Every football season is guaranteed to have a few unexpected events that occur for various reasons. While fans often make predictions before the season, there are plenty of developments waiting to happen. Some storylines such as Geno Smith's resurgent season, will last the entire year, while others such as the Jacksonville Jaguars' late run into the playoffs, might last around a month. With five weeks remaining before the season, it's only appropriate to make a few hot takes going into this season. 
Note: This article is part of a doubleheader that will also include NFC predictions.

1. Justin Herbert Will Win MVP
In just three years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert has already cemented himself as a franchise quarterback. He set numerous rookie records and since then, he has thrown the fourth most touchdowns among active players since 2020. Last year saw Herbert guide the Chargers to their first playoff appearance thanks to a late surge at the end of the season. Although the season ended in a shocking collapse to the Jaguars, big things are on the horizon for Herbert. 

I think he's not getting enough attention as a possible MVP candidate going into next season. Granted it's hard to earn recognition with Patrick Mahomes in the division, but there's a good chance Herbert will win the award. The first reason is that while Herbert might be a top 10 quarterback, he still has plenty of potential. It's worth mentioning he's only 25 years old, and likely has plenty of spectacular years ahead. Herbert will also not have to worry about playing for a new contract, as the Chargers extended him for five years and $260 million. 

In addition, Herbert, along with his supporting cast will be a lot more healthy going into next season. Herbert played every game but some of those were with fractured rib cartilage. It also didn't help that besides Austin Ekeler, Herbert dealt with injuries to most of his receivers as well as the offensive line for much of the year. This season, the offense should be healthier and a little younger with the selection of receiver Quinton Johnston. 

2. The Jaguars Will Make The AFC Championship Game
After winning a combined four games in the previous two years, the Jacksonville Jaguars are now way ahead of their rebuild following a stunning division title, and a thrilling comeback win in the wild card round. The centerpiece of their success is Trevor Lawrence who took a significant step in becoming the franchise quarterback the Jaguars envisioned him to be. Lawrence threw for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, while leading the Jaguars to a five game win streak en route to their first playoff berth since 2017. 

However, Lawrence isn't doing it all by himself. He has a talented group of skill positions, which includes wide receiver Christian Kirk and running back Travis Etienne. Both players totaled over 1,000 yards from their respective positions. The receiving group, will be more dangerous with Calvin Ridley coming back from a year long suspension for gambling. Ridley might be rusty at first, but with Kirk, Etienne, and Evan Engram also requiring attention from opponents, it won't be long before he shakes off any rust. 

Defensively, the Jaguars aren't suffocating but they force plenty of turnovers. With an up and coming secondary, Jacksonville was tied for fourth in takeaways last season. They could make an even bigger jump if Devin Lloyd and Travon Walker begin to emerge as focal points during their sophomore year. 

Despite their late run, this team is still somewhat under the radar but that should change. Every rebuilding team eventually puts it all together, and the Jaguars already managed to successfully do that. Now they will be off and running.

3. Sauce Gardner Will Win Defensive Player of the Year 
A big part of the New York Jets' improvement on defense last year, was the amazing season from Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. While I might be biased in saying he had arguably the greatest rookie season for a cornerback, it's hard to argue against it. Gardner played at a high level against some of the top receivers in Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and Justin Jefferson. By the end of the year, Gardner had only allowed one touchdown pass and led the league in pass deflections. He was awarded with a pro bowl selection, first team all-pro, and defensive Rookie of the Year. 

While Gardner had a decent case to win Defensive Player of the Year, recording just two interceptions was a big reason why he didn't get more votes. In Gardner's defense, most quarterbacks didn't target him much, but that's unfortunately something the voters don't always look at. 

That being said, it doesn't mean that Gardner will never get interceptions. He is still very young and will only continue to improve from his rookie campaign. "You always have something to work on. I got a lot of things I can work on that's going to get better coming into my second season," said Gardner about elevating his performance. Plenty of shutdown cornerbacks still proceed to get a solid number of picks each year, and that should certainly be the case with Gardner.
 
Like last year, Gardner will once again be tested with Hill and Stefon Diggs two times each, along with other premier receivers such as Ceedee Lamb and Davante Adams. If Gardner continues to shutdown opponents and finish with around five picks, he should be one of the favorites to win the award. 

Every football season is guaranteed to have a few unexpected events that occur for various reasons. While fans often make predictions before the season, there are plenty of developments waiting to happen. Some storylines such as Geno Smith's resurgent season, will last the entire year, while others such as the Jacksonville Jaguars' late run into the playoffs, might last around a month. With five weeks remaining before the season, it's only appropriate to make a few hot takes going into this season. 
Note: This article is part of a doubleheader that will also include AFC predictions. 

1. Micah Parson Will Register At Least 20 Sacks
Ever since the Dallas Cowboys drafted linebacker Micah Parsons with the 12th pick, he's been nothing short of a home run selection. In his first two years, Parsons already has an impressive resume that includes first team All-Pro selections in each year, as well as defensive Rookie of the Year. With unbelievable physical gifts along with a motor that keeps going, Parsons is always around the football. He'll chase down a running back for a loss of yardage on one play, and then get a strip sack on the next play. 

Throughout his first two seasons, the Cowboys have used him more as an edge rusher than an inside linebacker which was his position at Penn State. This was especially evident last year where he played 81% of defensive snaps at defensive line compared to 18% at linebacker. Although he didn't play off the edge in college, Parsons has already adapted really well to his new position, finishing with at least 13 sacks in each of his first two years. Dallas will continue to move him around, but it is likely Parsons' snaps as an edge rusher will continue to increase. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising to see Parsons finish with at least 20 sacks in 2023. 

2. The Lions Will Break Their Winless Playoff Streak
After plenty of mediocre years for the Detroit Lions, they finally have reasons to feel optimistic after a strong 8-2 finish. Although it wasn't enough to snap their six year playoff drought, head coach Dan Campbell appears to have a set real foundation that should not only carry over into next year, but lead them to their first playoff win in 31 years. 

Their offense is a very balanced unit that can excel through the ground and the air. Quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown established themselves as one of the more consistent QB-WR duos in the NFC. The front office might have tinkered a bit too much with the running game, as they cut ties with both of last year's running backs. Fortunately, with guys like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow anchoring one of football's best offensive lines, they should still have a solid run game.  

Defensively, the Lions have a young, talented group of pass rushers in Aiden Hutchinson and James Houston who both combined for 17.5 sacks despite Houston playing only eight games. Assuming he stays healthy next season, he and Hutchinson could be a nightmare for opponents to block. Detroit also made many signings to improve the secondary with last year's co-interceptions leader, CJ Gardner Johnson, being the best of the bunch. 

Given the Lions also play in a conference that doesn't have many other serious threats besides the Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers, they are in the driver's seat to finally end their long drought. 

3. Justin Fields Becomes The First Bear To Eclipse 4,000 Passing Yards
Playing quarterback for the Chicago Bears is usually not an ideal situation. Chicago has struggled to find an answer at quarterback whether it's bad contracts or poor draft selections. There is hope however that things might be looking up at the quarterback position with Justin Fields entering his third year. Fields was a decent passer last year, but it was his running that took a huge leap. From designed quarterback runs to improvising on a weekly basis, Fields easily rushed for over 1,000 yards.

This year however, Fields will make significant strides as a passer. He showed some flashes last season, and the Bears have tried to build off that. They made it a priority to construct their offense to be more pass-happy compared to last year where they ran the ball more than any other team.

Chicago was able to upgrade their offensive line and receiving core thanks to a trade with the Panthers, which allowed them to move down and select offensive tackle Darnell Wright. They also acquired wide receiver DJ Moore in the trade, who has a few 1,000 yard seasons and should form great chemistry with Fields. With Wright and free agent signing Nate Davis boosting the pass protection, Fields and Moore will have plenty of opportunities for big plays. Count in the fact Fields will be entering his second year in the same system, and a 4,000 yard season is likely.