Written by: Tyler Deakin
NFL fans anxiously await the start of the season after the conclusion of the draft & schedule release. Football games won’t be played for another 4 months, but we can start previewing the season. I’m going to discuss the most interesting team in each NFL division. These aren’t necessarily the best teams in each division, just the ones that I think are most compelling. Without further ado, here are my most interesting NFL teams for each division.
NFC North: Chicago Bears
When will Justin Fields start games for the Bears? I say the sooner the better, as Andy Dalton starting games for this team makes them much less interesting. The Bears are facing a make or break season after consecutive 8-8 campaigns in previous years. They have a great defense led by DE Khalil Mack, but they need their offense to fulfill their end of the bargain. I doubt that they will win the division, but if Aaron Rodgers leaves Green Bay then all bets are off.
NFC South: Carolina Panthers
Will QB Sam Darnold make the difference in the Panthers contending this year? It’s certainly not a bad idea to bet on a rebound performance from a player previously coached by Adam Gase; however, Darnold hasn’t shown much more talent than former starter Teddy Bridgewater did over the past few years. He certainly has a strong supporting cast though, headlined by RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Robby Anderson, & WR DJ Moore. We’ll see if that’s enough for the Panthers to contend with the Buccaneers in the NFC South this year.
NFC East- Washington Football Team
Can the team with no name repeat as division champs? No NFC East team has won the division in consecutive years since the Philadelphia Eagles (2002-2004). Ryan Fitzpatrick makes this team a whole lot more interesting than last year’s outfit that trotted out Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, & Kyle Allen at QB. The bearded wonder brings instant credibility and an affinity for big plays to the offense, both of which were sorely lacking & needed. This team should be much more fun to watch this year with Fitzpatrick at QB & DE Chase Young leading the defense.
NFC West- Los Angeles Rams
Matt Stafford pairing with Sean McVay was an interesting development this offseason. He has a strong supporting cast of offensive weapons including WR Robert Woods, WR Cooper Kupp, & RB Cam Akers. The defense is also stout, headlined by 3-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Will this be enough for the Rams to emerge as championship contenders?
AFC North: Cleveland Browns
The Browns are finally relevant again! They even won their first playoff game in 26 years, against their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers to boot. QB Baker Mayfield, RB Nick Chubb, & DE Myles Garrett give this team a young & talented core to build from. Their offense is dynamic & their defense should be much improved with several players coming back from injury. They will be tested immediately out of the gate with a Week 1 game against the Chiefs.
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
Let’s be honest, QB Trevor Lawrence should make the Jaguars watchable this year. I’m not sure that this will translate into wins on the field, but they will be more competitive than last year’s outfit. RBs Travis Etienne & James Robinson give this team a dynamic backfield duo. Their Week 6 matchup against the Dolphins in London should be entertaining, to say the least.
AFC East: Miami Dolphins
QB Tua Tagovailoa is already in a “prove-it” year after struggling during his rookie campaign. The Dolphins did give him some help though in the form of WR Jaylen Waddle, who played with Tua at Alabama. Surprisingly, the Dolphins were much better than expected last year with a 10-6 record that almost got them into the playoffs. With more weapons on offense & an improving defense, they should again contend for the AFC East division crown in 2021.
AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers
Listen, we all know the Kansas City Chiefs are the top dogs in the AFC West. That being said, could the Chargers give them a run for their money? They have a great young core to build around in QB Justin Herbert, WR Keenan Allen, & DE Joey Bosa. What would help them move forward towards contention is improved coaching & more consistency on defense. Both of those are possible under a new regime headlined by new defensive-minded HC Brandon Staley.