Nike NFL Jerseys: Predicting the Top Selling Jerseys of 2012

Nike's new NFL jerseys are available for viewing, but won't go on sale for another nine days until April 15.

There is little question as to who the top two sellers are expected to be this year. Two of the league's most popular names have new teams, new cities and new fans to call their own (well, in Tim Tebow's case it is not really his own).

You know all the names that follow quite well.

1. Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos

Broncos fans went crazy for Tim Tebow when he was their third string QB. Can you imagine what they're going to do with Peyton in town?

2. Tim Tebow, QB, New York Jets

Aside from the massive fanbase he carries with his name alone, Tebow is now part of the biggest market in the country on a team whose fanbase is less than content with their current starting quarterback.

It won't be long until No. 15 ultimately gets a chance to replace No. 6 on the field.

3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota running back finished the season with a bad knee injury, but he'll be back with a vengeance in 2012 both on the field and in jersey sales.

No. 28 was considering a number change for this year, but was told it would cost somewhere in the $1 million range to cover the price of all the jerseys Reebok has already manufactured with his current number.

4. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

He's Tom freaking Brady, everybody loves him. With a new jersey on the market the Patriot fans have to wear someone's jersey and with Belichick as the coach nobody is ever safe... except for Brady, of course.

5. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

The reigning Super Bowl MVP will see a boost in his sales nationwide and, like Brady, is the only secure player fans likely feel comfortable buying—Victor Cruz (see below) still doesn't have a new contract.

Eli's No. 10 was the No. 8 selling jersey at season's end before he led the Giants to their second ring in five years.

6. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Last year's top jersey seller will see a bit of a fall off with all the excitement at the top. Still, the reigning regular season MVP won't fall too far.

7. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

Brees' current contract squabble, and the Saints' ugly bounty situation, will hurt the record-setting QB just a bit. He'll still sell a top 10 jersey when all is said and done.

8. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

He may be arguably the most overrated quarterback in football, but the Cowboys have fans far and wide and are still the nation's most popular team. Both Romo and Miles Austin finished in the top 10 last season in jersey sales despite injuries and failed playoff run.

9. Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Like Romo, Vick endured some injuries and missed the postseason, but he also finished the year with a top 10 seller. Not much will change in 2012 and Vick has the entire city of Philadelphia behind him and a number of fans elsewhere who simply love the way he plays the game.

10. Andrew Luck, QB, (Indianapolis Colts or Washington Redskins)

Colts fans haven't needed a new jersey since 1998, but they'll come out in force for No. 12's once Luck's name is called on draft day.

Sleepers to Watch For

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

One of the eight names remaining in the Madden '13 voting, Cruz is an exciting player with national appeal that stretches beyond just the football field. His signature touchdown Salsa dance was all the craze towards season's end, and if he does land the cover it would certainly give him a huge boost.

Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Despite a down year, Big D's No. 1 receiver still finished in the top 10 in jerseys sales at the end of the regular season. The Cowboys are still a nationally recognized team with fans every reach of the country. If it is not a No. 9 Romo, it is a No. 19 Miles.

Robert Griffin III, QB, (Washington Redskins or Indianapolis Colts)

The likely No. 2 quarterback off the board will instantly be loved wherever he lands. He's already garnered a ton of attention—even more than Luck to this point—and has extremely personable. Adidas is going to push his campaign hard in his opening year (which is another reason Luck, who is with Nike, will outsell him), and he soon enough we'll have had our fill of RGIII.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Last season's offensive rookie of the year is also still alive in the Madden '13 vote and could very easily wind up in the top five if he lands the cover. One thing about Newton is he has the odd "No. 1" number doesn't have a huge market like New York, Dallas or New England to push his jersey.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots

Quite honestly, who the heck knows what the Gronk is going to do for an encore of his record-setting 2011 season. The hard-playing, hard-partying youngster is also still alive in the Madden '13 vote, but will see a boost in his sales regardless of the cover's outcome. He was one of the most talked about names at the Super Bowl and will come into this season with similar flare.