Al's 2020 Hot Takes

The best time of year is upon us. The smell of bonfires and garbage is in the air as The Wallace Street League of Champions enters its 10th season. More than any other year, this season is “full of uncertainty” - my go-to phrase when I’m talking to someone I don’t want to be talking to, and they ask me what quarantine has been like... which is why I break out my crystal ball every year to make some predictions and alleviate some of the stress that comes with not knowing what the future holds. Keep in mind, these takes are HOT. If you want to read about why the chiefs will be good again, this is not your column, I am not your author. These are takes that burn with such fury, you won’t hear them being tossed around at ESPN or FS1 (Fox Sports & ESPN declined to match The Chronicle’s offer of one (1) spliff for exclusivity rights of this column). These are takes that, for lack of a better phrase, are simply too hot for TV. Without further ado, here are my predictions for the 2020 NFL season.

1. Patriots DO NOT win the AFC east for the first time since 2008. Cam Newton plays well, but a lack of weapons on both sides of the ball due to opt outs and free agency proves to be too much, even for Bellichick.

2. Tom Brady throws for the most yards (5,235) of his career...at age 41. Thanks to Bruce Arian’s quarterback whispering (I.e - Carson Palmer in Arizona) as well as the most weapons he’s ever had, the ageless wonder does it again.

3. Two off-the-radar teams that were below average last year but will make the playoffs in 2020: Colts, Broncos. The Phillip Rivers experiment in Indy pays off, while Drew Locke takes major strides leading the offense in the Mile High City.

4. Two teams that made the playoffs last year but will take significant steps backwards in 2020: Packers and 49ers. Green Bay went 14-2 in 2019 - winning nine (9!!!!!) games by one score or less - history will NOT be repeating itself in 2020 for the cheeseheads as Matt Lafleur and Aaron Rodgers continue to bump heads, leaving the door open for speculation that this will be Rodgers’ last season as a Packer. As for the 49ers, a decimated receiving corp will force Jimmy G to shoulder more of the offense - and make more mistakes. A Super Bowl hangover that even Kyle Shannahan can’t cure...

5. Offensive rookie of the year - Clyde Edward Helaire/ Joe Burrow Defensive ROY - Chase Young/Jeff Okudah

6. The Buffalo Bills finish as the second best team in the AFC behind only the Chiefs and make a deep run in the playoffs (AFC title game) behind a stout offensive line, the best cornerback in the game (Tredavious White) and Josh Allen’s arm strength.

7. 2020 is Derek Carr’s last season as a raider - they finish 4-12, aiming to draft Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, or land Aaron Rodgers in a trade.

8. Browns make the playoffs for the first time since 2002 as the last wildcard team in the AFC. Kevin Stefanski proves to be a competent coach, Baker Mayfield throws 30 TD’s and Baltimore regresses - opening the door for the Browns to sneak in.

9. Daniel Jones ends the season top 5 in yardage and top 10 in TD passes - Giants finish 6-10/7-9 but have reasons to be optimistic.

10. Russell Wilson wins his first MVP after his 4th consecutive 30 TD season. The Seahawks finally transition from run heavy to an air raid attack and finish atop the NFC west.

11. Matt Patricia becomes the first coach fired in 2020 and Mitch Trubisky is the first starting QB that will be benched (excluding places with rookie successors - Mia, LAC) as Matt Nagy tried to save his job via Nick Foles.

12. Tua shows flashes of greatness as he gets his shot in week 8. Justin Herbert may not see the field as Tyrod Taylor proves to be effective enough for the chargers. Herbert is a bust, despite his unusual arm strength and measurables.

13. Playoff Picture - NFC - East: Philly South: New Orleans North: Minnesota West: Seattle Wildcards: Dallas/San Francisco - AFC - East: Buffalo South: Indianapolis North: Baltimore West: KC Wildcards: Denver/Cleveland. AFC CHAMP: Chiefs over Bills. NFC CHAMP: Saints over Eagles SUPERBOWL: CHIEFS VS SAINTS