The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans open the 101st NFL season on Friday night. Not only the ongoing corona pandemic has turned the American football league on its head. A lot also happened in the offseason for the 32 teams. Before the season kicks off, sport.de answers the five most important questions about the NFL.
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Who are the Super Bowl favorites?
The Kansas City Chiefs are still among the hottest favorites this season. Especially since the defending champion was able to keep all of his key performers.
Thanks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs Offense should be one of the best in the NFL this season. In addition, the defense made a big step forward in the past season and only allowed the opponent an average of 20.2 points. Only nine teams were better here.
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These included the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the sacking of Free Safety Earl Thomas, head coach John Harbaugh’s team continues to have a top-class defense. This is not the only reason why the Ravens are among the title contenders. Because with the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the best running game in the league, the two-time champion is also extremely dangerous.
The New Orleans Saints also want to get back to the top after the bitter playoff bankruptcies of the recent past. The team around quarterback legend Drew Brees is broadly positioned in both offense and defense.
In addition, with Michael Thomas, the Saints have perhaps the best receiver in the entire NFL. The coming season may be Brees’ last chance for a second ring.
The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are also among the favorites. In addition, thanks to their strong offense, the Dallas Cowboys can dream of a big hit again.
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What’s up with Brady with the Buccaneers?
Hope has also returned in Tampa Bay. Finally, none other than Tom Brady moved to the Sunshine State in the offseason. Now the fans in Florida are hoping for the first playoff entry in twelve years or even for the second championship in franchise history.
However, there are many question marks around the Buccaneers. It is eagerly anticipated how strong Brady will come back after his mixed preseason. In Tampa Bay, however, the 43-year-old has much better weapons at his disposal than with the New England Patriots.
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were the best receiver duo in the NFL last year with 2490 yards. In addition, tight end Rob Gronkowski followed his old and new quarterback to Tampa Bay.
With Leonard Fournette they also signed a strong running back. If the newly formed offense works quickly, the playoffs are more than realistic for Brady and Co.
For this, however, the defense must also increase, because last year Tampa Bay received the fourth most points on average (28.1). Brady predecessor Jameis Winston was instrumental in this statistic with 30 interceptions.
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Who are the German NFL professionals?
With Mark Nzeocha (San Francisco 49ers), Equanimeous St. Brown (Green Bay Packers) and Jakob Johnson (New England Patriots), three Germans have made it into the 53 squad of their respective team.
While veteran Nzeocha will primarily be used in the special teams, St. Brown is hoping for his breakthrough as a receiver. Johnson is the only fullback in the New England Patriots squad.
Defensive lineman David Bada didn’t make the cut, but at least belongs to the Washington Football Team’s practice squad. The same goes for kicker Dominik Eberle in the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Will there be protests against racism?
Yes. Because of the recent police violence against blacks scandals, NFL players and clubs will position themselves clearly. As has happened before in the NBA, the MLB, the MLS, and in a slightly weaker form in the NHL.
The kneeling on the US anthem could become the standard. The messages “End Racism” and “It Takes All of Us” (we are all challenged) are painted in the end zones.
In addition, the former Washington Redskins have changed their name after long debates on racism. The club will temporarily appear as the Washington Football Team.
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How does Corona affect the NFL season?
No spectators are allowed in 26 of 32 stadiums for the time being. A limited number in the remaining six. The league has recommended that the professionals on the sidelines wear face masks. This is not mandatory unless local authorities make it mandatory. Currently, this is only the case for home games for the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers.
It also tests every 24 hours, except on match days. The number of positive samples so far was only 0.1 percent. However, there were no preparatory games this year due to the pandemic.
There is no “bubble”, the games take place as usual in all stages. If the teams go traveling, there should be an increase.
Jannik Kube with SID
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