Out of all the teams I "disrespected" with a middle of the road ranking, this is the one I think has the best chance to finish in the playoffs this year. They have a strong history of bouncing back after a below average season.
The Indianapolis Colts were the surprise time in 2012, climbing from the worst record in football to a playoff berth. Somehow they scraped together win after win, in often comeback fashion. Luck is the real deal, but he is also short on experience.
I would not be surprised if this team flopped again in 2013 and ends up with a new coaching staff in 2014 to start all over again. I also wouldn't be surprised if they finish 10-6 and make the playoffs.
This team doesn't get the credit they deserve defensively, and I am not a huge believer in the Ravens heading in '13, but until those two top dogs are knocked from their perches consistently, I have to keep ranking them ahead of teams like the Browns
The addition of Alex Smith and Andy Reid is going to make the Kansas City Chiefs at least competitive. They have better talent than the Oakland Raiders and will continue to play tough at home. A 7-9 record is a distinct possibility.
The more the media talks about parity the more the NFL becomes a league of haves and have nots. I think the Dolphins are in the "have not" category and really it has nothing to do with money or salary cap, but rather ownership and talent.
The loss of Percy Harvin is a major blow for this team. Add that to Adrian Peterson needing to follow up his record season with the team again on his back, and you have a recipe for a few steps backward.
Chip Kelly has his work cut out for him, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Everything will depend on how quickly he can install his style of offense.
As for the Bucs, the only reason I put them slightly ahead of the Panthers is because I think they traded and drafted for players that will make an immediate impact from Day 1.
For all the hype Cam Newton gets for being the dynamic player he is, I've never liked his maturity or body language. I'm sure that makes me bias, but until he proves he can suck it up when the chips are down and lead, I ain't buyin' his stock.
