Sports predictions don't always come true, that's why they play the games. Bold predictions, if they are actually bold, are even less likely to come true, however, I put a lot of pride in the predictions I make and track them to gauge how right or wrong I was. In 2008, I made my worst prediction ever; I predicted that the Detroit Lions would make the playoffs (they finished 0-16 for the first time in NFL history).
Two months ago, I published my list of 10 bold NFL predictions for the 2018 season. Now five weeks into the season, I decided to reflect on my wild guesses about what would happen in this unpredictable league.
I'll group my predictions into three categories:
- Spot On
- Wait and See
- What Were You Thinking?
#10. The Cleveland Browns Will NOT Be the Worst Team in the NFL
Result: Spot On
The Browns completed a perfect (0-16, winless) season in 2017 and many thought the Browns would once again be the worst team in football. I believed that their improvements were good enough to take them from terrible to mediocre, and so far, I've been spot on. The Browns are 1-2-1 and they could be 3-1 right now if not for bad calls by the referees and other flukes. The Cardinals, 49ers, Jets, and Buffalo Bills all look like far worse teams than the rebuilding Cleveland Browns.
#9. Kerryon Johnson, NFC Rookie of the Year
Result: Wait and See
Going 1-3 through the first four weeks, the Lions don't have many bright spots outside of rookie Kerryon Johnson. Johnson has done well with a limited workload. Against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, Johnson broke 100 yards rushing, which made him the first player to accomplish that with the Lions since 2013! The Lions will need to increase his carries and targets, but winning NFC Rookie of the Year, while it's still a longshot, is possible.
#8. Dez Bryant Will Be Signed By Mid-Season
Result: Wait and See
Teams want Dez Bryant, they simply don't want to pay him what he thinks he's worth. It's looking less and less likely that this will happen, but it's still possible, so we'll have to wait and see.
#7. Washington Redskins Take a Step Forward
Result: Wait and See
With the Washington Redskins currently leading the NFC East at 2-1 (they had a bye in week 4), and the rest of the division looking weak (Eagles, Cowboys, Giants), this sure looks like their year to win the division. We're only a quarter into their 2018 season, so we'll have to wait and see, but so far so good.
#6. A Player Will Be Suspended for Protesting
Result: What Were You Thinking?
It's clear that the NFL wants to put kneeling players and the controversy around these silent protests around them. I am thankful that I look to be completely wrong on this bold prediction.
#5. 49ers Finish 2nd in the NFC West
Result: Wait and See, but really, What Were You Thinking?
If not for an injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, I would still be confident in this pick. The 49ers look like they are a few players away from overtaking the Seahawks, and without Garoppolo, I'll say that this prediction won't come true.
#4. Chris Hogan Will Finish in the Top 5 for Receptions and Yards in the AFC
Result: WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
They can't all be winners. I let my optimism and fantasy ownership taint reality in making this prediction. Hogan is not only going to miss making the top 5 in receptions in the AFC, but he might miss making the top 5 for receptions and yards ON HIS OWN TEAM. This was a truly terrible prediction, and you have my apologies.
#3. The Los Angeles Rams Will Have the Best Record in the NFL
Result: Spot On
The undefeated (4-0) Los Angeles Rams look every bit as good as I thought they would be. They will be competing with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the NFL, but for now at least, this prediction looks to be spot on.
#2. Baltimore Ravens Reach the AFC Championship Game
Result: Wait and See
At 3-1 with wins over playoff contenders in the Steelers and Broncos, the Ravens look better than expected with new offensive weapons. The Ravens have scored 23 points or more in every game and it looks like the playoffs are in their future. Can they get lucky enough to reach the AFC Championship Game? Only time will tell, but it's certainly possible.
#1. NFL MVP Jared Goff
Result: Spot On (so far)
What I didn't see as an obstacle to Jared Goff winning the NFL MVP was Patrick Mahomes. Goff is having an incredible year with 11 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions and he's led his team to a 4-0 record. Goff is on his way to becoming the MVP, but Mahomes (14 TDs, 0 INTs) may have something to say about that.
What bold predictions do you have for the rest of the NFL season?
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