4 Most Overrated NFL Teams Heading Into 2020
By Scott Rogust
The NFL has dominated the headlines even more so than usual in recent weeks, due to the other professional leagues shutting down operations until further notice. With free agency slowing down and the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, many pundits have pivoted to crafting predictions for the upcoming 2020 regular season. Elite teams are getting deserved playoff love, while others are being undeservedly praised, and thus inflating their egos heading into the upcoming campaign.
Here are four of the most overrated teams in the NFL this season.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are always guaranteed a spot on this list. Every. Single. Year. 2020 is no different. The team did retain Amari Cooper, but lost Byron Jones and Robert Quinn to free agency. The team opted to replace Jones with Anthony Brown and Quinn with troubled edge rusher Aldon Smith, who has been out of the NFL the past four years. Of course, Cowboys fans (and media pundits) are giving the team way too much love, and only inflating the ego of owner Jerry Jones. Even if they make the playoffs this season, an early exit is a virtual guarantee without their usual stout defense.
3. Cleveland Browns
For the second consecutive year, the Cleveland Browns secured the "Offseason Championship."That was the case when new general manager Andrew Berry signed top free agents in tight end Austin Hooper and right tackle Jack Conklin. Even so, we've seen this story last year. They acquired star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but it only got them six wins. We'd expect the Browns to disappoint yet again in 2020, especially when they're in the same division as the electric Baltimore Ravens and vastly-improving Cincinnati Bengals.
2. New England Patriots
Is it possible that people are giving Bill Belichick too much credit? The New England Patriots lost a plethora of talent this offseason, with the main pieces being quarterback Tom Brady, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, and defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Patriots fans believe the team can still compete for the AFC East title, where they notably point out how they won 11 games with Matt Cassel in 2008, yet they forget they still had the majority of their 16-0 squad from the year prior. With a lack of offensive weapons and uncertainty at the quarterback position, we wouldn't doubt if New England fails to make the playoffs next season. The AFC East belongs to the Buffalo Bills now.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
That's right, the Cowboys aren't the only NFC East team to be overrated. The Philadelphia Eagles are expected by many to win the weak division, despite a lack of quality options at wide receiver. Additionally, quarterback Carson Wentz has entered "overrated" territory due to fan (and media) hype, despite his inconsistent play last year and his inability to stay healthy for a full season. Even if the Eagles address wideout in the NFL Draft, we just don't see them overcoming the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, or New Orleans Saints in the NFC.
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