As the anticipation builds, and we get closer and closer to the start of another exciting NFL season, the NFL Network released its top 100 players going into the 2016 regular season.  What’s key here is that these players are voted on by the players themselves.  As we take a deeper look into the top 10 we have 4 receivers (one of those being a TE), 3 QBs, 2 defensive players, and 1 RB.  The lone RB, being none other than Adrian Peterson, which is no surprise to anyone.

The top 10 players are:

1. Cam Newton
2. Tom Brady
3. J.J. Watt
4. Antonio Brown
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Aaron Rodgers
7. Luke Kuechly
8. Julio Jones
9. Rob Gronkowski
10. Odell Beckham, Jr.

As we look at the makeup of this top 10, there aren’t any real surprises, but it gives us a snapshot of how the league has changed over the years and become a more wide open, high scoring, passing league.  I could remember a time when you’d have maybe 5 RBs and maybe only 1 or 2 receiver types.  With all of the rules changes over the years, teams are taking advantage of those changes by placing a premium on receivers and the always important QB position.

This season’s #1 player is Cam Newton, which just so happens to be his jersey number.  Last season, Cam had what many would consider a dream season.  The Panthers buzzed through the regular season going 15-1 and won the NFC Championship and a berth in Super Bowl 50, only to be stymied by the Broncos defense.  Cam was also named MVP and was the first player in the history of the league to have 30 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs.

As we get ready to go into the 2016 season, these 10 guys will pretty much have a bullseye on their backs, but they are all pretty much accustomed to that.  Each of them is either the best, or one of the best players on their respective teams.  And as the season unfolds, some of these guys will rise up the ladder, while other could possibly fall out altogether.

I expect Aaron Rodgers to return to his old self with Jordy Nelson returning from injury.  Tom Brady will be Tom Terrific again, as usual.  And I look for Odell Beckham, Jr. to improve even more this season now that he has a threat on his opposite side in the likes of rookie Sterling Shepard.  We’ll review this list again after week #8.