Top 10 QBs of All Time

1 Tom Brady

He has put up the amazing stats in the regular and postseason. He has won regular season awards. And most importantly, he has won more Super Bowls than any NFL Franchise has. The one and only GOAT.

2 Joe Montana

A guy who played his best during the biggest moments. 4-0 in Super Bowls, 3 Super Bowl MVPs, 11 TDs-0 INTs, and a QB rating of 127.8. Oh yeah and he wasn’t too bad in the regular season, winning 2 MVPs and being a 5 time All-Pro.

3 Peyton Manning

A super likable guy off the field, he was a killer on it. A ten time All-Pro, 5 MVPs, and he also won 2 Super Bowls.

4 Aaron Rodgers

He probably throws the greatest ball in NFL history and doesn’t even look like he’s trying. It’s no surprise he’s won 4 MVPs and put up a ridiculous TD-Int ratio of 475-105.

5 Brett Favre

The ultimate gunslinger. Favre would improvise like no one else and was never afraid to make any throw, which led to many interceptions, but also 3 MVPs and a Super Bowl.

6 John Elway

One of the most hyped QBs coming out of college and he delivered with 2 Super Bowls and an MVP.

7 Johnny Unitas

Unitas was putting up big numbers in the passing game well before most QBs were. His 3 MVPs and 7 All-Pro selections show how dominant he was.

8 Patrick Mahomes

Probably the most talented QB to ever play. At only 27, he still has a lot of his legacy left to write and could make a run for the top spot on this list.

9 Dan Marino

He was dominant and put up modern day numbers in the 80s. The fact he’s on this list despite not winning the big one shows how good he was.

10 Drew Brees

He put up huge numbers year after year and brought NOLA a much needed Super Bowl.

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.

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.

College Football Realignment

Ever since 2021 when Texas and Oklahoma announced they were leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, major CFB realignment was inevitable. There is too much money to be made or missed out on depending which conference a school is in. By 2024, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington will be in the historically Midwestern Big 1o, while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah are escaping to the Big 12 to join BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston who move in 2023. Here are some key takeaways and thoughts on future moves:

Give the Big 12 Credit

Since 2021, I feel like we keep hearing how the Big 10 and SEC will both become the two Superconferences and every other Power 5 will die out or fade into obscurity. The Big 12 looked to be at the top of that list after losing their two biggest brands, however, they made incredibly smart moves. The snatched up quality programs in BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, who aren’t national powerhouses but don’t also dilute the the talent in the Big 12. And their latest moves to get Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah ensures their survival. The Big 12 represents the perfect foil to the PAC-12, which is why they will still exist while the PAC 12 limps to a sad death.

There Should be Football Conferences and Conferences for Every Other Sport

I have long thought this way and this latest realignment solidifies that. Big Time College Football is a different animal from every other college sport. The games are on Saturdays and being part of a conference like the Big 10 brings in so much money, that it makes sense for USC Football to be in the Big 10. But I feel for the soccer and water polo teams from USC who now need to fly to New Jersey to play Rutgers on a Tuesday.

There should be unique college football conferences but all other sports should remain in their historic conferences.

Future of the College Football Playoff

The CFP thankfully expanded to 12 teams, but one of the new rules involved giving the 4 highest ranked conference champions byes and the next two highest ranking champions bids. This presumably would be the 5 Power Five Champions and one Group of Five champion each year. We already know the PAC-12 is gone, meaning they will likely amend that rule. But there are still other questions that need to be answered before the CFP Committee can make any big changes:

What will happen to the ACC?

My guess is that teams like FSU, Clemson, and U Miami will leave for the SEC or Big 10. Going back to 1991, FSU, Clemson, and U Miami are the only schools to win national championships that won’t be playing in the Big 10 or SEC come 2024. It makes sense for them to bolt to one of those two conferences rather than stay in the ACC.

When/if that happens, the remaining teams will likely need to decide whether to add the remaining Pac-12 teams and/or schools like SMU or leave themselves. Adding those teams probably doesn’t do much and I think the four other schools who have been reported to really be thinking of leaving (UNC, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech) decide to move as well.

From there, I think the remaining Pac-12 and ACC schools either try to sneak into one of the three remaining conferences or accept their fate and settle for a non Power Three conference.

How much realignment will the Group of Five conferences go through?

Some realignment has already happened, but if more continues there could be fewer and weaker non Power Three conferences that may change the CFP committee’s mind on guaranteeing a Group of Five champion gets a bid.

Notre Dame’s Decision

Notre Dame has long held out as an Independent, mainly to cash in on its solo TV deal it gets to sign. With their current deal expiring in 2 years, its unlikely they sign a deal to top the $80-100 million BIG 10 schools are expected to get starting in 2025. I think they see the writing on the wall and join the conference because MONEY.

Final Thoughts

What a crazy past week/couple of years it’s been for college football. It shows why sports are the best: it is pure chaos and the ultimate reality TV series. I personally love it and can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

2019 College Football Playoff Talent

The 2019 College Football Playoff probably had the most talent we have ever seen in the CFP era. Take a look below at how loaded these teams were:

LSU

Joe Burrow, QB: 2019 All-American and Heisman Trophy Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (1st), NFL Pro Bowler
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB: 2020 1st round pick (32nd), Super Bowl Champion
Ja’Marr Chase, WR: 2019 All-American and Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (5th), NFL All-Pro
Justin Jefferson, WR: 2020 1st Round Pick (22nd), 3x NFL All-Pro, 2022 NFL OPOY
K’Lavon Chaisson, DE: 2020 1st Round Pick (20th)
Patrick Queen, LB: 2020 1st Round Pick (28th)
Grant Delpit, S: 2x All-American, 2019 Jim Thorpe Award Winner, 2020 2nd Round Pick (44th)
Derek Stingley Jr, CB: 2019 All-American, 2022 1st Round Pick (3rd)

Clemson

Trevor Lawrence, QB: 2020 ACC POY, 2021 1st Round Pick (1st), NFL Pro Bowler
Travis Etienne, RB: 2020 All-American, 2x ACC POY, 2021 1st Round Pick (25th), 1,000 yard rusher in NFL
Tee Higgins, WR: 2020 2nd Round Pick (33rd), 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
Justyn Ross, WR: 1,000 yard receiver in college, Super Bowl Champion
Isaiah Simmons, LB: 2019 All American and Dick Butkus Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (8th)
AJ Terrell Jr, CB: 2020 1st Round Pick (16th), NFL All-Pro

Ohio State

Justin Fields, QB: 2x Big Ten OPOY, 2021 1st round Draft Pick (11th)
JK Dobbins, RB: 6th in Heisman voting in 2019, 2,000 yard rusher in college, 2020 2nd Round Pick (55th)
Garrett Wilson, WR: 2022 1st round pick (10th), 1,000 yard receiver in NFL, 2022 NFL OROY
Chris Olave, WR: 2022 1st Round Pick (11th), 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
Jameson Williams, WR: 2022 1st Round Pick (12th)
Wyatt Davis, G: 2x All-American, 2021 3rd Round Pick (86th)
Jonah Jackson, G: 2020 3rd Round Pick (75th), NFL Pro Bowler
Chase Young, DE: 2019 All-American, 2019 Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (2nd), NFL Pro Bowler, 2020 NFL DROY
Damon Arnette, CB: 2020 1st Round Pick (19th)
Jeff Okudah, CB: 2019 All-American, 2020 1st Round Pick (3rd)

Oklahoma

Jalen Hurts, QB: 2016 SEC OPOY, 2019 Heisman Runner-up, 2020 2nd Round Pick (53rd), NFL All-Pro
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB: 2021 4th round Pick (120th), 1,000 yard rusher in the NFL
CeeDee Lamb, WR: 2019 All-American, 2020 1st Round Pick (17th), NFL All-Pro
Creed Humphrey, C: 2021 2nd Round Pick (63rd), NFL All-Pro, Super Bowl Champ
Kenneth Murray, LB: 2020 1st Round Pick (23rd)

As a bonus, check out how good the 2019 Alabama team was who finished ranked EIGHTH in the AP Poll:

Tua Tagovailoa, QB: 2018 All-American and Maxwell Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (5th), led NFL in Passer Rating in 2022
Mac Jones, QB: 2020 All-American and Davey O’Brien Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (15th), NFL Pro Bowler
Najee Harris, RB: 2020 All-American and Doak Walker Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (24th), NFL Pro Bowler
Henry Ruggs III, WR: 2020 1st Round Pick (12th)
Jerry Jeudy, WR: 2018 Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner and All-American, 2020 1st round pick (15th)
Jaylen Waddle, WR: 2021 1st Round Pick (6th), 2x 1,000 yard receiver in the NFL
DeVonta Smith, WR: 2020 Heisman Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (10th), 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
John Metchie, WR: 2022 2nd Round Pick (44th)
Landon Dickerson, G: 2020 All-American and Dave Rimington Trophy Winner, 2021 2nd Round Pick (37th), NFL Pro Bowler
Alex Leatherwood, T: 2020 All-American and Outland Trophy Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (17th)
Evan Neal, T: 2021 All-American, 2022 1st Round Pick (7th),
Jedrick Wills Jr, T: 2020 1st Round Pick (10th)
Trevon Diggs: 2020 2nd Round Pick (51st), NFL All-Pro
Patrick Surtain II: 2020 All-American and SEC DPOY, 2021 1st Round Pick (9th), NFL All-Pro

The five teams above provided a whopping SIXTEEN first round picks in the 2020 Draft, ten first round picks in the 2021 Draft, and even five first round picks in the 2022 Draft. An absolute crazy amount of talent on those five squads. If your looking for something to do just pull up some highlights from these teams 2019 seasons and you’ll be entertained for hours.

2023 NFC Predictions (Plus Super Bowl Pick)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles: 13-4, 1st in NFC East, 2nd Seed in NFC

Losing both coordinators is tough, but the Eagles still have everything they need to make another run at a Super Bowl title. Jalen Hurts will look to build off an All-Pro season while still having an excellent crop of weapons in AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Godert and the best offensive line in football. Their great defense lost Javon Hargrave but still returns Haason Reddick, Darius Slay, Fletcher Cox, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham and adds maybe the best player in the draft in Jalen Carter. Overall, the Eagles may have the best roster in the NFL and should dominate the weaker NFC.

Dallas Cowboys: 10-7, 2nd in NFC East, 5th Seed in NFC

The Cowboys are the definition of the team that always looks good on paper but doesn’t follow through in real life. Dak Prescott is a solid QB, but will never be in that elite tier and Mike McCarthy is a pretty good coach but not great. Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, and a great O-line will help make up for Dak’s shortcomings. Their defense will likely be great once again led by Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and Demarcus Lawrence and the Cowboys as a whole will be a good team, just not a great one.

Washington Commanders: 7-10, 3rd in NFC East, Miss Playoffs

The Commanders constantly have a talented team but don’t have the QB they deserve. Sam Howell has potential but is extremely inexperienced and their O-line is one of the worst in the league. WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson make up one of the best and most underrated WR duos in the league. As someone who watched Jahan Dotson in college, he is a game breaker and I am extremely high on him. The strength of this team lies in their D-line which is the best in the league. Chase Young, Daron Payne, Jonathon Allen, and Montez Sweat are all capable of playing at Pro Bowl levels when healthy. They will be tough to play against but it may end up being Ron Rivera’s last season as the new ownership might be fed up with losing and looking for a change.

New York Giants: 5-12, 4th in NFC East, Miss Playoffs

The Giants are in for a rough year. Brian Daboll proved he is a great coach but the team does not have the talent to repeat what they did last season. Daniel Jones is a a quarterback making $40 million a year when he should be making more like $20-25 million. He really was not that good last year, having for just 3,205 yards, 15 TDs, and 92.5 rating. With their star offensive weapon Saquon Barkley clearly frustrated with the the team due to his contract situation, Jones will have to be relied on a lot more this year and that doesn’t bode well. The addition of Darren Waller will help if he can stay healthy but outside of him Jones does not have much to work with. Defensively, Dexter Lawrence had a breakout season and young players like Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux have potential but their defense still is not very good.

NFC North

Detroit Lions: 10-7, 1st in NFC North, 3rd seed in NFC

The Lions won eight of their last ten games last season and will look to carry that momentum into this year. Say what you want about Jared Goff, but he is a consistent quarterback and gives me very heavy Kurt Cousins vibes, as in he probably won’t win a Super Bowl but you can constantly make the playoffs with him. New RB Jahmyr Gibbs is a great addition to an offense that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams (after he returns from his 6 game gambling suspension), and a great O-line. DE Aidan Hutchinson should be even better after 9.5 sacks last year for a defense that will be pretty average overall.

Minnesota Vikings: 9-8, 2nd in NFC North, 6th Seed in NFC

Coming off one of the weirdest and most entertaining seasons in NFL history, the Vikings will surely regress. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson will lead a talented offense that lost Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen but added Jordan Addison and returns TJ Hockenson. They were not good defensively last year and lost some solid veterans in Eric Kendricks, Patrick Peterson, and Za’Darius Smith so the offense will really need to carry the team again.

Chicago Bears: 8-9, 3rd in NFC North, Miss Playoffs

I have long been a Justin Fields supporter who thinks he will be a great NFL QB and this year is make or break for him. Either he puts together a great year and helps the Bears contend for the playoffs or flounders and shows he isn’t a starting QB in the NFL. I predict the former and think Fields makes his first Pro Bowl while leading the Bears within a game of the 7th seed. DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool are a solid WR trio and the O-line should be improved. The offense must carry as defensively the Bears will likely have a bottom 10 defense in the league.

Green Bay Packers: 6-11, 4th in NFC North, Miss Playoffs

After losing Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams back to back years, the Packers are in for a rude awakening. Jordan Love will likely not perform well as he has been riding the bench for three years. They have a good O-line and a great running back duo in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon but their strong rushing attack won’t make up for an inexperienced QB and receiving options. They are solid defensively, but will be hurt by Rashan Gary still having to recover from a torn ACL. Matt LaFleur is a good coach but this team will experience growing pains this year.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: 9-8, 1st in NFC South, 4th Seed in NFC

Despite not having a great coach in Dennis Allen, the Saints have the best roster and quarterback in the worst division in football and that should be good enough to win the division. Derek Carr may not be as good as he once was, but is still a capable starter. Alvin Kamara will likely face a suspension but Jamaal Williams should be good enough in relief. At WR Chris Olave and a hopefully healthy Michael Thomas are a good duo that helps mitigate a bad O-line. Their defense is old but talented and should at the very worst not be a detriment to the team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-9, 2nd in NFC South, Miss Playoffs

As Patriots fans can tell you, it is never easy to replace the greatest football player of all time at QB, especially when Baker Mayfield is his replacement. WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will need to continue to be great to help make up for the total lack of running game the Bucs have. Similar to the Saints, the Buccaneers defense is old but talented and should be solid this year.

Carolina Panthers: 5-11, 3rd in NFC South, Miss Playoffs

The Panthers will have a big rebuilding year this year. Bryce Young is talented, but I think he is too small to be the answer as their franchise QB. I don’t see the Miles Sanders and Adam Thielen signings making big impacts and I think the offense will underwhelm. Brian Burns leads a below average defense that won’t be doing Young any favors.

Atlanta Falcons: 4-13, 4th in NFC South, Miss Playoffs

The QB situation is still not great and I don’t think Desmond Ridder is the answer. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts are an exciting young core of skill players. Pitts is a beast and I see him bouncing back this season in a big way. The young skill players plus a good O-line give Atlanta hope for the future, but not until they get the right QB. Their defense was poor last year and doesn’t appear to be getting any better.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: 14-3, 1st in NFC West, 1st Seed in NFC

With Brock Purdy on track to start Week 1, the 49ers are sitting pretty with one of the best coaches in the league and maybe the best roster. Brock Purdy may not be the most dynamic player, but he proved last year that he is the perfect QB for this offense. He doesn’t try to do too much and spreads the ball to their talented skill players Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Sammuel, and George Kittle. They are absolutely stacked defensively with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner leading the charge and making this one of the bets units in the league.

Seattle Seahawks: 9-8, 2nd in NFC West, 7th Seed in NFC

The Seahawks and QB Geno Smith shocked people last year by winning 9 games and making the Playoffs. I don’t think Geno will play as good next year, but they have a great coach in Pete Carroll and really talented skill group in Kenneth Walker, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Their defense should be improved this year and they are led by one of the best secondaries in football.

Los Angeles Rams: 7-10, 3rd in NFC West, Miss Playoffs

It’s amazing how just one year ago, the Rams were the reigning Super Bowl Champs and now they are probably not even a playoff contender. Sean McVay is still one of the best coaches in the league, but outside of Matt Stafford, Cooper Krupp, and Aaron Donald, this team truly is awful. Their best course of action would be to trade that trio and hope to draft Caleb Williams or Drake May. If they don’t, then McVay is such a good coach, he can likely lead them to more wins the the roster really should produce.

Arizona Cardinals: 3-14, 4th in NFC West, Miss Playoffs

This season will be brutal for the Cardinals, but their future will benefit. QB Kyler Murray will miss some time and his future with the team is unclear. They have some solid skill players offensively, but no one who is a real game breaker. Defensively, their best player Budda Baker wants out of Arizona and their defense really needs an overhaul.

2023 NFC Playoffs

Wild Card Round

1 SF: Bye
2 PHL vs 7 SEA: 2 PHL Wins
3 DET vs 6 MIN: 6 MIN Wins
4 NO vs 5 DAL: 4 NO Wins

Divisional Round

1 SF vs 6 MIN: 1 SF Wins
2 PHL vs 4 NO: 2 PHL wins

NFC Championship Game

1 SF vs 2 PHL: SF Wins NFC

Final NFC Thoughts:

The NFC is by far the more inferior conference with only two real contenders in the Eagles and 49ers. Outside of those two teams, anything could happen in terms of other teams making the playoffs, but I feel confident that barring injuries, the 49ers and Eagles will meet in the NFC CG again.

Super Bowl LVIII

SF vs CIN: CIN wins the Super Bowl

In a great game between 2 teams that have come close to winning recently, I think Joe Burrow and all that offensive talent overcome the loaded 49ers defense and bring Cincinnati their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

Note: All predictions as of 7/23/2023

2023 NFL AFC Predictions

I am back and planning on posting every Sunday for the extended time being and possibly adding in a 2nd day during the week as well. To jump back into things, we’ll start with my 2023 AFC predictions:

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: 12-5, 1st in AFC East, 4th Seed in AFC

The AFC East got a lot more interesting this offseason, but the Bills will win the division because they still have the best roster and QB in the AFC East. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs will once again help Buffalo have one of the best offenses in the league and the James Cook/Damien Harris duo will help take the burden off Allen and not force him to try to be Superman all the time. Their defense ranked 2nd in PPG last season should and benefit from Von Miller and Tre’Davious White ideally playing full seasons this year. Overall, Buffalo is getting slept on more than a team that has won 37 games and three division titles the past three seasons should be.

New York Jets: 11-6, 2nd in AFC, 5th seed in AFC

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets probably had the most interesting offseason of any team and with it comes massive expectations. I see them having a tough start but finishing hot just like the 2020 Buccaneers and Tom Brady. Once Rodgers gets settled in, the Jets massive upgrade at QB will pair well with 2nd year studs Breece Hall and Garret Wilson, while the 4th ranked scoring defense from last year is still anchored by Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.

New England Patriots: 9-8, 3rd in AFC East, Miss Playoffs

As a Patriots fan this hurts to write but here it goes: The Patriots have the worst quarterback and BY FAR the worst skill players in their division and in today’s NFL that is a death sentence. Belichick is such a great coach that their defense and special teams will be great and the addition of Bill O’Brien will help Mac Jones and the rest of the offense. However, it won’t be enough to get them in the playoffs in what will probably end up being Belichick’s last season.

Miami Dolphins: 8-9, 4th in AFC East, Miss Playoffs

Miami has more speed on offense than any other team in the NFL with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert. But just like the Flash isn’t the best superhero, the Dolphins are not the best team in this division and the main reason why is their QB Tua Tagovailoa. The combination of question marks around his play and his injury history lead me to not having the Dolphins in the playoffs. His concussion history and a below average offensive line will lead to his his health being under a microscope and I worry he could miss time this year. Defensively, they will improve with Vic Fangio and Jalen Ramsey joining the team, but I don’t think it gives the boost this team needs to make the playoffs.

AFC North:

Cincinatti Bengals: 12-5, 1st in AFC North, 3rd Seed in AFC

I don’t know what people are smoking if they don’t think the Bengals are the best team in this division. Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd will continue to terrorize defenses this year with what is probably the best combination of skill players in the entire league. They lost some solid players defensively but still support a solid cast. Despite the fact they have two Conference Championship game appearances and a Super Bowel appearance the past two seasons, I think they still feel they have something to prove and they have as good a chance as anyone of winning the Super Bowl next season.

Baltimore Ravens: 10-7, 2nd in AFC North, 6th Seed in AFC

The Ravens have been a great regular season team since Lamar Jackson took over and I see that continuing. They consistently have one of the best rushing attacks and offensive lines in the game and the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. will help the passing game. Their defense should once again be in the Top 10 and if they stay healthy they will win double digit games and make the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8, 3rd in AFC North, Miss Playoffs

One word I would use to describe the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers: OVERHYPED. People are saying the Steelers will magically be some great team just because they had a strong finish to the year last season, going 7-2 after their Bye. What people don’t mention is that six of their wins in that stretch were against teams who won 7 or fewer games and that their offense was one of the worst in the league last season. I don’t see it improving much as Kenny Pickett showed very few signs of looking like a quality starting QB, Najee Harris has averaged under 4 Y/A in both of his first two seasons, and their offensive line is slightly above average. I like their receiving options in Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and Pat Freieruth but I don’t see them making up for Kenny Pickett’s lack of talent. Defensively, Cam Hayward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick should help the team have a top 10 defense, but I don’t see the Steelers making the playoffs.

Cleveland Browns: 8-9, 4th in AFC North, Miss Playoffs

The fate of this team will come down to Deshaun Watson’s play at QB. He was a great player before he sat out for year and a half but showed the rust last year. I think he will play better this year, but guys who go 700 days without playing football usually do not come back as good as they were before. Kevin Stefanski is a great coach and Nick Chubb and that fantastic offensive line will be a big help for Watson. Defensively Myles Garret is a beast, but outside of him the defense is not that special. All things told, I think the Browns are an average team and miss the playoffs.

AFC South:

Jacksonville Jaguars: 12-5, 1st in AFC South, 2nd Seed in AFC

I think the Jaguars will be one of the best teams in the league next season. Despite going 9-8 last season, the Jags will improve due to their great coach Doug Pederson getting another year with the team to get comfortable and Trevor Lawrence continuing to improve. Travis Etienne and Christian Kirk should continue to make plays offensively and the addition of Calvin Ridley will be huge as well. Their defense does not have any big names, but finished a respectable 12th in points allowed. Combine this with a truly awful division and the Jaguars will surprise people next year.

Indianapolis Colts: 9-8, 2nd in AFC South, Miss Playoffs

The Colts are one of those teams who had just been a quarterback away for the last couple years until they imploded last season and fired Frank Reich. His replacement, Shane Steichen, is a perfect hire as he is a young offensive guy who has helped turn Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts into NFL stars. At QB, while I don’t think he’ll begin the year as a starter, I have high long-term hopes for Anthony Richardson and see him taking over at some point this season. In the meantime, Gardner Minshew is a solid QB who I feel like has never gotten a fair shake and can hold down the fort while needed. After a disappointing, injury filled year I think Jonathon Taylor bounces back and has a great season and I see the offensive line restoring themselves to being an elite unit. Offensively, they could use another receiver opposite Michael Pittman Jr., but they must make do with what they have. Defensively, DeForest Buckner and Shaquille Leonard lead a unit that should improve from a poor performance last season. Overall, while I don’t see them making the playoffs, I think the Colts will surprise some people this year.

Tennessee Titans: 7-10, 3rd in AFC South, Miss Playoffs

After three straight playoff appearances under Mike Vrabel, the Titans had a tough season last year and that will continue into 2023 due to lingering questions around the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill is extremely average, Malik Willis showed very little promise, and Will Levis is an unknown. Derrick Henry will have to continue to carry this team despite an awful offensive line, though the signing of Deandre Hopkins helps add another skill player who can actually make a difference. Defensively, this defense will still be in the bottom half of the league. Vrabel is a great coach and should help them get more wins than this roster really should.

Houston Texans: 2-15, 4th in AFC South, Miss Playoffs

The Texans are in for another rough season. I do not understand their draft logic by taking CJ Stroud and trading away their first round pick next year to draft Will Anderson Jr. He is a great player, but why not draft him with the 2nd pick and then try to go for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye next year, who both project to be much better than Stroud. Stroud put up great college numbers but he was throwing to 1st round draft picks at WR for his whole career and he doesn’t have the athleticism that the great young QBs tend to have in the NFL today. I am a big believer that John Metchie II will be a good NFL WR, but the offense is not dynamic and the O-line is not great outside of Laremy Tunsil. Defensively, Will Anderson Jr. should be a stud and Derrick Stingley Jr. has potential, but outside of them this defense is really bad. DeMeco Ryans is a smart coach, but in today’s NFL I think teams need to hire head coaches with offensive backgrounds, especially if they are trying to develop a young QB.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs: 13-4, 1st in AFC West, 1st Seed in AFC

Complete shocker: I’m picking the Chiefs to win the AFC West and be the 1 seed in the AFC. It is hard for me to admit, but the team just gives me Brady-Belichick Patriots vibes. I didn’t feel that way until last year when Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid led the Chiefs to another Super Bowl after letting go of a superstar WR and relying on average players and young guys at WR, RB, and defense. That is precisely what the Pats did later in Brady’s career as it got to the point where it didn’t matter who Brady was throwing to, the offense would be good and Belichick would coach up guys to play better than they were. Enough about the greatest dynasty of all time though, let’s talk about the new potential dynasty in town. It would be unfair to act like its all Mahomes and Reid as Travis Kelce is one of the greatest TE of all time who makes it easier to not have stars at WR and Chris Jones is one of the best defensive players in the league right now. Offensively, they should be as good as any team in the league and defensively, their young players from last year should be improved making this defense better, but even then they only need to be just good enough with Mahomes and Reid leading the charge. If you are a Chiefs fan, sit back and enjoy the next decade, if not then you should be a little sacred.

Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7, 2nd in AFC West, 7th seed in AFC

I am very high on the Chargers as I think the only thing they are missing is a great coach. That is obviously important, but they are too talented to not win double digit games and make the playoffs. I think Justin Herbert is the 2nd best QB in the league behind Mahomes and this year he will play his way into the MVP conversation and maybe even win it. Rookie Quentin Johnson joins Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams as weapons for an offensive who can put up points on anyone. The O-line will be one of the best in the league led by a healthy Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley. On defense, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, JC Jackson, and Derwin James Jr. lead an extremely talented group that will play better than last year. This team dealt with tons of injuries last year and I think they make the playoffs and will be a team no one wants to see once January comes around.

Denver Broncos: 9-8, 3rd in AFC West, Miss Playoffs

I have long been a Russell Wilson stan as I think he is a great quarterback and last year was an exception rather than a rule. Sean Payton will obviously help the team, but unless Russ is more willing to use his legs to run and roll out in the pocket, I don’t think he’ll return to his elite self. Javonte Williams, Jerry Jeudy, and and Courtland Sutton are good offensive weapons, but have not proven they can stay constantly healthy. They added Frank Clark to a solid defense that includes Pat Surtain II and Justin Simmons on the back-end so they should see improvement there. Overall, there are many question marks with this team and I don’t see them making the playoffs, but they will be a tough team to play against, especially at home.

Las Vegas Raiders: 5-11, 4th in AFC West, Miss Playoffs

Last season did not go well for Josh McDaniels and the Raiders and it will only get worse this year. I don’t know what it is about Josh McDaniels, but as great an OC as he is, he is just as bad of a coach. This is probably his last chance to ever be a head coach unless he replaces Belichick for the Pats. Jimmy Garoppolo is a solid starting QB when he plays but is nearly guaranteed to get injured. The fact he is already starting the year with injuries is not a good sign for a team with no backup plan at the position. Josh Jacobs had an amazing season last year and Davante Adams is a top 3 WR in the league but both are unhappy with the team and that likely gets worse as the losses mount this year. Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones are one of the best edge rushing duos in the league, but the defense is awful outside of them. In addition to the poor state of the franchise, now that Dan Synder is out of the NFL, look for the league to oust Mark Davis next. Las Vegas is such a great city for an NFL team with tons of potential and I don’t think Mark Davis is the guy they want running the goldmine that is the Las Vegas Raiders.

2023 AFC Playoffs

Wild Card Round

1 KC: Bye
2 JAX vs 7 LAC: 7 LAC Wins
3 CIN vs 6 BAL: 3 CIN Wins
4 BUF vs 5 NYJ: 4 BUF Wins

Divisional Round

1 KC vs 7 LAC: 1 KC Wins
3 CIN vs 4 BUF: 4 CIN wins

AFC Championship Game

1 KC vs 3 CIN: 3 CIN Wins AFC

Final AFC Thoughts:

I understand the NFL has a lot of parity and about half the teams that make the playoffs any given year did not make it the previous year. My predictions have 6 of the 7 teams who made the playoffs last year making it this year in the AFC. The reason I am okay with that is because I picked the teams with the 7 best quarterbacks making the playoffs. In today’s NFL, QB is the most important thing so I am fine betting on the 7 best QBs. Maybe Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson bounce back to their elite past selves and prove they are top 7 QBs in the AFC or maybe a team like the Pats or Steelers sneaks in due to great coaching and defenses leading their team to the playoffs. Overall, I see it being more likely the 7 best QBs lead their teams to the playoffs.

Greatest NFL Dynasties of All Time

It’s been a while but I’m back. This time I’m posing the question what makes an NFL team a dynasty in the Superbowl Era? You often hear dynasty talk when it comes to the NBA but not as much with the NFL. To me, there are four clear-cut dynasties (in order from best to worst): 1. 2001-Present Patriots 2. 1981-1994 San Fransisco 49ers 3. 1974-1979 Pittsburgh Steelers 4. 1992-1995 Dallas Cowboys.

My loose criteria for a dynasty is at least 3 Superbowls in a 6-year span, but as long as there is at least some common factor a dynasty can continue past that six-year span. For example, given that Brady and Belichick have been at the helm for all six Superbowls and that the fact that the Patriots have consistently been contenders and made Superbowls (never gone more than 4 yrs w/o making a Superbowl) I consider them a dynasty. In the case of the 49ers they had two different quarterbacks and coaches, but George Seifert took over and won while Montana was still the quarterback and players like Jerry Rice played and won with both coaches and quarterbacks so there’s enough similarity to include that 5th championship in the dynasty. The Steelers and Cowboys make the list because they fit in my original criteria for a dynasty.

After those four, the case can be made for some other teams based off one’s personal criteria.

The 1960-1967 Packers won 5 championships in 8 years and made another in that span. However, only the last two were Superbowls and the other 3 were NFL championships in the pre-Superbowl era so I didn’t include them seeing as they only won 2 Superbowls and that doesn’t fit my criteria.

Some might say the 1971-1973 Dolphins are a dynasty as they won two Superbowls and made three in a 3-year span, but once again they don’t have my three Superbowl requirement. Winning two Superbowls in a short period of time makes you a great team, but not a dynasty.

The team that comes the closest to a dynasty but is just short is the 1976-1983 Oakland Raiders who won three Superbowls in eight years. Had they kept the same coach and/or quarterback throughout all of their titles I would be inclined to put them at number 5 on my list. However, there is too little similarity from their first title to their third title for me to include them.

The last team I definitely considered putting on the list was the 1982-1991 Washington Redskins. They won 3 titles and made another in that 10-year span. They have decent similarities with the same coach and few of the same players on all three teams such as Hall of Fame WR Art Monk. However, the fact that all three were so spread out (5 years between the 1st and 2nd title and 4 years between 2nd and 3rd title), they weren’t dominant throughout the entire run (three straight years finishing third in their division), and that there was a different quarterback on all three title-winning teams is what keeps them off of my list.

Overall, the definition of a dynasty varies from person to person. Regardless of whether or not the teams above are considered dynasties, they were great teams that will go down in history as some of the best ever.