7 bold predictions for the 2016 season

With the 2016 season almost upon us, theScore's NFL editors make seven bold predictions about the upcoming campaign.

Ezekiel Elliott rushes for 2,000 yards in rookie year

Not only is Elliott going to break Eric Dickerson's 33-year-old rookie rushing record (1,808 yards), the Ohio State product will go over 2,000 yards behind the Cowboys' turbo charged offensive line. Elliott should get ample opportunities for carries as the Cowboys have shown a willingness to ride one runner as they did with DeMarco Murray two seasons ago. - Joe Thomson

Patriots do not win the AFC East

It's over. After seven consecutive seasons, the Patriots will fail to win the AFC East and the automatic playoff bid that comes with it. The four-game suspension to Tom Brady paired with the uninspiring offensive line and - outside of Gronk - the lack of game-changing weapons will signal the end of New England's reign of terror on its division. And it won't even be Rex Ryan who will slay the dragon. Todd Bowles and the New York Jets are the new beasts of the East. - Michael McClymont

Titans lead the NFL in rushing

Behind a revamped offensive line that will finally look like a unit featuring multiple early first-round picks should, the Titans' "exotic smashmouth" scheme will produce the NFL's best rushing attack. Rookie sensation Derrick Henry, a revived DeMarco Murray and an unleashed Marcus Mariota will all thrive running the ball. - David P. Woods

Antonio Brown breaks multiple single-season receiving records

Brown's 2015 dominance becomes all the more impressive when considering that he only had his starting quarterback throwing him passes for 12 games. With Ben Roethlisberger now healthy, and a suspension to Martavis Bryant likely giving him even more targets, this is the year Brown makes history. Marvin Harrison's record for receptions (143) and Calvin Johnson's yardage mark (1,964) will both fall. - Dan Wilkins

J.J. Watt finishes 3rd in sacks ... on his team

Watt has been historically dominant over the past two years, racking up 38 sacks. No other player in the league, let alone on his team, has been on his level. That will change in 2016. Watt will play the majority of the campaign and - barring any significant injuries - still end up third in sacks behind Whitney Mercilus and breakout star Jadeveon Clowney. - Jack Browne

Vikings go from 29th-ranked offense to top-10 unit

A return indoors to the beautiful new US Bank Stadium will give the Vikings' passing unit a clear edge and the additions to the offensive line will provide Adrian Peterson bigger and better rushing lanes. With coaches and teammates heaping on praise through the offseason, Teddy Bridgewater is poised for a breakout season now that he has a legitimate No. 1 receiver candidate in Laquon Treadwell and two years experience under his belt. - Mitch Sanderson

Jaguars lead the NFL in turnover differential

After finishing last season with a minus-10 turnover differential, the revamped Jaguars' defense will lead the NFL in this category. Tashaun Gipson and 2016 fifth overall pick Jalen Ramsey will bolster a much-improved secondary, while Johnathan Cyprien will be afforded more room to freelance at the line of scrimmage. Malik Jackson was one of the marquee free-agent signings of the summer, while Sen'Derrick Marks and Dante Fowler's return from injury will lead a ferocious pass-rush that will gain notoriety as the season progresses. - Arun Srinivasan