Yes, the Super Bowl is finally here, the NFL season, starting from September 5th until Sunday, stretches nearly five months, and consumes the American sports fan each and every Sunday. This Sunday, the NFL consumes almost one third of the United States, not only for the championship game itself, but also for all the commercials. The two teams participating this year, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens were among some of the ten or so teams favored to go into this season's Super Bowl in New Orleans. New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl for the 10th time, tying the city with Miami for most times hosting the big game. This year, Easter comes early so Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl coincide, so the city is even more abuzz with parties than usual. And, with that, the teams are not letting all of the distractions get to them so far. Which, is a very good sign for the teams, and a good sign with the football game. Now, enough with the background and everything, on to the preview!
San Francisco 49ers (13-4-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-6)
This should be a fantastic game, as both teams feature pretty good defenses, who rank in the top third as far as total points allowed. Plus, each team features some stars on defense which is a rare thing to find these days in the offense obsessed NFL. Baltimore has more of the defensive stars, with Ed Reed, perhaps the best free safety of all time. Pass rusher Haloti Ngata, who is a still young very veteran monster who can pass rush very well and also stop the run very well. Then there is also Terrell Suggs, known for his pass rushing ability from the outside linebacker spot, and he can also cover fairly well too. Then, there is the retiring Ray Lewis, who will be a first ballot hall of famer. Lewis is the heart and soul of the Ravens defense, and has showed it throughout the playoffs, leading the team in tackles each postseason game. So, while Lewis has lost a few steps since he came into the league 17 years ago, he still can play the game at the highest level. Baltimore's defense will need to try and figure out the pistol offense that the 49ers have implemented ever since Colin Kaepernick took over the starting quarterback job in week 11. He took over the reigns of the offense when incumbent quarterback Alex Smith went down with a concussion, and folks in San Francisco were wondering if he could succeed. But, it has been shown the Kapernick has taken the job and run with it. He has played exceptionally well, with himself averaging about 250 yards per game both passing and rushing each game. The offense has evolved from a very traditional style offense, with traditional passing and blocking schemes, to one which has very unique little wrinkles. Frank Gore, along with Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James have continued to be fantastic in the running game. Kaepernick, as well as Smith has also let Michael Crabtree have a career year as well as let Vernon Davis continue to shine through.
San Francisco's defense will need to contend with a much more balanced offense attack ever since Jim Caldwell, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts took over the play calling from Cam Cameron late in the season. Under Cameron, the Baltimore offense passed 60 percent of the time, where now, under Caldwell, the offense is pretty much 50/50 run to pass ratio. And, the offense has flourished, averaging 30 points in their playoff games. The Baltimore offense is greatly dependent upon Ray Rice, their small running back, who is great with screen passes, and can get through small little seams for big gains in the running game. Now, Joe Flacco doesn't just have Rice as a passing threat, he has tall tight end Dennis Pitta in the red zone, and then speedster Torrey Smith down the sidelines, as well as big physical receiver Anquan Boldin over the middle, who will be a challenge to cover. So, on offense and on defense, the teams are rather similar, and the game could come down to special teams. The punters on both teams are pretty good, as are the return men with Jacoby Jones for the Ravens and Ted Ginn Jr. for the 49ers. But, the kickers could be the difference, because Justin Tucker of the Ravens has only missed three field goals throughout the season, and has been solid. Whereas former Philadelphia Eagle David Akers has not been consistent at all, and even missed a 38 yard field goal attempt in the NFC Championship game. So, that very well could be the difference, and go with the Ravens in this game!
Pick: Baltimore Ravens 24, San Francisco 49ers 21
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Championship Sunday
This Sunday brings us the two champions of the AFC and the NFC, and then we'll know who will play for the Lombardi Trophy on February 3 in New Orleans. And, hopefully this Sunday is as exciting as last week was, with three of the four games being pretty darn good ones. Sunday will be nice as well, because it brings you a game between two teams which didn't meet this season and a rematch, so it's a nice combination. Now, on to the picks!
San Francisco at Atlanta, 3, Fox
Atlanta has had trouble with running quarterbacks this season, with them struggling against Cam Newton twice, and Russell Wilson last week. Now, with Colin Kaepernick of San Francisco coming in, it will present even more trouble, as Kaepernick has more weapons than Wilson and Seattle did. Plus, San Francisco's defense is arguably the best in the NFC or even the NFL. Atlanta was cruising last Sunday, but then let their foot off the gas, and nearly cost them the game. Plus, Atlanta doesn't really have a home field advantage, as they play in a dome which doesn't create much noise. So, one Harbaugh brother I predict will get in, will the other?
Pick: San Francisco 31, Atlanta 13
Baltimore at New England, 6:30, CBS
This is the rematch of the two games, which Baltimore won, in week 3, 31-10, when New England was struggling. Now, New England has been on a roll, winning 10 of 11 games, with the only loss coming to San Francisco in week 15. So, that week 3 loss, while it can't be totally discounted, can be a motivation point for the Patriots. Now, Baltimore has been in the AFC title game twice since John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco arrived in 2008, and last year they lost to the Patriots last season. So, both teams really have revenge factors going into this game. But, Brady and the Patriots also are feeling the sting from last season't Super Bowl loss to the Giants. That will be their motivation, and they just have the experience. New England can overcome the loss of Gronk again.
Pick: New England 24, Baltimore 20
San Francisco at Atlanta, 3, Fox
Atlanta has had trouble with running quarterbacks this season, with them struggling against Cam Newton twice, and Russell Wilson last week. Now, with Colin Kaepernick of San Francisco coming in, it will present even more trouble, as Kaepernick has more weapons than Wilson and Seattle did. Plus, San Francisco's defense is arguably the best in the NFC or even the NFL. Atlanta was cruising last Sunday, but then let their foot off the gas, and nearly cost them the game. Plus, Atlanta doesn't really have a home field advantage, as they play in a dome which doesn't create much noise. So, one Harbaugh brother I predict will get in, will the other?
Pick: San Francisco 31, Atlanta 13
Baltimore at New England, 6:30, CBS
This is the rematch of the two games, which Baltimore won, in week 3, 31-10, when New England was struggling. Now, New England has been on a roll, winning 10 of 11 games, with the only loss coming to San Francisco in week 15. So, that week 3 loss, while it can't be totally discounted, can be a motivation point for the Patriots. Now, Baltimore has been in the AFC title game twice since John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco arrived in 2008, and last year they lost to the Patriots last season. So, both teams really have revenge factors going into this game. But, Brady and the Patriots also are feeling the sting from last season't Super Bowl loss to the Giants. That will be their motivation, and they just have the experience. New England can overcome the loss of Gronk again.
Pick: New England 24, Baltimore 20
Friday, January 11, 2013
Divisional Playoff Weekend
This weekend is the last weekend in which both days will have football until the first Saturday in September, and for the football addicts out there, that will be a very long wait. And, this Saturday, brings probably the better of the two days as far as competitive games are concerned in my mind. Both games on Saturday feel like both very well could go into overtime as well. Now, hopefully the entire weekend proves better than last weekend, and even overflowing into Monday, when four of five games really did not have much sizzle to them. And, the fourth game, Seattle at Washington, really was not all that great either, but it did have the only upset of the weekend as well. So, here's hoping this weekend brings better games.
Baltimore at Denver, Saturday, 4:30, CBS
This game proves to be very intriguing, as it looks to be mainly a ground attack on offense, and a defensive battle. The reason why it looks to be a ground attack is because the high temperature in Denver is going to be 17 degrees. Then, these two defenses rank in the top five in total defense as well. These two teams are in two different paths right now, with Baltimore limping into the playoffs, and Denver winning 11 straight to come into the playoffs with home field advantage throughout. That is a wonderful thing, especially in Denver with the lighter air, the cold, and the deafening noise of the crowd. Baltimore will also be looking to avenge its 34-17 loss in the regular season. This game will also feature two future hall of famers who are in the twilight of their careers, even though you wouldn't know it. Ray Lewis is playing in his final postseason, and the energy and leadership he brings to the field is undeniable. Although, even with Lewis in the lineup last weekend, the Ravens still gave up over 150 yards to a fairly weak rushing game of Indianapolis. Denver has a much better running game with Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman leading the way. Denver also has its issues, with Peyton Manning, arguably the MVP of the league, 0-3 in games where the temperature is 40 or below. But, I believe Manning will turn it around, and win this one.
Pick: Denver 23, Baltimore 17
Green Bay at San Francisco, Saturday, 8, Fox
This game features two teams which have a history against one another, not only in the regular season, but also in the playoffs through the years. The last time these teams played, was week one, where San Francisco came out with a 30-22 victory in Green Bay. The difference there, and here is that David Akers was perfect, including a 63 yard field goal, where he had to win the chance to play this week against Billy Cundiff. There is also the matter of quarterback with San Francisco, with Alex Smith starting in week one, and now it's Colin Kapernick's job to lose. Kapernick has performed remarkably well since taking over for Smith since week 11. But, it is now the postseason, and the pressure is turned up more. Green Bay also will be looking to avenge its loss in week one, and I think that Kapernick has handled all the pressure put on him thus far with ease, and will be as cool as a cucumber again come Saturday night.
Seattle at Atlanta, Sunday, 1, Fox
This game doesn't seem marquee on paper, but the game isn't played on paper. Seattle has been on a roll throughout the year, led by Russell Wilson, who nobody expected to even be a starting quarterback this year. Or even ever, as Seattle did sign Matt Flynn, who most expected to be the starting quarterback. Seattle has been winning with a solid defense, Marshawn Lynch becoming in beast mode, and the poise of Wilson, who knows when to run and when to stay calm in the pocket. Atlanta, meanwhile, has just been consistent throughout the entire season. They've been winning and being under the radar the entire season. But, the biggest question remains, can they win in the playoffs? In the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era, they've yet to win a single game in the playoffs. This could be their best chance to win. But, I don't think so, as Seattle will win their seventh game in a row and play for the NFC Championship.
Pick: Seattle 31, Atlanta 24
Houston at New England, Sunday, 4:30, CBS
New England pounded Houston in week 15, when both teams were at their peaks, and Houston then went on a downward spiral to lose three of its final four games, and end up with the number three seed in the AFC instead of the number one or two seed. And, after watching last week against Cincy, there is zero reason to think that anything has changed since that Monday night in Foxboro.
Pick: New England 41, Houston 21
Baltimore at Denver, Saturday, 4:30, CBS
This game proves to be very intriguing, as it looks to be mainly a ground attack on offense, and a defensive battle. The reason why it looks to be a ground attack is because the high temperature in Denver is going to be 17 degrees. Then, these two defenses rank in the top five in total defense as well. These two teams are in two different paths right now, with Baltimore limping into the playoffs, and Denver winning 11 straight to come into the playoffs with home field advantage throughout. That is a wonderful thing, especially in Denver with the lighter air, the cold, and the deafening noise of the crowd. Baltimore will also be looking to avenge its 34-17 loss in the regular season. This game will also feature two future hall of famers who are in the twilight of their careers, even though you wouldn't know it. Ray Lewis is playing in his final postseason, and the energy and leadership he brings to the field is undeniable. Although, even with Lewis in the lineup last weekend, the Ravens still gave up over 150 yards to a fairly weak rushing game of Indianapolis. Denver has a much better running game with Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman leading the way. Denver also has its issues, with Peyton Manning, arguably the MVP of the league, 0-3 in games where the temperature is 40 or below. But, I believe Manning will turn it around, and win this one.
Pick: Denver 23, Baltimore 17
Green Bay at San Francisco, Saturday, 8, Fox
This game features two teams which have a history against one another, not only in the regular season, but also in the playoffs through the years. The last time these teams played, was week one, where San Francisco came out with a 30-22 victory in Green Bay. The difference there, and here is that David Akers was perfect, including a 63 yard field goal, where he had to win the chance to play this week against Billy Cundiff. There is also the matter of quarterback with San Francisco, with Alex Smith starting in week one, and now it's Colin Kapernick's job to lose. Kapernick has performed remarkably well since taking over for Smith since week 11. But, it is now the postseason, and the pressure is turned up more. Green Bay also will be looking to avenge its loss in week one, and I think that Kapernick has handled all the pressure put on him thus far with ease, and will be as cool as a cucumber again come Saturday night.
Seattle at Atlanta, Sunday, 1, Fox
This game doesn't seem marquee on paper, but the game isn't played on paper. Seattle has been on a roll throughout the year, led by Russell Wilson, who nobody expected to even be a starting quarterback this year. Or even ever, as Seattle did sign Matt Flynn, who most expected to be the starting quarterback. Seattle has been winning with a solid defense, Marshawn Lynch becoming in beast mode, and the poise of Wilson, who knows when to run and when to stay calm in the pocket. Atlanta, meanwhile, has just been consistent throughout the entire season. They've been winning and being under the radar the entire season. But, the biggest question remains, can they win in the playoffs? In the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era, they've yet to win a single game in the playoffs. This could be their best chance to win. But, I don't think so, as Seattle will win their seventh game in a row and play for the NFC Championship.
Pick: Seattle 31, Atlanta 24
Houston at New England, Sunday, 4:30, CBS
New England pounded Houston in week 15, when both teams were at their peaks, and Houston then went on a downward spiral to lose three of its final four games, and end up with the number three seed in the AFC instead of the number one or two seed. And, after watching last week against Cincy, there is zero reason to think that anything has changed since that Monday night in Foxboro.
Pick: New England 41, Houston 21
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Wild Card Weekend and BCS National Title Game!
Perhaps the greatest three days for football fans is this upcoming Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with Wild Card weekend and the BCS National Championship game. This weekend has brought at least one of the participants in the big game in five of the past six years. And, there is a good chance it could again, with both Seattle and Washington being on good streaks, Houston, Baltimore and Green Bay being widely considered as three of the best teams coming into the season, and Cincy, Indy, and Minny all looking to shock the world and make it into the big game. Then, on Monday, two of the most storied programs in college football history square off, with two dominant defenses, and programs looking to either cement their place in history with Bama or regain their place with Notre Dame. But, now on to the picks!
Cincy at Houston, 4:30, Saturday, NBC
These same two teams met last year, in the same exact time slot and day. Although, last year, Houston won with their third string quarterback, T.J. Yates. This time, Houston is just coming in on a bit of a skid, losing three of their past four, all to playoff teams though. The biggest thing for Houston is to see if they can get everything back on track to the way it was before their blowout loss to New England on Monday Night Football. Matt Schaub wasn't spectacular down the stretch, as he only had one touchdown pass and three interceptions, compared to his amazing first 12 games. Houston can rely on their strong defense, led by end J.J. Watt, who nearly had the season record for sacks this season, as well as all-pro running back Arian Foster for offense. Cincy, meanwhile, has to force Schaub into the mistakes he has been making with defensive ends Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson with their combined nearly 25 sacks. Andy Dalton, Cincy's quarterback needs to improve over last year's abysmal performance in the game against Houston. This should turn out to be a good game, but go with Houston in a closer game than last year's three touchdown rout.
Pick: Houston 34, Cincy 21
Minnesota at Green Bay, 8, Saturday, NBC
Green Bay's goal: stop Adrian Peterson. That is all they have to do, easier said than done with a 2,000 yard rusher who seems like a man on a mission to get this team to the Super Bowl, only 13 months after tearing his ACL. But, when Minnesota stopped in week 14 against Green Bay, even his 175 yards weren't enough. The biggest thing for Minnesota is that Christian Ponder needs to step up and play better, as well as the defense stopping MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and the Green Bay offense should continue to do just fine, and the help of a Green Bay cold winter night should help them win at home.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 17
Indianapolis at Baltimore, 1, Sunday, CBS
Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano are making for a great inspirational movie, with Luck leading the Colts back to the playoffs after a 2-14 record in 2011, and Pagano returning to the sidelines after sitting out most of the season with leukemia. But, Luck and Pagano should have many more opportunities after this season. Luck has done mediocre for the most part against teams who are in the playoffs, throwing for 11 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Baltimore's first ballot hall of fame linebacker, Ray Lewis is returning for the playoffs and has announced his retirement effective at the end of this season. So, Blatimore will be playing its heart out for Lewis and trying to get him his second ring.
Pick: Baltimore 36, Indy 13
Seattle at Washington, 4:30, Sunday, Fox
This is definitely the most intriguing game of the weekend, as it has two spectacular rookie quarterbacks squaring off against one another, as they led their teams back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 for the Seahawks, and since 2006 for the Skins. Washington has won seven straight since RG3, their star quarterback was named a team captain. Seattle, meanwhile has been on a five game winning streak, where they scored 40 or more in three of those games. This game looks to be a shootout, where the last team who has the ball wins, and it should just be a fun game to watch.
Pick: Washington 49, Seattle 46
BCS National Championship
Notre Dame vs. Alabama, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
This game has all the makings to be an epic one. Both teams have defenses which are in the top 10 of total defense. Both teams have very strong running games, Alabama with Eddy Lacy, Notre Dame has a combined running game with Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood. Both teams have steady quarterbacks in A.J. McCarron with Bama and Everett Golson of Notre Dame. Personally, I'm just looking forward to a great, hard fought defensive battle.
Pick: Notre Dame 16, Bama 14
Cincy at Houston, 4:30, Saturday, NBC
These same two teams met last year, in the same exact time slot and day. Although, last year, Houston won with their third string quarterback, T.J. Yates. This time, Houston is just coming in on a bit of a skid, losing three of their past four, all to playoff teams though. The biggest thing for Houston is to see if they can get everything back on track to the way it was before their blowout loss to New England on Monday Night Football. Matt Schaub wasn't spectacular down the stretch, as he only had one touchdown pass and three interceptions, compared to his amazing first 12 games. Houston can rely on their strong defense, led by end J.J. Watt, who nearly had the season record for sacks this season, as well as all-pro running back Arian Foster for offense. Cincy, meanwhile, has to force Schaub into the mistakes he has been making with defensive ends Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson with their combined nearly 25 sacks. Andy Dalton, Cincy's quarterback needs to improve over last year's abysmal performance in the game against Houston. This should turn out to be a good game, but go with Houston in a closer game than last year's three touchdown rout.
Pick: Houston 34, Cincy 21
Minnesota at Green Bay, 8, Saturday, NBC
Green Bay's goal: stop Adrian Peterson. That is all they have to do, easier said than done with a 2,000 yard rusher who seems like a man on a mission to get this team to the Super Bowl, only 13 months after tearing his ACL. But, when Minnesota stopped in week 14 against Green Bay, even his 175 yards weren't enough. The biggest thing for Minnesota is that Christian Ponder needs to step up and play better, as well as the defense stopping MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and the Green Bay offense should continue to do just fine, and the help of a Green Bay cold winter night should help them win at home.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 17
Indianapolis at Baltimore, 1, Sunday, CBS
Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano are making for a great inspirational movie, with Luck leading the Colts back to the playoffs after a 2-14 record in 2011, and Pagano returning to the sidelines after sitting out most of the season with leukemia. But, Luck and Pagano should have many more opportunities after this season. Luck has done mediocre for the most part against teams who are in the playoffs, throwing for 11 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Baltimore's first ballot hall of fame linebacker, Ray Lewis is returning for the playoffs and has announced his retirement effective at the end of this season. So, Blatimore will be playing its heart out for Lewis and trying to get him his second ring.
Pick: Baltimore 36, Indy 13
Seattle at Washington, 4:30, Sunday, Fox
This is definitely the most intriguing game of the weekend, as it has two spectacular rookie quarterbacks squaring off against one another, as they led their teams back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 for the Seahawks, and since 2006 for the Skins. Washington has won seven straight since RG3, their star quarterback was named a team captain. Seattle, meanwhile has been on a five game winning streak, where they scored 40 or more in three of those games. This game looks to be a shootout, where the last team who has the ball wins, and it should just be a fun game to watch.
Pick: Washington 49, Seattle 46
BCS National Championship
Notre Dame vs. Alabama, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
This game has all the makings to be an epic one. Both teams have defenses which are in the top 10 of total defense. Both teams have very strong running games, Alabama with Eddy Lacy, Notre Dame has a combined running game with Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood. Both teams have steady quarterbacks in A.J. McCarron with Bama and Everett Golson of Notre Dame. Personally, I'm just looking forward to a great, hard fought defensive battle.
Pick: Notre Dame 16, Bama 14
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