NFL 2013 Predictions

The 2012 NFL season was one to remember. It was a rough beginning thanks to replacement referee's dominating headlines with one bad call after another. When regular ref's returned, so did spectacular play capped off by sensational playoff action.

Defending Champion Baltimore Ravens attempt to become the first back to back champs since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. The Ravens will have their hands full after a busy off season of retirements and roster changes. Can Baltimore pull it off? Odds are long. Only time will tell.

NFC
EAST
1) NY Giants - Offensive line will make or break Giants chances in '13.
2) Washington Redskins - RGIII and company take next step forward. Is he knee sound?
3) Dallas Cowboys - Big D soap opera continues. Same old questions linger. It's all up to Romo.
4) Philadelphia Eagles - A new era begins.
NORTH
1) Green Bay Packers - Playoff frustrations continue. Explosive offense. Suspect defense.
2) Minnesota Vikings - MVP Peterson ran wild for 2,097 yards. Can he break 2,000 again?
3) Detroit Lions - Offense will roar if line can offer protection.
4) Chicago Bears - Tough division. Bears foes getting stronger. Began 7-1 last year before stumbling to 10-6 finish.
SOUTH
1) Atlanta Falcons - 13-3 last year before painful 1st round playoff exit.
2) *New Orleans Saints - Bountygate is over. Coaching staff returns. Brees primed to light up scoreboards.
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bucs quickly maturing. Tenacious D. Offense has weapons. Don't be surprised if TB has big season.
4) Carolina Panthers - Taking baby steps. Steve Smith is only bonified WR and will be doubled all season long. Others must step it up when number called or it's going to be a very long season.
WEST
1) San Francisco 49ers - Poised to battle for division crown vs Seattle for years to come. Exciting offense, stingy defense.
2) *Seattle Seahawks - They came together in 2nd half of season. Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and hard hitting defense set the tone.
3) St. Louis Rams - One small step at a time.
4) Arizona Cardinals - It's going to be a long year in Arizona.
NFC Champion - Green Bay Packers

AFC
EAST
1) New England Patriots - Brady's offense has new faces. Results will be same in soft division.
2) Miami Dolphins - Maturing team hopes to win more than they lose.
3) New York Jets - Ugly from top to bottom beginning with pathetic front office and coaches.
4) Buffalo Bills - No place to go but up.
NORTH
1) Baltimore Ravens - Super Bowl Champs have plenty of new faces on D. Flacco steady as they come under pressure.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers - Aging quickly. Is there enough gas left in the tank for a playoff run?
3) Cincinnati Bengals - Division contenders if they finally learn to stop making stupid mistakes.
4) Cleveland Browns - Get ready for Charlie Brown football highlights.
SOUTH
1) Houston Texans - They were rolling until costly injuries took hold. They lost final 3 of 4 and didn't look good in playoffs.
2) Indianapolis Colts - 11 wins stunned football world. NFL is ready for them this year. 11 will be tough to repeat.
3) Tennessee Titans - Will excel if line creates running lanes for Chris Johnson.
4) Jacksonville Jaguars - Long rebuilding process underway.
WEST
1) Denver Broncos - Poor coaching decision in Championship Game cost Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl. Manning has new weapons and is on a mission.
2) Kansas City Chiefs - Andy Reid has these guys ready to play.
3) San Diego Chargers - Norv Turner era finally over. Rivers & Co. need to stay healthy.
4) Oakland Raiders - Get ready for ugly football.
AFC Champion - Denver Broncos
Super Bowl Champions - Denver Broncos