The CT Sports’ staff give their NFL predictions
Andrew McGhan, Contributing Writer
Super Bowl Contenders: The Kansas City Chiefs will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl because of its addition of new offensive playmakers in the offseason and their experience in playoffs. Last season, the Chiefs were ranked No. 15 best offense and No. 2 best defense in the league, which aided them in winning the Super Bowl, according to Pro-Football-Reference.
The Detroit Lions will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl due to their improving young star players who now have playoff experience from last year. The Lions made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game last year but lost to the San Francisco 49ers. I think their loss will motivate the team to make it back to the NFC Championship, proving their playoff run last year was not a fluke. With emerging star players like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and veteran quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions can make it to the Super Bowl.
MVP: The Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will win MVP this season because of his successful history, like winning back-to-back Super Bowls.
Team to look out for: The Houston Texans are my team to look out for this NFL season. The team is led by quarterback C.J. Stroud who won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. In the offseason, they added wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon to their already talented offense, potentially helping make them contenders for the Super Bowl.
Ethan York, Contributing Writer
Super Bowl Contenders: I believe the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans are going to the Super Bowl because they have offensive weapons setting them up for success.
The 49ers are still an offensive powerhouse with the likes of wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and, of course, running back Christian McCaffrey. Their defense is also still elite with leaders like lineman Nick Bosa, who led the 49ers in sacks during the last regular season, according to FOX Sports. Fred Warner, a powerful linebacker, was ranked No. 11 in players as well, according to the NFL’s Top 100 list.
I am confident the Texans can take the AFC for various reasons. They already had an impressive offense last season, and have added even more talent this offseason. They now have more experienced players, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon preparing them for a great season ahead, according to ESPN.
MVP: I think the MVP candidate for this season will be Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen has helped lead the Bills to a 2-0 start this season, beating both the Cardinals and Dolphins.
Team to look out for: The Seattle Seahawks are my team to look out for. The Seahawks are led by quarterback Geno Smith and still have wide receivers DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back Kenneth Walker III as their offensive weapons.
Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer
Super Bowl Contenders: The Kansas City Chiefs will represent the AFC in Super Bowl 59. Kansas City on paper looks to have fixed its weak areas with the addition of wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The rookie can break free of opponents’ secondary, which the Chiefs have been missing since wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s departure to Miami. Third-year corner Trent McDuffie will pick up where cornerback L’Jarius Sneed left off, and their pass rush will be consistent with Chris Jones.
The Detroit Lions will come out of the NFC and win it all. With the Lions’ embarrassment of riches in the weapons department and undisputed best offensive line in the league, quarterback Jared Goff should be able to lead this franchise to its first NFL championship. Detroit fixed their secondary problem with the acquisition of corner Carlton Davis III and by moving Brian Branch back to strong safety.
MVP: My MVP of this season is quarterback C.J. Stroud. After the acquisitions of running back Joe Mixon, who can catch out of the backfield, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, I expect Stroud to build on his record-setting rookie year.
Team to look out for: The Steelers may have the biggest boom or bust potential this year. This is essentially the same Pittsburgh team that won 10 games with incompetent quarterback play. The roster needs competent quarterback production to reach the next level, and if quarterbacks Justin Fields or Russell Wilson can provide it, the ceiling for the Steelers could be as many as 12 or 13 wins.
Hayden Braun, Contributing Writer
Super Bowl Contenders: Super Bowl LIX may be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII: The Kansas City Chiefs versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season the Chiefs struggled at wideout. Second-year receiver Rashee Rice remains, and the Chiefs drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy who set the 40-yard dash record at 4.21 seconds, according to ESPN. On defense, the Chiefs extended Chris Jones.
After a strong 10-1 start, the Philadelphia Eagles collapsed to a 1-5 finish and an early playoff exit, largely due to quarterback Jalen Hurts’ turnover issues and a struggling secondary last year. Hurts had 15 interceptions, while the defense was among the worst in the league. To address these issues, the Eagles drafted defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They made heads turn by adding running back Saquon Barkley on a three-year deal.
MVP: Quarterback Lamar Jackson stands out for MVP. The Ravens lost defensive stars and former defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, who left to coach the Seahawks. These losses put more pressure on Jackson to carry the team and I believe he will be able to do so because of his speed and ability to make plays through the air.
Team to look out for: A team to watch this season are the Seattle Seahawks. After a disappointing 9-8 season and missing the playoffs, the Seahawks parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll. They hired former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, whose 2023 Ravens defense was ranked among the best in the league.
