(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Training camp is just underway and we’re all running out of time to fire off hot takes ahead of the season, so make sure to get your top-5 lists out before it’s too late.
One analyst recently named her top five “pretenders” heading into the season and doesn’t think these teams have legitimate shots of competing despite the amount of buzz they have generated so far.
ESPN Radio’s Michelle Smallmon listed her top five pretenders as the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys.
https://t.co/idDp74a3kI pic.twitter.com/5z0HHNtsVr
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) July 26, 2024
Chances are if you asked most fans to complete a similar list, they’d likely choose a few of these teams as well.
The Browns are banking heavily on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is finally returning to form after his lengthy suspension and multiple injuries that have had him look like a shell of himself ever since the Browns gave him $230 million guaranteed.
The Dolphins are at the point where it’s time to start winning games against good teams and winning playoff games or fans will start not taking them seriously, while the Steelers and Cowboys both have questionable quarterback situations at the moment for very different reasons.
The Bears have a newfound excitement given the offensive overhaul they have undergone this offseason led by No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, who will be tasked with turning around one of the league’s most inept passing attacks.
It’s a solid top-5 list, as it’s not hard to envision any of these teams failing to live up to the lofty expectations they all have.
The post Analyst Names Top-5 NFL ‘Pretenders’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.