Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Chilombo" - Jhene Aiko

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Chilombo" - Jhene Aiko

(All Rights to Artclub/ARTium/Def Jam Records)

1) "Lotus (intro)"

A calm, opening defining track.

2) "Triggered (Freestyle)"

This addresses past relationships; "You brought me to an obstructed view, When you knew the picture was bigger". There's an especially nice flow during the 4th verse.

3) "None Of Your Concern" (ft/ Big Sean)

Jhene and Sean reflect on their failed relationship; "I was traumatized and suicidal, sick and tired. I am not to blame". Ultimately its about moving on.  

4) "Speak"

This deals with liberation and empowerment. Jhene states that she doesn't have to impress anyone else; "Look how the sun rises without our asking, Shinin' with so much passing, Light just for us to bask in".

5) "B.S." (ft/ H.E.R)

This is about bouncing back and self-confidence; "I am on my own now. I am in control now. I need you to go now, I can fix my own crown". 

6) "PU$$Y Fairy" (OTW)

This deals with an intimate relationship. There really isn't a lot to this, and the awkward echoes throughout the track don't mesh up well.

7) "Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E)" (ft/ Future & Miguel)

This revolves around how a woman is judged for her sexual freedom. Overall this track feels very jumbled. 

 

8) "One Way St." (ft/ Ab-soul)

Jhene reflects on her new direction in life. There's a disorienting feel to this that meshes with the overall theme.

9) "Define Me (Interlude)"

Similar to "Lotus", but this is against someone else defining her.

10) "Surrender" (ft/ Dr. Chill)

This is about surrendering one's self to the influences of the universe; "take a vow to be down for life". There's a very tranquil feel.

11) "Tryna Smoke"

This is about how Jhene handles/manages the various struggles of her life; "I wish that I was high, 'Cause I can't live my life when it's low".

12) "Born Tired"

Jhene needs something to life her up in this track; "three deep breaths, ten steps backwards...Tire marks on my heart" 

.

13) "LOVE"

This is about the influence of opening up to love; "Look down, Standing on my feet. Over hills & valley peaks. Veering right until I meet everything I'm meant to be". The 4th verse really adds to this track's theme.

14) "10K Hours" (ft/ Nas)

This is reflecting on loss; "I'm not being difficult, I just see things differently. You don't see the urgency, that really worries me". Jhene is stating not to take life for granted.

15) "Summer 2020 (interlude)"

This emotional track is about Jhene's late brother.

16) "Mourning Doves"

There's really good writing behind this; "Some doors were closed just for others to open, I'm hopin' you let me in?", but I'm left wanting a bit more instrumentally.

17) "Pray For You"

This is about letting go from a past relationship; "though we're not together, God bless you still". This is a very mature way of looking at the past.

18) "Lighting & Thunder" (ft/ John Legend)

This harmonious duet is dealing with the early stages and trials of a relationship.

19) "Magic Hour"

This track drags on a bit.

20) "Party For Me (West Coast Version)" (ft/ Ty Dolla Sign)

Jhene contemplates mortality and how she wants to be remembered and celebrated; "it's a celebration, I finally made it". Its a positive look on things, as she isn't afraid.

I didn't know what I was expecting with "Chilombo", as I'd never listened to Jhene Aiko before, and I was pleasantly surprised. With tracks like "speak", "Surrender" and "Party For Me", Jhene and her writing thematically click and really expresses what she's trying to put out there to the world.(78)

Taylor Swift - "Folklore" (100)

Black Pumas - "Black Pumas (Deluxe)" (91)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)

Jhene Aiko - "Chilombo" (78)

Post Malone - "Hollywood's Bleeding" (30)

SNL: Best Of 2020

 

2020 has been quite a year. SNL went from starting off (like all of us) pretty normally...to producing shows from home, to now back on stage with a limited audience. On top of all that was the election (where SNL's coverage missed the mark for the most part). But there was still plenty of quality pieces this year. The following is my top 20 of the last year.

20) "On The Couch"

Another year, and another song featuring Chris Redd & Kenan Thompson.

19) "The Bachelor"

SNL "Bachelor" sketches tend to follow the same formula, but this one mixes it up with Adele playing herself as a contestant.

18) "Melissa Seals The Deal"

Melissa Villasenor and Chloe Fineman made the most of it with the home produced shows, starting with this Melissa piece that feels like a take on Christopher Walken's "The Continental"  

17) "Dreams"

The closing piece from last season, this feature showed what is waiting for us on the other side of all of this.  

16) "Enough Is Enough"

A good sketch that mocked how some social media influencers tried to do activism.  

15) "Bits"

A short that is right in Kyle Mooney's wheelhouse.

14) "Madame Vivelda"

An amusing sketch showing us how wild this year would have sounded had we were warned about it a year ago.

13) "Christmas Morning"

SNL has had a run recently of these sort of "realistic" family Christmas moments, and this one lives up to them.

12) "Airbnb Commercial"

Another solidly produced "at home" sketch starring Chloe Fineman, she really shined.

11) "NY Musical"

We had two John Mulaney hosted episodes in this past calendar year.....and with that came these big musical numbers.

10) "Sportsmax"

As I mentioned up top, the political coverage this year was middling for SNL, but this one rose above. A solid parody of the FOX News alternative "Newsmax".

9) "Masterclass"

The other Chloe Fineman "at home" piece in this list, she really made herself noticed.

8) "Stu"

Who had an eminem 'Christmas' themed parody in the year 2020? Yet here we are.

7) "Uncle Ben"

Just a spot on Dave Chappelle sketch reflecting on this past year besides the pandemic.

6) "December To Remember Car Commercial"

There was a whole story woven through this parody ad.

5) "The Science Room"

There has quietly been a number of memorable sketches similar to this, from Sam Rockwell's "Science Show" and Bill Hader's "Mister Wizard", but Adam Driver really stands out in this.

4) "Strollin'"

These were the kind of sketches that SNL should have focused more on in their election coverage.

3) "Airport Sushi"

This was the better of the two Mulaney musical sketches this past year.

2) "Del Taco Shoot"

Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney show off their chemistry here essentially repeating the same phrase over and over again.

1) "Tiny Horse"

Just the perfect version of absurdist humor. This one was just so out there and unexpected.  

Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition)" - Black Pumas

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Black Pumas (deluxe)" - Black Pumas

(All Rights to ATO Records)

*For this deluxe edition, I didn't include the live recorded tracks in the review, so as to not inflate the final score amidst the other nominees. 

1) "Black Moon Rising"

This bluesy track is loosely about a man desperately in love; "You brave the sight, I paint the picture...all she wants to do is cruise to the black moon rising".

2) "Colors"

"Colors" explores the diversity found in everyday life; "now take me to the other side, little bitty blue birds fly, in gray clouds, or white walls , or blue skies". The lyrical poetry in this folk-sounding track is magnificent.  

 

3) "Know You Better"

There's a nice groove to "Know You Better"; "I want to know you better, I gotta take this time. Stop and see the weather".

4) "Fire"

This western-sounding track deals with longing; "Don't be afraid to say 'I need you' ".

5) "OCT 33"

The title is referencing a day that will never be, in relation to a relationship; "So help me hear the birds sing. I'll help you capture your dream". There's a nice guitar rift that adds to "OCT 33" 's style.

6) "Stay Gold"

While the vocals are rich, "Stay Gold" gets lyrically repetitive. 

7) "Old Man"

There's a nice beat, but the lyrical phrasing is awkward in spots.

8) "Confines"

This deals with striving to make a difference; "Make me wise, take me far. Says the mind unto the heart". 

9) "Touch The Sky"

There's a nice brass feature in this lyrically rich track; "Let me touch the sky, brother. Let's play the game. I do my thing 'til I'm satisfied, sister. This love's everywhere, say a little prayer".

10) "Sweet Conversations"

This tranquil sounding track goes pretty deep; "If I'm lost in my darkness with my soul on the pavement, Won't you speak with me, spirit? Babe, we can't let this love run dry". 

11) "Fast Car"

This is a very respectful cover to the Tracy Chapman classic, subtly adding a few flourishes.

12) "I'm Ready"

There's a nice beat, but its a bit scattered lyrically.

13) "Red Rover"

This track is very smooth-flowing.

14) "Black Cat"

"Black Cat" is rock & soul blended to perfection.

15) "Politicians In My Eyes"

This take on the punk group "Death's" 'politicians' shows the song's relevance to the present day.  

16) "Eleanor Rigby"

The Black Pumas put their own spin to this Beatles classic, giving it a funk sound.

17) "Ain't No Love In the Heart Of The City"

Much like "Eleanor Rigby", they give their own flair to this Bobby Bland track. 

On top of the superb overall work, the Black Pumas find time to shine a new light on some classic covers. I can't wait to see what The Black Pumas do next. (91)

Taylor Swift - "Folklore" (100)

Black Pumas - "Black Pumas (Deluxe)" (91)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)

Post Malone - "Hollywood's Bleeding" (30)

Grammy's Album Of The Year review: "Hollywood's Bleeding" - Post Malone

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Hollywood's Bleeding" - Post Malone

(All Rights to Republic Records)

1) "Hollywood's Bleeding"

This deals with the toxicity of the hollywood lifestyle; "Dyin' in our sleep, we're livin' out a dream. We only make it out alone". A nice beat kicks in during the verse.

2) "Saint-Tropez"

Dealing with Malone's lifestyle, this track drags along with nothing else much to say about it.

3) "Enemies" ft/ Dababy

"Enemies" is about how fame impacts relationships/friendships; "money tend to show all they tendencies"

.

4) "Allergic"

With an energetic beat, this deals with a toxic relationship; "I took your pills & your drugs just to feel something else, 'Cause I can't feel you no more".

5) "A Thousand Bad Times"

Lamenting past relationships, there's a nice beat to this track...but the writing is quite poor.

6) "Circles"

This deals with maintaining a relationship; "We couldn't turn around 'til we were upside down". There's a nice chill beat to "Circles".

7) "Die For Me" ft/ Future & Halsey

This track fails to get its message across. The only decent verse in this belongs to Halsey.

8) "On the Road" ft/ Meek Mill & Lil'Baby

This is an anthemic track about work ethic that doesn't do a whole lot.

9) "Take What You Want" ft/ Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott

Quite a collaboration, the lyrics really hit here; "you bled me dry like the tears you never show". Along with a nice guitar rift, this track blends very well.

10) "I'm Gonna Be"

About letting loose, this track is very repetitive and bland. 

11) "Staring At The Sun" ft/ SZA

This deals with reminiscing about the past; "if you keep staring at the sun, you won't see what you have become, this can't be.....everything you thought it was, blinded by the thought of us".

12) "Sunflower" ft/ Swae Lee

This is about the loyalty and persistence of a woman; "then you're left in the dust...you're a sunflower, I think your love would be too much". There's nice imagery here.

13) "internet" 

Dealing with the frustrations of social media, this track is very stereotypical.

14) "Goodbyes" ft/ young thug

This is about trying to move on from a relationship; "I want you out of my head...There's no way I could save you, 'cause I need to be saved too".

15) "myself"

Reflecting on Malone's own journey, this track drags along without doing much.

16) "I Know"

Reflecting on the outcomes of a broken relationship, there's a good feel to this, but once more the writing is lacking.

17) "wow."

Focusing on his wealth, etc this track provides a very tired message.

I've come to the conclusion that Post Malone is a good singles producer/radio artist....but as for a whole album, he just doesn't have the skills. With multiple tracks dealing with shallow messages on his journey to fame, there just isn't much to enjoy here. (30)

Taylor Swift - Folklore (100)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)

Post Malone - "Hollywood's Bleeding" (30)

Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Folklore" (Taylor Swift)

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Folklore" - Taylor Swift

(All Rights to Republic Records)

1) "the 1"

This track deals with myths and "what could have beens" of relationships; "I hit the Sunday matinee. You know the greatest films of all time we're never made". Taylor is reminiscing on the possibilities that she missed out on; "In my defense, I have none".

2) "Cardigan"

This track sets up a larger story of a love triangle, continued in "august", and "betty". There's a very 'Lana Del Rey' feel to "Cardigan". The imagery is impeccable; "You drew stars around my scars, but now I'm bleeding".

3) "the last great american dynasty"

This track is about Rebekah Harkness. Quicker paced, Taylor tells a life story.

4) "exile" ft/ Bon Iver

Two exes are seeing each other again in this track. Justin Vernon and Taylor are in a bit of a call and response; "you're not my homeland anymore, so what am I defending now? (Vernon)", "you were my crown, now I'm in exile (Swift)". The bridge is exquisite .  

5) "My tears ricochet"

This track is possibly about the betrayal that Talor felt from her publishing group. Its very mournful sounding; "And if I'm on fire, you'll be made of ashes too"...."And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake, cursing my name". 

6) "mirrorball"

Taylor is reflecting on her different personalities, and the idea that she has to fight to stay relevant; "I'll show you every version of yourself tonight"..."I can change everything about me to fit in". The bridge in particular shows how she feels she has to constantly reinvent herself.

7) "seven"

This deals with childhood innocence. The 2nd verse gets quite personal.

8) "august"

Continuing from the story in "Cardigan", this tells another perspective of the love triangle; "August slipped away like a bottle of wine, 'Cause you were never mine". This other woman is realizing that there wasn't much to this dalliance; "Cause you weren't mine to lose".

9) "this is me trying" 

Taylor is reflecting on the faults in herself in regards to past relationships; "I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting". She's always been trying to improve on herself, dealing with criticism that she's been self-sabotaging relationships; "they told me all of my cages were mental".

10) "Illicit Affairs"

This gives a wide view on infidelity; "And that's the thing about illicit affairs. And clandestine meetings & longing stares. It's born from just one single glance".

11) "Invisible String"

Taylor sees her past relationships as leading her to her current romance; "all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?"..... "something wrapped all of my past mistakes in barbed wire, Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons, one single thread of gold".

12) "mad woman"

This track centers around gaslighting; "what a shame she went mad, no one likes a mad woman, you made her like that".

13) "epiphany"

The central focus here is about finding a semblance of peach amid chaos; "only 20 minutes to sleep, but you dream of some epiphany". There are references to the pandemic; "someone's daughter, someone's mother, holds your hand through plastic now".

14) "betty"

This deals with the aftermath of "august" and wraps up the love triangle story with the perspective of the guy admitting that he cheated. There's a country-feel to this track.

15) "peace"

"Peace" deals with Taylor's maturation with romance. She'll always be hounded by press, etc, but will always be there and try for her partner.

16) "hoax"

This track sounds very melancholic; "my twisted knife, my sleepless night, my winless fight, this has frozen my ground".

"Folklore" sees some of Taylor Swift's best writing to date. She turns inward and gets quite personal, reflecting on her past and what has held her back. In terms of music, 2020 may have been Taylor Swift's year. (100)

Taylor Swift - Folklore (100)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Women In Music Pt. III" (Haim)

 

With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews.  I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.

"Women In Music Pt. III" - Haim

(All Rights to Colombia Records)

1) "Los Angeles"

With a jazzy-sounding intro, this opening track is about the sisters' hometown of L.A. Through the chorus we see how it causes them at times to lose their faith and vision, and yet it still feels like home to them.

2) "The Steps"

This track deals with repairing a broken relationship as they're drifting apart; "I can't understand why you don't understand me". There's some nice imagery in the 2nd verse of their partner letting "ivy" invade the relationship. With some great guitar rifts, this is a really catchy track.

3) "I Know Alone"

This deals with feeling isolated (something we can all relate to during 'these troubling times'....am I right? anyway...). The writing is just superb here getting across that message; "I know alone, like no one else does".

4) "Up From A Dream"

The chorus feels a little 'wordy', whereas the interlude flows more smoothly with cool instrumentation.

5) "Gasoline"

The chorus gives off a tranquil feel, but the overall song seems somewhat slow & dragging.

6) "3AM"

There's a cool 90s hip-hop feel to this track.

7) "Don't Wanna"

This deals with an early relationship and whether its worth building on; "Left me low with my high heels in the parking lot".  

8) "Another Try"

"Another Try" deals with the extremes of a relationship; "Is it destiny, or just chemistry. We're living in such extremes". 

9) "Leaning On You"

This track is about accepting flaws and dealing with your own insecurities; "Now I get scared for reasons I don't know. Is it just because I ain't tough enough being alone?".

10) "I've Been Down"

This is about feeling down despite the highs of a relationship; "Would you even pick me out of the crowd, Cause I can't recognize myself now".

11) "Man From The Magazine"

This is a callout track that initially deals with an interviewer, but builds on that, where the sisters feel like they have to prove themselves to men throughout their musical journey.

12) "All That Ever Mattered"

The chorus is just beautifully chaotic, on top of a rad guitar bridge.

13) "FUBT"

This deals with a twisted relationship where they don't want to lose their partner. This track drags quite a lot.

14) "Now I'm In It"

This involves a mental health struggle; "We cannot be friends, cannot pretend it makes sense".  

15) "Hallelujah"

"Hallelujah" is about their sisterly bond; "I met two angels, but they were in disguise. Took one to look to realize.. Tell 'em anything and they will sympathize". There are just some powerful verses in this track.

16) "Summer Girl"

This track takes us full circle looping back to Los Angeles; "Your smiles turn into cryin', its the same release".

Some superb writing is on display in "Women In Music Pt. III". There's just something with the pacing and the vocals that really make them pop. Overall this album is just pleasant to listen to.     (85)

Haim - "Women In Music - Pt. III" (85)

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.