NFL preview 2015: Team-by-team breakdown

BUFFALO BILLS

2014: 9-7 (second in AFC East).

Coach: Rex Ryan (first season).

Additions: QB Matt Cassel; TE Charles Clay; WR Percy Harvin; RB LeSean McCoy; G Richie Incognito.

Subtractions: LB Kiko Alonso; RB C.J. Spiller; QB Kyle Orton.

Outlook: This could be the best Bills team in years — if only Ryan can find a quarterback. The former Jets coach has breathed new life into the Bills, but quarterback remains a problem. Ryan does love running the ball, and after trading for McCoy, Buffalo expects to spend a lot of its time on the ground. The Bills have a strong defense as they were fourth in yards allowed last year — and should be better in 2015. Will the Bills have enough to dethrone the Patriots? Probably not, but they could have enough to end a 15-year playoff drought.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

2014: 8-8 (third in AFC East).

Coach: Joe Philbin (fourth season).

Additions: DT Ndamukong Suh; TE Jordan Cameron; WR DeVante Parker; WR Kenny Stills.

Subtractions: TE Charles Clay; DT Jared Odrick; WR Mike Wallace; WR Brian Hartline; DL Randy Starks.

Outlook: After going 8-8 the past two seasons and missing the playoffs since 2008, it’s time for the Dolphins to do something. Miami feels like this is the year. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a very strong preseason and looks to have a number of weapons on offense. Of course, if Tannehill is on the ground (he has been sacked 139 times yet hasn’t missed a game in three seasons) all the weapons in the world won’t do any good. Miami’s run defense was improved significantly with the signing of Suh, and the start of the season isn’t tough with games against Washington, Jacksonville, Buffalo, Oakland and Tennessee. Miami should be in position to make a postseason run.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2014: 12-4 (first in AFC East, Super Bowl champions).

Coach: Bill Belichick (16th season).

Additions: TE Scott Chandler; WR Reggie Wayne; CB Bradley Fletcher; DT Malcolm Brown; DE Jabaal Sheard.

Subtractions: DT Vince Wilfork; CB Darrelle Revis; RB Shane Vereen.

Outlook: The Patriots might miss quarterback Tom Brady for a few games to start the season, but they went 2-2 to start last year and everything worked out just fine. Belichick’s teams have won 12 division titles and remain the class of the East. Offensively, New England doesn’t expect to skip a beat once Brady’s case against the NFL is resolved. Three starters return from the Patriots’ defense but they remain strong, especially at linebacker. Teams in the division have improved, but this is still New England’s title to defend. Again.

NEW YORK JETS

2014: 4-12 (fourth in AFC East).

Coach: Todd Bowles (first season).

Additions: CB Darrelle Revis; CB Antonio Cromartie; QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Subtractions: LB Ikemefuna Enemkpali; DT Kenrick Ellis; WR Percy Harvin.

Outlook: The Jets canned Rex Ryan last year after a four-win season and replaced him with Bowles, a former Dolphins assistant. While the Jets should be extremely strong on defense, they have major questions on the other side of the ball. Geno Smith, expected to be the Jets’ starting quarterback, got taken out by a locker room sucker punch from his now-former teammate IK Enemkpali (who was claimed off waivers the following day by old pal Rex). Expect a fifth consecutive losing season in Jersey for the Jets.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

2014: 10-6 (third in AFC North).

Coach: John Harbaugh (eighth season).

Additions: WR Breshad Perriman; CB Kyle Arrington; S Kendrick Lewis.

Subtractions: DT Haloti Ngata; DE Pernell McPhee; WR Torrey Smith.

Outlook: Baltimore bounced back from an 8-8 season coming off its Super Bowl win by going 10-6 before losing to the Patriots. Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is off to Denver, but the Ravens brought in former Bears head coach and longtime offensive guru Marc Trestman to run things. The Ravens lost the veteran Smith, but rookie Perriman (UCF) looks like a solid replacement.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

2014: 10-5-1 (second in AFC North).

Coach: Marvin Lewis (13th season).

Additions: LB A.J. Hawk; DE Michael Johnson; DT Pat Sims; WR Denarius Moore.

Subtractions: TE Jermaine Gresham; OT Marshall Newhouse; CB Terence Newman.

Outlook: The Bengals might be one of just four teams (New England, Green Bay and Denver) to make it to the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. Unlike the other three, Cincy has done nothing once there as quarterback Andy Dalton has struggled in those four losses. Cincinnati, the first team in NFL history to lose four consecutive opening-round playoff games, did some work on its defense during the offseason — and it was needed as the Bengals mustered just 20 sacks last year.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

2014: 7-9 (fourth in AFC North).

Coach: Mike Pettine (second season).

Additions: WR Brian Hartline; QB Josh McCown; DT Randy Starks; WR Dwayne Bowe; TE Rob Housler.

Subtractions: TE Jordan Cameron; QB Brian Hoyer; DE Jabaal Sheard.

Outlook: The Browns started last year 7-4, and it looked like Cleveland would get its second playoff team since the franchise’s rebirth in 1999. Instead, Cleveland lost five in a row and brightened the shade of orange on its helmets in the offseason. Well, the Browns also jettisoned Brian Hoyer and brought in McCown to be the latest answer behind center off Lake Erie. McCown will be the 23rd guy to start at quarterback in the new-Browns era. Cleveland’s lone playoff appearance since coming back was in 2002 — under then-coach Butch Davis.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2014: 11-5 (first in AFC North).

Coach: Mike Tomlin (ninth season).

Additions: LB Bud Dupree; RB DeAngelo Williams; QB Michael Vick.

Subtractions: LB Jason Worilds; S Troy Polamalu, CB Brice McCain.; CB Ike Taylor.

Outlook: The aging Steelers lost Polamalu to retirement and might struggle to replicate last year’s 11-win season as they have one of the toughest schedules in the league. Tomlin has said the Steelers could have the best offense in the league, and if they do, this division could be theirs again. Longtime defensive coach Dick LeBeau is off to Nashville with former linebackers coach Keith Butler taking over. Six of the Steelers’ eight draft picks this year were defensive players as Pittsburgh tries to get some fresh blood on that side of the ball.

HOUSTON TEXANS

2014: 9-7 (second in AFC South).

Coach: Bill O’Brien (second season).

Additions: QB Brian Hoyer; S Rahim Moore; DT Vince Wilfork; CB Kevin Johnson.

Subtractions: WR Andre Johnson; QB Ryan Fitzpatrick; LB Brooks Reed.

Outlook: No team in the NFL made a bigger improvement than the Texans last year as they went from 2-14 to 9-7 and just missed the playoffs under their first-year coach from Penn State (by way of the Patriots). The return of Jadeveon Clowney from major knee surgery (as well as the addition of Wilfork) should strengthen an already strong defense led by J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing. Hoyer, who was dumped by his hometown Browns, was named the starting quarterback in camp.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

2014: 11-5 (first in AFC South).

Coach: Chuck Pagano (fourth season).

Additions: WR Phillip Dorsett; RB Frank Gore; WR Andre Johnson; LB Trent Cole.

Subtractions: WR Reggie Wayne; RB Trent Richardson; DE Ricky Jean-Francois; S LaRon Landry; WR Hakeem Nicks.

Outlook: A lot of the new ‘Indy Hurricanes’ have circled the Dec. 27 game at the Dolphins as a homecoming as Dorsett, Gore and Johnson join FIU’s T.Y. Hilton in Indianapolis. Both Miami and the Colts should be jockeying for a playoff position as Indianapolis tries for its third playoff appearance in a row . The Colts have the best offense in the division but their defense has struggled -- especially against the Patriots. New England has blown the Colts out of the playoffs in each of the past two years. Last season’s 45-7 loss to the Pats in the AFC title game, however, is best remembered for something else.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

2014: 3-13 (third in AFC South).

Coach: Gus Bradley (third season).

Additions: DT Jared Odrick; OT Jeremy Parnell; TE Julius Thomas; S Sergio Brown.

Subtractions: CB Will Blackmon; WR Cecil Shorts; LB J.T. Thomas.

Outlook: Is this the year the Jaguars turn things around after winning a total of nine games over the past three seasons? Probably not, although Jacksonville should be better. Blake Bortles enters his second season after throwing 17 picks to 11 touchdowns last year. Bradley revamped his coaching staff (former Bills head coach Doug Marrone landed here after opting out of Buffalo) and the Jags spent money to try and fix their defense. A big loss came when first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. — selected third overall out of Florida — tore his ACL soon afterward.

TENNESSEE TITANS

2014: 2-14 (fourth in AFC South).

Coach: Ken Whisenhunt (second season).

Additions: QB Marcus Mariota; WR Hakeem Nicks; LB Brian Orakpo; TE Anthony Fasano.

Subtractions: QB Jake Locker; OT Michael Roos; LB Colin McCarthy; OT Michael Oher; WR Nate Washington.

Outlook: Locker is out after winning just nine of 23 starts as Heisman Trophy winner Mariota comes in from Oregon to try and rescue the Titans’ offense by becoming Tennessee’s biggest playmaker behind center since Steve McNair. Last year started off well enough for Tennessee as it won its opener against Kansas City before losing four in a row. The Titans then beat Jacksonville but didn’t taste victory again, losing 10 straight to end 2-14. Dick LeBeau comes in from Pittsburgh to try and fix the defensive side of the ball.

DENVER BRONCOS

2014: 12-4 (first in AFC West).

Coach: Gary Kubiak (first season).

Additions: TE Owen Daniels; DE Shane Ray; S Darian Stewart; C Gino Gradkowski; G Shelley Smith; G Evan Mathis.

Subtractions: DT Terrance Knighton; G Orlando Franklin; S Rahim Moore; TE Julius Thomas.

Outlook: Although Peyton Manning is now 39 and doesn’t look as durable as was, the Broncos remain the class of the division. Manning ended last season with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as he sustained a tear to his right quadriceps. If Manning is healthy again, and Denver’s offensive line is better, he should be back to tearing up the division. Manning is 13-1 against the Chiefs — Denver’s biggest challenger in the division. Former Denver head coach Wade Phillips returns to coach under Gary Kubiak — who was John Elway’s backup before becoming Denver’s OC and eventually coach of the Texans.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

2014: 9-7 (second AFC West).

Coach: Andy Reid (third season).

Additions: S Tyvon Branch; WR Jeremy Maclin; CB Marcus Peters; G Paul Fanaika.

Subtractions: WR Dwayne Bowe; TE Anthony Fasano; G Rodney Hudson; OT Ryan Harris.

Outlook: Kansas City has won 20 games in the past two seasons since Reid and quarterback Alex Smith have come to town. The Chiefs were a strange team last year. Not only did they become the first team in 40 years to go the entire season without a having a receiver catch a touchdown, but the Chiefs also beat New England and Seattle yet somehow lost to the Raiders and Titans. Three of Kansas City’s four final games are at home — including closing against Cleveland and Oakland — but if the Chiefs don’t start beating the Broncos, winning the division is going to be a tall order.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

2014: 3-13 (fourth in AFC West).

Coach: Jack Del Rio (first season).

Additions: WR Amari Cooper; G Rodney Hudson; LB Malcolm Smith; WR Michael Crabtree; QB Christian Ponder.

Subtractions: RB Darren McFadden; DT Pat Sims; C Stefan Wisniewski; S Tyvon Branch; QB Matt Schaub.

Outlook: After winning a total of 11 games during the past three seasons, the Raiders went looking for big players in the free agency race but came up short. Instead, Oakland spread its money around and brought in players they hope can mark a return to the playoffs for the first time since it lost to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl in the 2002 season. Del Rio, the former Denver defensive coordinator and head coach in Jacksonville, is the newest in a long line coaches for this reclamation project. The Raiders have many holes to fix — including an offense ranked last in a number of major categories — before they can challenge in this division.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2014: 9-7 (third in AFC West).

Coach: Mike McCoy (third season).

Additions: G Orlando Franklin; RB Melvin Gordon; WR Stevie Johnson; SS Jimmy Wilson; WR Jacoby Jones.

Subtractions: LB Jarret Johnson; RB Ryan Mathews; WR Eddie Royal; LB Dwight Freeney; SS Marcus Gilcrest.

Outlook: The Chargers feel they can get back to the playoffs after missing out last season after improving their rushing attack by drafting Gordon out of Wisconsin and revamping their offensive line. After rumors swirled that Philip Rivers would be headed to Tennessee for the second overall pick, the Titans took Marcus Mariota and Rivers signed a huge four-year extension to stay in San Diego (well, Southern California, anyway). For San Diego to compete for the division title it needs to do better against the likes of Denver and Kansas City. Last year, the Chargers went 0-4 against those two. Losing three of four to end the year didn’t help either.

DALLAS COWBOYS

2014: 12-4 (first in NFC East).

Coach: Jason Garrett (fifth season).

Additions: DE Greg Hardy; CB Byron Jones; RB Darren McFadden; OL La’el Collins.

Subtractions: RB DeMarco Murray; LB Bruce Carter; LB Justin Durant.

Outlook: Dallas won its 18th division title last year, most in the NFC East, after Tony Romo remained healthy for much of the year and had an MVP-caliber season. The Cowboys’ offense was also fueled by the running of Murray who bolted for Philadelphia. Still, if Romo remains healthy, the Cowboys should be the best team in the east and challenge to at least match last year’s 12-win season. Garrett, believe it or not, is three wins away from tying Jimmy Johnson (44) for second-most wins in franchise history. Tom Landry has 250.

NEW YORK GIANTS

2014: 6-10 (third in NFC East).

Coach: Tom Coughlin (12th season).

Additions: DT Kenrick Ellis; DE George Selvie; RB Shane Vereen; LB Jonathan Casilllas; OL Ereck Flowers.

Subtractions: CB Zack Bowman; S Antrel Rolle; OL J.D. Walton.

Outlook: The Giants have now missed the playoffs three seasons in a row since winning their last of two Super Bowls under Coughlin and fans and management seems to be getting restless. Last year, the Giants won six games despite a solid season from Eli Manning who has great weapons in Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz. Steve Spagnulo is back directing the defense, and with the Giants hoping last year’s injury problems are in the past, this team should challenge for a playoff spot.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

2014: 10-6 (second in NFC East).

Coach: Chip Kelly (third season).

Additions: RB DeMarco Murray; QB Sam Bradford; LB Kiko Alonso; WR Miles Austin; RB Ryan Mathews.

Subtractions: QB Nick Foles; OL Evan Mathis; RB LeSean McCoy; S Nate Allen.

Outlook: Chip Kelly now has complete control of the Eagles’ football operations — for better or worse. Some of Kelly’s personnel moves had people around the league scratching their heads. Since arriving in Philly, the former Oregon coach has lead the Eagles to 20 victories and just missed the playoffs last year. The Eagles’ offense was fifth in the league last year but struggled on defense — something that needs to be fixed to challenge for the division crown.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

2014: 4-12 (fourth in NFC East).

Coach: Jay Gruden (second season).

Addditions: S Jeron Johnson; DT Terrance Knighton; G Brandon Scherff; S Dashon Goldson.

Subtractions: CB E.J. Biggers; S Ryan Clark; LB Brian Orakpo; DE Jarvins Jenkins.

Outlook: To take a lot of drama out of training camp, Gruden named Robert Griffin III his starting quarterback early on only to see Griffin sustain a concussion during the preseason. Washington used three quarterbacks in last year’ dysfunctional season and could see a rotation with Grifffin, Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy behind center again. Washington retooled its defense after finishing 29th in the league and losing five games by 20-plus points thanks to a horrific secondary. Washington thinks it can challenge in this division, but it’s a long shot.

CHICAGO BEARS

2014: 5-11 (fourth in NFC North).

Coach: John Fox (first season).

Additions: S Antrel Rolle; LB Mason Foster; LB Pernell McPhee; DL Jarvis Jenkins; WR Eddie Royal.

Subtractions: LB Lance Briggs; WR Brandon Marshall; CB Charles Tillman; LB D.J. Williams.

Outlook: The Bears brought in Fox after firing Marc Trestman after two mediocre seasons in which Chicago won 13 games. Chicago is probably stuck with the long and large contract it gave Jay Cutler in 2013 as it tries to get things going in an extremely tough division. Fox, who took Carolina and Denver to the Super Bowl as head coach, brought in an experienced staff as Chicago tries to reach the postseason for just the second time in nine seasons. In this division, don’t bet on it.

DETROIT LIONS

2014: 11-5 (second in NFC North).

Coach: Jim Caldwell (second season).

Additions: RB Ameer Abdullah; DT Haloti Ngata; G Laken Tomlinson; DE Phillip Hunt.

Subtractions: DT Ndamukong Suh; RB Reggie Bush; DT Nick Fairley.

Outlook: The Lions felt great about last season as Caldwell came in and led Detroit to its best season in years. The Lions then got jobbed in the playoff loss to the Cowboys, lost Suh to the Dolphins and watched Fairley leave for the Rams. Still, there’s optimism Detroit can compete for a divisional title with what it has. Detroit hopes acquiring Hgata from Baltimore helps fill the gap left by Suh, and the Lions’ defense remains as good as it was last year. Detroit should continue to tear it up on offense as long as Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and crew stay healthy.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

2014: 12-4 (first in NFC North).

Coach: Mike McCarthy (10th season).

Additions: WR Ty Montgomery; S Damarious Randall; CB Quinten Rollins.

Subtractions: LB A.J. Hawk; LB Brad Jones; CB Tramon Williams; QB Matt Flynn.

Outlook: The Packers were a few plays from going to the Super Bowl before the Seahawks snatched victory away and won the NFC title in overtime. Green Bay, which lost Jordy Nelson to injury in the preseason, should be just as good this season as Aaron Rodgers returns healthy after playing through a calf injury late last season. The Packers’ defense wasn’t great last year, but it got better as the season went on. Green Bay has made it to the playoffs the past six seasons and should extend that streak again, but the Packers’ ultimate goal is to be play in Super Bowl 50.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

2014: 7-9 (third in NFC North).

Coach: Mike Zimmer (second season).

Additions: LB Eric Kendricks; WR Mike Wallace; CB Trae Waynes; S Taylor Mays.

Subtractions: QB Matt Cassel; LB Erin Henderson; WR Greg Jennings.

Outlook: Zimmer did a nice job last year of getting seven wins out of his team (although the Vikings were 0-4 against Detroit and Green Bay) despite having to play much of the year without running back Adrian Peterson. Now, Peterson’s back and the Vikings aren’t flying under the radar as they try to make it back to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Miami Northwestern’s Teddy Bridgewater took over starting duties three weeks into the season and is the established starter. Bringing in speedster Wallace from the Dolphins adds another weapon for Bridgewater and a Norv Turner-directed offense.

ATLANTA FALCONS

2014: 6-10 (third in NFC South).

Coach: Dan Quinn (first season).

Additions: LB Vic Beasley; WR Leonard Hankerson; DE Adrian Clayborn; TE Tony Moeaki; LB Brooks Reed.

Subtractions: RB Steven Jackson; WR Harry Dougas; DT Corey Peters; LB Sean Weatherspoon.

Outlook: The Falcons had the worst defense in the league last season, so they hired Quinn away from the Seahawks to help fix it. Atlanta, which has won just 10 games since making it to the NFC title game in 2013, has something to build around offensively with quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. Luckily for the Falcons, playing in this division means just being OK could bring a playoff berth. Atlanta could have made the postseason last year before losing three of their final four — including 34-3 to Carolina in the season finale.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

2014: 7-8-1 (first in NFC South).

Coach: Ron Rivera (fifth season).

Additions: WR Ted Ginn Jr.; OT Michael Oher; LB Shaq Thompson; CB Charles Thompson.

Subtractions: DE Greg Hardy; RB DeAngelo Williams; T Byron Bell.

Outlook: The Panthers have won the division the past two seasons — and did so with a losing record last year before upsetting the Cardinals in the opening round of the playoffs. Carolina looks much like it has in the past, although it hopes not to repeat last year’s 3-8-1 start that needed four consecutive victories wins to win the weak division and take the playoff spot that goes with it. Carolina is good on the defense, and OK on offense with quarterback Cam Newton at the helm. Carolina finished 16th in yards (346.7) and 19th in points (21.2) in 2014.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2014: 7-9 (second in NFC South).

Coach: Sean Payton (10th season).

Additions: CB Brandon Browner; LB Dannell Ellerbe; OT Andrus Peat; RB C.J. Spiller; CB Kyle Wilson.

Subtractions: TE Jimmy Graham; G Ben Grubbs; WR Kenny Stills.

Outlook: The cap-strapped Saints had to swing some deals this offseason, sending Graham to the Seahawks and Stills to the Dolphins. With a number of new faces, it’s hard to predict just how the Saints will do — although in this division, they should compete for a title, especially if Drew Brees stays healthy. On defense, Rob Ryan will be helped out by Dennis Allen as New Orleans gave up plenty of points and were a minus-13 in turnovers. The Saints also hope to be better at home. New Orleans, which has missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons, lost its final five games at the Superdome last year, including its last two against Carolina (41-10) and Atlanta (30-14).

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

2014: 2-14 (fourth in NFC South).

Coach: Lovie Smith (second season).

Additions: QB Jameis Winston; DE George Johnson; S Chris Conte; DT Henry Melton; LB Bruce Carter; OL Donovan Smith.

Subtractions: DE Adrian Clayborn; S Dashon Goldson; LB Mason Foster; DE Michael Johnson.

Outlook: Last season might have been miserable for the Buccaneers as their rebuild continued for what seems like a decade but perhaps there’s some upside to the pain. Tampa Bay hasn’t made the playoffs the past seven seasons and has won four or fewer games in the three of the past four years yet hopes it has found a quarterback for the future in Winston. The former Heisman Trophy winner leads the charge after winning 26 of 27 games at FSU and leading the Seminoles to a national championship in 2013 and a berth in the playoffs last year. Will the Bucs get back to the playoffs this season? Probably not.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

2014: 11-5 (second in NFC West).

Coach: Bruce Arians (third season).

Additions: G Mike Iupati; DT Corey Peters; DE Cory Redding; LB Sean Weatherspoon; LB Lamar Woodley.

Subtractions: CB Antonio Cromartie; DE Darnell Dockett; DT Dan Williams; C Lyle Sendlein.

Outlook: Everything looked so great for the recharged Cardinals last year as they were 7-1 going their game with St. Louis. Even though the Cards won that game, they lost quarterback Carson Palmer to a knee injury and nothing was the same. Sure, Arizona beat Detroit the next week but then lost four of its final six games before losing to Carolina in the opening round of the playoffs. The good news is Palmer returns this season and if he can remain healthy, paces a pretty good offense with a new and improved line. The Cards are definitely trending upward under Arians as they have won 21 games during the past two seasons.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

2014: 6-10 (fourth in NFC West).

Coach: Jeff Fisher (fourth season).

Additions: DT Nick Fairley; QB Nick Foles; RB Todd Gurley; LB Akeem Ayers; OL Garrett Reynolds.

Subtractions: QB Sam Bradford; OT Joe Barksdale; DL Kendall Langford; QB Shaun Hill; OT Jake Long.

Outlook: The biggest question for the Rams might be whether they will play in St. Louis next season or hop back to Los Angeles as owner Stan Kroenke would like. That could lead to distractions to a team that has been OK since Fisher chose the Rams over the Dolphins in 2012. Foles, injured last year, comes from Philadelphia in the Bradford trade and takes over a passing offense ranked 23rd last season. Despite a strong defense, don’t expect the Rams to break their decade-long playoff drought this year.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2014: 8-8 (third in NFC West).

Coach: Jim Tomsula (first season).

Additions: RB Reggie Bush; DL Darnell Dockett; WR Torrey Smith; LB Philip Wheeler; DE Arik Armstead.

Subtractions: RB Frank Gore; LB Aldon Smith; G Mike Iupati; LB Patrick Willis; LB Chris Borland.

Outlook: Last season’s mess — which included coach Jim Harbaugh being strung around before he eventually left for Michigan — continued through the offseason and into the preseason. Gore, the team’s all-time leading rusher, was allowed to walk away and linebackers Willis and Borland retired. To make matters worse, Smith was arrested and then released by the team. New coach Tomsula, whose only stint as a head coach was one game on an interim basis when Mike Singletary was fired in 2010, has his work cut out for sure. Hard to believe a team that won 36 games from 2011 to 2013 is such a mess.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2014: 12-4 (first in NFC West).

Coach: Pete Carroll (sixth season).

Additions: TE Jimmy Graham; CB Will Blackmon; DE Frank Clark; CB Cary Williams.

Subtractions: CB Byron Maxwell; LB Malcolm Smith; C Max Unger.

Outlook: The Seahawks should probably be coming into this season as the two-time defending Super Bowl champions had it not been for Russell Wilson’s goal-line interception in the final moments against the Patriots. Regardless, Seattle remains one of the elite teams in the league and should battle Green Bay for another trip to the big game — which would be Seattle’s third in as many seasons. Wilson got his new contract and gets a new target after the cap-strapped Saints sent Graham west. Seattle’s defense remains the best in the league even with the loss of coordinator Dan Quinn to the Falcons.

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "NFL preview 2015: Team-by-team breakdown."