Ht's 2019 NFL Season Preview/Predictions: NFC Conference
Hello again ladies and gentlemen we are ever getting closer to a brand new season of NFL football. This year I'm gonna do this solo since Randomator has already did his, and therefore collaborations of this is not needed, but you can still hear my thoughts on how I survey the turnout the season could become it may not be entirely accurate we could laugh at em by the time its over, but we can at least have a say in beliefs right? Sit back, and relax, and listen up welcome arguably the most exhilarating sport in all of america today.Keys*
Backup - (b)
Boxed - Weaknesses in placed
Parenthesis - Position with a Make or break scenario
‘’And he’ll go All the WAY!’’
NFC Conference
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NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Dak Prescott
|RB - Ezekiel Elliott, (b) Tony Pollard, Mike Weber|
WR’s - Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb, Michael Gallup
(TE) - Jason Witten
LT - Tyron Smith
(LG) - Connor Williams
C - Travis Frederick
RG - Zack Martin
(RT) - La'el Collins
DE’s - DeMarcus Lawrence, Robert Quinn (b) Taco Charlton
DT’S - Maliek Collins, Antwaun Woods
OLB’s - Leighton Vander Esch, Sean Lee
MLB - Jaylon Smith
CB 1 - Chido Awuzie (b) Anthony Brown
CB 2 - Byron Jones (b) Jourdan Lewis
FS - Xavier Woods
SS - Jeff Heath
K - Brett Maher
P - Chris Jones
PR/KR - Tavon Austin
Last year the Cowboys surprised me in a good way. This season they can at least go as far as the playoffs but varying the position in the postseason. The Fact they swept the Eagles is very impressive. By the statistics they have one of the more harder schedules I don’t know if I agree with the statistics considering they have probably the most balanced trench aside from maybe Bears and if you have a great trench sometimes that gets you as far as the Superbowl. The one glaring question mark will be is Zeke going to be playing with Dallas in 2019? I don’t like this narrative that players who want the big time money sit out a season this is what happened to the Steelers they just missed the playoffs. Cowboys could be either a boom or bust team based off of the fact they are a must win team with what they have in front of them. I mean there’s a couple of games there gonna need zeke to carry them like Philly (twice), or Chicago, New Orleans, or New England if they want any chance to beat those teams. I mean I could see them win the division or just lose it back to the Eagles. They have the talent to make things possible, but with all the noise surrounding the tension between Jerry Jones and Ezekiel Elliott playing a factor into this season it looks the dark horse could be in big trouble without him seeing he is almost your entire offense. What’s worse is Dak Prescott is asking for elite money and if anything pay some of your defensive players (like Byron Jones) if your not willing to pay your top guys on offense.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Great trench built, a defense with great potential to dominate. It comes to the plays made on the offense, and will Ezekiel Elliott be with them will be the biggest key storyline for the Cowboys.
Ceilings:
- Highest 15-1
- Realistically {11-5}
- Lowest 8-8
New York Giants
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Eli Manning (b) Daniel Jones
RB - Saqoun Barkley
_________________________________________________________
|WR’s - Golden Tate, Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer, (b) Ruseell Shepard |
|_________________________________________________________|
TE - Evan Engram
LT - Nate Solder
LG - Will Hernandez
(C) - Jon Halapio
RG - Kevin Zitler
RT - Mike Remmers
DE’s - B.J. Hill, Dalvin Tomlinson
DT’S - Dexter Lawrence
OLB’s - Alec Ogletree, Lorenzo Carter, B.J. Goodson, Kareem martin
CB 1 - Janoris Jenkins
(CB 2) - Deandre Baker (b) Sam Beal
(FS) - Antoine Bethea
SS - Jabrill Peppers
K - Aldrick Rosas
P - Riley Dixon
PR/KR - Jabrill Peppers
I mean what the Giants did this off-season has angered their fanbase by giving away all the good pieces they have to other teams. You went from having a rising receiving core, to having downgraded #1 receiver I find. Daniel Jones may look good for now, but its pre-season, and that can look deceiving pretty fast knowing that Eli is probably gonna play all 16 games which is why I don’t the Giants doing hardly much in 2019. I do think they got better at offensive line at least of the only positive things I have to say is bask in the glory of your running back because that’s the only thing that’s gonna keep you away from having zero wins his talent is toxic thus why Barkley is the top choice for fantasy football understably so his there main weapon going in. The defense does have potential to get better the next few seasons, but there still young enough where the inexperience will show this season, and ultimately lead them to fewer wins.
Strengths and Weaknesses: You got a much better Offensive line than what you had the last few years. Running game is simply generational. A very downgraded receiving core, an inexperienced defensive secondary, and a quarterback controversy unfolds as the big storyline.
Ceilings:
- Highest {4-12}
- Realistically 3-13
- Lowest 1-15
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected Lineup:
QB - Carson Wentz
(RB’s) - Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, (b) Corey Clement, Darran Sproles
WR’s - Alshon Jeffrey, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor
TE - Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert
(LT) - Jason Peters (b) Andre Dillard
LG - Isaac Seumalo
C - Jason kelce
RG - Brandon Brooks
RT - Lane Johnson
DE’s - Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, (b) Vinny Curry
DT’S - Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson
(OLB’s) - Nigel Bradham, Nathan Gerry
(MLB) - Zach Brown
|CB 1 - Ronald Darby |
|CB 2 - Jalen Mills |
FS - Malcolm Jenkins
SS - Rodney McLeod
K - Jake Elliott
P - Cameron Johnston
PR/KR - Corey Clement
Its funny a few years back I had said Eagles would not make it to the big time after the chip kelly debacle, but instead they made all the right moves in the while win a Superbowl good for them. Problem is Nick Foles won that super bowl with an amazing 3-4 defense. Carson Wentz has yet to play in the post-season and despite how good to great he has been he must stay healthy if Philly is gonna make another great run like they did in 2017. Well I was not a fan of what they did in the draft knowing that Miles Sanders has a ton of tail back to beat to get to the starting role, and Andre Dillard was taken because if Jason Peters ends up retiring maybe they could payoff if that goes their way otherwise it will be a pointless pick. I say that because they did not draft a single cornerback in this off-season that’s a major concern. There’s a couple of games here they could lose just based of the fact some teams have great passing games, and they could be overwhelmed by that. Yet with a revamped running game, and already very good passing game Philly should still retain being a good to great team, but having a glaring whole I just can’t get past to the point i’m not sure if they can win it all.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A very dynamic passing offense, great trenches. Little improvement at corner, and a questionable linebacking core with a massive tail by committee running offense.
Ceilings:
- Highest {10-6}
- Realistically 9-7
- Lowest 8-8
Washington Redskins
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Case Keenum (b) Dwayne Haskins
RB - Adrian Peterson, Darrius Guice
| WR’s - Josh Doctson, Terry McLaurin, Paul Richardson, (b) Kelvin Harmon|
TE - Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis
(LT) - Trent Williams?, (b) Donald Penn
(LG) - Ereck Flowers
C - Chase Roullier
RG - Brandon Scherff
RT - Morgan Moses
DE’s - Matt Ioannidis, (b) Caleb Brantley
DT’S - Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen
OLB’s - Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Jon Bostic, Shaun Dion Hamilton
CB 1 - Josh Norman
(CB 2) - Quinton Dunbar, (b) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
(FS) - Montae Nicholson, (b) Troy Apke
SS - Landon Collins
K - Dustin Hopkins
P - Tress Way
PR/KR - Trey Quinn
I really loved what the Redskins did in this draft. They looked like they were in primed position to still be a middle of the road team to a sneaky playoff team you can’t just take easily knowing they have built what looks like a very good 3-4 defense. The big question will big when Haskins takes the field will the team be tough to beat or will they be swallowed up. Well if he can make that very weak receiving core look a tiny it better your moving up a few steps. The one thing I look at that could be vulnerable to this offense is the absence of Trent Williams could have a major effect moving forward. Without him you could see a bottom 10 offense oddly enough I just have bad feelings right their hearing that Patriots wanted him, and now he not play in time for the season you made the more important wrong player angry now. Yeah I look at that left side of the line with great concern if I was to hand the football off that way to A.P. or Guice they would get no gains instantly. Secondary is not as strong as how they looked towards the end of the season in 2018. After losing what looked like a great tandem both guys went to different teams how a team can do that is unbelievable. So they had to overpay to get Collins to play, and have an unknown step on the other side. To me if the Redskins are gonna surprise people Dwayne Haskins must show his their guy of the future otherwise the whole quarterback controversy will carry on the next season. I liked what I saw all up until maybe three weeks back has me skewed away from them this season.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A very underrated 3-4 defense, potentially strong running game, and a solid offensive line. When will Dawyne Haskins hit the field? Receiving core is still on paper weak, and a very vulnerable secondary.
Ceilings:
- Highest 9-7
- Realistically 8-8
- Lowest {5-11}
Projected Standings
Dallas Cowboys (Y)
Philadelphia Eagles (X)
Washington Redskins
New York Giants
_
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Mitchell Trubisky
__________________________________________
|RB - Tarik Cohen, David Montgomery, (b) Mike Davis|
|__________________________________________|
WR’s - Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller, (b) Riley Ridley
TE - Trey Burton
LT - Charles Leno Jr.
LG - James Daniels
C - Cody Whitehair
(RG) - Kyle Long
RT - Bobby Massie
DE’s - Akiem Hicks, Jonathan Bullard
DT’S - Eddie Goldman
OLB’s - Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, Leonard Floyd, Danny Trevathan
CB 1 - Kyle Fuller
(CB 2) - Prince Amukamara, (b) Buster Skrine
FS - Eddie Jackson
(SS) - Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
(K) - Eddy Pineiro?, Chris Blewitt?, Elliott Fry?
P -Pat O'Donnell
PR/KR - Tarik Cohen
For Da Bears there’s two different ways of looking at this. They could be like last years Jaguars team and highly disappointing, or they could go out and be lights out world beaters after losing thanks to a kicking issue. They have great talent both if Chuck Pagano does not honor what Vic Fangio has done you could be staring at death row. Trubiksky must be consistently this season he has shown at times to really get on fire, but his gotta do that for all 16 games he has great player to throw to. A very underrated receiving core, and Trey Burton who could get more touches as well. He’ll need some help from his tail back though to get the pressure off of him as well. The offensive line looks good, but Kyle Long going down has me zeroed in as if could that happen again. If so that line could slowly bust up, and maybe just maybe that could be enough to really put a fork on Da Bears heavily favored odds on the NFC. I mean they enter the season statistically with the hardest schedule however they have the talent they could fight for all 16 games. If they do manage to get 8 or over wins that will show the toughness this team has towards the end of the stretch. If the offense becomes super dynamic even with a regressing defense expected, da bears will be unreal for years to come.
Strengths and Weaknesses: One of the best balanced rosters in the league. Facing regressing turnover differential with a new Defensive coordinator. A three headed tail back by committee, and can Trubisky make a name for himself in year three?
Ceilings:
- Highest 11-5
- Realistically 10-6
- Lowest 8-8
Detroit Lions
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Matthew Stafford
RB - Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson
WR’s - Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola
TE - Jessie James, T.J. Hockinson
LT - Taylor Decker
|LG - Graham Glasgow|
C - Frank Ragnow
|(RG) - Joe Dahl |
|(RT) - Rick Wagner|
DE’s - Trey Flowers, Romeo Okwara, (b) Mike Daniels (or vise versa)
DT’S - Damon Harrison, A’shawn Robinson
(OLB’s) - Devon Kennard, Christan Jones, Jarrad Davis, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, (b) Jahlani Tavai
CB 1 - Darius Slay
(CB 2) - Justin Coleman, (b) Amani Oruwariye
FS - Tracy Walker
SS - Quandre Diggs
K - Matt Prater
P - Sam martin
PR/KR - Jamal Agnew
The Detroit Lions are a tricky bunch this season. They would of been predictable until what I have seen from them recently in getting Mike Daniels that established they have a top 5 potential defensive line which means stopping the running game is all handled well and good. I look at the backend of this defense, and the offensive line to be the biggest keys for the Lions this season. In a very brutal schedule Detroit will have to pray something bad happens for their future opponents early on. If they go 0-5 kiss the playoffs goodbye because its gonna be hard to even comeback from losing five in a row early with what’s left even if you beat Green Bay. Those first two games need to be wins if Lions have any chance to shock people. Last year they to a then rookie Sam Darnold if history repeats itself with Kyler Murray that means the tone would be they fall to Dawyne Haskins, Drew Lock (maybe), and Daniel Jones (who I highly doubt takes the field this season). The game against the Chargers actually gives Detroit some life in this season with what is hitting them right now that’s a 50/50 shot of a possible win. I mean they could fair better in October, but by November you better bring the suck head up against difficult teams like Dallas, Chicago, and yes even Washington. This is a must do well or getting canned season for three people involved that’s what is at stake at least I can identify with what the Lions are trying to do in desperation knowing its all or nothing this season inn a hard division, and a very challenging schedule. I would like to see the roster do well, but at the same time I have had it with Matthew Stafford. Granted they must do heavy runs because I don’t want to see pick after pick after pick of Stafford being a loose cannon we need to be like all the other winning franchises right now they all have a young QB (Minus Chargers, Saints, Patriots) we need to hit the restart button enough with this stat padford crap i’m SICK OF IT!
Strengths and Weaknesses: They will commit on the running game more than ever, a top 5 defensive line, and less of RocketarmStafford. Offensive line is still not gonna be up to par, questionable linebacking core, and play use. Along with a secondary that isn’t nearly as strong as it once was.
Ceilings:
- Highest 8-8
- Realistically {7-9}
- Lowest 5-11
Green Bay Packers
Projected Lineup:
QB - Aaron Rodgers
RB - Aaron Jones
(WR’s) - DeVante Adams, Marquez Scantling-Valdes, Geronimo Allison
| TE - Jimmy Graham, Mercedes Lewis, (b) Jace Sternberger|
LT - David Bakhtiari
LG - Lane Taylor
(C) - Elgton Jenkins (b), Corey Linsley
RG - Billy Turner
RT - Ryan Bulaga
(DE’s) - Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster
DT - Kenny Clark
OLB’s - Blake Martinez, Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary
CB 1 - Jaire Alexander, (b) Josh Jackson
CB 2 - Kevin King, (b) Tramon Williams
FS - Adrian Amos
(SS) - Darnell Savage Jr.
(K) - Mason Crosby
P - JK Scott
PR/KR - Trevor Davis
Unlike the Lions, the Packers look to have a very good backend defense they have built this season despite my disliking of their draft method being defense once again I would have preferred offensive help for Rodgers. If I'm viewing my concern on one big area that isn’t exactly marked would be Green Bay’s trench isn’t very good i’m sorry its just not. Packers are gonna have issues stopping the run, and unless Elgton Jenkins does a good job at protection can Aaron Rodgers by just enough time to make plays happen? I also look at the limited weapons on offense for Rodgers sure I think Aaron Jones is gonna have a huge year with Matt LaFleur being the coach (who I strongly dislike the hiring). 29th in the passing game that would leave me thinking is Adams still gonna have a great year or not? Next who is gonna be that #2 guy to help in case he does fall on down. I just don’t like this idea with a heated exchange between a QB-Coach to this degree. If they actually win the division i’ll be utterly shocked because apparently everybody loves this bounce back more than anything me personally I see red flags here.
Strengths and Weaknesses: One of the best Quarterbacks in the game, one of the best middle assembled linebackers in all of football. A secondary that will look to get better and better. If coaching gets too hostile they could go bottom down possibly. They’ll have serious problems with stopping the run. Who will their #2 Wide Receiver if any step up on the field (not named Aaron Jones).
Ceilings:
- Highest 9-7
- Realistically {6-10}
- Lowest 5-11
Minnesota Vikings
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Kirk Cousins
(RB) - Dalvin Cook
WR’s - Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs
TE - Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr.
|LT - Riley Reiff |
|LG - Pat Elflein |
(C) - Garrett Bradbury
|RG - Josh Kline |
|RT - Rashod Hill |
DE’s - Everson Griffin, Danielle Hunter
DT’S - Linval Joseph, Shamar Stephen
OLB’s - Anthony Barr, Ben Gedeon
MLB - Eric Hendricks
(CB 1) - Xavier Rhodes
CB 2 - Trae Waynes, (b) Mike Hughes
FS - Harrison Smith
SS - Anthony Harris
K - Dan Bailey
P - Matt Wile
(PR/KR) - Ameer Abdullah
There comes a time when a team is on the verge of just slowly falling apart and the Vikings are a very difficult team to evaluate if this is the season that it could happen to them. After making a change at offensive coordinator almost midseason Adam Thielen hardly got any touches on the offense. The running game did get better towards the 2nd half, but with one of the worst lines in football its hard to even trust Dalvin Cook after major regression even after being hurt in his rookie year. With a two tight end set Vikings will need those extra blockers knowing how bad their offensive line is. Irv Smith Jr. could be a sneaky target who could get a ton of catches. Defense took a regression for the worst in all the weirdness that occurred. Minnesota must turn back the clock to a top 10 defense because if Kirk Cousins can’t carry an already vulnerable offense in protection you at least need to make up for a defense that was once great a few seasons back. Oddly enough I have gone back and forth with the Vikings considering the factors that are presented I would not mind if they go out and prove it, but if I'm being very picturing how this could all turn out I look at 4 of the 6 games early being must wins to keep pace. To me their a middle of the road team that unless they prove m wrong this season needs better protection ultimately if there gonna contend continually especially in a dogfight of a season in the NFC North.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Talented weapons around Cousins, If the defense bounces back big than playoffs can be possible all around. Offensive line is absolutely atrocious, can Dalvin Cook turn his career around? With another new offensive coordinator will the passing game be better or worse?
Ceilings:
- Highest 10-6
- Realistically {8-8}
- Lowest 6-10
Projected Standings
Chicago Bears (Y)
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
_
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Projected Lineup:
QB - Matt Ryan
(RB) - Devonta Freeman
WR’s - Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu
TE - Austin Hooper
LT - Jake Matthews
LG - James Carpenter
C - Alex Mack
(RG) - Chris Lindstrom
(RT) - Kaleb McGary, (b) Ty Sambrailo
DE’s - Vic Beasley Jr., Takkarist McKinley, (b) Adrian Clayborn
DT’S - Grady Jarrett, Tyeler Davison
|OLB’s - Duke Riley, De'Vondre Campbell |
MLB - Deion Jones
CB 1 - Isaiah Oliver
CB 2 - Desmond Trufant
(FS) - Ricardo Allen (b) Damontae Kazee
SS - Keanu Neal
(K) - Giorgio Tavecchio
P - Matt Bosher
PR/KR - Kenjon Barner
While I do think 28-3 may just haunt this franchise you can’t deny they do have talent though. Matt Ryan had to step up with nothing really left in the teams tank. After getting banged up at defense the team also lost its running back. Like Chicago though Falcons could have a kicking issue and that something you just don’t want occuring year after year like let’s say your rival the bucs have still not solved. I look at the right side of the offensive line as could create problems creating space for the offense if the two rookies blunder out as high as they were taken. I say this exactly due to the fact that exact obstacle could meet against Carolina, New Orleans, Minnesota, Seattle, LA Rams, Philadelphia, and yes Jacksonville. These are very good defensive line your going up against and if these two rookies falter in those games badly you could see disaster written all over it and a head coach who could be fired because of it.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Elite receiving core, a Defensive line that’s really getting better, and a secondary that gets back Keanu Neal will help big time. Will the running game improve? Can the right side of the offensive line hold up with two rookies?
Ceilings:
- Highest {9-7}
- Realistically 8-8
- Lowest 7-9
Carolina Panthers
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Cam Newton (b) Will Grier
RB - Christian McCaffrey
WR’s - D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, Chirs Hogan, Torrey Smith
(TE) - Greg Olsen
LT - Greg Little
(LG) - Greg Van Roten
C - Matt Paradis
RG - Trai Turner
(RT) - Daryl Williams
DE’s - Mario Addison, Brian Burns, (b) Bruce Irvin
DT’S - Kawann Short, Gerald McCoy
OLB’s - Shaq Thompson, Andre Smith
MLB - Luke Kuechly
CB 1 - Donte Jackson
(CB 2) - James Bradburry
FS - Eric Reid
|SS - Rashaan Gaulden, (B) Colin Jones |
K - Graham Gano
P - Michael Palardy
PR/KR - Curtis Samuel
While I do like what they did in the draft in a way. I still felt that Carolina still didn’t care that much on Newton’s health so they took Will Grier (despite what Kyle Allen could show off towards the end of last season). I don’t dig this Carolina team just by the fact that Newton has a weird throwing on a shoulder that needed much repair. Majority of his weapons i’m not liking all that much either. There either around average or just almost down like Greg Olsen. Longtime Linebacker Thomas Davis leave the team for the Chargers you have a little weakness in the middle what will that do for opposing passing offenses? There’s a good chance the defensive passing game of Carolina could get torched in the secondary as well which could smells huge trouble seeing Ron Rivera is a dead man after the 2nd half disaster that is well documented by now. You could see a brutal turn for the worst with Carolina, and it could result in either 3rd or dead last if Bruce Arians’s guys to show a sign of improvement.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Elite running game, good defensive line. Can Cam Newton still throw efficiently? How much more does Greg Olsen have left in him? Defense is a bit busted up front and in the backfield.
Ceilings:
- Highest 6-10
- Realistically {5-11}
- Lowest 4-12
New Orleans Saints
Projected Lineup:
QB - Drew Brees
RB - Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray
(WR’s) - Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Tre’Quan Smith
(TE) - Jared Cook
LT - Terron Armstead
LG - Andrus Peat
(C) - Erik McCoy
RG - Larry Warford
RT - Ryan Ramczyk
DE’s - Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport
DT’s - Sheldon Rankins, Malcolm Brown
OLB’s - Demario Davis, AJ Klein
|(MLB) - Alex Anzalone |
CB 1 - Marshon Lattimore
(CB 2) - Eli Apple
FS - Marcus Williams
SS - Vonn Bell
K - Wil Lutz
P - Thomas Morstead
PR/KR - Marcus Sherels (b) Ted Ginn Jr.
All they had to do was call it pass interference Saints would of went to the super bowl. Instead the next season the rule will now be in effect which might be a bit screwy (like every season has been). There’s not too many weaknesses with New Orleans honestly. There is question could this be the year drew Brees regresses. Even if he does he has his superstar tail back Alvin Kamara by his side, and I like the addition of Latavius Murray whose a very bruising underrated tail back. Their 1st half starts off pretty heavy, but gets easier towards the end of the schedule should still be enough to run away with this division too much talent not to. To me this is Saints revenge tour after getting screwed royally as we did with what went down last super bowl could be avenged perhaps.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Elite offensive line, The most dynamic triplet in the NFL, Defensive line is solid and stacked. Can Eric McCoy keep Brees healthy? Can the back half of the Saints defense be above average in 2019?
Ceilings:
- Highest 14-2
- Realistically {12-4}
- Lowest 10-6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Jameis Winston
| RB - Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones |
WR’s - Mike Evans, Chirs Godwin
TE’s - O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate
LT - Donovan Smith
LG - Ali Marpet
C - Ryan Jepsen
RG - Alex Cappa
RT - Demar Doctson
DE’s - Jason Pierre-Paul, William Gholston
DT’S - Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea
OLB’s - Lavonte David, Devin White, Carl Nassib, Shaquil Barrett
(CB 1) - Carlton Davis, (b) Jamel Dean
(CB 2) - Vernon Hargreaves
(FS) - Justin Evans
(SS) - Jordan Whitehead
(K) - Cairo Santos
P - Bradley Pinion
PR/KR - Dare Ogunbowale
I do not expect the Bucs to go in the playoffs at all other than how will that defense improve will be the biggest question. I still see the secondary as atrocious like the last two seasons. You got a pretty unique up front defense that could give teams headaches. Tampa Bay has always had a kicking problem for a longtime when can they get a true long consistent kicker with great accuracy? You have probably the worst running game in the league. Tampa Bay needs to restart at the two most important positions in football quarterback and running back, you need some new names to take the next step forward. Carolina is falling, and Atlanta is kinda neutral ground Tampa Bay is your turn to turn things around for the next decade.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Good weapons to throw to, defensive line with potential, a linebacking core also with serious potential. Weak running game, a hard to trust quarterback, and a secondary that look unconvincing if that backfield will improve.
Ceilings:
- Highest {6-10}
- Realistically 4-12
- Lowest 3-13
Projected Standings
New Orleans Saints (Z)
Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers
_
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Projected Lineup:
(QB) - Kyler Murray
RB - David Johnson
WR’s - Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler
TE - Charles Clay, Rick Seals-Jones
(LT) - D.J. Humpries
(LG) - J.R. Sweezy
C - Mason Cole
RG - Justin Pugh
(RT) - Marcus Gilbert
|DE’s - Zach Allen, Rodney Gunter |
|DT - Corey Peters|
OLB’s - Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, Jordan Hicks, Hasson Reddick, (b) Brooks Reed
(CB 1) - Patrick Peterson
CB 2 - Robert Alford
FS - D.J. Swearinger, (b) Deionte Thompson
SS - Budda Baker
K - Zane Gonzalez
P - Andy Lee
PR/KR - Christian Kirk
Oh hey Phoenix Cardinals how you doing? After bombing out to get Kyler Murray. Arizona needed to gear up and change the entire roster from how atrocious the coaching staff was, and frankly why Steve kielm is not gone either is confusing since he hired Steve Wilks who clearly was not meant to be a head coach. Frankly what makes Kliff Kingsbury any better? Kingsbury wants his air raid offense, and how unknown the offense is gonna be it has potential for the future, but right now there’s no way I can trust that awful offensive line which is why I believe Kyler Murray will struggle immediately. Defense has gotten better i’d say expect up front looks valuable against the run. Arizona has one of the worst trench combination in the league, and who does this remind you of the Jaguars a few seasons back. Shiny weapons, never built a proper trench not until recently. Don’t drink the kool aid I'd approach the Cardinals with an open mind.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Glimpse of the air raid offense to come, a Very improved defense in the middle, a solid secondary. Will Kyler Murray withstand being upright, can the offensive line do any better? They have one of the worst trench combinations in football.
Ceilings:
- Highest {4-12}
- Realistically 3-13
- Lowest 2-14
Los Angeles Rams
Projected Lineup:
QB - Jared Goff
(RB) - Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown
WR’s - Brandon Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp
TE - Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett
LT - Andrew Witworth
(LG) - Joseph Noteboom
C - Brian Allen
RG - Austin Blythe
RT - Rob Havenstein
(DE’s) - Michael Brockers, Greg Gaines
DT - Aaron Donald
OLB’s - Clay Matthews, Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler Jr., Micah Kisner
CB 1 - Aqib Talib
(CB 2) - Marcus Peters
FS - Eric Weddle, (b) Taylor Rapp
|(SS) - John Johnson II |
K - Greg Zuerlin
P - Johnny Hekker
PR/KR - JoJo Natson
Well I predicted the Rams would make the super bowl, but not in the way this happened. This season super bowl hangover has taken down most teams (minus Patriots). Its hard to repeat the same success like they had last year. If the team does make it back to the playoffs they must improve the secondary that was stunningly terrible. Guard play might be a bit down due to losing Staffold to the Titans. Biggest question mark however is how will they manage Todd Gurley? The passing game should still be exceptional, but the running game if it gets bad Rams could be in serious trouble if they become one dimensional.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Good receiving core, good linebacking core. Super bowl hangover, can Aaron Donald be just as dominant without Suh? Can the Rams running game still be good with question of Todd Gurley’s legs?
Ceilings:
- Highest 10-6
- Realistically {9-7}
- Lowest 8-8
San Francisco 49ers
Projected Lineup:
QB - Jimmy Garoppolo
RB - Jerick McKinnion, Tevin Coleman, Matt Brieda
WR’s - Deebo Samuel, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, (b) Jalen hurd
TE- Greg Kittle
LT - Joe Stanley
|(LG) - Laken Tomlinson |
C - Weston Richburg
|(RG) - Mike Person, Joshua Garnett|
RT - Mike McGlinchey
DE’s - Nick Bosa, Dee Ford
DT’S - DeForest Buckner, D.J. Jones, (b) Arik Armstead
OLB’s - Kwon Alexander, Malcolm Smith
MLB - Fred Warner
(CB 1) - Ahkello Witherspoon, (b) Jason Verrett
(CB 2) - Richard Sherman
FS - Jimmie Ward
(SS) - Jaquiski Tartt
K - Robbie Gould
P - Mitch Wishnowsky
PR/KR - Richie James
Now yes Jimmy G has looked terrible in the pre season I am aware of that, but i’m not gonna let that phase me because I believe he will be the reason to carry the 49ers this season. I’ll always bring well Watson had a terrible pre-season his first year so how did that go he became a star in the regular season. As the apprentice of being the bench as Tom Brady’s backup Jimmy G has a very deep roster of weapons to go to. If he somehow does terrible this season well he loses his coach no excuses if his healthy for all 16 games. I deeply believe if this team stays healthy enough they could be sneaky good. My main vulnerability lies between the worst guard play, and a mediocre secondary. Nick Bosa is also gonna be a big key to 2019 if his on the field he’ll be a huge impact. I’m one of the few that I love more than others just based off of the high potential that could be on offense more than defense.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A very deep loaded offense, they have major bounce back material, If Nick Bosa is healthy scrap you could see some improvement on this defense that’s been mediocre the last four seasons. Secondary still looks bad, the worst set of Guards possible.
Ceilings:
- Highest {9-7}
- Realistically 8-8
- Lowest 5-11 (if everybody is hurt again)
Seattle Seahawks
Projected Lineup:
QB - Russell Wilson
RB - Chris Carson, Rashard Penny
(WR’s) - Tyler Lockett, David Moore, D.K. Metcalf
TE - Ed Dickson, (b) Nick Vannett, Will Dissly
LT - Duane Brown
(LG) - Mike Iupati
| C - Justin Britt |
| RG - D.J. Fluker |
| RT - Germain Ifedi |
(DE’s) - Ezekiel Ansah, L.J. Collier
DT’S - Jarran Reed, Al Woods
OLB’s - K.J. Wright, Mychal Kendricks
MLB - Bobby Wagner
(CB 1) - Tre Flowers
CB 2 - Shaquill Griffin
(FS) - Tedric Thompson
SS - Bradley McDougald
K - Jason Meyers
P - Michael Dickson
PR/KR - Tyler Lockett
Seattle has always made the playoffs since Russell Wilson was the quarterback. This season that streak dies. Wilson would have to have a pin pointy like season where he doesn’t miss a pass and his receivers somehow go from unknown to good in one season which is difficult to do. I could see them struggle early on without Jarran Reed, and now Ezekiel Ansah has a ‘’crotch injury’’ which means he’ll be out you got a defensive front plagued by mysterious occurrences. The only thing on defense I have no issues with is in the middle looks solid, but the secondary I still don’t trust. An offensive line while last season played at above average I still don’t like what I see aside from the left side being upgraded better. If there’s a year to say Seattle won’t make it this would be that time knowing how stacked the NFC is in comparison to the AFC.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strong running game, Deep Tight End core, retained linebacking core. The high pay for Russell Wilson could mean miss playoffs? Can the defensive line step up early? Right sided offensive line could be a struggle for all 16 games.
Ceilings:
- Highest {7-9}
- Realistically 6-10
- Lowest 5-11
Projected Standings
Los Angeles Rams (Y)
San Francisco 49ers (X)
Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals
_
Playoff Picture
I.) New Orleans Saints
II.) Dallas Cowboys
III.) Chicago Bears
IV.) Los Angeles Rams
V.) Philadelphia Eagles
VI.) San Francisco 49ers
NFC Champion: New Orleans Saints
Comments
I strongly disagree with the Lions ceiling at 11-5 and the Packers at 8-8. The rest is fine. - PackFan2005
Bears are actually 11-5, Lions I have at 7-9. - visitor
Oops, guess I misread it a bit. - PackFan2005
Good I think the Falcons actually have a shot on the playoffs and the Vikings they will make it if they beat the mediocre teams on there schedule ( in case if you haven’t figured out I don’t think they will) and the Seahawk streak came to a end in 2017 but yeah they won’t make the playoffs - RawIsgore