Well, the 2016 season is almost upon us, which means my annual NFL and Seahawk
predictions. I will start with the
Seahawks this time, going game by game, picking leaders for categories that
aren't a given.
Week 1, vs. Miami Dolphins: Win 27-16 (1-0)
The offense gets off to a slow start but comes alive late. Hopefully the Hawks won't need a last minute pick 6 like the last time the Dolphins visited Seattle, all the way back in 2004. I was at that game. Michael Boulware (remember him?) had the INT.
Week 2, at Los Angeles Rams: Win 24-21 (2-0)
Feels weird saying "Los Angeles Rams". But with the Rams moving I don't think their road struggles against the Rams continue. Might be close, but I see the Hawks coming out on top.
Week 3, vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win 34-10 (3-0)
The 49ers are a complete shell of the team they used to be. All of their stars are gone or have faded (Kaepernick). This is a must win.
Week 4, at New York Jets: Win 19-16 (4-0)
Never been impressed with any Jets team in recent memory. I see too much turmoil and lack of team chemistry with them. That being said, they'll put up a fight but lose.
Week 6, vs. Atlanta Falcons: Win 30-14 (5-0)
Dan Quinn's return to Seattle will not go as planned. I have the Falcons having a down season (see more below) so this should be a fairly easy victory.
Week 7, at Arizona Cardinals: Win 35-31 (6-0)
The Hawks have had success in Arizona recently and I think that continues. Should be a bit of a shootout at worst. Will be an entertaining game either way.
Week 8, at New Orleans Saints: Loss 34-26 (6-1)
I thought about the Hawks starting 8-0 or so, but I have a feeling they might look past this game a bit. They will be really focused on the Cardinals and then the next week they'll be looking forward to getting home.
Week 9, vs. Buffalo Bills: Win 28-17 (7-1)
The Hawks defense practices against Wilson constantly, and playing against Taylor should be fairly easy. Rex Ryan will complain several times and complain about the noise after the game.
Week 10, at New England Patriots: Loss 24-23 (7-2)
I can see this game actually being a defensive struggle. But playing in New England in November is no easy task for ANY team. Also, would continue the tradition of losing to an AFC team every year.
Week 11, vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Win 27-9 (8-2)
The Eagles could be very bad this year. With this game sandwiched between to east coast trips, a win is mandatory.
Week 12, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Win 12-10 (9-2)
I'll guess that this game will have very few offensive fireworks. I think our D can shut Winston down but I worry about the long trip affecting our offense. But it will be just enough.
Week 13, vs. Carolina Panthers: Win 19-14 (10-2)
The Seahawks want revenge for losing to the Panthers TWICE last year. The Hawks offense will be in a stretch where people start to wonder what is going on, but the defense steps up.
Week 14, at Green Bay Packers: Win 13-10 (11-2)
The Hawks want revenge here as well, and in a December game at Lambeau points may be at a premium. The Hawks are also due for a win at Lambeau.
Week 15, vs. Los Angeles Rams: Win 20-10 (12-2)
Again, revenge for last year. It will be another dirty, hard-fought game, but this time the ball bounces the Hawks way (literally).
Week 16, vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win 30-20 (13-2)
Did I mention revenge yet as a motivating factor? Hawks have a stretch of four games in a row where they lost to that opponent last year at the same sight the game is being played at. I'd be happy with 3 wins in this stretch, but I'll be optimistic and say they get all four.
Week 17, at San Francisco 49ers: Win 20-7 (14-2)
Meaningless game, possibly? Either way I think our 2nd stringers beat their best.
More on the Hawks in the playoffs later. Now, the predictions for team leaders!
Rushing Yards: Thomas Rawls
Rushing TD's: Christine Michael
Receiving Yards: Doug Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Jimmy Graham
Sacks: Michael Bennett
Interceptions: Earl Thomas
Tackles: KJ Wright
Hawks Rookie of the Year: Jarran Reed
Hawks MVP: Russell Wilson
Hawks comeback player: Paul Richardson
Hawks unsung hero: Justin Britt
Now, onto my predictions for EACH TEAM!
AFC East
1. Patriots (12-4)
Losing Brady for the first four games hurts (Oh well, you cheaters), but I think Garoppolo will hold down the fort, go 2-2 or 3-1.
2. Bills (9-7, WC)
I think their playoff drought (longest in the NFL, only one longer in big 3 sports longer than the Mariners) will end, and they'll get a wild card. Rex will work his magic. And the Mariners will have the longest playoff drought in all of sports. HA HA.
3. Jets (8-8)
So they recently resigned Fitzpatrick to a one year contract, which he'll need to prove to them he's worthy of a long-term deal, so expect him to do well. But I just don't see the ground attack being enough to complement him.
4. Dolphins (6-10)
They won't be horrible, but they're not going to overpower anyone. Ryan Tannehill is the most run of the mill QB I think I've ever seen. He's good enough to hold down the starting job, never good enough to get playoffs or a Pro Bowl nod.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Spurred on by the heartbreaking loss in the playoffs the Bengals roar back and have a good season, start to finish. One of the best all around rosters in the AFC still.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
Big Ben, the douchebag he is, will get hurt or struggle, I predict. Their defense is still a work in progress.
3. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
Ever since Ray Ray left they've been terrible. That will continue, for the most part. Who's their running back? And their defense is awfully pedestrian now.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Cleveland will be Cleveland. Every time I pick the Browns to have a surprisingly good year, they suck. So, I'm picking them to suck.
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
You heard it here first, folks. This team is on the rise, and it's not exactly one of the best divisions. Bortles will take a big step forward, and Robinson/Hurns will emerge as perhaps the best 1-2 WR combo.
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)
I don't get all the Andrew Luck Hype. Well, if he was in Seattle he might have similar success to Russell Wilson, but in Indy I don't see him having much more success. Too bad for him he signed that contract extension.
3. Tennessee Titans (8-8)
Mariota will make strides as will the rest of his team, but Mariota, IMO, is only the 3rd best QB in his division. No one is picking the Titans higher than 4th, except maybe Titans fans.
4. Houston Texans (5-11)
Not every year, but every once in a while we see a fairly large contract given to a QB who had BRIEF moments of excellence, and they completely bomb and end up ruining their team's chances. I'm predicting that for Houston and Brock Osweiler. Brock had the talent around him in Denver and won't have as much in Houston.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (9-7)
Colin Cowherd picked the Broncos to finish 3rd with a 6-10 record. REALLY? The only things they really lost were QB's. Granted, I'm not too assured with Sanchez/Lynch, but this defense was one of the best ever last year. They're still there. They will carry the team if they have to. And Denver should have a running game.
2. Oakland Raiders (9-7, WC)
Possibly a wild card spot, we'll see. I like their chances and they've been built better than they have for many years.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
Alex Smith is so pedestrian. He is the very definition of a game manager. He won't beat you with his arm. Granted, he won't let too many mistakes happen, but in a fairly tough division you need a gunslinger at QB, and Smith is not it.
4. San Diego Chargers (6-10)
Any chance Rivers will want out? The Chargers, unless there's some sort of minor miracle, aren't going anywhere. They're not horrible, but escaping from last may be tough.
NFC East
1. New York Giants (10-6)
What the heck. This division is the hardest to pick IMO, mostly because injuries to QB's in this division have a bigger effect than in other divisions. Here's to Eli having a good season, being the only Manning in the league now.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7, WC)
I can't see THAT much of a bounce back season for the 'Boys. They won't be God awful like they were last year, but Ezekiel Elliot will only be so-so.
3. Washington Redskins (7-9)
You know what, Kirk Cousins? I do like that. I like that you're staying in Washington for a while, never leading them past the first round in the playoffs. You're the Andy Dalton of the NFC. And you have nowhere near the talent around him he does.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-11)
Doug Pederson sure has his plate full. The odds of two straight drafts were the Top 2 QB's taken all have good careers is very unlikely. Mariota/Winston seem to be decent. Goff I think will be good. That leaves Wentz as the odd man out. But we'll see.
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
I'm not a huge fan of Teddy Bridgewater, but excluding the QB position, I'll take the Vikings over the Packers any day. If Teddy can play just well enough he can get them the division title.
2. Green Bay Packers (9-7, WC)
I don't know what will happen. Maybe their defense will suck. Maybe their O-Line will. Something will, and it will hurt them. Not enough to miss the playoffs, but enough to probably cost them the division.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8)
Sure, they lost Megatron to retirement but that may help them in a way. Stafford is a very good QB even without him. We've seen QB's have success without a true #1, they just need protection and a running game. The running game is the big question.
4. Chicago Bears (4-12)
What to say about Da Bears? They seem to be like a car stuck in the mud. They just need that push to get them unstuck. That won't happen this year, I don't think.
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers (13-3)
No one can argue that as long as they stay (relatively) healthy that they're not the best all around team in their division. They're built to be competitive, but to win a title? That we'll have to see.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
They'll take a big leap forward. I used to think Jameis Winston would be a bust but now I'm thinking he'll be like Cam Newton, maybe a hair or two below. I like his desire to win.
3. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Their defense will be improved, and Brandin Cooks will emerge as one of the best weapons in the game.
4. Atlanta Falcons (5-11)
I don't know what it'll be, but I'm just not liking the way this team is being put together. Dan Quinn will be on the hot seat.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (14-2)
Yes, I'm biased, but the last time the Seahawks lost in the divisional round, they won their division and the Super Bowl the following year. It won't be easy with the Cards still competitive, though.
2. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
Carson Palmer is aging. I doubt he'll age as gracefully as guys like Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Larry Fitzgerald is aging too.
3. San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
I know, but it's the Chip Kelley effect. He'll win more games than expected which will instill false hope in the Niner fanbase. He did it in Philadelphia. Heck, if the Cardinals really struggle or deal with injuries, they could reach 2nd place!
4. Los Angeles Rams (6-10)
I don't know what it'll be, but I don't see much leadership on this team. They cut a lot of defensive leaders. We'll see.
And now onto playoff predictions!
AFC Playoffs
1. Patriots
2. Bengals
3. Broncos
4. Jaguars
5. Bills
6. Raiders
NFC Playoffs
1. Seahawks
2. Panthers
3. Giants
4. Vikings
5. Packers
6. Cowboys
AFC WC
Raiders at Broncos: Broncos
Bills at Jaguars: Jaguars
NFC WC
Cowboys at Giants: Giants
Packers at Vikings: Packers
AFC Div
Jaguars at Patriots: Patriots
Broncos at Bengals: Broncos
NFC Div
Packers at Seahawks: Seahawks
Giants at Panthers: Panthers
Championship Games
Broncos at Patriots: Patriots
Panthers at Seahawks: Seahawks
Super Bowl LI: Seahawks over Patriots :D
Week 1, vs. Miami Dolphins: Win 27-16 (1-0)
The offense gets off to a slow start but comes alive late. Hopefully the Hawks won't need a last minute pick 6 like the last time the Dolphins visited Seattle, all the way back in 2004. I was at that game. Michael Boulware (remember him?) had the INT.
Week 2, at Los Angeles Rams: Win 24-21 (2-0)
Feels weird saying "Los Angeles Rams". But with the Rams moving I don't think their road struggles against the Rams continue. Might be close, but I see the Hawks coming out on top.
Week 3, vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win 34-10 (3-0)
The 49ers are a complete shell of the team they used to be. All of their stars are gone or have faded (Kaepernick). This is a must win.
Week 4, at New York Jets: Win 19-16 (4-0)
Never been impressed with any Jets team in recent memory. I see too much turmoil and lack of team chemistry with them. That being said, they'll put up a fight but lose.
Week 6, vs. Atlanta Falcons: Win 30-14 (5-0)
Dan Quinn's return to Seattle will not go as planned. I have the Falcons having a down season (see more below) so this should be a fairly easy victory.
Week 7, at Arizona Cardinals: Win 35-31 (6-0)
The Hawks have had success in Arizona recently and I think that continues. Should be a bit of a shootout at worst. Will be an entertaining game either way.
Week 8, at New Orleans Saints: Loss 34-26 (6-1)
I thought about the Hawks starting 8-0 or so, but I have a feeling they might look past this game a bit. They will be really focused on the Cardinals and then the next week they'll be looking forward to getting home.
Week 9, vs. Buffalo Bills: Win 28-17 (7-1)
The Hawks defense practices against Wilson constantly, and playing against Taylor should be fairly easy. Rex Ryan will complain several times and complain about the noise after the game.
Week 10, at New England Patriots: Loss 24-23 (7-2)
I can see this game actually being a defensive struggle. But playing in New England in November is no easy task for ANY team. Also, would continue the tradition of losing to an AFC team every year.
Week 11, vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Win 27-9 (8-2)
The Eagles could be very bad this year. With this game sandwiched between to east coast trips, a win is mandatory.
Week 12, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Win 12-10 (9-2)
I'll guess that this game will have very few offensive fireworks. I think our D can shut Winston down but I worry about the long trip affecting our offense. But it will be just enough.
Week 13, vs. Carolina Panthers: Win 19-14 (10-2)
The Seahawks want revenge for losing to the Panthers TWICE last year. The Hawks offense will be in a stretch where people start to wonder what is going on, but the defense steps up.
Week 14, at Green Bay Packers: Win 13-10 (11-2)
The Hawks want revenge here as well, and in a December game at Lambeau points may be at a premium. The Hawks are also due for a win at Lambeau.
Week 15, vs. Los Angeles Rams: Win 20-10 (12-2)
Again, revenge for last year. It will be another dirty, hard-fought game, but this time the ball bounces the Hawks way (literally).
Week 16, vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win 30-20 (13-2)
Did I mention revenge yet as a motivating factor? Hawks have a stretch of four games in a row where they lost to that opponent last year at the same sight the game is being played at. I'd be happy with 3 wins in this stretch, but I'll be optimistic and say they get all four.
Week 17, at San Francisco 49ers: Win 20-7 (14-2)
Meaningless game, possibly? Either way I think our 2nd stringers beat their best.
More on the Hawks in the playoffs later. Now, the predictions for team leaders!
Rushing Yards: Thomas Rawls
Rushing TD's: Christine Michael
Receiving Yards: Doug Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Jimmy Graham
Sacks: Michael Bennett
Interceptions: Earl Thomas
Tackles: KJ Wright
Hawks Rookie of the Year: Jarran Reed
Hawks MVP: Russell Wilson
Hawks comeback player: Paul Richardson
Hawks unsung hero: Justin Britt
Now, onto my predictions for EACH TEAM!
AFC East
1. Patriots (12-4)
Losing Brady for the first four games hurts (Oh well, you cheaters), but I think Garoppolo will hold down the fort, go 2-2 or 3-1.
2. Bills (9-7, WC)
I think their playoff drought (longest in the NFL, only one longer in big 3 sports longer than the Mariners) will end, and they'll get a wild card. Rex will work his magic. And the Mariners will have the longest playoff drought in all of sports. HA HA.
3. Jets (8-8)
So they recently resigned Fitzpatrick to a one year contract, which he'll need to prove to them he's worthy of a long-term deal, so expect him to do well. But I just don't see the ground attack being enough to complement him.
4. Dolphins (6-10)
They won't be horrible, but they're not going to overpower anyone. Ryan Tannehill is the most run of the mill QB I think I've ever seen. He's good enough to hold down the starting job, never good enough to get playoffs or a Pro Bowl nod.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Spurred on by the heartbreaking loss in the playoffs the Bengals roar back and have a good season, start to finish. One of the best all around rosters in the AFC still.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
Big Ben, the douchebag he is, will get hurt or struggle, I predict. Their defense is still a work in progress.
3. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
Ever since Ray Ray left they've been terrible. That will continue, for the most part. Who's their running back? And their defense is awfully pedestrian now.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Cleveland will be Cleveland. Every time I pick the Browns to have a surprisingly good year, they suck. So, I'm picking them to suck.
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
You heard it here first, folks. This team is on the rise, and it's not exactly one of the best divisions. Bortles will take a big step forward, and Robinson/Hurns will emerge as perhaps the best 1-2 WR combo.
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)
I don't get all the Andrew Luck Hype. Well, if he was in Seattle he might have similar success to Russell Wilson, but in Indy I don't see him having much more success. Too bad for him he signed that contract extension.
3. Tennessee Titans (8-8)
Mariota will make strides as will the rest of his team, but Mariota, IMO, is only the 3rd best QB in his division. No one is picking the Titans higher than 4th, except maybe Titans fans.
4. Houston Texans (5-11)
Not every year, but every once in a while we see a fairly large contract given to a QB who had BRIEF moments of excellence, and they completely bomb and end up ruining their team's chances. I'm predicting that for Houston and Brock Osweiler. Brock had the talent around him in Denver and won't have as much in Houston.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (9-7)
Colin Cowherd picked the Broncos to finish 3rd with a 6-10 record. REALLY? The only things they really lost were QB's. Granted, I'm not too assured with Sanchez/Lynch, but this defense was one of the best ever last year. They're still there. They will carry the team if they have to. And Denver should have a running game.
2. Oakland Raiders (9-7, WC)
Possibly a wild card spot, we'll see. I like their chances and they've been built better than they have for many years.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
Alex Smith is so pedestrian. He is the very definition of a game manager. He won't beat you with his arm. Granted, he won't let too many mistakes happen, but in a fairly tough division you need a gunslinger at QB, and Smith is not it.
4. San Diego Chargers (6-10)
Any chance Rivers will want out? The Chargers, unless there's some sort of minor miracle, aren't going anywhere. They're not horrible, but escaping from last may be tough.
NFC East
1. New York Giants (10-6)
What the heck. This division is the hardest to pick IMO, mostly because injuries to QB's in this division have a bigger effect than in other divisions. Here's to Eli having a good season, being the only Manning in the league now.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7, WC)
I can't see THAT much of a bounce back season for the 'Boys. They won't be God awful like they were last year, but Ezekiel Elliot will only be so-so.
3. Washington Redskins (7-9)
You know what, Kirk Cousins? I do like that. I like that you're staying in Washington for a while, never leading them past the first round in the playoffs. You're the Andy Dalton of the NFC. And you have nowhere near the talent around him he does.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-11)
Doug Pederson sure has his plate full. The odds of two straight drafts were the Top 2 QB's taken all have good careers is very unlikely. Mariota/Winston seem to be decent. Goff I think will be good. That leaves Wentz as the odd man out. But we'll see.
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
I'm not a huge fan of Teddy Bridgewater, but excluding the QB position, I'll take the Vikings over the Packers any day. If Teddy can play just well enough he can get them the division title.
2. Green Bay Packers (9-7, WC)
I don't know what will happen. Maybe their defense will suck. Maybe their O-Line will. Something will, and it will hurt them. Not enough to miss the playoffs, but enough to probably cost them the division.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8)
Sure, they lost Megatron to retirement but that may help them in a way. Stafford is a very good QB even without him. We've seen QB's have success without a true #1, they just need protection and a running game. The running game is the big question.
4. Chicago Bears (4-12)
What to say about Da Bears? They seem to be like a car stuck in the mud. They just need that push to get them unstuck. That won't happen this year, I don't think.
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers (13-3)
No one can argue that as long as they stay (relatively) healthy that they're not the best all around team in their division. They're built to be competitive, but to win a title? That we'll have to see.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
They'll take a big leap forward. I used to think Jameis Winston would be a bust but now I'm thinking he'll be like Cam Newton, maybe a hair or two below. I like his desire to win.
3. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Their defense will be improved, and Brandin Cooks will emerge as one of the best weapons in the game.
4. Atlanta Falcons (5-11)
I don't know what it'll be, but I'm just not liking the way this team is being put together. Dan Quinn will be on the hot seat.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (14-2)
Yes, I'm biased, but the last time the Seahawks lost in the divisional round, they won their division and the Super Bowl the following year. It won't be easy with the Cards still competitive, though.
2. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
Carson Palmer is aging. I doubt he'll age as gracefully as guys like Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Larry Fitzgerald is aging too.
3. San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
I know, but it's the Chip Kelley effect. He'll win more games than expected which will instill false hope in the Niner fanbase. He did it in Philadelphia. Heck, if the Cardinals really struggle or deal with injuries, they could reach 2nd place!
4. Los Angeles Rams (6-10)
I don't know what it'll be, but I don't see much leadership on this team. They cut a lot of defensive leaders. We'll see.
And now onto playoff predictions!
AFC Playoffs
1. Patriots
2. Bengals
3. Broncos
4. Jaguars
5. Bills
6. Raiders
NFC Playoffs
1. Seahawks
2. Panthers
3. Giants
4. Vikings
5. Packers
6. Cowboys
AFC WC
Raiders at Broncos: Broncos
Bills at Jaguars: Jaguars
NFC WC
Cowboys at Giants: Giants
Packers at Vikings: Packers
AFC Div
Jaguars at Patriots: Patriots
Broncos at Bengals: Broncos
NFC Div
Packers at Seahawks: Seahawks
Giants at Panthers: Panthers
Championship Games
Broncos at Patriots: Patriots
Panthers at Seahawks: Seahawks
Super Bowl LI: Seahawks over Patriots :D
There you have it. The Hawks get their revenge on the Patriots. That would be a perfect way for the 2016 season to go. But we'll see. Should be an extremely exciting season, even without Beast Mode. GO HAWKS!
