Projecting the darkhorse in each division
By: Jake Rajala
The favorites to win each division are publicly clear. However, it’s a bit more mysterious who are the dark-horse teams to win the division. With that said, I’m going to untwine the dark-horse teams to contend for division prominence.
NFC West: San Francisco 49ers
Let’s not forget about the running back to win OPOY right before Saquon Barkley. Of course, we are talking about Christian McCaffrey. CMAC will run wild behind Trent Williams and get a lot of touches in space without Deebo Samuel, who is in a Washington Commanders uniform. George Kittle is also available and not quite washed up yet.
NFC East: Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott will return healthy with a chip on his shoulder. Dak will not only have Ceedee Lamb, but he will also have the new superstar George Pickens. It was a bold and beautiful move from the Boys. Micah Parsons will also come back from some minor injuries and pursue his first DPOY trophy.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
The Packers ranked second in the fewest sacks category. They also have an OL that can bully defensive lineman in the run game. This was evident with Josh Jacobs often having beautiful, wide open holes. Their OL can’t break down against the likes of elite pass rushers, such as Nick Bosa, however.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
Just as Dak missed a huge chunk of last season and CMAC missed a heap of last season games, the Saints were without Derek Carr for most of last season. The Saints back-up last season was Spencer Rattler, who went 0-9. I believe that Tyler Shough will vastly improve the offense. Their defense will also be under Brandon Staley, who is one of the best DCs in the league.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
Say hello to a future Hall of Fame QB. The Steelers inked Aaron Rodgers, right after acquiring DK Metcalf. Their defense also holds Minkah Fitzpatrick and I assume: T.J. Watt. The Steelers haven’t had a losing record since 2003! Their culture is elite, to say the least.
AFC West: Denver Broncos
Sean Payton is one of the best play-callers in the league. He transformed Bo Nix, who was struggling early in the season, to a Pro Bowl-caliber QB toward the end. The Broncos also have a defense that led the league in sacks last season.
AFC East: Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill was once voted the best player in the league. I still believe has some magic left in him. Tua Tagovailoa has also led the league in passing yards and in completion percentage in the past. I believe he will put it all together soon.
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter can be an All-Pro at WR and CB. He is a gifted athlete with a high motor. The Jags also have Travon Walker, who has had double digit sacks in each of the past two seasons. Arik Armstead, otherwise known as the Walter Payton Man of The Year, is a fine run defender, as well.
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