- Los Angeles Rams (0-0): Our Super Bowl
Champs are at the top dog as expected! They added a few big pieces in the
offseason and could make a strong run to compete. Can the Cinderella story
continue? Does he have the same magic from season 1? In all honesty another
run to the Super Bowl could cement him as the Greatest of All-Time in PML. - New England Patriots (0-0): SP took one of
the worst standard rosters in the league all the way to the Superbowl. He
had an impressive first season and his team got a whole lot better in the
off-season. He drafted Riley Leaonard, who is a much faster Mac Jones. I
think we’ll see a more mixed ground game for the Patriots this season. - Kansas City Chiefs (0-0): Matigy was one and
down in the playoffs and he isn’t satisfied with that performance. He
traded away Chris Jones and added some youth on the offensive line, but
how much will his run defense suffer this season without the presence of
Jones? - Green Bay Packers (0-0): One of the biggest
shockers of the PML playoffs last season was the first round exit of
HypeMike and the Packers. Has Mike reached his peak in PML? Will he
always just be a top record every season and collapse in the playoffs?
That will be the narrative moving forward if they can’t win that Super
Bowl. The bar is set awfully high for the kid. - Buffalo Bills (0-0): Trading away Von Miller
and Tre’ White on an aging Bills’ team was extremely smart for Beast. He
added Jaycee Horn to backfill White, but Beast went 2-1 in the playoffs,
so there are high hopes for the Buffalo Bills this season. - New Orleans Saints (0-0): Another team who
prematurely excited the playoffs last season was JC and the Saints. With
a lot of the teams building up their rosters, and the emergence of the
Falcons as a divisional threat, it will be interesting to see if the
Saints could reach the levels of season 1 for the remainder of the cycle. - Houston Texans (0-0): Despite a 13-4
performance, Houston was one and done in the playoffs and Kingke cannot be
satisfied with that performance. He drafted extremely well and was
fortunate that Brock Bowers fell to him at pick 8. Bowers is a receiver at
the tight end position and is going to be a mismatch for defenses this
season. - Seattle Seahawks (0-0): It will not get any
easier for the Seahawks moving forward. Coming off the divisional win
last season, they will be competing with the Super Bowl champs, the solid
all-around 49ers, and the almost built of Cardinals to repeat as division
winners. If there was ever a window for Z this cycle, it was definitely
season 1. Is Geno’s time up in Seattle? With Nix and Howell on the
roster, it seems to be that way. - Chicago Bears (0-0): Jefe has two new toys
to start a fresh season with on offense in Hall and Harrison Jr. They
upgraded the defensive line adding Joey Bosa which will help defend
against Gibbs and Jones all season. The Bears made some big moves since
the beginning of the cycle as they prepare to battle for the divisional
crown. - San Francisco 49ers (0-0): The 49ers took a
flier on JJ McCarthy this past draft in the 4th round which tells us they
may not exactly be sold on Brock Purdy leading the team this season. Did
they overachieve or underachieve last season? It depends on who you ask,
but one thing is certain, CEO and the 49ers will always be a tough out.
Expect more of the same this season. - Dallas Cowboys (0-0): The Dallas Cowboys
bring back more or less the same roster as the previous season, and at
this point are still all-around better than most. The Cowboys have a very
generous schedule this season and could be lined up for another division
win and hey you read it here first, maybe even a first round bye in the
playoffs. - New York Jets (0-0): Aaron Rodgers fooled
his head coach despite all of the talks of retirement. Rodgers was in his
dark room when the Jets made the offer to trade for the first overall pick
for the rights to draft Caleb Williams. It’s unbeknownst if Rodgers is
going to mentor Caleb Williams, but the Jets are hurting just slightly
because they were expecting to free up cap space with Aaron Rodgers’
expectant retirement. - Denver Broncos (0-0): DK went 6-3 the back
half of season 1. Something clicked for his team and all that momentum is
being dispelled into this season. Trey Lance is the highest rated
quarterback on the roster at 76 overall, but I think he has the ability to
lead the Broncos back to the playoffs. - Atlanta Falcons (0-0): The Atlanta Falcons
were a smidge away from participating in the playoffs last season. Could
they improve on that this year and show the Falcons are bonafide
contenders in the NFC. This season will be the tell-all on that
narrative. Can’t wait to find out. - Miami Dolphins (0-0): From season to
season.. There wasn’t an off-season in Miami, but they still managed to
draft one of the best receivers in the draft in Egbuka. Tua is still the
guy in Miami, but there needs to be an adjustment on offense in order to
fit Tua’s playstyle. Miami has a very good roster on paper, but they are
one of the worst performing teams in their division. - Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0): Curt pulled off a
stunning upset over Codes in the playoffs last season, despite facing off
against Joe Flacco. Curt had an impressive first season, but it’s going to
get very real in the AFC North. Zach Wilson has to stay healthy because we
saw the dip off when Kenny Pickett came in to relieve him last season. - Los Angeles Chargers (0-0): Codes made a lot
of trades in the off-season in favour of draft selections and building his
team through the draft. Joey Bosa, Austin Ekeler, and Mike Williams are no
longer on the team, I think Codes could take a step back this season in
the crowded AFC West. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0): Could Cammy lead
the Bucs to a playoff berth this season? If I had to pick a darkhouse in
the conference this would be my pick. Don’t be surprised if you see a
Tampa Bay wildcard matchup this upcoming playoffs. - Tennessee Titans (0-0): Dlloyd had a stellar
draft after finishing up last season on the outside looking in to make it
into the playoffs. Teams in the AFC South drafted extremely well and I am
excited to see how Dlloyd starts off the season because he had a lot of
momentum playing from behind and if he can get off to a hot start, he can
really compete for the division. - Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0): Bandit was very
adamant about wanting to draft Xavier Worthy and when he was selected, the
Jaguars selected Kalon King. He’s not too far off from what Bandit had on
the team, but there’s a lot of pressure for Trevor Lawrence to win before
his superstar status starts to be questioned. - Arizona Cardinals (0-0): The Cardinals
pulled off the heist of the century after shutting down a cruise ship wifi
just as GM Arod was on the clock to select Xavier Worthy. Expect the Nef
and Que arguments to begin sooner than later as Worthy will open up the
Cardinals offense and give Que a shot at moving up in the rankings. - Philadelphia Eagles (0-0): They finished
strong last season, and with Henry now starting the season fresh in an
Eagles uniform, it’s not far-fetched to think the Eagles won’t compete, if
not become the favorite to take the NFC East. - Detroit Lions (0-0): Now matter how much
they improve the roster, I think the Lions will suffer all cycle solely
because of the division they play in. It is unfortunate because they have
a user who could possibly win other divisions in the right situation.
Could they shock us all, yup they could, but they would have to play some
exceptional football each and every week. - Minnesota Vikings (0-0): Minny was predicted
by a few to make a playoff run this season. I still think the Vikings are
the odd-man out of a very competitive conference, but Wimmy has been at
the top before and if the Vikings can get going, he will be a major player
in the division and conference. - Cleveland Browns (0-0): KMFO is back and he
has the AFC running scared. The chat was extremely riled up when the news
broke and despite a cap strapped future, KMFO is instantly the favourite
in the AFC. - New York Giants (0-0): Burn unfortunately
will start the season with Jacoby Brissett under center after the top two
guys on the depth chart went down.. I dont like their chances week 1
against the Lions of coming out the gate hot, but we will see what Burn
can cook up (no-pun intended). - Indianapolis Colts (0-0): The Colts are tied
with the Panthers for having the lowest rated (80) team in the league.
Naturally, in PML, we see teams increase their overalls after a full
season and off-season, but I think the Colts took a step back. CB has a
young team, he just has to limit his turnovers, the interceptions
destroyed the confidence of Anthony Richardson last season. - Las Vegas Raiders (0-0): Can Jayden Daniels
be the answer in Las Vegas? If pre-season is any indication, Daniels has
some improvement to make before being the long term answer. However, 93
speed is way too phenomenal to keep on the bench. I think Daniels has the
best potential of all the draft rookies to excel with their drafted teams.
- Cincinnati Bengals (0-0): The Bengals had a
confusing pre-draft trade because they were in a position to add some
elite talent to their team and instead traded for some late first round
draft picks. Sitting on the Browns first round pick, Goose has the biggest
motivation to take down KMFO. - Carolina Panthers (0-0): More or less, I
expect the same thing for the Panthers this season. Pull out a few wins,
hang with the usual fellas in the 29-32 range and continue to build the
roster to his likings and scheme. - Washington Commanders (0-0): The return of
Miles has the district of Washington excited and eager for season 2
football! They’re excited to see what he can do and how they can compete
for a Super Bowl title. Lets go! - Baltimore Ravens (0-0): I think so much of
what Arod did in the off-season. He traded the first overall pick to add
Sauce Gardner and trade again to the fourth overall pick to add a dynamic
pass rusher despite some draft day glitchiness. The Ravens have to put it
altogether, but Arod can’t blame his team for his performance on the field
because on paper, Baltimore is the best team in the division.
Z’s Corner: Divisional Dissections
In
this new section, I will be briefly discussing each division as well as a short
preview for the upcoming season. There will be a weekly update with notable
performances from each division, as well as a focus on divisional matchups and
rivalries.
NFC West (21.5975): All Hail the Rams
Despite
finishing 3rd in the NFC west, the Los Angeles Rams did the
unthinkable, going from the 7th seed to the super bowl, and bringing
the second title in the last 5 years to Los Angeles (sorry DK, this is a Madden
24 exclusive, we still respect you tho!). This tough division sent three teams
to the playoffs, with the 49ers and Seahawks also making postseason
appearances. Will the Seahawks be able to repeat as division champions? Or will
we see the 49ers or Rams take the title, a title in which the Rams held for
most of the season. A new look Cardinals team also aims to make an impact in
what should once again be a tight divisional race.
NFC South (2.935): Will the Saints
Keep Marching?
The
New Orleans Saints finished the season 13-4, running away with the division as
well as securing the #1 seed in the NFC. The Falcons, bolstering an explosive
offense led by Bijan Robinson, Jaylen Waddle, and Kyle Pitts were a few plays
away from a playoff appearance themselves. Will the Falcons rise to halt the
Saints march? Or will we see another challenger (perhaps the Uiagalelei-led
Bucs or the Panthers) push to the forefront?
NFC East (-15.885): Do the Cowboys
Finally Take the Next Step?
Despite
their usual late-season collapse and wildcard exit, the Cowboys coasted to a
division title at 11-5-1. Despite additions by the rest of the division, I just
don’t see a path where anyone will challenge the Cowboys for the division
title. The real question is: is that all the Cowboys will settle for. It’s put
up or shut up time in Big D
NFC North (10.195): Go Pack Go or Bear
Down?
Although
Green Bay won the NFC North, it was the Chicago Bears who had the last laugh,
defeating the Packers in week 18 to secure a playoff berth while also making it
all the way to the NFC Championship game. The Bears made some great moves in
the offseason, securing Marvin Harrison Jr. with pick 2, and locking in a great
pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Danielle Hunter. With a healthy Breece Hall,
this new-look Bears offense will aim for the top of the division. Not to be
overlooked are the Minnesota Vikings, who have a brand new QB leading the way,
and the Detroit Lions, who added Chris Jones and will always be a tough
matchup.
AFC West (10.88): Kansas City’s to
Lose?
The
Kansas City Chiefs finished last season 6-0 in their divisional matchups. They
also had a solid draft adding Calen Bullock and Danny Stutsman. With the loss
of Chris Jones, it will be interesting to see if they can continue to hold firm
in their division. The Chargers, while losing some old talent, have embraced a
youth movement and still have Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen. The Raiders had
a great draft, getting Rome Odunze and adding Jayden Daniels. The Broncos have
fully embraced Trey Lance, and will look to maximize his ability this season
with a dynamic duo of Lattimore and Surtain II in the secondary. This division
will be great this year.
AFC South (7.27): No Problems in
Houston?
The
Houston Texans surprised everyone last season, surging to a 13-4 record and
securing the 2nd seed in the AFC. Although they didn’t reach their goal, Keraun
proved that he can compete with anyone regardless of his team’s status. After a
great draft securing Brock Bowers and Malik Nabers to give Stroud weapons, the Texans
look poised to repeat. Dlloyd and the Titans are no slouch, however, narrowly
missing the playoffs and adding some talent of their own with J.T. Tuimoloau
and Troy Franklin. If the Jags find their previous form, and the Colts put it
together, this will be one of the better divisions.
AFC East (31.0875): The Heavy Hitters
The
AFC East was perhaps the surprise of last season, nearly sending 4 teams to the
postseason. Spdot is coming off a Super Bowl appearance (and near victory).
Beast stormed to the AFC championship game as the 7 seed. If Greeny can provide
some offensive versatility with Caleb Williams and we see another dominant year
from Achane in Miami, this division could once again be must-see TV. They face
a very difficult schedule this year and have some good matchups ahead with the
NFC West.
AFC North (-30.355): New King in the
North?
Just when the storm settled in
Pittsburgh, and they found themselves as division champions, a new threat
emerged. KMFO has returned as the Cleveland Browns, and with him, what should
be a difficult challenge for the other three teams to overcome. Early
expectations have the Browns winning this division handily. I think that stays
true.
