Doug Upstone Experts Interview: 2019 Football Season
Posted: 2018-06-08

2019 Playbook Football Questions Interviews

1. Which NFL teams do you see being 'Play On' worthy this season?
From an improvement standpoint where they might be undervalued early, Atlanta has caught my eye coming off a 7-9 season. 
Not saying Detroit is a playoff team, but the upgrades they made will make the NFC North a beast and the Lions will provide value to backers. 
From a practical point of view, how does anyone overlook New England at this point?

2. Which NFL teams do you see being 'Play Against' worthy this season?
I'm looking at the Cleveland Browns early. No question Cleveland is finally headed in the right direction, but it little too much hype for club whose done nothing yet. Oddsmakers will play into public opinion in the first part of the season. 
Pittsburgh could be a very close second. 
Miami was 7-9 but had the third-worst point differential in the NFL. Look out below!

3. Which NFL teams do you see making it to the Super Bowl this season?
Chiefs vs. Rams 
Kansas City has made several defensive changes that will make them that much stronger this year. While their offense might not be quite as prolific this year, it will still be in the Top 5 and they take the next step since New England cannot stay on top forever. (I think) 
With age at various spots for Los Angeles, this has to be all in this year. They still have all the right components to win the NFC and will use that experience of the Super Bowl as a motivating force.

4. Which College Football teams do you see being 'Play On' worthy this season?
Virginia is improving every year under Bronco Mendenhall and this will be their breakthrough year with a more seasoned cast. The Cavaliers win the ACC Coastal and cover a lot of games. 
Everyone is overlooking Michigan State. The defense will be stout and the offense will be much improved (it could hardly be any worse in 2018). Nice sleeper choice.  

5. Which College Football  teams do you see being 'Play Against' worthy this season?
While we like Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern, cannot see him having the same success as last year. He's always been a mediocre 'favorite' coach and don't be shocked if this team isn't 4-8 ATS. 
Pittsburgh and Northwestern had a lot in common last year, they won their conference divisions, which nobody saw coming. Reality bites in the Steel City for the Panthers.

6. Which College Football  teams do you see making it to the College Football Playoff Championship Game this season?
Clemson vs. Georgia 
Let's face it, these days it's just smart taking Clemson and Alabama and it appears the worst case scenario is you will be half right. Just to change it up, I'll take the Crimson Tide out and go with Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs to get back again to the title game. There is not much to choose between the three of them other than the fact the Tigers and Tide have the pedigree and trophies.  I'll side with the Dawgs and Clemson to be in New Orleans playing for the title. 

7. Which new head coach hire will prove to be the best in the NFL this season?
Look for big things from Green Bay's Matt LaFleur, whose offense will revitalize Aaron Rodgers, along with more experienced receivers. The defense will be better and everyone is on high alert, knowing the Packers Super Bowl window is closing soon.

8. Which new head coach hire will prove to be the best in College Football this season?
Temple ended up with their second choice in Rod Carey, but he's a good fit. The Owls football resurgence has been around physical football, not flashy play and that is what Carey will keep manufacturing in the City of Brotherly Love.

That much like Golden State, dynasties don't go on forever and that New England will be knocked off before the Super Bowl and it will be a while before they return.