Predictions for the upcoming 2020 season are fun for a few reasons. First they give us all something to bicker about. They also give us something to be excited for when we think about our favorite players making plays. Lastly there is nothing happening in the world of sports and the NFL. Here is my take, let me know yours.
Passing Yards Leader – Joe Burrow
Of course he is. Barring any injury Joe will start all 16 games since we have no suitable backup to show him the ropes. I like getting him the reps because the best way to learn is to do in my book and the NFL has not proven that sitting a year to learn or starting your rookie year shows evidence of success.
Rushing Yards Leader – Joe Mixon
Mixon is going to be the lead back without a doubt. Bernard is merely a compliment and behind him you are getting maybe one carry a game if on the active gameday roster. Mixon is really going to benefit from a healthy AJ Green and Tee Higgins on the squad because the defense won’t be certain of the run-pass call. The offensive line should be better than last season (fingers crossed).
Receiving Yards Leader – Tyler Boyd
I know that AJ Green is back but as usual he is going to draw double attention. Boyd has been one of the best slot receivers in the league and is going to benefit for the dual-threat of Green/Higgins on the outside. YAC is going to really push Boyd’s numbers up and if the Bengals play more spread offense it will allow for him to get extra yardage before he is met by the first tackler.
Rushing Touchdowns – Joe Mixon
Not only does Mixon get the yards but he also can punch it in. I anticipate the Bengals to be in the red zone more often this season and Mixon can go full beast mode within five yards. He also has the ability to rip one off running outside the box so speed and strength allow for some more touchdown dances.
Receiving Touchdowns – AJ Green
He is going to be targeted a lot by Burrow and for great reason. Let’s not forget that fade route AJ is great for or those acrobatic catches he learned in juggling school as a kid. I know John Ross is popular here but I don’t see him getting as many snaps as Tee Higgins this season because we are kinda movin’ on kiddo. AJ also finishes plays and can adlib on routes when a play is broken. Burrow is going to be able to extend plays for more completions than Dalton did and the savvy veteran is going to be ready to make big plays.
Receptions – AJ Green
If this were an award show we would just tell him to stay on stage. If Green can stay healthy he will get at least 85 catches for the season. The guy gets open and when he isn’t he still makes the play. AJ isn’t known for drops which will put confidence in the young QB when he needs to rely on someone else making a play.
Tackles – Josh Bynes
It seems like the obvious choice that the starting MLB is going to make the most tackles. Another popular choice would be Vonn Bell since he will be asked to push into the center to add an extra body in the box. I just think that Bynes is going to get a lot of veteran snaps to help guide the rookies and give more stability paired up with Germaine Pratt.
Sacks – Sam Hubbard
It is without a doubt that this defensive line is going to have a big year. Someone is really going to benefit and I think it will be the young stud on the right defensive end. Hubbard just keeps getting better and he will not be double-teamed. With the addition or Reader and an invigorated Atkins the blood will be in the water. They also have to stop Dunlap….good luck.
Interceptions – William Jackson III
Yes I know he only has two career INTs but they are going to have to throw at him this year. It is likely he will see even more man-to-man coverage to eliminate the best WR just like Revis did back in the day. Would you rather throw at your top receiver in man-coverage or to a double coverage with Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates lurking in the backfield? The pressure upfront is also going to help the corners and I think this will be a big one for WJ3. It is also a contract year so they try a little extra harder.
False Starts – Bobby Hart
Yeah it is kind of mean but I can’t do our quasi-rookie left tackle like that.