Nine last-minute predictions for 2023 NFL season: Josh Allen wins MVP, 49ers win Super Bowl LVIII

Football is BACK!!

After an entertaining Labor Day weekend on the college gridiron, it's Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. I'm beaming! I'm a font of positivity! Thus, as I look to provide my final takes before the pro action kicks off with Lions-Chiefs on Thursday night, I'm in no mood to play the role of Debbie Downer today.

My 0-17 prediction for the Cardinals is already on record. As is my forecast that the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers bottom out. And yes, I previously stated my belief that the Patriots will again miss the playoffs, making this Bill Belichick's last season in New England.

You won't find any of that depreciation below. On the eve of a new season, hope springs!

So, without further ado, here are my last-minute predictions for the '23 campaign, Schein Nine style.

In the last couple years, this wouldn't feel like too hot a take. But Buffalo's cachet is down these days, with the Bills coming off a roller-coaster season that ended with a massive thud. Not to mention, Aaron Rodgers joined the AFC East race, while reigning MVP/Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes remains reigning MVP/Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.

Simply put, Josh Allen and Company aren't en vogue. No matter. I still believe! In fact, in addition to predicting the quarterback will win his first MVP -- something I forecasted back in May -- I think he'll put Buffalo on his back and seize the No. 1 seed in an absolutely loaded AFC.

Even if you've soured on the Bills as a whole, you can't deny that Allen remains a certified star. The kind of transcendent playmaker who can lift an entire roster. Talking to him last week on my SiriusXM radio show, "Schein On Sports," Allen's hyper focused, not hearing the outside noise claiming Buffalo's Super Bowl window