NFL 2019-20 Preview
by Alex "Moose" Strizak
It's the time of the year where the temperature starts to drop and Sunday BBQs start going up.
This article will show you:
.Division Predictions
.Award Predictions
.Power Rankings
But before we get into previewing the NFL season, let's address the elephant in the room with the Andrew Luck situation....
What an amazing talent to watch play. Whether it was under Harbaugh at Stanford or leading a not so talented Colts team to a playoff victory, his arm talent and surprising leg speed made him a force. Unfortunately, Luck had a long injury list that cost him 26 games over the last 3 years. This led the 29 year-old to hang up his spikes and his quotes in the press conference are what is troubling for the NFL.
"I'm in pain; I'm still in pain... It's been four years of this pain, rehab cycle."
"I haven't been able to live the life I want to live... It's taken the joy out of this game... The only way forward for me is to remove myself from football."
This show has talked multiple times about the changing tides approaching for the NFL. The sport is violent and players and parents are starting to not want to face the consequences associated with that type of physicality.
Since Luck is really the first QB to be in MVP discussions while retiring, we cannot be sure what this might lead to. It could lead to nothing. It could lead to everything.
Before we get too lost in the maze and dark here, I just wanted to address the fact that this is a dangerous sport where a man who worked so hard to play through so much pain and at such an elite level was just booed leaving the field for making a decision for his and his family's best interest... Not a good look for the NFL right now...
But there is an NFL season that's about to kick off and we want to make all our crazy predictions because that's why we love sports! And so, let's get to my predictions...
Division Preview
[z] - First Round Bye
[y] - Division Winner
[x] - Wild Card
AFC
AFC East
1. New England Patriots [z]
2. Buffalo Bills
3. New York Jets
4. Miami Dolphins
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens [y]
2. Cleveland Browns [x]
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
1. Houston Texans [y]
2. Jacksonville Jaguars [x]
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Tennessee Titans
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs [z]
2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos
NFC
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles [y]
2. Dallas Cowboys [x]
3. Washington Redskins
4. New York Giants
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings [y]
2. Chicago Bears
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Detroit Lions
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints [z]
2. Atlanta Falcons [x]
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams [z]
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. Arizona Cardinals
Super Bowl Prediction
New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints
New England 23 - New Orleans 14
I'm going with the Saints. When you look at their depth chart, I feel they are the best match-up to take down the Rams. They have an elite RB, a solid Hall of Fame QB, a great WR crew, a good O-line, and a great defense.
I have them going against Tom Brady. Yep, I was criticized last year for a pre-season predicted New England Super Bowl run and then for picking them to win the Super Bowl in my post-season preview. Guess what? I'm picking them again. I think the Chiefs and Texans post a serious threat to take down the Pats, especially Houston. But it is so hard to pick against a team that is so dang good at scouting out another team and taking away their best asset.
Give me the Pats.
Offensive MVP
1. Deshaun Watson
There is no doubt that Watson is one of the most physically gifted QBs in the league and it was great to see him return so strongly off his second ACL tear in four years. This year is a great opportunity for him to take that next step to MVP caliber. A potential 35+ passing TD and 5+ rushing TD season with a division title is on the horizon.
2. Russell Wilson
If Seattle has any chance of making the playoffs, it'll be because Russell Wilson had an MVP season. And I absolutely belief he could have one. This man is the only reason the Seattle franchise isn't in the toilet and he may need to carry the entire team on his back once again.
3. Carson Wentz
He was well on his way to an MVP before an injury ended one season, and then another injury put the brakes back on. When healthy, Wentz has all the talent needed to be an MVP and the O-line to protect him.
Defensive MVP
1. Jaylon Smith
I wouldn't be surprised if Jaylon Smith set a tackle-record this season. Especially playing against run-heavy teams like Washington, Philadelphia, and the Giants. He is a force and will be difficult to slow down with DeMarcus Lawerence and Vander Esch eating up all the blocking. The Cowboys defense is great, and Jaylon Smith is about to show what he's made of.
2. Aaron Donald
The easy pick. He's the best defensive player of this generation as he seems to be able to do everything and anything. Look for him to dominate once again.
3. Tremaine Edmunds
He's so young and already so talented. That being said, he's incredibly talented and will get every opportunity to pursue the QB in a solid Bills defense where he will be asked to lead them with Josh Allen to the next generation of Bills football.
.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Kyler Murray
He's going to have the best opportunity to win it. He should start all 16 games as long as he's healthy and he has the most talent of all the rookies. If he has a rookie of the year season, the Cardinals may overachieve to a 5-11 record. If he doesn't, it could be an ugly year for both parties.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Clelin Ferrell
Like Kyler Murray, Clelin Ferrell should be in the lineup almost every snap. He is a freak-talent in both speed and strength. The Raiders will need him to win this award if they want to have the season that Gruden is promising.
Offensive Bust of the Year
1. Patrick Mahomes
I'm not saying he's going to have a bad year. I'm saying that he's not going to have the year people think he will. He's not going to throw for 45+ TDs because it's Andy Reid's playbook. He'll be good, but don't be thinking it's going to be a record-setting season.
2. Ben Roethlisberger
He lost a lot of talent and his age is getting up there. Coming off a solid 2018 campaign, he's due to see a slight decrease in stats this year.
3. Le'Veon Bell
He's a stellar talent, but missed an entire season last year. We should expect to see some rust and the fact that the Jets aren't that good should lower Bell's production.
Defensive Bust of the Year
1. Xavier Rhodes
He's just looked a step slow all preseason. If he continues to lose that step, it's going to be a long season lining up against Devante Adams.
2. Gerald McCoy
New team, new expectations. Mount McCoy has already been quoted as stating it's "Super Bowl or bust" and it's starting to look more like bust. He's up to 31 years-old and the Panthers will be asking a lot of him on defense. The question is, will he be able to raise the Panthers defense to an elite level?
3. Kwon Alexander
Now a member of the 49ers, Alexander is going to have a lot of weight on his shoulders. Without the help of Lavonte David, I'll be interested to see where Kwon's season goes.
Now is everyone's favorite time... The opening power rankings for the season! This week, you're going to see the rankings and a small write-up for every team...
Power Rankings
1. New England Patriots
Defending champs who add a solid rookie WR with Josh Gordon returning to action once again. Tom Brady knows how to win and their division is by far the worst in the NFL. If you haven't learned by now, the Patriots are the bar to beat.
2. New Orleans Saints
The team that had back-to-back season ending heartbreaks. They are absolutely loaded on talent once again but Sean Payton always seems to get too cute with his play calling which really bothers me. But that offense is fearsome and now the defense is even better. They are legit.
3. Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay is a great coach, but questions are emerging about Gurley's knee and the Rams defense. First with Gurley, he's an elite running back that was given doubt after the draft and I'm confident he'll bounce back again. The defense, the linebacker crew definitely took a step back but their secondary is beastly and Aaron Donald always helps.
This team will be a surprise to most coming off a sub-par season last year. They have a great running back duo, great receiving core and great defense. If Cousins can figure it out a bit, they are legit. If not, Kyle Sloter looks like a beast and I'd love to see him save the season for the big-contract guy #TomBradyStyle.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Patty Mahomes took the league by storm last year. If you read my bust category, it's a little harsh because everyone seems to expect he's going to throw 50 TD's. Don't forget this is Andy Reid's playbook and the Chiefs don't have an easy schedule. They are a serious threat, but with a weaker defense can they beat the Patriots?
6. Houston Texans
My MVP favorite for the year will lead his team to a successful season, if healthy. Deshaun Watson will be lighting up the AFC South and giving his injury-riddled defense less to worry about. With D'Onta Foreman looking to finally live up to the hype, this talent-filled lineup posts the biggest threat to the Patriots, in my opinion.
7. Baltimore Ravens
I am a huge Cleveland Browns fan and will be rocking my Jim Brown jersey Week 1, but we can't forget about this Ravens team. Their defense is back to elite level and their O-line is much improved. Add in that they have their quarterback now in Lamar Jackson and we got a real team here that is coming off an AFC North title last year. They should be the favorites to win the division.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
I've seen this team both high and low on Power Rankings, so I'll put them more middle. They have great talent and Carson Wentz is an MVP threat when he's healthy. But health will always be a question and I don't think their defense is as good as they've bee hyped to be.
9. Cleveland Browns
The "sexy" team of the year. There's always one and finally Cleveland fans look relief their sorrow. They're not Super Bowl level yet, but the playoffs aren't too far off.
10. Dallas Cowboys
If Zeke shows, this team is dangerous. They still have a good O-line and their defense is continually improving. They have a tough Eagles team to get through, but their fans are right to have high expectations for this season.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
The defense is still stellar and now they add a veteran QB. Foles isn't my favorite, but it'll do. If Fournette can get a 16 game season under his belt, be ready for Jacksonville to return to the playoffs.
12. Atlanta Falcons
They had so many injuries last year that you feel they have to bounce back at least a little bit just off health alone. They have a tough Saints team to get through, it'll be interesting to see those two teams go at it.
13. Chicago Bears
I've seen the Bears ranked very highly on most lists. They are a very talented team, but they are in the toughest division in the NFL and their schedule is going to be rough. I believe in Trubisky and this offense, but not enough to crown them division champs.
14. Los Angeles Chargers
Injuries, injuries, and more injuries... The Chargers just can't catch a break. Whether it's Bosa or James, they just can't seem to find a way to piece it together. Their O-line isn't that great and Rivers is at the dangerous decline age... They're going to have to over-perform to make the playoffs...
15. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is a hell of a quarterback. Tremaine Edmunds is about to take the league by storm at the linebacker position. This team will need another season to develop, but they are a fearsome team on the schedule.
16. San Francisco 49ers
I love Shanahan and what he brings to the table as a coach. Jimmy G is back and the 49ers look to continue to grow. Look for improvement this season which will be a preview of what is to come for Kyle Shanahan.
17. Indianapolis Colts
I was writing about how Andrew Luck has still got it and he finally has a good O-line and defense to support him. Now that'll be Jacoby Brissett's concern. Luck had a different skill set that put this team at a higher level, but now it's going to be a tougher journey to the postseason. Oh yeah, Darius Leonard is a beast.
18. Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is talking a lot of smack this season, like he's going to win an MVP. I'm not feeling it. Their defense is weak and their division is heavy, and I have them falling on the shorter end of it. Aaron Rodgers does feed off of doing the impossible throw or run, so me and others calling him out might just be more motivation for the former MVP.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
On the decline. They had a great run but it's finally swinging down the Ravens and Browns swinging up. A good run but all vacations end eventually.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson is so good and the Seahawks don't deserve him. He has carried this team season after season and the NFL changes at a rapid rate. This may be the year where he finally can't carry them on his own.
21. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton has no timetable for his return but I don't think it matters. I love CMC and all, but with the Saints and Falcons the playoffs are a far ways away for Carolina.
22. Oakland Raiders
The hype is high. The talent is low. Money Talks and BS Walks. The Raiders aren't putting their money where their mouth is and aren't truly competitive... yet.
23. Detroit Lions
The Lions are better than most people think. The rough part for them is that they have 6 games against Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago. If you put them in the NFC West or the AFC East they may be a playoff team. But unfortunately, they're looking at the bottom of their division.
24. New York Jets
Adding Le'Veon Bell who hasn't played a year in the league doesn't solve the problem. C.J. Mosley will help on defense, but Buffalo is much improved and the New England Patriots are still the New England Patriots. Sam Darnold may improve, but not enough to make a difference this season.
25. Washington Redskins
They have a serious QB problem and I don't think Dwayne Haskins is the answer. They have a long way to go to get the right personnel for their good coach in Gruden.
26. Tennessee Titans
Vrabel is another great coach that just lacks the personnel to run his playbook. They have some talent here and there, but not enough consistent talent to be a threat.
27. Denver Broncos
Ironically, John Elway has QB problems that he just can't resolve. I don't think Flacco or Lock are the answer which just leads farther down the rabbit hole.
28. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley is amazing, but you need more than that to win in the NFL. Their O-line needs improvement and just because Daniel Jones had a good preseason doesn't make him NFL-ready. They have a LONG way to go as a franchise.
29. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is an elite talent and will need time to develop. What's unfortunate for him is that his O-line is awful. They need to improve that ASAP to protect Murray.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winston is not a franchise quarterback. Their defense is depleted. It's going to be a long season for them.
31. Miami Dolphins
Josh Rosen isn't the answer, but at least his contract costs them nothing so that they can keep internal talent and add more talent next year. But they definitely shouldn't be worried about this year.
32. Cincinnati Bengals
They are not good and things just continue to get worse. They need to find a new QB and tank for either Herbert or Trevor Lawrence.
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