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THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Carolina and Denver meet in Thursday night’s Cam Newton and Von Miller

Hub Arkush’s top storylines for 2016 Capsule previews of Week One games Is Jacksonville ready to break out? AP PHOTOS

FOR DAILY FOOTBALL COVERAGE, go to: ProFootballWeekly.com

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Top storylines heading in to the 2016 NFL season

hile the games and 32 teams that play them are clearly what makes the NFL great, it still takes a bit more for the NFL to be America’s No. 1 entertainment vehicle and the highest-rated show on TV for over two decades now. NFL fans have come to crave drama both on and off the field, and 2016 will be no exception. Here are some of the top storylines we expect to play out over the 2016 NFL season.

Dress Rehearsal For Life Without Brady New England is thought by many to be the most talented team in the AFC, but it will be without Tom Brady for the first four games of the season so that Roger Goodell can prove to everyone how powerful he is. We already know Bill Belichick is the best coach in the game, but if he can avoid missing a beat with Jimmy Garoppolo at QB, the NFL’s other 31 just may wave the white flag.

How Much More Bullying Can Goodell Get Away With? NFL players and their “association” have had a bellyful of Roger

Goodell treating them and the Eagles pulled like kindergarteners off the biggest heist without rights thanks since the Great Train to the Collective BarRobbery. It will be gaining Agreement fascinating watching that DeMaurice Smith it play out on the negotiated for them. field. But they are helpAre The Super less to do anything Bowl Champion about it thanks to the Broncos ConCollective Bargaintenders Again or ing Agreement that Pretenders? DeMaurice Smith The Broncos didn’t negotiated for them. mind losing Peyton Goodell has the HUB ARKUSH Manning but didn’t CBA to protect him harkush@ProFootballWeekly.com expect to lose Brock and continue celebrat@Hub_Arkush Osweiler, Malik ing his own hubris, Jackson and Danny but it’s gone so over the top there must be a tipping point Trevathan, too. coming. We can’t wait to see what it Then Denver traded Ryan Clady, is. signed the oft-injured Russell Okung, overpaid for C.J. Anderson and handDid The Vikings Panic ed the starting quarterback gig to the Or Buy A Super Bowl Trip little-known Trevor Siemien. With Bradford? They are now no longer the best There are those who believe that team in their division let alone the Sam Bradford is a solid upgrade over AFC, and some are wondering if they Teddy Bridgewater and if Bradford are still a playoff team, let alone a stays healthy, that the Vikings uplegit contender. graded their shot at a Super Bowl. Coaches On The Bubble Others believe the Vikes flat out panicked and that Howie Roseman The Detroit Lions Jim Caldwell

cannot afford another 1-7 start like he had last year. When Bob Quinn took over as the club’s general manager after the season, it was assumed he would want to hire his own coach, but he instead stuck with Caldwell. A slow start this season could make it impossible to stick with him. Jeff Fisher was 141-115 from 19952010 as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans but managed just six winning seasons in those 16 years. After 7-8-1, 7-9, 6-10 and 7-9 seasons in his first four years with the Rams, it’s hard to imagine him back next year without a winning campaign, even with reports of an upcoming extension. Gus Bradley is 12-36 in his first three seasons as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and was given a king’s ransom to spend on free agents during the offseason. Shad Khan has been a remarkably patient owner, but Bradley almost certainly needs a playoff run this year to keep his boss in his corner. Many questioned whether or not Mike McCoy could keep his job in San Diego following a 4-12 campaign in 2015, but he is back. Now he needs to start winning if he wants to be back next year.

Other than O-line, they appear loaded everywhere.

Might be worst defensive depth chart in the league.

Injuries were a lot bigger problem last year than talent.

Cousins has to do it twice for us to believe.

Benjamin return helps more than loss of Norman hurts.

Rams paid king’s ransom for No. 3 QB for now.

AFC club with least drama, regression during offseason.

Wentz goes from inactive to Week 1 starter.

Were in great shape until preseason injuries piled up.

Thought they’d be better but had an awful preseason.

Will shoot up rankings when Brady, Ninkovich return. Bell suspension, Green injury hurt right now. Not fair but Dalton, Lewis have to prove it again. Flavor of the day, now have to prove it on the field. ‘D’ will still be very good, but roster is not the same. Can overcome Bridgewater loss but can A.P. get it done? If Watt’s OK, Osweiler decent, this is an improved team. Will score plenty, but how good a defense did they buy?

20. DALLAS COWBOYS 21. WASHINGTON 22. LOS ANGELES RAMS 23. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 24. CHICAGO BEARS 25. DETROIT LIONS 26. BALTIMORE RAVENS 27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 28. MIAMI DOLPHINS 29. TENNESSEE TITANS 30. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 31. CLEVELAND BROWNS 32. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Jim Caldwell might be first head coach to go this year.

The Seahawks top our Week 1 NFL Power Rankings.

14. NEW YORK JETS 15. BUFFALO BILLS 16. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 17. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 18. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 19. ATLANTA FALCONS

Both Fitz and Wilkerson back, who’d of thunk it? Tough offseason and strange preseason for these guys. A healthy Luck is worth a ton but where’s the talent on ‘D’? How many wins did they buy overspending on free agents? Keep an eye on these guys; Winston looks good. Quinn knows defense but does he have the talent?

Hard to imagine a John Harbaugh team this low. Can ‘D’ make enough improvements to help Brees? Fins did Coach Gase few favors with offseason moves. Derrick Henry beats out Zeke Elliott for rookie of year. Punch line is Bosa doesn’t improve them all that much.

RG3 may be answer, now have 18 more starters to find. More talent than Browns, but most of it is unhappy or old.

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2. GREEN BAY PACKERS 3. CAROLINA PANTHERS 4. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 5. ARIZONA CARDINALS 6. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 7. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 8. CINCINNATI BENGALS 9. OAKLAND RAIDERS 10. DENVER BRONCOS 11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS 12. HOUSTON TEXANS 13. NEW YORK GIANTS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

One burning question for all 32 NFL teams heading into the 2016 season By

ARTHUR ARKUSH

•••

Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t giving Tom Brady the Bledsoe treatment, so who fills the pass rush void left by Chandler Jones’ trade and Rob Ninkovich’s suspension?

Bills: With injuries and suspensions ravaging

Rex Ryan’s ‘D,’ can the triplets – Tyrod, McCoy and Watkins – carry Buffalo past its 16-year playoff doldrums?

Jets: Facing five 2015 postseason clubs in the

first six weeks, can Ryan Fitzpatrick, with a new left tackle and tailback, start fast before a brief scheduling respite?

Dolphins: After his impressive work with Jay

Cutler, will Adam Gase unlock the potential of Ryan Tannehill, who disappointed after getting a franchise-QB-type deal?

Steelers: With what could be a Super Bowl-cali-

Raiders: How much burden can Derek Carr’s offense shoulder while a defense with at least five new starters experiences imminent growing pains? Chargers: In perhaps their final season in San Diego, did the Chargers improve their O-line and defense enough to get back into a division recalibrated by sea change? Washington: Can the reigning division champs maintain newfound stability and make enough strides defensively to seize a wide-open NFC East? Giants: Did Jerry Reese, facing as much pressure as any GM, attempt to replicate his Super blueprint – building a dominant D-line – at the expense of Eli’s protection? Eagles: Does trading Sam Bradford and anointing No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz as a Week One starter without much help signal a resignation to rebuild?

rounds in 2017, will signs emerge from new brass’ first voluminous class that future draft capital will be spent wisely?

backer with rookie Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan to help fix the run ‘D’ and optimize Clay Matthews on the edge?

Vikings: Is the best yet to come for Bradford, or

Bears: Can Jay Cutler, now 33 and their lon-

Lions: Was Jim Caldwell’s 6-2 finish in the second half of 2015 more beating up on bad opponents or a tangible sign of progress that carries over with a new regime? Panthers: After parting ways with Josh Norman, can an opportunistic secondary that led the NFL in picks sustain its play with two rookies likely starting at corner?

Colts: How much can the presence of a fran-

Saints: Do they need to snap a two-year playoff drought to convince Drew Brees to finish his career in New Orleans?

Texans: If Bill O’Brien can win the division

Buccaneers: If Jameis Winston and the offense continue ascending, do the offseason defensive improvements make this a dark horse playoff squad?

Jaguars: How quickly does potential translate

Falcons: Is Matt Ryan in decline, or will Year Two in the Kyle Shanahan system, with reinforcements up front and out wide, pay dividends for Ryan and Julio Jones?

Titans: Do the offseason upgrades along the of-

Cardinals: Can Carson Palmer, 36 and now likely to finish his career in Arizona, where the NFL’s best WR corps and a retooled O-line reside, deliver in crunch time?

chise quarterback mask, and how long can Andrew Luck survive, behind an O-line that still looks prohibitive? with Brian Hoyer, do Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller and Will Fuller make Houston a heavyweight Super Bowl contender? to production, especially for a defense that added more exciting young talent than any in the NFL this offseason? fensive line and in the backfield give Marcus Mariota, as well as the defense, enough protection to compete?

Chiefs: If attrition again taxes an aging ‘D,’ can

Alex Smith do more than consistently manage games with his current resources?

Broncos: After winning a Super Bowl with dismal quarterbacking, are the Broncos more inclined to settle for Trevor Siemian despite Paxton Lynch’s superior talent?

BILLS AT RAVENS Sunday, CBS

In what could be final year in Buffalo, Ryan’s Bills begin where he cut his NFL coaching teeth.

PACKERS AT JAGUARS Sunday, FOX

Jacksonville’s new D-line must test Packers’ reconfigured O-line; Rodgers going after Ramsey, Jack?

BEARS AT TEXANS Sunday, FOX

Flying under AFC West radar, both teams get key defenders back from holdouts in nick of time.

gest-tenured player, sustain his 2015 growth, or does another offseason of change have an adverse effect?

Browns: With eight picks in the first four

Sunday, FOX

Mike Smith and Brent Grimes should know how to attack Ryan and Julio; Birds must pressure Jameis.

Packers: Are they good enough at inside line-

Bengals: After his fourth consecutive first-

vis Dumervil and Steve Smith can’t regain their form after serious injuries, can Kamalei Correa, Za’Darius Smith and Breshad Perriman pick up the slack?

BUCCANEERS AT FALCONS

Cowboys: Can Dak Prescott’s preseason mastery continue with other defenses showing more while Dallas’ struggles, and if so, is Tony Romo finished in “Big D?”

did the Vikings panic after losing their quarterback 11 days before the season kicks off ?

Ravens: If 30-somethings Terrell Suggs, El-

Thursday, NBC

Reigning MVP vs. former No. 3 QB. Can Carolina protect Cam? Can Siemian challenge young secondary?

Texans unveil Osweiler, new ‘O’ versus seemingly much improved Chicago ‘D’ under Fox, Fangio.

ber offense, will a youth movement in the secondary (Artie Burns, Sean Davis and Justin Gilbert) upgrade the pass ‘D?’ round playoff unraveling, and third consecutive offseason with a one-year extension, has Marvin Lewis plateaued?

PANTHERS AT BRONCOS

Seahawks: Russell Wilson has proven himself

as a top-tier NFL QB; will his offensive line prove adequate enough for Seattle’s offense to keep evolving?

Rams: How long can the Rams avoid playing

No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff if the team quickly falls out of contention in the talented NFC West?

49ers: Will Colin Kaepernick, by regaining his

starting job and playing well, change the new narrative created by his National Anthem boycott?

CHARGERS AT CHIEFS Sunday, CBS

RAIDERS AT SAINTS Sunday, FOX

Two institutions – Raiders in Oakland and Brees in Big Easy – might be enjoying Week 1 swan song.

BENGALS AT JETS Sunday, CBS

Green vs. Revis always a treat; Forte, Clady make anticipated Gang Green debuts.

VIKINGS AT TITANS Sunday, FOX

Former Heisman showdown, sure, but it’s all about the run games and run defenses here.

BROWNS AT EAGLES Sunday, CBS

If Wentz plays well, Cleveland’s draft pick becomes more valuable but decision to pass more questionable.

DOLPHINS AT SEAHAWKS Sunday, CBS

Brutal first draw for rookie coach Gase, cross-country trip to ‘The 12s’ and top scoring ‘D.’

GIANTS AT COWBOYS Sunday, FOX

Cowboys’ best defense against Eli, OBJ and Co. is … two rookies debuting on offense, Dak and Zeke.

LIONS AT COLTS Sunday, FOX

It’s possible Indy will miss Vontae Davis more than Detroit will miss Calvin Johnson in this one.

PATRIOTS AT CARDINALS Sunday, NBC

Garoppolo’s four-game audition for 2017 free agency opens against NFL’s most aggressive ‘D.’

STEELERS AT WASHINGTON Monday, ESPN

Shorthanded Steelers offense should still be fine; can young pass ‘D’ stop Cousins’ upstart offense?

RAMS AT 49ERS Monday, ESPN

The biggest storylines here could be two quarterbacks who won’t play.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

hirty teams would love to have the problems of the Broncos and Panthers, but even the Super Bowl 50 participants have questions. The time for clubs to earnestly seek answers, though, has mostly come and gone, so here’s one burning question that remains for every team.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

PFW GAME

Hub

Dan

ProFootballWeekly.com

HAMPTON

ARKUSH

PREDICTIONS

Panthers 23 Broncos 14 Revenge is mine sayeth Cam

Panthers 23 Broncos 14 Panthers turn table on SB champs

Vikings @ Titans

Vikings 24 Titans 16 Bradford what Dr. ordered

Vikings 17 Titans 10 Not a lot of offense today.

Browns @ Eagles

Browns 20 Eagles 30 The Wentz era has begun

Browns 14 Eagles 34 Browns just look bad

Bears 16 Texans 23 Texans feeling the ‘D’

Bears 21 Texans 20 Picking the upset here

Bills 20 Ravens 24 And Flacco shall lead them

Bills 17 Ravens 12 Should be a close one

Chargers 13 Chiefs 31 Chiefs come out swinging

Chargers 14 Chiefs 23 Chiefs too much at home

Bucs 30 Falcons 27 Bucs have got some firepower

Bucs 10 Falcons 33 This pick might surprise some

Bengals 27 Jets 17 Was Fitzpatrick worth wait

Bengals 18 Jets 28 I like the Jets at home here

Raiders 37 Saints 20 Raiders make a statement

Raiders 39 Saints 38 Lots of offensive fire power here

Dolphins 16 Seahawks 27 ‘Hawks flying out of the gate

Dolphins 10 Seahawks 35 Seahawks contending for SB again

Packers 34 Jaguars 30 Jags close but still need work

Packers 33 Jaguars 17 Rodgers starts season on fire

Lions 24 Colts 27 Colts always better with Luck.

Lions 22 Colts 28 Luck returns Colts to contention

Giants 31 Cowboys 20 Dak Prescott, Eli Manning, no contest

Giants 24 Cowboys 21 Cowboys keep it close at home

Patriots 16 Cardinals 20 ‘D’s’ dominate two great offenses

Patriots 10 Cardinals 28 Cards too much ‘D’ with no Brady

Steelers 34 Washington 24 Steelers loaded, Washington isn’t

Steelers 35 Washington 29 Big Ben over Kirk Cousins any week

Rams 19 49ers 10 49ers have a mess on their hands

Rams 17 49ers 7 Relocated Rams win opener on road

Panthers @ Broncos

Bears @ Texans Bills @ Ravens Chargers @ Chiefs Buccaneers @ Falcons Bengals @ Jets Raiders @ Saints Dolphins @ Seahawks Packers @ Jaguars Lions @ Colts Giants @ Cowboys Patriots @ Cardinals Steelers @ Washington Rams @ 49ers

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Did Vikings overpay for Sam Bradford?

e’ve heard from more than a few analysts and insiders around the NFL that the Vikings overpaid outrageously for Sam Bradford in one of the great NFL trade blunders of all-time. But we also have several sources close to the Vikings’ situation who are telling us that while Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer obviously like Teddy Bridgewater, they were not yet anywhere near completely sold that they had any more than a game manager. The Vikings did not give up a firstand fourth-round pick (the ladder could become a third- or a secondbased on Bradford’s production) and take on $20-plus million in salary for a one-year rental. Bradford has not, in fact, failed on an NFL field, he has failed to stay on an NFL field due to injury. In 14 games last year in Philadelphia – only the third time he has played more than 10

Sam Bradford

49ers a mess but Kaepernick still there

games – his stat line (19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 86.4 passer rating) wasn’t bad, considering the Eagles’ lack of exciting targets for him. The Vikings aren’t loaded at receiver either, but in Laquon Treadwell, Stefon Diggs and tight end Kyle Rudolph, with all eyes often on Adri-

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an Peterson, they might be better than Philly’s group. Bradford might just be perfect for Norv Turner’s West Coast scheme, and multiple sources tell us Bradford, known more for his accuracy, has a much stronger arm than Bridgewater. We’re hearing the former Ram and

The Way We Hear It, not only is Colin Kaepernick still a San Francisco 49er, short of a trade offer that was never coming that might have blown the Niners socks off, Kaepernick was never going anywhere. Yes, Kaepernick is a bit of a coach’s Rubik’s Cube off the field, and his latest attempts at being a political activist might be something the 49ers don’t need right now. But according to our sources, the gap between Kaepernick’s athletic and physical abilities with those of Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder is so great that Chip Kelly is committed to exhausting every avenue possible to get the most out of Kaepernick before he is willing to give up on him. Now that Kaepernick is over his

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“tired” arm and appears closer to being 100 percent physically after three offseason surgeries, we’re hearing the issue is that he just isn’t grasping Chip Kelly’s high-speed, high-pressure system yet. While Kelly wants to snap the ball with 20 seconds left on the play clock, and Gabbert Colin seems to have that piece Kaepernick down, Kaepernick still needs 5-10 seconds more to get plays off and that doesn’t work for Kelly. According to our sources, Kaepernick eventually will get his chance to start. If he can get comfortable enough with the playbook and the pace Kelly needs, he’s still most likely to be the long-term starter if any of this group lasts long enough to become that guy.

Fitzpatrick is back but Jets still need a QB

Why were the Jets so reluctant to pay Ryan Fitzpatrick before finally

us r io o ! ic s f l e ck h � D a t Sn al He

bringing him back on a one-year deal as training camp opened? The Way We Hear It, it’s because he will be 34 in November and what he gave them last year may be the best he can offer, and it still included 15 interceptions and four fumbles. The Jets’ hope is that with three other young quarterbacks on the roster, one will be ready by 2017, but according to our sources that may be wishful thinking. We hear Geno Smith is still in New York strictly because no one was willing to give the Jets even a seventh-round pick for him. Bryce Petty in his second NFL season still looks like the product of Art Briles’ gimmick Baylor offense and is not close to processing or reading things quickly enough to run Ryan Chan Gailey’s NFL Fitzpatrick scheme. And Christian Hackenberg is at least a year or two away from even being ready to evaluate.

The Jets now find themselves between a rock and a hard place because should Fitzpatrick get hurt or had they not been able to bring him back, Smith is the only backup even close to being able to run an NFL offense. He just doesn’t do it well enough to start over a period of time, and there’s no telling when Petty and/or Hackenberg will be ready if they ever are.

Seahawks gambling again with 15 rookies

A number of our sources were left scratching their heads over the Labor Day weekend when they got their first look at the Seattle Seahawks final 53-man roster and saw it included 15 rookies. When was the last time a preseason Super Bowl favorite had 15 rookies on its roster? It’s a really tough one to research but working from memory, we’d say there’s a good chance the answer is never. There is no question Seahawks general manager John Schneider

and company have done a great job of outsmarting the rest of the league in unearthing gems like Russell Wilson, Thomas Rawls, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and, of course, Richard Sherman. The Way We Hear It, though, just plugging in rookie Germain Ifedi at right guard with another rookie in Rees Odhiambo behind him and rookie George Fant as your backup left tackle on an offensive line that struggled last year, could be playing with fire. Jimmy Graham appears to continue to be damaged goods at tight end, as he is doubtful for the opener with a bum knee. But no worries, Pete Carroll tells us rookie tight end Nick Vannett is the next big thing. Again, we learned a while ago not to doubt Schneider and Carroll when it comes to talent, but more than a few of our sources around the league are questioning what happens to this club if a few key injuries force too many untested rookies on to the field in big games.

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Kaepernick likely to get chance to start again

ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY |

PFW’s matchups to exploit, avoid in Week 1 By J.C.

MATCHUPS TO AVOID

TALON

Fantasy writer | ProFootballWeekly.com

Denver Broncos

or those of you who suffered through all those boring college games last weekend, you can rest assured that the NFL takes ample measures to ensure top-quality performance in Week 1. That’s sarcasm, of course. It was a terrific weekend for college – proof positive that the NFL preseason is a total scam that subjects players to needless injury risk. Football is a violent collision sport, and football games should not be meaningless affairs. But the joke of a preseason is over and it’s on to the real thing!

OPPONENT: VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS, THURSDAY, 7:30 P.M. You might want to go easy on all your Broncos until we see how well Trevor Siemian can run an NFL offense. Even if Siemian proves to be a productive QB (hardly a lock), he faces a tough Carolina defense in his first career start. Denver probably will go with a steady dose of C.J. Anderson, but the Panthers will be focused on stopping the run. SOLID PLAY: Anderson, Broncos D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Virgil Green, Brandon McManus LAST RESORT: Devontae Booker STAY AWAY: Siemian

Chicago Bears

MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Kansas City Chiefs

OPPONENT: VS. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS, SUNDAY, NOON It’s hard to get too excited about KC’s offense on most weeks, but this is a nice matchup for them. The Chargers were 27th against the run last season and their total defense finished in the bottom third. Most pundits have tabbed them to finish last this season in the AFC West. The Chiefs will pound the ball early and often, and that could help open some passing lanes for Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce. It’s a near lock that Jamaal Charles won’t play this game, which makes Spencer Ware one of the best backs on this week’s board. MUST START: Ware, Kelce SOLID PLAY: Maclin, Chiefs D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Alex Smith, Charcandrick West, Cairo Santos LAST RESORT: Frankie Hammond, De’Anthony Thomas STAY AWAY: Charles*

Oakland Raiders

OPPONENT: AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, SUNDAY, NOON If Oakland is truly going to challenge for an AFC West title, this would be an ideal game to display some offensive firepower. The Saints finished 31st in defense in both 2015 and 2014. With meathead Rob Ryan now in Buffalo (coaching with his meathead brother), it’s possible New Orleans will improve on defense. However, that improvement will likely take some time and the Saints appear to be one of the league’s weakest teams. Per Vegas Insider, this game has the highest over/under (51 points) of Week One. MUST START: Amari Cooper SOLID PLAY: Derek Carr, Latavius Murray, Michael Crabtree WORTH A LOOK: Sebastian Janikowski LAST RESORT: Clive Walford STAY AWAY: Raiders D/ST

Green Bay Packers

OPPONENT: AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, SUNDAY, NOON The Jags’ defense – ranked 24th in 2015 – is going to be improved, but we still think the Packers will put up right around 30 points in this game. Jordy Nelson is a full “go” and Eddie Lacy looks like he is back in 2014 condition. Don’t be surprised if Jacksonville, likewise, finds offensive success in this game. MUST START: Aaron Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson

AP PHOTO

Spencer Ware may start this week for the Chiefs SOLID PLAY: Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby WORTH A LOOK: Jared Cook LAST RESORT: Jared Abbrederis, Davante Adams STAY AWAY: Packers D/ST

Seattle Seahawks

OPPONENT: VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS, SUNDAY, 3:25 P.M. Seattle finished last season on a roll, and there is little evidence that Miami’s 25th-ranked defense has improved much from a year ago. The big question for Seattle is the health of key starters Thomas Rawls and Jimmy Graham. The former is a better bet than the latter. We list both as “worth a look,” but keep an eye on their injury status. If Rawls does not play, bump up Christine Michael a notch. Ditto for Graham and Luke Willson. MUST START: Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin, Steven Hauschka, Seahawks D/ST SOLID PLAY: Michael WORTH A LOOK: Rawls*, Tyler Lockett, Graham* LAST RESORT: Jermaine Kearse

OPPONENT: AT HOUSTON TEXANS, SUNDAY, NOON By signing guard Josh Sitton, the Bears might have improved their offensive situation from “trainwreck” to a more palatable “dismal.” Even so, Houston has a ferocious defense, and the Bears have way too many offensive question marks to be counted on in this game. SOLID PLAY: Alshon Jeffery WORTH A LOOK: Jeremy Langford, Zach Miller LAST RESORT: Ka’Deem Carey, Kevin White, Eddie Royal STAY AWAY: Jay Cutler, Connor Barth, Bears D/ST

Tennessee Titans

OPPONENT: AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS, SUNDAY, NOON The Vikings were successful last season by running the ball and playing superb defense. Despite all the hand wringing over the loss of Teddy Bridgewater, it’s important to note that the young QB threw only 14 TDs last year and was 22nd in the NFL in passing yards. With Bridgewater gone, expect the Vikings to double down on last year’s strategy (especially until Sam Bradford is up to speed) and that means a slow day for Tennessee’s offense. The Titans will try and pound the ball with their one-two punch of Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray (and that will probably be the order by midseason, if not sooner). The Vikings might give up some yards, but only four teams in 2015 surrendered fewer than Minnesota’s 18.9 points per game. It would be mildly surprising if Tennessee scored more than 17 in this one. SOLID PLAY: Henry, Delanie Walker WORTH A LOOK: Murray, Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe LAST RESORT: Marcus Mariota STAY AWAY: Titans D/ST, Ryan Succop

ALSO CONSIDER

ALSO BEWARE

OPPONENT: VS. DETROIT LIONS, SUNDAY, 3:25 P.M. Expect a lot of scoring in this game, particularly from a Colts team that is looking to prove that 2015 was a fluke. The game should shed some light on whether Donte Moncrief or T.Y. Hilton will be Andrew Luck’s top target in 2016.

OPPONENT: VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS, SUNDAY, NOON This game features one of the lowest over/under projections (41.5) of the week. Neither offense should roll, but the Jets might struggle more considering the late signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OPPONENT: VS. LOS ANGELES RAMS, MONDAY, 9:20 P.M. The Rams are a poorly-coached, undisciplined lot, but they have more than enough defensive talent to shut down a woeful 49ers offense.

Indianapolis Colts

OPPONENT: AT WASHINGTON, MONDAY, 6:10 P.M. Two 2015 playoff teams face off in a game with an over/under hovering right around 50 points. Expect both teams to have success through the air.

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

* — Check injury status

You think you have some teams’ situation figured out? Think again By JOHN

SAHLY

jsahly@shawmedia.com

lash back to 2014 for a minute with me, please. It’s the year of the World Cup, The Lego Movie and the ice bucket challenge. Good times, right? We were also really, really, really sure of a few things at the start of the fantasy football season. At or near the top of the list: The Dallas Cowboys were going to have one of the worst defenses, if not the worst, in the history of the NFL. I knew it. You knew it. Everybody in your fantasy league knew it, too. You know who else knew that defense was bad? The Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys game-planned to keep their wretched defense off the field by playing keep-away. Running back DeMarco Murray ran the ball 392 times for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. He finished nearly 500 yards ahead of second-place Le’Veon Bell and was tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns. Murray was a fantasy stud, and those who believed in him early saw huge dividends at cheap prices in DFS. Murray’s situation is an extreme example, but there are plenty of other cases (Doug Martin and Blake Bortles last season) of guys and situations we just knew we had figured out before the season started. I think oftentimes we as fans and fantasy football players consider ourselves just as smart as the coaches in the room, and time and again the early weeks of a season prove we know nothing. In other words, we are all Jon Snow. With that in mind, here are a few guys we may be rushing to judgment on that we can exploit as under-owned tournament plays in Week 1, or even for the first month in DFS.

Melvin Gordon | RB | CHARGERS

Gordon’s rookie year was a trainwreck by any measure. He didn’t score once. He averaged just 3.5 yards a carry. This season? Gordon has been a different back in the preseason. Reports out of Chargers camp are that Gordon has his burst and confidence back. In the first three preseason games,

Brock Osweiler made the move from Denver to Houston this season and will face the Bears in Week One Gordon touched the ball 15 times and turned that into 130 yards, plus two touchdowns. Yes, Danny Woodhead will suck up some red-zone carries, but third-stringer Branden Oliver was lost for the season to injury, so it’s just Gordon and Woodhead in the Chargers’ backfield. After dates at Kansas City and home against the Jaguars, Gordon gets the torchable defenses of Indianapolis and New Orleans back-to-back. So even if Gordon under-performs in Weeks 1 and 2, I’m already thinking of targeting him in Weeks 3 and 4.

Jared Cook | TE | PACKERS

Chances are, Jared Cook has burned you at least once in DFS. The 6-foot-5 former third-round pick has shown flashes over his career. He even opened the 2013 season with 141 yards and two touchdowns. That one game ended up being 21 percent of

his yards for the season, and you may have written him off then. Friend of the PFW Fantasy podcast Adam Levitan has this as a rebutal: Cook’s QBs over his career: Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Locker, Sam Bradford, Austin Davis, Nick Foles. Now? Aaron Rodgers. Cook is $2,900 on DraftKings for Week 1, and is an interesting pivot from the Colts’ Dwayne Allen at $3,200. Cook has burned you, but this is his best situation in his career.

Christine Michael | RB | SEAHAWKS

C-Mike truthers, assemble! Michael is now in his third stint in Seattle. He’s been a classic ‘never going to get it’ guy. This time looks different, though. Michael rushed for 157 yards in the first three preseason games, and reports are that even if Thomas Rawls is healthy, it could be a 50-50 split in

AP PHOTO

the backfield. The Seahawks get a terrible Miami defense at home to start the season, and Michael is just $3,700 on DraftKings. If he’s burned you in the past, I encourage you to give him another shot. Keep in mind, my colleague Arthur Arkush has been warning you about Rawls for months as a stay-away guy.

Brock Osweiler | QB | TEXANS

Fantasy experts are high on Lamar Miller. Heck, I’m high on Lamar Miller. But I’m not ignoring Osweiler, who will not be a $6,300 QB on DraftKings for long. He gets a Bears defense that is struggling to put healthy bodies on the field in the secondary right now in a home matchup in which the Texans are favored to win against a non-divisional opponent. That checks a lot of boxes for me in DFS. Whatever you thought of Osweiler in Denver last year, he’ll be a bigger factor in Houston.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

DFS: Go against the grain early on, it’s worth it

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Previewing some of the top NFL prospects on offense in college football

Deshaun Watson

AP PHOTO

he Bears’ former director of college scouting, Greg Gabriel has over 30 years of experience in NFL scouting and he’ll be breaking down the top NFL prospects to watch this college season and other NFL news each week at ProFootballWeekly. com. You can follow Greg on Twitter @greggabe. Here’s an early look at the top prospects at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight ends to watch in college football this season.

QUARTERBACK

DESHAUN WATSON / CLEMSON — He is the most athletic of the group and a fairly accomplished passer. Last year he threw for 4,104 yards, a 67.8-percent completion percentage, 35 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions. Watson led his team to the College Football Playoff before losing to Alabama in the National Championship game. Watson has good size, great overall athleticism and a strong arm. He should pick up where he left off in 2015 and though he is a junior, he is the odds on favorite right now to be the first quarterback drafted. BRAD KAAYA / MIAMI (FLA.) — Kaaya has excellent size at about 6-foot-4, 218 pounds to go along with good athleticism. In 2014, he threw for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns, while last year he threw for 3,238 yards and 16 touchdowns. The thing to remember about Kaaya is that his supporting cast is nowhere near the

Leonard Fournette supporting cast that Watson has. With a new coaching staff in place at Miami led by Mark Richt, it will be interesting to track Kaaya this season. Other QB to watch: Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly

RUNNING BACK

AP PHOTO

Mike Williams

AP PHOTO

and instincts along with excellent power. Like Fournette, he is a very good kick returner and returns both punts and kickoffs. Though he is smaller than Fournette and Dalvin Cook, he may be the best blocker. He can face up and anchor versus blitzing linebackers, showing strength, power and technique. Other RBs to watch: Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, Georgia’s Nick

LEONARD FOURNETTE / LSU — Fournette is the biggest of the top GREG GABRIEL running back prospects @greggabe at about 6-1, 230 pounds. He has explosive speed and power, and has a style similar Chubb to Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. Fournette attacks defenders and WIDE RECEIVER consistently gets yards after contact. MIKE WILLIAMS / CLEMSON — WilHe has excellent speed to go along liams played in only one game in 2015 with top vision and instincts. Give before suffering a neck injury that him a little crease and he is gone. He finished his season. Williams took an is reliable as a receiver and is a very injury redshirt year so technically he good kickoff-return man. Like most is a junior but this is his fourth year college running backs, he will need at Clemson. At about 6-3, 220 pounds work on his blocking, but he already with sub-4.5 speed, Williams is just has shown that he is more than willwhat NFL teams are looking for at ing. Fournette ran for 1,953 yards in the position. With his athleticism 2015 after running for 1,034 as a true and overall body control, he provides freshman in 2014. matchup problems every week for CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY / STANClemson’s opponent. In 2014 as a FORD — The best all-around back in sophomore, Williams had 57 recepthe country may well be McCaffrey. tions for 1,030 yards. Those numbers At about 6-0, 205 pounds, McCaffrey should go way up in 2016. is the smallest of the trio, but he COREY DAVIS / WESTERN MICHIdoesn’t have a weakness in his game. GAN — In the 2015 season, Western Last year, he ran for 2,019 yards and Michigan had a receiver drafted in also had 45 pass receptions. He plays the late rounds by the Chicago Bears. in an NFL-style offense, can run That player was Daniel Braverman, inside or out, has great speed, vision who had 108 catches. As productive

O.J. Howard

AP PHOTO

as Braverman was, Davis is the player who “scared” opposing defenses. Davis stands 6-3, 215 pounds and has excellent speed, strength and athleticism. Last year he had 90 catches for 1,436 yards and 12 touchdowns. That production should improve in 2016, as there aren’t many MAC corners who can match up against him. Other WRs to watch: LSU’s Travin Dural, Michigan’s Jehu Chesson, Ole Miss’ Quincy Adeboyejo, Miami’s Stacy Coley.

TIGHT END

O.J. HOWARD / ALABAMA — The way Howard played in the College Football Playoff, he would have been a lock first-round tight end had he entered the 2016 Draft. That said, all he needs to do is use those performances as momentum for this season. Howard has all the tools to be an excellent NFL tight end. He has size, speed, strength, power, hands and blocking ability. Come next spring, Howard could be a legitimate top-10-type player. JAKE BUTT / MICHIGAN — Butt is another tight end who had very good numbers in 2016 and would have gone very high in the last draft. In the 2015 college season, Butt, who stands about 6-5, 250 pounds, had 51 receptions for 654 yards, a 12.8yard average per catch and three touchdowns. Butt is fast and athletic enough to play split out as a move tight end and strong and tough enough to play in tight and block. Other TE to watch: Clemson’s Jordan Leggett

FA N TA S Y F O R E C A S T

By JC Talon PFW fantasy writer

Quarterbacks Cam Newton has his work cut out for him in Denver. Aaron Rodgers looks like the best bet for a huge week, although Russell Wilson Aaron and Ben Roethlisberger are Rodgers capable of outscoring him. We’ll jump on the bandwagon and ride the “Dak Attack” this week, but we’re fully aware that preseason performances don’t always carry over into the real games. 1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers @ Jaguars 2. Russell Wilson, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 3. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers @ Washington 4. Derek Carr, Raiders @ Saints 5. Drew Brees, Saints @ Raiders 6. Andrew Luck, Colts vs. Lions 7. Cam Newton, Panthers @ Broncos 8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Giants 9. Blake Bortles, Jaguars vs. Packers 10. Eli Manning, Giants @ Cowboys 11. Kirk Cousins, Washington vs. Steelers 12. Jameis Winston, Bucs @ Falcons 13. Tyrod Taylor, Bills @ Ravens 14. Matt Ryan, Falcons vs. Bucs 15. Matthew Stafford, Lions @ Colts 16. Brock Osweiler, Texans vs. Bears 17. Carson Palmer, Cardinals vs. Patriots 18. Philip Rivers, Chargers @ Chiefs 19. Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriots @ Cardinals 20. Andy Dalton, Bengals @ Jets

Running Backs Call it a hunch, but we’re ranking Derrick Henry ahead of DeMarco Murray. Both face a Vikings defense that will give up some yards, but is stingy on points. With Jamaal Charles out, Spencer Ware is a great play.

Lamar Miller

1. Lamar Miller, Texans vs. Bears 2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings @ Titans 3. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys vs. Giants 4. Todd Gurley, Rams @ 49ers 5. Eddie Lacy, Packers @ Jaguars 6. David Johnson, Cardinals vs. Patriots 7. Devonta Freeman, Falcons vs. Bucs 8. DeAngelo Williams, Steelers at Washington

9. Spencer Ware, Chiefs vs. Chargers 10. Doug Martin, Bucs @ Falcons 11. Mark Ingram, Saints vs. Raiders 12. LeSean McCoy, Bills @ Ravens 13. Latavius Murray, Raiders @ Saints 14. C.J. Anderson, Broncos vs. Panthers 15. Ryan Mathews, Eagles vs. Browns 16. Matt Forte, Jets vs. Bengals 17. Jeremy Hill, Bengals @ Jets 18. Carlos Hyde, 49ers vs. Rams 19. Melvin Gordon, Chargers @ Chiefs 20. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers @ Broncos 21. Frank Gore, Colts vs. Lions 22. Thomas Rawls*, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 23. Matt Jones*, Washington vs. Steelers 24. Jeremy Langford, Bears @ Texans 25. Derrick Henry, Titans vs. Vikings 26. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars vs. Packers 27. Rashad Jennings, Giants @ Cowboys 28. DeMarco Murray, Titans vs. Vikings 29. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots @ Cardinals 30. Ameer Abdullah, Lions @ Colts 31. Duke Johnson, Browns @ Eagles 32. Giovani Bernard, Bengals @ Jets 33. Arian Foster, Dolphins @ Seahawks 34. Christine Michael, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 35. Terrance West, Ravens vs. Bills 36. Danny Woodhead, Chargers @ Chiefs 37. Chris Ivory, Jaguars vs. Packers 38. Charcandrick West, Chiefs vs. Chargers 39. Tevin Coleman, Falcons vs. Bucs 40. Charles Sims, Bucs @ Falcons

Wide Receivers It’s a great week for wideouts, especially for those playing in Washington, Indy, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Dallas and New Orleans.

Antonio Brown

1. Antonio Brown, Steelers @ Washington 2. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans vs. Bears 3. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants @ Cowboys 4. Julio Jones, Falcons vs. Bucs 5. Allen Robinson, Jaguars vs. Packers 6. Mike Evans, Bucs @ Falcons 7. Amari Cooper, Raiders @ Saints 8. Dez Bryant, Cowboys vs. Giants 9. A.J. Green, Bengals @ Jets 10. Jordy Nelson, Packers @ Jaguars 11. Sammy Watkins, Bills @ Ravens 12. T.Y. Hilton, Colts vs. Lions

13. Brandon Marshall, Jets vs. Bengals 14. Brandin Cooks, Saints vs. Raiders 15. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 16. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs vs. Chargers 17. Alshon Jeffery, Bears @ Texans 18. Keenan Allen, Chargers @ Chiefs 19. Donte Moncrief, Colts vs. Lions 20. Randall Cobb, Packers @ Jaguars 21. Michael Floyd, Cardinals vs. Patriots 22. Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers @ Broncos 23. Julian Edelman, Patriots @ Cardinals 24. Golden Tate, Lions @ Colts 25. DeSean Jackson, Washington vs. Steelers 26. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos vs. Panthers 27. Jarvis Landry, Dolphins @ Seahawks 28. Eric Decker, Jets vs. Bengals 29. Allen Hurns, Jaguars vs. Packers 30. Marvin Jones, Lions @ Colts 31. Michael Crabtree, Raiders @ Saints 32. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos vs. Panthers 33. Jordan Matthews*, Eagles vs. Browns 34. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals vs. Patriots 35. Tavon Austin, Rams @ 49ers 36. Markus Wheaton, Steelers @ Washington 37. Corey Coleman, Browns @ Eagles 38. Stefon Diggs, Vikings @ Titans 39. Mike Wallace, Ravens vs. Bills 40. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks vs. Dolphins

Tight Ends For a change of pace, we’re knocking Gronk from the top of the mountain for one week. Jordan Reed has emerged as a dangerous weapon in the Washington offense.

18. Eric Ebron*, Lions @ Colts 19. Jimmy Graham*, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 20. Charles Clay, Bills @ Ravens

Kickers Two of fantasy’s better kickers – Brandon McManus and Graham Gano – face each other in what should be a defensive slugfest. That opens the door for guys like Chris Boswell, Chandler Catanzaro and Cairo Santos to move up the list.

Steven Hauschka

1. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks vs. Dolphins 2. Mason Crosby, Packers @ Jaguars 3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots @ Cardinals 4. Chris Boswell, Steelers @ Washington 5. Adam Vinatieri, Colts vs. Lions 6. Dan Bailey, Cowboys vs. Giants 7. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals vs. Patriots 8. Cairo Santos, Chiefs vs. Chargers 9. Justin Tucker, Ravens vs. Titans 10. Matt Prater, Lions @ Colts 11. S. Janikowski, Raiders @ Saints 12. Graham Gano, Panthers @ Broncos 13. Brandon McManus, Broncos vs. Panthers 14. Brandon McManus, Broncos vs. Panthers 15. Blair Walsh, Vikings @ Titans 16. Nick Novak, Texans vs. Bears 17. Matt Bryant, Falcons vs. Bucs

Defense/Special Teams Jordan Reed

1. Jordan Reed, Washington vs. Steelers 2. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots @ Cardinals 3. Greg Olsen, Panthers @ Broncos 4. Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. Chargers 5. Coby Fleener, Saints vs. Raiders 6. Gary Barnidge, Browns @ Eagles 7. Zach Ertz, Eagles vs. Browns 8. Delanie Walker, Titans vs. Vikings 9. Antonio Gates, Chargers @ 10. Jason Witten, Cowboys vs. Giants 11. Julius Thomas, Jaguars vs. Packers 12. Jesse James, Steelers @ Washington 13. Virgil Green, Broncos vs. Panthers 14. Martellus Bennett, Patriots @ Cardinals 15. Clive Walford, Raiders @ Saints 16. Jared Cook, Packers @ Jaguars 17. Zach Miller, Bears @ Texans

Based on matchups, the Seahawks, Rams, Texans and Chiefs are a clear cut above the rest this week. 1. Seahawks vs. Dolphins 2. Rams @ 49ers 3. Texans vs. Bears 4. Chiefs vs. Chargers 5. Panthers @ Broncos 6. Vikings @ Titans 7. Bengals @ Jets 8. Broncos vs. Panthers 9. Cardinals vs. Patriots 10. Jets vs. Bengals 11. Eagles vs. Browns 12. Bills @ Ravens 13. Falcons vs. Bucs 14. Ravens vs. Bills 15. Giants @ Cowboys 16. Titans vs. Vikings 17. Lions @ Colts

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

PFW ranks players by position groups as 2016 fantasy season kicks off

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Arkush: So Dan, the unnecessarily long and incredibly boring preseason is finally behind us and with the kickoff to the regular season now just hours away, we have just one more great NFL mystery to solve: In 12 of the last 13 seasons, at least one team has gone from last in its division to first the following year. And a handful of clubs made remarkable turnarounds, like last year’s Carolina Panthers, who went from a 7-8-1 season in 2014 to 15-1 and the Super Bowl. Just looking at 2004 and the front end of this trend, the San Diego Chargers actually went from 4-12 in ‘03 to 12-4, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were 6-10 in ‘03 and 15-1 in ‘04. Now it’s time to break out our crystal balls, buddy, and tell everybody who we think will be the biggest surprises of 2016. You get to lead us off. McCaleb Well, Hub, let me start with which team WON’T be a big surprise, because

Are Jags ready for a breakout year? NATE ATKINS HUB ARKUSH that’s a lot easier: my poor, pathetic Cleveland Browns. By either cutting or trading away so many of their veterans, the Browns aren’t even pretending that they’re trying to win this year. Now to answer your question, I’ll throw two teams out there, the Jaguars and the Cowboys. The Jags made significant upgrades to their defense, signing big name free agents Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara. And I think this could be the year Blake Bortles ups his game into elite status. As for the ‘Boys, they weren’t as bad as their 2015 record (4-12), they play in the NFC Least and, remember that 2004 Steelers team you just mentioned? That was Ben Ro-

PATRICK FINLEY DAN McCALEB

ethlisberger’s rookie year. He was slated to sit behind veteran Tommy Maddox, until Maddox got hurt. Could Dak Prescott work similar magic? Arkush: Hmmm, Ben Roethlisberger, Dak Prescott . . . yeah I’m not feeling that one. Prescott may surprise beyond what his fourth-round draft status suggests, but I think the bigger question with the ‘Boys is just how soon they can get Tony Romo back and just how awful that defense is going to be, because I think the Cowboys’ ‘D and rotten eggs could have an awful lot in common. You might be on to something with the Jags as they’ll also add two top-five draft picks in Dante Fowler Jr. and Jalen Ramsey as

well as Myles Jack, who might have gone that high were it not for a bum wheel. But teams that “win the offseason” by spending big in free agency always scare me. Tell me this, what do you think of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers? There’s a whole lot of Jameis Winston love out there right now, a number of weapons for him to work with, and some interesting young athletes on defense. And let’s not sleep on the New York Giants, they went out and bought a new defense, too. McCaleb: Two teams with controversial coaching changes at the end of last year. Honestly, I think anyone but Philly can win the NFC East, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Gi-

ants make a playoff run. Tampa won’t catch the Panthers, but they could finish second in the division and sneak in as a wild card. I agree with you on Winston. He’s looking like he’s going to be a very good quarterback for years to come. And I’m looking forward to Jameis vs. Cam twice a year for the next decade or so. OK Hub, so who’s your early pick for NFL MVP? Arkush: OK, I guess we can’t take it this far and not put our names on something, so I’m going with Jacksonville as the surprise 11-5 champs of the AFC South. For MVP, it just feels like another Aaron Rodgers kind of year. Your turn! McCaleb: Well, I went with the Jags as my surprise team in Pro Football Weekly’s NFL Preview magazine, so I’ll stick with that pick here. As for NFL MVP? Rodgers isn’t a bad pick, nor is defending NFL MVP Cam Newton. But I’m going with the NFC’s other elite QB, Russell Wilson. He put up obscene numbers in the second half of 2015. Duplicate that performance over a full season and it’s a no-brainer.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

n the Week 1 edition of ‘Take Two,’ Pro Football Weekly’s Hub Arkush and Dan McCaleb discuss surprise teams of 2016.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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