By: Jake Rajala

The Thursday Night Football showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers on NFL Network Amazon last night was more intense than Nik Wallenda on a tightrope. The Chiefs were losing by ten points early in the first quarter, but they marched back to go up 10 points in the second half. Justin Herbert was able to find Josh Palmer for a touchdown with 1:11 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. It almost appeared that the Chargers were going to recover their onside kick after KC muffled it, but the Chiefs were able to retain possession and have a kneel down to defeat their archnemesis.

With that said, the rest of the Week 2 slate of games is around the corner. Well, I’m going to take a fun angle by untwining several bold predictions for Week 2.

• The Steelers win by 21+ points

In Week 2 – I feel the T.J. Watt-less Pittsburgh Steelers, who are coming off a very impressive Week 1 upset against the Cincinnati Bengals, will blow out one of the biggest losers of Week 1: the New England Patriots. The Steelers WRs (Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson) can certainly give the Pats secondary fits. Furthermore, I don’t love Mac Jones’s chances against a red-hot Mikah Fitzpatrick. I predict the Steelers team that miraculously made the playoffs a season ago will steamroll the young Mac Jones-led New England Patriots this weekend.

• The Saints have four interceptions on Tom Brady

It isn’t a secret that Tom Brady has really struggled against the New Orleans Saints. Well, I believe TB12 will have a very difficult battle against the Saints team that added the Honey Badger, rookie Alontae Taylor, and Marcus Maye this off-season. Furthermore, Brady will have to face the extremely talented Saints secondary in the dome. I foresee Brady tossing four ints against the Saints defense.

• Saquon Barkley has 200+ rushing yards

Saquon Barkley was cooking in the GMEN’s first battle of the season. The weight room maniac unleashed 18 attempts for 164 rushing yds and a TD in Week 1. He will have his second chance to prove he’s back in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. CAR forfeited a whopping 141 rushing yds to Nick Chubb in Week 1. I expect Barkley to pick up more steam, be leaned on a bit more than a week ago, and register 200+ rushing yards on Sunday. The NYG, aka the Barkley show, can actually be 2-0 soon.

• Aidan Hutchinson picks up 2+ sacks

I still believe that Aidan Hutchinson has a strong chance to win DROY. He had a terrific off-season, but he wasn’t quite able to make his mark in Week 1. I believe Hutch will be chomping at the bit to get his first career sack against Carson Wentz — who was sacked by 2022 first overall pick Travon Walker last week. Hutch will also recognize that DET needs him to show out this Sunday to prevent his squad from starting 0-2 for the second straight season — which spells a terrific Week 2 performance for him in my opinion.

• The Colts beat the Jaguars by 21+ points

I really liked the Colts and Jaguars entering the 2022 season. Well, both AFC South squads fell flat in their 2022 showcase. I anticipate an angry, gifted QB-RB duo on the Colts leading them to stomp the less experienced Jaguars team in Week 2.

• The Minnesota Vikings beat the Eagles by 14+ points

I predicted the Minnesota Vikings to win the NFC North in August. They impressively demolished A-Rod and the reigning NFC North Champions in Week 1. I expect the squad that has a dark horse OPOY candidate in Justin Jefferson to continue their rampage against a likely playoff squad in the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.

• Michael Thomas has two touchdowns

I was beyond worried that Jameis Winston was missing Sean Payton and the Saints would have growing pains this season during the first three-quarters of the Saints-Falcons contest. Out of nowhere — Michael Thomas erupted and dominated his opponent (A.J. Terrell) in the contest. He hauled in numerous touchdowns in the fourth quarter. I believe Winston will continue his red-hot chemistry with the 2019 OPOY Michael Thomas by connecting w/ Cantguardmike a couple of more times in the dome this weekend.

The post 7 bold predictions for Week 2 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

Football is back & Scott Hanson is also back! Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season kicks off with the reigning Super Bowl Champions (Los Angeles Rams) squaring off against the 2022 Super Bowl favorite (Buffalo Bills) tonight!

There are also other intriguing match-ups on the plate this weekend —- such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers at the Minnesota Vikings, and the Las Vegas Raiders at the Los Angeles Chargers. Well, I’m going to take an exotic angle by delivering five bold predictions for Week 1.

• The Chargers edge out the Raiders by 21+ points

I picked the Chargers to win the frigid AFC West this season and I believe they will make an unusually positive early impression by blowing out the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. I expect Justin Herbert (5,014 passing yards and 38 passing touchdowns in 2021) to be a potent MVP candidate & the Chargers defense to be a cream-of-the-crop unit with Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson leading the charge.

• Jameis Winston throws five touchdown passes

The Saints were seen as a mediocre NFC team by countless analysts in February. Over the past couple of weeks, Peter King pegged the Saints to be the first seed in the NFC and Bart Scott believes Jameis Winston will win MVP. With that said, I expect Winston to blow the roof off the Falcons in their first battle. He has a Top-5 WR trio (Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Chris Olave) and he’s facing a medicore Atlanta Falcons defense.

• The Carolina Panthers win by 21 points

“The best revenge is massive success” – Frank Sinatra

The Carolina Panthers may be the third-best team in the NFC South, but they could sneak into the playoff dance with a healthy Christian McCaffrey and a hungry Baker Mayfield. Mayfield and “Reunion” by Bon Jovi are lacing up their cleats for a fight against the Deshaun Watson-less Cleveland Browns this weekend. I simply believe an extremely blood-thirsty QB-RB tandem on the Panthers will lead them to mop the floor against the Browns.

• The Jets lose by a field goal

Joe Flacco will also have a taste of revenge this weekend – as he faces the superb and somewhat confusing Baltimore Ravens. It doesn’t appear that Lamar Jackson’s mind is completely devoted to the Ravens. Furthermore, I expect the Jets to have a ton of energy at home, and with new offensive toys (Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson). I foresee the Jets losing against the Ravens, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they only lose by a field goal (yes, it makes a (slight) difference).

• Trevor Lawrence throws 5+ touchdown passes

The Jaguars possess a maniac with a lot of upside in Trevor Lawrence. T-Lawrence was gifted Evan Engram, a healthy Travis Etienne, and Zay Jones in the 2022 off-season. I really expect the former Clemson unearthly signal-caller to hit the ground running against the less-than-talented Washington Commanders in Week 1 by unveiling 5+ touchdown passes!

The post 5 Bold Predictions for Week 1 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The New England Patriots aren’t pulling their foot off the pedal in the brutal AFC East. The cyborg head coach, Bill Belichick, has talent on his roster (such as QB Mac Jones, WR DeVante Parker, TE Hunter Henry, OLB Matthew Judon, and FS Devin McCourty) & he also has assistant coaches: Matt Patricia and Joe Judge back at this lab. With that said, I’m going to take a fun angle and untwine 10 bold predictions for the Patriots in 2022.

• Mac Jones throws 30+ passing touchdowns

Mac Jones is no longer a rookie in the league and he clearly has a stronger taste of the NFL speed in his second season. Furthermore, Jones has new ammunition in his sophomore season – such as the new WR1 DeVante Parker. The former Phins wideout is still a year under 30 and I believe his ability shown in 2019 (1,202 yds and 9 touchdowns) isn’t too far behind him.

• Hunter Henry makes the Pro Bowl

The former Los Angeles Chargers TE ousted a personal-best 9 TDs last season. I expect him to blossom in year two with the Pats – especially from a wiser QB1. I believe Henry can make his first Pro Bowl in 2022.

• Josh Uche records double-digit sacks

BB shipped away the former Michigan Wolverine Chase Winovich and the new OLB starter is none other than Winovich’s former teammate at Michigan, Josh Uche. The young edge rusher has shined this off-season and I believe he is due for his best season in 2022 – which could absolutely be a double-digit sack campaign.

• Devin McCourty makes the Pro Bowl

The Pats safety Devin McCourty is like fine wine – as he continues to shine in his old age (and he recently turned 35). He ousted three ints last season and PFF also gave him a potent 76.0 grade. I believe the three-time Pro Bowler will leave everything on the line in potentially his last season and garner a PB berth.

• Matthew Judon is second-team All-Pro (at least)

Matthew Judon proved to be a monster pick-up by the Pats GM – as he recorded a personal-best 12.5 sacks in 2021. I believe he slightly improves – which will result in second-team AP honors (at least).

• Christian Barmore is a Pro Bowler

The Pats x-factor on defense is Christian Barmore in my opinion. The Patriots 2021 second-round pick has freakish physical gifts and he also got his feet wet in year one. In year two – I foresee Barmore being unstoppable in the run game and improving in the passing game – which could lead to him obtaining Pro Bowl honors.

• Ty Montgomery has 5+ TDs

The Pats inked the RB/WR Ty Montgomery in free agency – who has been with the Packers and Saints in his NFL journey. I believe he will be utilized best in New England & Mac Jones will stay efficient by hooking up with him in the red zone. I trust that he can unveil 5+ TDs in 2022.

• Belichick smiles a few times

I know Belichick is an old-school philosopher & a bit of a hard-ass. However, he has tended to be more laid back in his older years. With that said, I believe he will be happy & even smile a few times in his 22nd season with NE. Yes, you read that correctly.

• Nick Folk converts 40+ field goals for the Patriots

The Pats really leaned on their kicker Nick Folk to be a star in 2021 – as he had a career-high 39 attempts (and which he converted a personal-best 36 FGs). I believe he will be called on more than last season and he will shine by converting a whopping 40 FGs.

• Damien Harris runs for 1,200+ yards

The 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris registered an impressive 15 rushing TDs and 929 rushing yds last season. I believe the future will only be brighter for the physical RB that is entering a contract year — hence, I believe he will up his single-season rushing yard tally to 1,200+ yards.

The post 10 bold predictions for the New England Patriots in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Kansas City Chiefs are blocking out the slander thrown out at them for trading away Tyreek Hill – as they strive to return to the big dance. With that said, I’m going to untwine 10 bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.

• Jerick McKinnon has 1,000+ all-purpose yards

The explosive “Jet” came back from the dead and unveiled 315 all-purpose yds in the latest playoff gauntlet. It’s hard not to have hope for CEH, but I expect an in-sync McKinnon to have a large piece of the Chiefs offensive pie and dazzle with the opportunity.

• George Karlaftis has double-digit sacks

The rookie George Karlaftis has already dazzled this off-season and I expect him to carry his pre-season ability into the regular season. In fact, I love Karlaftis’s chances at cracking 10+ sacks next to Chris Jones – which should often come in the spotlight.

• Justin Reid makes the Pro Bowl

The Chiefs don’t have the Honey Badger, but they have a motivated, talented Justin Reid. The Chiefs backup kicker is out of Alcatraz, also known as the Houston Texans, and sitting behind a potent pass rush that will enjoy witnessing opposing QBs desperate to keep pace with Patty Mahomes.

• Skyy Moore records 1,000+ receiving yards

I’m not convinced that Skyy Moore will win OROY, but he can certainly oust 1,000+ receiving yards in his first season. Per Chiefs Wire, JuJu Smith-Schuster believes that the sky is the limit for Moore.

• Patrick Mahomes throws 5,000+ passing yards

I actually feel confident in the LA Chargers winning the AFC West in 2022. Still, I foresee Mahomes unleashing 5,000+ passing yards (for the second time in his career). He may not have Hill, but he still has Travis Kelce, Schuster, MVS, Mecole Hardman, and Moore. Not to mention that Mahomes has a versatile RB group at his disposal.

• Travis Kelce is a first-team All-Pro

The Chiefs illustrious TE Travis Kelce didn’t garner first-team All-Pro honors last season, but I like his odds of returning to snag first-team AP (after being first-team AP in 2020) in 2022. In the Tyreek Hill-less offense, he should demand a bit more targets and attention moving forward.

• Josh Gordon catches a touchdown

The former Cleveland Browns legend Josh Gordon has been up and down this summer, but his size should warrant him a role in the Chiefs offense at some point in 2022. He may momentarily be on the Chiefs practice squad, but I expect him to garner some playing time, catch a TD, and bring back memories of his previous unearthly production.

• Chad Henne wins a game

It doesn’t sound sexy to imagine Mahomes MIA, but he did miss two games in 2019 and a contest in 2020. In the brutal AFC West and 17-game season, he may miss a match-up in 2022. With that said, I believe that Chade Henne (who has impressed in big moments) steps up to the plate & wins a show-down.

• Mecole Hardman makes the Pro Bowl as a returner

Mecole Hardman has a lot of juice, yet he doesn’t have the most superb experience as a KR. I believe the return-man that flashed a ton of greatness last season became more comfortable this off-season and he’s bound to put it all together in the upcoming season.

• Orlando Brown Jr is an All-Pro

Orlando Brown Jr. has been named a Pro Bowler in each of the past few seasons. Yet, I believe he will shine against his best competition (such as Khalil Mack) in the upcoming season, which will really shine the lamp on his abilities.

The post 10 bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Kirk Cousins-led Minnesota Vikings are more complex than the INFP personality type. Nonetheless, there is one thing clear in regards to the Vikings outlook in 2022 — the Vikings have a lot of talent and energy under Kevin O’Connell. With that said, I’m going to untwine three bold predictions for the Vikings in 2022 — as the sky might just be the limit.

Danielle Hunter is first-team All-Pro

The Vikings unearthly edge rusher Danielle Hunter ousted 14.5 sacks in 2018 (while making second-team All-Pro) and 14.5 sacks in 2019. I believe he was climbing the ladder last season, as he unveiled six sacks, 10 QB hits, and 38 combined tackles in seven games. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury during the Cowboys contest last season. I imagine a hungry, healthy Hunter with better pass-rushing opportunities will have his best season in 2022 — which should translate to second first–team All-Pro honors.

Irv Smith Jr. catches 10+ touchdowns

The young Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. hauled in five touchdowns in 13 games during the 2020 season. Smith Jr. missed the entire 2021 season via a meniscus injury. I expect the Vikings TE to be out for blood in a more creative offense under O’Connell moving forward. The days of planning to run the ball down the defense’s throat have adjusted to a high-powered, creative passing attack with the former Rams offensive mind at the HC helm. I also expect the aging Adam Thielen (24 touchdowns in the past two seasons) to share some of his red-zone success with the healthy TE.

The Vikings will beat the Packers twice

The Vikings managed to beat their despised opponent in Green Bay once last season. Well, I believe it’s time for the Vikings to upset the Packers in each match-up in 2022. The Saints have been hell-bent on beating Tom Brady and I believe a Vikings defense led by Hunter will help the Vikings win in two likely shoot-out matches against Rodgers. Rodgers might thrive and be a pillar of consistency in the remainder of the schedule, but I believe the Vikings can attack the Packers’s weaknesses even better than last season.

The post 3 bold predictions for the Vikings in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.