NFL
5 Bold Predictions for the 2019 NFL Season
The 2019 NFL season will have a lot of intrigue for fans. The surprise retirement of Andrew Luck has theoretically taken the Colts out of contention and fans of the league can only wait for a new contender to emerge in the AFC South.
With the season right around the corner, we are going to make five bold predictions for the 2019 NFL season.
Patrick Mahomes will be a back-to-back MVP
When the Kansas City Chiefs traded Alex Smith during the 2018 offseason, it ushered in a new era for the Chiefs offense. Mahomes didn’t just play good, he performed better than any player in the league. He threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions.
We expect more of the same from the Chiefs offense this year, even with Kareem Hunt’s release. Mahomes will become the league’s first back-to-back MVP since Peyton Manning in 2008 & 2009. Given Mahomes’ previous season, perhaps this isn’t as bold a prediction as it seems.
The Cleveland Browns will only win six games
Cleveland is viewed as a trendy pick to win the AFC North, with their explosive offense led by Baker Mayfield. He has a number of weapons to get the ball to, include Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (after he comes back from his suspension).
The defense is spearheaded by former No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, who could finish the season with 15+ sacks. This still won’t be the Browns year. The team hasn’t won more than seven games since 2009. Their out of conference schedule includes matchups against the NFC West. Don’t be surprised if the Browns fail to meet expectations.
Le’Veon Bell will win AFC Offensive Player of the Year
Le’Veon Bell signing with the Jets was one of the biggest surprises of the offseason. He is still one of the best players in the NFL, and sitting out the entire 2018 season will only help his longevity. We don’t expect any rust from the year off, and he will make the Jets very dynamic with Sam Darnold throwing passes to him.
To get even more specific with this bold prediction, look for him to score 18 touchdowns and reach the 2,000 total yards mark in a fantastic season.
The Miami Dolphins will be on the clock
The Dolphins traded for Josh Rosen and he could be the team’s quarterback of the future, but we don’t think he will be able to be the franchise’s savior. It will be a rough year in Miami, and the Dolphins could easily end up with the worst record in the league.
Some possible choices with the No. 1 pick? We think it will come down to Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa (if he decides to enter the draft), and it could be the start of big things for the Dolphins entering the next decade.
The Pats will repeat as Super Bowl champs
We know no one wants to hear this, but even without Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots are still one of the best teams in the NFL. After winning his fifth Super Bowl, head coach Bill Belichick will lean on offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to use Josh Gordon in a Randy Moss type role. If Gordon is able to play 16 games, he could be one of the top receivers in the NFL.
Tom Brady should continue his dominance over the AFC East, and outside of Kansas City, there don’t seem to be any teams in the AFC that can keep up with the Pats in a playoff game. Expect Brady and Belichick to raise their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
How do you feel about our bold predictions for this season?
After looking at our five bold predictions for the 2019 NFL season, which ones do you expect to come true? For more news from around the gridiron be sure to check out our NFL section.