theScore's 2019 NFL predictions for Super Bowl LIV, MVP, and more
The first game of the 2019 campaign is on its way. theScore's NFL staff kicks things off with playoff, Super Bowl, and awards predictions for this season.
AFC
| East | North | South | West | WC | WC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alessandrini | NE | CLE | JAX | KC | BAL | NYJ |
| Browne | NE | PIT | HOU | KC | CLE | BAL |
| Chippin | NE | PIT | HOU | KC | BAL | NYJ |
| Gill | NE | CLE | HOU | KC | PIT | DEN |
| McClymont | NE | PIT | JAX | KC | LAC | BAL |
| Wilkins | NE | BAL | IND | KC | CLE | LAC |
| Woods | NE | PIT | HOU | KC | LAC | BAL |
theScore staff was bullish on the Colts entering 2019, but after Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement, only one editor still believes they'll make the playoffs. Now, the Texans are favored to come out of the AFC South.
NFC
| East | North | South | West | WC | WC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alessandrini | PHI | CHI | CAR | LAR | ATL | GB |
| Browne | PHI | GB | ATL | SEA | CAR | CHI |
| Chippin | PHI | MIN | CAR | SEA | NO | GB |
| Gill | PHI | GB | NO | SEA | CAR | LAR |
| McClymont | PHI | CHI | NO | LAR | MIN | ATL |
| Wilkins | PHI | GB | NO | LAR | MIN | ATL |
| Woods | PHI | MIN | ATL | LAR | NO | SEA |
The Eagles are the unanimous pick as the class of the NFC East, yet every other playoff spot is up for grabs. Among the teams expected to bounce back are the Falcons, Packers, and Panthers.
AFC Championship Game
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Chiefs vs. Patriots |
| Browne | Patriots vs. Ravens |
| Chippin | Patriots vs. Chiefs |
| Gill | Chiefs vs. Browns |
| McClymont | Chiefs vs. Chargers |
| Wilkins | Chiefs vs. Patriots |
| Woods | Chiefs vs. Patriots |
Expect to see at least one familiar face back in the AFC title game. Every one of our editors picked either the Patriots or Chiefs to return to the conference championship round, while four of the seven expect an outright rematch.
NFC Championship Game
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Eagles vs. Rams |
| Browne | Eagles vs. Falcons |
| Chippin | Eagles vs. Panthers |
| Gill | Saints vs. Packers |
| McClymont | Rams vs. Eagles |
| Wilkins | Eagles vs. Packers |
| Woods | Eagles vs. Saints |
Again, the staff is very much aboard the Wentzwagon, as all but one editor selected the Eagles to return to the conference championship game.
Super Bowl LIV
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Eagles def. Chiefs |
| Browne | Patriots def. Eagles |
| Chippin | Patriots def. Eagles |
| Gill | Saints def. Chiefs |
| McClymont | Rams def. Chiefs |
| Wilkins | Eagles def. Chiefs |
| Woods | Eagles def. Chiefs |
Five out of seven editors have the Chiefs reaching their first Super Bowl since 1969 ... and none of them predict they'll hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
The other two picks are for a rematch of the 2017 Super Bowl, with the Patriots coming out on top this time around.
Rookies of the Year
| Offensive | Defensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Kyler Murray | Ed Oliver |
| Browne | Josh Jacobs | Rock Ya-Sin |
| Chippin | Kyler Murray | Devin Bush |
| Gill | David Montgomery | Devin Bush |
| McClymont | Kyler Murray | Greedy Williams |
| Wilkins | Josh Jacobs | Chase Winovich |
| Woods | David Montgomery | Devin Bush |
Our favorites for the rookie awards are the Cardinals' top pick Kyler Murray and Steelers linebacker Devin Bush.
Players of the Year
| Offensive | Defensive | |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Christian McCaffrey | Myles Garrett |
| Browne | Julio Jones | Aaron Donald |
| Chippin | Christian McCaffrey | Jadeveon Clowney |
| Gill | Saquon Barkley | Von Miller |
| McClymont | Christian McCaffrey | Khalil Mack |
| Wilkins | Julio Jones | Frank Clark |
| Woods | Deshaun Watson | Myles Garrett |
The Panthers' do-everything back Christian McCaffrey and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett are popular picks to win the Player of the Year awards.
Coach of the Year
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Freddie Kitchens |
| Browne | Matt LaFleur |
| Chippin | Mike Zimmer |
| Gill | Sean Payton |
| McClymont | Andy Reid |
| Wilkins | Matt LaFleur |
| Woods | Doug Pederson |
The Coach of the Year field runs the gamut of candidates, but you can never go wrong with a rookie coach, like Matt LaFleur, that overachieves in his first season.
MVP
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Alessandrini | Carson Wentz |
| Browne | Patrick Mahomes |
| Chippin | Christian McCaffrey |
| Gill | Patrick Mahomes |
| McClymont | Carson Wentz |
| Wilkins | Carson Wentz |
| Woods | Deshaun Watson |
It's a quarterback-driven league and the name that came up most on our MVP ballot is that of Carson Wentz. Barring another injury, there's plenty of confidence the Eagles quarterback can earn the individual award that's eluded him in recent years.