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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) warms up prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) warms up prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

2016 Record: 9-7, Third Place in the AFC West

2017 revealed defensive Super Bowl-winning teams rarely stay dominant longer than a season or two.

One year removed from their victory in Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos fell to an average 9-7 record in a tough AFC West division that only figures to be better this year.

True, Denver didn’t have much by the way of quarterback play or in the running game. And the defense, both up front and in the secondary, was the prime reason why the Broncos managed to stay above .500 last season.

One of the biggest offseason needs was to find an upgrade over now-gone offensive tackle Russell Okung. General manager John Elway did this by adding former Utah OT Garett Bolles at No. 20 overall.

It’s a smart investment, especially considering this might be the year in which last year’s first-round pickup, quarterback Paxton Lynch, sees regular snaps under center.

Strengths

The defense. Enough said.

Any team boasting an EDGE like Von Miller will stay relevant and dominant, potentially. But there’s excellent playmaking ability within the secondary as well, especially considering defensive backs Aqib Talib and Chris Harris.

Adding rookie defensive end DeMarcus Walker was also a nice move in Round 2 of the draft.

Weaknesses

The Broncos sorely missed running back C.J. Anderson, who was limited to just seven games last year. With question marks at quarterback, the ground game will be vital to ensure Denver’s defense isn’t the only noteworthy element keeping them in contention within the AFC West.

Incumbent starter Trevor Siemian isn’t the long-term answer. And Lynch will be going through his growing pains at some point soon.

Better get them out of the way while the Broncos’ current window is still open.

X-Factors

Adding free-agent running back Jamal Charles takes some of the pressure off Anderson to stay healthy and contribute in 2017. But Charles is 30 years old, and one can only wonder how long his body will stand up to regular reps.

It won’t be easy within the division. Outside of the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos won’t have an easy road to reclaim dominance within the AFC West.