NFC Offensive Rankings

#1 Philadelphia Eagles

Going into the 2018 season, in my opinion, the Eagles have the best offense in the NFC. Coming off a strong 2017 campaign that ended in a Superbowl win, the Eagles go into the 2018 season with Carson Wentz (if injury has subsided) backed up by Nick Foles, who now is a Superbowl winning MVP. Let that sink in for a minute, Carson Wentz’s back-up is a Superbowl winning MVP. That has to be the strongest QB line-up in the NFL. Supporting whichever QB will start the season, is the Eagles number 1 running back (and fellow Brit) Jay Ajayi. After being traded mid-season to the Eagles from Miami, Ajayi showed up. With Blount now at the Lions, Ajayi was given the number 1 slot. Their depth there however is strong and the Eagles like last year, will no doubt run a “running back by committee” structure which worked well last year. Backing Ajayi up will be Corey Clement and Darren Sproles who put up numbers of their own last season even with limited play. Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor make up top end of their receiving corps along with Zach Ertz, who was a workhorse last year for the Eagles at tight end backed up by draft pick, Dallas Goedert. Their offensive line has some strong players in Jason Kelce at center, Wisniewski at LT and Lane Johnson at RT. Jordan Mailata was their last draft pick of 2018 and he has never played a down of football, however, he is BIG. It will be interesting to see if he is used, or how he is used going into 2018.

#2 New York Giants

Ok, so many of you reading this will be thinking, “what is this maniac doing putting the Giants at number 2”, but there is method to my madness. Hear me out. Last year was a NIGHTMARE, there is no hiding that fact. But, heading into 2018 the Giants offence is looking better than ever before. QB is veteran Eli Manning, last year Eli struggled, and became somewhat of a scapegoat for McAdoo, however Eli is still a 2x Superbowl winning MVP and the Giants face of the franchise. Last year the receiving corps dropped like flies. But, OBJ is back, Sterling Shepard is still an exciting WR and they have Evan Engram at tight end. All HUGE weapons for Eli. The Giants running game has been non-exsistant since Tiki Barber. But, that changes this year with the highest rated player in the 2018 NFL draft, Saquon Barkley. Barkley was a beast at Penn State and produced numbers rarely seen in college football. He also had an insane combine performance which if anything, only solidified his prominene amongst teams. He is backed up by vet, Jonathan Stewart who throughout his career has had some stunning seasons. Then we get to the offensive line. Last year, if they were on the field or not, it probably wouldn’t have had much impact. They were terrible. However, the Giants knew they needed to address the line, and that they did. They acquired Nate Solder in free agency from the Patriots who has been an outstanding player for many years and they also added the highly rated guard, Will Hernandez during the draft. Flowers is a good player at the wrong position and hopefully his move to right tackle this season helps his production as well as Elis right side.

#3 Los Angeles Rams

The Rams had one of the most successful comeback seasons in the NFL last year making it all the way to the playoffs under new HC, Sean McVay. I want to make sure McVay gets a mention in this offence piece because his play calling and calm attitude towards games, as well as his ability to inspire his young players has no doubt helped rejuvenate the Rams offence. Lets start with Goff, last year he had an outstanding season and led his team to the playoffs and to an NFC West division victory. Goff is still a young player and has so much potential, and we will see this going into 2018. Now lets talk about Todd Gurley and one of the main players on this offence that inspired me to put them third. Gurley was probably the most productive running back in the league last year, and was a stud for fantasy players all around the world racking up 40+ points in one game. Their receiving corps boasts players like Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee at tight end. They have a strong offensive line in LT Andrew Whitworth, Jamon Brown, Havenstein and future star and 2018 draft pick, Joseph Noteboom. The Rams are set to have another steller season, especially with their defence boasting the players it does (more to come on that).

#4 San Francisco 49ers

Last year, the 49ers were in a world of pain chasing that elusive win under new HC, Kyle Shanahan. However, that all changed when they acquired Jimmy G. Jimmy had been under Brady at the Patriots for a number of years. You can say what you want about Brady, but the fact of the matter is, he is the best QB in NFL history in terms of stats. Being able to learn from a guy like him has done wonders for Jimmy G. He came in and instantly improved the 49ers offence going 5-0 as a 49ers starter. Jimmy G is backed up by a strong receiving corps in Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin and Kittle and Celek at tight end. The 49ers running back room received an instant boost with the signing of McKinnon during free agency. McKinnon was with the Vikings before signing with the 49ers and was productive last season and provides Jimmy G with a weapon in the backfield for 2018. The offensive line has been invested in heavily during the offseason, and no doubt protecting their franchise QB was the catalyst for that. Staley and Tomlinson make up the left side of the line. Richburg was added as center during free agency from the Giants and provides a young versatile approach to the position for the 49ers. Josh Garnett and 2018 draft pick, Mike MicGlinchey, a highly rated RT out of Notre Dame make up the right side of the line.

#5 Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons offence is looking very special indeed going into 2018. With Superbowl 51 well and truly in the past, Matt Ryan looking strong and having access to an insane Wide Receiver line-up, 2018 is looking good. I won’t say too much on Matt Ryan because at the end of the day, everyone knows how good he is. That’s a given. But going into 2018, the Falcons have placed some incredible talent around him. Receiving corps, Julio Jones (no need for further comment here), Mohamed Sanu and 2018 1st round draft pick, Calvin Ridley. Jones is no doubt a hall of fame receiver and his partner in crime, Sanu have had an insane few years. Adding Ridley really opens up that long ball coming of the strong arm of Ryan. The backfield is set up by utilising Devonte Freeman and Tevin Coleman who have consistently produced. Tight end is covered by Austin Hooper and Logan Paulsen from the 49ers. The Falcons OL is strong with Jake Matthews and Andy Levitre covering the left, Alex Mack taking up center and Fusco and Schraeder covering the right. Another Superbowl run?

#6 Minnesota Vikings

Last year for the Vikings was a good year. Kennum has moved on, and in steps Kirk Cousins fresh from Washington. The Vikings have a strong running game with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray which is bolstered significantly by the Vikings receiving corps. Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Kendell Wright from the Bears provide Cousins with some strong weapons to accompany his backfield stars. Tight end is covered by Kyle Rudolph who produced last year for the Vikings with 8 touchdowns and backed-up by 5th round pick, Tyler Conklin. The Vikings have done some work on their major weakness, this offseason and that’s their offensive line. They added Tom Crompton from the Bears at LG as back-up for Nick Easton and Brian O’Neill in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft as a back-up LT for starter, Riley Reiff (and of course this may change depending on training camp outcomes). Starters include Riley Reiff LT, Nick Easton LG, Pat Elflein C, Mike Remmers RT and a number of other signings ensuring they have adequate cover for subsequent injuries, these include Josh Andrews, Dieugot Joseph and Cedrick Lang.

#7 Dallas Cowboys

Dallas are still chasing that elusive Superbowl, could 2018 see a push by the Cowboys, I think so. Dak Prescott heads into his 3rd year with the team and this year he has a point to prove. 2017 was a hard season for the Cowboys with Zekes suspension and some injuries to key players on the OL. Dez Bryant has officially left the building, the WR mantel is picked up by a mix of experienced guys and 2018 draft picks. Terrence Williams a 2013 3rd rounder with good production, Allen Hurns who was a valuable free agency signing by the Cowboys from Jacksonville and returning vet, Cole Beasley. That receiving corps was then bolstered further by adding some notable WR talent in the 2018 draft in Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson. Their running game is strong with Ezekiel Elliot going into 2018 without the distractions of pending suspensions and a point to prove, mostly too himself. He is backed up by talent like Rod Smith and Tavon Austin as well as 2018 draft pick, Bo Scarbrough. The tight end position for the Cowboys suffered a blow when Jason Witten announced his retirement from Football. The TE corps in Dallas is less than impressive, with Geoff Swaim the most experienced (and even that is being polite), but they have added 4th rounder, Dalton Schultz out of Kansas. The Cowboys line has always had talent, but last year it struggled when injuries struck. They made sure they addressed that early in the draft with their selection of Connor Williams, a Guard out of Texas. They have also added Cameron Fleming during free agency from New England which gives RT some added depth. Expect the OL to start with Tyron Smith at LT, Connor Williams at LG over Chaz Green, Travis Frederick returning as Center, Zack Martin at RG and La’el Collins at RT.

#8 New Orleans Saints

The Saints go into 2018 on the back of a great season in 2017. They reached a deal to keep their QB, Drew Brees for another two years, ensuring consistency on their offence. Brees has been a workhorse for the Saints and continues to put up numbers comparable to that of a younger starter. Going into 2018, he is surrounded by exceptional talent in both the running game and receiving game. Their receiving room boasts Michael Thomas, Cameron Meredith, Ted Gin and 3rd round 2018 pick Tre’Quan Smith. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram were the running back duo of 2017 with impressive numbers by both players. They complimented each other incredibly well and compensated for each other’s weaknesses. However, with a 4-game ban set for the beginning of the season for PED violations, the bulk of the workload will no doubt fall on the head of Kamara and Trey Edmunds. At the tight end position, the Saints have Ben Watson as their start and Josh Hill supporting after off-season surgery to his ring finger. The OL was relatively ok throughout 2017 and only a few additions have been made in the offseason with addition of Jermon Bushford as a back-up LT to Terron Armstead. Andrus Peat sustained a fibula injury during the playoffs in 2017, whilst his words are encouraging, its remained to be seen whether he will be ready for the start of the season. John Fullington is listed as his back-up. Max Unger returns as center, with 7th round draft pick, Will Clapp as back-up. Larry Warford and Ryan Ramczyk hold up the right.

#9 Detroit Lions

The Lions head into the 2018 season with a new HC in Patriots ex defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. Matthew Stafford comes off the back of a good season in 2017 with some improvements over the offseason which will surely help Stafford in a number of ways. The Lions had a very productive draft in 2018 and picked up some incredible talent. Running Backs, the Lions go into the season with their 2nd round pick, Kerryon Johnson as favourite for the starting position. But let’s look at the depth chart at running back in general, Kerryon, Theo Riddick, LaGarrette Blount, Ameer Abdullah and Dwayne Washington. That depth chart is strong and provides Patricia the freedom to utilise a running back by committee scheme. The Lions receiving corps consists off Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Kenny Golladay as starters. Luke Wilson starts as tight end with Michael Roberts as back-up. The Lions OL has been afforded some very talented weapons during the offseason. 1st round pick, Frank Ragnow is tipped to start as center with Tyrell Crosby backing up Taylor Decker at LT. Graham Glasgow, T.J. Lang and Rick Wagner make up the rest of the line providing that all important protection for Stafford.

#10 Green Bay Packers

Any offence is instantly better with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The reason however that I have put the Packers in 10th is the surrounding talent isn’t what you would expect to be surrounding a QB such as Rodgers. At Running Back the Packers have Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery heading up the top half of the depth chart. They put up ok numbers in 2017. The Packers knew that WR was a gap for them, especially with the release of Jordy Nelson. Currently topping the depth chart, they have Davante Adams, Randell Cobb and Geronimo Allison. However, during the 2018 draft, the Packers picked up 3 WR’s. J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. I watched some tape on these guys during the draft build up, and there is some real talent there. Playing time will be limited, and we most likely see some of these guys on ST, however, it’s clear the Packers are stocking up to provide as many options to Rodgers as possible. The Packers did sign Jimmy Graham in the offseason and he teams up with other tight ends, Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis. Their OL consists of David Bakhitari at LT, Lane Taylor completing the left side at G, Corey Linsley at Center and Justin McCray and Bryan Bulaga making up the right.

#11 Carolina Panthers

The Panthers struggled last season with certain elements of their offence. Cam Newton is a playmaker, that’s for sure. His ability to make plays with his feet are what make Cam, Cam. However, going into 2018 the Panthers hope they can allow Cam to make plays in the pocket, putting himself in less danger. Christian McCaffrey is listed as the number one running back going into 2018, with CJ Anderson (recently acquired from the Broncos) close behind. The Panthers have a solid receiving corps has some big names, Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith (acquired form the Eagles) and 1st round pick, DJ Moore. Its important that the Panthers have a receiving team that is capable of producing when trying to limit Cams movements out of the pocket. Cam has to feel he has pass catches he can rely on. The Panthers have a solid tight end room to, with Greg Olsen as the lead backed-up by Chris Manhertz and 4th round draft pick, Ian Thomas. Their OL has had some additions to it during the offseason which was a huge importance for two reasons, one, they lost Andrew Norwell and two, Cam needs to be safe in the pocket. The additions through free agency were Zach Banner and Jeremiah Sirles. Starting OL, at this point is likely to be Matt Kalil at LT, Amini Silatolu at LG, Ryan Kalil Center, Trai Turner and Daryl Williams making up the right.

#12 Washington Redskins

Alex Smith joins the Redskins for 2018 from the Chiefs. Smith has been a productive QB for a number of years in Kansas, however I am still not as sold on Smith as most, and it will probably come as a surprise to find the Redskins in number 12. This isn’t solely a knock-on Smith, but his supporting cast are not as established as they need to be, however there is room to grow. Derrius Guice, a rookie is there tipped number one running back going into 2018, Guice was a 2nd round pick for the Redskins in the 2018 draft and is expected to turn the Redskins non-existent run game into something that they can rely on. Their receiving corps looks slim compared to most teams, with Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson making up the top-rated talent on their depth chart. They spent a 7th round pick on WR Trey Quinn in 2018. Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis make up the Redskins tight end room. The Redskins added Geron Christian OT in the 2018 draft, which was a wise choice given that Morgan Moses doesn’t appear like he will be ready for training camp. LT is also a problem for the Redskins with Trent Williams and the uncertainty surrounding his knee surgery and his recovery from that. Starting OL I believe will be Ty Nsekhe at LT, Shawn Lauvao at LG, Chase Roullier at Center and Brendon Scherff & Geron Christian holding up the right.

#13 Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are lucky. If they didn’t have Russell Wilson, things would be much worse. He has the ability to extend plays further with his elusiveness and his feet. However, sooner or later that will become a recipe for disaster when injury strikes. The Seahawks had to major needs to address on offense this offseason. 1. Running back, they have addressed this by drafting 1st round pick Rashaad Penny. Penny was highly tipped coming out of college and going into the draft, and is listed as their number one running back on current depth charts in-front of 2017, 7th round pick Chris Carson. The Seahawks need to establish a running game going into 2018 to relieve some of the pressure on Wilson. The Seahawks took a hit during the offseason in their receiving room in loosing Paul Richardson to Washington. They acquired Jaron Brown in free agency to add to their depth. They have Doug Baldwin, Brandon Marshall, Tyler Lockett and Tanner McEvoy. The tight end position is held by Ed Dickson with Nick Vannett and 4th round pick, Will Dissly supporting. That other need they should have addressed in the offseason, the offensive line. Last year Wilson got beat up bad. This should have been their 1st priority going into the offseason. But it doesn’t seem like they have made any strides. They signed DJ Fluker who had been at the Giants (a line that was equally bad last year), and have Duane Brown at LT supported by 5th round pick, Jamarco Jones. Ethan Pocic moves to LG for the 2018 season after being drafted last year by the Seahawks and not contributing a great deal. They are hoping he has a breakout season. Justin Britt returns as center with newly acquired DJ Fluker taking up RG and RT Germain Ifedi entering what could be his last season with the Seahawks if he doesn’t improve significantly.

#14 Arizona Cardinals

There is one main reason I have the Cardinals in 14th, and that’s their QB situation. Two scenarios we could see play out. 1. Sam Bradford gets the starting job. But, is he ready? His injury prone career is cause for serious concern as far as I am concerned. Even if he does start, how productive is he going to be, first time back on the field for a bit, new scheme and new team? 2. We see Josh Rosen get the starting job. Now, this could go two ways, one he is fantastic and is one of those breakout rookies or two, the pressure I simply too much and he struggles. Either way, this QB uncertainty is one of the reasons I have put them in 14th. Receiving corps, Larry Fitzgerald, incredible receiver, but is coming to the end of his career, providing he doesn’t fall off too quickly, he will be productive for at least the 2018 season, and then I’m sure he will consider his options. 2nd Round pick, Christian Kirk joins the line-up for 2018 and is set for a good season providing he can match up to his college production. JJ Nelson and Brice Butler make up the other notable receivers going into 2018. Their top tight end positioned player is Ricky Seals-Jones. I think this position is one they will struggle with in 2018 and probably won’t be utilised greatly. The running back position is one that is still questionable. David Johnson is one of the most talented running backs in the league, however, coming off an injury ridden season, is 2018 going to be as smooth as the Cardinals need it to be? 4th round pick, Chase Edmonds will be there to step in should he need to. The line was certainly something that needed addressing and this was one of their biggest weaknesses last season, finishing 31st in the league in the run block. Left tackle is DJ Humphries, however after an MCL surgery, and still not much word on whether he will be ready for training camp, we have to consider his replacement, John Wetzel who seems to be ready to take the position from a fitness stand point, even after suffering a pectoral injury towards the front end of last season. He is inexperienced though, and we all know how important the LT spot is. Mike Iupati goes into 2018 as RG, however the Cardinals have made it clear that it is his make or break season. He has had his contract reduced by nearly $3 million, which doesn’t scream confidence. A.Q. Shipley starts at center, with 3rd round pick, Mason Cole as backup. Offseason pick up, Justin Pugh from the Giants starts at RG and Andre Smith starts at RT.

#15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa go into 2018 with some uncertainty at the QB position. At the time of writing this, Jameis Winston is battling a significant suspension from the league for violation of its personal conduct policy. Insiders have said that they believe the ban will go through, and that Winton could be suspended for much more than 4 games. The Bucs then have to decide what to do with him going forward, as this is not his first incident of this nature. What that does is leave the Bucs with two choices at QB. Ryan Fitzpatrick who started a few games last season for an injured Winston, and Ryan Griffin. Fitzpatrick is your proven veteran back-up but Griffin is being given the chance at camp to run 1st team reps. Griffin impressed last year in camp, but suffered an AC injury on his shoulder which limited his ability to produce in training camp. I think there is value going either way here, but it will be rocky regardless. Running backs take shape with 2nd round pick, Ronald Jones leading the way. Jones is supported by Barber and Sims. Tight end position sees OJ Howard return after his ankle injury at the end of the 2017 season. He was a 1st round pick in 2017 who should see his role grow in his 2nd year. WR positions are filled by Mike Evans who will surely lead that room, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries will also play important roles. The OL needs improvement, especially if last year is anything to go by. This year’s line up consists off Donovan Smith at LT and Ali Marpet in at LG with 3rd round draft pick, Alex Cappa as back up. Ryan Jenson will be the starting center after signing with the Bucs during the offseason from the Ravens. J.R Sweezy starts at RG in his second season in Tampa and Demar Dotson at RT, however there is some question with Dotson and whether he can be healthy after his torn meniscus late last season and subsequent surgery.

#16 Chicago Bears

The Bears go into the 2018 season with Trubisky under center. Trubisky played well after taking over from Glennon in week 5. He is effectively still rookie and has some things to learn. 2018 will be the season he needs to iron out any bad habits. He has Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen in the backfield who performed well last season. Howard has had word that he is the main guy going into 2018, but im sure the carries will be split as Cohen had a great season in 2017. Receiver corps is strong with Allen Robinson coming over from the Jags, Taylor Gabriel from Atlanta and 2018 draft pick, Anthony Miller. They managed to lure Trey Burton to Chicago straight from his Superbowl win with the Eagles. He is supported by Dion Sims. We see Charles Leno return at LT with Bradley Sowell backing him up and probably performing a swing position like last year. James Daniels takes up LG as the Bears 2nd pick in the 2018 draft after the Bears declined Josh Sitton’s option. Cody Whitehair returns as Center with Kyle Long at RG. There is some question over Long’s health, he is currently recovering from three separate surgeries during the offseason. The Bears and Long have said he will be good to go for Training Camp, and he has been active during OTA’s which all indicates the right steps are being made. Bobby Massie completes the right side in taking up RT. Its hard to get excited about the Bears. But maybe this season we see something from different from them.