NFL Future Power Rankings: Projections for all 32 teams for the next three years 🏈
NFL Future Power Rankings: Projections for all 32 teams for the next three years
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To project which NFL franchises are in the best shape for the next three seasons, we asked our panel of experts -- Jeremy Fowler, Louis Riddick, Seth Walder and Field Yates -- to rate each team's quarterback, remaining (non-QB) roster, draft, front office and coaching using this scale:
After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the five categories was weighted to create the overall score -- roster (30%), quarterback (20%), draft (15%), front office (15%) and coaching (20%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future.
Read through the full ranking from Nos. 1 through 32, or jump to your favorite team using the quick links below:
Note: Overall scores are rounded to the nearest tenth of a point.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Overall score: 89.4
Why they're here: Lamar Jackson didn't need long to put himself in the conversation for the most dynamic player ever, as he became the league's second unanimous MVP pick in just his first season as a starter. But GM Eric Decosta has also built up a defense ready to hold up its end of the bargain going forward, led by a particularly fearsome secondary. -- Yates
Biggest worry: This team is loaded. The thing that can derail what is clearly an organization with a lot of positive momentum is the health of its young superstar QB. He must be protected at all costs, which means not "changing" who he is as a player, but being more selective and judicious as to when he purposely puts himself in harm's way. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Get a big-bodied receiving target for Jackson early in the draft -- think Mark Andrews with more speed, someone with catch radius to complement Marquise Brown's speed. Matthew Judon could walk after this year, so investing in a pass-rusher via free agency or the draft is a prudent move. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: When the Ravens find an edge, they exploit it as well as any team. That's what they did with motion at the snap, which they ran at an off-the-chart rate relative to other teams last year. They ran play-action at a higher rate per dropback than any other team, too. Here's one more: The Ravens ran Cover 0 last season 12% of the time -- that's more than anyone, and well above the league average of 2% -- to tremendous success. Offenses averaged minus-0.77 expected points added on those plays, which is roughly half the cost of an average sack. -- Walder
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Overall score: 89.0
Why they're here: It's easy to get hyperbolic, but it doesn't even feel like hyperbole when envisioning a career in which Patrick Mahomes finishes as one of the three best quarterbacks ever. He's that good and that young. Kansas City flexes an absurd collection of speed on offense and a defense with pillars in place to stay competitive going forward. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Managing the cap and restocking the roster as Mahomes' new contract begins to kick in and his cap figure rises is what GM Brett Veach is going to have to contend with going forward. If the cap continues to grow at a reasonable rate, they have done a nice job of structuring Mahomes' extension to make it very possible for them to go on a run over the next two seasons at least, but Veach is going to have to continue to deliver on draft day. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Corner is a lingering issue for the Chiefs, who exhaust resources at other positions and hope for the best in coverage. Kansas City last used a Day 1 or 2 draft pick on a corner in 2016 with KeiVarae Russell. Bashaud Breeland is facing a suspension in 2020 and might not be the long-term answer. Charvarius Ward should continue to develop. But put capital into a prime position. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Mahomes has never recorded a QBR below 50 in a game he started. Seriously: He has never had a bad game. In what is quite possibly the most important category on this board, the Chiefs cannot be better off for the long term. -- Walder
3. San Francisco 49ers
Overall score: 86.4
Why they're here: Elevation can happen rapidly in football, as the 49ers showed in 2019. Their sustained success is rooted in a vaunted defensive front laced with young cornerstones and an offense under the guidance of one of the best minds in football, Kyle Shanahan, featuring a standout offensive line and running game. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Richard Sherman is in a contract year and is now 32. Slot corner K'Waun Williams is in a contract year. Safety Jaquiski Tartt is in a contract year. This unit could undergo a major overhaul in the next two years, and for a team that was a couple of big plays away from a Super Bowl title, the 49ers need to make sure the secondary doesn't become a problem. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: One of the league's best rosters has minimal holes, but with Sherman turning 33 after the 2020 season, drafting an additional outside corner with press-man coverage ability will help. The 49ers run a lot of zone but could use the flexibility to mix and match more on the back end. And maybe draft a receiver in the first three rounds every year. But finding an issue with the 49ers is like finding a play on which George Kittle doesn't want to block. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Defenses stacked eight or more players in the box on 26% of 49ers rushes when the game's win probability was between 20% and 80% last season, the second-highest rate in the league. That's because the 49ers run at a heavy rate. But they were much more efficient passing the ball -- and in fact, even ranked higher in EPA/pass play than EPA/rush play. That suggests that the 49ers' offense has room to grow by passing more and taking advantage of those stacked boxes. Which is good, because their defense is very unlikely to sustain its high level of performance in 2019 over the long term. -- Walder
4. New Orleans Saints
Overall score: 85.7
Why they're here: There's a case to be made for the Saints as the most complete roster in football right now, and the team is coached by the brilliant Sean Payton. While New Orleans has a year-to-year approach surrounding Drew Brees' future, the team has already invested in a developmental player in Taysom Hill that it hopes can be their "guy" going forward. -- Yates
Biggest worry: This team is loaded for a run in 2020, but after that, when Brees is gone, what then? Is Hill really a starting-caliber QB in the league as Payton claims he is? Will Jameis Winston realize his full potential after sitting behind Brees for a year and then exploding back onto the scene in 2021? It could go either way. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The middle of the defense is aging, with Demario Davis and Craig Robertson over 30, and 29-year-old Kiko Alonso coming off a third ACL injury. Investing in linebacker help next year will strengthen a defense that deftly balances explosive young talent and steady vets. And make a decision on whether Hill can be your starter in 2021. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Despite an average depth of target of 8.2 yards, Michael Thomas led all receivers in yards per route run last year. The fact that defenses know Brees won't throw deep and yet he and Thomas continue to win with slants and speed outs is probably a good sign that this team has another run in them. -- Walder
5. Dallas Cowboys
Overall score: 82.7
Why they're here: The Cowboys have been as strong as nearly any team in finding blue-chip talent, acing many draft picks to help build a top-flight nucleus. Though Dak Prescott didn't get a new contract this offseason, if a deal is struck in the future, the Cowboys will have perhaps the best skill group in football basically all under contract long term. Couple that with an excellent offensive line, and points should come easy going forward. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Will the lingering contract situation with Prescott have a negative impact on the focus and attention to detail of both QB and the team overall? Prescott seems intent on betting on himself for this season and dancing this dance again in 2021, which ultimately could lead to the Cowboys being in the market for a franchise QB in less than a year. Say it ain't so. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Dallas' defensive line is patched together more than it should be. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe have Pro Bowl pedigree but are on the back nine of their careers. Aldon Smith is a major gamble. DeMarcus Lawrence will remain a top-10 edge rusher for the next two years and the team shouldn't waste the chance to build around him. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last season, the Cowboys ranked 22nd in dropback rate when win probability was between 20% and 80%. But when new Dallas coach Mike McCarthy was running the show for Green Bay in 2018, the Packers ranked fourth in the same metric, which means we can expect a heavier aerial attack for the Cowboys. For a team with a good quarterback -- and especially after CeeDee Lamb fell into their lap in the draft -- that's a good thing for 2020 and beyond. -- Walder
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Overall score: 82.6
Why they're here: This exercise is about the future, but the past year is an important part of why the Steelers check in at seventh: Despite a litany of injuries and Ben Roethlisberger missing 14 games, the Steelers stayed in the playoff race until season's end and managed an 8-8 record. They are well-coached, well-led and really good on defense. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Without Roethlisberger, this team has no shot with any of the other QBs on the roster. Coming off a major injury to his passing arm/elbow, Big Ben is the key to everything that happens in Pittsburgh. It's that simple. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Pittsburgh spent the better part of a decade using first-round picks to rebuild the defense. That side of the ball is now elite, so it's time to give the offense the same treatment. Identifying a successor at QB should be paramount. Diontae Johnson has a chance to be a top-shelf receiver, so continue to embolden him. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Did you know the Steelers finished second in defensive efficiency (expected points added per play, with garbage time down-weighted) last season? Second! With young players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the way on that side of the ball and Roethlisberger returning on offense, there is reason to believe in Pittsburgh. Plus, in Mike Tomlin's long tenure there, the Steelers have never finished worse than 17th in total efficiency, and were on a five-year top-10 streak prior to last season. -- Walder
8. Seattle Seahawks
Overall score: 81.2
Why they're here: A culture of competition is a hallmark of the Seahawks, who are led by the forever-young Pete Carroll and respected GM John Schneider. It's too simple to attribute the Seahawks' success and positive outlook to Russell Wilson's play, but it's also fair to state that he has shown that when he's under center, Seattle is never out of any game. Rock solid. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Seattle was once known for having the fiercest pass rush in the NFL. Last season, no individual had more than four sacks, and the defense was 22nd in points allowed. Defensive end L.J. Collier, a 2019 first-round pick, needs to show up. Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-round end, has to be a force immediately and consistently if they want to keep pace with the division-rival 49ers. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The offensive line is an amalgam of inexpensive free-agent fliers and aging vets. Seattle expects Wilson to make it all work, but at some point he needs more resources up front. Guard Damien Lewis is a good start; the team is high on the third-round pick. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Wilson is elite, but let me make the case for Tyler Lockett as part of the reason to believe in Seattle for the long haul. Over the past two seasons, passes to Lockett have had a completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) -- based on factors that include target location and receiver separation from defenders and the sideline -- of plus-15%. That's the highest among all receivers with at least 100 targets in that span. And Lockett's CPOE is even more valuable than, say, that of Michael Thomas, because his extra catches come further downfield. I know what you're thinking: He has the best deep ball thrower in the game passing to him. And that's true. But over that same span, Wilson's completion percentage over expectation on passes not to Lockett was just plus-2%. -- Walder
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall score: 81.2
Why they're here: When you the land the GOAT, your outlook changes immediately. This is a bet that the Bucs can be that potent on offense with Tom Brady under center and a barrage of pass-catchers, plus a defense that improved mightily to conclude 2019. The pieces are in place for Tampa to be a playoff team sooner rather than later. -- Yates
Biggest worry: How much do Brady and Rob Gronkowski have left in the tank? Can Bruce Arians get the embarrassment of riches that they have at the skill positions on offense to all play as a cohesive unit with their new QB? If it comes together, they will be in the Super Bowl. If not, they will be starting over again. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Drafting a quarterback high in 2021 is a good way to get ahead of the game. If Brady is playing two years with the Bucs, don't wait until he's out the door to get his replacement. The roster health over the next two years is strong enough to handle that investment, though one more veteran pass-rusher would help offset the likely loss of Shaquil Barrett next year coming off the franchise tag. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: No team ran as high a percentage of vertical routes (deep fades, posts, corners, gos, seams) as the Bucs last season. In fact, relative to each route groups' average, no team-route group combination was run at a rate higher above average than Tampa Bay verts. And that is not Brady's game. His 7.6 air yards per attempt were below average, and he threw 9% of his passes 20-plus yards in the air, also below average. Tampa Bay absolutely has the roster to compete -- on both sides of the ball -- but how Brady and Arians mesh is one of the more interesting short-term questions here. -- Walder
10. Indianapolis Colts
Overall score: 80.6
Why they're here: The Colts check so many of the boxes for a team that is doing things the right way: GM Chris Ballard drafts well, is opportunistic in free agency and finds developmental players. Coach Frank Reich and his staff make players better and they always play at maximum effort; the question for Indy is at quarterback, as Philip Rivers looks to bounce back after 20 interceptions with the Chargers last year, and is signed to a one-year deal. -- Yates
Biggest worry: I saw signs of serious decline in Rivers' play a year ago. The Colts think that was an anomaly. This roster is getting stronger and added some very nice pieces through the draft, but if Rivers can't get it going and play at a higher level again, the Colts will be looking for another QB sooner rather than later. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Surround DeForest Buckner with more pass-rush help up front. Justin Houston outplayed expectations with 11 sacks last year, but at age 31 might not hold up. The Colts have pumped out productive drafts for roster balance. Adding to the front might be the next step. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Indianapolis is a soft landing spot for Rivers. Not only is he playing behind the unit that ranked third in pass block win rate last season, but he's on the team with the easiest strength of schedule in the league, per ESPN's Football Power Index. That's all good for 2020, but this team's future has more questions beyond then. -- Walder
11. Tennessee Titans
Overall score: 80.3
Why they're here: If you don't know the identity of the Titans, it's merely because you haven't paid attention: GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel lead a team that won't be out-toughed; the Titans run the football with purpose and are going to muscle up on defense. Ryan Tannehill caught lightning in a bottle last season, and the Titans have dynamic skill players on offense in Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown that defenses loathe to face. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Do the Titans have enough pass rush? They need as many QB hunters as they can get if they want to topple the Chiefs in the AFC. Harold Landry III led the team with nine sacks last year, and they added vet Vic Beasley Jr. on a one-year deal from Atlanta (eight sacks in 2019), but they are in the market for more. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The Titans are tied to Tannehill and Henry for the foreseeable future, which means more clock-controlling runs and play-action. But at some point the Titans must expand the passing game. Tight end Jonnu Smith has breakout star potential this year, and Brown might already be there. Finding creative ways to evolve the passing game will bolster Tennessee's AFC outlook. And if the Titans don't sign Jadeveon Clowney, next year is the time to invest heavily in the pass rush. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last year, Tannehill recorded the highest completion percentage over expectation among any passer-rating-qualified quarterback season in the history of the metric (since 2016). But the breakout came out of nowhere. His QBR improved 29 points year over year. So now that the Titans have tethered themselves to Tannehill for the long term, which version of him will they get? -- Walder
12. Minnesota Vikings
Overall score: 80.3
Why they're here: While coach Mike Zimmer could find a way to make almost any defense play well, the Vikings boast one of the most talented rosters in football. GM Rick Spielman has done a splendid job of getting core pieces under contract long term and many of the ingredients are in place for Minnesota to compete right away. No one should be surprised if this team rises higher as soon as this season. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Zimmer is on his fifth different offensive coordinator in the past five years, although the Vikings ran Gary Kubiak's scheme in 2019 with Kevin Stefanski. Additionally, Zimmer fired DC George Edwards and replaced him with his son, Adam Zimmer, and DL coach Andre Patterson as co-coordinators. Personnel has not been what is holding this team back. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Minnesota is at a critical point at safety, with Harrison Smith still among the game's elite but entering his ninth season, and Anthony Harris on the franchise tag. Minnesota will have to pick one of them next year, and here's guessing it will be Smith, who has two years left on his deal and should age well. The Vikings could use a stout corner to complement Mike Hughes and Jeff Gladney. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Two of the four worst cornerbacks in the league in terms of completion percentage over expectation allowed were on the Vikings last season: Xavier Rhodes (bottom of the list) and Trae Waynes. And now they're both gone. Incredibly, Minnesota actually had the sixth-best EPA per dropback on defense because other players like Harris, Smith and Eric Kendricks all recorded significant negative CPOEs (good for defense). So if the Vikings can get better performance out of young corners Hughes and Gladney, this defense could be dangerous. -- Walder
13. New England Patriots
Overall score: 80.1
Note: Polling took place prior to Cam Newton's signing.
Why they're here: The Patriots begin a new era without Tom Brady, which leads into the potential start of the Cam Newton era after he was signed in late June. Coach Bill Belichick is the best coach in football history, and the Patriots will remain as prepared and situationally sound as any team in the league. Combine that with Newton's dynamic skill set and motivation to bounce back after an injury-shortened 2019 and watch out for New England to once again make noise in January. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Will it be Newton, or will Jarrett Stidham surprise and hold off the former league MVP? For two decades, the Patriots always knew who their starting QB would be. Not so much anymore. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: An overall influx of pass-catching talent would be nice. Julian Edelman turned 34 in May, N'Keal Harry is still developing and no tight ends on the roster will scare opponents. James White is still a beast in the open field, but whoever quarterbacks the team in 2021 and beyond needs more of a supporting cast to supplement a still-stout defense. With David Andrews back at center, this offensive line is among the league's most balanced. Expect more run-heavy sets. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last season, New England recorded the third-best defensive efficiency of any season since 2006. The Patriots allowed the lowest target separation of any team. Stephon Gilmore had the lowest completion percentage over expectation allowed of any corner. But defense -- and cornerbacks -- are not particularly stable from year to year. The Patriots cannot count on a repeat performance, and certainly not over a couple of seasons. -- Walder
14. Buffalo Bills
Overall score: 79.3
Why they're here: Buffalo's nasty defense isn't going anywhere, and it plays under excellent leadership in coach Sean McDermott and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. GM Brandon Beane has attacked all layers of team building: major trades (Stefon Diggs), lucrative free-agent deals (Mitch Morse), value additions (there are many) plus a solid drafted nucleus. Josh Allen is the key for this team's rise. -- Yates
Biggest worry: There are no more excuses for Allen. The front office acquired a legit No. 1 WR in Diggs, bolstered the rushing attack with the drafting of Zack Moss in the third round, and have an under-the-radar superstar in second-year TE Dawson Knox. In a division no longer inhabited by Tom Brady, Allen must deliver. I have my doubts. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: It's great that Allen has speedy weapons, but Buffalo's top three receivers are 6-foot or below, which isn't ideal for a quarterback who battles accuracy issues. Add a big-bodied receiver for balance, and another tight end alongside Knox for catch-radius purposes, similar to Lamar Jackson's setup in Baltimore last year: think wider targets. Otherwise, the Bills' roster is primed for playoff runs over the next three years. The defense is wildly underrated. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Allen's 2019 was somewhat of a mirage: In reality, he ranked just 24th in Total QBR. Buffalo has a strong roster, a good coach and a sharp front office. But for the Bills to go on a deep run over the next few years, all three of those areas have to be perfect to compensate for Allen's weaknesses. It can be done, but it won't be easy. -- Walder
15. Green Bay Packers
Overall score: 78.9
Why they're here: The No. 15 spot might strike some as too low for a team that played in the NFC Championship Game last season, but the Packers made an investment in Jordan Love with a first-round pick, which suggests that a transition away from Aaron Rodgers is within three years. GM Brian Gutenkunst aced last year and deserves the benefit of the doubt, and coach Matt LaFleur's immediate success portends more good things ahead. -- Yates
Biggest worry: No help was added at WR to alleviate the burden that Davante Adams carries on his shoulders every week (127 targets in 2019; no other Packers WR had more than 56) either through the draft or free agency. Instead, Gutekunst moved up and drafted Rodgers' eventual successor in the first round. Now there are questions about whether Rodgers will remain healthy, and whether the Vikings will knock them out of the top spot in the NFC North. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Same song on replay for Green Bay, which continues to fail in providing Rodgers with reliable weapons opposite Adams. The last receiver the Packers drafted in the first two rounds was ... Adams, in 2014. This seems like a layup: Get Rodgers another high-end pass catcher for his final years. And pay Kenny Clark. He's a top-10 interior lineman. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Over the past two seasons combined, Rodgers ranks 20th in Total QBR. He is also 36 years old. I disagreed with my fellow rankers on this one. It seems hard to consider him a major asset, relative to other quarterbacks. -- Walder
16. Cleveland Browns
Overall score: 76.8
Why they're here: I know, I know. We've been waiting a long time for the Browns to get over the hump. Hope for this franchise rests in a cohesiveness in place between the front office and coaching staff, an offense that boasts an electric group of skill players and a bounce-back season for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Progress has been a long time coming. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Is this the right combination of coaching staff and front office that will finally deliver for the city of Cleveland and its fans? Coach Kevin Stefanski theoretically has the type of offensive system that fits what Mayfield does best, and GM Andrew Berry has upgraded the overall roster (on paper) through free agency and the draft, but we have been down this road before. Games aren't won on paper. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: I might be in the minority here, but the Browns need help at receiver. Jarvis Landry is great at his role but doesn't have elite speed. Adding a field-stretcher on the outside will keep defenses on edge when the Browns run play-action. And with David Njoku wanting out, it's obvious the Browns need a more reliable option opposite Austin Hooper for Stefanski's two-TE sets. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: I don't have one stat here, but a whole slew of them. The Browns ranked sixth in pass block win rate last season -- and then upgraded, adding Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. Myles Garrett ranked fourth in pass rush win rate as an edge rusher, despite being double-teamed at an average rate. And Denzel Ward ranked third among corners with at least 300 coverage snaps in completion percentage over expectation allowed. The point is: Cleveland's non-QB roster is absolutely loaded -- I ranked the Browns first in this area. -- Walder
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Overall score: 76.0
Why they're here: A roster with many key cogs in place (a dynamic pass rush duo plus a versatile secondary), the Chargers are a franchise whose heights will be determined by their quarterback room. If Justin Herbert develops as the team hopes -- and they believe he's a franchise player -- the Chargers are equipped to be back in the playoff mix sooner rather than later. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The Chargers scored 21 or fewer points in 11 games in 2019. That means OC Shane Steichen is going to be scrutinized heavily going forward, particularly as it pertains to his ability to get first-round pick Herbert ready to play. Tyrod Taylor is not the answer. Herbert better be. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Still a sneaky-good lineup compared to the rest of the league, the Chargers don't have many glaring holes but need more stability along the left side of the offensive line. Adding Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga to the right side is big, but Sam Tevi and Dan Feeney both had Pro Football Focus grades below 60.0, and center Mike Pouncey missed 11 games last year due to injury. Herbert needs stout protection whenever he steps in. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: The Chargers' future rides on the shoulders of Herbert. While college production isn't everything, Herbert did not have the kind of numbers one might expect for a No. 6 overall pick. Most notably, his completion percentage over expectation -- based on target location (vertically and horizontally) and whether the QB was pressured -- ranked 30th among QBs with at least 200 pass attempts. Not awful but not ideal for a pick that high. And that's important, because a similar version of CPOE has been shown to be, relative to other metrics, a good predictor of pro performance. Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa each were top 10 in 2019, as were Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins Jr. in 2018. (Daniel Jones ranked 65th in 2018, and Herbert ranked 57th that year). -- Walder
18. Los Angeles Rams
Overall score: 75.7
Why they're here: Perhaps no team felt like it was more all-in during recent seasons than the Rams, who swung a trade for Jalen Ramsey midway through the 2019 season as the final most notable maneuver. Los Angeles has a small group of players who are already earning huge financial investments (Ramsey will soon too) which limits some roster flexibility, but it's a squad good enough to be in the playoff mix each year despite a loaded division. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The youth and health of the offensive line is what will determine the fate of this team going forward. LT Andrew Whitworth will be 39 years old in December, center Brian Allen and OG Joe Noteboom ended the 2019 season on IR, and OT Rob Havenstein missed significant time as well. If history is to repeat itself and they don't have a successor to Whitworth, this team isn't going anywhere anytime soon. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The Rams need to get Ramsey re-signed, maximize his ability and build the secondary around him. Many NFL evaluators expect Ramsey to become the league's top corner, but he isn't there yet. Expect Los Angeles to play heavy quarters coverage with Ramsey in man on the outside. There's a good nucleus on the back end, and Ramsey should be the centerpiece. -- Fowler
Top stat to know
o know: Tight-window throws, in general, are bad for the offense. And the Rams recorded the second-lowest rate of tight-window throws in the league, and managed to do it with an above-average depth of target (deeper passes are more likely to be tight-window throws). Now, the results weren't there: Jared Goff finished 23rd in QBR and had a negative completion percentage over expectation. That lends credence to the idea that Sean McVay still performed well in scheming up the offense, but Goff couldn't deliver. -- Walder
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Overall score: 75.0
Why they're here: There's little doubting the Raiders are projected to make a leap during the three-year window we are examining, particularly on defense. The larger question is whether -- and I know Raiders fans are tired of hearing this -- Derek Carr is the quarterback mainstay. If he is, the next question is whether he's the player capable of taking this team to the top of the AFC West. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Defense wins championships. If the Raiders have hopes of returning to greatness, they are going to have to slow down the Chiefs' offense, which means DC Paul Guenther is in the spotlight. If his side of the ball can't ramp up production in two primary areas, sacks and turnovers, the Raiders will have absolutely no shot at getting back to the big game. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Las Vegas is rebuilding position by position under Jon Gruden. It began with offensive tackle, then came over the top with linebacker in free agency and playmakers and cornerback through the draft. With the strength of the overall roster steadily improving, the Raiders must decide whether Carr is their long-term answer at QB after this year. They are reaching that point: go all-in on Carr, or look at alternate options. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Very quietly, the Raiders finished last season ranked fifth in offensive efficiency. And that's important because offense tends to be more stable from year to year than defense, so there is reason for optimism. Carr is the master of the dink and dunk, and previously was overrated, but last year proved that style can work for him. The Raiders were also last in defensive efficiency, which held them back. But again: It's a lot easier to fix a defense than an offense. -- Walder
T-20. Atlanta Falcons
Overall score: 74.6
Why they're here: This is a tricky one, as I'm of the mind that the Falcons have the ingredients to make some noise in 2020 and their primary roster ingredients are almost all locked up long term. Cause for concern rests with a defense that endured massive struggles prior to the bye in Week 9, before finishing 6-2 down the stretch. Development and health of the secondary will play a part in this team rising in the short-term future. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Dan Quinn must prove he can put together a coaching staff that can get the job done. Following the 2018 season, he relieved all three of his coordinators of their duties, and there is change once again heading into 2020 on the defensive side of the ball. Raheem Morris is now the defensive coordinator after being the team's WR coach for half of the 2019 season. He has a reputation for being a tremendous teacher and motivator. He has to come up big for Quinn. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: A once-stout passing defense ranked 21th last year, and major decisions loom. Safeties Damontae Kazee (10 interceptions the past two years) and oft-injured Keanu Neal are free agents in 2021. The Falcons can re-sign at least one and add corner help to supplement first-round rookie A.J. Terrell and Isaiah Oliver. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Atlanta has a good quarterback and a superstar receiver and passes the ball at a decent clip. So what's holding back the offense? The offensive line, which ranked 29th in pass block win rate last season. If the pass blocking improves and the defense (24th in efficiency last season) becomes even average, Atlanta could actually take a big step forward in a hurry. -- Walder
T-20. Miami Dolphins
Overall score: 74.6
Why they're here: Perspective is important in life ... and in future power rankings. The Dolphins make a leap from last year because of a clear path to progress: the right coach and general manager duo, a potential franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, a roster that showed a competitive spirit last year and an infusion of talent through free agency and the draft. Things are looking up. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Will Tua remain healthy? That's the question we all need the answer to. If he does, he will quickly show that he was the best QB in the 2020 draft and Miami will quickly ascend to relevance in the AFC East. If he doesn't, they will be right back at square one. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Miami addressed just about every possible need in free agency and the draft, but the linebacker corps could use a boost alongside Kyle Van Noy. If the Dolphins are going to mimic the Patriots, that means hybrid options who can rush the passer or eliminate underneath routes. An influx of talent over the middle will strengthen Brian Flores' master plan. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Tagovailoa owns the third- and sixth-best college QBR seasons since 2004. While there are injury concerns, it's a lot harder to find a good QB than a healthy one. Tagovailoa's college production is arguably as good as it gets. That's a guy you want to bet on. -- Walder
22. Arizona Cardinals
Overall score: 73.6
Why they're here: The Cardinals are a team with the chance to outperform this ranking due to the projected brilliance of quarterback Kyler Murray. But expectations are a bit more tepid than his scintillating rookie season would suggest for the franchise simply because the roster remains a work in progress around him (offensive line and secondary), plus the Cardinals play in what should be regarded as the best division in football. -- Yates
[COLOR=#48494A][FONT=Georgia]Biggest worry: The stability and consistency of the front office is what will determine whether this franchise can maintain what appears to be positive momentum heading into the future. For every Kyler Murray "hit" in the draft, there cannot be a [URL="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3886377/j
(ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL)
To project which NFL franchises are in the best shape for the next three seasons, we asked our panel of experts -- Jeremy Fowler, Louis Riddick, Seth Walder and Field Yates -- to rate each team's quarterback, remaining (non-QB) roster, draft, front office and coaching using this scale:
- 100: A+ (Elite)
- 90: A (Great)
- 80: B (Very good)
- 70: C (Average)
- 60: D (Very bad)
- 50 and below: F (Disastrous)
After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the five categories was weighted to create the overall score -- roster (30%), quarterback (20%), draft (15%), front office (15%) and coaching (20%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future.
Read through the full ranking from Nos. 1 through 32, or jump to your favorite team using the quick links below:
Note: Overall scores are rounded to the nearest tenth of a point.
1. Baltimore RavensOverall score: 89.4
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 87.8 | 3 |
| Quarterback | 94.0 | 3 |
| Coaching | 90.5 | 5 |
| Draft | 83.3 | 3 |
| Front office | 91.3 | 1 |
Biggest worry: This team is loaded. The thing that can derail what is clearly an organization with a lot of positive momentum is the health of its young superstar QB. He must be protected at all costs, which means not "changing" who he is as a player, but being more selective and judicious as to when he purposely puts himself in harm's way. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Get a big-bodied receiving target for Jackson early in the draft -- think Mark Andrews with more speed, someone with catch radius to complement Marquise Brown's speed. Matthew Judon could walk after this year, so investing in a pass-rusher via free agency or the draft is a prudent move. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: When the Ravens find an edge, they exploit it as well as any team. That's what they did with motion at the snap, which they ran at an off-the-chart rate relative to other teams last year. They ran play-action at a higher rate per dropback than any other team, too. Here's one more: The Ravens ran Cover 0 last season 12% of the time -- that's more than anyone, and well above the league average of 2% -- to tremendous success. Offenses averaged minus-0.77 expected points added on those plays, which is roughly half the cost of an average sack. -- Walder
2. Kansas City ChiefsOverall score: 89.0
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 85.3 | 4 |
| Quarterback | 99.5 | 1 |
| Coaching | 94.8 | 2 |
| Draft | 77.0 | 10 |
| Front office | 86.5 | 4 |
Biggest worry: Managing the cap and restocking the roster as Mahomes' new contract begins to kick in and his cap figure rises is what GM Brett Veach is going to have to contend with going forward. If the cap continues to grow at a reasonable rate, they have done a nice job of structuring Mahomes' extension to make it very possible for them to go on a run over the next two seasons at least, but Veach is going to have to continue to deliver on draft day. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Corner is a lingering issue for the Chiefs, who exhaust resources at other positions and hope for the best in coverage. Kansas City last used a Day 1 or 2 draft pick on a corner in 2016 with KeiVarae Russell. Bashaud Breeland is facing a suspension in 2020 and might not be the long-term answer. Charvarius Ward should continue to develop. But put capital into a prime position. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Mahomes has never recorded a QBR below 50 in a game he started. Seriously: He has never had a bad game. In what is quite possibly the most important category on this board, the Chiefs cannot be better off for the long term. -- Walder
3. San Francisco 49ersOverall score: 86.4
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 90.3 | 1 |
| Quarterback | 80.8 | 12 |
| Coaching | 92.3 | 4 |
| Draft | 82.0 | 4 |
| Front office | 83.0 | 7 |
Biggest worry: Richard Sherman is in a contract year and is now 32. Slot corner K'Waun Williams is in a contract year. Safety Jaquiski Tartt is in a contract year. This unit could undergo a major overhaul in the next two years, and for a team that was a couple of big plays away from a Super Bowl title, the 49ers need to make sure the secondary doesn't become a problem. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: One of the league's best rosters has minimal holes, but with Sherman turning 33 after the 2020 season, drafting an additional outside corner with press-man coverage ability will help. The 49ers run a lot of zone but could use the flexibility to mix and match more on the back end. And maybe draft a receiver in the first three rounds every year. But finding an issue with the 49ers is like finding a play on which George Kittle doesn't want to block. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Defenses stacked eight or more players in the box on 26% of 49ers rushes when the game's win probability was between 20% and 80% last season, the second-highest rate in the league. That's because the 49ers run at a heavy rate. But they were much more efficient passing the ball -- and in fact, even ranked higher in EPA/pass play than EPA/rush play. That suggests that the 49ers' offense has room to grow by passing more and taking advantage of those stacked boxes. Which is good, because their defense is very unlikely to sustain its high level of performance in 2019 over the long term. -- Walder
4. New Orleans SaintsOverall score: 85.7
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 90.3 | 1 |
| Quarterback | 84.0 | 9 |
| Coaching | 93.8 | 3 |
| Draft | 72.8 | 23 |
| Front office | 81.0 | 11 |
Biggest worry: This team is loaded for a run in 2020, but after that, when Brees is gone, what then? Is Hill really a starting-caliber QB in the league as Payton claims he is? Will Jameis Winston realize his full potential after sitting behind Brees for a year and then exploding back onto the scene in 2021? It could go either way. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The middle of the defense is aging, with Demario Davis and Craig Robertson over 30, and 29-year-old Kiko Alonso coming off a third ACL injury. Investing in linebacker help next year will strengthen a defense that deftly balances explosive young talent and steady vets. And make a decision on whether Hill can be your starter in 2021. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Despite an average depth of target of 8.2 yards, Michael Thomas led all receivers in yards per route run last year. The fact that defenses know Brees won't throw deep and yet he and Thomas continue to win with slants and speed outs is probably a good sign that this team has another run in them. -- Walder
5. Dallas CowboysOverall score: 82.7
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 82.3 | 7 |
| Quarterback | 86.8 | 5 |
| Coaching | 80.3 | 15 |
| Draft | 84.5 | 1 |
| Front office | 79.5 | 13 |
Biggest worry: Will the lingering contract situation with Prescott have a negative impact on the focus and attention to detail of both QB and the team overall? Prescott seems intent on betting on himself for this season and dancing this dance again in 2021, which ultimately could lead to the Cowboys being in the market for a franchise QB in less than a year. Say it ain't so. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Dallas' defensive line is patched together more than it should be. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe have Pro Bowl pedigree but are on the back nine of their careers. Aldon Smith is a major gamble. DeMarcus Lawrence will remain a top-10 edge rusher for the next two years and the team shouldn't waste the chance to build around him. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last season, the Cowboys ranked 22nd in dropback rate when win probability was between 20% and 80%. But when new Dallas coach Mike McCarthy was running the show for Green Bay in 2018, the Packers ranked fourth in the same metric, which means we can expect a heavier aerial attack for the Cowboys. For a team with a good quarterback -- and especially after CeeDee Lamb fell into their lap in the draft -- that's a good thing for 2020 and beyond. -- Walder
6. Philadelphia EaglesOverall score: 82.6
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 82.3 | 7 |
| Quarterback | 79.5 | 14 |
| Coaching | 88.8 | 7 |
| Draft | 71.8 | 25 |
| Front office | 83.3 | 6 |
Biggest worry: Without Roethlisberger, this team has no shot with any of the other QBs on the roster. Coming off a major injury to his passing arm/elbow, Big Ben is the key to everything that happens in Pittsburgh. It's that simple. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Pittsburgh spent the better part of a decade using first-round picks to rebuild the defense. That side of the ball is now elite, so it's time to give the offense the same treatment. Identifying a successor at QB should be paramount. Diontae Johnson has a chance to be a top-shelf receiver, so continue to embolden him. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Did you know the Steelers finished second in defensive efficiency (expected points added per play, with garbage time down-weighted) last season? Second! With young players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the way on that side of the ball and Roethlisberger returning on offense, there is reason to believe in Pittsburgh. Plus, in Mike Tomlin's long tenure there, the Steelers have never finished worse than 17th in total efficiency, and were on a five-year top-10 streak prior to last season. -- Walder
8. Seattle SeahawksOverall score: 81.2
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 75.5 | 18 |
| Quarterback | 94.8 | 2 |
| Coaching | 83.5 | 10 |
| Draft | 72.3 | 24 |
| Front office | 80.3 | 12 |
Biggest worry: Seattle was once known for having the fiercest pass rush in the NFL. Last season, no individual had more than four sacks, and the defense was 22nd in points allowed. Defensive end L.J. Collier, a 2019 first-round pick, needs to show up. Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-round end, has to be a force immediately and consistently if they want to keep pace with the division-rival 49ers. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The offensive line is an amalgam of inexpensive free-agent fliers and aging vets. Seattle expects Wilson to make it all work, but at some point he needs more resources up front. Guard Damien Lewis is a good start; the team is high on the third-round pick. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Wilson is elite, but let me make the case for Tyler Lockett as part of the reason to believe in Seattle for the long haul. Over the past two seasons, passes to Lockett have had a completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) -- based on factors that include target location and receiver separation from defenders and the sideline -- of plus-15%. That's the highest among all receivers with at least 100 targets in that span. And Lockett's CPOE is even more valuable than, say, that of Michael Thomas, because his extra catches come further downfield. I know what you're thinking: He has the best deep ball thrower in the game passing to him. And that's true. But over that same span, Wilson's completion percentage over expectation on passes not to Lockett was just plus-2%. -- Walder
9. Tampa Bay BuccaneersOverall score: 81.2
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 85.0 | 5 |
| Quarterback | 80.3 | 13 |
| Coaching | 81.3 | 13 |
| Draft | 81.0 | 5 |
| Front office | 74.8 | 19 |
Biggest worry: How much do Brady and Rob Gronkowski have left in the tank? Can Bruce Arians get the embarrassment of riches that they have at the skill positions on offense to all play as a cohesive unit with their new QB? If it comes together, they will be in the Super Bowl. If not, they will be starting over again. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Drafting a quarterback high in 2021 is a good way to get ahead of the game. If Brady is playing two years with the Bucs, don't wait until he's out the door to get his replacement. The roster health over the next two years is strong enough to handle that investment, though one more veteran pass-rusher would help offset the likely loss of Shaquil Barrett next year coming off the franchise tag. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: No team ran as high a percentage of vertical routes (deep fades, posts, corners, gos, seams) as the Bucs last season. In fact, relative to each route groups' average, no team-route group combination was run at a rate higher above average than Tampa Bay verts. And that is not Brady's game. His 7.6 air yards per attempt were below average, and he threw 9% of his passes 20-plus yards in the air, also below average. Tampa Bay absolutely has the roster to compete -- on both sides of the ball -- but how Brady and Arians mesh is one of the more interesting short-term questions here. -- Walder
10. Indianapolis ColtsOverall score: 80.6
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 81.5 | 10 |
| Quarterback | 69.3 | 26 |
| Coaching | 83.3 | 11 |
| Draft | 83.5 | 2 |
| Front office | 87.8 | 3 |
Biggest worry: I saw signs of serious decline in Rivers' play a year ago. The Colts think that was an anomaly. This roster is getting stronger and added some very nice pieces through the draft, but if Rivers can't get it going and play at a higher level again, the Colts will be looking for another QB sooner rather than later. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Surround DeForest Buckner with more pass-rush help up front. Justin Houston outplayed expectations with 11 sacks last year, but at age 31 might not hold up. The Colts have pumped out productive drafts for roster balance. Adding to the front might be the next step. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Indianapolis is a soft landing spot for Rivers. Not only is he playing behind the unit that ranked third in pass block win rate last season, but he's on the team with the easiest strength of schedule in the league, per ESPN's Football Power Index. That's all good for 2020, but this team's future has more questions beyond then. -- Walder
11. Tennessee TitansOverall score: 80.3
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 80.8 | 11 |
| Quarterback | 79.5 | 14 |
| Coaching | 83.0 | 12 |
| Draft | 75.8 | 13 |
| Front office | 81.5 | 9 |
Biggest worry: Do the Titans have enough pass rush? They need as many QB hunters as they can get if they want to topple the Chiefs in the AFC. Harold Landry III led the team with nine sacks last year, and they added vet Vic Beasley Jr. on a one-year deal from Atlanta (eight sacks in 2019), but they are in the market for more. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The Titans are tied to Tannehill and Henry for the foreseeable future, which means more clock-controlling runs and play-action. But at some point the Titans must expand the passing game. Tight end Jonnu Smith has breakout star potential this year, and Brown might already be there. Finding creative ways to evolve the passing game will bolster Tennessee's AFC outlook. And if the Titans don't sign Jadeveon Clowney, next year is the time to invest heavily in the pass rush. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last year, Tannehill recorded the highest completion percentage over expectation among any passer-rating-qualified quarterback season in the history of the metric (since 2016). But the breakout came out of nowhere. His QBR improved 29 points year over year. So now that the Titans have tethered themselves to Tannehill for the long term, which version of him will they get? -- Walder
12. Minnesota VikingsOverall score: 80.3
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 80.0 | 12 |
| Quarterback | 79.5 | 14 |
| Coaching | 80.5 | 14 |
| Draft | 80.3 | 6 |
| Front office | 81.5 | 9 |
Biggest worry: Zimmer is on his fifth different offensive coordinator in the past five years, although the Vikings ran Gary Kubiak's scheme in 2019 with Kevin Stefanski. Additionally, Zimmer fired DC George Edwards and replaced him with his son, Adam Zimmer, and DL coach Andre Patterson as co-coordinators. Personnel has not been what is holding this team back. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Minnesota is at a critical point at safety, with Harrison Smith still among the game's elite but entering his ninth season, and Anthony Harris on the franchise tag. Minnesota will have to pick one of them next year, and here's guessing it will be Smith, who has two years left on his deal and should age well. The Vikings could use a stout corner to complement Mike Hughes and Jeff Gladney. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Two of the four worst cornerbacks in the league in terms of completion percentage over expectation allowed were on the Vikings last season: Xavier Rhodes (bottom of the list) and Trae Waynes. And now they're both gone. Incredibly, Minnesota actually had the sixth-best EPA per dropback on defense because other players like Harris, Smith and Eric Kendricks all recorded significant negative CPOEs (good for defense). So if the Vikings can get better performance out of young corners Hughes and Gladney, this defense could be dangerous. -- Walder
13. New England PatriotsOverall score: 80.1
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 74.5 | 21 |
| Quarterback | 66.0 | 30 |
| Coaching | 99.0 | 1 |
| Draft | 74.0 | 20 |
| Front office | 91.3 | 1 |
Why they're here: The Patriots begin a new era without Tom Brady, which leads into the potential start of the Cam Newton era after he was signed in late June. Coach Bill Belichick is the best coach in football history, and the Patriots will remain as prepared and situationally sound as any team in the league. Combine that with Newton's dynamic skill set and motivation to bounce back after an injury-shortened 2019 and watch out for New England to once again make noise in January. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Will it be Newton, or will Jarrett Stidham surprise and hold off the former league MVP? For two decades, the Patriots always knew who their starting QB would be. Not so much anymore. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: An overall influx of pass-catching talent would be nice. Julian Edelman turned 34 in May, N'Keal Harry is still developing and no tight ends on the roster will scare opponents. James White is still a beast in the open field, but whoever quarterbacks the team in 2021 and beyond needs more of a supporting cast to supplement a still-stout defense. With David Andrews back at center, this offensive line is among the league's most balanced. Expect more run-heavy sets. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Last season, New England recorded the third-best defensive efficiency of any season since 2006. The Patriots allowed the lowest target separation of any team. Stephon Gilmore had the lowest completion percentage over expectation allowed of any corner. But defense -- and cornerbacks -- are not particularly stable from year to year. The Patriots cannot count on a repeat performance, and certainly not over a couple of seasons. -- Walder
14. Buffalo BillsOverall score: 79.3
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 83.8 | 6 |
| Quarterback | 69.3 | 26 |
| Coaching | 83.8 | 9 |
| Draft | 74.0 | 20 |
| Front office | 83.0 | 7 |
Biggest worry: There are no more excuses for Allen. The front office acquired a legit No. 1 WR in Diggs, bolstered the rushing attack with the drafting of Zack Moss in the third round, and have an under-the-radar superstar in second-year TE Dawson Knox. In a division no longer inhabited by Tom Brady, Allen must deliver. I have my doubts. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: It's great that Allen has speedy weapons, but Buffalo's top three receivers are 6-foot or below, which isn't ideal for a quarterback who battles accuracy issues. Add a big-bodied receiver for balance, and another tight end alongside Knox for catch-radius purposes, similar to Lamar Jackson's setup in Baltimore last year: think wider targets. Otherwise, the Bills' roster is primed for playoff runs over the next three years. The defense is wildly underrated. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Allen's 2019 was somewhat of a mirage: In reality, he ranked just 24th in Total QBR. Buffalo has a strong roster, a good coach and a sharp front office. But for the Bills to go on a deep run over the next few years, all three of those areas have to be perfect to compensate for Allen's weaknesses. It can be done, but it won't be easy. -- Walder
15. Green Bay PackersOverall score: 78.9
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 80.0 | 12 |
| Quarterback | 85.5 | 7 |
| Coaching | 78.0 | 18 |
| Draft | 69.3 | 28 |
| Front office | 78.5 | 14 |
Biggest worry: No help was added at WR to alleviate the burden that Davante Adams carries on his shoulders every week (127 targets in 2019; no other Packers WR had more than 56) either through the draft or free agency. Instead, Gutekunst moved up and drafted Rodgers' eventual successor in the first round. Now there are questions about whether Rodgers will remain healthy, and whether the Vikings will knock them out of the top spot in the NFC North. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Same song on replay for Green Bay, which continues to fail in providing Rodgers with reliable weapons opposite Adams. The last receiver the Packers drafted in the first two rounds was ... Adams, in 2014. This seems like a layup: Get Rodgers another high-end pass catcher for his final years. And pay Kenny Clark. He's a top-10 interior lineman. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Over the past two seasons combined, Rodgers ranks 20th in Total QBR. He is also 36 years old. I disagreed with my fellow rankers on this one. It seems hard to consider him a major asset, relative to other quarterbacks. -- Walder
16. Cleveland BrownsOverall score: 76.8
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 82.3 | 7 |
| Quarterback | 73.0 | 22 |
| Coaching | 74.0 | 23 |
| Draft | 74.5 | 17 |
| Front office | 77.0 | 17 |
Biggest worry: Is this the right combination of coaching staff and front office that will finally deliver for the city of Cleveland and its fans? Coach Kevin Stefanski theoretically has the type of offensive system that fits what Mayfield does best, and GM Andrew Berry has upgraded the overall roster (on paper) through free agency and the draft, but we have been down this road before. Games aren't won on paper. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: I might be in the minority here, but the Browns need help at receiver. Jarvis Landry is great at his role but doesn't have elite speed. Adding a field-stretcher on the outside will keep defenses on edge when the Browns run play-action. And with David Njoku wanting out, it's obvious the Browns need a more reliable option opposite Austin Hooper for Stefanski's two-TE sets. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: I don't have one stat here, but a whole slew of them. The Browns ranked sixth in pass block win rate last season -- and then upgraded, adding Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. Myles Garrett ranked fourth in pass rush win rate as an edge rusher, despite being double-teamed at an average rate. And Denzel Ward ranked third among corners with at least 300 coverage snaps in completion percentage over expectation allowed. The point is: Cleveland's non-QB roster is absolutely loaded -- I ranked the Browns first in this area. -- Walder
17. Los Angeles ChargersOverall score: 76.0
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 79.0 | 14 |
| Quarterback | 69.5 | 25 |
| Coaching | 75.3 | 21 |
| Draft | 77.3 | 8 |
| Front office | 78.3 | 16 |
Biggest worry: The Chargers scored 21 or fewer points in 11 games in 2019. That means OC Shane Steichen is going to be scrutinized heavily going forward, particularly as it pertains to his ability to get first-round pick Herbert ready to play. Tyrod Taylor is not the answer. Herbert better be. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Still a sneaky-good lineup compared to the rest of the league, the Chargers don't have many glaring holes but need more stability along the left side of the offensive line. Adding Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga to the right side is big, but Sam Tevi and Dan Feeney both had Pro Football Focus grades below 60.0, and center Mike Pouncey missed 11 games last year due to injury. Herbert needs stout protection whenever he steps in. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: The Chargers' future rides on the shoulders of Herbert. While college production isn't everything, Herbert did not have the kind of numbers one might expect for a No. 6 overall pick. Most notably, his completion percentage over expectation -- based on target location (vertically and horizontally) and whether the QB was pressured -- ranked 30th among QBs with at least 200 pass attempts. Not awful but not ideal for a pick that high. And that's important, because a similar version of CPOE has been shown to be, relative to other metrics, a good predictor of pro performance. Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa each were top 10 in 2019, as were Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins Jr. in 2018. (Daniel Jones ranked 65th in 2018, and Herbert ranked 57th that year). -- Walder
18. Los Angeles RamsOverall score: 75.7
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 76.8 | 16 |
| Quarterback | 74.5 | 20 |
| Coaching | 86.8 | 8 |
| Draft | 68.8 | 30 |
| Front office | 67.5 | 26 |
Biggest worry: The youth and health of the offensive line is what will determine the fate of this team going forward. LT Andrew Whitworth will be 39 years old in December, center Brian Allen and OG Joe Noteboom ended the 2019 season on IR, and OT Rob Havenstein missed significant time as well. If history is to repeat itself and they don't have a successor to Whitworth, this team isn't going anywhere anytime soon. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: The Rams need to get Ramsey re-signed, maximize his ability and build the secondary around him. Many NFL evaluators expect Ramsey to become the league's top corner, but he isn't there yet. Expect Los Angeles to play heavy quarters coverage with Ramsey in man on the outside. There's a good nucleus on the back end, and Ramsey should be the centerpiece. -- Fowler
Top stat to know
o know: Tight-window throws, in general, are bad for the offense. And the Rams recorded the second-lowest rate of tight-window throws in the league, and managed to do it with an above-average depth of target (deeper passes are more likely to be tight-window throws). Now, the results weren't there: Jared Goff finished 23rd in QBR and had a negative completion percentage over expectation. That lends credence to the idea that Sean McVay still performed well in scheming up the offense, but Goff couldn't deliver. -- Walder
19. Las Vegas RaidersOverall score: 75.0
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 74.0 | 22 |
| Quarterback | 73.0 | 22 |
| Coaching | 78.3 | 17 |
| Draft | 77.3 | 8 |
| Front office | 73.0 | 20 |
Biggest worry: Defense wins championships. If the Raiders have hopes of returning to greatness, they are going to have to slow down the Chiefs' offense, which means DC Paul Guenther is in the spotlight. If his side of the ball can't ramp up production in two primary areas, sacks and turnovers, the Raiders will have absolutely no shot at getting back to the big game. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Las Vegas is rebuilding position by position under Jon Gruden. It began with offensive tackle, then came over the top with linebacker in free agency and playmakers and cornerback through the draft. With the strength of the overall roster steadily improving, the Raiders must decide whether Carr is their long-term answer at QB after this year. They are reaching that point: go all-in on Carr, or look at alternate options. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Very quietly, the Raiders finished last season ranked fifth in offensive efficiency. And that's important because offense tends to be more stable from year to year than defense, so there is reason for optimism. Carr is the master of the dink and dunk, and previously was overrated, but last year proved that style can work for him. The Raiders were also last in defensive efficiency, which held them back. But again: It's a lot easier to fix a defense than an offense. -- Walder
T-20. Atlanta FalconsOverall score: 74.6
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 75.5 | 18 |
| Quarterback | 84.3 | 8 |
| Coaching | 69.5 | 27 |
| Draft | 71.8 | 25 |
| Front office | 69.3 | 23 |
Biggest worry: Dan Quinn must prove he can put together a coaching staff that can get the job done. Following the 2018 season, he relieved all three of his coordinators of their duties, and there is change once again heading into 2020 on the defensive side of the ball. Raheem Morris is now the defensive coordinator after being the team's WR coach for half of the 2019 season. He has a reputation for being a tremendous teacher and motivator. He has to come up big for Quinn. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: A once-stout passing defense ranked 21th last year, and major decisions loom. Safeties Damontae Kazee (10 interceptions the past two years) and oft-injured Keanu Neal are free agents in 2021. The Falcons can re-sign at least one and add corner help to supplement first-round rookie A.J. Terrell and Isaiah Oliver. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Atlanta has a good quarterback and a superstar receiver and passes the ball at a decent clip. So what's holding back the offense? The offensive line, which ranked 29th in pass block win rate last season. If the pass blocking improves and the defense (24th in efficiency last season) becomes even average, Atlanta could actually take a big step forward in a hurry. -- Walder
T-20. Miami DolphinsOverall score: 74.6
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 67.8 | 26 |
| Quarterback | 75.5 | 19 |
| Coaching | 79.0 | 16 |
| Draft | 77.0 | 10 |
| Front office | 78.5 | 14 |
Biggest worry: Will Tua remain healthy? That's the question we all need the answer to. If he does, he will quickly show that he was the best QB in the 2020 draft and Miami will quickly ascend to relevance in the AFC East. If he doesn't, they will be right back at square one. -- Riddick
Looking ahead: Miami addressed just about every possible need in free agency and the draft, but the linebacker corps could use a boost alongside Kyle Van Noy. If the Dolphins are going to mimic the Patriots, that means hybrid options who can rush the passer or eliminate underneath routes. An influx of talent over the middle will strengthen Brian Flores' master plan. -- Fowler
Top stat to know: Tagovailoa owns the third- and sixth-best college QBR seasons since 2004. While there are injury concerns, it's a lot harder to find a good QB than a healthy one. Tagovailoa's college production is arguably as good as it gets. That's a guy you want to bet on. -- Walder
22. Arizona CardinalsOverall score: 73.6
| Overall roster (minus QB) | 70.0 | 24 |
| Quarterback | 81.0 | 11 |
| Coaching | 74.0 | 23 |
| Draft | 74.5 | 17 |
| Front office | 69.5 | 22 |
[COLOR=#48494A][FONT=Georgia]Biggest worry: The stability and consistency of the front office is what will determine whether this franchise can maintain what appears to be positive momentum heading into the future. For every Kyler Murray "hit" in the draft, there cannot be a [URL="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3886377/j
