Jeff Risdon - Football Analysis

The faith in an offensive resurgence, on the back of a better line and more efficient Drew Brees, trumps the grave concerns about Rex Ryan's underachieving defense. Read more »

Given the uncertainty in San Diego, it's hard to see this talented but flawed team finding the success the fans covet. The collapse at the end of last season does not inspire confidence, even though I do like the offensive upgrades. Read more »

These Giants are a cloudy forecast. There are so many variables, with the health of Jason Pierre-Paul and the two star wideouts foremost. The lines are relying on young players showing more than they ever have before, though they have the potential to accomplish very good things. Read more »

The young nucleus has a new leader who is a proven winner with talent that could transcend. It probably won't result in a lot of wins early, but the elevator is going up. Slowly. Read more »

Seattle remains the favorite to win not just the NFC West but the entire conference for the third year in a row. They sport a legit MVP candidate and clutch performer at QB, a punishing running game, and very good special teams play. The defensive starters are arguably the best all-around group in the league. Read more »

These Rams figure to be a test for just how far a dominant defensive line can carry a team. Jeff Fisher has assembled a fantastic line, but questions abound around it. Nick Foles should bring better stability at quarterback, and the running game could be strong if the offensive line shakes out to be even average. Read more »

The on-field play should be more consistent. The defense has a chance to be special, particularly against the pass. Yet there are still a lot of holes. None is bigger or more critical than quarterback. And the Geno Smith/Ryan Fitzpatrick combo is a real downer despite the new weapons outside. Read more »

The Bengals are the most talented team top-to-bottom in the entire AFC. But they're not strong at quarterback or up the gut on the defensive front, which really matters in the playoffs. Read more »

Expect improvement right away, particularly if the quarterback situation stabilizes. There is more talent here than meets the eye, though some serious problem spots remain. Read more »

The talent level is finally rising for the Raiders. Derek Carr is a promising young quarterback, and he has some intriguing weapons to work with. The starters on both sides of the ball are solid enough units to compete with most teams on most weeks. Read more »

There are precious few players in the prime of their careers for the Bears and a whole host either at the beginning or the end. This is a tough mix and why expectations are incredibly low. Read more »

The schedule is almost too easy for Andrew Luck & company; Indy faces just three teams all season who had winning records in 2014. If ever this group is going to win the AFC, this is the year. Read more »

On the evolution of Father's Day and how this one is a lot different weeks after undergoing open heart surgery. Read more »

Examining what Joey Bosa, Taylor Decker, Tyler Boyd, Vernon Hargreaves and Sheldon Day need to improve upon to help their 2016 NFL Draft standing. Read more »

"More probable than not" would never fly in a court of law, but that’s not where this case is being tried. This is all about the kangaroo court of public opinion, and early indications are a definite two-fisted punch right into Tom Brady’s pretty face. Read more »

Thumbs up to the Falcons and Browns, thumbs down to the Rams and 49ers, thumbs twiddling for the Colts and Packers, and thumb sucking for the Seahawks. Read more »

Cleveland is one of the unquestioned winners of the first three rounds of the draft. The Browns added five players in those three rounds, and all five of them could very well start this fall. Read more »

All seven rounds, all 256 picks from Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Leonard Williams on down. Read more »

A lot of diversity at linebacker, depth of quality cornerbacks and a dearth of talent at safety. Read more »

Headlined by Leonard Williams, defensive tackle has good depth in the draft, while defensive end has seven players in our top-50. Read more »