2018 NFL Season: Ranking Likeliest Worst-to First Teams
By Erik Lambert
#2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It was a major disappointment when Tampa Bay failed to make the playoffs. They’d gone 9-7 in 2016 and looked to be a team ready for that next step. Then they fell flat at 5-11. Jameis Winston became a turnover machine and the defense gave up the 9th-most points in the league. That’s why the front office moves so swiftly to invest on that side of the ball in the draft. They did a fine job with pieces like Vita Vea and Carlton Davis. If Dirk Koetter can rediscover the juice he had in 2016 this roster is capable of even taking on the mighty NFC South. Winston though will be the key.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft: The Best Pick From All 32 Teams
#1: Houston Texans
Lack of talent wasn’t what sank the 2017 season for Houston. It was a ridiculous string of injuries to their best players. Finally, they’re going to get back healthy, headlined by star pass rusher J.J. Watt and quarterback Desean Watson. If those two played like they last did when they were injury-free, this team instantly becomes a threat not just in the division but the entire AFC. Their 2018 draft was also underrated, securing them talented pieces on offense and defense. Andrew Luck’s health is uncertain. Tennessee changed coaches so they’re an unknown. The team Houston has to get past is Jacksonville, who might be Super Bowl favorites.