Expectations for the NFL 2017/18

The 2016/17 season of the NFL, which got underway in September of 2016, saw the Atlanta Falcons emerge as the champions of the NFC and the New England Patriots claim the AFC title. The latter went on to reinforce their status as one of the most successful sides in the recent history of the competition by defeating the Falcons 34-28 in an exciting Super Bowl. As we await the start of the new NFL season, fans are beginning to speculate about what it will bring, and this article will examine expectations for the new season.

It is a little easier to do so now, although the start of the season is still some months away, simply because the Draft has now been and gone for another year. The task for every side in the NFL is to try to strengthen enough to present a serious challenge to the Patriots, although two of that side’s stars – Bill Belichick and Tom Brady – must start slowing down soon. Both will still be on the roster of the Patriots for the new season however, and the team looks to have made pretty good use of the draft to improve its roster further. The Patriots brought in safeties Damarius Travis and David Jones, linebacker Harvey Langi and defensive tackles Josh Augusta and Adam Butler. They also added depth offensively by picking up Max Rich and Cole Croston, so expectations are high among New England fans that it will be another strong season for them, with ESPN already putting them on top of its power rankings. The side that lost out to them in last season’s Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons, have been rated second on the ESPN list following the draft, suggesting many pundits think the same sides will dominate again. Among its draft picks were linebacker Duke Riley, who will bring speed and tackling quality to the defence, and safety Damontae Kazee – with the latter particularly exciting Falcons fans. His abilities as physical hitter and playmaker in the secondary are felt to be a real improvement of the squad in that area.

There seems little doubt that both of these sides will be contesting the latter stages of the season again, but another team that many are expecting to produce big things in 2017/18 is the Green Bay Packers. Most of their draft selections were defensive, but they also brought in tight end Martellus Bennett. This is a big signing as he proved a key player for the Patriots last year, despite struggling with injury, catching five passes on six targets during the Super Bowl game alone – and also being crucial to the winning points. If he can avoid a recurrence of the ankle and shoulder problems of last year then he should have the Packers in serious contention. Of course, some NFL fans like to bet on the games as well as watching them, but while you wait for the season to start, an NFL themed online casino game like $5 Million Touchdown will be a solid alternative.

Win the $5 million jackpot from $5 Million Touchdown, and pick the NFL winner, and you could probably buy your favourite team.