28. Tennessee Titans
I'm going to be the first one to admit it -- I've got to pump the brakes on the Tennessee Titans.
Everything I have said over the offseason about the Titans, I still believe. This is a promising team that added a ton of talent this offseason. Not only did the Titans get some nice young players in the NFL Draft, but they added some notable veterans in the defensive trenches.
When you combine the additions defensively with the arrival of head coach Robert Saleh, you can see where the excitement for this team's projection comes from. But the development of Cam Ward puts all excitement on pause for the moment. Ward looked rough at times in the preseason, but whenever he does take that next step, this teams is going to be a problem.
27. New York Jets
I've been saying this all offseason, but if the New York Jets can get a version of Geno Smith that isn't taking a sack every third dropback or throwing an interception (or two) every game, they might have a little something cooking.
General manager Darren Mougey has done a great job over the past couple of offseasons accumulating assets, building a foundation, and getting a much-needed influx of talent on both sides of the ball.
It's possible that 2nd overall pick David Bailey is the least-talked about 2nd pick in recent memory. He had a good preseason for the Jets, looking as-advertised (and then some), and having an impact rusher like him can do wonders for that whole defensive unit.
26. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' preseason was a bit discouraging. Maybe even more than a bit.
I'm still clinging to the idea that this team's core of offensive weapons can carry them a decent amount, but the quarterback situation and loss of two key pass rushers has this team's stock arrow pointing straight down.
Tua Tagovailoa is being compared on NFL Twitter to Brucie in The Longest Yard. Losing Jalon Walker for the season is horrendous. James Pearce's suspension, albeit expected, is a back-breaker. I'm as low on the Falcons as I have been all offseason.
25. Washington Commanders
It feels like every time we talk about the Commanders, we have to bring up the fact that this team made it to the NFC Championship Game in the 2024 season. It's almost as if that accomplishment forces a subconscious need to put them much higher in our rankings than they deserve.
But honestly, what they did in 2024 doesn't matter at all anymore.
The Commanders had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Jayden Daniels struggled with injuries and his durability remains a serious concern. And not only is it a concern because of his body type and playing style, but because of the concerns on the Washington offensive line.
Add us as a preferred source on Google