Gridiron Great Top 11 (Preseason Week 1)
Just one more week of preseason games to go and the rosters will soon be trimmed. Let’s take a look at the latest Top 11 while teams hope to stay healthy and get ready for a run toward the Super Bowl.
Gridiron Great Top 11 (Preseason Week 1)
#11. New York Jets 1-2 Preseason (+1000/+1600) - The NFL’s most intriguing team will remain a curiosity until week one with Aaron Rodgers unlikely to take the field in live action until then. The signing of Dalvin Cook gives him another weapon. Now he just has to get it done on the field. Last Week’s Rank: 11th
#10. Detroit Lions 1-1 Preseason (+1100/+2200) - The Lions have a leg up on most teams in their ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Ultimately, the Lions’ playoff chances will rest on the right shoulder of Jared Goff. If Goff can replicate his success from last season, the Lions are in the playoffs. If he struggles like he did post-Super Bowl for the Rams, it will be a long year in Detroit. Last Week’s Rank: 10th
#9. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-0 Preseason (+1400/+3500) - The Jags could have the league’s most electric passing game this season. The ability of running back Travis Etienne Jr. to stay healthy will be the key to this team’s offense. Last Week’s Rank: 9th
#8. LA Chargers 1-1 Preseason (+1300/+2500) - Teams could be looking closely at the Chargers’ roster come cutdown day as one of the NFL’s deepest rosters gets trimmed to 53 next week. Last Week’s Rank: 8th
#7. Dallas Cowboys 0-3 Preseason (+600/+1400) - Rookie RB Deuce Vaughn has looked like an explosive, dangerous weapon in the preseason. I can see Vaughn emerging as a legitimate 3rd down threat. DeMarvion Overshown’s ACL tear weakens the Cowboys’ depth at linebacker. Last Week’s Rank: 6th
#6. Baltimore Ravens 1-0 Preseason (+1000/+1800) - The Ravens move up in the rankings after the signing of Javeon Clowney. Clowney adds depth to the Ravens’ defensive line and should flourish in a reduced role for Baltimore. Last Week’s Rank: 7th
#5. SF 49ers 1-1 Preseason (+400/+1000) - The Niners WR group has taken a bit of a hit in the preseason with Ray-Ray McCloud likely to miss several weeks with a broken wrist and now second-year WR Danny Gray out with a sore shoulder. The battle for the backup QB position between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold may be the biggest positional battle left. DE Nick Bosa remains out in a contract squabble. Last Week’s Rank: 5th
#4. Cincinnati Bengals 0-1-1 Preseason (+550/+1100) - Joe Burrow is expected to return in week 1. We might not see the real Burrow until week 3 or 4 as he recovers. Can the Bengals weather the storm? Last Week’s Rank: 4th
#3. Buffalo Bills 1-1 Preseason (+450/+900) - The Bills are in this spot thanks to key injuries in Cincinnati and San Francisco. The team’s ability to stay this high will likely come down to the defense’s ability to perform this season without long-time Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier. Last Week’s Rank: 3rd
#2. Philadelphia Eagles 0-1-1 Preseason (+250/+650) - The Eagles are healthy and intact heading into the final preseason game. It will be interesting to see how the team will perform this season with new coordinators. Expect more to be on the shoulders of quarterback Jaylen Hurts. Last Week’s Rank: 2nd
#1. Kansas City Chiefs 1-1 Preseason (+350/+600) - The last remaining preseason hurdle for the Chiefs is the contract status of All-Pro DT Chris Jones. They will get something done and Jones sitting out may be a blessing, keeping him healthy and rested in preparation for another deep playoff run. Last Week’s Rank: 1st
Top-Five Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates - Here are five possible Offensive ROY candidates heading into the season.
#1. Bijan Robinson RB Falcons (+275) - Robinson got his first taste of action this week and showed that he can be an electric weapon. He will be given every opportunity to succeed both as a running back and receiver this year for the up-and-coming Falcons.
#2. Quentin Johnston WR Chargers (+2200) - The rookie wide receiver couldn’t ask for a better situation this season. He has two exceptional veteran wide receivers to learn from and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL throwing him the football. He could emerge as a real threat in the dominant Chargers’ offense.
#3. Jahmyr Gibbs RB Lions (+1000) - Gibbs will get his share of touches in the dynamic Lions’ offense. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will keep him on the field in key situations.
#4. Dalton Kincaid TE Bills (+4000) - Kincaid comes into a Bills’ offense that heavily relies on their passing game and has the pass-catching ability to become a favorite of quarterback Josh Allen.
#5. Bryce Young QB Panthers (+500) - The first pick in this year’s draft will be the Panthers’ starter from the outset. I worry about his ability to stay healthy given his size.
*All odds courtesy of Draftkings.com
By Mark Ruelle