Here are way too early predictions for NFL season
Thankfully, in a few short weeks, the NFL will begin training camp. Now is the time many fans are on cloud nine about their respective teams possibility of making it to the Super Bowl. Guys like myself like to predict all the division winners to see if our football knowledge is as good as we think.
As we saw back in February, the Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl Champions. Me, being a Washington Redskin fan, that does not sit very well with me. The Eagles had a heck of a run through the playoffs and the Super Bowl with a back up quarterback. They also defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots in the big game so I will take nothing away from their run.
Repeating as champions in the NFL maybe one of the hardest things to do in sports. The last team to win back-to-back are the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Sorry to say but I don’t see the Eagles repeating, let alone even making it back to the big game.
Here are my division winner predictions:
*NFC East: As I stated above, I am a die-hard Redskin fan. Even with the addition of Alex Smith, some added weapons on offense and an improved defensive front the Skins do not have enough. This year my money on winning the division is on the New York Giants. The Giants suffered terrible injuries to major pieces last year. If they stay healthy, with the addition of stud rookie running back Saquon Barkley, Eli Manning could hold his third Lombardi Trophy at season’s end.
*NFC North: This was a tough decision for me to make at first glance. I went back and forth between the Vikings and Packers, but in the end I will have to go with the Vikes. The Vikings have a stout defense to go along with great weapons all along their offense.
*NFC South: This may be one of the toughest divisions in all of football. The Falcons, Panthers and Saints all have what it takes to win the division. The Saints rebounded last year with a great run, aided by their tremendous rookie production on offense and defense. When it’s all said and done, I think the Falcons will win the division due to their offensive firepower. Pairing rookie wideout Calvin Ridley with Julio Jones will be hard to stop.
*NFC West: Hands down this was the easiest division to pick out of the NFC. The Rams were already a good team, but with the additions of Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Sam Shields to the secondary and Ndomukong Suh on the line, the Rams defense will be tough to run or pass on. The Rams also acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks, giving quarterback Jared Goff a top outside threat.
*AFC East: No surprise here. I fully expect the New England Patriots to win the division yet again. The Bills, Jets and Dolphins have too many question marks to challenge the Patriots. I don’t feel the need to explain any further about why. Just look at their track record, enough said.
*AFC North: Last season the Pittsburgh Steelers were my pick to make it to the Super Bowl.
With the news that running back LaVeon Bell was not signed to a long-term deal just hitting the wire, I am concerned about their chances this season. As I looked at the other teams in the North, I came to the realization that the Steelers are still the best team with or without Bell (he has threatened to sit out games if the franchise tag was placed on him for a second year.)
*AFC South: This was a hard one for me as well. For a young team, the Jaguars showed me a lot of toughness in their playoff run. I am still weary about Blake Bortles being their signal caller. He seems to be the only weak link on a loaded team. The Texans are hoping to get a full season out of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who seemed to make a seemless transition from college to the pros. After some thought, I had to go with the Jaguars because of their defense and running game.
*AFC West: I thought last year would be a coming out party for the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders may have missed their chance because I think the Chiefs, with second year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will be the best in the west. With the arm talent Mahomes possesses, Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt should have monster seasons once again.
Once again these predictions are based upon what has transpired from free agency and the draft. I reserve the right to change my mind based on injuries and what I see from teams during the pre season. Are you ready for some football?
