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It's officially OTA season for the National Football League (NFL). Organized Team Activities (OTA's) give teams an opportunity to get a look at drafted players, progression of players already signed to the team, and the unsigned free agents looking to fill a final spot on the roster. Fans become very excited as it is a sign that football season is near.
With the season approaching, most football fans make their early predictions based on the draft and any moves made around the NFL. With a choice from each conference, here are our preseason predictions:
AFC FAVORITE TEAM:
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots were one play away from an opportunity to win the Super Bowl last year. The defensive stance of the Philadelphia Eagles was just too much to overcome when it counted the most.
The Patriots took a hard hit to their roster on the offensive side with the shocking departure of one of Brady's favorite targets, Danny Amendola. With the addition of young players in Jordan Matthews and Jeremy Hill, the Patriots should not struggle much on the offensive side. Plus they have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, whose names alone make them a contender every year. Their season will depend solely on the defense and their adaption to not getting play calls from Matt Patricia, the new Detroit Lions Head Coach.
NFC FAVORITE TEAM:
Philadelphia Eagles
Before the injury to their starting quarterback Carson Wentz, the Philadelphia Eagles were the favorites to win the Super Bowl. With backup quarterback, Nick Foles, taking over after the injury, the Eagles stayed steady and defeated the New England Patriots to become the Super Bowl Champions. Since their victory, some things have changed.
The Eagles did lose some key players during the offseason. LeGarrette Blount, Trey Burton, Patrick Robinson and Vinny Curry all played vital roles in the teams' success last season, but all have signed with other teams. On the upside, the Eagles will have their starting quarterback to begin the season and added key players Mike Wallace, Michael Bennett and Haloti Ngata. As long as everyone stays healthy, and the Eagles are successful on the ground, count them in the Super Bowl with the possibility of winning it all again.
AFC DECISIVE PLAYER:
Andrew Luck, Quarterback - Indianapolis Colts
Last season, the Indianapolis Colts did not look the same. Yes, they had a great backup in Jacoby Brissett, the former backup to the great Tom Brady. Brissett did well in 2017. However, there was so much media attention on Andrew Luck and his possible return to the team that it could've been much of a distraction. With one season to account for under Brissett, the overall team performs better with a healthy Luck on the field. There wasn't a receiver or running back that broke the 1,000-yard threshold last season. Luck opens up the passing game with his ability to scramble and find the open target, and he is a running quarterback that can pick up a first down and more if needed.
NFC DECISIVE PLAYER:
David Johnson, Running Back – Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals struggled on the ground last season. Larry Fitzgerald had a good season, as always, but he did not have any help on the offensive side. Neither Adrian Peterson nor Kerwynn Williams totaled over 450 yards rushing. Now with both players no longer on the team, David Johnson will need to bring the same contribution to the team as he did in 2016 when he went over 1200 yards on the ground and over 800 in the air before being injured. In order for the Cardinals to succeed and compete, they'll need a strong running game from Johnson. With injuries hopefully behind him, Johnson can fulfill this task and compete as one of the best backs in the league
AFC BREAKOUT PLAYER:
Keelan Cole, Wide Receiver – Jacksonville Jaguars
During the regular season last year, Keelan Cole caught the second most passes on the team but was first in receiving yards. He played alongside Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, and still averaged to lead the team in receiving yards as a rookie. Allen Robinson signed with the Chicago Bears and Allen Hurns signing with the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason. With two top targets gone, Cole can be one of quarterback Blake Bortles favorite receivers. With wide-receiver Marquis Lewis also resigning, the two can strike up and become the opposing teams' worst nightmare. If Bortles plays like he did during the playoffs last year, Cole can be dangerous.
FC BREAKOUT PLAYER:
Saquon Barkley, Running Back – New York Giants
Yes, Saquon Barkley is exactly what the New York Giants need to compete. The best running back in the draft, Barkley will pick up in the NFL where he left off at during his college career at Penn State University. Barkley has proved that he can find a hole in the line, run through tackles, and catch passes out the backfield when Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepherd and Evan Engram are covered. However, the offensive line will also need to block well for Barkley to have a breakout season. If all works well, Barkley will be the first running back to run for over 1,000 yards in a season for the Giants since Ahmad Bradshaw back in 2012.
