NFL Power Rankings: Conference Round 2014

I dont think this has ever happened; the top two teams are the teams going to the Super Bowl. Not just that but they are both significantly ahead of everyone else. 

1. Patriots 102 (14-4) Same
2. Seahawks 102 (14-4) Same
3. Packers 78 (13-5) Same
4. Broncos 72 (12-5) Same
5. Cowboys 67 (13-5) Up 1
6. Colts 65 (13-6) Down 1
7. Cardinals 50 (11-6) Same
8. Lions 39 (11-6) Same
9. Bengals 37 (10-6-1) Same
10. Steelers 35 (11-6) Up 1
11. Ravens 34 (11-7) Down 1
12. Eagles 34 (10-6) Same
13. Bills 24 (9-7) Same
14. Chargers 21 (9-7) Same
15. Chiefs 21 (9-7) Same
16. 49ers 6 (8-8) Same
17. Texans 1 (9-7) Same
18. Dolphins 1 (8-8) Same
19. Panthers -10 (8-9-1) Same
20. Saints -24 (7-9) Same
21. Vikings -28 (7-9) Same
22. Browns  -29 (7-9) Same
23. Rams -29 (6-10) Same
24. Giants -38 (6-10) Same
25. Falcons -45 (6-10) Same
26. Bears -52 (5-11) Same
27. Jets -64 (4-12) Same
28. Raiders -75 (3-13) Same
29. Redskins -75 (4-12) Same
30. Jaguars -92 (3-13) Same
31. Titans -112 (2-14) Same
32. Buccaneers -116 (2-14) Same

NFL Playoffs: Conference Round 2014

Conference Round Results
I dont think that anyone is surprised by the results of last weeks playoff games. It was surprising that the Packers gave the Seahawks the first half troubles that they did.
Packers @ Seahawks: Seahawks!
Colts @ Patriots: Patriots!

Super Bowl Pick
I really dont know what to think about the upcoming game. After what Seattle did to Denver last year its hard to envision anyone being able to beat them. That said, Tom Brady.
Seahawks vs Patriots: Seahawks

NFL Power Rankings: Divisional Round 2014

The remaining 4 teams are in the top 5. It looks like we have a pretty accurate representation of the best talented teams playing in the Conference Round.

1. Patriots 89 (13-4) Up 2
2. Seahawks 88 (13-4) Down 1
3. Packers 82 (13-4) Up 2
4. Broncos 73 (12-5) Down 2
5. Colts 70 (13-5) Up 1
6. Cowboys 67 (13-5) Down 2
7. Cardinals 50 (11-6) Same
8. Lions 40 (11-6) Same
9. Bengals 39 (10-6-1) Up 1
10. Ravens 35 (11-7) Down 1
11. Steelers 35 (11-6) Same
12. Eagles 35 (10-6) Same
13. Bills 23 (9-7) Same
14. Chargers 20 (9-7) Same
15. Chiefs 19 (9-7) Same
16. 49ers 6 (8-8) Same
17. Texans 3 (9-7) Same
18. Dolphins 1 (8-8) Same
19. Panthers -9 (8-9-1) Same
20. Saints -24 (7-9) Same
21. Vikings -26 (7-9) Up 1
22. Browns -28 (7-9) Down 1
23. Rams -30 (6-10) Same
24. Giants -37 (6-10) Same
25. Falcons -44 (6-10) Same
26. Bears -50 (5-11) Same
27. Jets -63 (4-12) Same
28. Redskins -74 (4-12) Up 1
29. Raiders -75 (3-13) Down 1
30. Jaguars -90 (3-13) Same
31. Titans -110 (2-14) Same
32. Buccaneers -115 (2-14) Same

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round 2014

Divisional Round Results
I really thought that the Cowboys were going to get the Packers today. Oh well, 2 of 4 isnt that bad. (Not that good either.)
Ravens @ Patriots: Patriots!
Panthers @ Seahawks: Seahawks!
Cowboys @ Packers: Cowboys Packers
Colts @ Broncos: Broncos Colts

Conference Round Picks
Looks like were going to have a couple of good games to determine who gets to the playoffs.
Packers @ Seahawks: Seahawks
Colts @ Patriots: Patriots

The question is, if im right, will the Seahawks do to the Patriots what they did to the Broncos last year?

NFL Power Rankings: Wildcard Round 2014

The top is getting crowded. 

1. Seahawks 79 (12-4) Up 1
2. Broncos 78 (12-4) Down 1
3. Patriots 76 (12-4) Same
4. Cowboys 70 (13-4) Up 2
5. Packers 67 (12-4) Down 1
6. Colts 59 (12-5) Up 1
7. Cardinals 52 (11-6) Down 2
8. Lions 41 (11-6) Same
9. Ravens 40 (11-6) Up 3
10. Bengals 39 (10-6-1) Down 1
11. Steelers 36 (11-6) Down 1
12. Eagles 35 (10-6) Down 1
13. Bills 22 (9-7) Same
14. Chargers 21 (9-7) Same
15. Chiefs 19 (9-7) Same
16. 49ers 7 (8-8) Same
17. Texans 4 (9-7) Same
18. Dolphins 2 (8-8) Same
19. Panthers -3 (8-8-1) Same
20. Saints -22 (7-9) Same
21. Browns -25 (7-9) Same
22. Vikings -26 (7-9) Same
23. Rams -30 (6-10) Same
24. Giants -35 (6-10) Same
25. Falcons -42 (6-10) Same
26. Bears -48 (5-11) Same
27. Jets -62 (4-12) Same
28. Raiders -73 (3-13) Same
29. Redskins -73 (4-12) Same
30. Jaguars -88 (3-13) Same
31. Titans -108 (2-14) Same
32. Buccaneers -112 (2-14) Same

NFL Playoffs: Wildcard Round 2014

Wild Card Round Results
Well, the one pick I was hoping was wrong was the only one I got correct.
Cardinals @ Panthers:
-Cardinals Panthers
Ravens @ Steelers:
Steelers Ravens
Bengals @ Colts:
Bengals Colts
Lions @ Cowboys:
Cowboys

Divisional Round Picks
Ravens @ Patriots: Patriots
Panthers @ Seahawks: Seahawks
Cowboys @ Packers: Cowboys
Colts @ Broncos: Broncos

NFL End of Season Wrap-Up 2014

Its the end of the season and my playoff picks were not the best.

AFC

Ill take 3 division winners. 

East: Patriots (12-4)

I love that after a couple early losses people were calling it an end of an era. Never count Brady and Belichick out.

North: Bengals (10-5-1) Steelers (11-5)

Boy was this division tight. All 4 teams were in it until week 15. 3 of the 4 made the playoffs. Those 3 teams were all within 1 game of each other.

South: Colts (11-5)

The Colts had 11 wins. The other 3 teams had 14 wins total. 

West: Broncos (12-4)

The Broncos won 3 of their last 4. The Chiefs and Chargers together only won 3 games during that time.

Wild Card: Bills (9-7), Chiefs (9-7) Bengals (10-5-1), Ravens (10-6)

Well, I wasnt even close. There were a lot of 9-7 teams in the AFC. 

NFC

At least I had 4 of the 6 teams correct. I just thought (and hoped) that the divisions would shake out a little different.

East: Eagles (10-6) Cowboys (12-4)

Well, the Cowboys beat the Eagles twice. 

North: Lions (11-5) Packers (12-4)

I knew, early in the season, that this division was going to come down to week 17 in Lambeau. 

South: Saints (7-9) Panthers (7-8-1)

Something has got to be done about this. A team with a losing record is going to the playoffs while the 10-6 Eagles will be watching from home.

West: Cardinals (11-5) Seahawks (12-4)

Winning your last 6 games, 5 of which are against divisional opponents, is a great way to sure up the division. 

Wild Card: Cowboys (12-4), Packers (12-4) Cardinals (11-5), Lions (11-5)

Its really a shame that the Panthers have home field advantage over these teams. 

Wild Card Round Picks

Ravens @ Steelers: Steelers

Cardinals @ Panthers: Cardinals

Bengals @ Colts: Bengals

Lions @ Cowboys: Cowboys

NFL Early Season Picks 2014

Here they are.

AFC
East: Patriots (2-1)
Boring!
North: Bengals (3-0)
Three good wins to start the season. Lets see where this goes.
South: Texans (2-1)
This division, I tell ya. It will surprise me if any of them do better than 10-6
West: Broncos (2-1)
I cant pick against Peyton, not this early in the season.
Wildcard: Chargers (2-1), Bills (2-1)
While I know that the Bills will disappoint me they have put up 2 very good wins.

NFC
East: Eagles (3-0)NFL
It may be bloody getting there but the Eagles are on a roll.
North: Lions (2-1)
Its probably just wishful thinking but when the home team is on top you have to pick them right?
South: Panthers (2-0)
They beat the Lions and Bucks handedly.
West: Cardinals (3-0)
Its really hard to pick a team other than the Seahawks or 49ers. But, I think all 4 of these teams could make the playoffs this year.
Wildcard: Seahawks (2-1), 49ers (1-2)

Divisional Round 2013

This Week
As predicted the Colts took out the Chiefs, if only by a total collapse of the Chiefs defence.
The Saints thwarted the naysayers by going on the road to Phili and taking out the Eagles.
I got the Chargers/Bengals game wrong but Im not surprised that the Bengals couldnt get it done.
The cold didnt seem to hamper the 49ers in their win in Lambeau.
Accuracy: 3/4

Next Week
New Orleans @ Seattle: Ive been very impressed with this Seattle team and I cant imagine the Saints coming in and winning another road game in the Seahawks stadium. Se
ahawks

Indianapolis @ New England: This game is what the AFC playoffs have been all about for the last decade. Unfortunately for Indy, Peyton is a Bronco this year. Patriots

San Francisco @ Carolina: Last week I said that there was only one NFC team that can beat the 49ers. The Panthers are not that team. 49ers

San Diego @ Denver: A classic AFC West showdown. The Chargers have a lot of momentum but I think the Broncos are ready for the Super Bowl this year. Broncos

Playoffs 13

So, it looks like I did pretty good on my picks.

AFC
East: Patriots! (12-4)
North: Bengals! (11-5) Looks like my last minute change worked out.
South: Colts! (11-5) The other 3 teams have a combined 13 wins. "Good job winning the South Indy" he said sarcastically.
West: Broncos! (13-3)
Wildcard: Chiefs! (11-5), Dolphins Chargers (9-7) So the Dolphins didnt make it. Who would have thought that the 5-7 Chargers would win their last 4 and to be the only other team over 500 in the AFC.
NFC
East: Cowboys Eagles (10-6) Fuckin Cowboys
North: Lions Packers (8-7-1) Technically over 500, Green Bay limps into the playoffs from a division that hates to win this season.
South: Saints Panthers (12-4) I said the Saints would have to beat the Panthers twice, they didnt.
West: Seahawks! (13-3)
Wildcard: 49ers! (12-4), Panthers Saints (11-5) So the Panthers beat out the Saints for the division and I had them the other way around.

What happens next?
Chiefs vs Colts: Ive been unimpressed with the Colts all season. That said, Andy Reed cant win in the playoffs. Colts
Saints vs Eagles: Saints
Chargers vs Bengals: While I think the Chargers have made a great run, I have to go with the Bengals.
49ers vs Packers: There is only one NFC team that can stop the 49ers and it isnt the Packers. 49ers.

As for the Superbowl; Im still going with the Broncos over the Seahawks. Though, for the first time this season I think the 49ers or Panthers could contest for the NFC Championship.

NFL 13 Late Season Picks

Were 3/4 of the way through the season and things are starting to solidify. I know my picks look almost exactly like the If the Season Ended Today scenario but thats the way it is this year. Only a few teams actually showed up and several of them are only a game away from clinching their spot in the playoffs.

AFC
East: Patriots (9-3)
One more win and they take the division.

North: Ravens Bengals (8-4)
The Ravens could make a run for the division but I feel like the Bengals will hang on.

South: Colts (8-4)
This weeks win over the Titans brings the Colts to just one win away from clinching the worst division in the league.

West: Broncos (10-2)
Mid season I said that the Broncos were going to have to be the ones to take out the Chiefs. Well they have, twice.

Wildcard: Chiefs (9-3), Titans Dolphins (6-6)
The Chiefs will be the 5th seed this year. As for the last seed in the AFC, who knows. Its likely that a team with an 8-8 record gets a wild card spot in the AFC. Currently it would be the 6-6 Ravens but I am going to have to change my pick to the Dolphins.

NFC
East: Cowboys (7-5)
The Cowboys have an easier schedule but the Eagles are hot on their heels. This one could come down to their week 17 matchup.

North: Lions (7-5)
The Lions have been very fortunate that their two capable rivals starting quarterbacks are both injured.

South: Saints (9-3)
The Saints should win this division. That said, they still have to play the Panthers, twice.

West: Seahawks (11-1)
The Seahawks are easily the best team in the league right now.

Wild Card: 49ers (8-4), Packers Panthers (9-3)
Well, the loss of Aaron Rodgers was too much for the Packers to overcome and I seriously doubt they will be going to the playoffs this year. Also, it looks like the Panthers are legit.

I still like the Broncos and Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Early Season Picks 2013

Holy moly, Its already week 7 of the NFL season and I havent given my early season picks. So, here they are.

AFC East: New England Patriots. Lets face it folks, this division doesnt really want to go to the playoffs this season. None of the teams have looked that great but fortunately for the Patriots, someone has to represent the East.
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens. While none of these teams are doing particularly well either (1-4 Steelers, WTF) I think the Ravens have had some tough losses and will pick things up in the second third of the season.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts.
AFC West: Denver Broncos. 16-0? 19-0?
Wildcard: Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys. Again, there has to be a division winner. I think the Cowboys lose the least amount of games.
NFC North: Detroit Lions. This may be wishful thinking but Im going for it.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints.
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks. This will be the team to beat in the playoffs.
Wildcard: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers

I havent paid nearly as much attention this year as in the past so youll have to cut me some slack for pretty much matching up with the "If the season ended now" scenario. My Super Bowl pick is the Broncos over the Seahawks.

Playoffs Here we Come

Its been an exciting season. As expected the Lions finished 10-6 and are in the playoffs as a wild card seed. Not only is this a winning season with a playoff spot but, with the exception of the Bears, they only lost to teams that will also be in the playoffs. Unfortunately, this also means that they have lost to all the teams in the NFC playoffs but the Cowboys. It looks like theyll be playing the Saints in New Orleans next week. This will probably be the last time Stafford and the boys suit up this season. But, who knows. Anything can happen in the playoffs. Look at what the Cardinals did a few years back.

If the Season Ended Today

Im giving the game to the Saints even though they have half the game to play...

If the season ended right now heres how the playoffs would look:

AFC

East: Patriots

North: Ravens

South: Texans  Who knows whats going to happen here. Not one of these teams wants to win.

West: Chargers If this is going to happen, which I think will, Baby T Rex is going to need to get his 2 minute drill back on track.

Wildcard: Steelers

Wildcard: Bengals  Sorry Bengals, youre not going to make it. The Bills will hang on. 

NFC

East: Giants  This wont happen. The Cowboys will win this division. 

North: Packers

South: Saints

West: 49ers  Looks like we actually have a contender in the West. Perhaps this season they wont send a 7-9 team to the playoffs.

Wildcard: Lions  I cant wait for the 49ers/Lions rematch in the wildcard week of the playoffs!

Wildcard: Bears

Why Im Happy The Lions Lost

While Id love for the Lions to have gone 16-0, it wasnt going to happen. They needed to lose. Perhaps they should have already lost. Now they can look at what theyve been doing wrong and figure out what needs to be done to fix. Prior to this loss, any misgivings they may have had about their faults were easily dismissed by the fact that they won. Im glad it happened at this point in the season. Im glad it happened at the hands of a good, perhaps great, team. I believe that theyll learn from this and it will make them a better team. I still think theyll go at least 10 and 6 and that should be all they need to get to the playoffs.

NFL 11 Week 4 Predictions

Were 4 weeks in and about to start the bye weeks. Here are my new playoff choices.

AFC

East: Patriots
North: Ravens
South: Jaguars Titans
West: Chargers
Wildcard: Jets Bills

Wildcard: Steelers

So a lot happened in the AFC these last three weeks. Im dumping the Jets and hoping the Bills make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.

NFC

East: Eagles Redskins
North: Packers
South: Saints
West: Cardinals
Wildcard: Lions

Wildcard: Falcons Cowboys

Fucking Eagles. If they dont figure out a way to keep Vick safe they will be 4 and 12 by the end of the season. Im guessing they actually end up 9 and 7 and out of the playoffs.

Superbowl: Packers over Ravens

Lookks like weve got a team that can finish games this year.

The Lions are legit. Two wins on the road, one of which is against division rival Vikings, in the dreaded Metrodome. 3-0 overall putting them on top of the division. Balanced offence and defence.  So far so good.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thats right, its football season. Week one is almost completed and I have some predictions. Here are my picks for the playoffs.
AFC East: Patriots
North: Ravens
South: Jaguars
West: Chargers
Wildcard: Jets, Steelers
NFC East: Eagles
North: Packers
South: Saints
West: Cardinals
Wildcard: Lions, Falcons

Superbowl: Packers over Ravens