NFL Power Rankings: Projecting Finish of Teams with Rookie QBs

Five NFL teams are throwing out rookie QBs into the fire for their first game action as a professional. The hype surrounding the first two picks of the 2012 NFL draft, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, might be high, but it's a third-round pick who will emerge with the most wins at the end of the season.

That's right, Russell Wilson, the third-round pick formerly of North Carolina State and Wisconsin, will win more games than four highly touted prospects who are all starters on their new teams. Luck, RGIII, Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill will all be making their debuts this weekend as starters.

Of those teams, I see the Seahawks escaping the regular season with the best record. That doesn't mean Wilson has the most upside or even the best team going forward. But it is indicative of how this season will unfold. 

1. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Wilson is at the helm, and with an above-average run game in football's worst division, why can't the defensive-minded Seahawks win both games against Arizona, split with St. Louis and knock off Minnesota, Miami and the New York Jets?

Throw in an upset on the road, and there are your seven wins. Wilson proved in the preseason he's a level above where he was graded out during the draft process. This is his chance to prove he belongs; the proven winner won't look back. Sorry, Matt Flynn.

2. Indianapolis Colts (5-11)

Andrew Luck is a stud. If that statement weren't enough, the Colts still have bookend pass rushers on defense and some solid weapons in Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie.

Still, there will be growing pains. Luckily for Indy, they get both Tennessee and Jacksonville twice. Throw in Minnesota and Cleveland at home, and this could quickly turn into six. Lots of potential for the Colts, just not the right timing.

3. Washington Redskins (4-12)

RGIII makes the Redskins contenders again in Washington. Just not this season. The NFL-imposed salary-cap penalties, coupled with the first-round picks lost in the deal for Griffin will cripple the Redskins in the NFC's toughest division.

The 'Skins may go 0-6 in divisional play. Like the Colts, they have a lot to look forward to in the future.

4. Cleveland Browns (2-14)

Weeden and Richardson has a nice ring to it. Unfortunately, the offensive line and the weapons around them aren't good enough yet to compete. If they finish last, will they make the hard choice to draft Matt Barkley? It's a question the Dolphins might have to answer, too.

5. Miami Dolphins (2-14)

I think Tannehill got a bad rap at Texas A&M, specifically because his coach, Mike Sherman, put him in tough positions in the second half of games.

Wouldn't you know it, Sherman somehow followed him to the NFL! Kidding, but I do think Miami will struggle, with only two or three home games that seem winnable and a tough road schedule with the AFC South.