Bold predictions for the NFL 2018 season
With the regular season scheduled to begin Thursday, theScore's football editors make bold predictions for the upcoming year.
Browns win 7 games
If Tyrod Taylor proved one thing over his three seasons as the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback, it's that you can win seven games in the NFL simply by not self-destructing each week. The Cleveland Browns are equipped with more offensive talent than Taylor ever had to work with while in Buffalo, and his ability to sustain drives will help keep Cleveland's defense fresh throughout games. For the first time in a while, preseason optimism in the Dawg Pound is warranted. - Alex Chippin
David Johnson breaks single-season scrimmage yards record
The Arizona Cardinals' star running back said he feels forgotten among the elite backs after missing most of 2017 due to injury. Well, this year, Johnson is going to remind the entire NFL why he's such a special talent by breaking Chris Johnson's all-time mark of 2,509 yards from scrimmage. As the unquestioned focal point of the Cardinals' offense, and an outstanding receiver, Johnson will make history and fulfill his dream of joining Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk in the 1000/1000 club. - Jack Browne
Jimmy G ends the Patriots
In wonderfully poetic fashion, Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII, causing things to fall apart in New England. An enraged Bill Belichick - still fuming after seeing his former heir apparent quarterback evolve into a Super Bowl champion - walks away from owner Robert Kraft and signs on to coach the Browns. Soon after the news, Tom Brady retires, ending the Patriots' domination of the football landscape. - Mike Alessandrini
2 teams finish at 1-15 or worse
While optimism is always high around the league to start the season, things will quickly turn sour for at least a handful of teams. A strong rookie quarterback class has bolstered many of the squads that picked at the top of April's draft, but others still have several areas of weakness, and injuries can derail teams lacking the right depth. Only six teams have finished at 1-15 or worse in a season since 2000, but at least two of the Bills, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will fail to win more than a single game in 2018. - Esten McLaren
Mack, Miller break single-season sack mark
What happens when the two best edge rushers in football are set on revenge? It leads to Khalil Mack and Von Miller breaking the single-season sack record, rendering Michael Strahan's mark of 22.5 sacks obsolete. Miller will be hell-bent on destroying opposing tackles after his Denver Broncos missed the playoffs the past two seasons, while Mack will unleash his frustration on unsuspecting quarterbacks after being traded by the Oakland Raiders. Both players will set a new record of 25 sacks. - Arun Srinivasan
A rookie wins league MVP
The last, and only, rookie to accomplish the feat was Jim Brown in 1957. Since then, only Earl Campbell and Dan Marino have come close, winning the award in their sophomore seasons. There are many scenarios in which a rookie could become the MVP this year: Saquon Barkley proves to be the difference for the Giants; Baker Mayfield takes over and leads the Browns to multiple victories; one of Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, or Lamar Jackson take the reins and lead their respective teams to the playoffs. Hey, it could happen. - Michael McClymont