By Michael Nerantzis
Believe it or not, the NFL regular season is already halfway over. Peyton Manning and the Broncos stole the show for the first several weeks; however, the Andrew Luck-led Indianapolis Colts have started to come on strong at the season’s midpoint. With victories over San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle, the Colts have moved themselves to the top of the AFC power rankings (chill out Chiefs fans, you’ve had an incredibly easy schedule). Through all of this, the biggest story going into the 9th week is how the traditional league powers are not so dominant anymore.
Not so hot. What is happening to the Patriots, Steelers, and Giants this season? Since the year 2000, these teams combined have won more Super Bowls than the rest of the NFL combined. In the Patriots’ case, their star quarterback Tom Brady does not have the premier talent surrounding him like he has had in the past. In the last five years, Brady has lost All-Pro talent pass catchers Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, and Chad Ochocinco, all of whom made a combined 288 touchdowns in their careers.
The Steelers are in the same position as the Patriots, with a lack of talent in skill positions and nagging injuries to their linemen. Although the Patriots do have a mediocre team compared to years past, they still have a 6-2 record and the best tight end in the league, Rob Gronkowski. Depending on how well Gronkowski can return to form after his arm/back surgeries, I see the Patriots bailing out in the first round of the playoffs in a loaded AFC. The Steelers and Giants have no chance of making the 2013 postseason.
Picks
Washington vs. San Diego
Pittsburgh @ New England
Dallas vs. Minnesota
Indianapolis @ Houston
Chicago @ Green Bay
NFC
NFC East: Redskins
NFC South: Saints
NFC North: Packers
NFC West: 49ers
Wildcard 1: Seahawks
Wildcard 2: Lions
AFC
AFC East: Patriots
AFC South: Colts
AFC North: Bengals
AFC West: Broncos
Wildcard 1: Chiefs
Wildcard 2: Jets
