The first off-season has officially come to an end, so it’s that time where I will look at all 32 teams and try to predict who I think will have the biggest jump in impact & stats compared to season 1. This is just part 1 where it is only AFC teams, part 2 will be out shortly where it will be only NFC teams so stay tuned.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills – DT- Ed Oliver
The reason I picked Oliver is because he has obtained SuperStar since the beginning of last season. Oliver is one of the best young DTs in the league and definitely one of the anchors for the Buffalo defense. Oliver had 21 tackles & 4 sacks on the season I can definitely see him improving to 30+ tackles and 6+ sacks.
Miami Dolphins – ROLB – Jaelan Phillips
Phillips is going into his sophomore season after a pretty impressive rookie season. In his rookie season he got 29 tackles and 5 sacks. With a whole ‘nother off season under his belt I’m predicting a big season out of him. He has the size and speed to be an elite pass rusher in this league so I’m expecting 35+ tackles and 10+ sacks.
New York Jets – QB – Zach Wilson
Wilson had a pretty bad rookie season if you look at his TD-INT ratio. I feel like he has developed nicely throughout the season and comparing his offensive line from the beginning of last season to now is like day and night. He has made great additions to the oline like Armstead and Thuney to protect his QB early in his career. I feel like the Jets can put up a fight for the AFC East this season and it all starts with the play of Zach Wilson. I Could see him throwing around 30-25 in his second season. Which is not the best, but it is an upgrade from last year and hopefully that’ll start a trend for the young QBs career.
New England Patriots – QB – Mac Jones
Joining midway through a season is tough when you look back and reflect on stats. The reason for that is because not all the INTs Jones threw were from Problem, with that being said I expect Mac Jones having a huge jump this season due to Problem being one of the best in the league (as long as he remembers to do half pads… cmon man). Expecting a 30+ TDs & 15 or less picks since Wumbo isn’t on the sticks this year.
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals – RB – Joe Mixon
This was a very simple pick. KingKe has had multiple games where he either has 0 passing yards or close to it due to him feeding the RB the ball. So, I can only imagine once Mixon returns from his injury he will put up way more than 430 rushing yards and 4 TDs which is what he put up in his injury riddled season. Expecting a 1.3k+ rushing and 13+ TDs.
Cleveland Browns – WR – Anthony Schwartz
With OBJ about to be on the wrong side of 30 and rumored to be traded… there might be a new number 1 receiver in Cleveland. His name is Anthony Schwartz… his rookie season he put up 940 receiving yards and 8 TDs. HD also has a new QB that he will definitely want to try out which will lead to more opportunities for Schwartz. If HD can play like he played against Kmac every game, I can see him easily getting 1.6k+ yards and 15+ TDs especially with OBJ out of the picture.
Baltimore Ravens – HB – J.K. Dobbins
After talking to the Raven’s user this was an extremely easy decision. The reason for that is because you can tell he’s so excited to have Dobbins back from his ACL injury. Not only that, but he’s been in the lab scheming up a new playbook and he said “It’s going to be a scary offense this next season”. With that statement and the excitement combined I can only imagine Dobbins is due for a HUGE season. Assuming Dobbins will be retuning as a running back and not a punter I’m predicting a 1.3k+ rushing yards and 13 TDs total.
Pittsburgh Steelers – RB – Najee Harris
Not going to lie this was a tough team to decide on because I swear it’s like Nef is a different player every other game. It looks like he’s tanking and then all of a sudden, he’s spanking a top tier player. One thing that was consistent though, Najee was amazing when he played. Missing a combined 6 weeks in the season he still put up 850 rushing yards and 9 TDs. If he would’ve played all 17 games, he was headed towards a 1.2k rushing and 13 TDs and he’s only going to improve. I’m predicting if he plays a full season 1.8k yards rushing and 19 TDs.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts – LE- Kwity Paye
It’s hard to improve when you win 16 games in a season, but if I had to choose someone it would have to be Kwity. Kwity was not able to play a full season, but when he did play he was unstoppable putting up 21 tackles,11 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles… on top of all of that he now has SuperStar which is just going to add to his dominance. If he plays a full season I am expecting 30+ tackles,16+ sacks, and 8+ forced fumbles for the sophomore superstar.
Jacksonville Jaguars – HB – Travis Etienne
Ettiene had 0 touches last season, so it isn’t that hard to improve considering he’s now officially named RB #1. Jags coach has stated that he feels like Ettiene can take runs home compared to Robinson being caught in the open field. Robinson put up 1.8k yards and 12 TDs combined rushing and receiving. So, my prediction for Ettiene is 2.3k and 17 TDs combined rushing and receiving.
Houston Texans – TE – Brevin Jordan
Cook might just be the best player builder in Madden history. He loves passing to Jordan and with him being young rookie last season, he is only going to get better. Another thing is Cook now has Tannehill passing the ball instead of Mills which is a HUGE upgrade. For opponents facing Cook I would advise to “get your hand out the cookie jar” because Jordan will make you pay. Predicting a 1.2+ yard and 10 TD season.
Tennessee Titans – ROLB – Harold Landry III
Landry III was hurt for more than half the season. In the short amount of time he did play, he racked up 13 tackles,3 sacks,2 forced fumbles,1 fumble recovery, and 1 INT. Absolutely filling the stat sheet so be on the lookout for Landry. I’m predicting 35+ tackles,8+ sacks,4+ forced fumbles, and 3+ INTS.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos – TE – Noah Fant
Kmac finally got his upgrade at QB and it was a BIG one. Kmac went from Drew Lock to the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady. No player benefits more from a new QB than a receiver. Kmac loves to hit his tight end on a good amount of his plays, and not only THAT, but everyone knows Brady is pretty much the king of throwing to tight ends so expect Fant to have an ELITE season. Predicting 1.7k yards and 20 TDs.
Los Angeles Chargers – CB – Asante Samuel Jr.
The reason I have Samuel Jr. as the MIP of the Chargers is because he only had 3 INTs last season which isn’t the worst, but also not the best so he does have a lot of room to improve. I believe that this off-season will get him prepared and ready for a breakout season. Also, with the chance that DK throws some picks in their 2 matchups I am predicting a 10+ INT season.
Kansas City Chiefs – WR – Mecole Hardman
New coach DK has been quoted saying he’s going to get Hill extremely involved which means 2 things to me. 1. That man is going to get suspended 2. If Hill didn’t already have enough attention on him now opponents know to not worry about anyone besides Hill. I think DK will struggle at first forcing it to Hill, but I do believe after a few games he will improve and start hitting Hardman which will lead to a huge season for Hardman. Predicting 1.3k+ yards and 12 TDs.
Las Vegas Raiders – ROLB – Divine Deablo
The reasoning for this is pretty much the same reason as the Chargers. Deablo had a really good rookie season and is one of the fastest young LBs in the entire league. With the addition of DK and developing from the beginning of last season I feel like his stats will increase as well. Predicting 60+ tackle and 5+ INTS for the sophomore player.
