Jerry Angelo is a former personnel director for the Bucs and former general manager of the Bears. Each week, Angelo answers your questions regarding the NFL. Send your questions to GarySheltonsports@gmail.com with "ask the expert'' in the subject line. The most interesting question will be selected.
Thursday, 6 a.m.
Finally, the NFL season is here. So let's start with predictions. Which teams do you think make the playoffs?
In the AFC I’m going with:
New England, New York Jets, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cincinnati.
In the NFC:
Green Bay, Arizona, Seattle, Carolina, Washington and Minnesota.
Who is your Player of the Year?
I'm going with one of the odds-on favorites, Aaron Rodgers.
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His prime target is back, in Jordy Nelson. Cobb and Lacy should have big seasons, because they won’t have the pressure they had on them playing without him.
Who is your Rookie of the Year?
I think Ezekiel Elliott will be in prime position to win this one, with Romo out. Dallas will have to run the football and Elliott should get the bulk of the work.
Which of the new NFL Coaches will win the most games?
I feel Dirk Kotter will be in the position to do that, as the Bucs aren’t new to him. Winston is primed to take another step and assuming he does that means more wins for a team that has been far to irrelevant.
With Peyton Manning retired and Tom Brady suspended, who's the best quarterback in the NFL on opening day?
I’m going with Aaron Rodgers. Again he has all his weapons back and is primed to have another big season.
Fox Sports says that Rex Ryan is on the NFL's hottest seat. Agree?
I think it’s Gus Bradley in Jacksonville. He’s been with the Jags for awhile now and has little to show for it. He’s the guy that needs to take a big step. Ryan will always be on somebody’s hot seat. He’s an easy target, because he always has his foot in his mouth.
Jerry's picks and why:
Tampa Bay-Atlanta
Bucs. They beat them last year in Atlanta and Mike Smith still knows their roster. Will be a good one to watch!
Raiders-Saints
The Saints aren’t going to lose this one at home. They have revamped their roster and feel if they have done it right, Brees can have one more good year. They have to get back to winning at home, so this opener will tell us a lot.
Patriots-Cardinals
The Cards are the favorites with too much defense and too many weapons on offense. Hard for a young quarterback to play in prime time.
It's time to rank a franchise's players. This week, with Kansas City, is fun.Is their best player ever:
a) Curly Culp
b) Willie Lanier
c) Len Dawson
d) Derrick Thomas
e) Otis Taylor
I’m going with Derrick Thomas, He was an elite player and a game changer.
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