Dark Horse Teams in 2021

[CGI_Ram]

With camps on the horizon… all we can do is evaluate teams on paper and make guesses. Based on what we know today; Who looks like a potential surprise team? A team that emerges and suddenly is stronger than we thought.

Some contenders in the article below. Others?

What about the Cowboys, Patriots, Saints? These teams don’t have a ton of buzz right now.

The Cowboys play in the NFC East and a team could eat that division up if they get hot.

The Pats made a ton of off-season moves. Mac Jones, his fall to the Patriots, sounds like a story waiting to be written (unfortunately) if he gets some starts.

The Saints were 12-4 last year and without Brees expectations seem lower in 2021. Nobody is talking about the Saints. They could be sneaky if Winston shows more consistent play a year under Drew Brees.

The Chargers will be a lot of people’s dark horse pick.

What do you see? Who do you like?

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NFL's most underrated teams ahead of 2021 season: Vikings among overlooked challengers

All signs point to a rebound for Minnesota, as well as surprise success in other cities

www.cbssports.com

NFL's most underrated teams ahead of 2021 season​

Training camp is right around the corner, which means so is real football. You don't have to be an expert to know teams like the Buccaneers and Chiefs are expected to be among the best of the best in 2021, a year after going head to head in the Super Bowl. But what about the teams flying under the radar? The potential contenders who aren't getting nearly enough attention?

Below, we've identified four of the most underrated teams going into the 2021 season. Not all of them should be considered realistic candidates to win it all. But we'd be surprised if these four didn't surprise plenty of people this year:

Note: Projected win totals courtesy of William Hill Sportsbook.

Denver Broncos
2020 record: 5-11
Projected win total: O/U 8.5

Despite going 12-20 under Vic Fangio and 32-48 since winning the Super Bowl with Peyton Manning, the Broncos are considered top-11 favorites to win it all this year. That has almost everything to do with Aaron Rodgers, who's drawn their interest even though the Packers refuse to deal the star quarterback. If/when Rodgers rumors are put to rest (and assuming he doesn't leave Green Bay), Denver will be widely projected to either challenge the Chargers for a wild card or miss the playoffs altogether. But there's a reason Rodgers would seemingly put them over the top; unlike, say, the Jaguars or Jets or even Raiders, they're built well enough to compete with A-Rod. Neither Drew Lock nor Teddy Bridgewater is a surefire top-15 starter, but between Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Bradley Chubb, Kyle Fuller and a healthier Von Miller, they've got play-makers on both sides of the ball.

Indianapolis Colts
2020 record: 11-5
Projected win total: O/U 10

How in the world can a team fresh off 11 wins -- a team that's won 28 games and made the playoffs in two of Frank Reich's three seasons as coach -- be underrated? For one, the national buzz is still lagging. The Buccaneers, Chiefs and Packers all have more firepower as Super Bowl favorites, but considering Reich's track record, Indy deserves more love. They've got the coach. They've got a ground game. They've got a stingy defense. And then there's new quarterback Carson Wentz, who steps in after a premature exit from Philadelphia to replace Philip Rivers. For many, the pendulum has swung so far to the "he's broken and/or bad" side of the argument, when in reality it'd be surprising if Wentz didn't rebound to be at least a top-15 QB with fresh scenery. At the very least, he gives the Colts offense more upside. Couple all that with a winnable division, and they're capable of really challenging in the AFC.

Minnesota Vikings
2020 record: 7-9
Projected win total: O/U 8.5

Both their coach and quarterback have built a reputation as predictable mid-tier performers: never bad enough to bottom out, but rarely elite enough to get over the hump. How else do you explain the Vikings literally going in, then out, then back into the playoffs every year since Mike Zimmer took over, or Kirk Cousins posting Pro Bowl numbers without also posting a signature postseason run? And yet, even if Aaron Rodgers stays in Green Bay, they're poised to bounce back. Not only because Zimmer's due for his biannual playoff ticket, but because Cousins has more motivation (hello Kellen Mond), the offense has bona fide play-makers (Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson) and, best of all, Zimmer's defense is both deeper and healthier (welcome back, Danielle Hunter!) after an uncharacteristically porous year. They may not win the division, but the Vikings have the makings of a sneaky contender.

Philadelphia Eagles
2020 record: 4-11-1
Projected win total: O/U 7

How can a team that just won the Super Bowl a few years ago already be one of the NFL's most underrated teams? Feast your eyes on the Eagles' 2020 season, when organizational dysfunction and a historic regression from a former MVP candidate resulted in a total overhaul of both the team's staff and QB spot. It's back to square one in Philadelphia, where first-time head coach Nick Sirianni has been tasked with injecting creative energy into a plan that quickly went stale under Doug Pederson. Almost no one, from a national perspective, seems to be buying the possibility of the ex-Colts coordinator surprising out of the gate, with young Jalen Hurts under center. But couple the fresh staff with Hurts' mobility, a healthier offensive line, a new No. 1 wideout in DeVonta Smith and some decent veterans on "D," and a late challenge for the always-open NFC East title isn't nearly as crazy as it sounds.

 

[FrantikRam]

Mot sure about dark horses but I can see the following teams taking a step forward. 3+ more wins then last year:

Cards
Niners
Giants
Wash
Miami
Chargers
Jags
Jets
Pats

Surprise Championship run:
Cleveland

The Browns expect to make the Superbowl so can't see that as a surprise

 

[FrantikRam]

I don't believe in Kyler Murray. He's too short and a bit fragile and will always break Cardinal fan's hearts, imo. The Rams have the formula to stop him, by making him try to what what he can't do well Stay in the collapsing pocket and see over the linemen. With him at QB, I don't see them ever winning more than 9 games,

Agree 100%

Cards fans like to point out that he's rarely missed games. Fine. Then hes just trash, because he's been pretty bad everytime we've played him. So either he gets banged up too much or hes just not that good.

 

[FrantikRam]

I don't know about dark horses. But I think people are (as usual) ignoring the cold hard truth of the NFL.

In 2020, the only repeat division champs were Green Bay, Kansas City, New Orleans - 3/8

The Bills were expected to win the AFCE, but plenty of people picked the Niners, Ravens, some picked Houston and nobody had Washington.

The Saints, Seahawks and Washington aren't the best teams in their divisions. And I think the Vikings take the North. So all new division winners in the NFC.

 

[Merlin]

Not this year IMO.

Agreed. Defense was terrible. Offensively Goff has no weapons outside of a fine young TE. Hope for his sake that he has a strong run game.

I do respect their head coach. He has some strong leadership going but that roster will hold them back.

Hoping to see Carolina make some noise in their division. Also Dallas lacks the overall roster but have some good offensive pieces so them vs WTF and what should be a fine defense should be an interesting div battle.

I want Tampa in the playoffs btw. Go through the champs on our way to the SB ahh yeeuh.

 

[nighttrain]

A dark horse by definition is a team that's not expected by any to compete, the only team to me that fits that criteria is Detroit, expected by all to finish last in their division, so any run they make is completely out of a blue sky scenario
train

 

[oldnotdead]

Not sure what is meant by being a dark horse in this context. The Rams are certainly NOT a dark horse as even the media sees this team as a contender.

I would not be surprised to see Detroit go 9-8 this year. But I think they are 2 years away from being a wildcard contender. With Holmes as GM, I don't see them as being a perennial doormat anymore. I can see Goff having success there. But they are lacking too many pieces or too many players would really have to surprise. They have enough of an OL to be about a middle of the pack level which could be enough for Goff to get back closer to his 2018 self. Their problem offensively is that their best receiver is a TE and possibly a rookie WR. Their RB situation looks simply average at best. Defensively there are huge question marks all over the place, especially in their secondary.

Holmes now has 4 first-round picks the next 2 years to really build that team quickly.

I also feel the Chargers could be a contender for a wildcard spot but after that will be a matter of luck of the draw in that round. What I find interesting is that Staley has insisted on increasing the in-house level of analytics in their draft picks. I think he will have a major influence in player picks. Staley has finally upgraded their OL this year with a OG and RT.

When the Chargers tried to leave it to simply their own FO evaluations they drafted poorly. The last few years they have followed the recommendation of an outside scouting and evaluation service, which has improved their drafts dramatically. I think the Charger FO gave Staley a lot of control in player acquisition as part of his hiring. Their GM Telesco, along with Dean's son John were notoriously poor in that regard. The team has just hired a young rising analytics star which tells me they are now going to build an in-house analytics team and rely less upon outsourcing that part of the draft. It will be interesting from here on out how well they draft.

But with KC at the top of their division, their eyes are on a top wildcard slot. I see them 2 yrs away right now. They have a very good QB to build around offensively. But they need help on the defense. This year they grabbed an interesting developmental LB in Chris Rumph II who once he builds up his strength and improves his technique could be a solid player. This guy has Staley written all over him. He has the speed (4.6) and the build at 6'2", 235 lbs to play edge, or as a pass-rushing ILB. He is reminiscent of Reeder and I can see Staley using him the same way.

The Niners Jimmy G is their version of Goff. As long as the OL continues to play well, and he stays healthy he can be pretty good. But when things break down so does he. I don't say that in a demeaning way. Simply if you keep him clean with decent time he's good enough to beat most teams, especially with their strong run game. The Niners are as close to being a complete team as there is in the NFCW in that they have a good run attack, good WRs, and a strong defense with an outstanding Nick Bosa leading the charge. Once Lance develops and becomes their starter, they will be a formidable opponent within the division, clearly #2 in the division IMO.

If the Niners had Wilson they would be set and dangerous. The Niners are what Seattle would love to be. Seattle wins with Russell's play by simply outscoring their opponents.

Indy is a bit of a darkhorse. They have a good QB when he's healthy, playing behind a good OL. They have a decent offense and defense. If Wentz stays healthy and returns to form behind a good OL they could contend in the AFC. If Wentz returns to form and there is nothing to think he won't, that IMO puts them ahead of the Titans.

The bottom line is that this season is wide open. Teams like Cleveland could make noise and old guard teams like the Steelers and Aints could fall and begin their rebuilds next year.

 

[Angry Ram]

I would not be surprised to see Detroit go 9-8 this year. But I think they are 2 years away from being a wildcard contender. With Holmes as GM, I don't see them as being a perennial doormat anymore. I can see Goff having success there. But they are lacking too many pieces or too many players would really have to surprise. They have enough of an OL to be about a middle of the pack level which could be enough for Goff to get back closer to his 2018 self. Their problem offensively is that their best receiver is a TE and possibly a rookie WR. Their RB situation looks simply average at best. Defensively there are huge question marks all over the place, especially in their secondary.

Holmes now has 4 first-round picks the next 2 years to really build that team quickly.

They will not get anywhere near 9 wins. I think their ceiling is 5 wins. Their first few games before they face the Rams are SF, @ GB, BAL, @ CHI, @ MIN, CIN. They may win against the Bengals and Bears to go 2-4, but 1-5 is also possible. Back half isn't too easy either.

This sudden run on positivity with Detroit is weird. Jared is not gonna somehow magically transform that franchise. I mean the whole reason everyone is stoked about Matthew Stafford here is that he's finally on a team with help. Jared isn't gonna get that help. He's a limited QB to begin with going in a shit situation.

I also feel the Chargers could be a contender for a wildcard spot but after that will be a matter of luck of the draw in that round. What I find interesting is that Staley has insisted on increasing the in-house level of analytics in their draft picks. I think he will have a major influence in player picks. Staley has finally upgraded their OL this year with a OG and RT.

When the Chargers tried to leave it to simply their own FO evaluations they drafted poorly. The last few years they have followed the recommendation of an outside scouting and evaluation service, which has improved their drafts dramatically. I think the Charger FO gave Staley a lot of control in player acquisition as part of his hiring. Their GM Telesco, along with Dean's son John were notoriously poor in that regard. The team has just hired a young rising analytics star which tells me they are now going to build an in-house analytics team and rely less upon outsourcing that part of the draft. It will be interesting from here on out how well they draft.

But with KC at the top of their division, their eyes are on a top wildcard slot. I see them 2 yrs away right now. They have a very good QB to build around offensively. But they need help on the defense. This year they grabbed an interesting developmental LB in Chris Rumph II who once he builds up his strength and improves his technique could be a solid player. This guy has Staley written all over him. He has the speed (4.6) and the build at 6'2", 235 lbs to play edge, or as a pass-rushing ILB. He is reminiscent of Reeder and I can see Staley using him the same way.

Not buying the Chargers as serious players. The AFC is loaded with plenty of WC level teams so it will be a tough out.

The Niners Jimmy G is their version of Goff. As long as the OL continues to play well, and he stays healthy he can be pretty good. But when things break down so does he. I don't say that in a demeaning way. Simply if you keep him clean with decent time he's good enough to beat most teams, especially with their strong run game. The Niners are as close to being a complete team as there is in the NFCW in that they have a good run attack, good WRs, and a strong defense with an outstanding Nick Bosa leading the charge. Once Lance develops and becomes their starter, they will be a formidable opponent within the division, clearly #2 in the division IMO.

If the Niners had Wilson they would be set and dangerous. The Niners are what Seattle would love to be. Seattle wins with Russell's play by simply outscoring their opponents.

SF can shove it.

Indy is a bit of a darkhorse. They have a good QB when he's healthy, playing behind a good OL. They have a decent offense and defense. If Wentz stays healthy and returns to form behind a good OL they could contend in the AFC. If Wentz returns to form and there is nothing to think he won't, that IMO puts them ahead of the Titans.

The bottom line is that this season is wide open. Teams like Cleveland could make noise and old guard teams like the Steelers and Aints could fall and begin their rebuilds next year.

The Colts finished 11-5 last year. IDK if they really count as a darkhorse. Their D is legit top 5, not just decent. Offense yeah I agree its decent. IDK how much Philly broke Carson Wentz, but he's definitely going into a better situation. Same with the Browns. I much as I can't stand that they are suddenly the NFL's darling, lovable team they are considered one of the top AFC teams.

When I think darkhorse, its teams that has enough talent but isn't really considered a serious player. So teams in the AFC like that are Raiders, Jets, maybe even Broncos.

 

[sloramfan]

c'mon oldnotdead... 5 wins in detroit?

i think i would take that bet...

if i'm not mistaken, didn't goff's college team do a 1-11, and then turn that completely around?...

i'm not so sure, or quick to jump to the goff sucks crowd after what i've seen as a lifelong ramfan....

yes i was a goff supporter to be sure, and am now firmly entrenched in the stafford is a lot better camp, but c'mon, goff can and has played at a very high level...

5 wins?... like i said earlier, and i do gamble... i'll take that bet....

go rams

slo

 

[FrantikRam]

c'mon oldnotdead... 5 wins in detroit?

i think i would take that bet...

if i'm not mistaken, didn't goff's college team do a 1-11, and then turn that completely around?...

i'm not so sure, or quick to jump to the goff sucks crowd after what i've seen as a lifelong ramfan....

yes i was a goff supporter to be sure, and am now firmly entrenched in the stafford is a lot better camp, but c'mon, goff can and has played at a very high level...

5 wins?... like i said earlier, and i do gamble... i'll take that bet....

go rams

slo

I'd take the under on that, for sure.

They play the NFCW and AFCN - the two best divisions in the NFL. Their start to the season is incredibly difficult.

There's a very real possibility that they'll be underdogs in all 17 games.

They will be the worse team in all six division games, all four NFCW games, three AFCN games - that's 13/17. Their other four games are against the Bengals, Eagles, Broncos and Falcons - possible that they're worse than those four too. And they play three of those games on the road.

Games against their division might end up being winnable - but I doubt it against the Packers and Vikings. Maybe a split with the Bears and maybe two of those four "winnable" games - do 3-14 overall

 

[Angry Ram]

c'mon oldnotdead... 5 wins in detroit?

i think i would take that bet...

if i'm not mistaken, didn't goff's college team do a 1-11, and then turn that completely around?...

i'm not so sure, or quick to jump to the goff sucks crowd after what i've seen as a lifelong ramfan....

yes i was a goff supporter to be sure, and am now firmly entrenched in the stafford is a lot better camp, but c'mon, goff can and has played at a very high level...

5 wins?... like i said earlier, and i do gamble... i'll take that bet....

go rams

slo

That was me, not him. But yes. 5 Ws is their cap. Jared was already regressing in a good situation here, what makes anyone think he will suddenly turn it around in Detroit? At least to the level of beating any of GB, MIN, and CHI on a regular basis? At this point in his career, does anyone think he can outduel Kirk Cousins (let alone Aaron Rodgers) again? Are his coaches going to put him in a better place than Sean McVay did?

The rest of the roster. Who else is going be the guy that every other team needs to prepare for? TJ Hockenson, who is a good TE but drops a lot of passes. That's the best receiver? Deandre Swift, now I like him but can he be good enough to take the load off Jared's shoulders like Todd Gurley did here? I think not.

On defense, Jeff Okadah wasn't good last year. Maybe he keeps developing. That's the best player on D, and that ain't good. Their roster stinks. Literally the Texans of the NFC, but in Detroit's favor they at least have a plan together.

Then the schedule, have you checked it out? I don't see very many Ws with this roster. Maybe they can beat the Bengals, Eagles, Cardinals, and possibly Falcons. Split one with the Bears.

shitters
@Packers
Ravens
@Bears
@vikings
Bengals
@rams
Eagles
@Steelers
@Browns
Bears
Vikings
@Broncos
Cardinals
@Falcons
@shitbirds
Packers

 

[kurtfaulk]

That was me, not him. But yes. 5 Ws is their cap. Jared was already regressing in a good situation here, what makes anyone think he will suddenly turn it around in Detroit? At least to the level of beating any of GB, MIN, and CHI on a regular basis? At this point in his career, does anyone think he can outduel Kirk Cousins (let alone Aaron Rodgers) again? Are his coaches going to put him in a better place than Sean McVay did?

The rest of the roster. Who else is going be the guy that every other team needs to prepare for? TJ Hockenson, who is a good TE but drops a lot of passes. That's the best receiver? Deandre Swift, now I like him but can he be good enough to take the load off Jared's shoulders like Todd Gurley did here? I think not.

On defense, Jeff Okadah wasn't good last year. Maybe he keeps developing. That's the best player on D, and that ain't good. Their roster stinks. Literally the Texans of the NFC, but in Detroit's favor they at least have a plan together.

Then the schedule, have you checked it out? I don't see very many Ws with this roster. Maybe they can beat the Bengals, Eagles, Cardinals, and possibly Falcons. Split one with the Bears.

shitters
@Packers
Ravens
@Bears
@vikings
Bengals
@rams
Eagles
@Steelers
@Browns
Bears
Vikings
@Broncos
Cardinals
@Falcons
@shitbirds
Packers

but you left out the most important part, the lions got rid of their shit coach. they were a good team before they dumped caldwell for some reason and hired that poser from the cheats.

don't underestimate how a horrible coach can ruin a team's morale and playing ability.

.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Then the schedule, have you checked it out? I don't see very many Ws with this roster. Maybe they can beat the Bengals, Eagles, Cardinals, and possibly Falcons. Split one with the Bears.

shitters
@Packers
Ravens
@Bears
@vikings
Bengals
@rams
Eagles
@Steelers
@Browns
Bears
Vikings
@Broncos
Cardinals
@Falcons
@shitbirds
Packers

Oh wow. Detroit has a brutal schedule.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

Chicago
Washington
Steelers
Indianapolis

 

[sloramfan]

i thought detroit made some moves to improve the team around goff, losing galloway hurts..

i really should have looked at the sched, but ill stick to the over..

go rams

slo

 

[Angry Ram]

i thought detroit made some moves to improve the team around goff, losing galloway hurts..

i really should have looked at the sched, but ill stick to the over..

go rams

slo

They lost Kenny G AND Marvin Jones and replaced them with Breshard Perriman and Tyrel Williams. Gross. It reminds me when Torry Holt and Ike Bruce were replaced by Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton. I also thought they let go of Kerryon Johnson too quick. We'll see. If they get their shit together they'll be pretty good in 2022 and beyond.

 

[FrantikRam]

They lost Kenny G AND Marvin Jones and replaced them with Breshard Perriman and Tyrel Williams. Gross. It reminds me when Torry Holt and Ike Bruce were replaced by Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton. I also thought they let go of Kerryon Johnson too quick. We'll see. If they get their shit together they'll be pretty good in 2022 and beyond.

Having the number 1 and 32 picks will definitely help them going forward

 

[dieterbrock]

I think Detroit has the 2019 Dolphins vibe. Going in to '19, many thought the Dolphins could go 0-16. Started 0-7, werent even competitive and then finished strong, going 5-4 over last 9. Being loaded up with draft picks from some trades, they took that momentum forward.
Now I dont know if Campbell is on Brian Flores level, but I do think that Detroit has more talent than Miami did

 

[oldnotdead]

Other than GB who is there? The Bears were 8-8 last year and their wildcard team and second in the NFCN. The Vikings are rebuilding as are the Bears. The Steelers are a shadow of their glory days. Big Ben might not even finish their season. The Broncos are rebuilding and who knows what you will get from the Bengals and Cleveland.

All I'm saying is that Holmes made some interesting draft picks this year. If that team steps up this year they might have enough to be better than that 8-8 Bears team. IMO with a Goff behind a decent OL they might have the second-best QB in their division. Who knows how Rodgers is going to play. He's only beginning at this point in the year to considering playing again. If he doesn't the NFCN is wide open with Detroit having the best QB in the division.

Falcons, who knows how they will be playing at the end of the season. The same can be said about AZ. With the Cards it all depends upon Murray and Hopkins health. Without Murray who is beginning to show the wear on a running QB in the NFL and Kingsbury's questionable game management at the end of each season.

All I'm saying is that with a few players in Detroit stepping up their game and a bit of luck they could be #2 in the NFCN by the end of the season. Look how Goff carried this team on his back in 2019. He took a lot of the heat, but IMO a lot was not deserved. Yet the Rams finished with a winning record. I know Holmes saw that and it's why he took Goff and says he's not a bridge QB. Goff allows Holmes to use those 4 first-round picks to build a team around Jared. Team culture can make players play above their heads and Holmes was in LA long enough to see that as well. Two more solid drafts and Detroit will no longer be a doormat.

This is why I've always contended that the Stafford/Goff trade was a win-win for both teams. Stafford makes the Rams a legit Lombardi contender. Goff could give the Lions a chance in a couple of years being a force in the NFCN as they now have the second-best QB in the division behind a wavering Rodgers who probably will retire after they restructure his contract. This is Aaron's last money grab before he walks off into the sunset.

 

[FrantikRam]

Other than GB who is there? The Bears were 8-8 last year and their wildcard team and second in the NFCN. The Vikings are rebuilding as are the Bears. The Steelers are a shadow of their glory days. Big Ben might not even finish their season. The Broncos are rebuilding and who knows what you will get from the Bengals and Cleveland.

All I'm saying is that Holmes made some interesting draft picks this year. If that team steps up this year they might have enough to be better than that 8-8 Bears team. IMO with a Goff behind a decent OL they might have the second-best QB in their division. Who knows how Rodgers is going to play. He's only beginning at this point in the year to considering playing again. If he doesn't the NFCN is wide open with Detroit having the best QB in the division.

Falcons, who knows how they will be playing at the end of the season. The same can be said about AZ. With the Cards it all depends upon Murray and Hopkins health. Without Murray who is beginning to show the wear on a running QB in the NFL and Kingsbury's questionable game management at the end of each season.

All I'm saying is that with a few players in Detroit stepping up their game and a bit of luck they could be #2 in the NFCN by the end of the season. Look how Goff carried this team on his back in 2019. He took a lot of the heat, but IMO a lot was not deserved. Yet the Rams finished with a winning record. I know Holmes saw that and it's why he took Goff and says he's not a bridge QB. Goff allows Holmes to use those 4 first-round picks to build a team around Jared. Team culture can make players play above their heads and Holmes was in LA long enough to see that as well. Two more solid drafts and Detroit will no longer be a doormat.

This is why I've always contended that the Stafford/Goff trade was a win-win for both teams. Stafford makes the Rams a legit Lombardi contender. Goff could give the Lions a chance in a couple of years being a force in the NFCN as they now have the second-best QB in the division behind a wavering Rodgers who probably will retire after they restructure his contract. This is Aaron's last money grab before he walks off into the sunset.

Minnesota is not rebuilding? Their offense is one of the best in the league and they have a defensive minded HC who has had success in the past and acquired several new defensive pieces.

Chicago is a toss up, but the Bears have more talent on defense obviously and have comparable talent on offense. Montgomery and Robinson are better than anything Detroit has.


I think @dieterbrock made the best case for them

 

[Tano]

Minnesota is not rebuilding? Their offense is one of the best in the league and they have a defensive minded HC who has had success in the past and acquired several new defensive pieces.

Chicago is a toss up, but the Bears have more talent on defense obviously and have comparable talent on offense. Montgomery and Robinson are better than anything Detroit has.


I think @dieterbrock made the best case for them

Minnesota had the worst defense last year. I do not see them getting any better. However, Detroit's defense wasn't much better and I do not see them getting any better yet either. Detroit does have an offensive line so I can see them having a very good year offensively as long as their no-name receivers can catch the ball. Big question mark there. Plus is Detroit going to have any running game.

I see Detroit going at best 6-11 this year but with a couple good drafts in the next few years capable of winning 10 or more games a season.