NFL Hope-O-Meter results: Ranking how optimistic fans are for all 32 teams (2024)

Sean Payton has spent more than 25 years working in the NFL and has been a head coach since 2006. Like any successful coach, he has adapted and evolved over time, but there is a foundational belief about roster building that remains unchanged: Until the team feels good about its quarterback, it’s hard to go anywhere.

“When that (position) is unsettled and maybe not as far along, then there’s a lot of things you can do well and yet the team sees there’s a ceiling maybe on what you can do,” Payton said last month.

Payton was talking about his Denver Broncos’ quarterback competition, which ultimately ended with rookie Bo Nix being named the starter. But he may as well have been describing the feeling shared by any NFL fan base entering the season.

In The Athletic’s inaugural NFL Hope-O-Meter survey, quarterback stability was synonymous with hope. The five fan bases wearing the rosiest-colored glasses ahead of the 2024 season boast either proven, in-their-prime veterans (Jared Goff in Detroit; Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City) or rising stars (Caleb Williams in Chicago; Jordan Love in Green Bay; C.J. Stroud in Houston) at quarterback.

On the other hand, almost anywhere there’s an unsettled or underwhelming quarterback situation, a grumpy fan base is following close behind. Nothing creates louder groans among a team’s supporters than a stop-gap situation at quarterback. Right, Raiders fans?

Even a trip to the playoffs last year isn’t a guarantee of widespread optimism. Just ask Cowboys fans, who are among the league’s most pessimistic despite their team winning 12 games in each of the last three seasons. 49ers fans rank outside the top 10 on the Hope-O-Meter scale despite their team falling narrowly in the Super Bowl.

Similarly, long playoff droughts don’t necessarily mean a gloom-and-doom outlook. Four out of five Broncos fans expressed optimism about this season despite not registering a postseason appearance since 2015.
Not far behind are the Commanders, who have only one playoff appearance since 2016 and none in the last three seasons. What those teams do have is a first-round rookie quarterback (in Nix and Jayden Daniels) who showed glimpses of promise this offseason.

Quarterbacks did not shape every fan’s response, however. Ownership, injuries, contract disputes, coaching concerns and doubts about a team’s offensive line were among other key factors. But all roads tend to lead back to the starting QBs.

As a Bears fan named Erich explained the reason for his optimism: “Quarterback. Quarterback. Quarterback.”

It is important to note that fans were surveyed before wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers and CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys agreed to new multiyear extensions, and other news around the league the past two weeks may have had a minor impact on fan sentiment.

We left the question simple and open-ended: Are you optimistic about your team? Yes or no. The nearly 12,000 fans who responded were free to decide what that question meant to them.

Below, we’ve listed each team’s optimism score and precisely four reader responses, some of which were edited for clarity and length.

1. Detroit Lions: 98.8 percent optimism

Optimist Dave: I’ve been a Lions fan for decades. This is by far the best team ever, better even than we dared wish for … the biggest problem now is to stay grounded.

Optimist Dan: Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built a roster that’s ready to tussle in the long haul.

Optimist Jon: Seismic shift in approach. Culture. Foundation. Twenty of 23 picks since the 2021 draft are on the roster. This isn’t fleeting, this is transformation. Whether we win the Super Bowl or not, we have a team in the conversation every year moving forward.

Pessimist Kyle: This team is going to regress. I feel like I’m the only person in town that feels this way, though, so I stay quiet.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 98.7 percent optimism

Optimist Danny: Patrick Lavon Mahomes II.

Optimist Brendan: The only thing that feels like it could stop the Chiefs this year is bad luck — key injuries, (more) off-field incidents, bad bounces in the playoffs.

Optimist Mike: The main concern is complacency, but the leadership of Mahomes and others mitigates that a good deal.

Pessimist (but not really) Will: I’m actually very optimistic. I selected “No” because it will result in a lower percentage, which will make readers angry, which will rev them up, which will somehow light a fire under the greatest QB of all time.

3. Chicago Bears: 97.6 percent optimism

Optimist Tom: Caleb. Williams. I could talk about a defense that appears suffocating and an offensive scheme that finally seems to be professional, but the truth is optimism comes from a confident quarterback.

Optimist Jim: I believe for the first time in many years the Bears have real leadership in the front office, a clear sense of where they want to go and a real plan for how to get there.

Optimist Erik: There is legitimate talent at all skill positions on offense, a possible (final) answer at QB, an ascending defense and a coaching staff and front office on the same page for once. There is an energy about this team and fan base that I have never seen. I am so hopeful this is finally it. Because if this fails, I am utterly lost as a Bears fan. Who am I kidding, it’s the Bears. Hope (Connor) Bedard pans out.

Pessimist Matt: Every instance of optimism in the Bears has ended in despair. I want to believe that this team finally has the pieces to avoid failure on the field, but this is still the Chicago Bears. This may be overly pessimistic, but that’s usually a safe bet with this team.

4. Green Bay Packers: 97.1 percent optimism

Optimist Adam: Youngest roster in the NFL, made the divisional round last season and should have beaten the 49ers. Jordan Love looked legitimately great in the second half of the season. New defensive coordinator with a new, aggressive scheme should utilize our talent on defense.

Optimist Brad: Like a delicious basket of fried cheese curds, the Packers shouldn’t disappoint based on last season’s performance and offseason additions. But sometimes the curds are fried too hot and the cheese melts out of the nugget leaving an empty shell.

Pessimist Brad: We overpaid Love big time after just a few good games as a system quarterback. Letting Aaron Jones leave for Minnesota was also a huge mistake.

Pessimist Harris: (The) Bears scare me.

5. Houston Texans: 96.4 percent optimism

Optimist Brendan: The AFC Championship Game is a real possibility for the first time in franchise history! Not sure if we can beat the Chiefs (yet), but this team is on the right path to do so soon.

Optimist Suj: Coach and QB are growing into the best in the league before my eyes!

Optimist Doug: Talent-wise, I think they are as good as anyone and better than most. If they don’t win their division again, I’d be surprised.

Pessimist Bob: I think that while the Texans were good last year, they might have a drop off because of a down year for C.J. Stroud in his second season, as well as Stefon Diggs possibly messing up the locker room.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: 93.8 percent optimism

Optimist Gordon: Unlike the true favorites (KC, SF, BAL, even DET), there are a couple of ifs surrounding the Bengals. But it is not difficult to see them being marginally better than in 2022 and finally grabbing the Lombardi Trophy.

Optimist Sam: Reasons for optimism: Healthy Joe Burrow, healthy Joe Burrow, healthy Joe Burrow, healthy Joe Burrow and a healthy Joe Burrow.

Optimist Bill: A healthy Burrow with a top 1-2 punch at WR as well as potentially explosive weapons at TE and RB have me dreaming of 35-plus points per game, and the holes in last year’s defense seem much improved. Last year missing the playoffs was the anomaly — this year it’s right back to the AFC Championship Game and beyond.

Pessimist Brad: No Ja’Marr Chase during training camp. Injuries are starting to pile up just before the season starts. The secondary is still a work in progress. The lines are banged up. Burrow can make up for a lot, but we’ll see.

7. Los Angeles Rams: 90.9 percent optimism

Optimist Eric: Despite losing Aaron Donald, the Rams defense has more talent than it’s had in a long time. I’m also optimistic that the focus on the power run game and the protection of Matthew Stafford will allow the offense to thrive and control the clock. Special teams is still the Achilles’ heel.

Optimist Matt: Two words: Sean McVay! McVay has proven himself to be a capable and innovative leader, guiding the team to success in every season (with the exception of 2022). His experience and strategic acumen bode well for the team’s chances this season.

Optimist Alex: Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua. ’Nuff said.

Pessimist Michael: No more irreplaceable Aaron Donald. Cooper Kupp is another season older and was injured last year. Matthew Stafford is another year older. There are the usual offensive line issues.

8. Philadelphia Eagles: 90.6 percent optimism

Optimist Joe: Saquon Barkley is going to rush for 2,000 yards and the defense will be better.

Optimist Dave: In Vic Fangio we trust.

Optimist Tim: Howie Roseman is much better at setting the Eagles up to make a deep playoff run in a single season than he is at opening a three- or four-year window. I think this team has a chance to be a division winner and a high seed based on the moves he’s made. … Either the team wins a lot of games, or the team wins by dropping Nick Sirianni.

Pessimist Mike: I have no faith in Sirianni, I’m worried the offensive line will take a meaningful step back, and I’m concerned that Jalen Hurts has a ceiling in terms of his ability to elevate the offense.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: 89.5 percent optimism

Optimist Mike: I think last year was an aberration because of Trevor Lawrence’s injuries and a defense that didn’t get as many turnovers as they had previously. While everyone is now good in the division, I think the Jaguars are being discounted.

Optimist Bernard: Even though they collapsed last year, they were still just one game away from the division title. They are not as far off as they might appear to be. The additions made on both lines plus Brian Thomas Jr. make me believe we are in for a good season.

Pessimist Jeff: It’s not all on Lawrence. We don’t have a difference-maker for him to get the ball to. Plus, the Texans.

Pessimist Joeri: The offensive line is not able to protect Trevor enough, and the offseason additions and draft picks weren’t focused on the improvement of the offensive line.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 86.8 percent optimism

Optimist Cozmo: All we needed last year was a QB. And now we’ve got two.

Optimist Brennan: Coaching change and Kirk Cousins increases optimism around getting more out of existing skill players. The defensive investment is encouraging, and I don’t mind (Michael) Penix because going all in on Cousins also would have been a little uncomfortable.

Optimist Geoff: Arthur Smith is gone. Raheem (Morris) is an incredible leader with extensive knowledge on both sides of the ball. Players wanted to sign with Atlanta.

Pessimist Rocky: Too much depends on an old quarterback coming back from an injury that cost him last season.

11. San Francisco 49ers: 85.9 percent optimism

Optimist Alex: It has to be now. The core of the team will look very different next year. We’ve been oh-so-close. Now, it is time to finish it with Super Bowl No. 6.

Optimist Myles: I expect Brock Purdy to be even better this year after a full offseason to work on his throwing technique.

Optimist Travis: There have been a lot of injuries and contract holdouts that have made me lower my expectations, but this is a playoff team that should make a deep run regardless.

Pessimist Sam: It might be my inherent pessimism, but I just think we will fall short again at the end of the season before Purdy’s contract inevitably destroys the roster for the near future.

12. Los Angeles Chargers: 85.8 percent optimism

Optimist Steve: For the first time since Marty Schottenheimer, we have a credible head coach.

Optimist Scot: Justin Herbert with a running game, protection and a decent defense? If the new receivers can just show up, look out!

Pessimist Tim: I am not optimistic based on lack of depth at wide receiver and Jim Harbaugh being on a new team (even though his track record is good).

Pessimist David: Until the Chargers have a top-five defense capable of shutting down opponents or stopping other teams from scoring late in games, I won’t be optimistic.

13. Baltimore Ravens: 84.8 percent optimism

Optimist Yohanes: The Ravens had their best offense (of the Lamar Jackson era) in 2019 with Mark Ingram as their RB1 and no strong WR talent. This year we have Derrick Henry, one of the most talented RBs in the league, and rising stars in Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely. This is the year our dynasty begins.

Optimist Greg: I’m a bit nervous with the amount of turnover with the roster and coaching staff. But we have some big-time players and our organization has a proven track record of success. I think we will still be one of the best teams in the AFC.

Pessimist Jason: As long as Patrick Mahomes can walk, anything we do in the regular season just seems to be setting us up for postseason disappointment. We have arguably the second-best QB in the league, but until Mahomes decides he wants to try baseball instead, it’s January doldrums again.

Pessimist Stephanie: Five playoff appearances and just two playoff wins in nine years have only one constant: John Harbaugh. And he’s still there.

14. Seattle Seahawks: 83.9 percent optimism

Optimist Steve: I loved Pete Carroll, but it was time for a change. I think that most Seahawks fans are hopeful that Mike Macdonald turns out to be defensive Sean McVay, and that Ryan Grubb gets more out of the offense than Shane Waldron was able to. I think it’s safe to say that JSN is looking forward to this change, too.

Optimist Alex: We’re flying so under the radar that the media won’t take us seriously till the last quarter of the season. The talent has been there. It’s just a matter of modernizing the coaching — specifically the defense, which the team took action on this offseason.

Optimist Brandon: New coach, new philosophy. No expectations mean you can only exceed them!

Pessimist Robert: Until the Seahawks get an elite quarterback (if ever), they will be a middle-of-the-pack team at best.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 83.2 percent optimism

Optimist Jason: While some view losing (Dave) Canales as a drawback, I believe new offensive coordinator Liam Coen will bring an even more diverse attack. The team has more depth, and I believe in Baker Mayfield as the quarterback.

Optimist Harold: The only question is “Will the Bucs win the South by default, or will they emerge as a legit contender in the NFC?” Why is nobody talking about Tampa Bay? (Kirk) Cousins is overrated, and the Panthers and Saints have nobody. Bring on the Lions! Bring on the Niners! Bring on the Cowboys and Eagles! The Bucs are here and will not be forgotten!

Optimist Marc: We’d be a bottom dweller in any other division, but in the NFC South, .500 might get you the crown.

Pessimist Tom: As a lifelong Bucs fan, you can never be too optimistic unless Tom Brady is your QB.

16. Denver Broncos: 80.8 percent optimism

Optimist Danny: I’m very excited for the Bo Nix era. Sean Payton has his guy to run the offense.

Optimist Kameron: The second year under Sean Payton should yield better results. There is a better fit at QB with Russell Wilson out and Nix in. There should be less ineptitude on offense, and some defensive pieces are beginning to step up.

Pessimist Dan: Too little team talent. Too much coach ego.

Pessimist Paul: Maybe the long-term outlook is good with Nix showing some preseason promise, but I’d really like to see us tank for better draft picks that we can build around instead of another decade of mediocrity.

17. Washington Commanders: 78.0 percent optimism

Optimist David: I’m optimistic we now have a well-run franchise, something that’s eluded us since the last century. This is a building year, so I’ll happily watch our young talent evolve under solid coaching and, hopefully, keep Jayden Daniels safe!

Optimist Chris: The Dan Snyder-shaped storm cloud has passed, and we are still basking in the light of Josh Harris and company. I don’t think we’ll be ultra-competitive this season (or maybe even the next), but the long-term outlook seems good.

Pessimist Dan: What may be the worst offensive line in the league combined with a QB with a slight frame who holds onto the ball for too long and runs into contact. Also, a slow defense with suspect cornerbacks.

Pessimist Braden: Jayden Daniels is basically RG4. We all saw how that worked out last time.

18. Miami Dolphins: 73.5 percent optimism

Optimist Parker: For the first time in 20 years, the Dolphins have continuity on the offensive side of the ball. They also have proof of concept. Loaded with top-end talent on both sides of the ball, the Dolphins are one of the few teams now that isn’t searching for its recipe. They are adding on to it.

Optimist Jesse: (Mike) McDaniel is a genius. Tua (Tagovailoa) is a top-10 quarterback. The offensive skill players are top three. Defense is also top 10. Fins will win the division and a playoff game.

Pessimist Corey: Unless the Fins start spending some of their practice camps in Antarctica, I don’t see how any playoff run they make won’t be crushed again by a better team’s home stadium weather.

Pessimist Gregorie: Tua is my biggest doubt. Great first- and second-read quarterback, but cannot extend plays.

19. New York Jets: 73.2 percent optimism

Optimist Kevin: The Jets have let me down more than most pallbearers. This roster on paper looks like a lock for 10-plus wins. But, my god, they are still the New York Jets. And that terrifies me.

Optimist Hugh: Jets life is a life of pain. And without hope, there can be no pain. So we dream once again.

Pessimist Christian: A quarterback who will soon get AARP mailings limping around on a surgically repaired leg. Also, they’re the Jets.

Pessimist Darrell: Too many question marks regarding age and recovery from injuries on the roster. And no offense coached by Nathaniel Hackett will ever win anything. Oh, and it’s the Jets we are talking about.

20. Arizona Cardinals: 72.0 percent optimism

Optimist Ernie: Uninjured, grown-up Kyler Murray + Marvin Harrison = big plays and excitement. Expect a .500 season.

Optimist Will: If “meh” was a choice, that’s what I’d choose. There’s no evidence to believe (Jonathan) Gannon/(Monti) Ossenfort don’t know what they’re doing, but there’s also no evidence to believe we’ll make a leap this year and be on the fringe of the wild-card race.

Optimist Mitch: I think our ceiling is nine wins. I think there is hope for Kyler to return to form and lead an electric offense.

Pessimist Kyle: They are too often disappointing, and as long as the Bidwells are the owners, they will languish in the bottom half of the NFL. Before we know it, they will want a new stadium but still without any hardware to display.

21. Indianapolis Colts: 70.4 percent optimism

Optimist Doug: Anthony Richardson. Could be amazing, could be a bust. Will not be boring.

Optimist Mark: Shane Steichen is the basis of my hope. If Richardson can be taught, Steichen is the guy to do it and develop an offense that works for him and his skill set.

Pessimist Euan: Richardson, as talented as he is, is unproven and has yet to have a fully healthy season going all the way back to high school. It’s going to come down to him and the secondary.

Pessimist Mike: We will be 8-9. We are not deep at skill positions or at DB. We will be inconsistent and make mistakes that will leave us shaking our heads. Receivers are overrated and will not get open.

22. Tennessee Titans: 69.9 percent optimism

Optimist Turner: A roster makeover was needed almost as much as the coaching staff (and I am a huge fan of Mike Vrabel). If the offensive line can come together, then playoffs are highly possible.

Optimist Art: Even if none of it works, we’re swinging. And we’ll keep swinging moving forward. It’s time for an updated offensive system, and we’re implementing one.

Pessimist JT: I’m optimistic about the long-term success of this club, but I think this season will be frustrating. Will Levis has yet to show that he knows anything other than YOLO ball, which could be fun if the receiver corps pans out! I think this will be a fun season full of frustrating losses.

Pessimist Mark: The Titans have improved, but they still lag behind the Texans. I’m hopeful Levis takes a big leap forward in his second year, but I’m still not convinced the offensive line will be able to adequately protect him or open running lanes for the backs.

23. Buffalo Bills: 60.7 percent optimism

Optimist George: First, we have Josh Allen. That always makes you optimistic. Second, the expectations are a little lower this year from the national media. To me, it feels like we’re playing a bit with house money. Brandon Beane has cleared the deck to be a player in free agency next offseason, and there’s the inevitable Allen restructure on the horizon.

Optimist Roy: There was Allen Era 1.0, and Allen Era 2.0 starts next year in my opinion. Even if this is the awkward in-between year, I believe in Allen. Just make the playoffs, and anything can happen. Then next year, all gas, no brakes again.

Optimist John: Less optimistic than I was a month ago before preseason injuries, but I feel like the Bills will be in the playoffs and are capable of beating anyone once they get there.

Pessimist Peter: Injuries, new players and stars moving on. A lot of disruption. And of course, all the great QBs are in the AFC.

24. Minnesota Vikings: 41.7 percent optimism

Pessimist Isaac: J.J. McCarthy’s injury really demoralized me and other Vikings fans. Combine that with Jordan Addison’s DUI and getting carted off the field and starting Sam Darnold, and the Vikes are done.

Pessimist Jordan: How am I supposed to be excited about Sam Darnold?

Pessimist Tom: Was really looking forward to the season, but the injury bug has already put a huge damper on those outlooks. Maybe Darnold will surprise us and keep us close, but if not, the prospect of a high draft pick this season is an OK reward.

Optimist Aaron: McCarthy showed enough to feel good about him going forward, the coaches and front office have made Minnesota a place players like to play and want to be and, most importantly, the best non-QB on the planet (Justin Jefferson) will play here for the foreseeable future.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: 41.5 percent optimism

Optimist Greg: New offensive coordinator, new quarterback(s), new offensive line, new punter(!), same ol’ stout defense. What’s not to love? Why not us?

Optimist Dwight: Mike Tomlin will rejuvenate the career of Russell Wilson — and possibly Justin Fields. He gets the most out of his players.

Pessimist Anthony: Tomlin has not won a playoff game in nearly a decade and only has three playoff wins since 2010. “No losing seasons.” Actually, that is incorrect. He is 8-9 in the playoffs when it actually matters. The Steelers are in their longest playoff-win drought of the Super Bowl era.

Pessimist Brad: Tough to be very optimistic without having an above-average QB in today’s NFL. And the OL that was supposed to be much improved has not been very impressive in the preseason.

26. Las Vegas Raiders: 39.5 percent optimism

Optimist Reid: Antonio Pierce showed he can be a highly effective player manager, and Gardner Minshew at QB recalls the funnest era of the original Raiders teams.

Optimist Mark: The defense will finally keep us in every game.

Pessimist Steven: Can’t win without a quarterback. It seems most stats people will tell you defense is extremely volatile year over year, even among the elite teams. So banking on a straightforward growth pattern on defense seems risky, at best, and offensively nothing matters without the QB.

Pessimist Dan: The offensive line will not play well.

27. Carolina Panthers: 38.0 percent optimism

Pessimist Coleman: Why would any Panthers fan be optimistic? I used to be frustrated that the Panthers didn’t get enough national recognition, even at the height of the Cam Newton era. Well, now the Panthers have the nation’s attention. They are the team that made what may go down as the most idiotic trade in the history of the NFL, choosing the wrong QB and missing out on another potentially elite one the next year.

Pessimist Philip: This team is bad and still rebuilding. I have no faith in Bryce Young. He showed he can’t carry a team on his own last year, and even though they added receivers and beefed up the line, I don’t know if it’s enough.

Pessimist David: A once-proud franchise mired by a meddlesome and unlikable owner. I don’t think the Panthers will ever be good again as long as David Tepper owns the team.

Optimist Cody: Low expectations this year, but the team is moving in the right direction with coaching and team identity.

28. Cleveland Browns: 35.1 percent optimism

Optimist Cooper: The roster, especially the defense, has way too much talent not to get double-digit wins and make the playoffs. Will we win the Super Bowl? No chance Deshaun Watson has that in him. Bummer we’re wasting such a fantastic defensive run with him at QB, but as a lifelong Browns fan, winning double-digit games is something to enjoy.

Optimist Mike: I always feel optimistic about the Browns when expectations are low. The roster is loaded, but there isn’t an unreasonable buzz around the team that has plagued us in earlier seasons.

Pessimist Steve: I’ve been a Browns fan too long to be optimistic about anything. Plus Watson hasn’t shown hardly anything since the trade.

Pessimist Steve: God hates the Browns.

29. New England Patriots: 24.7 percent optimism

Optimist Joe: I’m not as much optimistic about the season, but rather about the direction the Patriots seem to be heading in. After two years of trying to compete despite glaring issues and stop-gap measures, finally we seem to be looking to build a new young core through the draft. Drake Maye certainly has promise and could start before the season’s done, but this year is all about development and building a competent on-field operation rather than the results that come with that.

Pessimist John: Rookie head coach, an OC that was their 12th choice, no explosive talent on offense. Another long year, for sure.

Pessimist Will: We are in a clear rebuilding year, though I think the team will be better than last year. At this point, I’m expecting a three- or four-win season, but I’ll call it a win if it feels like I’m watching competitive football.

Pessimist Kevin: This is probably the worst Patriots roster since before 1993. The only optimism I have is that Maye shows the ability to get better, we get a top-five draft pick and we spend some money in the offseason to put a half-decent team on the field next year.

30. Dallas Cowboys: 19.9 percent optimism

Optimist Eric: Dak Prescott will play lights out in a contract year. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer seems to have found a way to get the best out of Micah Parsons.

Pessimist Ryan: It’s generally tough to be optimistic as a Cowboys fan given what we’ve dealt with over the past 30 years, but this year we clearly did not get any better (and likely got worse). There have been plenty of contract distractions leading up to the season. Even if that gets sorted, it’s hard to imagine a world in which they make any noise. Plus, the NFC East title curse is working against them this year.

Pessimist Nikhil: Poor offseason in terms of strengthening the roster, contract uncertainty on key players and a useless “GM.”

Pessimist Bryce: As long as the Jones family is in charge, the team is toxic and there is no hope. Any chatter about the team is pointless. I wish it would all stop.

31. New York Giants: 17.2 percent optimism

Optimist Jay: I just have a feeling Daniel Jones is going into the season with a huge chip on his shoulder, knowing the Giants tried to trade up for Drake Maye. He needs to have a career year or he’s toast. They have improved the O-line and added wide receiver Malik Nabers. And believe it or not, I think losing Saquon Barkley will be addition by subtraction in that it will force the offense to move the ball around to others. If the young secondary steps up, the defense has a chance to be top 10.

Optimist Rich: I’m probably delusional.

Pessimist Charles: Daniel Jones would struggle to quarterback an FCS school, let alone an NFL offense. Add this to the lack of depth in the secondary and the fact that we only have one good receiver, and a race to the bottom is likely.

Pessimist Danny: The Giants have never been conventionally good. In Super Bowl seasons and recent playoff runs alike, they are entirely dependent on miracles, crazy catches, the other team’s misfortune, etc. The Giants don’t win games by large margins. Everything they do is squeaking it out. Terrible. Seven wins max.

32. New Orleans Saints: 16.0 percent optimism

Pessimist H.B.: In NOLA, we will watch on TV and attend Saints games because we love a party, but the team is only a bit better than mediocre. Our quarterback and coach are only serviceable. They will win some games, but not enough.

Pessimist Alex: Same aging stars, same bloated cap, same mediocre coach who should have stayed a stellar defensive coordinator.

Pessimist Andrew: I think we’re a zombie team until we find a way to wipe the salary slate clean. We keep trying to keep our championship window open, even though it shut four years ago.

Optimist David: Nobody thinks they can do it. The defense is too old, the offensive line is horrendous, the head coach is weak and the QB’s not a “winner.” It’s the right time to prove everyone wrong.

(Top illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; photos: Gregory Shamus and Perry Knotts / Getty Images)