Last season, Colin Kaepernick made headlines by kneeling during the National Anthem. That is largely why he remains unsigned, despite multiple teams needing a veteran quarterback. The hubbub generated by this act of defiance died down towards the end of the season, but this preseason it has resurfaced, maybe larger than before. Michael Bennett and Marshawn Lynch (Teammates on the Hawks from 2013-2015) started again this preseason and now we have a group of Cleveland Browns. My take on it is simple: You have been given freedoms by those who lost their lives for you, and you disgrace them by refusing to honor them by simply standing during our National Anthem.
Thousands and thousands of American soldiers have died, been wounded, seen horrors beyond imagination, all so that we civilians can live safe and free lives. These professional football players would not be able to make millions playing the game they love if not for them. And how do they repay them? By sitting during the National Anthem. That is about the biggest slap in the face I could possibly think of. Standing during the National Anthem is about honoring what millions of Americans have done to make this country so great. It's the civilian's way of saying thank you to everyone who has had a part in shaping our country. Michael Bennett's father served in the Navy and chances are every other player that has sat has a family member that has served in the military, government, or helped shape this country in some way. How can you disrespect your own family like that?
I understand the social and racial injustices. I understand why these certain African American players are trying to take a stand by... not standing. Despite racial segregation basically ending 40 years ago, they are still treated differently, most famously by law enforcement. But sitting during the National Anthem is not the way to take a stand, both literally and figuratively. What does it accomplish? You make headlines, you give reporters a story. That's it. Is it changing laws? Is it changing people's actions? Hardly.
Colin Kaepernick started all of this. If he hadn't, would someone else have? Possibly. But, through his actions and words Colin has proven he is immature and unintelligent. So why are these players following this immature and unintelligent player? Marshawn Lynch has shown to be lacking certain verbal skills, and you could argue the same could apply to Michael Bennett. To be honest, I think it comes down to lack of intelligence. These men do not know the proper and smart way to let their voice be heard. They do not know how to appropriately handle themselves. Look at Russell Wilson. He's black. He's good friends with Marshawn and Michael, having been both their teammate. Yet is he sitting for the National Anthem? Nope. He knows it causes more harm than good. And that's what it comes down to. These actions of sitting for the National Anthem are causing more strife and discord than unity.
What is happening is that the country is getting torn on this racial and social issue. Nothing good comes from tearing something apart, unless a rebuilding plan is in place (which it is not). You have the group that supports Colin, Marshawn, and Michael (and those handful of Browns players), and then you have the rest. Is it the 1960's all over again? More players may join their cause. But I think most of them realize that that is not the correct way to make a statement. Most of them realize that they would be disrespecting their friends and family who have served this country.
So what needs to happen? I can't really say what to do to appease those sitting, but I can say this: They need to find some other method. They need to stand and admit that what they were doing wasn't the correct action. Perhaps an NFL player, preferably a popular face such as a star quarterback, needs to step up and encourage his fellow players to stand during the National Anthem. It would make a better argument if it was a black player, too. A white player might only cause further segregation. I want black people to be treated just the same as white people, but to sit during our National Anthem is NOT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THAT.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Monday, August 14, 2017
MASSIVE NFL Preview 2017!
Well the 2017 NFL season is just around the corner, so it's time for my annual
predictions! First up, it's ten
surprises of 2017. These are ten random
things I predict to happen in the NFL in 2017 (going to 2018) and all should
surprise you to some extent. Here are my
Ten Surprises of 2017:
1. The Browns will beat a 2017-18 playoff team
I don't know who, whether it be the Steelers, Bengals, or someone else, but they will.
2. The Seahawks will have a better road record than home record
Perhaps the home field advantage is wearing off? Either way I see a lot of winnable road games and a few home games where they could be needlessly overconfident.
3. More than one well respected coach will get the axe before season's end (Pagano, Arians, Harbaugh)
Those are some possibilities; it could even be Marvin Lewis of the Bengals, although I picked them to make the playoffs.
4. All four NFC division Champs from 2016 will be at most a game back of the division crown again.
The Seahawks and Pack should repeat, while the Boys and Falcons face tough competition in their division but should hang around until division's end (and possibly get a wild card). You may not think this is a surprise but go back through the years and see what happens to some of the division winners. Every time there's at least one that has a drop-off. Not this time.
5. The leading rusher will be someone who was not a starter last year (and not a rookie).
I don't know who, but someone will come out of nowhere to lead the league in rushing. Ok that's not a huge surprise. Sue me.
6. A number one seed will lose their first game
I feel like for the past 4, 5 years the #1 seed in the playoffs has ALWAYS been in the conference championship because they ALWAYS win the divisional round game. And why not, it's always against a 4 seed at best, at home, and the team is rested after having come off a bye. This time it will hurt a team.
7. For the first time in five years, the AFC South will have a wild card team (and thus two playoff teams)
The AFC South for a long time has been known as one of the worst divisions in football. Not anymore. They are a division on the rise (Jags, Titans improving, Texans should still be good, Colts are hit or miss). Not since the 2012-13 season have they had more than a lone playoff participant.
8. Roger Goodell will have no choice but to start fining those who sit for the National Anthem
Ok, this is more politically related, but at some point Goodell must realize those players choosing to sit during the National Anthem are hurting the league's image--big time. Any action that causes that much damage to "The Shield" should be heavily finable. Yet, he has tried to ignore it, hoping it will go away, but alas it does not appear to be. He will have no choice but to try to defend the league's image.
9. The Patriots will clinch their division in Week 13
This may not seem like much, but it's VERY hard to clinch your division with still a quarter of the season left, but the Patriots might just do it.
10. There will be zero instances of a wild card team having a better record than a division winner
It seems like usually there's a wild card team that does really well (10-6, 11-5) but they don't win their division because someone got even more wins. While there probably will be a 10 win wild card team or two, none of them will have a better record than a division winner. They'll have the same or worse.
Now onto my Win/Loss predictions for each team, starting with the AFC East, moving west, then doing the same for the NFC:
* = Wild Card
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots: 14-2
2. Miami Dolphins: 8-8
3. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
4. New York Jets: 3-13
Summary: The Patriots may go undefeated, but as defending champs too many teams will be targeting them and odds are they'll lose a game or two in the regular season. The Dolphins won't struggle with Cutler, but they won't flourish, either. The Bills did nothing in the offseason to make me think they're going to end their North American major team sport playoff drought. The Jets, meanwhile, will more than likely be a bottom 3 team in the AFC.
AFC North:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6*
3. Baltimore Ravens: 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns: 4-12
Summary: This is the Steelers division to lose this year. But the Bengals with John Ross will be scary on offense and hard to stop (Think Tyreke Hill and the Chiefs last year). The Ravens are still lacking a running game (Curse of Ray Rice?), but still have a decent defense, and the Browns will show marginal, if any, improvements.
AFC South:
1. Tennessee Titans: 10-6
2. Houston Texans: 10-6*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
4. Indianapolis Colts: 5-11
Summary: The Titans should contend for a playoff spot and division title with Mariota back and healthy. The Texans will be scary good with Clowney AND Watt healthy, but I still worry about their quarterback position. The Jags just can't seem to get over the hump and a new coach won't help. The Colts will struggle as it seems Luck won't be ready for the start of the season (Maybe not until Week 7 or 8).
AFC West:
1. Oakland Raiders: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7
3. Denver Broncos: 8-8
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11
Summary: The Raiders are many people's pick to unseat the Pats in the AFC, if it happens. The Chiefs are still solidly built, but with an aging Smith and Mahomes waiting in the wings, will there be a QB controversy? Denver still has a great D, but are still looking for the answer at QB (It's not Siemian). And the Chargers just lost their two rookies and may struggle to find passion for their play, playing in front of only 30,000.
NFC East:
1. New York Giants: 10-6
2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins: 6-10
Summary: The Giants will be hungry after the disappointing Wild Card playoff loss last year. There's very little chance the Cowboys can repeat last year's regular season success, but barring massive injuries they will compete for the division title. The Eagles should improve in Wentz's second year. The Skins... well to be honest I'm not quite sure. Perhaps Cousins will be distracted with all the rumors flying around, or the injury bug will hit them.
NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
3. Detroit Lions: 8-8
4. Chicago Bears: 4-12
Summary: This division is the Pack's to lose. The Vikings would have to play near perfectly. The Lions will remain competitive more than likely, but still have plenty of holes. The Bears are still another year away or so, and they still may not have their future QB.
NFC South:
1. Carolina Panthers: 11-5
2. Atlanta Falcons: 10-6*
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6*
4. New Orleans Saints: 7-9
Summary: This may be the most exciting and competitive division in the NFL. This division is always won by someone unexpected, so I'm going with the Panthers. They still have Newton and a Top 10 D. The Falcons should remain very competitive. The Buccaneers have a bit of hype, but there's no way they're going to win this division easily. The Saints, meanwhile, would be the only team I'd bet money on to not win the division.
NFC West:
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 8-8
3. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
4. San Francisco 49ers: 5-11
Summary: The Hawks have a favorable schedule and play in a weak division, so they should go 5-1 or 6-0 against their division foes. The Rams should improve under new Head Coach Sean McVay and in Jared Goff's second season. The Cards are in no man's land and it might be time to move on from Arians/Warner. The Niners may improve, if slightly. But there's no fixing that mess in San Francisco overnight.
Awards:
MVP: Derek Carr, Raiders
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt, Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: John Ross, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Reuben Foster, 49ers
Coach of the Year: Mike Mularkey, Titans
So the Seahawks finish 12-4? Let's see how they get there. Here are predictions for each game (Which usually are off a lot, but it's still fun)
Week 1: At Green Bay Packers - Win, 21-17 (1-0)
The Hawks haven't won in Green Bay since the last millennium, in Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay after leaving their to become the Hawks head coach. That's got to end. The Hawks will have a good defensive game plan, certainly better than last year's game. Aaron Rodgers and co. will attempt a last second Hail Mary but it will fall short.
Week 2: Vs. San Francisco 49ers - Win, 24-13 (2-0)
The Hawks offense may struggle against an improved 49er defense at first, and the game may be close until the end, leaving Hawks fans wondering if they might blow this easy victory. But in the end the Hawks D will step up and the offense will score a last minute TD to put it away.
Week 3: At Tennessee Titans - Loss, 22-21 (2-1)
In the heat in Tennessee, the Hawks lose their cool (Literally and figuratively) and a costly mistake costs them the game. The Hawks had their only perfect year against the AFC in their entire history last year, and that is highly unlikely to repeat, so a loss to an AFC team is almost inevitable.
Week 4: Vs. Indianapolis Colts - Win, 31-10 (3-1)
Odds are Andrew Luck won't be playing in this game, which is a shame, because it was supposed to be a showcase of the Top 2 QB's from the 2012 draft. With that said, the Hawks should have no trouble taking care of a down on their "Luck" (haha, get it?) team.
Week 5: At Los Angeles Rams - Win, 19-17 (4-1)
This probably won't be a pretty game, but the Hawks need to end their struggles with the Rams on the road. There are a lot of lessons the Hawks could learn from last year's game in LA, and as long as they play smart and efficiently, they should win. Won't be easy, though.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: At New York Giants - Win, 26-18 (5-1)
The long travel shouldn't bother the Hawks too much, and the game is at 1:25 Pacific Time so that should help. Richard Sherman should (And probably will be) stuck to Odell Beckham Jr. like glue, frustrating him. The Hawks have good history in Metlife Stadium (Super Bowl XLVIII) and should continue it.
Week 8: Vs. Houston Texans - Loss, 21-12 (5-2)
JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, if both healthy, may have a field day against our porous offensive line. Our team could be tired from their long trip back from New Jersey and I could see a letdown game here, despite the Hawks probably being favored.
Week 9: Vs. Washington Redskins - Win, 28-21 (6-2)
No way will the Hawks allow two straight home losses in a row, especially in back-to-back weeks. It won't be particularly easy (But then again, what games are?), but the Hawks have done well in recent years against the Redskins and that should continue.
Week 10: At Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-14 (7-2)
The Hawks will want to do anything to avenge for last year's tie in Arizona. I don't see the Cardinals as a strong team this season so it should not be as difficult as some of their other games. So long as the offense gets some rhythm going the defense will do its part.
Week 11: Vs. Atlanta Falcons - Loss, 31-23 (7-3)
Both teams will want revenge in this game, the Falcons for last year's regular season game where a missed PI call probably cost them the game. And the Hawks for last year's playoff game. I don't see the defense being able to keep up with the high flying Falcons defense all day long.
Week 12: At San Francisco 49ers - Win, 21-16 (8-3)
This game won't be as easy as we think, as the 49er defense with the crowd behind them will give the Hawk offense trouble. But in the end, talent will win out and the Hawks will come out on top.
Week 13: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Win, 27-24 (9-3)
Again, this game won't be easy. But it is Prime Time at home, and we have the more experienced quarterback. A last minute field goal or defensive stop will key the victory for us.
Week 14: At Jacksonville Jaguars - Win, 34-17 (10-3)
The Hawks are flying high after this victory, which should be in a very mild weather game. The offense has their best game of the year against a defeated Jaguar defense, and they perhaps clinch a playoff spot in this game.
Week 15: Vs. Los Angeles Rams - Loss, 27-18 (10-4)
A week after the offense has one of their best game, the defense has one of their worst and the Rams continue to be able to beat the Hawks at least once a year. I expect the Rams to have a better 2nd half than first so they may be playing some really good football at this point.
Week 16: At Dallas Cowboys - Win, 28-24 (11-4)
A game that will almost assuredly have playoff implications, the Hawks and Boys will go back and forth, but in the end the Hawks come out on top thanks to the more experienced roster and a line that will be much improved by season's end. This game could potentially be the one that costs the Cowboys a shot at the NFC East division title.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-6
Hard to say if this game will mean anything to either team. But I would be willing to bet money that Carson Palmer will not be playing in this game (either due to injury, struggles, or simply wanting to give another QB experience). Even if Russell and some of the starters sit, I see a victory here.
Well, that's how the Hawks go 12-4. 7-1 on the road and 5-3 at home, which is unusual but not impossible. Now for the Seahawks leaders and team awards (that aren't obvious):
Rushing Yards: Rawls (2nd is RW)
Rushing TD: Lacy
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD: Graham
Sacks: Clark
Tackles: Wagner
Interceptions: Thomas
Team MVP: Wilson
Team unsung hero: Wilhoite
Team Rookie of the Year: Pocic
Now for the playoff predictions to see how the Hawks (and the rest of the NFL's playoff teams) do:
Wild Cards
AFC: Bengals at Steelers - Steelers win
A rematch of the game two years ago the Bengals blew. But the Steelers have too much talent and will be at home, again.
Texans at Titans - Titans win
The Texans have done decently in the playoffs recently... at home. This game will be on the road however, by virtue of a tiebreaker, and the Titans win by a narrow margin.
NFC: Buccaneers at Giants - Giants win
Experience will win out as Eli and co. put away the young Bucs. Also, they will want to avoid losing in the wild card round two years in a row.
Falcons at Packers - Packers win
A rematch of last year's NFC Championship game this time takes place in the wild card round. I don't see the Falcons offense doing much in the Green Bay cold.
Divisional Round:
AFC: Steelers at Raiders - Raiders win
Still haven't had a road team win in the playoffs. Should be a very close and exciting game between two teams with some of the best fanbases. The Steelers have experience but perhaps may lack the drive that will get the Raiders to the next level.
Titans at Patriots - Patriots win
Doesn't it seem like every year the Patriots get an easy matchup in the divisional round? Last year it was the Osweiler-led Texans, and a few years back it was the Tebow-lead Broncos. Well, that pattern continues as the Pats get the Titans and Mariota in his first playoff run. Should be an easy win for the Pats.
NFC: Packers at Panthers - Packers win
Finally, a road team wins. The Panthers defense won't be able to stop Aaron Rodgers, just like the Cowboys defense couldn't stop him last year.
Giants at Seahawks - Giants win
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks lost in the Divisional Round at home. Must have been in the 90's or 80's. But it is bound to happen. The Hawks always play tough in the playoffs but I feel the home field advantage is starting to wear off.
Conference Championships:
AFC: Raiders at Patriots - Patriots Win
Hard to imagine the Patriots not making it to the Super Bowl if they get the number one seed. And Derek Carr and the Raiders should be proud if they get to the AFC Championship game; it means they took a step forward.
NFC: Giants at Packers - Packers Win
A rematch of last year's wild card game. Again, cold weather, and again, the Pack move on.
Super Bowl LII: Patriots vs. Packers- Patriots win, 30-27
I have wanted this Super Bowl matchup for so long... and I predict it finally happens. It would be a showdown for the ages. I predict the Packers to get a last second or minute TD to make it 28-27 (still in favor of the Pats) and on the PAT it is blocked and returned for 2 pts. A few last second heaves from Aaron Rodgers are incomplete and the Patriots win yet again, solidifying Belichick and Brady as the two best in history.
1. The Browns will beat a 2017-18 playoff team
I don't know who, whether it be the Steelers, Bengals, or someone else, but they will.
2. The Seahawks will have a better road record than home record
Perhaps the home field advantage is wearing off? Either way I see a lot of winnable road games and a few home games where they could be needlessly overconfident.
3. More than one well respected coach will get the axe before season's end (Pagano, Arians, Harbaugh)
Those are some possibilities; it could even be Marvin Lewis of the Bengals, although I picked them to make the playoffs.
4. All four NFC division Champs from 2016 will be at most a game back of the division crown again.
The Seahawks and Pack should repeat, while the Boys and Falcons face tough competition in their division but should hang around until division's end (and possibly get a wild card). You may not think this is a surprise but go back through the years and see what happens to some of the division winners. Every time there's at least one that has a drop-off. Not this time.
5. The leading rusher will be someone who was not a starter last year (and not a rookie).
I don't know who, but someone will come out of nowhere to lead the league in rushing. Ok that's not a huge surprise. Sue me.
6. A number one seed will lose their first game
I feel like for the past 4, 5 years the #1 seed in the playoffs has ALWAYS been in the conference championship because they ALWAYS win the divisional round game. And why not, it's always against a 4 seed at best, at home, and the team is rested after having come off a bye. This time it will hurt a team.
7. For the first time in five years, the AFC South will have a wild card team (and thus two playoff teams)
The AFC South for a long time has been known as one of the worst divisions in football. Not anymore. They are a division on the rise (Jags, Titans improving, Texans should still be good, Colts are hit or miss). Not since the 2012-13 season have they had more than a lone playoff participant.
8. Roger Goodell will have no choice but to start fining those who sit for the National Anthem
Ok, this is more politically related, but at some point Goodell must realize those players choosing to sit during the National Anthem are hurting the league's image--big time. Any action that causes that much damage to "The Shield" should be heavily finable. Yet, he has tried to ignore it, hoping it will go away, but alas it does not appear to be. He will have no choice but to try to defend the league's image.
9. The Patriots will clinch their division in Week 13
This may not seem like much, but it's VERY hard to clinch your division with still a quarter of the season left, but the Patriots might just do it.
10. There will be zero instances of a wild card team having a better record than a division winner
It seems like usually there's a wild card team that does really well (10-6, 11-5) but they don't win their division because someone got even more wins. While there probably will be a 10 win wild card team or two, none of them will have a better record than a division winner. They'll have the same or worse.
Now onto my Win/Loss predictions for each team, starting with the AFC East, moving west, then doing the same for the NFC:
* = Wild Card
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots: 14-2
2. Miami Dolphins: 8-8
3. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
4. New York Jets: 3-13
Summary: The Patriots may go undefeated, but as defending champs too many teams will be targeting them and odds are they'll lose a game or two in the regular season. The Dolphins won't struggle with Cutler, but they won't flourish, either. The Bills did nothing in the offseason to make me think they're going to end their North American major team sport playoff drought. The Jets, meanwhile, will more than likely be a bottom 3 team in the AFC.
AFC North:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6*
3. Baltimore Ravens: 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns: 4-12
Summary: This is the Steelers division to lose this year. But the Bengals with John Ross will be scary on offense and hard to stop (Think Tyreke Hill and the Chiefs last year). The Ravens are still lacking a running game (Curse of Ray Rice?), but still have a decent defense, and the Browns will show marginal, if any, improvements.
AFC South:
1. Tennessee Titans: 10-6
2. Houston Texans: 10-6*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
4. Indianapolis Colts: 5-11
Summary: The Titans should contend for a playoff spot and division title with Mariota back and healthy. The Texans will be scary good with Clowney AND Watt healthy, but I still worry about their quarterback position. The Jags just can't seem to get over the hump and a new coach won't help. The Colts will struggle as it seems Luck won't be ready for the start of the season (Maybe not until Week 7 or 8).
AFC West:
1. Oakland Raiders: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7
3. Denver Broncos: 8-8
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11
Summary: The Raiders are many people's pick to unseat the Pats in the AFC, if it happens. The Chiefs are still solidly built, but with an aging Smith and Mahomes waiting in the wings, will there be a QB controversy? Denver still has a great D, but are still looking for the answer at QB (It's not Siemian). And the Chargers just lost their two rookies and may struggle to find passion for their play, playing in front of only 30,000.
NFC East:
1. New York Giants: 10-6
2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins: 6-10
Summary: The Giants will be hungry after the disappointing Wild Card playoff loss last year. There's very little chance the Cowboys can repeat last year's regular season success, but barring massive injuries they will compete for the division title. The Eagles should improve in Wentz's second year. The Skins... well to be honest I'm not quite sure. Perhaps Cousins will be distracted with all the rumors flying around, or the injury bug will hit them.
NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
3. Detroit Lions: 8-8
4. Chicago Bears: 4-12
Summary: This division is the Pack's to lose. The Vikings would have to play near perfectly. The Lions will remain competitive more than likely, but still have plenty of holes. The Bears are still another year away or so, and they still may not have their future QB.
NFC South:
1. Carolina Panthers: 11-5
2. Atlanta Falcons: 10-6*
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6*
4. New Orleans Saints: 7-9
Summary: This may be the most exciting and competitive division in the NFL. This division is always won by someone unexpected, so I'm going with the Panthers. They still have Newton and a Top 10 D. The Falcons should remain very competitive. The Buccaneers have a bit of hype, but there's no way they're going to win this division easily. The Saints, meanwhile, would be the only team I'd bet money on to not win the division.
NFC West:
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 8-8
3. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
4. San Francisco 49ers: 5-11
Summary: The Hawks have a favorable schedule and play in a weak division, so they should go 5-1 or 6-0 against their division foes. The Rams should improve under new Head Coach Sean McVay and in Jared Goff's second season. The Cards are in no man's land and it might be time to move on from Arians/Warner. The Niners may improve, if slightly. But there's no fixing that mess in San Francisco overnight.
Awards:
MVP: Derek Carr, Raiders
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt, Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: John Ross, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Reuben Foster, 49ers
Coach of the Year: Mike Mularkey, Titans
So the Seahawks finish 12-4? Let's see how they get there. Here are predictions for each game (Which usually are off a lot, but it's still fun)
Week 1: At Green Bay Packers - Win, 21-17 (1-0)
The Hawks haven't won in Green Bay since the last millennium, in Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay after leaving their to become the Hawks head coach. That's got to end. The Hawks will have a good defensive game plan, certainly better than last year's game. Aaron Rodgers and co. will attempt a last second Hail Mary but it will fall short.
Week 2: Vs. San Francisco 49ers - Win, 24-13 (2-0)
The Hawks offense may struggle against an improved 49er defense at first, and the game may be close until the end, leaving Hawks fans wondering if they might blow this easy victory. But in the end the Hawks D will step up and the offense will score a last minute TD to put it away.
Week 3: At Tennessee Titans - Loss, 22-21 (2-1)
In the heat in Tennessee, the Hawks lose their cool (Literally and figuratively) and a costly mistake costs them the game. The Hawks had their only perfect year against the AFC in their entire history last year, and that is highly unlikely to repeat, so a loss to an AFC team is almost inevitable.
Week 4: Vs. Indianapolis Colts - Win, 31-10 (3-1)
Odds are Andrew Luck won't be playing in this game, which is a shame, because it was supposed to be a showcase of the Top 2 QB's from the 2012 draft. With that said, the Hawks should have no trouble taking care of a down on their "Luck" (haha, get it?) team.
Week 5: At Los Angeles Rams - Win, 19-17 (4-1)
This probably won't be a pretty game, but the Hawks need to end their struggles with the Rams on the road. There are a lot of lessons the Hawks could learn from last year's game in LA, and as long as they play smart and efficiently, they should win. Won't be easy, though.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: At New York Giants - Win, 26-18 (5-1)
The long travel shouldn't bother the Hawks too much, and the game is at 1:25 Pacific Time so that should help. Richard Sherman should (And probably will be) stuck to Odell Beckham Jr. like glue, frustrating him. The Hawks have good history in Metlife Stadium (Super Bowl XLVIII) and should continue it.
Week 8: Vs. Houston Texans - Loss, 21-12 (5-2)
JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, if both healthy, may have a field day against our porous offensive line. Our team could be tired from their long trip back from New Jersey and I could see a letdown game here, despite the Hawks probably being favored.
Week 9: Vs. Washington Redskins - Win, 28-21 (6-2)
No way will the Hawks allow two straight home losses in a row, especially in back-to-back weeks. It won't be particularly easy (But then again, what games are?), but the Hawks have done well in recent years against the Redskins and that should continue.
Week 10: At Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-14 (7-2)
The Hawks will want to do anything to avenge for last year's tie in Arizona. I don't see the Cardinals as a strong team this season so it should not be as difficult as some of their other games. So long as the offense gets some rhythm going the defense will do its part.
Week 11: Vs. Atlanta Falcons - Loss, 31-23 (7-3)
Both teams will want revenge in this game, the Falcons for last year's regular season game where a missed PI call probably cost them the game. And the Hawks for last year's playoff game. I don't see the defense being able to keep up with the high flying Falcons defense all day long.
Week 12: At San Francisco 49ers - Win, 21-16 (8-3)
This game won't be as easy as we think, as the 49er defense with the crowd behind them will give the Hawk offense trouble. But in the end, talent will win out and the Hawks will come out on top.
Week 13: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Win, 27-24 (9-3)
Again, this game won't be easy. But it is Prime Time at home, and we have the more experienced quarterback. A last minute field goal or defensive stop will key the victory for us.
Week 14: At Jacksonville Jaguars - Win, 34-17 (10-3)
The Hawks are flying high after this victory, which should be in a very mild weather game. The offense has their best game of the year against a defeated Jaguar defense, and they perhaps clinch a playoff spot in this game.
Week 15: Vs. Los Angeles Rams - Loss, 27-18 (10-4)
A week after the offense has one of their best game, the defense has one of their worst and the Rams continue to be able to beat the Hawks at least once a year. I expect the Rams to have a better 2nd half than first so they may be playing some really good football at this point.
Week 16: At Dallas Cowboys - Win, 28-24 (11-4)
A game that will almost assuredly have playoff implications, the Hawks and Boys will go back and forth, but in the end the Hawks come out on top thanks to the more experienced roster and a line that will be much improved by season's end. This game could potentially be the one that costs the Cowboys a shot at the NFC East division title.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-6
Hard to say if this game will mean anything to either team. But I would be willing to bet money that Carson Palmer will not be playing in this game (either due to injury, struggles, or simply wanting to give another QB experience). Even if Russell and some of the starters sit, I see a victory here.
Well, that's how the Hawks go 12-4. 7-1 on the road and 5-3 at home, which is unusual but not impossible. Now for the Seahawks leaders and team awards (that aren't obvious):
Rushing Yards: Rawls (2nd is RW)
Rushing TD: Lacy
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD: Graham
Sacks: Clark
Tackles: Wagner
Interceptions: Thomas
Team MVP: Wilson
Team unsung hero: Wilhoite
Team Rookie of the Year: Pocic
Now for the playoff predictions to see how the Hawks (and the rest of the NFL's playoff teams) do:
Wild Cards
AFC: Bengals at Steelers - Steelers win
A rematch of the game two years ago the Bengals blew. But the Steelers have too much talent and will be at home, again.
Texans at Titans - Titans win
The Texans have done decently in the playoffs recently... at home. This game will be on the road however, by virtue of a tiebreaker, and the Titans win by a narrow margin.
NFC: Buccaneers at Giants - Giants win
Experience will win out as Eli and co. put away the young Bucs. Also, they will want to avoid losing in the wild card round two years in a row.
Falcons at Packers - Packers win
A rematch of last year's NFC Championship game this time takes place in the wild card round. I don't see the Falcons offense doing much in the Green Bay cold.
Divisional Round:
AFC: Steelers at Raiders - Raiders win
Still haven't had a road team win in the playoffs. Should be a very close and exciting game between two teams with some of the best fanbases. The Steelers have experience but perhaps may lack the drive that will get the Raiders to the next level.
Titans at Patriots - Patriots win
Doesn't it seem like every year the Patriots get an easy matchup in the divisional round? Last year it was the Osweiler-led Texans, and a few years back it was the Tebow-lead Broncos. Well, that pattern continues as the Pats get the Titans and Mariota in his first playoff run. Should be an easy win for the Pats.
NFC: Packers at Panthers - Packers win
Finally, a road team wins. The Panthers defense won't be able to stop Aaron Rodgers, just like the Cowboys defense couldn't stop him last year.
Giants at Seahawks - Giants win
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks lost in the Divisional Round at home. Must have been in the 90's or 80's. But it is bound to happen. The Hawks always play tough in the playoffs but I feel the home field advantage is starting to wear off.
Conference Championships:
AFC: Raiders at Patriots - Patriots Win
Hard to imagine the Patriots not making it to the Super Bowl if they get the number one seed. And Derek Carr and the Raiders should be proud if they get to the AFC Championship game; it means they took a step forward.
NFC: Giants at Packers - Packers Win
A rematch of last year's wild card game. Again, cold weather, and again, the Pack move on.
Super Bowl LII: Patriots vs. Packers- Patriots win, 30-27
I have wanted this Super Bowl matchup for so long... and I predict it finally happens. It would be a showdown for the ages. I predict the Packers to get a last second or minute TD to make it 28-27 (still in favor of the Pats) and on the PAT it is blocked and returned for 2 pts. A few last second heaves from Aaron Rodgers are incomplete and the Patriots win yet again, solidifying Belichick and Brady as the two best in history.
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