2020 NFL Season Preview: Playoff Predix

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If you are new to Franchise Quarterback, welcome! If you are a returning reader, thank you for your continued support, and you know that I am not afraid to be bold in my preseason predictions. 

With the 2020 season approaching, it is time for my annual preseason predictions, projecting who will get into the playoffs, and reach Super Bowl LV in Tampa. After weeks of calculating and crunching the numbers, I have determined who will earn the 14 playoff spots this season, and who will ultimately lift the Lombardi Trophy in February.

It is a given that COVID-19 has clouded the buildup to the 2020 season and may throw uncertainty into football this year, I am writing in anticipation that the season will go forth as scheduled and in its entirety. I will continue to write my Predix pages as long as football is played. 

If you have strong feelings of disagreement and resentment towards me, let me know in the comments section below. My Twitter is @thesamdecoste and who knows, if you @ me, maybe I'll change my mind.

Notable achievements last year:

• 8/12 playoff teams correct
• Predicted the Bills and Titans would make the playoffs
• Predicted the Eagles to win the NFC East

Notable gaffs:

• 3/8 division winners correct
• Predicted the Ravens and Seahawks would miss the playoffs
• Predicted the Falcons would win the NFC South at 12-4
• Predicted a Super Bowl between the Patriots and Eagles

AFC

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)

It's going to take some stopping to stand in Kansas City's way this season. After winning their first Super Bowl in 50 years, the Chiefs are riding high on momentum and they believe they have what it takes to repeat.

Nearly all of KC's impact players on offense are returning this season, including Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Travis Kelce and Mecole Hardman. While Super Bowl star Damien Williams chose to opt out of the season, first round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire is primed to fill Williams' spot and take the Chiefs offense to the next level. Yes, the Chiefs are poised to get even better than their 2019 outfit. It is going to be Mission Impossible for any offense to outscore them. 

Kansas City's defense continues to improve as well, with Frank Clark and Chris Jones quietly one of the strongest defensive line duos in football, and Tyranne Mathieu locking things up at the backend. But even if the defense takes a noticeable step backwards, the Chiefs have proven they can steamroll their schedule with Mahomes carrying the load. The 2018 Chiefs defense surrendered 30 points per game and couldn't stop anybody, but 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns was enough to lift KC into AFC supremacy.

There is a reason that no team has won back to back Super Bowls in 16 years, but the Chiefs have as good of a chance as any squad to finally buck that trend. They will dominate the regular season once again.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)

Finishing 8-8 with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges at quarterback for 14 games is one of the greatest coaching feats seen this century. That would have been good enough for a playoff spot this season, now that the league has added one playoff berth per conference. This season, Pittsburgh is poised to come roaring back.

Ben Roethlisberger is coming back after suffering a broken elbow in September last season, and will improve the Steelers' weakest link in 2019. It's easy to forget, but Roethlisberger finished with over 5,000 yards passing just two seasons ago. The Steelers are still Big Ben's team, and his recovery and him staying on the field will be decisive for Pittsburgh once again in 2020. He will revive his connection with Juju Smith Schuster, elevate the play of James Washington and Diontae Johnson. The Steelers offense will not be a liability anymore.

But the identity of this team has shifted to the defensive side of the ball. Spearheaded by TJ Watt, the Steelers finished third in overall defense in 2019, and should have another top 5 defense this year. The acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick revolutionized the Steelers defense to what was one of the league's least productive units to the latest version of the Steel Curtain. The Steelers led the league in sacks in 2019 and finished second in interceptions.

If the Steelers offense finishes inside the top 10 to match their prolific defense, Pittsburgh is going to cause a lot of trouble. Led by Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are primed to reclaim their spot at the top of the AFC North in 2020.

3. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

The Buffalo Bills turned some eyes in 2019, with disciplined football on the defensive side and flashes of jaw-dropping plays from Josh Allen. But with the AFC East for the taking in 2020, the Bills are ready to make another step forward.

The Bills most glaring weakness last season was the lack of an explosive game-changing talent on offense. The front office addressed this by pulling the trigger on Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings, who has racked over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons. He will form a dominant combination with Josh Allen and his cannon arm, and complements the weapons Buffalo already has. 

With Diggs, the Bills have established one of the better wide receiver trios in the NFL with Diggs and John Brown on the outside and Cole Beasley in the slot. The backfield also poses a powerful one-two punch with second year running back Devin Singletary and rookie Zach Moss. Oh and the Bills defense finished fourth in the league last season in yards allowed.

Everything has fallen into place for the Bills to win their first AFC East title since 1995, and their championship window is officially open. The Buffalo Bills are ready to rock and roll. 

4. Indianapolis Colts (9-7)

The Colts started 2019 hot, and tailed off after injuries at the quarterback position. But the time is now for the Colts to win their first division title since 2014.

Longtime Charger Philip Rivers will take snaps for the Colts this season, and while Rivers is on the wrong side of 35 years old, he will not have to be a gunslinger to take the Colts to the next level. Indy's backfield is loaded with talented young backs, including Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, and rookie Jonathan Taylor. On the outside, the Colts bring in Michael Pittman, Jr. to complement TY Hilton and Paris Campbell. The offense will be substantially better than last season, especially with an experienced veteran quarterback not named Jacoby Brissett leading the charge.

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has built his team to win in the trenches. The offensive line led by Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly is one of the league's best, and will give Rivers the protection he hasn't had in years. The trade for DeForest Buckner in the offseason may be the final piece to the puzzle for Indy's defense, already featuring Darius Leonard, Justin Houston, and Malik Hooker. The additions of TJ Carrie and Xavier Rhodes should improve the secondary as well. 

5. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

The winningest team in football last season is bound for another double-digit win season. But after two consecutive early playoff exits, the Ravens led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson believe they have taken the necessary strides to cross the finish line this year.

The Ravens will likely lean on the ground-and-pound formula utilized last season to gallup to 13-3. But it won't be as easy this season, with a full offseason for the other 31 ballclubs to dissect the tape and find ways to contain Jackson and their rushing attack this season. Baltimore could take their game to the next level if second round pick J.K. Dobbins pans out, he could be the bellcow back, to form a formidable 1-2 punch with Mark Ingram. Wideout Hollywood Brown has potential to have a breakout year after an offseason of recovery from a Lisfranc injury, and take the top of opposing secondaries.

As dominant as the defense was last season, the Ravens have actually improved considerably in the trenches. Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe thrown into the defensive line will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and force quarterbacks to make quick decisions. However, the absence of Earl Thomas after being released for conduct detrimental to the team could prove costly, as DeShon Elliott will be tested early and often this season in the secondary.

Baltimore led by Lamar Jackson owns the regular season, with a combined record of 20-3 going back to his first career start in 2018. But anything less than a trip to the Super Bowl is a considerable failure. There's no doubt the Ravens will book their third straight playoff ticket this season, it's what they do beyond the first round that matters.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

From top to bottom, the Chargers may have the most talented roster in football. The weak link, however, is the quarterback.

Tyrod Taylor has already been announced as LA's starter for Week 1, while the rookie Justin Herbert adjust to the pro game. But there is a reason that this is Taylor's fourth team in seven years. Taylor is characteristically conservative with his arm, and is reluctant to ever challenge the opposing secondary. With the likes of Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, and Mike Williams on the outside, along with a backfield of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, Taylor has the weapons to flourish. Taylor will need to air it out if the Chargers have any hope of outscoring the Chiefs twice a season, and having any chance of a division title.

The defense just suffered a devastating blow with Derwin James going down with a season-ending knee injury. Beyond James' position, there is plenty to be encouraged about on the defensive side. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram may be the best edge rushing duo in the league, first round pick Kenneth Murray brings athleticism to the linebacking core, and Casey Hayward and Chris Harris are each number one corners in their own right and will share a secondary.

The Chargers have the talent to make it back to the postseason. But the Chargers will only go as far as Tyrod Taylor is able to take them. Justin Herbert will be waiting for his shot.

7. Cleveland Browns (9-7)

Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. The Browns burned a lot of us last year after a busy blockbuster offseason, acquiring Odell Beckham Jr. amongst a laundry list of high profile signings. But woeful coaching, poor quarterbacking, and Myles Garrett episode of rage led to yet another lost season in Cleveland in 2019. 

Third year quarterback Baker Mayfield is no longer the talk of the town, and now has something to prove. Despite throwing 21 interceptions in 2019, Mayfield is poised for a bounce back season with the weapons on the outside. Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, David Njoku, oh and Odell Beckham. Everyone is sleeping on Beckham, but he will be back. Not to mention Nick Chubb finished behind only Derrick Henry in the rushing standings in 2019. Mayfield will cut down on the turnovers, and the Browns should be a top 10 scoring offense.

While the Browns may not have a problem outscoring their opponents, the defense will make their jobs a little more difficult. Cleveland will be counting on unproven talent to make leaps in their play this season. Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon will need to tally the sacks to prevent the secondary from being burned. Behind Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Terrance Mitchell will be targeted early and often this season, and could leave the defense exposed.

Playing in the AFC North makes the Browns schedule a cinematic gauntlet, but the Browns have the talent to put up a fight. Another season missing the postseason with this crop of talent will not fly, and could mark yet another offseason of transition in Cleveland.

Just Missed:

New England Patriots (8-8)

Indianapolis Colts (7-9)

Tennessee Titans (7-9)

NFC

1. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

It's now or never for New Orleans. After three years of playoff heartbreak each more devastating than the last, it's time for the Saints to reach the top of the mountain once again.

The Saints retooled their high octane offense with the addition of Emmanuel Sanders, solidifying the receiving core behind Michael Thomas which was starving of production last season. Sanders will open up the offense more than ever before, especially with a healthy Alvin Kamara in the backfield. On the other side of the ball, the Saints finally reunited with Malcolm Jenkins, the 3 time Pro Bowl safety coming off a six year stint as a Philadelphia Eagle. Jenkins adds leadership and dependability to a defense which was carved down the stretch of 2019, giving up an average of 24 points in their last 5 games. 

Setting the talent on the roster aside, this may be Drew Brees' final rodeo in the NFL. The 41 year old is not getting any younger, and has already agreed to a contract with NBC Sports following the end of his football career, which could easily be at the end of 2020. If Brees has made up his mind about making the 2020 season his last, he will put on a show with the weapons at his disposal.

No fans in the dome this season will hurt this team more than others, and that may be one of their biggest obstacles. But the Saints have a prolific roster, the continuity of Sean Payton's leadership, and just as much hunger as ever. The Saints have not been this talented since 2009, when they ended up winning their first and only Super Bowl. 

2. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

America's Team perennially underachieved for the past decade under former head coach Jason Garrett. Enter Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl winning coach, and a successful offseason for General Manager Jerry Jones, the Cowboys are back and ready to stamp their authority on the league.

After leading the league in offense by total yardage, somehow their offensive unit is even better than before. How CeeDee Lamb fell into the Cowboys laps in the draft is anybody's guess, but now he joins an already loaded receiving core. Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb is surely one of the most fearsome receiving tridents in football this year, and it will be impossible for defensive coordinators to stop all of them from making an impact. Oh and Dak Prescott continues to get better, and will let his play speak for itself with contract talks continuing to stall. This unit will be the backbone of the team, and will make or break their season. 

Defensively, Everson Griffin along with Dontari Poe fills the hole left by the departed Robert Quinn, and Leighton Vander Esch makes his return to the team after an injury-hindered end of 2019. The departures of Byron Jones and Jeff Heath will hurt, and the secondary will feature some new faces.

Coasting to an NFC East title should not be a concern. Dallas is the most talented roster in the East from top to bottom, and a change of leadership could help the Cowboys make considerable strides towards playoff relevancy for the first time in 30 years. The Cowboys are poised for a big step in the right direction in 2020.

3. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

Do not scratch your eyes, what you read is true. The Cardinals will win their first NFC West crown since 2015, and ascend into NFC contention by the arms and legs of sophomore quarterback Kyler Murray. 

The state of NFC West is at an all-time high, as all four teams of capable of a deep playoff run. But each team has its fair share of weaknesses. The reigning division champions and Super Bowl runners-up, the 49ers, are bound for regression on the virtue that their offense is not built to run for 200 plus yards every game. Jimmy Garappolo will be counted on to deliver with his arm, which is something he struggled to do in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks are a top heavy roster which just acquired Jamal Adams, but still throws a one-dimensional offense onto the field which forces Russell Wilson to work miracles by a weekly basis. The Rams, meanwhile, are entering a period of transition as they cope with a mitigated salary cap and defense which sees only 4 starters returning.

Entering his second year in the league, Kyler Murray is primed for a breakout season with the acquisition of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the outside. The combination of Hopkins and Fitzgerald, as well as Kenyan Drake in the backfield will tear up the NFC this season. Not to mention the defense has made considerable strides on paper with the addition of Isaiah Simmons in the draft and Jordan Phillips in free agency, along an improving secondary led by the recently extended Budda Baker. Oh and don't forget that Patrick Peterson is still a baller and can cover any wideout in the league one-on-one.

Underestimate Arizona at your own peril. They may not be the favorites right now, but do not be surprised to see the Cardinals rise from worst to first in 2020.

4. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Minnesota's offseason was one of transition for the next iteration of the Vikings, with many of their highest impact players with new teams.

The Vikings took a step backwards with the loss of Stefon Diggs. That being said, the selection of Justin Jefferson fills Diggs' shoes right off the bat, and has the potential to be a star. He will complement Adam Theilen brilliantly. The addition of Yannick Ngakoue is a steal and fills a big hole left by Everson Griffen. The losses of veteran players like Andrew Sendejo, Trae Waynes, Linval Joseph, and Xavier Rhodes will make the look of a rather unfamiliar Vikings squad from the past few years. There will be growing pains in the early going for Minnesota.

The Vikings will ride and die with Dalvin Cook, who made the leap from good player to game changer, totaling 1,654 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Kirk Cousins is still a serviceable quarterback and shows greatness in spurts. The combination of Cousins, Cook, and Theilen is still as good as it gets for any offensive trident in the NFL, and they will be leaned on much more heavily than previous years with so many new faces on defense. 

The NFC North is always a competitive division, and should go right down to the wire as it did last season. But the Vikings are the best coached team in the division with the most impact players available. Green Bay will chase them all year long, but the Vikings by the time the old lady sings.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4)

You are watching the Tom Brady revenge tour sponsored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs are the talk of the town after acquiring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in the offseason, and will have more attention swirled around the team than ever before. Brady fills the shoes of the turnover-heavy Jameis Winston, looking to take what was the third highest scoring offense to an even greater level. Brady will have the same weapons as Winston had last season, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, OJ Howard, and now, Leonard Fournette. You may think Brady will be washed at age 43 without Bill Belicheck on the sidelines any longer, but do not be mistaken. Brady is great until proven otherwise.

Defensively, the Bucs are not given enough credit. Shaquill Barrett was the 2019 sack champion, Jason Pierre-Paul has recorded 21 sacks in the last two seasons, and the secondary is improving steadily. Tampa's defense would be regarded much higher if not for the team's -13 turnover differential in 2019, thanks to 33 total turnovers from the quarterback. His replacement, who is a six time Super Bowl champion by the way, will take care of the football. The pick sixes will go down and the defense will not be thrown into short-field situations. Brady makes an impact across the board.

The Buccaneers have not been in the playoffs since 2007, and it's been even longer since they were even relevant. Well, they are more than relevant now. With Brady under center, they may not be Super Bowl contenders yet, but they will be a force to be reckoned with.

6. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

I have a habit of placing a surplus of belief into the Atlanta Falcons, and getting burned every single year. Nonetheless, I still have faith that the Falcons have another deep playoff run in them.

The offense should not struggle lighting up the scoreboard. Matt Ryan is at the top of his game at the quarterback position and the offense is loaded with weapons, including the unguardabe Julio Jones, the exciting Calvin Ridley, and recently signed Todd Gurley. There's no doubt that the Falcons will keep defensive coordinators up at night, they are loaded from top to bottom.

The defense is where concerns arise, as Atlanta will be counting on role players to surpass expectations, and stars coming off devastating injuries to make an instant impact. Safety Keanu Neal is recovering from back to back years of season-ending injuries, and his health is key to defensive improvement. Edge rushers Tak McKinley and Dante Fowler need to step their game up as well this season to buy their secondary time. 

It won't be easy playing in the NFC South this season, but the Falcons have the makings of a capable playoff squad. It's playoffs or bust for the Falcons, otherwise head coach Dan Quinn may be handed his walking papers.

7. San Francisco 49ers (10-6)

The Niners took everyone by surprise by marching to the Super Bowl after a 2-14 season in 2018, but this season is destined to be slightly less prosperous. The gap between San Francisco and Seattle in the NFC West last season was razor thin, and the fate of the number one seed was decided by one yard on the final play of the 2019 campaign. The gap has been closed even further, with Jamal Adams in Seattle, the leadership of Sean McVay in Los Angeles, and an ascending Arizona squad. 

The 49ers grounded and pounded their way to the Super Bowl in 2019, from 498 rush attempts and 2,305 total yards. It was wildly successful in 2019, but opposing defenses have had an entire offseason to develop new ways to force the Niners to beat their opponents by throwing the football. 

Jimmy Garappolo attempted just 8 passes in the NFC Championship versus Green Bay. That number is inevitably going to rise every game, and Garappolo will be forced to win games with his arm, which he may not be able to do. Star receiver Deebo Samuel is recovering a foot injury and may miss the first few weeks of the season, and rookie wideout Brandon Aiyuk will be counted on as the next man up right away even though he is battling a hamstring injury, and Jalen Hurd will miss the season after tearing his ACL.

The Niners are bound to drop more games down the stretch this season, with a difficult schedule on tap. Injuries could be their undoing in the end, but the Niners will get a taste of why it is so difficult to make it back to the big time the next season. 

Just Missed:

Green Bay Packers (9-7)

Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Los Angeles Rams (8-8)

Super Bowl LV:
Kansas City Chiefs vs New Orleans Saints

The Saints have been knocking on the door for years, but this year is the year they will finally get over the line and make it to the big game. Drew Brees and Sean Payton are going to lay it all on the line in 2020. The additions of Emmanuel Sanders and Malcolm Jenkins will make the difference for New Orleans, and give the Saints the extra push they need to play in Super Bowl LV.

As for the defending champs, it's tough to see anyone else in the AFC knocking them off their pedestal any time soon. And the Chiefs have the makings of the next great dynasty in the NFL, looking to win as many titles as Brady during his reign in New England. With the weapons on offense, with the brilliant Andy Reid leading the charge, and the most talented quarterback in football, Mahomes and the Chiefs will be back in the Super Bowl once again.

Super Bowl Champions
Kansas City Chiefs

No team has won back to back Super Bows ever since the 2004 New England Patriots. It is a feat even the greatest teams of our generation have fallen short of time and time again, but the Chiefs have the making of a team prepared to buck that trend. Pat Mahomes is a transcendent talent, and has the tools to go out and win another championship for Kansas City in 2020. There's no stopping the Chiefs this year.


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