Even though next season isn’t here yet, and we’ve got some things to predict. Here is one bold prediction for each NFL team in 2018.
Predictions are great for two reasons. One, you get to make things up. Two, you get to speculate and be either right or wrong eventually. But who doesn’t love a good prediction, especially with your favorite NFL teams?
Last year, I definitely got some stuff right. I didn’t think the Jacksonville Jaguars would be terrible. The Atlanta Falcons would make it back to the playoffs after 28-3. Not having Andrew Luck was going to make the Indianapolis Colts absolutely horrendous. Sean McVay would make Jared Goff better. And the New York Giants were going to be the biggest grease fire in the NFC. Boat parties are fun, but have lingering effects.
And of course, I got a lot of things wrong. Nope, the Oakland Raiders didn’t make it to the AFC Championship. Maybe the New Orleans Saints did have an incredible draft after all? I really didn’t see the Minnesota Vikings or the Philadelphia Eagles as division winners, much less playing in the NFC Championship. And the Buffalo Bills made the freaking playoffs! Folding tables have never been more afraid this millennium.
So yes, I am going to go out on a limb and predict some things. Will I be wrong on some of these? Absolutely, as I am a power hitter that swings for the fences. But will I be right? See, this is why you need to check this out. Here is my one bold prediction for each NFL team for 2018.
Arizona Cardinals: Will solve their starting quarterback issue
The Arizona Cardinals are in a bit of a rough spot. Not only are they arguably the only team in the NFC without a clear idea of who might be their starting quarterback next season, but six games next fall against Jimmy Garoppolo, Jared Goff and Russell Wilson isn’t going to be a ton of fun. Arizona has to replace offensive guru Bruce Arians as head coach and Carson Palmer as a franchise quarterback. Both retired after the 2017 NFL season.
While the Cardinals were in the mix for a guy like former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to be their next head coach, Arizona has decided to go with a first-year defensive coordinator in Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers. So while that might be scary, let’s not get too frightened, Cardinals fans. It turns out that team president Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim will successfully find Palmer’s successor.
After going 8-8 in 2017, the Cardinals will have the No. 15 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Though that’s not the spot they will want, Arizona could trade up to get their guy in the draft. Keep in mind that they almost did that with Patrick Mahomes II in the draft last year, but the Kansas City Chiefs beat them to it.
Even if the Cardinals are unable to land Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield inside the top 10, Arizona could look to sign one of the many solid free agent quarterbacks available. Will Arizona have to pay a premium to get their next signal caller? Absolutely, but Bidwill and Keim aren’t going to mess around this offseason. Arizona will have themselves a franchise quarterback by the time training camp starts.