We are re-hashing a successful piece from last year. The original piece listed a bunch of “Can’t Miss Predictions” for the 2017 season across the NFL, and you should definitely take a look - if only to see our lovely friends from The Falcoholic call Drew Brees the most overrated player in the NFL...

But it’s a new year, and it’s time for new predictions. So here are my “Can’t Miss Predictions” that will surely miss.

MVP

It’s easy to say Alvin Kamara here, but I’m going with the GOAT: Drew Brees. After a “down” year for Brees in his counting stats, I think he bounces back in a big way in 2018, especially in the touchdown department.

Most Improved Player

Let’s go with 2017 draft pick LB Alex Anzalone.

Granted, he showed plenty of promise last year before he went down with a season-ending injury, but that’s the rub with Anzalone - he can’t stay healthy. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Anzalone finishes the 2018 season with 15 games and looks to be an anchor on the Saints linebacking corps for years to come.

Hoss of the Year

It’s not a bold prediction by any means, but I expect Cam Jordan to lead the team in sacks and tackles for loss again in 2018. With extra help on the defensive line on the other side, notably from Alex Okafor and Marcus Davenport, I’m not quite sure I expect Cam to replicate his success from the days when he partnered with Junior Galette, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see a monster year from Cam.

Most Disrespectful Blocker of the Year

The Saints should have a fantastic offensive line (assuming all the starters stay healthy) again in 2018.

“Assuming all the starters stay healthy” is never an easy assumption, but with that in mind, let’s say Terron Armstead spends the entire season making opposing defensive linemen look silly. With his size, strength, and speed, he’s a force in the trenches.

Rookie Who Will Make the Biggest Impact

It would be easy to say Marcus Davenport, who the Saints traded up for to grab in the first round, but let’s instead go on the other side of the ball. Davenport is a project, that might need some time to put it all together come game time.

Tre’Quan Smith, on the other hand, a rookie drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, looks ready to potentially fill in as the WR2 for the Saints as early as this season.

With questions surrounding Cameron Meredith and Ted Ginn having an unspectacular camp, Smith could blow out.

First NFC South Coach to be Fired

I’ll go with the newest NFC South coach is the first one fired: Tampa Bay’s Dirk Koetter.

On the other hand, if Carolina’s problems on the offensive line translate to on-field disappointments, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Ron Rivera get the axe.

Dak Prescott Rookie Who Came Out of Nowhere Award

Let’s go with another offensive rookie, this time RB Boston Scott who the Saints selected all the way back in the 6th round.

Even with the addition of Mike Gillislee, after the Saints let go of Trey Edmunds and Jonathan Williams, it’s Boston Scott who could see a significant amount of time on offense.

NFC South Team That Won’t Meet Expectations

As much as I’d love to pick the Atlanta Falcons here, I’ve got to go with my gut and say the Carolina Panthers.

After making the playoffs last season, there have just been too many injuries to that Panthers offensive front for me to feel comfortable picking them to make another deep run.

Most Overrated Player

This one is tough.

I’ve toyed with the idea of naming several different players here, but couldn’t really come up with one I felt comfortable with.

Let’s go with LB A.J. Klein.

After signing a multi-year contract to come to New Orleans after backing up Luke Kuechly, Klein has really struggled in the preseason after missing a significant portion of the 2017 season to injury.

Which Saints Player Will be Fined First for Celebrating?

Gone are the days of the Jimmy Graham dunk and the Lance Moore dance. Even Brandin Cooks and his bow and arrows are no more. The Saints will probably end up getting some stupid “taunting” call thrown their way when a young player gets too fired up. I’ll say Marshon Lattimore gets a little too excited covering Mike Evans in Week 1.

Most Valued Punter

Thomas Morstead, duh.