With the NFL season finally underway, now is the time to examine five player predictions for this season.
Michael Sam Will Play in the NFL This Season
After Sam’s attempt to become the first openly gay man to play in an NFL game came up just short when he was released by the St. Louis Rams, he has landed in a good position on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys. Given the atrocity that is the Cowboys’ defense, it is likely that Sam will get an opportunity to play in a game before the end of the season. Not only will this be good for Sam, but also it will be a PR victory for the Cowboys.
Tom Brady Will Look Like His Old Self
Anyone who is not intimately familiar with last year’s New England Patriots squad would have come to the same conclusion: Tom Brady was on the decline. However, considering that Brady had to throw to a carousel of different receivers (known of whom were very good) his overall numbers are actually quite impressive. With the Patriots entering the 2014 season with a recovering Rob Gronkowski and a slew of above average receivers, Tom Brady should look like his old self.
J.J. Watt Will Win the Defensive Player of the Year
Given that the Houston Texans were mired in a season long slump that saw them end the year with a 2-14 record, it would be easy to assume that star defensive end J.J. Watt had a terrible year. However, Watt still managed to have 4 forced fumbles and 10.5 sacks. Look for Watt to start the 2014 season on a vengeance while armed with his new $100 million contract and looking to repeat his jaw dropping 20.5 sacks from 2012.
Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel Will Be Starters By Seasons End
Given that the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns all spent a first-round draft pick on a QB, expect these three signal callers to be lining up behind the center as first stringers by week 8 of the season. Let’s face it, none of these three teams is going to win many games this year and none have any other quarterbacks that are worth playing. As a result, let the rookies learn from the bench for the first few weeks before being handed the reins for the remainder of the season.
