Opinion: Monday Morning Huddle: Separating the Pretenders from the Powerhouses
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As training camps ignite, the divide between genuine contenders and locker rooms in crisis becomes clear through the lens of offensive firepower and quarterback stability.
In the NFL, hype is a currency that spends quickly. As CBS Sports first reported, the NFL is entering full training camp mode and the noise of draft projections fades, leaving us with the raw data of roster construction. To find the teams actually primed for a deep run, you have to look past the marketing and examine the structural integrity of the locker room—specifically the synergy of the offensive core and the stability of the quarterback room.
**The Blueprint for Contention**
When assessing who is truly dangerous, CBS Sports looks toward the "offensive triplets"—the combination of a quarterback, running back, and pass-catcher. According to a vote by six CBS Sports writers, the Cincinnati Bengals hold the top spot in the league with the trio of QB Joe Burrow, RB Chase Brown, and WR Ja'Marr Chase.
Other teams showing genuine contender signals include the Los Angeles Rams, featuring QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kyren Williams, and WR Puka Nacua, and the Detroit Lions, led by QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Baltimore Ravens also rank in the top five with QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, and WR Zay Flowers. Rounding out the elite tier are the Dallas Cowboys, boasting QB Dak Prescott, RB Javonte Williams, and WR CeeDee Lamb.
For the Rams, the offensive potency is matched by a defensive overhaul. CBS Sports reporting notes that Los Angeles has built what is arguably the league's best defensive front following a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett. With the addition of Jaylen Watson and a trade for Trent McDuffie to bolster the secondary, defensive coordinator Chris Shula has a high-ceiling unit to work with.
**The Pretender Warning Signs**
Conversely, the quickest way to identify a team pretending to be a contender is to examine the quarterback room. Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports identifies five of the worst QB situations in the league, noting that teams on this list can likely assume they will not win the Super Bowl.
At the bottom of the barrel are the Cleveland Browns. The room is anchored by Deshaun Watson, who is under a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract signed in 2022. CBS Sports reports that Watson holds the NFL's worst TD-INT ratio, yards per attempt, and completion percentage over the last five years. Furthermore, Watson has not played since October 2024 due to two Achilles tears. The Browns' room also includes Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green.
The New York Jets follow as the second-worst situation. While Geno Smith returns to his original draft team via trade, CBS Sports notes he struggled significantly last season. The Jets' depth is further questioned with the presence of Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook—who struggled as a starter last year—and fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik.
**The Adjustment Phase**
Between the elite and the struggling are the teams in transition. The Buffalo Bills are banking on new chemistry between Josh Allen and DJ Moore, who arrives as the clear No. 1 receiver. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders face a steep learning curve for Jayden Daniels. Under first-time offensive coordinator David Blough, the team is shifting from Kliff Kingsbury's shotgun-heavy approach to more under-center and play-action looks, with Terry McLaurin serving as the primary receiving option.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting a high-wire act. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the team has added Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard to help DK Metcalf. The roster changes include Rico Dowdle joining Jaylen Warren in the backfield and Troy Fautanu moving to left tackle. Whether Mike McCarthy can synchronize these pieces remains the central question for the Pittsburgh locker room.