2010 NFL Wildcard Weekend

The NFL Playoffs are the best playoffs to experience. The MLB only lets in six teams, the NBA lets everyone in (and runs way too long), and the NHL is not shown in Louisiana. Otherwise I really might watch it. But with the NFL you have twelve teams that are all capable of running the table and forever changing a player's legacy. Look at the 2007 New York Giants. The team wins three grueling playoff games before facing the undefeated New England Patriots. New York pulls off the unlikely upset and for all eternity, regardless of what he does, Eli Manning will always be a Super Bowl champion.

In short, the playoffs are career defining.

With that said here's a look at the wildcard games and who I like to win.


NFC


6 Eagles @ 3 Cowboys

Ever since the Cowboys' dismantling of the Saints the team has gotten better each week and the thing of it is the competition has been no pushover. Look at the Eagles last weekend at Cowboys stadium. Cowboys blanked them 24-0. Talk about a statement game. This weekend will be the third meeting between the two teams this year. Here are the three questions looming in my head - 1) Can Dallas beat a good team three times in the same year? 2) Will DeSean Jackson show up for Philadelphia when they play Dallas for once and 3)Are we going to see the Old Playoff Tony Romo or a new and improved Playoff Tony Romo?

Here's the thing Dallas is as good as anyone in the NFL right now. No reason to think this team can not run the tables, much less defeat a Philly team one weak after they embarrassed them. Philly will be pumped after a disappointing loss last week. Dallas will have a small halftime lead, but the third quarter Romo will blow things open, and in turn make Minnesota fans shiver in their sleep. I will take Dallas winning this game by 17 points.


5 Packers @ 4 Cardinals

Here's another matchup between two teams that played each other in Week 17. Despite Green Bay's 33-7 win in Week 17, Arizona was playing it easy as the game was irrelevant to their playoff standing. Add in the fact that the game is indoors (where the Cardinals thrive) and not outdoors (where the Packers thrive) and you see why I have Arizona winning this one. Arizona has showed that is very capable of stepping up for big games. Sure the team has looked shaky, but rest assured when engine is pumping they can compete with anyone. Green Bay will get jumped out right out of the gates and go down 14-0. Green Bay will rally, but ultimately Aaron Rodgers's and company will lose by 14.


AFC


6 Ravens @ 3 Patriots

Talk about a playoff changer. Wes Welker's season-ending injury in Week 17 was one of the worst displays of bad luck I have ever seen. You have to feel for the Pats. Despite the notion that with Welker gone New England will be significantly weaker, I still have trouble with ever picking against Belichick in New England. The Pats beat the Ravens early in the year 27-21. Look for round two to be a little more open. The Ravens D will keep Baltimore in the game, but ultimately Joe Flacco will not be able to hang with Tom Brady. Patriots win by 12.


5 Jets @ 4 Bengals

And for the third time a team plays it's wildcard game against the same opponent from Week 17. It's no secret Cincinnati did not intend on playing 60 minutes of football when they came to New York during their 37-0 loss. Do not be fooled. One of the most underrated defensive units this year are the Bengals' D. At the end of the day I look at the fact that Marc Sanchez has been playing very quietly. Meaning? The running game is carrying New York. Sanchez is not forced to make big plays. Cincy will slow down that New York run to the point Sanchez will have to make a big 3rd & 8 play. He will not. Carson Palmer, despite going up against a good New York defense, can do this. That will be the difference. Cincinnati wins this game by 6.


Look for the Cowboys to play at the Vikings, the Cardinals to play at the Saints, the Patriots to play at the Chargers, and the Bengals to play at the Colts. Enjoy the games.

Florida Wins Another Title and NFL Playoff Hoopla

From January 8 to January 11 football was at it's peak. First and foremost the Florida Gators won their second BCS title in three years. What Urban Meyer's crew has been able to do is nothing short of extraordinary. With that said here are some general thoughts on the 24-14 victory over Oklahoma.

In a game of that magnitude teams can not waste golden opportunities. Let's look at the Utah Utes win over Alabama. Utah seized every opportunity they had right from the get-go. When deep in Bama's territory, Utah did not turn it over, but rather they scored points. That's why it was 21-0 and that's why Utah would win the game.

Flip ove to the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS National Championship Game. In the first half it happened twice where the Sooner got inside the Gators' 10-yard line and both times Sam Bradford and Co. could not muster any points. The halftime score was 7-7, but anyone could tell you that scored favored the Gators.

With all that said I must give credit where do. No question the Florida defense played one of the greatest games a defense has ever played. Coming into the game the Oklahoma Sooner averaged 54 points per game. In the title game the Sooners scored a mere 14. Kudos to Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and the performance his unit pulled off on the field.

Now onto the NFL playoffs...

This week I did a bit better, but still going 2-2 is nothing to brag about. (Overall 3-4 record)

Cardinals 33-13

The Arizona Cardinals are in the same league as the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints. For much of their existence the franchise has struggled. You have to tip your hat to what is being done. I expected the Carolina Panthers to win a close one, but never did I remotely consider the Cardinals winning by 20. More so than we the viewers can imagine, Arizona is playing with a huge chip on their shoulder. This is a team that is hungry and loves to be doubted week in a week out.

Ravens 13-10

The Ravens' defense was getting beat early on by Tennessee, but somehow the group pulled itself together and clawed its way to victory. Joe Flacco is a smart quarterback who, when needed, can make the big throw. The official missing the delay of game call is unfathomable, but for Titan fans to rest the loss on the is ludacrious. I believe the Ravens' have the best defense and will continue to win every game they win the turnover battle.

Eagles 23-11

Like so many teams in the playoffs, Philly has one heck of a defense, though the single biggest reason Philly moved on was McNabb's uncanning ability to make numerous third down conversions. For a defense, giving up third downs is devastating, but to give up third and 20s...now that is crippling. Eli Manning was rattled all day and was about as ineffective as I have seen him in a while. In short, I can honestly say the Eagles dominated this game on every side of the ball. New York got beat in a way they are very unfamiliar with. And by the way, never in the history of the NFL has a game ended with the score of 23-11.

Steelers 35-24

The underdog story of the San Diego Chargers came to a screeching halt. In the freezing cold of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Big Ben and Co. jumped all over a SD team that looked out of sorts in the snow. With such an impressive showing the Steelers look like the Super Bowl favorite. The defense is one of the best, the offense is clicking, and the special teams with Santanio Holmes is good for seven points about every other game.

NFC Championship

The Arizona Cardinals are one game from the Super Bowl. That sentence alone is leaving so many people across the US unsure on when this week the apocalypse will be occurring. As great as this run is I think it comes to a close Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Arizona has beaten up two good teams so far, but keep in mind they have not gone against a defense like Philly. Philly's defense will have it's way with QB Kurt Warner. Look for another big, game-changing interception by the Eagle secondary. McNabb will shine in the spotlight and continue to defy the odds.

Eagles 28-20


AFC Championship

Beating a team once in the NFL is difficult. Beating them twice is very difficult. Beating that same team three times is immeasurable. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers will hope to defeat their bitter rivals the Baltimore Ravens for the final time this season. In two meetings this year, Pittsburgh has won by an average of 3.5 points. Look for this one to be a bigger margin. Joe Flacco has been consistent, but not much on the big playmaking chart. Sure a touchdown pass here and there, but not a whole lot else. Big Ben has not been overly glamourous either, but he does have two advantages: the game is in Pittsburgh and he has won a Super Bowl. Big Ben has more experience in games like this. This won will be close...right till the end.

Steelers 23-14

2008 NFL Wildcard Week Predictions

Kicking off tomorrow will be the ever-exciting NFL playoffs. More so than in the past, this year's crop of teams seems to consist of no clear cut favorite on the path to the Super Bowl. Sure the Giants look like they could win it again, or the Titans, or the Steelers, or the Panthers.

Well you get the idea so without further ado I give you my predictions for the 2008 NFL Wildcard Weekend

Saturday, January 3rd
1 PM

Indianapolis Colts (12-4) @ San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Why the Colts Will Win: Indy was 3-4 this year. 3-4! I remember thinking, "Geez. Guess this is the year the Colts are finally off." Not so fast. Like the championship team these guys are they rallied, and man did they rally. Indy will win this game because of Peyton Manning. Manning just threw for his ninth consecutive 4,000 yard season. That does not bode well for a San Diego D that has been up and down this season. Did I mention that Colts' D? There's a reason Indy finished 12-4 aside from Mr. Manning. The D is bringing the heat. Phillip Rivers will have his hands full.

Why the Chargers Will Win: So what that they are 8-8. They got into the playoffs and frankly that's all that matters. The past four weeks the Chargers have gained something they did not have for most of the season. Their swagger. The confidence Phillip Rivers will be playing with, plus a home game at Qualcomm Stadium will be enough for this energized SD team to pull of the upset.

Final Prediction: The Colts will win this game not because LT and Gates are banged up, but rather the fact that the San Diego defense is just not suited to stop Peyton Manning. So you have a four game winning streak? Big whoop. Peyton Manning will lead a late drive to get his team a tough victory in San Diego.

31-28 Colts

Saturday, January 3rd
4:30 PM

Atlanta Falcons (11-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Why the Falcons Will Win: Power running game. Matt Ryan has had a stellar year at QB, but honestly his best game will not be needed Saturday. Reason? Michael Turner. Turner will rip through a porous Arizona defensive line. As soon as Turner gets going, Ryan will be able to pull of some play actions to keep the defense checking and in turn land Atlanta an easy victory.

Why the Cardinals Will Win: Chip on their shoulder. The only way the Cardinals beat a solid Atlanta team is if Arizona comes out angry, mad, upset, you name it. Cardinals have been the butt of every joke (aside from the Lions). The Cardinals are a better team than we have all been a victim of seeing in the past month. Quarterback Kurt Warner knows his time as an NFL starting QB is running out. This could be his last shot to work some magic.

Final Prediction: We would all like to believe that Arizona wakes up and plays. Sorry, not today. Atlanta will run the ball right down Arizona's throat. Oh, and that Atlanta D will get an early interception. Warner will lead somewhat of a rally, but sadly the consistency of Matt Ryan will smash any chance of a victory.

41-27 Falcons


Sunday, January 4th
1 PM

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Why the Ravens Will Win: Big Ben had to drive 92 yards to beat the Ravens right at the end. If that doesn't happen you very well could be looking at a Baltimore team that is the second-seeded team in the AFC. But as we know Pitt scored, Baltimore lost. Point being? Baltimore is a legit contender, more importantly there defense is incredible. As they say, "defenses travel well." Even on the road I still expect the Baltimore D to be too stifling for an over-anxious Miami team. A recipe for a victory for Baltimore is: play defense, cause turnovers, and get that running game going. Miami quarterback Chad Pennington has had his comebacks this year, but not Sunday.

Why the Dolphins Will Win: Yes, Baltimore has a great defense, but what about Miami? Dolphins have snuck under the radar with their tenacious D. But the real factor in a Miami win is the fact this team has a) won multiple games right at the end and b) the team is thrilled to be in the postseason. Let me evaluate on part B. Sometimes a team is so pumped to get in the spotlight that the players play lights out right from the get-go. Coach Tony Sparano has had Miami doing that all year. No reason to think it will stop.

Final Prediction: The Miami feel-good story will be coming to a close. Again, Baltimore was thisclose to having a first round bye. This team is hungry and will do just enough in the turnover category to move to the next round.

17-10 Ravens


Sunday, January 4th
4:30 PM

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Why the Eagles Will Win: The Eagles got into the playoffs in a manner that is nothing short of a miracle. First, Tampa Bay lost to Oakland then Chicago lost to Houston, but to top it off Philly beat Dallas. And man did they beat Dallas. Philly will win this game because McNabb and the offense are playing as good as anyone out there. Unless they are going out against a D like the Ravens you can pretty much be assured McNabb and Co. will be putting points up. Furthermore, the Minnesota QB situation may have gotten Minnesota a playoff spot, but it sure as heck is not going to win you a game. Look, Gus Ferotte and Tavaris Jackson are decent, not great. Great QBs are needed to win playoff games.

(Ron Jaworski was right maybe that tie would come in handy. It was enough to earn them a playoff spot.)

Why the Vikings Will Win: Adrian Peterson is nothing short of spectacular. Big time players such as him step up in big time games. This will be his coming out party. Once Peterson gets going, that will open up whoever is under center for Minnesota to throw the ball down field. Last week Philly won 44-6 because let's face it everything went right! Minnesota will be ready for that. And did I mention that Minnesota does have a defense as well? Jared Allen was brought into Minnesota to terrorize guys like McNabb in games like this. He'll be a huge difference maker.

Final Prediction: I was never overly impressed with what Minnesota did this year, but there were games where I did see Philly and I was overly impressed (Week 3, Week 17). Philly can put up points, I just don't think Minnesota can do the same. Look everyone knows Peterson is getting the ball A LOT. So now Jackson or Ferotte will need to win the game? Don't see it happening.

27-17 Eagles

Six Weeks Completed...

Week 6 just finished for the NFL and many thoughts are racing through my head. Well let me stop the suspense. Enjoy.


Cincinnati Bengal Fans: Panic!

Bengals were a disappointment last year finishing 8-8. Right now the team looks like 8-8 could be a reach as Cincy is currently 1-4. The defense was going to be a concern coming into the season, but turns out it is worse than expected (giving up 31 points per game). Furthermore, the offense is not clicking like it was expected to. Fact remains team is 1-4 and fingers are starting to point. Marvin Lewis was known for his D, but Cincy does not seem to have that. Or a winning record.


Awakening of the Saints!

N'Awlins started out the 2007 season 0-4. Super Bowl hype went out the window. Sunday night the hype did not return, but hope definitely surfaced. For once, the offense woke up as Drew Brees threw for 246 yards, 2 TDs, while completing 25 of 36 passes. Even better, Bush had 44 yards receiving and 97 yard rushing. Wait! The defense showed up as well as the Saints got 5 sacks on Matt Hasselback of the Seattle Seahawks. Is this 28-17 Saints win in Seattle speaking volumes for the season, or was it simply just a "win"?


New York Giants are 4-1?

The Jints were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC East. Supposed. After losing the opening week, Tom Coughlin has his clan rolling as the New York boys are on a 4 game winning streak following the 31-10 Monday Night win in Atlanta. Eli Manning's stats are not incredible (1076 yards; 9 TDs and 6 INTs), but he is starting to show the ability to do the only thing that really matters: win games. Question everyone is asking is how legit is this 4-1 record for the Giants? Only time will tell.


Patriots Pacing for To Become Greatest Team Ever?

Through 6 games the Pats are undefeated. Okay that is not that surprising, what is how N.E. is doing it. Belichick's clan is absolutely beating the tar out of competition. (Average score: Pats 38, Opponents 15) I am really starting to the think this team has the best chance ever at going undefeated like the 1972 Miami Dolphins. And then there is Tom Brady's stats. (Try and hold yourself together after reading this.) 1771 yards thrown, 21 TDs and 2 INTs. 21 TDS 2 INTS! IN THE NFL, NOT NCAA! Wow. Brady has a chance to break Manning's 49 TDs in a season record. Really take into account this past week's so called "big" game. Dallas vs. New England: Game of the Week. Final Score: 48-27 Pats. So much for a game.


Coach Magician: What's with the Jets?

Last season there was the amazing story of Eric Magini and how he led a Jets team to the playoffs despite having a team that was seen by many as one of the worst in the league. Well, that story is dead. 2007 season record: 1-5. Ouch! Biggest issue for the boys in green is who is going to play QB and put up decent stats. Chad Pennington has thrown for 939 yards and 6 TDs, but there are those 6 INTs. Overall, that is not going to cut it in NYC.


Pack Continues Climb to Top with Steady Wins

Week in and week out the Green Bay Packers put together a solid performance and always at the end of the game the team has a shot to win. For the most part, a "W" has resulted when the Cheeseheads have been in that situation in 2007. Currently at 5-1 the team is still seen as "unproven," but have it be known Coach Mike McCarthy has built a team around Favre. Look for the Pack to win at least 10 games this season.


Victory Does Not Diminish Future Troubles for Philly

Yes, the Eagles won this weekend 16-9 against the Jets, but have it be known Philly is going to have a rough year. My call? No playoff berth will be coming to the City of Brotherly Love. The defense is still solid as Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Johnson is still there. But the offense? Dead as a door nail. McNabb is going to feel the heat from the fans, as well as calls for Kyle Kolb. And yet again, Westbrook is battling injuries. Do not worry, come December Coach Reid will have the "luxury" of telling his players Christmas shopping starts early this year.


Death of a Defense

In recent years the Chicago Bears have had trouble with getting a soild offense to go with their stellar defense. Rex Grossman is no longer QB, Brian Griese is, but rest assured he is no Peyton Manning. Griese is workable though (unlike Sexy Rexy). Nonetheless, the biggest problem for Chicago is the troubles arising on defense. The team fell to 2-4 after a 34-31 loss to Minnesota. Minnesota! Worse is Adrian Peterson ran for 200+ yards against the Bears so-called "top defense." In Total Defense is 27th! Scoring Defense? 22nd with 25 points per game.