Forecasts and Predictions for the Upcoming NFL 2021-22 Season
After an unusual 2020 season, fans are no doubt excited for the 2021 season. With any luck, every stadium will be at full capacity by the start of the season, giving fans in every city plenty of opportunities to buy NFL tickets. While we wait for the season to begin, let’s take a closer look at each team and offer our NFL season predictions for all 32 franchises.
Buffalo Bills
After reaching the AFC Championship Game last season, the Buffalo Bills are poised for an even better season in 2021. Look for them to win the AFC East again with Josh Allen being a serious MVP contender.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins won 10 games last year with defense and special teams. They’ve also added to the cast of characters around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Look for the Dolphins to match last year’s 10-win total but not much else.
New England Patriots
Last year looked like the beginning of the end of the New England Patriots. Despite spending a little money during the offseason, there are still clear weaknesses. Expect Bill Belichick’s team to fall short of the playoffs once again.
New York Jets
Things are still a mess for the New York Jets heading into 2021. Rookie Zach Wilson is in a tough situation and won’t be enough to turn the tide.
Baltimore Ravens
At some point, Lamar Jackson is poised to lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl. In fact, with a little more help around him, this could be the year.
Cincinnati Bengals
With no protection and no running game, Joe Burrow had an impressive rookie year for the Cincinnati Bengals last year. Look for Burrow to take the Bengals another step further this year, just not to the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns
Are the Cleveland Browns actually trending in the right direction? Don’t be fooled because Baker Mayfield still isn’t reliable, leading to another disappointing season now that expectations are high.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The end is near for Ben Roethlisberger and his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Father Time has caught up with him, and he just isn’t a quarterback who can get Pittsburgh to the playoffs anymore.
Houston Texans
This is not a good time to be a fan of the Houston Texans. J.J. Watt is gone, and who knows what will happen at quarterback, which means this could be a long year.
Indianapolis Colts
If he can stay healthy, Carson Wentz is an upgrade at the quarterback position. The problem is that he still doesn’t measure up to the elite quarterbacks in the AFC any more than the Indianapolis Colts measure up to the elite teams in the AFC.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Being Urban Meyer, Trevor Lawrence, and Tim Tebow, the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to be one of the most-improved teams in the NFL. They just won’t improve enough to make the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans
Things are looking up for the Tennessee Titans after acquiring Julio Jones. Between Jones and Derrick Henry, look for the Titans to win the AFC South.
Denver Broncos
Can the Denver Broncos actually land Aaron Rodgers in a trade? If not, look for another losing season in Denver.
Kansas City Chiefs
Don’t let last year’s Super Bowl fool you, as the Kansas City Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC. Look for the Chiefs to win at least 14 or 15 games during the regular season.
Las Vegas Raiders
Team-wise, the Las Vegas Raiders are about average. But fans should be excited to finally take a look inside Allegiant Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers
For the Los Angeles Chargers, this season is all about Justin Herbert avoiding the sophomore slump. If he can do that, the Chargers could be a playoff team.
Dallas Cowboys
Remember how good the Dallas Cowboys were offensively last year before Dak Prescott got hurt? Look for them to pick up where they left off, although who knows if the Dallas defense will improve.
New York Giants
If Saquon Barkley is healthy, the New York Giants might have a chance in the NFC East this year. But Daniel Jones still doesn’t look like a long-term solution at quarterback.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles wanted to get rid of Carson Wentz, and they got what they wanted. However, look for that decision to blow up in their face in 2021.
Washington Football Team
Defensively, the Washington Football Team could be one of the best in the NFL. Just don’t expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the one to lead them to the playoffs.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have three viable quarterback options heading into the season. Unfortunately, we’re not brave enough to venture a guess on who starts the most games this year.
Detroit Lions
Just how good is Jared Goff? We’ll find out in 2021, as Goff will have to carry the lowly Detroit Lions without much of a supporting cast.
Green Bay Packers
Will Aaron Rodgers still be with the Green Bay Packers in 2021? It doesn’t look likely, which means it’s Jordan Love’s time to shine.
Minnesota Vikings
The rest of this division is a mess, so look for the Minnesota Vikings to take charge of NFC North, setting themselves up for more playoff heartbreak.
Atlanta Falcons
Without Julio Jones around, look for Matt Ryan to look his age, meaning another long year for the Atlanta Falcons.
Carolina Panthers
If Christian McCaffrey is healthy, the Carolina Panthers will once again be a joy to watch. However, skepticism remains whether Sam Darnold can be the quarterback of a playoff team.
New Orleans Saints
What will life be like for the New Orleans Saints without Drew Brees? We don’t have a guess, but we’re curious to find out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What are the chances that Tom Brady can lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a second straight Super Bowl win? It’s a little more likely than you might think, as the ageless wonder is poised for another big season.
Arizona Cardinals
If you want to be bold, pick the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC West because Kyler Murray is going to be something special this season.
Los Angeles Rams
The big question is whether Matthew Stafford can finally become a winner now that he’s out of Detroit. Keep an eye on the Los Angeles Rams to look like the offensive juggernaut that reached the Super Bowl a few years ago.
San Francisco 49ers
The biggest question facing the San Francisco 49ers is how long it takes for Jimmy Garoppolo to get hurt and Trey Lance to take over. We have Week 5 as the target date.
Seattle Seahawks
Can a disgruntled Russell Wilson carry the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs? Our guess is probably not, given the lack of help around him.