TEEEJ TALKS
The 214 days without NFL football are finally coming to an end Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the defending Super Bowl champs, the New England
Patriots.
This offseason had its routine share of drama.
There’s the ongoing saga behind Colin Kaepernick, there were retirements — Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware and Vince Wilfork, to name a few.
Some people came out of retirement — Marshawn Lynch and Jay Cutler.
There were ridiculous contracts — Matt Stafford: 5 years, $135 million, $92 million guaranteed.
Deandre Hopkins set the bar for the league’s elite receivers with a five-year deal worth $81million, $49 million of which is guaranteed.
Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell cashed out with a five-year contract extension, though he hasn’t had to report his salary since 2015 when the NFL dropped their tax-exempt status (Boo that man on three: 1, 2, 3 BOOOO.)
And of course many players will be in an unfamiliar uniform next season: Brandon Cooks-Patriots, Jaamal Charles-Broncos, Adrian Peterson-Saints, and Brock Osweiler has returned to the Broncos after a very fitting stint with the Browns.
Here are my very unprofessional predictions:
AFC North- Steelers
As a Ravens fan, it deeply pains me to pick the Steelers to take our division again, but I just don’t foresee any of the other teams in the AFC North having a better season than them.
Though the Ravens have finally solidified a shutdown defense again, Joe Flacco is starting his second consecutive season coming off of an injury (back.)
AFC East- Patriots
There’s really no explanation needed for this one.
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will continue to do their thing.
Julian Edelman will miss the season with an ACL tear, but Brady’s supporting cast will still consist of Gronk, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, and a running core packed with versatility.
As much as I love the sound of a Jay Cutler redemption story with the Dolphins, no one in the AFC East is competing with the Patriots.
AFC South- Titans
The Titan’s high powered offense is led by Marcus Mariota, Demarco Murray, Derrick Henry and Eric Decker.
Andrew Luck doesn’t have a timetable on when he’ll return under center and the Jaguars are…the Jaguars.
The Texan’s defense will get their leader back as J.J. Watt returns from a back injury, but I still don’t know how I feel about Deshuan Watson transitioning to the NFL.
AFC West- Raiders
Beastmode, Derek Carr and Amari Cooper will be a heck of a tandem to watch.
This is another tough call because every team in this division is capable of being a competitor, which makes sense as to why each of the top four slots on the NFL’s 2017 strength of schedule list belong to a team from the AFC West.
NFC North- Packers
Aaron Rodgers is about to become the highest-paid player in the NFL, and he deserves every last cent.
As for the rest of the NFC North, I don’t see any of the other teams breaking 500 aside from the Lions maybe going 9-7 again.
Teddy Bridgewater is starting the season on the physically unable to perform list, so I can’t see Sam Bradford leading the Vikings to the top of the division, despite Latavius Murray in the backfield.
NFC East- Giants
This was the hardest division because it can truly go to any team.
Every team in the NFC East has made additions this offseason that make a case as to why they can take the division.
However I’m giving the advantage to the Giants because they are experienced at quarterback with Eli Manning.
Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz can run into trouble in their sophomore seasons now that defensive coordinators have a full year of film to work with.
I’m rooting for Captain Kirk and the Redskins, NFC South- Buccaneers Watch out for the Buccaneers.
They’re not on a lot of radars, but with one of the best defenses in the league along with a strong passing attack, they’re a serious contender for the NFC South title.
The Falcons definitely have a strong chance to top this division too, but after comparing their schedule with the Bucs, I really think the Bucs can take it.
NFC West- Seahawks
The Seahawks have had success in the past few couple seasons despite a struggling offensive line.
This season they’ve finally amped up their line and Russell Wilson is due for a big year.
The Rams defense has potential to be very dangerous with the combination of Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips and their young defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, who is arguable the best in the league.
AFC Wildcards: Dolphins, Chiefs
NFC Wildcards: Falcons, Redskins
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Coach of the year: Jack Del Rio
Offensive player of the year: Aaron Rodgers
Defensive player of the year: Aaron Donald
Offensive Rookie: Christian McCaffrey
Defensive Rookie: Myles Garrett
Super Bowl champion: New England Patriots
Davis is the sports editor.