By Marvin Moore August 11, 2023
Now that the 2023 NFL preseason games are underway, it’s the perfect time to look into the future and offer some bold predictions for the upcoming regular season.
Remember that these are bold predictions. While not all of these forecasts will be correct, more than a few have a reasonable chance of happening. Although it would have been easier to go along with the status quo, I prefer to put on my big boy pants, let loose, and have some fun.
Without further ado, here are my boldest predictions for the coming season, Moore or less style.
1. Dallas Cowboys win first Super Bowl since 1996
It’s been over two decades since America’s Team has had key players with the talent and mindset to make a deep run in the playoffs. Last year, the Cowboys defense limited the San Francisco 49ers to 19 points in the Divisional Playoffs but were doomed by a subpar outing from quarterback Dak Prescott. Dallas is an even better squad this season and will capture the sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
2. Lamar Jackson wins his second MVP Award
Jackson led the league with 36 touchdown passes in 2019 and won the Most Valuable Player Award. The 26-year-old has missed ten games over the past two seasons but enters 2023 with a modern passing attack and an impressive group of pass-catchers. The Baltimore Ravens have ditched their run-heavy offensive scheme, and Jackson will have the opportunity to put MVP-like numbers for the first time in four years.
3. Tyreek Hill surpasses 2,000 receiving yards
Hill tallied career highs in receptions and receiving yards last year with 119 receptions for 1,710 yards despite starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing significant time with concussion problems. The “Cheetah” earned his fourth First-team All-Pro selection last season and will become the NFL’s first wide receiver to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in a single season in 2023.
4. Joe Burrow suffers a season-ending injury
NFL defenses have been unsuccessful at stopping Joe Cool, but injuries have been a different story. Burrow’s rookie season ended prematurely in 2020 when he tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee in Week 11. However, the former top overall pick has led the Cincinnati Bengals to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances when healthy. Burrow suffered a preseason calf injury that has his
Week 1 status in doubt. After suiting up for 32 of 34 games since 2021, the soon-to-be highest-paid player in the league will suffer another season-ending injury this season.
5. Denver Broncos make the playoffs
The Denver Broncos won the Sean Payton sweepstakes and have all the pieces in place to make a return to the postseason. Nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson will be looking to prove that last season was a fluke, and the Broncos will once again trot out a solid defense with an elite secondary. Denver will not only make the playoffs but has the talent to make some noise next January.
6. Las Vegas fires Josh McDaniels during the regular season
Some successful offensive and defensive coordinators do not make good head coaches. Put Josh McDaniels in the same column as Nathaniel Hackett and Wade Phillips. The Raiders made Derek Carr the scapegoat for a disastrous 2022 campaign, and this season is shaping up to be another train wreck in Sin City. McDaniels is not a good leader of men and has very little chance of surviving a 17-game regular season before he gets his walking papers.
7. San Francisco benches Brock Purdy
Mr. Irrelevant is the sequel to Mac Jones, who was over-hyped in 2021 despite limited athletic talent. Purdy was the final pick in last year’s draft for a reason, and not even Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly offense will rescue the former three-star prospect. If Purdy somehow does not get injured, the 49ers will bench the media darling in favor of Trey Lance or Sam Darnold at some point this season.
8. Teddy Bridgewater finishes the season as Lions quarterback
Jared Goff enjoyed a banner campaign last year with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, but he looks like something other than a franchise quarterback. The top overall pick in 2016, expectations are high in the Motor City this season, and if Goff falters, the Lions have a solid insurance plan in Teddy Bridgewater. Detroit is eyeing a playoff spot, and Goff will not be the field general to lead the Lions to the promised land.
9. Will McDonald IV leads the rookie class in sacks
McDonald is a perfect fit for head coach Robert Saleh’s defensive unit and will benefit from opposing teams focusing on All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Iowa State product rarely lined up on the outside in college and should thrive on a Jets’ defense loaded with playmakers. McDonald will shine with double-digit sacks in a rookie class with a bevy of pass rushers.
10. Tampa Bay releases Baker Mayfield
The former Heisman Trophy winner will be playing for his fourth team this season since being the top overall pick in 2018. Mayfield is battling second-year quarterback Kyle Trask for the Buccaneers’ starting
gig, which is not a good sign considering the former second-round choice has only attempted nine NFL passes. The writing is on the wall, and it’s just a matter of time before Tampa Bay sends Mayfield packing
