Hot Teams to Watch Out for in NFL 2017

While the Patriots are likely to be among the contenders there are other teams like the Pittsburg Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and a few other teams who have the potential to get the better of the New England Patriots this season in the NFL.

Yes, they’ve had a good run and reached nine Super Bowls, and have Bill Belichick bringing in some new players. This includes Dwayne Allen (TE) who replaces Martellus Bennett, Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee (RBs), and Brandin Cooks (WR).

The team has wrapped up 5 Super Bowls and is on track to tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tom Brady should cherish his time playing with receiver Brandin Cooks while Ron Gronkowski makes his way back to the team. Then again, there is Kony Ealy and Stephon Gilmore to boost the team’s defense.

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Buffalo Bills

Another Far East team, the Buffalo Bills is also likely to be among the top contenders. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been retained, and the new head coach Sean McDermott is reputed to be a hard worker, which is just what could turn the Bills into a team worth following. They are likely to boost their defense as well.

Green Bay Packers

Martellus Bennett is one of the good signups who has replaced Jared Cook. However, Eddie Lacy has moved over to the SeaHawks, which could turn out to be a loss for the Packers who will need to bolster their backfield. A lot will depend on Aaron Rodgers’ performance. The game against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 6 may prove whether the team’s pass defense has gotten any better. They also have a good record against the Chicago Bears and have gotten the better rof the Baltimore Ravens 4-1 all time, including 3-0 at home. They take on the Steelers next this could be one of the toughest games of the season.

Detroit Lions

General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions has potentially made the right move by signing on right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Ricky Wagner. This could be a good thing for quarterback Matthew Stafford while the team can focus on the running back position to really take home their game.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys is undoubtedly the favourite from NFC East. Despite having lost a few defensive backs, the still manage to maintain a formidable offense that includes Travis Fredrick, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. They have quarterback Ezekiel Elliott and running Dak Prescott who are expected to take charge and do their job. The team has the experience and have the power to dominate play. Wide receiver Dez Bryant is still got the strength at the age of 28 to put in a 1,000 yard this season.

New York Giants

The New York Giants are known for the terrific defense and dangerous passing attack and are top contenders. Brandon Marshall is their new signup as wingman for Odell Beckham Jr. The team also has the services of Eli Manning, one of the best receivers along with wide receiver Sterling Shepard. The could have a close match against the Seahawks and potentially get the better of the Los Angeles Chargers, 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Cowboys, to name a few.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are the likely favourites among NFC South and are of course, the reigning NFC champs. They are left without offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan who made his way to the 49ers but have managed to retain a top lineup with the likes of Tevin Coleman, Taylor Gabriel, Mohamed Sanu and Julio Jones at Matt Ryan’s disposal. Their defense in the 2016 season improved significantly especially with defensive tackle Dontari Poe in the fray.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a top contender and did have a good season last year. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson will stretch the field and is likely to play a key role in helping quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans do their job.

Seattle Hawks

Out of NFC West, the Seattle Hawks are among the favourites. As mentioned, they’ve picked up Eddie Lacy to bolster the running back. They do have a pretty tough defense and quarterback Russell Wilson who can turn their fortunes although their O-line will have to pull up their socks.

Arizona Cardinals

One of the teams with the most talent is the Arizona Cardinals despite losing players like Tony Jefferson and Calais Campbell in free agency. They will have the services of football safety Tyrann Mathieu back again and have maintained a pretty strong team who have the potential to bounce back. Quarterback Carson Palmer will be one of the players to watch for while it must be noted that Cardinals’ defense is faster and younger than the previous season.

Pittsburg Steelers

AFC North undoubtedly has the Pittsburg Steelers as a favourite and will depend on quarterback ‘Big Ben’ Benjamin Roethlisberger Sr. to get the team fired up. Running back Le’Veon Bell is expected to all out while wide receiver and punt returner Antonio Brown – if he controls his temper – should help his team steal more than a few victories. If they can improve their defensive side then the title could be within close range.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed a good off season and are backed by a tough coach, John Harbaugh. Watch out for defensive tackle Brandon Williams while the new entrants, strong safety Tony Jefferson and defensive tackle Danny Woodhead ought to give the team the boost they need. A point to note is the fact that in the past four seasons they have finished third in the AFC North.

Denver Broncos

2016 NFL champs the Denver Broncos have rebuilt their offensive line after a spate of below par play on the line. Running back Jamaal Charles is back while the return of receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas leaves the team with plenty of options. De’Angelo Henderson is also there to add to the team’s arsenal.

The other teams to watch out for this season include the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars from AFC South. The Texans have J.J. Watt, Tom Savage, Tony Romo and Bill O’Brien to give their team a shot. On the other hand, Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye along with coach Dough Marrone should do a lot to boost the chances of the Jaguars.

A likely favourite from AFC West is the Oakland Raiders. Quarterback Derek Cook and tight end Jared Cook are the likely game changers. The Kansas City Chiefs are also among the teams to watch out for. A lot can depend on defensive back James Eric Berry who has a solid team behind him.

Ryan Knuppel Author

Ryan (aka Knup) has been writing sports betting content for over a decade now. He covers anything and everything related to United Stats sports including football, basketball, baseball, golf and more. He has finished first place in several gambling related contests over the years which gives him instant credibility in the betting world. Ryan is a die-hard St. Louis...