Season One of the Overwatch Contenders is nearly here and I’ve gone ahead with some predictions to get the season underway. We’ve had no shortage of roster adjustments throughout the off-season, with nearly every team adding new players to their core rosters and substitutes list. This alone is what will give the Overwatch Contenders a twist it so desperately needed, including Team EnVyUs returning to North America for their first action in the region in quite some time.

Let’s take a look at where I believe teams will end up after six weeks of regular season play and a tough bracket to climb through.

Team EnVyUs

It’s been nearly four months since EnVyUs has taken on North America’s top talent in the Rivalcade Rumble. Even before they added Kim “EFFECT” Hyeon to the roster they nearly took down Rogue in the finals, shortly after beating both Selfless Gaming and Immortals. It was another time in Overwatch, but it certainly shows that EnVyUs comes ready to play.

Their absence from this region has been dearly missed and I don’t believe anyone is ready to take them on. Thankfully, we’ll get to start week one with a thriller as they meet up with Immortals.

Verdict: EnVyUs might have been absent from North America for the last four months, but they are still a top performing team

RELATED: Stories of the NA off season

Immortals

Immortals are always coming to play and they’re hot off of a nearly undefeated Season Zero, dropping just five maps throughout their entire stay. There’s no doubt in my mind they’ll finish in the top three, but they’ll have to face both Rogue and Team EnVyUs this time around, two teams they didn’t have to go through in Season Zero. Keep in mind Rogue took Immortals down twice in the BEAT Invitational this past July.

Verdict:  Even when faced against equally formidable teams, they are still a clear favorite for a top three performance.

Rogue

The Overwatch World Cup had me a little spooked for Rogue. Granted, it was a qualifier and we don’t know the full scope of the situation in terms of how much preparation is put into this event, but I don’t think it was the utterly dominating Rogue that most were expecting as they represented the flag for France in the Shanghai qualifier.

Now back in North America for their Overwatch Contenders debut, I think they’ll be back in tip-top shape and ready to fight for the crown. Although they face EnVision Esports in week one, I’m hoping they don’t take their opponents too lightly and let it slip.

Verdict: If Rogue takes this seriously and have taken the time to prepare, we should see a return to form.

Renegades

Call me crazy, but I’m going out on a limb here with Renegades. I played it safe with a spot at fourth, but I’m tempted to slot them even higher. We’ve only had one taste of how good this team could be with their performance in Season Zero just two short months ago. Since then they haven’t played in any events and have only made one roster adjustment with their addition of Nathan “xRetzi” Telen, formerly of Rise Nation. I’m also one of Douglas “PrimoDulce” Perks’ biggest fans, given I’ve had the pleasure of watching him come from amateur tournaments to the professional scene, so there’s that too.

Verdict: Seriously, keep an eye out for Renegades, I have a good feeling about them starting off this season strong and pulling out some upsets.

FNRGFE

FNRGFE are from all around. That much is implied in the name. What they accomplished in Season Zero was impressive, to say the least. From qualifying for the playoffs over Arc 6 to taking down Renegades in the playoffs, they surprised me with their stellar performance. To me, FNRGFE are the biggest wildcard in North America right now, given there is truly no telling who they will upset.

Verdict: This squad could very well be top three by the season’s end and I’m beyond excited to watch them perform.

FaZe Clan

Finishing in sixth place? Perhaps not. FaZe Clan is a team I want to believe in, but I need to see some proof from their latest addition of Lee “Carpe” Jae-hyeok working well with the team. Not to mention, FaZe went ahead with listing Lane “Surefour” Roberts as a substitute. There is no lack of experience on this team, thus giving me hope that they’ll be able to surpass my initial expectations. That being said, they’ll have a tough challenge with FNRGFE as their opponent in week one.

Verdict: We all want to believe, but is FaZe actually capable of delivering results?

Kungarna

Kungarna has always been a team that’s had the potential to go far, but this season I feel the competition stacks up a to be a little tougher than what they bring to the table. Their list of substitutes shows experience, but where do we draw the line with how much of an impact substitutes will actually make? Will any of them get to play over Andrej “Babybay” Francisty and Michael “Mykl” Padilla, the two standout players for Kungarna? It’s doubtful. I’m a fan of what Kungarna’s been able to do, having watched them come from the amateur scene nearly a year ago, but they’ll need to step it up to make it to the top.

Verdict: Kungarna has had formidable performances in the past, so I wouldn't put a solid finish past them, but they're yet to get my vote of confidence with the heavy roster changes across the board.

EnVision Esports

EnVision Esports have claimed the eighth spot in North America, that’s nothing new by now, but what can they do with this opportunity? They’ve only just added Christopher “ChrisTFer” Graham (Hammers Esports) to their roster days ago as they have been searching for a replacement for Christ “Kophee” Mehlhoff who retired earlier this month.

Verdict:  With such little practice with their new main-tank and a performance that had them dropping in the first round of the playoffs in Season Zero, my hopes aren’t particularly high for EnVision.

RELATED: Stories of the EU offseason

Time will only tell if my predictions will hold strong as the matches begin tomorrow. I’ll be regularly posting power rankings for each region as the action unfolds every weekend. You can watch the matches live at twitch.tv/overwatchcontenders, August 19th.