1:00 The NFL's 100th season kickoff is just days away. Are you ready?
The Ravens lacked wide receiver production last season but that doesn’t look to be the case anymore… Rookies Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin will both provide some much-needed speed outside.
Last season: The benching of long-time starting quarterback Joe Flacco after a Week Nine loss ended up being a blessing. They went from an abysmal 4-5 record to ending the season 10-6 and making the playoffs thanks to Jackson taking the league by storm.
Unfortunately, their playoff experience didn’t last long as they were beaten in the Wild Card round by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Prospects: Although the Ravens aren’t one of the big AFC powerhouses, they’re certainly on the cusp. If Jackson is able to generate more through the air, then they have a genuine chance of winning the division again. The additions of more offensive weapons will only improve the young QB.
The defense will be strong yet again and with the addition of hard-hitting Thomas, the secondary should return to their turnover potential from 2018, when they led the league in takeaways.
Prediction: 2nd (9-7)
Cleveland Browns
Head coach: Freddie Kitchens
Key man: Despite being pipped to the Rookie of the Year Award last season by Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield is one of the most highly-regarded young quarterbacks in the NFL. The 24-year-old broke the record for most touchdown passes thrown by a rookie (27).
His offense is stacked with weapons – including Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb – so if he’s not able to improve on his stats as a rookie, a lot of questions will be asked.
Major additions: In arguably the biggest move of the summer, the Browns acquired Beckham Jr in a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants. Olivier Vernon also made the same trip in a separate deal.
2017 Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt was also added to the roster after his release from the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 24-year-old is suspended for the first eight games of the season due to violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Last season: In the two previous seasons, the Browns had an abysmal 1-31 record. By Week Five of last year, they’d already won two games. However, a string of four losses in a row saw Hue Jackson fired and Gregg Williams put in charge for the remainder of the season.
Williams came close to guiding the Browns to their first .500 season since 2007, but they fell just short at 7-8-1.
Prospects: There’s been a lot of hype around the Browns due to the number of big names they’ve brought in on offense, but the team may take time to gel.
The attack is full of stars and the signing of Hunt could help massively down the stretch when he returns from suspension. Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are defensive studs, but the rest of the unit needs work.
In a tough division, Mayfield and co need to hit the ground running to reach the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.
Prediction: 3rd (9-7)
Cincinnati Bengals
Head coach: Zac Taylor
Key man: Despite most teams relying on their quarterback, the Bengals rely heavily on their running back. Joe Mixon is one of the few bright sparks on this team.
The 23-year-old had 1,464 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns last season but was somehow not named to the Pro Bowl, despite leading the AFC in rushing yards.
Mixon is in line for another busy season as the Bengals are lacking quality at receiver, especially due to A.J. Green’s injury. Without Mixon, this team could be the worst in the NFL.
Major additions: The Bengals chose not to bolster their ranks with stars during free agency. Guard John Miller could be the only notable veteran addition.
The 2019 NFL Draft wasn’t much better as Cincy’s first-round pick Jonah Williams has been ruled out for the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. However, they could have drafted their future quarterback in fourth-round Ryan Finley. He’s looked sharp in preseason, but won’t be dethroning Andy Dalton any time soon.
Last season: The Bengals got off to a hot start, winning four of their first five games. Throughout the rest of the season, they only mustered up two more victories, leaving them with an underwhelming 6-10 record.
Injuries then played a massive part in their downfall, as throughout the season, 26 players were placed on Injured Reserve – including star wide receiver Green.
Prospects: With a depleted roster and new head coach, the Bengals are expected to struggle. They have an ageing quarterback who hasn’t led them to the playoffs since 2015 and they not much depth on offense, so Mixon will be the go-to option.
The defense isn’t much better, either and has also been riddled with injuries. It might be another ugly season for the Bengals.
Prediction: 4th (4-12)
Sourse: skysports.com
