The NFL will commence its 102nd season with the return of full capacity stadiums even as Covid cases continue to surge.
Sports betting firms will capitalize on the upcoming season, with a record 45.2 million Americans expected to bet on NFL games and wager more than $20 billion. That’s just the US punters, nevermind the Rest of the World.
For the moment, all 32 teams want to believe they can match Tampa Bay’s success last season, even if they know disaster could be lurking right around the corner. They should at least have their fans cheering them on in person—with these stadiums requiring proof of vaccination from attendees.
Here’s what you need to know to get ready for the league’s first 17-game season.
With the AFC East in transition, the Bills once again look like the class of the division, and perhaps a real threat to make their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1993 season.
The Patriots, too, are handing the keys to a rookie quarterback, with high hopes for a revamped tight end group and a rushing attack that, behind Damien Harris, should be one of the league’s best. Also look for contributions from a towering offensive tackle in his second stint with the team and a kicker who makes it 18 straight years with an undrafted rookie on New England’s initial 53-man roster.
The Steelers, whose brutal schedule means the Ben Roethlisberger era could come to an end, created uncertainty on the offensive line but used the savings to add a major piece on defense. The Bengals’ coach may already be on the hot seat. The Ravens, with a reinforced offensive line, want to revamp their offense as they also shake up their marketing operation with a data partnership.
The Texans might have the NFL’s least talented roster, and while the Jaguars have an exciting prospect in Trevor Lawrence, the AFC South ought to come down to the Colts and the Titans.
The Chiefs have laughed off Patrick Mahomes’ comment about going 20-0 but believe they’ve learned from their Super Bowl loss and won’t let it happen again. The offense has a promising rookie at tight end, a deeper line featuring a bargain at guard, and a new emphasis on the running game, bolstered by the acquisition of Jerick McKinnon. Kansas City will face an early challenge, with games against both of its most recent AFC playoff opponents in the season’s first five weeks.
The Packers are looking for a last hurrah with Aaron Rodgers after a drama-filled off-season that left at least one NFL executive questioning his commitment. He’ll have help, though, from a talented roster that features a breakout cornerback, an All-Pro lineman on the mend and stars like Davante Adams and Za’Darius Smith.
The Buccaneers have a ready-to-repeat roster but still have room for improvement on offense. The rest of the NFC South is on shakier ground. The Panthers are trying to turn around Sam Darnold’s career, the Falcons are searching for a spark while sticking with Matt Ryan, and the Saints are transitioning from Drew Brees.
The Rams got their man in Matthew Stafford, who now faces immense pressure.
The 49ers, who will anoint Trey Lance at quarterback sooner or later, are having their depth strained before the season’s start but have talent, including George Kittle, who made the fraternity of tight ends a bit more official this off-season. Some might question the logic of spending lavishly on an inside linebacker, but Fred Warner’s new contract gives San Francisco flexibility, and he is arguably the most important player on the defense.
The Seahawks want to expand their offense in more creative ways, and the Cardinals hope to see progress from Kyler Murray.
Visit Hollywoodbets to get the NFL odds. They have Pat Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs at 6/1 to be Super Bowl Champions.
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