Baltimore at New England
Baltimore is returning to hostile New England territory where Patriot fans want nothing more than revenge against a team that destroyed them just a few short years ago in the playoffs. The Ravens take flight in New England with a great running back in Ray Rice, and one of the scariest defenses in the NFL. Rice is going to have to run wild through the Patriots line and secondary in order to open up some chance of Joe Flacco making some good passes. If Torrey Smith can get deep behind the Pats secondary on a play-action it could spell disaster for the Patriots. If the likes of Suggs, Reed, and Lewis can get the constant pressure on Brady that they’ve done before it could seal a victory for the purple and black. The Patriots need to stop all of those things from happening, but the biggest thing they need to worry about is shutting down the attack on Tom Brady. If Brady stays up with time and composure than he should be okay, he still has Gronk, he still has Hernandez and Welker, and a good array of running backs to throw in whenever one is needed. The Pats defense might not be perfect, but they’re proving that they can beat ordinary quarterbacks almost every week. Flacco is nothing too great in the NFL and I think the Pats defense can handle him and Ray Rice.
So the battle comes down to Tom Brady and his line versus Ray Lewis and his Murder of Ravens. Can the Purple bust through the line and knock Brady down repeatedly? I don’t think so. Not after their last playoff match-up.
Patriots head to the Super Bowl 30-24
New York Giants at San Francisco
The Giants have all of their pieces falling together perfectly at the right time. With an incredible defense finally being all healthy at the same time it could spell disaster for any offense that comes rumbling along their way. The defensive front that the Giants rush with is better than a lot of seven man rushes that other teams need to use to get the same kind of pressure. The Giants secondary shut down an explosive Aaron Rodgers last week, and although Alex Smith proved his no slouch anymore – he certainly isn’t Aaron Rodgers. The 49ers defense is arguably better than the Giants defense throughout the season, they’ve shut down nearly every running game, and hold their opponents accountable through the air. Willis is good enough to run with a lot of slot receivers, running backs, and tight ends, so I’d expect to see him in various match-ups throughout the game. If the defensive line can play as well as they did against the Saints All-Pro guards then Eli Manning is in for a serious day of hurt.
This game is going to be a defensive struggle. It’s going to back and forth with each defense making big stops and big hits consistently. I think the winner here today is who gets on the better of the turnover battle. Sure both offenses have been good enough to get them to the NFC Championship, but it’s been their defenses that have truly carried them. The turnover battle will reflect the final score.
Giants win on the road 20-17
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Playoffs - Divisional Round - Sunday
Houston at Baltimore
I like Houston. Last week they upset a good but young Bengals team that was having a really good season. Arian Foster ran for over 150 yards, and Yates did a good job at keeping possession. The Texans defense picked off Andy Dalton three times, and made sure that the offense had more than enough chances to put the game away. I think Arian Foster is good enough to carry this team on his back and the depth at running back provides him with the ability to take a play or two off when he needs to. If Baltimore wants to win they are going to have to slow down Foster and capitalize on the offenses possessions that they have. They’re going to rely on Ray Rice to carry their team, but I think Flacco is going to have a disastrous turnover or two. The Ravens defense is arguably one of the best and most frightening in the league, especially when they play at home. They’re going to need everyone to step up if they want to shut down Foster.
I don’t think Flacco has what it takes to pass over this Texans team, and the game is going to have to go through Rice if they want to win. However I think that Houston prepares for this well and shuts down the Ravens offense. Baltimore is going to need their defense to win this one.
Houston wins on the road 24-17
New York Giants at Green Bay
The Giants are healthy, strong, and vicious. They took a good Falcons offense and made them look like Pop Warner players. The defensive front was on fire, and made Turner, Ryan, and the offensive line for the Falcons look horrendous. Eli Manning played a good game hitting the receivers that were open, and Bradshaw and Jacobs rotated perfectly. The Giants are going to need to click on all cylinders to upset the nearly perfect Packers. Green Bay is Green Bay. We all know what they’ve done this season, and who they’ve done it with. The last time these two teams met it took the final seconds and an incredibly Rodgers comeback for the Packers to avoid defeat. Since that game Green Bay has had some more weapons step up. Jones and Nelson have been on fire in their final few games, and with Jennings coming back Rodgers will be more comfortable than ever.
I think that’s where New York steps in though. They are going to disrupt Rodgers how comfortable the pocket is, and take away the dump routes. I think the Giants pass rush is finally completely healthy, and finally completely there; and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. I think the monsters that are the front line for the Giants bust through that line repeatedly and disrupt everything Rodgers has done all season.
New York wins in a shocker 28-24
I like Houston. Last week they upset a good but young Bengals team that was having a really good season. Arian Foster ran for over 150 yards, and Yates did a good job at keeping possession. The Texans defense picked off Andy Dalton three times, and made sure that the offense had more than enough chances to put the game away. I think Arian Foster is good enough to carry this team on his back and the depth at running back provides him with the ability to take a play or two off when he needs to. If Baltimore wants to win they are going to have to slow down Foster and capitalize on the offenses possessions that they have. They’re going to rely on Ray Rice to carry their team, but I think Flacco is going to have a disastrous turnover or two. The Ravens defense is arguably one of the best and most frightening in the league, especially when they play at home. They’re going to need everyone to step up if they want to shut down Foster.
I don’t think Flacco has what it takes to pass over this Texans team, and the game is going to have to go through Rice if they want to win. However I think that Houston prepares for this well and shuts down the Ravens offense. Baltimore is going to need their defense to win this one.
Houston wins on the road 24-17
New York Giants at Green Bay
The Giants are healthy, strong, and vicious. They took a good Falcons offense and made them look like Pop Warner players. The defensive front was on fire, and made Turner, Ryan, and the offensive line for the Falcons look horrendous. Eli Manning played a good game hitting the receivers that were open, and Bradshaw and Jacobs rotated perfectly. The Giants are going to need to click on all cylinders to upset the nearly perfect Packers. Green Bay is Green Bay. We all know what they’ve done this season, and who they’ve done it with. The last time these two teams met it took the final seconds and an incredibly Rodgers comeback for the Packers to avoid defeat. Since that game Green Bay has had some more weapons step up. Jones and Nelson have been on fire in their final few games, and with Jennings coming back Rodgers will be more comfortable than ever.
I think that’s where New York steps in though. They are going to disrupt Rodgers how comfortable the pocket is, and take away the dump routes. I think the Giants pass rush is finally completely healthy, and finally completely there; and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. I think the monsters that are the front line for the Giants bust through that line repeatedly and disrupt everything Rodgers has done all season.
New York wins in a shocker 28-24
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Playoffs - Divisional Round - Saturday
New Orleans at San Francisco
New Orleans looked good last week. Everything worked its way out after a slow start, and Drew Brees did what Drew Brees does and threw the ball all over the field to every one of his receivers. From Meachem to Colston to Graham to Sproles every one of these offensive weapons that the Saints holds can do incredible things. Then you have the offensive line that has been keeping Brees safe for 17 games now. That line has been one of the best walls in the NFL and creates a timely pocket for Drew to whatever he needs to do. On the other side of the field you’ve got one of the most dominating defenses in the NFL this season. The 49ers have held opponents to just one rushing touchdown the entire season. They consistently hold opposing offenses to few yards and even fewer points. For the Niners to win this game at home their defenses is going to have to not just shut down an explosive running game, but keep control of an even more deadly aerial attack. Willis is going to have to play tight on Graham and try to shut down one of the best red zone players in the league. If the Niners want to win they’re going to have to do what few teams have done this season and hold the Saints to very few points.
I don’t think the Niners offense is strong enough to match the points that the Saints are going to put up. Even if the defense can hold them to 21 it’s still a tall order for Alex Smith to handle.
Saints win on the road 31-17
Denver at New England
Denver and Tim Tebow are entering very hostile territory in New England. There’s no huge rivalry between the two teams, but no one in New England wants to see Tim Tebow do well against their home team. Tebow might be a country wide favorite, but once you step foot in Gillette it’s a completely different ball game. The only chance the Broncos have against the Patriots is if they can somehow slow down the Tom Brady assault. Tom is another one of those quarterbacks who is blessed with an incredible amount of talent in the surrounding positions as well as a great line in front of him that has been protecting him throughout the season. As long as the offense can contain Dumervil and Miller then Brady should be safe to do everything that he needs to do.
With a good defensive rush the Broncos could disrupt the Patriots flow, and the Pats are 0-2 after their last two byes. But it’s going to need to be more than just a rush off of the edge to beat the Patriots, it’s going to need to be the complete front four busting through the line. But like San Francisco I don’t think the Broncos offense can put up enough points.
Patriots win 34-20
New Orleans looked good last week. Everything worked its way out after a slow start, and Drew Brees did what Drew Brees does and threw the ball all over the field to every one of his receivers. From Meachem to Colston to Graham to Sproles every one of these offensive weapons that the Saints holds can do incredible things. Then you have the offensive line that has been keeping Brees safe for 17 games now. That line has been one of the best walls in the NFL and creates a timely pocket for Drew to whatever he needs to do. On the other side of the field you’ve got one of the most dominating defenses in the NFL this season. The 49ers have held opponents to just one rushing touchdown the entire season. They consistently hold opposing offenses to few yards and even fewer points. For the Niners to win this game at home their defenses is going to have to not just shut down an explosive running game, but keep control of an even more deadly aerial attack. Willis is going to have to play tight on Graham and try to shut down one of the best red zone players in the league. If the Niners want to win they’re going to have to do what few teams have done this season and hold the Saints to very few points.
I don’t think the Niners offense is strong enough to match the points that the Saints are going to put up. Even if the defense can hold them to 21 it’s still a tall order for Alex Smith to handle.
Saints win on the road 31-17
Denver at New England
Denver and Tim Tebow are entering very hostile territory in New England. There’s no huge rivalry between the two teams, but no one in New England wants to see Tim Tebow do well against their home team. Tebow might be a country wide favorite, but once you step foot in Gillette it’s a completely different ball game. The only chance the Broncos have against the Patriots is if they can somehow slow down the Tom Brady assault. Tom is another one of those quarterbacks who is blessed with an incredible amount of talent in the surrounding positions as well as a great line in front of him that has been protecting him throughout the season. As long as the offense can contain Dumervil and Miller then Brady should be safe to do everything that he needs to do.
With a good defensive rush the Broncos could disrupt the Patriots flow, and the Pats are 0-2 after their last two byes. But it’s going to need to be more than just a rush off of the edge to beat the Patriots, it’s going to need to be the complete front four busting through the line. But like San Francisco I don’t think the Broncos offense can put up enough points.
Patriots win 34-20
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Playoffs - Wild Card - Sunday
New York Giants at Atlanta
New York is getting all of their players back at just the right time. Somehow that team has found a way to get all of their pass rushers back for this week, Ahmad Bradshaw is healthy again, and this team is looking a little bit dangerous again. With a great duo of receivers in Nicks and Cruz expect Eli to spread the ball and take the deep pass a few times. On the other side of the ball we have yet another explosive NFC Offense. Matt Ryan has got not just Roddy White to go deep for him now, but Julio Jones too. With Michael Turner in the backfield I think that Atlanta has been one of the of the most underrated teams in the NFL this season, by myself included.
This game is going to be a battle of if the Giants can be healthy, and get to the Matt Ryan. I think if that Falcons offensive line can keep Ryan safe then this team is going to make some great plays. If Eli gets that much time there's still the chance that he's going to throw some interceptions, but Ryan will make the best out of what he's given.
I like Atlanta on the road 34-24
Pittsburgh at Denver
Big Ben might be hurt, and the Steelers themselves are very beat up on a whole, but this team still has a great defense. The Broncos are coming off of three consecutive losses and Tebow Time looks like its finally run its course. I think that even despite all of the injuries that have been plaguing the Steelers at the end of the season they could throw in a good amount of second string guys and they could still be successful.
I like the Steelers through and through on this one just because I've lost my faith in a Tim Tebow led offense. I think the weapons on either side of the ball that Pitt has are too great for this Broncos team to overcome.
Steelers win a mile high 28 - 14
New York is getting all of their players back at just the right time. Somehow that team has found a way to get all of their pass rushers back for this week, Ahmad Bradshaw is healthy again, and this team is looking a little bit dangerous again. With a great duo of receivers in Nicks and Cruz expect Eli to spread the ball and take the deep pass a few times. On the other side of the ball we have yet another explosive NFC Offense. Matt Ryan has got not just Roddy White to go deep for him now, but Julio Jones too. With Michael Turner in the backfield I think that Atlanta has been one of the of the most underrated teams in the NFL this season, by myself included.
This game is going to be a battle of if the Giants can be healthy, and get to the Matt Ryan. I think if that Falcons offensive line can keep Ryan safe then this team is going to make some great plays. If Eli gets that much time there's still the chance that he's going to throw some interceptions, but Ryan will make the best out of what he's given.
I like Atlanta on the road 34-24
Pittsburgh at Denver
Big Ben might be hurt, and the Steelers themselves are very beat up on a whole, but this team still has a great defense. The Broncos are coming off of three consecutive losses and Tebow Time looks like its finally run its course. I think that even despite all of the injuries that have been plaguing the Steelers at the end of the season they could throw in a good amount of second string guys and they could still be successful.
I like the Steelers through and through on this one just because I've lost my faith in a Tim Tebow led offense. I think the weapons on either side of the ball that Pitt has are too great for this Broncos team to overcome.
Steelers win a mile high 28 - 14
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Playoffs - Wild Card - Saturday
Cincinnati at Houston
Andy Dalton and AJ Green have been two great rookies this year, and if they can continue to do what they have done week in and week out then the Bengals have a good chance at going in to Houston and walking out with a first round wild card victory. If Houston and their rush defense have anything to say though, then Dalton will be seeing more turf than end zone. The Bengals offense is good, balanced, young, and explosive. They have the weapons to attack Houston's defense through many different angles, and can successfully go at them through a very balanced attack. Run, run, run, play-action. I expect Dalton and the Bengals crew to attack strong and with a very diversified look. The Texans might have a lot of injuries on their roster, but they still have one of the best running back duos in the league. Foster and Tate are both capable of carrying a team on their back, but giving them both a chance to take a rest and not lose much of the explosive look that the Texans carry it can be very dangerous for any offense.
In the end I think that all of the injuries that the Texans have amassed throughout this season are just going to be too much for them to handle. I think the Bengals get the upper strictly because they are still running with the same team that they've been fielding for the majority of the season, and it should all fall into place for them.
Bengals take the wild card on the road 28-24
Detroit at New Orleans
This game is going to be a shootout. The Lions and Matt Stafford threw for 520 yards and 5 touchdowns against a good Green Bay defense last week. The same familiar faces came out to play as Calvin got a touchdown, and some of the younger guys jumped on board too, throwing their names into the touchdown dance ring. If there are two absolutely explosive offenses in the wild card round it's these two teams. Drew Brees has thrown for more yards than any quarter back in NFL history in a single season, and they Saints are rolling and clicking at exactly the right time. This game is absolutely going to come down to which defense can stop which offense. Points will be scored, and probably plenty of them, but if one team can force a turnover or two, a couple of quick three and outs, then they are going to be in the drivers seat.
Drew Brees has two First Team All-Pro Guards protecting him for the man-beast that is Suh, and I think that is the key match-up at 8 O'clock. If Suh and the Lions defensive front can break the the wall that's been protecting Brees all season than they are going to cause some massive damage and really mess up the Saints game plan. But if the two Guards - Nicks and Evans - can do what they've been doing all year and give Brees time in the pocket then the Saints will be sitting pretty. Watch that war in the trenches today, because that's where the game is going to be won and lost.
Saints survive the shootout 42-38
Andy Dalton and AJ Green have been two great rookies this year, and if they can continue to do what they have done week in and week out then the Bengals have a good chance at going in to Houston and walking out with a first round wild card victory. If Houston and their rush defense have anything to say though, then Dalton will be seeing more turf than end zone. The Bengals offense is good, balanced, young, and explosive. They have the weapons to attack Houston's defense through many different angles, and can successfully go at them through a very balanced attack. Run, run, run, play-action. I expect Dalton and the Bengals crew to attack strong and with a very diversified look. The Texans might have a lot of injuries on their roster, but they still have one of the best running back duos in the league. Foster and Tate are both capable of carrying a team on their back, but giving them both a chance to take a rest and not lose much of the explosive look that the Texans carry it can be very dangerous for any offense.
In the end I think that all of the injuries that the Texans have amassed throughout this season are just going to be too much for them to handle. I think the Bengals get the upper strictly because they are still running with the same team that they've been fielding for the majority of the season, and it should all fall into place for them.
Bengals take the wild card on the road 28-24
Detroit at New Orleans
This game is going to be a shootout. The Lions and Matt Stafford threw for 520 yards and 5 touchdowns against a good Green Bay defense last week. The same familiar faces came out to play as Calvin got a touchdown, and some of the younger guys jumped on board too, throwing their names into the touchdown dance ring. If there are two absolutely explosive offenses in the wild card round it's these two teams. Drew Brees has thrown for more yards than any quarter back in NFL history in a single season, and they Saints are rolling and clicking at exactly the right time. This game is absolutely going to come down to which defense can stop which offense. Points will be scored, and probably plenty of them, but if one team can force a turnover or two, a couple of quick three and outs, then they are going to be in the drivers seat.
Drew Brees has two First Team All-Pro Guards protecting him for the man-beast that is Suh, and I think that is the key match-up at 8 O'clock. If Suh and the Lions defensive front can break the the wall that's been protecting Brees all season than they are going to cause some massive damage and really mess up the Saints game plan. But if the two Guards - Nicks and Evans - can do what they've been doing all year and give Brees time in the pocket then the Saints will be sitting pretty. Watch that war in the trenches today, because that's where the game is going to be won and lost.
Saints survive the shootout 42-38
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Week 17 - New Years Day
Today is going to be a short winner and loser without as much of a write-up. The holidays and life took a bit of a priority this week, so I apologize for not having much more time to talk about each game. I'll still give you my winners, so here goes the last regular season week of picks.
Patriots over Bills
Saints over Panthers
Lions over Packer
49ers over Rams
Dolphins over Jets
Vikings over Bears
Eagles over Redskins
Jaguars over Colts
Texans over Titans
Falcons over Buccaneers
Bengals over Ravens
Steelers over Browns
Broncos over Chiefs
Chargers over Raiders
Seahawks over Cardinals
Giants over Cowboys
Happy New Years everyone!
Patriots over Bills
Saints over Panthers
Lions over Packer
49ers over Rams
Dolphins over Jets
Vikings over Bears
Eagles over Redskins
Jaguars over Colts
Texans over Titans
Falcons over Buccaneers
Bengals over Ravens
Steelers over Browns
Broncos over Chiefs
Chargers over Raiders
Seahawks over Cardinals
Giants over Cowboys
Happy New Years everyone!
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