The NFL is back!
The actual football games, that is. Between "Deflategate," Jason Pierre-Paul's July 4 fireworks fiasco, and Robert Griffin III's unhappy marriage to the Washington Redskins, the NFL never quite went away this summer, but at least now we've got some real games to go with all the controversies, suspensions, and court cases.
Although a lot of big-name players and coaches found jobs in new cities over the summer, once again it's the same top dogs from past seasons that are our favorites heading into the regular season.
Take a look at where each team stands going into Week 1.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Week 1 opponent: at St. Louis Rams
What's good: The Seahawks re-signed Russell Wilson and picked up TE Jimmy Graham in the off-season. The Hawks look primed for another deep run.
What's bad: There's still no end in sight to all-world safety Kam Chancellor's holdout. Neither side is budging, and it's looking now like Chancellor will miss the regular season, if the Seahawks don't trade him first.
2. New England Patriots
Week 1 opponent: at Pittsburgh Steelers
What's good: Tom Brady's four-game suspension was overturned, giving the entire Patriots offense a huge boost and improving their outlook for the first month of the season.
What's bad: The defense remains a concern, particularly in the secondary where they lost Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Week 1 opponent: at Buffalo Bills
What's good: The Colts' two biggest offensive additions, Frank Gore and Andre Johnson, rave about Andrew Luck and seem to have already built a strong rapport with him.
What's bad: While improved, there are still lingering questions about whether the Colts offensive line can give Luck enough protection.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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