19 NFL predictions for 5 years in the future of the league

6. Justin Fields will get an extension in Chicago

We already discussed Trey Lance, so let’s talk about another rookie quarterback. The Bears made the move up to take Justin Fields and it cost them a couple of mid-round picks and a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Like with Lance, I’m a fan of his game. I also like the situation Fields lands in because this team was clearly held back by poor quarterback play in recent years. Chicago’s defense has some intriguing pieces on it, namely Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson. Having Allen Robinson on offense isn’t bad, either.

Of course, no one knows what this roster will look like in five years, but it can help Fields get off to a good start early in his career. I expect him to get a second contract in Chicago.

7. Joe Burrow will get the Matthew Stafford treatment

Talk about a buzzkill. Before his devastating injury last season, Joe Burrow looked like the franchise quarterback Cincinnati envisioned when they took him first overall. Entering his second season, Burrow gets a retooled receiver room that adds former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

That’s really where the help for Burrow ends, however. Personally, I would’ve invested in an offensive line, especially after their star quarterback was constantly pummeled in his rookie season.

Aside from a string of years in Andy Dalton’s prime, this is a franchise that isn’t prone to much success. I worry they’re not heading in the right direction with Zac Taylor. In his first two seasons as the Bengals’ head coach, they went 2-14 and 4-11-1. Of 14 active NFL head coaches with at least 30 wins, none have come close to posting back-to-back seasons like that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Burrow continues to climb through the ranks of NFL quarterbacks while his team stays stagnant, just like Stafford in Detroit.