2019 NFL Predictions

Another NFL Season is close to getting underway! Will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick win their seventh Super Bowl together and repeat as champions or will someone else take home the Lombardi Trophy? Here are my predictions for the 2019 NFL Season.

- AFC East
1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. New York Jets (7-9)
3. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
4. Miami Dolphins (4-12)

The reigning champion New England Patriots are my pick to win the division as long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are around. Their offense should be better with Sonny Michel in his second season and James White and James Develin are also running back options. Josh Gordon being reinstated by the league is big for this team and you also have Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, and DeMaryus Thomas as receiver options. Ben Watson replaces Rob Gronkowski at tight end. The offensive line is very good keeping Brady upright at his age led by Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney, Isaiah Wynn, Marcus Cannon, and Ted Karras. Their pass rush will be better with the acquisition of Michael Bennett and Dont'a Hightower still playing at a high level. The secondary is still solid led by Jason and Devin McCourty and Stephon Gilmore. The New York Jets are an improved football team, but the projected record may not indicate it that much as their schedule is very tough. Many expect Sam Darnold to be the breakout quarterback of the season, but I'm not convinced he has the right pieces around him on offense other than Le'Veon Bell. Robby Anderson is someone who tends to make plays, but he's not an elite receiver. Quincy Enuwa and Jamison Crowder have shown flashes, but I don't love them either. The offensive line is improved with the acquisitions of Kelechi Osemele and Kelvin Beachum. Their pass rush will be better with first round pick Quinnen Williams manning the middle with Leonard Williams and new addition CJ Mosley. Their secondary is solid with Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, but Trumaine Johnson must be better than he was last season. The Buffalo Bills will also be improved, but they have a tough schedule ahead of them too. Josh Allen is a quarterback people expect to break out too. Devin Singletary is a promising rookie at running back to go with veteran Frank Gore. The receiving core isn't great though with guys like Cole Beasley and John Brown and tight end free agent pickup Tyler Kroft. The offensive line is improved with center Mitch Morse coming over from the Chiefs. The pass rush is improved too with first round pick Ed Oliver to go with Jared Hughes and Tremaine Edmunds. The secondary is also improved with free agent pickup Micah Hyde to go with Tre'Davious White. The Miami Dolphins are the worst team in football at the moment as many folks think they'll tank for Alabama stud quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Ryan Fitzpatrick won the starting quarterback job over trade acquisition Josh Rosen and they should give Rosen some playing time. They have a good running back duo in Kalen Ballage and Kenyon Drake. The receiving core consists of De'Vante Parker, Albert Wilson, and Allen Hurns. Tight end Mike Gesicki is a popular breakout pick. The offensive line is obviously worse now with Laremy Tunsil dealt to Houston and they got Julie'n Davenport apart of the Tunsil deal. The pass rush isn't great outside of rookie Christian Wilkins. The secondary has a few pro bowlers in Reshad Jones and Xavien Howard.

- AFC North
1. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) (Wild Card)
3. Baltimore Ravens (7-9)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)

The Cleveland Browns are the flavor of the town in this division with some of the moves they made this offseason. Baker Mayfield is expected to be even better then he was in his rookie season. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (once he comes back from his suspension) is a great running back tandem. Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landy is an excellent receiving duo and David Njoku is a breakout candidate at tight end. The offensive line isn't bad led by Chris Hubbert and Joel Bitonio. Their pass rush is very good led by Myles Garrett and new acquisition Olivier Vernon. Their secondary is pretty good with Denzel Ward, Damarious Randall, Morgan Burnett, and rookie Greedy Williams. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team with a lot to prove after losing Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Ben Rothlisberger has a chip on his shoulders as he's nearing the end of his prime. James Conner showed that he's a starting running back in this league. Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster is already one of the best receivers in the league and guys like Donte Moncrief and James Washington aren't bad options either. Vance McDonald isn't bad at tight end either. The offensive line is among the best in the sport with Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey, and David DeCastro leading the way. Their pass rush is sneaky good with Cameron Hayward, TJ Watt, and Mark Barron. The secondary is the teams weakness and guys like Terrell Edmunds must improve. The Baltimore Ravens won the division a season ago, but they'll take a step back. Many people expect Lamar Jackson to make a leap, but I don't love the skill position guys around him. Mark Ingram is a solid pickup to take pressure off Jackson, but he's nearing the end of his prime. Willie Snead and Seth Roberts are supposed to be the starting receivers, but I think rookies Myles Boykin and Marquise Brown should see playing time too. Hayden Hurst should be starting at tight end but instead it's Nick Boyle. The offensive line needs guys like Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown to step up alongside Pro Bowler Marshal Yanda. The pass rush will miss Terrell Suggs and CJ Mosley, but Brandon Williams is still around. Their secondary is improved with free agent add Earl Thomas. The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly the worst team in this division. Andy Dalton is still around and I'm not convinced he's new coach Zac Taylor's guy going forward. Joe Mixon is a solid running back and he'll take pressure off Dalton. AJ Green will miss the first eight weeks with a foot injury. John Ross and Tyler Boyd will see most of the load as well as tight end Tyler Eifert. The offensive line was dealt a blow with Jonah Williams missing the season with a shoulder injury so they have to rely on guys like Cordy Glenn and John Miller. Their pass rush isn't terrible led by veterans Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins. Their secondary has talented players such as Dre Kirkpatrick, William Jackson, and Jessie Bates.

- AFC South
1. Houston Texans (10-6)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
3. Indianapolis Colts (6-10)
4. Tennessee Titans (5-11)

With the stunning retirement of Andrew Luck, this makes the Houston Texans favorites to repeat as division champions. DeShaun Watson is poised to jump another level as long as he stays healthy. Lamar Miller is out for the season with a torn ACL, so they traded for Carlos Hyde to replace him and Duke Johnson wasn't a bad pickup either. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best in the business and he and Will Fuller V is a good tandem. Jordan Aikens could be a breakout tight end. The offensive line is dramatically better with the acquisition of Laremy Tunsil from the Dolphins despite the heavy price they paid. Jadeveon Clowney meanwhile was traded away, but their pass rush is still solid with JJ Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Zach Cunningham, and Bernardrick McKinney. Their secondary remains somewhat weak, but it isn't terrible with guys like Tashaun Gipson, Jonathan Joseph, and Justin Reid. The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team that some think will win this division now with Luck retired. Nick Foles is an upgrade over Blake Bortles, but he has not proved to be good outside of Philadelphia. Leonard Fournette is awesome at running back when he's healthy. The receiving corps have some promise with Dede Westbrook, DJ Chark, and Marquise Lee. Geoff Swaim was a sneaky good pickup from Dallas at tight end. The offensive line is good led by Andrew Norwell, AJ Cann, and Brandon Linder. The pass rush is the teams strength led by Calais Campbell, Marcell Darius, Yannick Ngakoue, and Myles Jack. The secondary is also very good led by Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye. The Indianapolis Colts were dealt a death blow when Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired due to his injury concerns. Jacoby Brissett is now the new starting quarterback and he's not terrible. Marlon Mack has proved to be a solid starter in this league at running back. TY Hilton is an underrated receiver in this league and guys like Devin Funchess, Chester Rogers, and rookie Parris Campbell aren't bad options either. Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle is a solid tight end combination. The offensive line is among the best in the game with Anthony Castonzo, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith. The pass rush is improved with the addition of Justin Houston to go with stud linebacker Darius Leonard. The secondary isn't terrible with rookie Rock Ya-Sin to go with Malik Hooker. The Tennessee Titans are a team I expect to take a step back. Marcus Mariota is in a contract year and he has to perform. Derrick Henry is a popular breakout player in terms of running backs and Deon Lewis isn't a bad option either. Corey Davis is someone who hasn't lived up to potential yet and rookie AJ Brown I can see having a good season. Delanie Walker is back from injury and that should help them. The offensive line loses stud lineman Taylor Lewan the first four games due to suspension. Jack Conklin is someone who must improve for them. The pass rush has talent such as Jurrell Casey, Cameron Wake, Rashaan Evans, and Harold Landry. The secondary isn't that bad with guys like Kenny Vaccaro and Malcolm Butler.

- AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) (Wild Card)
3. Denver Broncos (7-9)
4. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to repeat as AFC West champions. Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes is the deserving favorite to repeat as MVP as well. Damien Williams showed promise last year replacing Kareem Hunt as the starting running back. Tyreek Hill avoided suspension for different reasons and he, Sammy Watkins, and Mecole Hardman is a solid receiving core and Travis Kelce is the leagues best tight end. The offensive line is solid with Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif leading the way. The pass rush loses Dee Ford and Justin Houston, but gains Frank Clark to go with Chris Jones. The secondary will be better with Tyrann Mathieu to go with Kendall Fuller. The Los Angeles Chargers made the postseason a year ago and I believe they'll get back there again. Phillip Rivers is still playing at a high level and he's in a contract year this year. Melvin Gordon is currently holding out so he'll miss the start of the season and Austin Eckler will take over as the starting running back. The receiving corps are excellent with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Travis Benjamin. You also have Hunter Henry back from injury at tight end. The offensive line is solid led by Mike Pouncey, Dan Feeney, and Sam Tevi. The pass rush is outstanding led by Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, and Denzel Perry. The secondary loses Derwin James the first half of the season with a fractured foot and guys like Casey Hayward and Desmond King need to step up. The Denver Broncos have a new head coach in Vic Fangio and look to surprise folks this season. Joe Flacco comes over from Baltimore to be their starting quarterback. Phillip Lindsay was outstanding as a rookie as their running back and he should be good again. Emmanuel Sanders is back after a torn achilles to go with Courtland Sutton in their receiving core. Jeff Heurman isn't a bad tight end, Noah Fant should start over him. The offensive line should be better with free agent signing Ja'Wuan James and rookie Dalton Kisner joining Garrett Boles and Ronald Leary. The pass rush is the teams strength led by Vonn Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Derek Wolfe. The secondary is improved with free agent pickups Bryce Callahan and Kareem Jackson joining Chris Harris. The Oakland Raiders are a team that's just a mess in terms of drama. Derek Carr is somebody that is being paid a lot of money to be the Raiders franchise quarterback, but he might be Jon Gruden's guy going forward. Josh Jacobs will be in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Antonio Brown comes over from Pittsburgh and his drama continues with frost bites on his feet and him not wanting a new helmet. Tyrell Williams was a good pickup from the Chargers and rookie Hunter Renfrow will help too. Darren Waller is supposed to start at tight end but it should be Foster Moreau. The offensive line isn't bad with Kolton Miller, Rodney Hudson, and free agent signing Trent Brown. The pass rush isn't good what so ever and rookie Clelin Ferrell was over drafted. Vontaze Burfict is another veteran that has a bad reputation. The secondary adds LaMarcus Joyner from the Rams to join Karl Joseph and Gareon Conley.

- NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) (Wild Card)
3. Washington Redskins (6-10)
4. New York Giants (5-11)

The Dallas Cowboys won this division a season ago and they are my pick to repeat. The newly paid Ezekiel Elliott is back and Dak Prescott wants to prove to Jerry Jones he deserves the money too. Amari Cooper wants to be paid too and the team also has Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb as receiving options. Jason Witten is back out of retirement and I believe he can still produce. The offensive line is one of the best in the sport led by Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and La'el Collins. The pass rush is much improved from years past with DeMarcus Lawrence, Jaylon Smith, and Leighton Vander Esch leading the way. The secondary isn't bad either with Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie. The Philadelphia Eagles are eighteen months removed from a Super Bowl victory, but if they are to get back there, Carson Wentz must stay healthy and produce. They still will do their running back by committee with Jordan Howard, rookie Miles Sanders, and Darren Sproles. DeSean Jackson is back with the team and he, Alshon Jeffery, and Nelson Agholor make a solid receiving core. Zach Ertz is arguably the NFC's best tight end. The offensive line is very good led by Lane Johnson, Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Brooks. Their pass rush is solid led by Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett, and Malik Jackson. The secondary isn't all that great with guys like Malcolm Jenkins and Ronald Darby. The Washington Redskins are a team that's in a transition. Case Keenum is their starting quarterback and it's a matter of when not if first rounder Dwayne Haskins eventually becomes their starter. Derrius Guice is back from a torn ACL and he'll have an impact and Adrian Peterson is still on the roster. The receiving core is among the worst in football with Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn, and rookies Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon. Jordan Reed is a solid tight end, but he's dealing with concussion issues and now you're looking at veteran Vernon Davis. Without Trent Williams due to his holdout, the offensive line is bad outside of Brandon Scherff. The pass rush is decent led by Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, and Ryan Kerrigan. The secondary should be better with free agent addition Landon Collins to go with Josh Norman. The New York Football Giants are a team that's rebuilding. Eli Manning is still their starting quarterback for now and it's possible this is his final season, but rookie Daniel Jones is bound to take over at some point during the season. Saquon Barkley is the best running back in football already in his second season and the offense will focus around him. Sterling Sheppard is somebody the Giants want to take another step forward after trading away Odell Beckham Jr and the team signed Golden Tate as a free agent and he's suspended the first four games due to taking a fertility drug. Evan Ingram is somebody that people like as a breakout candidate in terms of tight ends. The offensive line should be vastly improved with Kevin Zeitler coming over in the Beckham/Olivier Vernon trade and Nate Solder a prime candidate to have a bounce back season. The pass rush is not good at all with Vernon departing although the team drafted Dexter Lawrence in the first round to help their run defense. Alec Ogletree is still around and the rest of the linebackers are not good. The secondary has Janoris Jenkins, rookie DeAndre Baker, Jabrill Peppers, and not much else.

- NFC North
1. Chicago Bears (11-5)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) (Wild Card)
3. Green Bay Packers (7-9)
4. Detroit Lions (5-11)

This should be an interesting division race to watch, but my choice is the Chicago Bears to repeat as division champions. Improvement is expected from Mitch Trubisky in his third season under center. Rookie Mike Montgomery is somebody that will have a huge impact in this offense and Tarik Cohen is another solid back as well. Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Taylor Gabriel round out the receiving core. Trey Burton is a solid option at tight end. Their offensive line is underrated with the likes of Kyle Long, Charles Leno Jr, Cody Whitehair, and James Daniels. Their pass rush is among the best in the sport led by Khalil Mack, Akeim Hicks, and Eddie Goldman. The secondary is very good led by Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, and free agent pickup Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best rosters in the league and are certainly capable of winning this division. Kirk Cousins is someone famously known for not being able to perform well against quality teams, but he's not a bad quarterback. Dalvin Cook is poised to have a breakout season in the backfield. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs is the best receiving duo in the league and Kyle Rudolph is an underrated tight end. Their offensive line is improved with the drafting of Garrett Bradbury. Their front seven among the best in the league led by Emerson Griffin, Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, and Linval Joseph. The secondary is also very good led by Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, and Trae Waynes. The Green Bay Packers have a new head coach in Matt La Fleur and I'm interested to see what he brings to the table. Aaron Rodgers is still around and he's someone that wants to have a great season without injuries. Aaron Jones is slated to start at running back. DeVante Adams is an excellent receiver and Marquez Valdes-Scantling is someone that can have a breakout season. Jimmy Graham is a tight end that is passed his prime and Marcedes Lewis may see time this year too. The offensive line has some great players there such as David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga. The front seven loses Clay Matthews, but it gains Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith to go with Kenny Clark. The secondary adds former Bear Adrian Amos to go with Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, and rookie Darnell Savage Jr. The Detroit Lions are a team that I don't expect to be very good in Matt Patricia's second season. Matthew Stafford is still around and he always puts up solid stats. Kerryon Johnson is someone that showed flashes as a rookie last season at running back. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are your starting receivers. Rookie tight end TJ Hockenson is someone that can give this offense a different look. The offensive line isn't terrible with guys like Taylor Decker and Frank Regnow. The pass rush improves with the addition of Trey Flowers to go with Damon Harrison. The secondary is not very good although they do have Darius Slay.

- NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)

The New Orleans Saints are the team to beat in this division and I expect them to win it for the third straight season. Drew Brees is getting up there in age, but he's going to have a great year. Alvin Kamara is one of the best multi-purpose backs in the game. Michael Thomas is one of the best receivers in the league and Ted Ginn Jr and Keith Kirkwood will get some yards too. Jared Cook is a solid tight end. The offensive line is one of the best in the sport with Andrus Peat, Ryan Ramczyk, Larry Wofford, Terron Armstread, and rookie center Eric McCoy. The pass rush is solid led by Cameron Jordan, Sheldon Rankins, and Marcus Davenport. Their secondary is average with guys like Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple, and Marcus Williams. The Atlanta Falcons are a team thats had some bad injury luck the last two years and I think they are a team that can hang in the playoff race. Matt Ryan quietly had a fantastic season last season and he's poised for another big season with Dirk Koetter back as offensive coordinator. DeVonta Freeman is somebody thats awesome running the ball. They have a nice receiving trio with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu. Austin Hooper is a solid tight end as well. The offensive line is nothing to be super excited about, but Jake Matthews finally made a Pro Bowl last season and Alex Mack is a solid center. The pass rush is pretty solid with guys like Vic Beasley, Garrett Jardy, and Takkarist McKinley. The secondary is sneaky great when healthy with guys like Desmond Trufant, Keenu Neal, and Isaiah Oliver. The Carolina Panthers are a team that could surpass this projection if Cam Newton's shoulder is right and he looks healthy. Christian McCaffrey is poised for a monster season with his abilities with running the ball and catching it too. DJ Moore is a receiver that could have a breakout season and Chris Hogan was a solid pickup. Greg Olsen is someone that is a solid tight end, but he is nearing the end of his prime. The offensive line is not bad with guys like Trai Turner and Daryl Williams. The front seven is this teams strength led by Luke Keuchly, Gerald McCoy, and Kawann Short. The secondary is a weakness of this team and guys like Eric Reid and James Bradberry is apart of that. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that has a new coach in Bruce Arians, but I don't think this is a quick fix. Jameis Winston is somebody in a contract year and he needs to perform if the Bucs want to pay him. Ronald Jones II is someone that could break out at running back although Peyton Barber is their starter. Mike Evans is a great wideout and Chris Godwin had moments last year. OJ Howard is a prime breakout candidate at tight end and they also have Cameron Brate who they like. The offensive line is actually solid with guys like Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. The front seven is not good although they drafted Devin White this year and Vita Vea before last season. The secondary is just atrocious although Vernon Hargraves is a talented player.

- NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
2. Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
3. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-12)

The Los Angeles Rams is still the team to beat in this division and I expect them to win it for the third season in a row. Jared Goff is somebody that was just handsomely paid by the team and he's poised for a big season. Todd Gurley is someone folks are down on due to his past injuries, but when healthy he's a premiere running back in this league. Their loaded on receiver with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Brandin Cooks. Tyler Higbee is a solid tight end that doesn't get the attention in this offense. The offensive line is not bad with Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein. The front seven is sensational led by two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Clay Matthews joins this team after all those years with the Packers as he joins that front seven. The secondary is good led by Aqib Talib, Marucs Peters, and new addition Eric Weddle. The Seattle Seahawks are a team that made the postseason a season ago, but I see a step back. Russell Wilson won't take a step back because he's one of the best in the game at his position. Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson are the running back platoon. Tyler Lockett is a solid receiver and rookie DK Metcalf is starting as well. Nick Vannett will be starting at tight end. The offensive line outside of Duane Brown is just awful. The pass rush is improved with the trade acquisition of Jadeveon Clowney, although the loss of Frank Clark hurts. Bobby Wagner is still manning the linebacking core. The secondary is not great and they expect improvement from Tre Flowers and Shaq Griffin. The San Francisco 49ers are a team that people have high hopes for, but I still see flaws with this roster. Jimmy Garoppolo must have a big season and stay healthy and it's never easy to come off an ACL injury. Jerrick McKinnon is injured again so Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman will see running back reps. Dante Pettis had moments last season and rookies Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd will be relied on as well as veteran Marquise Goodwin. George Kittle had a breakout year at tight end a season ago and he should be better with Garoppolo back. The offensive line is solid with Joe Staley, Weston Richburg, and Mike McGlinchey. The pass rush adds Dee Ford to go with DeForrest Buckner. The secondary is the teams weakness and Richard Sherman is not the same guy he was in Seattle. The Arizona Cardinals are the worst team in the NFC and there are some major concerns for Kliff Kingsbury in his first season. Number one overall pick Kyler Murray should be exciting to watch though in his rookie season. David Johnson is somebody thats been injured over the last few seasons, but he's awesome when healthy. Christian Kirk is a good breakout candidate at receiver and veteran Larry Fitzgerald is still around. Veteran Charles Clay is starting at tight end. The offensive line is among the worst in the sport and guys like Justin Pugh, Marcus Gilbert, and DJ Humphries need to step up. The front seven has some players though such as Chandler Jones, Terrell Suggs, and Jordan Hicks. Patrick Peterson is missing the first half of the season with a six-game PED suspension so guys like Budda Baker and rookie Byron Murphy must step up in the secondary.

2019-20 NFL Playoffs
- AFC Wild Card
(6) Los Angeles Chargers vs (3) Cleveland Browns: This is a fun matchup with the quarterbacks in the veteran Phillip Rivers and second year Baker Mayfield and the crowd in Cleveland would be ruckus. The lack of playoff experience will ultimately doom the Browns here as Rivers, Keenan Allen, and that great defense with Derwin James back by then will get the win.
Prediction: Chargers

(5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs (4) Houston Texans: Ben Rothlisberger is somebody thats going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder all season long and I expect him, James Conner, and Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster to play great and the pass rush to get to the Texans offensive line a bit here. The Steel Show move on as Bill O'Brien may get a pink slip if he doesn't deliver.
Prediction: Steelers

- NFC Wild Card
(6) Minnesota Vikings vs (3) Chicago Bears: A division rivalry in the postseason should be very interesting. Kirk Cousins has a sour history in big spots and I don't see him getting the job here as the Bears pass rush is too much for the Vikes improved offensive line as Mitch Trubisky gets his first playoff win.
Prediction: Bears

(5) Philadelphia Eagles vs (4) Dallas Cowboys: Another fun divisional rivalry in the NFC Wild Card side as this game is the sexiest on the card. This would be the closest game of the four in this round and I'm going to roll with Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and that vastly underrated defense to get the job done to advance.
Prediction: Cowboys

- AFC Divisional Round
(6) Los Angeles Chargers vs (1) New England Patriots: A rematch of last year's Divisional Round game, but this game will be more competitive. The Chargers will be on full strength on offense and they can put points on the Pats, but Tom Brady and company will find away.
Prediction: Patriots

(5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs (2) Kansas City Chiefs: Get ready for an offensive explosion here! This was a Divisional  Round game three seasons ago in which the Steelers came out on top in a low scoring affair. This time around, give me the upset with Rothlisberger getting a monster road playoff game against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Prediction: Steelers

- NFC Divisional Round
(4) Dallas Cowboys vs (1) New Orleans Saints: These two teams met in the regular season last year and the Cowboys won a low scoring game. They play again this season in the regular season in New Orleans too and I don't think that will impact on what people will think in January. That said, Drew Brees is a man on a mission and I think he leads the Saints back to Conference Championship Sunday.
Prediction: Saints

(3) Chicago Bears vs (2) Los Angeles Rams: This screams low scoring and a lot of defensive stops. But when its all said and done, I believe a healthy Todd Gurley is the difference in this game as the Rams return to the NFC Championship game.
Prediction: Rams

- AFC Championship
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs (1) New England Patriots: A rematch of Week 1 and a rematch of the AFC Championship game from three seasons ago. This should be a fantastic game, but I don't doubt the Patriots against the Steelers in a big spot, especially at home as Brady and Bill Belichick go to their fourth Super Bowl in a row.
Prediction: Patriots

- NFC Championship
(2) Los Angeles Rams vs (1) New Orleans Saints: Here we are again with these two back in the NFC title game for the second consecutive season! We all know how this game ended and what should have happened. The Saints have revenge on their mind and I think they advance to their first Super Bowl in a decade.
Prediction: Saints

- Super Bowl LIV
(A1) New England Patriots vs (N1) New Orleans Saints: A matchup that FOX will love featuring two Hall of Fame bound quarterbacks in Brady and Brees and two Canton bound coaches in Sean Payton and Belichick. This matchup for me comes down to whether the Pats defense can stop Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara like they did with Todd Gurley and the Rams receivers in last year's game, but the Pats don't have Trey Flowers on their pass rush anymore and Thomas is better than any of the Rams receivers so give me the Saints to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

Prediction: Saints 27, Patriots 23.

Super Bowl MVP: Drew Brees