The start of the new NFL season is imminent. On the night of Thursday to Friday (live from 2:00 a.m.). RTL), the Detroit Lions are guests at the Super Bowl champions in Kansas City. Before we get started, we’re already looking at the end of the season. Who will go to the Super Bowl and who will win the NFL Honors?
For the “Team RTL” go with their predictions Adrian Franke (NFL analyst and podcaster) and Alex “Kucze” von Kuczkowski (community host at RTL and head of the footballing) into the race. From sport.de The two NFL editors Marcus Blumberg and Marcel Schmidt are there.
Who will face each other in the Super Bowl?
Adrian Franke: Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals
“Dallas addressed its biggest areas of concern (number 2 receiver and number 2 corner) in the offseason, and while the offensive play-caller change leaves some questions unanswered: This is one of the best squads in the NFL, who can rival Philly – the consensus NFC favorite – in terms of talent.
In the AFC the range of candidates is significantly larger. The Chiefs are always an option, I’m tipping Buffalo to have a better postseason than last year. But the Bengals are the most complete team here and are ready for the big hit.”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
“This year the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens will face each other in the Super Bowl. While the Eagles are defending their title in the NFC, a possible secret favorite, Baltimore, will prevail in the AFC.”
Marcel Schmidt: San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
“Since the San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with Nick Bosa, they are my Super Bowl tip in the NFC for me. The Niners will get their revenge with the Eagles in the championship game and this time they will be the laughing winners. In the I’m going with the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC.”
Marcus Blumberg: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills
“The AFC will of course be fiercely competitive, but this year it’s simply the Bills’ turn. After all the bad luck with injuries last year, this time all the top players are fit towards the end and we’re off to Vegas. As far as the NFC is concerned, I don’t see any at the moment Team that can hold a candle to Philly. And then we see a great exchange of blows and the unbelievable: a victory for the Bills!”
Who will be the MVP?
Adrian Franke: Josh Allen
“The MVP is a quarterback, usually the quarterback of the best or maybe second-best offense, and the quarterback of the team that has the best, maybe second-best record in the NFL. I see Josh Allen at the top here: Buffalo’s offensive line should be better, the whole offensive identity seems to be changing a bit.
Dalton Kincaid as a target machine over the middle gives Allen a much-needed new dimension – and Allen himself is fit again after his elbow injury. I expect a fireworks season from him.”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski:Patrick Mahomes
“There will be no surprises for MVP this season. The choice will once again fall on Patrick Mahomes.”
Marcel Schmidt: Joe Burrow
“Joe Burrow, protected by Orlando Brown, will be able to go one better this year and take the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. But first he will secure the title of MVP.”
Marcus Blumberg: Lamar Jackson
“Lamar finally got usable receivers and is no longer burned out on every other play in the run game. Accordingly, he stays healthy this time and leads the Ravens into the playoffs with a spectacular season.”
Who will be the Offensive Player of The Year?
Adrian Franke: Christian McCaffrey
“I was tempted to take Lamar Jackson here, because if the new Ravens offense explodes in the second half of the season, Jackson can once again become a walking highlight reel – and set personal passing records. But I think McCaffrey will have a historic year: In a full season with Shanahan, I think McCaffrey could have a 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yard season. It would be his second, and that would probably win him the award.”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski: Christian McCaffrey
“Under Kyle Shanahan, Christian McCaffrey made a leap in the preseason after his trade to the Niners, and this year “CMC” even secured the title for the best offensive player.”
Marcel Schmidt: Justin Jefferson
“Justin Jefferson will continue to drive opponents’ defenses to despair in his third year in the NFL. The Vikings’ wide receiver defends his title as Offensive Player of the Year.”
Marcus Blumberg: Yes’Marr Chase
“After a spectacular year and a good year due to injuries, Chase is now fit again, as is Joe Burrow, and with that nothing should stand in the way of Chase having his best season to date in the NFL – just in time for his first chance to sign a monster contract next year sign.”
Who will be the Defense Player of The Year?
Adrian Franke: Micah Parsons
“Not only are the Cowboys my NFC champion pick, I suspect Dallas will also have the best defense in the NFL. With an improved secondary, perhaps the deepest edge rusher group in the NFL – and an absolute superstar in Micah Parsons. Parsons will now only play edge rusher, Dallas’ run defense will be better, and with Parsons even more quarterback-hunting in his third year, I think 20 sacks is possible.”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski: Micah Parsons
“Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons has already become the best rookie defender in 2021, and this year he is securing the crown for the best defensive player in the NFL.”
Marcel Schmidt: Micah Parsons
“I’m going with Adrian and Kucze! Micah Parsons becomes a sack monster again and wins the Defense Player of the Year award.”
Marcus Blumberg: Micah Parsons
“At the risk of making this boring, I can’t think of anything better than mentioning Parsons. He’s an absolute freak that hardly anyone will stop. Outside chance for Nick Bosa after his new deal…”
Who will be the Rookie of The Year?
Adrian Franke:Anthony Richardson
“Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Anthony Richardson – that’s my shortlist for this award. With Gibbs, I first want to see that he really gets that distinct role that has already been promised to him. Robinson could still be in a split backfield.
And while Richardson will have his rookie mistakes, I’m predicting he’ll have some rushing highlights and he’ll pleasantly surprise some as a passer. Maybe one or two records will fall on the floor, that combined with the quarterback “bonus” with awards like this leads me to Richardson.”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski: Bijan Robinson
“Bijan Robinson will continue to boost the Falcons’ run-heavy offense and also pose a threat through the air. This is how the running back takes the rookie crown.”
Marcel Schmidt: Jalen Carter
“Defensive players traditionally don’t have it easy in the Honors. This also applies to the Rookie of The Year. However, Jalen Carter will be so dominant for the Eagles that you can’t avoid him this season!”
Marcus Blumberg: Anthony Richardson
“I agree with Mr. Franke. Richardson simply has ideal circumstances for a rookie quarterback with his abilities – hardly any passing stations, but he is fed with run pass options and read options and should put in some highlight plays that are in the Hardly anyone else among the rookies will show that fullness.”
What’s the “hot take” for the season?
Adrian Franke:
“The Jets already had a top-three pressure defense last year – even though no team blitzed as low a percentage as New York. This pass rush has now gotten even better, including with first-round pick Will McDonald, last year -First-round pick Jermaine Johnson should take on a larger role.
That in combination with better situations, because the Jets should lead more often with Aaron Rodgers, gives the Jets even more power in the pass rush – and the 72 sacks of the 1984 Bears are wobbly!”
Alex “Kucze” from Kuczkowski:
“I have a double hot take! The Las Vegas Raiders fire head coach Josh McDaniels during the season – His successor? None other than Patrick ‘Coach’ Esume!”
Marcel Schmidt:
“The fact that the Falcons will run the ball non-stop this season is certainly anything but a ‘hot take’. But I believe that Atlanta will even break the team record for most rushing yards. The Baltimore Ravens only had that in 2019 Improved to 3,296 yards in 41 years. The Falcons break this record – and without a dual-threat quarterback.”
Marcus Blumberg:
“Is that a hot take? Based on the current hype, it probably is, in that: The New York Jets will end up missing the playoffs despite – or because of? – Aaron Rodgers. The problems on the offensive line will end up being a stumbling block and all that talk from Dream Team will be over quickly. So, that’s my hot take!”