AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers
This isn’t a knock on the Chargers and their quality offseason — it’s just the reality of their division. Tom Telesco made moves to better the franchise post-Philip Rivers, but other GMs played a similar hand to contend with the likes of the reigning Super Bowl Champs.
The team addressed their offensive line woes for either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert moving forward this past free-agent period. Bryan Bulaga was a trustworthy right tackle in Green Bay and should be guaranteed as the starter alongside five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner. On the defense, Chris Harris Jr. will complete an already top-notched secondary with hopes of creating perhaps the top secondary in the NFL.
Shrugs off a potential sack and throws a rocket for a touchdown.
Just Justin Herbert things. 🤷♂️
Watch @oregonfootball on Pac-12 Now. https://t.co/krzIh6gAqI pic.twitter.com/Ke6eR12iuc
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 15, 2019
The team still has questions entering the summer. Can Sam Tevi or Trey Pipkins solidify their role as the future left tackle? Will Jerry Tillery finally produce like a first-round talent after a horrendous 2019 season? How long will Taylor remain under center if Herbert can’t start? The answers to those could decide the Los Angeles Chargers’ season in the long run.
Denver hopefully fixed their offensive woes while Las Vegas added complementary pieces to a fantastic 2019 rookie class. All three will be facing Kansas City twice, who will return a majority of their Super Bowl starters and have Patrick Mahomes leading the way. That all adds up to Los Angeles struggling to win the West by January of 2021.
Related | 2020 NFL Draft Grades: Los Angeles Chargers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
See the AFC West competition and double it for the NFC’s version. Another team with a successful spring, the Cardinals will likely be better in 2020, but they will still be the “little brothers” of the NFC West.
The Cardinals immediately improved by keeping their first-round pick while trading for the likes of DeAndre Hopkins. Not only will the four-time All-Pro wideout be a veteran help in enhancing a young receiving corps, but he’ll also transform into Kyler Murray’s go-to weapon when Larry Fitzgerald calls it quits. With the eighth selection, Arizona added defensive weapon Isaiah Simmons to fix the issues in coverage against tight ends and running backs.
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Patrick Peterson.
The result?
TOUCHDOWN, @HoustonTexans. #Texans pic.twitter.com/vimre3QRoK
— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2017
Even with Simmons, Hopkins, Josh Jones, and several free-agent additions will this be enough to push the Cardinals in contention? Seattle has never suffered a losing season under Russell Wilson, and the 49ers represented the NFC in South Beach last February. The Rams are also only a year removed from the Super Bowl, despite struggling to maintain the salary cap.
Arizona will be well in the mix for the wild card should Murray take that next step under center. That said, expect them to finish second or third in perhaps the NFL’s top division.
Related | Big changes to Arizona Cardinals receivers depth chart
AFC East: Miami Dolphins
Every team in the AFC East will likely have a shot to win with Tom Brady now gone. For Miami, they’ll have to hope their recent signings can transcend them into a reliable .500 win team to stay afloat.
The Dolphins made sure to build off their “tanking” year by spending money in March. Byron Jones will join Xavien Howard as two of the top paid cornerbacks in football while forming a quality secondary. Pass rusher Kyle Van Noy could be useful in former coach Brian Flores’ new system after revitalizing his career in New England.
Attn: #FinsUp
Tua Tagovailoa just six months removed from hip surgery!
📹 Kevin Wilk/IG pic.twitter.com/pz0mtX4Gb4
— #WVTM13 (@WVTM13) May 25, 2020
The only problem that remains is Tua Tagovailoa‘s development. On paper, the Crimson Tide standout has the skills to become the top quarterback from this class. For now, Flores and Chris Grier will be monitoring his health, likely playing it by ear on when he can return. If Ryan Fitzpatrick struggles to recreate buzz, expect Tagovailoa’s first season to be a redshirt one.
Buffalo added a top receiver in Stefon Diggs to help Josh Allen. The Jets added a franchise left tackle and a potential go-to target for Sam Darnold. And who’s to say Jarrett Stidham can’t figure it out under Bill Belichick in his second season? Even if all three signal-callers struggle, eight or nine wins possibly seal a postseason berth for the AFC East. The Dolphins roster, depending on Tagovailoa, probably can pick up enough to contend with the big boys.
Related | Miami Dolphins LT Austin Jackson: A RAS breakdown
NFC North: Detroit Lions
By default, the Lions should have the best chance to reclaim the division title. Every team in the NFC has a glaring weakness, making Detroit just as much in the running for now.
Matthew Stafford’s injury limited him to only eight games in 2019, playing a massive role in Detroit’s downfall last season. Fully healthy, the 32-year-old pocket-passer is one of the more under-appreciated players in the league. His weaponry includes the likes of two-time 1,000-yard receiver Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, plus tight end T.J. Hockenson, who should bounce back after a rough rookie campaign.
WOOP!! Kerryon Johnson making everyone miss 😱 pic.twitter.com/Z9pUubKyzc
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 15, 2019
The Lions quietly had one of the better winters with the signings of linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Jeffrey Okudah, and safety Duron Harmon. If the offensive line can improve with Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle, the unit that allowed 43 sacks a season ago should stabilize. Add in a healthy Kerryon Johnson and the multi-tooled D’Andre Swift, Stafford should only enhance his playing style week after week.
Chicago will have a quarterback problem as Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles battle it out. Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers still have only one true wideout after the team drafted for the future. Minnesota might have been a draft day winner, but how soon can all their rookies shine with a limited summer schedule? Expect the Lions to at least contend in their division early, and perhaps for all 16 games should they remain at full strength.
Cole Thompson is the Lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson and @PFN365 for all up to date NFL content.