All that separates the NFL from another decade is the 2019 season. Where has this decade gone and what will the next one bring?
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick retire simultaneously
Arguably the greatest coach-QB tag-team the NFL has seen will do the smart thing and stroll to the exit together. It will happen on their terms when they are good and ready … or if they realize another ring isn’t happening.
Baker Mayfield leads the Browns to promised land
The Kiss of Death, right? Not this time Baker Mayfield and the young Browns are going to find their way to the Super Bowl. They may not win in their first appearance but Cleveland knows a title is worth waiting for and will savor it when it happens.
Daniel Jones will replace Eli Manning
He joins the list of players branded as awful before they played for any New York team. And Duke’s Daniel Jones will show the Big Apple he is not Dave Brown. Jones will make it simple for Big Blue to move on from Eli Manning and will have a better career than most anticipate.
Sean McVay eventually leaves the Rams
All good things come to an end. McVay is far to young to settle forever with his first date. At some time, temptation and mega-bucks will be offered and he will exit Los Angeles and its stunning new stadium. Could he wind up in Washington? Not if Daniel Snyder is calling the shots. McVay may be young but he is wise.
Jason Garrett will be Cowboys coach until…
Despite continuing to not bring a Super Bowl to the Dallas Cowboys, Jason Garrett will remain as coach of America’s Team until he “leaves on his own terms” when …
Bob Stoops will be named Cowboys coach
… After winning the XFL championship for the year or two the league is in existence, Bob Stoops moves from that league to the NFL as coach of the franchise in the same city he had success in the fledgling league: Dallas.
The Houston Texans will win a Super Bowl
It may take a few years into the next decade but eventually, Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins & Co. in Houston will find a way to win a Super Bowl. The team is too talented on both sides of the ball to not advance deep in the playoffs and make the long run to the title.
Jon Gruden doesn’t lead Raiders to a championship
Big contract, big deal. Jon Gruden’s second run with the Raiders is not going to see a complete turnaround and championship parade down the strip in Las Vegas.
The Lions still haven’t won a title
The Detroit Lions are not going to win a title in the next decade. Would you expect anything else?
The XFL fails, yet again
More money spent and more dreams doused. Vince McMahon always tries his best to make things work. This will be strike two in football, or is that some kind of twisted mix. The only hope for survival is a deal with the NFL and when that doesn’t happen, the empty seats and sluggish play will prove too high of a hurdle.
Oliver Luck isn’t named NFL Commissioner
Despite all his efforts and experience as XFL Commissioner, Oliver Luck’s resume will not be enough to make him the replacement if — when? — Roger Goodell decides he has made enough money and decisions to step aside.
Kyler and Kliff won’t bring a title to the desert
Kyler Murray will outlast Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona. That does not mean he will enjoy his time in the desert. The Heisman-winning Oklahoma quarterback is going to learn the outfield in Oakland is a lot less dangerous than being in the NFL.
The Raiders will return to Oakland
The journey to Vegas will turn out the way it does for so many seeking riches … a total loss. As happened when the Silver and Black moved to Los Angeles, a return to their proper home in Oakland is in the, um, cards.
Kickoff returns will be abolished
After turning touchbacks into a virtual certainty, the NFL will decide to do away with kickoffs. One of the game’s most exciting plays will have been rendered moot and become a piece of the sport’s history.
The NFL will go to a draft lottery
The league won’t do it quickly but the more popular the NBA lottery becomes, the more NFL brass will realize it is an opportunity to create another event the fans will adore.
The Super Bowl will change dates
Rather than remain in early February, the NFL will push the Super Bowl to the Sunday of Presidents’ Day weekend. This way it will become a full-blown celebration and many people won’t have to worry about showing up at work exhausted on Monday.
Eli Manning will be a Hall-of-Fame inductee
Despite all the controversy driven by the media, two Super Bowls and the rich family heritage will be enough to get Eli Manning enshrined in Canton. It may not be on the first vote, just so the deciders can make a point, but Manning will take his deserved place.
Arch Manning wins a Super Bowl
Before the calendar turns to 2030, Arch Manning, son of Cooper, grandson of Archie and nephew of Eli and Peyton, will be a No. 1 overall pick and will lead his team to a Super Bowl ring. It’s not too much of a leap. Look at the talent this high school freshman already has.
