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'Hot Take:
Noun
A piece of commentary, typically produced quickly in response to a recent event, whose primary purpose is to attract attention.’
It’s hot take season in the world of NFL journalism. Everyone has an opinion on each team. Some are good, some are bad, some are right, and some are wrong. Here, I take a look at each team and talk about a prediction I think may come to fruition. Many will disagree with me, some will agree. Have a read about these 4 teams and come to your own conclusion.
Arizona Cardinals
Christian Kirk will record the most receiving yards of any of this year’s rookies.
The rookie out of Texas A&M has a great chance to lead the rookie receivers this year. Now, I’m not saying he is the best receiver or the best athlete out of this year’s group, but I think the opportunity is there for him to put up some decent number. Kirk figure to start from the get go for a depleted Cardinals WR corps. Larry Fitzgerald will command the most targets from the slot, but outside of him there isn’t a clear out and out WR1 to play on the outside. Yes, I know Kirk was a slot guy in college and he will revert to that position when Fitz retires, so he may find it tricky up against the NFL level CBs. He does however have the most accurate QB from the 2016 season throwing to him. Yes Bradford will probably only last 2 games before being I put on IR, but still, the opportunity is there. Josh Rosen is also the most Pro ready QB from this year class and Kirk may well become a favourite of his. All in all, Kirk has fallen into a great spot in Arizona, now let’s see if he can put up the stats playing on the outside.
Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley will finish outside of the top 5 Running Backs
Now, this one could be a rash one, but I can see it happening. Gurley was absolutely phenomenal last season in an overachieving Rams side. He finished with 1305 rushing yards, 788 receiving yards and 19 total TDs. These rushing stats were gained on 279 carries, which is just one more carry than he had in 206, where he flopped, tallying just 885 yards on the ground and 6 TDs. His efficiency went up massively, and yes the Rams were a lot better due to Jared Goff levelling up his play and better play calling, but I think there may be a bit of regression in all of those stat columns. Defense’s will scheme more to stop Gurley as he is the main weapon in the offense. Granted they didn’t manage to stop him last year, but maybe this year is different. This league is loaded with great running backs and I think that a few could outscore Gurley this season.
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo will throw more Interceptions than Touchdowns.
I know I know, handsome Jimmy is the new darling of the league and he’s turned the fortunes of the 49ers around. Yes, he went 6-0 when he started for the 49ers last season, but did you know he only threw for 7 TDs, whilst throwing 5 INTs in the process. He was pretty efficient and finished with a QB rating just shy of 100, but 7 TDs in 6 games isn’t very impressive. For comparison, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 7 TDs in 5 games and Drew Stanton threw for 6 TDs in 5. Yes he may progress after a full offseason in San Fran, but that doesnt mean his TD:INT ratio will definitely improve. His options in the passing game don't jump off the page at you either. Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon are tidy NFL receivers, but they are hardly top 12 WR material. Its surprising the 49ers didnt go all in to sign one of the big name Free Agents such as Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins or even Dez Bryant.
His current ADP is at the back end of the 12th round, ahead of seasoned veterans like Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, Phil Rivers, Big Ben and Andrew Luck. I would take any of those players over a player with 7 career starts in a heartbeat. Sorry Jimmy. You are still handsome though.
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson will rush for a career high 900 yards.
Russell Wilson is the only good player left in Seattle. Ok, that’s harsh, there are a few other great players like Earl Thomas, Doug Baldwin and……. That’s about it. Wilson has seen his team get ripped apart this offseason. The defense has lost the majority of the Legion of Boom, his Offensive Line is still abysmal and two of his main pass catchers have moved on. Jimmy Graham, who was Wilson's favourite redzone target, signed a big deal in Green Bay whilst Paul Richardson ended up signing a contract in Washington. This leaves Wilson with Doug Baldwin, injury prone Tyler Lockett, unproven Nick Vannett and aging Brandon Marshall as his many targets. Wilson is fighting a losing battle this year in a team that’s in a rebuilding phase. Last season he rushed for 586 yards as he put together a stunning fantasy season for his owners. His career high is 849 yards in 2014, the year the Seahawks won the SuperBowl. I think the Seahawks will be playing from behind more often than not, therefore forcing Wilson to take the game into his own hands.
