We’re all itching for some sports at this point, it’s not entirely sure that anything will be back soon but it’s never too early to take a look ahead to the upcoming NFL season. Last season ended with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers to win the 54th instance of the NFL championship game humbly named the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs will be attempting to defend their title. At the helm for them will be the former MVP winner in Patrick Mahomes, a true one-man show whenever he has the ball. The 49ers will be looking to defend their division title and will have to do so with some new, tougher competition. One of their rivals, the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a stunner of a trade this past off-season by acquiring one of the premiere wide receiver talents in the league in DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins paired with the ever age-less Larry Fitzgerald for the exciting 2nd year QB and last year’s number one overall pick, Kyler Murray, should excite Cardinals fans.
Meanwhile on the other side of that trade, the Houston Texans’ fans are hoping that Bill O’Brien knows something about David Johnson that NFL fantasy specialists don’t. After all they will have to deal with a new rival QB in their division, with Phillip Rivers joining the Indianapolis Colts. But perhaps they should keep their eyes on Baltimore, where the Ravens are returning with the reigning MVP in the human highlight reel – Lamar Jackson.
Also, Tom Brady traded in his patriotism for the life of a pirate.
Can the Browns finally right the ship? Can the Joe Burrow take the keys to the franchise that is the Cincinnati Bengals? Is Dak Prescott worth the money?!
Only this upcoming season can tell!
Division Winners
NFC West – Seattle Seahawks
Superbowl hangover will get to the 49ers. The best QB in the division plays for Seattle and they have a stellar wide receiver combo in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. The Rams look like they’re going into a rebuild year and it’s still a little too soon to worry about Kyler Murray in Arizona.
NFC North – Green Bay Packers
It’s the Aaron Rodgers revenge tour in Green Bay right now. After the Packers selected a QB in the first round of the draft this year many have speculated that they are looking to move on from Rodgers. If that’s the case he is going to look to have a big year to showcase how valuable he can still be. Minnesota Vikings might look like a better pick but they didn’t improve much through the draft this year. If it’s that close, give it to the team with the better QB.
NFC East- Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys will put it all together this year, a lot on the line for them to keep the core together and it’s looking less likely that will be financially possible. That kind of thing can lead to good play, sometimes. Prescott could and likely will have a huge year with the addition of their 1st round pick talented receiver draft pick. Which would put the Cowboys in a tough spot, they’d have to pay Prescott. Also Zeke isn’t getting any younger.
NFC South- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yep, he does it again. Tom Brady works his magic on this team and they win the NFC South. The real thorn in their side could be the New Orleans Saints they could have a drop-off from last year.
AFC North- Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson looked so legit last year, one can only fathom what he could do if he continues to improve. Ravens will likely be hungry from last year’s playoff exit, Steelers and Browns aren’t a threat to them just yet.
AFC West- Kansas City Chiefs
Last year’s champs will win their division again, they get the added benefit of playing in a weak division. Chargers will be in a rebuilding year after moving on from Phillip Rivers. LA Raiders are still a few years away from being considered a contender and so are the Broncos (QB questions)
AFC East- Buffalo Bills
It’s up between the Bills and the Patriots but the Bills have the further along QB in Josh Allen who could jump into stardom this year. The New England Patriots will struggle a bit sans Brady but will still be competitive. Jets need their QB pick to take a big step this year in development and the Dolphins are hoping they hauls in a big free agency period will work out.
AFC South- Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will find new life with Phillip Rivers, they’ve finally been able to build an offensive line and now they have the elite QB to match with it. They had a good draft as well. I see the Texans offense losing a bit of it’s punch without DeAndre Hopkins, DeShaun Watson could struggle. Titans played over their head last season and will not be as good this season.
Wildcard Teams
AFC – Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots
NFC – Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints
Superbowl 55
Tamba Bay Buccaneers vs Baltimore Ravens.
Past meets future, in Brady versus Lamar match-up
Winner- Baltimore Ravens
SB 55 MVP – Lamar Jackson
Houston Texans Games to Watch
-Thursday, Sept 10th – Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs
Texans take on the defending champion Chiefs in the NFL opener on that Thursday night.
–Sunday, Dec 6th – Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts
The revenge game, they have to wait almost a full calendar year for this. Finally a chance to avenge last year’s playoff loss. Could be interesting regardless of their record because they could be playing spoiler for the Colts playoff chances
Dallas Cowboys Games to Watch
-Monday, October 19th – Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals
Zeke and the boys get a shot at the electric rookie of the year from last year in Kyler Murray on Monday Night Football
-Sunday, November 1st – Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles
Their third prime-time game of the season as they take on, what looks to be, the biggest threat to their division title. They swept the Eagles last year and still lost the division to them, they’ll likely need at least one of these games against them if they want any shot at winning the NFC East this year.
