2020 NFL Season Prediction

 It has been a long, weird road to get to this point. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL, like every other pro sports league, has had to fly by the seat of their pants and adapt on the fly. Unlike other pro sports leagues however, the NFL was in the midst of it's offseason when the pandemic arose. Therefore, the regular season is getting started this week, just as originally intended. 

But do not be mistaken, this will not just be any other NFL season.
In what is an unpredictable sport by nature, a virtual offseason and vacant preseason should amplify the unpredictability of this particular campaign ten fold. 

Translation: This should be fun!

Although virtual, this offseason certainly provided it's fair share of roster reflux and blockbuster transactions. From the goat himself Tom Brady taking his talents to the strip club capital of the world, to a diva star safety forcing his way out of the big apple, it was truly the reality tv we needed to get us through a major lull in news outpour. Especially in the fantasyland we all live in called sports.

So, with all the roster turnover, and with the preseason getting canned, we truly have little to no idea what each team is going to look like tomorrow. Let alone where they will sit at seasons end. 

With all that being said, let's get into it, shall we!?!? 

AFC

1. Kansas City Chiefs 15-1

This is the easy stuff. Here you have a team fresh off a win in Super Bowl 54, who also happens to employe the best player at the most important position. If anyone was worried his new jaw-dropping payday would temper his motivation and drive, Thursday night swiftly muted that point. All in all, this a roster that underwent minimal personnel turnover, and in a season like this, that is even more important. But even if that was not the case, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid appear ready to completely take over this league.

2. Cleveland Browns 11-5

I am a huge baker believer. It's crazy how it takes one down year under a incompetent head coach to completely shift the public's perspective on a heisman trophy winner/ #1 overall pick. The dude is an absolute gamer. And he has an absolutely filthy roster surrounding him. They might not be as deep as you would like, but it's hard to argue that they have big time players at big time positions all over the field. If Kevin Stefanski's offensive scheming can get that Freddie stink off of Baker, watch out, the Brownies are going to a be a force all season long. 

3. Buffalo Bills 10-6

The time has finally come for the New England Patriots to be dethroned. And it just so happens, the Bills have exactly the roster to do just that. They unquestionably have one of the best defences and defensive coaches in the league. With what should be an improved Josh Allen under center and a new toy in Stefon Diggs to throw to, not winning the east would be a major letdown for Buffalo. Lets just hope the mafia can make their presence known when the playoffs arrive. 

4. Tennessee Titans 10-6

With the Titans cinderella run coming up just short in 2019, the Titans come into this campaign looking to prove some legitimacy and longevity. They don't want to be known as a flash in the pan. They truly believe they have concocted something special in the music city. Me personally, I tend to agree with them. Mike Vrabel showed everything and more you want out of a head football coach in the playoffs last year. Out-coaching the one and only master Bill and taking down the dynasty at foxborough. If Vrabel can continue to elevate a mediocre defence, and Henry can run wild on the offensive side of the ball, a division title should merely be a formality for this club. 

1st WC. Baltimore Ravens 10-6 

Let's face it, none of saw the 2019 Ravens coming. Sure, we all knew Lamar Jackson was oozing athleticism, but to grow a big, accurate arm over one offseason was simply mind boggling. Although I don't expect that to evaporate, I wouldn't be surprised if that blowout loss they suffered in the divisional round has some lingering effects on Jackson. I do expect him to right the ship and reach the playoffs, but a slow start could have them playing catch-up all season long. 

2nd WC. New England Patriots 9-7

After parting ways with Tom Brady, it looked like the Patriots were content to pass the baton over to Jarrett Stidham. In the end, though, they ended up bringing in former MVP Cam Newton who looks to find his old form after injuries kept him off the field for most of 2019. If he can, this team led by the greatest coach of all-time can still do some special things. But, with a slew of opt outs, and a pretty mild coup of offensive weapons, they will need a lot to go their way if they hope to reach Super Bowl 55. Or even the playoffs for that matter. 

3rd WC. Indianapolis Colts 9-7

As Philip Rivers readies for his last dance, I personally think he has more in the tank than most people think. Behind a good offensive line (which the Colts should have) I believe he can do enough for this team. A team that was in the hunt last year and has enough talent to overachieve with a good coach and system. The Colts happen to have both those things. And that will lead them over teams who don't. I'm looking at you, Jets, Broncos, Steelers, Texans.

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks 13-3 

The Best quarterback in the NFC. What he did last year, leading a talent depleted roster to a playoff win was simply astounding. Coming into this year, he has a better roster to work with thanks to the addition of Jamal Adams. Coupled the expected improvement of stand out rookie DK Metcalf, I look for this to be the team of the regular season on both sides of the ball. 

2. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5

After limping to the a division title with a injury depleted roster, Carson Wentz and the Eagles should be chomping at the bit. Zack Ertz wants to put up career numbers in a contract year. Carson Wentz looks to achieve more consistent play and ball security to re-establish himself in the top young QB conversation. Overall, I do think he is the best quarterback in his division, and I expect a season that will put him in the MVP conversation. 

3. New Orleans Saints 11-5

I don't expect this to be Drew Brees' last season. But it will be his last season playing at a pro-bowl level. In order to make the most of it, New Orleans will have to overcome what should be a much improved NFC South. I expect them to acquire some bumps and bruises along the way in a 16 game dog fight, but in the end, talent will prevail and once again they will remain the class of the south. 

4. Detroit Lions 10-6

I understand I may lose any and all credibility by doing this, if I had any to begin with, but damn it, can a broken clock be right one time in a bleeping half century? A fair amount of turnover is concerning, but a returning coaching staff should provide some stability. Matt Patricia is on the hottest of hot seats, and I expect him to rise to the occasion. Before Matt Stafford went down last year, they should have been 3-0-1 had it not been for the worst sequence of officiating I've seen in my life on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field. But I digress, Matt Stafford is oozing with heart, and if he stays healthy, I would be surprised if he didn't go off and carry this team to a division title. There is enough talent for him to do so if his body allows it. 

1st WC Tampa Bay Bucccaneers 10-6

There is do doubt this is the sexy team going into week 1. The hype shouldn't bother Tom Brady as it's all he has ever known. I believe his play will be stellar. In the end, though, it's hard to expect the same Gronk. Mike Evans nursing a hamstring injury also raises a red flag. Overall, it's a talented roster, but also a weird one. I do think they will be able to stumble their way into the postseason. And we all know, anything can happen in the big dance. 

2nd WC Chicago Bears 10-6 

Mitch Trubisky revenge tour? I actually kind of think so. He will never live up to where he was drafted, but backed by an all word d-core, I do think Mitch will be able to keep this team from underachieving. Will they be a legit super bowl contender? Barely. But after last year, beggars can't be choosers. 

3rd WC San Francisco 49ers 9-7

This is clearly a massive setback from having a 10 point lead in the super bowl, but playing in a tough decision with a quarterback that won't win any games for you is a recipe for a setback. After coming out guns blazing to start the year in 2019, the league adjusted and they were almost overtaken in the division by Seattle. They still have one of the leagues best rosters and coaches. Which will keep them in playoff position, but getting back to the big game will be a tough undertaking. 

Super Bowl 55

Seattle Seahawks - 34

          ----

Kansas City Chiefs - 30

Super Bowl MVP: Russell Wilson

This Year Russell Wilson will give himself a chance to be a top 3 quarterback in the history of the sport. We know he has the talent and drive to do it, and I am of the belief this roster will be enough to support his superstardom. 

Now that we are done looking ahead, re-enter the present and enjoy the hell out of week 1 everyone!