I like to start my NFL Preview off with something a little special. In the last couple of seasons I’ve limited myself to Five Bold Predictions, but not this year. No, 2017 deserves 10 Bold Predictions for the NFL Season and it will get them.
As always, I need to define what the word “BOLD” means for my fellow sportswriters, because there seems to be some confusion. Saying Andrew Luck will throw for 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns isn’t a “BOLD” prediction. Saying the New England Patriots will go to the Super Bowl is not a “BOLD” prediction. Anything that the oddsmakers put atop the list isn’t bold at all, so stop trying to pretend it is. What would be a “BOLD” prediction? How about Deshone Kizer winning rookie of the year? That’s pretty bold. In fact, it’s too bold. I’m not predicting that at all.
Two years ago I went 1-for-5 on my bold predictions, correctly calling it that the first head coach fired would be then Miami Dolphins skipper Joe Philbin. Last season I was off the charts, going 4-for-5, correctly calling it that the Arizona Cardinals would lose their season opener against the Jimmy Garoppolo-led Patriots, that the Cardinals would not make the playoffs (even though about 80 percent of pundits picked them to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 51), that the Washington Redskins wouldn’t make the playoffs and that then San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, would not be the first head coach fired.
I was magnificent.
So I’m doubling down this year with my 2017 bold predictions. Even hitting half of these would be outrageous, but I’m feeling pretty good about all 10.
Onward!
10. The Arizona Cardinals will not make the playoffs again
The same prediction that began my run to greatness last season returns for a curtain call in 2017. The buzz has been building all season that the Cardinals are back. They’re due to return to the playoffs and compete for the NFC West again. It’s not going to happen. The Cardinals will finish third in the NFC West and Carson Palmer will most likely retire after the season. Bruce Arians won’t be in danger of getting fired, but much like the guy he replaced, Ken Whisenhunt, his inability to draft and develop a quarterback to take over for a retiring veteran will likely spell his eventual doom.
9. The Los Angeles Chargers will win fewer games under Anthony Lynn this year than under Mike McCoy last year
There’s no question that the Chargers should have fired Mike McCoy. There’s also no question that they made a horrible hire in Anthony Lynn. The AFC West is far too competitive for the Chargers to win a single division game with their current roster and coaching situation. They went 5-11 last season. I’m predicting 4-12 this year with a half-full soccer stadium to witness it.
8. Todd Bowles will not be the first coach fired this season
Like McCoy last year, it only makes sense that Bowles will be the first head coach shitcanned. The New York Jets are obviously tanking the season. He has the worst roster in the NFL and his quarterback situation is a dumpster fire of undead rat fetuses. None of that will matter. Bowles will get fired, make no mistake, but he won’t be the first guy fired. Who will be? My money is on Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts.
7. The Los Angeles Rams will make the playoffs
New head coach Sean McVay has implemented an actual NFL level offense with the Rams. On defense, Wade Phillips will actually not coach with his head up his ass like Gregg Williams did so often. Jeff Fisher was right when he said last season that there was too much talent on the Rams to go 7-9 again. There just wasn’t enough talent on the coaching staff to make it happen. Under McVay and Phillips I think Jared Goff becomes a legitimate NFL quarterback and the team wins at least 10 games, securing a wild card spot.
To be continued in Part 2.
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