Football Updates: What to Expect from the Return of Football
It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally in a position to deliver football updates. The much-anticipated return of football is here, and there is so much to look forward to. From 2020 NFL predictions to the best ways to take in a game, consider this a one-stop-shop for gearing up for the return of America’s favorite sport.
General NFL Football Updates
This year, predicting which teams will perform best might actually be the easiest thing to foresee. There is no denying that NFL football updates have been a bit unpredictable with COVID obstacles. Thankfully, football is returning, but with a few different twists.
Training has been thrown for a loop as COVID testing has come back with various results, thus requiring very strict training conditions – or sometimes even pausing altogether. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders began to use high-tech equipment in their training camps to help track players’ health and monitor performance before the season begins. This plays into the extended acclimation period of training camps that was caused by the cancellation of the 2020 preseason.
Moving into the 2020 regular season, another change to the games will be crowd participation. With large gatherings unable to take place, the NFL will need to get creative with how to engage fans with their teams. Cardboard cutouts, computer-generated fans, social media interaction, and apps are all ways the NFL has been trying to incorporate fan support back into the games. Without the hometown advantage, this season will certainly have an impact on teams.
2020 NFL Predictions: Which Teams are the Favorites?
When you’re trying to make 2020 NFL predictions, a huge key is determining which teams are the favorites. Though so much can happen in the NFL, there are a few teams that stand out above the rest.
Kansas City Chiefs
The best place to start is with the defending champs, the Chiefs. They have the best player in the sport — Patrick Mahomes — as quarterback, and he’s committed to Kansas City for the long-term after signing a 10-year contract extension over the summer.
The team returns most of the same players that made their offense one of the most explosive in history. And contrary to popular belief, the Chiefs actually have some of the league’s best defense. From last season’s Weeks 11 through 17, they only allowed 11.5 points per game. That was best in the league, and it was helped by another league-best: 10 interceptions during that time.
The defensive unit is led by defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones just signed a four-year, big-money contract extension, and is well worth it. Over the last two seasons, Jones is second in the league among defensive tackles with 24.5 sacks and 49 quarterback hits. With an elite offense and underrated defense, it’s no wonder that Kansas City is one of the top teams to beat in the upcoming season.
Baltimore Ravens
Another team that will be dangerous is the Baltimore Ravens. Though they had an unexpectedly early playoff exit last season, they reloaded over the offseason to bring back an even better team. Like most great teams, it starts on defense. The Ravens added top defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe to an already stout line and an overall defense that allowed the fourth-fewest yards in the league. On offense, Lamar Jackson is back after winning the most valuable player award. After a disappointing playoff finish, the Ravens will be motivated to go even further, making them a safe bet for a big 2020 season.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are also primed for a big season. Always a potent offense, they will be even stronger after signing big-play wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. This will give legendary quarterback Drew Brees yet another target to work with, alongside mainstays such as wide receiver Michael Thomas, tight end Jared Cook and all-star running back Alvin Kamara. On the defensive side, the Saints will benefit from a full season with cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who only played two games with New Orleans last season. Along with free-agent signee safety Malcolm Jenkins, the Saints will have the defense to match their top offense, giving them an enviable combo that few teams can match.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Finally, another team to watch out for is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had a legendary offseason, bringing in two future Hall of Famers in quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski. That one-two punch worked wonders in New England for years and is likely to do the same in Tampa. Pairing them with an already explosive offense led by wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans means that the Bucs will have no problem scoring big-time points. That’s a good thing because their weakness is that their defense is just average.
How to Watch the Games
Now that you’ve got the basics of who the favorites are for the season, you need to know where to watch. Of course, you can watch on your local cable package or on satellite television, which gives you access to any game you want. You can up the excitement even more by catching a game at the world-class Circa Sportsbook or watch your team win at a state-of-the-art pool amphitheater, Circa Stadium Swim®.
You can find the full NFL 2020 season schedule here.
Since you know the favorites, you’re probably already ready to start wagering. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for NFL betting. Stop by the D or Circa Resort in Downtown Las Vegas to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket and bet wherever you are in Nevada.
Whether in person or on the app, join Circa Sports for your premier place to watch and keep track of football updates.
