SMU, the Giants, Marcel Reed, Arkansas, ... and 7 Other Things

Dallas makes it to the NFC Championship Game to face the Rams. Everyone has to stay relatively healthy, but assuming they do, I like the Cowboys to be there at the end and have a chance to win it all.

SMU has enough to take the ACC title and make their second appearance in the CFP playoffs. Don't sleep on the kids from Highland Park ... they're the real deal and with this being the last year with Kevin Jennings, one of the best QBs in the land, the Ponies will be out for big things.

Josh Allen is running out of time. You can't play the way he plays and not expect to slow down, and this might be the year his body begins to betray him.

Patrick Mahomes is rushing back and with that injury and the time it typically takes to heal, I'm hoping he doesn't do more harm than good ... to himself and his team. Love the competitor in him, but sometimes it's that competitive drive that does the competitor in.

The New York Giants will be better than expected. I'm not ready to say they'll take the NFC East, but I like what they're cooking in that part of Gotham with a nice blend of new and old talent ... and a new voice leading them out of the locker room.

The Packers have been waiting for a #1 receiver to step up and this year he does and his name ... is Matthew Golden. Golden was highly touted coming out of Texas and I think this is the year he steps forward and gives Jordan Love the receiver he's been waiting for.

Kyler Murray has a monster year and cements himself as the Minnesota starter for the foreseeable future. Say what you will about his size and study habits, but the man is a baller ... he has to be to stay in this league of giants.

Arkansas is still kicking themselves for leaving the Southwest Conference. Be honest. With the exception of a few years when McFadden and Jones were in the backfield, the Hogs have looked lost and word is, they'll continue that look this year.

Chicago was must-see tv last year and while I think they'll be even better this year, their record won't be. The Bears won't sneak up on anybody this year and there's only so many times you can pull a rabbit out of your hat in late game situations. I like what they're building long-term though.

If Texas A&M is going to contend they'll need a lot more consistency out of Marcel Reed. He showed signs of wear and tear during the latter part of the season, and I think his performances against Texas and Miami should've left a bad taste in his football mouth.

The Steelers got a steal in Drew Allar. I'm not saying he's their quarterback of the future, but they would be wise to give him every opportunity to prove that he can be.