The NFL’s 2021 All-Free Agent Team: The Offense

Whether your team is on top of the playoff picture, on the fringe, or out of the picture entirely, there’s nothing unusual about turning one’s thoughts to the next wave of free agency, which takes place when the new league year begins in March. …

Whether your team is on top of the playoff picture, on the fringe, or out of the picture entirely, there’s nothing unusual about turning one’s thoughts to the next wave of free agency, which takes place when the new league year begins in March. Projected revenue shortfalls in the 2020 season due to COVID has the estimated 2021 salary cap at $175 million, down from 2020’s figure of $198.2 million.

That would affect the total value of free agent contracts to a degree — the lower ceiling would present a lower aggregate — but that notwithstanding, there’s a ton of potential talent on the hoof once that gate opens.

Here, per our statistical and tape study, are the best offensive free agents of the 2021 league year. We’ll get to the defense later in the week.

(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and OverTheCap.com).

5 takeaways from Colts’ 20-17 loss vs. Texans

Takeaways from the Colts’ 20-17 loss.

Few things say it’s a big game more than when it’s in prime time, your opponent is your most hated rival, and there is not only a chance to secure an outright lead in your division but any other advantages in the playoff implications that come up at season’s end.

The Indianapolis Colts had all of that at stake and then some before falling short against the Houston Texans, 20-17. Thursday night’s affair once again came down to the last minute, and this time the Texans (7-4) outlasted the Colts (6-5) and ended their three-game losing streak against Indy.

Here are five takeaways:

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Watson finally gains an edge on the Colts defense

Entering Thursday night, quarterback Deshaun Watson was struggling against the Colts. Across the board, the Clemson product was seeing negatives that included a decline in his overall numbers, being pressured at a higher rate and losing three consecutive games against them.

Although the Colts had their moments against Watson on Thursday night, it wasn’t the same as before. The MVP candidate produced greater success in Week 12 as his athleticism and timely throws resulted in 298 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and just one sack surrendered.

Minus the successful blitzes by the Colts defense, they couldn’t get close enough to actually pressure Watson while also limiting his effectiveness as a runner.