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32 essential betting notes for 32 NFL teams in 2016
New England has won 10 or more games in 13 consecutive years. The Patriots have also won the AFC East title seven straight years, and in 12 of the last 13 years overall.
It's been a wild offseason in the National Football league. Since the Denver Broncos hoisted the Lombardi Trophy on February 7, 2016 at Super Bowl 50 we've been treated to retirements, coaching changes, injuries, quarterback changes, suspensions, and much more. Consider this your refresher course before digging back in to betting on NFL football.
Here are 32 betting notes for 32 NFL teams:
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (2015: 8-8 SU, 7-8-1 ATS)
The Bills have had only one winning season since 2004, and they haven’t made the playoffs since 1999. Over the last 18 years, Buffalo has had eight different head coaches. The biggest issue surrounding the Bills is on the offensive side of the ball. Buffalo’s offense has ranked 22nd and worse in points scored in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
Miami Dolphins (2015: 6-10 SU, 5-11 ATS)
The Dolphins’ wins came against the dregs of the league last season. Seven of Miami’s 10 losses in 2015 came by 10 points or more and since its roster is weaker than in year’s past, this may be a long 2016 for the Dolphins. Miami has only made the playoffs twice over the last 15 seasons with its last appearance coming in 2008. That streak will remain intact in 2016.
New England Patriots (2015: 12-4 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
New England has won 10 or more games in 13 consecutive years. The Patriots have also won the AFC East title seven straight years, and in 12 of the last 13 years overall. New England has been the best team in the NFL for the last decade plus, and it’s not even debatable. The Patriots come into this season off an AFC Championship loss to Denver, so the team has plenty of motivation for 2016. As long as Bill Belichick is the coach and Tom Brady is the quarterback, the Patriots are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, even if its only for 12 games.
New York Jets (2015: 10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS)
As it was before Todd Bowles, New York’s offense is the biggest issue for the Jets. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had a terrific season, but it’s hard to imagine him duplicating those results in 2016. New York’s schedule will also be much tougher this season, so the team must improve greatly in multiple areas if they want to come close to double-digit wins again.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (2015: 5-11 SU, 5-9-2 ATS)
The Ravens have some concerns on offense heading into 2016. Quarterback Joe Flacco is coming off an ACL injury, so it’s unknown if he’ll return to his previous form. Baltimore only averaged 20 points and 359 yards per game last season and scored less than that average in seven games. Marc Trestman’s first year as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator was a major disappointment and unless he rights the ship, the Ravens will have another losing season in 2016.
Cincinnati Bengals (2015: 12-4 SU, 12-3-1 ATS)
The Bengals have been a very good regular season team over the last five years. However, they failed to show up in their playoff game once again, and lost 18-16 in Pittsburgh. That’s five straight playoff losses in which Cincinnati scored 16 points or less. As of now, QB Andy Dalton has the "can’t win the big game" label, and that moniker is well deserved. The coaching seems stale with Marvin Lewis and a new voice may be what the Bengals need to get over the hump.
Cleveland Browns (2015: 3-13 SU, 5-10-1 ATS)
Cleveland’s regression in 2015 was expected. In 2014, the Browns went 7-9 after opening the season with a 7-4 record. Cleveland was not as good as a seven-win team, and it figured to decline last season. The Browns will be led by new head coach Hue Jackson who brings an offensive mentality to the team after being a successful coordinator in the league. Cleveland has very low expectations for good reason, but it may surprise an opponent or two in 2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2015: 10-6 SU, 8-6-2 ATS)
The Steelers are an old and aging team with a defense that overachieved in 2015. Pittsburgh only allowed 20 points and 356 yards per game, but don’t expect a repeat of that in 2016. Pittsburgh won five games by seven points or less, including two wins when its defense gave up 35 and 27 points.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans (2015: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS)
The Texans’ biggest concern once again is the quarterback position. Houston signed Brock Osweiller from Denver, and O’Brien’s success with quarterbacks cannot be underestimated. But Osweiller is still relatively inexperienced, and learning a new offense can take time. Houston went 0-8 SU when their defense gave up 21 points or more last season, so that is a key stat to keep an eye on in 2016.
Indianapolis Colts (2015: 8-8 SU, 8-8 ATS)
The Colts’ defense certainly needs to improve upon their 25 points per game allowed from last season. Indianapolis actually gave up more points than their average in seven games; they went 1-6 SU in those games with the lone win coming by just 2 points against a poor Tennessee team. Indianapolis also tends to win a lot of close games, and in fact, seven of their eight wins last season came by seven points or less.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2015: 5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS)
The Jaguars won 5 games in 2015, but they are set to breakout in 2016. Quarterback Blake Bortles will lead a potent Jacksonville offense that improved by a full touchdown per game (16 to 23 points per game) last season. Jacksonville has a young roster, and head coach Gus Bradley’s fourth season should be the best for the Jaguars in quite some time.
Tennessee Titans (2015: 3-13 SU, 5-11 ATS)
Tennessee drafted quarterback Marcus Mariota prior to the 2015 season in hopes he would be their franchise player. Mariota was spectacular in Week 1 against the Buccaneers last year, and he set franchise records for most touchdowns (19), completions (230), and passing yards (2,818) despite missing four games with knee injuries. Mariota will now play with more experience, and the addition of proven running back DeMarco Murray should make the Tennessee offense more balanced and unpredictable.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (2015: 12-4 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
They have a dominating defense that won the Super Bowl last season. The Broncos ranked 1st in the league in yards allowed (283) and passing yards allowed (200) per game last year. They also had the third best rush defense (83 yards per game). A rare situation where the defending Super Bowl champion enters the season with something to prove as an underdog. They have no experience at quarterback. Denver cut veteran QB Mark Sanchez which means they enter the season with two quarterbacks, Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, who have never started a regular season game.
Kansas City Chiefs (2015: 11-5 SU, 8-8 ATS)
They went 5-1 SU versus division opponents last season. Kansas City out-scored all opponents by +7.4 points per game (25.3-17.9) which was one of the best margins in the league. They are deep at running back and finished 6th in the NFL last year with 128 rushing yards per game. The defense finished 3rd overall in points allowed (17.9 ppg). They have a tough non-conference schedule of opponents which includes road trips to Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Carolina and Atlanta.
Oakland Raiders (2015: 7-9 SU, 8-8 ATS)
The team is on the rise with second year head coach Jack Del Rio. They also have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league with Derek Carr who made huge improvements in his second season last year with a 91.1 QB rating and 32/13 touchdown/interception ratio. While their passing offense was strong last year, their rushing attack was weak, averaging just 91 yards per game which ranked 28th overall in the NFL. Pass defense was also an issue, allowing 259 yards per game which ranked 26th in the league. The Raiders have not made the playoffs or had a winning season since 2002.
San Diego Chargers (2015: 4-12 SU, 8-8 ATS)
They were better than a 4-win team last season as they lost several close games. In fact, San Diego was just 3-7 SU in games decided by 7 points or less. In a quarterback driven league, the Chargers still have one of the best signal callers with Philip Rivers who had a solid 93.8 QB rating and 29/13 TD/INT ratio last year. Defense remains a concern, especially the rush defense which ranked 27th in the NFL and allowed 125 yards per game last season, after allowing 124 rushing yards in 2014 (ranked 26th). The rushing offense is also a concern, averaging just 85 yards per game the past two years, ranking 31st in the NFL last season and 30th the year before.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (2015: 4-12 SU, 4-11-1 ATS)
Dallas went 1-11 without Romo last year and he's hurt again, so there’s not much that can be done. The 4-12 finish was the worst season for the Cowboys since 1989. This time it will be roookie sensation Dak Prescott who will try and keep the ship afloat in Romo's absence. The offense has the ability to be one of the best with strong QB play. The defense has issues up front with the pass rush and the secondary is far from strong. The schedule strength is based on results from last season and the majority of the teams the Cowboys face outside of the division should be better. They could have a tougher time than some may think.
New York Giants (2015: 6-10 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
While those free agency signings on defense were big news, the Giants were dead last in total defense a season ago, so how much they can improve the stop unit remains to be seen. The offense is solid but it is not good enough to outscore opponents on a weekly basis, especially with a shaky offensive line. New York has not won 10 games since 2010 and despite playing in a relatively weak division and having an easy schedule on paper, it will not come easy. Like the Cowboys, the majority of non-division games are against improving teams.
Philadelphia Eagles (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-9 ATS, 8-8 O/U)
The future is not now for the Eagles. Carson Wentz will start in Week 1 if he's healthy after Sam Bradford was traded to Minnesota. So it could get a little rocky in the City of Brotherly love. As bad as the defense was last year, it may actually end up being better than the offense this season. The Eagles, unlike what the other teams did in the division, did not reload for the present so it looks more and more like a rebuilding situation in Philadelphia at least for one season.
Washington Redskins (2015: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS)
While Washington looked good at times last year, most of that was in a 4-0 finish to the regular season where wins came against teams whose seasons were already done. The Redskins kind of backed into the division title because nobody wanted it so last year may have just been an aberration. They will have to ride Cousins’ arm once again and while signing Norman was big, the Redskins still possessed the No. 28 total defense in the NFL. The division is weak but Washington will not be sneaking up on anyone this year.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (2015: 6-10 SU, 8-8 ATS)
Chicago lost Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett, but it had one of the best drafts in the NFL while also having the best free agency in the NFC. Injuries played a big factor in the struggles last season. Only four players started all 16 games, so the unfortunate luck there should turn around. Additionally, the Bears will have Kevin White, who missed all of last season, paired up with Alshon Jeffrey to give Jay Cutler two solid weapons outside. The Bears defense was awful last year but John Fox is in his second season and should have the defense in a better spot.
Detroit Lions (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-9 ATS
The loss of Calvin Johnson can’ be understated as he was almost uncoverable at times, so the offense has to take a step down. Matthew Stafford is considered by some to be one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL but he is just 42-51 as a starter and that could be much worse if he didn’t have Johnson to throw to. The fact that Ameer Abdullah is the No. 1 running back is not going to scare many defenses and, while an upgrade to their own defensive line was a positive, the stop unit allowed 25 ppg last season and a huge improvement from that is a must.
Green Bay Packers (2015: 10-6 SU, 9-7 ATS)
Despite making the playoffs for a seventh straight season, it was considered a disappointment for the Packers. They were Super Bowl contenders coming in but an injury to wide receiver Jordy Nelson really hurt the offense and they never got on track. Green Bay will be a highly motivated team after not winning the NFC North for the first time since 2010 which was the year it won the Super Bowl. The schedule is ranked as the easiest in the entire league which seems almost unfair with the Cheeseheads as one of the strongest teams in the NFL on an annual basis.
Minnesota Vikings (2015: 11-5 SU, 13-3 ATS)
Adrian Peterson is not getting any younger and now throw Ssam Bradford into the mix. The defense was fifth in points allowed but No. 13 in total defense, including No. 17 in rushing defense. Nine of the Vikings’ 11 wins last season came against non-playoff teams and for a team that went 13-3 against the spread, a regression is an almost guarantee. A hangover from that brutal playoff loss to Seattle is more than possible.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons (2015: 8-8 SU, 6-10 ATS)
It is hard to gauge which Atlanta team we will see this season, the one that started 5-0 and also defeated Carolina, or the one that finished 2-7 in their last nine games. To their credit, five of those last seven losses came by four points or less but at the same time, the Falcons have to learn how to close games and that could take time. The offense scored the fewest amount of points in the eight years with Matt Ryan at quarterback and overall Atlanta was No. 27 in turnover margin. While the defense showed improvement, it is still rated near the bottom of the league.
Carolina Panthers (2015: 15-1 SU, 11-5 ATS)
Motivation goes a long way in the NFL and Carolina has some unfinished business after losing to the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Winning 15 games again will be a stretch but it is very interesting to note that the last eight Super Bowl losers went on to win at least 10 games in the following season. Cam Newton was a consistent machine and the offense should be even stronger this year with the return of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers will not be sneaking up on anyone this season but they have the talent to make another big run.
New Orleans Saints (2015: 7-9 SU, 8-7- ATS)
The Saints have gone 7-9 in three of the last four seasons which is shocking with the talent they have had on offense. Expectations have been high almost every year but that is not the case this season as linesmakers have set their total at seven wins, the least amount since 2005. That gives New Orleans some value this season as the offense will be plenty good again but the defense will have to improve quite a bit to give it a chance as closing the gap on Carolina. The last time the Saints had back-to-back seasons of eight or fewer wins, they went 13-3 in 2009 and won the Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015: 6-10 SU, 7-9 ATS)
Five of the Buccaneers six wins last season came by a touchdown or less while six losses were by double-digits so there is still a lot of ground to make up to play more consistent. The defense was the problem so it was a little surprising they let Lovie Smith go as he is a defense guy and replacing him with an offense guy. Tampa Bay did hire Mike Smith as the defensive coordinator but his defenses in Atlanta were 24th or worse in his last three seasons there. The Buccaneers were seventh to last in points allowed so they will need a drastic improvement.
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks (2015: 10-6 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
Despite finishing three games behind the Cardinals, oddsmakers like the Seahawks to rebound and they are still one of the most talented teams in NFL. The defensive line is stout while on offense, Russell Wilson is one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Seattle started to open up the offense after a while and it paid off and just as Jimmy Graham started to get comfortable, he was lost for the season. If he comes back close to 100 percent, they will be dangerous. Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael and both solid backs to replace Marshawn Lynch.
Arizona Cardinals (2015: 13-3 SU, 9-7 ATS)
Arizona won the division for the first time since 2009 and its 13 wins were the most ever in franchise history. The Cardinals offense finished first overall and second in points scored so they will be again tough to stop as they lost no big parts to it. David Johnson could be in for a monster year at running back as the weakness was the offensive line but they shored that up in the offseason. Defensively, Arizona was nearly as good as it finished fifth overall and seventh in points allowed. They got better with the addition of Chandler Jones.
Los Angeles Rams (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-8-1 ATS)
The move to Los Angeles should invigorate a team was underachieving for years in St. Louis. The Rams relied on their defense last season and it definitely is a formidable unit and likely will again until the offense can come together. The Rams took a chance and drafted Jared Goff to be the new franchise quarterback, something they have not had for quite some time. Todd Gurley is already one of the top running backs in the NFL after rushing for 1,106 yards on 4.8 ypc in just 13 games in his rookie season.
San Francisco 49ers (2015: 5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS)
San Francisco finished last in the division for the first time since 2005 and it does not look to have the pieces in place to get much better. If Blaine Gabbert fails, Colin Kaepernick will get another chance but he is far from the same quarterback as his rating has declined every year since 2012. With the quarterback play iffy at best, relying on the running game could be an option but Carlos Hyde is injury prone and is already dealing with a concussion. The defense finished in the top five in yards allowed for four straight years but fell to No. 29 last season.
New England has won 10 or more games in 13 consecutive years. The Patriots have also won the AFC East title seven straight years, and in 12 of the last 13 years overall.
It's been a wild offseason in the National Football league. Since the Denver Broncos hoisted the Lombardi Trophy on February 7, 2016 at Super Bowl 50 we've been treated to retirements, coaching changes, injuries, quarterback changes, suspensions, and much more. Consider this your refresher course before digging back in to betting on NFL football.
Here are 32 betting notes for 32 NFL teams:
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (2015: 8-8 SU, 7-8-1 ATS)
The Bills have had only one winning season since 2004, and they haven’t made the playoffs since 1999. Over the last 18 years, Buffalo has had eight different head coaches. The biggest issue surrounding the Bills is on the offensive side of the ball. Buffalo’s offense has ranked 22nd and worse in points scored in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
Miami Dolphins (2015: 6-10 SU, 5-11 ATS)
The Dolphins’ wins came against the dregs of the league last season. Seven of Miami’s 10 losses in 2015 came by 10 points or more and since its roster is weaker than in year’s past, this may be a long 2016 for the Dolphins. Miami has only made the playoffs twice over the last 15 seasons with its last appearance coming in 2008. That streak will remain intact in 2016.
New England Patriots (2015: 12-4 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
New England has won 10 or more games in 13 consecutive years. The Patriots have also won the AFC East title seven straight years, and in 12 of the last 13 years overall. New England has been the best team in the NFL for the last decade plus, and it’s not even debatable. The Patriots come into this season off an AFC Championship loss to Denver, so the team has plenty of motivation for 2016. As long as Bill Belichick is the coach and Tom Brady is the quarterback, the Patriots are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, even if its only for 12 games.
New York Jets (2015: 10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS)
As it was before Todd Bowles, New York’s offense is the biggest issue for the Jets. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had a terrific season, but it’s hard to imagine him duplicating those results in 2016. New York’s schedule will also be much tougher this season, so the team must improve greatly in multiple areas if they want to come close to double-digit wins again.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (2015: 5-11 SU, 5-9-2 ATS)
The Ravens have some concerns on offense heading into 2016. Quarterback Joe Flacco is coming off an ACL injury, so it’s unknown if he’ll return to his previous form. Baltimore only averaged 20 points and 359 yards per game last season and scored less than that average in seven games. Marc Trestman’s first year as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator was a major disappointment and unless he rights the ship, the Ravens will have another losing season in 2016.
Cincinnati Bengals (2015: 12-4 SU, 12-3-1 ATS)
The Bengals have been a very good regular season team over the last five years. However, they failed to show up in their playoff game once again, and lost 18-16 in Pittsburgh. That’s five straight playoff losses in which Cincinnati scored 16 points or less. As of now, QB Andy Dalton has the "can’t win the big game" label, and that moniker is well deserved. The coaching seems stale with Marvin Lewis and a new voice may be what the Bengals need to get over the hump.
Cleveland Browns (2015: 3-13 SU, 5-10-1 ATS)
Cleveland’s regression in 2015 was expected. In 2014, the Browns went 7-9 after opening the season with a 7-4 record. Cleveland was not as good as a seven-win team, and it figured to decline last season. The Browns will be led by new head coach Hue Jackson who brings an offensive mentality to the team after being a successful coordinator in the league. Cleveland has very low expectations for good reason, but it may surprise an opponent or two in 2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2015: 10-6 SU, 8-6-2 ATS)
The Steelers are an old and aging team with a defense that overachieved in 2015. Pittsburgh only allowed 20 points and 356 yards per game, but don’t expect a repeat of that in 2016. Pittsburgh won five games by seven points or less, including two wins when its defense gave up 35 and 27 points.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans (2015: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS)
The Texans’ biggest concern once again is the quarterback position. Houston signed Brock Osweiller from Denver, and O’Brien’s success with quarterbacks cannot be underestimated. But Osweiller is still relatively inexperienced, and learning a new offense can take time. Houston went 0-8 SU when their defense gave up 21 points or more last season, so that is a key stat to keep an eye on in 2016.
Indianapolis Colts (2015: 8-8 SU, 8-8 ATS)
The Colts’ defense certainly needs to improve upon their 25 points per game allowed from last season. Indianapolis actually gave up more points than their average in seven games; they went 1-6 SU in those games with the lone win coming by just 2 points against a poor Tennessee team. Indianapolis also tends to win a lot of close games, and in fact, seven of their eight wins last season came by seven points or less.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2015: 5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS)
The Jaguars won 5 games in 2015, but they are set to breakout in 2016. Quarterback Blake Bortles will lead a potent Jacksonville offense that improved by a full touchdown per game (16 to 23 points per game) last season. Jacksonville has a young roster, and head coach Gus Bradley’s fourth season should be the best for the Jaguars in quite some time.
Tennessee Titans (2015: 3-13 SU, 5-11 ATS)
Tennessee drafted quarterback Marcus Mariota prior to the 2015 season in hopes he would be their franchise player. Mariota was spectacular in Week 1 against the Buccaneers last year, and he set franchise records for most touchdowns (19), completions (230), and passing yards (2,818) despite missing four games with knee injuries. Mariota will now play with more experience, and the addition of proven running back DeMarco Murray should make the Tennessee offense more balanced and unpredictable.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (2015: 12-4 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
They have a dominating defense that won the Super Bowl last season. The Broncos ranked 1st in the league in yards allowed (283) and passing yards allowed (200) per game last year. They also had the third best rush defense (83 yards per game). A rare situation where the defending Super Bowl champion enters the season with something to prove as an underdog. They have no experience at quarterback. Denver cut veteran QB Mark Sanchez which means they enter the season with two quarterbacks, Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, who have never started a regular season game.
Kansas City Chiefs (2015: 11-5 SU, 8-8 ATS)
They went 5-1 SU versus division opponents last season. Kansas City out-scored all opponents by +7.4 points per game (25.3-17.9) which was one of the best margins in the league. They are deep at running back and finished 6th in the NFL last year with 128 rushing yards per game. The defense finished 3rd overall in points allowed (17.9 ppg). They have a tough non-conference schedule of opponents which includes road trips to Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Carolina and Atlanta.
Oakland Raiders (2015: 7-9 SU, 8-8 ATS)
The team is on the rise with second year head coach Jack Del Rio. They also have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league with Derek Carr who made huge improvements in his second season last year with a 91.1 QB rating and 32/13 touchdown/interception ratio. While their passing offense was strong last year, their rushing attack was weak, averaging just 91 yards per game which ranked 28th overall in the NFL. Pass defense was also an issue, allowing 259 yards per game which ranked 26th in the league. The Raiders have not made the playoffs or had a winning season since 2002.
San Diego Chargers (2015: 4-12 SU, 8-8 ATS)
They were better than a 4-win team last season as they lost several close games. In fact, San Diego was just 3-7 SU in games decided by 7 points or less. In a quarterback driven league, the Chargers still have one of the best signal callers with Philip Rivers who had a solid 93.8 QB rating and 29/13 TD/INT ratio last year. Defense remains a concern, especially the rush defense which ranked 27th in the NFL and allowed 125 yards per game last season, after allowing 124 rushing yards in 2014 (ranked 26th). The rushing offense is also a concern, averaging just 85 yards per game the past two years, ranking 31st in the NFL last season and 30th the year before.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (2015: 4-12 SU, 4-11-1 ATS)
Dallas went 1-11 without Romo last year and he's hurt again, so there’s not much that can be done. The 4-12 finish was the worst season for the Cowboys since 1989. This time it will be roookie sensation Dak Prescott who will try and keep the ship afloat in Romo's absence. The offense has the ability to be one of the best with strong QB play. The defense has issues up front with the pass rush and the secondary is far from strong. The schedule strength is based on results from last season and the majority of the teams the Cowboys face outside of the division should be better. They could have a tougher time than some may think.
New York Giants (2015: 6-10 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
While those free agency signings on defense were big news, the Giants were dead last in total defense a season ago, so how much they can improve the stop unit remains to be seen. The offense is solid but it is not good enough to outscore opponents on a weekly basis, especially with a shaky offensive line. New York has not won 10 games since 2010 and despite playing in a relatively weak division and having an easy schedule on paper, it will not come easy. Like the Cowboys, the majority of non-division games are against improving teams.
Philadelphia Eagles (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-9 ATS, 8-8 O/U)
The future is not now for the Eagles. Carson Wentz will start in Week 1 if he's healthy after Sam Bradford was traded to Minnesota. So it could get a little rocky in the City of Brotherly love. As bad as the defense was last year, it may actually end up being better than the offense this season. The Eagles, unlike what the other teams did in the division, did not reload for the present so it looks more and more like a rebuilding situation in Philadelphia at least for one season.
Washington Redskins (2015: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS)
While Washington looked good at times last year, most of that was in a 4-0 finish to the regular season where wins came against teams whose seasons were already done. The Redskins kind of backed into the division title because nobody wanted it so last year may have just been an aberration. They will have to ride Cousins’ arm once again and while signing Norman was big, the Redskins still possessed the No. 28 total defense in the NFL. The division is weak but Washington will not be sneaking up on anyone this year.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (2015: 6-10 SU, 8-8 ATS)
Chicago lost Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett, but it had one of the best drafts in the NFL while also having the best free agency in the NFC. Injuries played a big factor in the struggles last season. Only four players started all 16 games, so the unfortunate luck there should turn around. Additionally, the Bears will have Kevin White, who missed all of last season, paired up with Alshon Jeffrey to give Jay Cutler two solid weapons outside. The Bears defense was awful last year but John Fox is in his second season and should have the defense in a better spot.
Detroit Lions (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-9 ATS
The loss of Calvin Johnson can’ be understated as he was almost uncoverable at times, so the offense has to take a step down. Matthew Stafford is considered by some to be one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL but he is just 42-51 as a starter and that could be much worse if he didn’t have Johnson to throw to. The fact that Ameer Abdullah is the No. 1 running back is not going to scare many defenses and, while an upgrade to their own defensive line was a positive, the stop unit allowed 25 ppg last season and a huge improvement from that is a must.
Green Bay Packers (2015: 10-6 SU, 9-7 ATS)
Despite making the playoffs for a seventh straight season, it was considered a disappointment for the Packers. They were Super Bowl contenders coming in but an injury to wide receiver Jordy Nelson really hurt the offense and they never got on track. Green Bay will be a highly motivated team after not winning the NFC North for the first time since 2010 which was the year it won the Super Bowl. The schedule is ranked as the easiest in the entire league which seems almost unfair with the Cheeseheads as one of the strongest teams in the NFL on an annual basis.
Minnesota Vikings (2015: 11-5 SU, 13-3 ATS)
Adrian Peterson is not getting any younger and now throw Ssam Bradford into the mix. The defense was fifth in points allowed but No. 13 in total defense, including No. 17 in rushing defense. Nine of the Vikings’ 11 wins last season came against non-playoff teams and for a team that went 13-3 against the spread, a regression is an almost guarantee. A hangover from that brutal playoff loss to Seattle is more than possible.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons (2015: 8-8 SU, 6-10 ATS)
It is hard to gauge which Atlanta team we will see this season, the one that started 5-0 and also defeated Carolina, or the one that finished 2-7 in their last nine games. To their credit, five of those last seven losses came by four points or less but at the same time, the Falcons have to learn how to close games and that could take time. The offense scored the fewest amount of points in the eight years with Matt Ryan at quarterback and overall Atlanta was No. 27 in turnover margin. While the defense showed improvement, it is still rated near the bottom of the league.
Carolina Panthers (2015: 15-1 SU, 11-5 ATS)
Motivation goes a long way in the NFL and Carolina has some unfinished business after losing to the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Winning 15 games again will be a stretch but it is very interesting to note that the last eight Super Bowl losers went on to win at least 10 games in the following season. Cam Newton was a consistent machine and the offense should be even stronger this year with the return of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers will not be sneaking up on anyone this season but they have the talent to make another big run.
New Orleans Saints (2015: 7-9 SU, 8-7- ATS)
The Saints have gone 7-9 in three of the last four seasons which is shocking with the talent they have had on offense. Expectations have been high almost every year but that is not the case this season as linesmakers have set their total at seven wins, the least amount since 2005. That gives New Orleans some value this season as the offense will be plenty good again but the defense will have to improve quite a bit to give it a chance as closing the gap on Carolina. The last time the Saints had back-to-back seasons of eight or fewer wins, they went 13-3 in 2009 and won the Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015: 6-10 SU, 7-9 ATS)
Five of the Buccaneers six wins last season came by a touchdown or less while six losses were by double-digits so there is still a lot of ground to make up to play more consistent. The defense was the problem so it was a little surprising they let Lovie Smith go as he is a defense guy and replacing him with an offense guy. Tampa Bay did hire Mike Smith as the defensive coordinator but his defenses in Atlanta were 24th or worse in his last three seasons there. The Buccaneers were seventh to last in points allowed so they will need a drastic improvement.
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks (2015: 10-6 SU, 8-7-1 ATS)
Despite finishing three games behind the Cardinals, oddsmakers like the Seahawks to rebound and they are still one of the most talented teams in NFL. The defensive line is stout while on offense, Russell Wilson is one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Seattle started to open up the offense after a while and it paid off and just as Jimmy Graham started to get comfortable, he was lost for the season. If he comes back close to 100 percent, they will be dangerous. Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael and both solid backs to replace Marshawn Lynch.
Arizona Cardinals (2015: 13-3 SU, 9-7 ATS)
Arizona won the division for the first time since 2009 and its 13 wins were the most ever in franchise history. The Cardinals offense finished first overall and second in points scored so they will be again tough to stop as they lost no big parts to it. David Johnson could be in for a monster year at running back as the weakness was the offensive line but they shored that up in the offseason. Defensively, Arizona was nearly as good as it finished fifth overall and seventh in points allowed. They got better with the addition of Chandler Jones.
Los Angeles Rams (2015: 7-9 SU, 7-8-1 ATS)
The move to Los Angeles should invigorate a team was underachieving for years in St. Louis. The Rams relied on their defense last season and it definitely is a formidable unit and likely will again until the offense can come together. The Rams took a chance and drafted Jared Goff to be the new franchise quarterback, something they have not had for quite some time. Todd Gurley is already one of the top running backs in the NFL after rushing for 1,106 yards on 4.8 ypc in just 13 games in his rookie season.
San Francisco 49ers (2015: 5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS)
San Francisco finished last in the division for the first time since 2005 and it does not look to have the pieces in place to get much better. If Blaine Gabbert fails, Colin Kaepernick will get another chance but he is far from the same quarterback as his rating has declined every year since 2012. With the quarterback play iffy at best, relying on the running game could be an option but Carlos Hyde is injury prone and is already dealing with a concussion. The defense finished in the top five in yards allowed for four straight years but fell to No. 29 last season.