The Miami Dolphins could go from worst to first in the AFC East, again

7th – AFC North – Cincinnati Bengals (2-14) – By virtue of finishing with the worst record in the league in 2019, Cincinnati won the right to draft LSU Quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow looks the part of a franchise-changing quarterback. He put up what was arguably the best season ever by a  college quarterback passing for 5671 yards with 60 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions while also rushing for 5 touchdowns. Burrow may well turn the Bengals around fairly quickly, but worst to first this year isn’t happening. Not only do the Bengals lack the roster to do so, but they would also have to see the Raven, Steelers, and Browns all have below-average seasons. Having one of them do so isn’t unrealistic, having all three is highly unlikely.

6th – NFC East – Washington Redskins (3-13) – Washington has a quarterback problem. Last year’s first-round pick Dwayne Haskins did not have a great showing when given the chance. Because of that Washington brought in, via trade from Carolina, third-year quarterback Kyle Allen. They also went out and signed an undrafted rookie free agent in Steven Montez, a quarterback from Colorado. Washington will struggle to score points although their defense will keep them in games against other offensively challenged teams. The addition of second overall pick Chase Young will provide an elite pass-rushing talent to a defense that finished 10th in the league in sacks last season. Washington would also have to have better seasons than the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants which I don’t see happening. At best Washington is playing for 3rd place but given their quarterback issues and the rest of the division, the cellar is more likely.

5th – NFC South – Carolina Panthers (5-11) – If Teddy Bridgewater can become the answer to the Panthers quarterback problem then they have a shot to be much improved. Carolina parted ways with a long time signal-caller Cam Newton in favor of Bridgewater. Bridgewater played well when asked to fill in for Drew Brees in New Orleans, but can he take the reins of his own team each and every week? Carolina had a really good draft on the defensive side of the ball. They brought in Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown who many had in the conversation as the best football player in last year’s draft. They also drafted a very good pass rusher in Penn State’s defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos as well as help in the secondary in Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn. We already know what Christian McCaffrey can do on the offensive side of the ball so on paper, the Panthers should be better than their 5-11 record from last year. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the NFC South added Tom Brady to it’s cast of quarterbacks that already contain Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. Worst to first seems like a long shot here.