Overview

• Miami’s near-shutout loss to Indianapolis is labeled ugly but not proof the Dolphins are the league’s worst, though the piece flags real concerns.
• Kansas City’s opener raised questions about playmakers with Rashee Rice suspended six games and Xavier Worthy injured, yet the Mahomes–Reid track record keeps the Chiefs in contention.
• Green Bay is framed as a contender on defensive strength and the addition of Micah Parsons, with the argument that Jordan Love need not be elite.
• Within the NFC outlook, the Eagles are described as the safest pick to win the conference, and Detroit is said to have felt the departures of coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head-coaching jobs.
• The Steelers–Jets shootout is downplayed as predictive as Aaron Rodgers is deemed solid but no longer top-tier, and skepticism persists about Justin Fields and the Jets offense despite flashes.