NFL Conference Championship Predictions

Conference Championship Predictions

Here we are, just four teams remaining to compete for a Super Bowl championship. Last week’s games really made up for a dismal opening round, especially the double overtime thriller in Denver, and the double comeback/choke job that happened in Atlanta. After nearly five months of competing, each remaining team is two wins away from being crowned champions. The two games are very different but both are intriguing. On the NFC side, the 49ers have been propelled to another level by the emergence of Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, something that I refused to believe until I saw it happen. An NFL record for QB rushing yards in any game ever pretty much sealed the deal. The Falcons are such a wild card, because they came into last week known as chokers, and tried their very best to keep that reputation intact until Matts Ryan and Bryant wiped that away. As for the AFC, this game between Baltimore and New England will be a rematch of last year’s conference title game in which the Patriots barely escaped with a victory. These two teams are very familiar with each other, and I think it will be a bloodbath. I have to give myself a little praise and criticism here: although I botched the NFC side of my predictions, my preseason AFC Championship Game was, in fact, Baltimore at New England, so I nailed that one exactly. When the playoffs began, however, I did not think that Baltimore would find themselves in this position right now; that was a heck of a performance they put on against Peyton Manning in the Mile High last Saturday, and no matter what happens this week, they should get a ton of credit for pulling off that win. Now I will unveil who I think will become AFC and NFC Champions, and who will battle for Super Bowl XLVII.

SF vs ATL (+4.5) - How about an incredible home team getting four and a half points in a conference championship game against a quarterback with eight career starts? One thing is certain: this 49ers team is really good. Their defense is electric, and this offense has played at a different level since Kaep took over. The Falcons are the exact opposite; they looked phenomenal in the first half against the Seahawks, but in the second half blew a 20-point lead late in the game before finally sealing the deal. If they played like the first half team, then they have a very good chance of winning. However, here’s the important question: if the Seahawks dominated for two quarters last week with a team set up the same way as San Francisco’s, what’s stopping the 49ers from using that same game plan for four full quarters? I don’t really have a good answer. Matt Ryan would have to have the game of his life, but that’s a reach against the vaunted D of San Fran. I just don’t know how I can trust the Falcons after that collapse last week. I still don’t like Kaepernick, but he’s been proving me wrong all season long. If the Falcons can find a way to pull this out, then good for them. But I have to go with the 49ers to win by about a touchdown. San Francisco 27, Atlanta 20.

BAL vs NE (-7.5) - I am so ready for this game. I love Baltimore; I hate the Patriots more than any other sports franchise on the planet, even more than the Red Sox. These teams have played multiple times the past few years, including two playoff matchups: after the 2009 season, when the Ravens went up to New England and smacked them in the mouth, and last year in the famous AFC Championship Game when the Ravens dropped the winning TD and shanked the tying field goal. These two teams also played already this season, with Baltimore winning 31-30. The Ravens have had recent success against the Pats and know that they can win this game; they want blood and revenge for that AFC Championship Game loss from last year and feel like they have gotten a second chance to take care of unfinished business; they want to win for Ray Lewis who is going to retire after the season, and don’t want his final game to be a loss; they have a bolstered receiving core and a kicker who, even though he is a rookie, has shown that he can make clutch kicks; finally, they have Bernard Karmell Pollard. For those of you who are unfamiliar, here is the curse of Bernard Karmell Pollard, the Patriot Assassin: 2008 Game 1, as a member of the Chiefs, tears Tom Brady’s ACL in the first quarter of the opening game, ending the Patriots’ chance for an F U season; 2009 Week 17, as a member of the Texans, tears Wes Welker’s ACL in a game where Belichick decided to play his starters; 2012 AFC Championship Game, as a member of the Ravens, hurts Gronkowski’s ankle and virtually takes him out of play for the Super Bowl, which New England lost. This man is a Patriot Killer. And I love him. I can’t wait for him to strike again. Bernard Karmell Pollard will win this game, or take someone down with him. All of these reasons favor the Ravens. They are a team of destiny this season. The main flaw to watch out for is that their defense has to be exhausted after the last couple of weeks, and they will be facing a brutally up-tempo Patriot offense. But I have faith. This was my preseason pick for the AFC Championship Game. And the Baltimore Ravens were my preseason pick to win this game and win the Super Bowl. So my prediction will be the same as it was back in early September. These are the birds you want to bet on this week. Baltimore 27, New England 26.

I’m predicting an All-Harbaugh Championship. But really, only one thing matters: Anybody but the Patriots. See you at the Super Bowl.

2013 Golden Globes Recap

2013 Golden Globes Recap

I’m not really an awards show kind-of guy, but I watched the Golden Globes last night because there was no football, so here are some only slightly educated thoughts and feelings from the ceremony last night. Congratulations to all winners.

• Best Dressed: Jessica Alba edges out J-Lo in a tight race
• Surprisingly Deep Acceptance Speech: Kevin Costner
• Award for Winning All Awards: Homeland (this might be called the Modern Family Award in the future from that Emmys run a couple of years ago)
• Great Decision: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as hosts. Really funny.
• Not-So-Great Decision: Showing like seven cut-away shots of Jack Black. Like there aren’t more relevant people you can show, NBC?
• Movie With Multiple Winners That I Still Have to See: Les Mis. Supposed to be great. Didn’t know Hugh Jackman could sing, but now I have to up my game again so I can compete for my girlfriend’s heart. Voice lessons, here I come.
• The Catapult Award:  The Catapult Award is given to something that will receive a huge ratings boost/profit/recognition, etc. from a win. So this award goes to HBO’s Girls for Lena Dunham’s win last night. I have never seen Girls, but it’s been getting a lot of attention in awards season, so now I’m probably going to check it out, and I think a lot of America will follow suit. Calling it now: big season three.
• Strangest Acceptance Speech: Not Jodie Foster’s, because I was very creeped out by one Quentin Tarantino. I know this guy is like a movie genius in some ways, but he is a bulge-eyed crazy dude who was hyper and yelling for his whole speech. Like I could imagine him losing his mind and shaking his head ferociously with his tongue out sending sweat everywhere and becoming an axe murderer. Stranger things have happened. Just saying.
• Most Heart-warming Speech: Probably Daniel Day-Lewis. He was genuinely appreciative of his award, and he spoke very eloquently and passionately. He deserved to win, too; he just nailed the role of a lifetime.
• Best Presenters: I mean, it has to be Will Ferrell and Kristin Wiig, right? I can’t believe how prepared they were, watching all those movies like that to get ready for the show.
• Immediate Internet Sensation Award: Tommy Lee Jones has gotten all the buzz for being incredibly stoic while Ferrell and Wiig were doing their thing. He’s pretty much a cross between the Grumpy Cat and Not-Impressed McKayla. My proposed name for it is “Stone Cold Tommy Lee”. Think that rolls off the tongue.
• Big Winner of the 2013 Golden Globes: Ben Affleck. His career has officially made a full comeback. Last night he won Best Director over the likes of Spielberg and Tarantino for directing, producing, and starring in Argo, the movie about the rescue of American hostages. As if that wasn’t enough, Argo won the award for Best Picture, beating out Lincoln, Django Unchained, etc. Affleck doubled up on two of the giant awards, absolutely making him the biggest winner last night.
• Big Winner of 2012: Jennifer Lawrence. Star of a major movie franchise (Katniss Nation!), winning awards for Silver Linings Playbook, finishing high on lists of World’s Sexiest Women...and only 22.
• Important Questions Needed To Be Asked: Can Fey and Poehler become hosts every year, kind of like Dick Clark’s New Years kind of thing? Why was Taylor Swift even in attendance at a TV and mostly movie award show? Why did Daniel Day-Lewis pass up the obvious chance to being his acceptance speech, “Fourscore and seven years ago...” (Make it happen at the Oscars DDL!)? Why couldn’t the Golden Globes people make video presentations for all of the nominees instead of having the presenters awkwardly read them off the prompter? Who knew there were so many ways to incorrectly pronounce Les Miserables? Why is the Golden Globes trophy so underwhelming and small? How many celebrities do you think show up drunk to these award shows (I’ll put the over/under at 30%)? Do people really have nothing better to do in Yemen than fishing for salmon? Why did Anne Hathaway look like she was going to have a breakdown every second she was on stage? Is Joseph Gordon-Levitt the most overrated actor in the world right now? Ok that last one wasn’t really relevant to last night, but it is valid. Not a huge fan of him.

So that was my review of the 2013 Golden Globes. If you have feedback feel free to comment, I’d like to learn some more stuff about award shows so I know how to judge speeches and outfits and such. Once again, congratulations to all the winners. Godspeed.

Divisional Round NFL Predictions

Divisional Round Predictions

I don’t usually brag, but you are now reading a post from a guy who has now been included in TWO Bill Simmons’ mailbags in the last four weeks. Steadily becoming a modern day Sports Guy. I hope. I kind of wish I was mentioned three times so I had an excuse to use “thrice” in a column. Anyway, the games last week. My eyes are still burning from the atrocity. What a horrible week of football. Three of the games sucked, and the good one will go down in history as the RGIII ACL game. I went 4-0 picking winners and technically 3-1 on the spread, except the one loss should come with an asterisk because of the whole failed Joe Webb experiment. Still a pretty solid week for me though. One quick thing about the RGIII thing: I’m not one of those people who is ripping Shanahan for leaving him in the game. If he pulled Griffin at halftime or something, made his decision early and stuck with it, then that would be fine. But once you leave him out there, and he says he can go, then you go with the best option. Remember, the Redskins were still up 14-13 until midway through the 4th. Could you imagine the backlash if Cousins came in and threw a pick-6? Very tough situation. The captain went down with the ship that carried the team to the playoffs. Hopefully Griffin is ok for next season, but we’ll see. Also one more quick point before I pick this round: did you guys here the whole KG-Melo “your wife tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios” thing? I’m a New Yorker, and even I admit: this is hilarious. This is almost certainly not what KG actually said, but I don’t want to know the truth. This is way funnier than anything it could realistically be. Never before has cereal been so provocative. I can’t wait for Melo to drop 50 on the Celtics one game and have reporters and talking heads on Sportscenter question if Honey Nut Cheerios fueled him. If I’m Carmelo Anthony, I eat Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast every morning until that January 24th game in Boston, and then drop the hammer on the Celtics like a LeBron Game 6 kind of thing last year. I love this whole situation. Not sure where it ranks on a trash talking list, but it’s great. Ok, so now, finally, on to the games. Since I have all the winners right from last week, my scores will be the same as they were in my pre-playoffs predictions.

BAL vs DEN (-10) - The Broncos are obviously superior to the Ravens, with Peyton Manning looking for his second Super Bowl, as is Ray Lewis for Baltimore. Quick fact: there has been a lot of talk about the greatness of the Ray Lewis-Ed Reed era for the Baltimore defense, and while it has been phenomenal, they have never won a Super Bowl together. Reed wasn’t there for that 2000 beatdown of the Giants. Which begs the question, what the hell was this offense doing for a decade? Anyway, while Denver crushed the Ravens in their regular season game, it was really close until Flacco threw that horrendous pick 6 right before halftime. He’s good in the playoffs, especially on the road. Ten points is too much for me. The Ravens are an experienced playoff team that has played Peyton really well even though 18 usually wins. So give me the Ravens and the points, even though I think Denver wins. Game over for Ray Lewis, one of my favorite players ever in any sport. Baltimore 14, Denver 23.

GB vs SF (-3) - This is going to be a great game. The 49ers have a lot of talent and potential explosiveness with Kaepernick running the show. They went up to Lambeau in Week 1 with Alex Smith and took it to the Pack. But I don’t care. There is nothing “potential” about the explosiveness of the Packers; they are terrifying, and healthy. The defense has been playing better. More importantly, this is the biggest F U game of Aaron Rodgers’ career. Going back home, in the playoffs, taking on the team that passed him over for the 1st pick in the draft...it’s perfect. And I don’t trust Kaepernick still, especially not in his first playoff game. Tight game, but Rodgers wins it for Green Bay. Specific prediction: Randall Cobb has 9 rec, 114 yds, 1 TD. He’ll be a nightmare over the middle of the field. Pack win straight up. Green Bay 24, San Francisco 20.

SEA vs ATL (-2.5) - How funny is it that even though the Falcons are 13-3 and the number one seed for the second time in three years, people (including me) are just writing them off because of their previous playoff ineptitude? I don’t like this team, and I will not pick them until I see them win. Plus, they are a horrible matchup with the Seahawks. Seattle will rush for over 200 yards in this game, and they have two physical corners to match up with the two stud receivers for Atlanta. It’s such an obvious pick, I’m scared for it. But whatever. Russell Wilson is great. Seattle 24, Atlanta 16.

HOU vs NE (-9) - This can’t be another blowout, can it? The Texans have to get an early lead, because if they have to play from behind then they are screwed. Schaub can not bring this team anywhere. I think that Foster has a solid game, and the Texans defense will force two turnovers that keep this team in it, but the Patriots in the end are just better. I’m actually thinking about changing my pick right now to take the Pats, but I won’t. Gotta stick with the pick of Texans with the points. Even though I don’t see any way that they win this game. By the way, Houston vs Cincinnati should be an illegal game from now on in the playoffs. Horrible. Houston 24, New England 27.

Those are my picks for this week. I just realized I took the points in all four games, which is nerve-wracking, but that should make for some exciting football. This is the best weekend in the NFL, so sit back, relax, and get ready. In a couple of days we’ll be down to four. Game on.

Wild Card Weekend Predictions

Wild Card Weekend Predictions

We’re finally here! It’s the 2013 NFL playoffs, where twelve teams are fighting for one common goal: a Super Bowl championship. I already released my picks for the whole playoffs, so if you read that than you already know who I’m picking in these games. However, I’m going to elaborate on those selections here in this column. In these wild card games, we have one rematch of last year, one divisional matchup, one emotional battle, and one showdown between spectacular rookie quarterbacks. An exciting weekend of football is definitely in store, so let’s get to the action. Here are my picks for the teams who will advance in the playoffs, and move one step closer to immortality.

CIN vs HOU (-4.5) - This game was a blowout with TJ Yates at QB for the Texans last year. The Bengals are absolutely better than last year, and are my early pick for 2013 AFC North Champions. Meanwhile, the Texans have lost three out of four to blow an 11-1 start and fall out of a first round bye. I believe in momentum, which points to Cincy here, but I don’t think that momentum is enough to overcome the talent differential between these two teams. The Bengals are moving in the ride direction, and I think this will be a pretty close game, but I’d still give the points and take the Texans at home. They did still win 11 out of 12. Cincinnati 17, Houston 24

MIN vs GB (-7.5) - I know that the Packers on paper are better than the Vikings. But to lay more than a touchdown against a team that just beat them last week? Adrian Peterson, who I believe should win the MVP and Comeback Player of the Year awards (coming from a Peyton Manning fan--he’s my favorite player), has rushed for an average of over 200 yards in two games against the Packers. TWO HUNDRED YARDS. As an AVERAGE. Seriously, they cannot stop this guy. I think that AD will go over 150 against the Packers and control the clock, keeping Aaron Rodgers off the field. However, with all that said, it’s still a matchup between Christian Ponder and Aaron Rodgers. Outdoors. In Green Bay. In the playoffs. So I think that the Pack take care of business--BARELY. Christian Ponder turns it over at the end of the game before the Vikings can get into game-winning field goal range. Vikes with the points. Minnesota 20, Green Bay 21

IND vs BAL (-7) - How about the emotions in this game? The Colts, of course, just endured the sickness and return of their head coach Chuck Pagano, which led to a powerful win last week against Houston. The Ravens will be fired up by the return of Ray Lewis, who announced that this season will be his last, capping off a glorious career. The Colts have gone from atrocious to respectable in one season with Andrew Luck at quarterback, while the Ravens have maintained their consistency; Joe Flacco is the first QB in NFL history to make the playoffs in his first five seasons, and so far he has won at least one game in every single one of them. I was all set to pick the Colts to win because of emotion and momentum and a similar destiny type feeling like Tebow’s run with the Broncos last season. Then I thought logically, and there really isn’t a debate; the Ravens are better than the Colts, and they don’t lose in the first round. And while seven points is a lot, I’m still taking the over. Indianapolis 20, Baltimore 31

SEA vs WAS (+3) - How about a rookie quarterback being favored on the road? I love this Seahawks team; they are incredibly balanced, and Russell Wilson has played well beyond his years. Meanwhile, the Redskins have won seven in a row, and have announced to the rest of the NFC East that they are here to stay. RGIII may already be the most exciting player in the league, but he is not 100%, which means that Washington may have to rely on rookie running back Alfred Morris to try and get past a brutal Seattle defense. The Seahawks, meanwhile, only won three road games all season long, and have to undergo the tough task of flying West to East. This game will be close, but I think the edge goes to the completeness of the Seattle Seahawks. These two teams will be around for the next decade, but the Seahawks are better right now, and they will squeeze out a big road win. Seattle 27, Washington 23

2013 NFL Playoff Predictions

2013 NFL Playoff Predictions

It was another fantastic season in 2012, full of fresh beginnings and powerful comebacks. We were witnesses to the immediate success of three rookie quarterbacks: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin the Third, and Russell Wilson. We watched two superstars return from devastating injuries and put together phenomenal, MVP-caliber seasons (for the record: AD over Peyton for MVP). We were forced to endure not one but TWO league debacles, with the replacement referees and the mishandling off the Saints bounty scandal. Finally, we saw a team come together and rally around their coach stricken with leukemia to defy the odds and make the playoffs. All of these events will be discussed in my season review, but this piece is about the future, not the past. In this column, I am going to make my playoff predictions, which will hopefully be better than those from the regular season. I’m going to give my winners with scores for the entire playoffs, to see how much I can guess correctly before it starts. However, I will also give my usual weekly predictions with the point spreads and explanations as well. So, without further ado, here are my predictions for every game in the NFL playoffs in the newly born 2013. Happy New Year, everybody, and happy playoffs.

Wild Card Round

 CIN   17                    IND    20                                   SEA     27                   MIN   20 

HOU 24                   BAL    31                                   WAS    23                   GB      21

Divisional Round

 BAL   14                 HOU   24                                      GB    24                  SEA     24

DEN  23                  NE     27                                       SF     20                  ATL     16

Conference Championship

                                                  NE    27                                                                              SEA   20                                                            

                                                   DEN  31                                                                             GB      24

Super Bowl

GB        20

                                                                                      DEN     27

Yes, I think that the Denver Broncos, led by Peyton Manning, will continue their winning streak all the way to the Super Bowl Championship. I see chalk in the AFC; the top teams are too good for any major upsets right now. Plus, the conference has to be decided by Brady and Manning, doesn’t it? Meanwhile, the NFC is very different. I don’t like either of the top two teams; the Falcons have proved that they cannot win playoff games, and I still don’t trust the 49ers with Colin Kaepernick at the helm. I really want to pick the Seahawks to make the Super Bowl, but I think that their magical run will come to an end in Lambeau, where the Packers will want revenge for that Golden Tate game. We are on pace for some great games in the 2013 postseason, but I think it is destined to end one way: with Peyton Manning winning his second Super Bowl by defeating Aaron Rodgers in a thrilling chess match of a game. I’m ready for an exciting playoffs. Good luck to all your favorite teams out there. Game on.

NFL Week 17 Preview

Week 17 Preview

This is it guys...Week 17. The last week of the regular season. The last chance to get into the playoffs, get a first round bye, or gain momentum going into next year. A quick word of advice: do NOT bet on Week 17. It’s too inconsistent. Some teams have nothing to play for, which means that they will go all guns blazing or else they will come out flat and uninspired. Teams that are in the unique position of having a seed locked up may rest their starters. Coaches trying to keep their jobs might unload the playbook or decide to go for it on 4th down at their own 30 in the first quarter. There are simply too many variables to account for in the last game of the season. The only game that has a division title riding on it is the Sunday Night matchup between the Cowboys and Redskins that could decide not only a playoff spot, but the future of coaches as well. The most important game, for more than just sports reasons, is Houston at Indianapolis. If the Texans lose, they can fall all the way out of a first round bye, while the Colts will be fueled by the return of Chuck Pagano. It’s been an unusually weak season for me picking games, but hopefully it was fun reading my posts. Playoff predictions will be coming up next week. I hope everyone had a great holiday, and to everyone out there, let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year. Now let’s get to these picks for one final time in the 2012 NFL regular season.

TB vs ATL (-3.5) - This game naturally will be decided by how long the Falcons play their starters. We’ve heard that they will at least start this game, and therefore I’m taking the Falcons to defeat the struggling Bucs. Early prediction for 2013: big on J. Rodgers next year; Michael Turner is officially out of gas in the ATL. Tampa Bay 20, Atlanta 27.

NYJ vs BUF (-3.5) - What a mess of a game between two of the most underachieving teams in the league. I’m done with the Jets; I’m not a Tebow supporter or hater, but I would have liked to see him start at least a few times, just to see what he could bring. But it’s been clear for a while now that Rex would never give him a shot; he’s scared to death that if Tebow came in he would throw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns and probably cost Ryan his job. So now Sanchez gets the start. And if we’ve learned anything this year, it’s that he sucks. 3 interceptions in the cold, windy Buffalo atmosphere. Quick fun thought: what if Sanchez gets injured, or fakes an injury with McElroy already out? I think that before Rex goes to Kerley to run the wildcat for the entire rest of the game before he plays Tebow. I’m taking the Bills to win at home, by default, by six. New York 10, Buffalo 16.

BAL vs CIN (-2.5) - The Bengals have nothing to play for. The Ravens have a shot at a three seed. This game was so close to meaningful. I’m just taking the Ravens because I like them better. They’ll still most likely get the four seed. I still don’t really trust Andy Dalton. Baltimore 20, Cincinnati 17.

CHI vs DET (+3.5) - This pick is biased because I want the Giants to make the playoffs. Big Blue needs four things to happen: win, and have Chicago, Minnesota, and Dallas all lose. I want this to happen. So I’m picking the Lions to upset the Bears, even though if one of these things was most likely to go wrong, it would be Chicago taking this game and sneaking into the playoffs as a six seed. But like I said, I want the Giants to make the playoffs. So Lions pull the upset. Chicago 13, Detroit 21.

JAC vs TEN (-4.5) - Both of these teams suck. The Titans suck less. Seven turnovers combined between these teams. Two fired coaches? Jacksonville 10, Tennessee 17.

HOU vs IND (+3.5) - Game of the week. The Texans were 11-1, and now could very well lose their first round bye with a loss, with absolutely no momentum. They will most likely beat the Bengals and go up to New England and get killed. Meanwhile, the story of the year has been the resurgence of the Colts with Andrew Luck at quarterback and coach Chuck Pagano recovering from leukemia. He will return to the sidelines this week, and even though Indy has the 5 seed locked up, they will play their hearts out to win this game. And I think they do. One final time, ladies and gentlemen, say it with me: UPSET SPECIAL. The Texans blew their season last week by not showing up against Christian Ponder and the Vikings. All Colts this week. The magnitude of this win should not be understated. Houston 17, Indianapolis 27.

CAR vs NO (-4.5) - Another meaningless game. Cam and the Panthers have been playing very well the last few weeks, showing some positive signs for next season when they have a coach not named Ron Rivera. The Saints signed Sean Payton to a 5 year deal, and next year they are going to have an ultra F U season winning at least 12 games. Saints put on an aerial show to end the season, and they win comfortably. How is Drew Brees not in the Pro Bowl? Carolina 20, New Orleans 34.

PHI vs NYG (-7.5) - I don’t know what happened to the Giants this season...but at least they are still better than the Eagles. Even with Michael Vick. No team wants the Giants to somehow sneak into the playoffs. I hope they do. Philadelphia 21, New York 31.

CLE vs PIT (-6.5) - I had the Browns covering until I found out that Cleveland had to sign a kid off the practice squad to start at quarterback in Pittsburgh. Needless to say, I changed my mind. Cleveland 10, Pittsburgh 20.

KC vs DEN (-15.5) - This line is huge. I hate huge spreads. I’ve gotten killed on them all year long. I’m going with the Chiefs here, because sixteen points is quite a lot. When Denver gets a big lead, they coast to the end. The Broncos are going to win this game, taking eleven in a row into the playoffs, and I think they are going to get the number one seed. And the way I see it, I don’t know how they don’t make the Super Bowl. Tom Brady and the Patriots want no part in going to Denver to take on Peyton in his new house. Broncos by two touchdowns. Kansas City 13, Denver 27.

GB vs MIN (+3.5) - The plan for the Vikings is simple: win, and get in the playoffs. Their only problem is that they are playing a Packers team that needs to win to keep their second seed and first round bye. Adrian Peterson has had a miraculous season, one that should end with at least the Comeback Player of the Year. I also think he should get the MVP if he crosses 2,000 yards, and if the Vikings win this game and make the playoffs then it should be a lock. I have to take the Pack here, if only for the sake of my Giants, but AD has been phenomenal and deserves the Most Valuable Player award this season. Green Bay 26, Minnesota 19.

MIA vs NE (-10.5) - Destruction. But I’ll spend a second talking about the better-than-expected Dolphins heading into next season. They were supposed to be rebuilding, but it only took one season to become the second best team in the AFC East, and I like this team a lot as a wild card next season. The status of Reggie Bush is unknown, but I really like Lamar Miller out of Miami to have an increased role next year. They have exceeded expectations this year, and I think they have a chance at winning ten games next year. But they will be handled by a pissed off Patriots team this week. Miami 16, New England 38.

OAK vs SD (-4.5) - People of San Diego, rejoice!!!! It’s the last game with Norv Turner as head coach! I’m picking the Chargers simply because of how bad the Raiders are, but I would absolutely love to see Norv and Philip Rivers inexplicably blow a game late one last time, for old time’s sake. Oakland 13, San Diego 20.

ARI vs SF (-14.5) - This is an obvious game straight-up, but the point spread makes things interesting. You know what? I think the Cardinals cover. The 49ers seem a little off as a unit. Vernon Davis is banged up and Mario Manningham is out for the year. I’ve never been a fan of Colin Kaepernick in the first place, and that feeling is only getting stronger with those losses. The absence of defensive anchor Justin Smith will take its toll on this team if he does not come back for the playoffs, and the worst fear for this team has to be that the Giants will somehow sneak into the playoffs and face 49ers in the first round while they are not at full strength. This team can be beat, just not by the Cardinals. However, I think this is a ten point game; the Cardinals defense is not the reason why this team is awful. Arizona 14, San Francisco 24.

STL vs SEA (-10.5) - One of these teams is undefeated against the NFC West. The other team is the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams are 4-0-1 against NFC West opponents and have played surprisingly well this season under Jeff Fisher. However, the Seahawks are the hottest team in the league right now, and opponents do not make it out of Seattle alive. Going with the Seahawks comfortably, and if the Giants don’t make the playoffs, I think this team will be in the NFC Championship Game. St. Louis 9, Seattle 23.

DAL vs WAS (-3.5) - Here we go, the final game of the regular season. Winner takes the NFC East and controls the four seed in the playoffs, presumably immediately losing to the Seahawks. It has been a magical season for the Redskins, winners of six straight and riding the confidence of RGIII. The Cowboys meanwhile, have actually excelled in the second half of the season, with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant carving up defenses. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I kind of want the Cowboys to win this game. But there are three certainties in this world: death, taxes, and Big D coming up small in decisive games. The Redskins will win this division, keeping the Giants’ playoff hopes alive, and possibly threatening the jobs of Jason Garrett, Tony Romo and others. It also casts fear to the other teams in the division, that RGIII and the Redskins are here to stay for the next decade. Dallas 24, Washington 31.

So that’s it, folks, the end of the 2012 regular season. Good luck to all the teams that make the postseason, and here’s to another magical playoffs. Playoff predictions coming up next week. Happy New Year!

NFL Week 16 Preview

Week 16 Preview

With two weeks left in the regular season, the final spots for the postseason are still up for grabs, and the true winners will step up and take what is rightfully theirs. While the AFC is pretty much wrapped up except for seeding purposes, the NFC still can be jumbled up in many ways. There are 3 teams tied in the NFC East with 8-6 records, while the Bears and Vikings also share this record fighting for a Wild Card spot. All of these teams are one game behind Seattle, but if the Seahawks lose to the 49ers on Sunday, anything could happen. There are a couple of records in danger of falling this year as well. Adrian Peterson will most likely pass 2,000 yards and quite possibly even Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record by the end of the year. He is coming off a torn ACL that took place in Week 16 of last year, so he absolutely in my opinion should be Comeback Player of the Year. If the Vikings somehow make the playoffs, I think he should win MVP over Peyton Manning as well. But that is a tough task given that they play the Texans and Packers to end the season. The Redskins and Cowboys are both surging to the finish line, and if either of these teams makes it into the postseason, no one will want to face them. So, without further ado, here are my picks for Week 16, and who I think will put themselves in position to make the playoffs.

ATL vs DET (+3.5) - This one is pretty simple in my opinion. The Falcons, with a win, will clinch home field throughout the playoffs. The Lions are going backwards at 4-10 and a horrible loss to the Cardinals last week. So I think it’s a comfortable win for the Dirty Birds, but they still will lose in the second round of the playoffs, after their bye. Atlanta 31, Detroit 17.

NO vs DAL (-3.5) - The Saints have had a miserable season because of the aggressiveness of the Commissioner regarding the bounty punishments. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been a surprising team and control their own destiny in the division. However, they have not had a convincing home win in a long time, and this one will be close too. But you know what? Tony Romo has been fabulous and the Saints defense has gotten torched more times than not this year. The Cowboys secondary will be good enough to contain the explosive wide outs for the Saints. And Big D will be one win away from the NFC East crown. First to 30. New Orleans 24, Dallas 31.

TEN vs GB (-12.5) - The Packers have had so many huge spreads at home this year and have not been good at closing teams out and winning big. While they should and will most likely win this game, I have to go with the Titans to keep this game close enough. Jake Locker has a lot of athletic ability and I really like his potential, and Chris Johnson is always a immediate big play threat. I’m taking the Pack by ten, give me the points in this one. Tennessee 17, Green Bay 27.

IND vs KC (+6.5) - I feel horrible for the people who had to watch the Chiefs-Raiders game last week. Miserable. Can Andrew Luck beat the terrible Chiefs by a touchdown to control the 5 seed? Yes. Indy will be playing emotional once again, with the news of Pagano’s recovery. This team is the best story in the NFL this year. Quick thought, does anyone realize that the Colts can feasibly make the AFC Championship Game? They could beat Baltimore or Cincy in round one, and face the Texans in round two, in which division games are always close. Watch out for that. Indianapolis 24, Kansas City 10.

BUF vs MIA (-4.5) - A moment of silence for what the Bills’ season could have been. It took the Dolphins one year to become the new team with potential in the AFC East. Buffalo 20, Miami 27.

SD vs NYJ (-2.5) - The Jets have finally benched their turnover machine of a quarterback in favor of someone with zero 

career NFL starts. The running game is almost average, but not quite. Their best receiver shares a name with one of the Three Stooges. The defense provides no pass rush, and is missing their best player. And this team is favored. What a mess that is out west under Norv. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 San Diego Chargers! Win number one for McElroy. San Diego 13, New York 20.

WAS vs PHI (+4.5) - It’s been a while, but...UPSET SPECIAL BABY!!!!! Word is that RGIII should be able to play in this game, but that’s ok. Doesn’t matter. LeSean McCoy is coming back this week, and even though the Redskins run defense is pretty solid, if Andy Reid finally grows a brain and feeds the two-headed monster potential of McCoy and Bryce Brown, and lets Nick Foles dink and dunk on this flawed Washington pass defense, the offense will be effective enough to win. This game relies on the Eagles’ defensive pursuit and ability to make tackles. Uh oh. I suddenly feel much less confident about this pick. But they are at home, and this is a pride game for Philly in front of their fans, and I think they 

play their best game of the year. Washington 20, Philadelphia 23.

CIN vs PIT (-4.5) - I’ve changed my pick for this game multiple times, with the spread and straight up as well. I have consistently ragged on the Bengals this year for not winning the games when it matters, and this one absolutely matters. If Cincy wants to be considered among the big boys of the AFC North, then they have to beat the Ravens and Steelers, both of whom are declining. I originally had the Steelers because of my lack of faith in the Bengals, but you know what? Pittsburgh has looked awful recently, and the Cincinnati D is ferocious. I picked the Steelers to miss the playoffs, and if the Bengals win this game, not only do they clinch a playoff spot, but they have a chance to take the division away from Baltimore in Week 17. I finally have faith in them. And you know what? They are probably going to let me down. But I’m riding with them. Not only to cover, but to win outright. The Bengals will clinch their spot in the playoffs in the Steel City on Sunday. Time to step up. Cincinnati 20, Pittsburgh 14.

STL vs TB (-3.5) - The Rams have shown signs of life under Jeff Fisher already, and I have a lot of hope for them to compete sooner rather than later. The Bucs have been spiraling down, but have shown good things this year, and I think Doug Martin goes off on this defense that got lit up by AD last week. Two touchdowns for Freeman as well. Solid win for the Buccaneers to get momentum heading into next year. Easy cover on this one. I’m trying not to laugh imaging Sam Bradford trying to lead his team from three touchdowns back. St. Louis 13, Tampa Bay 31.

OAK vs CAR (-8.5) - I mean, I know the Panthers have been good lately and Cam has rebounded really great, but laying eight and a half? Really? Two-possession game? I’m not buying it. Even to the horrid Raiders. Lots of garbage time potential in this one. One possession win for the Panthers. Oakland 16, Carolina 22.

NE vs JAC (-14.5) - Um...yeah...the Jags might be a little overmatched against the Patriots. In December. Angry coming off a loss. I don’t see how this isn’t a blowout. Unless Chad Henne goes wild throwing to Cecil Shorts and and Justin Blackmon, and the Patriots are caught napping. I’m going with the former. I’m so happy that the Pats lost last week, because it’s going to be really fun seeing them go to Denver and Peyton Manning getting his revenge. New England 41, Jacksonville 17.

MIN vs HOU (-7.5) - I was right about the Texans winning big in their statement game last week against the Colts. Here, they have a chance to lock up number one seed which is vital. The Vikings have been riding Adrian Peterson all season long, but the Texans have a dominant run defense. If AD can’t get his, then do you trust Christian Ponder trying to come back with no receivers, getting harassed by JJ Watt and friends? I don’t see it. Another decent, but not tremendous win for the Texans in this one. But I think they definitely cover. Minnesota 13, Houston 27.

CLE vs DEN (-13.5) - I originally thought that this line could not be high enough. The Browns just got embarrassed last week. Their 1st round QB and RB just lost at home, with a better defense, to a 4th round backup QB and a 6th round RB. The Redskins have drafted two quarterbacks better than Cleveland in this past draft. Meanwhile, the Broncos are surging, and will most likely take an 11 game win streak into the playoffs with a first round bye. As of right now, I think they are my Super Bowl favorite. But this game just smells funny...I think it’ll be one of those games that the score doesn’t indicate how one-sided the game actually was. And so I think the Browns keep it within two touchdowns. If the Broncos get a big lead, they just run the ball and show no effort to really score. So I’m taking the Browns and the points, but in terms of gameplay it will be very one-sided. Like 28-10 in the 4th and the Browns just have some garbage time score. Cleveland 16, Denver 28.

CHI vs ARI (+5.5) - Ok Chicago...you can’t be that bad right? I picked this team to go to the NFC Championship Game, and it looked like they would after that 7-1 start. But this team has imploded, and they need to win out to make the playoffs. The Cardinals had a misleading beatdown of the Lions last week; they got a couple of defensive scores to put the game out of reach, but it was a blowout because of the Lions’ ineptitude. I think the Bears take care of business to stay alive, but it’ll only be about a 7-10 point winning margin. Chicago 20, Arizona 13.

NYG vs BAL (+2.5) - The Ravens have to be the winner of the “wrong place, wrong time” competition this week. The Ravens are backing into the playoffs with no momentum whatsoever, and could even still lose the division. After a 9-2 start. Wow. My Super Bowl pick going down in flames. Meanwhile, the G-men officially have their backs against the wall. And the entire league has seen this story before. They don’t lose these games. And they won’t this time either. Big Blue takes care of business against the plummeting Ravens to stay in the playoff hunt. Eli time. New York 31, Baltimore 20.

SF vs SEA (+1.5) - There are two ways to look at the 49ers’ win over the Patriots last week. They dominated to get off to a 31-3 lead, and then collapsed to let the Pats tie it up before San Francisco ultimately won. There is only one way to look at Seattle’s win last week: domination. No team is playing better than the Seahawks right now, and they are unbeatable at home. And still, I am not a Kaepernick believer. I’ll trust him when I see him win a playoff game. I’m sipping the Russell Wilson kool-aid. This team is legit, and will only get better in years to come. The Seahawks have a statement game on Sunday Night, primetime, while the 49ers will suffer an emotional letdown after a big win last week. San Francisco 13, Seattle 24. The Pacific Northwest is back.