12. Cleveland Browns
Talent, talent everywhere. A new coaching staff. A motivated and determined star-crossed quarterback. Still. Let’s see it happen on the field before they climb any higher than this. The Browns are more filled with “tease” than the hair in a 1980s yearbook.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
A stellar defense, some weapons on offense and a Hall-of-Fame quarterback equals a very good team. Still, there are some concerns for me with the long-term health of the quarterback, and there’s just been something missing with this team for several seasons now. They could be top-five at the end, and it wouldn’t surprise me. Neither would 9-7.
10. Dallas Cowboys
This team is talented and has a professional, competent coaching staff. It should equate to a successful campaign. Let’s see if the defense can hold up and if that offensive line is still a strength at the end of the season. They have a high ceiling. They also have a history of disappointing people for the past 25 years — just like yours truly.
9. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson makes this offense dangerous. Bobby Wagner does the same for the defense. They are well-coached (too conservative, though?), and have fun young talent in the receiving room. I don’t love their ceiling, but they will win games. They always do with Wilson.