On paper, they might be the best team. Subscriber to the play-offs for three years, the Buffalo Bills are now aiming for the Super Bowl, which they have never won. They have two gems on offense, with quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs, who have been a formidable duo for two seasons. The defense last year was the best in the league. And it was reinforced this summer by the arrival of linebacker Von Miller, two-time Super Bowl winner (with Denver in 2016 and the LA Rams last February).
Los Angeles and Cincinnati, a status to defend
The Rams set off again to conquer the title, six months after beating Cincinnati (23-20). Matthew Stafford (QB) and Cooper Kupp (receiver), are still there. Stafford continues to drag pain in his right elbow, but he recently said it doesn’t bother him. The Rams lost receiver Odell Beckham. The defense is even more scary than before, with Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Bobby Wagner, who arrived from Seattle.
Cincinnati had reached the Super Bowl, with very young players: Joe Burrow (QB), rising NFL star, Joe Mixon (runner), Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (receivers). Burrow had to have appendicitis surgery at the end of July. His health will be scrutinized during the first weeks. The Bengals are aiming for a new final. Their offensive line, permeable last season, has been reinforced. There remains a defensive squad, which must improve (17th in 2022).
Change in Tampa Bay
At 45, Tom Brady leaves for a new season at the Buccaneers, after his real-false retirement. Two years after their title, the Floridians have experienced change. Coach Bruce Arians (69) has retired. He was replaced by Todd Bowles, the defensive coordinator. Rob Gronkowski, Brady’s faithful, also ended his career. But, with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Julio Jones, to capture passes from his fabulous QB, Tampa Bay remains well armed.
Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City want to return to the Super Bowl. It will first be necessary to leave a very raised division. (J. Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports/Archyde.com)
The fearsome AFC West division
The four teams in the AFC West division can all claim the play-offs, or more. The Kansas City Chiefs return to attack the Super Bowl, three years after their victory, with Patrick Mahomes, their brilliant quarterback. But receiver Tyreek Hill and safety Tyrann Mathieu are gone (to Miami and New Orleans). The Las Vegas Raiders have made one of the best acquisitions of the offseason, with the arrival of receiver Davante Adams (Green Bay). His association with QB Derek Carr could spark some sparks.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a twirling offense, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. And the defense inherited a reinforcement of choice, with linebacker Khalil Mack, the star of Chicago. His duet with Joey Bosa is already shivering. Finally the Denver Broncos offered Russell Wilson, the QB who took Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2014.
Cleveland with Watson, without Watson
The Browns made one of the big transfers of the offseason, recruiting DeShaun Watson, the QB from Houston. What give a nice look to the attack where the runners Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were already. Dallas wide receiver Amari Cooper also signed. But, following numerous sexual assault complaints, Watson was suspended for the first 11 matches. To see how the team will manage without him.
Aaron Rodgers still believes in it
Last March, while the rest of his career was on hold, Aaron Rodgers (38) finally decided to continue the adventure at the Green Bay Packers. And to go for a second Super Bowl victory, 12 years after the first. But, for three seasons, after excellent regular seasons, Green Bay has stalled in the play-offs. And receiver Davante Adams is gone. But Rodgers can count on his runners and a good defense.