Super Bowl XLVIII Preview: Seahawks vs Broncos

     Tomorrow is the day we have all been waiting for. Unlike other sports, where there can be a potential seven games to decide the league champion, the NFL needs just one game to crown a winner, and that game is the Super Bowl. Although tomorrow marks the end of the 2013 season, the Super Bowl brings great commercials, incredible foods, and most importantly, the two bests teams playing for the Lombardi Trophy on national television. Peyton Manning just won his fifth MVP Award on the eve of the Super Bowl, and the league's best offense will now be playing the Seattle Seahawks, who have the NFL's best defense. Good luck to both teams, and we wish everyone a great Super Bowl Sunday!

Denver Broncos: Earlier this evening, Peyton Manning won his 5th MVP Award, as he was just one vote shy of a unanimous selection. Manning passed for 5,147 yards and 55 touchdowns this season, both single season records. Manning's incredible season is a result of years of experience, as well as an incredibly talented receiving corp. Demaryius Thomas caught 92 passes for 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns, and even if he's shutdown by cornerback Richard Sherman in the Super Bowl, Manning has three other options in Wes Welker, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas. All three wide receivers had more than 778 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013, which is why I think the Seahawks will struggle to shut down Denver's passing game, even though Seattle has the best pass defense in the league. Thanks to the incredible passing game, the Broncos have been able to set up a solid running game with Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns, both of which are career highs. Even if the cold weather hinders Denver's passing game, the Broncos may be able to keep up with Marshawn Lynch on the ground with Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball leading the way. Denver's run defense has been spectacular during the postseason, where they limited the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game to just 64 yards and 1 touchdown, even though the Patriots rushed for 234 yards and 6 touchdowns the previous week. Marshawn Lynch is clearly one of the best running backs in the league, so it will be interesting to see how Denver's defense will fare against the man known as "Beast Mode". The Broncos' pass defense is nothing special, but as long as the pass rush is able to pressure Russell Wilson, Seattle's passing game will not be a major problem. Also, be sure to watch returner Trindon Holliday, who returned both a kickoff and a punt for a score in 2013.

Seattle Seahawks: Immediately after the Seattle Seahawks beat San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game, Fox reporter Erin Andrews pulled aside cornerback Richard Sherman, and his arrogant display of emotion has been seen by most everyone through television and social media. Richard Sherman is able to have self-confidence, seeing that he has become the best cornerback in the league. Sherman's 20 interceptions in the past three years ranks first in the league, five more than other cornerback in the NFL. Sherman will likely be covering Demaryius Thomas throughout the game, which leaves defenders like Byron Maxwell, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor to smother Welker, (Julius) Thomas, and Decker on Denver. In 2013, the Seahawks defense ranked first overall in passing yards allowed, total defense, opposing quarterback rating, interceptions, and points allowed per game. The run defense did not do as well as the pass defense in 2013, but the run defense's most important accomplishment is the fact that they ranked first overall in rushing touchdowns allowed with 4. Defense seems to be very important in the Super Bowl, and in the eleven games where the league's top defense made it to the Super Bowl, the best defense has won nine times. The Seattle Seahawks' offense revolves around star running back Marshawn Lynch. Due to the cold weather, Marshawn Lynch is bound to have many attempts on the ground, seeing that throwing the ball will be slightly more difficult in the Super Bowl. For the third straight year, Lynch ran for more than 1,204 yards and 11 touchdowns, which is why Lynch was named to his fourth career Pro Bowl in 2013. Quarterback Russell Wilson makes few mistakes, which is key to an offense that revolves around the running game. Wilson passed 3,357 yards, 26 touchdowns, and, most importantly, 9 interceptions. Wilson's lack of mistakes allowed him to eclipse the 100 passer rating mark for the second time of his career, but who knows if nerves will get the best of Wilson in the Super Bowl, which would likely destroy any momentum built by Seattle's offense.

Prediction: If Peyton Manning were to beat Seattle, the second Super Bowl ring would make him the best quarterback of all time, and he knows that, too. Even though the number one defense normally beats the number one offense whenever the two teams meet, the Denver Broncos have the best offense in NFL history, and their abundance of wide receivers, as well as Manning's ability to throw the ball before the pass rush reaches him, is why Denver will win its third Super Bowl in franchise history.
Broncos over Seahawks 30-23
MVP: Peyton Manning: 305 passing yards, 2 TDs

This will be the 3rd time Peyton Manning will be playing outdoors in playoffs vs the No. 1 scoring D from reg season (1 TD, 6 Int in prev 2)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 27, 2014

The age difference of 12 years and 250 days between Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson is the biggest ever for starting QBs in the Super Bowl
— NFL Access (@NFL_Access) January 30, 2014

Via @PANYNJ: The George Washington Bridge is lit in @Broncos orange @Seahawks green for the Super Bowl: pic.twitter.com/PKn5l0eEIM
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 30, 2014

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 28, 2014

Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch at today's media availability: " I’m just here so I won’t get fined, boss. That’s the only reason I’m here."
— Jane McManus (@janesports) January 29, 2014

NFC Championship Preview: 49ers at Seahawks

      Before the regular season even started, it seemed as though the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks were destined to play each other in the playoffs . The Seahawks-49ers rivalry has quickly transformed into the best rivalry in the league, and this matchup in the NFC Championship Game will only add to the history of this rivalry. Back in 2009, Jim Harbaugh, a coach at Stanford, ran up the score against Pete Carroll's USC team, and the Harbaugh-Carroll rivalry was born. The rivalry has carried over into the NFL now that both Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll work for two NFL teams within the NFC West. This season, the series between these two teams is tied at one game a piece; however, the last two times San Francisco played in Seattle, the Seahawks outscored the 49ers by a total score of 71-16. The 12th Man at CenturyLink Field may be blown out of proportion at times, but there is no disputing that Seattle's fans are capable of influencing a game with their deafening noise.

San Francisco 49ers: The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most streaky teams in all of football; when they're hot, they can go on 5 game winning streaks, where not even the best teams can knock them down. But when they're cold, the 49ers can lose two or three straight by 10 points or more. Luckily for San Francisco fans, the 49ers have won eight straight games, including two playoff wins over the Packers and Panthers. San Francisco's consistency relies heavily on quarterback Colin Kaepernick, where the 49ers are 13-0 when Kaepernick throws for more than 150 yards. Alongside Kaepernick is a talented group of running backs, led by 9-year veteran Frank Gore (1,128 yards and 9 touchdowns), as well as youthful backs like LaMichael James and and Anthony Dixon. Four offensive players from the 49ers were added to the Pro Bowl roster, where two came from the offensive line. Even though the offensive line is considered to be one of the best in the league, they will have their hand's full against Seattle's front-seven. On defense, San Fran's stars like Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, and Ahmad Brooks makeup the best front-seven in all of football. The 49ers ranked third in the league in points allowed, fifth in rushing yards allowed, and fourth in opposing passer rating. Similarly to San Francisco, Seattle has an incredibly well-rounded offense, but as long as they are able to shut down wide receiver Golden Tate, Seattle's passing game will struggle to create any sort of consistency.

Seattle Seahawks: When playing at home, the Seattle Seahawks are clearly the best team in all of football. A trip to New Jersey for the Super Bowl would be a different story, but as long as the Seahawks are in Seattle, they are nearly unstoppable. With just one loss at home since December of 2011, the Seahawks are capable of beating any time in the NFL, which they have proven time and time again. In Seattle's last two meetings against San Francisco at CenturyLink Field, the Seahawks have one both times, one by a score of 29-3, the other by a score of 42-13. On offense, second-year quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 3,357 passing yards 26 touchdowns this season, and a passer rating of 101.2; however, Seattle remains a run-oriented team. This season, running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 1,2457 yards and 12 touchdowns, where Seattle ranked fourth in the league in rushing yards per game. Seattle will be missing wide receiver Percy Harvin for Sunday's game, but since Harvin caught just one pass during the regular season, the Seahawks' offense should not be too worried. Seattle's front seven does a great job of applying pressure (rank 8th in the league in sacks), but the Hawks are known for their deadly defensive backs. Cornerback Richard Sherman, as well as safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, were all named to the Pro Bowl for their spectacular play in 2013, allowing Seattle to rank first in the league in interceptions. As a whole, the Seahawks rank first in total defense, first in pass defense, and first points allowed per game. This defense is nothing to mess around with, and despite San Francisco's talent on offense, Seattle's defense will best the Niners on Sunday.

Prediction: The San Francisco 49ers have had trouble with Seattle when the game is being played at CenturyLink Field, and with so much on the line, you know Seattle's 12th man will be deafening in the final home game of the season for the Hawks. Thanks to their consistent offense and stifling defense, we predict the Seahawks to win and advance to the Super Bowl.
Seahawks over 49ers 33-23

Jim Harbaugh is first coach in NFL history to take his team to AFC/NFC Championship Game in each of his first 3 seasons, via Elias SB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2014

Colin Kaepernick has won first 3 road starts of his playoff career. Only QB to win his first 4 ... Jake Delhomme
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 13, 2014

Week 13 Predictions

Game to Watch: Saints @ Seahawks: As we mentioned in an earlier post, this game is bound to be the same game seen in the NFC Championship Game later in the season. Both New Orleans and Seattle are off to spectacular starts, and a win on Monday Night would almost ensure the number one seed in the playoffs. The game is being played in Seattle, where the Seahawks have not lost a game in CenturyLink Field since December of 2011. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense has been absolutely spectacular, which also includes a fabulous running game led by Marshawn Lynch. Clearly the most valuable asset of this team is the defense, who have been impenetrable, particularly at home. Drew Brees and the Saints are leaving the safety of the Superdome to play the Seahawks outdoors. In the past, Drew Brees' spectacular numbers have seen a slight decrease when he plays outdoors, especially in poor conditions. The crowd in Seattle is always a factor in big games, so we predict the frightfully loud fans, mixed with Seattle well rounded team, will lead to a New Orleans Saints loss.
Prediction: Seahawks over Saints 23-13

Stand Out Performance: RB Adrian Peterson: Even though Adrian Peterson will likely fall short of the 2,000 yards rushing mark in 2013, he has already achieved 997 rushing yards with 10 rushing touchdowns. Last week, Peterson rushed for 146 yards and a score, whereas the defense he is facing this upcoming week, the Chicago Bears, allowed a whopping 196 yards and two touchdowns in their game against St. Louis last week. The last time Peterson played the Bears, Chicago forked up 100 rushing yards, but Peterson was unable to register a rushing touchdown that game. That will change on Sunday.
RB Adrian Peterson: 110 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

Player to Watch: QB Robert Griffin III: The entire Robert Griffin III debate (to play, or not to play?) has taken a new turn following Washington's embarrassing loss to the 49ers. The Redskins are now 3.5 games out of the playoffs, and quarterback RGIII is clearly not playing like the same quarterback we saw last season. RGIII's passer rating in 2013 has dropped almost 20 points compared to his passer rating last season, and his 11 interceptions are currently ranked 9th in the league. Sunday will be a decisive game, as the Redskins coaching staff will need to decide between starting RGIII or Kirk Cousins in the following game.
QB Robert Griffin III: 225 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, FUM

Week 13 Predictions:

Lions over Packers (Correct)

Cowboys over Raiders (Correct)

Steelers over Ravens (Incorrect)

Panthers over Buccaneers

Browns over Jaguars

Patriots over Texans

Colts over Titans

Bears over Vikings

Dolphins over Jets

Cardinals over Eagles

Bills over Falcons

49ers over Rams

Broncos over Chiefs

Bengals over Chargers

Giants over Redskins

Seahawks over Saints

NFL Week 11 Predictions

Game of the Week: Chiefs @ Broncos: I taking a risk by saying that the Kansas City Chiefs will beat the Broncos tommorrow on Sunday Night Football. Yes, you read that correctly. Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs will beat Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning and Denver's high-powered offense will go up against the best defense in the league, who have allowed just 12.3 points per game, ranking 1st overall in the NFL. Kansas City also ranks first in the league in sacks, which is an extremely helpful statistic considering how immobile Peyton Manning is at this point in time. Manning did not practice on Thursday, but we all know that Manning desperately wants to play in tomorrow's game. The key for Denver will be to give Manning time in the pocket, as they do not want their hobbled quarterback avoiding defenders all game. If Manning was completely healthy, I would say the Broncos would win with no doubt in my mind; however, the Chiefs' pass rush will ruin Peyton Manning's tempo throughout the game. It is Kansas City's time to prove that they are the real deal.
Chiefs over Broncos 26-20

Stand Out Performance: QB Russell Wilson: Luckily for Seattle's offense, the offensive line may have three injured starters returning to the starting lineup in a Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Russell Wilson has been very consistent over the last few weeks, and with an improved offensive line, we can see him having a monster game against Minnesota. Percy Harvin might in uniform tomorrow as well, so one can say this is a perfect storm for success. The Vikings are having a hard time stopping the passing game so far in 2013, so we predict Russell Wilson to throw for three touchdowns tomorrow afternoon.
QB Russell Wilson: 305 passing yards, 3 TDs

Player to Watch: QB Alex Smith: Tomorrow's game against the Broncos will be Alex Smith's first truly big game as a member of the Chiefs' offense. Smith has a reputation of making few mistakes on the field, and with just 5 total turnovers this year, Alex Smith is a very consistent quarterback that you can count on. His numbers are not mind boggling, as he has just 9 passing touchdowns and a passer rating close to 85.0. Jamaal Charles really is the core of Kansas City's offense, and Alex Smith is there to provide a consistent passing game to bail this offense out on third down. Smith will have a mediocre game against Denver, where Kansas City's defense will be the true MVP in Sunday Night's game.
QB Alex Smith: 200 passing yards, 1 TD

Week 11 Predictions:

Colts over Titans (Correct)

Jets over Bills

Ravens over Bears

Bengals over Browns

Texans over Raiders

Cardinals over Jaguars

Eagles over Redskins

Steelers over Lions

Falcons over Buccaneers

Chargers over Dolphins

Saints over 49ers

Giants over Packers

Seahawks over Vikings

Chiefs over Broncos

Patriots over Panthers

Last Week: 9-5

2013 Season: 101-46 (68.7%)

NFL Power Rankings Week 10

1. Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs are the only perfect team remaining this season, and even though their Week 10 Bye gives them time to prepare for Denver in Week 11, it is unlikely that they can beat the Broncos. We expect there to be a new team at number one in the power rankings in two weeks time.

2. Denver Broncos: In my mind, the Denver Broncos are by far the best team in the National Football League, but there is some unwritten rule where the undefeated team must be number one in power rankings; otherwise, I would have Denver at number one in a heartbeat. So far, quarterback Peyton Manning is the clear favorite to win Most Valuable Player.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Thanks to a field goal shank in overtime by Houston's kicker, the Indianapolis Colt's narrowly squeaked by the Houston Texans. Nevertheless, Andrew Luck led the tenth game-winning drive of his career, proving that the Colts are extremely dangerous in close match ups.

4. San Francisco 49ers: This week's game against the Carolina Panthers is a dangerous game for the San Francisco 49ers, where the Panthers have maintained a 5-3 record entering Week 10. Ever since scoring a combined 10 points in Weeks 2 and 3, San Francisco's offense is averaging 34.8 points per game. The 49ers offense, particularly the running game, looks very dangerous, and I can see them at number one in the power rankings by the end of the regular season.

5. Seattle Seahawks: Similarly to Indianapolis, the Seattle Seahawks almost lost in Week 9, the only difference being the Seattle Seahawks were playing at home. Everyone knows the Seahawks at home is just like Popeye on spinach; once they have their secret weapon, good luck beating them. Yet the Seahawks were playing Tampa Bay, who have yet to win so far in 2013. This narrow victory definitely hurts their stock in the power rankings.

6. New England Patriots: FINALLY. Quarterback Tom Brady seems to have found his groove, especially with a healthy Gronk and Amendola in the starting lineup. If Brady is able to continue with this incredible hot streak, then the New England Patriots will shoot up the power rankings faster than a healthy CJ Spiller.

exposay.com

7. New Orleans Saints: Who would have thought that the New York Jets would take control of their game against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Rex Ryan remains undefeated in games against brother Rob, the Saints' defensive coordinator. Looking forward, the Saints have several big games, and there is little doubt in my mind that the Saints will lose at least three more games before the end of the season.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: After upsetting teams such as San Francisco and New England, the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Miami Dolphins in one of the ugliest games of the season last Thursday. Now that Cincinnati has that terrible performance out of their system, we expect nothing but the best from the Bengals.

9. Detroit Lions: Coming off of a Bye in Week 9, the Detroit Lions must play Chicago on the road. This game has the potential to be a blowout for the Lions offense, especially if Jay Cutler is not playing on Sunday. Calvin Johnson is healthy once again, causing defensive coordinators to panic in preparation for this offensive weapon.

10. Chicago Bears: Yes, the Chicago Bears beat the Packers on Monday Night while Green Bay was missing Aaron Rodgers, but Chicago was also missing their starting quarterback due to injury. Does this mean Chicago would still have won if both quarterbacks were healthy? That is unclear. What we do know is that Matt Forte is a complete stud, quite possibly the best running back of the 2013 season. 

Russell Wilson vs Robert Griffin III vs Andrew Luck

     The 2012 NFL Draft class produced one of the best group of quarterbacks in recent memory, where an astounding five quarterbacks from this particular draft class started on opening day last season. Three quarterbacks in particular were able to find success within their first season: Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, and Andrew Luck. With their second season quickly approaching, we will predict which quarterback will have the best statistical year in 2013.

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year, was clearly the most dominant rookie of the 2012 draft class. RGIII now holds the record for the highest passer rating of any rookie in NFL history (102.4), as he threw for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns. One of RGIII's most dangerous qualities is his ability to run; Griffin ran for 815 yards and 7 touchdowns, but his days of escaping the pocket may soon be over. RGIII underwent surgery on January 9th to repair a torn ACL and LCL, and though he will miss all four preseason games, RGIII will likely return by Week 1. Unfortunately for Griffin, head coach Mike Shanahan will certainly limit his quarterback's rushing attempts. RGIII is rather small considering how frequently he runs the ball, so injury will likely follow RGIII until he transforms into a pocket passer. Robert Griffin III has all the qualities needed to be a successful pocket passer, and with offensive weapons such as Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis, RGIII has the potential to be one of the best passing quarterbacks in the league.
2013 Projection: 3,850 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions


Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Entering the 2012 Draft, Andrew Luck was the clear favorite to be picked first overall by the Indianapolis Colts. With a big arm, the ability to evade tacklers, and leadership qualities, it was no surprise Andrew Luck was considered the number one prospect of the 2012 draft class. Andrew Luck was the opening day starter, and his most important accomplishment was an 11-5 record, earning Indianapolis a Wild Card berth. Andrew Luck broke the record for passing yards by a rookie in a single season after throwing for 4,374 yards. Other parts of his game need drastic improvement if he looks to win a Super Bowl with the Colts. Luck's completion percentage stood at just 54.1%, and his 76.5 passer rating put him behind quarterbacks such as Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder. The Indianapolis Colts rely heavily on their offense, and if Andrew Luck turns the ball over 28 times as he did last season, this offense will not get the chance to succeed.
2013 Projection: 4,350 yards, 29 touchdowns, 16 interceptions


Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: As a rookie, Russell Wilson gradually improved over the course of the season, and by year's end, he challenged RGIII as the league's best offensive rookie. In his final eight regular season games, Wilson passed for 1,652 yards with 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions. By the end of the regular season, Russell Wilson tied Peyton Manning's record for the most passing touchdowns by a rookie (26). Wilson's spectacular play carried over into the playoffs, as he led the Seahawks past Washington in the first round, yet despite passing for 385 yards with two touchdowns in the divisional round, Seattle lost 30-28 to the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson is an intelligent quarterback with great accuracy and impeccable mechanics. Wilson also uses his speed only when necessary, but it would be dangerous for him to consistently run the ball at just 5 feet 11 inches. The Seattle Seahawks traded for wide receiver Percy Harvin in the offseason, but a hip injury will keep Harvin on the sidelines until the playoffs. If Wilson is able to play all 16 games, the Seattle Seahawks will be a serious threat to dethrone San Francisco as the NFC West champion.
2013 Projection: 3,900 yards, 28 touchdowns, 14 interceptions


Bottom Line: Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III will both have great second seasons, with the advantage going to RGIII if he can stay healthy. As for Andrew Luck, we predict Luck will make great strides in his level of improvement, but he still needs more time to mature. 

NFL Award Predictions: Offensive Rookie of the Year

     Last April's draft class proved to have one of the more talented trio of passers in recent memory. Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, and Andrew Luck all wish to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year on February 2nd, but unfortunately, their can only be one winner.

QB Robert Griffin III: Out of the three quarterbacks competing, RGIII appeared to be the most disciplined, where he showed off his extraordinary accuracy by obtaining a 102.4 quarterback rating. Unlike Andrew Luck, RGIII threw just 5 interceptions in 15 games, as well as rush for over 800 yards with 7 scores. The former Heisman winner resurrected the Redskins franchise, bringing them back into contention before being bumped by Seattle in the Wild Card round. RGIII managed to stay consistent throughout the year, and if not for several injuries, he may have won this award in a landslide. 

QB Andrew Luck: The most impressive of Andrew Luck's statistics might be his ability to succeed even when the odds are against him. Luck was forced to play while a franchise coped with their head coach, Chuck Pagano, battling cancer. Andrew Luck had seven fourth quarter comebacks in 2012, and was also able to break the rookie record for passing yards with 4,374. The only problem with Andrew Luck was the high interception total (18 interceptions compared to 20 touchdowns). A fantastic rookie season will be followed by many more years of success, but it is unlikely Luck will win Rookie of the Year over Wilson and RGIII.

QB Russell Wilson: Unlike RGIII and Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson was the only rookie quarterback to make it into the Divisional Round of this season's playoffs. Wilson likely has the most talented team surrounding him, meaning out of the three quarterbacks, Russell Wilson had to do the least amount of work in order to lead Seattle back into the playoffs. Wilson did manage to tie Peyton Manning's rookie passing touchdown record at 26, and maintained a 100.0 passer rating throughout the season. Wilson is capable of scrambling when needed, similar to RGIII, but his slow start to the year hurts his case for Rookie of the Year.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Prediction: Robert Griffin III

Training Camp Battles: Flynn vs Jackson vs Wilson

     Seven months ago, Matt Flynn was a nothing; just a second-string quarterback with a successful college career and one pro start under his belt. However, by the time Week 17 rolled around on New Year's Day, the Packers were assured to have a first round bye, and therefore safe to bench their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Flynn ended up throwing for 480 yards and six touchdowns, while breaking two separate records in the process. He may not have gotten any more playing time, but Flynn was on everyone's radar. One of those watching was Seahawks head coach Pete Caroll. Once the LSU-alum became a free agent, Carroll quickly scooped him up, signing him to a 3-year, $26 million contract. As for Tarvaris Jackson, this ex-Viking had by far his best season in 2011, throwing for 3,098 yards, 14 TDs, 13 INTs, and a passing percentage of 60.2. He may have disappointed many due to his poor play from 2006 to 2010, but in 2011, Jackson finally showed what he is capable of. Sadly, Jackson was unsuccessful in raising his team's record, which stayed at a mere 7-9. The final nomination goes to the rookie out of Wisconsin, quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson led the Badgers to an 11-2 record, a Big Ten Title, and a spot in the Rose Bowl. By the end of the regular season, his 3,175 passing yards and 40 total touchdowns ranked him ninth in the Heisman voting. The third round pick might not be the favorite in this competition, but he is not a bad number three option.

Bottom Line: Flynn appears to be the leader and rightfully so. If the newly acquired free agent were to cool off, and Seattle begins to struggle, Pete Carroll will return to Jackson as head-honcho,