The 2020 NFL season was full of some players who exceeded expectations and some who didn’t reach their expectations. Many quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers are heading into 2021 looking to make a huge splash for their teams. These are the players that I predict will lead in passing, rushing, and receiving for their respective teams.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Passing: Josh Allen – 5053 yds, 44 TDs, 10 INTs, 67.4% CMP
Rushing: Devin Singletary – 173 rush, 712 yds, 6 TDs
Receiving: Stefon Diggs – 124 rec, 1589 yds, 12 TDs
Summary: Josh Allen is poised for a huge year, and Stefon Diggs will once again be his main man in the offense. The running back position is still shaky, but Devin Singletary will be the lead back and look to find more success in his third season and fight off some of the running backs behind him on the depth chart. The Bills are going to be a great offensive unit again in 2021. That is going to be mainly due to the connection between Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs of course.
Miami Dolphins
Passing: Tua Tagovailoa – 4077 yds, 26 TDs, 11 INTs, 65.2% CMP
Rushing: Myles Gaskin – 172 rush, 698 yds, 5 TDs
Receiving: Will Fuller – 81 rec, 1101 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: This will be an interesting year for the Dolphins offense. Tua needs to be better, and he will make a solid jump in year 2. He has one of the best receiving units in the league now. It wouldn’t surprise me if Waddle or Parker led in receiving, but I think Fuller will benefit from snagging deep balls all season. Gaskin is still a shaky lead back, and he’ll need to take advantage of a thin running back room.
New England Patriots
Passing: Cam Newton – 2342 yds, 14 TDs, 8 INTs, 58.7% CMP
Rushing: Damien Harris – 189 rush, 878 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: Kendrick Bourne – 77 rec, 897 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The Patriots are one of the harder to predict offenses in 2021, and it could really go any way depending on how the coaches plan to use their newly-acquired free agents and drafted players. I think Cam Newton starting about 12 games before Mac Jones takes over is a likely scenario. I see Damien Harris making a nice jump and becoming a feature back this season. There are a few receivers who could lead this team in yards, but I think Bourne breaks out in 2021 and becomes a trustworthy weapon for whoever is throwing passes in New England.
New York Jets
Passing: Zach Wilson – 3978 yds, 28 TDs, 14 INTs, 65.2% CMP
Rushing: Tevin Coleman – 167 rush, 709 yds, 5 TDs
Receiving: Corey Davis – 91 rec, 1122 yds, 7 TDs
Summary: Zach Wilson’s first season as a Jet should spark some excitement in a fan base that’s been looking for it for decades, though he will have some growing pains. I also think Michael Carter will take over as the lead back later in the season, but Coleman’s early-season production will be enough to keep him ahead in terms of rushing yards. Corey Davis is going to be Zach Wilson’s best friend in New York, and he’s poised for a big year. Jamison Crowder could also be in for a solid year, but I see Davis doing enough to outperform him in his first year as a Jet.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Passing: Lamar Jackson – 3853 yds, 30 TDs, 9 INTs, 64.9% CMP
Rushing: J.K. Dobbins – 216 rush, 1057 yds, 10 TDs
Receiving: Marquise Brown – 78 rec, 915 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: Lamar Jackson is going to continue to be the passing and running dual-threat that he’s been for his entire career. However, he may not lead his team in running yards this season. J.K. Dobbins looked like a potential star in 2020, and he could become a workhorse runner in 2021 and explode for over 10 TDs and 1000 rushing yards. The Ravens may end up with two 1000 yard rushers. I also see Marquise Brown making some improvement in 2021 and becoming a more reliable pass catcher for Lamar Jackson. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rashod Bateman led this team in receiving yards in his rookie season though. It should be business as usual for the Ravens in 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals
Passing: Joe Burrow – 4478 yds, 35 TDs, 10 INTs, 68.9% CMP
Rushing: Joe Mixon – 235 rush, 1212 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: Ja’Marr Chase – 93 rec, 1176 yds, 11 TDs
Summary: With Joe Burrow hopefully healthy for a full season, we should see a much improved Bengals offense. Burrow should take a nice leap in his second season and prove that he is the guy in Cincy. Joe Mixon will finally put it all together in 2021 and be a reliable workhorse back for the Bengals as well. It may be a bit of a hot take, but I see Ja’Marr Chase being a huge piece for the Bengals offense in 2021, even outplaying Tyler Boyd and being the receiving yards leader on this team. That would be exactly what Chase needs to do to shut the people up that were crying about him being drafted instead of Penei Sewell.
Cleveland Browns
Passing: Baker Mayfield – 4512 yds, 33 TDs, 12 INTs, 67.7% CMP
Rushing: Nick Chubb – 251 rush, 1529 yds, 12 TDs
Receiving: Jarvis Landry – 90 rec, 1058 yds, 7 TDs
Summary: The Browns offense had a great 2020 season as a run-first team. Baker Mayfield played his role well and I think he’ll be at his best in 2021. Nick Chubb will continue to carve up opposing defenses and run the ball plenty of times every game. I see Jarvis Landry being the biggest beneficiary of a great Baker Mayfield this coming season, as he goes for over 1000 yards and outperforms Odell Beckham Jr., who is coming off of an ACL tear. The Browns’ offense is poised for plenty of success in this coming season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Passing: Ben Roethlisberger – 4265 yds, 31 TDs, 19 INTs, 62.9% CMP
Rushing: Najee Harris – 197 rush, 1013 yds, 10 TDs
Receiving: Diontae Johnson – 87 rec, 954 yds, 6 TDs
Summary: The Steelers’ offense rode the defense to the playoffs in 2020, and they might be able to do it again. This unit wasn’t very good last season, and I expect them to not be very good this season as well. Ben Roethlisberger will continue his descent as his age and turnover problems rear their ugly heads. Najee Harris is an ultra-talented back, but his weak line will probably keep him from showcasing all of that talent this year. Although, he still could go for over 1000 rushing yards. The strength of this Steelers offense is its receivers though, and Diontae Johnson is my prediction for who will lead that unit in 2021. Don’t count out Chase Claypool and Juju Smith-Schuster who could end up outperforming him.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Passing: Tyrod Taylor – 3272 yds, 23 TDs, 7 INTs, 64.1% CMP
Rushing: Phillip Lindsay – 154 rush, 602 yds, 4 TDs
Receiving: Brandin Cooks – 66 rec, 798 yds, 5 TDs
Summary: The Texans are probably the worst team in the entire league. Their quarterback situation is very bleak if Deshaun Watson doesn’t return and whoever is under center won’t have many solid receivers to work with. The running back room is surprisingly deep, with three capable starters. Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay, and David Johnson will probably all have a chance to take over as a lead back heading into the season. It’ll be interesting to see who leads this team in rushing yards, but I feel like Phillip Lindsay will be the primary back. Brandin Cooks is the only receiver that has any experience as a WR1 on this roster, so he has a fair chance to lead this putrid offense in receiving yards. It’s going to be a long year for Texans fans.
Indianapolis Colts
Passing: Carson Wentz – 4488 yds, 38 TDs, 11 INTs, 68.5% CMP
Rushing: Jonathan Taylor – 229 rush, 1143 yds, 12 TDs
Receiving: Parris Campbell – 80 rec, 1045 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: The Colts’ offense is due for a nice jump in 2021. They already have an elite defense on the other side, and adding Carson Wentz is a huge step for them. I personally think Wentz will excel in the Colts system and take a huge step forward after some mediocre play to end his tenure with the Eagles. I see Jonathan Taylor becoming among the league’s elite running backs as he becomes the workhorse on a solid Colts offense. The battle for the top receiver on the Colts should be a good one, there are a few guys who have a legitimate chance to lead this team in receiving yards. I predict that Parris Campbell breaks out and stays healthy for a full season. He was great in 2020 before going down with an injury. He’ll be a huge weapon for Wentz and outperform both T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr. in 2021 to be their top pass catcher. I have high hopes for this Colts offense next season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Passing: Trevor Lawrence – 4329 yds, 34 TDs, 9 INTs, 68.1% CMP
Rushing: James Robinson – 207 rush, 940 yds, 8 TDs
Receiving: D.J. Chark – 84 rec, 1007 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The Jaguars’ offense is getting a huge boost with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, and I expect him to be outstanding very early. I also still see James Robinson as the clear RB1 and a 1000 yard rusher. The receiver position should be interesting, they added Marvin Jones Jr., and reports say that they plan on using Travis Etienne at receiver in some sets. I actually see D.J. Chark being the best receiver on this team next season. I see him making a big jump with an elite QB throwing him passes. Chark is a great route runner and Lawrence and him could click very early. This Jaguars team is going to be fun to watch on offense. But, don’t be too shocked if their improved offense doesn’t translate to wins early on though.
Tennessee Titans
Passing: Ryan Tannehill – 4233 yds, 35 TDs, 10 INTs, 69.6% CMP
Rushing: Derrick Henry – 356 rush, 1867 yds, 14 TDs
Receiving: A.J. Brown – 82 rec, 1212 yds, 13 TDs
Summary: The Titans were a team that could have seen some offensive decline in 2021 after losing some key pieces to their unit, they then traded for Julio Jones. He is one of the best receivers of our generation and brings some extra juice to a great Titans offense. He would immediately become part of one of the best, if not the best wide receiver duos in the league with A.J. Brown. Tannehill should have a good season if his line holds up as well, making this team quite formidable. Derrick Henry is going to do Derrick Henry things and be one of the best running backs in the league. Surprisingly, I still believe that A.J. Brown will lead this team in receiving over Julio Jones. Jones has been a little injury prone and Brown and Tannehill already have a clear and stable connection. No matter who leads this team in receiving though, they’ll be a tough team to beat in a loaded AFC.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Passing: Drew Lock – 3699 yds, 25 TDs, 12 INTs, 63.1% CMP
Rushing: Melvin Gordon – 202 rush, 879 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: Courtland Sutton – 73 rec, 1048 yds, 7 TDs
Summary: The Broncos’ quarterback woes likely weren’t fixed by keeping Drew Lock and bringing in Teddy Bridgewater to compete for the starting job. I believe they’ll let Lock lead this team again, but don’t be surprised if we see Bridgewater at some point in this coming season. I still see Gordon as the leading rusher, though Javonte Williams could take a good chunk of his workload, especially later in the season. The receiving corps for the Broncos is elite, and having Sutton back will only make it better. Jeudy, Sutton, and Patrick make for a great trio, and K.J. Hamler will be an excellent weapon as well. I see Sutton clicking with Lock like they did in 2019, so he’ll end up leading in receiving yards. The Broncos’ future at QB will be much clearer following this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Passing: Patrick Mahomes – 4955 yds, 47 TDs, 8 INTs, 68.4% CMP
Rushing: Clyde Edwards-Helaire – 222 rush, 946 yds, 8 TDs
Receiving: Tyreek Hill – 91 rec, 1607 yds, 15 TDs
Summary: The Chiefs are fresh off a Super Bowl loss that saw Patrick Mahomes running for his life for pretty much the entire game. They heavily addressed the offensive line during the off-season as a result. They kept most of their offense intact except for Sammy Watkins and should make another run at a title in 2021. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce will both likely go for over 1000 yards receiving, but I think Hill will total more than Kelce overall. Mahomes will continue to be special and be right at the front of the MVP conversation once again. I see Clyde Edwards-Helaire becoming more of a workhorse back, and he’ll go for over 1000 yards rushing as a result. This Chiefs offense is a well-oiled machine, and they will likely once again be poised for a deep playoff run as a result.
Las Vegas Raiders
Passing: Derek Carr – 4248 yds, 31 TDs, 11 INTs, 69.7% CMP
Rushing: Josh Jacobs – 268 rush, 1166 yds, 11 TDs
Receiving: Darren Waller – 105 rec, 1215 yds, 12 TDs
Summary: The Raiders had a horrible off-season. They made many questionable moves but didn’t improve their receiving corps or defense very much with any of them. Derek Carr will be reliable and at least league average and Josh Jacob’s will try and be more efficient in his workhorse role. The biggest question will be who leads this team in receiving yards. Will it be their tight end Darren Waller beating every receiver on the roster in yards? I think so. He’ll easily solidify himself among the leagues’ best tight ends this season. Though I do believe that we see Bryan Edwards make a huge jump and become a reliable option for the Raiders. This unit will be tough to watch if their line doesn’t hold up though.
Los Angeles Chargers
Passing: Justin Herbert – 4894 yds, 39 TDs, 12 INTs, 67.2% CMP
Rushing: Austin Ekeler – 224 rush, 1008 yds, 12 TDs
Receiving: Keenan Allen – 109 rec, 1264 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: The Chargers have their franchise QB locked in, and he’ll prove it in 2021. His line was awful in 2020, and it’ll only be league average at best in 2021, but it won’t matter. Justin Herbert will use Keenan Allen and Mike Williams heavily and throw for plenty of yards and touchdowns. Hopefully, Ekeler can stay healthy and be the lead back in Los Angeles, I could see him going for over 1000 yards. Keenan Allen will be the biggest beneficiary of Herbert’s year 2 growth, going for career highs in just about every metric and leading this team in receiving. This should be a fun unit to watch in 2021.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Passing: Dak Prescott – 5013 yds, 41 TDs, 13 INTs, 66.8% CMP
Rushing: Ezekiel Elliott – 259 rush, 1071 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: Amari Cooper – 97 rec, 1299 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The Cowboys’ offense was the league’s best before Dak Prescott went down with an injury. I expect Dak to come back and be the player he was before injury and lead this Dallas team to a great season from the offense. I think Zeke Elliott takes a step in the right direction, but I don’t think he recaptures his success from earlier in his career. The receiving unit is great, and I think Amari Cooper outplays Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup to lead this team in receiving. It’ll be interesting to watch if the defense is good enough to get this team in the playoffs, the offense should be just fine though.
New York Giants
Passing: Daniel Jones – 3355 yds, 26 TDs, 13 INTs, 63.5% CMP
Rushing: Saquon Barkley – 268 rush, 1225 yds, 10 TDs
Receiving: Kenny Golladay – 88 rec, 1142 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The Giants have a great roster on the defense, and the offense once again improved in the off-season. The problem for this team is the quarterback position. Daniel Jones will have another mediocre season and they’ll probably go shopping for a new signal-caller after 2021. Saquon Barkley being back should be a great boost, and I expect him to have a great season for the Giants. The receiving corps got better by adding Kenny Golladay, and he immediately slots in as the WR1 on this team, and I fully expect him to lead the team in receiving. The success of this unit will ultimately depend on the success of Daniel Jones though, and that’s not an ideal situation to have.
Philadelphia Eagles
Passing: Jalen Hurts – 3764 yds, 24 TDs, 9 INTs, 61.2% CMP
Rushing: Miles Sanders – 238 rush, 1123 yds, 10 TDs
Receiving: Devonta Smith – 76 rec, 957 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: This Eagles offense is not very good, but they have some explosive players. I think Hurts will need to improve as a passer, and he will be very up and down in 2021. Miles Sanders will benefit from a healthy season and be a great asset for this team. The receiving group is pretty weak, but Devonta Smith should do well with his former college QB and put up solid numbers. I don’t think this group will be a feared unit, but they may be explosive enough to win a couple of shootouts and keep this team afloat in the NFC East, although playing the Giants and Football Team twice a year won’t help this Eagles offense very much.
Washington Football Team
Passing: Ryan Fitzpatrick – 3747 yds, 28 TDs, 12 INTs, 63.3% CMP
Rushing: Antonio Gibson – 217 rush, 980 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: Terry McLaurin – 94 rec, 1179 yds, 7 TDs
Summary: The Washington Football Team is known for their defense, but don’t sleep on this offense. I think Ryan Fitzpatrick starts the majority of the games this season, but we’ll see some Taylor Heinicke as well. Antonio Gibson will handle most of the snaps at running back, and he should be a great weapon for this offense and improve in year 2. The receiving corps got better by adding Curtis Samuel, and that’ll benefit whoever starts at QB. I don’t think Samuel will come close to beating his former college teammate in receiving though, as Terry McLaurin continues to solidify himself among the elite receivers in the NFL in 2021. The success of this team could end up depending on how the offense performs in 2021.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Passing: Andy Dalton – 2627 yds, 18 TDs, 10 INTs, 62.7% CMP
Rushing: David Montgomery – 277 rush, 1332 yds, 11 TDs
Receiving: Allen Robinson – 106 rec, 1289 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: The Bears may have finally found a long-term solution to the quarterback position. The problem is we may not see much of him this year. There are rumblings in the Bears front office and coaching room that Dalton is still the clear QB1 and that Fields will go in as a backup. This makes sense due to Fields’ raw talent and occasional errors in college, but it’s a blow to Bears fans. I am confident that we will see a little bit of him in 2021 though. Meanwhile, on this offense, I think David Montgomery builds on a strong 2020 with an even better 2021. I also think we’ll see the same Allen Robinson that has been plagued by bad quarterback play for his whole career and still somehow manages to go for a sensational season. Things look up for the Bears, it’ll be interesting to see if it leads to success in 2021 though.
Detroit Lions
Passing: Jared Goff – 4123 yds, 27 TDs, 11 INTs, 64.5% CMP
Rushing: De’Andre Swift – 213 rush, 907 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: Tyrell Williams – 74 rec, 904 yds, 5 TDs
Summary: The Lions’ offense is going to be in the bottom half of the league this coming season, but there is definitely young talent and a solid offensive line to look forward to in Detroit. Jared Goff won’t have the same weapons that he did in Los Angeles, which may not bode well for his stats. The Lions receiving corps is probably the worst in the league, so it was hard to pick a pass catcher that would lead this team. Tyrell Williams may be a bounce back candidate and end up helping Goff a lot this year. The running back position should be interesting, with De’Andre Swift primed to take a lead back role with support from Jamaal Williams. I see Swift as more of a receiving threat, so eclipsing the 1000 yard rushing mark may not be likely for him, but he should still take a huge step forward regardless in Year 2. The Lions will have to hope that their young talent develops, and they get some good play from their key veterans for this offense to hang with some of the other units throughout the league.
Green Bay Packers
Passing: Aaron Rodgers – 4867 yds, 43 TDs, 9 INTs, 67.9% CMP
Rushing: Aaron Jones – 239 rush, 1046 yds, 11 TDs
Receiving: Davante Adams – 119 rec, 1403 yds, 14 TDs
Summary: The Packers’ offense was among the league’s best in 2020, and they have most of their key pieces returning. The biggest question is Aaron Rodgers and if he’ll ever wear a Packers jersey again. If he does, which I’ll assume he will as of right now, this offense is going to be great again. Rodgers should be among the league’s best quarterbacks again. Aaron Jones could go over 1000 yards rushing while being a solid receiving threat. The Davante Adams we saw in 2020 may not be replicable, but he should be outstanding again. Overall, this Packers offense will depend on the decision of Aaron Rodgers, and if he chooses to play in Green Bay during this upcoming season If so, watch out for the Green Bay Packers again.
Minnesota Vikings
Passing: Kirk Cousins – 4311 yds, 36 TDs, 12 INTs, 67.6% CMP
Rushing: Dalvin Cook – 326 rush, 1678 yds, 15 TDs
Receiving: Justin Jefferson – 96 rec, 1456 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: The Vikings were very inconsistent in 2020, but they showed signs of being a very great offense at times. The Kirk Cousins hate is getting out of hand. He is a respectable quarterback who performs above average every season, and this season should be no different. Dalvin Cook will continue to be Dalvin Cook, and could cross the 1500 yard threshold. I see Justin Jefferson beating out Adam Thielen and being the top receiver on this team. The Vikings will look to find consistency this season, but this offense could be among the leagues best if they play to their full potential.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Passing: Matt Ryan – 4657 yds, 31 TDs, 13 INTs, 65.3% CMP
Rushing: Mike Davis – 219 rush, 889 yds, 8 TDs
Receiving: Calvin Ridley – 99 rec, 1397 yds, 10 TDs
Summary: The Falcons were horribly inconsistent in 2020, and it led to their head coach being fired. Arthur Smith steps in now, and he’s going to have to guide a Falcons offense without Julio Jones. Matt Ryan should continue to be a solid aging quarterback, but Father Time may catch him sooner rather than later. The running game may be poor in Atlanta, with Mike Davis set to see the majority of the team carries. He should provide pass-catching at the position though, regardless of his rushing production. Calvin Ridley will be the most intriguing player on this offense though. It’ll be interesting to see if he flourishes as a bonafide WR1 in Atlanta without Julio Jones, or if he struggles a little bit while battling more top-tier cornerbacks than he’s used to. This will definitely be an intriguing offense to watch this season.
Carolina Panthers
Passing: Sam Darnold – 4079 yds, 32 TDs, 12 INTs, 66.1% CMP
Rushing: Christian McCaffrey – 276 rush, 1302 yds, 13 TDs
Receiving: D.J. Moore – 78 rec, 1195 yds, 6 TDs
Summary: The Panthers moved on from Teddy Bridgewater after one season under center, and traded for Sam Darnold. They expect Darnold to start right away and become the franchise QB that he was projected to be when he was drafted third overall. I think we’ll see a new Sam Darnold in Carolina. While there may be some rough patches as he adjusts as learns the playbook, he should be a very capable starter. Hopefully, Christian McCaffrey will also get a healthy season for the Panthers and be the running back that won many fantasy leagues in 2019. The receiving group on this team is criminally underrated and elite. I think D.J. Moore will edge out Robby Anderson and be the receiving leader on this team, even with Anderson being reunited with his former QB from New York. This team is going to only be as successful as Sam Darnold, and if he succeeds, they could be a sneaky playoff team.
New Orleans Saints
Passing: Jameis Winston – 4417 yds, 34 TDs, 14 INTs, 65.6% CMP
Rushing: Alvin Kamara – 206 rush, 1036 yds, 12 TDs
Receiving: Michael Thomas – 117 rec, 1375 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The Saints lost their franchise’s savior in the off-season, as Drew Brees finally called it quits after a legendary career. That means it’ll be up to Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill to fill his shoes. I expect Winston to win the QB battle and go into the season as the starter. His biggest problem throughout his career has been turnovers. The Saints are a team that very rarely turns the ball over, maybe a year learning under Brees and Sean Payton will make Jameis a completely new quarterback. Chances are he’ll still have a little bit of a problem with turnovers, but I expect him to have a great season. Alvin Kamara will continue to be the most dangerous running back in the league, and he may end up crossing 1000 rushing yards and 1000 receiving yards this season. Michael Thomas is due for a big bounce-back season, and he should get it if he stays healthy. The Saints’ offense should be better than most people think. There are still enough weapons and key players on this team for them to make a playoff run. The success of this team will be very dependent on the play of the Saints quarterbacks in 2021 though, keep an eye on the turnovers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Passing: Tom Brady – 4525 yds, 38 TDs, 11 INTs, 68.1% CMP
Rushing: Leonard Fournette – 195 rush, 956 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: Mike Evans – 81 rec, 1087 yds, 11 TDs
Summary: The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl last year, and they returned every key player on the team. This team will look very similar this season to the team that won the Lombardi trophy last year as long as Father Time continues to be outdueled by Tom Brady. The passing game in Tampa was great last season with Brady, and this season should be very similar. I actually predict that Leonard Fournette will lead this team in rushing after dominating throughout the playoffs last year. The receiving corps is still great and there are plenty of weapons for Brady to throw at. Mike Evans should lead this team in receiving this season, but Godwin may be due for a big season after playing second fiddle to Evans in 2020. Overall, this Bucs offense is scary and should continue to cause problems for opposing defenses in 2021.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Passing: Kyler Murray – 4115 yds, 33 TDs, 12 INTs, 63.5% CMP
Rushing: James Conner – 202 rush, 874 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: DeAndre Hopkins – 121 rec, 1478 yds, 9 TDs
Summary: The Cardinals had a surprisingly good season in 2020, but ended very poorly and narrowly missed the playoffs. Kyler Murray was a little inconsistent, but excellent at times. A healthy season would give us a chance to really see him at his full potential. I see Murray having another good season both throwing and running the ball. Arizona also tried to fix the running back position by letting Kenyan Drake walk in free agency and signing James Conner. I don’t see Conner being a great running back, but he can be a serviceable player and could run for close to 1000 yards. DeAndre Hopkins will continue to lead this talented receiving squad, and he’ll be a huge reason for any Cardinals’ success this season. The only thing that may keep the Cardinals out of the playoffs is their very tough division. Overall though, this is a great offense with numerous playmakers. Don’t sleep on the Cardinals in 2021.
Los Angeles Rams
Passing: Matthew Stafford – 4784 yds, 39 TDs, 10 INTs, 68.7% CMP
Rushing: Cam Akers – 247 rush, 1179 yds, 10 TDs
Receiving: Robert Woods – 94 rec, 1167 yds, 6 TDs
Summary: The Rams made one of the biggest moves of the off-season by trading for Matthew Stafford. He immediately vaults them into a Super Bowl contender and should be a favorite for the MVP award. I see him having one of his best seasons yet in his first season in Los Angeles. I also see Cam Akers thriving in a lead-back role, going for over 1100 yards in his second season. The battle between Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp to lead this team in receiving yards should be very close, as they’ve been neck and neck every year for the last few seasons. I see Woods coming out on top and leading this receiving corps in yards in the end. The Rams are one of the better teams in the league, and adding Matt Stafford has made them an offense that no one wants to play against.
San Francisco 49ers
Passing: Jimmy Garappolo – 3967 yds, 28 TDs, 12 INTs, 64.6% CMP
Rushing: Raheem Mostert – 179 rush, 813 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: Brandon Aiyuk – 78 rec, 1021 yds, 8 TDs
Summary: The 49ers were the most injury-plagued team last year and it kept them from putting together a consistent a year after making a Super Bowl appearance. Jimmy Garappolo is now just the guy that will start until Trey Lance is ready. But, he should at least get most of this season to try and revive his career after a poor and injury-filled 2020. I think he’ll be a lot better in 2021. The running back committee is the signature group of this San Francisco offense, and there are probably about four guys who could lead this team in rushing. I think Raheem Mostert will end up being the guy, but it’ll be interesting to watch. Brandon Aiyuk should take a big jump in Year 2 and lead this team in receiving. This will be a compelling offense to follow in 2021, and hopefully, they avoid injuries better than they did in 2020.
Seattle Seahawks
Passing: Russell Wilson – 4475 yds, 39 TDs, 13 INTs, 66.8% CMP
Rushing: Chris Carson – 254 rush, 1185 yds, 9 TDs
Receiving: D.K. Metcalf – 92 rec, 1386 yds, 12 TDs
Summary: The Seahawks were one of the hottest teams in football at the beginning of last year, but they cooled off towards the end of the year and got knocked out early in the playoffs. Russell Wilson was inconsistent but spectacular at times, and he’ll look to avoid some of the lows of last season. He should end up having a great season. Getting Chris Carson back for the full season will help this offense tremendously, he could go for over 1100 yards. D.K. Metcalf is also due for a huge season after making a large jump in Year 2. Don’t be surprised if he’s among the league leaders in a few categories by the end of this season. This Seahawks team should be fun to watch on offense, as they look to find consistent play and make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
League Leaders
Passing Completion Percentage: Derek Carr (69.7%)
Passing Yards: Josh Allen (5053 yds)
Passing Touchdowns: Patrick Mahomes (47 TDs)
Receptions: Stefon Diggs (124 rec)
Receiving Yards: Tyreek Hill (1607 yds)
Receiving Touchdowns: Tyreek Hill (15 TDs)
Rushing Attempts: Derrick Henry (356 rush)
Rushing Yards: Derrick Henry (1867 yds)
Rushing Touchdowns: Dalvin Cook (15 TDs)