(SportsRadio 610) - It’s early in the offseason, a lot can change from now to the start of the season and the NFL is the wildest year-to-year league in sports. Here are really early AFC Sweet 16 rankings.
1. Buffalo- Josh Allen and some big Offseason additions along with the Chiefs taking a major step back with the loss of Tyreek Hill.
2. LA Chargers- It’s scary to imagine how good Justin Herbert can be if he continues his improvement especially with the weapons around him. The addition of Khalil Mack and JC Jackson to the defense along with the return of a healthy Derwin James make them a legit Super Bowl contender.
3. Browns- A Deshaun Watson suspension would change a lot, but Watson with that run game and Amari Cooper along with a talented defense make the Browns a MUCH better version of what they were two seasons ago when they won a playoff game and went toe-to-toe with Kansas City in the divisional round.
4. Bengals- They’ve done a great job at fixing the offensive line the year after winning the conference, but they caught lightning in a bottle and won some close games that could’ve gone either way during their run. Still a very good team, but would it shock you if they took a step back?
5. Broncos- Denver was a QB away and added Russell Wilson. Nuff said.
6. Colts- Colts were considered one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL last year and rightfully so, but then Carson Wentz happened. Matt Ryan might not be what he once was, but he’s better than Wentz.
7. Chiefs- KC still has time and assets to attempt to fill the Tyreek Hill void before the season, but it’s hard to imagine how the Chiefs are going to replace one of the best weapons in NFL history. No matter what the Chiefs offense looks like opposing defensive coordinators are going to sleep a lot better at night without Hill on the roster.
8. Raiders- The Raiders were close to beating the Bengals in the playoffs last season. In free agency they added Davante Adams and Chandler Jones. The talent is there, but can Josh McDaniels succeed as a head coach the second time around?
9. Ravens- Baltimore was hit as hard as anyone lby injuries in 2021. Their success rests on the play and health of Lamar Jackson, but even if Jackson plays well and stays healthy how far can they go in the stacked AFC?
10. Titans- Mike Vrabel is one of the great coaches in the league and the Titans were the 1-seed last year, but after Ryan Tannehill’s performance in the Divisional Round last year he might be broken.
11. Steelers- Look at the QB’s in the AFC. Anyone buying Mitch Trubisky stock? Even if you are, how many shares.
12. Dolphins- One of the most active offseasons, the addition of one of the best weapons in league history and a first-year head coach who has the reputation as an offensive genius. Miami could soar up this this list, but it all comes down to Tua and Mike McDaniel’s ability to get the most out of him.
13. Patriots- New England overachieved last season and Bill Belichick did a helluva coaching job, but all three teams in the division improved, Josh McDaniels went to Vegas and the Pats are dead.
14. Jags- A lot of offseason activity and a Super Bowl-winning coach. Some reason for hope, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
15. Jets- The Jets are early in their rebuild and there’s no reason to expect much from them at this point.
16. Texans- The least talented roster in the NFL and it isn’t close. Early in the Caserio rebuild and suffering from the sins of Bill and Jack.