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  • 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
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  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
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    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
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    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
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  • 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
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    • 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) >
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  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
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      • Week 17
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2013 Week Fifteen NFL Power Rankings

By: Matt Harmon

32. Washington Redskins (3-10)
  • Last week, you maybe could have argued this ranking. No longer. All bets are off after what happened in Washington yesterday. Since they are a popular team in a big market they never get the recognition they deserve as one of the worst run franchise in the NFL. Dan Snyder has made that team just as much of a train wreck as any other team in the league. 

31. Houston Texans (2-11)
  • With Gary Kubiak out, the Texans are facing a full on rebuild. Unless a coach comes in and keeps this offensive system intact, there may be a dramatic fall off from the offensive line and the running backs. Do not just assume they are just a quarterback away. 

30. Buffalo Bills (4-9)
  • E.J. Manuel is clearly regressing; never a good sign for a rookie quarterback. However, the notion that they should move on from him at the end of this season is ridiculous. Remember, he was regarded as a project quarterback and a reach as a first round pick. He was always going to take awhile to get acclimated to the league.

29. Atlanta Falcons (3-10)
  • Why did the Falcons ever let go of John Abraham? They were viewed as a contender coming in and their pass rush has long been a weakness. They would sure like to have the eleven sacks he took with him to Arizona. 

28. Oakland Raiders (4-9)
  • You want to say the Raiders have a nice group of young wide receivers, but that seems to be said about them every year. All of those young guys like Louis Murphy, Chaz Schillens, and now Denarius Moore have all gone to fall out of favor. That being said, I am very high on Rod Steater and Andre Holmes.  

27. Cleveland Browns (4-9)
  • Josh Gordon leads the league in receiving yardage. That is unbelievable considering he missed two games to start this season. If he can keep his name out of the league office, we will be discussing him as a top five NFL receiver as soon as next season.

26. Minnesota Vikings (3-9-1)
  • Adrian Peterson suffered another injury on Sunday. For the future of Peterson’s career, we have to hope this coaching staff is not so worried about their jobs they rush him back into action. The Vikings are not going anywhere this season, and it would be a travesty if Peterson plays and seriously injures himself further. 

25. New York Jets (6-7)
  • Sunday was an encouraging sign for Geno Smith. The Jets finally did right by him and gave him some easy throws and runs to get his confidence back up. The Jets had been asking Smith to sling the ball deep down field, and the results were disastrous. Nice adjustment by Marty Mornhinweg. 

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)
  • Is Greg Schiano saving his job? It seemed impossible to think a mere month ago, but there is no denying the improvement this team is showing. Perhaps, Schiano saw the error in in his totalitarian methods midway through this season.

23. New York Giants (5-8)
  • Hakeem Nicks put up a big statistical game for the first time in months. It is still hard to see him back with the Giants next season. The real question is if his next team is getting the shell of Nicks from the 2013 season, or the dynamic one from years past. 

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)
  • The Jaguars are making a semi-epic rise up the power rankings! In all seriousness, the Jags are showing the extreme benefits of patience in the NFL. Despite a 0-8 start, Gus Bradley and his coaching staff are now squeezing everything they can from a seriously talent bare roster. 

21. Tennessee Titans (5-8)
  • A lot of disaster type reports began to surface about the Titans even before their loss to the Broncos. Apparently, Mike Munchak is coaching for his job, and Jake Locker is not likely in this team’s future plans. Putting both guys on notice is a smart move. With solid pieces on both sides of the ball, the Titans cannot afford mediocrity at the two most pivotal positions in an organization. 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7)
  • Another embarrassing loss for the Steelers. Joe Philibin’s best offensive output in his time as Dolphins head coach came against the Steelers defense. The offense has turned things around late in the season, but this defense still needs to be overhauled. 

19. Green Bay Packers (6-6-1)
  • The Packers remain the sleeping giant in the league. If Aaron Rodgers returns from injury this week, and they win out against a favorable schedule, they could make a Super Bowl run. 

18. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
  • The Colts have to love what they got from young receivers like Da’Rick Rodgers. A supreme talent, and knucklehead, Rodgers could be the missing piece to this offense. He has the size and strength none of the other receivers have to fill the void left by Reggie Wayne. 

17. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
  • The Dolphins continue to stay competitive in the AFC Wildcard race. With a game against New England coming up this week, we will really get to see how much they have grown. They need to at least make that game interesting. 

16. San Diego Chargers (6-7)
  • The Chargers stick right around the middle of the pack. With games coming against the Chiefs and the Broncos, it is difficult to foresee them playing into January. It’s not hard to imagine them winning a lesser division like the AFC South however. 

15. St. Louis Rams (5-8)
  • Here is what is coming with the Rams in the offseason. Everyone will once again fawn over their awesome draft pick situation and get caught up in all the talent on the roster. Eventually someone is going to have to put that talent in positions to succeed. Is Jeff Fisher going to be that guy?

14. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
  • If this the beginning of another Cowboys late season collapse? It sure feels like it. There was just no excuse for the Monte Kiffin hire back in the offseason. It is coming back to bite them in a big way now. 

13. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
  • If the Ravens can get the deep ball back into their offense with regularity, watch out. It sure seems to be the case with Jacoby Jones back making big plays. Also, now that Dennis Pitta is back to be Flacco’s security blanket underneath, this offense is once again clicking at just the right time.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
  • Nothing has changed with the Bengals. So, if you are looking for something interesting with them, check out Chris Wessling's AD Scale. The scale is based off the Bengals starting quarterback and helps rank other team’s quarterbacks.  

11. Chicago Bears (6-6)
  • The Bears are one of those pretty good NFC teams that will probably be left on the outside of the playoffs. However, much like the Rams and Cardinals, they would absolutely wreck shop in the AFC. The Bears are a great example of the talent discrepancy between the conferences. 

10. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
  • The Cardinals keep wining, but they are going to need some help to get into the dance. Their best hope is for the Panthers to lose their second game to the Saints. A situation that is far too easy to envision taking place. 

9. Detroit Lions (8-5)
  • It’s hard to bash the Lions for another sloppy turnover filled game considering the weather conditions. Nevertheless, regardless of weather, that is always their issue. If they fail to win the NFC North, the consequences should be severe for this team. 

8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
  • The Eagles continue to rise and are clearly the best team in their division. It is beginning to get to the point where they could potentially win a playoff game. Chip Kelly’s introduction year to the NFL has been a raging success. 

7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
  • It is very rare that one play makes the difference in an NFL game, but that was the case with Frank Gore’s fifty-yard run against the Seahawks. That is how evenly matched those teams are. The 49ers are one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to sticking with their run game. 

6. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)
  • The Chiefs are rounding right into where they should have been all along, clearly the third best team in the AFC. They will absolutely be favored in their first playoff game, and with Gronk out in New England, maybe they make a championship game appearance. 

5. New England Patriots (10-3)
  • There is no non-quarterback more important to his team than Rob Gronkowski. His loss dampening the Patriots Super Bowl chances is not over-blown. He is an elite difference maker on an offense that has struggled without him. 

4. Carolina Panthers (9-4)
  • The Panthers loss on Sunday was not surprising. Losing to a pissed off Saints team in their house on primetime was rather predictable. However, it did expose some of their biggest flaws. If they lose to the Saints again in two weeks, then it is time to worry about this team.  

3. New Orleans Saints (10-3)
  • The Saints just own the middle of the field. With Colston, Graham, and Sproles the Saints just give teams headaches trying to cover these guys with linebackers and safeties; there is always a favorable matchup for Drew Brees. If they get him a perimeter threat in the offseason, it will be unreal. 

2. Denver Broncos (11-2)
  • The Broncos just continue to roll. It was cool seeing Peyton Manning respond with such vigor to the cold weather narrative about him. However, we all know if he really wants that to disappear, he will need to play as he did on Sunday in the postseason. 

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-2)
  • Despite a loss, the Seahawks are still the NFL’s best team. If you do not believe me, just read Matt Williamson’s ESPN article. He lays it out much better than I ever could.  

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