2019 was a forgetful one for each of the in-state teams. The Jaguars gambled on Nick Foles and that failed, Jameis Winston made history by becoming the first quarterback to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, and while things were a little more optimistic with the Dolphins, they still only won five games.
2020 is a new year and brings new hope. Jacksonville is rolling with Gardner Minshew in hopes that he either becomes the next franchise quarterback or they finish as the worst team in the league in order to draft Trevor Lawrence. The Bucs bring in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, add help on the offensive line, and have Super Bowl aspirations. Miami drafted who they believe is hopefully the franchise quarterback the team hasn't had since Dan Marino in Tua Tagovailoa.
The NFL will be releasing the schedule on Thursday so we don't know when the games will be played but we do know the opponents for the in-state teams.
JAGUARS:
HOME- Texans, Colts, Titans, Browns, Steelers, Bears, Lions, Dolphins
AWAY- Texans, Colts, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, Packers, Chargers, Vikings
BUCS:
HOME- Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Packers, Chiefs, Vikings, Chargers, Rams
AWAY- Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Bears, Lions, Broncos, Raiders, Giants
DOLPHINS
HOME- Patriots, Bills, Jets, Chiefs, Chargers, Rams, Seahawks, Bengals
AWAY- Patriots, Bills, Jets, Cardinals, Broncos, Jaguars, Raiders, 49ers
The JAGUARS are expected to be one of the worst, if not the worst, team in the NFL and that may not be a bad thing in their case if they really want to draft Trevor Lawrence. They have a tough schedule this season and they will be lucky to win four games.
PREDICTION- 3-13
The BUCS somehow managed to win seven games last season despite the historic amount of turnovers committed by now former quarterback Jameis Winston. They bring in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski and draft Trsitan Wirfs with their first pick to help protect Brady. The Bucs figure to be in a lot of prime time games this season given the talent on their roster as well as their home schedule. It will be fun times in Tampa Bay.
PREDICTION- 11-5
The DOLPHINS spent the most money this offseason. They added key pieces on defense and drafted Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall. While Tua is expected to sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick to start, it will only be a matter of time before he sees the field. This team won five games last season despite putting out a roster many expected to go winless. Add the upgrades and the feeling in South Florida is excitement. The AFC East is up for grabs with Brady out of the division. Can the Dolphins capitalize? Not this year but next year, watch out!
PREDICTION- 7-9