The return of the NFL
September 22, 2020
The NFL is back. The NFL returned to the world of sports with an opening night matchup of the Houston Texans vs. the Kansas City Chiefs a couple weeks ago, highlighting two of the league’s brightest stars, Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
The return of football was a welcome sight for many, including me. Even though baseball is traditionally known as America’s pastime, football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the country.
This year is obviously different from past years due to COVID-19. This was the first NFL action we’ve seen at all because of the preseason games all getting canceled. All things considered, it has been a smooth return to action for the league.
Best of all, the Steelers started their season with two wins.
Besides there not being any fans in almost all the stadiums, things feel normal. Moving forward, I think more teams will allow fans to come to games at a 25% capacity or so.
As far as the rest of the season goes, we are in for some good football.
After two weeks, we have had some surprises and disappointments but most of all, injuries.
It stinks when the headline after a game is about injuries. Week 2 of the NFL season brought forth serious injuries to some big names, including Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Nick Bosa.
Sadly, that isn’t where the grocery list of injuries ends, but I won’t focus on that.
The NFC has a crowded room of playoff contenders, most notably the 49ers, Seahawks, Packers, Saints and Bucs (I know, I don’t believe the hype either).
The AFC isn’t as deep. Obviously, you have the Chiefs and Ravens, but behind them it thins out significantly. The Steelers and Bills are the other two teams that can realistically represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but everyone else is a long shot.
If I had to make a prediction for the Super Bowl, I’m taking the Chiefs over the Seahawks. I think Russell Wilson wins his first MVP, but Mahomes and that offense are nearly unstoppable.
Don’t sleep on those Steelers though.
The return of football was a welcome sight for many, including me. Even though baseball is traditionally known as America’s pastime, football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the country.
This year is obviously different from past years due to COVID-19. This was the first NFL action we’ve seen at all because of the preseason games all getting canceled. All things considered, it has been a smooth return to action for the league.
Best of all, the Steelers started their season with two wins.
Besides there not being any fans in almost all the stadiums, things feel normal. Moving forward, I think more teams will allow fans to come to games at a 25% capacity or so.
As far as the rest of the season goes, we are in for some good football.
After two weeks, we have had some surprises and disappointments but most of all, injuries.
It stinks when the headline after a game is about injuries. Week 2 of the NFL season brought forth serious injuries to some big names, including Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Nick Bosa.
Sadly, that isn’t where the grocery list of injuries ends, but I won’t focus on that.
The NFC has a crowded room of playoff contenders, most notably the 49ers, Seahawks, Packers, Saints and Bucs (I know, I don’t believe the hype either).
The AFC isn’t as deep. Obviously, you have the Chiefs and Ravens, but behind them it thins out significantly. The Steelers and Bills are the other two teams that can realistically represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but everyone else is a long shot.
If I had to make a prediction for the Super Bowl, I’m taking the Chiefs over the Seahawks. I think Russell Wilson wins his first MVP, but Mahomes and that offense are nearly unstoppable.
Don’t sleep on those Steelers though.
ALEX PEPKE
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