The NFL is finally back. And so is fantasy football and sports betting and bar hopping to watch the games. It’s Sunday Funday time folks. Football weekends are like no other! Anyway, here are some predictions for the season.
Philly and Detroit will barely make the playoffs or miss it altogether
That’s just my belief as all of these are. It’s time for Philly to take a step back. I just think they’ll start off hot and then fade in the middle of the season. Saquon won’t have the same blocking as he did last year. The defense will take a step back after losing all of those defenders from last year’s squad. And then the team will start to lose more games than they’re accustomed to losing. They’ll get in the playoffs still, but just barely.
And now on to Detroit, who has lost both of their coordinators from last year. Ben Johnson (OC) is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears and Aaron Glenn (DC) is now coach of the New York Jets. A team has to take a step back when they lose that much leadership, right? I think Detriot’s offense will look much different because Ben Johnson won’t be calling the plays. Goff won’t have 5 seconds back there to throw the ball like he did last season. They also play in a tough division with Green Bay, Minnesota and Chicago. It won’t be easy for Detroit to win 11 or 12 game this year. I’m not sure they will.
The Cowboys will make the playoffs
There was the drama with Micah Parsons vs Jerry Jones in the contract standoff but that’s it. Besides that, it’s been quiet in Cowboy land. Nobody is overhyping them. The media’s expectations are as low as they’ve ever been. The fans seem to now realize just how average the Cowboys have been for so long. However, I say the Cowboys shock a lot of people and play some good ball this year and make the playoffs. I have no statistics or theory to back it up but I think they get in. Dak will stay healthy and they’ll win some important games this year and be a tough out in the playoffs.
Tyler Warren and Ashton Jeanty will shine in their rookie seasons
These guys were forces in college. Tyler Warren was a man amongst boys in college at Penn State. Yes, I know this is the NFL. Still, in the pre-season he stood out and made plays against grown men. He’s just too big and strong and agile to not be a force. I think he’ll be a very valuable weapon for whoever is at QB for the Colts this season. And he’ll open the field up for the other WRs in the passing game. He looks like the real deal out there.
Speaking of a man among men, Ashton Jeanty ran over a couple of guys during this preseason’s games. After his stellar college career at Boise St. where he threatened to break Barry Sanders all time rushing record, he’s ready to make his mark in the pros. I didn’t believe he would be a force in the NFL but after his preseason performances, I’m now a believer. I think these two guys, Jeanty and Warren will be in the top 2 or top 3 for rookie of their year candidates.
The Giants, Browns and Patriots will be much improved teams
Call me crazy but I think all three of these teams will shock people this season. The New York Giants, led by Russell Wilson will have a tough schedule at the beginning of the season. But I think Russell is out for revenge and to prove he’s still a really good NFL QB. Besides Malik Nabors I don’t know who the Giants have so I’m guessing here, going with my gut. I also think Abdul Carter, another rookie, will shine for them on defense. I’m not saying the Giants will make the playoffs but they will be much improved from last year’s version.
The Cleveland Browns are another team that will be lead by a veteran Quarterback in Joe Flacco. Now if their schedule wasn’t so brutal up front, I’d probably have them challenging for a playoff spot. But look at their schedule the first 6 weeks;
That’s brutal. Again, I’m only going on a hunch here and with no background information but I think they’ll win 3 of these games, somehow, someway. If they do win half of those games, they’ll definitely stay in the hunt and challenge for a playoff spot.
And now on to the New England Patriots. They are now led and coached by Mike Vrabel. I see a similar transition for this team as to what Dan Campbell did with the Lions. Vrabel will make sure he has a physical hard nosed team that will be tough in the trenches. And they will be disciplined and not beat themselves. The 2nd year QB, Drake Maye looks like he is ready to take a step forward too. So yeah, this is another team that I think will be a lot better than they were last year and shock some opponents early. Again, I just have a feel that these teams are a lot different than last year’s versions and they’ll be ready to rock this year. We all will see.
And that’s that. It’s time. The NFL is back for us fanatics and we couldn’t be happier. We’re all optimistic about our teams right now. A lot of us, like this Dolphin fan here, are just hoping the season is not over early. But hey, lets get back to thinking positive again my friends. Go Dolphins and let the chaos begin!
Mostly agree with every thing besides philly and browns take. Brown are not good period. And philly prime for another run . My bold prediction jalen hurts mvp..