NFL Preview Division-By-Divsion
We are only a few short hours away from the start of the NFL season. With that Robert Szolosi, Shane Hansen and the rest of the Relevnt Team have put together an extensive Division by Division Preview of every NFL team. Important thing to know is that X-Factor players are the most crucial players for that team’s success in our opinions.
NFL Draft All Picks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NFL_Draft
NFL Miles Traveled by schedule by Brian Burke of ESPN: https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1392686076863471619
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks Last Year's Record: 12-4 (Won NFC West, Lost to the LA Rams 30-20 in the Wild Card Round)
X-Factor Player: Russell Wilson
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/sea/seattle-seahawks/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/sea
John Karch Previews:
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a tumultuous season. The team reached old heights with their 12-4 record, but maintained their less than desirable recent playoff form in the Wild Card against the Rams. Their defense began on pace to be one of the worst in the history of the NFL in regards to yards allowed. However, their saving grace was quarterback Russell Wilson. In the first half of the 2020 season Russell Wilson was doing more than leading the Seahawks--he was cooking. He was breaking passing records and torching defenses like it was nothing. Wilson was the consensus pick for league MVP through the first eight weeks… until he wasn’t.
Wilson’s “decline” halfway through the season prevented the Seahawks from truly reaching their potential as a team. He began to look uncomfortable in the pocket and panicked when his first option, mainly D.K Metcalf, was not available. A great example where this is shown was the Seahawks loss to the Giants. Wilson’s decline was especially painful because the team that started off so rough defensively ended the season with the seventh most sacks of any defense. After a disastrous team effort in the Wild Card game, the Seahawks front office had a lot of work to do and not a whole lot to work with. Despite their lack of assets, the team managed to fire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and brought in former Los Angeles Rams pass coordinator Shane Waldron to fill his role. The team also brought back a lot of their desired free agents such as Chris Carson, Carlos Dunlap, Poona Ford, and many more on team friendly deals.
In order to keep their superstar quarterback happy, the Seahawks went out and traded for former Las Vegas guard Gabe Jackson to bring stability to an offensive line that many consider feeble. They also selected tackle Stone Forsythe out of the University of Florida with one of their three selections. Both Forsythe and Jackson are much better pass blockers than they are runblockers. This shows that the organization recognizes that they need to build a team around their star and keep him happy. The offensive line was above average as a unit last season despite popular belief. Russ has a tendency of holding on to the ball longer than he should, and it kills drives and momentum. (Again, to see what I am talking about, watch the Seahawks-Giants game).
I can say confidently that the Seahawks have had a very underrated offseason, but there are still some concerns. The Seattle Seahawks may be harboring the worst starting cornerback duo in the NFL with the likes of D.J Reed and Tre Flowers. They will be vulnerable on the outside and any big bodied receiver can overpower both corners due to their size. It also does not help that they will be facing receivers like Devante Adams, Julio Jones, and A.J Brown. Not to mention Cooper Kupp and Deandre Hopkins twice a season. Though the team is poor at corner, their biggest problem is where they play. The NFC West is hands down the most competitive division in pro football and boasts countless superstars and genius head coaches. Every team in that division is playing for a playoff spot this offseason. The Seahawks have to deal with a vengeful San Francisco 49ers team that has been keeping names along with a vastly improved Cardinals roster. The scariest team however is the Los Angeles Rams. The team boasts the best player in the NFL in Aaron Donald, an innovative head coach in Sean McVay, and the newly acquired Matthew Stafford. That is certainly going to be too much to overcome to defend their divisional crown.
The key to the Seahawks getting back to the playoffs is in the hands of their future hall of fame quarterback. The team will only go as far as Russ will take them. Yes, players like Bobby Wagner and recently signed safety Jamal Adams are great pieces to the team, but they can not lead the ‘Hawks to wins on their own. Russell Wilson needs to adapt to Shane Waldron’s new system and thrive in it. If Russ is not kept happy, it might be time to start thinking about Seahawks football without the legendary signal caller. However, I think the Seahawks’ improved front seven and o-line will be a nice addition. The team may not win 12 games this season, but they will be a more balanced team overall.
Los Angeles Rams Last Year's Record: 10-6 (2nd Place in the NFC West, Lost to the Green Bay Packers 32-18 in the NFC Divisional Round)
X-Factor Player: Matthew Stafford
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/lar/los-angeles-rams/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/lar
Entering the 2021 NFL season the Rams look to build off their 10-6 record and wildcard win over their division rivals. The Rams in the offseason went all in and traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford in exchange for Jared Goff. The move allows the Rams to have an experienced and elite quarterback expand their passing game downfield . During training camp however the team lost running back Cam Akers and now will rely on Darrell Henderson to lead the run game. On defense, although the Rams lost a few playmakers in the secondary, the defense will still be outstanding due to the depth they have at every position. Overall expect the Rams to be improved in their passing game and number one defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey to continue their dominance.
Arizona Cardinals Last Year’s Record: 8-8 (3rd Place in the NFC West)
X-Factor Player: Kyler Murray
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/arz/arizona-cardinals/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ari/arizona-cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals believe the 2021 NFL season will be their year. The Cardinals after an 8-8 season will look to take the next step thanks to a promising offseason signing defensive end JJ Watt. The Cardinals with dynamic playmakers on both the offense and defense have the potential to be top 15 once again. One problem fans and media have spotlighted so far is the Cardinals questionable secondary after the retirement of Malcolm Butler. The focus however will be on the play of Kyler Murray, who many analysts have as a potential MVP candidate this season. Hopefully the Cardinals rise to the occasion and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
San Francisco 49ers Last Year’s Record 6-10 (Last Place in the NFC West)
X-Factor: Fred Warner
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/sf/san-francisco-49ers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/sf
The San Francisco 49ers after a year plagued by the injury bug, comeback this season fully loaded and ready to remind the NFL how dominant of a team they once were. The 49ers retained most of their roster while acquiring third overall pick quarterback Trey Lance who will be the 49ers future quarterback in the long run. For now the 49ers are sticking with Jimmy Garoppolo leading a west offense fully healed and ready to run. The defense headline by a talented linebacking core and defensive line will be tested this season following former defense coordinator Robert Saleh leaving for the Jets and the NFC West division growing stronger. Although the 49ers are the odds favorites to win the division, look for the 49ers to hopefully gain back their momentum and stay healthy this season.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs Last Year’s Record 12-4 (Won AFC West, Lost Super Bowl LV to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9)
X-Factor Player: Patrick Mahomes
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/kc/kansas-city-chiefs/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/kc
Allan Isidro Previews:
Following a Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Patrick Mahomes unable to be protected in the pocket. The 2021 Kansas City Chiefs come in this year reloaded and ready to defend their reign as the AFC West and Conference champions. In the offseason the Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line adding most notably former Ravens tackle Orlando Brown Jr, former Patriots guard Joe Thuney, and Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey. On defense the Chiefs added former Seattle defensive tackle Jarran Reed to pair with Chris Jones, rookie linebacker Nick Bolton out of Missouri, and former Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes to boost an already top 15 secondary led by safety Tyrann Mathieu. However with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and head coach Andy Reid leading the helm; the Kansas City Chiefs appear once again to be Super Bowl contenders.
Las Vegas Raiders Last Year’s Record 8-8 (2nd Place in the AFC West)
X-Factor Player: Derek Carr
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/lv/las-vegas-raiders/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/lv
The Las Vegas Raiders look to take the next step this season after finishing second place in the AFC West. In the offseason the team drafted Alabama tackle Alex Leatherwood and TCU safety Trevon Moehrig while adding former Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake to combine with Josh Jacobs to be this one-two punch in the rushing game. One player to watch on offense this season is second year wide receiver Bryan Edwards, who has emerged in training camp to be the Raiders number one receiver. The Raiders also hired a new defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley to lead newly signed veteran playmakers such as former Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward, former Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, former Seattle linebacker KJ Wright and defensive tackle Gerald Mccoy. The Jon Gruden led Raiders expect improvement on both ends of the field as they seek to be a playoff-caliber team this season.
Los Angeles Chargers Last Year’s Record 7-9 (3rd Place in the AFC West)
X-Factor Player: Justin Herbert
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/lac/los-angeles-chargers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/lac
As one of the most promising teams in the NFL, the Los Angeles Chargers led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert appear to be contenders in the AFC West despite what others may say. In the offseason the Chargers hired new head coach Brandon Staley while adding Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater and former Packers center Corey Linsley to protect Herbert especially with weapons he has on offense with Allen, Williams, and Ekeler. On defense, although the Chargers lost a few veteran players, they are running it back with a plethora of returning starters most notably safety Derwin James and edge rusher Joey Bosa also drafting safety Asante Samuel Jr out of Florida State. So this season look for the Chargers to continue their momentum from last year and be an improved team this 2021 NFL season.
Denver Broncos Last Year’s Record 5-11 (Last Place in the AFC West)
X-Factor Player: Von Miller
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/den/denver-broncos/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/den
Coming off a year plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. The 2021 Denver Broncos look to bounce back with one their deepest rosters since Super Bowl 50. The offense led by starting QB Teddy Bridgewater also features a talented receiving core (Jeudy, Sutton, Hamler, etc.), revamped run game (Gordon and Williams), and a strong offensive line. However the focal point of the team this season will be the Broncos defense led by a returning Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, as well as, an improved secondary with first round pick Patrick Surtain II. Overall, the Broncos look to be contenders in the AFC West and pursue a spot in the wildcard.
NFC East
Washington Football Team Last Year’s Record 7-9 (Won NFC East, Lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 in the Wild Card Round)
X-Factor Player: Chase Young
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/was/washington-football-team/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/wsh
Shane Hansen Preview:
Ah, yes. The team without a name. At least the old one is gone though. What’s interesting about this team is they don’t exactly have any star players, but this is still an incredibly well rounded squad. I think we can all agree they have the best defensive line in the NFL, and they’re not slacking at corner either. On offense, they have some young studs at running back and receiver. However, the linebackers and safeties leave a lot to be desired, and I don’t think I can trust Fitzpatrick to be a consistent QB throughout the season, especially behind a below average offensive line. Despite their weaknesses, they should win this division easily.
New York Giants Last Year’s Record 6-10 (2nd Place in the NFC East)
X-Factor Player: Saquon Barkley
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/nyg/new-york-giants/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/nyg
Shane’s Preview:
As I sit here and write this, I’m realizing NY shares many of Washington’s same strengths and weaknesses. The biggest difference to me is NY is clearly better at safety with Logan Ryan, but their defensive line is not even close to Washington’s. I think the biggest edge for Washington is the quarterback play. No, Fitzpatrick is not great, but Daniel Jones… yikes. That’s all I have to say about that.
Dallas Cowboys Last Year’s Record 6-10 (3rd Place in the NFC East)
Robert Szolosi X-Factor Player: Dak Prescott
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/dal/dallas-cowboys/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/dal
Shane’s Preview:
For all you Dallas fans saying this is your year, just like you’ve said the past 20 years, you’re once again wrong. I’m a Mariners fan, so I get to say that, because we too say that every year. To me, Dallas is Atlanta with a running game. Assuming everyone stays healthy, they should have a solid offense, considering Zeke and all the receiving weapons. Defensively though, they have some work to do. Lawrence and Vander Esch are solid players, but other than that, they don’t have much to work with.
Philadelphia Eagles Last Year’s Record 4-11-1 (Last Place in the the NFC East)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Jalen Hurts
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/phi/philadelphia-eagles/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/phi
Shane’s Preview:
This team is just sad. You know what’s crazy? The NFC East has the most Super Bowl wins of any division. Dallas 5, Washington and New York each with 3, and Philly having 1. How did this division go from that to the laughing stock of the NFL? Regardless, this team still has some good players, particularly the offensive and defensive line, but overall, I struggle to see how they’ll get anything going, especially when your head coach seems to be a clown.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills Last Year’s Record 13-3 (Won AFC East, Lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-24 in the AFC Championship)
X-Factor Player: Josh Allen
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/buf/buffalo-bills/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/buf
Shane’s Preview:
Move over New England, this is the Bills division, at least for now. The Bills made a big leap last year after Josh Allen’s breakout season, accompanied by their new receiver Stefon Diggs. Their rush defense wasn’t great last year, partially due to COVID opt outs. However this year, their defense seems to be back to full speed with an improved secondary and linebacker room. The one hole this team does have is running back. Their top guy is Devin Singletary, who is fine, but he’s not always the most reliable back. In other words, the pass game may have to carry this offense, which they seem capable of.
Miami Dolphins Last Year’s Record 10-6 (2nd Place in the AFC East)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Tua Tagovailoa
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/mia/miami-dolphins/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/mia
Shane’s Preview:
The Dolphins made a surprising surge last season after a tough 2019. While they don’t have many stars, this is a promising young team with well rounded talent throughout. The linebackers could use some work, but the rest of the defense is mostly solid, especially the secondary. They also have some great young receivers and tight ends. The only huge issues with Miami are the running backs, with the starter being Myles Gaskin, who looked okay last year, but he still has much to prove. But the real issue is the quarterback. Tua has not played much so I guess it’s not fair to judge him too harshly, but so far he has not exactly impressed. What really worries me is that this offensive line is horrible, and Tua is definitely injury prone. As long as Tua can stay somewhat consistent and distribute the ball well enough, this team should be a playoff contender.
New England Patriots Last Year’s Record 7-9 (3rd Place in the AFC East)
X-Factor Player: Jakobi Meyers
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/ne/new-england-patriots/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/ne
Justin Krebs Preview:
The New England Patriots are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. Their offensive line and running back committee are top 5 units in the game, even if they might not have the most star power. Receiver is the biggest question mark, but if Jacobi Meyers continues to develop and forms a connection with Mac Jones, the sky's the limit. Their pass rushing tandem of Dont’a Hightower, Josh Uche, and Matthew Judon will lead a stout Patriots defense. Look for the Patriots to push for a wildcard or even division berth.
New York Jets Last Year’s Record 2-14 (Last Place in the AFC East)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Zach Wilson
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/nyj/new-york-jets/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets
Shane’s Preview:
This is definitely a rebuild, but I think they’re on the right track. They don’t have a very good defense, but they at least have 1 good player in all 3 units, which won’t get you far, but it’s something. The offensive line is slowly improving, and they have 2 fine receivers. The big question is whether or not Zach Wilson will be all that he’s hyped up to be. I think if he is, him and Robert Saleh will be a great foundation for a rebuild. No, they won’t be good this year, but if they play their cards right, they could be good in a few years.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints Last Year’s Record 12-4 (Won NFC South, Lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-20 in the Divisional Round)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Jameis Winston
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/no/new-orleans-saints/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/no
Shane’s Preview:
After several heartbreaking playoff exits, Drew Brees has retired, and it’s time for a new era in New Orleans. While he is gone, much of this team remains the same. They had a top 5 defense last year, and I fully expect them to remain near the top this season, with many of their excellent defenders returning. In addition, they have an incredibly versatile running back duo, as well as a top 10 offensive line. However, they have a massive hole at receiver, especially since Michael Thomas will miss a large chunk of the season. When it comes to the quarterback, I have no idea what to expect. Jameis Winston has many great qualities, but for all the good, there seems to be just as many bad ones. If he can limit his turnovers, then he should be fine, but who knows if that will happen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-5 (2nd Place in the NFC South, Won the Lombardi Trophy in a 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/tb/tampa-bay-buccaneers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/tb
Shane’s Preview:
The defending champions may have gotten off to a rocky start last season, but after Thanksgiving, things seemed to click for them, and they never looked back. Tom Brady took some time to learn the new system, but once everybody was on the same page, it was easy to see why they won the Super Bowl. Simply put, there is not a single position group on this team that is lacking. There is only one position that is not ‘elite’ and that is running back, where they have Leonard Fournette, who is still not too bad. Not only did they bring back every starter, but they will start the season going strong, instead of having the learning curve like last year. Therefore, the Bucs should no doubt have a dominant year.
Carolina Panthers 5-11 (3rd Place in the NFC South)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Sam Darnold
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/car/carolina-panthers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/car
Shane’s Preview:
This is still definitely a rebuilding team, but they seem to be on the right track. They have a great young secondary, solid receivers, and of course, the highlight of this team, Christian Mccaffery. The Panther’s do still have some kinks to work out though, such as the offensive line, which is in deep trouble. The front seven has Burns and Reddick, who are great, but other than that, there is absolutely room for improvement. Then there’s Sam Darnold. The young QB has not played great so far in his career, but it seems that may have been due to the bad team he was playing on. He has looked promising in the preseason, but hopefully he can maintain that level of play throughout the season.
Atlanta Falcons 4-12 (Last Place in the NFC South)
X-Factor Player: Calvin Ridley
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/atl/atlanta-falcons/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/atl
Shane’s Preview:
I feel genuinely sorry for all you Falcons fans out there. Talk about a super bowl hangover. This team was so good for several years there, and now, just a few years after a near Super Bowl win, they look terrible. The only thing they have done well the last 2 years is passing the ball, and I think that will be the case this year. I would say they are rebuilding, but I don’t even think they are doing that well yet.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans 11-5 (Won AFC South, Lost to the Baltimore Ravens 20-13 in the Wild Card Round)
X-Factor Player: Ryan Tannehill
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/car/carolina-panthers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/ten
Robert Szolosi Preview:
This is the season for Ryan Tannehill. You have Julio Jones and AJ Brown. This offense is built for success right now. While most people might say it starts and ends with Derrick Henry, it really starts and ends with Ryan Tannehill. If this team has any ambition of making it far in the playoffs, Tannehill needs to show the league that he is capable of being a true force to be reckoned with.
Indianapolis Colts 11-5 (2nd Place in the AFC South, Lost to the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the Wild Card Round)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Carson Wentz
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/ind/indianapolis-colts/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/ind
Shane’s Preview:
Ever since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement, I get the feeling the Colts aren’t really sure what to do. They’ve got a great offensive and defensive line, linebackers, and corners. Taylor is a great young running back, and he’s got good backups to help him along. The receivers and safeties for this team aren’t anything special, but they’re fine. What really worries me about the Colts is their quarterback. Carson Wentz was a young stud early in his career, but last year he regressed significantly. He’s going to have to start playing like he used to, or the Colts will once again be a whole bunch of average. Even if he does play better, he seems to be injured frequently, which is also something to be mindful of.
Houston Texans 4-12 (3rd Place in the AFC South)
X-Factor Player: Brandin Cooks
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/hou/houston-texans/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/hou
Robert Szolosi Preview:
Let's be genuinely honest about Houston. Is this team really better than the expansion 2002 team? This team seriously feels like an expansion team. Tyrod Taylor is a fine bridge quarterback, and Deshaun Watson's future looks murky for a good reason (Football should not be Watson's top priority). David Culley has nothing to work within a coaching job that is certain to fail. If I was Houston, I would have tried to hire a young head coach, cut Deshaun Watson and restart from the ground up. But it seems like the ownership and GM Nick Caserio are okay with being patient. They're being patient for the wrong reasons. I give this team 3 wins, and that's it.
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-15 (Last Place in the AFC South)
X-Factor Player: Trevor Lawrence
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/jac/jacksonville-jaguars/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/jax
Robert Szolosi Preview:
Urban Meyer has a lot to learn. It is very clear, he's been fined a lot of money in training camp. He even hired a strength coach with a really disturbing past. Urban needs to realize that this is not College, this is the NFL. The media is going to walk all over him this year questioning his every move. As for Trevor Lawrence he'll be successful but the offensive line is going to make it really difficult for him to find himself in the Rookie of the Year discussion.
NFC North
Check Out A More Detailed Preview of this Division with Strength of Schedule and Projected Win Total by Andrew Bozenski here: https://www.prosportsfanatics.com/nfl/2021-nfc-north-preview-strength-of-schedule-and-projected-win-total
Green Bay Packers 13-3 (Won the NFC North, Lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26 in the NFC Championship)
X-Factor Player: Robert Tonyan
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/gb/green-bay-packers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/gb
Robert Szolosi Preview:
Green Bay still has an Aaron Rodgers problem. Regardless of the season, if they don't make the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers is gone. The GM, Brian Gutekunst, should be to blame for a lot of this. I don't believe the drafting of Jordan Love had anything to do with Matt LaFleur. Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers seem to have an excellent relationship. The value of having a good front office- franchise quarterback relationship is super significant in today's era; just look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But it doesn't just start and end with the Head Coach; the GM is involved to. If it feels like I'm writing an obituary for Aaron Rodgers time with the Green Bay Packers, it's probably because this team goes to the NFC Championship and loses again. In the end, they will question everything that happened in the Aaron Rodgers era besides Super Bowl XLV
Chicago Bears 8-8 (2nd Place in the NFC North, Lost to the New Orleans Saints 21-9 in the Wild Card Round)
X-Factor Player: Justin Fields
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/chi/chicago-bears/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/chi
Robert Szolosi Preview:
Bring on the Justin Fields show. There is no reason to start Andy Dalton but here we are. The defense has regressed slightly talent-wise particularly at corner with Jaylon Johnson being their number one option. but this defense still has the capability of wrecking havoc with Khalil Mack leading the charge. The biggest problem with the Bears is that their offense doesn't stay on the field for a very long. The defense has to pick up too much slack and gets tired very quickly. That's basically the synopsis of the Mitch Trubisky era. Put Justin Fields in and this team is quickly a playoff team and maybe one of the most fun teams to watch every Sunday in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings 7-9 (3rd Place in the NFC North)
X-Factor Player: Dalvin Cook
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/min/minnesota-vikings/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/min
The question with the Vikings is probably not their present but more so their future at the quarterback position. Clearly Kirk Cousins is not trusted by Mike Zimmer and his staff even though they're paying him a base salary of $21 million this year and a whopping $35 million next year. Justin Jefferson should have a phenomenal year as well as Dalvin Cook but this team won't find itself with much of an improvement from 2020 in 2021.
Detroit Lions 4-12 (Last Place in the NFC North)
X-Factor Player: Penei Sewell
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/det/detroit-lions/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/det
Andrew Bozenski Previews:
With a new regime taking over for the Detroit Lions, general manager Brad Holms and head coach Dan Campbell will look to break the 29 year playoff victory drought that has loomed over this franchise's head. However, a playoff victory, let alone a playoff appearance, will not transpire without growing pains and patience.
The Detroit Lions will rely heavily on the play of their 2021 rookies Penei Sewell, Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, second year cornerback Jeff Okudah, and starting quarterback Jared Goff . With the Lions officially beginning to rebuild, showing constant improvement on both ends of the field and the development of young players should make the Lions fans excited about their future!
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 (Won AFC North, Lost to the Cleveland Browns 48-37 in the Wild Card Round)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Najee Harris
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/pit/pittsburgh-steelers/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/pit
Shane’s Preview:
The TikTok team, I mean the Steelers. They had one of the top defenses last year, and they may have taken a step back, but this is still a solid squad. The front seven in particular is dominant, probably the best in the league. However, the offense concerns me a bit. They have decent receivers and tight ends, but there is a rookie running back, who seems good, but we won’t know for sure until the season is going. Then of course, there is Big Ben, who will probably look good for the first 10 weeks and then get tired and play terribly in the last 8 weeks of the season, assuming he isn’t injured in week 2. Not to mention, this offensive line is in bad shape, which does not help Ben whatsoever.
Baltimore Ravens 11-5 (2nd Place in the AFC North, Lost to the Buffalo Bills 17-3 in the Divisional Round)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Le'Veon Bell
Image Courtesy of Pick 6
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/bal/baltimore-ravens/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/bal
Robert Szolosi Preview:
I am writing this just before the article is about to come out. That's how Wild the last few weeks have been for the Baltimore Ravens. Marcus Peters, Gus Edwards, And JK Dobbins all go down with injury in the span of a few weeks. I'm trying to think of some examples as to if something like this has happened literally right before the season for a team and I'm not sure if there is one. Le'Veon Bell is certain to have a role in this offense potentially a substantial one. Overall Lamar's going to have to throw the ball a lot more in 2021 and that could potentially be a bad thing.
Cleveland Browns 11-5 (3rd Place in the AFC North, Lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 22-17 in the Divisional Round)
X-Factor Player: Baker Mayfield
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/cle/cleveland-browns/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/cle
Clint Byers preview:
This is the biggest season for the Cleveland Browns in almost 40 years, certainly since their return to Cleveland. With arguably one of the most talented rosters top to bottom in the entire NFL, for the first time in a long time, the Super Bowl is on the mind of every fan in the Dawg Pound. The schedule is an even bigger blessing than the roster, because the Browns get to showcase themselves against reigning AFC Champions the Kansas City Chiefs week 1 in Arrowhead Stadium. This is a great litmus test and a win-win situation, either the Browns win and prove we have immediately gotten over the demons from the end of last season, or we lose and have a base to begin working on what needs improving. All in all, it should be an exciting season in Cleveland.
Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1 (Last Place in the AFC North)
Robert’s X-Factor Player: Ja'Marr Chase
Current Depth Chart: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/edge/football/nfl/teams/cin/cincinnati-bengals/depth-chart
2021 Schedule: https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/cin
Shane’s Preview:
Let me get this straight… These guys have a great young quarterback, but he has no offensive line, so he gets sacked and practically destroys his knee. In the draft you have the 5th overall pick and there are 2 great offensive linemen you could take to help him out, but what do you do? You take a receiver? Hello, you already have 2 good receivers! How is Burrow going to be able to throw to him if he can’t even stay upright cause the Steelers front seven is leveling him?! That’s about all you need to know about the Bengals.