The Other AFC Contenders and Race for the 1 seed

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Okay, channeling my inner @DW Toys here . . .

The Raiders will probably need some time before they claw their way back into relevance. I wonder whether or not we could pry away Cooper while Gruden works on his multi-year plan to rebuild the Raiders? We have several extra 3rds next year (thanks to comp picks), and also an extra 2nd. A change of scenery might be just what Cooper needs. His contract would need to be restructured, but he has talent. His first two years in the league showed that he could develop into a #1 receiver. A new start might be best for all parties involved.

The problem with the Cooper to the Patriots scenario is it's almost impossible to happen, just as is a trade for virtually any elite player. If the player is willing to take a team friendly deal/discount, the original team will gladly sign him. If the player wants market value, the Patriots aren't interested.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

The problem with the Cooper to the Patriots scenario is it's almost impossible to happen, just as is a trade for virtually any elite player. If the player is willing to take a team friendly deal/discount, the original team will gladly sign him. If the player wants market value, the Patriots aren't interested.

I hear you, but . . . Khalil Mack . . .

Normally I'm opposed to trading for expensive pieces, but this might present unique value. I'm not one to bang the drum for a pricey WR (oh, hey @ChrisR2223!), so this is more just a thought exercise than anything. Our WR corp next year is pretty sparse looking. I think we have Edelman signed past next season. Draft capital needs to go toward the position regardless. I'd monitor the situation in Oakland up until the trade deadline. If Cooper is phased out, Gruden may want a return for him. Just something to consider while we wait for Edelman to come back.

 

[JayNM]

Why do you guys like the Steelers so much?

I actually thought it was kinda of obvious, but maybe I'm the only who thinks they are going to be fighting for a play-off spot, let alone being a contender.

They lost Moats, their entire starting safety-corps... Bostic is a starting LB for them. Oh, also, their second best player is a no-show, did i forget to mention that?

Extra argument post week 1, if Big Ben is toasted like he seems to be based on last game, they'll be lucky to finish above .500

 

[JayNM]

Jaguars and Chiefs are possible contenders, everyone else is a Dark Horse... Let's face it, the AFC is really lacking in comparison to the NFC.

Jaguars' D is for real. Like @BobDigital said, having such an elite unit makes is more unpredictable. If Bortles was simply good, they would be favorites this year

People don't respect Andy Reid enough here... Yeah, maybe he doesn't know how watch works but he consistenly puts decents teams... If Mahomes can become better than Alex Smith-Playoff version (it isn't hard), they have a very good offense with an underrated defense.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Why do you guys like the Steelers so much?

I actually thought it was kinda of obvious, but maybe I'm the only who thinks they are going to be fighting for a play-off spot, let alone being a contender.

They lost Moats, their entire starting safety-corps... Bostic is a starting LB for them. Oh, also, their second best player is a no-show, did i forget to mention that?

Extra argument post week 1, if Big Ben is toasted like he seems to be based on last game, they'll be lucky to finish above .500

Agree, steelers are in trouble this year if Baltimore is a 10+ win team. Pitt won alot of close games last year. To their credit they earned 13-3 but like the 2015 broncos, 2016 raiders, 2012 ravens and other similar teams they are due for some bounces/games to go against them.

Bell holding out will hurt , even though connor played well he is no bell. Bell was a luxury to have under a rookie contract and franchise tag, now they wont win these games where ben falters without a stud back to carry them. Still haven’t replaced shazier, and haden is already having hammy issues. 3 big downgrades from last years team. Also their schedule is much tougher this year. I see 10 wins max, more likely 9 or 8.

 

[varjao]

I don't get why Houston is viewed as a contender in this board. Their QB is unproven, had a few good games last year and tore his ACL, we don't know if he can sustain that level of performance, we don't even know if it was for real. BoB is not a very good coach, very average, you won't see him winning games on adjustments but he can totally blow a game or two like he did in past seasons with awful decisions.

Their defense, its just a matter of time before they start to drop dead. Houston must have the worst conditioning and medical staff in the league, either that or they are cursed. They have JJ Watt (see above) and Hopkins as playmakers, that's all.

Their division, apart from the Jags, is kinda up for grabs though. The Titans just lost Walker, Mariota is the Benjamin Button of QB's, he's been regressing since year 1 instead of evolving. I think they take a step back this year. I don't know what to expect from the Colts. They have a QB again but they blew a lead in 4th quarter against the Bengals, I think their roster was so poor last season it's impossible to have rebuild that much in one off season, also new coach, Luck will have to carry them to have any shot at making the playoffs.

 

[Deus Irae]

Why do you guys like the Steelers so much?

Because they're a good team, as long as Roethlisberger doesn't fall off of Kellerman's cliff.

 

[Deus Irae]

I don't get why Houston is viewed as a contender in this board.

Because they're a good team, as long as Watson can play the way he did last season.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

I don't get why Houston is viewed as a contender in this board. Their QB is unproven, had a few good games last year and tore his ACL, we don't know if he can sustain that level of performance, we don't even know if it was for real. BoB is not a very good coach, very average, you won't see him winning games on adjustments but he can totally blow a game or two like he did in past seasons with awful decisions.

Their defense, its just a matter of time before they start to drop dead. Houston must have the worst conditioning and medical staff in the league, either that or they are cursed. They have JJ Watt (see above) and Hopkins as playmakers, that's all.

Their division, apart from the Jags, is kinda up for grabs though. The Titans just lost Walker, Mariota is the Benjamin Button of QB's, he's been regressing since year 1 instead of evolving. I think they take a step back this year. I don't know what to expect from the Colts. They have a QB again but they blew a lead in 4th quarter against the Bengals, I think their roster was so poor last season it's impossible to have rebuild that much in one off season, also new coach, Luck will have to carry them to have any shot at making the playoffs.

If Brady and Belichick were the QB-coach combination and the rest of the roster was the same, this is probably a 15-1 team.

 

[JetFan79]

Aqib Talib has a suggestion...

 

[TommyD4207]

Mindset is to WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

 

[Redstorm]

I think it plays out like this

1. Patriots (do their thing)
2. Jaguars (strong D, weak division)
3. Steelers (dysfunction is normal)
4. Chiefs (too talented and experienced)
5. Ravens (angry and talented)
6. Chargers (last spot in a weak field)

 

[IllegalContact]

jags......fournette already gimpy
KC.....I think their defense has issues.....will know more after Sunday at Steelers
Ravens.....it was the Bills

I'd say Jags and Broncos are the closest......Broncos bug me whenever they have a halfway decent QB

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Well it seems clear that Baltimore’s success last week came because they played a JV team. This week they crumbled.

Cincinnati, on the other hand, has a legit D. Too bad they are coached by Marvin Lewis....

 

[Triumph]

It is too early to write anyone off.

Not yet at least.

Bills are not contending. If they go 8 - 8 thats
a great season for them.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

I guess Jacksonville is in the driver’s seat for the 1 seed. Their remaining schedule does not look tough with the exception of KC.

 

[TheRainMaker]

My overreaction for week 2 is that KC and Jax are the top 2 teams and the Pats are in the 2nd tier.

 

[NG Pats Fan]

I guess Jacksonville is in the driver’s seat for the 1 seed. Their remaining schedule does not look tough with the exception of KC.

Well they have one of the worst QBs in the nfl who seems to only well play well against our Swiss cheese D. They will drop games with his poor play

 

[PatriotsNumero1Fan]

Well they have one of the worst QBs in the nfl who seems to only well play well against our Swiss cheese D. They will drop games with his poor play

You think bortles doesn’t wanna see this defense all 16 games? I guarantee you that bortles won’t have a 111 QBR rating against the titans.

 

[Froob]

Okay, channeling my inner @DW Toys here . . .

The Raiders will probably need some time before they claw their way back into relevance. I wonder whether or not we could pry away Cooper while Gruden works on his multi-year plan to rebuild the Raiders? We have several extra 3rds next year (thanks to comp picks), and also an extra 2nd. A change of scenery might be just what Cooper needs. His contract would need to be restructured, but he has talent. His first two years in the league showed that he could develop into a #1 receiver. A new start might be best for all parties involved.

Cooper isn't that good in my opinion. Drops a lot of passes and seems to get a far amount of OPI.