Schein: Seahawks will miss the playoffs in 2020

The Seattle Seahawks will face an uphill battle to get into the playoffs in 2020, and some pundits already don’t think they will make it.

The Seattle Seahawks have been among the most consistent teams in NFL over the past decade, posting a winning record in each of the last eight seasons.

However, the NFC West continues to get tougher and tougher, and Seattle’s core continues to get older and older, leaving the team in a perilous position heading into 2020.

As part of his nine bold predictions for the upcoming season, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein predicted the Seahawks will miss the playoffs, which would be just the second time in the last nine seasons they failed to reach the postseason.

“I know that Russell Wilson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Schein wrote. “And I never want to bet against fellow future gold-jacket wearers Bobby Wagner and Pete Carroll. But I have serious questions about the overall quality of this roster — especially when compared to a host of rosters across the NFC.”

The 49ers and Cardinals have each worked hard to improve their roster this offseason, while the Seahawks have not addressed their biggest need – an impact pass rusher – in any kind of meaningful way.

The team did add a potentially great fit in Quinton Dunbar, if his legal issues don’t cause him to miss any time, and some of the additions up front should help protect Wilson in the pocket.

Still, it’s going to be a battle in the NFC all year long, and this likely won’t be the only prediction that has the Seahawks out of the playoffs to kick off the new decade.

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Revisiting Packers Wire’s 8 bold predictions for 2019 season

Taking a look back at the eight bold predictions made by Packers Wire before the 2019 season.

Revisiting predictions and the process that went into making them is a good way to get better at predicting things in the future, even if football remains a highly difficult sport to predict each and every year.

Back in early September, we made eight bold predictions for the Green Bay Packers in 2019. Some hit, some didn’t.

Let’s revisit all eight:

1. Za’Darius Smith, over 12 sacks: Watching Smith this summer at training camp practices made it clear he was going to break out in a major way in 2019. He just dominated everything he did. There was just something special about the way he handled his business in pass-rushing drills and team work. It all translated into a historic first season in Green Bay. He finished with 15.5 sacks and 41 quarterback hits in 18 games, led the NFL in total pressures and made the Pro Bowl. Like he showed all summer, Smith became a dominant one-on-one rusher, and the Packers used his versatility perfectly.

2. Aaron Rodgers, completion percentage over 67.0: The thought here was that Matt LaFleur’s new offense would give Rodgers more easy completions and lessen the needs for throwaways, creating a big jump in completion percentage. It didn’t happen. Rodgers cut down on his throwaways but actually completed a lesser percentage of passes (62.0, down from 62.3) in 2019. A lack of difference-makers in the passing game and the growing pains in a new scheme crippled efficiency. Rodgers’ accuracy really waned at times, too. Expect a jump back around 63 or 64 percent in 2020. He should be more comfortable in the offense, and help is coming this offseason.

3. Aaron Jones, Pro Bowl: This one should have hit. The 2019 season truly was a special mix of immense talent meeting new opportunity in LaFleur’s offense. Over 18 games, Jones exploded for career-highs in touches, rushing yards (1,202), receiving yards (505), total yards (1,707) and touchdowns (23). The guess was Jones would go over 1,500 total yards if he played in every regular-season game. He actually created 1,558 total yards over 16 games.

4. Elgton Jenkins, 8 or more starts: Another big hit. He looked too talented during the summer to keep out of the lineup for long. By Week 2, he was rotating in with Lane Taylor. By Week 3, he was the undisputed starter after Taylor went down with an injury. He played every single snap the rest of the way. Overall, Jenkins started 16 of 18 games. Pro Bowls could be in his future.

5. Robert Tonyan, more targets than Jimmy Graham: A miss. The thought here was Tonyan would end up being a better fit at tight end in LaFleur’s offense, causing Graham to be slowly phased out of the offense. The last part happened, but Tonyan wasn’t a huge beneficiary. A midseason hip injury really hurt his chances of solidifying a big role. Tonyan finished with only 15 targets over 11 games. Graham had 60 in 16.

6. Tony Brown, 8 or more starts: Another miss. Brown spent most of the summer making plays as a starter for the No. 1 defense. He looked like a prime candidate to take that second-year jump and become a legit contributor. It didn’t happen. Brown played a supporting role on defense in Week 1 but was quickly relegated to nothing more than special teams duty. By November, the Packers had seen enough and cut him. There’s probably more to that story. He made zero starts. The real breakout star of the secondary was Chandon Sullivan, another summer stud. This missed prediction was a case of overrating a young player’s development potential.

7. Rashan Gary, under 3 sacks: A big hit. Although Gary flashed during the summer, it was clear he would need time to develop into a difference-making player. Expecting instant impact was overly optimistic, and the Packers were always going to lean on veteran additions Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith at edge rusher. Gary played in all 16 games but finished with just two sacks. He struggled to win one-on-ones and had a marginal role as a rotational rusher.

8. Packers will start 8-5: The Packers actually started 10-3. There was hope the Packers could use all the early home games to create a cushion before a tough stretch, and that’s exactly what happened. However, few predicted the Packers would go 3-0 over road games in Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City. They won six games by eight points or fewer in the first 13 games, so 8-5 wasn’t a terrible guess. By the time the Packers were preparing to face a three-game stretch against the NFC North to end the season, they were all but assured of a playoff spot. They took care of business, winning the division with a victory in Minnesota in Week 16 and clinching a first-round bye with a comeback win in Detroit. Based on point differential and expected W-L, the Packers had the look of a 10-6 team in 2019. They were overachievers. But that sure beats the alternative.

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ESPN bold predictions forecast an Alvin Kamara contract holdout

A survey of ESPN’s NFL Nation suggested New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara may hold out in search of a contract extension.

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What is going to happen between the New Orleans Saints and star running back Alvin Kamara? Kamara is headed for the final year of his rookie contract, having earned a performance-based pay raise that boosts his 2020 base salary to $2.147 million, or a hair shy of $126,300 per game.

While Kamara’s total touchdowns scored dropped in his third season (7 in 15 games, including the playoffs) from his first two years (34 in 35 games), his yards from scrimmage gained per game remained steady at 92.3 (compared to 100.0 in the first two seasons combined). Rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.

It all sets up for difficult contract negotiations between Kamara’s agents and the Saints. He’s now eligible for an extension even though he’s under contract for one more year, and it’s very possible that he chooses to hold out and pressure the Saints into signing him to a new deal. In a survey of the ESPN NFL Nation network, Saints writer Mike Triplett looked to Kamara as the inspiration behind his bold prediction for the 2020 offseason:

Kamara has not announced any plans to do this. But it feels like a no-brainer since he is heading into the final year of a supremely discounted rookie contract (he was a third-round pick). Perhaps the Saints will pay Kamara quickly, like they did with wide receiver Michael Thomas last summer. But agreeing on Kamara’s market value could prove more difficult since there aren’t many perfect comparisons for him and since all NFL teams wrestle with how much to pay their backs.

That point about every NFL team struggling to budget for running backs is prescient — the same bold predictions survey has writers covering the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals each suggesting their teams will try to get out of contracts with Todd Gurley and David Johnson. It’s a grueling position to play, with a very uncertain shelf life.

So what is Kamara’s value? If he hadn’t been set back by injuries and received more touches in scoring position last year, he’d probably have grounds for an argument to displace Ezekiel Elliott as the NFL’s highest-paid running back. However, because there was a slight dip in his production and a big drop in scoring plays, the Saints probably won’t be eager to reset the market.

To be fair, some of the differences in 2019 weren’t within Kamara’s control. He was given just 33 combined carries and targets inside the opposing 20-yard line, an average of 2.2 per game, compared to 110 such plays in 2017 and 2018 (which averages out to 3.1 per game). He wasn’t touching the ball in scoring position as often, and also ran a different route tree. How many times did he get matched up one-on-one against a linebacker on a route deep downfield?

And that may suggest something about where the Saints stand on Kamara. If they don’t think he can continue to win on those routes and make those plays, or hold up to the physically-demanding battle in a phone booth when opposing defenses are backed up deep in their own territory, they may not want to tie up significant salary cap resources to him. Maybe Kamara’s future doesn’t lie in the New Orleans.

Or maybe this is all just idle speculation. Kamara hinted at dialogue between his camp and the Saints just last week, saying, “there might be something going on” with contract discussions. Would it really surprise anyone if he sat out a few days of training camp before signing a four-year, $42 million extension?

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6 bold predictions for Ravens vs. Titans divisional playoff game

The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans clash in the AFC divisional round. We do our best to predict what crazy things could happen.

It’s nearly time for the Baltimore Ravens to get back on the field and prove their worth this season. They’ll take on the hot Tennessee Titans in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs as both teams vie for a spot in the AFC Championship Game.

The Titans are fresh off their win over the New England Patriots, while the Ravens got a relaxing week of vacation as the No. 1 seed. Baltimore is a heavy favorite in this game and for good reason. They had the best record in the league and have toppled many of the best teams behind them this season.

With the playoffs being a win-or-go-home endeavor, the writers here at Ravens Wire put together our bold predictions for this week. We all picked things that we think could actually happen but would be the talking point of the weekend if they come true. So take a look at our six bold predictions for the Ravens vs. Titans playoff matchup.

Matthew Stevens:

Ravens win by 14-plus points

Baltimore has been dominant during their 12-game winning streak, and Tennessee simply isn’t better than those teams. The Ravens will outmuscle and outrace them to a quick 14-point lead before coasting the rest of the way, as they’ve done so often this season.

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5 bold predictions for the Ravens in Week 17 vs. Steelers

With both the Ravens and Steelers seeing key starters sit in Week 17, our bold predictions feature some new names and stats to reflect it.

The Baltimore Ravens will look to sweep the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, finishing their regular season campaign in Week 17 against their division rival. But both teams will be without key contributors that could make this a more sluggish affair.

The Ravens are resting several starters with the No. 1 seed already locked up, giving them two weeks without any gameday action. The Steelers are banged up and have already ruled out starting center Maurkice Pouncey and running back James Conner.

So our bold predictions for this week reflect the change in rosters, giving us some new names to focus on. Take a look at what the writers here at Ravens Wire believe could happen this week.

Matthew Stevens:

Justice Hill has his first 100-yard game on the ground

I’ve been a big fan of Hill after seeing him play in Baltimore. In spite of his smaller stature, Hill has shown enough grit and power to go along with his speed and that makes him very dangerous. With Mark Ingram sitting out and Gus Edwards potentially seeing a smaller snap count this week, the Ravens’ rushing attack should fall on Hill’s shoulders, especially if he starts out strong.

Hill breaks off a few big runs and gets enough carries to go over 100 rushing yards in this game, which bookends his first career touchdown run from last week.

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5 bold predictions for Ravens vs. Browns in Week 16

It’s the most important game of the season for the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens can clinch the No. 1 seed, which will come with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. As a rematch …

As a rematch of Week 4 — the last loss Baltimore had this season — it’s not going to be an automatic win. But the writers here at Ravens Wire believes Baltimore will still do plenty of big and bold things this week.

Take a look at our bold predictions for Week 16 when the Ravens take on the Browns.

Matthew Stevens:

The Ravens lose

This is all about bold predictions and what’s more bold for a team that has destroyed quality opponents than losing to a 6-8 team? But there’s a real reason to be concerned about this week, even if losing is considered shocking to some.

As we saw in Week 4, Cleveland has the defensive talent to limit Baltimore’s offense a little bit. And if the Browns can get out of their own way, their offense could arguably be one of the best in the league with deep talent at all the skill positions. They have all the right parts to deal the Ravens their first loss in 11 weeks but it’ll take Cleveland playing angry, physical and efficient football for all 60 minutes — something they haven’t done very often this season.

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7 biggest and boldest predictions for Week 15’s Ravens vs. Jets

We here at Ravens Wire believe Baltimore beats up on the Jets but our individual bold predictions have it happening in different big ways.

It’s a short week in Week 15 as the Baltimore Ravens host the New York Jets on Thursday night. What had been billed as two first-round quarterbacks leading young teams and some familiar faces has now turned into a lopsided-looking contest without much of the star appeal on one side thanks to injuries. But in the primetime spotlight, the Ravens have a chance to continue their amazing winning streak, lock up a better playoff spot and put on a show in front of the nation.

We here at Ravens Wire certainly believe that’s what’s bound to happen in Week 15’s Baltimore vs. New York matchup as we lay out our bold predictions.

Matthew Stevens:

Hayden Hurst has his first multiple-touchdown game

Hurst had an excellent game against the Bills last week, catching a 61-yard touchdown. He’s been steadily improving his game over the season and earning more of the focus of the offense as well. With tight end Mark Andrews banged up and likely drawing most of the Jets’ coverage, Hurst winds up being wide open all game as he explodes to the best game of his career.

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Ravens vs. Bills final score predictions: Baltimore steamrolls Buffalo in Week 14

The writers here at Ravens Wire believe Baltimore will take down the Bills for their 9th straight win. But not everyone predicts a big win

It’s a playoff-caliber game in Buffalo as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Bills in Week 14. With December weather upon us and the season winding down, pressure is being created for teams to separate themselves into the truly good and those that won’t make the cut. While Baltimore seems destined to make the playoffs, they’ll have to get through Buffalo today to guarantee it this week.

I’ve turned to my fellow writers here at Ravens Wire to get their predictions for how this game will go. We’ve already put together our bold predictions but now it’s time to figure out the final score. Everyone here is predicting a Baltimore win but as we know, anything can happen with these Ravens.

Matthew Stevens:

Ravens 34 – Bills 10

After a tough game against the San Francisco 49ers, any team with a decent defense suddenly wants to pretend they’ve figured out Lamar Jackson and this Ravens’ offense, including the Bills this week. But as we’ve seen every week prior, there’s a difference between a team having a gameplan they think will work and actually stopping Baltimore from scoring points.

I don’t think Buffalo has the talent to match Jackson one-on-one, which will force them to pick their poison. Once they’ve committed to paying more attention stopping one thing, the Ravens will begin hammering at the hole left behind en route to an early lead. Once Baltimore is up by 14 points, the Ravens’ defense gets more aggressive against a now one-dimensional offense and it turns into the final score you see here.

Alex Bente:

Ravens 33 – Bills 13

The 49ers game may have completed the galvanization of this Ravens team. They can beat anyone, and while Buffalo sports a strong defense, becoming one of the more interesting teams this season, they just don’t seem to be at the level of some of the other competition Baltimore has faced in recent weeks. I think this one gets out of hand for Buffalo early, with the Ravens’ offense continuing its assault on opposing defenses. The Bills’ offense will play from behind most of the game and struggle to get anything going in the process.

Kevin Oestreicher:

Ravens 35 – Bills 27

The way the Ravens are playing, it’s hard to imagine anyone stopping them. One day they’ll lose another game, but it’s getting harder to imagine it coming this season (or postseason). I don’t think they Ravens drop this game, as the Bills will be in for a surprise as they face their toughest test of the year. Lamar Jackson, the running game, and the secondary will lead Baltimore to victory.

Joe Serpico:

Ravens 34 – Bills 19

Buffalo has been a great story this season and they look to be set to challenge New England in the future, but Baltimore is playing on a different level than any team on the planet. Teams say they have the game plan to stop Jackson each week, and he still dices them up. The rain slowed them down last week, but the Ravens get back to lighting up the scoreboard.

Wola Odeniran:

Ravens 27 – Bills 14

I expect the Ravens to increase their winning streak to nine straight games this week.

Like last week, the weather will play a factor but this time with some wind. The Ravens will lean on their running game, which averages over 207 yards-per-game. The Bills run defense is vulnerable, allowing 4.5 yards-per-carry. Defensively, I think Baltimore can force Buffalo’s offense into mistakes. The Bills have 92 penalties this season — 11th most in the NFL. The Ravens’ defense has 71 penalties this season — fifth fewest in the NFL.

Buffalo is rolling in their own right, but the Ravens are hotter.

4 bold predictions for Ravens vs. Bills

The Buffalo Bills are host to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Both teams are fighting for their playoff hopes, with the Ravens capable of clinching a berth with a win and the Bills trying to keep pace in the AFC East with the New England Patriots. …

While some experts view this as a close game between two physical teams with top defenses, the writers here at Ravens Wire don’t quite see the same thing. When asked to give some bold predictions for this week, the group went big as we expect some big offensive and defensive production against Buffalo.

Take a look at the 4 bold predictions for Week 14’s game between the Ravens and Bills.

Matthew Stevens:

Lamar Jackson breaks Michael Vick’s single-season rushing record

Jackson needs just 63 yards to set the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks at 1,040 yards. While it might not be the most bold prediction I’ve ever given considering Jackson is averaging 81.4 yards-per-game and has just three games below 63 yards this season, but I think anytime a major record can be broken, it’s worthy of being considered bold.

Much like we’ve seen all season long, opposing defenses are going to have to pick their poison. And for Buffalo and their lackluster run defense, my guess is they’ll try to stop running backs Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards inside and just try to limit Jackson outside. That hasn’t really worked well for too many teams this year as Jackson is just too fast to not focus on with multiple defenders.

Jackson makes the Bills pay as he busts off a few big gains when things get bottled up elsewhere, ultimately setting a new NFL record in the process.

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4 bold predictions for Ravens’ Week 13 vs. 49ers

The writers here at Ravens Wire predict another big game from Baltimore’s offense over the San Francisco 49ers defense.

The Baltimore Ravens have been blowing up teams en route to a seven-game winning streak. The offense is playing even better than earlier in the season, dismantling some of the top defenses in the league. Baltimore’s defense has been aggressive and productive in shutting down some very talented offenses. The end result has been lopsided wins over playoff-caliber teams.

Turn to Week 13 and the Ravens are taking on the San Francisco 49ers. Arguably the best team in the NFC, Baltimore has a very tough test ahead of them. But the writers here at Ravens Wire believe it’ll be another big game for Baltimore’s offense with our bold predictions.

Matthew Stevens:

Lamar Jackson throws for three-plus touchdowns and runs for 50-plus yards

Jackson has gotten better in every game this season in spite of playing better defenses. Though many expect Jackson to finally face his match against the 49ers, San Francisco doesn’t have any special weapons the last 11 teams haven’t had and he’s burned through those defenses easily enough. The same thing happens this week as the 49ers think they can contain Jackson but watch him run around them and pile up more touchdowns through the air en route to another victory.

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