Predictions bound to be wrong about the upcoming NFL season
The Olympics were great and I enjoy late season Major League Baseball as much as the next diehard sports fan, but there's always something missing between February and August...football.
The NFL is finally back in action and it's time for those meaningless preseason predictions that no one cares about or ever gets right for that matter, but that everyone does anyway because they're excited football is back.
For the record, I think preseason predictions are about as useless as Pidgey on Pokémon GO, but I enjoy making predictions just like the rest of America. Predictions are just ahead, but first, a look back at my 2015 predictions.
I was 1-for-7 (.143) on awards predictions last season (thanks, J.J. Watt for helping me avoid a goose egg.) Yikes. That's a worse batting average than Alex Rodriguez had with the Yankees this season. Much better numbers regarding playoff teams in 2015, 8-for-12 (.667), but it's a hollow victory, the same way I felt after the end of the Cincinnati Bengals last playoff game in which they failed to win, again.
My prediction of a Bengals Super Bowl 50 championship was looking promising, but was soon squashed when Andy Dalton tried to tackle 303-pound Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt with his thumb in Week 14. I still had a chance for my prediction to be correct, but one of the worst endings to a playoff game imaginable occurred and we'll just leave it at that. I'm over it.
It's time to move on as a new season is upon us. Below are my predictions for the 2016 NFL season, from individual awards, division winners to Super Bowl champion.
2016 NFL PREDICTIONS
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Picking Aaron Rodgers to win MVP may seem like old news and a bit boring, but the guy is the best quarterback in the league. With a healthy Jordy Nelson back, the addition of Jared Cook at tight end and a slimmed down running back in Eddie Lacy, Rodgers will have a ton of weapons to put up ridiculous numbers and get the Packers to the playoffs.
Keep an eye on: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Cam Newton, Panthers; Andy Dalton, Bengals (Andy was right in the thick of the MVP conversation last season until he got hurt, just saying)
Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Cam was responsible for 45 TD last season, main reason why he was the Offensive Player of the Year. Newton has ridiculous athleticism and he almost led the Panthers to a Super Bowl title in February. With WR Kelvin Benjamin back from injury, Newton should put up even better numbers this season.
Keep an eye on: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Julio Jones, Falcons; Drew Brees, Saints; Todd Gurley, Rams
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, Texans
Watt already has three Defensive Player of the Year awards in his trophy case and the guy is a freak on the field. So yeah, I'm going with Watt, again.
Keep an eye on: Von Miller, Broncos; Khalil Mack, Raiders; Eric Berry, Chiefs
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Elliott was already going to get the ball a lot but, not surprisingly, QB Tony Romo is out with a back injury and Elliott will be running behind that great offensive line even more. I expect Elliott to rush for over 1,000-yards and be one of the best running backs in the NFL this season.
Keep an eye on: Josh Doctson, Redskins; Tyler Boyd, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Vernon Hargreaves, Buccaneers
I was going to go with former Buckeye Joey Bosa, but he and Chargers took forever to agree on a contract structure. Bosa missed valuable reps in camp and the preseason and he'll have a lot of catching up to do. What a mess. Anyway, Hargreaves was one of the best cornerbacks in the draft and going up against elite receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson every day in practice will only make him better and he'll be ready for a terrific rookie campaign.
Keep an eye on: Jalen Ramsey, Jaguars; Eli Apple, Giants
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson, Packers
Great article by Chris Weaseling of NFL.com on Comeback Player of the Year candidates and I'm going to go with the number four guy on his list, Jordy Nelson. Nelson missed all of last season with a torn ACL and Aaron Rodgers deeply missed his favorite target. Rodgers will be looking Nelson's way a lot and Jordy should catch close to 100 balls and earn a trip back to the Pro Bowl (I recommend he skip playing in it though, no point getting hurt in a meaningless game, just ask Bengals TE Tyler Eifert.)
Keep an eye on: Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers; Andrew Luck, Colts; Victor Cruz, Giants
Coach of the Year: Gus Bradley, Jaguars
If my below playoff predictions are correct, then you'll understand why I took Bradley here. He's building a great team down in Jacksonville and I'll explain why I like the Jaguars chances this season a bit further down in the post.
Keep an eye on: Marvin Lewis, Bengals; Bill Belichick, Patriots; Mike Zimmer, Vikings
AFC PLAYOFF TEAMS
AFC East: New England Patriots
Even with Tom Brady missing the first four games, don't expect the Patriots to be left out of the playoffs. Jimmy Garoppolo will win two or three games during Brady's suspension to keep the Patriots afloat.
AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were one the best teams in the NFL last season until Andy Dalton got hurt. Well, Dalton is healthy and just about everyone is back from last year's 12-4 team. Bengals have a tough schedule, but they'll win at least 10 games to get back to the playoffs. Now, they just have to win a game in January.
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
Yep. The Jacksonville Jaguars will make the playoffs. Explanation is forthcoming.
AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs may be a bit boring to watch, but they win games. QB Alex Smith is solid, he doesn't turn the ball over and he has weapons in TE Travis Kelce, WR Jeremy Maclin and hopefully a healthy RB Jamaal Charles. Kansas City has a great defense led by Eric Berry among others and with Denver having question marks at quarterback, it's the Chiefs turn to take over the division.
AFC Wild Card: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders
Steelers have a ton of talent and even with RB Le'Veon Bell suspended for three games they should make the playoffs as long as QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown stay healthy. More on the Raiders in a minute.
Other Potential AFC Playoff Teams: Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans
Okay, pump the brakes. I know what you're thinking. The Jaguars AND Raiders are going to make the playoffs and the Broncos won't?! Yes, the Raiders haven't had a winning season since 2002 when they lost Super Bowl XXXVII. And yes, the Jaguars haven't had a winning season since 2007, but they both are going to make the playoffs. #BoldPrediction
Let's look at the Raiders. QB Derek Carr, WR Amari Cooper and DE Khalil Mack are three of the best young players in the game. Oakland also made good additions in Kelechi Osemele (Ravens) on the offensive line and Sean Smith (Chiefs) and Bruce Irvin (Seahawks) on defense to a 7-9 team from a year ago. The Raiders time is now and I think they'll surprise us this season and get into the playoffs.
Now, for Jacksonville. They have an established quarterback in Blake Bortles. Terrific receivers in the two Allen's, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Plus, a running back tandem of T.J. Yeldon and free-agent signee Chris Ivory. They put up 23.5 per game last season, enough to win in my book, problem was the defense gave up 28 per game.
Well, they fixed that.
Jacksonville drafted Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack, two of the top defensive players in this year's draft and they'll get 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. back after he missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury. And, by the way, they signed Malik Jackson (Broncos), Prince Amukamara (Giants) and Tashaun Gipson (Browns) in free agency.
So, Jacksonville signs three new starters on defense via free agency, then they add three first-round picks in the last two drafts (Myles Jack was actually taken in the second round due to a knee injury he suffered at UCLA, but by all indications he was a first round talent) on defense as well.
Okay, no one knows if three rookies can make a significant impact in their first year in the league, but I believe on paper the Jaguars problems on defense have been solved. That equals a playoff berth in my eyes and only time will tell if Jacksonville is indeed better on defense. I love the roster head coach Gus Bradley has put together and that's why I think if the Jaguars make the playoffs he'll win Coach of the Year.
Finally, let me talk about the Broncos. Super Bowl champions a year ago and already they're a completely different team. Alright, they didn't lose that many guys and they still have arguably the best defense in the league, one that won the Super Bowl for them in February. However, they don't have a quarterback, the most important position on the field. Peyton Manning is standing in line #18 at the grocery store on Sunday mornings and Brock Osweiler is wearing a Texans uniform.
Mark Sanchez has a lot of experience and went to back-to-back AFC Championship games with the Jets, but he is prone to turning the ball over and that is the deadliest sin a QB can make. Denver also drafted rookie Paxton Lynch (Memphis) and has second year QB Trevor Siemian on the roster, but neither one of them has thrown a pass in an NFL game. Siemian will be the starter come opening night in a rematch with the Panthers and $1 million to whoever had Trevor Siemian starting Week 1 when the Super Bowl ended back in February. Talk about unpredictable.
I know teams have overcome poor quarterback play in the past to make the playoffs, the Ravens and Buccaneers both won the Super Bowl with all-time great defenses and at best average quarterback play. Heck, Denver has done it twice. They won a playoff game with future MLB All-Star Tim Tebow playing quarterbackin 2011, then there was 2015. Manning and Osweiler threw a combined 19 TD and 23 INT last season, yet Denver won it all. So, it can be done, I just think the AFC is too deep for Denver to overcome mediocre play under center.
On to the NFC.
NFC PLAYOFF TEAMS
NFC East: New York Giants
I have the Giants winning the NFC East basically by process of elimination. I don't think the Eagles will be very good in Doug Pederson's first year as head coach. Don't have much confidence in Sam Bradford, sorry, Eagles fans. QB Tony Romo will miss a few games for the Cowboys and Dallas was 1-11 without Romo last season and are 1-13 without him in the last three years. Rookie QB Dak Prescott has looked good in the preseason and will start in Romo's place, so maybe Dallas has a chance. Finally, I don't think the Redskins will be as good as they were last year, which leaves the Giants as my pick to win the division. Very scientific reason, I know, but it's my prediction.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
As I stated earlier, with Jordy Nelson healthy and the addition of Jared Cook on offense, Aaron Rodgers should have no problem putting up the usual Aaron Rodgers numbers of over 4,000-yards, 35+ TD and eight or fewer INT.
NFC South: Carolina Panthers
Duh. Barring an injury to Cam Newton, the Panthers won't be challenged for the division crown.
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks
The Rams are rebuilding and so are the 49ers, which leaves us with the Seahawks and Cardinals for the division title. I expect both Seattle and Arizona to make the playoffs and I'll say Seattle wins the division by a game over the Cardinals.
NFC Wild Card: Arizona Cardinals,Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys
Arizona has looked awful in the preseason, but that shouldn't be cause for alarm, they'll figure it out before the season gets underway and make the playoffs. I also like the team Mike Zimmer has put together up in Minnesota. RB Adrian Peterson is determined to continue running the ball down the throats of the defense and expect him to have a big season. However, with the terrible injury to QB Teddy Bridgewater the chances of the Vikings making the playoffs just went down significantly. Minnesota does have Peterson, a good defense, and Shaun Hill is one of the better backup QB's in the league. He's a veteran with experience, but he's 36 and I would be surprised if the Vikings got to the postseason with him as their starter.
In that case, I like either the Redskins or Cowboys to get that final Wild Card spot. Dak Prescott will play well and much like Jimmy Garoppolo in New England, will keep the Cowboys alive for Romo's return. It could come down to the final week of the season when the Redskins play the Giants and the Cowboys go up against the Eagles. The Giants could still be fighting for playoff position, which isn't good news for the Redskins. Dallas will have an easier game against the disappointing Eagles and get into the playoffs.
Also of note, how great is the Vikings new stadium?! Along with AT&T Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium might be the nicest stadium in the league. The Super Bowl will be here in 2018. At least Vikings fans have that to enjoy this season.
Another side note, these new renderings of the Raiders proposed stadium in Las Vegas look amazing. I hope the Raiders can get the funding from the city and the support of the owners to move the franchise to Vegas. The NFL and its owners love to make money and what better place to pull in boat loads of cash than Las Vegas, NV?
Other Potential NFC Playoff Teams: Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playoff Predictions
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card: (3) Chiefs over (6) Raiders; (5) Steelers over (4) Jaguars
Divisional: (1) Patriots over (5) Steelers; (2) Bengals over (3) Chiefs
AFC Championship: (2) Bengals over (1) Patriots
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card: (3) Seahawks over (6) Cowboys; (5) Cardinals over (4) Giants
Divisional: (5) Cardinals over (1) Panthers; (2) Packers over (3) Seahawks
NFC Championship: (2) Packers over (5) Cardinals
Super Bowl LI: Packers 31, Bengals 26
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
That Super Bowl matchup may look familiar and indeed it is. I had the same matchup a year ago and I'm sticking with it again in 2016.
I truly do believe that the Packers and Bengals have what it takes to get to the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers will have an MVP season if his weapons stay healthy. Green Bay will have the top offense in the NFL led by the best quarterback in the league. Rodgers is the kind of guy who can carry a team and he'll carry the Packers to Houston.
As for the Bengals, look up and down the roster of every team in the AFC. Okay, now who has a better 53-man roster than Cincinnati? The answer is no one. Not New England, not Pittsburgh, not Kansas City, not even dark horse Jacksonville.
What Marvin Lewis and team have done in Cincinnati is worthy applauding. They simply draft guys each and every year, develop them, coach them up a bit and turn them into solid, Pro Bowl caliber players. There is so much talent on this team that if Andy Dalton stays healthy and plays like he did last season before his injury, he'll be one of the best QB's in the league.
The ending to last season was dreadful for the Bengals and the only way it could get worse would be losing the Super Bowl for the third time in franchise history. Unfortunately, that's what I see happening. A Bengals/Packers Super Bowl would be a terrific game. Two elite offenses battling it out while two defenses try and get just enough stops to win their team the game. In the end, my money is on Rodgers. He's been there before and he'll lead the Packers to a Super Bowl victory and bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Lambeau Field.
If this is indeed the outcome, I'll most likely have a heart attack. If the Bengals lose the Super Bowl, which is a 1,000 times worse than the ending to last year's playoff game against the Steelers, I don't think my heart can take it.
We shall see.
My predictions are never 100% accurate and everything that I wrote may be wrong by the end of Week 3, but that's cool with me, because football is back and I predict a great NFL season.
Now, that prediction is a Stone Cold Lead Pipe Lock.
The NFL is finally back in action and it's time for those meaningless preseason predictions that no one cares about or ever gets right for that matter, but that everyone does anyway because they're excited football is back.
For the record, I think preseason predictions are about as useless as Pidgey on Pokémon GO, but I enjoy making predictions just like the rest of America. Predictions are just ahead, but first, a look back at my 2015 predictions.
I was 1-for-7 (.143) on awards predictions last season (thanks, J.J. Watt for helping me avoid a goose egg.) Yikes. That's a worse batting average than Alex Rodriguez had with the Yankees this season. Much better numbers regarding playoff teams in 2015, 8-for-12 (.667), but it's a hollow victory, the same way I felt after the end of the Cincinnati Bengals last playoff game in which they failed to win, again.
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| I felt like crying too, Adam Jones. You were not alone. (The Big Lead/Jason McIntyre) |
It's time to move on as a new season is upon us. Below are my predictions for the 2016 NFL season, from individual awards, division winners to Super Bowl champion.
2016 NFL PREDICTIONS
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Picking Aaron Rodgers to win MVP may seem like old news and a bit boring, but the guy is the best quarterback in the league. With a healthy Jordy Nelson back, the addition of Jared Cook at tight end and a slimmed down running back in Eddie Lacy, Rodgers will have a ton of weapons to put up ridiculous numbers and get the Packers to the playoffs.
Keep an eye on: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Cam Newton, Panthers; Andy Dalton, Bengals (Andy was right in the thick of the MVP conversation last season until he got hurt, just saying)
Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Cam was responsible for 45 TD last season, main reason why he was the Offensive Player of the Year. Newton has ridiculous athleticism and he almost led the Panthers to a Super Bowl title in February. With WR Kelvin Benjamin back from injury, Newton should put up even better numbers this season.
Keep an eye on: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Julio Jones, Falcons; Drew Brees, Saints; Todd Gurley, Rams
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| Might as well start engraving Watt's name on the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year trophy right now. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) |
Watt already has three Defensive Player of the Year awards in his trophy case and the guy is a freak on the field. So yeah, I'm going with Watt, again.
Keep an eye on: Von Miller, Broncos; Khalil Mack, Raiders; Eric Berry, Chiefs
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Elliott was already going to get the ball a lot but, not surprisingly, QB Tony Romo is out with a back injury and Elliott will be running behind that great offensive line even more. I expect Elliott to rush for over 1,000-yards and be one of the best running backs in the NFL this season.
Keep an eye on: Josh Doctson, Redskins; Tyler Boyd, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Vernon Hargreaves, Buccaneers
I was going to go with former Buckeye Joey Bosa, but he and Chargers took forever to agree on a contract structure. Bosa missed valuable reps in camp and the preseason and he'll have a lot of catching up to do. What a mess. Anyway, Hargreaves was one of the best cornerbacks in the draft and going up against elite receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson every day in practice will only make him better and he'll be ready for a terrific rookie campaign.
Keep an eye on: Jalen Ramsey, Jaguars; Eli Apple, Giants
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson, Packers
Great article by Chris Weaseling of NFL.com on Comeback Player of the Year candidates and I'm going to go with the number four guy on his list, Jordy Nelson. Nelson missed all of last season with a torn ACL and Aaron Rodgers deeply missed his favorite target. Rodgers will be looking Nelson's way a lot and Jordy should catch close to 100 balls and earn a trip back to the Pro Bowl (I recommend he skip playing in it though, no point getting hurt in a meaningless game, just ask Bengals TE Tyler Eifert.)
Keep an eye on: Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers; Andrew Luck, Colts; Victor Cruz, Giants
Coach of the Year: Gus Bradley, Jaguars
If my below playoff predictions are correct, then you'll understand why I took Bradley here. He's building a great team down in Jacksonville and I'll explain why I like the Jaguars chances this season a bit further down in the post.
Keep an eye on: Marvin Lewis, Bengals; Bill Belichick, Patriots; Mike Zimmer, Vikings
AFC PLAYOFF TEAMS
AFC East: New England Patriots
Even with Tom Brady missing the first four games, don't expect the Patriots to be left out of the playoffs. Jimmy Garoppolo will win two or three games during Brady's suspension to keep the Patriots afloat.
AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were one the best teams in the NFL last season until Andy Dalton got hurt. Well, Dalton is healthy and just about everyone is back from last year's 12-4 team. Bengals have a tough schedule, but they'll win at least 10 games to get back to the playoffs. Now, they just have to win a game in January.
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
Yep. The Jacksonville Jaguars will make the playoffs. Explanation is forthcoming.
AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs may be a bit boring to watch, but they win games. QB Alex Smith is solid, he doesn't turn the ball over and he has weapons in TE Travis Kelce, WR Jeremy Maclin and hopefully a healthy RB Jamaal Charles. Kansas City has a great defense led by Eric Berry among others and with Denver having question marks at quarterback, it's the Chiefs turn to take over the division.
AFC Wild Card: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders
Steelers have a ton of talent and even with RB Le'Veon Bell suspended for three games they should make the playoffs as long as QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown stay healthy. More on the Raiders in a minute.
Other Potential AFC Playoff Teams: Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans
Okay, pump the brakes. I know what you're thinking. The Jaguars AND Raiders are going to make the playoffs and the Broncos won't?! Yes, the Raiders haven't had a winning season since 2002 when they lost Super Bowl XXXVII. And yes, the Jaguars haven't had a winning season since 2007, but they both are going to make the playoffs. #BoldPrediction
Let's look at the Raiders. QB Derek Carr, WR Amari Cooper and DE Khalil Mack are three of the best young players in the game. Oakland also made good additions in Kelechi Osemele (Ravens) on the offensive line and Sean Smith (Chiefs) and Bruce Irvin (Seahawks) on defense to a 7-9 team from a year ago. The Raiders time is now and I think they'll surprise us this season and get into the playoffs.
Now, for Jacksonville. They have an established quarterback in Blake Bortles. Terrific receivers in the two Allen's, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Plus, a running back tandem of T.J. Yeldon and free-agent signee Chris Ivory. They put up 23.5 per game last season, enough to win in my book, problem was the defense gave up 28 per game.
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| QB Blake Bortles (5) and head coach Gus Bradley are looking for a breakout 2016 season, one that ends with a playoff game. (Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports) |
Well, they fixed that.
Jacksonville drafted Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack, two of the top defensive players in this year's draft and they'll get 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. back after he missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury. And, by the way, they signed Malik Jackson (Broncos), Prince Amukamara (Giants) and Tashaun Gipson (Browns) in free agency.
So, Jacksonville signs three new starters on defense via free agency, then they add three first-round picks in the last two drafts (Myles Jack was actually taken in the second round due to a knee injury he suffered at UCLA, but by all indications he was a first round talent) on defense as well.
Okay, no one knows if three rookies can make a significant impact in their first year in the league, but I believe on paper the Jaguars problems on defense have been solved. That equals a playoff berth in my eyes and only time will tell if Jacksonville is indeed better on defense. I love the roster head coach Gus Bradley has put together and that's why I think if the Jaguars make the playoffs he'll win Coach of the Year.
Finally, let me talk about the Broncos. Super Bowl champions a year ago and already they're a completely different team. Alright, they didn't lose that many guys and they still have arguably the best defense in the league, one that won the Super Bowl for them in February. However, they don't have a quarterback, the most important position on the field. Peyton Manning is standing in line #18 at the grocery store on Sunday mornings and Brock Osweiler is wearing a Texans uniform.
Mark Sanchez has a lot of experience and went to back-to-back AFC Championship games with the Jets, but he is prone to turning the ball over and that is the deadliest sin a QB can make. Denver also drafted rookie Paxton Lynch (Memphis) and has second year QB Trevor Siemian on the roster, but neither one of them has thrown a pass in an NFL game. Siemian will be the starter come opening night in a rematch with the Panthers and $1 million to whoever had Trevor Siemian starting Week 1 when the Super Bowl ended back in February. Talk about unpredictable.
I know teams have overcome poor quarterback play in the past to make the playoffs, the Ravens and Buccaneers both won the Super Bowl with all-time great defenses and at best average quarterback play. Heck, Denver has done it twice. They won a playoff game with future MLB All-Star Tim Tebow playing quarterbackin 2011, then there was 2015. Manning and Osweiler threw a combined 19 TD and 23 INT last season, yet Denver won it all. So, it can be done, I just think the AFC is too deep for Denver to overcome mediocre play under center.
On to the NFC.
NFC PLAYOFF TEAMS
NFC East: New York Giants
I have the Giants winning the NFC East basically by process of elimination. I don't think the Eagles will be very good in Doug Pederson's first year as head coach. Don't have much confidence in Sam Bradford, sorry, Eagles fans. QB Tony Romo will miss a few games for the Cowboys and Dallas was 1-11 without Romo last season and are 1-13 without him in the last three years. Rookie QB Dak Prescott has looked good in the preseason and will start in Romo's place, so maybe Dallas has a chance. Finally, I don't think the Redskins will be as good as they were last year, which leaves the Giants as my pick to win the division. Very scientific reason, I know, but it's my prediction.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
As I stated earlier, with Jordy Nelson healthy and the addition of Jared Cook on offense, Aaron Rodgers should have no problem putting up the usual Aaron Rodgers numbers of over 4,000-yards, 35+ TD and eight or fewer INT.
NFC South: Carolina Panthers
Duh. Barring an injury to Cam Newton, the Panthers won't be challenged for the division crown.
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks
The Rams are rebuilding and so are the 49ers, which leaves us with the Seahawks and Cardinals for the division title. I expect both Seattle and Arizona to make the playoffs and I'll say Seattle wins the division by a game over the Cardinals.
NFC Wild Card: Arizona Cardinals,
Arizona has looked awful in the preseason, but that shouldn't be cause for alarm, they'll figure it out before the season gets underway and make the playoffs. I also like the team Mike Zimmer has put together up in Minnesota. RB Adrian Peterson is determined to continue running the ball down the throats of the defense and expect him to have a big season. However, with the terrible injury to QB Teddy Bridgewater the chances of the Vikings making the playoffs just went down significantly. Minnesota does have Peterson, a good defense, and Shaun Hill is one of the better backup QB's in the league. He's a veteran with experience, but he's 36 and I would be surprised if the Vikings got to the postseason with him as their starter.
In that case, I like either the Redskins or Cowboys to get that final Wild Card spot. Dak Prescott will play well and much like Jimmy Garoppolo in New England, will keep the Cowboys alive for Romo's return. It could come down to the final week of the season when the Redskins play the Giants and the Cowboys go up against the Eagles. The Giants could still be fighting for playoff position, which isn't good news for the Redskins. Dallas will have an easier game against the disappointing Eagles and get into the playoffs.
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| This is what $1.1. billion has bought the Minnesota Vikings. Bet they'd take a healthy Teddy Bridgewater over that stadium though. (Pioneer Press: John Autey) |
Another side note, these new renderings of the Raiders proposed stadium in Las Vegas look amazing. I hope the Raiders can get the funding from the city and the support of the owners to move the franchise to Vegas. The NFL and its owners love to make money and what better place to pull in boat loads of cash than Las Vegas, NV?
Other Potential NFC Playoff Teams: Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playoff Predictions
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card: (3) Chiefs over (6) Raiders; (5) Steelers over (4) Jaguars
Divisional: (1) Patriots over (5) Steelers; (2) Bengals over (3) Chiefs
AFC Championship: (2) Bengals over (1) Patriots
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card: (3) Seahawks over (6) Cowboys; (5) Cardinals over (4) Giants
Divisional: (5) Cardinals over (1) Panthers; (2) Packers over (3) Seahawks
NFC Championship: (2) Packers over (5) Cardinals
Super Bowl LI: Packers 31, Bengals 26
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
That Super Bowl matchup may look familiar and indeed it is. I had the same matchup a year ago and I'm sticking with it again in 2016.
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| Andy Dalton (left) and Aaron Rodgers are headed to Houston for Super Bowl LI. (Photo courtesy of CSN Philly) |
As for the Bengals, look up and down the roster of every team in the AFC. Okay, now who has a better 53-man roster than Cincinnati? The answer is no one. Not New England, not Pittsburgh, not Kansas City, not even dark horse Jacksonville.
What Marvin Lewis and team have done in Cincinnati is worthy applauding. They simply draft guys each and every year, develop them, coach them up a bit and turn them into solid, Pro Bowl caliber players. There is so much talent on this team that if Andy Dalton stays healthy and plays like he did last season before his injury, he'll be one of the best QB's in the league.
The ending to last season was dreadful for the Bengals and the only way it could get worse would be losing the Super Bowl for the third time in franchise history. Unfortunately, that's what I see happening. A Bengals/Packers Super Bowl would be a terrific game. Two elite offenses battling it out while two defenses try and get just enough stops to win their team the game. In the end, my money is on Rodgers. He's been there before and he'll lead the Packers to a Super Bowl victory and bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Lambeau Field.
If this is indeed the outcome, I'll most likely have a heart attack. If the Bengals lose the Super Bowl, which is a 1,000 times worse than the ending to last year's playoff game against the Steelers, I don't think my heart can take it.
We shall see.
My predictions are never 100% accurate and everything that I wrote may be wrong by the end of Week 3, but that's cool with me, because football is back and I predict a great NFL season.
Now, that prediction is a Stone Cold Lead Pipe Lock.
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