We have now reached the best Sunday of the year, Championship Sunday! As a football fan you can't help but park yourself on the couch and watch the games for seven hours straight. By Sunday night we'll now who will be playing in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on February 5th. I actually enjoy the conference championship games more than the Super Bowl because the teams have more of a familiarity so it makes for a better game. We have two incredible match ups this Sunday. It's going to be strength versus strength. For the x's and o's football junkie this is heaven. Last week I went a perfect 4-0 which brought my playoff picks record to 7-1 (damn you Tim Tebow). I'm outclassing the ESPN experts right now, but I need another perfect weekend to really separate from the pack. With all that said, here are my picks for the AFC/NFC Championship games.
Ravens at Patriots: Ravens
In the first game of the day we're going to have a fantastic match up. Keep your eyes glued to the tele when the Patriots have the ball cause you're going to see multiple future Hall of Famers on the field. The chess match between Tom Brady and Ray Lewis is going to be great to watch. Even with the struggles of Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense, the weakest unit on the field is the Patriots defense. If Flacco can consistently convert on 3rd down and move the chains the Ravens will win this game. I actually believe he will do so. The Patriots defense doesn't get enough pressure on the quarterback to rattle Flacco like the Texans did. The biggest weapon for the Ravens is Ray Rice. I think he's the key to Baltimore's offensive success. On the other side of things I just can't see the Patriots being able to contain Haloti Ngata. He has the ability to push the pocket and frustrate even the best quarterbacks in the game. Hernandez and Gronkowski do worry me, but one of them will be forced to stay in and block because of the dynamic pass rushers the Ravens have. I'm taking the Ravens to finally get back to the Super Bowl.
Giants at 49ers: 49ers
Woah nelly! I cannot wait for this game to start. This is going to be a good ole fashioned slobber knocker. These are two of the most physical teams in the NFL today. I love the fact that both of these teams get after the quarterback and run the football well. This game is a virtual coin flip, but I have to go with the home team to pull it out. I cannot stress enough how electric the atmosphere will be once kickoff time arrives. Which ever team is able to control the tempo of the game will come away with the victory. I believe that will be the 49ers because they can stop anyones rushing attack and mother nature will be on their side. The forecast is calling for rain during the game so that will slow down the passing game, advantage San Francisco. The Giants have been on a great run and are playing some damn good football, I just think they're running into the wrong team at the wrong time. The last time these two teams faced each other Frank Gore barely played due to injury and the 49ers still won. San Francisco's ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback are the biggest reasons they're going to win the game. This looks like an upset, but I think the 49ers have save their best performance for now. I'll take the Niners.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
DTTWSB NFL Divisional Round Playoff Picks
What a week of games we had last week. I truly believe that there's nothing better than NFL football in January. This weekend particular is one of my favorites of the year. Now we have the top eight teams left to duke it out to see who advances to Championship Sunday. All four games this weekend can go either way if you ask me. I cannot wait for kickoff later today. Now it's time to stop all the talking and let the play on the field settle it. So far this postseason, I've started out to a great record. I went 3-1 with my wildcard picks which would have been 4-0 if I didn't get Tebowed. This week I believe I'll go 4-0 because I'm feeling pretty strong about my picks. Forget all the talking, it's time for the games! Here are my picks for the divisional round in the playoffs.
Saints at 49ers: 49ers
This is a classic match up of a great offense against a great defense. Contrary to popular belief, I think this game will be decided in the trenches. Will the Saints offensive line be able to contain the 49ers pass rush? Also, will the Saints be able to get enough pressure on Alex Smith to force him into some mistakes. Ultimately, I believe the 49ers will win this game because they're a better football team than the Saints. Candlestick Park hasn't seen a home playoff game since 2002, to say the crowd will be in a frenzy is an understatement. The home team is going to feed off that crowd energy and give the fans something to cheer about. This game is going to come down to who is able to have a balanced attack on offense and I believe that will be San Francisco. Frank Gore will be able to run all over the Saints defense. The 49ers ability to stop the run and get to the quarterback will lead them to victory.
Broncos at Patriots: Patriots
Now for the game that will get the highest television ratings of the weekend. This has to be one of the most intriguing playoff match ups I've seen in awhile. America's favorite athlete Tim Tebow heads to Foxboro to take on the Patriots and Tom Brady. With all that said, I believe the Patriots will be to pull out a very close victory. My biggest fear with this pick is that the Patriots defense is terrible. Denver has the ability to run all over the Pats defense and keep Brady on the sidelines. Even though the New England defense is awful, I believe they'll be able to outscore the Broncos. Last time these two teams played, those two tight ends presented a ton of problems for the Broncos and I believe that will happen once again. As much as I'd like to see Tebow continue on because it's a great story, the train makes its last stop in New England on Saturday night.
Texans at Ravens: Ravens
In what has turned into the forgotten game of the week, I believe this has the potential to be an intriguing match up. This is the Texans chance to show that they're ready to play with the big dogs of the AFC for years to come. These teams are more similar than what might meet the eye. Both of them play great defense and are phenomenal at running the football and chewing clock. I would not be shocked if this game turned into a field goal fest. At the end of the day, I trust the Ravens defense to make one more play than the Texans defense. This is all apart of the learning curve for a young Texans team that is being led by third-string quarterback TJ Yates. If Joe Flacco can put up 20 points, which I think he will, they'll be able to beat the Houston Texans.
Giants at Packers: Giants
The last game of the divisional weekend I believe is the best game of the week. I cannot wait to see the chess match between the Packers offense and the Giants defense. Green Bay is well-rested and hasn't played a meaningful game since Christmas night, while the Giants have been in playoff-mode for the past three weeks. The weapons that the Packers have are incredible, but with that said I believe the New York Football Giants will walk into Lambeau Field and upset the 15-1 Green Bay Packers. I absolutely love the match up for the Giants this Sunday. The Packers defense has been suspect all season and now they're playing a red hot Eli Manning who has plenty of weapons to work with and a resurgent running game. Ultimately the reason why I believe the Giants will win this game is because of their defensive front four. They will get to Aaron Rodgers consistently and make him look very average. I just believe the Giants are peaking at the right time and will continue to play their best ball of the season and beat the Packers.
Saints at 49ers: 49ers
This is a classic match up of a great offense against a great defense. Contrary to popular belief, I think this game will be decided in the trenches. Will the Saints offensive line be able to contain the 49ers pass rush? Also, will the Saints be able to get enough pressure on Alex Smith to force him into some mistakes. Ultimately, I believe the 49ers will win this game because they're a better football team than the Saints. Candlestick Park hasn't seen a home playoff game since 2002, to say the crowd will be in a frenzy is an understatement. The home team is going to feed off that crowd energy and give the fans something to cheer about. This game is going to come down to who is able to have a balanced attack on offense and I believe that will be San Francisco. Frank Gore will be able to run all over the Saints defense. The 49ers ability to stop the run and get to the quarterback will lead them to victory.
Broncos at Patriots: Patriots
Now for the game that will get the highest television ratings of the weekend. This has to be one of the most intriguing playoff match ups I've seen in awhile. America's favorite athlete Tim Tebow heads to Foxboro to take on the Patriots and Tom Brady. With all that said, I believe the Patriots will be to pull out a very close victory. My biggest fear with this pick is that the Patriots defense is terrible. Denver has the ability to run all over the Pats defense and keep Brady on the sidelines. Even though the New England defense is awful, I believe they'll be able to outscore the Broncos. Last time these two teams played, those two tight ends presented a ton of problems for the Broncos and I believe that will happen once again. As much as I'd like to see Tebow continue on because it's a great story, the train makes its last stop in New England on Saturday night.
Texans at Ravens: Ravens
In what has turned into the forgotten game of the week, I believe this has the potential to be an intriguing match up. This is the Texans chance to show that they're ready to play with the big dogs of the AFC for years to come. These teams are more similar than what might meet the eye. Both of them play great defense and are phenomenal at running the football and chewing clock. I would not be shocked if this game turned into a field goal fest. At the end of the day, I trust the Ravens defense to make one more play than the Texans defense. This is all apart of the learning curve for a young Texans team that is being led by third-string quarterback TJ Yates. If Joe Flacco can put up 20 points, which I think he will, they'll be able to beat the Houston Texans.
Giants at Packers: Giants
The last game of the divisional weekend I believe is the best game of the week. I cannot wait to see the chess match between the Packers offense and the Giants defense. Green Bay is well-rested and hasn't played a meaningful game since Christmas night, while the Giants have been in playoff-mode for the past three weeks. The weapons that the Packers have are incredible, but with that said I believe the New York Football Giants will walk into Lambeau Field and upset the 15-1 Green Bay Packers. I absolutely love the match up for the Giants this Sunday. The Packers defense has been suspect all season and now they're playing a red hot Eli Manning who has plenty of weapons to work with and a resurgent running game. Ultimately the reason why I believe the Giants will win this game is because of their defensive front four. They will get to Aaron Rodgers consistently and make him look very average. I just believe the Giants are peaking at the right time and will continue to play their best ball of the season and beat the Packers.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
DTTWSB NFL Wildcard Playoff Picks
The time is now! NFL playoffs have arrived for everyone to enjoy for the next month. This is when the intensity goes to an entirely different level. The players, coaches and even fans know what's at stake. In the past several years, the we've seen some teams from the wildcard round make a run at the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers did it last season. I'm not sure if we'll see it again, but I know these teams won't go quietly. In the final week of the regular season, I went 9-7 with my picks. That brought my 2011 regular season total to a disappointing 155-101. I know for sure last season my record was a lot better. The season is the season though. My goal for the post season is to go undefeated with my picks. I think I can do it starting with my wildcard picks. Here's who I have advancing to the divisional round next weekend. Enjoy the games folks!
Bengals at Texans: Texans
This is the first game of the playoffs and probably the most evenly matched one this weekend. These two teams played a great game about a month ago which saw the Texans win on a TJ Yates touchdown pass with two seconds to go in Cincinnati. A lot of people are overlooking this game but I think it may end up being a classic. Both teams have close to no playoff experience at all. We may see some sloppy play early on because of jitters, but I think the second half will be a great football game. With all that said, I have to go with the home team in this one. Even though Yates is battling a shoulder injury, I think the Texans ability to run the football with Arian Foster will keep their offense on track. They also get star wide receiver Andre Johnson back as well. The biggest reason Houston will win is because of their second-ranked defense. With the home crowd behind them, they're going to tee-off on rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. I like Dalton a lot, but I don't think the pieces around him are ready for a playoff atmosphere. I like the Texans to advance.
Lions at Saints: Saints
Woah nelly! We may have a shootout on our hands in this Saturday Night Special. Both of these teams have quarterbacks who threw for more than 5,000 yards in the regular season. That's unheard of in this league. The crowd is going to be in a frenzy tonight to support their hometown team. With all the potential offensive fireworks that may go one, I like the Saints to pull away late and advance to the next round to take on the 49ers. The Detroit defense is predicated on only rushing the passer, and that's something easier said than done against the Saints offensive line. I believe Brees will have his way with the inconsistent Lions secondary. New Orleans also can run the ball down your throat, something the Lions aren't good at stopping. This game will not be a blowout by any means because the LIons can put up points as well, but Detroit is too one dimensional on offense to continually score against a Gregg Williams defense. In what should be a high-scoring affair, I like the boys from the Bayou to flew their muscles late and pull out a convincing victory.
Falcons at Giants: Giants
In my opinion, this is the game of the week. These are two fairly evenly matched teams that bring great quarterback play to the game. Eli Manning and Matt Ryan have some serious weapons to work with on the outside. I think those weapons are some of the best in the league, which is why this game will be decided in the trenches, the old fashioned way. I give the New York Football Giants the advantage in the trenches, especially playing at home. The Giants are coming off two big wins against their rivals so they're feeling real confident right now. Atlanta is also feeling confident, but hasn't beaten the good teams in this league. I truly think the Giants have found their elite pass rush once again and a steady running game on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan will be under immense pressure on obvious passing situations because his offensive line is average at best at protecting the passer. If the Falcons want to win they'll have to run the ball, something they won't be able to do if they get down early. I think Eli will have his way early with the Falcons secondary and use his running game late to ice the game for the Gmen.
Steelers at Broncos: Steelers
The unthinkable has happened. Second year quarterback Tim Tebow has led the Broncos to the playoffs after they started the season 1-4 under Kyle Orton. Even though the Broncos are out matched in this game, that Denver crowd will be going crazy to start the game. Tebow Time has instilled belief among Bronco fans that hasn't been there since John Elway was the quarterback. Unfortunately for them, the clock will strike midnight when the Steelers come to town. I'm not saying this game will be a blowout because both teams have great defenses, but I do think the Steelers will control the game and play and force the Broncos to play at their pace. Tebow will be facing his worst nightmare this week, Ben Roethlisberger is another quarterback who has ice water in his veins. We've seen it time and time again from Big Ben. Even though he's hobbled by his ankle injury, I believe he'll gut out an ugly victory for the Steelers. The biggest reason Pittsburgh will advance to the next round is because their defense will shut down the Broncos running game. Once you do that, you shut down their entire offense because there are zero weapons outside to threaten a defense. The story has been nice all year, but it comes to an end Sunday evening. Give me Pittsbugh in this one.
Bengals at Texans: Texans
This is the first game of the playoffs and probably the most evenly matched one this weekend. These two teams played a great game about a month ago which saw the Texans win on a TJ Yates touchdown pass with two seconds to go in Cincinnati. A lot of people are overlooking this game but I think it may end up being a classic. Both teams have close to no playoff experience at all. We may see some sloppy play early on because of jitters, but I think the second half will be a great football game. With all that said, I have to go with the home team in this one. Even though Yates is battling a shoulder injury, I think the Texans ability to run the football with Arian Foster will keep their offense on track. They also get star wide receiver Andre Johnson back as well. The biggest reason Houston will win is because of their second-ranked defense. With the home crowd behind them, they're going to tee-off on rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. I like Dalton a lot, but I don't think the pieces around him are ready for a playoff atmosphere. I like the Texans to advance.
Lions at Saints: Saints
Woah nelly! We may have a shootout on our hands in this Saturday Night Special. Both of these teams have quarterbacks who threw for more than 5,000 yards in the regular season. That's unheard of in this league. The crowd is going to be in a frenzy tonight to support their hometown team. With all the potential offensive fireworks that may go one, I like the Saints to pull away late and advance to the next round to take on the 49ers. The Detroit defense is predicated on only rushing the passer, and that's something easier said than done against the Saints offensive line. I believe Brees will have his way with the inconsistent Lions secondary. New Orleans also can run the ball down your throat, something the Lions aren't good at stopping. This game will not be a blowout by any means because the LIons can put up points as well, but Detroit is too one dimensional on offense to continually score against a Gregg Williams defense. In what should be a high-scoring affair, I like the boys from the Bayou to flew their muscles late and pull out a convincing victory.
Falcons at Giants: Giants
In my opinion, this is the game of the week. These are two fairly evenly matched teams that bring great quarterback play to the game. Eli Manning and Matt Ryan have some serious weapons to work with on the outside. I think those weapons are some of the best in the league, which is why this game will be decided in the trenches, the old fashioned way. I give the New York Football Giants the advantage in the trenches, especially playing at home. The Giants are coming off two big wins against their rivals so they're feeling real confident right now. Atlanta is also feeling confident, but hasn't beaten the good teams in this league. I truly think the Giants have found their elite pass rush once again and a steady running game on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan will be under immense pressure on obvious passing situations because his offensive line is average at best at protecting the passer. If the Falcons want to win they'll have to run the ball, something they won't be able to do if they get down early. I think Eli will have his way early with the Falcons secondary and use his running game late to ice the game for the Gmen.
Steelers at Broncos: Steelers
The unthinkable has happened. Second year quarterback Tim Tebow has led the Broncos to the playoffs after they started the season 1-4 under Kyle Orton. Even though the Broncos are out matched in this game, that Denver crowd will be going crazy to start the game. Tebow Time has instilled belief among Bronco fans that hasn't been there since John Elway was the quarterback. Unfortunately for them, the clock will strike midnight when the Steelers come to town. I'm not saying this game will be a blowout because both teams have great defenses, but I do think the Steelers will control the game and play and force the Broncos to play at their pace. Tebow will be facing his worst nightmare this week, Ben Roethlisberger is another quarterback who has ice water in his veins. We've seen it time and time again from Big Ben. Even though he's hobbled by his ankle injury, I believe he'll gut out an ugly victory for the Steelers. The biggest reason Pittsburgh will advance to the next round is because their defense will shut down the Broncos running game. Once you do that, you shut down their entire offense because there are zero weapons outside to threaten a defense. The story has been nice all year, but it comes to an end Sunday evening. Give me Pittsbugh in this one.
Friday, January 6, 2012
DTTWSB 2011 NFL Regular Season Team/Player Awards
At the end of the season, all the experts come out with their regular season awards. The DTTWSB isn't any different. Throughout the season, some players and teams have stood out to me. For those of you that have been following my blog since last year, you're used to my awards. There are some conventional ones that the associated press comes out with, and then there are some that I created. Can I get a drum roll please...here are my awards.
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers
Without a doubt, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is my MVP of the season. Not only were his numbers off the charts, he was 14-1 as a starter this season. He's led the Packers to the number one seed in the NFC and has made it look easy the whole time. I haven't seen a quarterback play this well with such a poor offensive line in my life. What he's doing is extraordinary which is why he's my MVP.
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees
In terms of numbers alone, Drew Brees had one of the best seasons for a quarterback. He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record with a game to spare. In the Superdome he's an artist with the football in his hands which propelled him to record-breaking numbers. By putting the offense and the team on his back, Brees earned the offensive player of the year award.
Defensive Players of the Year: Terrell Suggs
On the defensive side of the ball, there hasn't been a better player this season than Terrell Suggs. He brings his best games against the best competition. T-Sizzle represents "ball-so-hard university" very well and has the Ravens defensive front getting after the quarterback. The Ravens had one of the best defenses all season and Sizzle was the leader. He deserves this award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton
Woah Cam! I don't think I've ever seen a rookie quarterback dominate the NFL the way Cam Newton did. From Week 1 he's been lighting up defenses week in and week out. He's an absolute match up nightmare for any defense. The guy can throw from the pocket and use his legs to extend the play. Newton is a future star and at one point in his career I think we'll be able to say he's the best player in football.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Von Miller
Before Von Miller got injured, he was playing some outstanding football. The way he gets to the passer is flat out phenomenal. I haven't seen a first step this good since Dwight Freeney was in his prime. Miller has excelled in John Fox's defensive scheme. In a passing league, he's the kind of playmaker that can turn any defense from average to elite.
Comeback Player of the Year: Alex Smith
Oh boy, never in my dreams would I have thought that Alex Smith would be a division-winning quarterback after the year he turned in last season. Coach Harbaugh resurected Smith's career and has him playing with confidence he's never had before. Smith didn't turn the ball over this season which is why his team is in a good position to get to the Super Bowl.
Breakout Player of the Year: Victor Cruz
The salsa dancing machine is my pick for breakout player of the year. Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz flat out balled this season. He's one of the best route runners in the league. What get's lost in the shuffle of Eli Manning's great season is the season Cruz had. He was third in the league in receiving yards and should have made the Pro Bowl. Cruz has become Manning's favorite target and is now one of the better receivers in the league.
Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh
Hands down my coach of the year is Jim Harbaugh. The work he did with virtually no offseason is flat out incredible. He didn't even know the names of his players until late July. Using his psycho-analytical motivation, he reminds me of the work Jimmy Johnson did with the 90s Cowboys. This guy has restored prominence back to the Bay Area.
Biggest Surprise of the Year: San Francisco 49ers
I expected absolutely nothing from the 49ers this season. I actually predicted the Rams to win the division back in August. Flash forward five months later and now the 49ers are the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. All the talent they've acquired over the years has now paid off. This team is not a flash in a pan, they're here to stay for the next decade.
Biggest Disappointment of the Year: Chris Johnson
My goodness, after the big holdout CJ2K had I thought he'd come into camp hungry and ready to prove he was worth his huge contract. This guy didn't show up until about Week 11 this season. Maybe he'll come to play next season, but this season he played like a dud.
Overachievers of the Year: Denver Broncos
The overachievers award goes to the Denver Broncos. This team doesn't have much talent, but they made the playoffs. Is this a playoff team next year? Probably not, but with Tebow continuing to progress the future is bright for them. For this season though, they defintiely overachieved.
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers
Without a doubt, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is my MVP of the season. Not only were his numbers off the charts, he was 14-1 as a starter this season. He's led the Packers to the number one seed in the NFC and has made it look easy the whole time. I haven't seen a quarterback play this well with such a poor offensive line in my life. What he's doing is extraordinary which is why he's my MVP.
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees
In terms of numbers alone, Drew Brees had one of the best seasons for a quarterback. He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record with a game to spare. In the Superdome he's an artist with the football in his hands which propelled him to record-breaking numbers. By putting the offense and the team on his back, Brees earned the offensive player of the year award.
Defensive Players of the Year: Terrell Suggs
On the defensive side of the ball, there hasn't been a better player this season than Terrell Suggs. He brings his best games against the best competition. T-Sizzle represents "ball-so-hard university" very well and has the Ravens defensive front getting after the quarterback. The Ravens had one of the best defenses all season and Sizzle was the leader. He deserves this award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton
Woah Cam! I don't think I've ever seen a rookie quarterback dominate the NFL the way Cam Newton did. From Week 1 he's been lighting up defenses week in and week out. He's an absolute match up nightmare for any defense. The guy can throw from the pocket and use his legs to extend the play. Newton is a future star and at one point in his career I think we'll be able to say he's the best player in football.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Von Miller
Before Von Miller got injured, he was playing some outstanding football. The way he gets to the passer is flat out phenomenal. I haven't seen a first step this good since Dwight Freeney was in his prime. Miller has excelled in John Fox's defensive scheme. In a passing league, he's the kind of playmaker that can turn any defense from average to elite.
Comeback Player of the Year: Alex Smith
Oh boy, never in my dreams would I have thought that Alex Smith would be a division-winning quarterback after the year he turned in last season. Coach Harbaugh resurected Smith's career and has him playing with confidence he's never had before. Smith didn't turn the ball over this season which is why his team is in a good position to get to the Super Bowl.
Breakout Player of the Year: Victor Cruz
The salsa dancing machine is my pick for breakout player of the year. Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz flat out balled this season. He's one of the best route runners in the league. What get's lost in the shuffle of Eli Manning's great season is the season Cruz had. He was third in the league in receiving yards and should have made the Pro Bowl. Cruz has become Manning's favorite target and is now one of the better receivers in the league.
Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh
Hands down my coach of the year is Jim Harbaugh. The work he did with virtually no offseason is flat out incredible. He didn't even know the names of his players until late July. Using his psycho-analytical motivation, he reminds me of the work Jimmy Johnson did with the 90s Cowboys. This guy has restored prominence back to the Bay Area.
Biggest Surprise of the Year: San Francisco 49ers
I expected absolutely nothing from the 49ers this season. I actually predicted the Rams to win the division back in August. Flash forward five months later and now the 49ers are the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. All the talent they've acquired over the years has now paid off. This team is not a flash in a pan, they're here to stay for the next decade.
Biggest Disappointment of the Year: Chris Johnson
My goodness, after the big holdout CJ2K had I thought he'd come into camp hungry and ready to prove he was worth his huge contract. This guy didn't show up until about Week 11 this season. Maybe he'll come to play next season, but this season he played like a dud.
Overachievers of the Year: Denver Broncos
The overachievers award goes to the Denver Broncos. This team doesn't have much talent, but they made the playoffs. Is this a playoff team next year? Probably not, but with Tebow continuing to progress the future is bright for them. For this season though, they defintiely overachieved.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
DTTWSB NFL Playoff Power Rankings
The 2011 NFL regular season is officially over. It's time for the pretenders to take a step back and watch the contenders battle it out for the next month to see who will be Super Bowl champion. The NFL playoffs is the best time of the year in my opinion. The do-or-die feeling each game has is spectacular. I think we're in for some really good games this post season. My playoff power rankings is a list of the teams that I feel are playing their best as of right now. Just because I have a team ranked low doesn't mean I don't think they have a shot and vice versa. This is strictly based on what I saw all season long, and how I think they'll translate to postseason play. With all that said, here are my 2011 NFL playoff power rankings.
1. Green Bay Packers (15-1): I've had the Pack rated number one all season long and I predicted them to get back to the Super Bowl so why change now? I'm very scared about their defense though; that might be the reason they're watching the Super Bowl instead of playing in it.
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Coach Jim Harbaugh has done a hell of a job with the 49ers this year. This is probably the most complete team in the NFL. The only question about the Niners is quarterback Alex Smith. If he's able to move the chains and convert in the red zone they'll be playing in February.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): The only thing that can hold the Steelers back this postseason are injuries. Unfortunately they lost Rashard Mendenhall to an ACL tear in the final game of the season. If they can minimize that loss they'll definitely make some noise.
4. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): I would have the Ravens ahead of the Steelers if it weren't for my lack of trust in Joe Flacco. Even with the homefield advantage something is telling me he may play poor at home. If they want to win they must get Ray Rice the ball.
5. New Orleans Saints (13-3): New Orleans will have "dome-field" advantage in the wildcard round which should propel them to the divisional round. Their defense will most likely get exposed for being a fraud once they have to travel to the Bay Area. Brees is going to have to put the team on his back; this time it may be too much.
6. New York Giants (9-7): There probably isn't a scarier team in the NFC playoffs than the Giants. This team is peaking at the right time. Eli Manning is red hot and so is their pass rush. It's going to cause problems for teams this January starting with the Falcons.
7. New England Patriots (13-3): It's rare that a number one seed could be the seventh ranked team in the playoffs. I had to do it because their defense is atrocious. It's going to be Brady or bust for them in the playoffs. I don't believe that's going to work with the quality of teams they'll be facing.
8. Atlanta Falcons (10-6): Can the Falcons finally get over the hump and win a big postseason game? They haven't been able to since Mike Vick was their quarterback. Even though they have a ton of weapons outwide, they have to get Michael Turner the ball to hide their inconsistent offensive line.
9. Houston Texans (10-6): For the Texans to make the playoffs with the amount of injuries they have is amazing in itself. A lot of people are writing them off for dead, but I'm not going to do that just yet. They pack a defense and running game which is crucial in the playoffs.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Under the direction of the Red Rocket, the Bengals are relevant once again. This Saturday they're playing a very winnable game against the Texans. In the past, coach Marvin Lewis has made questionable decisions in the postseason. Let's see if he finally gets out of his own way.
11. Detroit Lions (10-6): This is the first time the Lions have been in the playoffs since 1999. We'll know real quick if the stage is too big for them. With all the blue chip pieces they have they are very one dimensional on offense. That's asking for trouble when you're the number six seed.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Tebow and the Broncos had a successful season in my opinion; especially after starting the season 1-4 under Kyle Orton. Unfortunately for the Mile High faithful, they have to play the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers. We'll see if Tebow is willing to "pull the trigger" against a top-tier NFL defense.
1. Green Bay Packers (15-1): I've had the Pack rated number one all season long and I predicted them to get back to the Super Bowl so why change now? I'm very scared about their defense though; that might be the reason they're watching the Super Bowl instead of playing in it.
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Coach Jim Harbaugh has done a hell of a job with the 49ers this year. This is probably the most complete team in the NFL. The only question about the Niners is quarterback Alex Smith. If he's able to move the chains and convert in the red zone they'll be playing in February.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): The only thing that can hold the Steelers back this postseason are injuries. Unfortunately they lost Rashard Mendenhall to an ACL tear in the final game of the season. If they can minimize that loss they'll definitely make some noise.
4. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): I would have the Ravens ahead of the Steelers if it weren't for my lack of trust in Joe Flacco. Even with the homefield advantage something is telling me he may play poor at home. If they want to win they must get Ray Rice the ball.
5. New Orleans Saints (13-3): New Orleans will have "dome-field" advantage in the wildcard round which should propel them to the divisional round. Their defense will most likely get exposed for being a fraud once they have to travel to the Bay Area. Brees is going to have to put the team on his back; this time it may be too much.
6. New York Giants (9-7): There probably isn't a scarier team in the NFC playoffs than the Giants. This team is peaking at the right time. Eli Manning is red hot and so is their pass rush. It's going to cause problems for teams this January starting with the Falcons.
7. New England Patriots (13-3): It's rare that a number one seed could be the seventh ranked team in the playoffs. I had to do it because their defense is atrocious. It's going to be Brady or bust for them in the playoffs. I don't believe that's going to work with the quality of teams they'll be facing.
8. Atlanta Falcons (10-6): Can the Falcons finally get over the hump and win a big postseason game? They haven't been able to since Mike Vick was their quarterback. Even though they have a ton of weapons outwide, they have to get Michael Turner the ball to hide their inconsistent offensive line.
9. Houston Texans (10-6): For the Texans to make the playoffs with the amount of injuries they have is amazing in itself. A lot of people are writing them off for dead, but I'm not going to do that just yet. They pack a defense and running game which is crucial in the playoffs.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Under the direction of the Red Rocket, the Bengals are relevant once again. This Saturday they're playing a very winnable game against the Texans. In the past, coach Marvin Lewis has made questionable decisions in the postseason. Let's see if he finally gets out of his own way.
11. Detroit Lions (10-6): This is the first time the Lions have been in the playoffs since 1999. We'll know real quick if the stage is too big for them. With all the blue chip pieces they have they are very one dimensional on offense. That's asking for trouble when you're the number six seed.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Tebow and the Broncos had a successful season in my opinion; especially after starting the season 1-4 under Kyle Orton. Unfortunately for the Mile High faithful, they have to play the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers. We'll see if Tebow is willing to "pull the trigger" against a top-tier NFL defense.
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