2012 NFL Predictions (that may, or may not, happen)

I am not an expert on the NFL, despite what I may say after several pints. But, with the start of the NFL season mere hours away, and with all the NFL predictions flying around these days, I thought, “hey, I could sound like an authority too!” With that, here are 3 predictions for the upcoming season that are safe bets in my books.

Prediction #1: The San Diego Chargers will win the AFC West

Why it’s bold: I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Peyton Manning now plays in the AFC West, lining up as the starting quarterback for the Broncos. With that, many pundits are penciling in the Broncos—the winner of the division last year—as the favorites. Meanwhile, Peter King of Sports Illustrated has the Chiefs taking the division title, while some, like Bill Simmons, have the Raiders as a dark-horse team as well (as per his podcast). Through all of this, the Chargers have been getting little attention. It seems that people are finally tired of riding the perpetually underachieving Chargers.

Can Norv Turner finally get the Chargers to play to their potential?
COURTESY: US PRESSWIRE

Why it will happen: Under coach Norv Turner, the Chargers have historically been one of the slowest starting teams in the NFL. 2012, though, could see San Diego buck this trend, as the Chargers open at Oakland, before playing Tennessee at home. A fast start would go a long way in getting a division title for the Chargers. I’m not sold on Peyton Manning being the Peyton of old. I’m not sold on Romeo Crennell as a head coach. And recent history shows that I should not be sold on the Raiders. Expect the Chargers to take the division, and host a playoff game this season.

Prediction #2: The New Orleans Saints will make the Playoffs

Why it’s bold: Let me start by saying I am a diehard Saints fan. So take all of this with a meteor-sized grain of salt. With that out of the way, let’s look at the fallout of the Bounty-Gate suspensions: the Saints will be without their coach and offensive mastermind for the season; likewise, they will be without their defensive captain for the season; they will also be without their best pass rusher for the first 4 games; and, to ice the cake, they will be without their interim head coach for the first 6 games. Looking at all of that, I think its safe to say predicting the Saints to make the playoffs is indeed bold.

Sean Payton has turned the Saints into contenders...
he's also suspended for the entire season
COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES

Why it will happen: All the buzz around the NFC South has the Falcons taking the division. That may be true, but let’s not act like the Dirty Birds are suddenly a Super Bowl favorite. Remember, this is pretty much the same team that looked pathetic in a 2011 playoff loss to the Giants. The Saints still have Drew Brees, meaning that they will put up a ton of points. The Falcons may be the class of the division, but I think the Saints should be able to go 1-1 against them this year, and mop up the rest of the division. Outside of the divisional games, the Saints have the NFC East and AFC West on the schedule. Neither of those divisions are cakewalks, but with their high-powered offence, and one of the best home-field advantages in the league, I’m seeing the Saints as a playoff team.

Prediction #3: Russell Wilson will be the top rookie quarterback of 2012

Why it’s bold: For the last couple years, we’ve been hearing about how #1 overall pick Andrew Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. Similarly, #2 overall pick Robert Griffin III has been compared to Cam Newton, who just had the best rookie season a quarterback has ever had. Seems like a steep hill for Wilson to climb.

Despite being undersized, and being a mid-round pick,
Russell Wilson won the starting QB job in Seattle
COURTESY: US PRESSWIRE

Why it will happen: I don’t really know why this is going to happen, to be honest. I’m just buying all-in on Wilson because he looked so good in the preseason. Plus, I like his story. Basically, I’m making this prediction so I can cheer for the guy week after week.

Predictions that didn’t make the cut: Dez Bryant will break the Cowboys’ rules for him, visiting a strip club by week 4; Tim Tebow will have 3 more running-shirtless-in-the-rain photo ops; Phil Simms will go a week without saying something completely nonsensical.