Bold NFL predictions: Cowboys roll, Seahawks stumble, Pats collapse

[ROD-BOT]

Bold NFL predictions: Cowboys roll, Seahawks stumble, Pats collapse

Do the Patriots completely collapse without Tom Brady? Is Sam Darnold on the verge of stardom? Will the Seahawks miss the playoffs? Adam Schein reveals his nine boldest predictions for the 2020 season.

www.nfl.com

Bold NFL predictions: Cowboys roll, Seahawks stumble, Pats collapse

Go big or go home!

No better time than the present to evoke the old adage. That's the beauty of the NFL: Every year, big and bold things happen -- stuff no one saw coming. Just take last season, for example. Here's a random collection of memorable happenings:

The 49ers went from picking second in the draft to hitting the Super Bowl. Gardner Minshew started the season as a sixth-round afterthought behind big-ticket free-agent signee Nick Foles ... and ended up as the Jaguars' entrenched starter. Boston Scott, who sounds like a backup midfielder for Johns Hopkins lacrosse, suddenly began making plays in crunch time to help lift the Eagles into the playoffs.

These are the kinds of unforeseen developments that spawn fearless futurecasting across the football world. And as you know, I'm never lacking for takes on the NFL front. Thinking about the coming season, I have some choice predictions in mind ...

I think the Bills will win the AFC East and a home playoff game. And I really mean it this time when I say the Browns will hit the postseason. Tom Brady taking the Bucs to the Super Bowl? Sure, I could see it. Why not?

But none of those feel truly audacious. It's the offseason. Let's get adventurous!

Here are my boldest predictions for the 2020 season, Schein Nine style:

1) Patriots will collapse to a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Labor Day, I might even push this to top three. Or on the clock.

Tom Brady is in Tampa. Jarrett Stidham is Jarrett Stidham. Yes, Bill Belichick is the greatest coach in the history of sports, but the roster just isn't that good. The problems that ultimately led to New England's undoing down the stretch last season still exist -- in fact, they're probably even more problematic. And the Patriots no longer have the G.O.A.T. to serve as the ultimate deodorant for what stinks. The receiving corps remains underwhelming. I like the long-term upside of the two tight ends New England drafted in the third round -- Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene -- but the roster lacks a proven NFL commodity at the position. The offensive line is average at best. Same with the backfield. Defensively, the Pats went from historic during the team's 8-0 start last season to leaky in the second half of the year. And the unit lost a number of key players, including Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.

I haven't even mentioned the schedule, which is brutal. Check it out. New England will be the inferior team in almost every single game it plays. Road division games in Miami and New York are hardly givens. The Bills will maul the Patriots.

This season in Foxborough has 5-11 written all over it. If everything breaks right. I think the Jaguars, Patriots and Giants are the three worst teams in the NFL right now.

2) Raiders RB Josh Jacobs will win the rushing title

Despite the purported devaluation of running backs, the position is currently stocked with big-name stars, including Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook and Nick Chubb, to name a few. But everyone's gonna have to move aside for Jacobs in 2020.

The Raiders' second-year back is physical, speedy and fresh, having averaged just 123 carries over his past four years of football (three at Alabama, one in the NFL). Yes, a shoulder injury prematurely ended his fantastic rookie season -- when he rushed for 1,150 yards and forced the most missed tackles as a runner, per Pro Football Focus -- but he'll be recovered and ready to rock in the fall.

In 2020, the presence of rookie speed merchant Henry Ruggs III should loosen things up, preventing teams from always stacking the box. A year removed from the Antonio Brown debacle, Derek Carr and the passing attack are going to sing. The Raiders' offensive line is mammoth and talented -- the unit will provide Jacobs plenty of room to truck the opposition. Jacobs logged 242 carries last season. I think that number gets closer to that of fellow Alabama alum Derrick Henry, who toted the rock a league-high 303 times in 2019. I can't wait to watch it.

3) Jets QB Sam Darnold will become a star

I still love Darnold. His rookie year was a classic roller-coaster ride, not at all helped by the dreadful offensive coordinating of Jeremy Bates, who was fired -- along with head coach Todd Bowles -- after the season. General manager Mike Maccagnan kept his job through 2019 free agency and the draft -- and then got canned. Because only the Jets. Adam Gase was brought in to maximize New York's second-year quarterback ... and Darnold got mono. But don't let all of this misfortune color your view of the No. 3 pick of the 2018 draft. He still has plenty of promise, especially with competent leadership now in the front office.

GM Joe Douglas has shown plenty of promise in a short time on the job, with a calculating, savvy approach. He brilliantly beefed up the offensive line this offseason, adding a whole bunch of big bodies in free agency, then spending the Jets' first-round pick on OT Mekhi Becton. This is how you properly protect a young quarterback, by OVERindulging on O-linemen. Now, Darnold's receiving corps is full of question marks -- which is why this prediction is bold in the first place -- but Douglas did add the explosive Denzel Mims in Round 2 of the draft.

Down the stretch last season, after Darnold was recovered from mono, the young QB excelled. From Week 9 through 17, he averaged 245.2 passing yards per game and compiled a 14:5 TD-to-INT ratio, leading the Jets to a 6-3 record. Darnold has every intangible and tangible you want in a true franchise quarterback. And in 2020, it all comes together over the course of a full season.

4) Coach of the Year Mike McCarthy's Cowboys will be the NFC's No. 1 seed

You betcha. After years of Dallas being stuck in the middle with Jason Garrett, McCarthy is the perfect remedy for what ails this team. The Super Bowl-winning coach is a great offensive mind. He will maximize the incredible weapons Dallas possesses on offense, with Zeke running behind a stout O-line and Dak Prescott throwing the ball to Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb. The defense has some questions, especially in the secondary. But Dallas can rush the passer, and the linebacking duo of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith is strong.

McCarthy also put together a fantastic coaching staff. There's a new culture in Dallas. And with this offense, "America's Team" is going to be so much fun to watch.

5) Seahawks will miss the playoffs

I know that the Seahawks have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the last decade, posting a winning record in each of the past eight seasons, with double-digit wins in seven of them. I know that Russell Wilson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. And I never want to bet against fellow future gold-jacket wearers Bobby Wagner and Pete Carroll. But I have serious questions about the overall quality of this roster -- especially when compared to a host of rosters across the NFC.

San Francisco, last year's NFC champs, look even better right now. Tampa Bay won the offseason, with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski joining a talented young roster and Jason Licht adding some key pieces in the draft. New Orleans will be squarely in the Lombardi hunt for the fourth straight season. The Cowboys and Eagles both upgraded their rosters. I have already declared the Cardinals this year's Cinderella team. And Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers.

Don't get me wrong: I don't expect the Seahawks to fall apart. But they'll lose a few more games than usual, especially in this year's highly competitive NFC West.

6) Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will throw 51 touchdown passes

In his first full year as a starter, he posted the second 50/5,000 season in NFL history and won MVP. Last season, he was the Super Bowl MVP. This offseason, the Chiefs stole Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has Brian Westbrook-like qualities as a runner/receiver. And here's the rub: At age 24, Mahomes is only getting better.

Andy Reid is a gem of a coach and play caller. Mahomes is the best show in sports with unreal weapons around him. Why not?

7) Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster will dominate once again

Smith-Schuster was dreadful last season, totaling just 552 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, injuries were a major factor for both him and Ben Roethlisberger. But JuJu fizzled in the spotlight of replacing Antonio Brown as the Steelers' WR1. I think he learned from it. And I am enamored with his amazing talent and work ethic. Not to mention, he's still just 23 years old.

Plus, Big Ben is back! And while I am quite skeptical about the prospect of a 38-year-old coming off elbow surgery staying healthy for 16 games -- and inherently, I wish Pittsburgh had improved its brutal backup quarterback situation -- there is no denying the chemistry the first-ballot Hall of Famer has with JuJu.

Oh, did I mention Smith-Schuster's in a contract year?

8) Lions QB Matthew Stafford will lead the NFL is passing yards

I have loved listening to Stafford talk in jubilant tones this offseason, after a 2019 campaign that was limited to just eight games due to injury. The league is always better when No. 9 is slinging it for the Lions. Stafford's back is healthy, and I think he is primed to have the best year of his underappreciated career.

It's Year 2 in Darrell Bevell's offense, an attack that suited Stafford quite well last fall. Detroit has a fine trio of receivers in Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola, and I think T.J. Hockenson can enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign with better health. Rookie RB D'Andre Swift was a steal in Round 2, and he's a legit weapon in the passing game. Detroit still has issues on defense, meaning Stafford is going to be called upon to throw the ball a lot. And I think the Lions are going to win some games you don't expect them to win this year behind a rejuvenated Stafford.

9) Chargers S Derwin James will win Defensive Player of the Year

The candidates for this award roll deep. Aaron Donald is always a fine answer. Nick Bosa's an emerging superstar. T.J. Watt's now blowing up defenses like his brother. Tre'Davious White's a stud on Sean McDermott's defense. Stephon Gilmore won it last year. And I personally voted for Chandler Jones.

But don't sleep on Derwin.

As a rookie in 2018, James immediately made his presence felt -- as in, he earned first-team All-Pro honors. Not too shabby. Then, unfortunately, he was injured for most of last year, and it changed everything for the Chargers' esteem and team. But I think he comes back with a vengeance in 2020.

To me, James is already the best safety in the NFL. With a Swiss Army Knife skill set, he makes plays and wrecks games. And I envision him taking his game to a whole other level in Year 3.

 

[CGI_Ram]

The Seahawks part was discussed in previous thread.

The 12tards must not see what the rest of us see

A team that won only one game by more than a TD and barely was able to squeak into the playoffs. Did little to improve themselves in the off season and are in likely the toughest division. Add to that they haven't won the division in three years and missed the playoffs the year after that...

www.ramsondemand.com

But the rest is new.

 

[den-the-coach]

If Bill Belichick plan all along was to suck this year to have a shot at Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields, he's much better than I thought he was. Hope they don't end up with either, but don't be shocked if the Patriots Tank For Trevor or Flop For Fields!

 

[Rams8821]

If Pats get Lawrence that will CRUSH ME.

I hate the Pats as it is and am a BIG TIME Clemson guy. TL is going to be the next great QB for years to come. Kid has the IT factor. Lets hope the Pats win maybe 3-4 games and Jacksonville loses 15.

Give the Pats Fields, Im fine with that, just not Lawrence.

 

[CGI_Ram]

If Pats get Lawrence that will CRUSH ME.

I hate the Pats as it is and am a BIG TIME Clemson guy. TL is going to be the next great QB for years to come. Kid has the IT factor. Lets hope the Pats win maybe 3-4 games and Jacksonville loses 15.

Give the Pats Fields, Im fine with that, just not Lawrence.

Yeah, good point.

We want the Pats to fail... but like 8-8 fail.

Every year.

 

[Loyal]

The Rams, dog. They will win it all" ~ Adam Schein

about time, Adam. Get yur shyte together, Schein! ~ CGI
@CGI_Ram

 

[CGI_Ram]

The Rams, dog. They will win it all" ~ Adam Schein

about time, Adam. Get yur shyte together, Schein! ~ CGI
@CGI_Ram

I love these man. lol. Yeah, I guess I am encouraging you.

 

[Merlin]

I agree the Cowboys will roll. They have everything on offense gonna be a real good attack this year.

I agree the Seahawks can stumble. They're a great candidate for that and this division is damn.

But the Patriots had a 14ppg defense last season. They're gonna be elite again this year. The odds are against a team with an elite unit completely collapsing. Best you can hope for as a Pats hater is around .500 ball IMO.

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

pats went 11 and 5 with matt cassell. they still have tape on every team. they're not having a losing season.

.

 

[oldnotdead]

I still say the Niners look like a 10-5 team and are, not a lock to be a contender. The Cards have an unproven QB. He showed last year he can't read defenses.....yet...if ever. Until he proves he can carry the team it's foolish to overrate them. The Hawks have been circling mediocrity for the last few years.

Ok here is a reason I think the Rams are a matchup nightmare for the Niners. One player could wreak havoc on their defense. Van Jefferson runs in the 4.4 range and is 6'1" who will lineup in the slot matched against the Niners starting NCB Williams. Williams is 5'9" and runs in the mid 4.5 range. Jefferson with his moves will separate immediately and if he chooses to will simply outrun him. Verrett is their #2 and he's very good when he's on his game. He has the speed and agility to match Jefferson, but like Williams, he's only 5'9".

The only DB that might be able to match up with Jefferson is their FS Ward. But that pulls him out of his deep FS coverage. Now the boundary CBs will be singled up and Woods and Kupp can beat them. The real strength of their defense is their D-line. Beat them in run or pass and the Rams can beat the Niners.

People forget the Rams lost one game to the Hawks last year because Greg missed a very makeable 44 yd FG that would have won it. They lost a game to the Niners because of a missed 52 yd FG as well. That's why Greg is gone and they finished 9-7 when they very well could have finished at least 10-6 or 11-5. As bad as the o-line played the season was lost not solely because of the o-line. That's why with these same guys with a better blocking scheme and a year of experience, and this year to polish those tarnished fundamentals I think they will be much improved. So IMO 16-0 is achievable and 12-3 is very realistic. They will have a better run attack, better d-line, better secondary, and most of all a better o-line blocking scheme.

But you know something? I love the Rams being overlooked at this time of the year. The Rams are in stealth mode IMO. Just like they were in 2018 only this time they are bringing much improved weapons on both sides of the ball. I think it's so freaking funny how in the eyes of the media pundits this team went from a contender to "What happened to them?" All because of 2 missed FGs.

Just one last note. IMO the player who will have the biggest impact is Robinson on the D-line. People loved Suh in the middle but Robinson is better. He can stuff the run and he can collapse the pocket. With AD and Robinson, OMG those pockets are going to get turned inside out. With Ebukam playing contain and the speed of Floyd and Lewis, it's going to be fun to watch Jimmy G get pummelled.

 

[Merlin]

Ok here is a reason I think the Rams are a matchup nightmare for the Niners.

We'll see. Rams will be a matchup nightmare for the 9ers when they can stuff that run game and put Jimmy G on his ass. Neither of which they did last year.

Not interested in giving cred to our team they haven't earned yet. But that said I'm not afraid of the 9ers and I'm confident we'll take one of those games.

 

[oldnotdead]

Look at the last game last year the defense sacked Jimmy G 5 times. This front is better than last year. They will have speed off of both edges (last year only Fowler was fast off the edge) and with Robinson that pocket isn't going to hold up very long. The Ram secondary is a lot better than last year. Jimmy feasted off of Wade's worn out zone. The secondary is 4 deep at CB and 3 deep at safety. The Niner's SS and NCB are short and the NCB has isn't a burner and the SS is short with average speed. The Niner defense looked better than it was because of their front 4. But they have a rookie trying to replicate the production of Buckner inside. If the line can get Bosa locked up and the RBs can get into the second level they have the skillsets to do some damage. The Rams lost it on the Niner's last drive and got beaten by a FG. The same game where Greg missed a 52 yd FG (very much in his range). Both Cooks and Kupp were shut down that game. Reynolds was basically non-existent.

There was no run game and it had more to do with the o-line not able to execute an inside run attack. This is where their lack of fundamentals really showed IMO. Poor technique by both the o-line and the RBs take the blame, but it was Kromer's poor coaching was the real factor. A between the tackles run attack is what they need to beat the Niners. That's why they have to have a better center than Blythe who is way to easy for a LB to hit and shed to make a play.

 

[Rynie]

I would probably turn my table over and slap my mammy with excitement if we were the #1 seed.

I don't see it, though.

 

[99Balloons]

That Cowboy team is loaded and might be complete on Offense, Defense and Special Teams (coach by Bones) and have a good kicker in Zuerlein. Their talent depth is deep too.

The Rams first game at Sofi with the Cowboys is going to be a dog-fight because Stan Kroenke won't allow their inaugural stadium opening to go down with a loss.

McVay is going to pull every tricks in the books to get the season with a head start.

 

[dieterbrock]

.

pats went 11 and 5 with matt cassell. they still have tape on every team. they're not having a losing season.

.

They were only able to go 11-5 with Cassel because they had 3rd string QB and brilliant mind Kevin O'Connell on the team. Wonder what ever happened to THAT guy...

 

[Reddog99]

I think the cowboys win their division but I'm not crowning them number 1 seed. The Saints, Vikings and 49ers (vomit in my mouth a little) will all be good as well. The Seahawks seem to be the least talented team overall in the NFC west but I guarantee they will be in it til the end. I see the division a fight between LA and San Francisco. Buccaneers will also be good they have talent plus a good run defense. Falcons will be in the basement and Gurley will have another down year behind their terrible OL. Packers will have a down year. Lions will look better. NE will have a winning record and be in it with the Bill's for the Division. Chiefs win their division easily eventhough the Raiders and Broncos have a better year. Ravens struggle and the Browns and Steelers improve. Colts win their division, Jaguars suck, Tennessee does well but misses the playoffs while Houston takes a step back. Rams go 11-5 with revamped offense and dominant D.