Stm85's 2013 Mock Power Rankings and Playoff Predictions

[SecretAgentMan]

 

24-21

 

 

24. Detroit Lions: This is a team that could very well have a potent offense. Calvin Johnson is the best WR in the game and there is real talent around him with Kenny Britt and rookie slot sensation Stedman Bailey. Knowshon Moreno hasn't lived up to his draft position, but he looks like a very good fit as the main RB in a passing offense. However, the QB position is worrisome. Carson Palmer hasn't been himself for a long time and the offensive line, while featuring some solid players, could really struggle with Kyle Long protecting the blindside. I really doubt Palmer makes it through the season. The defense is much improved, even without Suh. The defensive line is formidable against the run, but I worry about its ability to pressure the QB. Williams, Pace, and Hill are solid players at LB, but none are game changers. The secondary has seen a massive upgrade with Tim Jennings as the main guy at CB and the addition of Kendrick Lewis at FS a plus too. In the end, I think the loss of Stafford will really hurt this team. The offense will take a step back and while the defense has improved, it won't win them games. They should hang around for most of the season, but I see this team falling short of .500.

 

23. St. Louis Rams: This is a hard team to read because they have some nice pieces but haven't really put things together. I think the offense could really struggle this year. Bradford still could turn into a nice QB but he has nothing to work with here. His best options could be Terrance Williams (a rookie) or Pettigrew (a solid but not spectacular TE). It doesn't inspire much confidence in the passing game. The line should be improved with Warmack and Bushrod at a more natural RT position and Leshoure could turn heads behind this group. He and the young WRs will have to really step up if this offense is to be competitive. However, this team has assembled a fantastic young defense. The defensive line looks like it could quietly be one of the better groups in the league. Chris Long is one of the most complete DEs in the league and Brockers should take a big step forward. This group has fantastic depth too. The linebackers, led by James Lauranitis, are much improved with the additions of Sio Moore and Keith Rivers. There is an young quartet of talented CBs filled with potential and if Polamalu and Mikell can stay healthy, they have a good pair of safeties behind them. However, despite a solid defense, I think a limited offense will keep this squad out of the playoffs in a very tough division.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles: One word comes to mind with this team: speed. Vick and Smith will battle it out for the QB spot but both are great options for this high-octane read option offense. McCoy is one of the best in the business and will gash defenses all day long. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin lead a talented and speedy group of WRs that defense will have fits trying to contain underneath and deep. The line should be much better last year with the return of All-Pro LT Jason Peters and Todd Herremans' move back to RG. Doug Free could be a problem at RT though, he was an absolute turnstile last year. This defense looks good on paper but a few problems could arise. There are a lot of big name pass rushers, but they are all older players with the exception of Vinnie Curry. Cole's production dropped off of a cliff last year and Freeney and Osi are on their last legs. Cox will be an animal at DT and there is good depth to that group. The Eagles also possess a strong group of LBs that will fly all around to the ball. I think the secondary could have problems, however. Milliner is a great prospect but he will have a lot of growing pains adjusting to the pro game. Amukamara had no business being cut but he still has plenty of room to grow, while Barber has nothing left and Thomas will need to adjust to the NFL. This is a group that will be excellent in time, but that time will not be this season. The Eagles have a great foundation to build around but they are still a year away from the playoffs.

 

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals look to take a step back this year. Jake Locker may have a very high ceiling but he has yet to prove it on the field, so swapping out Andy Dalton for him is a major downgrade. However, the offense does have a good running game with Chris Johnson carrying the rock behind a very formidable offensive line. The OL starters need to stay healthy though, because there isn't much depth behind them. If Locker can step his game up he will have great players to throw to with Green, Austin, Gresham, and Allen. The pressure is all on him. On defense, the move to a 3-4 won't help them this year. Atkins will be a stud 5-tech, but Seymour is on his last legs and starting TJ Barnes at NT is asking for trouble at such a key position. The Mingo, Acho, Worilds rotation looks solid, but there isn't a proven leader of that pack either. Harris and Dansby should be a good group in the middle but will struggle to stay clean without a legitimate NT in front of them. If Dre Kirkpatrick is healthy they will have a solid group of CBs, led by Talib. I do worry about Jenkins at CB, he struggled at lot at FS last year and his new position is an even harder one to play. Michael Griffin seems to be on the decline at FS and none of the rest of the safeties inspire much confidence. The defense and running game will keep this team in most games but they just don't have the QB or a complete roster to win consistently.

 

Later today: 20-17

 

I'm ok with this....

 

Stafford was dumb, but it allowed me to get depth on my Dline....

 

This is more of a team for the future..

 

With what I lost this season, I should get a bunch of picks next year......

 

#Team of the Future

[The Oakland Cathedral]

You make some good points so let me address each of them.

Locker hasn't proven he can stay healthy or produce on a consistent level. He has better tools than Dalton but hasn't put it all together yet. Dalton has been to the playoffs twice in two years and is a very good game manager.

The depth you mention could turn out to be very good (I actually like Uzzi a lot) but they are very young and inexperienced. Bradfield is good depth but I still wouldn't be comfortable with such a raw prospect like Armstead combining with him to be my bookend tackles. This is a legitimate concern with Albert's history of back problems.

You make a good point with Seymour and to be fair I didn't realize just how good he was last year. When healthy he is still able to produce at a high level but I do think he is starting to break down. He only played in 8 games last year, has hamstring problems, and is definitely getting up there in age. Thompson is good depth behind him though, but I question his fit in the 3-4 (not big enough for NT, not quick enough for 5-tech).

Again, Jenkins needs to prove it. When making these rankings I am trying to avoid projection as much as I reasonably can. Jenkins will probably be better with a better supporting cast, but as someone who has played both FS and CB extensively (albeit in high school) I can assure you that CB is a much harder position to play, especially if you don't have fluid hips. Jenkins struggled at FS last year and while I expect him to be adequate, I don't think he will be as good as his name recognition would indicate.

Griffin is an incredibly inconsistent player. It's maddening. I know he is 28 but he seems like a player who peaked very early in his career and hasn't consistently stayed at that level. He wasn't very good last season so he's gonna have to prove he can play better before I consider him anything other than an average S.

In all I do think you have a lot of young talent on this team but like I said I am not trying to project a ton of rookies and unproven players to be difference makers right off the bat. I do think your team has an incredibly bright future but I can't rank it above those with more proven talent.

I understand completely with most points since I did try and make a very young team. But why don't you think Thompson is big enough? He is 6'2" 320lbs and fairly muscular rather than soft.

[stm85]

I understand completely with most points since I did try and make a very young team. But why don't you think Thompson is big enough? He is 6'2" 320lbs and fairly muscular rather than soft.

 

I haven't followed Thompson in the past year but when he came into the league most scouting reports stated that he was a 4-3 DT only. He apparently has bulked up considerably since then since he is now 320. I could see him holding the NT spot down if that is the case, but you have him listed as a DE on your depth chart. Even if he can hold that spot there will still be a learning curve for him as it is a completely new position. We just haven't seen much of the guy buried behind Atkins and Peko.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

I haven't followed Thompson in the past year but when he came into the league most scouting reports stated that he was a 4-3 DT only. He apparently has bulked up considerably since then since he is now 320. I could see him holding the NT spot down if that is the case, but you have him listed as a DE on your depth chart. Even if he can hold that spot there will still be a learning curve for him as it is a completely new position. We just haven't seen much of the guy buried behind Atkins and Peko.

Ya I need to adjust my depth chart quite a bit.

[arnie_uk]

Don't know if I'm still going to appear in this.section by the time you get to the top teama. Can you not do your rankings first then the analysis as an edit

[Yatagarasu]

Don't know if I'm still going to appear in this.section by the time you get to the top teama. Can you not do your rankings first then the analysis as an edit

 

Yawn... You already know you got a top three team, unless he holds a grudge on you since you're a division rival.

 

Analysis is pretty straightforward. Top Five Offense + Top Five Defense = Championship Caliber Team.

 

I don't know how you land Ndamukong or Barron, but that changes everything on defense.

[arnie_uk]

Yawn... You already know you got a top three team, unless he holds a grudge on you since you're a division rival.
 
Analysis is pretty straightforward. Top Five Offense + Top Five Defense = Championship Caliber Team.
 
I don't know how you land Ndamukong or Barron, but that changes everything on defense.

im not just interested in me.

I've never understood why someone starts and thread and its incomplete, type it up in word bit by til its finished then copy and paste all at once...

[stm85]

im not just interested in me.

I've never understood why someone starts and thread and its incomplete, type it up in word bit by til its finished then copy and paste all at once...

 

It's all about building suspense

[stm85]

Teams 20-17

 

 

20. New York Giants:  2 years after winning the Super Bowl, this team appears to be headed towards decline. They should still have a prolific passing offense with Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and new acquisition Nate Washington. Pierre Thomas is a well rounded back who will lead the running game, but there isn't much behind him other than the inconsistent Felix Jones. This offense will be a limited by a very subpar offensive line. Pears and Diehl are not a good pair of tackles, and while Carimi should be a very good player moving inside to G, the other 2 interior spots don't inspire much confidence.  On defense, the depth has been gutted. JPP and rookie Star Lotulelei look to be a very good combination but there isn't much else here. Jerry Hughes could be a solid rotational rusher but is better as an OLB in the 3-4. The linebacking unit looks like it will strugggle a lot, especially without a good DL to keep them clean. The secondary is led by a good group of safeties. Allen and Landry aren't spectacular, but they are solid and will make some big plays. Unfortunately the CB group isn't very good. Hall has consistently been one of the worst starting CBs for the past few years, Hosley struggled as a rookie, and Munnerlyn is better off in a rotational role. Eli Manning and a strong arsenal of recievers will win this team some games, especially in the weak NFC East, but there are too many holes on defense and the OL for this team to really contend for a playoff spot in a crowded NFC.

 

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs have been a very inconsistent team for the last few years. For them to succeed, Josh Freeman must take a big step forward. Everything else is in place. There is a fantastic line led by 2 pro-bowl guards and a great running game led by do-it-all RB Doug Martin. There is also a terrific group of WRs. Vincent Jackson had a monster year last season while Brent Celek is solid option at TE and DHB looks like a solid burner at the #2 spot. This is a team built around Freeman's tremendous arm, but his consistency is concerning. If he plays like he did the last 2 years this will be a group that is occasionally great, but not consistent enough to win dependably. There are some good players on defense. Bennett is a very well rounded DE and McCoy really came into his own at DT last season. He should be even better this year. Hampton and Abraham are very old and quickly declining, though Clayborn will be a nice spark opposite Bennett. If Daquan Bowers can stay healthy this could be a very good group. Vilma and David lead a solid group of LBs and if Zaviar Gooden can adjust quickly this could be a top unit. It's hard to know what to make of the secondary. Trufant looks the part but is still a rookie, while Wright is only a so-so 2nd option. Verner is an absolute beast in the slot. At safety we have another rookie in Reid and Brown, who is coming off of a big season but may be a one-year wonder. In all this team has some pieces to outperform this ranking, but they need to put it together on the field before this can be considered a true playoff contender.

 

 

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: This team has made some good moves to get younger and should be able to bounce back after last year's disappointing season. Roethlisberger should have better luck staying upright behind a solid line that is finally healthy. Brown, Hopkins, and Sanders are good options at WR and will keep defenses busy. The running backs don't inspire much confidence so this team will have to air it out. The young players on defense will have to step up but there is still some real veteran talent with Woodley, Timmons, Taylor, Lewis, and Kiesel. If Moore, Hood, Spence, and Jefferson can step up this team will be dangerous. In the end though, this team is still too young to make any real splashes this year, but the future is much more promising than it was last season.

 

 

17. Washington Redskins: This team will always have a chance to win if RG3 is back to his old self this season. If he struggles to come back from his injury, however, they will have major problems. Of course, the running attack led by Alfred Morris will be potent, especially combined with RG3's read option abilities and Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme. Zach Ertz was a major pick up in the passing game, although the young WRs don't inspire much confidence. Pierre Garcon is a solid player but shouldn't be the top option, while Reuben Randle has proven to be slow to adjust to the pro game. The line needs some work, but at least the blindside will be well protected with Trent Williams already a top 10 talent and getting better every year. The defense, on the other hand, could struggle. The front 3 is actually a pretty underrated group. Joseph has never played in the 3-4 but he has the right skills to be a solid NT while Bowen and Cofield are reliable options at the 5 tech spot. Kerrigan and Orakpo for a fantastic duo of pass rushers while the ageless London Fletcher and thumping Akeem Dent complement each other well inside. The secondary, while it has fantastic depth, has limited options in the starting lineup. Webster has gone from one of the most underrated CBs in the NFL to a rapidly aging player who struggled a lot last year, while Wilson is no more than a decent #2 option. Bacarri Rambo could be a real playmaker eventually but will have a lot of growing pains this year, while Merriweather has been truly awful at times and doesn't belong starting. RG3, Morris, and a stout front 7 should win this team the NFC East but they lack the talent elsewhere to do much more than that.

 

next up: 16-13

[stm85]

I'm going to try to get both 16-13 and 12-9 posted today since I have a job interview tomorrow. Most likely that will leave 8-5 for tomorrow night and the top 4 along with playoff seeding the next day.

[Geving]

Cool. I enjoy the read

[stm85]

Teams 16-13

 

16. Miami Dolphins:  The Dolphins are tired of being a laughingstock franchise and have made some big time improvements this year. Ryan Tannehill's selection in the 2012 draft looked like one of the biggest reaches ever but he proved us wrong by delivering a solid season despite very little help around him. He now will go to work with a rebuilt line featuring 2nd overall pick Eric Fisher and William Beatty forming a terrific group of bookend tackles. Greg Jennings will stabilize the passing game, but the rest of the receivers inspire little confidence. The running back group is very inexperienced but they have a great line to work with so one of the young guns should be able to step up. On defense Miami has made a priority of upgrading the defensive line. They have 4 veteran DTs that should make for a very formidable rotation and pairing Idonije with Wake gives them a decent 2nd option rushing the passer. The LB unit isn't spectacular, but will make plays behind a great DL. I do worry about its ability in coverage but it should be fantastic against the run. Miami also brings to the table perhaps the best group of safeties in the NFL. Weddle and Jones will make QBs pay for throwing deep. The CB group is decent, but not great. Sean Smith is a serviceable #1, but Cason has struggled while Woodson is a very old player that was moved to safety last year; you have to wonder what he has left. Miami has a pretty good roster, but everything depends on Tannehill taking the next step and I'm just not completely sold on him yet, especially without very much to work with in the passing game. That, coupled with inexperienced RBs leads me to believe this is a team that will be in contention for a wildcard spot all year but fall just short.

 

15. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings made the playoffs last year, but they may find it hard to make a repeat trip in a tough NFC North and a NFC conference that is stacked overall. Mallett and Ponder should be an interesting QB battle. Mallett has the big arm and learned from Brady, but Ponder is a smart, accurate passer and will probably win the job by limiting mistakes. Neither player is one capable of putting the team on their back, though. The QB should have some solid weapons in all-purpose threat Percy Harvin and rising TE Kyle Rudolph. The depth behind these guys isn't great so someone else is going to have to step up into a clear #2 WR role. Adrian Peterson will tote the rock and he is the best RB in the league coming off of a historic season. We all know what he can do, even behind a so-so offensive line. The question is can the passing game make defense pay for loading up the box? The defense has infused a lot of talent into the mix. Langford and Williams make a good tandem at DT while Jared Allen will bring the heat against the QB. Anderson, Alonso, and Greenway are a trio of linebackers who should be able to make lots of plays, although there will be growing pains for Alonso. Pairing Ward with Smith at safety was a good move as it gives the team a very solid last line of defense. Winfield is getting up there in age but has still been relatively effective, while Chris Cook flashes great potential but can't stay on the field. These two will be pushed by some great rookie talent in Wilson and Poyer. In all this is a very solid team across the board and should win some games in an old-school, smash-mouth fashion. However, their deficiencies in the passing game will be too much for them to advance to the postseason again. 

 

14. Houston Texans: The Texans have done well dominating a weak AFC South for a while, but they may have a hard time repeating. Trading away Matt Schaub to the Chiefs will hurt them. Yates, Cassel, or Nassib will start, but none of that group is a very good QB. Fortunately, the Texans do have the pieces to make the QB's job easier. They have a great line led by Duane Brown, arguably the best LT in the NFL. The rest of the unit is well versed in the zone blocking scheme, and very deep too. Star RB Arian Foster and a pair of solid backups will have holes all day to run through. Andre Johnson has long been the sole threat to catch the ball, but Breaston is a legitimate threat in the slot and the TE combo of Eifert and Daniels could be very productive. This team looks to have a top defense too. Domata Peko should be an effective NT and they have arguably the best defensive player in football, JJ Watt, next to him along with the solid Antonio Smith. The LB group looks formidable as well. Reed and Mercilus are both young but flash a ton of potential rushing the passer but there isn't much depth behind them. Cushing and Mays make for a punishing duo inside that should be effective in all facets of the game. There are some concerns in the secondary. Quinn and Manning are reliable options at safety but neither is an elite player and that might not be enough with Jonathan Joseph being the only serviceable CB on the roster. He is great, but either Kareem Jackson or Logan Ryan will have to step up as a solid #2 CB. This is a team that will win a lot of games by running the ball and with their defense, but I think the lack of talent at QB will have them fall short of the playoffs.

 

13. Arizona Cardinals: This is a real darkhorse team. This team had arguably the best draft of any in the league and also managed to sign a franchise QB. Matt Stafford will be very effective in this offense. He plays behind a decent line with a great blindside protector in LT Jake Long. Stafford's cannon arm will be put to use throwing to a WR group that includes future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald, and up and comers Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts. The TE group is a work in progress, however. This team has also really upgraded at RB. Ahmad Bradshaw will be the main back but watch out for Joseph Randle. He will prove to be a very versatile weapon and it wouldn't be surprising to see him start by the end of the year. This team also has improved quite a lot on defense. They stole Jurrell Casey from the Titans and paired him with run stuffer Broderick Bunkley and a freak athlete in Calais Campbell to form what should be a fantastic front 3. The pass rush is very unproven but Dion Jordan certainly looks the part. He is my pick for rookie of the year and will be able to put up at least 8 sacks while performing well in coverage. Daryl Washington will team up with the aging Brian Urlacher inside. Urlacher is very broken down but he will still be effective as a 2 down player, while Washington is excellent in all aspects of the game. The secondary could have some issues, though. Peterson looks to take the leap to elite level this year and he has the skills to do it. Jonathan Banks has a very bright future but rookie CBs have a lot of growing pains and it may be asking a lot for him to start right away. Kerry Rhodes and Jaiquawn Jarrett aren't world beaters so Peterson will have to ok playing on an island. In most years this would be a playoff team, however they play in a very hard division and conference. They will definitely be in the mix for a wildcard spot but it may be tough to do that coming out of the NFC West.

 

12-9 will come later tonight

[stm85]

Teams 12-9

 

12. Tennessee Titans: This is team that could sneak up on a lot of teams but make no mistake, it is dangerous. Landing Alex Smith is an absolute coup. With a talented group up front and the DeAngelo Williams/Chirs Ivory combo pounding the rock, this is a pretty balanced offense. Heath Miller is a fantastic TE who is excellent in all facets of the game. Getting him back healthy will be a big mid-season boost. The defense doesn't have a lot of stars but the defensive line is solid and extremely deep. Their players will be able to stay fresh and win battles at the line of scrimmage. Their linebackers are a young group but should be able to fly around and make plays behind a solid DL. The secondary should get very good play from both the CBs and the safeties. Ed Reed and Leon Hall were great additions to this young group. I am concerned that this team is very young, especially at WR. The linebackers have very little depth so an injury could be damaging. Overall though, this is a team that while lacking star power is very solid at every position and my pick to come out of a relatively weak AFC South division. 

 

11. Buffalo Bills: This Bills team looks like it could be the first real challenge to the Patriots dynasty in years. They have a solid young OL, powerful RB combo with Spiller and Jackson, and finally some depth around Johnson in their WR corps. The defensive line is the best in the league, with beef up front and dominating rushers on the edges. The secondary is fabulous as well and teams will have a very difficult time moving the ball through the air. However, the roster has a few flaws as well. Andy Dalton is a limited QB and while there is still a good bit of talent around him, I think the youth of the OL and the lack of 3rd and 4th options in the passing game keep the offense from reaching that top tier level. I am also concerned with lack of talent in the LB group. While there is great talent on the interior DL, if a runner can break through that level the 2nd level will be wide open for them. In the end this team is a good one and should be in the wildcard hunt all season long.

 

10. Chicago Bears: This team looks very dangerous, but they have had a number of talented rosters over the years that haven't lived up to the hype. Jay Cutler remains one of the most inconsistent QBs in the league but he should take a big step with Brandon Marshall and Tavon Austin catching passes. The offensive line is much improved on the outside, with a good, albeit aging, combo of Gross and Clabo. The interior of the line still could be a problem though. The Forte/Mendenhall duo will provide for a strong rushing attack. If the line holds up this offense will be potent. The defense is equally frightening. Sylvester Williams will be a nice complement to Peppers and this duo will be feared by opposing QBs. Briggs, Tulloch, and Davis isn't a flashy group of LBs but will be very effective against both the pass and the run. The secondary, highlighted by Tillman and Wright, will be tough to move the ball on. The key here is that Davis and Grimes stay healthy, because there isn't much behind them. This team has potential to be a real contender but issues on the interior line and with defensive depth will be their Achilles heel. That being said, this should be a real challenger for the NFC North title. They may have to win their division because it will be an all out war for the 2 wildcard spots.

 

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Despite having the worst record in the league last year this is a very talented squad that should not be taken lightly. Matt Schaub, while he will never be mistaken for a superstar, is a stabilizing force at QB and could drastically improve the offense. Jamaal Charles is an elite talent at RB and with an incredibly talented and deep OL featuring Eugene Monroe and company, should be able to do a ton of damage. Dwayne Bowe, Lance Moore, and Jared Cook should keep defenses honest in the passing game. The Defense looks to be one of the league's best. The DL is solid, if unspectacular, but the linebackers are the real strength of the team. Houston and Hali might be the best pair of pass rushing OLBs in the whole league and Derrick Johnson and Curtis Lofton make a formidable pair in the middle. Brandon Flowers, Chris Gamble, and Javier Arenas are a strong trio of CBs and Berry and Elam are a great pair of safeties as well. There are some concerns with this squad though. Schaub,  while one of the best game manger QBs, is not a good enough player to take over games, and the depth at WR and DL is very inexperienced. If Eric Berry gets hurt the defense could be in trouble as well. This is a strong squad and should easily be a wildcard team, but they aren't good enough to challenge Denver just yet for the AFC West.

[ravensdan]

Teams 16-13

16. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins are tired of being a laughingstock franchise and have made some big time improvements this year. Ryan Tannehill's selection in the 2012 draft looked like one of the biggest reaches ever but he proved us wrong by delivering a solid season despite very little help around him. He now will go to work with a rebuilt line featuring 2nd overall pick Eric Fisher and William Beatty forming a terrific group of bookend tackles. Greg Jennings will stabilize the passing game, but the rest of the receivers inspire little confidence. The running back group is very inexperienced but they have a great line to work with so one of the young guns should be able to step up. On defense Miami has made a priority of upgrading the defensive line. They have 4 veteran DTs that should make for a very formidable rotation and pairing Idonije with Wake gives them a decent 2nd option rushing the passer. The LB unit isn't spectacular, but will make plays behind a great DL. I do worry about its ability in coverage but it should be fantastic against the run. Miami also brings to the table perhaps the best group of safeties in the NFL. Weddle and Jones will make QBs pay for throwing deep. The CB group is decent, but not great. Sean Smith is a serviceable #1, but Cason has struggled while Woodson is a very old player that was moved to safety last year; you have to wonder what he has left. Miami has a pretty good roster, but everything depends on Tannehill taking the next step and I'm just not completely sold on him yet, especially without very much to work with in the passing game. That, coupled with inexperienced RBs leads me to believe this is a team that will be in contention for a wildcard spot all year but fall just short.

15. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings made the playoffs last year, but they may find it hard to make a repeat trip in a tough NFC North and a NFC conference that is stacked overall. Mallett and Ponder should be an interesting QB battle. Mallett has the big arm and learned from Brady, but Ponder is a smart, accurate passer and will probably win the job by limiting mistakes. Neither player is one capable of putting the team on their back, though. The QB should have some solid weapons in all-purpose threat Percy Harvin and rising TE Kyle Rudolph. The depth behind these guys isn't great so someone else is going to have to step up into a clear #2 WR role. Adrian Peterson will tote the rock and he is the best RB in the league coming off of a historic season. We all know what he can do, even behind a so-so offensive line. The question is can the passing game make defense pay for loading up the box? The defense has infused a lot of talent into the mix. Langford and Williams make a good tandem at DT while Jared Allen will bring the heat against the QB. Anderson, Alonso, and Greenway are a trio of linebackers who should be able to make lots of plays, although there will be growing pains for Alonso. Pairing Ward with Smith at safety was a good move as it gives the team a very solid last line of defense. Winfield is getting up there in age but has still been relatively effective, while Chris Cook flashes great potential but can't stay on the field. These two will be pushed by some great rookie talent in Wilson and Poyer. In all this is a very solid team across the board and should win some games in an old-school, smash-mouth fashion. However, their deficiencies in the passing game will be too much for them to advance to the postseason again.

14. Houston Texans: The Texans have done well dominating a weak AFC South for a while, but they may have a hard time repeating. Trading away Matt Schaub to the Chiefs will hurt them. Yates, Cassel, or Nassib will start, but none of that group is a very good QB. Fortunately, the Texans do have the pieces to make the QB's job easier. They have a great line led by Duane Brown, arguably the best LT in the NFL. The rest of the unit is well versed in the zone blocking scheme, and very deep too. Star RB Arian Foster and a pair of solid backups will have holes all day to run through. Andre Johnson has long been the sole threat to catch the ball, but Breaston is a legitimate threat in the slot and the TE combo of Eifert and Daniels could be very productive. This team looks to have a top defense too. Domata Peko should be an effective NT and they have arguably the best defensive player in football, JJ Watt, next to him along with the solid Antonio Smith. The LB group looks formidable as well. Reed and Mercilus are both young but flash a ton of potential rushing the passer but there isn't much depth behind them. Cushing and Mays make for a punishing duo inside that should be effective in all facets of the game. There are some concerns in the secondary. Quinn and Manning are reliable options at safety but neither is an elite player and that might not be enough with Jonathan Joseph being the only serviceable CB on the roster. He is great, but either Kareem Jackson or Logan Ryan will have to step up as a solid #2 CB. This is a team that will win a lot of games by running the ball and with their defense, but I think the lack of talent at QB will have them fall short of the playoffs.

13. Arizona Cardinals: This is a real darkhorse team. This team had arguably the best draft of any in the league and also managed to sign a franchise QB. Matt Stafford will be very effective in this offense. He plays behind a decent line with a great blindside protector in LT Jake Long. Stafford's cannon arm will be put to use throwing to a WR group that includes future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald, and up and comers Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts. The TE group is a work in progress, however. This team has also really upgraded at RB. Ahmad Bradshaw will be the main back but watch out for Joseph Randle. He will prove to be a very versatile weapon and it wouldn't be surprising to see him start by the end of the year. This team also has improved quite a lot on defense. They stole Jurrell Casey from the Titans and paired him with run stuffer Broderick Bunkley and a freak athlete in Calais Campbell to form what should be a fantastic front 3. The pass rush is very unproven but Dion Jordan certainly looks the part. He is my pick for rookie of the year and will be able to put up at least 8 sacks while performing well in coverage. Daryl Washington will team up with the aging Brian Urlacher inside. Urlacher is very broken down but he will still be effective as a 2 down player, while Washington is excellent in all aspects of the game. The secondary could have some issues, though. Peterson looks to take the leap to elite level this year and he has the skills to do it. Jonathan Banks has a very bright future but rookie CBs have a lot of growing pains and it may be asking a lot for him to start right away. Kerry Rhodes and Jaiquawn Jarrett aren't world beaters so Peterson will have to ok playing on an island. In most years this would be a playoff team, however they play in a very hard division and conference. They will definitely be in the mix for a wildcard spot but it may be tough to do that coming out of the NFC West.

12-9 will come later tonight

I can't see the texans being anywhere near this good with this aweful group of qbs it doesn't really matter what else they do they will win under 7 games.

[stm85]

I can't see the texans being anywhere near this good with this aweful group of qbs it doesn't really matter what else they do they will win under 7 games.

 

2 things with the Texans. 1) Yes they have awful QBs but they did well with Yates before when Schaub went down. They still have a top 5 defense and arguably the best rushing offense outside of the Vikings. They also have improved the receiving weapons which means the young QB won't have to throw to Johnson in a crowd anymore. 2) They play a very weak division. The Jags and Colts are the 2 lowest ranked teams here, which will help them win games. That's 4 guaranteed wins right there and I think the defense and running game can win them at least 4 more. I still think Tennessee wins that division but the Texans are an easy choice for 2nd.

[GrimCoconut]

I just don't know how the San Francisco 49ers can be in the top-10 with 4 cornerbacks on the roster & 2 OLBs. Not in 2013, anyway. 

[stm85]

I just don't know how the San Francisco 49ers can be in the top-10 with 4 cornerbacks on the roster & 2 OLBs. Not in 2013, anyway. 

 

Cam Johnson and Haralson can both play OLB; I'd probably argue that it's the natural position for both of them. I'm not crazy about the CBs but overall its a very good team still.

[GrimCoconut]

Cam Johnson and Haralson can both play OLB; I'd probably argue that it's the natural position for both of them. I'm not crazy about the CBs but overall its a very good team still.

They have four cornerbacks on the roster. The secondary was already the weakness of the team. I almost want to donate them a guy. 

[stm85]

They have four cornerbacks on the roster. The secondary was already the weakness of the team. I almost want to donate them a guy. 

 

That is a real weakness and I can't disagree that it lowers their ranking a bit. They did at least add Swearinger to the secondary. It's just hard to drop them out of the top ten when the starters are one of the most talented groups in the whole league.

[GrimCoconut]

That is a real weakness and I can't disagree that it lowers their ranking a bit. It's just hard to drop them out of the top ten when the starters are one of the most talented groups in the whole league.

Come on, man. They're talented, but let me spell it out for you here: 

 

DT: Ian Williams
DE: Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Demarcus Dobbs, Will Tukuafu, Cam Johnson
OLB: Ahmad Brooks, Aldon Smith
ILB: Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, Parys Haralson, Alec Ogletree
CB: Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Jerraud Powers
S: Donte Whitner, Dashon Goldson, C.J Spillman, 

 

That's their defense. I'm sorry, but they don't have the depth to even be considered a top-10 defense or team, especially when you account for the fact that they have four cornerbacks on their roster, with some huge question marks at the NT position, which is a critical piece of the 3-4 defense as we all know too well. Even if they have Patrick Willis & Navorro Bowan, their secondary is God-awful. Meanwhile, the offensive lines for the Cardinals, Rams, & Seahawks have all improved.

 

I don't see this team sniffing the playoffs. I think the Seahawks & Cardinals have a MUCH better chance of making it and it's not even close. They will be lucky to finish 3rd in their division. One starter put on IR on defense would cripple that team. 

[stm85]

Come on, man. They're talented, but let me spell it out for you here: 

 

DT: Ian Williams
DE: Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Demarcus Dobbs, Will Tukuafu, Cam Johnson
OLB: Ahmad Brooks, Aldon Smith
ILB: Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, Parys Haralson, Alec Ogletree
CB: Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Jerraud Powers
S: Donte Whitner, Dashon Goldson, C.J Spillman, 

 

That's their defense. I'm sorry, but they don't have the depth to even be considered a top-10 defense or team, especially when you account for the fact that they have four cornerbacks on their roster, with some huge question marks at the NT position, which is a critical piece of the 3-4 defense as we all know too well. Even if they have Patrick Willis & Navorro Bowan, their secondary is God-awful. Meanwhile, the offensive lines for the Cardinals, Rams, & Seahawks have all improved.

 

I don't see this team sniffing the playoffs. I think the Seahawks & Cardinals have a MUCH better chance of making it and it's not even close. They will be lucky to finish 3rd in their division. One starter put on IR on defense would cripple that team. 

 

He didn't add all of his picks to the depth chart but they are in his signature so I am still counting them. I am going to drop them because of the lack of depth but they can move guys around and not really suffer much because of the top level talent around them. NT and CB are really the only spots where they don't have enough guys if you consider that he has several players listed at the wrong position or not listed at all. NT is a major concern though, but I do think coaches like Harbaugh or Fangio would be able to adjust the starting lineup. They will have to move down the rankings but they are a playoff team in my eyes.

[Yatagarasu]

Stop picking on the 49ers.

 

They could've missed all their draft picks and not sign anyone and still end up with a Championship team.

 

That's how stack they are.

[-Truth-]

He didn't add all of his picks to the depth chart but they are in his signature so I am still counting them. I am going to drop them because of the lack of depth but they can move guys around and not really suffer much because of the top level talent around them. NT and CB are really the only spots where they don't have enough guys if you consider that he has several players listed at the wrong position or not listed at all. NT is a major concern though, but I do think coaches like Harbaugh or Fangio would be able to adjust the starting lineup. They will have to move down the rankings but they are a playoff team in my eyes.

 

Just to clear things up, they've added Tyrann Mathieu to be their 5th CB. And last season, their 5th CB played 36 total snaps. According to Chip Kelly, Bennie Logan will be first looked at as an NT in their 3-4 scheme, so he'll likely be San Francisco's starter. DJ Swearinger should see a bit of time, especially if Donte Whitner struggles. Parys Haralson is their best reserve OLB. He missed the entire 2012 season, is reportedly expected to be healthy coming into Training Camp, and was their starter in every season since 2007 but the one he missed. He's never played anything outside of OLB. He was just wrongly listed as an ILB on this depth chart. And Cam Johnson was their reserve at the other OLB spot last season. The only player of any significance who they've lost was Ricky Jean-Francois, who they've replaced with Logan. And they've added Alec Ogletree, Swearinger and Mathieu. I personally don't see a drop-off there. In fact, their defense arguably improved. Though these are your rankings, so it's definitely your call.

[Clutch Ravens]

 

 

13. Arizona Cardinals: This is a real darkhorse team. This team had arguably the best draft of any in the league and also managed to sign a franchise QB. Matt Stafford will be very effective in this offense. He plays behind a decent line with a great blindside protector in LT Jake Long. Stafford's cannon arm will be put to use throwing to a WR group that includes future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald, and up and comers Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts. The TE group is a work in progress, however. This team has also really upgraded at RB. Ahmad Bradshaw will be the main back but watch out for Joseph Randle. He will prove to be a very versatile weapon and it wouldn't be surprising to see him start by the end of the year. This team also has improved quite a lot on defense. They stole Jurrell Casey from the Titans and paired him with run stuffer Broderick Bunkley and a freak athlete in Calais Campbell to form what should be a fantastic front 3. The pass rush is very unproven but Dion Jordan certainly looks the part. He is my pick for rookie of the year and will be able to put up at least 8 sacks while performing well in coverage. Daryl Washington will team up with the aging Brian Urlacher inside. Urlacher is very broken down but he will still be effective as a 2 down player, while Washington is excellent in all aspects of the game. The secondary could have some issues, though. Peterson looks to take the leap to elite level this year and he has the skills to do it. Jonathan Banks has a very bright future but rookie CBs have a lot of growing pains and it may be asking a lot for him to start right away. Kerry Rhodes and Jaiquawn Jarrett aren't world beaters so Peterson will have to ok playing on an island. In most years this would be a playoff team, however they play in a very hard division and conference. They will definitely be in the mix for a wildcard spot but it may be tough to do that coming out of the NFC West.

 

12-9 will come later tonight

 

Very much enjoy the analysis of what I did with the Cardinals.

 

Flattered to be considered as having one of the best drafts.

[ravensdan]

 

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: This team has made some good moves to get younger and should be able to bounce back after last year's disappointing season. Roethlisberger should have better luck staying upright behind a solid line that is finally healthy. Brown, Hopkins, and Sanders are good options at WR and will keep defenses busy. The running backs don't inspire much confidence so this team will have to air it out. The young players on defense will have to step up but there is still some real veteran talent with Woodley, Timmons, Taylor, Lewis, and Kiesel. If Moore, Hood, Spence, and Jefferson can step up this team will be dangerous. In the end though, this team is still too young to make any real splashes this year, but the future is much more promising than it was last season.

 

 

First off thank you for going through and doing all of these analysis, i know it is alot of work to complete.  i would like to disagree with this Steelers team being rated here behind several rebuilding teams.  i believe this team is build to compete with the Ravens and here is why...

QB - Roethlisberger is one of the top 8 QB's in the league who has done it before and won super bowls.  There is finally a reliable back up behind him in Colt McCoy who can win some games(he is overlooked because he QB'd cleveland teams completely void of playmakers of any kind.)

Offensive Line-  This line has gone as you state in favor of younger players who the Steelers have been drafting in the early rounds the last 3 years.  There is also really good quality depth behind them at each position, something that was lacking last year.  This team will employ a new zone blocking scheme which will fit the talents of these young athleticc linemen better than the past scheme. The new addition of Justice Cunningham at TE should not be overlooked.  he is an amazing blocker who can block as well as any RT on the end as well as move into the back field as a lead blocker.  He is also athletic enough to get out and make nice catches.  He should be able to fill in for the injured Miller very nicely. 

Running Backs - You mention this as a weakness, but I'm not sure you realized I know have vick Ballard as my feature work horse back.  in the 8 games he recieved more than 15 touches he gained at least 80 yards combined, most up over 120 yard combined mark, including one playoff game.  And that was behind an offensive line that rated a combined -61.9 overall according to pff!  Behind him is Jawan Jamison who could very easily become the next Ray Rice if he can improve his pass pro. 

Wide Recievers - As you mention this group of wide recievers should be a real strength for this team. 

 

Defense - you mention that this defense will have a growing period becuase i have chosen to go with some youth, but I submit to you that the older guys who are gone now were not huge contributers last year.  polamalu appeared in only 7 games. without him the 4 regular starters combined for an incredible 28.7 rating according to pff.   Hampton graded out negatively in all but one contest last year, so he was not a big contributor.  On the other hand Steve mclendon rated positively for the whole year.    Harrison missed 4 games himself, and did come up with an ok 6 sacks, but was certainly not dominant.  While the rookie Damontre moore brings with him 12.5 sacks against the NFL esque SEC competition.    And in this "down year" this Steelers defense ranked... 4th in yards per rush, 5th in yards per pass, first in total yards and 6th in scoring defense. 

 

To me with all of the depth I have added on defense as well as the offensive line, and QB positon, new skill position threats like Hopkins, Broyles, Ballard, Jamison and Cunningham this team should be up in the to0 10-12 teams, competing with Baltimore for the AFC North title, and certainly far better than a Houston team with no QB, Tennessee/Kansas City/Miami, who while improved have added alot of pieces and may take time to gel as well as none of them having all-pro level QB's.  Slightly better than New England who they have historicly shut down, and this patriots team is short on firepower at the WR spots.  That would put this Steelers team behind the favorite Denver followed by Baltimore, 3rd in the AFC...

 

IMHO.

[stm85]

First off thank you for going through and doing all of these analysis, i know it is alot of work to complete.  i would like to disagree with this Steelers team being rated here behind several rebuilding teams.  i believe this team is build to compete with the Ravens and here is why...

QB - Roethlisberger is one of the top 8 QB's in the league who has done it before and won super bowls.  There is finally a reliable back up behind him in Colt McCoy who can win some games(he is overlooked because he QB'd cleveland teams completely void of playmakers of any kind.)

Offensive Line-  This line has gone as you state in favor of younger players who the Steelers have been drafting in the early rounds the last 3 years.  There is also really good quality depth behind them at each position, something that was lacking last year.  This team will employ a new zone blocking scheme which will fit the talents of these young athleticc linemen better than the past scheme. The new addition of Justice Cunningham at TE should not be overlooked.  he is an amazing blocker who can block as well as any RT on the end as well as move into the back field as a lead blocker.  He is also athletic enough to get out and make nice catches.  He should be able to fill in for the injured Miller very nicely. 

Running Backs - You mention this as a weakness, but I'm not sure you realized I know have vick Ballard as my feature work horse back.  in the 8 games he recieved more than 15 touches he gained at least 80 yards combined, most up over 120 yard combined mark, including one playoff game.  And that was behind an offensive line that rated a combined -61.9 overall according to pff!  Behind him is Jawan Jamison who could very easily become the next Ray Rice if he can improve his pass pro. 

Wide Recievers - As you mention this group of wide recievers should be a real strength for this team. 

 

Defense - you mention that this defense will have a growing period becuase i have chosen to go with some youth, but I submit to you that the older guys who are gone now were not huge contributers last year.  polamalu appeared in only 7 games. without him the 4 regular starters combined for an incredible 28.7 rating according to pff.   Hampton graded out negatively in all but one contest last year, so he was not a big contributor.  On the other hand Steve mclendon rated positively for the whole year.    Harrison missed 4 games himself, and did come up with an ok 6 sacks, but was certainly not dominant.  While the rookie Damontre moore brings with him 12.5 sacks against the NFL esque SEC competition.    And in this "down year" this Steelers defense ranked... 4th in yards per rush, 5th in yards per pass, first in total yards and 6th in scoring defense. 

 

To me with all of the depth I have added on defense as well as the offensive line, and QB positon, new skill position threats like Hopkins, Broyles, Ballard, Jamison and Cunningham this team should be up in the to0 10-12 teams, competing with Baltimore for the AFC North title, and certainly far better than a Houston team with no QB, Tennessee/Kansas City/Miami, who while improved have added alot of pieces and may take time to gel as well as none of them having all-pro level QB's.  Slightly better than New England who they have historicly shut down, and this patriots team is short on firepower at the WR spots.  That would put this Steelers team behind the favorite Denver followed by Baltimore, 3rd in the AFC...

 

IMHO.

 

You make some good points, but let me elaborate a little more. Ben is one of the best QBs when healthy but he is beginning to break down. He hasn't stayed healthy for a while and I think all of the big hits he has taken are adding up. His playing style is not conducive to a long career. McCoy is a decent backup but he has physical limitations that could alter your offense. Ballard is a solid young runner but he isn't very explosive. He averaged only 3.9 ypc last season. The OL should be great at run blocking, but I am concerned about pass protection for your tackles. That is worrisome with Ben's injury history.

 

On defense, Mclendon has never been a full time starter and NT is a very demanding position. There is decent depth behind him though. I am also not a huge fan of Ziggy Hood so I don't see the DL as a standout group. Spence is probably never going to play again so who starts next to Timmons? Moore was good at A&M but he is definitely going to have growing pains. I like his and Washington's potential but I'd want a more reliable option opposite Woodley. Same with Jefferson, I wouldn't be comfortable starting him. Your CBs look solid though.

 

That's my thinking for the low ranking. If the pieces gel then this could be a wildcard team though. In the end, despite a better QB, teams like the Titans, Chiefs, Bills, and Dolphins are much more complete in my opinion. I still think your team is 2nd in the AFC North and a Wildcard contender but I see those 2 spots going to Buffalo and Kansas City as they have less weaknesses overall.

[ravensdan]

You make some good points, but let me elaborate a little more. Ben is one of the best QBs when healthy but he is beginning to break down. He hasn't stayed healthy for a while and I think all of the big hits he has taken are adding up. His playing style is not conducive to a long career. McCoy is a decent backup but he has physical limitations that could alter your offense. Ballard is a solid young runner but he isn't very explosive. He averaged only 3.9 ypc last season. The OL should be great at run blocking, but I am concerned about pass protection for your tackles. That is worrisome with Ben's injury history.

On defense, Mclendon has never been a full time starter and NT is a very demanding position. There is decent depth behind him though. I am also not a huge fan of Ziggy Hood so I don't see the DL as a standout group. Spence is probably never going to play again so who starts next to Timmons? Moore was good at A&M but he is definitely going to have growing pains. I like his and Washington's potential but I'd want a more reliable option opposite Woodley. Same with Jefferson, I wouldn't be comfortable starting him. Your CBs look solid though.

That's my thinking for the low ranking. If the pieces gel then this could be a wildcard team though. In the end, despite a better QB, teams like the Titans, Chiefs, Bills, and Dolphins are much more complete in my opinion. I still think your team is 2nd in the AFC North and a Wildcard contender but I see those 2 spots going to Buffalo and Kansas City as they have less weaknesses overall.

If spence can't start which I admit is a question mark both Sylvester and shaw can be solid if not spectacular and clay I believe can develop into a starter eventually. He showed a lot of good instincts. It is much easier when you are playing opposite arguably the top inside backer in the nfl. There is also one more aspect I forgot to mention. The steelers special teams coverage has been an Achilles heal for the entire Tomlinson era. I have made special teams a huge focus...considine, shaw, Chelsea, greenwood, Jefferson, . Look how well this focus worked for harbaugh this year. Also will Allen started opposite Clark last year and was quite solid. Madiuleu Williams also played well for the Vikings if Jefferson is not ready. Although Shawn looks to be a fantastic all around safety.

I think they are a clear wildcard team.

[arnie_uk]

Spence career could be over, your jumping the gun abit on him starting there

[Mt. Crushmore]

Spence career could be over, your jumping the gun abit on him starting there

 

I was just about to post that myself.  Getting nerve damage in your knee is a scary thing.

[ravensdan]

I was just about to post that myself. Getting nerve damage in your knee is a scary thing.

Yes he is certainly the biggest question on my team. Saying his career is over is certainly premature. Which is why I was mentioning the solid if unspectacular depth behind him.