The 2017 NFL season is finally here, and as we’ve come to expect from the league, there’s not much to look forward to this year.
There’s plenty to look backwards to, though.
In a few months, we’ll be able to start to see some of the teams that could be headed to the postseason.
So let’s dive into the wild card races, shall we?1.
Seattle Seahawks, NFC East The Seahawks are still the NFC East’s top seed, but this year they could be a little tougher to defend than last year.
This year’s playoff picture looks a lot like last year’s.
The Seattle Seahawks were one of the NFC West’s best teams last season, but it took a big jump for them to be among the division’s top seeds.
They were on the cusp of making the postseason last year and they had a few injuries to contend with.
This season, the Seahawks are going to have to take the fall for their record-low record and playoff struggles, but they should be able keep up with the rest of the division.2.
New Orleans Saints, NFC South The Saints are the NFC South’s top two seed, and while that title has to go to the Rams, the Saints should be in position to make a run at the Super Bowl.
After missing out on the playoffs last year, the NFL’s best defense is going to be tough to beat this year, and they should make a playoff run.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is going all-in on this team this year and could be one of NFL’s most dangerous offensive weapons.3.
Tennessee Titans, NFC West The Titans could end up being the AFC’s best team this season, even if they don’t win the division this year with their defense.
The Titans had a great offseason in free agency, and their quarterback is a top-notch prospect.
Tennessee will be tough for teams to beat, but the Titans defense will be very good.4.
Jacksonville Jaguars, NFC North The Jaguars were a playoff team last year but didn’t make it past the first round.
This could be the year that the Jaguars get back to the playoffs after missing out last season.
Quarterback Blake Bortles is a franchise quarterback and the Jaguars will be a very talented team this spring.5.
New York Giants, NFC Central The Giants should have a shot at making the playoffs this year after finishing second in the NFC with an 11-6 record last season (they finished ninth in the league with a 24-14 record).
The Giants defense will likely be the team’s biggest weapon, and if they can take care of business against NFC East opponents, it could be an upset-worthy upset.6.
Cincinnati Bengals, NFC Eastern The Bengals are one of only two teams in the AFC West that have been undefeated in their last eight games.
The Bengals have had some injuries to key players this offseason and have to contend for a playoff spot in 2017.
They should be a great team to watch this year because of their young players.7.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFC Southeast The Buccaneers were one the NFC’s most entertaining teams last year thanks to quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston should be the centerpiece of a defense that is loaded with talent, and the Bucs should have some success against the NFC and AFC East.8.
Atlanta Falcons, NFC NFC South A couple of injuries derailed the Falcons offense last year — quarterback Matt Ryan was injured for the first time in his career and the team was missing both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu — but Atlanta is a talented team that should have an opportunity to make it back to a playoff game this year (though it may not be easy).9.
Cincinnati Cardinals, NFC Southwest The Cardinals are one the division rivals that should be very competitive this season.
The Cardinals offense should be one to watch in 2017 because of the offensive line and quarterback.
The Arizona Cardinals defense should be tough, too, but a playoff bid would help the offense.10.
Oakland Raiders, AFC West The Raiders will be the AFC East’s toughest opponent this season after finishing last in the division with a 7-9 record.
They will have to make do with their quarterback situation.
The Raiders offensive line should be strong, but if they keep their quarterback on a bad streak, they could end with a disastrous season.11.
Dallas Cowboys, AFC South The Cowboys are a playoff favorite this year thanks in part to quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott is one of this season’s top quarterbacks, and he should be at the top of any quarterback-centric team in the NFL this season and beyond.12.
Buffalo Bills, AFC North The Bills have one of those rosters that looks like it could make the playoffs, but injuries could be their biggest concern heading into the offseason.
The Bills defense could be among NFL’s top units, but that unit could struggle against teams that are very good this year — like the Dolphins and Patriots.13.
Indianapolis Colts, AFC East The Colts are going through a rebuilding phase, and it’s
