The 2018 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in recent history. With aging all-star quarterbacks trying to win a championship before they retire to exciting rookies, there is plenty to look forward to.
One of my favorite things about the NFL season is that before it starts, we can let our imaginations run wild. I'm here today with a list of 10 bold predictions -- things I think are very likely to happen although you may disagree (argue with me in the comment section below).
#10. The Cleveland Browns Will NOT Be the Worst Team in the NFL
Despite an 0-16 record in 2017 and being the laughing stock of the NFL for the past decade, the Cleveland Browns will not have the worst record this year.
The organization has made drastic changes at nearly every position, including strengthening their defense, bringing in veteran and rookie quarterbacks, and drafting several highly touted skill position players including running back Nick Chubb out of Georgia. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets will finish with worse records than the Browns.
#9. Kerryon Johnson, NFC Rookie of the Year
BIAS ALERT! As a die-hard fan of the Detroit Lions, I must preface this prediction with the fact that I am extremely biased towards my Lions. However, I believe this is a strong prediction based on the evidence we have so far.
The Lions are coming off a season where they once again finished dead last in rushing. They've addressed that need by strengthening their offensive line when they drafted Frank Ragnow, drafting running back Kerryon Johnson, and by signing veteran running back LeGarrette Blount to handle goal-line carries.
In his first preseason debut, Johnson looked electric with a 50-yard touchdown run that was called back due to a penalty. Although the Lions will use him carefully throughout the year since he's a rookie and an important asset going forward, I believe he will get enough opportunities to make a gigantic impact, similar to Alvin Kamara who won the award in 2017.
#8. Dez Bryant Will Be Signed By Mid-Season
The 29-year-old Dez Bryant was unexpectedly released by the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the 2017 season. What's even more surprising is that no team has signed the brash yet gifted wide receiver. Don't expect this to last long.
Not only are the Browns showing interest in Dez, but as the season begins, injuries at the position will begin to stockpile, and you can expect Dez's phone to ring off the hook. He will play this season despite not having a team to call his own for the time being.
#7. Washington Redskins Take a Step Forward
Most people would consider a change at quarterback from Kirk Cousins to Alex Smith a downgrade, and in some respects, it is. However, Alex Smith is an extremely accurate quarterback who fits into the Reskins' system perfectly.
The Redskins rely on short passes to Chris Thompson, Jamison Crowder, and tight end Jordan Reed. Smith was second in completion percentage in 2017 at 67.8%, 3.5% higher than former Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Smith at the helm, the Redskins will move forward this season, and have a golden opportunity to make the playoffs.
#6. A Player Will Be Suspended for Protesting
After two years of on-field protests, the debates surrounding these protests, criticism from President Trump, and the NFL and owners going back and forth on their stance, seem to be building tension and I don't believe we've seen the worst of it yet. I believe at least one player will be suspended by their team for kneeling prior to the start of a game this season.
#5. 49ers Finish 2nd in the NFC West
Ever since Jim Harbaugh was let go several years ago, the 49ers have struggled. After finishing last in the NFC West in 2017 with a 6-10 record, I believe that the 49ers, led by Jimmy Garoppolo, will take a huge step forward and finish second to the Los Angeles Rams. Not only are the 49ers a team on the rise, both the Seahawks and the Cardinals look like teams on the decline after losing key pieces in the offseason.
#4. Chris Hogan Will Finish in the Top 5 for Receptions and Yards in the AFC
Quite possibly my boldest prediction on the list, I expect Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan to have a season to remember. Looking at the stat sheet from last year, Hogan's numbers aren't that sexy with 34 receptions for 435 yards and 5 touchdowns. Hogan suffered a shoulder injury that derailed a promising season, causing him to miss six games, however, Hogan has everything going for him coming into this season.
With Brandin Cooks out of the picture and now in Los Angeles, a stronger chemistry developed with quarterback Tom Brady, and Julian Edelman facing a 4-game suspension, Hogan will be Tom Brady's favorite target not named Gronkowski, and he will have a career year.
#3. The Los Angeles Rams Will Have the Best Record in the NFL
The rich get richer as the Los Angeles Rams, the breakout team of 2017, improved significantly during the offseason with additions including defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. They have a young core that is improving in Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and a defense that features the best defensive player in the game in Aarond Donald. They may be a 10-1 underdog to win the Super Bowl, but they are my pick to finish with the best record in the NFL, and who knows, they just may win it all.
#2. Baltimore Ravens Reach the AFC Championship Game
The Baltimore Ravens are a team that always goes under the radar until the playoffs begin. With an AFC that I believe is getting worse, the Ravens have an open window to sneak into the AFC Championship game if they can avoid the Patriots and Steelers in the playoffs. Joe Flacco still has enough left to lead this team to the playoffs, and if their stable of receivers, which include new additions John Brown, Willie Snead, and Michael Crabtree, can stay healthy, they can contend for the AFC title.
#1. NFL MVP Jared Goff
In the span of a single year, Jared Goff, the former 1st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, went from looking like a draft bust to an absolute stud. In his second year, Goff unexpectedly led the Los Angeles Rams to a division title and playoff berth. His quarterback rating improved from 63.6 to an impressive 100.5, and he threw 28 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions for a 4/1 touchdown to interception ratio.
With a great supporting staff on offense with Gurley, Cooks, and Woods, Goff has a legitimate shot at becoming the 2018 NFL MVP (sorry Tom Brady, not this year).
What do you think of these bold predictions? Please comment below!
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