Before the start of an NFL season, sports talk on radio and television tends to favor the elites. The teams expected to make playoff runs and compete for the Lombardi Trophy get most of the attention. However, there are always a few dark horse teams to watch closely to see just how much progress these teams are making. Three dark horse teams that could at least make a lot of noise this year are the Dolphins, Bears, and Jaguars.
That doesn’t mean there should be an expectation that all three teams will advance to the playoffs. Realistically, only one of these teams has good odds to make the Wild Card round. The other two are in the wait and see category as well as wait until next year. Odds are the Dolphins will make it as one of the last teams in. However, the Bears with Justin Fields potentially starting at midseason could make serious noise, especially in a possibly wide-open NFC North assuming Aaron Rodgers doesn’t play at all or plays on another team. The Bears will start quarterback Andy Dalton for now but if he doesn’t succeed right away, Fields could be in competition with Nick Foles for the starting job.
The Jaguars may see a slight improvement on offense but it’s the defense with a good core of younger and talented players that could take center stage. K’Lavon Chaisson isn’t the starting defensive end yet but that could change at some point. Cornerback C.J. Henderson could develop nicely in year two. Tyson Campbell could impress early on and he’s definitely a player to watch. The Jaguars have experienced linebackers, Joe Schobert and Myles Jack. This team may not end up having one of the NFL’s best records but this team could be worth keeping an eye on. They may very well be in fourth place in the AFC South which is almost a guarantee. The Jaguars are starting rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence and rookie seasons rarely go well as quarterbacks need time to adjust to the NFL level of competition. Running back James Robinson will take some of the pressure off though.
The Dolphins come into the season with higher expectations. The offense could put up huge numbers with Tua Tagovailoa, DeVante Parker, rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Projected finishes- Remember this is now a 17 game season.
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