2018 Predictions for the NFL- Booze Socka Bozo

BSB Analysis

Every year we are subjected to incredible insight from the former sports station now known as ESPN that reminds us on a daily basis why we shouldn’t discuss politics and religion while drinking at a sports bar. I find it amazing that year after year we listen with a nodding head as we hear yet another expert analyst make an off the wall and shocking prediction like “You know Steven A, I really like the Patriots in the AFC East this year”. My wife doesn’t even watch football but she still knows for the last twenty years to pick the Pats unless Brady tears his ACL. There is also that little matter called the AFC Central which for the better part of five decades has been dominated by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sure, Cincinnati and Richie Cunningham, aka Andy Dalton, had a couple years where they won the division but the Steelers still found a way to make the playoffs and win a playoff game and the Super Bowl. (This, of course, has eluded Richie, Potsie and the Fonz). The bottom line is, we already know what teams will win this year but the real fun is picking a team nobody is expecting to come out of nowhere and be successful. With this in mind here are the sleeper picks for the upcoming NFL season.

Cowboys: This one pains me because like everyone else I hate the Boys, but they have the best line top to bottom on either side of the ball in terms of depth. Jaylon Smith is finally ready to contribute and cutting Dez Bryant was addition though subtraction. If Zeke Elliot can keep his hands to himself (off the field) they can easily unseat the Eagles who seem to be suffering from a super bowl hangover.

Packers: Aaron Rodgers is the best all round QB I have ever seen and literally can by himself (in spite of coaching) win a division. Of course he is throwing to a cast of receivers resembling Marx brothers, but if Jimmy Graham has anything left in the tank, watch out for them. Harpo Marx might quietly lead the NFC in receptions.

Broncos: The Broncos are still solid on defense, always manage to have a competent running back no matter who they start, and with the addition of Case Keenum, have an above average QB who can move the team downfield long enough to get a field goal. Since Manning retired, the Broncos just needed a QB who didn’t stink; with Keenum they get an above average QB who can win 9-10 games.

Browns: Ok, just kidding here to make sure you were still paying attention. I do however think the Browns will be greatly improved. Defensive End Myles Garrett will terrorize teams, new running backs and Josh (I stopped Vaping) Gordon along with Jarvis Landry could lead the Browns back to the promise land of at least 5 or 6 wins. Playoffs? No, but heading in right direction.

Falcons: This is a make or break year for the Dirty Birds and I think Matt Ryan is poised to come back with an MVP caliber season. Julio Jones took care of his bunion or corn on his foot (seriously, what the hell is that?) and is gunning for a new deal and would catch every grain of a bucket of rice if it was dropped from the sky. They are solid, playoff tested, and will make some noise.

Houston: Deshaun Watson is back after looking like the potential MVP last year before injury and JJ Watt will be fully healthy for the first time in two years so he and Clowney can victimize Blake Bortles and the Jaguars. Throw in the addition of Safety Tyrann Mathieu and it’s a scary defense.

AFC Winners: Patriots, Steelers, Texans and Chargers

NFC Winners: Cowboys, Packers, Falcons and Rams

Wild Cards: Vikings, Eagles, Broncos and Chiefs

-BSB