Super Bowl Preview and Prediction

Seattle Seahawks (+1) vs New England Patriots

Seattle looks to have had a tougher road getting into the Super Bowl while New England has been clicking on all cylinders especially against the Indianapolis Colts.

While Seattle did struggle to put up points against Green Bay's defense, New England also had their missed opportunities in the regular season against the Packers in a 26-21 defeat.

The last time these two teams played in 2012,

Seattle upset the Patriots in New England 24-23

At the heart of this comes two teams that no one likes to bet against.  Tom Brady has been clutch throughout his career with numerous upsets and 3 Super Bowl rings.  Same thing goes for Russell Wilson who has already having a better career than the guys from his 2012 draft class including the highly touted Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin and not so bad Ryan Tannehill, and that 28 year old rookie Brandon Weeden.

A lot people are saying this is going to be a close game simply based on past Super Bowl history from Tom Brady and the Patriots.  The Patriots last 5 Super Bowls have been decided by 4 points or less.  Then again, Seattle pretty much destroyed the Broncos 43-8 who had more weapons than this Patriots' offense.  The Seahawks will not have Percy Harvin this time around though.

Seattle already faced a good passing offense with the Packers- which showed more resolve as the game went as they only gave up 6 of 22 points in the 2nd half.  While Seattle does not have any big name targets, this should be the toughest test for the Patriots defense in this postseason.  Marshawn Lynch has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his two games so far this postseason and will look to take out all his media rage against the Patriots.

I am picking Seattle to win this game- not only was their defense ranked statistically at #1 but their offense is also higher ranked (9th compared to 11th).  The Patriots have put up good offensive numbers this postseason but Seattle has faced tougher defensive opponents in the Packers and Panthers than the Colts and the Ravens.

While Brady has been great this season and has better targets most notably Rob Gronkowski, Seattle's defense is among the best and the statistics back this up as they are ranked number 1 defensively in yardage.  Brady has struggled against teams like the Chiefs and the Jets (yes the Jets!) who have been able to generate a pass rush.

Russell Wilson has had a couple of sub-par postseason games but he is nonetheless a strong performer in crunch time.  He still needs to eliminate miscues which he committed against the Packers.

That being said, New England could make this a close game and win if the Seattle cannot slow down the Patriots quick play calling and use of odd formations which utilize passing to the tight end or offensive linemen. We will see if Seattle's defense is prepared for this test in what could be a great game.  I have Seattle winning this game 27-21.

Hopefully, this game can be as entertaining 

as this video game review  featuring 

Conan O'Brien, Marshawn Lynch, and Rob Gronkowski.  

NFL Conference Championship Preview and Predictions

Julius Peppers and the Packers defensee may have a

tough time containing Russell Wilson

Green Bay @ Seattle Seahawks (-8) - Seattle will try to keep their winning streak at home alive at 8 games.  Green Bay will try to find some of its magic back in 2011 when it won 3 games on the road and eventually ended up winning the Super Bowl.

The two teams met in week 1 of the NFL season, as the Seahawks blew out the Packers 36-16.   Still, the structure of both teams are different.  Seattle's wide receiver Percy Harvin who had 100 all purpose yards was traded to New York Jets.  Also, Green Bay's Eddy Lacy was not fully healthy and the Packers eventually became a much better team with improved chemistry as the season progressed.

Seattle's defense has been daunting as it slowed down a relatively healthy Cam Newton last week.  The Packers offense on paper is theoretically better but Rodgers has suffered an injured quad and could be limited as he was against the Cowboys.  Even without accounting for Rodger's injury, the Packers' offense has shown signs of vulnerability against opponents like the Buffalo Bills. Seattle should  be able to exploit a wounded Rodgers moreso than the Dallas Cowboys given that the Seahawks have a stronger front seven and secondary.  The crowd noise could also force Green Bay to commit penalties and could potentially for Green Bay into more third down and long conversions.

Seattle's offense also has the propensity to wear opponents out with it run game anchored by Marshawn Lynch.  Plus Wilson ability to extend plays should frustrate the Packers.  Seattle's offense was explosive enough against a really good Carolina defense which has better than the Packers.  Green Bay did have a good showing against the Cowboys with the help of a controversial juggle by Dez Byrant at the 1 yard line but despite not having any big name targets, Seattle offense should be able to put up more than 21 points than the Cowboys did last week.

Overall, it's hard for me to see Green Bay keeping this close unless Rodgers puts up a great effort. Even so, the odds are stacked against the Packers in this one against a Seattle defense that they have struggled to put up points, averaging only 15 points per game in their last two matchups

Andrew Luck is peaking at the right time,

will it be enough to beat the Patriots?

Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) @ New England Patriots-  This game could either be mark of continuous success for Tom Brady and the Patriots or a new era of change featured by Andrew Luck.  The Patriots have not even kept it close in their past two matchups against the Colts.  New England beat the Colts last year 43 to 22 in the playoffs and lost their regular season matchup 42 to 20- and each time compiling at least 4 rushing touchdowns.

Still, the Colts have conquered a few of its demons.  Indianapolis did end up beating the Broncos after losing the week 1 opener on Sunday night.  And the the Colts' defense so far in the playoffs has ended up making the solid NFL quarterbacks look silly including Andy Dalton and Peyton Manning.  The question is if the Colts defense is actually good enough to slow down Tom Brady.  Certainly, the Colts defense seems to be more intact health wise in the secondary than the Baltimore Ravens.

While the Patriots have suffered some bad playoff losses over the year, the feel of this team is slightly different with a healthy Gronkowski being a dynamic playmaker.   Tom Brady looks to back in pro bowl form with his favorite target back

Tom Brady celebrated a lot 

this year with Gronkowski healthy

While Andrew Luck has been inconsistent from game to game, the Colts offense should be a tougher test than the Ravens offense.  And yes, Luck has struggled at times on the road, but he did pick a great time to pick up the slack in the postseason against a tough Cincinnati defense and in the cold weather in Denver.  Luck has enough big play targets to make this game interesting.

I think the Patriots are still the slight favorites, but I get the sense that the Colts are growing up and could play the the Patriots close.  I think the Patriots will hold on for the win but Andrew Luck may have his chances to be the victor in the 4th quarter.  

Divisional Playoff Playoff Previews and Predictions

This will be the sixth matchup between  Joe Flacco and Tom Brady

Baltimore Ravens (+7) @ New England Patriots- The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Ravens dismantled the Patriots by a score of 28-13.  Still, the make up of these teams were different most notably that Rob Gronkowski was out and the Ravens are missing a few pieces from that eventual super bowl winning team including Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed.  

More likely than not, the Patriots should pull out a win because of their homefield advantage.  Still, the Ravens have a habit of keeping games close against the Patriots and it could be a struggle for the Patriots if Ngata, Suggs, and Dumervil.  Joe Flacco is also 5-0 in his last 5 playoff games.  Steve Smith Sr. will also be motivated against the Patriots especially since he lost to New England in the Super Bowl when he was with the Panthers.

 

Seattle's defense should be able to contain 

a banged up Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks (-12) - In the past couple of years with Russell Wilson, Seattle is 4-1 in the postseason and 2-0 at home when they went on to win the Super Bowl.  Yes, it is true that Carolina held Seattle to 13 points in their last meeting. Still Carolina offense struggled against the Seahawks and only put up 1 touchdown in its past 3 meetings.  

The outcome of this game will come down to Cam Newton who looked progressively more banged up against Arizona as the game went on.  Turnovers could become problematic for Carolina especially with a loud Seattle crowd where the Seahawks have not lost a home playoff game since 2004.  

 I like Seattle to cover here with Seattle capitalizing on turnovers.  Carolina will have a chance at an upset if Cam Newton is healthy and he keeps his poise since Carolina's defense has been holding less than 20 points in its last five games.  Still, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch will prove to be a much better than test than Ryan Lindley and the Cardinal's offense.   

Aaron Rodgers has yet to throw an interception at home this season

Tony Romo will have to be be far better than he was last week against the Lions

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers (-7) - The Packers are 8-0 at home and the Cowboys are 8-0 on the road.  Still, the conditions for this game will be unfamiliar territories for both teams as temperatures will approach will be 8.5 degrees.  Cold weather may favor the run and defense, Demarco Murray has been the better running back but it remains unclear if he will be as effective as he injured his hand and wears a padded glove.  Murray did run for 75 yards on 19 carries last week.  Aaron Rodgers also suffered a partial calf tear but he was still good enough to lead the Packers in a comfortable victory over the Lions.  

Personally, I think the passing attack of the Packers will be too much for the Cowboys who have not faced an offense this good all season.  If Rodgers is limited and the weather are the big concerns which could level the playing field for the Cowboys.  

When Andrew Luck was taken in the 2012 by the Colts

it made Peyton Manning expendable

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos (-7)-  People may be drawn in to decide this game based on a Luck and Manning matchup.  While Luck may have better physical attributes especially in cold weather conditions, it still remains to be seen where else the Colts will have an advantage.  

The Broncos will certainly feature a better running attack with CJ Anderson while Indianapolis offers little after Ahmad Bradshaw went down with a season ending injury.  Things have gotten so bad for the Colts running attack that Trent Richardson, who was the #3 pick back in 2012, will start playing special teams this week.  

The Broncos also have better receiving targets for Manning to throw to including DeMaryus Thomas and Julius Thomas.  Also giving Manning an extra weak to prepare against his former team and it remains to be seen if the Colts defense can slow down a team like Denver.

Wild Card Weekend Preview and Picks

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) - This matchup features two quarterbacks that have won Super Bowls:

Big Ben has 2 rings while Flacco recently won his in 2012.  

Each team won their respective home game this season to split the series.  Both teams are limited by injuries- Leveon Bell is out for this game.

As it stands right now, the Steelers are 3-0 against the Ravens and go into this game having won its last 4 games.  The Ravens with Flacco have won its 2 past road games in the postseason when it went on to win the super bowl.  Still, the defense does not have guys like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to help out the Ravens defensive unit, and has been decimated by injuries on the offensive line and secondary.

Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers (-5.5)- Ryan Lindley makes a start who is so far 1-5 as a starter and 0-2 this season in place of Stanton.  While the Cardinals defense has been solid all season, they have struggled to contain rushing quarterbacks like Russell Wilson.

 Cam Newton has rushed for over 50 yards in each 

of his past two games since his car accident.  

It also looks like the Panthers defense is playing well given that they held the Falcons offense to only 3 points last week.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) -

AJ Green is doubtful with a concussion. 

 While Indianapolis is only 2-4 against playoff teams this season, it's one win was a 27-0 victory over these Bengals.  This is certainly a winnable game for the Bengals, but given that Andy Dalton has been inconsistent and his playoff stats have been lackluster with only 1 touchdown and 6 interceptions in three starts.

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) -

This may be the year that Tony Romo

gets it together in the postseason

Since losing to the Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys have averaged over 40 points in their past 4 games.   The Lions may prove to the toughest defense that the Cowboys have faced in a while.  Still, the Lions offense has been anemic and has not scored more than 20 points since week 9.  

Week 17 NFL Picks

Detroit Lions (+7.5) @ Green Bay Packers- The Lions could make this a close game given that they have won the past two meetings against the Packers, and held Green Bay to only 17 points in their last game.

The division and a homefield game for the playoffs

will be on the line in this game at Lambeau Field

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans (-7.5) - Houston is unlikely to make it to the postseason but will still be playing for a playoff spot.  Houston beat Jacksonville 27-13 in its last meeting.

Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) @ Tennessee Titans  - While the Colts have already won the division, they may want to put forth a better effort after a big loss to the Cowboys.  Chuck Pagano has said that he wants some momentum to carry into the playoffs so look for the Colts to play most of its starters in this one.

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens (13.5) - Johnny Manziell partying has resulted in the tardiness of some Cleveland Browns players to practice.  Baltimore will look to try to secure a playoff spot as they need to either win or tie to the Cleveland Browns and a San Diego Chargers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.  

Buffalo Bills (+6.5) @ New England Patriots - The Bills are playing well but have lost 13 straight in Foxborough.  While the Patriots struggled against the Jets last week, the Patriots put up 37 points in its first meeting at Buffalo.  Still, it looks as if Rob Gronkowski and other key contributors will be out in this one so this one has a potential to be a close game.

A list of New England inactive players

New York Jets (+7) @ Miami Dolphins - Rex Ryan is already cleaning out his office.  The Jets are playing for nothing more than a draft pick.  The Dolphins have also been eliminated from the playoffs so this game could potentially be close against division rivals.

Carolina Panthers (+3) @ Atlanta Falcons - These two six win teams will be playing for a playoff spot.  It looks as if Cam Newton is playing better ball who has as many rushing touchdowns in the past two weeks (2) as he did in the first eleven.

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings(-7) - Jay Cutler is back as the team's starting quarterback.  Still, Minnesota plays better ball at home than on the road and it looks like Coach Trestman will be fired from the Bears.

San Diego Chargers (-2.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs will be without Alex Smith in this one which should be enough to give San Diego the edge.  If Chargers get out ahead, it will be tough for the Chiefs and Chase Daniels to lead them back to victory.  Philip Rivers has also done well at the end of the regular season.

Best record in the regular season finale since 2006. pic.twitter.com/UonRG1ITbV
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 28, 2014

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants -  Neither team has much to play for.  The Giants have been playing better ball as of late.  Peyton Manning has got it together with the help of Odell Beckham who has 6 touchdowns in the past 3 weeks.  Sanchez's play has not been up to par against division opponents like the Cowboys and the Redskins.

Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) @ Washington Redskins (+6.5) - This is the first time in a long time that Dallas has clinched a playoff spot going into the final week of the postseason.  Dallas's motivation for this game may be minimal since the conditions for the Cowboys to secure a first round bye (Green Bay and Seattle losing at home) is unlikely.  Washington played hard against the Eagles last week and even though it will hurt their draft position, the coaching staff and its quarterback are playing for its future and will likely put out a full effort to win the game.  Still, Dallas is so far undefeated on the road this season and should pull out the win here unless Dallas pulls out its starters.

Here's an interesting clip of Alfred Morris being mic'd up against Eagles as the Washington Redskins played spoiler last week against the Eagles.

New Orleans Saints (-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Saints have nothing to play for other than pride.  The Bucs in the meantime are playing for the chance for a number 1 pick which means they are better off losing this game than winning it.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco (-6.5) 

I just looked Harbaugh in his eyes and thanked him for leading us to some of the best times of our lives. Give Respect when it's Due.
— Bam Davis (@AnthonyDavis76) December 28, 2014

It is the end of an era with the 49ers as Jim Harbaugh will go to Michigan.  While Arizona is playing for a potential first round bye, they will be starting their fourth string quarterback Logan Thomas.  Drew Stanton could be back next week in time for the playoffs who has been out after catching an infection in the hospital.  

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos (-14) - The Denver Broncos are still playing for a #2 seed and look for them to try to pile up the points against the Raiders which they already did earlier this year.

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers - These are two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now.  The Bengals are coming off a 37-28 win against the Broncos.  If the Bengals can run the ball, they should be able to win this game.  

Washington Redskins/Eagles Recap and Week 16 Picks

DeSean Jackson dances after a win 

Against his former team (via DCSportsBog)

Robert Griffin did just enough to help Washington win.  He threw a couple of bombs to DeSean Jackson which lead to 3 rushing touchdowns for the Redskins offense: one by Alfred Morris and two by fullback Daryl Young, who went to Villanova University.  He also did what Mark Sanchez could not do which was lead his team on a game winning field goal drive.  

Philadelphia errors certainly helped.  They extended drives with penalties on 3rd down including an unsportsmanlike conduct shove and a few  roughing the passe.  Will Allen tackled DeSean Jackson to avoid potential embarrassment which resulted in pass interference and the football near the goal line. 

The Eagles missed two field goals.  Sanchez committed a few turnovers including a fumble in the 1st quarter and interception with the Eagles having a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter.  On what proved to be difference making score, the Eagles sealed their fate by roughing up Robert Griffin which put the Redskins in field goal range.

The Eagles should have put forth a much more disciplined effort given that they are playing for a playoff spot and could be eliminated from playoff contention if the Dallas Cowboys take care of business against the Colts.

Minnesota Vikings @ Miami Dolphins (-4) - The Dolphins have taken care of homefield for the most part and defense has been solid which could present problems for the Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+12) @ Green Bay Packers - The Packers struggled against the Bills while the Bucs could make this game potentially interesting if Lovie Smith can put forward a good defensive game plan and if Tampa Bay's big wide receivers step up.  

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (-8.5) 

Jimmy Clausen is mostly famous for attending

Notre Dame but has been a disappointment in the NFL

 The Bears are already without Brandon Marshall and now they move forward with Jimmy Clausen who was only a third string quarterback for the Panthers. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-4.5) - New Orleans won the first meeting at Atlanta and this time they will be playing at home to try to build off its momentum of its win against Bears.  The Falcons offense has been solid lately but their defense has been shaky all season long.

New England Patriots (-10) @ New York Jets  - This could be the last time that we see a Rex Ryan vs. Patriots showdown.  While Rex Ryan has upset the New England a few times, including the playoffs, the Patriots have done a good job at piling up points on below average opponents.  

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) - The Steelers have put together good wins against the Bengals.  While the Chiefs have a good defense, I wonder if Alex Smith can create enough offense against the Steeler's 3/4 defense.  

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers (-4) - Cam Newton returns and Johnny Manziel looks dismal so far as a starting NFL quarterback.

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Houston Texans - The Texans look to play spoilers against the Ravens.  While the Ravens have won 4 of their past 5, the Ravens only beat Jacksonville by 8 points.    Still, Case Keenum makes the start, so it could be a struggle for Houston to put up points.  

New York Giants @ St. Louis Rams (-6.5) - The Rams defense is elite which should put the clamps down on the Giants.  While the Rams only scored 6 points last week, the Giants defense has been below average throughout the season.  

Buffalo Bills (-6.5) @ Oakland Raiders - The Buffalo Bills come off a win against the Packers and look to join the party on teams that have blown out the Raiders.  

Indianapolis Colts @ Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) - It looks like DeMarco Murray will play which could give Dallas the offensive boost it needs to beat the Indianapolis Colts.  It should be a high scoring game with big playoff implications for both teams.    

Seattle Seahawks (-8.5) @ Arizona Cardinals- Arizona is 11-3 and could have enough tools to keep this game close down the stretch.  Still, the Seahawks have been taking care of quality opponents both on the road and at home and it could be hard for Arizona to garner up some offense with their 3rd string quarterback Ryan Lindley.

Worst Thursday Night Game Ever Pick

The Titans have started 3 different QBs this season and might draft Mariota or Winston (via ESPN)

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5)

This is the first time in 42 games that the Jaguars have been favored over an opponent.  The last time these two teams played, the Titans beat the Jaguars 16-14.  Each team enters the game at 2-12 and a winner does have to emerge.  I suppose Jacksonville will have the advantage at quarterback with Blake Bortles, and Tennessee will be highly motivated to lose this one if they want to secure a top pick to draft to draft either Mariota or Winston in the upcoming draft.