Adam Dawson's Bold Predictions For The 2021 NFL Season

Introduction: I have decided to write a post based on some of my predictions for the upcoming 2021 NFL season. Granted, not all of my predictions will be right, but I have decided to write on this topic anyway. Keep in mind that I could be way off with my predictions, but I will do my absolute best. Now with Week One right around the corner, expect more NFL posts in the future.

Calvin Ridley Will Lead the League In Receiving Yards:

Starting off, I have decided to go with one that many may argue, but in all reality could very well happen. With Julio Jones going to the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, Calvin Ridley has become the clear number one target for a Matt Ryan led offense in Atlanta. Last season, in the seven games that Julio Jones missed because of injury, Ridley recorded five100 yard games. Now with Jones in Tennessee and completely out of the picture, Ridley's overall value and fantasy value is going to blow the roof off the house. Barring any injuries, Ridley is setup for his best season yet.

Austin Ekeler Will Record More Receptions Than McCaffrey:

This prediction is as bold as it gets, at least in my opinion. Choosing between Alvin Kamara or CMC for the headline was tough, but I decided to go for it all. Anyone who watches football or plays fantasy football should know Ekeler's name by now. McCaffrey meanwhile, is a household name who should be going as the number one overall pick in fantasy drafts. We all know McCaffrey can do it all and is a better rusher than Ekeler, but he might have a little competition when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield. Personally, aside from CMC and Kamara, I believe Ekeler is the best pass catching back in the league. His ADP (Average Draft Position) in ESPN fantasy drafts is currently 22nd. My reaction to this, was simply shock, as I view Ekeler as a cheaper version of McCaffrey with of course, less rushing ability. In nine full games with Justin Herbert under center in 2020, Ekeler recorded four 50 or more receiving yard games out of the backfield and had at least four receptions in every game except one. Ekeler was out for six games as well with injury in 2020, which should be noted. Bottom line, if I had to guess, I will probably be wrong on this one, but I also predict Ekeler will be even more productive in year two of the Justin Herbert Era in Los Angeles.

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams Will Go On A Historic Run:

Now, before I start explaining why these two will go on a "Historic Run", I can already see and hear the argument that they already went on a historic run last season, with Adams leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns, and Rodgers taking home the MVP in 2020. Personally, I have a feeling that they both will turn it up even higher this season.

The Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers feud seemed to be the talk of the NFL offseason, with both sides finally coming to an agreement just a month or so ago. With all that being said, I believe this will be Rodgers last season in a Packers uniform and as a result, this will be Rodgers and Adams' "Last Dance" as teammates. Personally, the Rodgers and Adams duo is better than any other quarterback and receiver duo in the league. Sure, Mahomes and Hill are great, but Rodgers and Adams are on a whole other level, as I would take Rodgers and Adams everyday of the week and twice on Sunday's over any other duo. The chemistry those two have is amazing and in turn it is amazing to watch.

I think Rodgers is going to be a man on a mission this season and is going to do whatever it takes to win a Super Bowl. Basically, I think he is just going to play mad every game, which results in outstanding performances. As far as Adams is concerned, he is the best receiver in the league without question and will continue his dominant career in hopes of winning his first ring.

Saquon Barkley Wins Comeback Player of the Year:

Saquon is my favorite running back in the league, so I might be a bit biased on this one. Ever since I drafted him his rookie year in one of my fantasy football keeper league drafts, my love for him has grown to even greater heights. When he tore his ACL and MCL in Chicago against the Bears, at Soldier Field in Week 2 last season, my fantasy team went down the drain. With that being said, he has a strong chance to play Week 1 against the Broncos, which I am super excited about. When he is healthy, he is a top three back in football, maybe even the best. With quads the size of my head, Barkley spins, jukes, hurdles, stiff arms, and goes through defenders to score. An easy bet to reach 1000 rushing yards each season, his biggest key is to stay healthy. His fantasy value is amazing and he is just fun to watch as a general football fan. Hopefully he comes back better than ever, but he will have to beat out Dak Prescott for the award, as Prescott is coming back from an awful ankle injury.

CeeDee Lamb Will Be The Breakout Receiver of The Year:

For some reason, second year receivers tend to breakout, as DK Metcalf and AJ Brown both did last season. Lamb is my pick to be the receiver who will breakout the most this season. Justin Jefferson is in the conversation as well, as he put up big numbers his rookie season last year, but I feel like those numbers will be hard to repeat. Heck, even Jerry Jeudy of the Broncos is a candidate as well. With a healthy Dak coming back with all his weapons it is hard to bet against Lamb though. He is in a prime position to show what he can do under a full year with Prescott at the helm. Keep in mind, that Lamb had at least 59 yards with Prescott throwing him the ball in the first five weeks of the season before Prescott was placed on injured reserve. One would assume that Lamb will also get a steady dosage of targets week to week as well being the number two pass catcher behind Amari Cooper, although I would argue that Lamb is the top option on the team, aside from Ezekiel Elliott of course.

The Rams Offense Is Better Than Expected:

With the Rams signing Matthew Stafford in the Jared Goff swap, Stafford can now prove himself in a better offense than what was given to him in Detroit. With Stafford only having a handful of weapons over his career, (Calvin Johnson, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., etc.) now he has the best offense he has ever had at his disposal in a given year. As a result, the Rams offense as a whole should flourish, with Stafford being an upgrade from Jared Goff. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Darrell Henderson Jr., and Tyler Higbee lead the offense in what should be better just from the quarterback upgrade itself. Losing Cam Akers hurt the Rams, but Darrell Henderson is more than serviceable. He rushed for 4.5 yards a carry last season and scored five rushing touchdowns.

Darius Leonard Wins Defensive Player of the Year:

My last prediction comes on the defensive side of the ball. The Colts do not get a lot of attention, aside from Carson Wentz having surgery on a broken bone in his foot, or Jonathan Taylor being in a running back by committee with Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines even though he should not be. If there is one thing the Colts have going for them though, it is linebacker Darius Leonard. The Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, and two-time Pro Bowler is bound to win the award sooner rather than later. In three seasons, Leonard has racked up 268 solo tackles and nine forced fumbles. One would assume that it would only be a matter of time before he would win the award for the best defensive player in the league. Aaron Donald and a handful of defensive backs are the obstacles that keep Leonard from winning the award, but soon he is bound to break through.

Final Thoughts: I hope you all enjoyed my predictions for the upcoming 2021 NFL Season. Watching football and keeping up with all of my fantasy teams is one of the few things I love to do, as it brings me so much joy, and it seems to never get old. Like I mentioned in the introduction, expect previews and recaps from each week, as well as fantasy football news, and everything football related in between! It is going to be a great year of football, so get ready!

See you at the Field!!!

Adam