The season is approaching. In fact, the first game of the season begins one month from today. That is a reason for excitement.
Let’s begin by looking at the win totals that were released and a quick comment on whether they will reach that goal or not.
PATRIOTS: 11.0 WINS
When dealing with coach Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, it is difficult to bet against them. Losing Gronkowski could be a reason for concern but not enough for me to change my mind. OVER
SAINTS: 10.5 WINS
The team is too talented to finish below 11 wins even if Drew Brees begins his decline or he gets hurt. OVER
CHIEFS: 10.5 WINS
This is a difficult one to pick. It has been confirmed Tyreek Hill is in the building so that is positive. The defense is suspect but look for coach Andy Reid to get them into the playoffs but likely as a wild card. UNDER
RAMS: 10.5 WINS
Todd Gurley has been cleared to return to the field but that knee is a mess. But rest assured the Super Bowl losing team didn’t lose much in the way of roster material. OVER
EAGLES: 10.0 WINS
Carson Wentz enters the season healthy and this team is loaded on both sides of the ball. OVER.
BEARS: 9.5 WINS
The question that you have to ask with the Bears is if Mitchell Trubisky will ake another step forward. Injuries are bound to catch up to Chicago. UNDER
PACKERS: 9.5 WINS
Can the ageless (or is it aging) Aaron Rodgers stay healthy? If he can, then this team goes over but I am banking he doesn’t play 16 games. UNDER
CHARGERS: 9.5 WINS
There aren’t any big weaknesses on this team and if Philip Rivers continues his steady play, this team could go over by several games. Rivers now has another weapon to toss the ball to in Hunter Henry. OVER
COLTS: 9.5 WINS
I feel good about this one as I expect Andrew Luck to be better than last year and the defense got some great upgrades. OVER
VIKINGS: 9.0 WINS
I am having issues with this team and their talent, I can’t make up my mind if it is none or ten wins. WAVERING
BROWNS: 9.0 WINS
The preseason hype has been out in full force this year as the team is loaded with star power. The negative comes from their offensive line. Still too much inexperience with this team starting with the coaching staff. UNDER
COWBOYS: 9.0 WINS
The NFC East has had several teams get better in the off-season which doesn’t bode well for the wins in Dallas. I will weasel out on this with a PUSH.
SEAHAWKS: 9.0 WINS
Russell Wilson can bring some magic to the field in Seattle but Brian Schottenheimer running the offense is a downgrade. UNDER
FALCONS: 9.0 WINS
Let me list the ways the Falcons will fade. The backfield is a concern, the offensive line is weak, and the defense was porous last year. UNDER
STEELERS: 9.0 WINS
Winning nine games is their max. Losing Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell is too much for even Ben Rothlisberger to overcome. UNDER
TEXANS: 8.5 WINS
Injuries are a concern for the Texans but this was a team that one 11 games last year. It may only be nine wins but I will go OVER.
RAVENS: 8.5 WINS
The defense is definitely a concern for the Ravens plus Lamar Jackson has no real great targets to toss the ball to for a sore. UNDER
TITANS: 8.0 WINS
How can this team get to nine wins? Don’t count on Tannehill or Mariota to orchestrate that. UNDER
49ERS: 8.0 WINS
The NFC West will bring a brutal schedule to the field and San Francisco isn’t likely to get lightning from Jimmy G. UNDER
JAGUARS: 8.0 WINS
The defense has been missing for two seasons in Jacksonville. I am not sure it is possible for Nick Foles to win over six or seven games. UNDER
PANTHERS: 7.5 WINS
Cam Newton will be watched closely in the preseason after shoulder surgery. I am counting on his being healthy now he has a defensive front line to aid him in wins. OVER
BILLS: 7.0 WINS
The defense is talented but the team will have to score to win. If they had a receiver I would change my pick. UNDER
JETS: 7.0 WINS
I like Sam Darnold but this team is fading. Bell will help tons on offense but the defense is very poor. UNDER
BRONCOS: 7.0 WINS
Is this a .500 team? Joe Flacco has to be more of a difference-maker in order that I move the needle on this pick. I love the defense but still…. UNDER
REDSKINS: 6.5 WINS
The three hed quarterback might work in Washington with Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, and Dwayne Haskins but the team isn’t very good. UNDER
BUCCANEERS: 6.5 WINS
If the defense can be average, then this team wins a few more than many think they will. Jameis Winston has some talent to lead the Buccaneers over the .500 mark this year. OVER
LIONS: 6.5 WINS
The defense can’t hold up and the NFC North is too good for Detroit. UNDER
BENGALS: 6.0 WINS
Cincinnati can do this with the decent roster they have put together. I am probably on kool-aid or something here. OVER
GIANTS: 6.0 WINS
No. This is a bad team. Easy choice for me. UNDER
RAIDERS: 6.0 WINS
Six wins may be a reachable goal but they win four or five max. The players don’t trust each other on this team. UNDER
CARDINALS: 5.0 WINS
The defense is solid but this is a new system for Murray and others. PUSH
DOLPHINS: 4.5 WINS
This team will get the first pick in next years draft. Will they try? Rosen will make this team worth watching each week. UNDER