Friday, October 7, 2011

Cam Newton cracks Top 20 in national jersey sales -- and my Sunday prediction

I wrote my column today on observations about Cam Newton and then came across another one courtesy of CNBC's Darren Rovell's story about the latest NFL jersey sale rankings.

The Panthers basically never have anyone on these lists released by the NFL, but Cam Newton this time has cracked the Top 20 at No.16. It'll only go higher, of course, if the rookie keeps playing as he has been.

New Orleans QB Drew Brees, who comes to Charlotte Sunday, is No.6. Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, who has already been in Charlotte this season, is No.1. Here are the Top 25 based on sales at NFLshop.com from April 1 to Sept 30, 2011:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
3. Mike Vick, Eagles
4. Troy Polamalu, Steelers
5. Clay Matthews, Packers
6. Drew Brees, Saints
7. Tony Romo, Cowboys
8. Miles Austin, Cowboys
9. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
10. Jason Witten, Cowboys
11. Mark Sanchez, Jets
12. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
13. Peyton Manning, Colts
14. Brian Urlacher, Bears
15. Eli Manning, Giants
16. Cam Newton, Panthers
17. Darren McFadden, Raiders
18. Ndamukong Suh, Lions
19. Philip Rivers, Chargers
20. Darrelle Revis, Jets
21. Ray Lewis, Ravens
22. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
23. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
24. Tim Tebow, Broncos
25. Hines Ward, Steelers

-- As for a prediction Sunday: I'm now 15-4 over the past 19 games picking the Panthers' outcome after missing on my upset pick last week of Panthers beating the Bears (instead Carolina lost, 34-29).

This week, I think the Saints have a bit too much firepower in what should be an entertaining game. New Orleans 33, Carolina 27.