NFL 2021 Predictions –
Rams Beat Bills in Super Bowl Matchup
DraftInsiders.com – NFL 2021 Predictions
MVP Award – QB Matthew Stafford – Rams
Offensive Player of the Year – QB Josh Allen – Bills
Defensive Player of the Year – DE Chase Young – WFT
Comeback Player of the Year – RB Saquan Barkley – Giants
Rookies of the Year
Offense – QB Mac Jones – Patriots
Defense – CB Patrick Surtain – Broncos
NFC
EAST
New York Giants – 10-7
Giants hope to build on last year’s improvement and look to the return of tailback Saquan Barkley to balance an offense directed by young talented Daniel Jones. Their offensive line may hold the key and must protect the three year passer. Their top ten defense can improve further.
Washington Redskins – 9-8
Skins added vet QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to lead this improved offense that has added a few playmakers. Back Antonio Gibson is primed for a big season while their line adds two new starters and will be tested. Their defense added rookie backer Jamin Davis to a dominant unit with rusher Chase Young, one of the league’s emerging superstars.
Dallas Cowboys – 7-10
QB Dak Prescott returns from an ankle injury to couple with runner Ezekiel Elliot who carries the load here. Their receiving corps is arguably the best trio in the game. Their once dominant line returns veterans, Tyson Smith and Zach Martin. Their defense is not at playoff levels.
Philadelphia Eagles – 6-11
Eagles made major changes trading of former top pick Carson Wentz who will be replace by Jalen Hurts. Their line must prove back to their earlier form while the defense has slipped and may soon face a rebuilding phase.
NORTH
Green Bay Packers -12-5 –
Aaron Rodgers separates this club from an average group of divisional rivals for their third consecutive North title.
Minnesota Vikings – 9-8 –
QB Kirk Cousin and runner Dalvin Cook keeps this offense at playoff levels, but only a revitalized defense will decide any postseason appearance.
Chicago Bears – 7-10 –
Bears look to new veteran QB Andy Dalton to direct this average offense with rookie Justin Fields in the wing. The defense fell to mediocrity last season and must return to a top ten ranking for any playoff aspirations.
Detroit Lions – 6- 11 –
Lions turn the page again with new coaching and front office personnel. The very tough first half schedule probably has this club drafting in the top five selections once more.
SOUTH
Tampa Bay Bucs – 13-4 –
The Bucs return every starter and of course QB Tom Brady. Veteran talented defense should continue to dominate this soft division.
New Orleans Saints – 9-8 –
The Saints begin the post Drew Brees era behind Jameis Winston. HC Sean Payton hopes he can stabilize the once turnover machine in Tampa. Saints defense is a top five unit who keeps them in the postseason chase.
Carolina Panthers – 7-10 –
Panthers turn the page with new vet QB Sam Darnold along with returning playmaker Christian McCaffrey to provide impact to this struggling unit. Young defense must show improvement.
Atlanta Falcons – 6-11 –
Falcons have continued to collapse since their SB meltdown four years ago. Vet QB Matt Ryan directs this club but may be the next piece on the trading market this year. Defense ranks with the worst in the league.
WEST
Los Angeles Rams – 12-5 –
Rams traded for star QB Matthew Stafford who should flourish in this HC Sean McVay attack. His presence elevates this offense to couple with a premier defense to form a strong SB contender.
San Francisco 49ers – 10-7 –
The 49ers look to the return of veterans, QB Jimmy Garoppolo and edge defender Nick Bosa to challenge for the West title. Offense must step up to win the West title.
Seattle Seahawks – 9-8 –
Seahawks may be hard pressed to repeat in the West. QB Russell Wilson directs a strong run oriented offense with emerging back Chris Carson. Their once dominant defense has slipped noticeable especially in key matchups.
Arizona Cardinals – 7-10 –
Cards look to build off last years’ playoff run behind young QB Kyler Murray and a strong group of playmakers. Vet DE JJ Watt looks to become a leader and playmaker on this average unit.
Divisional Champs
Giants, Packers, Bucs and Rams
Wild Card Clubs
Saints & 49ers
NFC Championship
Rams beat Packers in NFC title game.
AFC
EAST
Buffalo Bills – 11-6 –
Bills won their first East title since ’95 season behind star QB Josh Allen. An improved ground game will assist their young tough defense to improve further in big matchups.
New England Patriots – 10-7 –
Pats turn over the keys to rookie QB Mac Jones who looks like an ideal fit here. Bill Belichick will utilize a veteran defense with many new front seven pieces to his brilliant schemes.
Miami Dolphins – 9-8 –
Dolphins need young QB Tua Tagovailoa to step up after a mixed rookie performance. Their defense bends but minimizes big plays and may hold the key to any playoff hopes.
New York Jets – 5-12 –
Jets look to rookie top pick QB Zach Wilson to direct this offense which has many new starters. This club begins another rebuilding process that may take a few seasons.
NORTH
Cleveland Browns – 11-6 –
Browns feel they have arrived after making the playoffs for the first time in 26 seasons. They are primed to win the division behind QB Baker Mayfield and a strong ground game. Their defense must improve in all areas to make key overall progress.
Baltimore Ravens – 10-7 –
The Ravens will rely on QB Lamar Jackson to direct this offense that has sustained major injuries at running back. Their tough defense retools annually and must improve in coverage to go further in the postseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers – 9-8 –
Big Ben gets new playmakers especially rookie back Najee Harris to attempt to repeat in North division. Their offensive line may be the determining factor for any postseason appearance. The Steel defense remains the team’s backbone.
Cincinnati Bengals – 6-11 –
The Bengals need young QB Joe Burrow to return to his form prior to his late rookie season knee injury. Their offensive line is vital to any improvement at this struggling attack. Their defense has several new starters.
SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts – 11-6 –
New QB Carson Wentz returns after foot surgery that may affect his early season performance. Expect a reliance on a strong ground game with Jon Taylor running behind their talented line. This young club needs to improve to win this division especially in coverage.
Tennessee Titans – 10-7 –
The Titans look to QB Ryan Tannehill to direct this potent offense that relies on premier back Derrick Henry to control the game. Their defense must step up especially rushing the passer to maintain playoff levels.
Jacksonville Jaguars – 6-11 –
Jaguars look to top pick QB Trevor Lawrence to help this club to respectable levels. Their young defense is loaded with talent, but must turn the corner after weak overall 2020 performances.
Houston Texans – 5-12 –
The Texans will face the DeShaun Watson legal issues most of this season that will be very disruptive. They could trade him before November. Massive roster turnover will make this a major rebuilding project.
WEST
Kansas City Chiefs – 12-5 –
Chiefs look for their 6th consecutive West title behind star QB Patrick Mahomes and a masterfully rebuild offensive line. They rely on veterans, safety Tyrann Mathieu and DT Chris Jones to set the pace for this inconsistent defense.
San Diego Chargers – 10-7 –
The Chargers look to young QB Justin Herbert to continue his outstanding level of play. New linemen, vet Corey Linsley and rookie Rasheed Slater will help. They can surprise for the West title, though need huge improvement on their young defense with returning safety Derwin James directing this unit.
Denver Broncos – 9-8 –
Broncos hope to make a run at title with a strong veteran lineup along with bridge QB Teddy Bridgewater. Whether he can take this low scoring attack to the next level remains to be seen. Their defense has slipped noticeably in recent seasons.
Oakland Raiders – 7-10 –
Raiders rely on talented QB Derek Carr to direct this offense powered by tailback Josh Jacobs. They need fast overall improvement on defense to challenge for an above .500 season.
Divisional Champs
Bills, Browns, Colts and Chiefs
Wild Card Clubs
Titans & Ravens
AFC Championship
Bills beat the Chiefs
Super Bowl Matchup
Rams over Bills
Rams win a wild Super Bowl showdown with Bills.
