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 might predict this stuff 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 that 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 that may look higher (or worse) than anticipated.
As at all times, I acknowledge that a few of these could be extra shocking than others, and that these of you who observe a selected group carefully may not be as stunned as those that do not observe stated group that carefully. However we’re right here for all of the folks, and we hope you get pleasure from it. Let’s start within the NFC East.
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NFC EAST
Do not be stunned 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 example has gone sideways. Workforce 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 acquired his agent concerned. Parsons, in the meantime, believes it is Jones who’s accountable — that the proprietor ought to have at all times anticipated that he’d be coping with the agent. Parsons has demanded a commerce and refused to take part in apply or preseason video games.
The Cowboys’ season begins every week from Thursday in Philadelphia, and because the days dwindle, it seems much less probably 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 training, and the 2 sides had been speaking. This factor appears much more frosty, and Jones seems dug in. Until Parsons relents and instructs his agent to get a deal performed even when it is on the group’s phrases, it is arduous 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 brazenly holding the specter of a 2026 franchise tag over him.
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Do not be stunned if … the Giants lead the league in sacks.
What I am listening to: Phrase out of Giants camp is Abdul Carter is all the things the group believed him to be when it made him the third decide on this yr’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 move rushes in the complete NFL.
There are a ton of questions on the offensive aspect of the ball, even past the one about when Russell Wilson should move the beginning QB job over to rookie Jaxson Dart. However the protection up entrance needs to be the group’s energy, and it could possibly be sufficient to propel the Giants to a couple shock wins towards their tough-looking schedule — particularly if they’ll generate turnovers and provides the offense some brief fields. New York tied for eighth in sacks final season with 45.
Do not be stunned if … they hold 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 switch 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 aspect of the ball.
However not each improvement timetable goes as deliberate, and asking youthful gamers to tackle bigger roles brings some danger. This Eagles group has little interest in stopping at one Tremendous Bowl title. They’re pondering 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 handle a doubtlessly skinny space of the protection. Roseman will not sit on his arms if extra questions rise.
Do not be stunned if … Deebo Samuel will get some work at operating again.
What I am listening to: I do not assume 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 group’s main operating again. However Washington’s coaches imagine Samuel generally is a issue when lined up within the backfield, and so they’ll be searching for methods to get him touches. Do not forget that Wes Welker, who’s on the Commanders’ workers as a personnel analyst, was the 49ers’ broad receivers coach for the primary three years of Samuel’s profession and has a powerful relationship with him — and a reasonably good concept of the best way to get the most effective out of him.
Over six seasons, Samuel has 202 rushes for 1,143 yards and 20 TDs.
NFC NORTH
Do not be stunned 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 yr’s draft, so he isn’t any sort of sleeper. However he took some time to stand up to hurry this offseason as a result of he was recovering from an damage, and for that motive, some might need questioned if it’d take a while for him to work his approach into the offense.
I do not assume it can. Loveland is the man whose identify comes up each time I ask anyone about Bears camp. He is quarterback-friendly. He is large and quick. He is polished in his route operating. He was wholesome to begin coaching camp, so he superior shortly as soon as August acquired going. And his reference to quarterback Caleb Williams is alleged to already be excellent. The Bears have lots of excellent move catchers, with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and Luther Burden III. However as Williams continues his improvement below new coach Ben Johnson, he might lean on Loveland rather a lot — particularly early.
1:22
Yates: Loveland is ‘late-round flier’ TE possibility in fantasy
Subject Yates breaks down what Bears rookie Colston Loveland gives fantasy managers in want of a decent finish.
Do not be stunned 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 truly scored probably 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 succeed in. They assume an improved Jameson Williams will open up the sphere for shorter passes to the backs. And if they’ve a weak spot, it is on the inside of their offensive line, the place heart Frank Ragnow retired. That might make the Lions much less prone to depend on Montgomery between the tackles and extra prone to get inventive with Gibbs in house.
Do not be stunned if … quarterback Jordan Love is an MVP finalist.
What I am listening to: It seems like Love might 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 damage to the thumb of his non-throwing hand. Do not forget that Love injured his knee in final season’s opener towards the Eagles in Brazil and took some time to get again to full well being.
Keep 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 yr 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 broad receiver corps. In addition they have depth at tight finish, an affect operating again in Josh Jacobs and a powerful 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 towards the league’s prime contenders and Love can keep wholesome, they’re set as much as win lots 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 stunned if … Jordan Mason leads the group in speeding.
What I am listening to: The Vikings love Aaron Jones Sr. In case you’ve ever talked to Jones, why. He is a good participant and an important man to have in your locker room. However he is additionally 30 years outdated and coming off a 322-touch season.
The Vikings traded for Mason, the previous 49ers again who they imagine provides an explosive component to their run sport. To date, they have been thrilled with Mason’s play, and so they envision a reasonably 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 is not arduous to image a state of affairs wherein the Vikings resolve to lean extra on him because the season goes alongside. Once more, nothing towards Jones — this might simply be the pure evolution of issues in Minnesota.
NFC SOUTH
Do not be stunned 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 relatively not seeing. Pitts is within the last yr of his contract, enjoying for $10.878 million on the fifth-year possibility 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 constantly keep wholesome.
When No. 2 receiver Darnell Mooney went down with an damage early in coaching camp, there was lots of discuss Atlanta filling that void by enjoying two-tight finish units and mainly utilizing Pitts as a receiver. And the Falcons completely would possibly nonetheless strive that. However there are positively indicators that they do not view Pitts as an important match for what they’re attempting 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’ll 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.
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Do not be stunned if … quarterback Bryce Younger is in line for a contract extension subsequent spring.
What I am listening to: The Panthers imagine the advance Younger confirmed towards the top of final season will carry over into 2025 — not simply due to the best way he carried out on the sphere but in addition due to how snug he acquired in his position as beginning quarterback. Coaches really feel like Younger has turned a nook by way of his confidence and outward competitiveness. And now Carolina added broad receiver Tetairoa McMillan within the first spherical of this yr’s draft to a receiver room that already included final yr’s first-round decide Xavier Legette and veteran Adam Thielen.
The Panthers might need an extended method to go earlier than being aggressive (although possibly not, if their offseason enhancements on protection have lots of immediate affect). However they assume they’ve Younger heading in the right direction after a disappointing rookie yr in 2023 and a tough begin to 2024 that noticed him benched for veteran Andy Dalton.
Do not be stunned if … Spencer Rattler will get a reasonably long term 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 affordable to assume 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 best way he did all through camp, he might 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 likelihood, and if the Saints begin shedding lots of video games, possibly 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 brief leash.
Do not be stunned if … rookie Emeka Egbuka is the Bucs’ main receiver.
What I am listening to: The group has been completely raving about first-round decide Egbuka all through the summer time, praising him as hyper-advanced for a rookie in all aspects of his sport. Chris Godwin, who’s working his approach again from a serious season-ending ankle damage, is on a really unsure timetable for returning to the sphere and an much more unsure one for returning to his outdated self. Veteran Mike Evans’ subsequent sub-1,000-yard season might be his first, however he’s 32 and missed three video games final season. And Jalen McMillan, final yr’s rookie standout who caught seven landing passes within the last 5 video games of the season, will miss the beginning of 2025 due to a neck damage.
If he is all the things we’re being advised he’s, Egbuka can play any of the broad receiver spots within the Tampa Bay offense, already has the belief of quarterback Baker Mayfield and seems in line for an enormous share of the goal alternative on one of many league’s greatest offenses.
NFC WEST
Do not be stunned if … tight finish Trey McBride is the Cardinals’ main receiver once more.
What I am listening to: Certain, the Playing cards drafted broad receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth decide in 2024. And sure, all the things we have heard out of Arizona this offseason has indicated Harrison is bettering on his reference to quarterback Kyler Murray and needs to be an even bigger a part of the offense than he was as a rookie. However that also doesn’t suggest 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 motive for that to alter. McBride is an distinctive participant who has been a dependable performer for Murray each time they have been on the sphere collectively. And sure, fantasy soccer managers, I believe you may 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 stunned if … quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has to begin 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 damage that stubbornly refused to observe his or the group’s restoration timetable. However Stafford is 37 years outdated 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’s one thing that may have to be monitored and managed all through the season.
Which means there might come every week when Stafford feels he cannot play by it. And that is the place you would see backup Garoppolo — who began one sport final season — having to step in and hold issues buzzing. Once more, I count on Stafford to powerful this out and make it by the season; this Rams group has him satisfied he can win one other Tremendous Bowl earlier than he is performed. But it surely may not at all times be the smoothest course of.
1:02
Why Orlovsky is not overly involved in regards to the Rams
Dan Orlovsky outlines why Matthew Stafford’s again damage is not impacting his expectations for the Rams.
Do not be stunned 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 have 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, certain, however they nonetheless have Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner … I might go on, however you get the concept. A number of expertise.
At this stage of their careers, McCaffrey and Williams specifically should be thought of damage dangers, but when they keep wholesome, there is not any motive this cannot be an elite offense for quarterback Brock Purdy. Ricky Pearsall, the group’s 2024 first-round decide who was recovering from a gunshot wound initially of final season, seems poised to tackle a number one position whereas Jauan Jennings figures out his calf/contract state of affairs and Brandon Aiyuk works his approach again from a knee damage.
This group has likelihood to bounce all the best way again to being among the best — if not the most effective — within the NFC, particularly towards a schedule that features simply 4 video games towards groups that made final season’s playoffs.
Do not be stunned 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 yr 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 yr 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 potential to scheme up pressures is pretty much as good as anybody’s. It takes time to be taught a brand new scheme, however after enjoying in it for a yr, Seattle’s defensive gamers are primed for an enormous season on that aspect of the ball.
AFC EAST
Do not be stunned 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 group within the NFL final yr besides the Lions. But it surely’s nonetheless placing issues collectively on the defensive aspect 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 protection place has been a very thorny query mark, particularly contemplating how essential that place is in coach Sean McDermott’s protection.
McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich have performed a superb job in recent times of constructing in-season changes and bringing that group collectively. However do not be shocked if the entrance workplace seems to assist them out right here within the coming weeks or months with a strategic addition or two.
Do not be stunned if … the Dolphins are literally a wild-card contender.
What I am listening to: The entire 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 12 months 3. McDaniel is the preferred identify on the entire preseason sizzling 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 acquired me pondering it may not 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 exterior veterans with robust management reputations.
A ton rests on the Dolphins’ potential to maintain Tagovailoa wholesome; actually everybody you discuss to in that constructing mentions it. And the favored exterior 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 occasions. There’s an opportunity — an opportunity — he would possibly be capable of get the Dolphins again to the place they have 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 stunned if … rookie TreVeyon Henderson is the group’s No. 1 operating again all season.
What I am listening to: In case you’ve been prepping for fantasy drafts, you are already throughout this. Henderson has been probably the most explosive component of the Patriots’ offense all through camp, and the teaching workers is sensible sufficient to know New England wants some explosiveness. The issues 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 yr at Ohio State. Rhamondre Stevenson continues to be there if the Patriots wish to hold 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 sphere.
1:36
Why TreVeyon Henderson is making a bounce in fantasy
Subject Yates and Daniel Dopp clarify why TreVeyon Henderson is such an intriguing participant in fantasy.
Do not be stunned 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 outdated. In addition they know what they’ve in Breece Corridor, who generally is a main ball service, a receiving again or some mixture of the 2. And in Justin Fields, the Jets have one of the crucial electrifying runners on the quarterback place the league has ever seen. This group’s offensive DNA goes to lie in its run sport. And if Fields can present a constant potential to get the ball downfield to Garrett Wilson within the passing sport, it can solely open issues up extra for the Jets to run, run, run.
AFC NORTH
Do not be stunned if … broad receiver Zay Flowers takes a third-year leap.
What I am listening to: The Ravens’ offensive identification continues to be going to be of their excellent run sport, however Flowers is their No. 1 broad receiver, and his absence from final season’s divisional spherical playoff sport in Buffalo (knee) performed a component of their loss. He is wholesome now and has had a pleasant camp. However the principle motive I am looking for Flowers this season is the truth that DeAndre Hopkins has been on the group because the spring.
Final yr on the Tremendous Bowl, Chiefs coaches have been raving to me in regards to the affect Hopkins had after Kansas Metropolis acquired him — not as a move catcher however as a instructor, notably for rookie wideout Xavier Worthy. They talked about how Hopkins would seize the pill after a drive, stroll over to Worthy and train him a few of the finer particulars about route-running strategies. 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 sort of affect on Flowers that he had on Worthy.
Do not be stunned if … the Bengals return to the AFC Championship Recreation.
What I am listening to: The surface concern about the best way the protection has regarded in preseason video games isn’t shared by these contained in the constructing. The Bengals are putting in a brand new scheme below new defensive coordinator Al Golden, and the teaching workers 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 apply say the first-team protection has carried out pretty properly towards Joe Burrow and among the best offenses within the NFL — even with defensive finish Trey Hendrickson not collaborating earlier than agreeing to his new deal.
Cincinnati’s protection has just one course 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 group with a potent offense and gamers who know the best way 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.
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Do not be stunned if … rookie tight finish Harold Fannin Jr. catches lots of passes.
What I am listening to: Fannin was one of the crucial 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 a lot of alternative ways in his offense.
Incumbent David Njoku continues to be part of the plans, do not get me flawed. However I believe we’ll see lots of performs with Njoku and Fannin on the sphere collectively. And whoever’s enjoying quarterback for the Browns — which is Joe Flacco for the time being — can have a simple time discovering the rookie.
Do not be stunned if … they use lots of tight ends.
What I am listening to: Commerce acquisition broad receiver DK Metcalf might 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. But it surely’s the depth at tight finish that would make coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense shocking and unconventional.
Veteran Pat Freiermuth leads the group, nevertheless it additionally contains 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 permit them to indicate a lot of totally different seems to opposing defenses. With the broad 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 stunned if … the Texans have the most effective protection within the league.
What I am listening to: Houston is extraordinarily excited in regards to the high quality and depth of its defensive roster. On the again finish, second-year cornerback Kamari Lassiter and second-year security Calen Bullock seem like 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 sort out — although Houston added a handful of veterans like Sheldon Rankins, Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards Jr. to shore up its depth there.
The Texans have 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 lots of eyes on the Houston offense and whether or not quarterback C.J. Stroud can cause them to a bounce-back season behind a rebuilt offensive line and below a brand new coordinator. However regardless, the Texans needs to be a dominant protection week to week.
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Do not be stunned 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 best way he did for the Giants of their shock 2022 playoff season, the Colts imagine they’ll construct a consultant offense behind operating again Jonathan Taylor, a powerful offensive line and rookie tight finish Tyler Warren (who they imagine generally is a star straight away). The protection added some key items, not the least of which is former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Indy needs to be rather a lot higher on that aspect of the ball than most assume.
No group within the AFC South has gone longer with out successful it than the Colts, who final completed atop the division in 2014 with Andrew Luck at quarterback. With that sort of drought and the group below considerably new possession (the late Jim Irsay’s daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon is the group’s new CEO), there’s lots of stress on the teaching workers and entrance workplace to ship — and shortly.
Do not be stunned if … a pair of rookies takes over the backfield by yr’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 begin the season, however the brand new teaching workers and entrance workplace inherited them. They drafted Tuten, whose residence run velocity is engaging sufficient that he ought to pressure his approach into a serious position comparatively quickly, and Allen, who they imagine could 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 stunned if … rookie Elic Ayomanor is the No. 2 receiver.
What I am listening to: The fourth-rounder out of Stanford has developed a powerful rapport with rookie QB Cam Ward and has impressed coaches together with his efficiency all through coaching camp. Calvin Ridley tasks 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 broad receiver group as a top-five unit within the league. And whereas that could be an exaggeration, it does rather a lot 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 stunned if … veteran J.Ok. Dobbins is the Broncos’ lead operating again.
What I am listening to: The Broncos like second-round rookie RJ Harvey rather a lot, however he is nonetheless engaged on his pass-protection expertise, and it seems 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 things the Broncos want there (and Harvey cannot fairly but), I might count on Dobbins to open the season because the group’s predominant early-down operating again with Harvey mixing in variety of touches.
Because the season goes alongside, might Harvey tackle extra of a starter’s workload? After all, and that may even be the group’s hope. However a minimum of to begin the season, count on Dobbins to get the vast majority of the work.
0:45
Why Subject Yates likes the ‘reliability’ of J.Ok. Dobbins
Subject Yates explains why J.Ok. Dobbins is a greater wager than RJ Harvey in drafts.
Do not be stunned if … the Chiefs commerce for a operating again.
What I am listening to: Isiah Pacheco is wholesome and able to resume the lead again position the group deliberate for him earlier than his early-season damaged proper leg final yr, however the room is skinny behind him. Veteran Kareem Hunt simply turned 30, and the Chiefs would possibly use rookie Brashard Smith in a extra nontraditional position that takes benefit of his receiving expertise as he develops. The Chiefs might use a third-down again with some move safety potential and might be commerce and waiver prospects as rosters get tinkered with forward of Week 1.
Do not be stunned 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 important O-line, however there are indicators that it needs 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 inventive with alignments and play calls.
Smith needed to be in Las Vegas and reunite with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, so he is in headspace and enjoying a few of the greatest soccer of his profession.
Do not be stunned if … operating again Omarion Hampton wins Offensive Rookie of the 12 months.
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 damage in July that value him a ton of coaching camp apply 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 in regards to the backs splitting snaps, I believe Hampton is in line for a serious position 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 would possibly simply take the starter’s job straight away and by no means look again.
