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Early NFL Sleeper Team Predictions

For the AFC, I believe the Buffalo Bills will make an even stronger playoff run. The Bills have great coaching, a young strong defense, and a very strong run game, both of which are essential to playoff success. Josh Allen has shown significant growth, in his position, since his rookie season. He displayed confidence and fearlessness during the end of his wild card Texans game. His play could easily be viewed as reckless, but I viewed it as a relentless will to win. Allen’s late game mentality is promising, because all he lacked was late game decision making, which will get better with experience. I feel that the Bills’ wild card exit gave them the experience and drive needed to better contend in later seasons. I believe they have the ability to reach the AFC championship game.

For the NFC, I have a very bold selection. I believe the Chicago Bears will have a stunning bounce back season. Mitch Trubisky went through some serious struggles this season. I believe Trubisky will work hard this off season and return with a vengeance. He has a massive chip on his shoulder due to the looming cloud of regret Chicago has for passing on both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 draft. Trubisky and the team has proven they can be title contenders given their 2018 campaign. Had their kicker not missed crucial field goal attempts in the Eagles playoff game, I feel the entire playoff picture would have turned out differently.

These predictions are early and may change barring any major injury, trades, or other major unforeseen changes.

Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph Fight

This situation has caused a lot of uproar and hate towards Myles Garrett, some of which I believe should be shared with Mason Rudolph. I am in no way condoning or defending Garrett’s actions, but I will not act as if the whole fight was his fault. There are multiple images that capture Rudolph’s unsportsmanlike actions.

Rudolph going for Garrett’s helmet as Garrett rolls over to stand.

The real incident that occurred was an overreaction to a “late” hit by an unaware Garrett. Garrett was doing his job by finishing the play, as defensive ends are taught to do. Also, the referee never threw a flag until the fight. In the same instant that Rudolph released the ball, Garrett had wrapped him up under the impression he was getting a sack. As Garrett finally brings Rudolph to the ground, Rudolph is clearly seen going for Garrett’s helmet. Keep in mind Garrett was on his back when he hit the ground, so Rudolph was on top. Garrett rolls himself and Rudolph over so he can stand up, however he is unable to because the back of his helmet is being pulled. Once the Steelers offensive linemen go to break up the scuffle. Garrett goes for Rudolph’s helmet, in retaliation, which he successfully removed. There is also an image showing Rudolph’s cleat directly on Garrett’s “groin area”, when the linemen are separating the two. The following indecent was the inexcusable helmet swing.

This whole incident was very impulsive and unfortunate. Garrett’s actions have been appropriately punished. But I believe Rudolph should also suffer a punishment by missing a game or two. He is being viewed as victim when he is rather the initiator. The way I see it, Garrett got him back but went too far. Again I am in no way condoning Garrett’s action. I believe Rudolph is also deserving a punishment as well.

Here is a link to the fight from CNBC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbynzAZlklw

Chiefs are Better than Expected

The Kansas City Chiefs began the 2019-20 season with a rocky start. Although the team’s record doesn’t hint at any struggle. The ankle injury Patrick Mahomes suffered in week one against Jacksonville proved to be worse than expected. Also losing Tyreek Hill and two starting offensive lineman increased his injury possibilities. Unfortunately Mahomes dislocated his Kneecap against the Broncos in week five. All of these injuries resulted in a sense of doubt throughout Kansas City. Without Mahomes, fans were uncertain of how well the team would play missing it’s best players.

Fortunately the team has played better than expected. Ever since the the Broncos game, the defense has seemed to play at a much higher level. Facing the Packers and Vikings in the following weeks, the Chiefs had something to prove. Although Kansas City went 1-1 losing to the Packers. The fashion in which they lost brought hope to the fan base. The team played a much better game than fans anticipated. Then went on to defeat a stout Vikings team the following week. The Vikings use a “run heavy” offense scheme, which is the weakness of the Chiefs defense, but Kansas City marginalized star running back Dalvin Cook.

I believe the Chiefs will still appear in Super Bowl 54. I feel the injuries have helped the team by exposing them to adversity. The defense proved it can stop other teams and the offense, led by Matt Moore, assured Kansas City that they can put points on the board. Mahomes will be returning shortly, and the schedule is easier until week 14 against the Patriots. I predict the regular season record will be 12-4, assuming the players remain healthy.

Is Ramsey Worth it?

Jalen Ramsey recently requested a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This came as a surprise to no one, because tensions had been rising between Ramsey and the organization. The Chiefs have been considered a front runner since the trade announcement. I however, don’t think Ramsey is worth what Jacksonville is asking for, given the Chiefs situation.

The final straw took place on the Jaguars sideline, September 15th against the Texans. Head coach Doug Marrone and Ramsey nearly had a physical altercation. This event on top of Ramsey’s desire of getting a new contract, and his previous disagreements with coaching, led to his trade demand. In a press conference, following the demand, Ramsey stated he is also tired of losing. He doesn’t want to waste his prime years on a losing team.

Ramsey and Marrone sideline altercation.

The Chiefs have consistently been mentioned as a likely trade destination. However, I don’t believe the move would be smart for Kansas City. Jacksonville first requested a starter and a first round pick, then changed it to two first round picks. There is no doubt the Chiefs could use Ramsey in their defense, but at the expense of two first rounders, I dislike the move. The Chiefs drafted six players this past draft, and I think they should better utilize their picks this time. I predict Ramsey will either join the Ravens or the Eagles, if he does not remain in Jacksonville.

AB Might Be a Genius

Antonio Brown may have pulled off one of the most amazing stunts in off season history. The world class receiver just got released by a struggling Oakland Raiders team and signed, hours later, with the Super Bowl defending champs New England Patriots. He completely changed his future from not making the playoffs to possibly winning it all.

I believe this was the plan all along. Brown has been a bit of a bad guy in recent years, but his antics this summer seemed to be way over the top. It looked like he was trying to escape Oakland. He used every little mishap as a chance to rock the boat. I think a situation like this had to be purposeful.

Multiple facts point to this situation being premeditated. First, the Patriots tried to trade for him when he was leaving Pittsburgh. Second, I wouldn’t put it past the Patriots to be in communication with AB while he was in Oakland. Possibly a little tampering behind the scenes. This is the same team responsible for cheating on multiple occasions. Third, the Steelers attempted to trade him to Buffalo, another bad team, but it didn’t work, which is why he went to Oakland. Lastly, the fact that as soon as Brown was able to speak with teams he signed with the Pats, leaves almost no doubt in my mind there was a hidden agenda.

My prediction is that AB’s behavior will significantly improve due to him being on the Patriots. This is a title contending team and he got his guaranteed money. I also believe AB and Tom Brady will potentially have career seasons. I love the Chiefs to death, but this Patriots team looks more dangerous than ever. In order for them to not win a Super Bowl this year. Either Mahomes will have to stop them, or Eli Manning has to get the Giants to the Super Bowl.

The Eminent Release was Sooner than Expected

The Oakland Raiders, after a summer of seemingly senseless trials and tribulations, will be entering the 2019-20 NFL season without Antonio Brown. Coach Jon Gruden gave a valiant effort in trying to change the locker rooms culture and appease star receiver AB at the same time. However, Antonio Browns unrelenting negative behavior proved to be impossible for Gruden.

AB has been a prime example of the saying “Biting the hand that feeds you”, this off season. The personal issues AB may suffer from are unknown, but something significant must be causing his childlike behavior. Brown threw away $30 million contract before he even played a game. He is great receiver talent with hall of fame potential, but his attitude proved too much for the Raiders organization to handle.

The last straw was when GM Mike Mayok and AB almost got into a physical altercation. Brown was the aggressor and had no sound reason to act the way he did. He was so out of control, Vontaze Burfict had to restrain him, and Burfict is known for being a terribly tempered player himself. The situations cause was a letter to Brown explaining why he was being fined. Brown then posted it on social media and proceeded to argue with the GM at practice. Brown was going to be suspended but was cut instead.

I personally think he should have been released during the helmet situation. He chose not to attend practices and threatened to retire forcing his team into a bad position in which they could do nothing. He injured himself during cryotherapy in France, which caused him to miss extra practices. I don’t have anything against Brown, but an organization should not have to sacrifice its class for a player that is finding every reason not to play and cause drama. They gave him a great contract and literally wanted him to be comfortable and play. Every headline AB made this summer gave more evidence as to why the Steelers let him go for very little in return. Hopefully AB can turn his act around for his own sake because his future isn’t looking too bright.

Dak Prescott May Have Made a Mistake

Recently this week the Dallas Cowboys offered quarter back, Dak Prescott, a $30 million per year contract. To everyone’s surprise he denied it and asked for $40 million per year. For a player of his caliber, this is a very bold demand. Seahawks quarter back Russell Wilson won a super bowl and is getting $35 million per year. The irony is that Dak has yet to win any big games, like Wilson, but wants more money. Granted, Prescott has been on a rookie deal to this point and has been very underpaid given his production, only grossing under $3 million. But, asking for $40 million could put him in a negative situation.

I think Dak’s decision to ask for more money was a bad move. The Cowboys offered to overpay him initially, which he should have happily agreed. Dak is not a bad quarterback but, he is not as talented as a Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. Which is why I do not believe it was a smart choice to demand more than what they make. I understand the logic of getting the most money possible, especially in the stingy NFL. However, Dak is a young quarterback and will have possibly 10 years, or more, in the current NFL. Newer rules will help increase the longevity of quarterback careers. I do not agree with his tactics because, I believe he is causing unnecessary pressure on the Cowboys and himself. If he were a 32 year old quarterback, his demand would be more justifiable.

My prediction is Dak and the Cowboys will agree on a $34 million contract. The Dallas owner Jerry Jones is very good to his players. He has done plenty to help them in the past. He doesn’t seem too concerned given his lax attitude towards the ordeal, which is promising for Prescott’s case. However, Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliot also have contract situations that need to be addressed. I think Jones and Dak will settle on a $34 million dollar per year contract and a nice signing bonus.

More can be read about the matter on Sports Day Dallas News. Click Here

Antonio Brown Causing Trouble Already

The Oakland Raiders wide receiver, Antonio Brown, has began to raise red flags before the 2019 season even starts. Behavior causing his exit from the Steelers is beginning to reoccur. Brown is an exceptional wide receiver and has been given the opportunity to play for a team with less drama. He battled relentlessly to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers whom he claimed had an “Owners Mentality”. Brown is now in a better position in a new franchise. His contract and prior baggage has been accepted by the Raiders. This would seem to be the best deal a player, of Brown’s status, could receive.

Brown first, during training camp, burned his feet during cryotherapy. This type of therapy requires a very specific footwear to keep the feet safe from frostbite. Brown did not wear the appropriate type of footwear. His feet are in such bad shape he is unable to fully practice during camp and, he may miss the first regular season game. To make matters worse, Brown is now threatening to sit out if he is not allowed to wear his old helmet. The helmet no longer meets league safety regulations, which makes Brown’s argument even more pointless. Brown is putting the Raiders in a difficult position.

Brown’s exit from Pittsburgh had justification because of ownership and quarterback issues. However, his behavior in Oakland is already beginning to cause chaos within the organization. If Brown continues this problematic pattern, he may cause his career to fall apart. As a 31 year old wide receiver, Brown does not have a lot of time. His best days may be in the past and no team is going to accommodate an older player with his attitude.