NFL 2019-2020 Season Predictions

NFC North:

1. Chicago Bears (11-5)*

The Chicago Bears are poised to win their second consecutive NFC North title if they can stave off their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. The defense, under their new leader Chuck Pagano, are widely considered the best defense in the league Even with potential touchdown/takeaway regression, this group should still dominate led by Khalil Mack. I think their offense takes a giant leap forward as they enter the second year in Matt Nagy’s system. This team has a great mixture of youth and experience that will lead them through a tough schedule and to another division title. 

2. Green Bay Packers (10-6)*

The Green Bay Packers have their leader Aaron Rodgers back at full health which means the entire NFL should be on alert. They are improved on defense and Rodgers should feel comfortable with the weapons he has around him. There was some turnover in the offseason throughout the organization, mainly switching head coaches as they are now led by Matt LeFleur. I believe it will take a little time for this team to catch their groove, but once they do I expect them to catch fire over a weak back half of their schedule and make their way back into the playoffs. 

3. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)

I believe this will be a season Vikings fans will dread. I still think the Minnesota Vikings are one of the most talented rosters in the NFL 1-53. The problem for the Vikings is that they face a brutal schedule this season. Not only do I have two other playoff teams in their division, but they also face the Chiefs, Cowboys, Chargers, and Seahawks all on the road. Their playoff hopes very may well come down to a home matchup in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, a matchup that did not go well for them in 2018. I think they will face the same question next offseason that they’ve been facing this entire offseason - is Kirk Cousins good enough to be their guy? The question may become how soon can they afford to move on from him. 

4. Detroit Lions (5-11)

I think Detroit’s roster is better than 5-11, but they find themselves in one of the, if not the, toughest division in football. On top of that, I just don’t think Matt Patricia is a very good head coach. I don’t trust that offense to be dynamic and I don’t trust the defense to stop anybody with the way they tackle. To have success in the NFL, you should be well coached and you should be able to get after the quarterback and protect your own quarterback. Detroit checks none of those boxes. Patricia will find himself on the hot seat at some point during this season.

NFC South:

1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)*

Later on I will get into why I believe Sean McVay is the most possessed man in football, but the New Orleans Saints will once again be the hungriest team in football this season. After another stunner ended their season last year, Payton, Brees and co. will have to once again rally to win what looks to be a tough NFC South. I expect a strong surge from the Falcons, but New Orleans still has one of the best quarterbacks of all time in Drew Brees, a top 5 player in the backfield and at wide receiver, a solid offensive line, and a playmaking defense. Not to mention they still have the best home field advantage in the sport. This division can break a lot of different ways, but I have to trust that Brees has one more run in him and I expect another record-breaking season out of him and his #1 target Michael Thomas. 

2. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)*

Ding, dong, the witch is dead! Sarkisian is finally out of Atlanta which means the Falcons offense will once again be a force in this league. They enter the season with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Devonta Freeman all healthy and ready to go which should mean big things from Matty Ice. This defense will be much improved as long as they stay healthy, and this is another team that has Super Bowl aspirations and is hungry to get back into the playoffs. I expect a leap from Ridley as the number two target behind Julio Jones and they could end the year as the most dynamic 1-2 punch in football. This team lost a lot of close games last year and I expect to see the ball bounce their way more this season - and more Julio touchdowns, too. 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Bruce Arians said he would only come back to coaching for the “perfect situation”. Yeah, that could’ve just meant the best situation at the time he decided he wanted to come back, but nonetheless he chose Tampa. That tells me he believes what he sees out of Winston and that offense. I expect this team to grow and make strides over the course of the season, and I believe they will enter the offseason with the belief that Jameis Winston is their quarterback. This team has the upside of a division title under Arians, but a shaky offensive line and questionable defense could also lead them back into the category of worst teams in the league. 

4. Carolina Panthers (7-9)

This last place finish is hard for me because I believe in the direction that this offense is headed, but I’m just not sure I have any more belief in Cam Newton as the guy to run it. Newton already has to enter week 1 with a nagging ankle injury on top of the shoulder rehab, and the success of this football team relies on him using his body to help them move and score the football. Not only will Cam be more reluctant to call his own number with these current injuries, but they can’t even protect him even when he tries to stay in the pocket. If rookie Brian Burns can bring some playmaking ability to this defense, and Cam can stay healthy and gain confidence as the season goes along, then this team may have a chance. But for now, I see this team nearing an implosion. 

NFC East 

1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)*

We’re entering another season in which Philadelphia looks like the most complete team in football. It was the reason they won the Super Bowl in 2017, and it keeps them relevant among the most popular Super Bowl picks this year. Their front office and entire staff has done an excellent job putting them in this position, and behind one of the best coaches in football, Doug Pederson, this talented roster should flourish. Carson Wentz is healthy and has maybe the most dangerous collection of weapons in the NFC, not to mention one of the best offensive lines in football. The defense remains solid, anchored by one of the best defensive lines in football led by Fletcher Cox. If Wentz can stay healthy, this Eagles team should handle what looks to be a moderate schedule and find themselves on top of the NFC East once again.  

2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

From an outsider’s view, it looks like the Cowboys are in love with everyone they have except the one guy they should be in love with. They want to pay Dak like a top 5 quarterback when he isn’t top 10. They want to pay Amari like a top 5 wide receiver when he isn’t top 10. They have the best running back in football and won’t pay him top dollar because they want to give Dak Prescott north of 30 million. And Zeke KNOWS THIS. Make no mistake, Ezekiel Elliott is going to make his money, but this contract situation is going to get their season off to a rocky start and he may not return until weeks 2, 3, or 4 in my opinion. I think they still make a push at the playoffs, but the run falls short.

3. New York Giants (6-10)

Usually when a team is expected to be really awful, they enter the season with a chip on their shoulder. Regardless of who is at quarterback, I think this Giants team can win some games this year. They have one of the best offensive talents in the game in Saquon Barkley, a reliable veteran receiver in Golden Tate, and young, emerging talent in Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard. I’m not in love with these non-Saquon guys, but it does look like a reliable bunch. I think their schedule has plenty of spots in which they can pick up wins, especially with a back like Barkley that can explode on any given week. This team will still have its games in which they look incompetent, but don’t be surprised if they pick off 5 or 6 wins with a favorable schedule. 

4. Washington Redskins (3-13)

Another coach that I think may be on the hot seat this season is Jay Gruden. It doesn’t really seem to be all his fault, having disastrous injuries left and right as well as incompetent management decisions during his tenure as coach. Last year, Gruden was able to David Copperfield that Redskins roster and turn it into a 7-9 record. This year, I don’t see him being so fortunate. They have a trio of quarterbacks that will almost inevitably all start a game this season in Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins and Colt McCoy, and I’m not sure any of them will be set up for success when they get their shot. They have no dynamic receivers to throw to and their main tackle probably won’t even play for them this season. Add in a defense that has some promise in stopping the run, but almost no chance to be a defense that carries this team to a respectable season. Don’t be surprised to see Jay Gruden be the first coach fired this season - and don’t be surprised if we see him coaching a new squad as early as next year. 

NFC West 

1. Los Angeles Rams (13-3)*

Sean McVay is going to have this Rams team firing on all cylinders for the entirety of the season. The defense which seemed to be “bought” last year and had high expectations were not as stout as expected. With that said they still had an extremely impressive showing in the Super Bowl. But they went out and bought even more assets in Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle. This team is stacked on both sides of the football, even with there being some concerns over Gurley’s durability and their aging offensive line. I believe McVay is going to make up for any holes this team may have with absolutely dynamic play calling and execution. This man is a prodigy head coach and is coming off a Super Bowl in which he was completely out-coached and outmatched. All of this and I still haven’t mentioned that they have the best player in football in Aaron Donald. 

2. Seattle Seahawks (8-8)

I think this Seattle team is going to be really solid and win a lot of games in which they can capture early leads. I just think they are going to end up being a little too exposed when playing from behind to sneak their way into the playoffs, but nonetheless I see another solid year from Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. I expect Chris Carson to emerge as one of the most talented running backs in the NFL this year and believe their defense will make strides throughout the season as they try to build it back up around superstar Bobby Wagner. Things could break right for Seattle soon and they could emerge back into the NFL’s elite by next year, and a 8-8 season is beginning to look like the floor for an organization with Pete Carroll, Wilson and Wagner. 

3. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)

The San Francisco 49ers have looked as in trouble as any NFL team during training camp. Their franchise QB is not fully recovered mentally from his ACL injury, and none of the young receivers seem to be emerging into a lead guy. It seems like another year in which they will have to rely on George Kittle to move the ball with consistency, although I do expect more from this backfield of Breida and Coleman. If this young defensive line can create some havoc over the course of the season, this team has a chance to get to, and maybe even eclipse the .500 mark. But, I see their inexperience hurting them and keeping them below .500 for another season and the seat will begin to get a little warm for Shanahan in the Bay as well.

4. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

I don't NOT believe in Kyler Murray, but I think a large portion of this season is going to be a disaster for Arizona. The biggest reason I think that is because Kliff Kingsbury hasn't proved that he can win consistently even at the NCAA level, so I have no confidence in him winning games in his first season at the NFL level. The philosophy of the Air Raid offense just doesn't translate to the NFL, especially when you don't have elite weapons on the outside. Larry Fitzgerald may tap into the fountain of youth and allow this thing to work better than it should, but by the looks of things right now, Arizona is going to struggle mightily on both sides of the ball.

AFC North 

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)*

One of the most stabile franchises in the past decade, I expect Pittsburgh to once again raise to the top of the AFC North this year. I really like what both  Cleveland and Baltimore are doing to make up their teams moving forward, but I still think this Pittsburgh team is the most equipped to win here and now. They are one of the best teams in football at getting after the quarterback and protecting their quarterback which, as mentioned before, is a great means to success. They will try to replace what was probably the most talented offensive tandem in the NFL in Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown with young emerging stars James Conner and Juju Smith Schuster.  Both of those players proved last season that they can step up and produce in bigger roles on this team. Big Ben doesn’t have too many years left and I expect him to be razor focused in a year that he can finally just focus on playing quarterback and not a dramatic locker room. 

2. Cleveland Browns (9-7)*

I, like many, think that there will be stretches during the 2019-2020 NFL season in which the Cleveland Browns look like the most explosive offense in the game. But with that said, I expect this team to also face rough patches that people may not be expecting. You have to remember that they have a very inexperienced first year head coach in Freddie Kitchens. There is a lot to like about him, and Baker Mayfield seems determined to prove himself as an elite winner. In crunch time, when Baker is working his magic to deliver the ball to his weapons, he will be targeting the likes of Odell, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, Nick Chubb and eventually, Kareem Hunt. That’s not too shabby. Combine all of this with the fact that Myles Garrett is ready to anchor a top 10 pass rush and you get a wild card team that threatens the Steelers for a good part of the season. You gotta believe to achieve, Cleveland!

3. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the harder teams to evaluate for me this season. On one hand, I think that their defense is worse than last year (at least on paper), and they went from having a poor selection of pass catchers to worse than that. Granted, their rookie receivers have upside, but Lamar Jackson isn’t exactly the quarterback that is going to throw you open. Add in the fact that they’ve lost a little O-Line depth and this team kind of scares me. BUT, on the other hand, when Lamar Jackson was inserted into the lineup last season, Baltimore had no business making the playoffs. They went on an incredible run - emphasis on run - behind the legs of Jackson and the usual Baltimore suspects of Gus Edwards and Buck Allen. Now, with what should be a more advanced rushing game plan and two better running backs in Mark Ingram and Justice Hill, the Ravens may really find a groove this season. A soft schedule to start the year helps Baltimore to a +.500 record, but they just miss the postseason. 

4. Cincinnati Bengals (3-13)

Let me be the first to start the #FreeJoeMixon campaign. At this point, it looks like Cincinnati may spend the next 2-3 seasons continuing to rebuild and run Joe Mixon into the ground with 300+ touches a season. The Bengals are not threat to make the playoffs even if some things go right for them. Their best move is to tank for the #1 pick in the 2020 draft so they can draft Dalton’s replacement, but I think some Ohio pride carries them to two December wins and just enough to miss out on their choice of a franchise quarterback behind the Miami Dolphins in the draft. There’s just no positive vibe around this team at all entering the year. 

AFC South 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)*

This is my least confident division winner out of all of them for a couple of reasons. First, this division is always weird to predict for me, especially now that Luck retired and I finally thought I had a pulse on this division. Now, the only team with no quarterback questions in the division just so happens to not have a GM. Like I said, unpredictability. My best estimation is the Nick Foles does enough to lead this Jaguars team to this postseason behind what I expect to be the best defense in football. I think Leonard Fournette will take this season very seriously as he inches closer and closer to his contract situation, and this offense is built to work through him. One thing that could haunt this team is a lack of weapons on the outside. I love what I see from Dede Westbrook in the slot, but if they don’t get a downfield playmaker than their offense may become too predictable. But, like I said, #1 defense in football. That usually means playoffs. 

2. Indianapolis Colts (9-7)*

I’m expecting a really inspired effort this entire season out of this Colts team. With Luck healthy and on the field, I would easily have the Colts as my division champions. But, this team will move forward with Jacoby Brissett which is um, not really the same. They do have some things going for them that I believe will lead to success. Their defense is young and improving, with budding superstar linebacker Darius Leonard and stud safety Malik Hooker among others. Their offensive line is one of the best in the AFC and the playmakers have comfortable roles inside that offense. Frank Reich is one of the greatest in the league and putting his personnel in roles in which they can excel. The question will be how well Brissett can excel with Reich behind the curtain working the magic. 

3. Houston Texans (8-8)

I expect a lot of people to have Houston repeating as AFC South champions, especially now that Luck is out of the division. Although I’ve always believed in Deshaun Watson as an elite game-winner and DeAndre Hopkins as the second best receiver in football behind AB, I just think this team has too many question marks to be a playoff team. If the lose Clowney, I’m not in love with them on any level of their defense, and there’s nothing to love about their offensive line or backfield situations. I think this will just be another year of Watson and Hopkins showcasing their elite statuses and connection, while the team is an average 8-8. Bill O’Brien is another coach I could see on the hot seat entering next season. 

4. Tennessee Titans (6-10)

This team is best suited and dare I say reliant on playing with the lead to win football games. The problem is Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill are inevitably going to be flip flopping starts all season long and I don’t expect them to throw the ball nearly enough to keep themselves in games. I expect them to force the Derrick Henry situation to do right by him as he enters free agency. With no real plan in place as for the future of the franchise at this time, I think you see them start to enter full rebuild mode toward the back end of this season. I trust Vrabel to have a quick and efficient rebuild, and being able to get himself into the top 10 of the 2020 draft would certainly help him chances at that. 

AFC East 

1. New England Patriots (10-6)* 

Surprise, surprise, New England is my pick to win the AFC East. Year in and year out they dominate the competition in their division. Although I see some of the teams behind them this year improving, none will be able to take down Brady, Belichick and co. Sony Michel will lead a committee of running backs that will remain fresh and effective in what will be one of the most run heavy offenses in the league. When Brady does drop back, he still has two of this favorite targets in Julian Edelman and James White. If they can get either Demaryius Thomas or Josh Gordon on the field and in a groove, don’t be surprised in this win total jumps back up into that 12-13 territory. I promise the end of this reign is near, but the dethroning will not happen this season. 

2. Buffalo Bills (9-7)

I believe people are still underestimating Josh Allen. Throughout the offseason, people continue to mention his mobility and how he can use that similarly to last season, but I think we will see a little different version. I still think he will scramble and put his body on the line when necessary to get first downs and touchdowns, but I expect him to sit in the pocket and make it through progressions far more often this season. Last year there was a lot of drop back, guy’s not open, go. I think he will show maturity and this offense as a whole will frustrate people in their ability to stay on the field. That will help keep this insanely talented defense fresh and able to win games for them. Another team that falls just short in what will shape up to be an epic AFC wild card finish.

3. New York Jets (7-9)

The story of the New York Jets’ season will not be helpful for the future of franchise running backs trying to get $40mil and up deals. Le’Veon Bell should showcase his pass catching and running skills this season and once again be mentioned among the elite game breakers in the sport. The problem is, sometimes that just is not enough to win football games consistently through the year. I expect Sam Darnold to be solid at QB for most of the season, but as we saw from him in college when he makes mistakes, they are often extremely costly. I have faith in him to eventually grow out of those habits as he matures, but the inopportune picks will cost them games this season. Drafting a solid pass rusher next season could help put this team over the top but this year they will settle at 7-9.

4. Miami Dolphins (3-13) 

I am like most people in the fact that I believe things will be ugly down in Miami this season. It doesn’t matter if Josh Rosen or Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing quarterback, this offseason is going to be dreadful. I can’t figure out which rebuild is harder to watch - the Marlins or Dolphins. If there has to be a city to struggle with their sports teams this bad, at least it is the fans that can say they live in Miami. I think the shining spot on their team this year will be defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. He is poised to join the elite secondary players in the NFL conversation after this season is finished. 

AFC West 

1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-3)*

I spent a lot of this offseason trying to convince myself that Andy Reid’s run in Kansas City would start to slow down this season, and then training camp hit and I was reminded of just how unstoppable this offense is. Not only do they return basically every major piece from last year’s team, but they add explosive rookies Mecole Hardman (WR) and Darwin Thompson (RB). I know the defense may not be as solid as it needs to be for them to be pegged at 13 wins, but when I look at the playmaking ability of a Tyrann Matthieu or a Frank Clark, I start to believe that all this offseason needs is a big play here and there to win games. Even if they don’t get all the way up to 13, expect the Chiefs to cruise back into the postseason. 

2. Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

Another team I see falling short of the postseason due to tiebreakers, the Chargers should still have a solid foundation of success entering the season. Even with the Derwin James injury and the Melvin Gordon holdout, they should return enough talent on both sides to be dangerous in the AFC. The reason I have them missing the postseason is because I fear the lack of a consistent running game will hurt this team more than they imagine. I think their ability to control the pace of games and play extremely balanced has helped them win games over the past couple of seasons, and if that balance isn’t there they may struggle. And the loss of James for what seems to be at least the first half of the season will be huge for them. It will make their defense much less complex and easier to game plan against. A Melvin Gordon contract agreement could change all of this, and they could once again threaten the Chiefs for a division title with him in their backfield. But my prediction is that they will just barely be on the outside looking in. 

3. Oakland Raiders (7-9)

The Raiders are one of the most entertaining teams in the league, and also one of the hardest to predict. People are quick to forget that Derek Carr was in the MVP conversation before suffering a leg injury just a few years back. Now, he gets the undisputed best receiver in the league and a fresh, talented rookie running back at his disposal. He also adds an elite offensive tackle in Trent Brown, a big-play threat in Tyrell Williams, and hyperathlete Darren Waller at tight end (who returns but is poised to take the starting position). I’m actually higher on the Raiders than a lot of people, but I think passing up on Josh Allen in the draft will be something they will regret more and more as the season progresses and he dominates while they struggle once again to find a pass rush. 

4. Denver Broncos (5-11)

I love Vic Fangio and I think he is going to turn Von Miller and Bradley Chubb into the scariest duo in the AFC. But I think this offense is a step behind where they need to be to compete at a high level. I don’t believe Flacco can carry an offense anymore, and although his weapons are serviceable, they just don’t have any game breaking talent. Unless Emmanuel Sanders can have the best year of his career 8 months removed from an achilles tear, or Cortland Sutton can emerge and show us something we haven’t seen, I expect a lot of stagnant offense in Denver. A tough schedule will but them below expectations early in the season and Elway will decide to make a move toward the top 5 of the 2020 draft. 

NFL Playoff Predictions

Wild Card Round 

3) Bears over 6) Falcons 

I have a highly motivated Bears team edging out a win on their home field against a talented Falcons team. Bears pass rush gets after Matt Ryan all day and it turns out to be enough as the Bears win 27-17.

5) Packers over 4) Saints

Expect an all time classic on wild card weekend this season. All-time greats Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees will battle back and forth all game in an epic showdown that will eventually see Aaron Rodgers make enough plays to come out on top. 38-31 Pack.

3) Patriots over 6) Colts

An inspired run for Indianapolis will come to an end in a familiar place - Gillette Stadium. I think the Colts keep this thing close for the first half, and then the separation begins as Brady and the running game begin to slice through Indy’s defense. Patriots 28-17. 

5) Browns over 4) Jaguars

Offensive Player of the Year candidate Odell Beckham Jr. meets DPOY candidate Jalen Ramsey in this wild card bout. I think the Jaguars control this game for awhile, but Baker makes plays in the second half and once the game gets close, the Browns pass rush will get going. Browns squeak out their first playoff win since 1994 with a 28-24 win over the Jags. 

Divisional Round

1) Rams over 5) Packers

Another magical run from Aaron Rodgers falls short, this year to Sean McVay, Aaron Donald, and the Los Angeles Rams. I see another shootout, but expect Donald to make enough plays, as well as Clay Matthews facing his former team, to give L.A. the victory at home. 34-31 Rams.

3) Bears over 2) Eagles

A rematch from last year’s postseason, I see Chicago getting revenge in Philadelphia behind a big performance by Eddie Jackson and the defense. The two players I expect to have the biggest impact on offense in this game, David Montgomery and Miles Sanders, both rookie running backs. Bears edge out a great Eagles team 18-16. 

1)Chiefs over 4) Jaguars

Great offense beats great defense in Kansas City for this matchup. This will be a rematch from week 1, but inevitably these teams will be much different come playoff time. Andy Reid will have an idea of what the Jacksonville defense wants to do to slow him down, and they will figure out a way to win. Chiefs are all in this season…31-20

3) Patriots over 2) Steelers

We’ve seen this game so many times before. Tom Brady vs Big Ben, Belichick vs Tomlin. We know how this ends. The only way the Steelers pull off this victory is if they get after Tom Brady relentlessly. I just don’t see that happening without him dumping the ball off to White, Michel, and Edelman all game. Patriots 34-27.

Championship Weekend

3) Bears over 1) Rams

The NFC championship game will be an epic finish to an epic playoffs in general on this side. Nagy and McVay will be going tit for tat all game and there are elite playmakers on both defenses. I’m going with the Bears because they are the hungrier team having not made the Super Bowl as a group yet. Give me Chicago 27-23 in a classic. 

1) Chiefs over 3) Patriots

Another rematch, this time in the AFC Championship game. Last year, these two teams put on a show and I expect nothing less than that this season as well. I think the AFC finally gets it done and puts a team in the Super Bowl that isn’t New England for the first time since Denver won Super Bowl 50. Chiefs win 34-28. 

Super Bowl LIV

Chicago Bears over Kansas City Chiefs 

As long as the Chicago Bears stay healthy, they are my pick as Super Bowl LIV Champions. I think they are able to win this game by scoring the ball with a balanced attack against a good-not-great defense while also creating turnovers against the elite Kansas City offense. Bears win their second Super Bowl, beating the Chiefs 31-24.