If I can be sure about anything at all this NFL season, it's that it will be one for the ages. In the midst of a pandemic and a fragile social climate many fear that the NFL season may be at risk. As of right now camp is still in progress, and teams are preparing to the best of their ability for the 2020 NFL Season. In this piece, I will be shedding light on who I believe the better half of the NFL Quarterbacks will be. These are simply my predictions, and I am always up for debate! So by all means leave your feedback, and let's get into the list!
First here are some honorary mentions for players I think will have a solid season, wont blow you away, but they also won't absolutely tank out this year.
Honorary Mentions: Jared Goff, Jimmy Garoppolo, Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen,
Ben Roethlisberger and Gardner Minshew II
15. Cameron Newton, New England Patriots
After being cut by the team that drafted him, the Carolina Panthers, Cameron Newton spent a lot of time working out and grinding for a major NFL comeback. However, no teams were particularly interested in taking him on at a decent starting QB's salary. Many feared his injury history and decided it was too risky to take a chance on him. At the end of the day Cam Newton found his new home when Bill Belichick came calling, signing to a veterans minimum to join the squad and compete with former 4th round pick Jarrett Stidham. I think this will be the year Super Cam makes a reappearance to the NFL. New England will try to maximize his abilities in both the pass and run game. I think Cam will play hard, just like the way he's been practicing since January. With Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and Nakeel Harry otherwise known as "Doughboy", I think Cam will do a great job in keeping the Patriots Dynasty afloat. From what I have seen in the offseason workouts and camp, I know Cam will be ready to show the league that he is still a worthy starter in this league.
14. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Coming off a great rookie year in which he won the Rookie of the Year award, the Cardinals are expecting a major leap forward in 2020. Kyler Murray put the NFL on notice with 3,722 yards, 20 TD's and 12 interceptions, to go with 544 yards on the ground. Kliff Kingsbury's college offense has been a perfect fit for Kyler's abilities. With a year under Kyler's belt I'm positive the Cardinals offense will be able to create something magical. The Cardinals made major waves with a League breaking trade earlier this season bringing in superstar Wide Receiver Deandre Hopkins. Hopkins will be joining the ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald and young studs in Kristian Kirk, KeeShaun Johnson and Andy Isabella. With these types of lethal weapons surrounding Kyler, I believe Kyler will make an even greater threat in the NFL and have the Cardinals competitive within the NFC West.
13. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
After being drafted as the number one pick a few years back, Baker has not yet played to his maximum potential. Baker had an electric first season, and a somewhat flat and depressing second. Going into year three, the Browns organization is really looking for him to show them why he deserves to remain the franchise QB. Mayfeild has been surrounded by talent ever since entering the league with slot man and catch machine Jarvis Landry. Last season they added superstar Odell Beckham Jr. to make them even more dangerous. With those two elite talents, it is a must that Baker steps up and has his greatest year yet. However, the wide receivers are not the only thing to be captivated by. This offseason they added Tight End Austin Hooper to pair with an athletic and versatile David Njoku. With an offense this loaded it would be very bad if Baker cannot get the job done and make the playoffs this season. Luckily for Baker, I think he can and will deliver this season.
12. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins has been a great leader and player since joining the Vikings. He has led them to the playoffs and has had a great deal of success too. Last season he led the Minnesota Viking in a playoff win over the heavy favorite New Orleans Saints. This is a QB who is playing at the top of his game right now. However this season, Cousins will have to be even more perfect than usual. With the departures of wide receivers Stephon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell, Cousins will be heavily relying on star Adam Thielen and rookie Justin Jefferson. Kyle Rudolf and Irv Smith Jr. will also be extremely helpful, particularly in the red zone. This season with limited playing and practice time, chemistry might be an issue early on for the offense, but eventually as time goes on they will make it work in the end. Cousins will finish with another strong season in the books.
11. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
As long as Julio Jones is around, you can expect Matt Ryan to have a good season and to put up great numbers. Matt Ryan will be playing in his 13th season. Since his MVP winning season, Ryan has yet to find his stride that made him the clear cut MVP that took the team to the Super Bowl. Ryan will be needing to ball out to compete with the heavy offensive arsenals in his own division. Ryan will be working with the aforementioned Julio Jones, standout Calvin Ridley and Free Agent addition Laquon Treadwell. I know Matt Ryan wants to compete this season and I expect nothing less. Matt Ryan is ready to go in 2020!
10. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Going into his third season with Jon Gruden, it is easy to say Carr must show up and prove himself this upcoming season. Last season Carr finished the year with over 4,000 yards to go with 21 TD's, 8 interceptions and a QB Rating of 100. What was most impressive was his completion percentage at 70 percent. Going into this season Carr will be surrounded by the most talent he has had in his career. First round draft pick Henry Ruggs will be a huge help to bringing a dynamic element to the offense. Hunter Renfrow, Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller will all look to improve and take another leap forward. The number one reason I believe Derek Carr will have a great season is because of the pressure being forced by back-up QB Marcus Mariota. Carr wants to be recognized as a franchise winning QB and this will have to be the year to prove it to Jon Gruden, Mark Davis and Raiders Nation. I think he has the potential to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
9. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Please, whatever you do, don't freak out! Drew Brees is still a great QB and a first ballot Hall of Famer, but the flaws within his game are extremely noticeable. The Saints Legend pondered retirement after the devastating loss to the Vikings in the Wild Card round. In that game Brees looked and played rather old. He is 41 years of age and his arm is clearly not what it once was. It is a scary prospect to me that the Saints invested in 2 QBs who can play and win games if needed. It seems as if they too share my doubts. If Brees can stay healthy he will finish with another top ten QB type of season. Brees will still be accompanied by First Team All Pro Michael Thomas and newly added vet Emmanuel Sanders. Let's not forget about Alvin Kamara too out of the backfield. Sean Payton and Drew Brees will have one last shot this season, giving it everything they have . Although I have my worries, I still think Brees will lead the Saints to one of the better records in the NFC.
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is coming off his best season yet, and he played so well that he honestly deserved that multi-million dollar deal. Unfortunately for him, he got slapped with the franchise tag. Prescott will be returning with all of the same cast from last season. Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup will all shine this season. The newest members of the offense are new Head Coach Mike McCarthy and first round draft pick WR CeeDee Lamb. With this much talent, Dak will put up great numbers, and everyone knows he is going to ball out again this season. The prime motivating factor for Dak this year is securing the bag! So I expect Dak to have another strong year where he shows the league (again) why he is the real deal. However, I'm not predicting them to win the division this season...
7. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
I find it funny how Deshuan Watson is still one of the more undervalued players in the league. Watson's heroics in the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills was a true masterpiece. He showed the will power, and the class that every franchise looks for in their Quarterback. I think Watson is a sleeper pick this season for MVP even with the loss of his favorite target Deandre Hopkins. This season his main guys will be Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller, with Randle Cobb working the slot. I have so much faith in Watsons ability that you could throw any 3 fans onto the field to play as his receivers, and he would be able to lead the team to victory. Some Quarterbacks have the "It" factor, and I know Deshaun Watson has "It". I think Watson will have his best statistical year in his career, and will lead his team to win the AFC South, which will lead them on to a good run in the postseason. The Texans need to lock this man up long term, a Mohomes like deal would be perfect.
6. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
If you guys know anything about football then you will agree with me saying Carson Wentz is the most underrated QB in the league and he really needs some respect on his name. Last season he was working with a makeshift surrounding squad filled with late round draft picks and undrafted players. Carson Wentz carried the heavily injured Eagles through the season and into the playoffs. If he didn't get injured in the beginning of that game, the Eagles would have advanced to the next round without a doubt in my mind. This season is going to be different though. With a revamped receiving core of Desean Jackson, Alshon Jeffrey, Jaelen Reagor and stud Tight Ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert; Carson Wentz will pop off this season like we have never seen him do before. He will have his greatest season yet, throwing over 30 TD's in what I expect to be a high flying offense. The Eagles are out for revenge this season and will be a Super Bowl contender.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
This past offseason the Green Bay Packers drafted QB Jordan Love in the first round, and we all know Aaron Rodgers is pissed about it. I expect him to play angry this season, where he will stick it to the Packers organization for trying to move off him. Rodgers is still a remarkable talent, and is undoubtedly a top 5 QB in the league. This season is going to be the year that he tears every secondary up and will put the NFL on notice that he ain't done yet. This too will also be his audition for any team that would be looking for a new QB in 2021. Rodgers will be rolling with his guy Pro Bowl wide out Devante Adams. This has been another season where they have neglected adding wide receiver help. Never mind that though, Rodgers will find a way to get the job done and lead this team back to the playoffs. People have been sleeping on Rodgers's talent and magic. He is due for a major break out season.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The 2019 Regular Season MVP who absolutely tore up the NFL last season is coming back and with more vengeance than ever. The Ravens offense was unstoppable last season and I expect to see even more impressive play in the future. Last season Lamar had 36 TD's and 6 interceptions to go with 1,206 yards on the ground. That type of a season was unprecedented for any QB in NFL history. This season, I think Lamar will attempt to be a more polished passer in order to develop that side of his game. I'm not suggesting that he will become a pocket passer, but I would love to see him carry the ball a little bit less. He is the Franchise QB, and you would hate to see him get injured trying to do too much with his legs. With another season under his belt his chemistry with Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews and Willie Snead will be extremely tight. Not one team was even close to successful in stopping this offense, and as long as Lamar stays healthy I don't see anyone stopping them anytime soon.
3. Russel Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
If I were to be starting my own franchise and I had to pick any QB in the NFL, I would take Russell Wilson without any hesitation. I get great leadership, and 110 percent effort in every game. Wilson has always been labeled as the guy who was carried by an all class defense, but in recent years he has been breaking his back carrying the Seahawks Franchise. Although he hasn't always had the greatest of supporting casts, he has always been able to will the team to make a playoff run. Wilson has the ability to make players around him better, and that is a trait not every QB has in this day and age. This season he will have his boys Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf on either side and his safety blankets in Greg Olsen and Will Dissly. This is a very good group of guys that can help Wilson lead them deep into the playoffs. Wilson too will be in the hunt for his first NFL MVP.
2. Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs
Is it shocking that Mahomes isn't number one? Yea, I guess it is. The kid is unarguably the greatest talent to ever play the position, but he still has a lot to prove before he can stake a claim in the G.O.A.T. conversation. Mahomes is coming off a great Super Bowl comeback win over the 49ers, which he won Super Bowl MVP. Mahomes carries a lot of poise but also has swagger in his gameplay. This is what makes playing with him so much fun for his teammates. Mahomes will have Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman all returning to play. And his favorite target Travis Kelce will be returning after getting a massive contract extension this offseason. The Chiefs will be locked and loaded and I totally expect Mahomes to pop off this season. He will lead the Chiefs to the #1 seed in the AFC, and you can take that to the bank right now. He will be in a wild shootout with my #1 QB this year for the 2020 MVP award.
1. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The six time Super Bowl champion has jumped ship in New England and is now sailing full speed ahead with his new team The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa is the perfect scenario for Tom Brady with two Pro-Bowl wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Not to mention the arsenal of tight ends on the roster led by his best friend Rob Gronkowksi. It is essential Brady has all the help possible because he will be playing at the age of 43. Playing at this age is unprecedented in NFL history, he is defying everything anyone thought was possible. My prediction for the Buccaneers is a Super Bowl victory in Tampa, and Tom Brady will win both Super Bowl MVP and Regular Season MVP. Receiving the MVP award usually has a nice story to go along with it, and Brady's story of departing New England and winning without Belichick would be one for the ages. He will post over 40 TD's and finish with over 5000 yards passing. This is the most talented offense he has been surrounded by since 2007, and it's not even close. I fully expect Tom Brady to not let his age stop him from taking advantage of what the football gods have granted him. The G.O.A.T is not done winning yet!
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