WE ARE FINALLY BACK! After a tumultuous couple of months for sports, it seems as if the NFL season is finally upon us! I will admit that this year feels a little bit different. Despite several opt-outs due to the current global pandemic and no preseason games, commissioner Roger Goodell and the rest of the league will attempt to start and complete an unprecedented season. We can only hope and pray that the season is able to finish and crown a champion in February for the Super Bowl.
There are several storylines that I'm looking forward to. How will Tom Brady do in Tampa Bay? Likewise, how will the Patriots fare with Cam Newton under center? Can the Chiefs repeat as Super Bowl champions? Will the 49ers bounce back after falling short in the big game? During times like these, a thrilling NFL season can hopefully help bring football fans back to a sense of normalcy again. Man, I can't wait for the season. So without further ado, here is the annual installment of my NFL predictions! Enjoy!
Preseason Team Tiers Rankings
Super Bowl Contenders
Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playoff Contenders
Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals
The Fringe
Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions
Rebuilding/Try again next year
New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Washington Football Team, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars
Team-by-Team Analysis
*Confidence is how sure I am of that respective team making the playoffs*
AFC
1 SEED: Kansas City Chiefs- PROJECTED RECORD: 14-2; Confidence: 99%
BEST CASE: 15-1; WORST CASE: 10-6; Team MVP: Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs finally did it. Super Bowl Champions. Now what will they do for an encore? LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will join Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill on Eric Beniemy’s dynamic offense. Assuming $500 million man Patrick Mahomes stays healthy this season, it’s tough to see Kansas City not making another deep run in the playoffs this year. I’d be shocked to see anything less than an AFC Championship Game appearance.
Biggest Win: Week 3 @ Baltimore
Most Surprising Loss: Week 7 @ Denver
2 SEED: Baltimore Ravens- PROJECTED RECORD: 14-2; Confidence: 98%
BEST CASE: 15-1; WORST CASE: 10-6; Team MVP: Lamar Jackson
I’ll be the first one to tell you...I was dead wrong on the Baltimore Ravens last season. I had them going 7-9 and out of the playoffs. A year later, I am all on the hype train. Jackson took off as a passer last season and won the 2019 NFL MVP. It will be very telling of their Super Bowl chances with their marquee games against the Titans and Chiefs to see where they stack up. Overall, John Harbaugh has a team that is built to last for the foreseeable future. The next step? Win a playoff game.
Biggest Win: Week 11 vs Tennessee
Most Surprising Loss: None
3 SEED: New England Patriots- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 70%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Cam Newton
For the first time in two decades, Tom Brady will not be suiting up for New England. In his place will be 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton as he attempts to keep the Patriots in championship contention. Head coach Bill Belichick saw eight of his players opt out due to COVID-19 including starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and offensive tackle Marcus Cannon. New England should still have a solid defense, headlined by reigning DPOY Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots may have to work magic once again but I’ve seen this story too many times to not believe they’ll do it again.
Biggest Win: Week 16 vs Buffalo
Most Surprising Loss: Week 15 @ Miami
4 SEED: Tennessee Titans- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7; Confidence: 70%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Derrick Henry
Ryan Tannehill’s mid-career resurgence helped fuel the Titans to an unexpected AFC Championship berth. Was that the peak of his career or the start of something spectacular? The Titans have a winning formula and are an all-around solid team. A.J. Brown emerged as the team’s number one receiver and linebacker Harold Landry became an integral part of the defensive line. They’re not a flashy team but certainly nothing to scoff at. If you want a sleeper team to get to the Super Bowl, look no further than the men from Music City.
Biggest Win: Week 3 @ Minnesota
Most Surprising Loss: Week 1 @ Denver
5 SEED: Denver Broncos- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 60%
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Von Miller
There’s no excuses for the Broncos in 2020. This team looks loaded on both sides of the ball. They added Melvin Gordon to a dynamic backfield featuring Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. Of course the biggest wild card is quarterback Drew Lock. He showed glimpses of what could be a franchise QB but the jury is still out. Rookies Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler join superstar receiver Cortland Sutton to create a trio of terror. The Broncos season has the makings of either be a complete disaster or a booming success. I’m banking on the latter.
Biggest Win: Week 7 @ Kansas City
Most Surprising Loss: Week 4 @ New York Jets
6 SEED: Buffalo Bills- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7; Confidence: 70%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Stefon Diggs
Can someone please give Sean McDermott a raise? The Bills finished with ten wins for the first time since 1999 and followed it up with a fantastic offseason. They added a solid defensive end in Mario Addison and acquired receiver Stefon Diggs via trade. Best of all, Tom Brady is no longer in the AFC East to torture them. The opportunity is ripe for the picking to take over this division for years to come if they play their cards right. The jury is still out on Josh Allen though. Can he elevate this team to a serious contender in the AFC? Regardless of what happens with Allen, the future looks bright for Buffalo.
Biggest Win: Week 9 vs Seattle
Most Surprising Loss: Week 4 @ Las Vegas
7 SEED: Pittsburgh Steelers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 50%
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Ben Roethilisberger
How did the Steelers finish 8-8 with the likes of Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges in 2019? Great coaching, that’s how. The best news for Pittsburgh is that they get Ben Roethilsberger back for one more run. T.J. Watt has become the staple on the defensive side of the ball and the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade was a big W. While the Steelers aren’t among the top teams in the NFL anymore, their roster is good enough to get back into the playoffs once again.
Biggest Win: Week 9 @ Dallas
Most Surprising Loss: Week 17 @ Cleveland
Bubble (any of these squads could make it in the field and I wouldn’t be surprised)
8 SEED: Indianapolis Colts- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 5-11; Team MVP: Darius Leonard
I’m not on the Philip Rivers hype train. He single handedly cost the Chargers games last year and I envision he may do the same for Indy. I do like the big pickup of DeForest Buckner to become the staple of the defensive line. They did add Xavier Rhodes to go alongside Kenny Moore in the secondary which is a decent pickup. At the end of the day, I see an improving team but still a team that is a year away from being a serious threat.
9 SEED: Houston Texans- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Deshaun Watson
The sooner Bill O’Brien gets fired, the sooner the Texans will have a chance. By trading away superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona for a bag of peanuts, they effectively erased any hope of getting to the Super Bowl in the next three years. Deshaun Watson is an incredible quarterback but unless David Johnson turns back the clock to 2015, it will be tough for Houston to overcome their disastrous offseason.
10 SEED: Los Angeles Chargers- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Austin Ekeler
A prediction for the seventh seed in the AFC is a shot in the dark. Steelers? Texans? Colts? Chargers? LA's uber talented roster has been undermined by turnovers and poor late-game management at the quarterback position. If one of the quarterbacks exceeds expectations, Los Angeles could sneak into the playoffs. Tyrod Taylor may start out as quarterback but it is only a matter of time before Justin Herbert gets his chance. Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram...how was this team 5-11 last year? Consistent QB play and staying healthy is honestly the difference between 11-5 and 5-11 this season.
Others: (“rebuilding,” too many roster holes, or too inconsistent)
11 SEED: Miami Dolphins- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-9-1
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Tua Tagovailoa
Tank for Tua worked after all! It may be awhile before the Dolphins are true playoff contenders but they have the right plan in place. Give props to head coach Brian Flores who finds a way to motivate his team every week despite their talent-level deficiency. For the Dolphins offense to improve, their rushing attack must be potent. Jordan Howard and Matt Breida were brought in this offseason to shore up the backfield. Expect Miami to be responsible for several of the upsets you'll see in 2020.
12 SEED: New York Jets- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Sam Darnold
The loss of C.J. Mosley (opt-out) really hurts the Jets chances of being great this season. I do think Sam Darnold will continue to steadily improve as he did from Year 1 to Year 2. The player I would like to see rebound is Le'Veon Bell. Once considered as a top five running back, he has been an afterthought following a subpar year. With the addition of offensive lineman Mekhi Becton in the draft, it should help protect their investments.
13 SEED: Cleveland Browns- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Nick Chubb
Should this team be 10-6 or better? Probably. Will they? No. The Browns continue to find ways to disappoint and this season will likely be the same. They really have no excuses. Tight end Austin Hooper is added to an already stacked receiving corps. For Baker Mayfield, I believe it is all mental. Cancel out the noise and play football. I think the potential for no fans in stadiums this fall may greatly benefit Cleveland. I really hope they finally prove me wrong and get to the playoffs.
14 SEED: Las Vegas Raiders- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 4-12; Team MVP: Josh Jacobs
I’m not high on the Raiders like some people are. Sure, they have Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller but Derek Carr continues to be a question mark. Jon Gruden brought in Marcus Mariota for a reason and if Las Vegas goes south early, don't be surprised when a quarterback switch is made. Also, how will Clelin Ferrell perform in year 2? Defense end Maxx Crosby came out of nowhere and stole the spotlight with ten sacks in his rookie season. If they can both contribute, perhaps the ghost of Khalil Mack will finally stop haunting this franchise.
15 SEED: Cincinnati Bengals- PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Joe Burrow
The Bengals likely won’t be in the playoffs in 2020 but with Heisman winner Joe Burrow at the helm, anything seems to be possible. Don't expect him to be the savior in year one though. The Bengals defense is pretty poor but the offense seems to have big-time potential with Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, rookie Tee Higgins, and of course, A.J. Green. Cincinnati will be pesky but they will need time to develop.
16 SEED: Jacksonville Jaguars- PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13
BEST CASE: 6-10; WORST CASE: 1-15; Team MVP: Leonard Fournette
This team is bad. Gardner Minshew may be a cool dude but not even his jorts will keep the Jaguars from being a conference bottom feeder in 2020. I wish Blake Bortles would've clutched out a Super Bowl appearance in 2017 so that these next couple of years wouldn't feel so bad. That Sacksonville team is long gone. Outside of their linebackers, running back Leonard Fournette, and receiver D.J. Chark, this team is devoid of any life.
NFC
1 SEED: Seattle Seahawks- PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4; Confidence: 95%
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Russell Wilson
This projection may be a surprise to some but Seattle always exceeds expectations. Russell Wilson continues to amaze and should be in the running for league MVP. I believe D.K. Metcalf is going to dominate as Seattle now has two great receivers. The best news of the offseason was trading for safety Jamal Adams. I think it was a great trade because he can match up against slot receivers and most importantly, George Kittle in San Francisco. The Seahawks have all the pieces in place for a top-tier NFC team.
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ San Francisco
Most Surprising Loss: Week 4 @ Miami
2 SEED: New Orleans Saints- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 98%
BEST CASE: 14-2; WORST CASE: 9-7; Team MVP: Drew Brees
Last chance for Drew Brees? If the Saints aim to get to their first Super Bowl since 2009, they must focus when it gets to the postseason. I'm kinda worried that Drew Brees will regress this season. New Orleans roster will be able to mask any deficiencies in his play but to win a Lombardi, he will need make some plays against the NFL's best teams. Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara are technicians at turning short passes into dynamic plays. They'll need them along with a rock-solid defense to win the NFC South for the fourth-straight year.
Biggest Win: Week 1 vs Tampa Bay
Most Surprising Loss: Week 12 @ Denver
3 SEED: Green Bay Packers- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 60%
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Just because the Packers didn’t draft a wide receiver doesn’t automatically condemn them to being a terrible team. Sure, it would’ve been nice but Aaron Rodgers can turn almost anyone into a half-decent receiver. Despite being one game away from the Super Bowl, I think this team has a ceiling that they've already reached. Rodgers knows the writing is on the wall with Jordan Love being drafted in round one. Will that spark a fire in the organization to get over the hump or be the catalyst for Green Bay's demise?
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ Chicago
Most Surprising Loss: Week 14 @ Detroit
4 SEED: Philadelphia Eagles- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7; Confidence: 50%
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Carson Wentz
Realistically, it seems to be a two team race in the NFC East with either the Cowboys or Eagles taking the crown. Carson Wentz MUST stay healthy for Philadelphia this season. Philly wouldn't give up on him if he gets injured again but it would be concerning. Maybe that is why Jalen Hurts was selected early in the draft. He could be the new Nick Foles if the worst happens again. The player that I see breaking out is Miles Sanders. I am extremely high on him and if he can stay healthy for a full 16 games, I think he could eclipse 1,200 yards in his sophomore campaign.
Biggest Win: Week 8 vs Dallas
Most Surprising Loss: Week 10 @ NY Giants
5 SEED: San Francisco 49ers- PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4; Confidence: 95%
BEST CASE: 14-2; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Nick Bosa
Will the Super Bowl hangover hit Jimmy G and Co? I don’t think so. This is pretty much the same dominant team that cruised their way to Super Bowl LIV. They replaced DeForest Buckner and Emmanuel Sanders with rookies Jason Kinlaw and Brandon Aiyuk respectively. The only regression may occur because of their stacked division. If I'm the 49ers, I would stick to what has worked: run the football until Raheem Mostert's legs give out. Then if that happens, give it to Tevin Coleman or Jerick McKinnon or Jeff Wilson or...you get the point.
Biggest Win: Week 10 @ New Orleans
Most Surprising Loss: Week 3 @ NY Giants
6 SEED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5; Confidence: 80%
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 8-8; Team MVP: Chris Godwin
It’s all about Tom Brady down in “Tompa Bay.” Will Brady elevate the Bucs to new heights or has his stellar career run its course? Former league stars Rob Gronkowski and LeSean McCoy join Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to form a lethal combination of offensive threats. I'm not worried about their offense. I am concerned about their defense. the Buccaneers will be tested within their division. Rookie cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr will have his hands full trying to cover Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, and D.J. Moore in the division. As long as they are just decent defensively, the Bucs should be a serious playoff threat.
Biggest Win: Week 9 vs New Orleans
Most Surprising Loss: Week 10 @ Carolina
7 SEED: Minnesota Vikings- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6; Confidence: 60%
BEST CASE: 13-3; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Kirk Cousins
Hey, Kirk Cousins finally won a playoff game! Now, can they make a deep postseason run? First things first, the Vikes must find a way to replace Stefon Diggs. Despite drafting Justin Jefferson, rumor has it that Bisi Johnson is playing lights out in training camp. If either receiver is able to become a lethal threat, Cousins will have a lot of fun this season. Like the Buccaneers, the Vikings rookie cornerbacks have to step up. Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler hold the true key to whether or not Minnesota can find its way back into the postseason.
Biggest Win: Week 11 vs Dallas
Most Surprising Loss: Week 3 vs Tennessee
Bubble (any of these squads could make it in the field and I wouldn’t be surprised)
8 SEED: Los Angeles Rams- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-7-1
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Aaron Donald
Ever since the Rams imploded in the Super Bowl, they seemed to lose their mojo a bit. Unlike other analysts, I’m not ready to write them off quite yet. The issue for Los Angeles is that they didn’t improve in the offseason, they stayed pretty much the same. That’s not a death sentence but in the toughest division in football, it could cost them a playoff spot.
9 SEED: Dallas Cowboys- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 12-4; WORST CASE: 7-9; Team MVP: Dak Prescott
Dallas could be scary good...or they could underachieve. The Prescott contract dilemma continues to hang over this team following the franchise tag placement. The price for quarterbacks continues to skyrocket and Dallas may choose to move on from Prescott if they fail to make the postseason once again. It's no secret that the Cowboys offense should be a top five unit in the league. That being said, their defense will need to step it up, especially with the loss of cornerback Byron Jones. Until the Cowboys become more consistent, they won’t CeeDee playoffs this year.
10 SEED: Atlanta Falcons- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
BEST CASE: 11-5; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Matt Ryan
The Falcons are a team that should really be 12-4 but always end up 7-9. Not really sure why. Similar to the Cowboys, they have a lot of talent but fail to live up to the hype. Head coach Dan Quinn must find a way to get Atlanta back into the postseason. Recently acquired running back Todd Gurley’s knee struggles are very concerning but if he can give the Falcons a couple of strong performances, the aerial attack should open up for Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley to dominate and perhaps sneak into the playoffs.
11 SEED: Arizona Cardinals- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 5-11; Team MVP: Kyler Murray
If you want a dark horse team to get into the postseason, the Cardinals are a solid bet. Can Kyler Murray carry the baton of second-year quarterbacks winning the MVP? I’m not sure about that one but in a wacky season on the horizon, who knows? I envision the Cardinals in a bunch of high-scoring shootouts as their defense still leaves much to be desired. DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Simmons look to elevate this team to new heights and I think by 2021, this team will be a perennial playoff contender. They just need one more year of seasoning and talent-building before they can emerge in the challenging NFC West.
12 SEED: Chicago Bears- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
BEST CASE: 10-6; WORST CASE: 6-10; Team MVP: Khalil Mack
It truly is sad to see an amazing defense get wasted by inadequate quarterback play. Bears fans would tell you that explains their entire franchise. Jay Cutler, Rex Grossman, Mitch Trubisky...the list goes on. The only saving grace for Chicago is their incredible defense. They still managed to go 8-8 last season with a non-existent offense. The difference between playoffs and no playoffs now lies on the shoulders of Nick Foles. I want to see David Montgomery be used more and Tarik Cohen be implemented in the offense correctly before I cast my vote of confidence in this team.
Others: (“rebuilding,” too many roster holes, young team, or too inconsistent)
13 SEED: New York Giants- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Saquon Barkley
Not gonna lie, Daniel Jones impressed me last season. The much-maligned quarterback took over for an ineffective Eli Manning and played as well as he could considering the circumstances. With Andrew Thomas solidifying the offensive line and cornerback James Bradberry being a solid free-agency prize, the Giants are a much improved team. What will likely keep them from being a true playoff contender is their defense. I see a lot of holes at linebacker and in the secondary. They are an average team but nothing more than that.
14 SEED: Detroit Lions- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 9-7; WORST CASE: 3-13; Team MVP: Kenny Golladay
If I was a Lions fan, I would be furious. This team is insanely inconsistent and despite their talent, they can’t put it all together to at least make the playoffs. I’m not sure whether to call Matthew Stafford underrated or overrated. At some point, you have to win and Detroit more times than not, has failed to do that. However, their offense has the potential to be special this season. D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson have a wonderful opportunity to excel. Meanwhile Kenny Golladay continues to ascend into a top-tier wideout. The trick is to see if they are more than just a flash in the pan.
15 SEED: Washington Football Team- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Chase Young
The NFC East is up for grabs and the "Football Team" could very well be the surprise of 2020. If Dwayne Haskins elevates his level of play, the Football Team could be pretty good. The defense continues to improve and it wouldn’t surprise me if Washington finishes with a top five D to fit the mold that Ron Rivera likes. Chase Young joins Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen for a dynamic defensive core. Offensively, it may be a rough season. Terry McLaurin is the lone bright spot on this unit and Adrian Peterson isn’t a long term solution. I do like Steven Sims Jr at receiver and think he could excel in Year 2.
16 SEED: Carolina Panthers- PROJECTED RECORD: 2-14
BEST CASE: 8-8; WORST CASE: 2-14; Team MVP: Christian McCaffrey
Tank for Trevor 2021? Although the Panthers recently picked up Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, I don’t see him as more than a stopgap for Matt Rhule. However, I’m a big fan of their draft, going all-defense with Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos leading the way. Carolina gutted their roster with the departures of two generational talents with Luke Kuechly (retirement) and Cam Newton (released). Their 2020 schedule doesn’t do them any favors. They have to play Tom Brady (2x), Matt Ryan (2x), Tom Brady (2x), Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers. It’s gonna be a long season in Charlotte.
Notable Season Trends
NFC:
Saints: Start 7-0
Seahawks: Start 6-1
Eagles: Start 4-1
49ers: Start 4-1
Rams: From Weeks 4-10, LA goes undefeated
Panthers: Lose 14 of 15 final games to clinch #1 pick
AFC:
Chiefs: Start 6-0
Ravens: Win 13 straight games following loss to Chiefs
Patriots: Win 6 of 7 to close season
Broncos: Start 3-0
Bills: From Weeks 8-12, Buffalo goes undefeated
Chargers: Win 3 of 4 to close season
Raiders: Win 3 of 4 to close season
Jaguars: Lose final 10 games
Playoff Predictions
AFC Playoff Picture:
#1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)
#2. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
#3. New England Patriots (10-6)
#4. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
#5. Denver Broncos (10-6)
#6. Buffalo Bills (9-7)
#7. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
NFC Playoff Picture:
#1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
#2. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
#3. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
#4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
#5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
#6. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
#7. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
Wild Card Weekend:
It's only fitting that Lamar Jackson gets his first playoff win against Baltimore's most-hated rival.
Final Score: Baltimore Ravens 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 24
Buffalo's playoff heartbreak streak continues for yet another year. Sean McDermott's familiarity with Cam Newton could make life tough for the Patriots passing game though.
Final Score: New England Patriots 24, Buffalo Bills 17
The Titans continue their postseason magic with another clutch win.
Final Score: Tennessee Titans 17, Denver Broncos 14 (OT)
Here. We. Go. Again. Can the Saints FINALLY exorcise the demons and get past the Vikings?
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 30, Minnesota Vikings 24
The Niners domination over the Packers continues in the playoffs.
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 34, Green Bay Packers 17
Tom Brady's first playoff game as a Buccaneer is one to remember with three touchdown throws.
Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10
Divisional Round:
Tennessee will prove to be a nuisance for Mahomes and Co but the better team will prevail. The Chiefs were able to slow down Derrick Henry last year in the AFC Championship so Tannehill will need to step up for his team to have a realistic shot at emerging victorious.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 28, Tennessee Titans 20
"Lamar Jackson vs Cam Newton" may lead the pre-game headlines but it will be Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins who steal the show in a classic playoff showdown.
Final Score: Baltimore Ravens 27, New England Patriots 24
In yet another installment of this fantastic NFC West clash, this game could go either way. Ultimately, the better quarterback is the difference.
Final Score: Seahawks 23, 49ers 20 (OT)
Ironically enough, Tom Brady sends Drew Brees into retirement.
Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28, New Orleans Saints 24
Conference Championship:
It’s been a decent bit since the Seahawks have been to the NFC Championship. They will certainly have their hands full against a wide array of weapons in Tampa Bay. What a story it would be for Tom Terrific and the Buccaneers to play in their own stadium for the Super Bowl. However, the Buc stops here for Tampa Bay. Jamal Adams should be able to neutralize Rob Gronkowski. Seattle may give up a play or two to Chris Godwin and/or Mike Evans but the Seahawks pass rush will be the difference.
Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
I’ve had Ravens vs Chiefs penciled in for the AFC Championship Game since the 2019-20 season ended. I could really see either of these teams winning it all. Both rosters are uber talented.
The difference for me is the playoff performances. I haven't see Lamar Jackson play great in pressure-packed situations. While I think the 2020-21 playoffs will be a great one for the Ravens, it won't end they way they desire. The extra week of rest will help the Chiefs since the #2 seed doesn't get a bye week now. After going down in the fourth quarter, Mahomes will lead a last-minute drive to send Kansas City to their second straight Super Bowl.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 34, Baltimore Ravens 30
Super Bowl LV (55)
After everything that has happened in 2020, I would love to see the NFL season conclude with a Russell Wilson vs Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl. Both of these quarterbacks are future Hall of Famers, each with a Super Bowl ring. The last time Seattle and Kansas City dueled was December 23rd, 2018 with Wilson taking the first matchup by the score of 38-31. I see a similar style shootout taking place in Tampa Bay.
For Seattle's offense, I project receiver D.K. Metcalf to have a career day. 150 yards receiving with THREE touchdowns in the air. That will come at the expense of Tyler Lockett who will be shut down throughout the night. Russell Wilson will dominate, throwing for over 300 yards. Chris Carson won't be amazing but his huge fourth-quarter touchdown run will re-energize the Hawks and give fans flashbacks to the "Beast Quake" run. Defensively, they won't have many answers. However, rookie linebacker Jordyn Brooks will intercept a pass late in the first half to set up Metcalf's second touchdown.
Meanwhile, Kansas City will seldomly trail in the game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will help take the pressure off Mahomes. His two touchdown runs will help set the tone for the game. Mecole Hardman will be the Chiefs X-Factor. He will set up the offense with great field position via the special teams unit. He will also catch a touchdown to solidify a stellar performance. Defensive end Frank Clark will also be a pest. His two sacks and a forced fumble will put the Chiefs in position to win.
In overtime, the Chiefs win the coin-toss. That spells "game over" for the Seahawks as Patrick Mahomes launches a bazooka throw to Travis Kelce for the game-winning touchdown. Super Bowl 55 will go down as one of the best Super Bowls of all time.
As one dynasty ends (Patriots), another one begins. The Kansas City Chiefs go back-to-back and hoist the Lombardi in Tampa Bay.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 37, Seattle Seahawks 31 (OT)
Quarter by Quarter Prediction
1st Quarter:
Metcalf 3 yd TD REC from Wilson- 7-0 SEA
Hill 31 yd TD REC from Mahomes- 7-7 KC
2nd Quarter:
Edwards-Helaire 1 yd RUN- 14-7 KC
Butker 29 yd FG- 17-7 KC
Metcalf 23 yd TD REC from Wilson- 17-14 KC
HALFTIME
3rd Quarter:
Hardman 23 yd TD REC from Mahomes- 24-14 KC
Myers 47 yd FG- 24-17 KC
Edwards-Helaire 3 yd TD run 31-17 KC
4th Quarter:
Carson 43 yd TD run- 31-24 KC
Metcalf 11 yd TD REC from Wilson- 31-31 tie
Overtime:
Kelce 45 yd TD REC from Mahomes- 37-31 KC
FINAL
Super Bowl MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
NFL Awards
MVP: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
OPOY: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers
DPOY: Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
OROY: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs
DROY: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Cardinals
CPOY: Cam Newton, QB, Patriots
Coach of the Year: John Harbaugh, Ravens
Fantasy Player of the Year: Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
Breakout Offensive Player: Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins
Breakout Defensive Player: Jeff Okudah, CB, Lions
Best Offense: Kansas City Chiefs
Best Defense: Baltimore Ravens
Haters Gonna Hate (an imaginary award for a criticized player that ends up proving people wrong): Cam Newton, QB, Patriots
Most Improved: Denver Broncos
Biggest Surprise: Denver Broncos
Biggest Disappointment: Dallas Cowboys
Team on the Rise: Arizona Cardinals
Biggest Spoiler: Miami Dolphins
Game of the Year: 49ers at Patriots (Week 7)
Upset of the Year: Panthers beat Buccaneers (Week 10)
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