It’s hard enough to make predictions for every team before the season and then go into every game every week. It takes a bit of masochism to guess the players and coaches who will inherit the individual honors at the end of the season, but that’s my mission.
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As long as we remain open to criticism, we can make it clear right from the start that the success rate of this exercise over the past year has not been spectacular. Still, you were right in your prediction that the 49ers’ Nick Bosa would take home the title of Best Defensive Player and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner would take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year title.
Incidentally, there was a slight fog in the crystal ball, but be aware that this happens to the best.
At the very least, it’s safe to say the MVP will be a quarterback. When the last 11 winners and 15 of the last 16 have played in this position, there is no point in looking elsewhere.
The usual contenders will be in the running, namely Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Josh Allen (Bills), Joe Burrow (Bengals), Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and Jalen Hurts (Eagles).
To that list we have to add Trevor Lawrence with the Jaguars, who is in full swing and now has a real group of receivers.
My choice is Allen, who will undoubtedly be hyper-focused after the Bills’ bitter loss in the last series. Year after year we wish him to sacrifice his body less and stop doing everything on his own, but it’s still in his DNA. His passing and ground stats will stand him in good stead.
In defense and in attack
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett could easily be smiling this season. Getty Images via AFP
Since the title of Most Outstanding Defensive Player doesn’t necessarily go to a player whose team is screwing everything up, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will win voters with a 20-sack season.
Having racked up 16 sacks in each of his last two seasons, he will be teaming up with Za’Darius Smith, who will help him reach another stratosphere.
Of course, we shouldn’t spit on Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Nick Bosa (49ers), TJ Watt (Steelers) and Chris Jones (Chiefs) when the latter quickly returns to the game.
The Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson could also make a big jump in his second season.
Offensively, 49ers running back Christian McAffrey is so busy in every respect in a monster attack that he has to be considered a big favorite. If I choose to go another route, I’d bet on receiver Tyreek Hill flirting at the 2,000-yard mark for the Dolphins.
And the others
Running back Bijan Robinson will look to make a splash for the Falcons. Getty Images via AFP
We won’t dig too deep unnecessarily when it comes to recruits. Falcons reliever Bijan Robinson will accept the award. He has every chance of becoming the centerpiece of the attack. Another carrier, Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), is also being watched. In addition to the three quarterbacks Bryce Young (Panthers), CJ Stroud (Texans) and Anthony Richardson (Colts), Ravens receiver Zay Flowers will also be in the fight.
It gets tough on defense… Between Will Anderson Jr (Texans), Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks), Jalen Carter (Eagles), Tyree Wilson (Raiders) and Will McDonald IV (Jets) my heart beats. I’ll go with Anderson, who will be the heart of the Texas defense.
In the coaching department, Sean Payton will hit the jackpot with a triumphant return to the Broncos. My other top contenders are Dan Campbell (Lions), Robert Saleh (Jets), Arthur Smith (Falcons) and Frank Reich (Panthers), all riders trying to get their team back into the playoffs.
The final award, “Comeback of the Year,” almost de facto goes to Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
WEEK 1
THURSDAY
MY CHOICE
- Detroit in Kansas City chiefs
SUNDAY
MY DECISIONS
- Carolina in Atlanta (1 p.m.) FALCONS
- Houston at Baltimore (1 p.m.) RAVEN
- Cincinnati at Cleveland (1 p.m.) BENGAL
- Jacksonville at Indianapolis (1 p.m.) JAGUARS
- Tampa Bay, Minnesota (1:00 p.m.) VIKINGS
- Tennessee at New Orleans (1 p.m.) SAINTS
- San Francisco to Pittsburgh (1 p.m.) 49ERS
- Arizona at Washington (1 p.m.) COMMANDERS
- Green Bay to Chicago (4:25 p.m.) BEARS
- Las Vegas to Denver (4:25 p.m.) BRONCOS
- Miami at LA Chargers (4:25 p.m.) DOLPHINS
- Philadelphia in New England (4:25 p.m.) EAGLE
- LA Rams at Seattle (4:25 p.m.) SEAHAWKS
- Dallas at NY Giants (8:20 p.m.) COWBOYS
MONDAY
MY CHOICE
- Buffalo at NY Jets (8:15 p.m.) BILLS
LAST SEASON RESULTS: 183 out of 284 (64.4%)
RESULTS in 2021: 181 out of 285 (63.5%)
RESULTS IN 2020: 183 out of 269 (68%)
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THE CHOICES OF NEWSPAPER
Carolina Panthers (7-10) vs. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
INTO THE UNKNOWN
Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Getty Images via AFP
The Falcons start the season with Desmond Ridder, a quarterback who can surprise on the ground but has little experience as a starter. The Panthers are traveling there with Bryce Young in his first professional start. The Falcons are loaded with ammunition on offense but don’t have a quarterback prospect on defense to disrupt young Young. On the contrary: The Panthers rely on a solid defense, but lack explosiveness on offense. Especially since receiver DJ Chark will be missing and Adam Thielen is uncertain.
Houston Texans (3-13-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
NEW RAVENS
Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Getty Images via AFP
The Ravens play an ultra-physical style with a dominant ground game. This year they have a lot of receivers with Odell Beckham, Nelson Agholor and rookie Zay Flowers. Lamar Jackson remains a threat on the ground, but the aerial game could become the bread and butter of the offense. The Texans’ young defensive backs may have their hands full. And it’s not like the Texans are relying on an experienced offense. There will be progress, but not immediately.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) v. Cleveland Browns (7-10)
A TRAP DUEL
Joe Burrow often has problems with the Browns. Getty Images via AFP
Do you think we’ll get the strong Bengals against the poor Browns? Think again! Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow missed all of training camp again due to a leg injury and likely won’t be at 100 percent. He’s had all sorts of problems against the Browns in his career, with a record of 1-4. However, he has too many weapons for this twisted scenario to repeat itself. This will be a big test for the Bengals offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) v. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)
NO SIZE
Anthony Richardson will make his first start with the Colts. Getty Images via AFP
It’s not that the Jaguars are an unbeatable force, but several teams could look like bloodthirsty tyrants against the Colts this season. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will be dangerous with his legs, but his lack of accuracy will be noticeable in his first few games. At least in the first four games he will not be supported by supervisor Jonathan Taylor. Meanwhile, the Jags will score a ton of points this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) v. Minnesota Vikings (13-4)
BRADY POINT, SALVATION POINT
Baker Mayfield will play for a fourth team with the Buccaneers. Getty Images via AFP
Without Tom Brady, the season will be difficult for the Bucs. Baker Mayfield can provide interesting football, especially against the Vikings’ rebuilding defense, but his offensive line won’t do him any favors. The Vikings were the most entertaining team in the league last year with their ridiculous finishes. It takes more than just entertainment to get ahead. The air attack will set the tone, even against a good tertiary player.
Tennessee Titans (7-10) vs. New Orleans Saints (7-10)
NEW LIFE?
Derek Carr is trying to start a new life with the Saints. Getty Images via AFP
Derek Carr will make his Saints debut. He’ll face a defensive front capable of disrupting him, but the Titans’ secondary has question marks and the Saints’ receivers should have the upper hand. The Titans’ offensive line may be the worst in the league, but the Saints’ defensive front isn’t revolutionizing either. Although running back Alvin Kamara is out (suspension), the Saints can play with Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller.
San Francisco 49ers (13-4) v. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
BOSA ON POST
Nick Bosa is currently the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Getty Images via AFP
The 49ers’ most thorny problem in recent weeks has been solved. Demon quarterback chaser Nick Bosa is now the highest-paid defensive player in history, but he won’t be any less hungry. The Steelers have plenty of potential for surprises, as the tandem of TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith could disrupt the Niners’ offensive line, which has holes outside of Trent Williams. Except Brock Purdy will never lose a match, right?
Arizona Cardinals (4-13) vs. Washington Commanders (8-8-1)
A jump into a vacuum
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell will get a good chance in his second career start against the Cardinals. Getty Images via AFP
We’re really wondering where the Cardinals are going, but one thing’s for sure: They’re not flying high. It’s Joshua Dobbs, who was rushed-signed two weeks before the season, and will be the starting quarterback. In five years in the NFL, he only threw 85 passes. Defensively, the Cardinals will suffer degrading offense with a collection of players little known to their families. In this context, young Commanders quarterback Sam Howell inherits a great gift.
Green Bay Packers (8-9) v. Chicago Bears (3-14)
A FRESH WIND
Getty Images via AFP
Apologies again to Bears fans, but the reminder is necessary. The Bears have lost their last eight meetings against the Packers. And 23 of her last 26, if you want to be even crueler. Good, but the Packers offense will have a new face with Jordan Love and the Bears defense can surprise with good young players in the tertiary level. The offense also becomes more dynamic with the arrival of receiver DJ Moore to support Justin Fields. It’s time for the bears to end the torture.
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11) v. Denver Broncos (5-12)
VARIOUS QUESTIONS
After a disastrous first season in Denver, Russell Wilson needs to redeem himself. Getty Images via AFP
This is an exciting duel on several levels. Of course, we wonder if second-year Russell Wilson can resurface in Denver. We also wonder if Jimmy Garoppolo can revitalize the Raiders. How well will the Broncos’ heavily revamped offensive line fare against Maxx Crosby and newcomer Tyree Wilson? Did the Raiders do enough to help their disastrous secondary by signing Marcus Peters and Marcus Epps? We choose the Broncos, revitalized by Sean Payton.
Miami Dolphins (9-8) v. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
OFFENSIVE FESTIVAL
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle often flash together. Getty Images via AFP
There is every reason to believe that the two strikers could have a lot of fun in the potential airshow duel this weekend. The Chargers have an extensive arsenal of receivers in rookie Quentin Johnston, but the Dolphins have nothing to envy in this regard with the great duo of Hill and Waddle. The difference? Vic Fangio will turn the Dolphins defense into a dominant unit. From this week? Maybe not, but there will be steps in that direction.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) v. New England Patriots (8-9)
BELICHICK STATION
Bill Belichick hasn’t said his last word on the Patriots yet. Getty Images via AFP
Many believe the Eagles are too dominant for the Patriots, but it should be noted that quarterback Jalen Hurts will be making his first start against Bill Belichick. The Emperor will certainly have the gift of showing him plans and lists that he has never seen before. However, the Pats ran into big trouble last season when they gave up monsters on the floor to mobile pivots like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Justin Fields. The Eagles defensive line will dominate the Patriots line.
Los Angeles Rams (5-12) v. Seattle Seahawks (9-8)
Undetectable RAMS
Head coach Sean McVay needs to work some magic to revitalize the Rams. Getty Images via AFP
The Rams are clearly no longer the Super Bowl champions they were two years ago. The pay cut forced them to lay off their six defensive players, who played the most games last year. Worse, nine of the top 12 in this chapter are gone. Offensively, the line is still a big question mark and the only truly reliable receiver, Cooper Kupp, won’t be in uniform. Pearls will stand out, but it will take time to adjust.
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) v. New York Giants (9-7-1)
REPEATED SUCCESSES
CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys have had the Giants’ number a lot lately. AFP
The Cowboys are clearly no longer intimidated by the Giants with a four-game winning streak and an 11-for-12 streak. However, last season’s two wins were achieved by a respectable margin of seven and eight points. The Giants are well led by Brian Daboll, but lack the power of the Cowboys on both offense and defense. Dak Prescott should bounce back with a great receiver trio, something he lacked in 2022.
Buffalo Bills (13-3) v. New York Jets (7-10)
BIG MONDAY NIGHT!
This is Aaron Rodgers’ first start with the Jets. Getty Images via AFP
The Bills only suffered three losses last season, but the Jets gave them a lot of trouble, upsetting them in the first game before narrowly losing in the second game. In those two games, Josh Allen was limited to just one touchdown pass compared to two interceptions. The Jets defense will put a lot of pressure on him. With Aaron Rodgers on board, the Jets suddenly seem to have become analyst favorites. They have the opportunity to demonstrate their seriousness, but the bills are not dead.