Contact: [email protected]
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

2013 NFL Season Preview Power Rankings

By: Matt Harmon 

Note: the records next to the teams are based on my 2013 Team Predictions (http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2013-team-record-predictions.html)

32. Oakland Raiders (1-15)
  • I have stated that the Raiders may just be the worst NFL team ever assembled, and I mean it. They have a look of a team that will, at most, win two games. Terrelle Pryor may have become the best choice to lead this team since he can at least make plays with his legs. 

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
  • I was chatting with a few folks on Twitter the other day about just how much I am warming up to the Jaguars offense. I think if everything breaks just right, Cecil Shorts, Justin Blackmon, and Ace Sanders could be a potent receiver group. The offensive line is also solid, and Denard Robinson could emerge as a nice change of pace. Of course, that is still a lot of “ifs” and there are still too many question marks behind center.

30. San Diego Chargers (4-12)
  • The Chargers are headed for a disastrous season. Their offensive line is a bottom three unit and I am thoroughly unimpressed with their group of skill position players. Philip Rivers no longer looks like the type of player who can elevate the play of those around him on offense, or cover for a suspect defense. It is going to be a long year in San Diego.

29. Buffalo Bills (3-13)
  • Luckily it looks like we are going to avoid the Jeff Tuel experience, and E.J Manuel will start Week One. Manuel is still a raw rookie in his own right, but he looked comfortable in the preseason, and if he carries that momentum into the regular season, The Bills could rise up these rankings late in the year. 

28. New York Jets (4-12)
  • The Jets issues are well documented. I was a supporter of Geno Smith coming out of the draft, but he in no way looks up for the challenge of being an opening day starter in the NFL. The Jets look to be even better on defense, but with such a dearth of talent on offense, it looks like Rex Ryan is doomed to fail in New York. 

27. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
  • I feel about the Titans much the same as I do with their division rival Jaguars. They have the makings of a strong group of skill position player on offense and solid line. However, questions at quarterback and a serious lack of star power on defense give me no confidence in this team for the 2013 season.

26. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)
  • I think Chip Kelly’s fast paced offense and a some remaining playmakers on offense will allow this team to sneak up on a few teams this year; especially late in the season. However, their defense is absolutely dreadful and will likely put them in too many non-winnable shootouts. It would be smart for us to wait at least a year before we judge the success of Chip Kelly’s new ways.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
  • My faith in Josh Freeman was shaken the past two seasons, and was officially shattered this preseason. Though he looks like a liability, I fear the defense that everyone is counting on to improve by leaps and bounds has a bigger Achilles heel; the lack of a pass rush. DaQuan Bowers has never looked like much of a player to me, and outside of Gerald McCoy, there is not a consistent, proven rusher on this roster. Acquiring Revis and Goldson helps, but they can only do so much.

24. Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
  • Adrian Peterson is bound to take a small step back rom otherworldly greatness, and Percy Harvin is gone. While there are new weapons in town, Christian Ponder is still the quarterback, and it is still impossible to say he is a viable answer. Despite a potential stronger roster, I still sense a step back from the Vikings.

23. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
  • The Browns are a team I am growing more and more confident in, and I believe they will be markedly better even if it does not show up in the win column. The coaching is just so much better this year, and it will be a good litmus test for the importance of coaching in the NFL. Ray Horton is a top defensive coordinator, and Norv Turner should put Weeden, Richardson, and Gordon is a scheme much more suited to their skills.

22. Detroit Lions (7-9)
  • I would like to say the we will see the Lions of 2011; a high flying passing game and a strong pass rush that propels them to the playoffs. The strange part is the Lions may very well have those things, and Reggie Bush as a viable backfield threat, but their undisciplined nature and questions along the offense line will keep them mediocre in 2013.

21. Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
  • People seem to be buying into the “special sauce” talk coming out of Dallas this year, but not me. There is potential for a dynamic passing game, but how far did that get Dallas last year? The running game is still a question mark, and I do not believe a switch to the 4-3 patches any holes. In fact, it probably only created more. 

20. Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
  • If Arizona was in the AFC, or even just a different division, I might pick them to be a wildcard team. However, as it stands, Arizona is in the unbelievably tough NFC West and likely turns out to just be the fourth team in that division. Carson Palmer will finally give this offense at least a passable quarterback situation, and a strong core group of defenders returns. Like I said, there is talent here, but the NFC is too stacked at the moment for them to make noise.

19. Carolina Panthers (8-8)
  • The Panthers have the makings of an elite front seven, but holes throughout the secondary. They have Cam Newton, but are they over the identity crisis they were suffering last season? Newton’s supporting cast is criminally weak, and the coaching staff does not inspire total confidence. With all the inconsistencies and questions, I am just not sure if I am ready to say this is any more than an average team. 

18. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
  • I hardly ever get on board with the NFL team that annually binges on free agents, especially the one that leaves a massive hole like left tackle unfilled. Chemistry issues will likely play a role in sabotaging the Dolphins playoff hopes, just like the 2011 Eagles. A strong defense will keep them in games, but I see this team as being just a tad short of greatness. 

17. New York Giants (8-8)
  • ESPN’s Matt Williamson has recently said there is just “too much bad mojo” surrounding the Giants right now, and he is right on. Health concerns surround some of their best players, Hakeem Nicks and Jason Pierre-Paul, and it is hard to trust the rag tag group they have on defense. I suppose they could win the NFC East is Manning plays at an elite level again and wins them a ton of shootouts, but that seems like too much to bet on.

16. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)
  • The Chiefs are a trendy choice to go to the playoffs, but in my picks I have them just missing out. I see the talent level on defense, and Jamal Charles is one of my favorite running backs in the league. However, the more I look at the passing attack the more questions I have. It is obviously worth wondering if Alex Smith can repeat the success he enjoyed under Harbaugh, but I don’t have a lot of faith in their weapons. Dwayne Bowe is a nice player, but there is not much else around him. 

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
  • There are a more holes than usual with the Steelers this year. The running game does not look like it will enjoy the consistency Le’Veon Bell was supposed to bring, and the defense looks to lack its former punch. The offensive line still must be considered a work in progress and questions abound with the receivers. Nevertheless Big Ben is still a top five quarterback, and with him the Steelers will always be on the fringes of contention, at least. 

14. Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
  • Some of the Colts defensive signings in free agency were questionable at best. I don’t see a massive improvement on that side of the ball, but I really believe in this offense though. Andrew Luck looks to potentially be one of those transcendent quarterbacks that can elevate the play of those around. Good news is, the Colts have already assembled a young talented group of players around him. 

13. St. Louis Rams (9-7)
  • This feels like a best-case scenario projection for the Rams. The team has assembled some nice, young weapons for Sam Bradford, and what is really nice is from Austin to Givens to Cook, they all have very different skill sets. The defense has a ton of young talent as well, and has a dangerous and aggressive attitude under Jeff Fisher. It all really comes down to whether Bradford puts it all together in an offense he should be familiar with from his college days. According to my projections, I have faith. 

12. Washington Redskins (9-7)
  • I see the Redskins winning the NFC East for a second year in a row, but I am not amongst those that consistently overrate this division. I believe whoever comes out the winner will likely be the weakest of the NFC playoff teams and likely get a first round boot in the playoffs. If Robert Griffin is, and stays, healthy there is a lot to like about this team, especially on offense, but just not a ton to love. 

11. Chicago Bears (10-6)
  • I really love so much about the Bears this year. The defense still has a lot of its good players, but got an infusion of youth and athleticism with Jon “Mr. Boom” Bostic. I think the offense is ready to excel under Marc Trestman behind a revamped, athletic offensive line. Matt Forte should thrive as the feature back and huge targets surround Jay Cutler with Marshall, Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett. I could see them being better than my projections.

10. Houston Texans (10-6)
  • The closer we get to the season the more I have developed an affinity for the Texans offense. Matt Schaub is never going to be a top ten type of quarterback, but he is more than just an effective for this offense. The Texans have good young talent (DeAndre Hopkins, Ben Tate, Garret Graham) behind their older veteran counterparts (Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Owen Daniels). All of these players work perfectly into Gary Kubiak’s system. 

9. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
  • I do not see the Falcons as an elite team this year. They look like a team that could get too old any day now, and there is not enough depth on this team to overcome that impending disaster. There is not a ton of talent on defense, and the offensive line looks flat out bad. Matt Ryan and an elite group of skill position players will have to carry this team, and in a strong NFC, that will not be enough. 

8. New Orleans Saints (10-6)
  • The theme of my belief that coaching is the most important part of building a winning NFL team continues to emerge. Sean Payton returning should not only return to restore order in New Orleans, but also to reestablish a consistent scheme on offense. Payton is one of the best offensive minds in the league so we should see some improvement on that unit. As for the defense, they still look pretty bad, but hey, they cannot possibly be any worse!

7. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
  • The Bengals have one of the best defenses in the league and the offense has a ton of exciting talent. There is absolutely a ton to like about the Bengals, especially in a weak AFC, but can Andy Dalton lead this team to where it wants to go? I have my doubts. I will predict the Bengals for a really strong regular season, but you, me, and the Bengals know it is all about January. 

6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
  • This feels low for the defending Super Bowl champions, but I am not trying to say I see them taking a big step back or anything. I really love their defense this season, and with their new additions they will be even better than last year. On offense, there are certainly things to worry about with Anquan Boldin gone and Dennis Pitta injured, but there are things to like as well. With two good running backs and a ton of speed on offense, they could be a productive “run and take shots” attack.

5. Denver Broncos (12-4)
  • I would have the Broncos rated much higher, but I am a little wary about that defense. Von Miller’s suspension does not help but minor injuries seem to continue to creep up and that is my primary concern. However, Peyton Manning and his wide array of quality pass catchers could put up historic offensive numbers. They will run away the putrid AFC West, and very likely will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. 

4. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
  • Aaron Rodgers finally has a running game just picture that. Eddie Lacy should be the odds on favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is a big powerful back, but is capable of contributing to this elite passing attack. There are concerns along there offensive line, but hey that is nothing new. The hype is all over the top NFC West teams, but I would not be surprised if the Packers end up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year. 

3. New England Patriots (13-3)
  • Tom Brady has a new cast of unknown characters to throw to this season, and he will probably just go ahead and turn them all into stars. Besides, this offense is perfectly capable of being run based with two exciting young backs in Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. And with an improving youthful defense, I have the Patriots beating up teams in a weak conference, and weaker division, to come away with the best record in the NFL.

2. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
  • There is obviously a ton to love about the Seahawks, and I am buying it all. The defense is filled with young stars, and Russell Wilson should be back to lead an offensive attack that was near unstoppable at 2012’s end. Rookie Christine Michael, who may be better just on a pure physical talent standpoint, joins “Beast Mode” in the backfield. Seattle should be one of the favorites to win it all in February. 

1.    San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
  • The Niners have their concerns, most of all Michael Crabtree’s injury. However, there may not be a better group of coaches in the league, and the defense returns mostly the same group from last year, with a needed infusion of depth. Kaepernick could slump in his first full season as a starter, but I have faith in him, and Jim Harbaugh’s ability to put him in position to succeed. They are my number one team, but with a top heavy group of NFL teams this season, lets put a big “for now” by that statement. 

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.