Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season is just around the corner. What better way to raise (or temper) expectations than with a complete breakdown of predictions and projections?
Below is a guide of what to expect once the season kicks off Thursday -- from power rankings, to teams that will score the most points and defenses that will allow the least, to the best and worst positional units in the league, to the toughest and easiest schedules -- as well as predictions for the playoffs and, of course, Super Bowl LIV. My in-depth projection guides for each team can be found in PDF form here.
Jump ahead to:
Offensive position groups: Best | Worst
Defensive position groups: Best | Worst
Schedule: Toughest | Easiest
Point projections: Best | Worst
Power Rankings | Super Bowl pick
Unit grades for all 32: Offense | Defense
Best offensive units by position
Quarterbacks: New England Patriots
The Patriots have played in the AFC Championship each of the past eight seasons, and Tom Brady is the primary reason why. Many have come and gone as threats for the top spot, but none has been able to sustain elite production the way Brady has over the years. Rookie Jarrett Stidham beat out veteran Brian Hoyer for the backup gig.
Running backs: New York Giants
It's 2019, not 1989, so Saquon Barkley's outstanding pass-catching ability is a key reason why the Giants sit atop this list. The 2018 second-overall pick finished third or better at the position in rush attempts, rushing yards, pass routes, receptions, touches, scrimmage yards and total touchdowns as a rookie. Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins add depth.