Don't sell the AFC short. There are allot of good teams that about to blossom in the AFC. And as bad as the Browns have sucked the last 10 years, this team is stacked as well on both sides the ball less the QB position which is the least reliable at the moment. Their defense should be staggering good and if Gordon stays on the field, they will have one of the best receiver 1 & 2's in the game with a TE that could be Gonzalez'esk.
Denver (I'm a homer so take it for what it's worth) has a fairly easy schedule this year and with Mack out of the AFC West, I honestly think they could take the division, depending out LA does. If Ray can stay healthy, Denver will have one of the scariest defenses in the NFL. Granted, Sue getting put on IR hurts us, but having Chubb, Miller, Ray and Wolf consistently pinning their ears back every down will be serious stress on any offense, especially near the back end of games where the offense gets worn down.
Now with Gruden... I love the mans passion. He has the passion I wish Vance Joseph had... However, his player moves consistently makes me scratch my head. A 3rd for Bryant and then let him go?? Granted, Bryant was looking at another suspension, but I think I would have taken that into account well before offering up a 3rd. Win for the Steelers. But what Gruden has done successfully, is get his players to play for him. He has a pretty stacked offense but that defense would have been spectacular with Mack.
Speaking of the Steelers, even with the Bell drama, this team is insanely stacked. TJ Watt should have an all pro year this year and with JuJu getting another year under his belt, this will open up lanes for Brown big time. I think Conner could have a great year if Bell decides to hold out; at which would make NO sense....
The Jaguars... No love for them from anyone but they have some wicked talent on this team. Fournette should get top 5 RB numbers and I honestly think the FA acquisition of Moncrief will pay major dividends. Losing Lee hurt, but not that bad as I honestly think Cole has better talent and then there is Westbrook and Chark that will be excellent compliments to the passing game. Their defense is no slouch either. They moved Myles Jack back to his native position of middle LB where he is a beast and they have one of the best corners in the game.
Others that should have vastly improved teams this year will be Houston with a healthy Deshaun Watson and a healthy JJ Watt (we'll need to see how long that is this year)
The Cults will have a Healthy Luck with a VASTLY improved O-line this year. Their weakness will be their running game but with Luck, their short passing game could be their running game alternative. They also drafted the beast out of SC state in Darius Leonard.
There are a couple other teams I could add to the list of surprise teams this year that are young and up coming teams but this is becoming a rant... Sorry.
ETA: I left the Patriots out intentionally... First, because no need to put them in.. Second... It's a hate thang!