9 Responses to “Open Thread: 2013 NFL Predictions and Prognostications”

1. brightonbob says:

   August 18, 2013 at 3:26 pm

   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.

2. qazmlpgh says:

   August 17, 2013 at 12:36 am

   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

3. C M says:

   August 16, 2013 at 5:45 am

   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

4. Rex Ryan says:

   August 15, 2013 at 1:55 pm

   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

5. dcx10music says:

   August 15, 2013 at 10:43 am

   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

6. Will says:

   August 15, 2013 at 2:13 am

   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

7. Brian says:

   August 14, 2013 at 11:25 pm

   2013 record 10-6
   Teams that defeat Patriots:Atlanta,Denver,Cincinnati ,Houston,Baltimore,@Miami.

8. hdh says:

   August 14, 2013 at 11:20 pm

   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)

9. Kyle says:

   August 14, 2013 at 4:21 pm

   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)