For football fans, the most exciting time of the year is about to begin. After what has felt like an extremely long offseason, the 2021 NFL season is officially here! However, before Sunday's kickoff, I want to take a closer look at the major storylines for all 32 NFL franchises, and give some predictions, as we look forward to another great year on the gridiron.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We start with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coming into the 2021 season, the Buccaneers are in an excellent position to repeat. The franchise is bringing back all 22 of their starters from last year, as well as everyone on their coaching staff, something almost never seen in sports these days. Tom Brady and the Bucs will also benefit from a weaker division than last year, due to the retirement of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Barring any extreme injuries, I see the defending world champions having absolutely no issues this season, cruising past all their competition to claim home-field advantage and the number one see in the NFC Playoffs. The Bucs looked good in their season opener against Dallas, but Brady and company definitely made plenty of mistakes. Look for them to correct those quickly, then get right back to dominating the competition.
PREDICTED RECORD (15-2)
Atlanta Falcons
After a very disappointing 2020 campaign, the Atlanta Falcons come into this season with a new head coach in former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. This offseason, the team also signed former Panthers running back Mike Davis to be their new feature back, and drafted rookie tight end Kyle Pitts from Florida with the fourth overall pick. The move was a necessary one, after the Falcons traded away their long-time franchise wide receiver Julio Jones to the Titans. However, the biggest question about the Falcons is how efficient their defense can be. One of the worst units in football last year, I do not feel as if the team did enough to address those concerns this offseason. While I think Arthur Smith will be successful in reigniting the offense under veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, I still have my doubts that Atlanta will be able to compete with the top teams in the NFC. The Falcons will open their season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, a favorable matchup on paper, but I still don’t see the team being able to get it together enough for a deep playoff run. I expect this to be the last year for Matt Ryan in Atlanta, and potentially a lot of people across all areas of the organization.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (PHI 21, ATL 17)
PREDICTED RECORD: (6-11)
New Orleans Saints
Talk about a team in the middle of a rebuild. The Saints are reeling from the retirement of Drew Brees, and will attempt to get through this season with Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss the first several weeks of the season, and outside of running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints have one of the worst offenses coming into 2021. Any hope for success this season rests on the shoulders of the Saints defense, but given what the team is dealing with on offense, I don’t see a playoff birth in the Saints future. New Orleans will open the season at home against the Green Bay Packers, and I expect the season to immediately get off to a rocky start. I also don’t see it getting any better as the weeks go by, and I expect this team will be in contention for the first overall pick in next years draft.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (GB 37, NO 10)
PREDICTED RECORD: (3-14)
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have reason to be optimistic this season. They have a new quarterback in Sam Darnold, and have to be excited to get superstar running back Christian McCaffrey back from injury. Carolina is one of the most talented young teams in the league, and boast in my opinion, one of the most underrated defensive units in all of football. The strength of the Panthers over the past couple seasons have been their excellent drafting, with home-grown talent like DJ Moore, Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Shaq Thompson, Donte Jackson, Jeremy Chinn and Jaycee Horn. I predict that this season will mark the beginning of the Panthers Super Bowl window, and I even believe that Carolina will be a surprise playoff team, and legitimate threat in the NFC. Quarterback Sam Darnold has a lot to prove if the team wants to be successful, and he will get the chance to stick it to his former team week one, when the Panthers host the New York Jets. Look for Darnold and company to come out of the gates hot with a statement win to set the tone for the 2021 season.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (NYJ 10, CAR 24)
PREDICTED RECORD: (10-7)
San Francisco 49ers
On paper, the San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented and deep rosters in football and should be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, questions surrounding the most important position in the game threaten to derail a potential championship season. Inconsistent play and injuries to starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo have seemingly shaken his confidence, a matter not helped by the fact that the 49ers drafted North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. However, while calls for Lance to start are inevitable, reports suggest that Lance is far from ready to take over the reigns. That’s not surprising given Lance has only had a handful of starts in college, but that timeline could be sped up depending on the play of Garoppolo. One thing San Francisco does have going for them is that they start the 2021 season against the Detroit Lions, a team I do not have high hopes for. That could allow them to get crucial momentum and confidence early, but overall, I do not expect San Francisco to live up to their own expectations. All the drama at quarterback, plus the fact that they play in one of the toughest divisions in football, seem like it will be too much for them to overcome. It is possible they could be competitive, but at the end of the season, I believe the 49ers will come up just short of the playoffs and looking ahead to the 2022 season.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (SF 13, DET 10)
PREDICTED RECORD: (5-11)
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals could very well be the breakout team in the NFL this year. Quarterback Kyler Murray seems to be coming into his own, and this offseason, the front office gave him more weapons to play with, including veteran wide receiver AJ Green. Defensively, Arizona has a sneaky good front seven, that now includes JJ Watt. It will also be interesting to see how the team adjusts to the loss of perennial pro-bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson. It’s a serious concern that could prove to be the Achilles heel of an otherwise talented team. The Cardinals open the season on the road against Tennessee, a game that I could see going either way. Regardless, I predict Arizona to be competitive all season, and fighting for one of the final playoff spots.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (ARI 27, TEN 28)
PREDICTED RECORD: (10-7)
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have been on a downward spiral since making it to the Super Bowl several years ago. One of the deepest rosters in the league, the Rams still believe they have what it takes to win a championship, especially now that they have a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford. After spending more than a decade in Detroit, Stafford now looks to prove to the world that he has been one of the most underrated talents in the NFL since entering the league in 2009. Expectations are high for the Rams, and many consider this upcoming season to be Super Bowl or bust. However, there are still questions about the Rams running game. Darrell Henderson comes into the season as the starter, but the Los Angeles faces the real possibility of becoming one dimensional. If that happens, the Rams could be in real danger of coming up short of their goal. However, I believe that the Rams will have a good season and make the playoffs, after starting the season in dominant fashion against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night football.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (CHI 7, LAR 34)
PREDICTED RECORD: (11-6)
Seattle Seahawks
This offseason began with concerns that Russel Wilson wanted out of Seattle. However, now that that is over, and we all know that Wilson will be the starter for 2021, the Seahawks look to once again be a major contender in the NFC. The Seahawks didn’t make a ton of noise elsewhere this offseason, other than the addition of former Rams tight end Gerald Everett. Despite this, I see no reason for the Seahawks to take a step back. As long as Wilson is under center, the Seahawks should be one of the odds-on favorites to headline the Super Bowl. Seattle will travel to Indianapolis for week one of the NFL season, in a game that I expect to be very competitive and fun to watch. It should mark the beginning of another excellent season for Pete Carroll and crew, who I expect to once again make the playoffs.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (SEA 31, IND 28)
PREDICTED RECORD: (12-5)
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is back, okay? Maybe it’s only for one more season, but one more season may be all the Packers need to finally win their first championship since 2010. The reigning league MVP will once again have Davante Adam and Aaron Jones to help carry the offensive load, and with the Packers defensive getting better every year, the sky is the limit for the Packers in 2021. As I already touched on, I expect Green Bay to start the season with a bang, trouncing the Saints to start the season 1-0. From there, a lot could go wrong, but a lot could go right for Green Bay. All I know, is that this season may be the last chance the Packers have to get Rodgers his second championship ring.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (GB 37, NO 10)
PREDICTED RECORD: (13-4)
Chicago Bears
Andy Dalton is slated to start week one against the Rams as Chicago’s starting quarterback, but the question on everybody’s mind, is how long will that last? The Bears are a franchise that have notoriously struggled at quarterback, but fans are hoping that they finally got it right by selecting Justin Fields from Ohio State with the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft. Fields has looked great in pre-season, but head coach Matt Nagy seems committed to giving the veteran Dalton at least a couple games to prove his worth as a starter. I don’t see this lasting long, but the fate of the Bear’s season could very well depend on it. If Nagy pulls the trigger on Fields early enough, he may just be what the team needs to get themselves to the playoffs. However, if Fields is brought in too late, he may not have enough time to turn things around.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (CHI 7, LAR 34)
PREDICTED RECORD: (7-10)
Detroit Lions
I’m looking for something to get excited about in Detroit and having trouble. New Quarterback Jared Goff isn't awful by any means, but I don't know if he can take the franchise to new heights. Plus, new head coach Dan Campbell has made more waves for his press conferences than for anything he has done this offseason. The good news is that D’Andre Swift looks like he could be a stud at running back, but other than him, there are not many other reasons for Lions fans to be optimistic. Anything can happen in the NFL, and if Jared Goff can find a way to have a career year, the Lions could be the surprise team in the league. However, I don’t see that happening, especially with Detroit losing wide receiver Kenny Golladay to the Giants in free agency. Look for the Lions to be a lock for a top five pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (SF 13, DET 10)
PREDICTED RECORD: (5-12)
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have consistently been in the thick of the playoff hunt for the past few seasons, but have fallen short of expectations every time. This year, the Vikings will either take that critical step forward, or collapse completely. The team still has plenty of great offensive weapons in running back Dalvin Cook, and wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, but it’s the all-important quarterback position where the Vikings seem to be the most limited. Kirk Cousins has not lived up to the goals the franchise had for him when they signed him to his massive free agent contract, and it may soon be time for the Vikings to make a change. Minnesota has all the tools needed to succeed, but I’m not sure how much longer ownership can be content with the consistent under achievement. They open up the season in Cincinnati, in a game that I see going either way. The best thing the Vikings can hope for is to build momentum early, because the opposite could result in the wheels falling completely off.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (MIN, 31 CIN 37)
PREDICTED RECORD: (9-8)
Washington Football Team
In a very winnable division, the Washington football team has a strong case to be the most talented roster in the NFC East. To nobody’s surprise, head coach Ron Rivera has built one of the most feared defensive fronts in the NFL, and that alone may be enough to make them the favorite to win the division. The biggest concern with Washington, like many other teams, is the question of quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick comes into this season as the starter, and there are certainly worse options out there. However, this is the 38-year old’s ninth team, and nobody believes that he is the future of the franchise. If Fitzpatrick can make some Fitz-Magic and have a great season, then Washington should be in a great position to make some noise come playoff time. However, if things fall apart, it could get ugly. Washington opens the season at home against the Chargers, in a game that pits one of the leagues best defenses against last year’s Rookie of the Year, in Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert. Regardless of the outcome, I expect Washington to have a middle of the road season, but that still may be enough to get them to the post-season.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (LAC, 38, WAS 24)
PREDICTED RECORD: (9-8)
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been the definition of under achieving since running back Ezekiel Elliott entered the league in 2016. Always a Super Bowl contender on paper, Dallas seemingly can never put it all together. Things looked promising for America’s team last season, before quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a season ending injury. Dak was on pace to smash passing records and looked like he was on his way to winning league MVP. However, as Dallas heads into 2021, their potential success hinges on Dak’s ability to stay healthy and get back to form. He and the Cowboys looked good in their season opener against the defending champion Buccaneers. Dak threw for more than 400 yards, and the defense forced four takeaways. But there is concern about the effectiveness of Ezekial Elliott. Regardless, if Dallas wants to have a good season, they have all the opportunity to do so. A team that is always hard to predict, I think Dallas will be able to put it together enough this year, to at least win the division. Whether they make it any farther than that, your guess is as good as mine.
PREDICTED RECORD: (11-6)
Philadelphia Eagles
If you listen to analysts and experts, most are counting out the Philadelphia Eagles this year. Three and a half years removed from winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history, the Eagles are unrecognizable. No more Nick Foles. No more Alshon Jeffrey. No more Carson Wentz. No more Doug Pederson. Instead, the Eagles are led by new head coach Nick Sirianni and second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts got time to play at the end of last year, and showed flashes of real promise despite only going 1-3 as a starter. Still, the front office doesn’t seem totally sold on Hurts as their guy for the future. Rumors of the Eagles looking to trade for Deshaun Watson ran rampant, and just weeks ago, they traded for the best backup quarterback in the league in Gardner Minshew. Despite the quarterback controversy, the success of this team has a lot to do with how Jalen Hurts plays. If he can prove the doubters wrong, the Eagles could be one of the biggest surprise teams in the league. However, if he struggles, expect the Eagles to abandon ship quick. Aside from the quarterback, I have real concerns about the Eagles defense. There is a startling lack of star power on the defensive side of the ball, and no matter how well Hurts plays, if the Eagles cannot prevent the other team from scoring, it’s all for nothing. The one bright spot Eagles’ fans have to look forward to is first round draft pick Devonta Smith. The Heisman winning wide receiver is already getting high praise from coaches and fans, and is
brining a sense of excitement that the team desperately needs it right now. The Eagles open the season on the road in Atlanta, in what I consider to be a very winnable game. For Philadelphia, their season is anything but predictable, but regardless, no matter what happens, it will be a wild ride, for better or worse.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (PHI 21, ATL 17)
PREDICTED RECORD: (6-11)
New York Giants
The New York Giants have a lot of potential, but unfortunately, I think they are too limited at quarterback to be successful this season. Daniel Jones has a great deep ball, and is fairly athletic, but when I look at the rest of quarterbacks in the league, I just do not see him being able to compete at the same level. However, I do feel that the return of Saquon Barkley, and key offensive additions like Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph will make a big enough impact for the Giants to at least be competitive within the NFC East. In addition, the Giants have a strong and young defensive unit that could keep them moving upward for years to come. If the team can get the Quarterback position right, I see them being a real threat in the coming years. But for now, I think they will be middle of the road at best. The Giants open the season at home against Denver in a winnable game, but it may be one of the only games all season where they are favored.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (DEN 14, NYG 17)
PREDICTED RECORD: (6-11)
New England Patriots
It will be a new look for the Patriots this year with rookie quarterback Mac Jones officially being named the starter. Jones will look to get the Patriots back on track after Bill Belichick suffered his first losing season in nearly two decades last year. However, it won’t be easy. Jones has a stunning lack of notable offensive weapons, meaning defense will be the key to success for the Patriots this season. New England plays Miami week one in what will be a tough matchup for the Rookie quarterback. But even if they lose, I do not think that the Patriots will allow for another losing season. Look for New England to be in the thick of the playoff hunt and even competing for yet another division title
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (MIA 31, NE 28)
PREDICTED RECORD (10-7)
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is coming off their best season since the mid 90s, and this season, they look to improve on their final placement. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs both had career years, and everyone is expecting for the Bills to once again be in the AFC Championship game. The Bills will also benefit from being in a division with two rookie quarterbacks, and Tua who is entering his second year. All signs point to an exciting season ahead, but anything short of a championship will certainly be a disappointment.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (PIT 21, BUF 31)
PREDICTED RECORD: (13-4)
New York Jets
The Jets have a new head coach and a new starting quarterback, so it’s hard to say with absolute certainty what the Jets will look like this year. What I do know, is the Jets face three of the toughest defenses in the NFL, all in their division. That is a lot to ask for a rookie-rookie pair, and doesn’t make me feel great about their chances this season. Early reports suggest that Zach Wilson has looked great, but unless he is able to pull out a rookie season for the ages, it may be more of the same for Jets fans.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION (NYJ 10, CAR 24)
PREDICTED RECORD: (5-12)
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins look like one of the most talented teams in the league, but their success or failure this season will come down to the play of Tua Tagovailoa. Tua, who was not named a team captain as he enters his first season as a starter, was the definition of inconsistency last year. He finds himself on shaky ground, especially with rumors that the front office is looking into potentially acquiring Deshaun Watson. If Tua can prove the doubters wrong, the Dolphins have all the potential in the world to make a run at a championship. However, if he fails to live up to expectations, expect Miami to miss the playoffs and be on the hunt for a new signal caller next season.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (MIA 31, NE 28)
PREDICTED RECORD (8-9)
Indianapolis Colts
The biggest story for the Colts this season is whether or not they will be able to overcome the injury bug that is already starting to bite before their first regular season game. Both all-pro guard Quentin Nelson and new starting quarterback Carson Wentz suffered knee injuries this offseason, and the fate of the Colts' season rests on their ability to remain healthy throughout. If they are able to, then the Colts could very well be in the AFC Championship game this year, or even the Super Bowl, fighting for a championship. Carson Wentz is in the perfect position to get back to his 2017 form, where he almost won the league MVP. Colts head coach Frank Reich was Wentz's offensive coordinator in Philadelphia that year, and one of the main reasons for his success. Despite all the drama Wentz endured in Philadelphia, he has still shown that at times, he can be an elite level player. Now, behind one of the best offensive lines in football, and with a defense that can win him some games, the Colts have all the tools needed to make a deep run.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (SEA 31, IND 28)
PREDICTED RECORD: (12-5)
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are not the same team they were two years ago, or even last year. The Titans enter this season, only bringing back about half of their starters. Sure they bring in an aging Julio Jones, but overall, their roster is nowhere near as special as it once was. However, the Titans do get a break by playing in the weak AFC South. Especially if the Colts cannot remain healthy, the Titans could still be a playoff team, simply by winning the mediocre division as a middle of the pack team. The good news is, Derrick Henry is still unstoppable, and AJ Brown has emerged as a top tier wide receiver. The Titans feel like they are a couple pieces short of a complete team, and for that reason, I do not see them getting farther than the opening round of the playoffs at best.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (ARI 27, TEN 28)
PREDICTED RECORD: (9-8)
Houston Texans
To say the Texans are a mess would be a massive understatement. Their superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson is likely not going to play this year due to legal issues, meaning their starting quarterback will be NFL journeyman Tyrod Taylor. Also, their new had coach has never even been a coordinator! The Texans traded away JJ Watt in the offseason, and every aspect of the team has taken a hit. I see no upside for Houston this year, and would be shocked if they have anything but the first or second overall pick in next year's draft.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (JAX 24, HOU 14)
PREDICTED RECORD (2-15)
Jacksonville Jaguars
I think I have higher expectations than most for Jacksonville this year. The team won the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes and that alone means they will have a shot to win the division this year. Granted, he does not have a ton of weapons outside of free agent signing Marvin Jones, but I think Trevor is talented enough to carry this team. Last year, Justin Herbert had the greatest rookie season for a quarterback behind an awful offensive line, and I don't think that there is any question that Lawrence is regarded as more talented than Herbert. So why can't the Jaguars have a breakout year? The division is very winnable, and I do not think it is outside the realm of possibility that they are competing for a playoff spot at the end of the season. I will say, I am not expecting them to be Super Bowl contenders by any means. However, I believe in Trevor, and think he will live up to the hype. This may not be their best season, but I do not believe that they will not be anywhere close to the worst in the NFL.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (JAX 24, HOU 14)
PREDICTED RECORD (7-10)
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders to me are the definition of average. I don't see them as an awful team, but there is nothing about them that screams special to me. They actually have a really talented team when looking at their depth chart, but in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, I just don't see them being able to do enough to separate themselves. They will open the season at home against a banged-up Ravens team, so I actually think they could pull out the upset there, but other than that I don't see Las Vegas making any type of significant impact. We are now multiple years into the Jon Gruden era, and unfortunately, another year missing the playoffs means the heat could be on him and Derek Carr next season.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (BAL 21, LV 24)
PREDICTED RECORD (8-9)
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, Justin Herbert proved he is legit. This season, he will prove that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league. With an improved offensive line, Herbert will have even more opportunity to do what he does best. One of the biggest concerns however, is new head coach Brandon Staley. Rarely do we see a rookie head coach win a championship, but as long as the Chargers defense can keep them in games, I have confidence that Los Angeles will be competing with Kansas City for the division title toward the end of the year.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (LAC 38, WAS 24)
PREDICTED RECORD (13-4)
Denver Broncos
Denver this year feels like they are just hoping to get out of it without any significant injuries to their star players. Does anyone actually believe that Denver is going to be competitive this season, especially within the AFC West? I actually like a lot of the Broncos players, especially their wide receiving corps, and think they can be a championship contender in a year or two. But Teddy Bridgewater has been named the starter over Drew Lock, and everyone knows that he is not the future of the franchise. The Broncos feel like they are treading water, and hoping to just fast forward to next year's draft where they can select their true franchise quarterback.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (DEN 14, NYG 17)
PREDICTED RECORD: (5-12)
Kansas City Chiefs
After suffering an embarrassing loss to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, you just know that the Chiefs are looking to make a statement this season. Thankfully for Chiefs fans, the front office rebuilt their offensive line, and anything short of a Super Bowl title will be a massive disappointment. For my money, Patrick Mahomes is the new face of the NFL, and this season I expect him and the Chiefs to once again prove why they are the most feared team in football. Kansas City plays host to Cleveland week one, a rematch of last year's divisional playoff game. The Chiefs got the victory then, and I expect more of the same this time around. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in September are historically unstoppable, and for as good as I believe the Browns are, I do not see them being able to keep up with the high powered Chiefs offense.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION (CLE 28, KC 38)
PREDICTED RECORD: (14-3)
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers went 10-0 to start the season last year, and then the wheels fell off. They went 2-4 in the last six weeks, before losing in the opening round of the playoffs to the Cleveland Browns. This season, they hope to right those wrongs. I really like the Steelers to bounce back this year, mostly because of their defense. TJ Watt proved last season that he is worth every penny of his new record contract, and Devin Bush is one of the best linebackers in the league. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden are two of the best defensive backs, and they have a ton of depth at all positions. Ben Roethlisberger is back for his 18th season, and if he can play like we know he is capable of, the Steelers should be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. However, if the injuries start to get to him, Pittsburgh may have trouble with just getting out of the highly competitive AFC North. Also, in perhaps my favorite pick of this years draft, I expect rookie running back Najee Harris to be an immediate impact player in the league. The Steelers have a tough week one, on the road against Buffalo, but I still expect them to keep it close even if it doesn't result in a win.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (PIT 21, BUF 31)
PREDICTED RECORD (10-7)
Baltimore Ravens
I am actually concerned for the Ravens this season. First and foremost, the team has no credible running game outside of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have gone down with injuries, leaving just Ty'Son Smith and newly signed Latavius Murray as the only running backs currently on the active roster. Additionally, the team also lost all-pro cornerback Marcus Peters to an ACL injury. Peters absence will be felt dramatically, especially in a division with some incredible wide receivers. This all means that per usual, the Ravens will be reliant on Lamar Jackson to get them to and through the playoffs. However, being so one dimensional causes me to be concerned. I do have faith in head coach John Harbaugh, and he has earned the right for me to give him the benefit of the doubt. The Ravens are one of the best run organizations, and despite there obstacles, it is still incredibly likely that they will be near the top of the standings this season. Baltimore opens against Las Vegas, and we should get an early taste of what we can expect from them for the entire season going forward.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (BAL 21, LV 24)
PREDICTED RECORD (9-8)
Cincinnati Bengals
If I had to pick one team that most experts are dismissing, but that I think could actually end up becoming a real playoff threat, it would be the Bengals. Despite coming back from a season ending injury, I believe a ton in Joe Burrow. Burrow looked great in his rookie season, and I expect more of the same this year. Coming into 2021, the Bengals have improved their offensive line and have surrounded Burrow with more offensive weapons, most notably his former LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals defense leaves a lot to be desired, but I think if Burrow can stay healthy and put the team on his back, Cincinnati has a legitimate shot to be fighting for a playoff spot come the end of the year. The Bengals open the season against Minnesota, which will tell us a lot about what this team is made of. Expect a closely fought battle with the best quarterback coming out on top.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION: (MIN 31, CIN 37)
PREDICTED RECORD: (9-8)
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are coming off their best season in nearly two decades last year, and coming into this season, expectations are for them to continue their winning ways. The Browns look like one of the most stacked rosters in football, and if they want to make it past the Divisional round of the playoffs this year, they need quarterback Baker Mayfield to play even better than he did last year. With a talented receiving corps, a dual tight end threat in David Nijoku and Austin Hooper and Nick Chubb at running back, the Browns look like an offensive force. Plus, their front seven and secondary consists of multiple first round picks, and even two former first overall selections in Myles Garret and Jadeveon Clowney. The only thing stopping the Browns this season, is the Browns. They have a tough break, opening the season on the road against the powerhouse Chiefs, but afterward, I expect this team to win more than there fair share of games. It's an exciting time to be a Browns fan, and if things all go according to plan, we very well could see them in the AFC Championship game or even the Super Bowl.
WEEK ONE PREDICTION (CLE 28, KC 38)
PREDICTED RECORD (12-5)
Wildcard Round Predictions
Panthers @ Packers (CAR 14, GB 27)
Cardinals @ Seahawks (ARI 24, SEA 17)
Rams @ Cowboys (LAR 17, DAL 14)
Patriots @ Bills (NE 10, BUF 28)
Steelers @ Browns (PIT 17, CLE 20)
Chargers @ Colts (LAC 28, IND 14)
Divisional Round Predictions
Cardinals @ Buccaneers (ARI 17, TB 34)
Rams @ Packers (LAR 28, GB 31)
Chargers @ Chiefs (LAC 17, KC 28)
Browns @ Bills (CLE 27, BUF 26)
Conference Championship Predictions
Packers @ Buccaneers (GB 31, TB 30)
Browns @ Chiefs (CLE 27, KC 33)
Super Bowl Prediction
Packers vs Chiefs (GB 21, KC 24)
NFL SEASON AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett (DE, Cleveland Browns)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons (LB, Dallas Cowboys)
Comeback Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)
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