Well, it's here, the final four teams, arguably the best four teams in the NFL. Any way you slice it, Super Bowl 48 is going to be one heck of a game. On one hand you have the greatest modern day sports rival in Tom Brady v. Peyton Manning. On the other hand you have the future of the NFL, the HYBRID quarterback matchup of Colin Kaepernick v. Russell Wilson. These games will all derive from the four quarterbacks and how the play. New School or Old School these two games are a football fan's wet dream.
AFC: (1) Peyton Manning's Dever Broncos vs. (2) Tom Brady's New England Patriots
Some are calling this the "Legacy Bowl" as it may be the final time that Manning goes against Brady. Make no mistake this is Peyton's year. Records broken, first seed and home advantage, he's played like an MVP all year and will probably win the award for a 5th time, but a loss against Brady would be tragic. He's (4-10) lifetime against him. On the other side of the field Tom Brady also deserves the MVP nod for what he has had to work with all year. The losses on offense were substantial and the defense is no Seahawks-like defense in which they can hold opponents to just 14 points. Some way Brady and Bill Belichick find a way to beat Manning again and again but this time there's one factor they've not dealt with. ALTITUDE.
3 Key Matchups:
1. Wes Welker vs. Who ever is covering him: The Patriots did a good job on shutting Welker down when these two teams met earlier. Welker will be looked on for all red-zone targets so who ever is covering him will have to be able to keep up with the shifty wide receiver.
2. Aqib Talib vs. Demaryius Thomas: Talib said that has career began in New England even though he began his career in Tampa Bay. "I've been in the NFL since '08," Talib said this week, per the Boston Herald. "But I've really been in the NFL since November of 2012." Since becoming a Patriot in the middle of last season, the team that's gone 20-6. He will have his hands full with Thomas who is a deep vertical threat and can cause havoc in the screen game.
3. Patriots running backs vs. Broncos linebackers: Without the likes of Gronkowski, Welker and Hernandez, Brady has had to rely on running backs Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen. Enter LeGarrette Blount. Blount brings a nice balance of speed, strength and quick feet. The former Oregon Duck set a Patriot record with 4-rushing Touchdowns against the Colts last weekend. Without Von Miller, guys like Wesley Woodward and Danny Trevathan will have to step up.
X-FACTOR: Julius Thomas
*He's a mismatch for every defender and has really blossomed this year to be one of the top tight ends in the game. Last week he made timely plays to help the Broncos beat the Chargers.
Prediction: Broncos 31 - Patriots 28
NFC: (1) Russell Wilson's Seattle Seahawks vs. (5) Colin Kaepernick's San Francisco 49ers
They are so many similarties between these two guys. It's even reported that they are friends off the field, however the 49ers were in this position last year and beat the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. It doesn't get any easier as they head to the 12th man and deal with the noise in Seattle. Wilson does not have the weapons that the 49ers possess, yet he finds ways to make plays to guys like Golden Tate and who can forget about Marshawn "Skittles" Lynch. Wilson doesn't need to be perfect, he just has to avoid the turnovers. Kaepernick willneed to make plays with his feet as much as his arm. He will be tested agains the "Legion of Boom".
3 Key Matchups:
1. Frank Gore vs. Marshawn Lynch: Both these guys are the heartbeat of their teams, they will only go as far as these guys take him. I doubt they're will be a 100-yard rusher in the game but both should come close. Gore has the advantage in the passing and screen game but Lynch is ferocious and besides Adrian Peterson the toughest halfback to take down.
2. 49ers wide recievers vs. Legion of Boom: For Kaepernick it's comforting knowing he can go to three targets that are all capable of making big plays. Vernon Davis is the key, as he's a matchup nightmare. Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree will garner a lot of attention, which will help Davis. For Seattle they're confident with Richard Sherman, Thomas and Kam Chancellor in the backfield.
3. Jim Harbaugh vs. Pete Carroll: These guys don't really enjoy each other as they square up against each other for the 3rd time this year. It's like a boxing match. Carroll won Round 1. Harbaugh snuck away with Round 2 and the final round will determine on who can knock the other one off and catch them by surprise. It may not be a knockout but one of these teams will be done after today.
X-Factor: Earl Thomas
* Earl Thomas is the best safety in the game and no pass seems to be out of his range. The guy makes big hits in the run game, if he's on then the Seahawks have a good chance at winning, but he can't afford plays to happen like he did against Drew Brees. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpXN43TRGc)
Prediction: 49ers 27 - Seahawks 24
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Playoff Push: Divisional Round
The Indianapolis Colts were the only home team to win this past weekend in what was a crazy slate of games. Now the divisional round is here and the games should be as exciting.
(2) New England Patriots vs (4) Indianapolis Colts
Breakdown: In what was the craziest of all the games last week, Andrew Luck and the Colts stunned the Kansas City Chiefs, rallying from 28 points. The brilliance of Luck continued with yet another late-game comeback win on the back of five total touchdowns (4Pass,1Rush). Despite 4 turnovers, 3 of which were interceptions, Luck showed his poise and leadership to win his 11th come from behind win in just two years. On the other side of the ball Tom Brady has shown us, this year with a cast of nobody's how special he is. Brady will benefit from playing at home but has a surprsing (3-5) record over his last eight playoff games.
How the Patriots win: A balance of running and passing the ball. If they shut down the running game the receivers might not be able to make play after play. Brady has been get a lot of different contributers but he'll need to focus on the likes of Shane Vereen and Legarette Blount involved. The defense is not great to begin with and the loss of Vince Wilfork is huge, but somehow Bill Belichick figures away to shut the opponents offense top option. In this case it's TY Hilton.
How the Colts win: After speaking to my brother who is probably biased and is a die-hard Colts fan, he predicts that Trent Richardson will rush over 100yards. If thats the case the Colts should be in business. I particularly don't believe that will be the case, they'll need Hilton to have another big performance (13rec/224yds/2TD) .
Prediction: Patriots 31 - Colts 28
(1) Seattle Seahawks vs (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Saints found a way to do something they have struggled all season with and that's winning on the road. Shayne Graham has gone from unemployed to playoff hero with three field goals including the game winner with as time expired against the Eagles. Drew Brees will need to be much better if he wants to beat the Seahawks. The Seahawks were the best in the NFC with a (13-3) record. They are led by the defense and the ground game of Marshawn Lynch. The x-factor will be the 12th man which has only been beaten once in the last two years.
How the Seahawks win: Russell Wilson should have success against a depleted Saints defense and if Richard Sherman and the secondary can neutralize the weapons of Brees. It will be interesting to see how much a factor Percy Harvin is. The guy can change a game in an instance.
How the Saints win: Mark Ingram had a good week against the Eagles and will be relied on heavy in the rushing game. The defense will have to create at least two turnovers to have any chance to win the game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28 - Saints 17
(2) Carolina Panthers vs (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: The 49ers were able to beat the Green Bay Packers on the arm and leg of Colin Kaepernick. The last time these two teams met the Panthers won 10-9 in a very defensive game. Expect more points then the previous game but both Luke Kueckly and Patrick Willis will be the x-factors.
How the Panthers win: CAAAAM. Cam Newton's biggest pro game comes at home which should give an extra boost of adrenaline to start the game. How he deals with the pressure during the game will all depend on the run game and if Steve Smith is healthy.
How the 49ers win: Frank Gore seems to always seems to make big plays at big moments. If the defense cane make stops on 3rd downs, the 49ers have shown that they can make plays down the field with Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin.
Prediction: 49ers 21 - Panthers 17
(1) Denver Broncos vs (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Chargers got in on a miracle and their cinderella run is still continuing, and if there is anyone that should be primed to take down the Broncos it's the team that beat them last. Former Broncos OC Mike McCoy is now the head coach of the Charges and has a firm grasp on what type of offense Peyton Manning likes to run. The win against the Cincinnati Bengals showed that winning on the road is not a problem.
How the Broncos will win: The Broncos go as far as Manning goes and a big game would surely help propel a long playoff run. Knowshon Moreno should be given every chance to be the guy and he's been prone to fumble the ball.
How the Chargers will win: Phillip Rivers continues to show why he deserves a nod for MVP or Comeback Player of the year. If he can make big plays down the field and avoid turnovers the Chargers have a legitimate chance to beat the Broncos again.
Prediction: Broncos 35 - Chargers 31
Enjoy!
(2) New England Patriots vs (4) Indianapolis Colts
Breakdown: In what was the craziest of all the games last week, Andrew Luck and the Colts stunned the Kansas City Chiefs, rallying from 28 points. The brilliance of Luck continued with yet another late-game comeback win on the back of five total touchdowns (4Pass,1Rush). Despite 4 turnovers, 3 of which were interceptions, Luck showed his poise and leadership to win his 11th come from behind win in just two years. On the other side of the ball Tom Brady has shown us, this year with a cast of nobody's how special he is. Brady will benefit from playing at home but has a surprsing (3-5) record over his last eight playoff games.
How the Patriots win: A balance of running and passing the ball. If they shut down the running game the receivers might not be able to make play after play. Brady has been get a lot of different contributers but he'll need to focus on the likes of Shane Vereen and Legarette Blount involved. The defense is not great to begin with and the loss of Vince Wilfork is huge, but somehow Bill Belichick figures away to shut the opponents offense top option. In this case it's TY Hilton.
How the Colts win: After speaking to my brother who is probably biased and is a die-hard Colts fan, he predicts that Trent Richardson will rush over 100yards. If thats the case the Colts should be in business. I particularly don't believe that will be the case, they'll need Hilton to have another big performance (13rec/224yds/2TD) .
Prediction: Patriots 31 - Colts 28
(1) Seattle Seahawks vs (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Saints found a way to do something they have struggled all season with and that's winning on the road. Shayne Graham has gone from unemployed to playoff hero with three field goals including the game winner with as time expired against the Eagles. Drew Brees will need to be much better if he wants to beat the Seahawks. The Seahawks were the best in the NFC with a (13-3) record. They are led by the defense and the ground game of Marshawn Lynch. The x-factor will be the 12th man which has only been beaten once in the last two years.
How the Seahawks win: Russell Wilson should have success against a depleted Saints defense and if Richard Sherman and the secondary can neutralize the weapons of Brees. It will be interesting to see how much a factor Percy Harvin is. The guy can change a game in an instance.
How the Saints win: Mark Ingram had a good week against the Eagles and will be relied on heavy in the rushing game. The defense will have to create at least two turnovers to have any chance to win the game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28 - Saints 17
(2) Carolina Panthers vs (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: The 49ers were able to beat the Green Bay Packers on the arm and leg of Colin Kaepernick. The last time these two teams met the Panthers won 10-9 in a very defensive game. Expect more points then the previous game but both Luke Kueckly and Patrick Willis will be the x-factors.
How the Panthers win: CAAAAM. Cam Newton's biggest pro game comes at home which should give an extra boost of adrenaline to start the game. How he deals with the pressure during the game will all depend on the run game and if Steve Smith is healthy.
How the 49ers win: Frank Gore seems to always seems to make big plays at big moments. If the defense cane make stops on 3rd downs, the 49ers have shown that they can make plays down the field with Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin.
Prediction: 49ers 21 - Panthers 17
(1) Denver Broncos vs (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Chargers got in on a miracle and their cinderella run is still continuing, and if there is anyone that should be primed to take down the Broncos it's the team that beat them last. Former Broncos OC Mike McCoy is now the head coach of the Charges and has a firm grasp on what type of offense Peyton Manning likes to run. The win against the Cincinnati Bengals showed that winning on the road is not a problem.
How the Broncos will win: The Broncos go as far as Manning goes and a big game would surely help propel a long playoff run. Knowshon Moreno should be given every chance to be the guy and he's been prone to fumble the ball.
How the Chargers will win: Phillip Rivers continues to show why he deserves a nod for MVP or Comeback Player of the year. If he can make big plays down the field and avoid turnovers the Chargers have a legitimate chance to beat the Broncos again.
Prediction: Broncos 35 - Chargers 31
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Playoff Push: Wild-Card Weekend
The NFL regular season has come and gone in a blink of an eye and now the playoffs are here with four intriguing Wild-Card match-ups. Before I break down the games it's worth noting that this season proved that the NFL is the "best unscripted reality television out there." So says Al Michaels at least. But this is true as we look at the eight teams that will be playing this weekend.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Kansas City Chiefs
Breakdown: For Andrew Luck and the Colts the season started off magnificently. Wins against power-houses (San Francisco and Seattle) and an emotional win against Peyton Manning in his return to Indy helped jump start them in a very weak division. However, in that game against Denver they lost their best offensive weapon in Reggie Wayne, and it has shown. Robert Mathis and his 19.5 sacks anchors a pretty underrated Colts Defense and is a viable choice for Defensive player of the year. The Chiefs started the season 9-0 but beat just one team over .500 all season and that was the Philadelphia Eagles at their worst. The Chiefs lost to Denver and San Diego twice and were manhandled by these same Colts in week 16 at home. If there is one thing on their side it's that they will be playing in a dome were Jamaal Charles should be poised to have a good day.
How the Colts will win: If Andrew Luck and the Colts win the turnover margin. Luck will have to make plays with his arm and leg and if T.Y. Hilton has a big day, this team should be in a good position to win. Shutting down Charles on Defense is key.
How the Chiefs will win: Defense, Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith. The Chiefs are all about their defense which was stout for most of the season, but since week 10 they have came back to earth.If Charles gets over 30 touches in the game then the Chiefs will be moving the ball well down the field. Alex Smith is playing in his biggest game and a dud would surely have the doubters with a lot of ammunition going into next season.
Prediction: Colts 28 - Chiefs 21
(3) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Eagles weren't sure who their Quarterback was to start the season but the answer is clear now. Nick Foles led the Eagles past the Dallas Cowboys in week 17 to grab the NFC East and the 3rd seed. After a tumultuous start, Foles has stepped in, and been nearly perfect(2 interceptions to 27 touchdowns). A lot of the pressure has been taken off Foles as LeSean McCoy put up career numbers this season, and is the deadliest weapon in these playoffs. It's weird to see Sean Peyton and the Saints as the 6th seed but that is exactly what they are. The loss to the Panthers on the road gave away the division, needing a big win against the Buccaneers at home to make the playoffs. Their big problem this year has been playing outdoors and on the road and that's the case for the number six seed.
How the Eagles will win: Foles handles the pressure of his biggest game, makes the right reads and does not turn the ball over. The possession time is also going to be key as both teams can put up points fast. Just like Charles in the early game if Chip Kelly gives McCoy 30+ touches then the Eagles will be in good shape. Their defense is suspect despite playing better the last four weeks. They face their toughest task with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham.
How the Saints will win: If their defense makes stops. The Saints only chance of competing is if they can shut down the run game and give the ball back over to the offense. The offense has been average to say the best on the road, but if there's anyone to bet on to step up its Drew Brees.
Prediction: Saints 38 - Eagles 24
(3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Bengals won the AFC North for the first time in over a decade and a big reason for that was going 8-0 at home. This is the third straight season that Marvin Lewis and the Bengals will be in the postseason but the first time they'll be playing in front of their hometown fans. Andy Dalton is the perfect example of inconsistency. He's got an abundance of talent around him, yet their are plays and reads that he makes that are just boggling. The San Diego Chargers got here on the back and arm of Phillip Rivers (and maybe the leg of Ryan Succop). After escaping a horrific end to their season (they beat a Chiefs team that rested 20 of its 22 starters). The Chargers will need Eric Weddle to shut down A.J. Green.
How the Bengals win: The theme for the Bengals this playoffs is if Dalton could play like Joe Flacco did last year then the Bengals should be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. A.J. Green is a top-3 wide receiver in the game and Marvin Jones should win breakout player of the year award.
How the Chargers win: Ken Wisenhunt and Mike McCoy have have added some nice pieces to complement Rivers with Keenan Allen, Eddie Royal and Ladarius Green. It'll be up for these guys to make the plays when called upon. Eric Weddle is the captain of a defense that is middle of the pack, a big game by the Defense could be what continues the Cinderella run.
Prediction: Bengals 42 - Chargers 24
(4) Green Bay Packers vs. (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: It's a rematch of last year's playoff and the opening game of this season in which the 49ers dominated both games. The Packers have Aaron Rogers back in the fold, but it's still not certain that he's 100%. Their defense is abysmal but thanks to a collapse by the Detroit Lions and a win against the Bears in week 17, they're in the playoffs. Eddie Lacey has been good for them but the 49ers don't give up a lot of rush yards so it's all going to be down to Rodgers and his receivers. Colin Kaepernick looked a lot better in the last 8 games then he did in the first 8 games. Their defense is top in the league and will give problems to Rodgers all game long. The 49ers were built for these type of games where weather won't be a factor. It's supposed to be (-18).
How the Packers win the game: It's going to be tough without Clay Matthews to stop the 49ers but if they can create turnovers then it gives Rodgers the chance to be great. Lacey won't see a lot of yards but its important that they continue with the run, to set up the play action (where Rodgers is so good).
How the 49ers win the game: Run it down the throats is what I bet Jim Harbaugh is saying. The 49ers love to run the ball and expect it to come in all different ways. This year they added Anquan Boldin who loves these moments to go along with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Defense will play its game.
Prediction: 49ers 38 - Packers 17
Enjoy the games!
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Kansas City Chiefs
Breakdown: For Andrew Luck and the Colts the season started off magnificently. Wins against power-houses (San Francisco and Seattle) and an emotional win against Peyton Manning in his return to Indy helped jump start them in a very weak division. However, in that game against Denver they lost their best offensive weapon in Reggie Wayne, and it has shown. Robert Mathis and his 19.5 sacks anchors a pretty underrated Colts Defense and is a viable choice for Defensive player of the year. The Chiefs started the season 9-0 but beat just one team over .500 all season and that was the Philadelphia Eagles at their worst. The Chiefs lost to Denver and San Diego twice and were manhandled by these same Colts in week 16 at home. If there is one thing on their side it's that they will be playing in a dome were Jamaal Charles should be poised to have a good day.
How the Colts will win: If Andrew Luck and the Colts win the turnover margin. Luck will have to make plays with his arm and leg and if T.Y. Hilton has a big day, this team should be in a good position to win. Shutting down Charles on Defense is key.
How the Chiefs will win: Defense, Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith. The Chiefs are all about their defense which was stout for most of the season, but since week 10 they have came back to earth.If Charles gets over 30 touches in the game then the Chiefs will be moving the ball well down the field. Alex Smith is playing in his biggest game and a dud would surely have the doubters with a lot of ammunition going into next season.
Prediction: Colts 28 - Chiefs 21
(3) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Eagles weren't sure who their Quarterback was to start the season but the answer is clear now. Nick Foles led the Eagles past the Dallas Cowboys in week 17 to grab the NFC East and the 3rd seed. After a tumultuous start, Foles has stepped in, and been nearly perfect(2 interceptions to 27 touchdowns). A lot of the pressure has been taken off Foles as LeSean McCoy put up career numbers this season, and is the deadliest weapon in these playoffs. It's weird to see Sean Peyton and the Saints as the 6th seed but that is exactly what they are. The loss to the Panthers on the road gave away the division, needing a big win against the Buccaneers at home to make the playoffs. Their big problem this year has been playing outdoors and on the road and that's the case for the number six seed.
How the Eagles will win: Foles handles the pressure of his biggest game, makes the right reads and does not turn the ball over. The possession time is also going to be key as both teams can put up points fast. Just like Charles in the early game if Chip Kelly gives McCoy 30+ touches then the Eagles will be in good shape. Their defense is suspect despite playing better the last four weeks. They face their toughest task with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham.
How the Saints will win: If their defense makes stops. The Saints only chance of competing is if they can shut down the run game and give the ball back over to the offense. The offense has been average to say the best on the road, but if there's anyone to bet on to step up its Drew Brees.
Prediction: Saints 38 - Eagles 24
(3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Bengals won the AFC North for the first time in over a decade and a big reason for that was going 8-0 at home. This is the third straight season that Marvin Lewis and the Bengals will be in the postseason but the first time they'll be playing in front of their hometown fans. Andy Dalton is the perfect example of inconsistency. He's got an abundance of talent around him, yet their are plays and reads that he makes that are just boggling. The San Diego Chargers got here on the back and arm of Phillip Rivers (and maybe the leg of Ryan Succop). After escaping a horrific end to their season (they beat a Chiefs team that rested 20 of its 22 starters). The Chargers will need Eric Weddle to shut down A.J. Green.
How the Bengals win: The theme for the Bengals this playoffs is if Dalton could play like Joe Flacco did last year then the Bengals should be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. A.J. Green is a top-3 wide receiver in the game and Marvin Jones should win breakout player of the year award.
How the Chargers win: Ken Wisenhunt and Mike McCoy have have added some nice pieces to complement Rivers with Keenan Allen, Eddie Royal and Ladarius Green. It'll be up for these guys to make the plays when called upon. Eric Weddle is the captain of a defense that is middle of the pack, a big game by the Defense could be what continues the Cinderella run.
Prediction: Bengals 42 - Chargers 24
(4) Green Bay Packers vs. (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: It's a rematch of last year's playoff and the opening game of this season in which the 49ers dominated both games. The Packers have Aaron Rogers back in the fold, but it's still not certain that he's 100%. Their defense is abysmal but thanks to a collapse by the Detroit Lions and a win against the Bears in week 17, they're in the playoffs. Eddie Lacey has been good for them but the 49ers don't give up a lot of rush yards so it's all going to be down to Rodgers and his receivers. Colin Kaepernick looked a lot better in the last 8 games then he did in the first 8 games. Their defense is top in the league and will give problems to Rodgers all game long. The 49ers were built for these type of games where weather won't be a factor. It's supposed to be (-18).
How the Packers win the game: It's going to be tough without Clay Matthews to stop the 49ers but if they can create turnovers then it gives Rodgers the chance to be great. Lacey won't see a lot of yards but its important that they continue with the run, to set up the play action (where Rodgers is so good).
How the 49ers win the game: Run it down the throats is what I bet Jim Harbaugh is saying. The 49ers love to run the ball and expect it to come in all different ways. This year they added Anquan Boldin who loves these moments to go along with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Defense will play its game.
Prediction: 49ers 38 - Packers 17
Enjoy the games!
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