AFC Contender/Pretenders

*Full disclaimer: Contender as I see it is someone in the hunt and that can make some noise come playoff time (ANY GIVEN SUNDAY type of user).  This isn't to say each of these users are Super Bowl hopefuls that list is pretty small historically speaking.

 

Pittsburgh: (Playoff Contender)

-This could be a season where we see (3) teams from the AFC North make the playoffs.  Quality win against the Buffalo Bills early on this season.  Big couple games coming up against New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Cleveland.  All teams who have historically been competitive this cycle.  With the 2nd best run defense & Devin Bush running all over in pass coverage I see Pittsburgh as a legitimate threat to make a run for the playoffs.  

 

*Parting shot:  I believe the Steelers need to make a splash for a QB, Haskins has proven to be wildly inaccuarte and given how this team likes to toss it around this may be a worth while investment to make nearing the trade deadline.

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Indianapolis: (Playoff Contender)

-Looking at this roster it has all the potential to be a super bowl contender but much like other users who have consistently been run first, the playoffs are a different beast.  Division to lose for Indianapolis and that potent run game.  Interesting matchups coming up against the Jags, Chiefs, Bengals, and the much improved Cowboys roster.  Seriously, Jags are playing well after a slip up Week 1 and the Cowboys are a constructed roster that can be an any given Sunday squad.  This stretch will be a good test for the Colts.  Don't let me down here Jacksonville and Dallas.

 

*Parting shot: I believe the Colts need to make a trade or two before the deadline to become a SB threat.  They have a lot of older players at pivotal positions.  TY Hilton is about to turn 33, Kenny Moore/Fabian Moreau both look to be pushing 30 and they boast a normal dev QB in Jacob Eason.  You have superstars all over on defense and it may be time to invest in a more proven WR threat.  You also have to wonder if Jacob Eason is the answer in Indy.  Also, can this owner get a job soon?  

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Kansas City: (Super Bowl Contender)

-The commisoner and his team are a legitimate threat as we push through Season 3.  The team building at key positions and random dev upgrades have blessed the Chiefs. (5) X Factors & (6) Superstars is half the starters rolling out with abilities that can have a sizeable impact on the game.  A proven user over years past with the pieces in place to make a run at the coveted BL chip.  The big question for this team is can they stop the run game?  They rank 5th as of right now but can that be sustained over the long hual.  Previous seasons have seen run first teams have an absolute field day.

 

*Parting shot:  Chiefs should be in the market aggresively to bolster the defensive line.  You have Chris Jones at DT which a big disrupter but mix that with an end that can get to the QB and you have a really really good shot at making that Super Bowl push in KC.  Perhaps it is time to flip Travis Kelce/Edwards-Helaire for an Aaron Donald like defense line player.  Shout out Los Angeles Rams.

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Buffalo Bills: (Super Bowl Contender)

-Perhaps the best off season of any franchise in the Better League.  This team has arguably the best defensive line/pass rush in football.  Ed Oliver, Suh, Chandler Jones, Khalil Mack, and holiding it down in the middle of the field is rookie Chandler Sherman with 90 speed.  Albeit the age is an issue moving forward they put a roster together to compete and competing they are.  Most remaining games are very much so winnable matchups with only a couple notable tests in New England & Cincinnati.  Barring an upset, Buffalo could very likely end up being the #1 seed in the AFC.

 

*Parting shot:  It is becoming a trend at this point, but you have to start thinking about the future at some point right?  Looking at a minimum of 2-3 more seasons this cycle and a lot of older players at skill positions.  Perhaps we see a trade to get a bit younger at the trade deadline

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Cleveland Browns (Playoff Contender)

-5th ranked offense & 7th ranked defense coming right at you.  This roster is littered with talent and they are legit playoff contender.  You beat the former Season 1 champs two times and you put yourself into contender territory.  Biggest concern is really taking care of the ball in Cleveland.  Matthew Stafford is very so so with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions thus far and if that continues I see a wildcard finish the peak for this franchise despite the talent and solid start to the season.

 

*Parting shot:  Shout out to this franchise for still not committing to a QB.  It's been the land of the journeyman in Cleveland.  I like it though for this franchise, sometimes you don't need elite QB play to win but rather need to make smart decisions with the ball.  Cleveland could have Patrick Mahomes like in M20 and still be prone to making mistakes from time to time.  Continue to make the roster better elsewhere and who knows what'll happen late cycle. 

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Jacksonville Jaguars (Pretender)

-Huge fan of the Jaguars owner so it pains me to do this specific write-up.  I know I previously commended the Jags on a good start but it has been largely against teams they should beat on paper with a loss to the wishy washy LA Chargers.  My biggest concern is since Season 1 the run game hasn't been as consistent as it was in Jacksonville and that has really hurt the gameplay approach.  I really don't like the 68 overall QB with normal development.  QB development is far more difficult now that a pro bowl doesn't rate a dev upgrade and end of season awards/dynamic devs will naturally go to the pass first users.  Ranking 30th in passing would allude to an issue at QB1.  If you improve this position, you become a playoff hopeful/contender.  

 

*Parting shot:  New QB1 in Jacksonville is essentially required at this point to be a contender.  Long ago are the days where Cole McDonald was throwing dots all over the field at 46 overall. Like where the defense is at for the Jags as they have young proven talent all over the place.  Perhaps a trade to get a new QB with someone like Gilmore/C.J. Henderson/Pride Jr/Iyiegbuniwe.  A very deep corner back group when in all reality you need one or two big time players at that position.  Good cap situation too, may be able to take on a bad contract or two.  Food for thought.

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New England Patriots (Super Bowl Contender)

-I mean...duh.  The #1 ranked offense continues to tear teams apart.  Not the greatest start to the season record wise dropping two games but that certainly doesn't take them out of the hunt when the games matter most.  I'd almost assume those losses at this point are naturally coming from looking for certain players and looking to get some dev boosts/stats for key players on interest.  I think this theory is fairly bullet proof given how many dev upgrades New England has managed to get and or achieved by end of season dynamic devs.  Super Bowl winner last season and proves to be a competitor every season.  I got nothing but good things to say about the ownership in New England, doing all the right things right now.  Except for not trading any blinkers to New York.

 

Parting shot:  Stop losing to Buffalo, my guy.

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Cincinnati Bengals (Super Bowl Contender)

-This franchise and their ownership live and breath Madden.  You think there is anybody in their right mind who thinks the Bengals can't make a run at the chip?  Two losses to a division foe aren't the best look but credit goes out to the Cleveland team.  They are competing this year.  Looking at the Bengals have some flexibility to make some moves with 53 million in cap space with Trae Waynes expiring this season after racking in 16m at 76 overall.  HOW?  Cincinnati is 26th against the run defensively and need to clean this up prior to the playoffs to get back to the promised land.  If you are an opponent of the Bengals... the data suggests... RUN THE BALL. 

 

Parting shot:  53 mil in cap, maybe take on a couple vets for draft capital or make a move for some DL.  This seems to be the glaring area of concern of the Bengals.  Also, everyone knows the franchise is infatuated with Joe Burrow but you have to continue to bring a balance between the run and passing game in Cincy down the stretch... of course I'm no SB champ and Cody knows this.

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Biggest Surprise: LV Raiders are 1-5.  I don't even know how you can put Morty into the pretender category after going to the AFC Championship game.  It may be time to make a move for a QB as passing accuracy ain't what it used to be.  

Chargers (Pretenders)

Ravens (Pretenders)

Texans (Pretenders)

Broncos (Pretenders)

Jets (Roster is depleted)

Dolphins (Roster is depleted)