NFC

Seahawks at Cowboys

I think the QB play of Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott carry both of these team past the competition in a tough as nails NFC stable of playoff teams.

AFC

Chiefs at Ravens

Reigning MVPs battle it out in confrontation of the two best rosters in the NFL. Who has the depth and the fortitude to carry it on to Super LV?

3. Tim Ward DE

Athletic, with a quick first step. The Old Dominion product got lost in the shuffle of a deep position group. An injury or two could get him on the 53 quickly.

2. Lavert Hill CB

Undersized corner just lost the battle for the slot corner position. If one of the other rookies fails to perform expect Hill to get the call up.

1. Jody Fortson WR

6’6 230 pound wide outs are few and far between. I think his size hinders his value on special teams which the Chiefs prioritize. If we have injuries at either the wide receiver or tight end position you might see Fortson before seasons end.

4. Demone Harris DE

The last DE was hotly debated the last few weeks, with Breeland Speaks getting the most attention the Chiefs decided to go with Harris and Mike Danna over the first pick of Brett Veach career.

3. Deon Yelder TE

I’m surprised the Chiefs went with 4 tight ends. Yelder seemed to be the odd man out. Will be interesting how Andy Reid and company use the athletic Yelder this season.

2. Armani Watts S

I like Armani Watts. I just wish he could stay on the field. I thought he may have been pushed out with the veteran signings late in training camp. But here he is.

1. Yasir Durant

A little bit of luck go into making an NFL roster and having two lineman opt out and one on the PUP list created opportunity. The former Missouri Tiger has take opportunity, I trust the Chiefs talent evaluators and welcome the addition of protection for Patrick Mahomes.

It’s what I like. Most of the time just follow the KISS model, keep it simple stupid.

5. Saints Home

Black and gold is great combo, the quirkiness of three different shades of gold adds to the appeal.

4. Bears Home

Navy and Orange with a great number font. Just classic.

3. Raiders Home

Black and Silver. Intimidating and unlike the teams play, very clean looking.

2. Cowboys Alternate

I like the white pants as opposed to the silver/blues that they normally roll out. Has the retro cool vibe.

1. Dolphins Alternate

Does a uniform speak to a city more than this aquamarine and coral masterpiece ? I don’t think so. It’s just a great classic look that embodies the franchise it represents.

There is a small caveat to this list, you must have never won the MVP before. We haven’t had a repeat winner since 2014, in Aaron Rodgers and we haven’t had a non QB since 2013, Adrian Peterson. So without further ado.

6. Baker Mayfield Browns QB

I know I’m a lot higher on Mayfield then most. I love his moxy and that is something that can’t be practiced and learned. If he figures it out between the ears the talent is there around him to have the numbers.

5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire Chiefs RB

I had to have a homer pick in here somewhere. Realistically the shot is slim, but we’re less than 3 years removed from a former Chiefs RB leading the league in rushing as a rookie and CEH has more talent and explosiveness than Kareem Hunt. I expect Andy Reid and Eric Bienemy to get creative with this special rookie.

4. Kyler Murray Cardinals QB

The class of 2019 QB expected to make that jump to superstardom. Arizona brass has done an excellent job to surround him with good talent at WR. Let’s see if he can make the jump that Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have made over the last 2 seasons

3. Michael Thomas Saints WR

Just set an NFL record for receptions in a season. Plays in a pass happy offense. I needed non QBs on this list. Crazy things happen in 2020, why not a MVP WR?

2. Dak Prescott Cowboys QB

He has all the weapons in the world. He will lead one of the top 3 offenses in the NFL. He’s playing for a contract. He finally has a HC who may utilize his unique talent. I fully expect Dak to take advantage of this season and benefit exceptionally.

1. Russell Wilson Seahawks QB

Russell Wilson has to be great for the Seahawks to be good. The blessing for the Seahawks is that Wilson is the second best QB in the league and can lead this team to another NFC title.

2020 is the first season of expanded playoffs only one bye and a third Wild Card Team. So with 7 days until the Chiefs and Texans meet on Thursday night here are my predictions for the 7 playoff teams for both conferences.

NFC Playoff Predictions

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

6. San Francisco 49ers 9-7

5. Minnesota Vikings 10-6

4. Green Bay Packers 10-6

3. Seattle Seahawks 11-5

2. New Orleans Saints 12-4

1. Dallas Cowboys 12-4

AFC Playoff Predictions

7. Tennessee Titans 9-7

6. Cleveland Browns 10-6

5. Denver Broncos 10-6

4. Indianapolis Colts 9–7

3. Buffalo Bills 11-5

2. Kansas City Chiefs 13-3

1. Baltimore Ravens 13-3

This originally was going to a potential Pro Bowl post but I am confident there are not enough slots for that. Plus Super Bowl teams don’t have Pro Bowlers. So why not get a little crazy and set some records.

8. Charvarious Ward

The most under the radar Chief in my opinion. He’s just quietly become a lockdown corner. This season I think the national media notices finally.

7. Harrison Butker

96 FGs at a 89.7 % clip in 3 seasons, that’s all.

6. Frank Clark

Injuries plagued most of last season. When the playoffs hit he was the best player on the field at times.

5. Mitchell Schwartz

Best Right Tackle in football. He’s a big reason PM15 has time to do PM15 things.

4. Tyreek Hill

The fastest guy in the NFL has quickly become one of the best receivers. No offseason distractions and the hunger to become the first 2000 yard receiver.

3. Chris Jones

Stone Cold got that cold hard cash. Big contract in place, the sack leader for the Chiefs the last 2 seasons is looking to lead the league this season.

2. Travis Kelce

The best tight end in football. 4 straight 1000 yard seasons. PM15 most trusted weapon. Does not care about George Kittle.

1. Patrick Mahomes

NFL MVP. Super Bowl MVP. $500,000,000 contact. What have you done in the last 3 years?

There are really 10 here but a couple of rookies at one position that I lumped together. With only 9 days until the kickoff of the season at Arrowhead, these new guys have me optimistic. Some are obvious others you may have never heard of. Like yesterday the criteria is fairly simple, you were not a Kansas City Chief last year. That’s it.

9. Tommy Townsend

Tommy Townsend is a rookie punter out of the University of Florida. The Chiefs released veteran Dustin Colquitt following the Super Bowl. This is the Chiefs first change at the position since 2005.

8. Tershawn Warton

The biggest surprise of training camp is UDFA Tershawn Warton, a 6-4 255lb. DT from D2 Missouri S&T. Reports out of camp says he’s a near lock to make it on the opening day roster. This is the feel good story you look for every year.

7. De’Andre Washington

Though not entirely convinced he will make the roster, being a former college teammate with PM15 is beyond intriguing. Was a low risk/high reward signing.

6. Taco Charlton

One of the biggest draft busts in recent memory carries some weight. Another low risk move that could pay extensive dividends for the Chiefs. You can never have too many pass rushers on your team. Plus a name like Taco, what’s not to love.

5. Antonio Hamilton

These are the type of moves Brett Veach thrives on. The Chiefs are very low key building depth at the corner position.

4. Rookie Corners

Big athletic corners in the late rounds. Both have been getting some snaps with the first and second teams with Bashaud Breelands suspension. Sneed has been targeted to start opposite Ward in the opener. BoPete Keyes is my favorite name on the roster.

3. Kelechi Osemele

Protecting PM15 is our upmost task. The former pro bowler needs to step in and perform well in place of the Canadian doctor.

2. Willie Gay Jr.

I have made no qualms about my disappointment with the linebackers. Willie Gay Jr. brings hope to ushering in a new chapter of great Chiefs linebackers.

1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire

The name brings excitement. I’m not sure where I would have had him before Damien Williams opt out but he’s going into the season as RB1. The fantasy gurus are expecting great things, I’m trying to be reserved, but what the heck let’s chalk him up for 1200 rushing 600 receiving and 15 total TDs.

We are 10 days from the theoretical start of the 2020 NFL season. With training camp winding down, I wanted to create some lists counting down until the seasons kickoff. This may be my first article without a coffee review but as the week goes on I may sneak one or two in there. Todays list is 10 players I’d like to see to make a jump in the #RunItBack campaign. Criteria is pretty simple, you must have been on the roster last season and you must have a realistic shot to be on the roster this season. Simple enough.

10. Deon Yelder

Going into training camp the number 2 Tight End position was wide open. The athletic Yelder could thrive in the Chiefs wide open offense but staying healthy has been a big problem. Would like to see some growth from this big fellow.

9. Darrel Williams

The other Williams back who should move up the depth chart with Damien Williams, no relation, opting out. But with all backs not names Clyde Edward Helaire, he could be the primary back up or could end up not even making the team.

8. Breeland Speaks

Make or break season for the former 2nd Rounder out of Ole Miss. Missed all of last season with injuries. Word from training camp is he lost a bunch of weight and could play both on the D line and with the linebackers.

7. Damien Wilson

The linebacker I yelled at the least last year. That being said the position group was atrocious and to see him make a jump would be a sight for sore eyes.

6. Frank Clark

You give a guy a 100 million dollars and expect big things. Frank was injured the first half of last season, yet never made that an excuse. That is commendable. The second half and playoffs the guy played exceptionally. Let’s hope that trek continues and we get a whole season of that.

5. Khalen Saunders

The Chiefs spent a third round pick on this athletic DT before last season. With Mike Pennel’s 2 game suspension Saunders should have the opportunity to get his snaps. I am looking forward to see the progress from Saunders.

4. Austin Reiter

Keeping PM15 upright is the upmost priority. Reiter is undersized for a NFL offensive lineman and was overmatched at times. The signing of Daniel Kilgore could mean the end for Reiter.

3. Anthony Hitchens

Anthony Hitchens is the fourth highest paid Chief and at times I didn’t think he was the fourth best linebacker on the roster. He is going to get a bunch of criticism if the whole group does not improve. As a lifelong Chiefs fan there are few players that have frustrated as much as Hitchens.

2. Mecole Hardman

A lot of people doubted Brett Veach moving up in the second round and grabbing another speedy wide receiver. He produced 26 catches on 31 targets and 6 TDs. His 20.7 YPC led the league. Not bad numbers for a rookie but we need to find out if he can move up in the rotation or if he’s just highly picked gimmick player.

1. Rashad Fenton

With Kendall Fullers departure and Bashaud Breelands suspension, Fenton’s role at the start of the 2020 season has skyrocketed. Word is they want to keep him in the slot but the South Carolina alum played well on the outside in high pressure situations late last season and could garner extended playing time opposite Charvarious Ward.

The salary cap master has been at it again. Just hours after George Kittle signed a TE record deal, the Chiefs and Travis Kelce agreed to 4 year $57 million extension. The willingness of these Chiefs stars to sign the long term deal just speaks volumes to the desire to build a dynasty here in KC. I know it may seem early to say that word after only 1 Super Bowl but the writing is clearly on the wall.

I want to give props to Travis for growing both as a football player and as a human being. He seems to be maturing before our eyes. We could all see the talent in his first few seasons but there was always way too many childish antics to go along with that. The friendship with Patrick Mahomes seems to have settled him down a bit. His desire to grow and build within the Kansas City community and give opportunity to underprivileged youth is a huge a thing. With this extension and 6 more seasons with PM15 it’s very feasible that we could see the Gold Jacket on Travis Kelce in Canton sometime in the early 2030s.

Coffee time: This a special one, I have recently started to roast my own beans. By recently I mean over the last 10 days. This is actually my third attempt the first two had some mixed results but after doing a little more research, I was able to use some technical skills learned from the YouTube. I call this the Jude Roast, in honor of our son who is being evicted tomorrow from his mother’s womb. These beans come from the Indonesian island of East Timor. Dense nuttiness on the nose like peanut butter and roasted peanuts that you may get at the ball park all of that carries through the grinding process. After being put through the ringer of the drip coffee maker you get a delicate creaminess with a moderate acidity reveal more nuttiness on the back of tongue with hints a dark chocolates and raspberry. Not complex at all and maybe that has to do with my popcorn popper roasting method. I can’t complain at all, is it my favorite, not by a long shot but I feel I’m down a path that I can get behind. Thanks for reading and if you get a chance say a prayer for Melissa, Jude, and myself. I promise pictures next time. God Bless.