Colin Cowherd REACTS to Cleveland Browns naming Shedeur Sanders as 3rd string QB | THE HERD NFL

Summary

In this detailed NFL season preview, the host evaluates team performance predictions, focusing on over/under win totals and key matchups. The analysis covers teams like the Bears, Packers, Seahawks, and the impact of roster changes, coaching developments, and schedules. Special attention is given to Seattle, with a strong case made for their improvement and favorable schedule, including matchups against weaker AFC and NFC South teams. The script also delves into Green Bay's underrated prospects and the complexities of the NFC and AFC outlooks, offering insights for betting enthusiasts and football fans alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 Seattle Seahawks’ win total at 8.5 is seen as too low, with potential for a 10-win season due to roster improvements and a favorable schedule.
• 😀 The Chicago Bears are accurately set at an 8.5 win total, with 8 or 9 wins being the most realistic expectation, as they struggle within their division.
• 😀 The NFC North, particularly the Bears, has struggled against rivals like Green Bay and Detroit in recent seasons.
• 😀 Seattle’s improvements, including a better offensive line and a stronger roster, are expected to propel them beyond the 8.5 win mark.
• 😀 The AFC and NFC South divisions are among the weakest, providing Seattle with opportunities to secure wins against teams like New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and the Colts.
• 😀 The Seahawks are expected to take advantage of San Francisco’s struggles and play a key role in the NFC West division this year.
• 😀 The Green Bay Packers are undervalued at 9.5 wins, with the speaker believing they will exceed this total, having won double-digit games last season.
• 😀 Seattle’s addition of players like Chris Jones and the development of a second-year head coach culture are seen as vital factors for their success.
• 😀 The speaker predicts Seattle could win up to 6 games against the AFC and NFC South teams alone, with favorable matchups like hosting New Orleans and Tampa Bay.
• 😀 Despite losing DK Metcalf, the Seahawks moved him due to distractions, not a lack of talent, and are improving the team with a better overall structure and depth.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe Vegas made a mistake with some team projections?

The speaker mentions that Vegas made some mistakes in their win projections, particularly with teams like the Vikings. While some projections were accurate, others, like the Vikings, are considered miscalculated based on the team's strong potential despite being undervalued.

What is the significance of Sam Darnold's performance for the speaker's analysis?

Sam Darnold's performance is seen as a key factor in shaping the outcome of certain team projections. The speaker highlights how Darnold's improvement with the 49ers could be an upgrade over previous quarterbacks, particularly for teams like Seattle and the 49ers.

What does the speaker think of the Chicago Bears' win projection of 8.5?

The speaker believes the Chicago Bears' 8.5 win projection is accurate, with an optimistic outlook of 9 wins and a more realistic expectation of 8. They also point out the Bears' historical struggles within their division and the challenges they face from teams like Green Bay and Detroit.

Why does the speaker believe Seattle is undervalued with the 8.5 win projection?

The speaker feels that Seattle is undervalued at 8.5 wins because the team has improved significantly from last year, with a better offensive line, an upgrade at quarterback with Sam Darnold, and a relatively easy schedule featuring weaker divisions like the AFC and NFC South.

How does the speaker analyze Seattle's schedule in relation to their win projection?

The speaker points out that Seattle's schedule features games against teams from weaker divisions, such as the AFC and NFC South, where they believe they could win up to 6 games. With a favorable home schedule and matchups against teams like New Orleans, Tampa, and Houston, the speaker sees an opportunity for Seattle to surpass their win projection.

What role does the San Francisco 49ers' situation play in the Seattle Seahawks' projection?

The speaker mentions that San Francisco's potential struggles, including injuries and a faltering wide receiving core, could give Seattle an advantage, especially since they open the season at home against the 49ers. This makes Seattle's over 8.5 win projection even more feasible.

Why does the speaker mention Matt Stafford's status in relation to Seattle's chances?

The speaker raises concerns about Matt Stafford's availability for the Rams in their matchups against Seattle, suggesting that Stafford's health and durability could be a major factor in Seattle's chances to perform better than expected against the Rams.

What is the speaker’s opinion on the Green Bay Packers' 9.5 win projection?

The speaker believes that Green Bay’s 9.5 win projection may be undervalued, considering they won double digits last year despite the challenges posed by the transition away from Aaron Rodgers. The speaker thinks the Packers could perform well even without their former star quarterback.

What does the speaker think about the Bears' divisional record historically?

The speaker points out that the Bears have historically struggled against their division rivals. In the past 12 years, they've only had a winning or .500 record against their NFC North opponents once or twice, particularly noting that they don't beat Green Bay and are currently not as good as Detroit.

How does the speaker view the impact of Sam Darnold on Seattle's offense?

The speaker views Sam Darnold as a slight upgrade over Geno Smith, especially given the offensive line issues Seattle had last year. Darnold’s arrival could help Seattle's offense perform at a higher level, contributing positively to their win projection for the season.