We have now seen a few weeks of NFL football. Some fans should be thrilled with unexpected success while others have watched in dismay as their teams struggled week after week. One thing is for sure: fans have a better sense of how they think their favorite team will do this year now that they’ve watched some games. Here’s what some of Southern’s NFL fans had to say about how they think their favorite teams will do this year.
Cristian Sorto, sophomore theology major
I am a Patriots fan, born and raised in Boston. The Patriots have had a strong season every year for the past 16 to 17 years. It’s a dynasty, and as long as Brady is quarterback, they’ll go far. They are always contenders and I have faith they’ll be back in the Super Bowl. Last year’s loss was a heartbreaking one, but the hope is that they’ll be right back. I think they’ll go 13-3.
Derek Onjukka, senior biology major
Any Lions fan watching this week’s game was baffled to see them perform the way they did. Matthew Stafford playing every quarter like it was the fourth, Kerryon Johnson breaking the Lions’ 100-yard rushing drought, and watching Matt Patricia hurl the challenge flag 20 yards made this week’s game feel like a dream too good to be true. Beating Tom Brady and the Patriots should count as two wins. Don’t count out Detroit as division contenders if they keep up this level of play.
Everett Scott, sophomore computer information systems major
My favorite team is the NY Giants, and as far as I’ve seen, we’re 1-2. Right now I don’t see my team making the playoffs because of one big fact: We just can’t protect our QB. Our offense isn’t bad or anything, but when you can’t protect the guy who makes the throws, how are you supposed to score? We have time to turn it around but, as of now, we need a huge turnaround to even make the playoffs.
Dalmax Trasporte, junior, physical therapist assistant major
I believe the Giants’ season will depend on Odell Beckham Jr. If he and Manning can connect on their passes, the Giants will make it to the playoffs. If all the players stay healthy they can make a good run when they get there.
Jayson Rhea, senior, business and math major
I think the Dallas Cowboys will make it to the playoffs based on the players they have who are healthy. I think it’s too early to talk about seeing them in the Super Bowl, but I can see them having a positive season overall.
Josh Salguero, junior biology major
Every year, it’s a safe bet to say that the New England Patriots will be in the Super Bowl. However, as a result of the four game suspension of Julius Edelman, the slew of recent injuries and losing to Jacksonville, that assumption might need to be reassessed. The one thing the Patriots have done right is that they are constantly on the lookout for new players via signing or trades. The acquisition of Josh Gordon is a perfect example of this. Regardless of the situation that they find themselves in, the brilliance and dominance partnered with skill and talent of the Patriots have proven to be a lethal weapon for all of the teams in the NFL. This year, the Patriots are hungry for a win after losing to the Eagles. Edelman will be back with fire in his eyes and ice in his veins, and Gordon will want to prove to everyone that he is a legitimate player ready for greatness. The Patriots are winning the Super Bowl.
Alex Bahn, junior chemistry major
My favorite team is the Atlanta Falcons, and I have high expectations for this season. The Super Bowl is in Atlanta this year, so it would be awesome if they made it. I expect the team to win the NFC South Division and go far into the playoffs. If they can fix their current problems and overcome the major losses that we suffered from injuries, then I anticipate a Super Bowl win.
Nathan Batres, junior, biology major
Expectations for Philadelphia Eagles are held high this year as they make their return as defending Super Bowl Champs for the first time in history. This year looks fairly promising due to their depth and the return of Carson Wentz, also known as Prince Henry, who was not available for the playoffs last year due to his ACL & LCL tears. Look for the Eagles to hit their stride come December in their attempt to secure a playoff spot.