2021 NFL Season Preview

 

Next to the NFC West, the AFC North could be the most competitive division this season. Right out of the gate, the Ravens are seeing a rash of injuries hit their team, with now both running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards looking doubtful this season, along with CB Marcus Peters. They'll be tested early to see if they can respond.

The Browns finally made a run of it following seasons of "winning on paper". Now with hopefully a healthy Odell Beckham, can they repeat and made a deep run?

The Steelers biggest question mark will be the offensive line, and how does Ben Roethlisberger hold up throughout the year? Hopefully with rookie RB Najee Harris, the running game can finally reach where its expected to be in Pittsburgh.

As for the Bengals, can Joe Burrow rebound from his knee injury last year and survive behind that offensive line?

1) Browns 11-6

2) Steelers 9-8

3) Ravens 9-8

4) Bengals 4-13

Its a new era in New England, as Mac Jones takes over at QB. The Patriots will be looking to return to the playoffs with the number of defensive players returning after sitting out last season.

The Bills are coming in hot, with Josh Allen having a breakout season. He'll have even more weapons this time around, with Emmanuel Sanders joining the Bills' receiver corp. Their biggest question will be the consistency of the running game.

The Dolphins opted to stick with Tua at QB, now can he put any first-year hiccups behind him?

The Jets will start yet another era with Zach Wilson at QB. Can the Jets finally get out of the basement?

1) Bills 13-4

2) Patriots 10-7

3) Dolphins 7-10

4) Jets 6-11

It'll be interesting to see how the Jaguars look with Urban Meyer and QB Trevor Lawrence taking over. It feels like a long road for Jacksonville to get back to where they were a few years ago.

The biggest question for the Colts regards the health of new QB Carson Wentz.

The Titans feel like the most consistent team in this division, with the offensive trio of Ryan Tannehill, A.J Brown and Derrick Henry.

The Texans are just a mess, no other way to put it.

1)Titans 12-5

2) Colts 8-9

3) Jaguars 5-12

4) Texans 3-14

The Broncos will be rolling yet another new QB with Teddy Bridgewater winning the job over Drew Lock. Can he provide Denver with some stability?

The Chiefs found out in last year's super bowl just how dire their offensive line situation was with a few injuries. They looked to address that, bringing in veteran guards Kyle Long and Joe Thuney.

The Chargers enter year 2 with Justin Herbert, who statistically had a very impressive year. Can things finally come together now for the Chargers?

Is Gruden on the hot seat with the Raiders? We'll see.

1) Chiefs 15-2

2) Chargers 11-6

3) Raiders 9-8

4) Broncos 7-10

Playoff Field:

1) Chiefs

-------------

2) Bills

3) Titans

4) Browns

-------------

5) Chargers

6) Patriots

7) Steelers

Wildcard Round:

Steelers v. Bills

Patriots v. Titans

Chargers v. Browns

Division Round:

Chargers v. Chiefs

Titans v. Bills

AFC Championship:

Bills v. Chiefs

Is the Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota starting to wear out? It might if the Vikings continue merely treading water.

Just how long until the Bears turn to Justin Fields at QB?

Being that this seems to be Aaron Rodgers' last year in Green Bay, will his tenure end with a title?

The Lions are in total rebuild mode.

1) Packers 13-4

2) Vikings 8-9

3) Bears 6-11

4) Lions 3-14

How will Jalen Hurts to with a full year to start in Philadelphia? The Eagles could be an x-factor in this division.

With Dak Prescott, just how high are the expectations in Dallas?

Washington is rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick, can he keep Washington in contention?

As for the Giants, can they expect a full year from RB Saquon Barkley?

1) Cowboys 9-8

2) Eagles 8-9

3) Washington 7-10

4) Giants 6-11

Can Sam Darnold work it out in Carolina?

The Buccaneers really started to click towards the back half of last season resulting in their blowout Super Bowl win. Returning all of their starters, can the Bucs and Tom Brady keep it rolling?

The Falcons seem to be in-between rebuilding and contending. Is this Matt Ryan's last year in Atlanta?

The Saints are moving on from Drew Brees, and are going with Jameis Winston as their week 1 starter. Can he improve on his turnover problems from his Tampa Bay days?

1) Buccaneers 14-3

2) Saints 10-7

3) Falcons 7-10

4) Panthers 5-12

As I mentioned up top, the NFC West looks to be the most competitive division this season. That starts with the Rams, who are moving forward with QB Matthew Stafford. 

The 49ers have a choice before them with QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.

Entering year 3 with Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are hoping to be contenders.

Like with the Packers, the Seahawks found themselves in some offseason drama with Russell Wilson. Can they move forwards?

1) Seahawks 12-5

2) Rams 11-6

3) Cardinals 10-7

4) 49ers 9-8

Playoff Field:

1) Buccaneers

------------------

2) Packers

3) Seahawks

4) Cowboys 

-------------------

5) Rams

6) Saints

7) Cardinals

Wildcard Round:

Cardinals v. Packers

Saints  v. Seahawks

Rams v. Cowboys

Divisional Round:

Saints v. Buccaneers

Rams v. Packers

NFC Championship:

Rams v. Buccaneers

 

A possible matchup from last year, what a sight it would be to see the Bills face their longtime foe and divisional roadblock Tom Brady. These two teams would seem to match-up well against each other. Being how difficult its been lately for team to repeat, I think the Buffalo Bills get that long awaited championship. 

 

 

 

 

2020 NFL Season Preview

 

As we march on through this year of chaos, we've found our way to the beginning of another NFL season. Live crowds may be limited or non-existent for at least the start of it, but at least we're here. With a variety of off-season moves, it'll be interesting to see how things play out.

The biggest change this off-season came from the Patriots, who saw Tom Brady depart to Tampa Bay. They brought in Cam Newton, who has something to prove coming off an injury-filled year. The Pats have also seen a number of key defensive players withdraw for the season due to covid-concerns.

 The Bills added a big piece in Stefon Diggs, so the pressure will be on for Josh Allen to rise to the occasion.

 While the Jets and Dolphins may be also-rans, we'll see when Tua Tagovailoa starts for Miami.

1) Bills 10-6

2) Patriots 9-7

3) Dolphins 6-10

4) Jets 5-11

We could see a fierce battle among the top two in the North. The Ravens further strengthened their defense adding DE Calais Campbell for only a 5th rd draft pick; and in the draft they bolstered their RB depth with J.K Dobbins. 

For the Steelers, anticipation runs high for the return of Ben Roethlisberger, who says he's injury free for the first time in nearly a decade following elbow surgery. The Steelers will be incredibly dangerous if their offense can rise up again along with their defense. 

With another head coaching change, eyes will be on whether the Browns can finally do something productive, and the Joe Burrow era begins in Cincinnati. 

1) Ravens 13-3

2) Steelers 12-4

3) Browns 8-8

4) Bengals 5-11

The Titans are sticking with Ryan Tannehill, who went on a tear during the back half of last season. While its unlikely he'll continue at that clip, he should still be a top 15 or so QB. They made a late signing that should greatly improve their defensive line with Jadeveon Clowney. Coming off an AFC Championship appearance, anything short of a playoff appearance will be seen as failure.

The Texans made some baffling moves in the off-season, trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for RB David Johnson. They did add Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb to their WR corps, but it'll be hard to make up for Hopkins' production.

Indianapolis made a big QB move adding Philip Rivers. Rivers seems to still have something left in the tank. He'll have some added offensive pieces with rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr and RB Jonathan Taylor.  The Colts also swung a big trade, adding DT DeForest Buckner. 

As for the Jaguars....they clearly seem to be in tank for Trevor Lawrence mode. 

1) Colts 10-6

2) Titans 10-6

3) Texans 9-7

4) Jaguars 3-13  

The Chiefs will be looking for a Superbowl repeat, and with the stability they're coming back with that very much could be in the cards. In the draft, they added RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire who appears to be the top man in the RB room.

The Chargers saw a big change with Rivers departing to Indianapolis. They added QB Justin Herbert in the draft, but it'll be Tyrod Taylor getting the start to begin the season. 

Eyes are on Derek Carr as the Raiders brought in Marcus Mariota. With Alabama WR Henry Ruggs coming via the draft, the pressure will be on.

Going with Drew Lock, the Broncos gave him some offensive weapons in the draft with WR's Jerry Jeudy and K.J Hamler. On defense however, they saw a big loss recently with Von Miller suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

1) Chiefs 13-3

2) Broncos 8-8

3) Chargers 8-8

4) Raiders 7-9

Playoff Field

1) Chiefs*

 2) Ravens 

       3) Bills            

4) Colts   

   

  5) Steelers 

6) Titans 

   7) Patriots 

Wildcard Round

Patriots v. Ravens

Titans v. Bills      

     

Steelers v. Colts  

Divisional Round

Steelers v. Chiefs

Bills v. Ravens   

AFC Championship

Ravens v. Chiefs

The pressure will be on the Cowboys as they start the Mike McCarthy era. Along with extending Amari Cooper, they landed Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb in the draft. Dak Prescott will also be playing for his future contract.

The Eagles will be hoping for some better health, as they were ravaged last year. Carson Wentz gets a lot of flack, but he didn't have much to work with towards the end of last season. They stacked up their defensive line in the off-season, signing former Steeler Javon Hargrave.

Washington finally ditched their racist team-name, and will go into the year as the "Washington Football Team". Rolls off the tongue doesn't it? They moved on from Adrian Peterson, going with Antonio Gibson more likely than not as the lead back down the line. In some uplifting news, Alex Smith is back from that gruesome leg injury.

The Giants will be seeing what Daniel Jones will look with his first full season as the starter.

1) Cowboys 10-6

2) Eagles 9-7

3) Giants 5-11

4) Washington 4-12

The Vikings traded Diggs and looked to replace at least some of his production with WR Justin Jefferson out of LSU. Will Kirk Cousins be able to reach that next level in the postseason?

The Bears have a mess on their hands at QB, with Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles. Neither provides much if any certainty. 

The Packers made some head-scratching moves in the draft, selecting QB Jordan Love, and not giving Aaron Rodgers any more offensive weapons. 

A lot of analysts out there seem high on the Lions. They saw some unluckiness last year, being without Matthew Stafford for a large portion of the season. They bolstered their RB depth late adding Adrian Peterson. 

1) Vikings 11-5

2) Packers 10-6

3) Lions 9-7

4) Bears 4-12 

Matt Ryan has been flying under the radar lately. Can the Falcons finally get it all together?

The Saints will be looking to go far this season, as Brees' window seems to be closing. They added WR Emmanuel Sanders, who was effective down the stretch for the 49ers. 

There is suddenly a lot of hope in Tampa Bay, as they added Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Brady an incredible amount of options offensively, with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Gronkowski to name a few. 

The Panthers are definitely in rebuild mode, but they should have capable QB play with Teddy Bridgewater. 

1) Saints 13-3

2) Buccaneers 11-5

3) Falcons 8-8

4) Panthers 5-11

The Seahawks were a game away last year from taking the division. They loaded up on defense swinging a big trade with the Jets to land Safety Jamal Adams. 

We'll see how Kyler Murray develops entering his sophomore season. Murray will have a new favorite target I predict with Deandre Hopkins. And on defense, Isaiah Simmons will be interesting to see how he's utilized.

How much regression will the 49ers see? Like the Ravens, I don't think the 49ers' running game will continue at that 2019 clip. They gave Jimmy Garoppolo some added protection making a trade for OT Trent Williams.

The Rams moved on from Todd Gurley and drafted Cam Akers. With some hopefully healthy stability at RB, eyes will be on Jared Goff to try and live up to his contract.

1) Seahawks 12-4

2) 49ers 11-5

3) Rams 8-8

4) Cardinals 7-9

Playoff Field

1) Saints*

       2) Seahawks   

3) Vikings

   4) Cowboys

       5) Buccaneers

6) 49ers   

  7) Packers

Wildcard Round

Packers v. Seahawks

49ers v. Vikings

Buccaneers v. Cowboys

Divisional Round

49ers v. Saints

Buccaneers v. Seahawks

NFC Championship 

Buccaneers v. Saints

I thought I had this prediction settled....until I realized where the Super Bowl is scheduled to be played......in Tampa Bay. Its a big assumption, but I think there would be a decent number of fans allowed by that time (here's hoping that call proves true). Being a first ever home super bowl.....I'm going with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Super Bowl 48 Preview

Its that time, time for the "big game", or as Stephen Colbert called it this past week, "Superb Owl". Anyways, this has been a highly anticipated matchup and should be a showdown, with Peyton Manning and the Broncos' Offense vs the "Legion of Boom" and the Seahawks' Defense. In my NFL Season preview, I did predict this match-up, but will my prediction (Broncos), stay the same? You'll have to read on to figure out. I'll go through position by position now to see who has the edge and where, followed by my prediction. So with that being said, here we go.

QB: 

(SEA) Russell Wilson: 26TDs, 9INTs, 3,357yds, 101.2RTG

(DEN) Peyton Manning: 55TDs, 10INTs, 5,477yds, 115.1RTG

As impressive as Wilson has been in his first 2 seasons, leading the Seahawks to the NFC Divisional round last year in his rookie year and now the Super Bowl, it isn't even close here. Manning had a historical year with his 55TDs, setting records. It was just announced that Manning just won another MVP award as well. Playing in his 3rd super bowl, the clear edge goes to Manning and the Broncos.

RB:

(SEA) Marshawn Lynch: 301Car, 1,257yds, 4.2Avg, 12TDs

(DEN) Knowshon Moreno: 241Car, 1,038yds, 4.3Avg, 10TDs

The Broncos tend to use more of a situational running game, although Moreno did have an impressive year offensively. However, when Lynch enters "beast mode", there's no better running back in the game who runs as physically as he can. He's an integral part to the Seahawks' offensive plan. The Seahawks and Lynch get the edge.

WR1

(SEA) Doug Baldwin: 50Rec, 778yds, 15.6Avg, 5TDs

(DEN) Demaryius Thomas: 92Rec, 1,430yds, 15.5Avg, 14Tds

When the Seahawks traded for Percy Harvin, they envisioned him as their #1 receiver, but due to injuries to both Harvin and Sidney Rice, Baldwin has had to step up, and has done an admirable job, however Thomas is one of the most top underrated receivers in the game, with his size and speed. The Broncos get the edge.

WR2:

(SEA) Golden Tate: 64Rec, 898yds, 14.0Avg, 5TDs

(DEN) Wes Welker: 73Rec, 778yds, 10.7avg, 10TDs

Just as Baldwin has had to step, so has Tate due to the receiving corps injuries to the Seahawks. While Welker had a fairly solid year, it isn't the numbers that he put up while with the Patriots, and part of that is due to his concussion issues this year. Due to that, the Seahawks get the edge.

TE:

(SEA) Zach Miller: 33Rec, 387yds, 11.7Avg, 5TDs

(DEN) Julius Thomas: 65Rec, 788yds, 12.1Avg, 12TDs

Its pretty much a runaway here. While Miller is a nice TE, Thomas simply had a breakout year, starting from his performance during the season opener. A possession TE, the edge here clearly goes to the Broncos.

(Offensive Line):

(SEA): Russell Okung, James Carpenter, Max Unger, J.R Sweezy, Breno Giacomini

(DEN): Chris Clark, Zane Beadles, Manny Ramirez, Louis Vasquez, Orlando Franklin

Each offensive line has an important task in front of them. The Seahawks need to create running lanes for Lynch, while the Broncos need to give Manning time, being that he's a pocket passer (while Wilson has the capability to escape). With that being said, this is a draw.

Now the Seahawks use a starting FB in Michael Robinson, but he's a strict blocking back.

And as noted, the Seahawks traded for Percy Harvin prior to the season, but he's been injured for most of the year. Coming off of a concussion, it appears he's coming into the Super Bowl healthy, making him an "X" Factor for the Seahawks. 

In lieu of a FB, the Broncos usually start 3 WRs, with the 3rd being Eric Decker. Decker had 87Rec, 1,288yds, 14.8Avg, 11TDs, so he'll also be an "X" Factor entering the big game.

LDE:

(SEA) Red Bryant: 30Tckls, 1.5Scks

(DEN) Malik Jackson: 42Tckls, 6Scks, 1FF

Both Bryant and Jackson have become forces for their respective team's defensive lines. With his production this year, have to give a slight edge to the Broncos.

DT:

(SEA) Tony McDaniel: 53Tckls, 2Scks

(DEN) Sylvester Williams: 19Tckls, 2Scks

Williams was the Broncos' first round draft pick this past year, and put up a fairly favorable rookie year, but McDaniel was a force at DT. The edge here goes to the Seahawks.

DT:

(SEA) Brandon Mebane: 45Tckls

(DEN) Terrance Knighton: 31Tckls, 3Scks, 1INT

MeBane has been a workhorse for the Seahawks, but Knighton could play a critical role for the Broncos defensive scheme in trying to stuff the Seahawks run game. The edge here goes to the Broncos.

RDE:

(SEA) Chris Clemons: 24Tckls, 4.5Scks, 1FF

(DEN) Shaun Phillips: 35Tckls, 10Scks, 2FF, 1INT

Clemons has been a solid veteran presence for the Seahawks, but Phillips has really gone above and beyond this season. The Broncos get the edge here.

OLB:

(SEA) Bruce Irvin: 40Tckls, 2Scks, 1FF, 1INT

(DEN) Nate Irving: 41Tckls, 1Sck

Irving, along with the rest of the Broncos' linebacking corps have had to step up do to a multitude of injuries, importantly to Von Miller. Irvin though has been a solid presence for the Seahawks, proving those who doubted him on draft day wrong. The Seahawks get the edge.

MLB:

(SEA) Bobby Wagner: 120Tckls, 5Scks, 2INTs

(DEN) Wesley Woodyard: 84Tckls, 1.5Scks, 2FF, 1INT

Woodyard has done plenty to step up for the Broncos D, but Wagner has just had an incredible season. The Seahawks get the clear edge.

OLB:

(SEA) Malcolm Smith: 54Tckls, 1Sck, 1FF, 2INTs

(DEN) Danny Trevathan: 129Tckls, 2Scks, 3FF, 3INTs

While many just remember Smith for his game winning INT of Kaepernick off of a tip by Sherman, he has been a solid presence for the Seahawks. Trevathan though has emerged as a leader for the Broncos D, and will be a key in stopping Lynch. The Broncos get the edge.

LCB:

(SEA) Richard Sherman: 48Tckls, 8INTs

(DEN) Champ Bailey: 14Tckls

Bailey has had a tremendous career, but he was frequently on and off the field this year, dealing with a variety of injuries. Sherman on the other-hand is arguable the "best corner in the game", and you can bet he'll be matched up with Thomas throughout the game....and that he'll probably receive far and few between targets. The Seahawks get the clear edge.

RCB:

(SEA) Byron Maxwell: 28Tckls, 1FF, 4INTs

(DEN) Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie: 31Tckls, 3INTs

This is a close match-up. Maxwell will have a big task, seeing a lot of targets with Sherman likely being avoided by Manning. Cromartie will also have a big task of watching out for Tate and his speed. By the slightest of edges, I'm giving the advantage to the Seahawks.

SS:

(SEA) Kam Chancellor: 99Tckls, 1FF, 3INTs

(DEN) Duke Lhenacho: 73Tckls, 3FF

Lhenacho has been coming along in his early NFL career, but Chancellor can make the big plays and punishing hits. The Seahawks get the edge.

FS:

(SEA) Earl Thomas: 105Tckls, 2FF, 5INTs

(DEN) Mike Adams: 64Tckls, 1INT

Adams is a nice safety, but Thomas has already become one of the top safeties in the game, garnering comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu. The Seahawks get the clear edge.

K:

(SEA) Steven Hauschka: 33/35FGs, 94.3%, 53Lng

(DEN) Matt Prater: 25/26FGs, 96.2%, 64Lng

The kicking game can be a key factor in any game, especially as big as this. It can be points thrown away, or a drive resulting in a needed score. Both teams' kickers have been solid all year long. While Prater may have been aided by being in Denver, I do think he's the best kicker here. The edge goes to the Broncos

P:

(SEA) Jon Ryan: 74punts, 42.7Avg, 69Lng, 28 inside the 20

(DEN) Britton Colquitt: 65punts, 44.5Avg. 60Lng, 23 inside the 20

The punting game can be just as important as the kicking game. It can essentially flip the field, make a non-scoring drive still be a productive drive if you're able to pin the opponent back. This will be a key factor for the Seahawks. With that being said, I do give the edge to the Seahawks.

So after all of this, who do I like? I think it'll be a close game, going down to the wire. Both QBs have experience with the 2-minute drill. There may be a lot of Super Bowl inexperience with the Seahawks, but I don't think that'll be much of a factor actually. In the end, I just think that "Legion of Boom" will make a big play in the end to seal it, whether it be a game-ending INT, or a forced fumble to allow Wilson to make a game-winning drive. 

27-24 Seahawks

So there you have it. Now sit back, have some wings, and enjoy the game everyone.