Protocols are continuing to be put in place, as the NFL draws ever nearer to a return. They have issued guidelines for players to follow in order to return successfully and with limited risk. All sides were also expected to pass the guidelines set out in order to allow their players to return. These included how the equipment is cleaned, to the food service and personal protective equipment supplied. It all results in a thorough plan for a successful return, with many other sports already returning with no issues to date.
Many fans and connections of sides are already looking ahead to next season with the Houston Texans set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the return in the early period of September. Punters have already been looking on how to bet on the market, with the money line all about the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the heavy favourites at this early stage. This could become even shorter based on how successful they are in the roster, with the rankings having been recently released. So which sides make the top five for the roster rankings with the season drawing ever nearer?
- Baltimore Ravens
In at number one are the Baltimore Ravens, who return with an away match against the Cleveland Browns and will start as the strong favourites. They were rated the most efficient offensive line in 2019, with a higher running ball rate than any other side in the league. The Ravens have also already pick up Calais Campbell, so are set to be a major threat this upcoming campaign. Despite the positives with the offense, the interior offensive line still stands as one of their biggest weaknesses and is likely to be something they look to improve on.
- New Orleans Saints
Number two in the list is the New Orleans Saints, who will return with an away match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will also start as the short priced favourites. The key behind the success for the side in recent years has been the partnership of Drew Breeds and Michael Thomas, with the pair set for another successful campaign next season. Emmanuel Sanders has also now joined the side from the 49ers, so the Saints are expected to be one of the leading sides in the coming season. Looking at negatives and this could come from Andrus Peat, who has performed below expectations, despite his bumper contract.
- San Francisco 49ers
Third in the list are the San Francisco 49ers, who will return as the overwhelming favourites to beat the Arizona Cardinals. The side have lost Deforest Buckner this offseason, but have picked up Javon Kinlaw in the process and this could prove to be a successful move for the five time Super Bowl championship winners. Trent Williams has also joined the 49ers heading into the season and the left tackle will be expected to play a major role for the side moving forward. The 49ers will again be expected to be one of the leading sides in the NFL.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs enter next season as the defending Super Bowl championship winners, following their 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the final. As mentioned previously, they will return as the strong favourites to beat the Arizona Cardinals on the opening match of next season. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will again be expected to have an impressive season and is many people’s ideas as the best quarterback in the league. This is backed up in the fact he finished with more big time throws than any other player last season. That is why they again start as one of the favourites for the Super bowl. Willie Gay Jr has also now joined the Chiefs and is expected to make a positive impact.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The final side to make the top five are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As mentioned previously, they return with a tough task against the New Orleans Saints and will start as the underdogs. Chris Godwin was one of the leading players for the side last season at wide receiver, with Mike Evans also having a great season. Both will be expected to again play a major role for the side. The big news is the signing of quarterback Tom Brady and could he yet be the one that leads them to their second Super bowl title, with their last and only title coming back in 2002.