Through the frenzy of free agency the NFL can get hectic. Players are moving from team to team, while others are re-signing. This list is ranking the top 16 teams in the AFC. The listing is based on current rosters, roster additions and player improvement. Note: This is a micro in-depth outlook on the 2016 AFC Conference teams.
16. Cleveland Browns
2015 Record: (3-13)
The signing of quarterback Robert Griffin III provides hope in Cleveland. However, the problems there are more than just the quarterback position. With Griffin's past troubles with injuries it will be interesting to see what he does with a fresh start. Griffin is looking to relaunch his career here in Cleveland. Best of luck to him. Cleveland is just not good enough to win in their division, with or without Griffin.
15. Miami Dolphins
2015 Record: (6-10)
It was a strange season for the Dolphins last year. Many thought Ryan Tannehill would have a breakout year, however, his performance not only stalled it may have even declined. Tannehill had his lowest QBR of his career last season, 43.1. With the loss of RB Lamar Miller, the offense may struggle to find a pace. Maybe leaning more on Tannehill will improve his performance? The task for the Dolphins each year will be to win against New England.
14. Tennessee Titans
2015 Record: (3-13)
The Titans had high hopes last season as they began the season with their rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota showed signs of progress until his injury. Acquiring RB DeMarco Murray through a trade from Philadelphia may prove to add an offensive boost. Murray was a playmaker in Dallas a few years ago, however, his most recent performance with the Eagles is nothing too special.
13. Baltimore Ravens
2015 Record: (5-11)
The Ravens had a disappointing year last season. The once stout defensive team has endured a change in its identity. Joe Flacco suffered an injury that cemented the team's season downfall. However, there is hope for this 2016 Ravens team. New free agent signings of WR Mike Wallace and TE Ben Watson will offer Flacco more offensive weapons. Also, the return of Steve Smith Sr. will provide veteran leadership. The signing of Eric Weddle will offer the Ravens a strong safety presence. All in all the Ravens will need a defensive presence to reclaim their division.
12. San Diego Chargers
2015 Record: (4-12)
The Chargers faced the same troubles as the other teams. Injuries ruin seasons. As Keenan Allen suffered a kidney injury, the Chargers' season declined from there. The Chargers suffered some difficult close loses, and I fully expect them to bounce back this year. In fact, this may be their best chance. With Peyton Manning no longer at the helm in Denver, Philip Rivers may have found his best chance to lead the Chargers to the top of the AFC West. Rivers will have a re-signed Antonio Gates and newly signed WR Travis Benjamin.
11. Buffalo Bills
2015 Record: (8-8)
With the Ryan coaching duo settling in Buffalo, I expect a turn around for the Bills. If the Bills stick with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback and correctly use LeSean McCoy that is how they turn around their even season. My bet is the Ryans fight with each other before they beat New England, which will ultimately be their gateway to a postseason appearance.
10. New York Jets
2015 Record: (10-6)
This is a generous spot that I've given the Jets. This is all depending on if they sign back QB Ryan Fitzpatrick If the Jets end up signing the veteran quarterback the team can stay here at number 10. However, if the Jets office chooses to not sign Fitzpatrick and stick with Geno Smith, I would knock them down to 13. Fitzpatrick proved to be a solid quarterback throughout the regular season. Despite losing RB Chris Ivory to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jets still have a great defense and receiving core.
9. Houston Texans
2015 Record: (9-7)
Many questions circulate the signings by the Texans. The team was brave to sign six-game starter Brock Osweiler. Along with a new quarterback, the Texans also signed RB Lamar Miller. Although the team has many question marks surrounding its offense, the Texans know that DE J.J. Watt will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Only time will tell if Osweiler is a real talent, or just a product the Super Bowl-winning Broncos team.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
2015 Record: (5-11)
This is unusual. The Jaguars on paper have made great free agent moves, probably the best in the league. The Jaguars are used to being low tier, however, they cannot be overlooked this year. Quarterback Blake Bortles proved to be a solid quarterback this past year, and the receiving core went above expectation. In this off-season, the Jaguars have answered their free agent signings. Their free agent signings include: RB Chris Ivory, OT Kelvin Beachum, OT Mackenzy Bernadeau, DL Malik Jackson, CB Prince Amukamara and S Tashaun Gipson. Could this be a breakout season for Duuuuvvvallll?
7. Oakland Raiders
2015 Record: (7-9)
The Raiders saw promise in their young talent. QB David Carr and second year WR Amari Cooper led the offense to a solid year. Look for a breakout year for the duo. On the defensive side, the Raiders have made some huge free agency moves. With outside linebacker Khalil Mack already fortifying himself as a young talent, edge defender Bruce Irvin from the Seattle Seahawks will join Mack. Signing a free agent CB Sean Smith also helped the Raiders strengthen their secondary.
6. Indianapolis Colts
2015 Record: (8-8)
As we saw in last season, the Colts’ ability to contend rests solely on Andrew Luck. This coming up season will prove to be an important testament to Luck’s career. The Colts have focused most of their attention on the upcoming draft. It will be up to Luck to carry a rather average defense and running game. Because of Luck, look for the Colts to be the favorite of the AFC South. Could we possibly see Luck winning the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award?
5. Kansas City Chiefs
2015 Record: (11-5)
Despite going on an impressive winning streak throughout the regular season, the Chiefs fell short in the playoffs. The win streak showed some upside for the team. Head coach Andy Reid and QB Alex Smith found their connection in the win streak, and I have no doubt the team can return for another strong season. Certainly another dominant defensive season and a healthy return for Jamaal Charles will aid the Chiefs.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
2015 Record: (12-4)
After having another disappointing postseason, the Bengals will look reshape their misfortune in the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, Andy Dalton led the Bengals to a solid record. However, after Dalton’s injury, the Bengals seemed to lose momentum. A healthy 2016 Bengals team will demonstrate a strong, aggressive defense and a solid offense.
3. Denver Broncos
2015 Record: (12-4)
The 2016 Denver Broncos will be quite a different team than their defending Super Bowl championship team. With the loss of Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler and several key defensive players, the team will suffer a transition year. Although they will still have major components on defense and offense, the question mark of the team is QB Mark Sanchez. However, as we saw last season, an average quarterback can win with this elite defense.
2. Pittsburg Steelers
2015 Record: (10-6)
Success for the Steelers rests on the ability of their offense to avoid injury. Big Ben, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown all sustained injuries last year. For the first time the Steelers will be without one of Ben’s favorite targets, TE Heath Miller. To replace Miller, the Steelers signed TE Ladarius Green in the free agency. If the offensive trio remains healthy, the Steelers can have an excellent 2016 season.
1. New England Patriots
2015 Record: (12-4)
With Peyton Manning exiting the National Football League, Tom Brady stands in a league of his own in the AFC Conference. Brady and the Patriots will be automatic favorites in the AFC. A healthy receiving core along with the newest free agent additions WR Nate Washington and TE Martellus Bennett makes Brady and the Patriots a dangerous threat to the entire AFC.