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We have finally arrived at Super Bowl Sunday, with The Sheriff taking on Superman. 49 Super Bowls have been held before with some memorable outcomes; my personal favorite was the Rams - Titans Super Bowl that ended with the Titans coming up 1 yard short of greatness as time expired, but we've also had some other extremely phenomenal games, especially last year's Seahawks - Patriots game that ended on what might possibly be the dumbest play call in the history of the Super Bowl.
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Poor Richard Sherman. He looks like someone just told him that in November his choices for President are Cruz/Trump or Hillary/Bernie. As for this year, the Broncos and Panthers head to Super Bowl 50 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and maybe it's just me, but I feel like for the sake of nostalgia the announcer has to start off the opening ceremony with...
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OK, OK, I know technically the Super Bowl is in Santa Clara, but honestly no one outside of California knows where that is, and the glory and awe that comes with just mentioning this awesomely ridiculous 90's Nicolas Cage movie, is what the world needs to open the biggest game in the world.
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Carolina -5.5
vs. Denver
Now, on to the game. The Panthers come in at 5 1/2 point favorites, as they finished the regular season at 15-1 and coasted to the Super Bowl after beating up on two very good Seattle and Arizona teams. Denver's path was a little more arduous, despite finishing at 12-4 and securing home field advantage. All season they relied heavily on their defense to help them win games. In the Playoffs, they struggled against an injury depleted Pittsburgh team, but managed a 4th quarter comeback to head to the AFC Championship game, where they faced the Patriots. In that game they blitzed early and often against Tom Brady and due to an early missed extra point by the Patriots, the Broncos were able to advance to the Super Bowl on a failed 2 point conversion attempt by New England.
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So, that brings up the question, do you go with a team that has dominated their opponents all year, or the gritty veteran team that knows how to win close games? There are competing arguments for both, and I've heard a lot of analysts compare this game to former Super Bowls, but the fact is this Super Bowl is extremely unique and here's why.
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Let's go ahead and get the obvious one out of the way. This is New School vs. Old School in terms of QBs. Cam Newton is indubitably the NFL's MVP. He's the most electric player in sports right now, and the NFL couldn't be happier. Peyton Manning is a legend. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best QB's to ever throw a pass in The League.
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That having been said, they have two extremely different styles. Manning is a businesslike cerebral tactician, who has had to rely more on his mental preparation, as his athletic skills have clearly diminished. He doesn't have the arm strength he used to, but with his defense he doesn't have to throw for 300 yards to win games. He just has to make timely throws and not turn the ball over.
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Newton is a physical anomaly. He's 6'5 250lbs with a rocket arm, and runs like a deer in the open field, and an Abrams tank in short yardage situations. However, the biggest thing the media has been talking about this week though is his personality, and how he celebrates after first downs, touchdowns, and on the sidelines, and that's not what we're used to seeing from QBs.
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Football is a game, and games are supposed to be fun, and if you make a big play, whether you're a QB, WR, Defensive Tackle, or Punter you should be able to celebrate however you wish as long as it's not taunting your opponent.
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As far as what I think will happen tonight between Newton and Manning, I think you'll see what we've seen all year from both of these QBs. Newton will make some flashy plays and throw the ball down the field and create some excitement with misdirection and designed QBs runs. Manning will manage the game the same way he did against the Steelers and Patriots. The Broncos will run the ball early and see if they can get some mismatches against the Panthers secondary between the numbers.
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Now, for the defense. Denver's got the best the defense in the NFL. They're extremely talented and disciplined, and they're going to pose a big challenge for Newton and the Panthers. Wade Phillips just won Assistant Coach of the Year, and he deserved it. He's done a great job at drawing up schemes and blitzes to terrorize opposing QBs. Tom Brady was hit more times in the AFC Championship game than he has been all season, and the Broncos defense is the No. 1 reason why they're in the Super Bowl. Von Miller was well worth the No. 2 overall pick in the draft in 2011, and he clearly showed that against New England, and Talib and Harris have made been a very effective tandem in the secondary.
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The Panther defense finished 6th in the league, with elite players at all 3 levels. They have arguably one of the best defensive tackles in football right now in Kawann Short, two pro bowl linebackers in Kuechly and Thomas Davis, and a pro bowl cornerback in Josh Norman, who is expected to be franchised at the end of the season. The play a lot of zone coverage and rely on the speed of their linebackers and pressure from the front 4 to get after the QB, and it's been a good strategy all year.
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Ultimately you have to give the edge to the Denver, based on the numbers; that defense is the reason they're in the Super Bowl and it's kept them in games all year. The Panthers still have a top tier defense and a lot of the points and yards they gave up in games were in the 2nd half when they had huge leads, but they've also been hurt badly by injuries, especially in the secondary.
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A huge X factor in this game could be the running backs. Jonathan Stewart has been steady and reliable for most of the year. Stewart was 7th in the league in rushing, and that was having missed 2 games due to injury. He rushed for 989 yards on 242 carries, a 4 yard average and 76 yards per game. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but it's steady production. In the playoffs, Stewart's been even better running for 189 yards on 38 carries, a 5 yard per carry average with 95 yards per game.
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For Denver, C.J. Anderson finished 29th in the NFL in rushing with 720 yards on 152 carries, a 4.7 yard average, with 48 yards per game. The key to that number is his yards per carry. Despite his reduced overall carries, he's making the most out of the ones he does get. In the playoffs he's also increased his production, he's been 2nd in the league to only Stewart, as he's rushed for 144 yards on 31 carries, a 4.6 yard average with 72 yards per game.
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The real difference between the running game of the Panthers and the Broncos is that Carolina has the additional threats of Cam Newton, Mike Tolbert, and Ted Ginn, Jr./Philly Brown on reverse sweeps. Denver is largely one dimensional with Anderson. The ability for Carolina to use multiple sets to move the ball on the ground, gives them the superior edge against Denver in the running game.
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I've listened to a lot of analysts all weak try and break down this game, and I agree with the general consensus. If Denver can keep the game close late into the 2nd half they have a really good chance, based on momentum to come out with a victory. However, if the Panthers get up early by more than one touchdown, it's over. Carolina has a better running game, a more explosive passing attack, a better offensive line, a good defense of their own, and clearly the better QB. Manning isn't going to be able to put this team on his back and win games the way he used to. He's going to need to play conservative football and hope Carolina makes multiple mistakes. He's had a phenomenal career, and this is his last game regardless of the outcome, so it's great to see him be able to end his career on the world's biggest stage.
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Denver's defense is the best in the league, but they've struggled in the playoffs against a Pittsburgh team, missing 2 of its best players, and New England with a bad offensive line. The Panthers will throw everything they have at Denver, and I expect Newton to shine tonight. Mike Shula hasn't been given enough credit because of Newton's talents, but his play calling has been nothing short of brilliant this year. Denver will do their best to take away Greg Olsen and make Newton beat them with throws to Cotchery, Ginn, Brown, and Funchess, but the Panthers have adapted to that strategy all year. When Kelvin Benjamin went down with injury many, including myself, thought 8 wins was the ceiling for this team, but the production by committee approach has flourished in Charlotte, and it continues again tonight. I think it's close for most of the first half, but Carolina pulls away and wins this one 27-17.
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Cheers to a great NFL Season and enjoy the Super Bowl! September can't get here fast enough.
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Championship Sunday has finally arrived, and in true Vegas fashion, it'll be two No. 1 seeds vs. two No. 2 seeds, as the road to the Super Bowl gets decided today in Denver and Charlotte.
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Last week, New England took care of business against Kansas City, as they never trailed the entire day. Gronk looked unstoppable, with a pair of TDs and the game didn't look like it was ever in doubt. Kansas City's clock management issues didn't help matters, and even with a late score by the Chiefs, the Patriots won 27-20.
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In Denver, the Broncos beat a hobbled Steelers team 23-16. Trailing 13-12 heading to the 4th quarter, Denver reached the end zone with 3 minutes remaining to take a 20-13 lead, then tacked on a field goal for insurance. Pittsburgh managed a late field goal with 19 seconds remaining, but couldn't get the ball back to tie the game. Big Ben did all he could, but it wasn't enough, and the Broncos win set up Brady - Manning XVII.
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On the NFC side, Arizona jumped out to a sizable lead against Green Bay only to see Aaron Rodgers complete 4th down after 4th down and a last second Hail Mary to send the game into overtime. Arizona would win the coin toss, after the coin initially did not flip, and march down the field winning the game on a shovel pass to Larry Fitzgerald, in a game that shouldn't have been that close, but certainly made for pure sports entertainment.
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In Charlotte, Carolina demolished Seattle in the 1st half, based on a pair of Russell Wilson interceptions, one of which was returned by Luke Keuchly for a touchdown to jump out to a 31-0 lead that no one saw coming. The Panthers then played prevent defense and an overly conservative on offense in the 2nd half to hang on for a 31-24 win.
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So, that brings us to today's games, and you really couldn't ask for better story lines. In the early game, two 1st ballot Hall of Famers square off for the 17th time overall, and their 5th AFC Championship game against each other, with both Manning and Brady having won twice. Will Peyton Manning make it to the Super Bowl one final time, by beating his archrival, or will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick end Manning's career in poetic fashion and head back to the Super Bowl for a 7th time?
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In the 2nd game, two Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 overall draft picks face off for the right to go to their 1st Super Bowl. Carson Palmer has been in the league since 2003 and has 1 playoff win, but he's rarely had a team around him as talented as this. At the age of 36, he knows his years are limited in the league, and this may be his last chance at a Super Bowl. Across the field from him is Cam Newton, who is the clear NFL MVP this year. Newton is only 26, but he's well aware youth is no guarantee you'll get back to a Super Bowl. Newton has made spectacular plays all year, with a stellar tight end and committee of role playing wide receivers, but his stats spiked this year as he threw 17 more TDs and 2 less INTs than last season. Will Superman lead his team to the Super Bowl, or will Carson Palmer finally silence his critics by getting to the big game?
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New England -3
at Denver
The aura and history of this rivalry makes this must watch television. While, I don't think anyone believes this is Tom Brady's last game, it could very well be Peyton Manning's, and even Manning haters would have to reluctantly admit that he's one of the best QBs to ever play the game.
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Looking at the numbers this year though, Manning hasn't even been mediocre. He's statistically had by far his worse season ever. Manning only started 9 games in the regular season this year, due partly to injury and partly the numbers I'm about to illustrate. In the 10 games he played in and 9 games he started this regular season, Manning threw for 2,249 yards (respectable), but he also threw only 9 TDs to 17 INTs. That's undeniably tough to tolerate. You can't have your starting QB turn the ball over twice as much as he is scoring. Additionally, his arm strength has clearly diminished and he's looked like Father Time has finally caught up with him. Still, the positive thing he has going for him is that he has an elite defense on his side. He doesn't have to make big plays to win games; he just has to not make mistakes. He's thrown 1 TD including the playoffs at home this year, but he's still 6-1 in Denver, despite those numbers.
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For the visiting Patriots, Tom Brady, unbelievably, doesn't look to be slowing down. He's had another phenomenal season and put up extremely good numbers yet again, despite being 38 years old, having a patchwork offensive line, that has been decimated by injuries all season, and having his receiving corps on and off of the trainer's table throughout the year. You have to tip your hat to a guy that throws for 4,770 yards, 36 TDs and 7 INTs, and completes 64% of his passes at 38 years old.
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I think this game comes down to how Denver's defense limits Tom Brady's ability to get the ball down field. If Brady has any kind of time, this game isn't going to be close, so expect Wade Phillips to dial up blitzes early and often. An amazing story today is going to be how Denver Cornerback Chris Harris plays. Harris reportedly had problems raising his arm to brush his teeth this week, and yet he's going to play in one of the most vulnerable positions in the AFC Championship game against Tom Brady; that's unfathomable. Additionally, if Gronk doesn't get double teamed all day, Tom Brady will find a way to make Denver sorry. The best thing the Broncos can do is take away Gronk and Edelman and make the other receivers and the Patriots running game beat them.
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Denver is going to have to find ways to manufacture points, but they've been good at that all year. I look for them to disguise a lot of coverages and blitzes and hit Tom Brady as often as possible in hopes to get a turnover. On offense, Peyton Manning is going to have to be a game manager. He's going to have to make short and intermediate throws, especially on 3rd down, and trust his running game.
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Personally, I'd love nothing more than to see Peyton Manning have his last game be at the Super Bowl, but I just can't see it happening outside of a flawless performance. New England looked really good last week against a good defense, and Gronk just looks like he's on another level right now. Tom Brady continues his march to be the G.O.A.T. and heads back to his 7th Super Bowl. Patriots 24 Broncos 16.
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Arizona
at Carolina -3
The nightcap is in Charlotte, as the Panthers host their first ever NFC Championship game in franchise history, against the Arizona Cardinals. These two teams have clearly been the best two teams in the NFC from start to finish, and it appeared destined that they would meet for the right to go to Super Bowl.
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Arizona has a veteran pocket passer, with a very good receiving corps, and a sound defense. Carolina has a dynamic QB who can hurt you both inside and outside of the pocket, a very good running game, and like Arizona, a sound defense. This game is likely going to be won on big plays, and both teams have the ability to make them. Arizona's receiving corps is one of the best in the league and Carolina's secondary outside of Josh Norman has struggled, especially in the 2nd half of games, so I'm expecting a lot of 3-4 wide sets to get favorable matchups.
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Greg Olsen has been the second best tight end in the league this year, so Arizona is likely going to blanket him all game and force Cam to make throws to Ginn, Cotchery, Funchess, and Philly Brown if they want to win. Ted Ginn, Jr. can flat out fly, and I expect Cam to target him down the field for some big gains, as Bruce Arians has said Arizona is going to try and take away Greg Olsen. If you don't think he wants to make the Cardinals pay for cutting him last year, you don't understand sports.
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Newton in his last 9 games is 8-1, with 22 Passing TDs to 1 INT, a Passer Rating of 116.4, and 5 Rushing TDs. Those numbers are impressive, and he's clearly matured in his leadership role this year. Carson Palmer though had an MVPesque season had it not been for Cam Newton, as he threw for 4671 yards 35 TDs and 11 INTs, while averaging nearly 300 yards per game. He's looked poised and composed all year, and with the receivers he has it's easy to see why.
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I expect Carolina to rely on it's strength, the running game, and make Arizona's secondary and linebackers have to commit to the run, which will open up the field for Ginn and Brown to get open. The deciding factor though is going to be Arizona's ability to get to Cam Newton and limit his ability to run outside of the pocket. Newton didn't do much running last week, because he didn't have to, but I think that changes this week and Ron Rivera takes the reins off Cam and let him use his legs more. Additionally, if Carolina gives Carson Palmer time to throw the ball, he's going to find someone open and likely for a big gain, so I see the Panthers defense using it's linebacking corps to bring pressure, because Palmer isn't the most mobile QB in the league.
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With the Panthers getting 3 points at home, you can see that Vegas basically calls this game a push and gives the Panthers the advantage as the home team. It certainly could go either way, but the way the Panthers have played this year, I'm going with Carolina to make enough plays to get to the Super Bowl. I think you'll see some unreal plays from both sides, but the experience Carson Palmer has, which many have people have elaborated on this week, isn't playoff experience. Arizona is going to likely be one dimensional having to throw the ball to win this game. With Cam Newton looking like the best player in football right now, I think he shines today and Carolina holds on with another defensive stop to get to Santa Clara. Carolina 27 Arizona 23.
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Let's hope for a great Championship Sunday in route to the Super Bowl! Cheers!
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Well last night was certainly entertaining with the Packers converting 4th down after 4th down, and then sending the game to overtime on a Hail Mary as time ended, only to lose on a coin flip that didn't initially flip, as Arizona marched down the field and scored on a shovel pass to Larry Fitzgerald. The New England - Kansas City game wasn't nearly as exciting, as the Patriots looked like what we expected, and Kansas City put on a display of how to mismanage the clock at the end of the game.
As for today's games, the Seahawks head to Charlotte to take on the Panthers at 1:05PM EST on FOX, and the banged up Steelers face off against the Broncos in Denver at 4:40PM EST on CBS. So, let's get to today's games.
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Seattle
at Carolina -2.5
You probably won't find two teams that are more like each other in the playoffs than Carolina and Seattle. Both teams have young dynamic QBs who can extend plays, strong defenses, a power running game, and a receiving corps that wouldn't scare most teams, but somehow manages to make plays when it matters. While there's freezing rain in Charlotte this morning, by game time the weather looks to clear up. Still, the field is going to be damp and cold, but that doesn't really favor either team, as these two teams are built to run the football.
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In the often overused words of Charlotte's 2nd most famous resident, To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man. If Carolina wants to claim they're the new dynasty in the NFC, they're going to have to knock the Seahawks off that pedestal. While the Panthers beat Seattle this year in the Pacific Northwest, they're 0-2 against them in the playoffs, but both of those losses have come in Seattle. Panthers fans and players have been dreaming about this type of game since last year. And like a lot of dreams....there's a monster at the end of it.
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With Marshawn Lynch back, I'm interested to see how the team chemistry is affected. He's clearly a very good running back, but the Seahawks have actually been better without him. I expect Russell Wilson to make the same kind of plays he made last week, where it appears the Seahawks are done, only to see him find an open receiver to keep the drive alive. However, this year, I think the torch gets passed to the Panthers. They've been the best team in football all year from start to finish, and while Seattle has looked good as of late, I think Carolina is better. The Panthers get Jonathan Stewart back today along with Ted Ginn, Jr., and that allows the Panthers to stretch the field and run the ball effectively. Lastly, Cam Newton has been the unquestioned MVP this year, and I think he'll make one or two more plays than Russell Wilson. Panthers 27 Seahawks 24.
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Pittsburgh
at Denver -7.5
Vontaze Burfict not only took the Bengals out of the playoffs with his play last week, he likely took the Steelers out as well, as Antonio Brown is a no go for today. Big Ben additionally is banged up, but he'll still give it a go. As for the ground game, Deangelo Williams is out again today, so Pittsburgh will again have to rely on Todman and Toussaint to run the ball effectively. I expect a lot of short passes based on Big Ben's injury, so Heath Miller should have a big day.
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As for the Broncos, Peyton Manning didn't look extremely effective in the season finale against San Diego, but he got the job done, and with that defense, as long as he doesn't make mistakes the Broncos should be alright today. Manning hasn't show the ability to throw the ball deep this year with much accuracy so like Big Ben, I expect a lot of quick short passes to compliment a heavy run game. The question is how short of a leash is Peyton on if he struggles, and will Gary Kubiak go to Brock Osweiler?
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I think this game is still going to be closer than the spread, but I like Denver to get the win at home based on Pittsburgh's injuries. A Manning - Brady AFC Championship, for what could be the last time, is what America needs. It's too perfect not to happen. Broncos 20 Steelers 17.
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Well, here we are...Week 17 of the NFL season and it couldn't have come fast enough for a lot of teams in the league. Last week saw complete chaos with the Panthers, Patriots, Seahawks, and Steelers all losing to teams they were favored against. The NFC playoffs teams are set, but their seeding is still up for grabs as only the Redskins are locked into their seed heading into the last game of the regular season. In the AFC, there's one Wild Card playoff spot open, with the Jets and Steelers both fighting for it. It's pretty simple for the Jets, win and you're in. For the Steelers, they need the Jets to lose at Buffalo, and they have to beat the Browns, thanks to their awful loss to the Ravens last week. There's also a chance Indy could overtake the Texans for the AFC South crown, but they have to win and hope Houston loses to Jacksonville, plus have a lot happen in order to win the tie breaker, which I won't bore you with. The short version is, that it is extremely unlikely all those games go Indy's way, so Houston should win the AFC South, let's take a look at how the final week of the season could end, and how the playoffs could shape up.
NY Jets -3
at Buffalo
As I indicated above, it's easy for the Jets, win and you're in. Lose, and you better hope Cleveland pulls off a miracle against Pittsburgh. Buffalo will throw everything they have at the Jets, but I think New York is going to be extremely focused in this one. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing exceptionally well the last month of the year, and the Jets may have the best WR tandem in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. With Shady McCoy out, give me the Win and In Jets to clinch a playoff birth in Buffalo. Jets 27 Bills 20.
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New England -9
at Miami
At the beginning of the year, analysts thought this game might decide the AFC East title, but things have not gone well for the Dolphins this year. The Patriots currently have the No. 1 overall seed and they'll get a win today at Miami to ensure that the AFC road to the Super Bowl runs through Foxboro. I expect the Pats to get up by double digits early and then coast through the rest of the game. I know the Patriots have been riddled with injuries, but Miami hasn't looked good all year. Despite all the controversy and injuries, the Patriots will secure home-field advantage today. Patriots 31 Dolphins 17.
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New Orleans
at Atlanta -5.5
The Falcons started off red hot, then looked abysmal for 2 months, then ended up beating a 14-0 Panthers team at home to get to 8-7. The Saints have been up and down all year, playing a lot of close games, but rarely coming out on the winning side of those games. These two teams hate each other, and I expect this game to be a war between two franchises who know they won't play again for another 8 months. Despite good play by Drew Brees, their defense has been awful throughout the season, which should set up nicely for Julio Jones and Matty Ice. Atlanta 30 New Orleans 24.
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Baltimore
at Cincinnati -9.5
How happy were the Ravens on Sunday? That upset, that could very well have knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs, and it had Baltimore fans dancing in the streets despite only winning 5 games this year. With the injuries both teams are suffering at QB, this game is a toss up, despite the 9 point line. The Bengals have a lot more talent though, and with a win and a Denver loss, the Bengals secure a 1st round bye. With a lot more to play for, I'm going with the Bengals to get the win at home, but I think the Ravens make enough plays to cover the spread. Cincy 23 Baltimore 16.
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Pittsburgh -11
at Cleveland
The Steelers completely blew it last week losing to the Ravens. It was a complete meltdown, against Ryan Mallett and the Ravens. I don't think they make the same mistake against the Browns this week. With Austin Davis starting for the Browns, the Steelers should be able to secure a victory. This one should be a blowout, and they'll keep a close eye on the score in Buffalo. Steelers 34 Cleveland 13.
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Jacksonville
at Houston -6.5
At the beginning of the year, I didn't think the Texans had any shot at the postseason, but solid defense and a seemingly season-ending injury to Andrew Luck propelled the Texans into a situation where they're likely going to win the AFC South and host a playoff game. In Jacksonville, the Jags have only won 5 games this year, but they've found their QB and No. 1 WR, so that gives them the chance to focus on their defense in the draft. Gus Bradley has been told he'll be retained, but Jacksonville better get to the playoffs next year if he wants his services retained for 2017. I think this is a game Houston finds a way to win, but Jacksonville covers the spread. Texans 27 Jags 23.
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Tennessee
at Indianapolis Even
With Indy being the trendy pick for the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, this has not been the year the Colts were hoping for after Andrew Luck's injury. The organization looks poised to make a change at the head coaching position, and you can bet Jimmy Sexton will get a call for several of his clients. As for this game, if Tennessee loses they secure the No. 1 overall pick, so they actually have a pretty strong incentive to lose this game, and I think they will, even with the problems Indy has had. Give me the Colts to get a win 20-17.
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Washington
at Dallas -3.5
If I'm the Redskins, I sit every single starter this week. You're not going to increase or decrease your playoff position, so this is your bye week. I wouldn't even let Kirk Cousins dress for this game. Dallas should come out and just throw the ball all day with Kellen Moore, because they have nothing to lose. I'm going with the Cowboys, but I don't feel good about it. Dallas 22 Washington 20.
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Philadelphia
at NY Giants -5
The Chip Kelly era comes to an end in Philly, and begins in Tennessee...? Well, we'll see, but you can bet the Titans give his agent a call. The Eagles need a lot of help because they've completely changed their roster and they're going to have to rebuild that team from scratch. The Giants will likely say goodbye to Tom Coughlin after today, and he's had a great NFL career. Despite the Giants' own concerns with personnel, I'm going with the Giants to get a win to send Coughlin off with a nice swan song at home, but this was a year where the Giants should have been playing for at least one more week. Giants 28 Eagles 23.
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Detroit -1
at Chicago
The Lions and Bears both hoped they could sneak into the playoff this year, but that just didn't happen. Both teams sit at 6-9, but I think Detroit is the better team. They started the year 1-7, but are 5-2 since that start. The Bears haven't been able to find their rhythm all year, and will likely lose their offensive coordinator to a head coaching job at the end of the season. Chicago also is going to have to make a tough decision as Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery's contracts are up this year. I think Stafford throws early and often and Chicago has trouble defending against Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Lions 30 Bears 24.
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Tampa Bay
at Carolina -10
The perfect season is over in Carolina, but the bigger issue is whether or not they can secure home-field advantage today. It's going to be tough with Ted Ginn, Jr., and Kirk Coleman doubtful, plus Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker out. This is a game where Cam and Olsen are going to have to take over, and the defense is going to have to play light's out, but I think they'll get it done. That line is huge considering all of Carolina's injuries. Give me the Panthers at home 27 - 21.
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Oakland
at Kansas City -7
Kansas City has had a phenomenal 2nd half to their season. A team that looked left for dead is going to the playoffs, and could easily win their Wild Card round game. I don't think this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but Andy Reid and Alex Smith have certainly made for a nice tandem. Oakland also looks like they're headed in the right direction, but they still need to add some pieces before they can compete for the playoffs on a regular basis. Kansas City 20 Oakland 17.
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San Diego
at Denver -9
The Chargers have had a tough season, while Denver has been able to overcome a lot of adversity, namely that of Peyton Manning declining in his play, then being injured for a good portion of the season. Even with Brock under center and Peyton on the sideline, I like the Broncos to get it done and lock down the No. 2 seed. Broncos 24 Chargers 17.
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Seattle
at Arizona -6.5
The NFL moved the Panthers-Bucs game to later in the afternoon, due largely to the fact that if Carolina won, this game wouldn't be nearly as exciting. The Cardinals have looked pretty impressive all season, and Seattle has been good, but they still have 6 loses. Arizona is fighting with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall seed, and Seattle's only question is whether they will be the 5 or the 6 seed. With a LOT to play for, I'm going with the Cardinals at home. They're arguably the most complete team in the NFL right now. Arizona 27 Seattle 20.
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St. Louis
at San Francisco -3.5
The Rams and 49ers can't wait for this season to end and the only celebrating they'll be doing will likely be on draft day. Both have major questions at QB and the head coaching position. The Rams have won 3 games in a row to get to 7-8, and they have an opportunity to end the season at 8-8 in Santa Clara. With the Rams having suddenly surged and the 49ers struggling to score points all year, I'm going with Case Keenum and Todd Gurley to get a win against San Fran 24 - 19.
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Minnesota
at Green Bay -3
The final regular season game of the year decides who wins the NFC North. Green Bay got absolutely throttled by Arizona last week, and Minnesota took care of business against a depleted Giants team. Green Bay has struggled on defense all year, and you can bet that Minnesota is hoping to ride Adrian Peterson to an NFC North crown. If this game were anywhere but Lambeau, I'd like the Vikings, but it's hard to go against Green Bay at home in a meaningful game. Packers 30 Vikings 28.
Courtesy of reddit.com
It's been a fun regular season, and I'll be listening to the games on the road today as I head back from the Sugar Bowl. Cheers to the Playoffs!
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