NFL Week 1 and CFB Week 2 Preview

The King returns as the NFL season kicks off. CFB is back for Week 2 with some intriguing non-conference matchups.

CFB

3 Alabama vs 11 Texas

The game of the week between the two biggest brands in college football. After easy opening games, both teams are looking to prove something this week. Bama wants to show it is still dominant and new QB Jalen Milroe is the guy. Texas and Quinn Ewers want to show they are a CFP contender who can make some noise. I think Alabama wins this game, but does not cover (-7) and the under (53.5) hits.

22 Colorado vs Nebraska

This is Colorado’s chance to show last week was not a fluke. They face a team that also has a notable new coach in Matt Rhule, who is trying to return Nebraska to its glory days. Colorado’s offense looks so high powered and I don’t think a Nebraska team that looked flat last week will be able to keep up. Colorado wins, covers (-3), and the under (59) hits.

NFL

Patriots vs. Eagles

The Pats and Eagles square off in a rematch of Super Bowl LII. It’s an opportunity for the Pats to show that a real OC has given them back a real offense. Jalen Hurts and Co. will try to avoid a Super Bowl hangover and show last year wasn’t a fluke. The biggest storyline is the return of Tom Brady to New England. As a Pats fan, it’ll be great to see him back home and getting honored but… is there something more at play? Could they be trying to bring Tom back in some capacity as an emergency player, future exec, or something else? I fucking hope so. Regardless, I think the Eagles win, cover (-4), and the over hits (45).

Jets vs. Bills

Aaron Rodgers makes his debut in the Big Apple. The honeymoon period is officially over and now it’s all about winning games. Unfortunately for Jets fans, the Bills are a better football team with more chemistry. I think the Bills win, cover (-2.5), and the over (45.5) hits.

Top 10 QBs in the NFL

Below are my top 10 QBs for this year. I am not solely basing it off last year, but instead both the last couple of years plus how I think they’ll perform this year. I will update again at midseason.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

No explanation needed.

2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert’s size, arm, and athleticism have led to him to have the most passing yards and 2nd most passing TDs by a QB in their first 3 seasons. Poor coaching and injuries to teammates have affected him, but the postseason wins will start to come.

3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow has proven to us since college he is a gamer and a winner. His spectacular play will keep the Bengals contenders for years to come.

4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

The most physically gifted QB I have ever seen. I worry all the hits will pile up, but for now he is dominant and fun to watch.

5. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

An all-time great QB who still has a lot to prove. The 4-time MVP is still good enough to add a 2nd ring to his legendary resume.

6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

He jumped onto the scene as an MVP candidate last year. Will he be able to continue to build on his great play?

7. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the highest rated QB prospects ever showed us how good he was last year. Like Hurts, it’s now about building on that and getting even better.

8. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar has proven he is the most athletic QB ever and can rack up the regular season wins. He now needs to stay healthy and start having more postseason success.

9. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos

I absolutely do not think his best days are behind him. With new coach Sean Payton, he may show he’s still a Top 5 QB this year.

10. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

He was rusty last year, but with an entire offseason to continue improving, I think we see the Houston Deshaun who was a borderline Top 5 QB.

On the Bubble:

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak needs so much help around him to be great and consistently does not lead his team deep in the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk puts up big numbers, but does not get it done in the playoffs.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Super talented QB, but there are big questions about his durability and leadership

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

He is now in a situation similar to his Detroit days (albeit with a better coach). He wasn’t a top 10 QB then, and still is not now.

Bold Predictions for 2023

With the regular season approaching, below are some bold predictions I have for this upcoming season:

I have long been a Justin Fields guy and always thought he should’ve been the 2nd QB taken in his draft. Every elite QB who was drafted in the past 10 years has put it together by the end of Year 3. Fields enters Year 3 and I think he puts it all together this season, throws for at least 3,000 yards and 25 TDs, and makes his first Pro Bowl.

Ron Rivera will get fired after this year. He has not posted a winning season in 3 years and won’t this year as the roster isn’t very talented outside of WR and D-Line. With a new ownership group that is even considering changing the team name again, they probably want to clean house and build the team in their vision.

The Packers will finish last in their division for just the 11th time in 103 seasons. That shows how good this franchise has been in its history, but this is a reset year for them.

This will be Bill Belichick’s last season as the Patriots coach. I think another mediocre season leads to Bill and the Pats deciding to part ways. I also think Josh McDaniels gets fired this year and returns to coach the Patriots. The Raiders will be the worst team in their division and will want to rebuild and move in a different direction. With Belichick leaving the Pats, I think they call on McDaniels to be their next coach.

Justyn Ross will have a great season and establish himself as a starter on the Chiefs. Ross has the talent, as he led the 2018 National Champion Clemson Tigers in receiving as a freshman. He made a remarkable comeback in college from a congenital fusion of two vertebrae in his neck and also dealt with a foot injury last year that cost him the season. He had an impressive training camp and preseason and now gets to make a name for himself for a team with the best coach/QB in the league, who also don’t have a clear cut star wide receiver.

Russell Wilson will double his TD passes from last year and come back to form. Wilson is not washed, last year was a fluke. With a great offensive coach in Sean Payton, Wilson is primed to get back on his Hall of Fame trajectory.

Jahan Dotson will have 1,000 yards receiving this year despite the QB uncertainty in Washington. He has tons of talent and will benefit from Terry Mclaurin seeing double teams.

Chase Young will bounce back from injuries to have double digit sacks and play himself into a massive contract. There’s a reason he was a number 2 overall pick and the DROY. He is so talented and will benefit from playing on the best D-line in the league.

Jared Goff will throw 30 TDs this year. He has surpassed expectations as the QB for the Lions and should put up big numbers in a high powered Lions offense.

Kyle Pitts will have another Pro Bowl season, doubling his yardage total from last year. He’s so talented and the best receiving option on the Falcons, so I see him bouncing back.

This is more of a long term prediction, but I think Anthony Richardson will end up being the best QB from the 2023 class. Richardson will be a work in progress right now, but his raw athletic skills remind me of Josh Allen and I think new coach Shane Steichen helps him realize his potential.

CFB Week 1 Reaction

Florida at 14 Utah

Utah is simply a better team than Florida. Utah showed their depth with two backup QBs playing well for them and a defense that shut Florida down.

Florida just made too many mistakes and needs to be more disciplined. False starts, bad punts, having two guys with the same number on the field, fielding punts backwards inside the 5. You name something dumb and Florida probably did it. And their mistakes kept coming at crucial times and ultimately sank them.

17 TCU vs. Colorado

I was flat out wrong about Colorado. They completely matched up with TCU and had way more chemistry than I thought they would. I still think they are overhyped, but look to be better than I expected.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter is the real deal. First time I’ve seen him play and he looks like he could play in the NFL on either side of the ball. They just need to ensure they don’t play him too much and run him into the ground.

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders also looked much better than I thought he would. Threw a great deep ball and would’ve had even better numbers if not for a couple drops.

Colorado RB Dylan Edwards can absolutely fly. It looks he’ll be a great weapon for Coach Prime for years to come.

South Carolina vs. 21 North Carolina

UNC’s defense stepped up big time and shut down a great USC offense. Their pass rush and run defense was exceptional and if they can keep playing this way, UNC has a shot to win the ACC.

UNC QB Drake Maye had a solid start to the year. He wasn’t perfect, but one of his interceptions was not his fault and I think he’ll play much better for the remainder of the season.

This should be a rivalry game that’s played every year. The passion for the border war was great and the winner gets to say they’re the “real Carolina” for the year.

8 FSU vs. 5 LSU

Both teams clearly had jitters in their first game and got off to rocky starts. FSU shook them off and looked like a CFP team. LSU did not. The most surprising thing was how FSU completely bullied LSU and was way more physical than them.

FSU WR Keon Coleman is amazing. He carried FSU to victory and should be a first round pick next year.

Duke vs. 9 Clemson

Wow! The last game of the weekend produces the most shocking upset. Duke to its credit played clutch defense and scored when they needed to, but this game was not as lopsided as the score suggests.

Clemson is a better team than they showed, but they need to figure some things out. Their offense really had no spark and they completely failed to capitalize in the red zone.

Game/Betting Picks

Game Picks this week: 2-3 (4-3 overall)

Spread Picks this week: 3-2 (5-2)

O/U Picks this week: 2-3 (2-5)

CFB Week 1 Predictions

Week 0 was a great warmup, but the big matchups start this week for college football.

14 Utah vs. Florida

This is a better Thursday Night Game than most of the NFL matchups last season. It was an exciting game last year and hopefully, this year will be the same. Florida has a great rushing attack, but I don’t think they’ll be able to go toe to toe with Utah, especially in Salt Lake City. Even with Cam Rising out, I see Utah winning, covering the spread (-4.5), and the over hitting (44).

17 TCU vs. Colorado

Coach Prime’s debut! I think Deion is a great coach and will eventually make Colorado a much better program. However, TCU comes into the game with more momentum from last year than CO and is just flat out better. I think TCU covers the spread (-20.5) and the over hits (59.5).

South Carolina vs. 21 North Carolina

If not for that big game on Sunday night, this would be the game of the weekend. A battle of the Carolinas. Drake Maye vs. Spencer Rattler. North Carolina comes in as the favorite and both teams are led by their great QB and offenses. A lot of people are picking USC to win, but I think UNC wins, covers the spread (-2.5), and the over (63.5) easily hits in what should be a shootout.

8 FSU vs. 5 LSU

GAME. OF. THE. WEEK. Two powerhouses on the rise with CFP hopes. Both teams return great quarterbacks and are loaded with talent. I give the edge to LSU to win and cover (-2.5) mainly due to having the better coach in Brian Kelly. I also think the under hits (57.5).

Duke vs. 9 Clemson

On paper, this may not look like a great game, but Duke won nine games last year and at least should put up a fight. This is the perfect opening game for Clemson as they play a respectable opponent, but one they should beat. I think Clemson wins but doesn’t cover the spread (-13) and the under (55.5) hits.

Other Interesting Things to Look For

I always find it funny how big some spreads are in the first couple weeks of the CFB season when you have CFP contenders going against far inferior opponents. Biggest one I could find is Alabama -39.5 vs. Middle Tennessee which is equal to the smallest over/under: Northwestern vs. Rutgers 39.5. Would you bet on either of those games?

CFB Week 0 Reaction

Couldn’t be happier that CFB is back. Below are some thoughts on the weekend.

13 Notre Dame vs. Navy

Notre Dame messed up by not wearing more Ireland-themed jerseys. Some Kelly green jerseys would’ve absolutely slapped. I did like the Irish Flag on the classic gold helmets though.

I really like Marcus Freeman and think he’ll be very successful at Notre Dame. Seems very energetic and his players absolutely love him.

The economic impact of the game on Dublin was $159 MILLION. That’s crazy and shows how there is nothing else like football on this planet and I love it.

Notre Dame should play in Ireland every year. The atmosphere was incredible.

Jason Garret should not be on TV. He is painfully awkward and brings nothing to the broadcast. I think I’d rather just have silence than listen to him stumble his way through irrelevant points.

6 USC vs. San Jose State

Caleb Williams is still amazing. Zachariah Branch also looks like an electric weapon for the Trojans.

As much as we heard about how USC rebuilt its defense, they still looked pretty bad and just allowed 28 points to San Jose State (I just found out this school existed earlier this week). The offense is going to have to continue to carry the team.

The fact this game was on the PAC-12 network and the only streaming services that have it are Sling and Fubo is exactly why the PAC-12 is dying.

Bonus: Swamp Kings Review

The Urban Meyer Florida Gators needed a documentary and Netflix delivered. I feel like those Gator teams get overlooked a little because they were sandwiched right between the early 2000s USC teams and the Saban Bama Dynasty, but this doc puts into perspective how good these teams were. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it.

Overall

Going to keep track of my game picks and betting picks throughout the year.

Game Picks: 2-0

Betting Picks: 2-2 (Spread: 2-0; O/U: 0-2)

2023 College Football Predictions

I admittedly know the NFL much better than CFB, so these predictions will not be as extensive or in depth as my NFL ones. But I got nothing to lose, so I mine as well make them:

CFP Seeds

1: Georgia Bulldogs

The back to back National Champions have a new QB and have lost a lot of talent the past two drafts. However, a cupcake schedule, amazing coach, and roster still loaded with talent warrants Georgia winning the SEC and being the top seed in the CFP again.

2: Ohio State

Ohio State will also have to break in a new QB but their coaching and offensive skill players are so good, I see them thriving regardless. We have seen them bring in a new QB countless times and not skip a beat.

3. Clemson

Dabo is still one of the best coaches in all of college football and Cade Klubnik has the chance to be really special for the Tigers. Combining that with a relatively easy schedule and motivation from not making the past two CFP, I see Clemson returning to the Playoff.

4: Michigan:

Unlike many other top programs, Michigan returns a proven starter at QB. They also have one of best running back duos in the country and still have a very physical O-line and defense.

CFP Semifinals

#1 Georgia vs #4 Michigan

In a rematch of the Orange Bowl two seasons ago, I think Michigan finally matches up well with Georgia and gets by them this year.

#2 Ohio State vs #3 Clemson

Ohio State will simply be too explosive and too much for Clemson and will bulldoze its way into the CFP Championship game.

CFP Championship

#2 Ohio State vs #4 Michigan

THE (championship) GAME! In an all-time CFP Final, Michigan gets revenge on Ohio State for beating them earlier in the year and gets their first National Title this century.

Heisman Winner

Drake Maye, QB North Carolina: There is no doubt Maye will put up numbers, but the big question surrounding him winning the award is if his team will win enough. I think they win 9 or 10 games against a pretty weak schedule and that combined with great statistics gives UNC their first ever Heisman winner.

College Football Week 0 Preview

Finally the day has arrived! Football is officially back with the start of Week 0 this weekend. Yes, the games are never amazing, but none the less I am thankful meaningful football is back until February. Here are the main games I’m looking forward to:

#13 Notre Dame vs Navy (In Dublin!!)

I think having Notre Dame play in Ireland is beyond cool. I see them covering the -20.5 spread and the over hitting (51).

#6 USC vs San Jose State

Likely #1 overall pick Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley are back and looking to lead USC to their first College Football Playoff in their last season in the Pac-12. While they will definitely demolish SJSU, I don’t see them covering the 30 point spread or the over hitting this game (64.5).

NFL All-Time Team

Offense

QB: Tom Brady

The Super Bowl wins, the career passing records, the longevity and so much more make Brady the undisputed GOAT.

RB: Barry Sander

This was a tough decision but if you watch Barry Sanders highlights it’s clear why he’s the best running back ever. He was so shifty and made NFL players look like JV players.

WR: Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson

Rice is the undisputed GOAT WR and put up mind boggling stats for two decades, maybe none more impressive than having a 1,200 yard season and being an All-Pro at age 40. “Moss” is literally a verb we use to describe an incredible catch by a WR. That tells you everything you need to know about how good Randy was. Johnson is perfectly nicknamed Megatron as he was not human. 6’5” 240 lbs, ran a 4.3 40, could out leap anyone, and dominated despite being on an awful team his whole career.

TE: Rob Gronkowski

He may not have the longevity of other TEs, but when he played, he absolutely dominated. He was unguardable in the passing game, but what really sets his place as the best TE is his willingness and ability to block too. Many older TE could block but weren’t great catchers and many modern TEs are just bigger WRs, but Gronk could do it all.

LT: Anthony Muñoz

The 11x All-Pro and Hall of Famer is the epitome of a perfect left tackle.

LG: Randall McDaniel

McDaniel is not super well-known but was a stalwart at left guard for 14 years.

C: Mike Webster

A star for the Steel Curtain Steelers Dynasty, Webster was part of two All-Decade Teams.

RG: Bruce Matthews

The 10x All-Pro was extremely versatile and could play all over the offensive line.

RT: Joe Thomas

He was a left tackle, but the extremely durable 8x All-Pro played 10,363 snaps in a row and excelled for bad Cleveland teams his whole career.

Defense

Interior DLine: Aaron Donald, JJ Watt

Donald is still active in the league but is still already in the conversation as the greatest defensive player of all time. He has won three DPOY awards and has been wreaking havoc his whole career. Injuries may have cut his prime short, but Watt could make plays from any position on the D-Line and also won three DPOY awards.

Edge Rushers: Lawrence Taylor, Bruce Smith

Lawrence Taylor still lays claim to being the defensive GOAT and is the last defensive player to win MVP. Bruce Smith dominated for two decades and holds the record for most sacks in a career.

Linebackers: Ray Lewis, Mike Singletary, Jack Lambert

As much as I don’t like Lewis, he is the epitome of what a MLB should be and was the heart of a physical Raven’s defense his whole career. Mike Singletary was the man in the middle for the greatest defense in NFL history and won two DPOY awards. Jack Lambert was one of the stars of the Steel Curtain Defense that won four Super Bowls in the 70s.

CB: Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders

With 7th All-Pros and 11 Pro Bowls, Rod Woodson is one of the greatest defensive players ever. Prime Time was as flashy as he was dominant and this team wouldn’t be complete without his swagger and skill.

Safeties: Ronnie Lott, Ed Reed

The heart of the defense for those great 1980s 49ers teams could make plays all over the field. Ed Reed was the ultimate centerfielder and was always a threat to produce a takeaway and take one back to the house.

Special Teams

Kicker: Justin Tucker

With more First Team All-Pro selections than any other kicker and the highest field goal percentage of all time, Tucker is a clear choice.

Returner: Devin Hester

The Windy City Flyer had more return touchdowns than any player in NFL history and could take a kick or punt back to the end zone at any point.

NFL Award Winner Predictions

Continuing with our NFL predictions, we will be predicting NFL award winners and First Team All-Pros for the upcoming season.

MVP: Justin Herbert, QB Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert has been one of the best QBs in the league the past three years and I think this upcoming year will be his best yet. After a year that saw the Chargers deal with many injuries and a disappointing playoff loss, I think Herbert and the rest of the team come back motivated and put up huge numbers offensively. With all the talent Herbert possesses and the great skill players around him, I see him capturing his first MVP.

OPOY: Ja’Marr Chase, WR Cincinnati Bengals

Chase has burst onto the scene his first two years in the NFL and has proved that he is one of the best WRs in the whole league. With an offensive coach and one of the best QBs in the league, Chase will follow his friend Justin Jefferson in winning OPOY in his third year in the league.

DPOY: Micah Parsons, EDGE Dallas Cowboys

After finishing second in DPOY voting the past two years, Parsons will finally capture the award he has come so close to. His versatility and pass rushing skill make him one of the best players in the league and he’ll finally be rewarded with the DPOY.

OROY: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Detroit Lions

I put Gibbs slightly over the Bijan Robinson to win OROY. Both are extremely talented, but I give Gibbs the edge as he will be part of a better offense that is likely to score more than the Falcons, giving Gibbs more opportunities to score touchdowns.

DROY: Christian Gonzalez, CB New England Patriots

Similar to OROY, DROY will be close between Gonzalez and Will Anderson Jr. I think Gonzalez will benefit from being in the perfect situation, with the best defensive coach in the league to make him look good. Anderson will play well, but will likely see double teams as he is already the best defensive player on Houston’s defense.

COY: Doug Pederson, HC Jacksonville Jaguars

After taking over the dumpster fire that Urban “Fraud” Meyer left in Jacksonville, Pederson led the Jags to a playoff birth. This season, I think he helps the Jags capture the two seed in the AFC and win COY as a result.

Offensive All-Pros

QB: Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

For the same reasons I see Herbert winning MVP, I also see him being First Team All-Pro

RB: Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns)

Chubb has been a standout running back since he entered the league. In the prime of his career and with a great O-line, I see him get the First Team All-Pro nod.

WR: Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills)

Chase should be here as he is going to win OPOY. Jefferson has had the best first three years out of any WR in NFL history and I see that success continuing. Diggs has been great since he joined the Bills and I see him having another huge year.

TE: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)

One of the great TE of all time should continue dominating as the main weapon for Patrick Mahomes.

T: Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers), Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)

The two First Team All-Pro tackles from last year are still the two best in the league.

G: Zack Martin (Dallas Cowboys), Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns)

Martin is the best lineman in football and Bitonio will deserve a spot while helping pave the way for Nick Chubb.

C: Creed Humphrey (Kansas City Chiefs)

Humphrey and Jason Kelce are the cream of the crop at Center. I see Humphrey finally edging Kelce for First Team All-Pro in his third season in the league

Defensive All-Pros

Edge: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys), Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns)

Parsons will be here after winning DPOY. Garrett has been a stud since he joined the league and his brilliant play will continue in 2023.

DI: Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), Quinnen Williams (New York Jets)

The potential defensive GOAT, Donald, will bounce back after an injury filled year in 2022. Williams will continue his ascent as one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL for the upstart Jets.

LB: Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers), Shaquille Leonard (Indianapolis Colts), Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens)

Warner is the best linebacker in football on one of the best defenses in the league. Leonard will improve his play from last year and help the Colts win more games than most people are expecting. Smith is in the perfect situation and will build off his stellar year last year.

CB: Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins), Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers)

Ramsey has been the best corner the past six seasons and moving to Vic Fangio’s defense might lead to him having the best year he’s ever had. Jaire Alexander should be healthy this year and step up for a Packers team who will need him to be great.

S: Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers)

When healthy, Derwin James is one of the best defenders in the NFL and should help the Chargers make the Playoffs. The Steelers will continue to benefit from trading for Fitzpatrick, who is primed to get his fourth First Team All-Pro election this year.

Note: All predictions are as of 7/25/2023