The 2023 NFL season is on the horizon, promising a fresh chapter of heart-pounding moments, unexpected triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy. This past off-season was a drama filled summer, as always. The New York Jets are arguably under the most pressure to win this year. After 17 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Quarterback Aaron Rodgers left for New York City and the Jets. Can he help the Jets make the playoffs for the first time in twelve years?
NFL Season Predictions
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Prediction: Lamar Jackson, QB. - Baltimore Ravens (+1800)
Lamar Jackson has endured a few rough years ever since winning the 2019 NFL MVP Award. The Ravens have been bit by the injury bug year after year. This past off-season, Baltimore fired Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman after 3 years. The Ravens then hired University of Georgia Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, which I believe will be a great fit with Lamar and the new additions to the Ravens offense such as Odell Beckham Jr. With a healthy offense (and Lamar), the Ravens will be going places. The (+1800) is a wonderful value.
Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY)
Prediction: Ja'Marr Chase, WR. - Cincinnati Bengals (+1100)
Despite missing 6 games last season, Bengals standout WR Ja'Marr Chase still caught 87 balls for 1,046 yards and 9 TD's. Chase's physicality, size, route running, speed, hands, etc are a nightmare for opposing defenses. Once he has the ball in his hands, Chase's ability to rack up the yards after the catch is remarkable. His agility and vision enable him to break tackles, find running lanes, and turn short receptions into big gains. He can line up outside, in the slot, or even in motion, making him a threat from any and all angles. With a healthy Joe Burrow and an improved offensive line (Added Orlando Brown Jr), I expect at least a 15 TD season from Ja'Marr Chase. I wouldn't be surprised if he catches 20 Tuddies.
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
Prediction: Micah Parsons, LB/DE. - Dallas Cowboys (+450)
It's hard not to choose Micah Parsons for this award. Parsons has been the runner-up the past two years. Parsons has only been in the league for two years, which makes being the runner-up even more impressive. This is the year Parsons takes home that hardware. Parsons' can stand his ground with any offensive lineman in the league. His athletic attributes, versatile skills, football IQ are unmatched. He can play various linebacker roles, from an edge rusher to a traditional inside linebacker to a coverage linebacker. This flexibility makes him a top player in the league, someone the Dallas Cowboys cannot afford to lose. This will be the first of many DPOY Awards for Micah Parsons.
Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY)
Prediction: Bijan Robinson, RB. - Atlanta Falcons (+300)
The Falcons drafting Bijan Robinson was a match made in heaven. Robinson will fit into the Falcons offense immediately and make a quick impact. With a beautiful blend of speed, agility, and power, Robinson will have no problem adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. Robinson will take a huge load of pressure off of second-year QB Desmond Ridder not only in the run game but also the passing attack. The versatility that Robinson possesses will make him a dual-threat player in this league for a long time to come.
Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY)
Prediction: Will Anderson Jr., LB. - Houston Texans (+500)
The DeMeco Ryans era has gotten off to a great start in H-Town. The Texans selected their QB of the future in C.J. Stroud with the #2 pick in the draft, then traded for the next pick (#3) and selected LB, Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama. Anderson Jr. is a perfect fit for DeMeco Ryans' defensive scheme. Anderson's stout run defense along with his ability to pressure the QB will remind Texans fans of DeMeco Ryans himself back in the day, but better (Sorry Coach). Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter out of Georgia has a great chance to win the DROY award as well.
Comeback Player of the Year
Prediction: Damar Hamlin, S. - Buffalo Bills (-300)
This award seems to be forgotten within the NFL season predictions. If Damar Hamlin can finish the season healthy, there is no doubt he will win this award. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a hit to the chest in a game against the Bengals last year. It was a very, very scary scene that football fans and sports fans will remember for the rest of their life. It is truly remarkable that Hamlin was not only able to recover fully, but get back onto the football field doing what he loves.
Coach of the Year
Prediction: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions. (+1000)
Dan Campbell is the ultimate players coach. Hiring Campbell may be the best decision the Ford family has ever made (and the only good decision they've ever made). Coach Campbell has turned the Lions from a laughing stock into a favorite to win the NFC North and make the playoffs. Although the Lions started 1-6 last year, they managed to finish the season 9-8, eliminate their rival Green Bay from the playoffs, and capture America's heart. Jared Goff had a career year throwing for 4,438 yards, 29 TD's and only 7 INT's, leading the Lions to being recognized as one of the best offenses in the NFL. The sky is the limit for Campbell and the Lions.
Division Predictions
AFC East:
Buffalo Bills (12-5)
New York Jets (11-6)
Miami Dolphins (10-7)
New England Patriots (9-8)
AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (12-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Cleveland Browns (8-9)
AFC South:
Tennessee Titans (10-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Houston Texans (5-12)
Indianapolis Colts (4-13)
AFC West:
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7)
Denver Broncos (8-9)
Las Vegas Raiders (7-10)
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys (13-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
New York Giants (9-8)
Washington Commanders (6-11)
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers (10-7)
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
Chicago Bears (5-12)
NFC South:
New Orleans Saints (9-8)
Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-11)
Carolina Panthers (4-13)
NFC West:
San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (7-10)
Arizona Cardinals (2-15)
Super Bowl Prediction
Cincinnati Bengals def. San Francisco 49ers 28-24.
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Burrow, QB.
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