Another season.
Yes… another NFL Football season.
My first official post on my blog site came way back in November of 2011.
Now here we are—nearly five years later—I’m doing the same exact thing now as a 24-year old.
You know how they say a passion never dies? My fire is still burning.
I love football.
Below are my predictions for the AFC and NFC division winners, regular season awards and playoff predictions all the way until the Super Bowl in Houston.
Disagree with me? Please do. I love being right.
AFC:
AFC East
- New England Patriots (12-4)
Tom Brady will miss four games due to Deflategate.
With that being said, I don’t think the Patriots are worried one bit.
First off, right or wrong, Brady didn’t deserve a suspension equivalent to Josh Gordon and Le’Veon Bell (even though I am for cannabis in the NFL). That’s a discussion for a later time.
The Falcons literally got a slap on the wrist for pumping crowd noise into their stadium and the Vikings tampered with footballs on the sideline during a game against the Panthers in 2014. Don’t believe me? Look it up!
You’re telling me Brady’s deflation of footballs is more of an integrity issue than those two incidents? Give me a break.
Anyway, back to football.
The Patriots won’t miss a beat. I say they go 3-1 with Jimmy Garoppolo under center, at worst 2-2. Bill Belichick won’t put too much pressure on the young man’s shoulders and the Patriots will rely heavily on their defense during the stretch. Martellus Bennett is a tremendous acquisition as they will try to mimic the Aaron Hernandez/Rob Gronkowski double tight end offense from a few years ago.
Maybe I’m pushing it saying the Patriots will finish 12-4, but I think Brady will have as much fire as anybody when he returns Week 5. The 39-year old led the NFL in touchdowns last year and if it weren’t for a performance of the ages from the Broncos’ defense in the AFC Championship game, Brady could have a ring for each of his fingers and the thumb.
The Patriots will win the AFC East and they will once again be in the AFC Championship Game with a chance to get to a seventh Super Bowl in the Brady/Belichick era.
- New York Jets (9-7)
Ryan Fitzpatrick brought magic to the Jets last year. The journeyman 33-year old had the best season of his career, as he threw for 31 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards. With weapons like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, I could probably do the same—probably not.
I do like the Jets, but I think they will be the product of a brutal schedule. The addition of Matt Forte is nice, but how much is a 30-year old running back going to bring to the table? Who knows? I think the Jets will have a decent season, but they need to start figuring out who will be their quarterback of the future because it’s certainly not Ryan Fitzpatrick.
- Buffalo Bills (8-8)
Buffalo handed Tyrod Taylor a five-year, $90 million deal. Is he really worth it?
The Bills have the pieces in place to make some sort of a run at the AFC East crown, but I think the problem is their head coach.
Rex Ryan is not an NFL head coach.
He is a terrific defensive coordinator and once the Bills dismiss him after a .500 season, I expect plenty of teams to reach out to him in regards to a defensive coordinator position. But head coach? Eh.
- Miami Dolphins (6-10)
I love Adam Gase.
I think the Dolphins bringing in Gase as their new head coach was a terrific hire. He’s a quarterback guru, but I’m not sure he has the “quarterback” under center to bring the Dolphins atop the AFC East. Jarvis Landry is a great possession receiver and second-year wide out DeVante Parker is expected to break out. But Ryan Tannehill is the real problem here.
If Gase can fix Tannehill in one season, I’m going to reach out to the Dolphins and see what Gase can do with me because I would love to be an NFL quarterback.
AFC South
- Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
This is a pick with my heart.
But these are the facts.
Everyone in the AFC South got better this offseason, except for the Indianapolis Colts.
However, the one thing the Colts have going for them is the luxury of having the best quarterback in the division and as we know, quarterbacks cover up a lot of holes.
But I think even the great Andrew Luck is going to have trouble covering up this mess, especially if the offensive line fails to keep him upright.
I think the Colts will win the division because everyone else in the division is so young at the quarterback position—Blake Bortles, Marcus Mariota and Brock Osweiler. However, I would not be shocked if any of the other three teams win it. The AFC South is by far the most improved division in all of football.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
As I said earlier, this team is young. In two or three years, the Jaguars can be a real force in the AFC. First, Blake Bortles needs a few seasons of trials and tribulations before taking a franchise to the next level, but he certainly has the weapons to play with in Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, TJ Yeldon, Chris Ivory and Julius Thomas.
The question mark remains on the defensive side of the ball for the Jaguars. They brought in newcomer Malik Jackson to anchor the defensive line and they drafted Myles Jack and Jalen Ramsey, two guys who have the potential to be great.
Now, it’s a matter of putting it altogether, Gus Bradley.
- Houston Texans (8-8)
I had a tough time choosing between Houston and Jacksonville for the second spot in the division, but the reason I put the Texans here is because of the uncertainty of new quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Bill O’Brien and the rest of the organization definitely put him in position to succeed. He arguably has the best wide receiver in the division (DeAndre Hopkins) and after getting rid of Arian Foster, they brought in Lamar Miller from Miami to secure the workhorse role in the backfield.
The defense is anchored by J.J. Watt, but the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is going to need more help around him. It’s time for Jadeveon Clowney to live up to his No. 1 overall selection of the 2014 NFL Draft.
- Tennessee Titans (6-10)
The Titans will be a run-first team with DeMarco Murray and rookie Derrick Henry.
But if Marcus Mariota really turns out to be a franchise quarterback, he will need to elevate the play of the average receivers around him.
Again, the Titans are another team who is two or three years away from competing for a playoff spot.
AFC North
- Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
The Steelers were an Antonio Brown away from playing in the AFC Championship Game last year. As we all know, Brown had his head taken off by Vontaze Burfict in Pittsburgh’s Wildcard Round game against the Bengals.
Look, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn’t getting any younger.
And his young weapons around him keep letting him down.
Le’Veon Bell is serving a three-game suspension to start the season and wide receiver Martavis Bryant is suspended for the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
But at the end of the day, the Steelers still have Roethlisberger and a host of weapons for him to deliver the ball to.
Assuming they stay healthy, the Steelers will return to where they were a year ago.
I’ll take it a step further.
If the Steelers stay healthy I think they have a real shot at representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
- Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
I expect the Baltimore Ravens to bounce back in a big way this year.
The Ravens were decimated with injuries. Once Joe Flacco went down with a torn ACL, you just knew it wasn’t their year.
Assuming the Ravens do stay healthy, the AFC North will no doubt be the best division in all of football. I can see Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati as all potential playoff teams.
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
The Bengals said good bye to Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in the offseason, which means A.J. Green, one of the NFL’s elite wide outs, will have an even bigger role in the Bengals’ offense.
I like the dual backfield of Jeremy Hill and change of pace back Giovani Bernard to help Andy Dalton in the passing game, but I think the Bengals will take a step back this year, but they still will make the playoffs.
I find it hard to believe that Marvin Lewis is still the head coach of a team yet to win a playoff game during his tenure. After Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, yes you guessed it, Lewis is the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL.
Unbelievable, right?
- Cleveland Browns (6-10)
The Cleveland Browns will be an intriguing team to watch this year.
I’m interested to see how Robert Griffin III does in his new uniform and I’m really interested to see how Josh Gordon performs when he returns from his four-game suspension.
I don’t think the Browns have the complete roster to compete in a division like the AFC North, but for their sake, I hope they show something.
AFC West
- Oakland Raiders (10-6)
Oakland is the sexy pick. Everyone is on the Raiders bandwagon.
I’m just afraid that the bandwagon is going to overload and tip over.
Like the Jaguars, the Raiders are another team yet to face trials and tribulations before encountering success. I love Derek Carr. I love Amari Cooper. And I love the improvements they made on the defensive side of the ball. If Jack Del Rio and company can put everything together in one year, there is no doubt that the Oakland Raiders are the most talented and most equipped team to win the AFC West.
Lot of “ifs.”
- San Diego Chargers (9-7)
The Chargers are another team with a lot of improvements.
I love the addition of Travis Benjamin to an already stacked offensive repertoire.
But the key for the Chargers is the team’s first-round pick of a year ago: Melvin Gordon.
Gordon didn’t score a single touchdown as a rookie and he just needs to become a better running back and pass protector. The Chargers may have the best quarterback in the division in Phillip Rivers, but the rest of the team needs to do their part for this team to be successful.
- Denver Broncos (8-8)
You might think I’m crazy to have the defending Super Bowl champion finish third in its division, but hear me out.
First off, the Broncos will have a seventh-round pick at quarterback in Trevor Siemian.
He is certainly not the answer and will serve as a bridge to the future quarterback of the team; Paxton Lynch.
Second, the Broncos schedule is absolutely brutal.
Home against Carolina, at Indianapolis, at Cincinnati, at Tampa Bay, at New Orleans, home against New England and two games home and away against each of their divisional opponents.
The Broncos defense is tough. And they looked awesome in the preseason. But, I’m not sold on this team returning to the playoffs.
- Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
The last few years the Chiefs have made the playoffs. They kept knocking and knocking and knocking, but nobody answered.
It’s simple: Alex Smith is NOT the answer.
The former first round pick is a game manager at best and I can promise you he will never win a Super Bowl.
Kansas City will take a step back this year and finish last in a tough AFC West division.
Predicted AFC Playoff Standings:
- New England Patriots (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
- Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
- Oakland Raiders (10-6)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
NFC:
NFC East
- New York Giants (10-6)
It has been four years since the New York Giants last made the playoffs.
Things will change this year.
Odell Beckham Jr. is entering year No. 3, also known as the breakout year for a wide receiver. So if he tops his 25 touchdowns in 27 games ratio, Beckham is primed for an incredible season.
Eli Manning is coming off of his best statistical year and the Giants defense has vastly improved this offseason. With injuries to Tony Romo and the departure of Sam Bradford from the Eagles, the only real competition for the Giants will be the defending NFC East champion, Washington Redskins.
I’m looking forward to watching Beckham vs. Josh Norman, not once, but twice this year.
- Washington Redskins (9-7)
The defending NFC East champion has the chance to be even better this year.
Kirk Cousins has a full year under his belt and if his supporting cast around him stays healthy, the Redskins will have a scary good offense.
I like the Redskins to compete again for the division crown, as they are much better than Dallas and Philadelphia.
- Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Goodbye Tony Romo. Hello Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys have undoubtedly put Prescott in place to succeed. He has the best offensive line in football, a great wide receiving core led by Dez Bryant, and a young, fresh rookie running back to secure the workload in Ezekiel Elliott.
If Prescott exceeds expectations, the Cowboys had a shot in a division which is always up for grabs. If not, the Cowboys will once again miss the playoffs.
- Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
With Sam Bradford gone, rookie Carson Wentz is stepping in as the team’s franchise quarterback from day one.
The Eagles might have the best defense in the division and they have a healthy amount of options on the offensive side of the ball, so I expect them to compete as well.
Once again, in a division which is up for grabs every year, the Eagles obviously have an equal chance just like everyone else to take home the division crown.
NFC South
- Carolina Panthers (11-5)
How about an encore, Cam Newton?
The reigning MVP had one of the best overall seasons for a quarterback in recent memory. Newton totaled 35 passing touchdowns and had another 10 on the ground.
I don’t think he will duplicate those numbers, but with the return of Kelvin Benjamin and another year with Devin Funchess and Greg Olsen, Newton is bound for a campaign certainly close to last year’s magical Super Bowl run.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Behind a brick wall of an offensive line, Jameis Winston is destined to improve upon his rookie season.
Mike Evans had a sophomore slump, as he brought in only three touchdowns, but as I said earlier, year No. 3 is the year for the wide receiver position. I think Winston has a healthy amount of options on the offensive end, and the defense will be improved. The Bucs have a legit shot at a playoff berth this season.
- New Orleans Saints (6-10)
I don’t know what to say any more about New Orleans.
Clearly better days are behind Drew Brees and company.
The Saints had one of the worst defenses in all of football last year, and I don’t see how it got any better. Brees will continue to throw for 4,000 and 30 or more touchdowns, but with the inconsistency on the defensive side of the ball, it becomes a wash. I love Brees. I love his weapons. But I don’t love his defense.
- Atlanta Falcons (5-11)
No quarterback has regressed more than Matt Ryan.
And I don’t see it getting any better this year.
Yes, he has Julio Jones. He has Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman lined up behind him. The Falcons added Mohamed Sanu and they have a pair of young promising tight ends. But for Ryan’s sake, I just don’t see it.
The Falcons brought in Dan Quinn from Seattle to revamp their defense, but it hasn’t gotten any better. This is a make or break year for the Falcons, and I just don’t see it getting any better.
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Guess who is favored to win every single game on their schedule?
Yep. You guessed it.
The Green Bay Packers.
I don’t think they are going to win all 16 games, but I think the Packers will be ready to go this season. They’ve come so close in consecutive seasons to a second Super Bowl appearance in the Aaron Rodgers era, but no cigar.
This is Green Bay’s year. I think the Packers get home field advantage and ride it all the way until the Super Bowl.
- Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
The loss of Teddy Bridgewater is huge, but Sam Bradford isn’t a bad replacement. The Vikings have a fantastic defense and as far as I’m concerned, Adrian Peterson is still taking carries out of the backfield.
I think the Vikings will make a legit run at a playoff spot, but whether they make it, is yet to be determined.
- Chicago Bears (7-9)
Jay Cutler is clearly not the answer, but the problem for the Chicago Bears is they don’t have a second option.
It’s Alshon Jeffery’s time to prove he is a true number one receiver and I’m excited to see what Kevin White brings to the table after missing his rookie season.
The Bears have improved on defense under John Fox, but their offense is still a huge concern.
- Detroit Lions (5-11)
I like Matthew Stafford, but the Lions haven’t put the pieces around their franchise quarterback to succeed at a high level. The Lions have had a sub par defense, outside of Calvin Johnson, a poor offensive repertoire, and absolutely no running game.
The key for the Lions’ offense is Ameer Abdullah.
NFC West
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
The Seattle Seahawks are going to be a dangerous football team once again.
Russell Wilson really took the reins last year with Marshawn Lynch injured for the majority of the season and put together an MVP caliber year.
The sky is the limit for Wilson.
Seattle’s defense still has its ball-hawks in Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman and a ridiculous front-seven and group of linebackers.
This time around, Seattle may have to travel to Lambeau Field for the rights to Super Bowl 51.
- Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
I think Arizona is an equally awesome team, but the difference is their quarterback is Carson Palmer.
I love David Johnson. I love their wide receiver core. And I love, love, love their defense.
Arizona is primed for another great season, with hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since Kurt Warner was under center.
- Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
Three of the best defenses in the NFL reside in the NFC West.
The Rams are No. 3.
Alec Ogletree, Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Trumaine Johnson, T.J. McDonald are some of the key parts.
I think the Rams improve from last year, but they just miss the playoffs.
- San Francisco 49ers (4-12)
I like Chip Kelly, but he has a lot of retooling to do in San Francisco.
Blaine Gabbert is not a future franchise quarterback.
I think San Francisco drops a lot of games, gets a top pick next year, and maybe, just maybe it’s a quarterback.
Predicted NFC Playoff Standings:
- Green Bay Packers (13-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
- Carolina Panthers (11-5)
- New York Giants (10-6)
- Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
NFL MVP: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
The fact of the matter is the quarterback position gets the love for the NFL MVP award unless a running back or wide receiver has an all-time historic season.
If Odell Beckham catches 145 balls, has 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, he is certainly deserving of the award.
But I don’t see it happening.
Russell Wilson is primed to have his best season yet. With Marshawn Lynch gone and the offense no longer running through him, Wilson will undoubtedly put together a terrific season in the air and on the ground.
He doesn’t have the weapons of a Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, which is why Wilson is even more deserving of this award.
Wilson’s numbers were astronomical last year: 4,024 yards, 34 touchdowns and most importantly only eight interceptions. Oh yeah, and he also had 500+ yards on the ground with a touchdown.
His passing yards will improve and if Jimmy Graham can come back healthy and give Wilson a viable option, Wilson will have an MVP caliber season.
NFL Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
If Zimmer can take the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs after such a demoralizing injury to Teddy Bridgewater, he is deserving of this honor. Every other team I have making the playoffs, is expected to do so. I think a lot of people have counted the Vikings out, except for Zimmer and the rest of the people in Minnesota.
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Odell Beckham Jr, New York Giants
For a wide receiver to get this award they will need to have an unbelievable statistical season. For Beckham’s sake, I think it can be done.
100 or more catches, 1,700 or more yards, and 17 or more touchdowns and an NFC East crown may garner this award to who-I-think will solidify himself as the best wide receiver in the National Football League.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
The J.J. Watt run at Defensive Player of the Year is over.
Khalil Mack is set to take off.
Mack piled up 77 tackles, 15.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles last year and was the first player in NFL history to make the All-Pro team as a defensive lineman and linebacker.
If it weren’t for Watt, Mack would have had his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
I expect huge things from Mack this year and I expect him to be the league’s best defensive player.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry are the easy picks. But what about Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz?
I can see the rookie toss 20 or more touchdowns and have the Eagles in contention for the NFC East crown.
He has a great offensive mind as his head coach, a nice support cast on offense, and a turnover-friendly defense, which will set him up for success.
Watch out for Wentz.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Nkemdiche, Arizona Cardinals
How about this guy for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
The focus will be on newly acquired Chandler Jones, All-Pro talent Tyrann Mathieu and the rest of that relentless Arizona Cardinals defense. People will forget about Nkemdiche, who will make a huge impact for the NFC West team right off the bat.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck had his worst season as a pro last year.
It can only get better, right?
Luck had an uncharacteristic 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in only seven games played due to injury.
I expect his touchdown total to triple and now with Rob Chudzinski as the offensive coordinator, I expect Luck’s turnovers to decrease.
Despite the lack of talent on the Colts roster, if the offensive line can keep Luck upright, I expect big things from the former No. 1 overall pick.
He is another candidate for the MVP award.
AFC Playoff Predictions:
Wildcard Round
No. 1 New England Patriots – Bye
No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers – Bye
No. 3 Indianapolis over No. 6 Cincinnati Bengals
No. 5. Baltimore Ravens over No. 4 Oakland Raiders
Divisional Round
New England Patriots over Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers over Indianapolis Colts
Championship Round
New England Patriots over Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Playoff Predictions:
Wildcard Round
No. 1 Green Bay Packers – Bye
No. 2 Seattle Seahawks – Bye
No. 3 Carolina Panthers over No. 6 Minnesota Vikings
No. 4 New York Giants over No. 5 Arizona Cardinals
Divisional Round
Green Bay Packers over New York Giants
Seattle Seahawks over Carolina Panthers
Championship Round
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks
SUPER BOWL LI
New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers
Yes, this is the year we will see an all-time historic quarterback match up.
Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers.
I expect a game for the ages, with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick coming away with ring No. 5 and cementing themselves as the greatest of all-time.
NE: 28 GB: 24
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
