Buffalo Bills

afC EasT
2012 Record: 6-10 Head Coach: Doug Marrone

KEY PLAYER
CJ SPILLER
COLLEGE: CLEMSON POSITION: RB

2012 TEAM LEADERS

RYAN FITZPATRICK 306-505, 3400 YDS, 24 TD/16 INT CJ SPILLER 1244 YARDS, 207 RUSHES, 6 TD STEVIE JOHNSON 79 RECEPTIONS, 1046 YDS, 6 TD MARIO WILLIAMS 10.5 GEORGE WILSON 104 TACKLES, 79 SOLO JARIUS BYRD 5

PASSING

RUSHING

CJ Spiller will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Buffalo Bills offense this season with EJ Manual in need of development. Doug Marrones read option packages will suit him perfectly and he has all the skills needed to challenge Viking Adrian Peterson for the leading rusher accolade in 2013.

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS

The Bills will be lucky to improve on last seasons 610 with a new coaching team and will be competing with the Jets for last place in the AFC East. First round pick EJ Manuel should be the starter but will not be able to win any more games than Ryan Fitzpatrick did in 2012.

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y M AT T M OR R I S

run heavy. On the other side of the ball the pass defence will continue to be in the top ten with a strong starting secondary of Leodis McKelvin, Aaron Williams, Stephon Gilmore and Jairus Byrd.

WEAKNESSES

After a solid draft, the Bills got younger in a lot of positions and put some depth into the wide receiver corps. New head coach, Doug Marrone, will step the tempo up, run the ball a lot and implement a packaged play-based offense to allow Manuel to grow into the role of a NFL starting quarterback.

THE REALITY

Manuel is very unlikely to match the rookie season success of Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. He requires a lot of development right now and a season behind an established veteran would have been preferred. The run defence was terrible last year and while it will be improved in 2013, teams will still run all over the Bills.

WEEK 1: PATRIOTS WEEK 2: PANTHERS WEEK 3: @ JETS WEEK 4: RAVENS WEEK 5: @ BROWNS WEEK 6: BENGALS WEEK 7: @ DOLPHINS WEEK 8: @ SAINTS WEEK 9: CHIEFS WEEK 10: @STEELERS WEEK 11: JETS BYE WEEK WEEK 13: FALCONS WEEK 14: @ BUCS WEEK 15: @ JAGUARS WEEK 16: DOLPHINS WEEK 17: @ PATRIOTS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

BILLS

Stevie Johnson was heavily targeted last season and the Bills struggled when he With one of the best runwas taken out of games by ning backs in the league in their opponents. Robert CJ Spiller, the Bills will Woods and Marquise Goodwin be a run-first offense. were drafted to give more This will give Manuel offensive options, so exshorter completions to pect the Bills to try and make, which fits nicely spread the ball around in into the read option pack2013. ages that balance runs and quick passes.

PLAN A

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

PLAN B

VERDICT

This plan will come in when chasing games or if, heaven forbid, Spiller is injured and will involve putting the emphasis heavily on the passing game. Manuel doesnt have the accuracy yet and relying on him at this stage of his development would be a mistake.

If Spiller can stay healthy all season and Manuel can grow into his position, expect the Bills to edge the battle for second behind the Patriots in their division. However, 2013 is at least one year too early for the Bills to have their first winning season since 2004.

The sixth best running game in 2012 will be stronger in 2013 with CJ Spiller improved and the play calls

STRENGTHS

MIAMI DOLPHINS
AFC EAST
2012 Record- 7-9 Head Coach:Joe Philbin

2012 TEAM LEADERS

RYAN TANNEHILL 282-484, 3294 YDS 12 TD/ 13 INT REGGIE BUSH 996YDS, 227 RUSHES; 6 TD BRIAN HARTINE 1083YDS, 74 RECEPTIONS AND 1 TD CAMERON WAKE 15 KARLOS DANSBY- 134 (101 SOLO)

PASSING

RYAN TANNEHILL
POSITION: QB COLLEGE: TEXAS A&M

KEY PLAYER

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS
RESHAD JONES- 4

The performance of quar terback Ryan Tannehill is what will make or break the Dolphins 2013 season. If Tannehill has a sopho more slump, the money spent in the offseason will have been for noth ing. The South Florida community is losing pa tience and after all the disappointments at the quarterback position since Dan Marino re tired it will be tough for the fran chise rebound if the Texas A&M product is not what he's being built up to be.

An aggressive offseason added with the emergence of Ryan Tannehill as the future of the franchise has made expectations for the Dolphins higher than they've been for a long time. This comes after a 7-9 2012 season that saw missed opportunities to win close games. Logic says that the Dolphins will improve this year, but that is no certainty.

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y M A T T K E L LE T T

most underrated player in the NFL, Randy Starks and Paul Soliai have been consistently impressive, and Dion Jordan will be the final piece of the puzzle once he becomes accustomed to the NFL. Jared Odrick is versatile, and Olivier Vernon has shown some signs of progression in preseason as well.

The expensive free agent acquisitions of Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler, Brent Grimes and Dustin Keller showed a side to general manager Jeff Ireland that had not been seen before. His aggressive attitude wasn't limited to free agency, a draft day trade up to the 3rd overall pick to select defensive end Dion Jordan out of Oregon surprised everyone. The expectations are warranted as all the moves made should make the Dolphins better.

THE REALITY

You're probably expecting Jonathan Martin here, but in fact he's had a solid preseason and should do fine as Tannehill's left tackle. The real biggest weakness for the Dolphins is the depth all across the roster. The offensive line depth is appalling, the same can be said at safety and linebacker. Injuries (as they already have with the Dustin Keller situation) could very well end up being the downfall of the Dolphins this year.

WEAKNESSES

DOLPHINS
WEEK 1: @ BROWNS WEEK 2: @ COLTS WEEK 3: FALCONS WEEK 4: @ SAINTS WEEK 5: RAVENS BYE WEEK WEEK 7: BILLS WEEK 8: @ PATRIOTS WEEK 9: BENGALS WEEK 10: @ BUCS WEEK 11: CHARGERS WEEK 12: PANTHERS WEEK 13: @ JETS WEEK 14: @ PBURGH WEEK 15: PATRIOTS WEEK 16: @ BILLS WEEK 17: JETS

2013 SCHEDULE

Mike Wallace has gained a reputation as a stretcher of the defense since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, and his presence should open things up for the strong-armed Ryan Tannehill in the passing game.

PLAN A

Lamar Miller will get most of the carries for the Dolphins this year, and if last year is anything to go by he should thrive. Sometimes Tannehill can be inconsistent, so having a strong running game comes in handy. Daniel Thomas has had a good preseason, and rookie Mike Gillislee will get some carries as well, in the same way that Lamar Miller did in his rookie season behind Reggie Bush and Thomas.

PLAN B

The new faster linebackers need to make a difference. The issue with Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett was their inability to cope with a quarterback who can run. Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Jake Locker are just a number of the quarterbacks who killed the Dolphins with their legs, which is why I think the decision to bring in Ellerbe and Wheeler was made.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

The Dolphins defensive line **GAMES IN ITALICS is one of the best in footARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN ball. Cameron Wake is the

STRENGTHS

A tough start to the season will probably see the Dolphins written off early, but a late season surge will give the Dolphins a legitimate shot at the playoffs down the stretch. Ultimately, the Dolphins will probably fall short with an 88/9-7 record.
2013 1ST ROUND PICK DION JORDAN

VERDICT

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y B E N RO L F E

In perhaps the weakest division in the whole NFL it would be no surprise to see the Patriots match last seasons win total and go 12-4 once again. However, Miami are going to be better than last year and therefore it is unlikely the Patriots will sweep the division again in 2013.

Patriots is of course Brady and his ability to pick passes with precision and make life as easy as possible for receivers. The defence is also much improved over previous years and the ability of Talib combined with the leadership and experience of Wilson could finally give this defence the secondary they need to be dominant.

THE REALITY
Even with the negative press the New England passing offence has got this offseason with the loss of TE Aaron Hernandez, WRs Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd and RB Danny Woodhead and a currently injured Rob Gronkowski, they have made some solid moves themselves. They brought in WR Danny Amendola and have possibly unearthed a couple of gems in undrafted free agents, TE Zach Sudfeld and WR Kenbrell Thompkins.

There are two real weaknesses for the Patriots; firstly the unknown receiving core, if this doesnt click then a lot of pressure will be placed on the run game and Brady may find himself forcing the ball to receivers he doesnt trust late in games. The other big weakness is the fumbling problem that RB Stevan Ridley had last season and it seemed to plague the whole team during the preseason game against the Lions.

WEAKNESSES

With an intriguing group of running backs, the main plan in New England will be a balanced offence based around running on downs 1 & 2 and taking what they can in the passing game. They have been moving more towards the run game the past few years and their Superbowl winning teams were built around a solid rushing attack.

PLAN A

PLAN B

The secondary has to better for them to be able to beat the likes of Denver both in the regular season and the playoffs and make a deep run into the postseason. When the defence held up against the run and allowed the pass rush to play a major part they were able to shut down strong teams such as Houston and this is something they will need to repeat this year.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

PATRIOTS
WEEK 1: @BILLS WEEK 2: JETS WEEK 3: BUCS WEEK 4: @FALCONS W EEK 5: @BENGALS WEEK 6: SAINTS WEEK 7: @JETS WEEK 8: DOLPHINS WEEK 9: STEELERS BYE WEEK WEEK 11: @PANTHERS WEEK 12: BRONCOS WEEK 13: @TEXANS WEEK 14: BROWNS WEEK 15: @DOLPHINS WEEK 16: @RAVENS WEEK 17: BILLS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

Anytime your QB is Tom Brady, one of your major plans is going to revolve around passing the ball. If Amendola stays healthy and Thompkins continues to look good early in the season they may move more towards the pass as Brady gets increasingly comfortable with the talent around him and Gronkowski returns to the offense.

Possibly going to win a game or two less in the division this season but the games they lost last season were by very small margins and could easily have gone their way on another occasion. Therefore, expect the Patriots record to be similar to 2012 (12-4) and they will once again be in the hunt for a bye week.

VERDICT

The obvious strength for the

STRENGTHS

aFC east

new england patriots

2012 record: 12-4 Head Coach: Bill Belichick

KEY PLAYER
DANNY AMENDOLA
POSITION: WR COLLEGE: TEXAS TECH

2012 TEAM LEADERS

TOM BRADY 401-637, 4827 YDS, 34 TD/ 8 INT STEVAN RIDLEY 1263 YDS, 290 RUSHES, 12 TD

PASSING

For the past few seasons the New England offence has been largely about moving the ball and controlling the clock. This year will be no different and that makes Amendola the key to the whole program. If he can stay healthy then he will be Brady's number 1 guy on 3rd down to move the chains once the run game has got them to easy to managed yardage.

RUSHING

WES WELKER 1354YDS, 180 RECEPTIONS, 6 TD ROB NINKOVICH 8 JEROD MAYO 147 TACKLES (88 SOLO) DEVIN MCCOURTY 5

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS

nEw yoRk jETS

AFC EAST
2012 Record: 6-10 Head Coach: Rex Ryan

ANTONIO CROMARTIE
POSITION: CB COLLEGE: FLORIDA STATE

KEY PLAYER

2012 TEAM LEADERS

MARK SANCHEZ 246-453, 2883 YDS, 13 TD/18 INT SHONN GREENE 276 RUSHES, 1063 YDS, 8 TD JEREMY KERLEY 56 RECEPTIONS, 827 YDS, 2 TD QUINTON COPLES 5.5

PASSING

'Revis Island' is no longer a thing in New York, and now Antonio Cromartie serves as the lead cornerback in Rex Ryan's defense. Coming off a Pro Bowl season where he plucked three interceptions, Cromartie will be key to the Jets' pass defense, with rookie Dee Milliner facing a fast learning curve.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

INTERCEPTIONS
ANTONIO CROMARTIE 3

DAVID HARRIS 123 (79 SOLO)

TACKLES

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y DA N I E L H U N T ER Ryan wants to be hard to beat.

Many experts and pundits believe this to be a season of real struggle for the Jets. Last season's poor record of 6-10 is what many fans would see as a good season this year, with salary cap woes and ageing players making Rex Ryan's job increasingly unstable.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY
The reality is despite a promising record of 3-1 in preseason including a win over local rivals Giants the Jets are still in for a long, hard season. The Jets could be anywhere between a record of 2-14 and best case scenario of 8-8, but either way - this will be another season out of the playoffs.

Offence - or the lack of it is a major problem. With no real weapons apart from the returning Holmes, losing Dustin Keller could come back to haunt them! Trading for Chris Ivory could improve their flagging running game after Shonn Greene walked in free agency, but there are limited options in the passing attack.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Some lessons have already been learnt in some respect. The inept Tony Sporano and Mike Tannenbaum have been fired, and the Jets have brought in John Idzik from the Seahawks as GM, and a new offensive coordinator in Marty Mornhinweg, but has Rex Ryan kept his role a year too long?

PLAN A
Rex Ryan's plan A has been to stick with embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez and try to bring him back to form, but the drafting of Geno Smith has created a competition at the position. The key man in the passing attack is Santonio Holmes, who returns from injury this season.

WEEK 1: BUCCANEERS WEEK 2: @ PATRIOTS WEEK 3: BILLS WEEK 4: @ TITANS WEEK 5: @ FALCONS WEEK 6: STEELERS WEEK 7: PATRIOTS WEEK 8: @ BENGALS WEEK 9: SAINTS BYE WEEK WEEK 11: @ BILLS WEEK 12: @ RAVENS WEEK 13: DOLPHINS WEEK 14: RAIDERS WEEK 15: @ PANTHERS WEEK 16: BROWNS WEEK 17: @ DOLPHINS

2013 SCHEDULE

JETS

VERDICT
A long season awaits for The Gang Green. A 3-1 preseason is encouraging but when it matters for real, Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith needs to perform to his best and the defence need to be all that it promises to be. A season of struggle seems likely, with a 4-12 record a fair prediction.

PLAN B

Rely on a promising defence which is showing signs of becoming a top 5 unit. First round picks Dee Milliner and Sheldon Richardson will be expect to contribute, whilst Muhammad Wilkerson continues to develop as a key player for the Jets.

STRENGTHS

Rex Ryan generally knows how to create a defence. Even with the loss of Darrele Revis, this unit has the ability to be a force. Antonio Cromartie takes over as the main cornerback **GAMES IN ITALICS ARE after Revis' deparON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN ture to the Buccaneers, and using two first round picks on defence shows that

REX RYAN IS FIGHTING FOR HIS JOB IN 2013.

BALTIMORE RAVENS
AFC NORTH
2012 Record: 10-6 Head Coach: John Harbaugh

KEY PLAYER
JOE FLACCO
COLLEGE: DELAWARE POSITION: QB

2012 TEAM LEADERS

PASSING
JOE FLACCO 317-531, 3817 YDS, 22 TD/10 INT RAY RICE 257 RUSHES, 1143 YDS, 9 TD ANQUAN BOLDIN 65 RECEPTIONS, 4 TD PAUL KRUGER 9

The obvious choice, perhaps, but, after a flawless run in the playoffs, the Ravens invested a lot of money in the former Delaware signal caller. Expectations are high for Flacco, who is now the face of the franchise, and he must become more consistent, particularly on the road.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

CARY WILLIAMS & ED REED 4

INTERCEPTIONS

BERNARD POLLARD 98 (71 SOLO)

TACKLES

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y AL E X WO O

Despite a fairy-tale ending to the 2012 season, where the Ravens overcame a plethora of obstacles to beat the San Francisco 49ers in a dramatic Superbowl XLVII, the Ravens will struggle to even make the playoffs this year.

of Chris Canty, who should start alongside Haloti Ngata and Art Jones, will provide interior pressure. Players like Courtney Upshaw, Pernell McPhee and John Simon add tremendous depth, too.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY

John Harbaugh has been head coach of the Ravens for five years. Joe Flacco has been starting quarterback of the Ravens for five years. The only team in the NFL to make the playoffs and win at least one game in each of the last five years isthe Baltimore Ravens. This team will continue to win games.

Lack of proven receivers. Flacco is without his two favourite targets from last season, with Anquan Boldin traded to the 49ers and Dennis Pitta likely out for the season, both of whom were excellent at attacking the middle of the field. Torrey Smith has the ability to become the teams undisputed #1 receiver, but so far nobody has looked capable of stepping up opposite him, which is a big worry.

PLAN A

RAVENS
WEEK 1: @ BRONCOS WEEK 2: BROWNS WEEK 3:TEXANS WEEK 4: @ BILLS WEEK 5:@ DOLPHINS WEEK 6: PACKERS WEEK 7: @ STEELERS BYE WEEK WEEK 9: @ BROWNS WEEK 10: BENGALS WEEK 11: @ BEARS WEEK 12: JETS WEEK 13: STEELERS WEEK 14: VIKINGS WEEK 15: @ LIONS WEEK 16: PATRIOTS WEEK 17: @ BENGALS

2013 SCHEDULE

Despite making Joe Flacco the then highest paid player in NFL history with a six-year, $120.6m contract, the Ravens arent going to suddenly transform in to a pass-happy team. In Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce - along with Vonta Leach they have arguably the best running back tandem in the league, and they will continue to pound the rock.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

The defence uncharacteristically struggled last year, particularly against the run. With no more Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in Charm City, Ozzie Newsome has worked his magic to rebuild what was a slow, aging defence, signing Elvis Dumervil, Chris Canty, Daryl Smith, Marcus Spears and Michael Huff in free agency. The Ravens also invested their first four draft picks in defensive players: safety Matt Elam; linebacker Arthur Brown; tackle Brandon Williams; and linebacker John Simon.

PLAN B

As they proved in the playoffs, Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones provide a real vertical threat, and Flacco throws a deep ball as well as anyone. With Deonte Thompson, another burner, also having a strong camp, the big play potential of the Ravens offence will keep defences honest.

STRENGTHS

Pass rush. After a fortuitous fax snafu, the Ravens **GAMES IN ITALICS ARE snagged Elvis Dumervil to ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN partner Terrell Suggs, who appears to be in tremendous shape after an injury plagued 2012. The addition

This may be the most competitive AFC North since the league expanded in 2002, with the Browns looking as good as they in recent memory, and the Bengals and the Steelers both stacked with talent. But the Ravens have won the division for the past two years running and theyll do enough to make the playoffs again.

VERDICT

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
BY A L EX M A TT H E W S Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap is to be feared by even the most impenetrable offensive linemen and at cornerback the fourth and fifth on the depth chart, Brandon Ghee and Dre Kirkpatrick could easily be relied upon to contribute as solid starters if need be.

After a second straight season of capitulating against Houston in a wildcard play-off game, the expectation is that the Bengals, with their embarrassment of riches on both sides of the ball will still be reliant on Andy Dalton if they are to take the next step and go deep in the play-offs.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY
There seems to be a forgotten theme of Daltons 2012 season which was that he never had a consistent receiving group. With a healthy A.J. Green, Jones, Sanu and Jermaine Gresham plus the newly-drafted Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard, the onus on Dalton is somewhat reduced, especially with the advantage of being able to lean on one of the better defensive units in the NFL.

The center position remains of concern with neither Kyle Cook nor Trevor Robinson particularly inspiring any confidence in recent history. Theres also a problem if either of the nickel linebackers, Emmanuel Lamur or Vontaze Burfict are missing. Finally, a question mark is present over the reliability of whoever is given the nod at strong safety between Iloka, Williams and Mays.

PLAN A

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

As good as AJ Green is, someone needs to stand up and be a reliable target for Dalton on short and intermediate routes. There also needs to be an adjustment in defensive scheme which was regularly getting burnt by Tight Ends and leaving linebackers in coverage mismatches.

In Jay Grudens West Coast scheme the plan will be to use plenty of 2-TE sets and get the ball out quickly to the likes of Sanu, Gresham and Eifert whilst drawing coverage away from AJ Green. Expect a lot more screens and checkdowns to Bernard out of the backfield and newly christened H-back Orson Charles who possesses Delanie Walker type upside at the position.

BENGALS
WEEK 1: @ BEARS WEEK 2: STEELERS WEEK 3: PACKERS WEEK 4: @ BROWNS WEEK 5: PATRIOTS WEEK 6: @ BILLS WEEK 7: @ LIONS WEEK 8: JETS WEEK 9: DOLPHINS WEEK 10: @ RAVENS WEEK 11: BROWNS BYE WEEK WEEK 13: @CHARGERS WEEK 14: COLTS WEEK 15: @ STEELERS WEEK 16: VIKINGS WEEK 17: RAVENS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

VERDICT
Make a challenge for the AFC North and finally progress beyond the first round of the play-offs, anything less would be a massive disappointment for the Bengals in 2013.

PLAN B
With the abundance of talent, there shouldnt really need to be a Plan B, however should injuries pile up and players underperform, expect the same pattern as the last two years; lean on the defense, limit turnovers and hope AJ Green can snag a few glorified arm-punts whilst in triple-coverage when the game is on the line.

STRENGTHS

Any defensive line that contains

AJ GREEN REMAINS DALTONS NO.1 TARGET

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI BENGALS

2012 Record: 10-6 Head Coach: Marvin Lewis

KEY PLAYER
ANDY DALTON
POSITION: QB COLLEGE: TCU

2012 TEAM LEADERS

ANDY DALTON 329-528, 3669 YDS, 27 TD/ 16 INT BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS 278 RUSHES, 1094 YDS, 6 TD AJ GREEN 97 RECEPTIONS, 1350 YDS, 11 TD GENO ATKINS 12.5 VONTAZE BURFICT 127 (73 SOLO) CHRIS CROCKER & REGGIE NELSON 3

PASSING

Its obvious to assume that an injury to AllPros AJ Green or Geno Atkins would be disastrous for any Lombardi trophy-related ambitions. However, ultimately, all roads lead back to Andy Dalton and his ability to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers and make those clutch plays at the business end of the season.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS

CLEVELAND BROWNS
AFC NORTH
2012 Record:5-11 Head Coach: Rob Chudzinski

KEY PLAYER
JORDAN CAMERON
POSITION: TE COLLEGE: USC

2012 TEAM LEADERS

BRANDON WEEDEN 297-517, 3385 YDS, 14 TD,/17 INT TRENT RICHARDSON 267 RUSHES, 950 YDS, 11 TD JOSH GORDON 50 RECEPTIONS, 805 YDS, 5 TD JABAAL SHEARD 7 DQWELL JACKSON 118 (63 SOLO)

PASSING

RUSHING

Having already noted the decisive role Trent Richardson should play in 2013, it seems more appropriate to focus on another player set to become a key cog to the offense tight end Jordan Cameron. A highly touted prospect for a few years now, this year looks set to be Camerons breakout season if he can just stay healthy and, with Josh Gordon suspended for the first four games, the team will be looking for him to produce right out of the gate.

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

JOE HADEN, USAMA YOUNG & SHELDON BROWN 3

INTERCEPTIONS

THE PERCEPTION
Its going to take a lot for the Browns to shake their perennial losers tag but the various personnel moves made this offseason mean theres reason to be optimistic. Therell be some teething problems to begin with but the team should be able to improve upon their lacklustre 2012 campaign, which saw them finish with a record of 5-11.

2013 PREVIEW
B Y F R E DD I E SH I R E S eclipse their 2012 sack total of 38 and keep the likes of Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton and Ben Roethlisberger on their toes. Add in a front-line containing Desmond Bryant, Athyba Rubin, Phil Taylor and Billy Winn and one could be forgiven for getting thoroughly excited over what lies in store for 2013 and beyond.

WEAKNESSES
By now were all well aware that todays NFL is a quarterbacks league and thats the one position over which the Browns have the biggest question mark. Unfair expectations were placed on Brandon Weeden in 2012, considering the success of fellow rookie signal callers, but the former Oklahoma State star has yet to prove hes the man to lead a playoff-challenging side. With Norv Tuners system perfectly suited to his skillset, Weeden has looked impressive in preseason so far but the real test will come once the games start to matter.

THE REALITY

Despite the promising changes to the front office and coaching staff, the Browns immediate future ultimately hinges on the play of second-year quarterback Brandon Weeden. While the rest of the roster appears to be coming together nicely under the new regime, the team will only be able to go as far as the 29-year-old signalcaller can take them.

PLAN A

BROWNS
WEEK 1: DOLPHINS WEEK 2: @ RAVENS WEEK 3: @ VIKINGS WEEK 4: BENGALS WEEK 5: BILLS WEEK 6: LIONS WEEK 7: @ PACKERS WEEK 8: @ CHIEFS WEEK 9: RAVENS BYE WEEK WEEK 11: @ BENGALS WEEK 12: STEELERS WEEK 13: JAGUARS WEEK 14: @ PATRIOTS WEEK 15: BEARS WEEK 16: @ JETS WEEK 17: @ STEELERS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

With Norv Turner now calling the plays on offense, the Browns will likely run a sound, QB-friendly scheme, which leans on a strong running game to set up the deep ball, complemented by a controlled short to midrange passing attack, while making heavy use of play action. Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron can certainly all fill those roles perfectly and, if everything goes to plan, together they should combine to form one efficient unit.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

PLAN B

If the Browns offense falters early on, the pressure will start mounting on new defensive coordinator Ray Horton to get his unit producing results. Big things are expected from a pass-rush containing Jabaal Shead, free agent-signings Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves and much hyped first-round pick Barkevious Mingo, who, despite a recent injury scare, has looked mightily impressive thus far in preseason.

Its not so much a lesson but more of a mantra the Browns must keep Trent Richardson healthy in 2013. The teams star running back played all of last year with a rib injury yet still managed to finish up with 950 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. No doubt, the former Alabama product is a star in the making and, if Norv Turners old habits are anything to go by, then hell be the man through which the offense flows. A bell cow back he may be, but a Rolls Royce engine also needs to be handled with care.

VERDICT

STRENGTHS

Playing in one of the toughest division in football, the AFC North, life is always going to be hard for the Browns. Combine that with the inevitable bedding in process as they adjust to the coaching staffs new schemes during the regular season and its tough to see the team making that long awaited playoff push.

With Ray Hortons aggressive play calling and blitzes, the team should easily be able to

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
B Y E L L IO T B RA N T O N well as LeVeon Bell at running back, who adds another dimension to Steelers running game.

With a decent draft and another year of the prospect of Ben Roethlisberger possibly staying healthy for the whole season, Steelers success could be around the corner, but a tough AFC North will pose problems for Pittsburgh in 2013.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY
Ben Roethlisberger hasnt played a complete season since 2008 and with an ageing defence and an offensive line that seems to get injured most seasons, it could be a consolidation season. Having said this, Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff made crucial picks during the draft to replace big holes, as Jarvis Jones impressed in preseason.

The offensive line was pretty poor in 2012 for Steelers, meaning Ben Roethlisberger had less time and didnt stay healthy. This problem has led to Bens style of game adapting to the pressure as he extends plays very well, but this is not how a star quarterback needs playing against a strong division in the 2013 season.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Once again, keeping linemen healthy and allowing time for the run game to establish itself at the start of the season will be important. Rookies take time to develop and with Jarvis Jones filling James Harrisons shoes, but other defensive players will have to step up.

PLAN A
Pittsburgh has always been known for their hard hitting defence. So Plan A will be to stop the opposition, apply pressure and hope to shift the momentum on to the offense. The ageing defence will have to carry on the way they have been in previous seasons, having been at the top of the leagues rankings consistently.

VERDICT
Heading in to the season, Steelers should be around the playoffs providing the roster stays healthy. With Baltimore losing a lot of their key players, Cincinnati always proving challenging and maybe a surprise from Cleveland it will make for a competitive AFC North.

STEELERS
WEEK 1: TITANS WEEK 2: @ BENGALS WEEK 3: BEARS WEEK 4: @ VIKINGS (UK) BYE WEEK WEEK 6: @ JETS WEEK 7: RAVENS WEEK 8: @ RAIDERS WEEK 9: @ PATRIOTS WEEK 10: BILLS WEEK 11: LIONS WEEK 12: @ BROWNS WEEK 13: @ RAVENS WEEK 14: DOLPHINS WEEK 15: BENGALS WEEK 16: @ PACKERS WEEK 17: BROWNS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

PLAN B
Plan B will be once again to try to enforce Todd Haleys quick passing offense. Haleys second year of being Offensive Co-ordinator with Pittsburgh is bound to be interesting. The relationship between him and Ben Roethlisberger was very public in the first year, with the clear disagreement from Ben on some of Haleys play calling.

2013 SCHEDULE

STRENGTHS
Young talent. Steelers have a lot of promising rookies coming through and with the young receivers group, Ben has speedy targets to aim for as

ROETHLISBERGERS HEALTH IS KEY FOR THE STEELERS

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2012 Record: 8-8 Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

POSITION: WR COLLEGE: CENTRAL MICHIGAN

ANTONIO BROWN

KEY PLAYER

2012 TEAM LEADERS

BEN ROETHLISBERGER 284-449, 3265 YDS, 26 TD/8 INT JONATHAN DWYER 156 RUSHES, 623 YDS, 2 TD MIKE WALLACE 64 RECEPTIONS, 836 YDS, 8 TD LAWRENCE TIMMONS & JAMES HARRISON 6 LARRY FOOTE 113 (75 SOLO)

PASSING

With Mike with the Brown is

Wallace now in Miami Dolphins, Antonio now charged with be coming the Steel ers' #1 receiving option. Having al ready had a 1,000 yard receiving season in 2011, expecta tions will be placed on Brown's shoulders to put points on the board this year.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS
LAWRENCE TIMMONS 3

HOUSTON TEXANS
AFC SOUTH
2012 Record: 12-4 Head Coach: Gary Kubiak

KEY PLAYER
POSITION: DE COLLEGE: WISCONSIN

J.J WATT

2012 TEAM LEADERS

MATT SCHAUB 350-544, 4008 YDS, 22 TD/12 INT ARIAN FOSTER 351 RUSHES, 1424 YDS, 15 TD

PASSING

The current Defensive Player of the Year had a simply phenomenal season in 2012, having a run at Michael Strahans single season sack record, falling short at 20.5 still a ridiculous number for a 3-4 defensive end. In addition to this, he managed to bat down an insane 16 passes, and spent all game in the opposing QBs face. Expect him to dominate again this year.

RUSHING

ANDRE JOHNSON 112 RECEPTIONS, 1598 YDS, 4 TD

RECEIVING SACKS
J.J WATT 20.5

INTERCEPTIONS
KAREEM JACKSON 4

GLOVER QUIN 84 (64 SOLO)

TACKLES

THE PERCEPTION
The Texans are absolutely loaded, with a suffocating defence, a top notch passing game and a dominating running game. With the Colts expected regression and the mediocrity of the other two teams, Houston should breeze through the AFC South before making a Super Bowl run.

2013 PREVIEW
B Y A LE X C OK E R lost starting linebacker Connor Barwin and safety Glover Quin, but expect second year player Whitney Mercilus and rookie D.J. Swearinger to fill those roles and play well.

WEAKNESSES
The Texans are one of the few teams with no glaring weaknesses, so if they dont go all the way, we may find their greatest weakness is quarterback Matt Schaub. His performance this year will make or break the Texans Super Bowl aspirations. Outside of Schaub, their special teams is potentially a bit iffy, but then again, if this is their biggest issue, Houston is in for a big year.

THE REALITY
While still undoubtedly a very strong roster, Houston has some question marks. Will Arian Foster wear down after leading the league in carries in 2012? Will Matt Schaub take the next step? And will the Texans rookies step up and fill the holes on defence?

PLAN A

TEXANS
WEEK 1: @ CHARGERS WEEK 2: TITANS WEEK 3: @ RAVENS WEEK 4: SEAHAWKS WEEK 5: @ 49ERS WEEK 6: RAMS WEEK 7: @ CHIEFS BYE WEEK WEEK 9: COLTS WEEK 10:@CARDINALS WEEK 11: RAIDERS WEEK 12: JAGUARS WEEK 13: PATRIOTS WEEK 14: @ JAGUARS WEEK 15: @ COLTS WEEK 16: BRONCOS WEEK 17: @ TITANS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

Play intimidating defence and run Foster plenty. This tactic has served them well for the past two years, as the Texans line and zone blocking scheme is one of the best in terms of run blocking. Even if Foster is wearing down a bit, talented back up Ben Tate can spell him and ensure a great running game.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Keep playing until the end. The Texans raced out to an 11-1 record before finishing 1-3, losing the first round bye in the process. Down this stretch, turnovers and inefficient offence bogged down drives, so Houston needs to take care of the ball better while converting more of their chances.

PLAN B
Even as recently as 2009, the Texans were known for having a high powered passing attack, highlighted by Matt Schaub throwing deep bombs to Andre Johnson. However, both Schaub and Johnson have regressed, so look for passing to be used as a complement to their running game.

VERDICT
Indianapolis should be good this year, but expect Houston to win the division reasonably comfortably. However, they still dont have the passing game required to overhaul the top AFC teams, so expect another #3 seed and a divisional round exit.

STRENGTHS
Defence. Ever since former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips arrived in town in 2012, the Texans defence has been stout, led by reigning defensive player of the year J.J. Watt and stud corner Johnathan Joseph. They may have

FOSTER WILL AGAIN BE THE STARTING RB IN 2013

THE PERCEPTION
After a sensational 11-5 record in 2012, expect the Colts to regress this year. Last years record was mostly down to an easy schedule and the players uniting behind Chuck Paganos battle against leukaemia, so a tougher battle for Indianapolis in 2013.

2013 PREVIEW
BY O L LY D A WE S continue to improve in 2013. Reuniting with his Stanford offensive co-ordinator Hamilton, expect less interceptions and a higher completion percentage from Luck this season. Impressive rookie years for Hilton and Allen also bode well for the future of the passing attack.

THE REALITY
Despite overspending heavily in free agency, the Colts have got stronger in a number of positions. Upgrades to the offensive and defensive lines should help Paganos desire to run the ball and stop the run, whilst the hiring of Pep Hamilton of offensive co-ordinator should prevent Andrew Luck from having a sophomore slump.

WEAKNESSES
Offensive line play was terrible for the Colts in 2012, and whilst Donald Thomas and Gosder Cherilus should provide upgrades, interior duo Samson Satele and Mike McGlynn are still projected starters and continue to disappoint. Rookies Hugh Thornton and Khaled Holmes could push them if healthy.

PLAN A
With a talented young signal caller in Andrew Luck, the emphasis should be on throwing the ball. In a new offensive scheme that will feature more short passes than Bruce Arians offense, Luck should thrive and with T.Y. Hilton, Reggie Wayne, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, he has a potent set of weapons.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Must get stronger up front. In a division where the Colts face Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson and Arian Foster twice a year, the run defence must be better. Additions such as Ricky Jean Francois and Aubrayo Franklin should help stop teams running all over them.

PLAN B
Both Pagano and Hamilton almost incessantly preach that the Colts will have a power running game and look to pound the rock. It seems a plan set for failure though, with a poor offensive line and no dynamic running backs on the roster. A true plan B in the mindset of fans, this could worryingly be Plan A.

VERDICT
Maybe a slight regression for the Colts this season, but still expected to challenge Houston for the AFC South title and another run at the playoffs.

STRENGTHS
Andrew Luck enjoyed a superb rookie season and the passing attack should REGGIE WAYNE IS A CONSTANT AGAIN FOR THE COLTS HEADING INTO 2013

WEEK 1: RAIDERS WEEK 2: DOLPHINS WEEK 3: @ 49ERS WEEK 4: @ JAGUARS WEEK 5: SEAHAWKS WEEK 6: @ CHARGERS WEEK 7: BRONCOS BYE WEEK WEEK 9: @ TEXANS WEEK 10: RAMS WEEK 11: @ TITANS WEEK 12: @CARDINALS WEEK 13: TITANS WEEK 14: @ BENGALS WEEK 15: TEXANS WEEK 16: @ CHIEFS WEEK 17: JAGUARS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

COLTS

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

2012 Record: 11-5 Head Coach: Chuck Pagano

KEY PLAYER
ANDREW LUCK
POSITION: QB COLLEGE: STANFORD

2012 TEAM LEADERS

ANDREW L;UCK 339-627, 4439 YDS, VICK BALLARD 211 RUSHES, 814 YDS, 2 TD REGGIE WAYNE 106 RECEPTIONS, 1355 YDS, 5 TD ROBERT MATHIS 8 JERRELL FREEMAN 145 (90 SOLO) DARIUS BUTLER 4

PASSING

Replacing Peyton Manning was never going to be easy, but Andrew Luck made a smooth transition from college to pros. Entering his second season, Luck is now expected to become one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, possessing all the tools to make him a great.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
BY R I CH L L OY D

WEAKNESSES

The Jaguars are seen as being very much in the lower tier of small market teams. Persistent, yet unfounded rumours of the team relocating and being unable to sell tickets abound, an unsettled organisation that can only improve once they draft a franchise quarterback and first overall pick candidates for 2014.

THE REALITY

The defence looks as porous and as unable to defend the pass as it ever has. As good as the offense could be, the rag tag bunch of lower round draft picks and free agents really doesnt inspire confidence. Facing Andrew Luck and Arian Foster twice this season could be moments to hide behind the sofa.

The Jaguars new owners and management team dont underestimate the issues at hand and have taken a baseball-esque statistical approach to rebuilding. This tells them that quarterback Blaine Gabbert is worth sticking with over all available options. Hes been given help on the offence, but the defence though still appears woeful at best.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Too many to list here - it was a poor season on all sides of the ball and on the sidelines. The Jaguars have looked to resolve their problems with a new General Manger, new Head Coach, whilst most of the other coaching positions have new personnel and there are a number of new players.

PLAN A

Run. Maurice Jones-Drew is back having missed half of last season and is in his contract year. Hell be given the task of moving the chains and scoring the touchdowns that will hopefully at least double the win tally from last season (two).

VERDICT
The schedule doesnt look as taxing as it could have been and 6 wins would be significant progress. Two AFC South wins against the Titans must be the aim and providing the defence can prevail on the occasional Sunday then any other 4. Sadly one of those is unlikely to come at the Jaguars first game of 4 at Wembley against the far superior 49ers.

PLAN B

JAGUARS
WEEK 1: CHIEFS WEEK 2: RADIERS WEEK 3: @ SEAHAWKS WEEK 4: COLTS WEEK 5: @ RAMS WEEK 6: @ BRONCOS WEEK 7: CHARGERS WEEK 8: 49ERS (UK) BYE WEEK WEEK 10: @ TITANS WEEK 11: CARDINALS WEEK 12: @ TEXANS WEEK 13: @ BROWNS WEEK 14: TEXANS WEEK 15: BILLS WEEK 16: TITANS WEEK 17: @ COLTS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon are far from the worst pair of WRs available, add some lively looking youngsters in Ace Saunders and Denard Robinson and you could have an explosive and potentially unconventional offense. Watch out for the latter in the Wildcat - hes sporadically a RB, WR and ex college QB.

STRENGTHS

As mentioned above, Jones-Drew is one of the elite running backs in the league. The wide receiving corps can get separation and distance if given the ball (the if there is crucial), whilst the Offensive Line has been upgraded in first round pick Luke Joeckel to hopefully give Gabbert more time in the pocket.

ROOKIE OT JOECKEL HAS A BIG PART TO PLAY FROM DAY ONE.

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

2012 Record: 2-14 Head Coach: Gus Bradley

2012 TEAM LEADERS

CHAD HENNE 166-308, 2084 YDS, 11 TD/11 INT MAURICE JONES-DREW 86 RUSHES, 414 YDS, 1 TD CECIL SHORTS 55 RECEPTIONS, 979 YDS, 7 TD TYSON ALUALU 3.5 PAUL POSLUSZNY 139 (106 SOLO) DEREK COX 4

KEY PLAYER
MAURICE JONES-DREW
POSITION: RB COLLEGE: UCLA

PASSING

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

Stating the obvious here, but a healthy Maurice Jones-Drew gives the offense both yards and points on the board. Hes in the final year of his contract so will want to earn another one - be it at the Jaguars or elsewhere.

INTERCEPTIONS

TENNESSEE TITANS
AFC SOUTH
2012 Record: 6-10 Head Coach: Mike Munchak

CHRIS JOHNSON
POSITION: RB COLLEGE: EAST CAROLINA

KEY PLAYER

TITANS
WEEK 1: @ STEELERS WEEK 2: @ TEXANS WEEK 3: CHARGERS WEEK 4: JETS WEEK 5: CHIEFS WEEK 6: @ SEAHAWKS WEEK 7: 49ERS BYE WEEK WEEK 9: @ RAMS WEEK 10: JAGUARS WEEK 11: COLTS WEEK 12: @ RAIDERS WEEK 13: @ COLTS WEEK 14: @ BRONCOS WEEK 15: CARDINALS WEEK 16: @ JAGUARS WEEK 17: TEXANS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

Chris Johnson has been much-ma ligned in recent years, but improvements to the offen sive line should help him become the feared run ning back he once was. If he does, a lot of pressure will be taken away from Jake Locker.

THE PERCEPTION
Coming off a disappointing 2011 season, the perception is that the Titans have overspent in free agency and have a roster that is talented, but full of holes. Jake Locker is skating on thin ice as a starting QB and his accuracy issues will ultimately cost him his job. The Jerry Gray and Greg Williams defensive dynamic will not work and Mike Munchak is just not an NFL calibre head coach.

2013 PREVIEW
BY N E IL D O NO H O E new additions Levitre and Warmack give the unit a dynamic look. There should be plenty of room for the smash and dash combo of Johnson and Green to run.

WEAKNESSES
The safety position still stands out as a weakness. Despite the additions of solid vets Bernard Pollard and George Wilson, the unit has still looked over matched in pre season. Pollard appears was brought in more to change the culture than for his on field attributes, if preseason is anything to go by.

THE REALITY
The Titans are a team at both ends of the scale. Their offensive line has been retooled to the point where you could rank it among the best in the NFL, and their run game is as strong as any team in the league. However, their QB play is sketchy and they have a defense that seems to be tackle averse.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

The Titans need to learn is to stop being so conservative. The amount of times last season the coaching staff called a draw on 3rd and forever cannot happen again. They have play makers, but they seem to be shackled. Go out to win games, rather than going out to avoid losing them.

PLAN A 2012 TEAM LEADERS

JAKE LOCKER 177-314, 2176 YDS, 10 TD/11 INT CHRIS JOHNSON 276 RUSHES, 1243 YDS, 6 TD NATE WASHINGTON 46 RECEPTIONS, 746 YDS, 4 TD DERRICK MORGAN 6.5 AKEEM AYERS 104 (66 SOLO) Run the football. The Titans brought in Andy Levitre from Buffalo on a huge deal to bolster their O Line, then spent a top 10 draft pick on Alabama mauler Chance Warmack in the draft. Their intention is clear, dominate at the line of scrimmage and let Chris Johnson and Jake Locker do their thing.

PASSING

VERDICT
This season could go one of 2 ways. If things collapse, Mike Munchak could be out on his ear before seasons end. On the other hand, if Locker improves, Kenny Britt finds something in his contract year, and if CJ returns to elite back form...lot of if's, but the Titans could very well be in the wild card hunt in 2013.

RUSHING

PLAN B
Ryan Fitzpatrick...As weak as that sounds, there was a method to the teams madness in signing "Fitzmagic" to back up Locker. Should Locker falter, Fitzpatrick is well suited for the Titans to change the scheme a little.

RECEIVING SACKS

TACKLES

INTERCEPTIONS
MICHAEL GRIFFIN & JASON MCCOURTY 4

STRENGTHS
The Offensive line and run game. The tackles Michae Roos and David Stewart are still very solid and the LOCKER COULD BE GIVEN SOME FREEDOM BEHIND CJ2KS RUNNING

THE PERCEPTION
The Broncos are strong contenders to go all the way. After last season impressive winning streak the first round failure in the playoffs has everyone believing the Peyton Manning-led Broncos will be out to put it right.

2013 PREVIEW
B Y BR A D L EY C O RN W E L L skill positions, with the acquisitions of Ball and Welker.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY

Injuries and the suspension of Von Miller, the Broncos best and most influential defensive player coupled with free agency loss of Elvis Dumervil mean there could be plenty of high scoring games involving Denver this season. The addition of wide receiver Wes Welker to an already stellar receiving corps could see the Broncos with Manning in year two even better on offence.

As highlighted in the play off loss to Baltimore, the secondary and in particular the safety positions are a concern. Add to this the loss of Von Miller for 6 games, the departure of Dumervil and injuries at linebacker, the defence has a few question marks heading into the new season.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

The team ended with the best record in the AFC so it's hard to point at too many issues. Obviously the secondary was exposed in that playoff loss to Baltimore and the running game came into question during the season after the loss of MaGahee.

PLAN A

Peyton Manning. The Broncos without Von Miller will have to score points and will rely on Manning with his new weapons in Welker, running back Montee Ball and the emerging Julius Thomas at tight end, to lead them to victories.

VERDICT
With #18 under centre the Broncos are contenders. The early season includes tough fixtures against the defending champions and Peyton's younger brother Eli with the Giants, but even if they start slow without Miller, they should be able to amass enough victories to clinch another division title and reach the playoffs.

PLAN B

BRONCOS
WEEK 1: RAVENS WEEK 2: @ GIANTS WEEK 3: RAIDERS WEEK 4: EAGLES WEEK 5: @ COWBOYS WEEK 6: JAGUARS WEEK 7: @ COLTS WEEK 8: REDSKINS BYE WEEK WEEK 10: @ CHARGERS WEEK 11: CHIEFS WEEK 12: @ PATRIOTS WEEK 13: @ CHIEFS WEEK 14: TITANS WEEK 15: CHARGERS WEEK 16: @ TEXANS WEEK 17: @ RAIDERS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

2013 SCHEDULE

The Denver backfield has been revamped this off season with the addition of 2nd round pick Ball to add to Ronnie Hillman progressing into year two. Whilst veteran and last seasons leading rusher Willis McGahee has been released, the Broncos will be hoping the new legs will give them a strong running game.

STRENGTHS
John Fox might be a defensive minded head coach but the strength of the 2013 class of Broncos is undoubtedly offensive and in particular Manning. He is the centre piece of the franchise. As previously mentioned, the front office have done a good job of surrounding him with talent at the

WELKER WAS THE BIG OFFSEASON SIGNING AND WILL COMPLEMENT WELL WITH #18

2012 Record: 13-3 Head Coach: John Fox

AFC WEST

DENVER BRONCOS

2012 TEAM LEADERS

PEYTON MANNING 400-583, 4659 YDS, 37 TD/11 INT WILLIS MCGAHEE 167 RUSHES, 731 YDS, 4 TD DEYMARIUS THOMAS 94 RECEPTIONS, 1434 YDS, 10 TD VON MILLER 18.5

PASSING

PEYTON MANNING
POSITION: QB COLLEGE: TENNESSEE

KEY PLAYER

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

INTERCEPTIONS
CHRIS HARRIS & WESLEY WOODYARD 3

WESLEY WOODYARD 117 (73 SOLO)

TACKLES

The Broncos will go as far as Peyton Manning can take them. Despite early questions over his arm strength, the 37 year old led the Broncos to the #1 seed in the AFC, and the same is expected going into his second year in Denver.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

AFC WEST
2012 Record: 2-14 Head Coach: Andy Reid

JAMAAL CHARLES
POSITION: RB COLLEGE: TEXAS

KEY PLAYER

2012 TEAM LEADERS

MATT CASSEL 161- 277, 1796 YDS, 6 TD/ 12 INT JAMAAL CHARLES 285 RUSHES, 1509 YDS, 5 TD DWAYNE BOWE 59 RECEPTIONS, 801 YDS, 3 TD JUSTIN HOUSTON 10

PASSING

Having benefited from a strong running game in San Francisco, Alex Smith will now have Jamaal Charles in the backfield. A dynamic runner who is a home-run threat every time he gets the ball, Charles is the key to this Chiefs offense.

RUSHING

RECEIVING SACKS

INTERCEPTIONS
BRANDON FLOWERS 3

DERRICK JOHNSON 125 (110 SOLO)

TACKLES

THE PERCEPTION

2013 PREVIEW
BY M A TT H E W P H I L LI P S record, that Kansas Citys roster is laden with talent. Unfortunately, a roster previous regimes criminally misused & under-utilised. 5 of those ProBowlers, Johnson, Berry, Flowers, Hali and Houston, come from a hugely talented defense, and the Chiefs will look to get the best out of that defense in 2013.

Following such a disastrous and turbulent 2012/13 season for the franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs have, since hiring former Philadelphia HC Andy Reid, GM John Dorsey from the Green Bay Packers and a whole new coaching staff, become this years pre season worst to rst pick by the media.

WEAKNESSES

THE REALITY
An extensive repair job is being undertaken by Dorsey and Reid that, while hugely exciting, will take a number of years and drafts to complete. Conversely, there is a strong sense that the franchise has turned a corner, as the basics of a successful franchise are now being put in place, expect the Chiefs to be well prepared, expertly coached with all details accounted for something not seen in the Midwest for a long time.

The interior of the offensive line has struggled in Preseason and could be this teams undoing this season. LG Jeff Allen has largely disappointed since being drafted from Illinois in 2012, while the former ALL-American Center Rodney Hudson has continually been pushed back into Smiths lap, struggling to recover from an injury hit NFL career so far.

CHIEFS
WEEK 1: @ JAGUARS WEEK 2: COWBOYS WEEK 3: @ EAGLES WEEK 4: GIANTS WEEK 5: @ TITANS WEEK 6: RAIDERS WEEK 7: TEXANS WEEK 8: BROWNS WEEK 9: @ BILLS BYE WEEK WEEK 11: @ BRONCOS WEEK 12: CHARGERS WEEK 13: BRONCOS WEEK 14: @ REDSKINS WEEK 15: @ RAIDERS WEEK 16: COLTS WEEK 17: @ CHARGERS
**GAMES IN ITALICS ARE ON NBC/ESPN OR NFLN

PLAN A
Andy Reid brings with him his pure West Coast Offense, and having traded for Alex Smith, have a Quarterback who can implement it with mobility, guile & excellent decision making. The Chiefs will target the intermediate part of the eld & revolve around the prodigious talents of Jamaal Charles & upgraded Tight End position in Anthony Fasano & rookie Travis Kelce.

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON

Must not turn the ball over this killed the Chiefs in all 16 games last season. With Alex Smith now at Quarterback this will be eradicated as seen so far in preseason.

2013 SCHEDULE

VERDICT
A huge step forward, smart QB play and a strong defense will have them put pressure on Denver this year, but you cant x a whole Franchise in just one offseason. Despite the media frenzy, expect Kansas City to build quietly over the next few years, but the offene is just not dynamic enough at this point in time.

PLAN B
As with all newly reborn Franchises, this is year 1 of the project and in all reality the Chiefs dont have any room for error this year. There is no plan B, but if Plan A succeeds the Chiefs will be very happy.

STRENGTHS
Its common knowledge that having had 6 players invited to the Pro Bowl, despite a 2-14