Before we start the predictions, I want to take a moment and talk about the longevity and success of this league. 20 years ago, I was a 21 year old kid with an idea to create an online madden league, but really had no idea how it worked. With the help of Dolan (Lhu27) we created the MOF. We had some bumps and bruises in our first few seasons, but now 64 seasons later here we are. One of the most prestigious leagues out there. As we enter our unprecedented 64th season, a number that not many leagues have seen, I want to thank every single one of you for making this league what it is. I say this all the time, but this is a wonderful hobby for all of us. Something to get our minds off the everyday grind and have a place to escape for a few hours a week. I take pride and pleasure in providing that for you guys, so again, thank you for making the MOF great!
Welcome to the Season 65 Predictions! First, out of the 14 teams predicted to make the Season 64 playoffs, I got 6 right in the AFC and 5 right in the NFC. 2 for 4 in the title games, and the champion was correctly predicted, for the 3rd straight season. We saw MackDaddy win his 3rd straight Super Bowl title, a feat that only has been done two times in MOF history. Everyone is wondering, can he be the first coach in MOF history to win 4 straight Super Bowls? The pressure is on! We didn't see much change when the playoffs hit for the AFC, we have our fantastic 7 and then the rest. I really don't see much change this season either, barring a surge from the Bengals or comeback from the Bills, I see the same exact teams in the playoffs. As far as the NFC, that's always a revolving door after the first 4 division title winners. We could see the Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals, Bears, Cowboys, Bucs, Falcons, etc. List goes on and on. I expect to maybe see the Saints take a step forward with the addition of Russell Wilson. Maybe we will see an AFC team take down the NFC for once? I think the Colts are ready to take the next step after some brutal playoff failures. Or maybe the new Raiders coach will have something to say when it's all said and done? All we know is that the MOF is on fire, we've been running through seasons in 42 to 44 days and really have been on a roll, I expect nothing less this season either! Let's have some fun with these predictions now can we?
*Remember all these predictions are very in depth. We go game by game with the current schedule and predict games 1 by 1 and that's how we come up with our algorithms. Remember this is all in good fun and for some, some bulletin board material! Enjoy
by Commissioner Jeff
February 4, 2022
Biggest Off-Season Addition: TE Travis Kelce - MIA (94 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: TE Jonnu Smith - NE (83 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: LE Earl Reece - BUF (77 ovr)
The AFC East was exactly what we expected last season. We expected the Jets to bounce back with a full focused season and that's what Enzo did. The Buffalo Bills took a huge step backwards after going 13-4 in Season 63, they dropped to 4-13 in Season 64. The Miami Dolphins were a bit of a disappointment going 7-10 and the Patriots were absolutely horrendous going 1-16 tying the record for the most losses in a single season. We start with the defending division champion Jets. Enzo isn't really one to make a lot of moves during the off-season, however he landed two big names in WR Mike Williams and CB Steven Nelson. The Jets are pretty solid everywhere on the field, and I really don't see any of these teams in the East giving him a problem. Could we see a surprise comeback from Buffalo or a surge from Miami? Sure we could, but I still don't think it would be enough to knock off the Jets. The Buffalo Bills had themselves a reverse Cinderella story last season. We thought Bill turned the corner with his 13-4 Season 63 and he was ready to be a perennial playoff contender, but we were wrong. The Bills plummeted down to 4-13. Josh Allen had 68 interceptions and that's despicable. The Bills went out and traded for La'el Collins from Dallas to sure up their offensive line, which is very good. The Bills have a nice squad, and if he can just bounce back from a tough season, he could have a chance at the division. I think Buffalo has a better chance at winning the AFC East than earning a wild-card, let's see if he can turn it back around. The Miami Dolphins were actually projected to be a threat to the Jets and this division last season, but that wasn't the case when the smoke cleared. This season the Dolphins come in making some nice moves, trading for TE Travis Kelce and signing the 47 year old Tom Brady. Will that be enough to get over that hump though? We actually predicted them to finish worse than last season. A tough schedule combined with the uncertainty of Brady might be the issue, but we still think Miami can surprise some people. The New England Patriots had one of the worst seasons in the history of the MOF. Finishing 1-16 and Drew Lock throwing 66 interceptions. Unfortunately we don't see much changing this season. The schedule doesn't get any easier, he only has about 2 or 3 winnable games on there. We're hoping we're wrong, and we're hoping we can see the Patriots really make a 180 turnaround but I just think the cards are stacked up against him from Week 1.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: QB Deshaun Watson - BAL (96 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: TE Austin Hooper - CLE (89 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: LB George Houghtaling - PIT (76 ovr)
The AFC North was another one of those divisions that we saw coming. The one surprise was the Bengals quietly going 10-7 after we predicted them to go 3-14. This was the Browns division from day 1 and it remains that way going into this season. Sure the Ravens traded for Deshaun Watson and Leslie Owens, but that wont be enough. The Steelers didn't do much, the Bengals didn't do much and if you want to knock off a Hall of Fame coach like Healy, you need to do more. We start with those Browns, who come into this season as the favorites to win the division, clearly. They did lose TE Austin Hooper to free-agency, but with Njoku there they won't miss him much. When you look at this team on paper, they are stacked. Every position is strong. It's no wonder these guys win the division season in and season out. I'm expecting a huge season out of McCaffrey and the Browns to make a serious run at the AFC title. The Cincinnati Bengals as we mentioned before had a surprise season that we did not see coming, finishing 10-7 and only 1 game behind the 7th seed, they are coming back with basically the same team. FS Jessie Bates is clearly the MVP of this team with his 99 rating, he commands the secondary and makes it tough on opponents to go down field. I think the Bengals are one of those wild-card, firecracker teams that you just never know what you're going to get. That's pretty much how Shawtypizzle's career has gone here in the MOF. He could go 10-7 or 4-13 with a blink of an eye. I expect something in between, but I do find them interesting going into this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished 2-15 last season and that's pretty much what we expected. They lost to the Lions and Ravens twice which is unreal, but they did. The Steelers have a lot of work to do still, talent wise they need to get on the sticks and practice. 3rd year QB Gregory Kramer needs to try harder to stop getting his name pasted on the top 10 most interceptions thrown in a season. Najee Harris, Davante Adams provide some really nice weapons for Remo, he needs to take advantage of that. I do not expect much from Pittsburgh again, but we're rooting for you. The Baltimore Ravens and JakeLogan made one of the biggest moves in the entire edition by trading for QB Deshaun Watson. It looks like he's had enough of DeAngelo Charlton, who broke the record for most interceptions thrown with 94. Wow. They also went out and traded for WR Leslie Owens who is an x-factor formerly on the Chiefs. Will that be enough to earn more than 2 wins? I don't know. I hope so. But i just don't see them doing much more than they did last season.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: FS Budda Baker - HOU (99 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: QB Deshaun Watson - HOU (96 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: HB Stephen Sawyer - TEN (80 ovr)
The AFC South got a little more competitive last season as we saw Dre finally back for a full season with the Jaguars, and we saw what he can do going 13-4 but just falling short of the division title. The Colts again dominated the regular season, going 15-2 and winning the AFC South before being ousted in the divisional round of the playoffs. We also saw the Texans and Coach MMX improve to 8-9 from a 2-15 season. The Titans broke into the top 10 in some passing records with Tannehill but fall short of the playoffs. We begin with the defending division champion Colts. Boobie has turned into one of the top coaches in the MOF, season in and season out he wins a ton of games and gets himself into prime position to go deep into the playoffs. He was the only 1 to beat the rookie Raiders coach before he lost in the Super Bowl. Jonathan Taylor won himself another MVP and he's turning into the MOF modern day Walter Payton. The Colts will win this division again, but I don't think it'll be easy. The division is getting better, Dre is focused, and MMX is turning his team around. I just hope the Colts can snap his playoff woes and get to the big game. The Jaguars and BigDre had themselves a great Season 64, going 13-4 and getting to the divisional round of the playoffs. Dre is a model of consistency and he shows it season in and season out. Lawrence, Robinson, and Ja'Marr Chase have proven to be a 3-headed monster that is tough to handle. Although the Jaguars and Dre are known for makin' moves we didn't see too much movin this off-season out of Dre. Maybe he didn't have enough 4th round picks to trade. Either way, the Jaguars are here to stay. I expect them to be in the post-season, without a doubt. MMX has turned the Texans into a place where players want to go. Last off-season he landed Dalvin Cook, this off-season he lands Budda Baker!! He also trades Deshaun Watson, in what many call a risky move. They replaced Watson with Matthew Stafford, who at 36 years old can still sling the ball. I expect Houston to give every team he plays a fight. Although, I kind of see the Texans finishing with about the same record as they had last season, I wouldn't be completely shocked to see them swap with Dre and jump into 2nd place. If they can do that, they'll be a playoff team. The Tennessee Titans and Coach DoubleD had an interesting Season 64, as they steered away from pounding the rock with Derrick Henry and started throwing it around with Tannehill, Julio, Metcalf, and Murray. Now, it wouldn't be an off-season if we didn't talk about DoubleD's draft, right? HB Stephen Sawyer (80 ovr) and CB Rudy Sherman (79 ovr). Rudy Sherman comes into the MOF with 99 PRC and 99 Awareness. What!? It's unfair, and he will be a reason Double D wins a game or two, mark my words. I think the Titans realistically can finish 3rd and sneak into the post-season, or he can finish 4th and under .500. It's going to be interesting to see, in a very competitive division.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: WR Cooper Kupp - DEN (88)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: WR Leslie Owens - KC (82 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: LE Clay Wright - LV (75 ovr)
The AFC West has been the most dominant division through 3 seasons. Even though we had a mid-season replacement of the Raiders, the new Raiders coach did not miss a beat going 9-1 (2-1 in playoffs) en route to a Super Bowl appearance, in which they lost 54-44 to the Packers. The Chargers and Chiefs also dominated, setting records in takeaways, defensive interceptions, and scoring. When i talk about the best division, this could be one of the best divisions we've ever seen in any season(s) of MOF. We start with the Las Vegas Raiders. Like we mentioned before, we saw Coach Chef leave the MOF after winning his first 7 games and then rookie Coach Number1FanofEA (We have to shorten that name) go 9-1 to finish 16-1 in the regular season. The Raiders then reached the Super Bowl where they lost, like we said. This season we see N1FAN, there we go, start with a full season. I think that will help him, not like he needs it, get a feel for the league and the opponents he will face. I expect them to win the division, in a tight race with the Chargers. I love the receiving team of Ruggs and Cooks, it's just unfair. Speaking of the Chargers, what a season. 14-3 and so close once again to getting to the Super Bowl. However, Roc fell short in the title game for the 2nd straight season. Roc is setting records for offense, scoring, and defensive interceptions. His team is complete to say the least and he knows how to move that Roc (pun intended). I really like the tandem of Herbert, Ekeler, and Allen. Although Allen and Ekeler are both getting a little long in the tooth, they are still extremely serviceable. The one thing about the Chargers, is that they are getting a little older. J.J. Watt is still out there xfactoring it up at 35 yrs old. Their secondary is probably their biggest strength, with Samuel Jr., Mullen, Ojemudia, Burgess, and Derwin. The Chargers will be fighting for that division title, whoever doesn't get it, will be the 5th seed. The Kansas City Chiefs have made the post-season three straight seasons, with the same exact record each season, 11-6. They are consistent no matter what they do with their roster, and when we think they are out of it, they jump back into it. They made another big trade, giving up Leslie Owens who they developed into an x-factor receiver. They are doing a great job at keeping this team relevant despite the cap issues, as they work around everything. Don't get it twisted though, they still have Hardman, Fuller, and Bateman at WR and Jordan at TE. Don't forget Edwards-Helaire at RB. Their offense is stacked, and they will be a playoff team as long as Mahomes is under center for Bubba. I expect them to be right back there, as the 6th or 7th seed once again. Coach Trig is a Hall of Fame coach in a juggernaut division and he's trying to do whatever it takes to get his team better. Definitely talent wise the Broncos are the weakest team in the division, so Trig is trying to overcome that. They did so this season by throwing the bank at Cooper Kupp. Paired with Jeudy and Sutton, these guys have a great receiving corps. Chip Dugan at QB has been fantastic for Trig, being able to run and throw he's showing his versatility. However they lack a strong run game, and a safety valve at TE. That's all it takes sometimes to put you behind the 8-ball. This division is just too strong for Trig to climb out of the basement. I'd be surprised if they did.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: SS Adrian Amos - NYG (87 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: RG Zack Martin - DAL (96 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: HB Justin Yarborough - DAL (80 ovr)
Coach Betts with a full season at Coach of the Washington Commanders (yes Commanders) but they are still the Football team until Madden '23. Anyway, with a full season for Betts he showed what he could do, going 13-4 but getting bounced out of the divisional round by MackDaddy's Packers. The rest of the division did exactly what they thought they would. It was predicted just about perfectly, although we picked Dallas to go 8-9, he went 9-8, the rest were on the money. I see the same kind of result this season as well. We start with Washington. I don't see anyway Washington loses this division. It's true they didn't make any eye opening moves, like they usually do, they still have Baker Mayfield, Antonio Gibson, and Terry McLaurin coming back and sometimes no change is good change. I expect Gibson to have another fantastic season, and Washington to be right there fighting to get to the Super Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys have been very consistent over the past 3 seasons. The first season Coach Powers went 11-6 and the last two seasons 9-8 both times. I think Dallas is sitting right around that 9-8 mark once again, maybe 10-7 if they can upset someone, but 9-8 is the record it usually takes in the NFC to get into the post-season. I think they are one of the teams that will be right there when the wild-card race is commencing. The draft of HB Justin Yarborough was one of the best picks of draft night, does this mean the end of Elliott in Dallas? They also traded Collins and Martin, which might really hurt them more than they think. The Philadelphia Eagles and Coach PremierPlayer had a full season under his belt, and although he finished 6-11 he had some moments where he looked like he was going to take that next step. The defense could use some work, but his offense is very good. QB John Keyes enters his 3rd season and he's turning into one of the top QBs in the MOF. The Eagles didn't really make too many moves, and I think that might hurt them in the end. I predict them to have around the same record as last season, maybe a game or two worse. The New York Giants were very active in the off-season, signing one of the top free-agents on the market in SS Adrian Amos. The Giants have a very solid team, they are hurting at QB, which is true, but the rest of this team is very good and there is no reason they should be finishing 4-13 or worse. I really like the linebackers on this team, Griffin and Dixon wreak havoc and I really hope Doug can turn the page and figure it out because I'd love to see him win. Also, take a look at this secondary. Jackson, Bradberry, Amos, and Peppers. Wow. Unfortunately, these guys have a tough schedule. I don't see them making it out of the basement, so I'm saying 3 or 4 wins maybe less.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: LB Jerome Baker - MIN (83 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: FS Adrian Amos - GB (87 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: SS Shaquille Shields - MIN (77 ovr)
I guess it wouldn't be an MOF season anymore unless Mack wins a damn title right? )'m sure you're all sick of hearing it, but we're in the midst of greatness as Bud Kilmer says "Tonight, we play Bingville.. tonight, we beat Bingville." Coach Mack is embarking on achievements we have never seen here in the MOF in all of our 64 seasons we have never had a coach win 4 straight Super Bowls, but Mack has his shot this season. Speaking of which, what about the rest of the division? The Bears and Pettigrew have won 11 games 3 straight seasons, and even though Krayzie had a tough Season 64 he's been competitive as well. But, let's jump back to Green Bay and start there. Aaron Rodgers is back for what has to be his last season, or his last season in Green Bay. Regression has hit a little bit, but Rodgers is still an x-factor with 91 THP and 91 THA. Aaron Jones is a dominating HB, and AJ Dillion is a fantastic back up. The Packers didn't move too many players in the off-season, they did lose Adrian Amos to the Giants, which will hurt a little bit, but I expect Mack to be really focused on making MOF history this season. Expect a near perfect season, and we'll see what happens in the playoffs. The Chicago Bears and Coach Pettigrew are sick of playing second fiddle, he hasn't said this directly, but i can feel it in his hair cut. Pettigrew is a hall of fame coach, and he's the last one to win a title before Mack's 3 straight. So he is ready to try and dethrone the champ. Petti started running the ball more towards the end of the season with great success as David Montgomery started really coming into his own. Expect this more this season, a more of a clock control type of offense with a great defense. Pettigrew's Bears are shoe ins when it comes to the playoffs, you can pretty much tattoo the Bears into the 5th seed. The Minnesota Vikings had themselves a road block of a season 64. Rookie QB Joshua Nelson Jr. set records for passing interceptions in a game, and finished in the top 5 all-time in interceptions thrown in a season. The trade of Dalvin Cook might have some regrets. However, the Vikings are ready to play this season. Clean slate, and a great draft headlined by SS Shaquille Shields, the Vikes look to make a run at the post-season once again. The Vikes went out and signed Sony Michel after trading Kene to the Seahawks, and i think Michel might be the answer for them as they look to pound the rock. I also like Koren Kent, write that name down. The retirement of Adam Thielen left a little hole so they also went out and signed Robert Woods and Jarvis Landry, nice. The Vikings have a good team, I just think they are in a very tough division, with a tough schedule, so I'd be surprised if they finish above .500. The Detroit Lions had a historically bad season 64 going 1-16. Eddie is coming off a season where he threw 93 interceptions with Jared Goff, which was coming off a season where he threw 70 in Season 63. That's 163 interceptions in just 2 seasons, 34 games. Eddie clearly knows what the issue is, its the turnovers. Maybe its time for a fresh start at QB? Maybe its time to send Goff packing before he dives into a deep depression. Either way, I feel like I cannot predict the Lions to win more than 1 game until they do.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: QB Russell Wilson - NO (91 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: FS Budda Baker - CAR (99 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: WR Shakim Barker - CAR (79 ovr)
This is by far one of the most fun divisions in the MOF. Coach Q, Jfon, Big Reg, and Minden are just great MOF veterans and have the utmost respect for each other, which makes it just a great watch. The division was won once again by the Panthers and Coach Q who came on strong in the final part of the season. Lamar Jackson and Cam Akers dominated down the stretch and that defense, phew. The Falcons and BigReg just missed out on the playoffs by 1 game, even Papa Shango loses sometimes. The Bucs had the division by the nards before a collapse in the final 10 games left him at 7-10. And the Saints once again finished 4-13, but they have made some big moves to get back to greatness. We begin with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers made headlines when they beat Witness' 49ers in the divisional round last season, before losing in the NFC title game to the Packers. They are taking the next step, and they are a team you should fear. When you have Lamar Jackson moving around that field the way that he does, they can beat anyone. They also made headlines in the offseason when they traded Budda Baker for the #1 overall pick in the draft. You see, the Panthers let Cooper Kupp walk and then they drafted an absolute stud in Shakim Barker. I look for Barker to be the new #1 and to dominate on the field. I really like the Panthers to win this division once again, and to really challenge the top 3 in the NFC as they fight to get to the Super Bowl. Coach Jfon's Buccaneers took a hit last season, after starting I think 6-1 it was, they wound up finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs. In the off-season Jfon let Tom Brady go at 47 years old, and he didn't retire. However this is why Jfon traded for Joe Burrow last season, it's Burrow time and I'm excited. This team is loaded at offensive line, so I expect them to run that rock with Jones and Fournette. Look for Godwin, Evans and Miller to have good years under Burrow as well. I really like the Bucs this season, it's always a flip flop with the Bucs and Falcons, but )'m giving the edge to Tampa this season. However I think whoever finishes in 2nd place here, will get into the playoffs as the 7th seed. Speaking of the Falcons, here we are. It seems like every season we predict Reg to fall off, and he cuts that out and pastes it on his wall for motivation, because every time he proves me wrong. Well, I honestly think it can go either way this season. I still think the Falcons can finish 10-7, 9-8. It's just a matter of a few games, I have them finishing at 8-9 and barely missing the playoffs just because of a little bit of a tougher schedule than the Bucs. The Falcons really didn't make too many off-season moves and that might come back to bite them. The New Orleans Saints are one of the talks of the off-season. Trading for Russell Wilson finally gives them the QB they have been looking for all edition. They had to pay a hefty price, letting Ryan Ramczyk walk in the process, but worth it for them. Coach Minden and Russell Wilson have their history, as Minden has had the Seahawks in previous editions, so he has a great handle on him as it is. The Saints are always good for 1 or 2 wins where you say, wow, that's the Minden i remember. I expect some more of those this season and hey, they could really be a surprise team going into this season. I unfortunately went with my gut and picked them to finish last, but something inside of me is telling me i could be very wrong.
Biggest Off-Season Addition: RG Zack Martin - LAR (96 ovr)
Biggest Off-Season Subtraction: TE Travis Kelce - ARI (94 ovr)
Best Draft Selection: LB Alonzo Hyde - SF (74 ovr)
The NFC West was once again dominated by Coach MrWitness and his 49ers. Going 15-2 and winning yet another MVP with Trey Lance, Witness is showing you exactly why he was inducted into the Hall of Fame before the edition. The rest of the division is highly competitive as well, as the NFC West is the only division in the MOF that has had all 4 teams make the playoffs at least once in the edition. The Seahawks and Rams took the next step up last season as they both finished 10-7 and made the playoffs. The Cardinals fell back and had a tough ending to their season as they went 6-11. We do start with the 49ers and that incredible offense led by Trey Lance. Lance had a 139 QB Rating and threw 52 TDs to 14 INTs last season, in what was one of the best QB seasons we've ever seen, period. The run game of the 49ers is also deadly, as they drafted Immanuel Harrison to spell Troy Sermon. Don't forget about Elijah Mitchell too. There's really no weakness on either side of the ball for the 49ers. Witness has this game down, and he's tough to beat. I expect them to once again finish with a great record, 14 or 15 wins and to come out on top of the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals had a really tough stretch to finish off Season 64. It all started with a cocky response in a press conference before a 41-0 blow out to the 49ers that sent the team morale in the toilet. The Cardinals worked hard to improve their interior line on both sides of the ball. Coupled with the signing of TE Austin Hooper and trading for LB Tanner Muse and DE Gregory Rousseau, they have improved greatly. I think the schedule favors the Cardinals over the Rams and Seahawks, and if the Cards can at least split with Seattle and the Rams, they should have a slight edge in the standings. I think whoever can finish in 2nd place here, will get into the playoffs. If the Cardinals can ride Nick Chubb all season, it should be them. The Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson in the off-season and didn't really replace him. They drafted 3 QBs , hoping one can fill the shoes but I think ultimately this is going to be the downfall of the Seahawks. They had a great season 64 making the post-season at 10-7 but without an x-factor QB they are going to be in for a reality check. Now don't get me wrong, Seattle is still a solid team and AssuredFame is one of the most underrated coaches and users here, so don't be surprised if I'm completely incorrect, I've been incorrect before. I just think the loss of a QB of that caliber has to hurt. The LA Rams are also coming off a great off-season where they were able to trade for RG Zack Martin. The real question is, who will be the QB? Mac Jones or Kellen Mond? The Rams came into their own last season finishing 10-7 but this season they have a brutal schedule, it's going to be tough to repeat that performance. They definitely have the team, and Bengalsonly has the skill, i just see them taking a step or two back.
