After another offseason that felt just too long, we are back in the best time of the year: football season. In every season we see a lot that was previously never thought possible. With a new 17-game season, there will be records broken this year, the only question is which ones. With so much yet to be known about teams before this season, it’s time to do what we all love doing and make some hot takes. Here are five bold predictions for the 2021 NFL season.
Bold Predictions for the 2021 NFL Season
Justin Herbert in Top 3 of MVP Voting
To say that Justin Herbert had an unusual journey to his first NFL start is just a bit of an understatement. We all know by now the circumstances behind the team doctor and starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Now with a full season under his belt, a healthy Austin Ekeler and a competent coach (don’t let the door hit you on the way out Anthony Lynn), the sky is truly the limit. With one less game than most quarterbacks, Herbert was sixth in passing yards, 10th in touchdowns and added over 200 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. With Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator, this passing attack is about to get even better. When the Chargers suddenly become a playoff team, voters will notice Herbert’s impact.
Saquon Barkley Held Under 900 Rushing Yards
Saquon Barkley is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL at the moment. Unfortunately for him, he has no offensive line, no durability and a brutal schedule. Saquon only played two games last year, missed three games the year before and is coming back from a torn ACL. Although he ran for over 1,000 in 2019 when he only played 13 games, he won’t be right physically and will be getting blown up at the line all season. The schedule also won’t help, as the Giants have the toughest schedule in the NFL when it comes to opposing defenses against running backs. All this adds up to a likely nightmare season for Saquon, where I don’t see him hitting 900 yards.
Urban Meyer is Fired
Urban Meyer has been tasked with turning the Jaguars franchise around this season. The big question mark surrounding him is whether or not he’ll continue to lead like a college coach, which doesn’t work in the NFL (just ask Nick Saban or Chip Kelly). As with most head coaches, one would assume he’d be given a long leash. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make it past this season. With reports coming out some players are already frustrated with his coaching, he might not last long. Meyer has already made headlines with some of his decisions in the past, specifically with the hiring of Chris Doyle. As cliché as it is, you need a good culture to win, and all signs point to another toxic situation. I don’t see ownership standing for it.
Rams Win Super Bowl LVI
The defense of the Los Angeles Rams was one of the best in the league last year, and it will undoubtedly be top-five yet again. The only hole really was the quarterback position. Enter Matthew Stafford. We’ve seen what he’s been able to do in the past with a good defense and average pieces. Give him an elite defense and two solid wide receivers and watch out. Add Stafford to the Rams last season and they probably still lose to the Packers. Green Bay got worse this offseason though, and their defense is much more equipped to stop Tampa’s offense than Green Bay’s. Only Sean McVay and his overthinking can stop Los Angeles from bringing home the Lombardi.
