It’s time for some football! Everyone is looking for that safe bet prior to the start of the 2017 NFL season. Look no further than Daubert’s fail proof predictions. Here you will be able to cash in big on some predictions that are going under the radar. Obviously, the Patriots are going to win the AFC East. Obviously, the Raiders will win the AFC West. Now it’s time to go bold. Here are some fail proof 2017 NFL Predictions to look forward to this season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Explode
Last year when I saw the show Hard Knocks I went from already not liking Jared Goff to being convinced he had a zero percent chance of making it in the NFL. That has since come true. After watching this season’s edition of Hard Knocks based on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’m sold on everything they’re selling.
Jameis Winston will transform into a top 10 caliber NFL quarterback. Winston, 23, is entering his 3rd NFL season and is ready to explode. Winston completed 60.8 percent of his throws for 4,090 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2016. Tampa has worked to cut down on his mistakes this season (18 interceptions).
To start, Winston’s leadership is infectious. He might be a little bit of a goof ball, but every person should love his mentality. His footwork and mechanics have looked flawless as well this preseason. Just like Derek Carr last year, Winston will go through a breakout campaign in his third season.
To further this point, Tampa has surrounded him with damn good weapons. Mike Evans will cement himself as the best receiver in football with a better version of Jameis Winston throwing him the ball. Evans was the most targeted receiver in football last season catching 96 balls for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns. Evans, 24, is a 6-foot-5 playmaker who runs like a gazelle. Do whatever you can to get this guy on your fantasy team. Oh, by the way, Evans is just 24.
The Bucs also have a solid offensive line with Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet coming into their own. Rookie O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate give the Bucs a solid one-two punch at tight end. DeSean Jackson was also brought in to give the over the top element. Good luck double teaming Mike Evans or D-Jax will burn you over the top.
Tampa’s defense also has an Atlanta element to them; they play really fast. Kwon Alexander, LeVonta David, and co. are coached by former Falcons coach Mike Smith and fly to the football. The young core Tampa has is quietly going unnoticed. Noah Spence, 23, reeled in 5.5 sacks last year. Vernon Hargreaves, 22, had a heck of a rookie season. I haven’t even gotten to Gerald McCoy yet. I can’t see any way this team doesn’t make the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons Miss The Playoffs
Unlike other sports, the NFL really punishes you for winning. Atlanta will have to play Dallas and Seattle next year because they won the NFC South in 2016. Compare that to the Panthers who play Philadelphia and San Francisco because of their poor performance last year already gives them a huge edge in rebounding in 2017. Now there’s a target on Atlanta’s back and they have to deal with that dreaded Super Bowl hangover. Carolina went 15-1 and missed out on the playoffs. Why isn’t Atlanta expected to do the same?
No one is talking about the loss of Kyle Shanahan either. The Falcons just had the 7th best offense in NFL history. That won’t repeat without their trusted play caller. Ryan threw for 38 touchdowns this past season compared to 21 touchdowns prior to Shanahan’s arrival. Quarterbacks just don’t magically improve in their 30’s, that’s play-calling folks. I can promise you that Devonta Freeman will be a heck of a lot worse without Shanahan. How do I know this? Freeman averaged 4.8 yards per carry this season. In 2014, without Shanahan, Freeman only averaged 3.8 yards per carry which is below the league average. Good luck repeating on a historic offensive season without the coach who called the plays all season.
Atlanta also had the 27th ranked defense in 2016. Are we sure Dan Quinn isn’t just an overrated version of Gus Bradley? Tampa Bay is winning this division and don’t be surprised if Carolina leap frogs Atlanta as well.
Mitchell Trubisky & DeShone Kizer Both Stink
I’m telling you right now, both Mitchell Trubisky and DeShone Kizer both stink. How do I know this? I’m tired of talking about this, click here to see more.
2017 resembles 2004 QB Class
Remember when Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger all were drafted in the top 10 of the 2004 NFL Draft? All three went on to have fantastic careers with four Super Bowl rings in the bunch. This crop of quarterbacks looks to be eerily similar.
Josh Rosen of UCLA compares most favorably to Manning. His pure mechanics are the best of the bunch. He’s also incredibly smart but lacks that mobility. If you’re looking for a refined prospect, Rosen is your guy.
Next is Sam Darnold who could be relatable to Philip Rivers. I actually think Darnold is closer to Rodgers for the fact that he’s almost better-creating plays off script. Darnold has a good arm but maybe not a fantastic arm. He also has that clutch factor playing better in the 4th quarter. Darnold has a bit of a weirder release which links him to Rivers.
Finally, you have Josh Allen who could be the best or worst of the trio. Allen plays for small school Wyoming but has a rocket arm. He’s also the hardest player to scout because of that dynamic. Roethlisberger was also a big mystery coming out but Josh Allen’s pure tools are special.
The Tennessee Titans Aren’t Good
Where’s the Tennessee hype train coming from? They haven’t made the playoffs since Vince Young was the quarterback. Young ultimately proved to be nothing more than just a flash in the pan when teams figured him out. Marcus Mariota will prove to be the same. Like RG3 and Colin Kaepernick before him, it’s only a matter of time before Mariota’s star fades fast.
His head coach likely won’t save him either as NFL teams know this exotic smash mouth offense will foil over time. Mike Mularkey’s head coaching record is 27-46 for a reason. Let’s not forget that Mariota isn’t even healthy and is as injury prone as they come. His running style isn’t sustainable just as we have seen Carolina move away from Cam Newton’s rushing attempts.
Mariota obviously isn’t a polished pocket passer or the team wouldn’t have asked him to lose weight this offseason. In two years, Mariota has never completed 63 percent, never threw for over 3,500 yards, and has fumbled 19 times due to his below average hand size. Tell me why everyone is so high on the Titans again?
