NFL Predictions Mean Nothing

The NFL is back, which means it is time once again to be assaulted by the predictions of football "experts". I say assaulted, because as a lifelong Jets fan, our teams and fans have ended up as the butt of many jokes, and it has not been easy to watch so many opportunities be fumbled away over the years. While the Jets have unfortunately lived down to their potential most years, there have been teams to step up and prove their haters wrong, and seldom do the sh*t talkers repent for the error in their ways. With a lot more optimism in East Rutherford this season, it seemed a good a time as any to my own takes off, especially since it doesn't matter anyway.

1. Jets Win AFC East + Garret Wilson OPOTY + Aaron Rodger MVP

Like I said, I am getting my takes off, and the Jets are back!!! I'm grouping these together because I know it's a pipe dream, but a guy can dream can't he? With the addition of #8, as well as some solid defensive talent in the draft, the Jets have all the talent to make a real push for the top of the league, on paper. The question is, will the pieces come together the way everyone is hoping they will? Well, optimistically, I'm saying yes, and I think that if it is going to work, it is going to work in a BIG way. If Aaron Rodgers can return to MVP form, and Garret Wilson can continue growing with a true HOFer under center, the two of them could take this team to offensive juggernaut status. Not to mention the impending return of Breece Hall, and with the addition of Dalvin Cook, our backfield will be well suited to support a premier offensive attack. The Jets have a tough test in the AFC having to get through a tough Bills team, an offensively gifted Dolphins team, and the Patriots, but if they can do that they are sure to make a run at the chip this year. Either way, it's an exciting time to be a Jets fan!

2. Justin Jefferson Slump

Perhaps my hottest take, I'm am not so sure that Justin Jefferson is going to end up where he has been in his last two seasons of the NFL. And before you hit close, this has nothing to do with JJ, and everything to do with the guy throwing the ball. Kirk Cousins, a man I have hated since he said he was too good for the Jets, is back again as the QB of the Vikings, and I am once again unexcited about watching him play football. In 2022, Cousins was fourth in both attempts and completions behind Brady, Mahomes, and Herbet, and while all three of his counterparts were top ten in comp%, Kirky found himself all the way down at #15. There is no question that Jefferson is an absolute monster, and while he has been able to make the mediocre play of Cousins appear quality, his incredible size and speed can only take the Vikings so far. As mentioned earlier the Vikings said goodbye to Dalvin Cook this offseason, much to the delight of the New York faithful, and his departure means that Alexander Mattison will be transitioning from an elite RB2 to a questionable RB1. The offensive weaponry in Minnesota has certainly taken a hit, and as strong as Jefferson may be, I'm not so sure he will be able to maintain his previous level with the team he has to work with.

3. Darren Waller Comeback Tour

Certainly my most publicly supported position, this is going to be the year that Darren Waller becomes DARREN WALLER again. Nothing against Derek Carr, yet, but him and Waller just never seemed to click out in Vegas, and I am thinking things will be different with Mr. Jones. According to FantasyPros data, from 2019-2021, the Giants were top ten in TE usage in each season that Evan Engram was on the team. After Engram went to Jacksonville in 2022, the Giants dropped to dead last in the NFL, showing a desperate need for talent at the TE position. With such a drastic change in usage, I can only imagine that the lack of talent was the root cause, and with an athletic specimen like Waller now on the roster, Daniel Jones should be able to have a lot of fun with his new toy. If the Giants will hope to get anything going in the passing game this year Waller will have have to be a focal point of the offense, and I believe that he still has the talent necessary to fuel the Giants aerial attack to a few victories.

If you are triggered by anything I've said, or would like to debate any of my takes in some capacity, feel free to respond on Twitter when I share the link for this post. I'd love to hear why you think I'm wrong, and tell you why you probably are too ha! Truthfully, I am just excited to be excited about a football season, and I really hope the Jets can put together some solid performances. I will definitely be posting more about football throughout the season, especially about fantasy, and can't wait to see what happens this season. Football is back baby!