NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko
You can’t have a new football season without predictions and prognostications. You know the well-thought out, researched and analyzed guesses us “experts” make to try and forecast what will happen during the upcoming season.
Here is the space where you can see all my predictions, tell me how crazy or stupid I am, but more importantly add your own 2013 predictions.
Below is my list of comprehensive 2013 NFL predictions. If you wish to fill out yours and see how you do in relation to the NEPD “experts”, simply copy and paste the question list into the comment section and fill it out. We can all take a good long laugh at these once December rolls around. But until then, everyone is right!
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 13-3
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Atlanta, Carolina, Baltimore
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Chandler Jones
Offensive LVP (Least): Julian Edelman (Injuries), Dan Connolly
Defensive LVP: Tavon Wilson
Breakout Offensive Star: Kenbrell Thompkins and Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Alfonzo Dennard
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Marcus Forston (besides Chandler Jones)
Unsung Hero: Dane Fletcher
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Jamie Collins
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Alfonzo Dennard (CB), Devin McCourty (S)
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Super Bowl
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Adrian Wilson
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty (FS)
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 13
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 37
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 2
Player that fails to meet expectations: Aaron Dobson
Most Overrated Player: Jerod Mayo
Most Underrated Player: Ryan Wendell
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Joe Vellano
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling (Nate Ebner)
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Matt Elam and Tyrann Mathieu
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon
Best Position Grouping: Linebackers
Worst Position Grouping: Strong Safety
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: New England, Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Cincinnati, Tennessee
NFC Playoff Teams: Giants, Packers, Falcons, 49ers, Seahawks, Bears
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
NFC Champion: Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl Champion: Come on now
NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
Offensive Player of the Year: Tom Brady, QB, New England
Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland
Most Improved Team: Arizona Cardinals
Most Surprising Team: Tennessee Titans
Biggest Disappointment: Miami Dolphins
Best Off-Season Acquisition: Darrell Revis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Worst Off-Season Acquisition: Ed Reed, FS, Houston Texans (Injuries) – Pat Chung, Connor Barwin a close 2nd
Breakout Offensive Star: Cecil Shorts III, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Breakout Defensive Star: Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams
Most Overrated Player: Ben Roethilisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Most Underrated Player: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets
1st pick in 2014 NFL Draft belongs to: Oakland Raiders
1st Pick in the 2014 Draft: JaDeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
NFL Leader in Rushing: Adrian Peterson
Receiving Yards: Brandon Marshall
Sacks: Demarcus Ware
Interceptions: Janoris Jenkins
Passing TDs: Tom Brady
Passing Yards: Peyton Manning
First Coach Fired: Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
Coordinator next in line for Head Coaches Job: Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals
Your turn! Feel free to make predictions on one or all.
Tags: 2013 NFL Season, Predictions
Have read the site for a number of years now + really love the coverage especially around the draft. A lot of the reporters who’ve covered the team against you- albert breer, bedard, rappaport, rodak, have gone national + I’ve always thought your stuff was more in depth than theirs.
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 14-2
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Atlanta, Baltimore “If you saw carolina this won’t happen”-also they always flub a game or two against an also ran
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Chandler Jones
Offensive LVP (Least): Hernandez won this when he shot that kid. Gronk because I’m sick of the partying.
Defensive LVP: I go with gregory, but always bet on the secondary. Also think brandon spikes and ninkovich are overrated and that they need DT depth badly.
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen is a beast-they don’t get enough credit for overhauling the running game in the draft.
Breakout Defensive Star: Alfonzo Dennard-he was last year. I like jamie collins. Hightower will be on the spot.
Most Improved Offensive Player: Sudfeld looks good.
Most Improved Defensive Player: Marcus Forston (besides Chandler Jones)
Unsung Hero: Dane Fletcher
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola-too easy. I think tommy kelly is important.
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: well played, I’ll go with dobson.
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Alfonzo Dennard (CB), Devin McCourty (S)
hard to disagree
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Super Bowl-I agree, I think texans are pretenders.
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Generally this is draft picks nearing their first contract end who aren’t starters/2nd stringers they’ve gotten frustrated with. Cunningham, bequette, edelman, dowling-maybe mesko.
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty (FS). Gronk won’t. OL play seems to suck nationally. Also look out for slater getting that steve tasker career achievement award.
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 9-he can’t stay healthy
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 34-quieter more efficient year
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 2
Player that fails to meet expectations: I go with boyce or a young LB/DB.
Most Overrated Player: Jerod Mayo
Most Underrated Player: Ryan Wendell
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Joe Vellano
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling (Nate Ebner)
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Matt Elam and Tyrann Mathieu
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: A DT. Woolfork will age this year.
Best Position Grouping: RB/OL-they’ve really done well in these areas.
Worst Position Grouping: Strong Safety
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: New England, cincinatti, Denver, Houston, baltimore, indy-I think ravens are in for a stumble, bengals are young, hungry and healthy. Indy came close last year. I think the elway denver teams with td were better than this unit-and remember they struggled for a few years and were younger, more complete.
NFC Playoff Teams: Redskins, Packers, Falcons, 49ers, Seahawks, Bears. the giants have lost too much.
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
NFC Champion: 49ers or seahawks. I go 49ers
Super Bowl Champion: Come on now
NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
Offensive Player of the Year: Tom Brady, QB, New England
Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland
-don’t know too much about the rest of the league
Most Improved Team: I will go browns and chiefs here with a marty schottenheimer theme but cardinals are a good choice.
Most Surprising Team: chiefs-reid put together a great staff and I think arrowhead will be on the warpath again.
Biggest Disappointment: Lions, Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers-I think age will finally catch up to Steelers that d just doesn’t smell right. They’ve had a great ride for 20 years, but this is the start of the end.
Best Off-Season Acquisition: Darrell Revis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Worst Off-Season Acquisition: Ed Reed, FS, Houston Texans (Injuries) – Pat Chung, Connor Barwin a close 2nd
Breakout Offensive Star: Cecil Shorts III, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars-I think a d3 player
Breakout Defensive Star: Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams
Most Overrated Player: Tony Romo
Most Underrated Player: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets
1st pick in 2014 NFL Draft belongs to: Oakland Raiders
1st Pick in the 2014 Draft: JaDeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
NFL Leader in Rushing: Adrian Peterson
Receiving Yards: Brandon Marshall
Sacks: Demarcus Ware
Interceptions: Janoris Jenkins
Passing TDs: Tom Brady
Passing Yards: Peyton Manning
First Coach Fired: Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
Coordinator next in line for Head Coaches Job: Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals
Lot of these teams I just don’t know too much about and in those cases I’ve left it what you had. I think one of themes will be that a lot of these teams that have been in limbo for several years-the jets, steelers, lions, chargers, cowboys, giants, bears, titans, giants will come to crossroads and just say we’re tired of waiting on players like rivers or coaches like garrett and seek to do things not unlike what the eagles did with reid last year. Jason Garrett looks overwhelmed and as we hit the 20 year anniversaries of the cowboys titles I think the pressure will heat up for what have you done for me lately. Similar with rivers and cutler. The new york media is already on the giants for missing the playoffs every year they haven’t won a title, the lions seem to have hit an 8-8 ceiling, the steelers have quietly drafted poorly for years and when the bengals pass them and the browns start pushing their win totals to 7-6 wins from 9-10 I think it gets tougher for them not to make moves in their front office.
On the other hand, I’ll be really watching to see in the league of parity if the dolphins, chiefs, browns, and raiders which have been off the radar for 20 years can make a comeback, either way I’ll be reading the site.
I will say I hope you do less draft stuff during the season-the patriots don’t really need players and the focus will be on the field and do more column/shaugnessy type stuff about the league. I’ve lived in losing cities + usually they suck so that by week 3 their columnists are already focusing on the draft and I hope you focus more on the pro team.
2013 Record: 12-4
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Atlanta, New Orleans, Denver, Baltimore
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Vince Wilfork
Offensive LVP (Least): tough one
Defensive LVP: Kyle Arrington
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Chandler Jones
Most Improved Offensive Player: Nate Solder
Most Improved Defensive Player: Dont’a Hightower
Unsung Hero: Mike Hooman
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Jamie Collins
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Devin McCourty
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Super Bowl
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Adrian Wilson
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty (FS)
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 13
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 37
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 0
Player that fails to meet expectations: Aaron Dobson
Most Overrated Player: Jerod Mayo
Most Underrated Player: Julian Edelman
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Cory Grissom
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Mar
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona
Best Position Grouping: Running backs
Worst Position Grouping: Strong Safety
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: New England, Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh
NFC Playoff Teams: San Francisco, Green Bay, Atlanta, Giants, Detroit, New Orleans
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
NFC Champion: San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl Champion: Pats
NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
Offensive Player of the Year: Tom Brady, QB, New England
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Denard Robinson, OW, Jacksonville
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Datone Jones, DL, Green Bay
Most Improved Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Most Surprising Team: Detroit Lions
Biggest Disappointment: Miami Dolphins
Best Off-Season Acquisition: Darrelle Revis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Worst Off-Season Acquisition: Elvis Dumervil, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Breakout Offensive Star: Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans
Breakout Defensive Star: Fletcher Cox, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Most Overrated Player: Ben Roethilisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Most Underrated Player: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets
1st pick in 2014 NFL Draft belongs to: Oakland Raiders
1st Pick in the 2014 Draft: JaDeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
NFL Leader in Rushing: Adrian Peterson
Receiving Yards: Dez Bryant
Sacks: Brian Orakpo
Interceptions: Patrick Peterson
Passing TDs: Tom Brady
Passing Yards: Peyton Manning
First Coach Fired: Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
Coordinator next in line for Head Coaches Job: Jay Gruden, Cincinnati Bengals
2013 Record: 14-2
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Atlanta, Buffalo
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Vince Wilfork
Offensive LVP (Least): Jake Ballard
Defensive LVP: Jermiane Cunningham
Breakout Offensive Star: Kenbrell Thompkins
Breakout Defensive Star: Donta Hightower/Jamie Collins/Armond Armstead
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Brandon Spikes
Unsung Hero: Marcus Benard
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola/Kenbrell Thompkins/Armond Armstead
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Jamie Collins
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Tom Brady
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Kyle Arrington
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Super Bowl
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Jermaine Cunningham
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo, Donta Hightower Devin McCourty
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 10
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 38
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 4 (including runs)
Player that fails to meet expectations: Adrian Wilson
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Jermiane Cunningham
Most Overrated Player: Aqib Talib
Most Underrated Player: Kyle Arrington
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Mark Harrison
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Damontre Moore (DE/OLB, 81st, NYG)
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: No Idea
Best Position Grouping: Running Backs and Linebackers
Worst Position Grouping: Strong Safety
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: New England, Denver, Cincinnati, Houston, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh
NFC Playoff Teams: Packers, 49ers, Falcons, Giants, Seahawks, Bears
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
NFC Champion: Seahawks
Super Bowl Champion: Pats
NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Offensive Player of the Year: Megatron
Defensive Player of the Year: Geno Atkins
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tyler Eifert
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jamie Collins
Most Improved Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Most Surprising Team: Buffalo
Biggest Disappointment: Redskins
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 12-4
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: @ATL, @ CIN, NO, @HOU
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Chandler Jones
Offensive LVP (Least): Gronk (injuries)
Defensive LVP: Steve Gregory (please cut him as he $ucks)
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Donta Hightower
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Chandler Jones
Unsung Hero: Leon Washington
Best Free Agent Signing: Leon Washington
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Jamie Collins
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Donta Hightower
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Devin McCourty (S)
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Conference semi-finals
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Jermaine Cunningham
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Leon Washington, Danny Amendola Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Donta Hightower and Devin McCourty (FS)
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 8
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 39
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 2
Player that fails to meet expectations: Aaron Dobson
Most Overrated Player: Matthew Slater
Most Underrated Player Tommy Kelly
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact:
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Nate Ebner
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Tyrann Mathieu, Markus Wheaton, T.J. MacDonald
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: Eric Ebron TE UNC
Best Position Grouping: Linebackers
Worst Position Grouping: WR
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 13-3
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Falcons, Dolphins, Ravens
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Vince Wilfork
Offensive LVP: Daniel Fells
Defensive LVP: Tavon Wilson
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Dont’a Hightower
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Chandler Jones
Unsung Hero: Ryan Wendell
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Jamie Collins
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Total Touchdowns: Tom Brady
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Carries: Stevan Ridley
Rushing Yards: Stevan Ridley
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Devin McCourty
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st
How Far in the Playoffs: AFC Championship
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Steve Gregory
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Danny Amendola, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo, Devin McCourty
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 12
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 35
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 2
Player that fails to meet expectations: Aqib Talib
Most Overrated Player: Logan Mankins
Most Underrated Player: Ryan Wendell
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Joe Vellano
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling or Jake Bequette
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Tyrann Matthieu
Best Position Grouping: LB or RB
Worst Position Grouping: DT or S
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: Texans, Patriots, Broncos, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers
NFC Playoff Teams: Falcons, 49ers, Packers, Giants, Seahawks, Bears
AFC Champion: Texans
NFC Champion: 49ers
Super Bowl Champion: 49ers
NFL MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England
Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston
Offensive Rookie of the Year: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Desmond Trufant, CB, Atlanta
Most Improved Team: Arizona Cardinals
Most Surprising Team: St. Louis Rams
Biggest Disappointment: Miami Dolphins
Best Off-Season Acquisition: Darrelle Revis, CB, Tampa Bay
Worst Off-Season Acquisition: Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis
Breakout Offensive Star: Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay
Breakout Defensive Star: Chandler Jones, DE, New England
Most Overrated Player: Peyton Manning, QB, Denver
Most Underrated Player: Michael Johnson, DE, Cincinnati
1st pick in 2014 NFL Draft belongs to: Oakland Raiders
1st Pick in the 2014 Draft: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
NFL Leader in Rushing: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota
Receiving Yards: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit
Sacks: Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay
Interceptions: Richard Sherman, CB, Seattle
Passing TDs: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
Passing Yards: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
First Coach Fired: Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions or Rex Ryan, New York Jets
Coordinator next in line for Head Coaches Job: Mel Tucker, DC, Chicago Bears
2013 Record: 11-5
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: @Atlanta, @Cincinnati, @Carolina, @Miami, @Baltimore
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Devin McCourty
Offensive LVP (Least): Jake Ballard
Defensive LVP: Steve Gregory
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Alfonzo Dennard
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Dont’a Hightower
Unsung Hero: Rob Ninkovich
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Josh Boyce
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Tom Brady
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Devin McCourty (S)
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: Super Bowl
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Jake Ballsrd
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty (FS)
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 12
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 37
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 1
Player that fails to meet expectations: Adrian Wilson
Most Overrated Player: Logan Mankins
Most Underrated Player: Ryan Wendell
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Quentin Sims
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Reed
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon (Don’t know too many players yet, but seems like a good fit)
Best Position Grouping: Running backs
Worst Position Grouping: Strong Safety
2013 NFL Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: Denver, Cincinnati, New England, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Houston
NFC Playoff Teams: Packers, 49ers, Saints, Cowboys, Seahawks, Falcons
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
NFC Champion: San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl Champion: Toss up
NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Star Lotulelei, DT, Carolina
Most Improved Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Most Surprising Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (negatively)
Biggest Disappointment: San Diego Chargers
Best Off-Season Acquisition: Darrelle Revis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions
Worst Off-Season Acquisition: Jermon Bushrod, OT, Chicago Bears
Breakout Offensive Star: Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
Breakout Defensive Star: Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas Cowboys and Bruce Carter, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Most Overrated Player: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Most Underrated Player: Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
1st pick in 2014 NFL Draft belongs to: Oakland Raiders
1st Pick in the 2014 Draft: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
NFL Leader in Rushing: Adrian Peterson
Receiving Yards: Calvin Johnson
Sacks: J.J. Watt
Interceptions: Earl Thomas
Passing TDs: Drew Brees
Passing Yards: Drew Brees
First Coach Fired: Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
Coordinator next in line for Head Coaching Job: Mike Zimmer, Cincinnati Bengals
2013 record 10-6
Teams that defeat Patriots:Atlanta,Denver,Cincinnati ,Houston,Baltimore,@Miami.
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 12-4
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Denver, Falcons, Bengals and Texans
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Tommy Kelly
Offensive LVP (Least): Stephen Gostkowski (unfortunate misses in the clutch)
Defensive LVP: Tavon Wilson
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen (& LeGarrett Blount)
Breakout Defensive Star: Jamie Collins
Most Improved Offensive Player: Brandon Bolden
Most Improved Defensive Player: Donta Hightower
Unsung Hero: Vince Wilfork
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Zach Sudfeld
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones & Tommy Kelly
Interceptions: Aqib Talib
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: SuperBowl Bound after an AFC Championship Game Victory over Denver
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Zoltan Mesko
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Danny Amendola
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 13
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 34
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 3
Player that fails to meet expectations: Aaron Dobson
Most Overrated Player: Logan Mankins
Most Underrated Player: Rob Ninkovich (& Marcus Cannon)
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: R.J. Mattes
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Jake Bequette
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Receivers Wheaton (Steelers) & Goodwin (Bills)
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: no clue
Best Position Grouping: Quarterbacks (All-World #1, Strong #2 & Difficult to Defend (read opt) #3
Worst Position Grouping: Interior Defensive Lineman after Wilfork & Kelly (no depth and/or size – look for trade/acquisition)
New England Patriot Predictions
2013 Record: 12-4
Teams to Defeat the Patriots: Denver, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Tampa Bay
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Vince Wilfork
Offensive LVP (Least): Dan Connolly
Defensive LVP: Tavon Wilson
Breakout Offensive Star: Shane Vereen
Breakout Defensive Star: Alfonzo Dennard
Most Improved Offensive Player: Marcus Cannon
Most Improved Defensive Player: Alfonzo Dennard
Unsung Hero: Brandon Spikes
Best Free Agent Signing: Danny Amendola
Most Impactful 2013 Draft Pick: Aaron Dobson
2013 Patriots Statistical Leaders
Touchdowns: Stevan Ridley
Receptions: Danny Amendola
Receiving Yards: Danny Amendola
Tackles: Jerod Mayo
Sacks: Chandler Jones
Interceptions: Devin McCourty
Miscellaneous Patriot Predictions
Order of Finish in the AFC East: 1st Place
How Far in the Playoffs: AFC Championship Game (lose to eventual champion Denver)
Veteran Player Most Likely to be a Surprise Release: Steve Gregory
Players that make the Pro Bowl: Tom Brady, Nate Solder, Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork, Logan Mankins
How Many Games Does Gronk Play: 13
Touchdown Passes by Brady: 35
Number of Touchdowns by Tim Tebow: 1
Player that fails to meet expectations: Josh Boyce
Most Overrated Player: Kyle Arrington (BB is most guilty of overrating/overpaying him)
Most Underrated Player: Rob Ninkovich
Practice Squad Player that makes an Impact: Joe Vellano
Recent Draft Pick Most Likely to Be Cut: Ras-I Dowling (complete bust, as I expected)
Player the Patriots passed on in the 2013 Draft that they will Regret: Robert Woods
The Patriots First Selection in the 2014 NFL Draft will be: Justin Gilbert, CB OSU
Best Position Grouping: Linebackers
Worst Position Grouping: Safety (McCourty is the only good one)