Who doesn't love a bit of offense? The NFL certainly sells itself on teams who can put points on the board, hence quarterbacks being some of the biggest stars in the game. As we roll towards the new season, here are my top 10 offenses in the league heading into 2020.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Don't let last season's sixth-placed ranking in terms of yards gained in 2019 fool you. Let's not forget Patrick Mahomes missed some time and was hobbling in other games last term. The ferocity with which the Chiefs scored in the playoffs against Houston, Tennessee and San Francisco (albeit late in that game) emphatically shows that this free-scoring and explosive attack can be the league's most dangerous weapon once again in 2020.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens confused and confounded defenses time and again in 2019 as quarterback Lamar Jackson turned in an MVP campaign. Baltimore rushed for a league record 3,296 yards last season and the ground attack could be even spicier in 2020 with the addition of rookie J.K. Dobbins. We should also remember that Lamar was no mug when throwing the ball as he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes. His receiving targets should be even more explosive in 2020.
3. New Orleans Saints
Eight teams finished above the Saints in terms of yardage gained in 2019. But this exercise is about projecting the best offenses for this coming season and I like what the Saints are offering. Drew Brees can still play quarterback at a very high level, Michael Thomas is joined at receiver by Emmanuel Sanders, the line is outstanding, Alvin Kamara will be back to his best in the backfield and Jared Cook is an elite tight end. Oh, and Taysom Hill, could be the ace in Sean Payton's playcalling pack. This unit also takes care of the ball with an NFL record eight turnovers in 2019.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys ranked first in the NFL a year ago and boast weapons galore heading into 2020. Even Mike McCarthy – so often accused of running a vanilla attack in Green Bay – would do well to take the venom out of this offense. Dak Prescott at quarterback, Ezekiel Elliott at running back and the trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb at receiver. That's mightily impressive and the line is also very good when healthy.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs fielded the NFL's third-ranked offense in a 2019 campaign that could easily have seen Jameis Winston toss up 50 interceptions. Since then, the Bucs have added Tom Brady at quarterback, Rob Gronkowski at tight end and rookie Tristan Wirfs at tackle, instantly upgrading an attack that already boasted the dynamic and productive Mike Evans and Chris Godwin at receiver. Tampa Bay are going to be very exciting to watch in 2020.
6.      San Francisco 49ers
Few coaches dial up as many opportunities for their players to succeed as Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers particularly excel in the running game and are deep in that department despite trading Matt Breida to Miami. The offensive line is still in good shape with Trent Williams coming on board. Oh, and don't forget that George Kittle is an absolute stud at tight end. While he is loved by his teammates, Jimmy Garoppolo has much to prove in 2020. If not for him, I would have the Niners ranked much higher.
7.      Seattle Seahawks
If they found a way to protect Russell Wilson a little better, the Seahawks would make it into my top five. As it stands, their line is a question mark of a unit that gets bailed out by Wilson's weekly heroics. The running game was strong when all backs were healthy last season but that was not the case by the end of the year. The receivers are growing in stature but the real reason the Seahawks are so exciting to watch is Wilson. He is a true MVP candidate heading into the new campaign.
8.      Tennessee Titans
The Titans were creative, physical and tough to handle on the offensive side of the ball in 2019. It's not all about Derrick Henry, either. Sure, he is the heart and soul of this offense and his effectiveness grows as the pages of the calendar turn to December and January, but there are other weapons. Ryan Tannehill was the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL a year ago and he gets a season-long run at the job. A.J. Brown averaged more than 20 yards per catch as a rookie receiver.
9.      Atlanta Falcons
Other teams get more attention, but the Falcons deserve credit. They were a top five offense a year ago and one of just six teams to gain more than 6,000 yards on the season. Matt Ryan is Mr Consistency at quarterback, while Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are a beastly pair at receiver. New additions in tight end Hayden Hurst and running back Todd Gurley have Falcons fans dreaming of a return to the playoffs. They should have no problem scoring points and racking up yards this season.
10.  Arizona Cardinals
This was a tough one as I thought about putting Philadelphia or Green Bay in here. But there were too many times where the Eagles got bogged down in 2019 and Aaron Rodgers needs more passing game help in Wisconsin. So with this being a projection, I've gone for the Cardinals to round out my top 10. Kyler Murray should burst to the fore in his second season at quarterback, running back Kenyan Drake seems a natural fit for head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Cards got a steal in the trade for receiver DeAndre Hopkins. I cannot wait to see this lot playing together alongside Larry Fitzgerald.
