LTNFLZone

NFL predictions, takes, and analysis — all in one zone.

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•Biggest Concern - Cornerbacks
Overall the Chargers have a good roster. The one area that seems below is their corner room. They don’t have a true lock down corner. They need Still or Hart to take a step up in their play this season. If so they will have a great defense.

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The Los Angeles Chargers (Check Thread for Record Prediction, Breakout Player Watch, and Biggest Concern)

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•Breakout Watch - Omarion Hampton
Some argue that he will be the best running back out of his class, even better than Jeanty. If he is able to produce at a high level, this Chargers offense is going to be very difficult to stop.

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I think their record will slightly decline as they have a tough schedule this season having to play the NFC North. And didn’t improve their roster in any drastic ways.

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Another AFC team I have borderline of making or missing the playoffs. I predict them being the first team to miss the playoffs with a 9-8 record. They have a ceiling of 11-6, and a floor of 8-9.

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Biggest Concern - Defensive Backs
The Raiders have a pretty solid defensive front. They need a solid season out of 3rd round pick, Darien Porter. If their secondary can have a solid season they will definitely have an above average defense to go along with their offense.

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Las Vegas Raiders Predictions (Check Thread for Record Prediction, Breakout Player Watch, and Biggest Concern)

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Breakout Watch - Dont’e Thornton Jr.
He has the potential to be an absolute beast. At 6’4, running a 4.3, Dont’e could have an immediate impact for the Raiders this season. Having a good quarterback like Geno gives him the potential to really make a name for himself in the NFL.

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The Raiders are a team I see as a borderline, but unlikely playoff team in the AFC. I predict they will go 8-9 just missing the playoffs. Their ceiling is 9-8 with their floor being 6-11. Having to play in a tough division makes it difficult for them to get into the playoffs.

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•Biggest Concern - Health
As long as the Ravens are able to stay healthy there is no way this is not a playoff team and one of the favorites to win the AFC. They just need their key pieces to continue to play at a high level this season.

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Baltimore Ravens Predictions (Check Thread for Record Prediction, Breakout Player Watch, and Biggest Concern)

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•Breakout Watch - Nate Wiggins
Wiggins had a strong rookie showing only allowing around 2 catches a game. I think he has the ability to step up his play even more and become a top 25 corner in the league. Playing with Jaire and Marlon is only going to help elevate his play.

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•The Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL. I would be shocked if they missed the playoffs this year. The real question for the Ravens is if they can be the team to make it out of the AFC. I predict they will go 13-4. Their ceiling is 14-3 and their floor is 10-7.

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•Biggest Concern - Aaron Rodgers
The big question for the Steelers. Are they going to get above average quarterback play from Rodgers. He has some solid talent around him. If Rodgers is able to sling the ball well all season, the Steelers are gonna be a very scary team to face.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions (Check Thread for Record Prediction, Breakout Player Watch, and Biggest Concern)

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•Breakout Watch - Payton Wilson
I expect Wilson to take a big jump from his impressive rookie season. His speed and physicality give him the ability to be a great linebacker. Playing in the Steelers’ loaded defense I expect him to make big plays all throughout the season.

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•A team I expect to be in the playoffs. I believe their roster is better than what it was last year & as a playoff team last year I expect them to get back to that. With one of the best defenses in the league, I predict they will go 11-6. Their ceiling is 12-5 and floor is 8-9.

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Biggest Concern-Defense
If the Bengals can have an average defense they will almost be a for sure playoff team, but looking at it on paper… it’s not pretty. It might be the worst defense in the league. Their offense just needs a little help to have a great season.

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Cincinnati Bengals Predictions (Check Thread for Record Prediction, Breakout Player Watch, and Biggest Concern)

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Breakout Watch-Shemar Stewart
Finally getting a contract signed in Cincinnati, they need Stewart to have a monster season. With Trey still holding out, they need Shemar to have a great rookie season. He has the athleticism to do it, it’s just if he’ll actually do it or not.