After all the gridiron last week, 4 teams advanced. 3 of them were expected. 1 of them was just simply uncalled for. Rex Ryan, who unknowingly said that his team was out of the playoffs a few weeks before the big dance started, has somehow gotten his team not only into the playoffs, but into the AFC Championship game, beating the 2nd seeded Chargers, who have failed yet again to go deep into the playoffs. The hard-hitting Jets showed tons of heart, battling out an ugly game to win it and advance to face the team that let them have a chance at even making the playoffs, the Colts. Let's go to the picks for these 2 Sunday games.
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AFC Championship -- New York Jets (11-7, 5th seed) vs. Indianapolis Colts (15-2), 1st seed), 3 pm.
This game has so much meaning. Really, it does. If it weren't for these Colts, the Jets would've probably had 0 chance of making it to the playoffs, let alone the AFC championship. You see, the Colts, who were 14-0 at the time they played the Jets, decided to go through with the safe method, which is benching your starting players to take away the chance of injury. So, the Jets, who were pass-rushing someone not named Peyton Manning, took advantage and won the game that they needed to win to stay alive.
Now, as to the game, I believe that these 2 teams are heavily deserving of this. Peyton Manning has done a terrific job in making full use of receivers that didn't include future-hall-of-famer Marvin Harrison. He did a great job on offense to hide the sub-par defense's jobs. On the other side, their whole team has put forth an amazing show. Darrelle Revis has played just tip-top defense.
When it comes to this game, I look to see a low-scoring game that consists of an amazing passing offense, going toe-to-toe against a number one pass defense. The Colts did have a better overall season, but the Jets have have the better run as of late.
In a surprising move that may have me get killed, I have picked a team, and it ain't who you thought it would be.
X-Factors: Shonn Greene - New York Jets and Dallas Clark - Indianapolis Colts.
Pick: New York Jets, 20-17. _____________________________________________________________
NFC Championship -- Minnesota Vikings (13-4, 2nd seed) vs. New Orleans Saints (14-3, 1st seed)
The 40-year-old quarterback against the confident and young quarterback. Brett Favre against Drew Brees. With these 2 teams possessing the 2 highest point totals in the NFL this season, it goes without saying that this will be a high-scoring game.
There's really not a lot to say about this game, because everything about this game is already out there. Plus, these 2 teams are real quiet, unlike Rex Ryan.
The Saints have really stepped it up this year without a doubt. How did they do it? What makes them different from the Saints a couple seasons back? A) they have a better defense, led by Darren Sharper, their big play-maker, and the most important one, B) a nicely-shaped offense. Yes, they are passing freaks and can beat you with the long ball anyday, but what separates them is their 6th-ranked rushing game, which is better than the Vikings, who have the best running back in the game.
The Vikings haven't really changed much, except their quarterback, of course. Favre, who is, again, 40 years old, has had the best statistical season of his career. Seriously. His best completion percentage ever, and a season where he only threw 7 interceptions. His play has effected everyone's like Sidney Rice.
The game should be a wonderful game and I'm certainly looking forward to it as I love high-scoring games. It would be inspiring if a 40-year-old QB made it to the big Bowl, but it's not going to happen. The Superdome's noise is absolutely bolstering. The Saints fans have the most effect than any other team's fans in the league.
X-Factors: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings and Reggie Bush - New Orleans Saints.
Pick: New Orleans Saints, 35-31.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
NFL Divisional Round Playoff Picks
Last week, 8 teams took the gridiron, and 4 came out as winners, leaving me with a quite impressive 3-1 playoff record. This week, I look to go something that the Colts and Saints failed to do this year: go perfect. Let's get straight to the picks, shall we?
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Arizona Cardinals (11-6, 4th seed) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3, 1st seed), Saturday, 4:30 pm.
After watching last week's record-setting game between the Cardinals and Packers, I was fully convinced that this game would probably be the game of this round. After an NFL playoff record combined 96 points, the Cardinals put up 51 points on the league's second-best defense. Kurt Warner played one of the best games of his career at the tender age of 38, going throwing more touchdowns than incompletions (5 to 4). The league's most efficient offense goes up against a high-powered offense, in what is almost guaranteed to be a high-scoring game.
If the second-best defense allows 51 points, how does a pretty crappy defense hold up?
The huge key factor in this game will be if Anquan Boldin return that sidelined him for last game. If he comes in, the Saints secondary will not only have to focus on a red-hot Larry Fitzgerald, but a tough and extremely dangerous Boldin. Not to mention the up and coming of Steve Breaston, this game should be interesting to see how the Saints line their men up.
The only problem I see with the Cardinals is really, their special teams. After watching Neil Rackers absolutely botch a 34 yard field goal kick to win the game, it has got people uneasy he lines up.
Pick: New Orleans Saints, 48-42.
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Baltimore Ravens (10-7, 6th seed) vs. Indianapolis Colts (14-2, 1st seed), Saturday, 8:15 pm.
The Ravens came into New England, where Tom Brady had a perfect playoff home record, and absolutely embarrassed them, putting a strong halt to the New England reign that took off at really the start of the 2000's. Their running game, Ray Rice being a major part of it, ran all over the Patriots and left them with a bitter taste of what they can now expect out of a much-improved AFC.
The Colts, who have lost 2 straight due to the injury-prevention-strategy, are coming into this one after a month of full play. That could and probably will be a factor in the game, as the Colts may be a little over-rested. However, that still remains to be seen.
In the battle of offense vs. defense, the Colts and Ravens will definitely engage into something that will be a very fiesty fight between two teams known for two opposite areas.
In this game, expect a great running game and great pressure from the Ravens and expect off-the-charts passing by the MVP, Peyton Manning.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts, 31-27.
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Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 3rd seed) vs. Minnesota Vikings (12-4, 2nd seed), Sunday, 1 pm.
As I've said before, any questions that surrounded the inability to win big games in big situations towards Tony Romo have been cleanly swept. Romo, who was the best quarterback in December, throwing for 11 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions, has turned his bad luck upside down, and finally won a playoff game against their divisional rivals, Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, they take their shot and go to Minnesota, to play the Vikings, who have been one of the coldest teams of late.
This game, to me, isn't going to be something of huge interest. The Cowboys D has one of the best rushing attacks in the league, led by none other than DeMarcus Ware. Yes, they do have Adrian Peterson to keep them honest, but it's hard to rush on a unit that is the 4th best when it comes to rush defense.
On the flipside, the Vikings don't have a terrible defense to say the least. They have one of the most feared, probably behind only the Ravens, but I say that they only perform a decent job against the red-hot 'Boys.
Pick: Dallas Cowboys, 34-21.
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New York Jets (10-7, 5th seed) vs. San Diego Chargers (13-3, 2nd seed), Sunday, 4:40 pm.
The Jets were, to me, the sleeper team of the playoffs. They turned heads after beating the Bengals, who clinched the AFC North. They had an extremely efficient running game, and a defense who, although didn't play up to expectations, played like they wanted the game.
They go to San Diego to face the hottest team in the entire NFL. The Chargers finished off the regular season with an 11-0 record, and have never looked better in a long time. Phillip Rivers is having the best year of his life, actually achieving a higher QB rating than Peyton Manning, who was chosen as MVP of the league. Althought LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't gone back to his hall-of-fame form that he was a few years back, he has showed signs of life again, and seems to be near his groove.
The depleted defense of the Chargers, however, is something that hasn't been wiped away. If they can find a way to shut down this 1 rushing unit in the Jets, they will take this game with ease. Don't expect a whole lot though.
Pick: San Diego Chargers, 42-24.
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Arizona Cardinals (11-6, 4th seed) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3, 1st seed), Saturday, 4:30 pm.
After watching last week's record-setting game between the Cardinals and Packers, I was fully convinced that this game would probably be the game of this round. After an NFL playoff record combined 96 points, the Cardinals put up 51 points on the league's second-best defense. Kurt Warner played one of the best games of his career at the tender age of 38, going throwing more touchdowns than incompletions (5 to 4). The league's most efficient offense goes up against a high-powered offense, in what is almost guaranteed to be a high-scoring game.
If the second-best defense allows 51 points, how does a pretty crappy defense hold up?
The huge key factor in this game will be if Anquan Boldin return that sidelined him for last game. If he comes in, the Saints secondary will not only have to focus on a red-hot Larry Fitzgerald, but a tough and extremely dangerous Boldin. Not to mention the up and coming of Steve Breaston, this game should be interesting to see how the Saints line their men up.
The only problem I see with the Cardinals is really, their special teams. After watching Neil Rackers absolutely botch a 34 yard field goal kick to win the game, it has got people uneasy he lines up.
Pick: New Orleans Saints, 48-42.
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Baltimore Ravens (10-7, 6th seed) vs. Indianapolis Colts (14-2, 1st seed), Saturday, 8:15 pm.
The Ravens came into New England, where Tom Brady had a perfect playoff home record, and absolutely embarrassed them, putting a strong halt to the New England reign that took off at really the start of the 2000's. Their running game, Ray Rice being a major part of it, ran all over the Patriots and left them with a bitter taste of what they can now expect out of a much-improved AFC.
The Colts, who have lost 2 straight due to the injury-prevention-strategy, are coming into this one after a month of full play. That could and probably will be a factor in the game, as the Colts may be a little over-rested. However, that still remains to be seen.
In the battle of offense vs. defense, the Colts and Ravens will definitely engage into something that will be a very fiesty fight between two teams known for two opposite areas.
In this game, expect a great running game and great pressure from the Ravens and expect off-the-charts passing by the MVP, Peyton Manning.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts, 31-27.
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Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 3rd seed) vs. Minnesota Vikings (12-4, 2nd seed), Sunday, 1 pm.
As I've said before, any questions that surrounded the inability to win big games in big situations towards Tony Romo have been cleanly swept. Romo, who was the best quarterback in December, throwing for 11 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions, has turned his bad luck upside down, and finally won a playoff game against their divisional rivals, Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, they take their shot and go to Minnesota, to play the Vikings, who have been one of the coldest teams of late.
This game, to me, isn't going to be something of huge interest. The Cowboys D has one of the best rushing attacks in the league, led by none other than DeMarcus Ware. Yes, they do have Adrian Peterson to keep them honest, but it's hard to rush on a unit that is the 4th best when it comes to rush defense.
On the flipside, the Vikings don't have a terrible defense to say the least. They have one of the most feared, probably behind only the Ravens, but I say that they only perform a decent job against the red-hot 'Boys.
Pick: Dallas Cowboys, 34-21.
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New York Jets (10-7, 5th seed) vs. San Diego Chargers (13-3, 2nd seed), Sunday, 4:40 pm.
The Jets were, to me, the sleeper team of the playoffs. They turned heads after beating the Bengals, who clinched the AFC North. They had an extremely efficient running game, and a defense who, although didn't play up to expectations, played like they wanted the game.
They go to San Diego to face the hottest team in the entire NFL. The Chargers finished off the regular season with an 11-0 record, and have never looked better in a long time. Phillip Rivers is having the best year of his life, actually achieving a higher QB rating than Peyton Manning, who was chosen as MVP of the league. Althought LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't gone back to his hall-of-fame form that he was a few years back, he has showed signs of life again, and seems to be near his groove.
The depleted defense of the Chargers, however, is something that hasn't been wiped away. If they can find a way to shut down this 1 rushing unit in the Jets, they will take this game with ease. Don't expect a whole lot though.
Pick: San Diego Chargers, 42-24.
Friday, January 8, 2010
NFL Wild-Card Playoff Round Picks
The 2009 NFL regular season has finished its course, and now we are headed to the big tournament. We are left with 12 teams, all trying to achieve the same, one goal: win the Super Bowl. After New Orleans, Minnesota, San Diego, Indianapolis, Arizona, New England, and Cincinnati wrapped up division spots, there were the wild cards and one division title left. When it was all set and done, the Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a win over Oakland, and the Jets grabbed the last one with a 37-0 win over the Bengals who were without star receiver Chad Ochocinco, who hurt his knee during pre-game warm-ups. In the NFC, Dallas beat out the Eagles to win the East title, and the Eagles settled with a wild card spot. Finally, the Green Bay Packers beat Arizona to get the last spot. Now, we get to the picks. Who moves on? Who goes home?
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New York Jets (9-7, 5th seed) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6, 4th seed), Saturday, 4:30 pm.
As I read all the predictions and see what analysts are saying about this match-up, it's about how Mark Sanchez is a rookie who has showed plenty of rookie mistakes down the stretch. However, for me, the numbers outside their dismal passing game is pretty damn good. They are 1st in the league in total defense. They are first in the league for their rushing attack. They allow the fewest points per game in the entire league, with 14.8. Now, the Bengals, are very similar to them, it's scary. Their
running game is 9th in the league. They are 4th in the league in total defense. they are 7th in the league for rushing defense, while New York is 8th. They have the 6th ranked pass defense, compared to the Jets' 1st ranked. Finally, they are 6th in the league for points allowed, at 18.2.
It's scary. These teams are almost identical, having problems with their passing game, but being absolutely spectacular in every other category. Now, for the Bengals, the passing game just hasn't been there. They have the quarterback in Carson Palmer and they have the receiver in Chad Ochocinco. With the Jets, they don't really have a quarterback that is proven.
When picking a winner for this game, it's hard, because I personally want the Bengals to win. I really do. They have been through so much, like the death of Chris Henry, a close teammate to a lot of players, especially Ochocinco. They deserve this game, and so does the NFL, because it would be a feel-good story and something that they need in the midst of various scandals.
However, the Jets are far more dangerous. They have one of the best, if not the best cornerback in the league in Darelle Revis. The Jets aren't that shaky as their record suggests. They, in my opinion are the sleeper team in the league that could make some noise. Yes, passing is a huge part of it all, but these guys just find a way to win. Expect this to be a dogfight between two elite defenses. I'm not entirely confident on this though.
Pick: New York Jets, 16-14.
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Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, 6th seed) vs. Dallas Cowboys (11-5, 3rd seed), Saturday, 8 pm.
The NFC is the more competitive, by far. The 3rd seed has the same record as the 6th. That just shows how good this conference is and how much this conference is up in the air. The big headline for the 'Boys heading into the last month of the season was their inability in the past several seasons to win big games, questioning the big-game ability of Tony Romo and head coach Wade Phillips. That's all done. After knocking off the then-undefeated New Orleans Saints and a huge division-clinching win over the Eagles, they have turned heads and played the best football in a long time. The big-play capability of Romo is in no doubt, as they look to continue their reign over their division rivals.
The outstanding numbers for the Eagles include a 9th ranked rush defense, a 5th ranked scoring team, and an 11th ranked offensive team. That's a little different for America's Team. They have the 2nd best offense, the 7th best rushing attack, the 6th ranked passing game, the 9th ranked defense, the 4th ranked rush defense, and have allowed the 2nd fewest points per game. Pretty lobsided, eh?
A long-missed Brian Westbrook comes back for the Eagles, who have been deprived of a striving running game, and look to add another threat to their explosive offense. It still, however, doesn't really make up for the fact that the Cowboys have DeMarcus Ware in their front line.
For some reason however, people are leaning over to the Eagles because they believe it's hard to win 3 games in a row in one season against the team. How does that make sense? I mean, the better team almost always comes out on top, right?
Pick: Dallas Cowboys, 27-17.
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Baltimore Ravens (9-7, 6th seed) vs. New England Patriots (10-6, 3rd seed), Sunday, 1 pm.
They have Tom Brady. They have Bill Belichek. They have Randy Moss. They don't have Wes Welker. After going down with a knee injury that is going to take him out of the entire playoffs last week on an awkward fall, the star receiver who led the league in receptions will not be another one of Brady's targets. It comes against a bad time, when the Ravens, knowing for not givi
ng a damn about who and/or what they're hitting, they'll hit you. It's scary to think about how the Patriots will survive, and it's a thought that has crept into their fans, now becoming a reality.
The Pats, and know that this is involving a healthy Wes Welker, have the 3rd best offense, the 12th best rushing game, the 3rd best passing game, and have scored the 6th most points in the league. The Ravens have the 5th best running attack, and have scored the 9th most points per game. Their defense, as always, is absolutely amazing. It ranks 3rd in overall defense, 5th in rushing defence, 8th in passing defense, and have allowed the 3rd fewest points. The Patriots meanwhile, have only produced the 5th best point defense in the league.
A very good determining stat is that the Patriots went a perfect 8-0 at home this year, while the Ravens stunk it up with a 3-5 road record. Another big factor, is the upgraded role of receiever Julian Edelman, who absolutely surprised me. The way he plays out their and runs is exactly like Wes Welker. His skill level isn't there, but the way he plays is exactly the same. He runs the short routes, and makes big plays out of them.
Nonetheless, the expertise in postseason glory is something that should carry the Patriots on to the divisional round.
Pick: New England Patriots, 31-19.
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Green Bay Packers (11-5, 5th seed) vs. Arizona Cardinals (10-6, 4th seed), Sunday, 4:40 pm.
This is the toughest game to pick. Mainly because, these two teams are extremely good and I`ll say something that has been on the minds of many. Whoever wins this could very well go all the way, given the way the top 2 seeds (New Orleans and Minnesota) have played lately. Aaron Rodgers seems to be coming out of his own and making his own mark into Green Bay Packer legendary status, trying to get rid of the enormous shadow left behind by Brett Favre.
The Packers possess the 6th best offense, the 7th best passing game, and have scored the 3rd most amount of points. They also have the 2nd best defense, the best rushing defense, a 5th ranked passing game, and have given up the 7th fewest points. The Cardinals are no comparison, as they don`t even rank in the top 10 for the top categories.
Experience should be key as the Cards went all the way to the Super Bowl last year. Aaron Rodgers is making his 1st career playoff start. Larry Fitzgerald going up against Charles Woodson will likely be something of an entertaining show to say the least. Again, it is the hardest one to choose. I will go ahead and choose the team with experience.
Pick: Arizona Cardinals, 41-38.
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New York Jets (9-7, 5th seed) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6, 4th seed), Saturday, 4:30 pm.
As I read all the predictions and see what analysts are saying about this match-up, it's about how Mark Sanchez is a rookie who has showed plenty of rookie mistakes down the stretch. However, for me, the numbers outside their dismal passing game is pretty damn good. They are 1st in the league in total defense. They are first in the league for their rushing attack. They allow the fewest points per game in the entire league, with 14.8. Now, the Bengals, are very similar to them, it's scary. Their
running game is 9th in the league. They are 4th in the league in total defense. they are 7th in the league for rushing defense, while New York is 8th. They have the 6th ranked pass defense, compared to the Jets' 1st ranked. Finally, they are 6th in the league for points allowed, at 18.2.It's scary. These teams are almost identical, having problems with their passing game, but being absolutely spectacular in every other category. Now, for the Bengals, the passing game just hasn't been there. They have the quarterback in Carson Palmer and they have the receiver in Chad Ochocinco. With the Jets, they don't really have a quarterback that is proven.
When picking a winner for this game, it's hard, because I personally want the Bengals to win. I really do. They have been through so much, like the death of Chris Henry, a close teammate to a lot of players, especially Ochocinco. They deserve this game, and so does the NFL, because it would be a feel-good story and something that they need in the midst of various scandals.
However, the Jets are far more dangerous. They have one of the best, if not the best cornerback in the league in Darelle Revis. The Jets aren't that shaky as their record suggests. They, in my opinion are the sleeper team in the league that could make some noise. Yes, passing is a huge part of it all, but these guys just find a way to win. Expect this to be a dogfight between two elite defenses. I'm not entirely confident on this though.
Pick: New York Jets, 16-14.
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Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, 6th seed) vs. Dallas Cowboys (11-5, 3rd seed), Saturday, 8 pm.
The NFC is the more competitive, by far. The 3rd seed has the same record as the 6th. That just shows how good this conference is and how much this conference is up in the air. The big headline for the 'Boys heading into the last month of the season was their inability in the past several seasons to win big games, questioning the big-game ability of Tony Romo and head coach Wade Phillips. That's all done. After knocking off the then-undefeated New Orleans Saints and a huge division-clinching win over the Eagles, they have turned heads and played the best football in a long time. The big-play capability of Romo is in no doubt, as they look to continue their reign over their division rivals.
The outstanding numbers for the Eagles include a 9th ranked rush defense, a 5th ranked scoring team, and an 11th ranked offensive team. That's a little different for America's Team. They have the 2nd best offense, the 7th best rushing attack, the 6th ranked passing game, the 9th ranked defense, the 4th ranked rush defense, and have allowed the 2nd fewest points per game. Pretty lobsided, eh?
A long-missed Brian Westbrook comes back for the Eagles, who have been deprived of a striving running game, and look to add another threat to their explosive offense. It still, however, doesn't really make up for the fact that the Cowboys have DeMarcus Ware in their front line.
For some reason however, people are leaning over to the Eagles because they believe it's hard to win 3 games in a row in one season against the team. How does that make sense? I mean, the better team almost always comes out on top, right?
Pick: Dallas Cowboys, 27-17.
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Baltimore Ravens (9-7, 6th seed) vs. New England Patriots (10-6, 3rd seed), Sunday, 1 pm.
They have Tom Brady. They have Bill Belichek. They have Randy Moss. They don't have Wes Welker. After going down with a knee injury that is going to take him out of the entire playoffs last week on an awkward fall, the star receiver who led the league in receptions will not be another one of Brady's targets. It comes against a bad time, when the Ravens, knowing for not givi
ng a damn about who and/or what they're hitting, they'll hit you. It's scary to think about how the Patriots will survive, and it's a thought that has crept into their fans, now becoming a reality.The Pats, and know that this is involving a healthy Wes Welker, have the 3rd best offense, the 12th best rushing game, the 3rd best passing game, and have scored the 6th most points in the league. The Ravens have the 5th best running attack, and have scored the 9th most points per game. Their defense, as always, is absolutely amazing. It ranks 3rd in overall defense, 5th in rushing defence, 8th in passing defense, and have allowed the 3rd fewest points. The Patriots meanwhile, have only produced the 5th best point defense in the league.
A very good determining stat is that the Patriots went a perfect 8-0 at home this year, while the Ravens stunk it up with a 3-5 road record. Another big factor, is the upgraded role of receiever Julian Edelman, who absolutely surprised me. The way he plays out their and runs is exactly like Wes Welker. His skill level isn't there, but the way he plays is exactly the same. He runs the short routes, and makes big plays out of them.
Nonetheless, the expertise in postseason glory is something that should carry the Patriots on to the divisional round.
Pick: New England Patriots, 31-19.
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Green Bay Packers (11-5, 5th seed) vs. Arizona Cardinals (10-6, 4th seed), Sunday, 4:40 pm.
This is the toughest game to pick. Mainly because, these two teams are extremely good and I`ll say something that has been on the minds of many. Whoever wins this could very well go all the way, given the way the top 2 seeds (New Orleans and Minnesota) have played lately. Aaron Rodgers seems to be coming out of his own and making his own mark into Green Bay Packer legendary status, trying to get rid of the enormous shadow left behind by Brett Favre.
The Packers possess the 6th best offense, the 7th best passing game, and have scored the 3rd most amount of points. They also have the 2nd best defense, the best rushing defense, a 5th ranked passing game, and have given up the 7th fewest points. The Cardinals are no comparison, as they don`t even rank in the top 10 for the top categories.
Experience should be key as the Cards went all the way to the Super Bowl last year. Aaron Rodgers is making his 1st career playoff start. Larry Fitzgerald going up against Charles Woodson will likely be something of an entertaining show to say the least. Again, it is the hardest one to choose. I will go ahead and choose the team with experience.
Pick: Arizona Cardinals, 41-38.
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