On Sept. 5, the 2019 NFL season will kick-off as the Green Bay Packers face the Chicago Bears. With the start of a new season comes a lot of excitement from every team’s fan base and predictions from analysts. In honor of that, I predicted which teams would win and lose every single game which can be viewed here. After tallying up the results and writing an explanation for every team, I predicted the winners of the NFL awards and playoffs as well.
AFC
East
12-4 New England Patriots: With Tom Brady’s interception total rising to 11 in 2018, it’s thought that the Patriots’ dynasty may be collapsing (even after being crowned Super Bowl Champions). Unfortunately, five of those interceptions were deflected or dropped, and Tom Brady is not slowing down. If last year is any indication of how they will do this year, the Patriots will be on top of the AFC once again.
10-6 New York Jets: Once recovered from his foot injury in late 2018, Sam Darnold was on fire. In addition to a stellar preseason, I expect him to have a great year. With the additions of C.J. Mosely, Le’Veon Bell, Quinnen Williams, and a much improved offensive line, the Jets will have a great run game and a prominent defense to help Darnold leap to elite status.
8-8 Buffalo Bills: Last year, the Bills had the second-best defense in terms of yards allowed per game. Now, with a revamped receiving core, and more additions on that previously unnoticed defense, the Bills will continue to be mediocre. The only thing holding them back is Josh Allen’s putrid accuracy.
2-14 Miami Dolphins: With no talent at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, nor defense, unless Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage can piece together a marvelous running game, expect the Dolphins to come away from the 2019 season with the first overall pick.
North
9-7 Cleveland Browns: The most talked about team in the NFL in the offseason, the Browns’ hype train has gone off the rails. They are still a solid team, but with so much emotion in the locker room and weak chemistry, I can’t see them making it deep into the playoffs this year.
9-7 Baltimore Ravens: With Lamar Jackson starting an entire season at quarterback, the Ravens might set every quarterback rushing record possible. Whether this strategy will work or not is unpredictable. Even if all fails on offense, the Ravens will still find a way to come away with a winning record on the backs of their always reliable defense. Not to mention, if Jackson’s accuracy improves, this team has the tools to win 12 or 13 games.
6-10 Pittsburgh Steelers: The loss of Antonio Brown changes so much more than just his stats, he helped Juju Smith-Schuster and the running game blossom. Now, without the always steady source of yards and touchdowns, opposing defenses can focus more on covering Smith-Schuster and the run game appropriately instead of Brown, this will reveal Smith-Schuster and James Conner’s massive flaws.
3-13 Cincinnati Bengals: Along with a tough schedule, the Bengals have the worst combination of defense and offensive line in the league. With that said, unlike other tanking teams, they have a base of true elite talent in Joe Mixon and A.J. Green. With the Dolphins already having the quarterback of their future, the Bengals will have their choice of rookie quarterbacks in the 2020 draft.
South
9-7 Houston Texans: Prior to last season, I expected the Texans to have an insane defense, with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney rushing the quarterback, a solid linebacking core, and Tyrann Mathieu playing deep. I thought they’d set the league on fire. Unfortunately that didn’t come to be; now, having lost Mathieu, Clowney, and lots of depth, I worry their defense isn’t much better than league average. Not to mention, with a reconstructed offensive line and a running committee: consisting of one whom in his career has failed to exceed 105 rushes and the other; a journeyman, their rushing attack projects to be a non-factor. Despite all that, looking at this team based on talent, the argument can be made that they’ll be both a top-three offense and defense.
8-8 Jacksonville Jaguars: Just two years ago, with Blake Bortles at quarterback, the Jaguars made it to the conference finals. Now, having lost minimal pieces on defense and adding Nick Foles to the offense, logically, the Jaguars should be about as good as they were in 2017. With that said, 2017 was an outlier, but so was 2018. This year, I expect the Jaguars to meet in the middle of their performances of the past couple of years.
7-9 Indianapolis Colts: Before Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement, I would’ve projected him winning his first Super Bowl and MVP. Now that Luck’s gone though, the Colts experience a major dropoff. They still have a good defense and stable offense, but without a quarterback at Luck’s level, they have no chance of dominating like they would have before Luck stepping away. The Colts will still be decent and playoff contenders, but as the season concludes it will be clear that the Colts need to make improvements before becoming serious contenders once again.
4-12 Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota looks worse and worse every year, and with every year that Corey Davis fails to improve, the Titans look closer and closer to rebuilding. Derrick Henry, a polarizing offensive line, and a good defense can install a scheme resembling that of the ’70s and make some noise. However, for three years, we’ve seen Henry be nothing better than okay aside from two games late in 2018.
West
11-5 Los Angeles Chargers: Even if Melvin Gordon doesn’t start a single game this season, the Chargers may still be the most complete team in the NFL. With a talented defense, top receiving core, and Philip Rivers at quarterback, Gordon’s absence shouldn’t affect much. Also, adding Hunter Henry to the offense will create an extreme mismatch for opposing defenses and help Keenan Allen and Mike Williams get open. With or without Gordon, the Chargers will give the Patriots a run for their money.
10-6 Kansas City Chiefs: 2018 was a magical year for the Chiefs. Don’t get me wrong, Mahomes is fantastic, but plays happened that normally wouldn’t have happened. Due for regression, Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t be able to near 35.3 points per game that they achieved in 2018. Still, every starter on this offense could be an Olympic sprinter if they so choose. With so much speed, this offense is still capable of carrying their defense to another playoff appearance.
9-7 Denver Broncos: Bringing in Vic Fangio was the most underrated move of the offseason. According to Sports Mockery, Fangio led defenses with elite pass rushers allow 17.56 points per game. Now in Denver, Fangio takes over a Von Miller and Bradley Chubb led defense, so if the pattern continues, the Broncos defense will dominate.
5-11 Oakland Raiders: With a remodeled offense, the Raiders seem to be heading in the right direction, however, with Antonio Brown missing most offseason practice due to his moronic actions and lack of excitement about Josh Jacobs, 2019 won’t be the Raiders year. Rather, 2019 seems to be a year for the Raiders’ staff to gauge their team’s talent. This season will act as a buffer to determine many aspects of the Raiders’ near future. If their offense shows signs of electricity, if they can build up their defense in this offseason, the Raiders could be serious contenders very soon.
NFC
East
12-4 Philadelphia Eagles: In 2017, Carson Wentz would’ve unquestionably been named NFL MVP if it hadn’t have been for his ACL tear. In 2018, Wentz encountered many struggles: wearing a knee brace which restricted his mobility, battling minor injuries, and enduring lingering back issue in particular. Now, with Wentz completely healthy, added weapons, and a much improved running back committee, the Eagles may be able to return to the Super Bowl.
9-7 Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliot’s extension resolves a lot of concern for the Cowboys this season. In their first full season with Amari Cooper and a rebuilt defense starring Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Byron Smith, and Demarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys look like an all-around good, but not great team. Dak Prescott is the primary thing restricting them from greatness. If the rumors of an expensive Prescott extension are true; the Cowboys are making a big mistake. Due to easy matchups at the beginning of the year, the Cowboys will sit comfortably in a wild card spot until late in the season when it becomes clear that Prescott is not the solution.
3-13 New York Giants: Unlike other tanking teams, the Giants are headed in the right direction, with a basis of Daniel Jones, Sterling Shepard, and Saquon Barkley in a few years, the Giants may be sought after as a top team. However, for this season, the young team still needs to learn and grow.
2-14 Washington Redskins: Having stolen an unpolished Dwayne Haskins in the draft, like the Giants, the Redskins will soon improve. In 2019, a combination of Case Keenum and Colt McCoy at quarterback and Paul Richardson at wide receiver will be the makeup of the worst offense in the league. With the rest of the offense in a mess, Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson will be pressured to keep the offense afloat. On defense, if hypothetically, Guice and Peterson can sustain drives, the Redskins would have a powerful defense, but with the offense’s lackluster talent, their defense will get worn down.
North
11-5 Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur’s new coaching staff comes with both an upside and downside for the Packers. For the past two seasons, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been himself: in 2017, it was due to injury, and in 2018, it was simply a fluke. Given his enormous sample of being arguably the best quarterback of all time, Rodgers and the Packers seem to be set up for their first great season in awhile. Also, adding Adrian Amos, Preston Smith, and Za’Darius Smith supplies the defense with the necessary means to bolster the team back to the playoffs.
10-6 Chicago Bears: Last year, the Bears’ defense took the league by storm, leading the league in almost every defensive category. The Bears are now considered one of the favorites for the Super Bowl. With the loss of Vic Fangio, however, the defense will regress considerably. Still, the offense may be able to put up big numbers in the second year of running the Matt Nagy offense. However, it’s important to take that with a grain of salt. In his entire career, including his “breakout” in 2018, Mitch Trubisky’s accuracy and throwing mechanics have been abysmal. Whatever his mechanical problem is, whether it’s turning his hips improperly or inability to lead receivers, if Trubisky can fix mechanics, the Bears’ offense will explode.
9-7 Detroit Lions: Naming Darrell Bevell their offensive coordinator confirms the Lions want to be a run-first team. Last year, they had the same philosophy, but not the coaching staff to properly execute the idea, Jim Bob Cooter was trying to run the scheme the Lions wanted to, but that’s not his style. Having hired the ground and pound mastermind, Bevell, Kerryon Johnson will breakout, and if all goes right, Johnson’s breakout will open up the offense and help Kenny Golladay explode too. Not to mention, on the other side of the ball, the additions of Trey Flowers and Mike Daniels will put the Lions in contention to be a leader in sacks.
8-8 Minnesota Vikings: After signing Kirk Cousins, the Vikings appeared to be the most complete team in the NFL and were many experts’ Super Bowl favorite in 2018, but no story is that simple. A lot of credit for the downfall of the Vikings improperly put on Cousins’ inability to win big games. According to film analyst, Brett Kollman, Cousins was just a minuscule part of the problem. Kollman argues that much of the blame should fall on play calling and poor communication, so now with a new offensive coordinator, one may think the Vikings should be able to return to their status before Cousins. Unfortunately, in the time of poor play calling, their once-dominant defense has now deteriorated. Due to unlucky timing, the Vikings have missed their window of winning a Super Bowl.
South
11-5 Atlanta Falcons: Arguably the most consistent offense since 2016, the Falcons seemed to have had a major down year in 2018, but the fact of the matter is that injuries bombarded the Falcons. After week one, Ricardo Allen, Deion Jones, Keanu Neal, Andy Levitre, and Devonta Freeman started a combined nine games, five of those being a handicapped Jones. Now, fully restored, the Falcons should return to their previous form and make a run at the playoffs.
10-6 New Orleans Saints: The Saints have been the most steady team for a while now and with minimal offseason transactions it may seem obscure that I have them as borderline wild card team. My record prediction is more of a testament to their schedule than anything else. Prone to upsets against run-heavy teams with good defenses, the schedule makers seemed to have cursed the 2019 Saints with matchups against the Seahawks, Jaguars, Colts, and Titans. In spite of that, the Saints will still make the playoffs by a hair, and once Drew Brees is in the playoffs, it’s a challenge to get him out without the referees’ assistance.
7-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers’ offense is one of the best in the league, but their defense is an atrocity. With countless holes scattering the defensive depth chart, there’s nothing the offense can do. Even with O.J. Howard and Mike Evan bound to step up to another level, the Buccaneers’ defense is so bad, their breakouts will be wasted. Even though I favor the Buccaneers to lead the league in points scored, I fear they will also lead the league in points allowed.
6-10 Carolina Panthers: Taking a glance at the Panthers, they certainly seem better than a 6-10 record, but there are a few hidden aspects holding them back: durability and their schedule. In these predictions, I didn’t predict any injuries, but you have to take Cam Newton’s relentless shoulder issue and nagging foot injury into account. Newton’s not the only potential injury concern on the Panthers, D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey all weigh in under 210 pounds, because of this, I can’t imagine any of them playing the entire season. Adding onto the Panthers’ stars’ questionable longevity, they may also have the toughest schedule in the league. Playing in the best division, with matchups against Rams, Texans, Jaguars, 49ers, Packers, and Seahawks, the Panthers slightly above average roster can’t carry them to success.
West
12-4 Seattle Seahawks: Last year, the Seahawks proved they are still a top team. Just when it seemed like they may be on the downturn, they came back. The Seahawks have reinstalled a run-oriented scheme which allows Russell Wilson to pass for unthinkably efficient stats. Since 2017, leading NFL analysts have argued that Wilson’s numbers were too efficient and had to regress, now, I’m buying in. Despite their wide receivers and running backs closely resembling that of a bottom offense like the Jaguars, there is one major difference, that being Wilson. Since his rookie season, Wilson has stood out as one of the NFL’s best. With his absurd mobility and stunningly accurate deep ball, at the end of his career, Wilson will be regarded as one of the best of all time. Due to Wilson’s remarkable skill set, the Seahawks can run the ball more than most teams, which, in turn, aids the defense. With Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney applying pressure on the opposing offense, I expect tremendous things from this team.
10-6 Los Angeles Rams: Without any major changes on the Rams’ depth charts, I still expect a major drop off from their Super Bowl appearance last year, to completely missing the playoffs this year. The rationale behind this is Todd Gurley’s knee, unlike most running backs, Gurley makes a major difference for his team when he’s not playing. Even though C.J. Anderson put up good stats at the end of the 2018 season, Gurley would’ve done significantly better. Now, for the first full season of Gurley playing with a bad knee, it’s a good bet to make that he’ll be injured or limited, thus capping the Rams’ record. Even without Gurley, the Rams are a top offense, but the NFC’s so top-heavy that the Rams will just miss out.
9-7 San Francisco 49ers: No one has any idea if either Jimmy Garapolo or Dante Pettis is good or not. Garapolo has certainly flashed as a top-five quarterback and Pettis has shown he’s a great route runner, but with negative reports and performances coming out of the preseason, both players are total question marks. Even if both fail to live up to their previously set expectations, there’s no way they will perform worse than the 49ers’ 2018 leaders in passing attempts and receptions, Nick Mullens and Kendrick Bourne, respectively. Also, adding Nick Bosa and Dee Ford to their pass rush suddenly makes their defense look enticing. When all is said and done, in one way or another, the 49ers, for the first time in a while, will be above average.
5-11 Arizona Cardinals: One of the most exhilarating offseasons in some time makes the Cardinals an exciting pick to go from worst to first, but their defense is still one of the worst in the league. Even if their offense lives up to the hype, which it definitely won’t, like the Buccaneers, their defense will prevent them from being successful. I expect the offense to show flashes of being dominant in the future, but Kyler Murray and their rookie wide receivers are too unpolished to carry a horrible defense.
Awards
Most Valuable Player
DeShaun Watson: Adding Kenny Stills, Duke Johnson, and Laremy Tunsil to an already magnificent passing attack, Watson shows what he’s capable of when given a sufficeable offensive line. In his jaw-dropping campaign, Watson passes for 4,684 yards and 38 touchdowns while tacking on an additional 535 rushing yards.
Offensive Player of the Year
Mike Evans: On the most dynamic passing attack in the league, now with Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard needing the defense’s attention, Evans will have to be single coverage. Taking advantage of his situation, Evans hauls in 11 touchdowns and 1,457 yards.
Defensive Player of the Year
Bradley Chubb: With Vic Fangio taking control of an already quality defense, Von Miller and Chubb stun opposing offensive lines. With pressure constantly applied on the opposing quarterback, Chubb comes away with 18.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Miles Sanders: With few substantial skill position rookies in 2019, the path is cleared for Sanders to be the second straight Pennsylvania State running back to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Despite splitting the workload with Jordan Howard, Sanders still rushes for 1,024 yards and 6 touchdowns with 357 receiving yards.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Quinnen Williams: With the talent worthy of being the first overall pick, Williams has the best odds of being the next Aaron Donald. With just 12 sacks and 48 tackles, Williams’ decent stat line won’t be the reason he’s selected as Defensive Rookie of the Year, rather his ability to improve the entire defense by absorbing double teams and allowing others to rack up stats.
Comeback Player of the Year
Carson Wentz: Finally recovered from his injury-plagued seasons, Wentz has another phenomenal performance where he proves that if he’s healthy, he’s one of the best. Wentz tosses 4,129 yards and 28 touchdowns and establishes himself as one of the best quarterbacks.
Coach of the Year
Vic Fangio: As coach of the year becomes more and more of an award for most improved team, Fangio certainly qualifies. Improving the Broncos from 6-10 to 9-7, Fangio clearly improves the defense, thus making the Broncos the league leaders in sacks, points allowed, and yards allowed.
Playoff Predictions
Wildcard
(5) Kansas City Chiefs @ (4) Cleveland Browns: What will soon be viewed as one of the greatest quarterback rivalries, Mahomes takes on Mayfield for the first time in each other’s careers. Although the moment’s not too big for Mayfield, Mahomes and the Chief’s electric offense pulls ahead for the win.
(6) New York Jets @ (3) Houston Texans: Though evenly matched, Darnold will fold under pressure resulting in an easy advance for the Texans.
(5) New Orleans Saints @ (4) Atlanta Falcons: With the Saints being one of the most complete teams in the league and the Falcons’ defense being about league average, in an exciting game, the Falcons defense won’t be able to play an entire 60 minutes at the Saints’ level.
(6) Chicago Bears @ (3) Green Bay Packers: Simply put, not in a million years will Trubisky beat Rodgers in the playoffs.
Divisional
(5) Kansas City Chiefs @ (1) New England Patriots: In a rematch of last years’ game for the ages, Mahomes succeeds in taking down Brady. With a year to figure out Kareem Hunt’s replacement, the Chiefs will squeeze by the Patriots in another high scoring affair.
(3) Houston Texans @ (2) Los Angeles Chargers: In the first complete blowout of the playoffs, the well-rounded Chargers will trample the inferior Texans. With the Chargers controlling the line on both sides of the ball, the Texans fail to do anything whereas the Chargers can rest their starters at the end of the game if they chose.
(5) New Orleans Saints @ (1) Seattle Seahawks: In a matchup that’ll be hard to forget, two playoff superstars in Brees and Wilson face off surrounded by an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. With thoughts of retiring in the near future, Brees does just enough to defeat the relentless Seahawks.
(3) Green Bay Packers @ (2) Philadelphia Eagles: Even though Rodgers is magical in the playoffs, Wentz finally gets to show Philadelphia at home he too can win in the playoffs, not only Nick Foles.
Conference
(5) Kansas City Chiefs @ (2) Los Angeles Chargers: In a divisional matchup, the Chargers roll to the Super Bowl with a multi-score lead to defeat the Chiefs. The Chargers offense is rested from blowing out Texans in the Divisional Round and the Chiefs’ defense is worn after two intense shootouts.
(5) New Orleans Saints @ (2) Philadelphia Eagles: In an absurd game, Brees, again comes in clutch. Fighting for one more Super Bowl before stepping away from the game, Brees has a miraculous playoff run in order to get his wild card team to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl
(5) New Orleans Saints @ (2) Los Angeles Chargers: In a battle of the 2004 and 2005 Chargers’ quarterbacks, Brees and Rivers take on one another in a battle resulting in one of the best Super Bowls of all time. With stellar performances by everyone on both sides of the ball, the Saints offensive line and running game does just enough to take down the Chargers. A few weeks after Brees is crowned Super Bowl MVP, he expectedly retires, thus completing one of the best careers in sports history.
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