The NFL season has just started and it looks like it is going to be an exciting one. With so many things happening in the NFL, it will be hard to keep up with just one thing. Fans have so many things to watch for this season. People will watch to see how the rookies will play in the NFL, how teams will do with players lost due to injury or suspension, how players will play with new teams, and other teams. I will be giving my predictions for the season so far as week four is starting. I will be giving my predictions on awards, a team that is surprising the NFL, a team that is disappointing the NFL, and playoffs.
NFL's Letdown Team
The Carolina Panthers last year, led by league MVP Cam Newton, made it to the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. They were embarrassed as Denver's amazing defense absolutely dominated the Panthers. Many people also questioned Cam Newton because they believed he didn't hustle enough. Fast forward to now, the Panthers are currently 1-2 with losses to Denver on opening night and a surprising loss to the Minnesota Vikings at home, while Minnesota was without quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, and star running back, Adrian Peterson. So far this season, the Panthers are having trouble protecting Cam Newton, as he is getting hit at a very high rate. With a 1-2 record already having more losses than they have last season people are wondering if Josh Norman was really a big piece to this Panthers franchise. The Panthers are just going through a rough patch and I expect them to be the one of the league's best teams very soon.
NFL's Surprise Team
The Philadelphia Eagles were struggling last year as they went 7-9 and fired Chip Kelly as head coach and traded away Sam Bradford to the Vikings. They also hired Doug Pederson as the new head coach. Before the NFL draft, the Eagles made a trade with the Browns to get them the number two pick, which ended up being Carson Wentz out of North Dakota State University. To the league's surprise, the Eagle's started out 3-0, with excellent play from their rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, and great play from their defense. They got their first two wins from the Browns and Bears, but the win that really impressed the league was the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many people were expecting the Steelers to destroy the Eagles, including me. The Eagles beat the Steelers convincingly 34-3 as they shut down one of the league's best quarterback and wide receiver duo in, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown. All game, the defense kept the pressure on Big Ben while Carson Wentz led the offense. I predict that the Eagles will win their division this year. With the way they are playing this prediction is coming true.
Coach of the Year
I admit this one might be a little biased, but who else deserves this award right now other than Bill Belichick? This man help lead the Patriots to a 3-0 record without future hall of famer, Tom Brady. Two of their three wins came against two of the best defenses in the league: the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. Their first win of the season came against the Cardinals, who went to the NFC championship last year. The Patriots got the win without Tom Brady, Rob Ninkovich, and star tight end Rob Gronkowski. The third win came against the Texans, which the Patriots had a third string rookie quarterback playing against J.J Watt and the rest of the Texans defense. Many people expected the Patriots to struggle without Tom Brady, but the Patriots are proving haters wrong by winning their first three games. This alone should get Bill the coach of the year award but it is only the first three games of the season. If the Patriots continue this level of play, there will be no doubt that Bill Belichick will be coach of the year when Tom Brady comes back in week five.
Defensive Player of the Year
There is a a good reason why I have Von Miller and last year's defensive player of the year, J.J Watt, in one picture. During the Super Bowl last year, Von Miller dominated the Panthers as he won Super Bowl MVP. That same season, J.J Watt won defensive MVP. Either one of these two can win defensive MVP, but with J.J Watt's current injury, Von Miller will have more of a opportunity to prove himself more than J.J Watt. These players both lead their respective defenses, but with Watt's injury, I feel like the award momentum shifted more towards Von Miller.
Rookie of the Year
The Philadelphia Eagles are currently 3-0 and shocking the NFL while doing so. One of the reasons why they are undefeated is sensational play from their rookie quarterback: Carson Wentz out of North Dakota State University. The Eagles acquired the number two pick in last year's draft from the Browns and the Eagles used it to select Carson Wentz. So far, the two rookies that are impressing the NFL are the two rookie quarterbacks in the NFC East. Dak Prescott out of Mississippi State University, that plays for the Dallas Cowboys, and Carson Wentz for the Eagles. Both quarterbacks have played great while leading their teams to winning records so far. I have Carson Wentz winning rookie of the year because when Tony Romo is finally healthy, the Cowboys will play Romo and bench Prescott.
NFL Playoffs
This year's Super Bowl will be held in Houston, Texas. Six teams from each conference will make the playoffs. Four division winners and then the next two best records will make the playoffs. From the AFC, I have the New England Patriots winning the AFC East, as they almost always do, the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West, the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the AFC North, and the Houston Texans to win the AFC South. I have the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs to make the Playoffs along with the division winners. In the NFC, I have the Philadelphia Eagles winning the NFC East, the Seattle Seahawks to win the NFC West, the Minnesota Vikings to win the NFC North, and the Carolina Panthers to win the NFC South. I have the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons joining the division winners in the playoffs. My prediction is that the Patriots and Broncos will meet in the AFC championship and the Panthers will face the Seahawks in the NFC championship. In the Super Bowl, I got the Patriots beating the Panthers, with Tom Brady winning Super Bowl MVP.
There are my NFL predictions for this season. I want to wish all the NFL teams and fans good luck on the season and good luck to all the fantasy football players, also. Looking forward to a great season full of excitement and drama!
