2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

HOUSTON BOUND! YEE HAAAWWW!

For Day 9 of my 2013 NFL Prediction we will be taking a look at the HOUSTON TEXANS.

The Texans have been on the brink of greatness for the last couple of years, but for some reason just can't get over the hump and land in the Super Bowl. RB Arian Foster is a beast to deal with and is consistently a leader in rushing yards; WR Andre Johnson is a star on offense, and QB Matt Schaub is solid. Last year DL JJ Watt burst onto the scene to dominate the opposing offensive lines, and LB Brian Cushing is just ridiculous to deal with. So what is it that this team is missing? Why can they not seem to get to the big game? I think it's the DBs on defense that could use some help along with additional WR to complement Andre Johnson so that he doesn't get focused so hard by opposing defenses. With that said lets take a look at how the Texans latest draft played out.

Round 1: DeAndre Hopkins WR (Clemson)

Round 2: D.J. Swearinger SS (South Carolina)

Round 3: Brennan Williams OT (North Carolina)

Round 3: Sam Montgomery DE (LSU)

Round 4: Trevardo Williams DE (Connecticut)

Round 6: David Quessenberry OT (San Jose St.)

Round 6: Alan Bonner WR (Jacksonville St.)

Round 6: Chris Jones DT (Bowling Green)

Round 6: Ryan Griffin TE (Connecticut)

I really like what the Texans did with their draft. First with WR DeAndre Hopkins, he will be the perfect complement to Andre Johnson, love the fit. SS D.J. Swearinger will get the opportunity to learn from newly brought in FS Ed Reed while getting every opportunity to start at SS. Overall the Texans addressed needs and got quality players. Well done i say. But will the improvements lead to another division title and chance in the playoffs? Lets take a look.

OPPONENTS                                            W/L

@ SAN DIEGO (MONDAY)                         W

TENNESSEE                                               W

@ BALTIMORE                                          W

SEATTLE                                                    W

@ SAN FRANCISCO                                 L

ST. LOUIS                                                  W

@ KANSAS CITY                                      W

BYE WEEK

INDIANAPOLIS                                         W

@ ARIZONA                                               W

OAKLAND                                                 W 

JACKSONVILLE                                       W

NEW ENGLAND                                        L

@ JACKSONVILLE (THURSDAY)             W

@ INDIANAPOLIS                                      W

DENVER                                                     W

@ TENNESSEE                                         W

FINAL RECORD                                   14 - 2

Analysis: YES, i do feel the Texans have made the necessary improvements to win their division, and make a run in the playoffs. Firstly it doesn't hurt that the Texans have Jacksonville in their division, but home games against tough teams like Seattle, New England, and Denver help soften the blow while road games against San Diego, Arizona, and Tennessee should all end in victories. I'm on the train that the Texans will be my favorite to win the AFC this year and be the contender in the Super Bowl. 

I could be wrong, and i may be. But what do you think? Let me know. 

Locals in the NFL (Casey)

Here are all the Local guys that played college football in the state that are now in the NFL and playing for one of the teams in the AFC North!



Cincinnati Bengals:
 There are no current local players on there roster at this time.


Cleveland Browns:

                     Name                     Pos           H        W       Exp       College 

• #69 Dave Kruger               DL           6'5"     285      R         Utah
• #99 Paul Kruger                LB            6'4"     270      5          Utah

Baltimore Ravens:


                       Name                     Pos           H        W       Exp       College 

• #69 Cody Larsen               DT          6'4"       300      R         Southern Utah
• #34 Mo Lee                      CB          6'1"       191      R         Utah
• #88 Dennis Pitta                TE           6'4"       245      4          BYU
• #16 David Reed             WR/RS       6'0"      190       4         Utah

Pittsburgh Steelers:

                        Name                     Pos           H        W       Exp       College 

•  #13 Reggie Dunn                WR           5'9"     178       R          Utah
• #92 Hebron Fangupo           DT            6'0"     324      1           BYU
• #99 Brett Kiesel                   DE           6'5"      285      12         BYU
• #55 Stevenson Sylvester       ILB          6'2"      231      4           Utah 

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE STILLAS....UH... STEELERS.

For Day 8 of my 2013 NFL Predictions we are going to take a look at the PITTSBURGH STEELERS!

The Steelers are one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL, kind of like the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, the Steelers i counted out years ago as an old team that didn't have anything left in the tank, but for one reason or another they keep winning games, and not just a couple of them. I've been very impressed with what Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been able to do with this team. QB Ben Roethlisberger is still a solid QB in the league, and safety Troy Polamalu (when healthy) is a game changing defender.But just like every year i have to question how much do they have left? WR Mike Wallace is gone to Miami, LB James Harrison is gone also. Can the offensive line protect Big Ben long enough? Can an almost new defensive line hold when they need to? All good questions waiting to be answered.

First let's take a look at the Steelers latest Draft Class.

Round 1: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

Round 2: La'Veon Bell RB (Michigan State)

Round 3: Markus Wheaton WR (Oregon State)

Round 4: Shamarko Thomas SS (Syracuse)

Round 4: Landry Jones QB (Oklahoma)

Round 5: Terry Hawthorne CB (Illinois)

Round 6: Justin Brown WR (Oklahoma)

Round 6: Vince Williams LB (Florida State)

Round 7: Nick Williams DT (Samford)

I think the Steelers had one of the best drafts in the first four rounds. Jarvis Jones will probably start Game 1,  La'Veon Bell will get a lot of playing time his rookie season. I think one of the biggest steals was the pick of WR Markus Wheaton in the 3rd round, i really like how he plays and he will be making a name for himself year 1. I was a little disappointed that the Steelers didn't try to address their offensive line, but overall i would be very pleased with this draft if i was a Steelers fan.

Now before i show you my prediction for the Steelers take into account that i analyze not only the Steeler's schedule (including byes/extra rest/home vs away games etc...), and their opponents schedule. Here you go!

OPPONENTS                                         W/L

TENNESSEE                                            W

@ CINCINNATI (MONDAY)                       L

CHICAGO                                                W

@ MINNESOTA                                       L

BYE WEEK

@ NEW YORK JETS                              W

BALTIMORE                                            W

@ OAKLAND                                          W 

@ NEW ENGLAND                                L

BUFFALO                                               W

DETROIT                                                W

@ CLEVELAND                                     W

@ BALTIMORE (THURSDAY)               W

MIAMI                                                       W

CINCINNATI                                             W

@ GREEN BAY                                       L

CLEVELAND                                          W

FINAL RECORD                               12 - 4

Analysis: Your silence is deafening..... now breathe and look at this with me closer. The Steeler's toughest games are at home minus a trip to New England, Green Bay, and Cincinnati. Home games against Chicago/Cincinnati/and Baltimore are going to be tough, but the Steeler's are tough at home. What works out well for Pittsburgh is games on the schedule like.. at Minnesota, at Jets, at Oakland, Both Cleveland Games, then Buffalo, Detroit, and Miami at home. That's eight games right there that should be no problem. If the Steelers can stay healthy enough they will win double digit games and make it to the Wild Card fairly easily. Now can they do it?

Now it's your turn to tell me where you think i'm right or wrong. And yes Casey you may comment also.

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE BROWNS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!! J/K

For Day 7 of my 2013 NFL Predictions, we will be taking a closer look at the CLEVELAND BROWNS.

The history of the Cleveland Browns has been a pretty grim one (except for the Bernie Kosar years), they have been down for a long time, seemingly drafting good players, but for some reason there aren't many winning seasons. 

Speaking of the draft, lets take a look at who the Browns drafted this year.

Round 1: Barkevious Mingo DE (LSU)

Round 3: Leon McFadden CB (San Diego St.)

Round 6: Jamoris Slaughter SS (Notre Dame)

Round 7: Armonty Bryant DE (East Central OK)

Round 7: Garrett Gilkey OT (Chadron St.)

If you're like me you are thinking BLAH with this draft. Mingo could definitely be a solid player in a few years, but drafting him as high as they did (6th overall) after they had picked up DE Paul Kruger as a pass rusher in free agency for their defense doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I do however like the pick of McFadden as i could see him started opposite of talented CB Joe Haden to create a solid pair of corners. Overall, an underwhelming draft.

Will this draft and the current team win games though? Lets take a look at my prediction for the Brown this year.

OPPONENTS                       W/L

MIAMI                                       W

@ BALTIMORE                       L

@ MINNESOTA                      L

CINCINNATI                             L

BUFFALO (THURSDAY)        W

DETROIT                                 W

@ GREEN BAY                        L

@ KANSAS CITY                    L

BALTIMORE                            L

BYE WEEK

@ CINCINNATI                       L

PITTSBURGH                         L

JACKSONVILLE                    W 

@ NEW ENGLAND                L

CHICAGO                                L

@ NEW YORK JETS               L

@ PITTSBURGH                      L

FINAL RECORD                 4 - 12

Analysis: Behind RB Trent Richardson this team will win a couple of games, but i just don't think they have enough behind him to win many more. I did pick them to win a couple of surprise games like Week 1 against Miami and Week 6 against Detroit, then losing against the Jets week 15. The Browns could very well finish at 2-14 or even 1-15, it all depends on QB Brandon Weeden to steer this ship in the right direction. I however am going to give him another year to make better strides. Not real high expectations here.

Think i'm right or wrong? Let me know in the comments section below. And thank you for your support.

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE BENGALS (NOT SO BUNGLE ANYMORE)

On Day 6 of my 2013 NFL Predictions we will be taking a look at the CINCINNATI BENGALS.

The Bengals are coming off of a good season last year, unfortunately for them rival division member Baltimore was having a better season. Since the entrance of QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green, this team has progressively improved from season to season. Could this year be the year for the Bengals to claim the AFC NORTH? 

Before going over the Bengals schedule, lets take a look at their 2013 Draft Picks:

1st Round: Tyler Eifert TE (Notre Dame)

2nd Round: Giovani Bernard RB (North Carolina)

2nd Round: Margus Hunt DE (SMU)

3rd Round: Shawn Williams SS (Georgia)

4th Round: Sean Porter OLB (Texas A&M)

5th Round: Tanner Hawkinson OT (Kansas)

6th Round: Rex Burkhead RB (Wisconsin)

6th Round: Cobi Hamilton WR (Arkansas)

7th Round: Reid Fragel OT (Ohio State)

7th Round: T.J. Johnson C (South Carolina)

My analysis: I think that the Bengals had some other needs primarily on defense, but over all i think Bengals fans should be very pleased with the additions of Eifert, Bernard, and Hunt. I like the pickups of Burkhead and Fragel late in the draft. I think both could find some good playing time this year. The only thing i think they could have done to make this draft better was drafting a WR to compliment A.J. Green earlier in the draft, but who knows, Cobi Hamilton could still be that guy.

Now for the bread and butter of the post... the Predicted Schedule!

OPPONENTS                          W/L

@ CHICAGO                             L

PITTSBURGH (MONDAY)      W

GREEN BAY                            W

@ CLEVELAND                      W

NEW ENGLAND                     W

@ BUFFALO                           W

@ DETROIT                            W

NEW YORK JETS                   W 

@ MIAMI (THURSDAY)          W

@ BALTIMORE                      W

CLEVELAND                          W

BYE WEEK

@ SAN DIEGO                       W

INDIANAPOLIS                       W

@ PITTSBURGH                     L

MINNESOTA                          W

BALTIMORE                           W

FINAL RECORD                 14 - 2

If you didn't notice i have high hopes for the Bengals this year. I think they have one of the easier road schedules with their toughest road games coming in Chicago week one, in Miami after playing at home to the Jets, and at the Steelers after winning a tough home game against the Colts. However, with the offensive additions to this team to help QB Andy Dalton, an improved running game, and a pretty solid defense led by LB Ray Maualuga, there's no real reason that this team should't take this division by storm and take it to each team. Could this be the year the Bengals skip out on the Wild Card round and make a splash in the playoffs??? My prediction.... YES.

Now tell me why i'm right or wrong in comments section below. And no Casey you cannot comment because you are a Steelers fan! Ha Ha just kidding, you may also comment if you feel so inclined. 

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE CHAMPS

For Day 5 of my 2013 NFL Predictions we will be taking a look at the defending Super Bowl champs, the BALTIMORE RAVENS. Now begins the AFC NORTH stretch.

As what usually happens with the Super Bowl winning team, the Ravens lost a lot of key contributors to their Super Bowl victory, including WR Anquan Boldin, C Matt Birk, LB Ray Lewis, LB, Dannell Ellerbe, S Ed Reed, S Bernard Pollard, and DE Paul Kruger.

 Before we predict their record, lets take a look at the 2013 Draft class for the Ravens.

1st Round: Matt Elam FS (Florida)

2nd Round: Arthur Brown ILB (Kansas State)

3rd Round: Brandon Williams DT (Missouri Southern St.)

4th Round: John Simon DE (Ohio State)

4th Round: Kyle Juszczyk FB (Harvard)

5th Round: Ricky Wagner OT (Wisconsin)

6th Round: Kapron Lewis-Moore DE (Notre Dame)

6th Round: Ryan Jensen OT (Colorado State- Pueblo)

7th Round: Aaron Mellette WR (Elon)

7th Round: Marc Anthony CB (California)

A couple of solid picks in Matt Elam to play along side Michael Huff in the backfield, Arthur Brown could vie for playing time in Ray Lewis' place, but other than that, most of the players drafted will probably be depth players or cut after training camp. Not super impressed with this draft class myself.

With that said lets look at how i predict their 2013 season playing out... 

OPPONENTS                             W/L

@ DENVER (THURSDAY)            L

CLEVELAND                                 W

HOUSTON                                     L

@ BUFFALO                                 W

@ MIAMI                                        W

GREEN BAY                                  L

@ PITTSBURGH                            L

BYE WEEK

@ CLEVELAND                            W

CINCINNATI                                   L

@ CHICAGO                                  L

NEW YORK JETS                         W 

PITTSBURGH (THURSDAY)         L

MINNESOTA                                 W

@ DETROIT (MONDAY)              W

NEW ENGLAND                            W

@ CINCINNATI                               L

FINAL RECORD                         8 - 8

Obviously i have the Ravens taking a decent step back this year to 8-8. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice should still have good years, but i just don't think Torrey Smith is a number one go-to guy. Look for both TE to get used a lot on offense this year, the defense isn't going to be the same without emotion leader Ray Lewis. But hey, you still got Haloti Ngata. Maybe next year they get back into the playoffs, just not this year.

Let me hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Locals in the NFL (Casey)

As Tyler continues to break down each NFL team and how he feels they are going to fair next season, I decided to look at each team as he breaks them down and list all the Local players on each of the teams. Something that keeps Preseason football interesting is that I go and find all the local players and write them down with there numbers so I can follow them while they play and keep up with them. It makes Preseason less painful to watch. So here are the locals who play for all the teams in the AFC East.


Buffalo Bills:
There are no local Players on the Bills roster at this time.

New England Patriots:
There are no local Players on the Patriots roster at this time.

New York Jets:  
                      Name                     Pos           H        W       Exp       College  

• #4 Joseph Collins          WR    6'3"      200        1     Weber State
• #92 Tevita Finau             DT         6'5"      288        1         Utah
• #72 Caleb Schaluderaff    G            6'4"      302        3         Utah

Miami Dolphins:
                      Name                     Pos           H        W       Exp       College  

• #65 Sam Brenner                 C             6'2"     301      R          Utah
• #29 Will Davis                      CB          5'11"   186      R       Utah State
• #92 John Denney                  LS           6'5"     255      8           BYU
• #55 Koa Misi                       LB           6'3"     251      3           Utah
• #79 Derrick Shelby               DE          6'2"     270      R           Utah
• #96 Paul Soliai                      DT          6'4"     355      6            Utah
• #25 R.J. Stanford                 CB           5'10"   185      2            Utah

Note: BYU Linebacker Brandon Ogletree signed a free agent contract with Miami but does not show up on the roster!   

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!

For Day 4 of my 2013 NFL Predictions we will take a look at the New York Jets!

I take into account the Jets schedule, opponents schedule, team composition, and cold weather games with the Jets.

First lets take a look at the Jets 2013 Draft Picks.

1st Round: Dee Milliner CB (Alabama)

1st Round: Sheldon Richardson DT (Missouri)

2nd Round: Geno Smith QB (West Virginia)

3rd Round: Brian Winters OG (Kent State)

5th Round: Oday Aboushi OT (Virginia)

6th Round: William Campbell OG (Michigan)

7th Round: Tommy Bohanan FB (Wake Forest)

I actually thought the Jets did OK in the draft, picking up Darrelle Revis' replacement in Milliner, a solid DT in Richardson, and Mark Sanchez' replacement (probably this year) in Geno Smith. Also the Jets drafted to try to shore up a terrible O-Line by picking up two Guards and a Tackle. Unfortunately i don't see these additions helping out a ton this year. 

The schedule is not favorable for the Jets with a lot of tough road games, they have a manageable home schedule if they can get their act together this year and really gel their offense. Sanchez hasn't been the answer for the Jets and now they've lost TE Dustin Keller, LB Bart Scott, and DT Sione Po'uha. 

Let's take a look at their future...

OPPONENTS                                           W/L

TAMPA BAY                                               L

@ NEW ENGLAND (THURSDAY)            L

BUFFALO                                                  W 

@ TENNESSEE                                          L

@ ATLANTA (MONDAY)                           L

PITTSBURGH                                             L

NEW ENGLAND                                       L

@ CINCINNATI                                           L

NEW ORLEANS                                        L

BYE WEEK

@ BUFFALO                                             L

@ BALTIMORE                                         L

MIAMI                                                        L

OAKLAND                                                 L

@ CAROLINA                                            L

CLEVELAND                                             W

@ MIAMI                                                    L

FINAL RECORD                                  2 -14

Now you see what i mean by not favorable schedule, ironically the Jets play Tampa first, the team they traded Revis to, but road games to New England, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Miami are not going to be nice on the Jets. there are some home games that they could win (even though i have losses on them), but overall i don't see the Jets getting it done this year. I have them finishing 2-14 and last in the division and fighting for number one in the 2014 Draft. Rex Ryan last year with the Jets is not going to be a pretty one. Sorry Rex buddy, happy trails.

Anyone have any hope for the Jets? Let me know why.

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS... 'MERICA!

For day 3 of my NFL Predictions, we are going to take a look at the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!

I take into account the Patriots schedule, along with their opponents schedules, warm/cold weather games (mostly in Foxborough).

Here are the New England Patriot 2013 Draft Picks: 

Did not have a 1st Round Pick

2nd Round: Jamie Collins OLB (Southern Miss)

2nd Round: Aaron Dobson WR (Marshall)

3rd Round: Logan Ryan CB (Rutgers)

3rd Round: Duron Harmon S (Rutgers)

4th Round: Josh Boyce WR (TCU)

7th Round: Michael Buchanan DE (Illinois)

7th Round: Steve Beauharnais ILB (Rutgers)

I like that New England addressed some of their biggest needs on defense with pass rush (Collins) and DBs Logan Ryan, and Duron Harmon. Curiously they were teammates at Rutgers.

The Patriots lost Wes Welker (Broncos) and Rob Gronkowski (injury), but quickly replaced Welker with Danny Amendola who was the #1 WR in St. Louis. And if anything can be said about the cut-off hoodie genious mad-man Bill Belichick, he can coach up players to get the best out of them. I don't see really anybody challenging the Patriots too much for the division, so without further ado lets look at the schedule and i how i predict them faring this year... 

OPPONENTS                                      W/L

@ BUFFALO                                          W

NEW YORK JETS (THURSDAY)          W 

TAMPA BAY                                            W

@ ATLANTA                                             L

@ CINCINNATI                                         L

NEW ORLEANS                                     W

@ NEW YORK JETS                              W

MIAMI                                                       W

PITTSBURGH                                         W

BYE WEEK

@ CAROLINA (MONDAY)                       W

DENVER                                                  W

@ HOUSTON                                           W

CLEVELAND                                             W

@ MIAMI                                                    W

@ BALTIMORE                                         L

BUFFALO                                                 W

FINAL RECORD                                   13 & 3

I don't see the Patriots losing any games at home but will drop a couple on the road, especially early against good teams like Atlanta and Cincinnati, after going on a nine game win streak that ends with a tough win at Miami they will lose a close one in Baltimore to the defending champs. Besides at Miami i don't see any of the division games giving the Patriots any problems. They will hands down win the division. Belichick gets it again. (now you may boo) ha ha

Anybody has any reason to disagree?

2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!!! (TYLER)

WE ARE SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

For day 2 of my NFL Predictions, we are going to take a look at the MIAMI DOLPHINS!

I take into account with Miami: Warm-Cold Weather Games, Own and Opponent Schedules (Monday/Thursday Games, Byes etc.).

Here are the Miami Dolphins 2013 Draft Picks:
1st Round: Dion Jordan DE (Oregon)
2nd Round: Jamar Taylor CB (Boise St.)
3rd Round: Dallas Thomas OT (Tennessee)
3rd Round: Will Davis CB (Utah St.)
4th Round: Jelani Jenkins OLB (Florida)
4th Round: Dion Sims TE (Michigan St.)
5th Round: Mike Gillislee RB (Florida)
5th Round: Caleb Sturgis K (Florida)
7th Round: Don Jones SS (Arkansas St.)

Overall a solid draft, Dion Jordan could be one of the top DE/OLB in the NFL in the next 5 years in my opinion, picking up 2 solid CB after the departure of Sean Smith, possible replacement for OT Jake Long, even though Dallas Thomas is probably better suited at Guard, Good later round pickups in Sims and Gillislee. Gillislee possibly going to be the replacement for Reggie Bush. How soon can this team mesh with their current defensive personnel and with QB Ryan Tannehill is the biggest question, i think the future is bright with this team, but bright enough for this year? Lets take a look...


OPPONENTS                                        W/L
@ CLEVELAND                                      L
@ INDIANAPOLIS                                   L
ATLANTA                                                L
@ NEW ORLEANS (MONDAY)             L
BALTIMORE                                           L
BYE WEEK
BUFFALO                                              W
@ NEW ENGLAND                               L
CINCINNATI (THURSDAY)                    L
@ TAMPA BAY (MONDAY)                  W
SAN DIEGO                                           W
CAROLINA                                           W
@ NEW YORK JETS                            W
@ PITTSBURGH                                    L
NEW ENGLAND                                     L
@ BUFFALO                                          L
NEW YORK JETS                                 W

FINAL RECORD                              6 & 10

Overall i think the Dolphins take a small step back this year mainly due to a rough start to the season while the team tries to figure itself out. After the Bye Week they start to get things going especially during a favorable stretch at Tampa Bay after eleven days rest, then bringing in West Coast team San Diego, then Carolina at home before going to the abysmal New York Jets. I could see this Dolphins team pushing the Patriots for the division, just not this year. With a couple more offensive weapons to complement Mike Wallace this could become a very potent team in the next year or two.

What do you think?