There are numerous questions fans are asking that surround the upcoming 2011 NFL season. Can the Green Bay packers repeat? Who will be the surprise team? Will we have another team below .500 get into the playoffs. While we wait to see the answers, these are my five bold predictions for the upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys are the Surprise Team of 2011
As much as most of America does not want to hear it, the Boys will be back in 2011. For starters, they are going to benefit from an easier schedule thanks to their record of 6-10 last year. On top of that, this is a talented team on both sides of the ball. The offense will be welcoming back Tony Romo behind center and we will have the chance to see Felix Jones being used to his fullest. On defense, the Cowboys have stud DeMarcus Ware who will make life a living hell for the opposition. In fact, thanks to the leadership of new coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys will nudge out a division title over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFC North Becomes the Toughest Division in the NFL
The Green Bay Packers are poised to make a serious run as repeat Super Bowl champions and should be a threat to run away with it if they can avoid the injury bug this year. The Chicago Bears have a potent offense thanks to Mike Martz and no one likes to play at Soldier Field in the Winter. The Detroit Lions are going to terrorize opposing quarterbacks and will actually finish with a record over .500 this year. The one wild card is the Minnesota Vikings but when you have a running back like Adrian Peterson, you always have a chance to win. The second best division in the NFL in 2011 will be the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers being the weak link.
The St. Louis Rams Win the NFC West
In 2010, the Rams missed on the playoffs because the Seattle Seahawks had a better division record. Things are going to change in 2011 thanks to Sam Bradford having a complete season under his belt. The Rams will get off to a slow start thanks to their tough opening schedule of the Eagles, Giants, and Ravens but they will be looking pretty at the end. Five of their last seven games are against division opponents along with an easy win against the Bengals. And this time around, the Rams are going to have a record over.500.
Blaine Gabbert Will Be the Top Rookie Quarterback
They are a handful of rookie quarterbacks who will be looking to make their mark during the 2011 NFL season, but only a few of them will be able to be productive. Gabbert, Cam Newton, and Jake Locker are going to see the most playing time thanks to either injuries to seasoned veterans or lack of competition on the team. In the end, Gabbert might be the reason why head coach Jack Del Rio stays off the Hot Seat.
Phillip Rivers Earns the NFL MVP
The NFL has become a quarterback league in recent years and this year will be the time for Rivers to emerge from the shadows of others like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Over the last three years, he has averaged a 65% completion rate while throwing over 4,000 yards with at least 28 touchdowns. His wide receiving group is healthier this year and they will benefit from a weakened AFC West division. Rivers will dominate from start to finish and help carry the team to a title and a deep run in the playoffs.