Top 2012 NFL Tight Ends by the Stats

After covering the key statistics for the top five running backs and wide receivers in 2012 in the first two installments of this four-part series for Sporting Charts , I am now moving on to the tight ends.

This position has evolved over the past decade or so into one of the most diversified and important on the offensive side of the ball. Not only is a tight end a key element of the running game though their ability to take out defensive ends or linebackers to open-up running lanes to the outside, they can make or break a team's passing game with their ability to exploit the middle of the field.

While players in this position traditionally carried the size and height of an offensive lineman, today's prototypical All-Pro tight end also has the hands of a wide receiver that make him the ultimate weapon when properly utilized in the offensive scheme.

Below is a link to my complete statistical analysis of the top five NFL tight ends in terms of their performance in this past regular season. This article was originally posted on Sporting Charts.

Top Tight Ends of the 2012 NFL Season by the Stats

Top 2012 NFL Wide Receivers by the Stats

In the second of a four-part series for Sporting Charts, I take an in-depth look at the wide receiver position to determine which player was truly the best in the NFL this past regular season.

My analysis starts with the top five wide receivers in terms of total yards. From there, I will compare all five in four additional statistical categories to give each an overall rank. After Adrian Peterson came out head and shoulders above the other four players in the running back position, the stage may be set for Calvin Johnson to run away with things at this position. The final numbers will tell the tail.

Below is a link to my complete analysis as originally posted on Sporting Charts

Top Wide Receivers of the 2012 NFL Season By The Stats

Top 2012 NFL Running Backs by the Stats

As part of a four-part series for Sporting Charts, I am taking a look back at the top performances in the 2012 NFL regular season for the top five running backs, wide receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks.

While most people are concerned with how many total yards a player either runs, catches or passes for over the course of a season, my analysis consists of comparing the best of the best at each position in terms of five key statistics to come up with an overall score for each of the five players.

The following is a link to my first installment- Running Backs


Top 2012 NFL Running Backs by the Stats

2013 NFL Super Bowl Odds

This Monday marked the official start of the NFL offseason with both free agency and the college draft the next big things to look forward to over the next few months. Before I turn my attention to how the Eagles plan to turn things around next season with some much needed additions (and subtractions) from their existing roster, I wanted to take a quick look at what the Oddsmakers felt about their chances to win it all....in two words "not good".

This time last year the Birds entered the offseason as the odds-on-favorite to win the NFC East and one of the top three or four favorites to win the NFC despite an 8-8 record the year before. The Oddsmakers were bullish on their chances mainly because of a strong finish and a wealth of individual talent that was supposed to finally come together to make a serious run at a Super Bowl title. Well we all know how that went. The only positive take away from the 2012 season was the fact that Philly did indeed beat the eventual Super Champions. Unfortunately it could only add three more victories to a dismal 4-12 campaign.

It is amazing what a season like that did to the Oddmakers' prognosis for 2013. With a new coach at the helm, some major question marks at quarterback and a grossly overpaid defensive secondary that is major need of a makeover, Bovada has officially opened the Eagles as 40/1 longshots to win Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The reality is, it is not too keen on anyone from the NFC East going all the way next season with the Giants having the best odds at 20/1. The Cowboys are a close second at 25/1 and the Redskins come in at 30/1 with some questions surrounding the health of RGIII's knee for the start of the regular season.

The following is a link to an article I recently wrote for Bang the Book taking a look at the future odds for the top contenders from both the AFC and NFC to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of next season.

NFL Betting Trends- Super Bowl XLVIII Futures Odds