Arizona Cardinals
It’s time for the Cardinals to finally win a Super Bowl. After being blown out in last season’s NFC championship game by the Carolina Panthers, the Cardinals have upgraded their weakest position -pass rush- with the addition of Chandler Jones by way of a trade with the New England Patriots. The return to fitness of Tyrann Mathieu, one of the leagues very best defensive players, will ensure the Cardinals defense will match their offense in terms of skill and playmaking ability. Not forgetting the Cardinals have one of the best coaches in the league in Bruce Arians. Tom Marshall
The most important thing will be to keep quarterback Carson Palmer healthy. He had such a strong regular season last year, but then faltered in the post-season and ultimately cost the team a chance at the Super Bowl with his horrendous performance against the Panthers.
The addition of Chandler Jones gives their defence a legit pass-rush threat that they have sorely lacked for a number of years. Keep him healthy and there’s no reason why he can’t notch double-digit sacks this season. Hopefully rookie defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche also gets in on the act and proves that the Cardinals got a steal with him late in the first round. If these things happen, we may finally get a Lombardi Trophy in Arizona. Tom Donlan
Atlanta Falcons
I watched the Super Bowl for the first time in 1999 with my dad. Despite their 34-19 defeat to Denver Broncos, I wanted to support the underdogs, especially after their amazing season. So I grew to like Atlanta Falcons. That makes it 16 seasons and counting.
Last year hurt. We looked incredible after a 5-0 start under head coach Dan Quinn, but we fell to pieces which wasn’t pretty. If quarterback Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and a slightly improved offensive line show their promise this year, I’m expecting a push for the playoffs - probably a wildcard place in NFC South. Hopefully Quinn has fixed up the defence. We need better defensive performances and more creativity if we are to improve this season. Geoff Hunt
Baltimore Ravens
I have been a fan of the Ravens since 2010. My favourite player of all time has to be Ray Lewis. He was such an emotional leader of his teams as well as such a physical talent. The best season of all time was 2012, when the Ravens beat San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl. It was Ray Lewis’s final ever NFL game and the perfect way to bow out. We had a disastrously poor season last year, with the Ravens failing to perform all year and not reaching the playoffs. Hopefully this season will be an improvement.
This year it would be nice to have a healthy roster and see wide receiver Breshad Perriman have a good season. If we can make it to the playoffs that would be a good season in my books. If our quarterback Joe Flacco can stay fit after his knee problems, then we can do well. We also need to improve our defensive play. That is a cornerstone of good Ravens football and we need to get back to that. Daryl Anderson
Buffalo Bills
My hopes are that the Bills finally play up to the talent on the roster. We’ve never had a team this good on paper across all phases, and the real question mark hangs over head coach Rex Ryan. I’ve learned not to expect a 10-6 or playoff season, though it isn’t out of reach. I expect the offence to be explosive and frustrating in equal measure, with a heavy dose of the run game punctuated with big passing plays that play to quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s strengths. It won’t always be pretty but it should be effective.
On D I expect a huge improvement on last year (it can’t get much worse!), maybe not the top five Rex promised the world, but a top 10-15 would stop us losing games that we should win. The questions are whether Ryan can get the team playing disciplined football, whether Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins can stay healthy and build on last season, and whether young players like Ronald Derby can continue stepping up. I expect to be entertained and there is definitely cause to be optimistic as there always is in pre-season! Craig Warner
Chicago Bears
With an upgraded defence, two genuine quality receivers, a kind looking schedule and coach John Fox in his second season, there’s nothing to say we can’t get to the playoffs. Milan Joshi
With our decent draft and free agency manoeuvres, I’m hoping for a push towards a playoff place. I trust head coach Fox and think he’s the right man for the job, but fear the job is bigger than he first thought. Jay Cutler will need to rediscover his pre-humungous contract form and to do that Alshon Jeffery will have to maintain his fitness for a full season. Both are big asks and long shots. Jeffery should be motivated in a contract year and Kevin White playing alongside him will hopefully help spread some of the coverage. I pray to see smiles on what has been sullen faces at the end of this regular season. Ed Arnoll
Cincinatti Bengals
I’ve been supporting the Bengals for nine years, and chose them because I love an underdog. But I’ve yet to see the Bengals win a playoff game, and last season was especially hard to take, so it would be nice if I can tick that off my list this year.
We’ve struggled with injuries in the post-season in the past, so keeping key players like quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A. J. Green and defensive tackle Geno Atkins fit will give us the best possible chance of improving head coach Marvin Lewis’s awful record. Neale Halkett
Cleveland Browns
I started following the Browns in the early 1980s. I was totally transfixed with the brown and orange colours of the team’s jerseys. Some say it’s not the nicest combination but I think it’s magical. Bernie Kosar is my favourite ever player. Back in the 80s the Browns would challenge the Broncos and Steelers at the very top. The last couple of seasons have been a total living nightmare- we are usually out of the running by October.
I’m optimistic about the new coach Hue Jackson and pray he can make us a little bit more competitive. It would be nice if we were still in the running for something by the time Thanksgiving comes around this year. That would be small progress but progress all the same. Paul Tate
Dallas Cowboys
Winning the NFC East is the main hope. After last year a return to a competitive season is a must and a promising rookie season for Ezekiel Elliott would help the Cowboys achieve that. The health of quarterback Tony Romo is key to everything at the AT&T Stadium, so news of his injury before the season has even started is a major blow. The defence also needs to gel to offset a lack of top tier talent and a number of injuries and suspensions. Luke Harrison
We had a great season in 2014, when DeMarco Murray was outstanding. I was so disappointed last season because it started off so well and lack of good backup quarterback hurt us big time. There weren’t many positives around the club, so this season will hopefully be better. If we keep everyone fit, the offence can be the star this season. It’s one of the best in the division, and it always has been. But our defence won’t win the Super Bowl unfortunately. I’d love someone to come through the ranks to give Tony Romo a reliable backup. Could Dak Prescott possibly be that guy? Oli Davies
Detroit Lions
There’s no realistic route to the playoffs this year. I can’t see us getting past strong Packers and Vikings teams, but I’d be happy if I feel things are going in the right direction. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter must get the best out of quarterback Matt Stafford. I’d also like to see the receiver core not losing too much ground from last year, which is possible if Marvin Jones steps up. It would be nice to actually have a running game of some kind... Going 8-8 without “Megatron” Calvin Johnson, who announced his retirement earlier this year, would feel like an achievement. Joe Sturge
The Lions’ division will be difficult this year with Green Bay likely to get back to their best, Minnesota a team on the rise and the Bears having made some good free agency moves. I’d hope the Lions can get close to 9-7 and a Wildcard slot. After a disastrous start last year they finished well. It could come down to their ability to close out close games. That’s something they didn’t do enough of last year. The Lions have to find a way to replace the catches, yards and touchdowns of retired Calvin Johnson. He was a great safety blanket for Matt Stafford. We could do with a good second season from Ameer Abdullah. On the other side of the ball the defence needs to help out Ziggy Ansah. He can’t do it all on his own. Hopefully a fully fit DeAndre Levy will help after he missed most of last year. Phil Ashford
Denver Broncos
I certainly expect the Broncos to make the playoffs this year. Although it will be tough playing in a division as competitive as the AFC West, where you could honestly make a case that every team could make the playoffs. I think the defence will once again top the league in total defence and I expect that the offence will be powered by the running game.
The absolute essential key will be quarterback play. The Broncos don’t need an Aaron Rodgers. All they need is an average quarterback that can move the chains, hand the ball off and most importantly turn the ball over a lot less. That was the big question mark over Mark Sanchez, and the reason we let him go to Dallas Cowboys. He can make some plays, but he is prone to turning the ball over. If we can get a 10-6 season and make the playoffs, well you never know right? Who picked the Broncos to win the super bowl last year? It’s football anything can happen. Frank Walker
I almost don’t want this year to start as we still bask in the glow of a Super Bowl victory. This year will be not much different to last year despite Peyton Manning’s departure. I would expect to make the Playoffs despite the AFC West being a much rougher road to travel now then it was 12 months ago. I wouldn’t hold my breath about getting back to the Super Bowl with the Patriots and Steelers looking too strong at this point in the AFC. Matt Beesley
Green Bay Packers
I expect the Pack at the very least to make the NFC Championship game, but the hope is to reach another Super Bowl while Aaron Rodgers is in his prime. He’s the best quarterback in the NFL. Last season he struggled with an ever-changing receiving corp, but I believe this will be a strength rather than a weakness going into the new season.
Jordy Nelson is back from his ACL injury and thus Randall Cobb can go back to his natural position to recreate what was the most potent WR duo of the 2014 NFL season. Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis have shown they can add an extra dimension to the WRs, and Jared Cook will bring some much needed athleticism to the tight-end position. Rodgers should have plenty of targets and, if the O-line, and the slimmed-down Eddie Lacy do their job, the Packers offence could be incredibly difficult to stop. Patrick Clinton-Dix
Houston Texans
Like any fan I hope that my team will win the Super Bowl. And what better incentive for the Texans this year than the fact it will be held in their home stadium. That should be motivation enough to make that dream come true. The sobering truth though is that, although we have improved this off-season, I still think the Super Bowl will be just be out of reach. I do believe we will win the AFC South and I‘m also hopeful of a deep playoff run.
The key to success for the Texans this year is that our newly bolstered offense can match up to the high standards set by our defence. We went big this off season acquiring what we believe is a highly talented quarterback and a very good running back. A lot of money was spent bringing Brock Osweiler away from the Super Bowl winning Broncos and for good reason. The quarterback position has been a problem for us the last couple of seasons so bringing in a real talent at that position was a must. Lamarr Miller was brought in to replace the ailing Arian Foster and I think that was a clever move. Miami did not use him nearly enough and I think with the workload the Texans are offering he will shine brightly and give the Texans that ground game they had two seasons ago that dominated so much.
JJ Watt is looking to play in the season opener so let’s just hope he hasn’t come back too soon. We also need Jadeveon Clowney to be the player we expected him to be when we drafted him first in 2014. If Watt and Clowney are firing on all cylinders, they’ll be fearsome duo and could potentially lead us to that deep playoff run or Super Bowl ring all Texan fans are looking for. Graham Henderson The Kilted Texan
Indianapolis Colts
Last year was a real let down. Having signed Frank Gore and Andre Johnson (already released ahead of this season), as well as quarterback Andrew Luck being on a steady upward curve, I thought we could have gone deep into the playoffs. However, the O-Line was terrible, Luck was injured most of the season and we couldn’t even muster a winning record.
Topping the division and making the playoffs this season is still the hope, but with teams in the AFC South all adding depth in free agency it will be tough. A lot of our success will rest on the offensive line’s ability to hold up, allowing quarterback Andrew Luck time in the pocket. The hope is also that Luck stays fit and cuts out interceptions, which he struggled with last year. Declan Maher
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars will have the most dynamic offense outside of Green Bay this year. Tight end Julius Thomas is finally getting intigrated, and with the addition of running back Chris Ivory to smash in the touchdowns, we look scarily good. The additions at Defense need to have an immediate impact and the whole outfit needs to be tighter so the Offense can have more time to do their thing. Mark
Kansas City Chiefs
My hope ahead of the season is to win the AFC West for the first time since 2010, get a first round bye and progress to the AFC championship game. The O-line needs to improve in pass protection to allow our quarterback Alex Smith time to throw. Another wide receiver needs to emerge behind WR#2 has to emerge behind Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce in the passing game to force opposing defenses to respect the passing game. This would allow running backs Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West to take advantage of a less stacked box in the run game. Alex
Los Angeles Rams
I’ve been a fan of the Rams since 1986 and am pleased they have moved back to LA. I think we can finally have a winning season and maybe sneak a wildcard spot. I hope that Jared Goff lives up to his lofty draft pick or it could set the franchise back again. The key to success this season is to play great defence led by Aaron Donald, the O Line needs to block for Todd Gurley and Case Keenum has to manage the game. If Goff progresses and is ready to take the field at some point this season, then hopefully it takes us to a playoff spot. Nick Henderson
I hope the Rams make the playoffs, and that young quarterback Jared Goff continues his development. If we continue to win without him, I would be happy for Goff to sit for the season and learn. We need to improve offensively. The efficiency of quarterback by Case Keenum will be the most important thing for the Rams to make the playoffs. We were only just out of the playoffs with perhaps the worst offence in the league last season, so anything better than that should have us in contention. Zaimondos
Miami Dolphins
After some very meagre seasons in AFL East, expectations are low and optimism is even lower. Lat season’s 6-10 and 4th place was a disaster. I’ll settle for more wins than losses this year, and live in the hope that our offence finally finds a way of moving the ball. Steve Layfield
Minnesota Vikings
This year I hope we make a real dent in the playoffs. The Vikings are becoming a real force in the NFL. With a young and upcoming squad, a quarterback starting to show his potential and a brand-new stadium which holds over 66,000, this season could be very excited for the team and its fans. We look solid in defence and unpredictable pushing forward, the roster is strong and is more than capable of upsetting the odds this season.
Unfortunately the serious pre-season injury suffered by our young and promising quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has rocked the team. He struggled in his first term with the Vikings last season but had impressed so far and he will be a huge loss. The pressure on running back Adrian Peterson just got a whole lot bigger. Nathan Evans
New England Patriots
I hope we see New England in their sixth consecutive AFC Championship game this season. Not just because I always hope for a trip to the Super Bowl, but because I want us to prove that we are more than just Tom Brady. Sure, he has been our rock for many years, but we owe so much to the positional coaches and the B and C level players who come in and train and perform the Patriots way.
Head coach Bill Belichick’s team have always been better than the sum of their parts, so I hope we match or even exceed our usual quality, and take the focus from deflategate and back to the team and the coaches who make the franchise a joy to support. Guys like Jamie Collins, Rob Binkovich and Devin McCourty need to continue to play at the level they have precious seasons, and our line need to protect first Jimmy Garoppolo and later Brady. Christopher Wilson
New Orleans Saints
The team last year was so unbalanced. An awesome attack was time and again let down by a woeful defence. It provided some great entertainment at times - beating the Giants 52-49 and a few very close run games against Panthers. But it felt like all the hard work done by quarterback Drew Brees was for nothing.
A new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen improved the final few games but the bar was set epically low. Even a middling defence coupled with a strong offence should result in perhaps a Wildcard entrance to the playoffs. Carolina Panthers still look the team to beat in the South, but we should rightfully expect to be better than Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We need a few pieces to stay fit to give Brees’s shoulders a rest, but a 9-7 is within grasp. Liam
New York Giants
A lot of fans are saying a playoff run or bust given our expensive offseason, but I’ll settle for steady progress. I’d also like to see us close out games where we’re leading. We blew an awful lot of leads last year. If we can finish above .500 (8-8) and everyone stays healthy (yes Victor Cruz that means you), I’ll be happy. The roster on paper is very talented, if they play they’ll perform. If our wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. plays 16 games, he’ll top 1,500 receiving yards without a doubt. Ben
Our weakness since winning the Super Bowl in 2012 has been defence. If some games last season had been 30 seconds shorter, we’d have finished 11-5. In all those instances it was a weak defence that was to blame. We can definitely convert to being a very dangerous team so long as we hold up in the clutch defence moments. In Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. we have a fierce offence pair. If our Secondary holds itself together with the new additions, and if wide receiver Victor Cruz picks up near the ability he had when he last played, there is nothing stopping us making the playoffs or even the Super Bowl itself. Elliot
New York Jets
After finishing 10-6 last season, and just missing the playoffs, I’m hoping that we pick up where we left off. All the pieces are in place to contend for a wildcard playoff spot come January. It all comes down to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He broke franchise records last year by throwing for 31 touchdowns. If he can repeat that performance or come close, our defence is strong enough to carry the rest of the team to victory.
The Jets are yet to win a Super Bowl in my life time. Having said that I’ve enjoyed every season supporting them, because the teams are all so competitive in the AFC East. Last season was probably the most disappointing as we had all the players to make it to the playoffs. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had a poor game against Buffalo Bills on the last day of the regular season, and it spiralled out of control from there. Greg Smith
I expect the Jets to make it to the playoffs again at the very least. Their defense is one of the best in the game and feared by all quarterbacks. I’m made up that the Jets found a way to bring back Fitzpatrick this year. He’ll be a very important part of the Jets’ game plan. Haydn Gossage
Oakland Raiders
With a promising core of young players on both sides of the ball, and their additions in the offseason, it isn’t unrealistic to think the Raiders could get three more wins and improve to 10-6. The AFC West is going to be so tight this year. I don’t buy the hype that the Broncos are going to implode. Their D will be incredible again. Whoever plays at QB will simply be required to not turn the ball over. The Chiefs are going to be well drilled again and are settled at most key positions. The Chargers simply cannot have the same injury bad luck they had a year ago. I also see their D being much improved with their young linebackers and pass rushers.
All put together I think Oakland are most likely to improve this year. If they end up 9-7 or 10-6 and miss out on the playoffs I wouldn’t be too disappointed. They will have improved again and the coaching staff will have shown that they are on the right track. The offseason additions need to live up to their names and pay cheques though. There is always the possibility that introducing a lot of new faces can backfire but the Raiders seem to have gone after real pros this off season which gives me reason to be optimistic that this could be a top 10 defence. Tom Kingston
Philadelphia Eagles
Despite the conventional wisdom that teams with new, untested coaches will likely not make an impact in their first year, I am cautiously optimistic that the Eagles will still fight for the top spot in the NFC East under rookie head coach Doug Pederson. We need the defense to be consistent. Strength at the back has been an emerging trademark of the Eagles. We also need to mould another quality quarterback. Our team has struggled mightily with that position for decades and it must be established in this season, whoever stands under center. Edward Marks
Pittsburgh Steelers
For the Steelers the real hope this year is to make it to the 51st Super Bowl. The roster looks really strong and if we stay healthy throughout the season, we won’t be too far away. Steering clear of injuries is the only thing that is a must, but unfortunately this is beyond our control. Tyler
After the Super Bowl I felt that the Steelers were the favourite to be there in 2017, but no sooner had I looked at the betting odds when Martavis Bryant pushed the limits of fans goodwill by getting his one year ban. Then followed Le’Veon Bell with a three match ban. Add to this the alarming number of players already on the IR list and it just doesn’t feel like the stars are aligning. That said I think we can take the AFC North and then who knows?
There has been a lot of criticism about the defence, but by the end of the year we were a top 10 defence in almost every category. If we can build on these improvements and keep the Ben, Brown and Bell fit then at least it will be a entertaining season. I’ll be watching every minute I can. Ted Faulkner
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers will definitely improve on last year’s terrible season. Acquisition of free agents and solid draft picks has bolstered the team on both sides of the ball. I’m looking to 9-7 and a possible playoff run. Warren Williams
San Francisco 49ers
I fell in love with the 49ers as an impressionable eight year old in the early 90s. They looked so great with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, and my favourite season as a 49ers fan was when they won the Super Bowl in 1994. Quarterback Steve Young was fantastic that year. My biggest disappointment was probably last season. It’s only been a few years since the 49ers were in the Super Bowl or in the playoffs but to see them be a punchline last season was tough. They didn’t look like they had any plan with all their QB troubles, injuries, and a leaky defence.
It’d be nice to think about the playoffs this season, but I think Arizona and Seattle will be too tough to beat. Realistically I’d settle at not being the division’s whipping boys like last year. How head coach Chip Kelly organises the team this year will be a big factor. Can running back Carlos Hyde stay healthy and make an impact? Can wide receiver Torrey Smith make the step up? And the big question is what’s going to happen at QB? There’s a lot of questions about how the 49ers will play under a new coach, but there are reasons to hope the team is heading in the right direction.
In terms of the furore surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for the national anthem, I think it was a brave move. NFL stars are some of the most prominent black figures in the country so when a guy who should really keep his head down and try to get back in the team makes a stand, I think it says something. They need to keep the debate happening as role models and prominent figures. Andy Prentice
Seattle Seahawks
So far the Hawks look like a Super Bowl team again this year. They have the talent, depth and the attitude, and the offensive line is starting to gel. There are no serious injuries to key players, and both running back Thomas Rawls and tight end Jimmy Graham are living up to the expectations we have for them. The defense just has to play like they have the last four years. That shouldn’t be a problem. Bob C
With a mix of exciting fresh faces and healed key players, I’m hoping for at least the playoffs again this season. The protection of quarterback Russell Wilson needs to be stepped up this season. If that pocket stays clear, I can see him passing the ball more like the end of last season. Seahawks are upping their game. Be aware! Robert Collins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I’ve been a Tampa Bay fan since a visit to the Raymond James Stadium in 2012, so I have known only the dark times associated with following the Bucs. I would love to say my hopes for the season would be a second Lombardi, but the reality has to be respected and the best this young exciting team can hope for is an NFC Wild Card position. The Carolina Panthers are a sure fire bet to win the NFC South for the fourth successive year.
For the first time in their history, the Bucs have a franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston and you should believe the hype. Add in the top tandem of running backs from last year’s NFL in Doug Martin and Charles Sims, along with impressive big wide receivers in experienced Vincent Jackson and the youthful Mike Evans, you can understand why the Bucs ranked 5th overall on Offense last year. As far as Defense is concerned, the Bucs already had some quality pieces in defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander. They can only get better with the addition of a genuine pass rush, something that has been sorely lacking in Tampa ever Simeon Rice left the building.
Of course a new Head Coach in Dirk Koetter,last years offensive co-ordinator, brings a feeling of urgency to the front office and the hire of ex-Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith should also bring more dynamic schemes to what is shaping up to be a greatly improved Defense especially against the pass. A Super Bowl in 2016? Maybe not. A Super Bowl before the decade is out? Maybe, Tampa, just maybe. Stuart Anderson
Tennessee Titans
I’m hoping to avoid a losing record, go 8-8 and finish 3rd in the AFC South, ahead of the Brock Osweiler led Texans. If we succeed we’ll get there on a brutal running game and keeping our franchise quarterback healthy for all 16 games. We need better offense line play than last year. It would be hard to get worse to be honest. A competent receiver to step up and make some plays to reduce the pressure on tight end Delaine Walker and quarterback Marcus Mariota would also be welocme. David
Washington
I expect the NFC East will be a very close division this year. Every team has question marks heading into the season. I think Washington will win the division, but possibly only with a 9-7 record. The key is the running game, which went AWOL last season. It heaped a lot of pressure onto the inexperienced shoulders of quarterback Kirk Cousins who did a superb job under the circumstances. He has some real weapons in the passing game and, if wide receiver Josh Doctson can stay fit, he’ll be seeing a lot of the ball, as opponents tend to focus on DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. They can all turn short receptions into long gains.
The defense is certainly better, especially in the secondary, where the addition of Josh Norman is a significant upgrade. With Bashaud Breeland developing into a very good cornerback option, Quinton Dunbar also shaping up nicely, the Redskins should defend the pass much better. They need to defend the run better and, while the loss of linebacker Junior Gallette may yet hurt us, they have some depth which should help alleviate his loss. quicknstraight
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