by Angry Andy
It’s been a long time since the NFL had a stinker of a weekend but that is exactly what last week provided. Four one sided games with RG3, one of the most exciting players in the league, going down with a severe knee injury. The Bengals were the typical Bengals in the playoffs...which is very worrying if you're a Houston Texans fan because they couldn’t put 20 points up against them. The Vikings started the first guy they found on the street to play Quarterback (sorry Joe Webb) and failed miserably. Like the Vikings, The Colts seemed to happy just to get to the playoffs because they were danced all over by Ray Lewis (the only highlight of the weekend for yours truly). And even when Seattle were losing 14-13, you just knew the Seahawks were winning as the Redskins' only gameplan was that RG3 could pull off a miracle play with one leg.
But with all that being said, the pretenders for the Superbowl have been eliminated and a legitimate case can be made for all eight team remaining to win the Vince Lombardi trophy in New Orleans.
Baltimore Ravens
This could be the last hurrah for the Ravens. Ray Lewis’ impending retirement will signal the end of an era for Baltimore and the Ravens' defense. But if last week is anything to go by, they plan on going out with a bang, which does not bode well for Peyton Manning and the Broncos! The Ravens seem to have gotten their starters back at just the right time and the atmosphere in Baltimore last week end will certainly give them a feel-good factor and the feeling that they can get back to the AFC Championship game for a rematch with the Patriots.
Denver Broncos
The number one seed in the AFC being led by, not only one of the greatest Quarterbacks of his generation, but one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game in Peyton Manning. And what a fitting chapter it would be to return from a possible career ending neck surgery to win a Superbowl in his first season with the Broncos. But it is not all about the QB in Denver. The Broncos have a tough defense too that will make Joe Flacco struggle all game long.
I think this is going to be a very close contest that could come down to a fatal turn over late in the fourth quarter. The line is very high in this one. Denver cruised into the playoffs with an easy division, but after playing teams like the Cheifs and Browns, they have not had a really competitive game in over a month which leads me to believe that they’ll be slow starting this game and Baltimore gets the advantage early. The final outcome is a hard one to decide, I might favor the home team in the final result but it is very hard to ignore the presence of one Ray Lewis
Pick: Ravens (+9.0) over BRONCOS
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is a lock to win multiple Championships (Rick Note: Really? He's great and all, but Peyton Manning has only won one Superbowl...). When it comes to an elite list of QBs that could hang in any era, the first three that come to mind are Rodgers, Manning and Brady. There is a lot of talk this week about Rodgers playing the Niners and having to prove something after the 49ers didn't select him in the 2005 draft. This is a similar Green Bay team to the one that won the Superbowl last year and the one that went 15-1 last year. The difference between the 15-1 team and this year? They are peaking at the right time. If the Niners don’t get to Rodgers quick then the North Cali native will pick apart his childhood team all night.
San Francisco 49ers
The regular season is done and dusted and the Niners have won their second consecutive NFC West title. However, that will be quickly forgotten if Kaepernick does not show up in this game against the Packers and Harbaugh will be slated for not sticking with Smith after the concussion earlier in the season. The Niners defense has looked shaky over the past few weeks. That has been due to the absense of Justin Smith. Justin Smith is back in the line up tonight which may spark a return to form for one Aldon Smith, who leads the team in sacks. He’ll be needed big time tonight, as will the entire defense to live up to their name as one of the most physical defenses in the league.
I think the Niners have enough on both sides of the ball to edge this one. Both sides of the ball does not refer to special teams and kicker David Akers, who starts tonight. If it comes down to Akers kicking a potentially winning field goal then I, along with everyone in Candlestick, won't be able to watch. The offensive line for the Packers has been shaky this season with Aaron Rodgers getting sacked a lot. If the Niners D is healthy, expect some more sacks tonight. Niners “Quest For Six” continues...
Pick: NINERS (-3.0) over Packers
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are the most in-form team out of the final eight teams remaining, winning their last six straight. Russell Wilson doesn't look like a rookie quarterback and Seattle showed great character last week in staying calm after falling 14-0 down early on. Head coach, Pete Carroll, has done a tremendous job in Seattle and they are slowly emerging as a lot of people’s favorites to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. Their defense is also one of the best in the league that has already defeated the Packers and Niners this season.
Atlanta Falcons
The number one seed in the NFC and a team that many are writing off. Out of the eight teams, a lot would rank Atlanta as probably the least likely to win it all. However, they are the number one seed and will have taken a ton of experience in their previous playoff runs. Seattle won their first game last week in the playoffs, but it will be significantly louder in the Georgia Dome Sunday night. Atlanta feel like the underdog and are set to prove the doubters wrong.
Seattle’s injuries are starting to rack up. They remind me of the 49ers after the Niners beat the Patriots, in that they should be feeling good but there's also cause for concern. However with Marshawn Lynch reporting to be carrying a knock and their defense taking a hit with Chris Clemons getting injured, it could be a perfect time to meet the Seahawks. If Atlanta win this one, everyone will once again be pointing to the fact that Seattle can't get it done on the road. I changed my pick multiple times on this one but have come to the conclusion that the NFC Championship game will be in the Georgia Dome.
Pick: FALCONS (-3.0) over Seahawks
Houston Texans
Once a powerhouse on offense, the Texans have certainly struggled in recent weeks. They limped into the playoffs and were, once again, unspectacular last week against the Bengals. However their problems really escalated in their first meeting with the Patriots this year and Matt Schaub and co will have revenge on their minds. No matter how they have played thus far, they are in the final eight. The Patriots could be over looking them as they look to get back to the Superbowl.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady desperately wants another crack at the Superbowl. In the last five years, he has lost twice. Another Manning brother could potentially stop him from again next week. Out of the eight teams, none of them have the experience in big time situations like the New England Patriots do. Bill Belichick is a mastermind in exploiting teams' weaknesses. And the Houston Texans have weaknesses. Belichick transformed the Pats D from being one of the worst in the league (remember that horrible secondary that made Mark Sanchez look good?) to one of the best over the course of the season.
If we are going to have one blow out game this weekend then this is it. New England will be looking to make a statement and have the ideal opportunity to do it.
Pick: PATRIOTS (-9.5) over Texans
It's the last week that games will be on a Saturday, only seven more competitive games till September!
Happy Football People!!
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