Five NFL teams that could be most impacted by free agency

The NFL’s 2020 free agency period is just around the corner, and a ton of big-time players will be hitting the market. Tom Brady is debating leaving New England Patriots, Philip Rivers has split with the Los Angles Chargers, and Derrick Henry is chasing a major deal after leading the league in rushing last season. We’ve identified five teams with a chance to exceed their projected win totals on DraftKings Sportsbook with solid free agency pickups here:

Buffalo Bills (Projected win total: 8.5)

The Bills are projected to be among the league leaders in salary cap and exceeded expectations last season. They shocked a lot of people by going 10-6 last season and could overtake the Patriots in the AFC East if they Brady were to depart. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins shouldn’t be a threat anytime soon, so a favorable offseason could help Buffalo win the Division. Josh Allen, Devin Singletary, John Brown, and Cole Beasley are all back. The Bills will also need to maintain their sturdy defense.

Green Bay Packers (Projected win total: 9.5)

The Packers won the NFC North with a 13-3 record, but are expected to decline in Matt LaFleur’s second year running the show. Green Bay’s problem was its lack of depth at receiver. Davante Adams had a strong year, and Adam Jones was a versatile running back that provided support on the ground and through the air. However, it became relevant throughout the season that Adams needed a co-star out wide, or at least a reliable tight end. A speedster like Robby Anderson or promising tight end like Hunter Henry could boost Green Bay’s ceiling.

Tennessee Titans (Projected win total: 8.5)

The Titans were one game away from the Super Bowl last season, and their two most impactful players are free agents. Ryan Tannehill turned the team around when he won the starting quarterback job from Marcus Mariota early in the year and led the league in passer rating. Derrick Henry led the league in rushing yards (1,540) and scored 18 touchdowns. His consistent ground attack helped Tennessee surge past the Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. Retaining both should be enough to get the Titans above .500, but some talent out wide is needed as well.

Indianapolis Colts (Projected win total: 8)

The Colts finished 7-9 after Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired, but Jacoby Brissett filled in nicely. However, Indianapolis is looking to upgrade and is one of the teams most likely to land Philip Rivers. Even if Rivers had a down year, he’s still an upgrade from Brissett. Colts head coach Frank Reich was once Rivers’ quarterback coach in San Diego, so this could be a seamless transition that works out for the best.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Projected win total: 7.5)

Jameis Winston led the NFL in passing yards ( 5,109) and interceptions last year, and the Buccaneers have apparently decided to go all in on landing Tom Brady. Winston is recovering from a knee surgery and has had LASIK eye surgery over the offseason, and Tampa Bay seems poised to get a signal caller with tons of playoff experience. Brady would have a top-notch receiver in Mike Evans and would likely throw the ball a ton. His decision making is an upgrade, but passing on Winston for a 42-year-old who’s only played in one system could backfire as well.

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