12. New York Jets
The one thing that's really holding me back from being pegging the Jets as a surprise Wild Card team is quarterback Geno Smith. Otherwise, I like what GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn have done with this roster, even if they've had to make some difficult decisions to say goodbye to former stars.
Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner were supposed to be part of this team's resurgence, but that obviously wasn't in the cards. The Jets have a new roster core and a pretty enviable collection of talent on the offensive side of the ball.
Certain parts of the roster are still obviously a work in progress, but with the upgraded skill position talent as well as the presence of rookie David Bailey coming off the edge, the Jets are at least intriguing.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers deserve some respect for winning the AFC North last year. That division turned out to be a bit of a hot mess, and Pittsburgh found a way. But simply winning the division wasn't good enough for Mike Tomlin to keep his job, and the Steelers are starting a new era this season under Mike McCarthy.
This team just has a strange feel about it. Aaron Rodgers is still capable of playing solid football as a game manager, but he's obviously not the same guy he once was. The Steelers have a decent roster overall, but does it really have the feel of a team that's going to keep hold of the AFC North this season?
Maybe I'm underestimating them. It just feels like this is another 8-10 win team with a low ceiling in the postseason, if they can make it back in the first place.
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