STAMFORD, CT -: The leaves are falling, the air is getting nippy, and fantasy dorks are arguing about their draft date. It must be fall. Are you ready for some football? It’s time for 10 Bold-ish Predictions for NFL ‘25.
1. Sophomore QBs Take Off
I am big believer in what the Bears did for Caleb Williams this offseason, and it all starts with offensive mastermind HC Ben Johnson. And to a lesser degree, I like what the Pats did for Drake Maye. Expect a leap from both.
We know Jayden Daniels is a star. Bo Nix looks locked in as QB1 in Denver for the next decade. Michael Penix looked pretty good in a small sample size last year too. And don’t forget JJ McCarthy, who landed in a spot that turned Sam Darnold into a guy who got MVP votes.
If things go well, the ‘24 class could go down as the best QB draft class since ‘83.
2. Rookie RBs Featured
I think we’ll have at least four 1,000 yard rookie RBs, maybe five barring injury. Jeanty in Vegas, Henderson in New England, Hampton in LA (Chargers), Harvey in Denver, and Johnson in Pittsburgh all landed in great spots without major competition for carries. All five will be featured immediately.
3. Early QB Changes in NY and Cleveland
The first two teams to change QBS will be the Giants and Browns. Wilson and Flacco are Super Bowl Champions, but they’re past the point of being able to do that again. Look for the fan bases and coaches to get antsy, and for Shedeur and Dart get a shot within 8 weeks. #StartDart
4. No Arch for ‘Aints
With the worst QB room in the league, things are looking bleak in NOLA. The Saints will have the worst record and top pick in the next year’s draft. But, Arch Manning, grandson of Saints great Archie Manning, will stay in school for another year. Luckily for Saints’ fans, there are lots of good QBs coming out.
5. McDaniel Dumped First
Things unraveled for the Dolphins last season, and it feels like it might still be unraveling. The Dolphins start poorly, and Mike McDaniel is the first coach fired. Go back to the advanced metrics department, nerd.
6. Surprise Top Rookie WR
Tre Harris of the Chargers and Matthew Golden lead the rookie WRs in yards. Harris has instant chemistry with Herbert, who’s been starved for a deep threat. McConkey in the middle open things up for Harris on the outside. Jordan Love finally gets a #1 WR.
Earlier picked players like Tet McMillan and Emeka Egbuka are held back by inconsistent QB play and target competition, respectively.
7. Giants and Jets Still Suck
I’m going out a real limb here, I know. While Aaron Glenn seems like a good hire for the Jets, I don’t have much confidence in Justin Fields. It’s going to take Glenn time to build the offense and a winning culture. And the Giants D coordinator Bruce Bowen doesn’t seem like a guy who can make this defense into a top unit. If I have to choose, maybe the Giants are a bit better but both are mediocre.
GIANTS 7 and 10. Dart plays second half. Daboll stays.
JETS: 6 and 11. Draft a QB.
8. Fly Ravens Fly
Another bird team wins the Super Bowl as the Ravens hoist the trophy. An improved defense gets them over the hump and Lamar finally plays well in the playoffs.
9. Commanders Win NFL East
The Giants are going to be kicking themselves for decades over the meaningless wins that cost them Jayden Daniels. This guy is Neo and he’s beginning to believe. The Commanders catch Philly and win the NFL East.
10. Bob Kraft and Jerry Jones Start a Rub ‘N Franchise
Names under consideration are said to be Pats and Yanks, Reverse Cowboys, and Reach-around Touchdowns. Just seeing if you’re still paying attention.
That’s it for me. You’d come back tomorrow for Angry Ward if you were paying attention.
