Three Bold Predictions For 2014

2013 is in the books, and it is now time to look forward to what 2014 has in store for us. The playoffs are nearly upon us, which is easily the most exciting part of the NFL season. I am sure that you have seen 4,000 different ‘bold prediction’ pieces by now, but that isn’t going to stop me from annoying you further.

Here are three bold predictions for 2014, concerning the New England Patriots.

1. They Will Be In Super Bowl 48

The AFC is weak, and the Pats have Tom Brady. Those two reasons alone should be enough for you to believe that they will be able to get to the Super Bowl, especially with the first round bye they earned this past weekend. But New England now has a running game, and not only that, they have a back that can absolutely punish opposing defenses. Taking some pressure off of Brady certainly wont’t hurt the Patriots, and it will allow him to focus on coming up big in the clutch, like he always does in the postseason. When you look at the Super Bowl winners of the past decade, pretty much every single one of them was led by an elite quarterback. So, when you look at the AFC, is there any quarterback you would take in the playoffs over Tom Brady? I didn’t think so.

2. The Pats Will Win 14 Games Next Year

If they can stay healthy, I honestly don’t think that this prediction is too bold. Of course, after what transpired this season, staying healthy seems like something that will never happen again, but you can always dream. Looking at the Pats 2014 opponents, I don’t see them losing more than two games (assuming they are healthy). Just based on a first look, I think losing at Green Bay is a real possibility, and going into Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs is always a tough task. Tom Brady rarely loses at home, especially if the rest of the team can manage to get on the field more than twice a year (looking at you Gronkowski). Here is a look at their 2014 opponents.

3. Tom Brady Will Win MVP 

I don’t know if I want Brady to win this award, considering what has happened to them in the playoffs when he has won it in the past, but I believe he has a shot at winning it in 2014. A couple of things have to fall just the right way for this to happen, but I think there is a good chance that they will. If Rob Gronkowski returns 100%, if Julian Edelman is re-signed, and if they pick up another playmaker via free agency or the draft, Brady will have a dangerous offense to work with. The combination of Edelman, Amendola, and Gronkowski on the inside will be killer, and hopefully Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins build on their solid rookie seasons and become a viable deep threat for Brady. This goes without mentioning Shane Vereen, one of the most explosive running backs in the league, and LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley, who can provide New England with a powerful running game. As I mentioned, a few things have to fall just right for the Patriots for Brady to win this thing, but if they do, the NFL better watch out.