternative ways in his offense.
Incumbent David Njoku remains to be part of the plans, do not get me mistaken. However I feel we will see plenty of performs with Njoku and Fannin on the sector collectively. And whoever’s enjoying quarterback for the Browns — which is Joe Flacco for the time being — could have a simple time discovering the rookie.
Do not be shocked if … they use quite a bit of tight ends.
What I am listening to: Commerce acquisition large receiver DK Metcalf will probably be Aaron Rodgers’ prime goal within the passing sport, and the Steelers like their operating again room with rookie Kaleb Johnson creating behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Nevertheless it’s the depth at tight finish that would make coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense stunning and unconventional.
Veteran Pat Freiermuth leads the group, however it additionally consists of Jonnu Smith — who performed for Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta — Connor Heyward and the huge Darnell Washington. The Steelers imagine the depth and selection in that group will enable them to indicate quite a lot of completely different appears to be like to opposing defenses. With the large receiver depth chart considerably skinny and stuffed with query marks after Metcalf, look for lots of 12- and 13-personnel units from the Steelers in 2025.
AFC SOUTH
Do not be shocked if … the Texans have the perfect protection within the league.
What I am listening to: Houston is extraordinarily excited concerning the high quality and depth of its defensive roster. On the again finish, second-year cornerback Kamari Lassiter and second-year security Calen Bullock appear to be rising stars alongside famous person nook Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans are additionally deep at linebacker and have a pair of high-end edge rushers up entrance in veteran Danielle Hunter and second-year man Will Anderson Jr. If there are questions, they’re in all probability at defensive deal with — although Houston added a handful of veterans like Sheldon Rankins, Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards Jr. to shore up its depth there.
The Texans had been within the prime 5 in defensive effectivity and defensive EPA final season, and solely Denver, Baltimore and Dallas had extra sacks than their 49. There are plenty of eyes on the Houston offense and whether or not quarterback C.J. Stroud can make them a bounce-back season behind a rebuilt offensive line and underneath a brand new coordinator. However regardless, the Texans ought to be a dominant protection week to week.
Do not be shocked if … the Colts pull an upset and win the division.
What I am listening to: They’ve an enormous query mark at quarterback. Daniel Jones beat out Anthony Richardson Sr. for the starter’s job as a result of he was steadier, not as a result of he was spectacular. But when Jones can keep wholesome and play the way in which he did for the Giants of their shock 2022 playoff season, the Colts imagine they will construct a consultant offense behind operating again Jonathan Taylor, a robust offensive line and rookie tight finish Tyler Warren (who they imagine could be a star immediately). The protection added some key items, not the least of which is former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Indy ought to be quite a bit higher on that facet of the ball than most suppose.
No crew within the AFC South has gone longer with out profitable it than the Colts, who final completed atop the division in 2014 with Andrew Luck at quarterback. With that form of drought and the crew underneath considerably new possession (the late Jim Irsay’s daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon is the crew’s new CEO), there’s plenty of stress on the teaching employees and entrance workplace to ship — and shortly.
Do not be shocked if … a pair of rookies takes over the backfield by 12 months’s finish.
What I am listening to: Barring a commerce between now and Week 1, the Jaguars look poised to enter the season with a operating again room that features Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten and seventh-round rookie LeQuint Allen Jr. Etienne and Bigsby may lead the backfield to start out the season, however the brand new teaching employees and entrance workplace inherited them. They drafted Tuten, whose house run pace is engaging sufficient that he ought to drive his manner into a significant function comparatively quickly, and Allen, who they imagine will be their third-down again. Etienne is a free agent at season’s finish, and Bigsby is signed by 2026. So a altering of the guard within the Jags’ backfield could possibly be afoot earlier than lengthy.
Do not be shocked if … rookie Elic Ayomanor is the No. 2 receiver.
What I am listening to: The fourth-rounder out of Stanford has developed a robust rapport with rookie QB Cam Ward and has impressed coaches along with his efficiency all through coaching camp. Calvin Ridley initiatives because the No. 1 receiver, however after him, it is veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson and rookies Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Ward has publicly pumped up his large receiver group as a top-five unit within the league. And whereas that may be an exaggeration, it does quite a bit for a large receiver when his quarterback speaks extremely of him. Do not be shocked if Ayomanor is an element.
AFC WEST
Do not be shocked if … veteran J.Ok. Dobbins is the Broncos’ lead operating again.
What I am listening to: The Broncos like second-round rookie RJ Harvey quite a bit, however he is nonetheless engaged on his pass-protection abilities, and it appears like Denver trusts Dobbins extra in that division. That is a requirement for a operating again in a Sean Payton offense. If Dobbins can do all the pieces the Broncos want there (and Harvey cannot fairly but), I might count on Dobbins to open the season because the crew’s major early-down operating again with Harvey mixing in a superb variety of touches.
Because the season goes alongside, may Harvey tackle extra of a starter’s workload? In fact, and which may even be the crew’s hope. However at the least to start out the season, count on Dobbins to get the vast majority of the work.
0:45
Why Discipline Yates likes the ‘reliability’ of J.Ok. Dobbins
Discipline Yates explains why J.Ok. Dobbins is a greater wager than RJ Harvey in drafts.
Do not be shocked if … the Chiefs commerce for a operating again.
What I am listening to: Isiah Pacheco is wholesome and able to resume the lead again function the crew deliberate for him earlier than his early-season damaged proper leg final 12 months, however the room is skinny behind him. Veteran Kareem Hunt simply turned 30, and the Chiefs may use rookie Brashard Smith in a extra nontraditional function that takes benefit of his receiving abilities as he develops. The Chiefs may use a third-down again with some go safety skill and will probably be commerce and waiver prospects as rosters get tinkered with forward of Week 1.
Do not be shocked if … quarterback Geno Smith units a profession excessive in passing yards.
What I am listening to: Smith’s present profession excessive is the 4,320 he put up final season in Seattle behind a substandard offensive line. Las Vegas does not have an ideal O-line, however there are indicators that it ought to be higher than what he had in Seattle. Plus, second-year tight finish Brock Bowers and rookie operating again Ashton Jeanty deliver explosiveness to the offense and can provide new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly the power to get artistic with alignments and play calls.
Smith wished to be in Las Vegas and reunite with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, so he is in a superb headspace and enjoying a few of the finest soccer of his profession.
Do not be shocked if … operating again Omarion Hampton wins Offensive Rookie of the Yr.
What I am listening to: The Chargers actually like veteran operating again Najee Harris. They gave him $5.25 million assured in free company and anticipated him being their beginning operating again, even after drafting Hampton within the first spherical. However Harris suffered an unlucky eye harm in July that price him a ton of coaching camp observe time. Within the meantime, my understanding is that Hampton emerged shortly.
Harris ought to nonetheless be within the combine as soon as he is again and totally wholesome, and that would properly be in time for Week 1. However regardless of what offensive coordinator Greg Roman has been saying concerning the backs splitting snaps, I feel Hampton is in line for a significant function because the starter for the Chargers. And if he is what they thought he could possibly be after they spent that first-round decide on him, he may simply take the starter’s job immediately and by no means look again.
