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Across The Field
Oaky Afterbirth
From the 4-letter network, that I shall not link.
1. Los Angeles Rams
2018 record: 13-3
Reason for optimism: The Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2001 season. In two seasons as coach, Sean McVay has proved himself as not only an offensive mastermind but as a leader of an organization. The Rams have secured the futures of their key playmakers, including Todd Gurleyand Brandin Cooks, as well as Aaron Donald; and Jared Goff has steadily progressed as a quarterback and a leader. -- Lindsey Thiry
2. Kansas City Chiefs
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have a quarterback who can help keep them near the top of the division standings and the conference for the foreseeable future. -- Adam Teicher
3. New Orleans Saints
2018 record: 13-3
Reason for optimism: The Saints will still have the same star-studded nucleus in 2019 that soared to a 13-2 start and earned the NFC's No. 1 seed. Although Drew Brees faded a bit down the stretch, he is still playing well enough to lead a championship team at age 40. And he is still flanked by guys such as Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimoreand an offensive line that had all five players who were either Pro Bowlers or second-team All-Pro selections. After 2019, this team will be much harder to afford. But for now, it's poised to make another serious run. -- Mike Triplett
4. New England Patriots
2018 record: 11-5
Reason for optimism: Tom Brady. Set to turn 42 in August, he is showing no signs of slowing down and seems to be in as good of a place mentally and physically as he has been in some time. While identifying his potential successor remains a top priority, the bottom line is this: With Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have the two key pieces to build around to remain a Super Bowl contender. -- Mike Reiss
5. Los Angeles Chargers
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Coach Anthony Lynn. The Chargers are 21-11 in the regular season during Lynn's tenure, and they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2013 last season, winning a game in the wild-card round. Lynn has brought a steadying hand and has empowered other players to lead, resulting in the Chargers emerging as Super Bowl contenders in 2019. -- Eric D. Williams
6. Chicago Bears
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Further development of Mitchell Trubisky. He made giant strides in his second season, completing 66.6 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and a 72.8 QBR (up from 31.8 as a rookie). And he proved that the playoff stage is not too big for him, setting Bears playoff records with 303 yards passing and 26 completions in a loss to the Eagles. Another offseason working in coach Matt Nagy's system and with some new weapons added through the draft and free agency should only help Trubisky take another big step in 2019. -- ESPN.com
7. Indianapolis Colts
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Continuity. This is the first time since the 2013 season that the only thing the Colts have to worry about is continuing to improve. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich are still joined at the hip. The entire starting offensive line is under contract. Quarterback Andrew Luck should build off his stellar season after missing the 2017 season. And the Colts have $120 million in projected salary-cap space to work with to build off arguably the NFL's best draft class in 2018. -- Mike Wells
8. Seattle Seahawks
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Russell Wilson. The Seahawks' winning 10 games and earning a playoff berth last season was a reminder that a team with an elite quarterback should never be counted out, no matter how many key pieces around him are gone. While Wilson's contract situation figures to present some drama as he enters the final year of his extension, he isn't going anywhere anytime soon, barring an unlikely blockbuster trade. And whereas last offseason was about significant subtractions from the Seahawks' roster, they're in better position this year to keep some of the core players around Wilson. -- Brady Henderson
9. Houston Texans
2018 record: 11-5
Reason for optimism: The Deshaun Watson-DeAndre Hopkins connection. Hopkins posted career highs in receptions (115) and yards (1,572) in his first full season with Watson as his quarterback. Together, they form one of the NFL's top QB-WR tandems. Watson's ability to extend plays and Hopkins' ability to make contested catches are a perfect match. No matter what the down and distance are, the Texans have a legitimate chance to get the first down thanks to their dynamic playmakers. -- Turron Davenport
10. Baltimore Ravens
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Development of Lamar Jackson as a passer. Jackson led the Ravens to their first AFC North title in six years on the strength of his legs. The priority this offseason is to improve him as a passer. Jackson will throw the ball "a lot" and will get together with his wide receivers for a private passing session, according to coach John Harbaugh. There's a possibility that Jackson will work with a quarterback coach. If Jackson can take the next step as a passer, Baltimore will be a much more dangerous team in 2019. -- Jamison Hensley
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 record: 9-6-1
Reason for optimism: Better kicking and a more opportunistic defense. The Steelers can't possibly expect to be among the league's five worst in kicking and turnover margin in 2019. Last year's team ranked 31st in kicking with seven missed field goals and 28th in turnover margin at minus-11. The defensive front seven led by Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt knows it needs more splash. And even an average kicking game -- either with Chris Boswell or a free agent -- will help secure the close games that the Steelers found ways to lose late in the season. -- Jeremy Fowler
12. Philadelphia Eagles
2018 record: 9-7
Reason for optimism: The Super Bowl hangover was real for the Eagles early in 2018. The long run over the season prior took its toll physically and mentally and factored into their 4-6 start, which prevented them from securing any home games in the playoffs. They should be quicker out of the gates this time around. QB Carson Wentz will help with that. He'll look more like his old self with the ACL injury now well in the rearview mirror. -- Tim McManus
13. Dallas Cowboys
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: The Cowboys had the youngest team to make the playoffs, and they have cap room to keep their core and add pieces in free agency. It's difficult to say "trust the process" when the Cowboys have not made it to a conference title game since 1995, but the pieces are in place -- including Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, DeMarcus Lawrence, Byron Jones, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith -- to have sustained success. They also will have Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick back after he missed the 2018 season. Selling a ninth full season of the Jason Garrett era is difficult with just three playoff wins, but the Cowboys have a talented roster ready to contend. -- Todd Archer
14. Minnesota Vikings
2018 record: 8-7-1
Reason for optimism: If history is any indicator of a trend, 2019 should be the bounce-back year the Vikings need. Mike Zimmer's teams haven't been able to string together consecutive playoff seasons since he took over in 2014, but the Vikings made the postseason in 2015 after missing it the year before and again in 2017 after a disastrous end to the 2016 season. Living by an "every other year" standard isn't what any franchise wants, but the Vikings have everything they need to regain that "nasty" edge and turn the page after a disappointing season. -- Courtney Cronin
15. Cleveland Browns
2018 record: 7-8-1
Reason for optimism: Baker Mayfield. He set a rookie record for touchdown passes, and his debut campaign is a sign of good things to come. The Browns appear to have finally found their quarterback. -- Pat McManamon
16. Green Bay Packers
2018 record: 6-9-1
Reason for optimism: The coaching change. If things had indeed run their course with Mike McCarthy, as team president Mark Murphy has said, then perhaps Matt LaFleur will inject some life into the Packers' offense, which has finished in the top 10 only once in the past four seasons. How LaFleur and QB Aaron Rodgers connect will be key. However, recent Packers history suggests it will take a year for it to flourish. None of the previous four Packers head coaches made the playoffs in Year 1. -- Rob Demovsky
1. Los Angeles Rams
2018 record: 13-3
Reason for optimism: The Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2001 season. In two seasons as coach, Sean McVay has proved himself as not only an offensive mastermind but as a leader of an organization. The Rams have secured the futures of their key playmakers, including Todd Gurleyand Brandin Cooks, as well as Aaron Donald; and Jared Goff has steadily progressed as a quarterback and a leader. -- Lindsey Thiry
2. Kansas City Chiefs
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have a quarterback who can help keep them near the top of the division standings and the conference for the foreseeable future. -- Adam Teicher
3. New Orleans Saints
2018 record: 13-3
Reason for optimism: The Saints will still have the same star-studded nucleus in 2019 that soared to a 13-2 start and earned the NFC's No. 1 seed. Although Drew Brees faded a bit down the stretch, he is still playing well enough to lead a championship team at age 40. And he is still flanked by guys such as Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimoreand an offensive line that had all five players who were either Pro Bowlers or second-team All-Pro selections. After 2019, this team will be much harder to afford. But for now, it's poised to make another serious run. -- Mike Triplett
4. New England Patriots
2018 record: 11-5
Reason for optimism: Tom Brady. Set to turn 42 in August, he is showing no signs of slowing down and seems to be in as good of a place mentally and physically as he has been in some time. While identifying his potential successor remains a top priority, the bottom line is this: With Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have the two key pieces to build around to remain a Super Bowl contender. -- Mike Reiss
5. Los Angeles Chargers
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Coach Anthony Lynn. The Chargers are 21-11 in the regular season during Lynn's tenure, and they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2013 last season, winning a game in the wild-card round. Lynn has brought a steadying hand and has empowered other players to lead, resulting in the Chargers emerging as Super Bowl contenders in 2019. -- Eric D. Williams
6. Chicago Bears
2018 record: 12-4
Reason for optimism: Further development of Mitchell Trubisky. He made giant strides in his second season, completing 66.6 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and a 72.8 QBR (up from 31.8 as a rookie). And he proved that the playoff stage is not too big for him, setting Bears playoff records with 303 yards passing and 26 completions in a loss to the Eagles. Another offseason working in coach Matt Nagy's system and with some new weapons added through the draft and free agency should only help Trubisky take another big step in 2019. -- ESPN.com
7. Indianapolis Colts
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Continuity. This is the first time since the 2013 season that the only thing the Colts have to worry about is continuing to improve. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich are still joined at the hip. The entire starting offensive line is under contract. Quarterback Andrew Luck should build off his stellar season after missing the 2017 season. And the Colts have $120 million in projected salary-cap space to work with to build off arguably the NFL's best draft class in 2018. -- Mike Wells
8. Seattle Seahawks
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Russell Wilson. The Seahawks' winning 10 games and earning a playoff berth last season was a reminder that a team with an elite quarterback should never be counted out, no matter how many key pieces around him are gone. While Wilson's contract situation figures to present some drama as he enters the final year of his extension, he isn't going anywhere anytime soon, barring an unlikely blockbuster trade. And whereas last offseason was about significant subtractions from the Seahawks' roster, they're in better position this year to keep some of the core players around Wilson. -- Brady Henderson
9. Houston Texans
2018 record: 11-5
Reason for optimism: The Deshaun Watson-DeAndre Hopkins connection. Hopkins posted career highs in receptions (115) and yards (1,572) in his first full season with Watson as his quarterback. Together, they form one of the NFL's top QB-WR tandems. Watson's ability to extend plays and Hopkins' ability to make contested catches are a perfect match. No matter what the down and distance are, the Texans have a legitimate chance to get the first down thanks to their dynamic playmakers. -- Turron Davenport
10. Baltimore Ravens
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: Development of Lamar Jackson as a passer. Jackson led the Ravens to their first AFC North title in six years on the strength of his legs. The priority this offseason is to improve him as a passer. Jackson will throw the ball "a lot" and will get together with his wide receivers for a private passing session, according to coach John Harbaugh. There's a possibility that Jackson will work with a quarterback coach. If Jackson can take the next step as a passer, Baltimore will be a much more dangerous team in 2019. -- Jamison Hensley
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
2018 record: 9-6-1
Reason for optimism: Better kicking and a more opportunistic defense. The Steelers can't possibly expect to be among the league's five worst in kicking and turnover margin in 2019. Last year's team ranked 31st in kicking with seven missed field goals and 28th in turnover margin at minus-11. The defensive front seven led by Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt knows it needs more splash. And even an average kicking game -- either with Chris Boswell or a free agent -- will help secure the close games that the Steelers found ways to lose late in the season. -- Jeremy Fowler
12. Philadelphia Eagles
2018 record: 9-7
Reason for optimism: The Super Bowl hangover was real for the Eagles early in 2018. The long run over the season prior took its toll physically and mentally and factored into their 4-6 start, which prevented them from securing any home games in the playoffs. They should be quicker out of the gates this time around. QB Carson Wentz will help with that. He'll look more like his old self with the ACL injury now well in the rearview mirror. -- Tim McManus
13. Dallas Cowboys
2018 record: 10-6
Reason for optimism: The Cowboys had the youngest team to make the playoffs, and they have cap room to keep their core and add pieces in free agency. It's difficult to say "trust the process" when the Cowboys have not made it to a conference title game since 1995, but the pieces are in place -- including Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, DeMarcus Lawrence, Byron Jones, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith -- to have sustained success. They also will have Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick back after he missed the 2018 season. Selling a ninth full season of the Jason Garrett era is difficult with just three playoff wins, but the Cowboys have a talented roster ready to contend. -- Todd Archer
14. Minnesota Vikings
2018 record: 8-7-1
Reason for optimism: If history is any indicator of a trend, 2019 should be the bounce-back year the Vikings need. Mike Zimmer's teams haven't been able to string together consecutive playoff seasons since he took over in 2014, but the Vikings made the postseason in 2015 after missing it the year before and again in 2017 after a disastrous end to the 2016 season. Living by an "every other year" standard isn't what any franchise wants, but the Vikings have everything they need to regain that "nasty" edge and turn the page after a disappointing season. -- Courtney Cronin
15. Cleveland Browns
2018 record: 7-8-1
Reason for optimism: Baker Mayfield. He set a rookie record for touchdown passes, and his debut campaign is a sign of good things to come. The Browns appear to have finally found their quarterback. -- Pat McManamon
16. Green Bay Packers
2018 record: 6-9-1
Reason for optimism: The coaching change. If things had indeed run their course with Mike McCarthy, as team president Mark Murphy has said, then perhaps Matt LaFleur will inject some life into the Packers' offense, which has finished in the top 10 only once in the past four seasons. How LaFleur and QB Aaron Rodgers connect will be key. However, recent Packers history suggests it will take a year for it to flourish. None of the previous four Packers head coaches made the playoffs in Year 1. -- Rob Demovsky