Sunday evening will bring us the biggest game in all of football, the Super Bowl, one team will be the champion and the other will go home with a sour taste in their mouth.
This Super Bowl has the number one offense in the NFL (Denver Broncos) up against the number one defense (Seattle Seahawks) which will make for a very interesting game. Manning vs. Wilson at the QB spot, the running game of the Seahawks and the passing game of the Broncos are both the focal points of offense for said teams. The Seahawks are better on defense including their secondary which features the best corner in the game being none other than Richard Sherman.
The secondary (Legion of Boom) will be up against Manning and his receiver corp that features Wes Welker, Julius Thomas, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. I personally believe the Seahawks can defend this as well stuff the running game that is lead by Knowshon Moreno. That is not to say that the Broncos cannot put up points, but I love the Seattle defense, history has shown defense is huge in the big games. If Manning gets in one of his grooves he will throw it around the lot, any of the players I have mentioned can score at will.
2007, the New England Patriots who had the highest scoring offense and set the then record for points scored on top of Tom Brady having 50 touchdown passes and Randy Moss with 23 receiving touchdowns which set records they fell short. The New York Giants harassed Brady all game long and they came out on top ending the Patriots hopes for an undefeated season.
I am not going to buy into the hype of an offense that scores so much being able to win, Manning fell short in the 2004 playoffs after throwing 49 touchdown passes in the regular season.
The downside for the Seahawks is the young team, not many have great experience just yet, however they are not to be looked down upon. Russell Wilson will need to play well in order to help his team out, if they can run well he will be able to throw it down the field. Percy Harvin will be a factor in this game, he can be used in so many ways and he will open the passing game up, I think he will have 100 yards and a touchdown.
Marshawn Lynch will be the heart and sole of this offense that night, and I think Golden Tate will have one big play as well as Lynch who I say will have the impact touchdown of the game to put it away.
My prediction:
Seahawks win 27-20 and Marshawn Lynch will be the game's MVP
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
How Super Bowl 48 Will Affect Peyton Manning's Legacy
Super Bowl 48 has some big implications for Peyton Manning who put up the best regular season for any quarterback in NFL history.
Manning is 1-1 in Super Bowls, he beat the Chicago Bears in the 2006 season super bowl and lost to the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 season. Manning now faces the number one defense which features the legion of boom lead by corner back Richard Sherman. This to me will present the biggest test for Peyton and his offense that they have faced this season, and will also be a challenge to Manning and his legacy.
Manning has been known for great regular seasons and also for post-season failures, if he cannot lead the Broncos to a title this season many will consider the season a failure for someone who has played well his whole career. While this may seem unfair his post-season record speaks for itself, he is 11-11 in the playoffs including 8 first game exits, for someone so decorated that is sub-par.
So here is how I think his legacy will be affected in both winning and losing situations:
Wins the super bowl:
Peyton Manning will silence critics that he is not clutch in the post-season and will cap off the best regular season any quarterback has ever had with a championship which means he will have the best season of any quarterback ever. The past has shown it is not always easing setting a record and winning it all that same season, Dan Marino and Tom Brady could not do it and Manning came up short when he threw for 49 touchdowns in 2004 when he lead his offense to only 3 points in a divisional round loss.
Manning will also have a 2-1 record in the Super Bowl and will have lead 2 different teams to a title as a starter, that will also add to his already impressive resume as it pertains to quarterback play. This season will be something that will always be remembered if he wins.
Loss:
Peyton Manning will receive criticism for coming up short in a big game again and will also fall to 1-2 in the big game and the only win will be against Rex Grossman who is now the third string QB on the Washington Redskins. It will also show as I have mentioned above that setting records does not lead to super bowl wins. He will also not have as many rings as his younger brother Eli, I am sure he wants to be even with him. This will also keep him largely in the conversation as the best regular season quarterback ever but his post-season failures will hinder opinions as him being a top 5 QB of all time.
This could be one of Manning's last chances if not his last to win a Super Bowl so he needs to make it count.
Come Sunday night we will see how his career legacy will be affected.
.
Monday, January 20, 2014
How the Top 10 in the 2014 NFL Draft Could Work Out
This is the top 10 in the 2014 NFL Draft as of right now:
1.) Houston Texans
2.) St. Louis Rams (via the Washington Redskins)
3.) Jacksonville Jaguars
4.) Cleveland Browns
5.) Oakland Raiders
6.) Atlanta Falcons
7.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8.) Minnesota Vikings
9.) Buffalo Bills
10.) Detroit Lions
I think there will be changes in the top 10 and one being the Rams trading with the Cleveland Browns, the Rams have another pick later in the draft and could move down and perhaps gain another 2nd round pick as well. This is the second time since the 2012 draft that the Rams have the 2nd overall pick and have a chance to cash in on it. In 2012 they were able to make a trade with the Washington Redskins and got three first round picks and a second round pick in 2012 as well, the Redskins used this pick for a quarterback. The Cleveland Browns are going to have to make a jump in order to get a quarterback because the Texans could take one and the Jaguars need one as well.
The Texans could go in a number of directions and if they take Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater the Jaguars could take the other, and the Browns really need a quarterback. The last time they drafted one in the first round in 2012 and that was Brandon Weeden and he has not worked out, this is their opportunity to get one that the Browns can build around.
I could also see the Vikings trying to trade up to the number 2 spot, they have two first rounders this season, they could use those picks to get the number 2 pick and take a quarterback as well. That is the only team aside from the Browns I can see trading up for that pick.
The Falcons may not want to pick in the top 10, they should have been a playoff team but the injuries piled up and the team just went down the tubes early in the season. I could see them trading down with another team like the Patriots have in the past to get more picks and use them for defense.
Those are the changes that I think could happen within the top 10 of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
NFC Title Game Prediction
San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks
Sunday January 19th 6:30 P.M. on FOX
The San Francisco 49ers are now about to play their third road playoff game, they were able to beat the Packers on a last second field goal and beat the Panthers by 13 behind a strong run game, hard defense and Kaepernick has been playing solid as well. This team is really finding its way and showed last week that they can hang tough on the road against a tough defense, they should be able to do the same in Seattle, but they must not fall behind from the start. What I liked about them against the Panthers was how patient they seemed to be, they kept running the ball to grind out the yards no matter how hard they were to get. They must use that in Seattle because that secondary is nothing to ignore, they cannot keep trying to sling the ball around to start and expect to leave Seattle with the NFC Title. Anquan Boldin has been a bright spot for this team in the post season as well with 174 receiving yards on 11 catches, Michael Crabtree has also helped since his return and has 151 yards on 11 catches this post season. Vernon Davis has only caught three passes but two have been touchdowns, so look for him to be a big red zone target for the 49ers.
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a close one against the Saints in which the Saints could have possibly tied the game up at the end had it not been for Marques throwing the game away on a forward pass that was supposed to be a lateral. Russell Wilson struggled completing 9 of his 18 passing attempts for 103 yards, he has to do better against a tough 49er defense. While Wilson had his issues passing the Seahawks kept feeding Marshawn Lynch he ball, he had another great run to make it a two score game, it reminded me of the run he had against the Saints in the 2010 season divisional round game. While it was not as wild as the one in 2010 it still was a great run that helped the Seahawks pull away, Lynch has 140 yards on 28 carries against the Saints last weekend which is an average of 5 a carry and two touchdowns as well. He will be one of the key factors to help this team win. The defense is also something to be reckoned with , they only allowed 14 points a game in the regular season and allowed 15 last weekend, this defense will not quit. If they can stop the run game of the 49ers they will be fine because that secondary can shut anyone down.
This game will be one of many great ones we have seen in the past since the Kaepernick and Wilson era began, and it will be one of the many great ones that we will come to see. I look forward to this rivalry to continue!
Prediction:
The Seahawks stay strong at home again and win a close one 17-12
Sunday January 19th 6:30 P.M. on FOX
The San Francisco 49ers are now about to play their third road playoff game, they were able to beat the Packers on a last second field goal and beat the Panthers by 13 behind a strong run game, hard defense and Kaepernick has been playing solid as well. This team is really finding its way and showed last week that they can hang tough on the road against a tough defense, they should be able to do the same in Seattle, but they must not fall behind from the start. What I liked about them against the Panthers was how patient they seemed to be, they kept running the ball to grind out the yards no matter how hard they were to get. They must use that in Seattle because that secondary is nothing to ignore, they cannot keep trying to sling the ball around to start and expect to leave Seattle with the NFC Title. Anquan Boldin has been a bright spot for this team in the post season as well with 174 receiving yards on 11 catches, Michael Crabtree has also helped since his return and has 151 yards on 11 catches this post season. Vernon Davis has only caught three passes but two have been touchdowns, so look for him to be a big red zone target for the 49ers.
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a close one against the Saints in which the Saints could have possibly tied the game up at the end had it not been for Marques throwing the game away on a forward pass that was supposed to be a lateral. Russell Wilson struggled completing 9 of his 18 passing attempts for 103 yards, he has to do better against a tough 49er defense. While Wilson had his issues passing the Seahawks kept feeding Marshawn Lynch he ball, he had another great run to make it a two score game, it reminded me of the run he had against the Saints in the 2010 season divisional round game. While it was not as wild as the one in 2010 it still was a great run that helped the Seahawks pull away, Lynch has 140 yards on 28 carries against the Saints last weekend which is an average of 5 a carry and two touchdowns as well. He will be one of the key factors to help this team win. The defense is also something to be reckoned with , they only allowed 14 points a game in the regular season and allowed 15 last weekend, this defense will not quit. If they can stop the run game of the 49ers they will be fine because that secondary can shut anyone down.
This game will be one of many great ones we have seen in the past since the Kaepernick and Wilson era began, and it will be one of the many great ones that we will come to see. I look forward to this rivalry to continue!
Prediction:
The Seahawks stay strong at home again and win a close one 17-12
AFC Title Game Prediction
New England Patriots at the Denver Broncos
Sunday January 19th 3:00 P.M. CBS
The New England Patriots keep finding ways to win games and as of late that has been a heavy dose of running and a stout defense which is exactly how they beat the Colts on Saturday night by the score 43-22. The late season emergence of Legarette Blount has been huge; his best games of the 2013 season have been the week 17 win against the Bills and this past weekend’s game against the Colts in which he ran for 166 yards and 4 scores. You add that in with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen that makes a great trio of running backs that can be utilized in multiple ways. The three headed rushing attack reminds me of the 2007 Giants who had a similar running attack and used it to go all the way to the Super Bowl and beat the Patriots and their high scoring offense, if the Patriots can run the ball and play hard nose defense they will beat the Broncos. It is important to run the ball as much as possible against the Broncos who can score at will as they showed all season long en route to a historic record breaking season by Peyton Manning. The Patriots also have a victory against the Broncos this season when the Patriots trailed 24-0 at the half and won 34-31 in overtime after making a comeback in the second half which saw the Patriots rattle of 31 unanswered points. The Patriots must run the ball and play solid defense to win this game, because by doing that they control the clock and keep Manning and his offense off of the field.
The Denver Broncos offense has been the talk of the NFL all season long and for good reason, they set the all time record for points in a season, Peyton Manning now owns the record for most passing touchdowns in a single season and also the most passing yards in one season. Manning has Eric Decker, Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker to throw to which makes it easy for this team to put up points in bunches. One thing I noticed against the Chargers last week was that Manning was able to throw the ball in running situations at the end of the game to get the first downs to kill the clock, that is something that very few quarterbacks in the NFL can do. The Broncos will probably keep throwing the ball this game not just because of the weapons they have but also because the Patriots have been running the ball very well and will keep Manning off the field. When it comes to playing the Broncos you have to run the ball and keep that offense on the sideline, Manning can go match the points the Patriots put up and he has had some classic games against Tom Brady and the Patriots so there is no reason to think this will not be another one.
To be completely honest I do not see the Patriots spotting the Broncos 24 points to start this game, they have been better with the fumbling and also have been very stout on defense getting takeaways as shown last week when they picked Andrew Luck off 4 times. I think this game will go down to the wire and will be decided during the last three minutes of the game, this will in fact be another classic Brady vs Manning match up and will mark the third time they face off in the AFC title game against one another.
Prediction:
The Patriots running game will help set up the passing game and the defense will hold strong, Patriots win 35-31
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
NFC Divisional Round Predictions
New Orleans Saints at the Seattle Seahawks
Saturday January 11th 4:35 P.M. on Fox
The New Orleans Saints are coming off a road win in the wildcard round against the Philadelphia Eagles which marked the first time in their franchise history that they won a road playoff game. This got the monkey off of the Saints back and Drew Brees and company return to Seattle where they were beat down by the Seahawks on Monday Night Football in week 13 by the score of 34-7. I don't see that happening again because the Saints have the talent and smarts to correct their mistakes and play better against a team like the Seahawks. The Saints have to continue to run the ball as well especially because they are on the road, against the Eagles they ran for 185 yards on 36 carries averaging 5.1 yards a carry. While they had success against the Eagles the Seahawks are a far different team but as I have already stated I don't see the Saints being blown out here.
The Seahawks clinched a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and had a record of 7-1 at home in 2013 which shows how big an advantage playing at home is for them. While the Saints have a powerful and high flying offense the Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the league, they only gave up 14 points a game in 2013 and rank first in yards allowed per game at 273.6 yards a game. The one thorn in their side heading into the playoffs has been the play of Russell Wilson who only surpassed 200 passing yards once in the final 4 games of the season and threw 4 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. 2 of those games were at home and 1 on the road, their overall record in that span was 2-2, if the Seahawks want to win they need better play out of him. Experienced playoff teams like the Saints will take advantage of poor play and win those games.
Prediction:
The Seahawks win and Russell Wilson finds himself again, they win by a score 20-13.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers
Sunday January 12th 1:05 P.M. on Fox
The 49ers played well against the Packers in Greenbay and left with the win with the help of the defense and especially Colin Kaepernick's great play not only with his arm but with his legs that helped extend plays and also pick up yards on the ground. Kaepernick struggled this season but was able to turn things around and Michael Crabtree's return has been one of the reason's for his turnaround. As for any team in the playoffs and especially on the road a solid run game is a must, the 49ers ranked 3rd in the regular season in rushing and ran for 167 yards on 30 carries for an average of 5.56 yards a carry. The 49ers must keep that up and use that to set up the play action to get the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree and if they can do that there is no reason to think they can't pull out a victory here.
The Carolina Panthers started off the season in a sluggish manner and it seemed that they were doomed to have another down season where high expectations would not be met, but that did not last long. The Panthers found their groove and their defense played exceptionally well to help propel them to their first NFC North title since 2008 which also happened to be the last time they made the playoffs. The Panthers were able to go on the road and beat the 49ers back in week 10 by the score of 10-9. At that point in the season Kapernick had been struggling to put together a good game, but since that he has turned things around. The Panthers do have the advantage by being at home but they will have to continue to play great defense in order to win this game.
One last thing about the Panthers is that receiver Steve Smith said he will play this weekend against the 49ers which will mark the first time he will play since he sprained his PCL in week 16. That was reported on nfl.com by Marc Sessler.
Prediction:
The Panthers win another close one 27-23, Steve Smith will make an impact by being back.
Saturday January 11th 4:35 P.M. on Fox
The New Orleans Saints are coming off a road win in the wildcard round against the Philadelphia Eagles which marked the first time in their franchise history that they won a road playoff game. This got the monkey off of the Saints back and Drew Brees and company return to Seattle where they were beat down by the Seahawks on Monday Night Football in week 13 by the score of 34-7. I don't see that happening again because the Saints have the talent and smarts to correct their mistakes and play better against a team like the Seahawks. The Saints have to continue to run the ball as well especially because they are on the road, against the Eagles they ran for 185 yards on 36 carries averaging 5.1 yards a carry. While they had success against the Eagles the Seahawks are a far different team but as I have already stated I don't see the Saints being blown out here.
The Seahawks clinched a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and had a record of 7-1 at home in 2013 which shows how big an advantage playing at home is for them. While the Saints have a powerful and high flying offense the Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the league, they only gave up 14 points a game in 2013 and rank first in yards allowed per game at 273.6 yards a game. The one thorn in their side heading into the playoffs has been the play of Russell Wilson who only surpassed 200 passing yards once in the final 4 games of the season and threw 4 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. 2 of those games were at home and 1 on the road, their overall record in that span was 2-2, if the Seahawks want to win they need better play out of him. Experienced playoff teams like the Saints will take advantage of poor play and win those games.
Prediction:
The Seahawks win and Russell Wilson finds himself again, they win by a score 20-13.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers
Sunday January 12th 1:05 P.M. on Fox
The 49ers played well against the Packers in Greenbay and left with the win with the help of the defense and especially Colin Kaepernick's great play not only with his arm but with his legs that helped extend plays and also pick up yards on the ground. Kaepernick struggled this season but was able to turn things around and Michael Crabtree's return has been one of the reason's for his turnaround. As for any team in the playoffs and especially on the road a solid run game is a must, the 49ers ranked 3rd in the regular season in rushing and ran for 167 yards on 30 carries for an average of 5.56 yards a carry. The 49ers must keep that up and use that to set up the play action to get the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree and if they can do that there is no reason to think they can't pull out a victory here.
The Carolina Panthers started off the season in a sluggish manner and it seemed that they were doomed to have another down season where high expectations would not be met, but that did not last long. The Panthers found their groove and their defense played exceptionally well to help propel them to their first NFC North title since 2008 which also happened to be the last time they made the playoffs. The Panthers were able to go on the road and beat the 49ers back in week 10 by the score of 10-9. At that point in the season Kapernick had been struggling to put together a good game, but since that he has turned things around. The Panthers do have the advantage by being at home but they will have to continue to play great defense in order to win this game.
One last thing about the Panthers is that receiver Steve Smith said he will play this weekend against the 49ers which will mark the first time he will play since he sprained his PCL in week 16. That was reported on nfl.com by Marc Sessler.
Prediction:
The Panthers win another close one 27-23, Steve Smith will make an impact by being back.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
AFC Divisional Round Predictions
Indianapolis Colts at the New England Patriots
Saturday January 11th, 8:15 P.M. on CBS
The Colts are coming off a game in which they fell 38-10 to the Chiefs but made a huge second half comeback to stun the Chiefs 45-44. While this was an amazing comeback the Colts CANNOT get into that kind of spot on the road against the Patriots or really on the road in the playoffs for that matter. Playing at home in a dome is a much different game than being on the road in a cold playoff game against the likes of Tom Brady. If Andrew Luck can prevent the turnovers and run the ball well they have a shot at winning this one.
The New England Patriots will come in well rested following a first round bye and will be comfortable at home where they went 8-0 this season, again that does not always translate to the playoffs. For those that watched the Chargers at Bengals game we saw a team that was 8-0 at home fall to a road playoff team, but the major difference is the quarterback for the home team. The Patriots have found a solid running game, if they can feed Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount the ball then they can control the clock, between them in the regular season they combine for a total of 1,545 yards and 14 touchdowns. The only issue they had and mostly Ridley is fumbling the ball, if the Patriots can not fumble and keep pounding the ball they will take care of the clock and the Colts, the Patriots need this to happen to help open the passing game.
Prediction:
Patriots win another home playoff game by the score of 35-20
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Sunday January 12th 4:40 P.M. CBS
The San Diego Chargers went on the road and beat the Cincinnati Bengals who had been a perfect 8-0 at home in the regular season and they look like a team that is coming together at the right time. They controlled the clock and the defense came up big time as well, if they can do this in Denver they will be fine. The Chargers run game was a big help in the game against the Bengals, they ran for a team total of 196 yards on 40 carries averaging 4.9 yards a carry and when you are on the road in the playoffs that is a must. The Chargers will be able to keep the ball away from Peyton Manning who shredded passing records this season with all of his touchdowns and passing yards. The other important thing the Chargers have to do to is play tough man to man on the Broncos pass catchers and get in Manning's face.
The Broncos are coming off a bye-week and hold the home field advantage throughout the playoffs and now find themselves playing a divisional opponent for the third time this season. The Chargers came into Denver in week 15 and left with a win by the score of 27-20 and you better believe Manning will not forget that and he will want to go out there and beat San Diego. The Broncos possess the offense to put up points at will, but as history has shown what is done in the regular season means nothing in the post season, examples would be the Colts in 2004 when Manning lead his Colts to 3 points in New England following a 49 passing touchdown season. Another example is the 2007 Patriots who could not find a way to beat the Giants so the Broncos better be prepared for anything, especially against the Chargers who have gave Manning trouble in the past.
And of course Manning has had issues in the playoffs in his career being one and done 9 times.
Prediction:
This may seem bold to some, but I am taking the Chargers in this one by the score of 34-21
Saturday January 11th, 8:15 P.M. on CBS
The Colts are coming off a game in which they fell 38-10 to the Chiefs but made a huge second half comeback to stun the Chiefs 45-44. While this was an amazing comeback the Colts CANNOT get into that kind of spot on the road against the Patriots or really on the road in the playoffs for that matter. Playing at home in a dome is a much different game than being on the road in a cold playoff game against the likes of Tom Brady. If Andrew Luck can prevent the turnovers and run the ball well they have a shot at winning this one.
The New England Patriots will come in well rested following a first round bye and will be comfortable at home where they went 8-0 this season, again that does not always translate to the playoffs. For those that watched the Chargers at Bengals game we saw a team that was 8-0 at home fall to a road playoff team, but the major difference is the quarterback for the home team. The Patriots have found a solid running game, if they can feed Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount the ball then they can control the clock, between them in the regular season they combine for a total of 1,545 yards and 14 touchdowns. The only issue they had and mostly Ridley is fumbling the ball, if the Patriots can not fumble and keep pounding the ball they will take care of the clock and the Colts, the Patriots need this to happen to help open the passing game.
Prediction:
Patriots win another home playoff game by the score of 35-20
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Sunday January 12th 4:40 P.M. CBS
The San Diego Chargers went on the road and beat the Cincinnati Bengals who had been a perfect 8-0 at home in the regular season and they look like a team that is coming together at the right time. They controlled the clock and the defense came up big time as well, if they can do this in Denver they will be fine. The Chargers run game was a big help in the game against the Bengals, they ran for a team total of 196 yards on 40 carries averaging 4.9 yards a carry and when you are on the road in the playoffs that is a must. The Chargers will be able to keep the ball away from Peyton Manning who shredded passing records this season with all of his touchdowns and passing yards. The other important thing the Chargers have to do to is play tough man to man on the Broncos pass catchers and get in Manning's face.
The Broncos are coming off a bye-week and hold the home field advantage throughout the playoffs and now find themselves playing a divisional opponent for the third time this season. The Chargers came into Denver in week 15 and left with a win by the score of 27-20 and you better believe Manning will not forget that and he will want to go out there and beat San Diego. The Broncos possess the offense to put up points at will, but as history has shown what is done in the regular season means nothing in the post season, examples would be the Colts in 2004 when Manning lead his Colts to 3 points in New England following a 49 passing touchdown season. Another example is the 2007 Patriots who could not find a way to beat the Giants so the Broncos better be prepared for anything, especially against the Chargers who have gave Manning trouble in the past.
And of course Manning has had issues in the playoffs in his career being one and done 9 times.
Prediction:
This may seem bold to some, but I am taking the Chargers in this one by the score of 34-21
Thursday, January 2, 2014
NFC Wildcard Round Predictions
New Orleans Saints at the Philadelphia Eagles
Saturday January 4th 8:10 PM NBC
The Saints finished with a record of 11-5 but their downside is that they were 3-5 on the road in 2013 and now find themselves on the road for this playoff game because they could not win the NFC South. The Saints did have a turnaround season following last years season which saw the Saints go 7-9 without head coach Sean Payton. The Saints do have playoff experience but have not won a playoff game on the road during the Payton/Brees era. They do rank 10th in points per game and 4th in passing yards but rank 25th in rushing which is an issue playing against the Eagles offense which can score points at will.
The Eagles finished the regular season with a win on the road in Dallas to clinch the NFC East and a record of 10-6 all under new head coach Chip Kelly and starting quarterback Nick Foles who took over for Vick due to injury. They started off the season 0-4 at home but won their last 4 in their place by the combine score of 136-68 (avg of 34 points per game scored during this streak and only allowing 17 points a game).
They rank 4th in points scored and have the highest ranking rushing game which is a must playing a team like the Saints, they can keep the clock rolling and close out a game with their ground game.
Prediction:
Eagles win 31-17
San Francisco 49ers at the Green Bay Packers
Sunday January 5th 4:40 PM FOX
The 49ers got into the playoffs following a victory over the Falcons in week 16 when Navorro Bowman had a pick 6 to seal the win and help clinch a playoff spot. They started off a little slow but were able to turn things around and won their last six games to finish the regular season with an overall record of 12-4. Michael Crabtree's return helped spark this offense and helped Colin Kaepernick find his groove again, you will see more of this in this game I believe. The 49ers can also run the ball well (ranked 3rd in the NFL) which is a must for a cold weather game and also for playing on the road.
The Green Bay Packers lost Aaron Rodgers for 7 weeks following his injury against the Bears when he suffered a broken collarbone, but he came back for the last game of the season and beat the Bears on the road to take the NFC North. The Packers had a record of 2-4-1 without Rodgers as their starter, however when he did start they were 6-3, Rodgers is clearly the spark plug for this team. They are playing at home and with momentum their way because of how the game ended in Chicago, this team will be playing hard and are actually underdogs in this game as well. While they have not played their best ball against the 49ers in the past I have a feeling this game will be much different. The Packers like the 49ers can run the ball well (ranked 7th in the NFL)
Prediction:
Packers get the best of the 49ers and win 28-16
Saturday January 4th 8:10 PM NBC
The Saints finished with a record of 11-5 but their downside is that they were 3-5 on the road in 2013 and now find themselves on the road for this playoff game because they could not win the NFC South. The Saints did have a turnaround season following last years season which saw the Saints go 7-9 without head coach Sean Payton. The Saints do have playoff experience but have not won a playoff game on the road during the Payton/Brees era. They do rank 10th in points per game and 4th in passing yards but rank 25th in rushing which is an issue playing against the Eagles offense which can score points at will.
The Eagles finished the regular season with a win on the road in Dallas to clinch the NFC East and a record of 10-6 all under new head coach Chip Kelly and starting quarterback Nick Foles who took over for Vick due to injury. They started off the season 0-4 at home but won their last 4 in their place by the combine score of 136-68 (avg of 34 points per game scored during this streak and only allowing 17 points a game).
They rank 4th in points scored and have the highest ranking rushing game which is a must playing a team like the Saints, they can keep the clock rolling and close out a game with their ground game.
Prediction:
Eagles win 31-17
San Francisco 49ers at the Green Bay Packers
Sunday January 5th 4:40 PM FOX
The 49ers got into the playoffs following a victory over the Falcons in week 16 when Navorro Bowman had a pick 6 to seal the win and help clinch a playoff spot. They started off a little slow but were able to turn things around and won their last six games to finish the regular season with an overall record of 12-4. Michael Crabtree's return helped spark this offense and helped Colin Kaepernick find his groove again, you will see more of this in this game I believe. The 49ers can also run the ball well (ranked 3rd in the NFL) which is a must for a cold weather game and also for playing on the road.
The Green Bay Packers lost Aaron Rodgers for 7 weeks following his injury against the Bears when he suffered a broken collarbone, but he came back for the last game of the season and beat the Bears on the road to take the NFC North. The Packers had a record of 2-4-1 without Rodgers as their starter, however when he did start they were 6-3, Rodgers is clearly the spark plug for this team. They are playing at home and with momentum their way because of how the game ended in Chicago, this team will be playing hard and are actually underdogs in this game as well. While they have not played their best ball against the 49ers in the past I have a feeling this game will be much different. The Packers like the 49ers can run the ball well (ranked 7th in the NFL)
Prediction:
Packers get the best of the 49ers and win 28-16
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