Preview NFL 2019: AFC Team Capsules

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KANSAS CITY COUNTRIES

Strengths: The Chiefs chose WR Mecole Hardman in the second round with their initial pick in April, while the future of WR Tyreek Hill was uncertain due to a domestic violence investigation. Hill was allowed to play, which means Hardman gave QB Patrick Mahomes another quick goal in an altitude attack. Mahomes built a season in which he racked up more than 5,000 yards with 50 TD passes.

weaknesses: Defense prevented the Chiefs from beating the Patriots in the AFC title game, leading to a wholesale rebuild. New defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo changed the pattern from base 3-4 to 4-3, and General Manager Brett Veach revised the alignment to better fit the system. S Tyrann Mathieu and DE Frank Clark were costly acquisitions, but the defense is sorely lacking in courage, leadership and play. The question remains: will it be enough?

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 8-1. More / less wins 10 ½.

expectations: It's the Super Bowl or the Bust of Chiefs. Mahomes established himself as the NFL's best player last season, Hill and TE Travis Kelce are among the league's best at their posts, and a line of veterans should thrill the offensive. The new defense should give the leaders a better chance to leave the field, which they did not manage to do in overtime against the Patriots in the CAF championship game.

LOADERS OF LOS ANGELES

Strengths: Despite the remaining injury of RB Melvin Gordon and the injury of S. Derwin James, the Chargers still have one of the best players in the league. Philip Rivers, who enters his 16th season, remains one of the league's top quarterbacks and recovers TE Hunter Henry, who missed most of the season with a knee injury. The defensive line, anchored by the ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, remains formidable.

weaknesses: The offensive line had difficulties in pre-season. Left tackle Trent Scott and right tackle Sam Tevi are still struggling to find consistency in blocking the race and passes. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are capable rearers, but not at the level of Gordon's cow, which has become one of the league's main threats: running and catching the ball out of the backfield.

Vegas says: Win the 14½-1 Super Bowl. More / less wins 10.

expectations: Rivers says the talent of this year's team reminds him of the Chargers from 2006 to 2009, who have won four consecutive division titles. This is another difficult camp, however, because of Gordon's resistance and OT's injuries to Russell Okung and OT. The schedule includes four home games in the first six weeks, but the top two face the Indianapolis and Houston playoff teams.

DENVER BRONCOS

Strengths: Defense, as usual. LB Von Miller and Bradley Chubb combined 26½ sacks last season. They expect more from Vic Fangio, the long-time defense guru, who gets his first head coach job at age 61. Dre'Mont Jones gives even more to Broncos. Newcomers S Kareem Jackson and CB Bryce Callahan provide upgrades to high school.

weaknesses: Defensive weak link: internal linebacker, where the Broncos have bypassed Devin Bush with the 10th pick in the repechage, trading with the Steelers, then selecting TE Noah Fant at number 20. The offensive line is also a big question mark. OL coach Mike Munchak has to repair LT Garett Bolles and Connor McGovern. RG Ron Leary returns from a torn Achilles tendon; The new RT Ja'Wuan James hurt his hip.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 95-1. Plus / minus wins 7.

expectations: After experiencing the worst two-year period (11 wins) since 1971-72, 8-8 would mark progress. Director General John Elway's actions shout "victory now!" Granted a $ 3 million increase to CB Chris Harris this season without extending his contract, maintained WR Emmanuel Sanders at $ 8.5 million, traded for quarterback Joe Flacco ($ 18.5 million) and hired $ 105 million for FA James, Callahan and Jackson.

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PATRIOTS OF NEW ENGLAND

Strengths: Tom Brady. Even at age 42, Brady remains the greatest strength of the Patriots. Yes, Rob Gronkowski, his TE specialist, has retired. He will need the help of Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman, who is recovering from a thumb injury. But newcomers such as unwritten rookie WR Jakobi Meyers could have an impact. They also return their secondary school.

weaknesses: Edge Rusher. New England hopes veteran Michael Bennett will be able to take over Trey Flowers' production. The Patriots are also encouraged by the engine presented by rookie DE Chase Winovich.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 7½-1. Plus / minus win 11.

expectations: It's hard not to force the Patriots to participate in a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance. The toughest clashes on the paper before the end of the 10th week are the opening match against Pittsburgh and a clash for October with the new Cleveland look. Things get complicated in the second half with consecutive clashes with Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston and Kansas City.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Strengths: New coach Brian Flores has talked about creating a winning culture, but victory will probably have to wait a while. Ryan Fitzpatrick, 36, won the quarterback competition and will have a strong receiver group, as well as two excellent RBs in Kenya, Drake and Kalen Ballage.

weaknesses: The games are won at the front and this is where Dolphins risk losing them. OL is a disaster bigger than ever after the departure of T Laremy Tunsil in an exchange with the Saints. The Dolphins had only 31 bags last season, the fourth lowest in the league, and four losses in the offseason.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 300-1. On / under wins 4½.

expectations: It's been 19 years since the Dolphins won a playoff game, and this series looks set to continue. By the end of the year, the Dolphins have had 21 quarterbacks since Dan Marino. Fitzpatrick will set an NFL record by throwing a pass for his eighth team. Expect quarterback Josh Rosen to begin at some point.

BUFFALO BILLS

Strengths: The defenseman, who allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL last season, is largely untouched, although first-round pick Ed Oliver replaces Kyle Williams in a defensive tackle.

weaknesses: The game being run. Sean McCoy was released this weekend in a great move. The ground game had to be improved before that and will now rely on Frank Gore, 36, and a refitted offensive line to dispel the focus on the pass attack led by Josh Allen.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 100-1. Plus / minus wins 7.

expectations: Nine wins are not out of the question for a redeveloped team that has added depth to the entire lineup, including a mostly reorganized attack to spur Allen's development at the start of his second season. This largely depends on how quickly many new pieces are attacking.

NEW YORK JETS

Strengths: Second-year quarterback Sam Darnold has shown encouraging signs in the last four games of his rookie season. He then followed up with an impressive training camp and a pre-season. Head over to LeB Le'Veon Bell – refreshed and motivated after a Steelers contract dispute for a year – and completing it with Ty Montgomery in a versatile field will only help Darnold.

weaknesses: The cornerback is a major concern, Trumaine Johnson having a thigh injury and shallow behind him. The Jets could be vulnerable to pass play, especially if the passing is no more disturbing than in recent seasons. The linebacker had a hard blow in the second pre-season game when ILB Avery Williamson was lost for the season with a torn knee ligament. The offensive line is always a work in progress.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 80-1. On / under earns 7½.

expectations: New head coach Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams give the Jets a reinvigorated attitude with insight in both offense and defense. Whether this results in victories will depend on how Darnold will continue to develop, Bell's ability to regain its dominant form and the defense's ability not to consistently oppose passing games.

North

RAVENS OF BALTIMORE

Strengths: The highest-ranked NFL defense remains a force, despite the loss of LB C.J. Mosley and the loss of linebackers Terrell Suggs and Za'Darius Smith. The best unit is the high school, directed by S Earl Thomas and featuring CB Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith.

weaknesses: The offensive line is thin and lacks star power beyond RG Marshal Yanda and LT Ronnie Stanley. It is essential that the Ravens protect quarterback Lamar Jackson, whether he is running or throwing.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 36-1. Plus / minus wins 8½.

expectations: The Ravens have a decent chance to successfully defend their AFC North title and reach the playoffs. For this to happen, Jackson must be a better smuggler than last year, and his engineer, Mark Ingram, must gain ground in attacking new attacking coordinator Greg Roman.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Strengths: Antonio Brown may have gone after eight record seasons, but the Steelers think their attack may continue to hum. This largely depends on WR JuJu Smith-Schuster who assumes the No. 1 duties and WR James Washington in sophomore, proving that his pre-season escape was not a fluke. RB James Conner reached the Pro Bowl last season but also ran out of time due to injuries. The defense has led the NFL in handbags each of the past two seasons.

weaknesses: The Steelers had only 15 takeaway in 2018, which is one of the main reasons for a 2-4 slide at the end of the season. Pittsburgh finished for the first time out of the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Pittsburgh has been doing crazy things in full autonomy, bringing in CB. Steven Nelson of Kansas City and Mark Barron have signed on to provide veteran leadership to the linebacker.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 25-1. Plus / minus wins 9.

expectations: The norm remains the norm, to borrow one of Mike Tomlin's favorite phrases. Although his seat is not hot, he only had a one-year extension (instead of two or more) until 2021. The offensive should be productive, but the Pittsburgh season will probably depend of the significant advance of the defense.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Strengths: The arrival of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry gives Cleveland a leading duo that will capture the passes. Quarterback Baker Mayfield broke the league rookie record with 27 touchdowns last season. Cleveland's defensive line, led by Pro Bowl player Myles Garrett (13 ½ bags), could cause havoc.

weaknesses: New defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, favors a 4-2-5 pattern, which will focus on linebackers' ability to move from one sideline to the other and to get pass coverage. LB Mack Wilson and rookie Sione Takitaki will likely be part of the rotation.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 16-1. Plus / minus wins 9.

expectations: Through the roof, if FirstEnergy Stadium had one. The Browns have not participated in the playoffs since 2002, the longest drought in the league. With an abundance of talent, new head coach Freddie Kitchens will be under pressure to deliver quickly and must hope that owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam will show patience, as promised.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Strengths: Joe Mixon (AFC-best 1,168 yards) and Giovani Bernard (35 receptions, 218 yards) make up one of the best tandems in the championship. When A.J. returns from his greenback operation, the Bengals will have a diverse group of receivers for Andy Dalton, who is entering a pivotal season with new coach Zac Taylor. The defensive line is deep and the secondary returns all its starters.

weaknesses: The offensive line is once again a work in progress that could compromise everything. Linebacking is also a major concern and in transition after being separated from Vontaze Burfict, subject to problems.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 185-1. Plus / minus wins 6.

expectations: It will be a transition season in Cincinnati with a new coaching staff and training who finished last in the AFC North. The Bengals have not finished their last consecutive season since 2001. They have not won a playoff game since the 1990 season; There is little reason to believe that this will change in Taylor's first season as NFL Head Coach.

South

HOUSTON TEXANS

Strengths: Quarterback Deshaun Watson started every game last year in his second season in the NFL. He got big numbers despite being sacked 62 times at the top of the NFL. Houston traded for the LT Laremy Tunsil franchise and won LG Tytus Howard in the first round of the repechage. Watson and an offense featuring star receiver DeAndre Hopkins should therefore be able to take another step forward and be one of the league's most dynamic offenses.

weaknesses: The loss of disgruntled defensive star Jadeveon Clowney, traded in Seattle, is a blow to a front starring J.J. Watt who was among the strongest in the league last season. There will be more pressure on a secondary player who will ask questions after the team has let S Tyrann Mathieu and veteran CB / S Kareem Jackson go free.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 45-1. Plus / minus wins 8½.

expectations: Watson and an offensive starring Hopkins and Will Fuller V and with a new addition, Kenny Stills should improve behind a stronger line. And if the defense manages to defeat Clowney's loss and if Watson continues his development, the Texans could be much better than last season as they try to qualify more for the playoffs.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Strengths: Everything changed when quarterback Andrew Luck announced that he was retiring at age 29. The offensive line went from worst to first in the bag category last season and could be better with the same starters for a second season in a row. The all-professional linebacker, Darius Leonard, led the league in tackles as a rookie and expects to surpass this total in 2019.

weaknesses: Injuries. NFL career goaltender Adam Vinatieri missed most of the training camp due to a knee injury, left-hand All-Pro goalkeeper Quenton Nelson was slowed down by an injury to the ankle and WR Daurice Fountain was lost for the season due to a left ankle fracture. Linebackers are young and the depth could be a problem.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 60-1. More / less wins 7 ½.

expectations: Even without luck, this season should not be a repeat of the 2017 debacle. Why? The support cast is definitely stronger. The Colts have an offensive lineup among the top five, a talented pool of receivers, two tight Pro Bowl ends and a solid backfield. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has valuable experience. The defense is much better too. The addition of DE Justin Houston should reinforce the precipitation of the passes.

TENNESSEE TITLES

Strengths: The return of coordinator Dean Pees for a second season gives the defense a chance to improve over 2018, when the Titans placed 3rd with the fewest points allowed and sixth in defense of the pass. Secondary education will remain intact for all starters. Harold Landry III and OLB winger Wake are expected to score more points than the two bags Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan managed last season. The return of TE Delanie Walker, three times at the Pro Bowl, as well as the additions of WR Adam Humphries and A.J. Brown, surround quarterback Marcus Mariota with the maximum of his help.

weaknesses: Questions about Mariota's health and the possibility of winning a new contract will remain unresolved throughout the season. The presence of quarterback Ryan Tannehill hovered a rumor about the beginning of Mariota. Taylor Lewan, suspended for four games of the Pro Bowl three times, coincides with three of the first four games played. The Titans launched the second-lowest number of passes in the NFL last season.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 90-1. Plus / minus wins 8.

expectations: The Titans are a popular choice to finish last in the AFC South Cup, despite a 9-7 record each of the last three years and a clear victory over a second consecutive playoff win last season. Second-year coach Mike Vrabel pushed the Titans to good to excellent, and the new OC, Arthur Smith, tried to make the attack as friendly as possible to the quarterbacks.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Strengths: The defense is among the best in the league, with a lot of talent in the front and probably the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue and rookie Josh Allen are expected to put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarters, while Marcell Dareus, Abry Jones and Taven Bryan embarrass themselves in the middle of the pitch. Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye is an elite coverage.

weaknesses: The offensive line was messy in 2018, with LT Cam Robinson, LG Andrew Norwell and C Brandon Linder ending up on an injured reserve and missing a 26-game combined. All three are in good health now, but it remains to be seen if they can stay on the ground, protect the Nick Foles quarter and create enough space for the Leonard Fournette half-bridge to be operational.

Vegas says: Win the Super Bowl 50-1. Plus / minus wins 8.

expectations: The Jaguars think that last year – they lost 10 of 12 at the end of the season – was a stroke of luck caused by the increase in the number of injuries on the offensive and the poor quality of the quarter. They insist that this does not happen again and think that Foles replacing Blake Bortles will be the key to becoming more consistent in attack.

Associated press