Preseason Power Rankings
Super Bowl Contenders
1. New England Patriots
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Chicago Bears
7. Indianapolis Colts
Playoff Contenders
8. Philadelphia Eagles
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Seattle Seahawks
11. Minnesota Vikings
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
13. Cleveland Browns
T-14. Carolina Panthers
T-14. Atlanta Falcons
16. Houston Texans
17. Green Bay Packers
18. Baltimore Ravens
19. San Francisco 49ers
The Fringe
20. Tennessee Titans
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. New York Jets
23. Buffalo Bills
Rebuilding/Try again next year
24. Washington Redskins
25. Cincinnati Bengals
26. Detroit Lions
27. Denver Broncos
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29. Arizona Cardinals
30. Oakland Raiders
31. New York Giants
32. Miami Dolphins
Every Team Analysis
There has been between five to eight new playoff teams in 21 out of the last 23 years according to ESPN. So while some people may laugh and say “there’s no way that (Insert Team Here) isn’t making the playoffs, we can look back at this stat. The AFC really looks set in stone with the Patriots, Chiefs, Chargers, and Colts virtual locks in my opinion. On the other hand, the NFC has been pretty volatile and as many as 11 teams have a realistic path to the playoffs. I’m excited to see how the league’s 100th season shakes out so without further ado...my predictions for 2019!
*Confidence is how sure I am of that respective team making the playoffs*
NFC
#1. Chicago Bears- PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4; Confidence: 85%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 9-7; Team MVP: Khalil Mack
This team reminds me a lot of the Rams development. Drafting a top prospect in the draft (Trubisky). Check. A breakout season with a new, innovative coach (Nagy) followed by an early playoff exit due to inexperience of a young roster (loss to Philadelphia). Check. Blaze through the following season with a Super Bowl appearance. TBD. Assuming the loss of DC Vic Fangio doesn’t submarine their dominant defense, Matt Nagy’s Bears looked primed to take over the NFC and finally give the Windy City a team worth cheering for.
Biggest Win: Week 16 vs Chiefs
Most Surprising Loss: Week 15 @ Green Bay
#2. New Orleans Saints- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 80%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Drew Brees
Losing in dramatic fashion in the playoffs in consecutive seasons has to take a toll on this team’s psyche. Once the season starts, the pain of losing should turn into pain for the opposing team in route to a potential Super Bowl run. I am slightly concerned that Brees could regress this season but even if he does, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas can pick up the offense as they are both top five at their respective positions. This won’t be the easiest division to win but as long as the core stays healthy, the Saints should claim another first round bye and position themselves for more success in 2019.
Biggest Win: Week 2 @ Los Angeles (Rams)
Most Surprising Loss: Week 11 @ Tampa Bay
#3. San Francisco 49ers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 40%
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Jimmy Garoppolo
I’m all in on the 49ers to be the breakout team of the 2019 season. On paper, they look like they could be trouble. Of course, I’m betting on potential instead of actual production so who knows how that could turn out. They have three very capable running backs with Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, and Jerick McKinnon, a quarterback with a ton of potential, and a front seven that could be among the best in all of the league. This is my biggest gamble but there is always one team that “comes out of nowhere” so this is my breakout team of 2019.
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ Seattle
Most Surprising Loss: Week 9 @ Arizona
#4. Philadelphia Eagles- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 65%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Carson Wentz
2019 is where the rubber meets the road. Was Wentz a one year wonder or can he elevate the Eagles back into the Super Bowl conversation? There was something extremely special with Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles behind center. In 2017, Wentz was doing the same until his torn ACL. If he can stay healthy and return to form, the Eagles could find themselves deep into the playoffs for the third straight year. They have a top five roster talent wise with Fletcher Cox and Malcolm Jenkins leading the way defensively. I’m excited to see their improved rushing attack with Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders getting ready to take over the backfield. Philly shouldn’t have much of an issue making the playoffs as long as health doesn’t become a major factor.
Biggest Win: Week 11 vs New England
Most Surprising Loss: Week 13 @ Miami
#5. Green Bay Packers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 50%
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Aaron Rodgers
In recent years, this team has taken the Oklahoma City Thunder approach. What I mean by that is a team with an amazing superstar that fails to live up to lofty expectations. However, they’ve been on a consistent decline since the 2014 season record-wise. However, I seriously doubt with the upgrades they’ve made, that they will continue this decent. I would be stunned to see Aaron Rodgers miss the playoffs in three straight seasons.
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ Detroit
Most Surprising Loss: Week 3 vs Denver
#6. Carolina Panthers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 55%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Cam Newton
It’s no secret that Cam Newton’s shoulder is the key to a successful season for the Panthers. They started 6-2 until T.J. Watt drilled Newton’s throwing shoulder which sent them into a tailspin with seven straight losses. Carolina looks to be improved this season with the additions of Chris Hogan, Gerald McCoy, and Bruce Irvin. Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Curtis Samuel are fast and explosive which will be necessary in the South. It’s splitting hairs when deciding who makes the playoffs in the NFC but I say that Carolina continues their trend of making the playoffs in odd numbered years and claims the sixth seed.
Biggest Win: Week 17 vs New Orleans
Most Surprising Loss: Week 8 @ San Francisco
Bubble (any of these squads could make it in the field and I wouldn’t be surprised)
7 SEED: Atlanta Falcons- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Matt Ryan
Atlanta was snakebitten last year and still managed to be 7-9 last season. Injuries to Keanu Neal, Devonta Freeman, and Deion Jones quickly derailed their season. Assuming everyone gets back to full strength, this team should be able to bounce back this year. Unfortunately, a logjam in the NFC will put Atlanta on the outside looking in. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if they swapped spots with the Panthers or Packers in the Wild Card hunt though.
8 SEED: Los Angeles Rams- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Aaron Donald
Will the Super Bowl hangover be a “thing” in LA? With Todd Gurley dealing with tendonitis in his knee, it could be a disaster in the making if he can’t return to 100% again. When you make the Super Bowl, you become the hunted. Everyone wants a crack at beating the elite teams. It may be foolish to leave a team that went 13-3 out of the playoffs but crazier things have happened.
9 SEED: Seattle Seahawks- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson got PAID. Will that hinder the Hawks’ from making another playoff appearance? It seems that the teams with high paid quarterbacks aren’t getting dividends in return. Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo...all didn’t make the playoffs last season. Seattle isn’t quite the dominant team that they were and longtime receiver Doug Baldwin isn’t on the roster anymore but they did draft a monster in DK Metcalf to fill the void. Wilson will have to be more than a magician to earn another playoff berth this year.
10 SEED: Dallas Cowboys- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys have to win now. This season is full of opportunity but next season could be trouble. They have to find a way to pay QB Dak Prescott, CB Byron Jones, and RB Ezekiel Elliott after this year concludes. There is little chance that all three of them stay since their star pass rusher DeMarcus Lawerence signed a huge deal in April. Although the Boys’ look to be a good team this year, their schedule does them no favors. They get the Saints, Packers, Eagles 2X, Vikings, Patriots, Bears, and Rams. With that said, it’s tough to see Dallas winning more than eight or nine games this year.
11 SEED: Minnesota Vikings- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Kirk Cousins
The Vikings have all the talent on their roster to be in the Super Bowl. However, I’ve never been sold on Kirk Cousins as a man that can lead a team to the promised land or come up big in clutch moments. He’s had multiple chances with the Redskins and Vikings in the final week of the season to propel his squad into the playoffs. The result? 0 for 2. Until he shows me that he can win in the biggest moments, I can’t pick the Vikings as a serious contender.
Others: (“rebuilding,” too many roster holes, or too inconsistent)
12 SEED: Washington Redskins- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Ryan Kerrigan
Out of any team in the “rebuilding” section, the Skins have the best chance to make some noise in 2019. This team was a solid 6-3 before the devastating injury to QB Alex Smith. In a perfect world, Dwayne Haskins wins the starting job away from Case Keenum and Smith makes a full recovery by 2020 to backup the Ohio State product as a veteran mentor. Their draft was excellent as well as they got a potential steal in DE Montez Sweat at the end of the first round. With the Eagles and Cowboys in the division, it will be challenging for the Skins to excel despite a ton of potential on this squad.
13 SEED: Detroit Lions- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Matthew Stafford
The Lions have the best quarterback in this group of NFC teams and have an offense that could be dangerous. Kerryon Johnson really impressed me in the running game and now they add breakout veteran back CJ Anderson to the mix. T.J. Hockenson and Jessie James should help out at tight end in both blocking and receiving. Their receivers include Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay. The issue is the Lions defense which was one of the worst in 2018. They added DE Trey Flowers and have All-Pro Darius Slay but don’t have much else.
14 SEED: Arizona Cardinals- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 3-13; Team MVP: Kyler Murray
It’s time for a fresh new start in Arizona with the Kingsbury-Kyler combo. With a mix of young and old on offense, Murray should flourish in Year One. Look for rookie Andy Isabella and sophomore Christian Kirk to finally give Larry Fitzgerald some time to breathe. Like the Lions though, their defense is suspect. I’m intrigued by the Cardinals secondary but the front seven is a concern that could hold them back in 2019. As the worst team last season, any improvement in record and statistical production should be viewed positively.
15 SEED: New York Giants- PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 3-13; Team MVP: Saquon Barkley
No Odell Beckham Jr? No Landon Collins? GM Dave Gettleman’s is putting a lot of stock into his draft capital this season. Don’t forget about the Daniel Jones debacle. Three of their top receivers suffered injuries or suspensions which isn’t helping matters. They are a Saquon Barkley injury away from going 1-15. I can’t see the Giants being competitive unless Daniel Jones becomes the next Eli Manning in his prime.
16 SEED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers- PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Mike Evans
This definitely seems low for Tampa Bay. I’m just not really high on them this year. Their schedule looks BRUTAL. They play in one of the toughest divisions in football with New Orleans, Atlanta, and Carolina all playoff threats. Add in the Seahawks, Titans, Rams, and Texans for some more chaos. It doesn’t help matters that they may have one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in Jameis Winston. He has had moments of looking legit and other moments of looking like a third string quarterback.
AFC
#1. Kansas City Chiefs- PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4; Confidence: 99%
BEST CASE: 14-2; WORST CASE: 10-6; Team MVP: Patrick Mahomes
It’s Patrick Mahomes world and we’re just living in it. If there is a team and a player to put an end to the Patriots dynasty, it would be this one. The AFC is definitely top heavy with the Patriots, Chargers, and Colts the top contenders to represent the conference in the Super Bowl. With Tyreek Hill, Damien Williams, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins, this should be a top three team all season long. It’s Super Bowl or bust from here on out.
Biggest Win: Week 14 @ New England
Most Surprising Loss: Week 10 @ Tennessee
#2. Indianapolis Colts: PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 90%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Andrew Luck
The way things are looking, the Colts have no reason not to make a run at the Super Bowl. It won’t be easy in a division where every team has realistic playoff chances but none of those teams have Andrew Luck on their team. With weapons like Eric Ebron, T.Y. Hilton, and rookie Parris Campbell, this should be a memorable season. Darius Leonard will be a staple at the linebacker position for the next decade to help the Colts defense gain more traction. Indy is right in line with the Patriots and Chiefs to represent the AFC. All it will take is a little more Luck than in years past.
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ Jacksonville
Most Surprising Loss: Week 9 @ Pittsburgh
#3. New England Patriots- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 99%
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 9-7; Team MVP: Tom Brady
Can the Pats make it four straight Super Bowl appearances? Brady and Belichick’s legacy is already sealed in NFL lore. Now, it’s time to pad the stats. The AFC East division has stepped up its game a bit but the Patriots have seemingly feasted on young passers for years now so they shouldn’t sweat too much. The only teams that can beat the Patriots in the playoffs to me would be the Chiefs and Colts right now...sorry Chargers. As long as Brady is at the helm, New England will always be among the favorites to hoist the Lombardi in February.
Biggest Win: Week 12 vs Dallas
Most Surprising Loss: Week 2 @ Miami
#4. Cleveland Browns- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7; Confidence: 50%
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Baker Mayfield
HERE. WE. GO. Can Cleveland finally get back to the postseason? It’s been a LONG 17 years but with Odell Beckham Jr, an improved Baker Mayfield, and a solid draft class, things are looking up for the Brownies. I’m a little nervous in anointing the Browns to elite status. Last year, I feel they exceeded expectations because there was no expectations and they just came off of a winless season. Can they handle success? Weeks 3-8 seem like their toughest stretch but if they can steal a game there, Kitchens’ squad should be golden. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt but it also wouldn’t stun me if this team finished 7-9 instead of 9-7.
Biggest Win: Week 16 vs Baltimore
Most Surprising Loss: Week 9 @ Denver
#5. Los Angeles Chargers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 90%
Is this Philip Rivers last chance at a ring? Los Angeles is set to have another great season under the direction of HC Anthony Lynn. It’s so unfortunate that the Chargers are in a division with the Chiefs. I’d say that any other division, they would finish first place. Instead, they have to go on the road and win three games to get to the Super Bowl. That’s the goal with guys like Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, and Melvin Gordon on their roster. Can they put it all together and make a run to Miami for the big game? I’m excited to find out.
Biggest Win: Week 8 @ Chicago
Most Surprising Loss: Week 2 @ Detroit
#6. Pittsburgh Steelers- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7; Confidence: 35%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: JuJu Smith-Schuster
I feel like the total demise of the Steelers is unwarranted. Sure, they lost Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell but James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster should do just fine. Their division will be their biggest obstacle to making the playoffs. The Ravens finished 10-6 and the Browns have the most talent in the division. However, I trust Big Ben over two younger quarterbacks in December when the competition is at its peak. I have them being edged out by Cleveland for the division but don’t be surprised one bit if the Steelers are the ones in first place at seasons end.
Biggest Win: Week 16 vs Baltimore
Most Surprising Loss: Week 9 @ Denver
Bubble (any of these squads could make it in the field and I wouldn’t be surprised)
7 SEED: Houston Texans- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Deshaun Watson
Out of all the teams, I had a hard time leaving the Texans out of the playoff picture. They have Super Bowl talent but their offensive line remains a huge concern that I can’t overlook. Which quarterback got sacked the most in 2018? Deshaun Watson. 65 times. Just horrendous. When you can’t protect the passer, it leads to injuries and an offense that is running off schedule. If they can get that resolved, they’ll probably get in the postseason. However, there is always one team that disappoints. As much as I hate to do it, I think the Texans will be a stunning inclusion off the list.
8 SEED: Jacksonville Jaguars- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Jalen Ramsey
Don’t forget about Jacksonville in a very competitive AFC South division. In my mind, the Jaguars season comes down to the play of Nick Foles. It wasn’t too long ago that Blake Bortles took his team to the AFC Championship game with a tenacious defense behind him. Can better quarterback play lead this team to uncharted waters? The defense is LOADED. They got a steal in the draft with DE Josh Allen falling into their lap at pick seven. In addition, they have Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jalen Ramsey to lead what should be a top 5 defense.
9 SEED: Baltimore Ravens- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 5-11; Team MVP:
I’m not convinced the Ravens will be able to maintain the same success as they did last season. Replacing Terrell Suggs, Za’Darius Smith, and C.J. Mosley won’t be easy. Patrick Onwuasor and Matthew Judon are solid players that should help Baltimore keep a top notch defense. The big question mark lies with Lamar Jackson. Can he elevate his passing skills enough to keep defenses honest or will he be a one-trick pony? I’m pretty skeptical to say the least. The difference between 10-6 or 6-10 depends largely on the shoulders of number 8.
10 SEED: Tennessee Titans- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP:
To me, Tennessee is the definition of average. They are never terrible but they are never really elite, at least in the last ten years or so. Mariota has games like the Eagles and Patriots games where the Titans excelled. On the other hand, Mariota has failed to progress the way Tennessee envisioned and now they are at a crossroads.
Others: (“rebuilding,” too many roster holes, or too inconsistent)
11 SEED: Buffalo Bills- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Frank Gore
I’m really thrilled for the future in Buffalo. While I don’t think this will be their year, Josh Allen should be able to improve as he gets a full training camp as QB1 to show what he is made of. The defense should be great once again. Tre’Davious White and Tremund Edmonds should be able to lead this unit to a top ten group. The sleeper in this group is Matt Milano who I’m extremely high on. Before Milano broke his leg in December, he allowed the lowest passer rating in coverage. Very impressive. A bright future but just a year out.
12 SEED: New York Jets- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Le’Veon Bell
Similar to the Bills, the Jets also have a bright future. It’s teams like this that desperately need the Patriots dynasty to cease. Free-agent prizes Le’Veon Bell and C.J. Mosley join a solid young core with Jamal Adams, Leonard Williams, and rookie Quinnen Williams. Undoubtedly, the spotlight will be on sophomore Sam Darnold and seeing his progression in year two. I believe the Jets will be competitive in pretty much every game. However, young teams find ways to lose games they should win and that will doom them from making a serious playoff push.
13 SEED: Denver Broncos- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Von Miller
Since Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have been headed in the wrong direction and I can’t see it getting much better. Flacco is more of a stopgap than a solution. Offensively, their running game will be their focal point of the offense with Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman spearheading the attack. They likely won’t be surpassing the uber-talented Chiefs or Chargers anytime soon. Plus, the AFC isn’t the cakewalk that it was a couple of years back where 8-8 or 9-7 could get you a playoff spot.
14 SEED: Cincinnati Bengals- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Joe Mixon
Whereas most teams in the AFC seem to be progressing, the Bengals look to me as “staying in neutral.” Their first round pick is out for the season and their top receiver (A.J. Green) is out for the first few games of the season. Marvin Lewis may finally be gone but his spirit is lies with the team forever. Cincinnati isn’t terrible but in a division with the Ravens, who made the playoffs last year, the Steelers, and the much improved Browns, it will be tough to escape the cellar in the AFC North.
15 SEED: Oakland Raiders- PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 3-13; Team MVP: Antonio Brown
This team is a mess. The defense was terrible last year. They had 13 sacks the ENTIRE year. Dead last. To put that in perspective, the Ravens sacked Marcus Mariota 11 times in ONE game last season. Serves them right for getting rid of Khalil Mack last season. They allowed an average of 29 points last season. Dead last. Forced fumbles? You guessed it...dead last. Jon Gruden better hope that DE Clelin Ferrell is double-digit sack guy this season or the only thing Oakland will be competing for is the number one pick in the draft.
16 SEED: Miami Dolphins- PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13
BEST CASE: 7-9; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Xavien Howard
Tank for Tua 2020? Josh Rosen may have something to say about that. The Dolphins will start the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick who will predictably dominate the first couple of games and then flame out. What happens after that is anyone’s guess. It’s gonna be a long season in South Beach.
Key Games
Ten games which will be the most impactful in the playoff picture
Week 7: NO @ CHI
I fully expect both of these teams to challenge for the top seed in the NFC in 2019 and this game could have major implications on who maintains home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Week 11: PIT @ CLE
This will be Cleveland’s biggest game in YEARS! A primetime contest against their most hated rival. What more could you ask for? If you look at both of my projected records (9-7 for both) this game will be a deciding factor in who wins the AFC North division and gets a home playoff game in the Wild Card round.
Week 14: KC @ NE
These are the presumed top teams in the AFC and it would be nearly a given that this matchup would determine seeding in the AFC.
Week 15: HOU @ TEN
After starting a stunning 2-7, the Texans will have a “second-wind” coming out of their bye week. They will win four consecutive games led by Deshaun Watson’s late-season hot streak. Following impressive home wins against Indianapolis, New England, and Denver, they will get a little too cocky and get upended against a rival with almost nothing to play for and effectively end Houston’s season.
Week 16: LAR @ SF
The 49ers and the Rams will be in the thick of the playoff chase and the winner will have the inside track on an NFC West crown and the loser will pretty much be done but not quite eliminated.
Week 17: NO @ CAR
9-6 with a chance to get to the playoffs with a win. It’s the classic “win or go home” game for the Panthers. A win clinches them the fifth seed outright and a loss knocks them out at 9-7 with the tiebreakers not falling in their favor. With the Saints already sitting at 11 wins and locked at the 2 seed, this game won’t mean too much for them besides playing the role of spoiler. Carolina wins.
Week 17: IND @ JAX
After Week 14, the Jaguars will be sitting pretty at 8-5, a game behind the Colts who would sit at 9-4. However, after an upset in the Black Hole in Week 15 and an ugly loss to Atlanta in Week 16, the Jaguars will be playing for a playoff berth in the season’s final week. The job is simple: win and clinch a playoff berth. Lose and sit at home for the playoffs. The only issue is the Colts will be playing for a first-round bye with a victory so they won’t lie down and concede the win. In a back-and forth battle, Jacksonville loses their third straight game on a heartbreaking field goal by Adam Vinateri to conclude a promising but ultimately disappointing season.
Week 17: LAC @ KC
Winner gets the number one seed in the AFC and the loser gets the fifth seed. Sound familiar? I have these teams splitting the regular season series so after the Chargers win handle business in Mexico City, the Chiefs will exact revenge and force the road to Miami for the Super Bowl to go through Arrowhead Stadium.
Week 17: GB @ DET
A win gets the Packers a 5 seed and a loss puts the Falcons in the playoffs. Against an eliminated Detroit team, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge. Packers win.
Week 17: SF @ SEA
I predict that this game gets flexed into primetime for Sunday Night Football and the 256th and final game of the 2019 NFL Regular Season. Both teams will be locked in at 9-6 and the winner will get the third seed in the NFC and the loser will be eliminated as a result of the Week 17 afternoon games with Green Bay beating Detroit and Carolina beating New Orleans. It’s so tough to win at CenturyLink Field but in a slight upset, Jimmy G and the Niners will take the NFC West crown and cap off their breakout season with an impressive win on the road.
Notable Season Trends
NFC
Eagles: Start 4-1 and win final four games to clinch 4 seed and win the NFC East division
Saints: Start 5-0
Falcons: Start 6-2 but finish 10-6 and miss playoffs
Panthers: Start 5-1
Packers: Start 5-2
Bears: Start 6-0
49ers: Start 3-1; win final 3
AFC
Chiefs: Start 9-0
Chargers: Start 7-2
Patriots: Start 7-1
Steelers: Start 0-3 but finish 9-7 and clinch the 6 seed in the AFC
Browns: Win last 7 of 8 to clinch the AFC North
Jaguars: Start 0-3 and finish 0-3
Bills: From Week 7-12, the Bills go 5-1
Playoff Predictions
AFC Playoff Picture:
#1 Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
#2 Seed: Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
#3 Seed: New England Patriots (11-5)
#4 Seed: Cleveland Browns (9-7)
#5 Seed: Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
#6 Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
NFC Playoff Picture:
#1 Seed: Chicago Bears (12-4)
#2 Seed: New Orleans Saints (11-5)
#3 Seed: San Francisco 49ers (10-6)
#4 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
#5 Seed: Green Bay Packers (10-6)
#6 Seed: Carolina Panthers (10-6)
Wild Card Weekend
It will be a win for the city of Cleveland just by getting to see their team host a playoff game for the first time since the 1994 NFL Playoffs. It wasn’t long ago that the Browns went 0-16 and were the laughing stock of the league. Now, they may very well be a top 10 team of the year thanks to Baker Mayfield along with a couple of solid moves. This is where the Cinderella story ends. This may be Philip Rivers last chance to get to the Super Bowl. In what should be an exciting contest, Los Angeles will engineer a game-winning drive capped off by Melvin Gordon’s three yard TD run to seal an AFC West clash in the Divisional Round.
Green Bay is back in the postseason for the first time since they played the Falcons in the NFC Championship a couple of seasons ago. Getting to the playoffs should be a win for them. Aaron Rodgers vs Carson Wentz will be a classic matchup and I could see this going either way. However, I feel that Wentz is on a mission this season to escape the shadow of Nick Foles and prove he can win the big games. Homefield advantage should be the deciding factor here.
Pittsburgh will be the surprise team of the AFC. While the Browns are getting all the love this offseason, the Steelers look like they’ll be fine since all of the toxicity of the past seems to be gone. Foxborough is where dreams go to die for the away team and although I think this game will be close, there’s no stopping Brady at home.
Niners rookie receiver Deebo Samuel vs Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson will basically be the equivalent of watching a track meet and could be a big factor in who comes out victorious. Overall, I trust the experience of Cam and Carolina over a young, inexperienced 49ers team in the playoffs.
Divisional Round
The Chiefs and Chargers may be the two most talented teams in the league. Unfortunately, one of these teams have to go home in the Divisional.
The Saints have suffered several heartbreaking moments over their last two postseason appearances. This one won’t be dramatic but the beginning of the end for Brees and the Saints in a surprising blowout victory for Wentz and Co.
This matchup isn’t favorable for Carolina at all. Cam Newton has struggled against big time pass rushers in the past such as Von Miller and Aaron Donald. This is where Khalil Mack will be HUGE.
This will be the first matchup between the Pats and Colts since the dreaded “Deflategate” controversy. With Andrew Luck entering his prime and Tom Brady at the twilight of his career, this could prove to be trouble for the defending Super Bowl champions. The Pats haven’t missed the AFC Championship since 2010 and I don’t see it ending here.
Conference Championship
I really want to pick the Chiefs here. My heart says KC but my mind says the Patriots will find a way like they always do.
It’s only fitting after last year's debacle that the NFC will be decided between these two teams. This time, Chicago will deliver on a game-winning field goal to play for the Lombardi in Miami.
Super Bowl 54
The NFL100 campaign gets a classic matchup as HC Matt Nagy in his second year with the Bears takes on the seasoned Bill Belichick led New England Patriots who will be playing in their TWELVTH Super Bowl in franchise history. This is a rematch of Super Bowl XX when the Bears put the smackdown on the Patriots by the score of 46-10. 34 years later, New England has six Super Bowls to their name where Chicago is still living in 85’. Can the Bears repeat history or will New England win number seven?
Since the Super Bowl is in Miami, there is a decent chance that it could be raining in this game. If so, look for the running attacks to steal the show. Chicago and New England both have great defenses and rushing attacks so this will be a slugfest, rain or not. Running backs Sony Michel, James White, Tarik Cohen, and rookie David Montgomery will all get plenty of touches in this one. The Bears typically win ugly but they have shown they have the capacity to put up points. The last time these two teams played, Trubisky and Brady combined for 69 total points, 610 passing yards, and five passing touchdowns in a 38-31 Pats win.
For the Bears, I look to Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. In Brady’s Super Bowl struggles, it has been because of the pressure generated by the opposing defense. Likewise for New England, they neutralized Jared Goff in Super Bowl 53 and if Trubisky isn’t careful, the same could happen to him. That’s why I project that Matt Nagy will create a game plan that centers behind Tarik Cohen, their most dynamic playmaker to exploit holes in the defense.
New England just needs to stay in the game until the fourth quarter. They don’t need to do anything too special. The Bears rarely will pull away based on the current makeup of their team and games that they should win comfortably, they allow teams to stick around for too long, creating drama. This game will be no different. Chicago will mount a nine point lead going into the fourth quarter until the Patriots’ championship pedigree comes through just in time to engineer another big time comeback and ride out in style.
If Brady starts to regress this season similar to Manning in his final season, Super Bowl 54 could be the formers last game. I know he said he wants to play until 45 years old but does he really have nothing to prove at this point. Maybe he wants a ring for every finger? Who knows? That being said, I predict that this will be the last Super Bowl that the Patriots will win for a while. The Chiefs, Colts, and Browns seem primed to take over the AFC with young quarterbacks. For the Bears, this is a team built to last with a defense that is dominate. Mitchell Trubisky will continue to improve and but with the NFC’s volatility, it’s anyone’s guess if this core will get back to the big game.
Quarter by Quarter Prediction
1st Quarter:
NO SCORE
2nd Quarter:
Tarik Cohen 74 yd Punt RET; XP missed Bears- Bears 6, Patriots 0
Eddy Pinero 39 yd FG- Bears 9, Patriots 0
Sony Michel 2 yd TD run- Bears 9, Patriots 7
HALFTIME
3rd Quarter
Tarik Cohen 62 yard TD run- Bears 16, Patriots 7
4th Quarter
James White 9 yard TD REC- Bears 16, Patriots 14
Stephen Gostkowski 48 yard FG- Patriots 17, Bears 16
FINAL: New England Patriots 17, Chicago Bears 16
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
NFL Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
OPOY: Andrew Luck, QB, IND
DPOY: Khalil Mack, LB, Bears
OROY: Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
DROY: Devin Bush, LB, Steelers
Fantasy: Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR
Coach: Matt LaFleur, Packers
CPOY: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers
Breakout Offensive Player: Deebo Samuel, WR, SF
Breakout Defensive Player: Matt Milano, LB, Bills
Best Offense: Kansas City Chiefs
Best Defense: Chicago Bears
Haters Gonna Hate (an imaginary award for a criticized player that ends up proving people wrong): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bears
Most Improved: San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Surprise: San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Disappointment: Los Angeles Rams
Team on the Rise: Buffalo Bills
Biggest Spoiler: Tennessee Titans
Game of the Year: Chiefs at Patriots (Week 14)
Upset of the Year: Dolphins beat Patriots (Week 2)
Link to my predictions:
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