4 interesting headlines to watch for in NFL season

4. Are the Browns a legitimate threat, or a bust waiting to happen?

The Cleveland Browns are in the extremely unfamiliar territory of being AFC North favorites. Literally, since the divisions were realigned in 2002, this is the first time it’s been the case. Cleveland has massive expectations behind Baker Mayfield and a revamped offense which includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt. Does the pressure wear on first-time head coach Freddie Kitchens? Is Mayfield up to the challenge or does he wilt in the heat of a playoff chase? Only one way to find out.

3. Can Patrick Mahomes repeat as MVP?

Mahomes is trying to become the first repeat MVP since Peyton Manning did so with the Indianapolis Colts a decade ago. The star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs is the new face of the NFL after throwing for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns as a first-year starter in 2018, getting his team to the AFC Championship Game. Currently, Mahomes is the favorite to win the hardware again, and the offense around him is phenomenal. While probability says he won’t win, it’s tough to make a case where he’s not a strong candidate come season’s end.

2. Does Drew Brees have another great year in him?

Brees was the runner-up to Mahomes in the race for NFL MVP last season, but his numbers aren’t as gaudy as one might believe. Brees, who has thrown for more than 5,000 yards in a season five times, didn’t even reach 4,000 last year. The New Orleans Saints are much more of a balanced team these days, but Brees is still the driving force. If he begins to fall off — and he is 40 years old — New Orleans would be hard-pressed to make any serious run at a title.

1. Can New England get to another Super Bowl?

If the Patriots reach another Super Sunday come February, they become only the second team in NFL history to reach such heights. Of course, it was the Buffalo Bills from 1990-93 that made it four straight years, only to lose each of them. New England has already won twice in this current span and there’s little reason to believe the current favorite in Vegas would be ousted by the NFC participant. As usual with the Patriots, we could be seeing history in early 2020 with them.