Bedard's power ranking 1 through 11 with last year's rec in parentheses.
11. New England Patriots (7-9)
It would be easy to look at this roster and say, “You can’t have them this high with Cam Newton as their QB.” You may have a point, but I choose to believe Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will figure it out at QB, and that means Mac Jones at some point. Great offensive line. Good backs. Great tight ends. We’ll see at WR. Great front seven. Good secondary. A lot to like here … when they get QB figured out.
10. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
The core players are among the best in the league. It’s the middle and bottom of the roster that has fallen off.
9. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Chris Ballard better have something up his sleeve on the offensive line because it stinks. Spend some money, man.
8. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
We’ll see if Josh Allen has really arrived, or if he’s a one-hit wonder. There is no excuse for him not to repeat last season with his OC and everyone else back.
7. Washington (7-9)
Speaking of donut holes at quarterback … this team is really good, but I think the offensive line is overrated. How much does a QB matter? We’ll see with Fitzmagic.
6. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
Some people think signing former Rams S John Johnson and CB Troy Hill were huge moves. I tend to think they’re way overrated. I know Jadeveon Clowney is way overrated. Has been since he entered the league. On paper though, talented team.
5. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
With all their talk this offseason, doesn’t Jimmy Garoppolo have to lead them to the Super Bowl? I mean, their roster is just sooo good from what I hear.
4. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Need more at receiver but the line was rebuilt quickly and the secondary should be very stout.
3. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Hard to quibble with the Packers addressing needs with CB Eric Stokes and WR Amari Rodgers in the draft … about that QB though.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)
The way the Chiefs rebuilt the offensive line this offseason was downright Belchickian … chef’s kiss.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Everyone is coming back and Drew Brees is now out of the division. Mix in the easiest schedule in the league and it is very legit to talk 19-0. The only thing working against them is complacency. That’s no small thing, but I’m sure TB12 has a cure for that too.
Undefeated would be a nut punch.