Every season the AFC seems to be the favorite over the NFC to have the future Super Bowl Champion. In 2014, the pundits seem to be thinking the same way. With teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Colts, the AFC will look to regain its dominance that the conference has held for so many years. Like their NFC counterparts, these teams are quietly good. Here is a breakdown of all 16 AFC teams and how the standings will look like when the season is all said and done:

Peyton Manning and the Broncos are the kings of the AFC, but will they make another appearance in the Super Bowl? By United States Marine Corps/Sgt. D.R. Cotton [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Denver Broncos: As football fans, we can all hope that Peyton Manning and the Broncos put the beat down they received in the Super Bowl behind them and get back to playing Bronco football. Denver especially revamped their defense with additions of DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib. They lost Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno but this gives Montee Ball time to shine. The Broncos will be strong contenders once again next year.

Record: 12-4, division winner

San Diego Chargers: After making some noise in the playoffs, the Chargers are primed to try and build on that success, but 2014 isn’t the year for them. The AFC is so strong and even with the addition of Brandon Flowers, which I really like, the Chargers will barely miss the playoffs. Keenan Allen is an absolute stud and will help the Chargers offense but their defense is still weak which will be their downfall.

Record: 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs: I really hope I am wrong about this one but I don’t see the Chiefs repeating their 2013 success. I still can’t get over the epic playoff fail where they blew a 28-point lead to the Colts. Personally, I love Jamaal Charles but aside from him who is going to score or be a real offensive weapon? Look for the Chiefs to take a step back in 2014.

Record: 7-9

Oakland Raiders: The Black Hole should get excited this season and it isn’t because of the playoffs. The Raiders have built a semi competitive team for the first time in what seems like forever. Additions of Matt Schaub, Justin Tuck, James Jones, LaMar Woodley, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Khalil Mack will make this team interesting. If they could only get another WR or two, this team could be a playoff team. Plus this may be one of their last years in Oakland, so their fans better appreciate this team before it’s gone.

Record: 6-10

AFC East:

New England Patriots: With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Patriots will again be a top team in the AFC. I am just worried about their offense. They get Rob Gronkowski back, but they lost Legarrette Blount to Pittsburgh. Blount provided them will a large spark of offense. I’m sure they will find a way to do it yet again; I mean they are the Patriots after all right?

Record: 11-5, division winner

Miami Dolphins: After almost making the playoffs last season, I see the Dolphins being hungry for the taste of the postseason. They seem to have put the whole bullying situation last season behind them and will look to bring Miami back to the postseason. Adding Knowshon Moreno will give them some extra spark to their offensive attack. I look for the Dolphins to win a wild card spot in the playoffs this season.

Record: 9-7

New York Jets: J-E-T-S. JETS JETS JETS! After adding Eric Decker and Chris Johnson to their offense and adding rookie Calvin Pryor to a defense that puts out Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and Calvin Pace, the Jets defense is in good shape. While they are close, I still think they are a year away from the playoffs.

Record: 8-8

Buffalo Bills: IF the Bills can stay healthy they could an annoying matchup for some teams. They are still a few years away from really contending. I love the drafting of wide receiver, Sammy Watkins for them and they still have CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson at running back. I look for them to win a few games they shouldn’t win but they will end up in the lower-middle of the AFC standings.

Record: 5-11

AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals: I understand that Andy Dalton has struggled during the playoffs but during the regular season, he has been pretty good. What I don’t understand is why everyone is so down on the Bengals this season. They are coming off an 11-5 record with a division crown. They drafted Darqueze Dennard out of Michigan State whom will vastly help their secondary, which was the weakest part of their top 3 ranked defense. Losing Mike Zimmer will hurt but losing Jay Gruden, as the OC will help them. Hue Jackson taking over means a more balanced offense with smarter play calling so no more throwing the ball at the 1 yard line. A second straight division title is in store for Cincinnati.

Record: 10-6, division winner

Baltimore Ravens: After missing the playoffs in 2013, the Ravens spent the offseason making sure they get back in 2014. Adding Steve Smith and drafting CJ Mosley out of Alabama are moves that will help them do so. Look for Joe Flacco and the Ravens to return to the playoffs where they rightfully belong.

Record: 9-7

Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel will dominate the headlines for the Browns this season and for good reason. If the Browns are smart and start him over Brian Hoyer, the Browns might have a chance to contend. Their only problem is that they don’t really have any receivers since Josh Gordon is too busy smoking pot to play football. Their defense is stacked with Paul Kruger, Justin Gilbert, Donte Whitner, and Joe Haden. The Browns are a season and a wide receiver away from actually contending again.

Record: 7-9

Pittsburgh Steelers: After making a strong push for the playoffs last season, the Steelers fell short on a bad call by the referees. The Steelers are one of the best organizations in all of sports but that won’t help them in 2014. They are an older football team that will fail to make the playoffs again in 2014. They could surprise everyone and have a resurrection but I personally just don’t see it.

Record: 6-10

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts: Too many times, people get caught up in what happens in the playoffs and they put players on pedestals because of it. I am a huge believer in Andrew Luck but the Chiefs lost the playoff game last season more than he brought his team back and won it. It was a 28-point comeback so that is a major failure by the Chiefs, but I am not trying to take anything away from Luck and the Colts. They benefit from being in the worst division in football and will again make the playoffs and look to build on their success again.

Record: 11-5

Tennessee Titans: It seems that each season the Titans have an average season yet don’t really do anything about it. They lost Chris Johnson and cornerback Alterraun Verner and Jake Locker has potential but has yet to do anything with that potential. The Titans will have another lackluster season and miss the playoffs again.

Record: 7-9

Houston Texans: Outside of their quarterback situation, which is extremely important, the Texans if they can stay healthy are just a piece or two away from making the playoffs again. Their defense is scary-good with Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt on each side of the ball. They still have Andre Johnson and Arian Foster but both are just getting older so the Texans need to try and find a quarterback, and fast. Hopefully they can win some games this season and then try and fix the holes in the team during the next offseason.

Record: 6-10

Jacksonville Jaguars: This is a team that I really like in about two-three years. I hope Blake Bortles gets a chance this season as he has tremendous upside but for some reason, the Jaguars management doesn’t seem to want him to play in 2014. Marqise Lee was a great second round pickup for this team. The Jags will be back in the lottery of the draft but are only a few seasons away from making the playoffs if everything pans out.

Record: 5-11

Playoff Standings:

1. Denver Broncos
2. New England Patriots
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Baltimore Ravens (won tiebreaker with Dolphins)
6. Miami Dolphins

In contention: New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs

Without the greatest sports moment of 2013, the San Antonio Spurs would have been having a parade instead of the Heat. By Michael Kain, via Wikimedia Commons

Can you believe that it is almost 2014? It seems like just yesterday 2013 started and we were looking forward to another great sports year and it lived up to the hype indeed. There were many great sports moments and memories this season but only five can make my list. Here for my Top 5 Moments of the 2013 Sports Year:

5. October 13, 2013. Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. 2013 ALCS Game 2

Heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, it looked as the Detroit Tigers would come into Fenway Park and take the first two games of the ALCS, heavily swaying the series in their favor heading back into Detroit. But David Ortiz had other ideas. Trailing 5-1 with two outs left, David Ortiz stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded to face Tigers closer Joaquin Benoit. Nothing had gone the Red Sox’s way on this night but with one pitch, one moment, that would change. Ortiz rocketed a pitch over the outstretched arm of Torii Hunter over the wall in right field to tie the game up. In that, “moment” I knew that this was the Red Sox’s year. Fenway was rocking and all the momentum swayed back to Boston. It was an “I don’t believe what I just saw” type of moment and makes it way onto my list at #5.

4. June 24th 2013. TD Bank Garden. Boston, Massachusetts. 2013 Stanley Cup Finals Game 6

Trailing 2-1 in the game with under two minutes to play it seemed that the Blackhawks would be forced back to Chicago for a series deciding game 7. But the miraculous happened, with 1:16 left to play the Blackhawks tied the game up at 2, stunning the crowd in Boston. The game looked like it would go to overtime yet again, only to have the Blackhawks score another goal only 17 seconds later. Watching this game live, I didn’t believe what I had witnessed. Down by one not even a minute ago, the Blackhawks were up by one with under a minute to play. After the game winning goal went into the net, I knew it was over. The Bruins were shocked to a level that was unseen before and the Blackhawks would finish up that final minute and claim another Stanley Cup trophy for the city of Chicago.

3. November 30, 2013. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama. 2013 Iron Bowl

One of the most incredible sports moments in history only makes it as #3 on my list because it wasn’t for a championship but it was still such an amazing and shocking play that it makes the list nonetheless. Coming into the Iron Bowl both Auburn and Alabama still had a chance to make the BCS Title Game and the winner would more than likely make it there. Trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Auburn tied the game at 28. Alabama then drove the ball down the field only to set up what would be the game winning field goal. The field goal went wide right and was improbably returned for a touchdown by Chris Davis to win the game and stun the college football world. An incredible play, incredible moment and hopefully won’t be for nothing as long as Auburn can claim another National Championship.

2. February 3, 2013, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA. Super Bowl XLVII

The blackout game. Leading 28-6, the Ravens seemed as if they were running away with the Super Bowl title until a mysterious blackout happened and swayed the entire game in favor of the 49ers. In what was legendary linebacker Ray Lewis’s final career game, it was only fitting that the game would end on a defensive stand, something the Ravens have been known for in their history. San Francisco made it interesting, driving the ball down to the goal line only to be stopped four times in a row leading to a Ravens victory. In one of the more memorable Super Bowls in recent memory and it goes on my list as the #2 sports moment in 2013.

1. June 18, 2013. American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida. NBA Finals Game 6

In what might be the greatest NBA Finals game in history, it not only defined the series but the legacy of LeBron James. One rebound, one boxout and the San Antonio Spurs would have been the world champions but Chris Bosh and Ray Allen saved the Miami Heat’s season and the legacy of the “Chosen One”. The Heat were trailing most of the game and it seemed as if they would not repeat as champions. Even their fans believed they would lose as many of them left the stadium early only to attempt to return as the Heat made something of the game. Down by three, Lebron missed what would have been the tying three pointer only to have Chris Bosh snag the ball out of the air and throw it back in the corner to the best three point shooter in NBA history in Ray Allen. Of course Allen was going to make the tying three, of course he was and he did. Sending the Spurs into disbelief, something we had never seem before from San Antonio. The Heat would go on to win the game in overtime and then eventually win game 7 to claim their re-peat. If that Ray Allen three doesn’t fall, LeBron falls to 1-3 in the NBA Finals and we all look at him differently. But what a game. What a series.

Jason Kidd and Mike Tomlin. I don’t think I ever thought I’d write a post that included both of them. I am today.

The coaches of the Brooklyn Nets and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively, Kidd and Tomlin have both had moments in games over the past 28 hours that should have been embarrassing and definitely have been disrespectful to the games they coach.

The Water Spill

Kidd went first. Last night, on Thanksgiving Eve, Kidd’s team was down by two points and had no timeouts remaining with 8.3 second remaining in the game.

You watch the video and decide what you think:

Today, it was reported that Kidd was fined $50,000 for his transgression. The Nets still lost the game to the Lakers. At 4-11, they have been a huge disappointment this season after acquiring both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce this offseason.

That's an expensive spill… Report: Jason Kidd to be fined $50,000 for drink 'timeout' – http://t.co/G3wtIziwEn (via @EyeOnBasketball)

— CBSSports.com (@CBSSports) November 29, 2013

With relatively high expectations in New York this year, Kidd has a lot of pressure on him to start winning. Losing to the Lakers, who weren’t supposed to be very good this year, he made the desperate move of a coach who doesn’t see any other options.

Screwed over by 2 backdoor covers today. 0 and 3 for the day. 22 games below for the season. I feel like I'm being coached by Jason Kidd.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 29, 2013

In the way

Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin is someone I respected so much before tonight. Coming into the game, he was 68-39 as the head coach of the Steelers. His team has been to two Super Bowls and won one during his tenure. I always loved his demeanor, attitude, and the way his teams played.

On a kick return during which the Ravens’ Jacoby Jones looked like he was going all the way, Tomlin got in the way. Go here and check for yourself. It was a ballsy play — the officials could have awarded the Ravens the touchdown anyway and I’m pretty sure they could have also ejected Tomlin. Instead, Jones cut inside and was tackled. Instead of the possible touchdown, the Ravens only managed a field goal on the ensuing drive. In essence, Tomlin might have saved his team an important four points.

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Nearly Collides With Ravens' Jacoby Jones During 73-Yard Kickoff Return (GIF) http://t.co/yhIGpPqjmT

— NESN (@NESN) November 29, 2013

As a fan of Tomlin, who I thought was so stand-up, I was very disappointed. I would be really surprised if the NFL didn’t fine him.

Mike Tomlin's reaction: http://t.co/UskmQ5wgja

— Smart Football (@smartfootball) November 29, 2013

After going 8-8 last season and missing the playoffs, Pittsburgh is in danger of missing the postseason for the second year in a row. Like Kidd, Tomlin was desperate in a rivalry game that looked like it might have been getting out of hand. It was a level of desperation I would expect from a rookie like Kidd. But, for a seasoned, Super Bowl-winning head coach to do something like that was disappointing.

In the end, both Kidd and Tomlin lost games they really needed to win. Their teams just didn’t have enough on the respective nights. Kidd and Tomlin are both intense competitors. When neither of their teams were good enough, they just couldn’t help themselves. It’s safe to say neither the Steelers or Nets are going to end up matching their beginning of the year expectations. Desperation in professional sports is a heck of a thing.

Ah it’s that time of the year again.

It’s a time where every single player in the NFL and all the loving and passionate fans can have real hope that maybe, just maybe this is the year their team will win the Super Bowl. It’s great isn’t it? For a football fan, the start of the NFL season can be compared to a child entering a candy store for the first time in their lives, exciting and new. Each year brings new stories, new players and a healthy amount of restored hope.

As we await kickoff, the questions start to surface about which teams will still be standing in February. For the first time in my lifetime, the Super Bowl will be held in a cold weather location — MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It’s going to be a great NFL season so here are my final pre-season predictions for the 2013-2014 NFL season:

Will Cam Newton finally lead the Panthers to the playoffs? By Pantherfan11, via Wikimedia Commons

NFC East: #4 New York Giants

NFC North: #3 Green Bay Packers

NFC South: #2 Atlanta Falcons

NFC West: #1 San Francisco 49ers

Wildcards: #5 Seattle Seahawks, #6 Carolina Panthers

AFC:

AFC East: #1 New England Patriots

AFC North: #3 Cincinnati Bengals

AFC South: #4 Indianapolis Colts

AFC West: #2 Denver Broncos

Wildcards: #5 Baltimore Ravens, #6 Houston Texans

Playoff Bracket:

First Round:

#6 Carolina Panthers @ #3 Green Bay Packers (Panthers 31-28)

#5 Seattle Seahawks @ #4 New York Giants (Seahawks 21-14)

#6 Houston Texans @ #3 Cincinnati Bengals (Bengals 28-21)

#5 Baltimore Ravens @ #4 Indianapolis Colts (Ravens 24-21)

Second Round:

#6 Carolina Panthers @ #1 San Francisco 49ers (49ers 34-21)

#5 Seattle Seahawks @ #2 Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta 35-28)

#5 Baltimore Ravens @ #1 New England Patriots (Patriots 24-21)

#3 Cincinnati Bengals @ #2 Denver Broncos (Broncos 28-24)

Championship Games:

#2 Atlanta Falcons @ #1 San Francisco 49ers (49ers 34-31)

#2 Denver Broncos @ #1 New England Patriots (Patriots 41-38)

Super Bowl: New England Patriots vs San Francisco 49ers (49ers 28-21)

Super Bowl Champions: San Francisco 49ers

Most of my teams are the same teams that have made the playoffs the last few years with the Carolina Panthers sneaking in this year. This is the season Cam Newton finally takes charge and leads them to the playoffs — and maybe even a playoff win. I can’t wait to sit back and watch as it all unfolds, remote in hand, RedZone Channel at the ready.

What do you think about my predictions? Comment below.

The Tom Brady “window” for success continues in New England, amazingly. By Mongomez93 (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

It’s never too early for predictions, especially when it comes to the pre draft NFL. In the upcoming draft, each team will make selections to try and help their current rosters in order to make a run at that coveted Super Bowl ring. Although the rosters for the start of the season won’t be complete until much later in the year, it’s still fun to look at what each team has done up to this point and make predictions for what will happen. Here are my predictions for the upcoming NFL season, pre NFL draft:

AFC North:

1. Cincinnati Bengals: This is the team that I believe right now will win this division next season. They have gotten better in each of the last two seasons with stellar performances by their duo Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Plus have one of the youngest and best defensives in the league. It will be difficult for the Bengals, as they have now made the playoffs in consecutive years so they won’t be underdogs anymore. With Pittsburgh and Baltimore on the decline, taking nothing away from the Ravens since they just won the Super Bowl, but I’d expect this division to be the Bengals to lose although it will be a dogfight throughout the year.
2. Baltimore Ravens: The defending Super Bowl champions lost a lot of experience and leadership with the departures of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Anquan Boldin but they added some talent back with the signing of Elvis Dumervil. I don’t think the Ravens will win the division but a wild card spot doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: The one time dominant Steelers team of the last seven or so years isn’t the same team and like the Ravens it’s the age factor. The lose of Mike Wallace is a big factor since he was a huge part of their offense but I think the defense who was ranked near the top of the league will keep them in games. Ben Roethlisberger is still a two-time champion and he won’t go down without a fight. That being said, they can still contend for a wild card spot just like the Ravens.
4. Cleveland Browns: A good young team that needs to find a quarterback and an identity. The Browns showed some promise last season by fighting and playing hard in their games but like this league has proven time and time again, you can’t win without a good quarterback. It will be another long year for the Browns as they try and improve the team.

AFC East:

1. New England Patriots: What else can you say about this team? This division is easily theirs and barring a huge injury or anything unpredictable like that, it’s almost a lock. Tom Brady is Tom Brady and will have the Patriots back to the playoffs with another division title.
2. Miami Dolphins: The addition of Mike Wallace to the offense instantly makes them more of a force in the AFC especially since they lost Reggie Bush. They went 7-9 last season but I look for them to improve and make a run at the playoffs as a wild card type team. Tannehill has this team looking good and he can only improve.
3. Buffalo Bills: I am going to go out on a limb here and say that the Bills finish ahead of the Jets in the standings this year. The Bills went 6-10 and I believe just need a few pieces to actually become a contender. The addition of linebacker Manny Lawson should help out a poor line backing core and adding Kevin Kolb might just be what the doctor ordered for the Bills.
4. New York Jets: This will probably be Rex Ryan’s last season as the head coach of the Jets unlike a miraculous playoff run occurs which is unlikely. The Jets have talent, they really do, but for some reason they don’t know how to combine it and turn it into wins on Sundays.

AFC West:

1. Denver Broncos: With Peyton Manning running your team, it’s almost a guarantee that you will make the playoffs. They had one of the best offenses and defenses in football last year and I expect that to continue even with the departure of Elvis Dumervil. Until Manning retires, the AFC West is the Broncos to loose.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: I am taking a long shot here that I actually believe in but I say the Chiefs despite their horrid season last year, finish second in the AFC West. I really liked the signing of Andy Reid as the coach because I believe it will rejuvenate his career and give him motivation again. Also trading for Alex Smith was a major move as it gives them a leader that has playoff experience. They had six pro bowlers selected despite only winning two games, and they have the first pick in the upcoming draft so what’s not to like about the Chiefs? They won’t contend just quite yet but they won’t be at the bottom of the standings either.
3. San Diego Chargers: I am not quite sure what happened last year with Phillip Rivers but I don’t think it will happen again in 2013. With basically the same team and the addition of Danny Woodhead, I think it makes the Chargers the third best team in their division. It won’t be as miserable for Charger fans next year, but it won’t be as good as recent years suggested.
4. Oakland Raiders: With the trade of Carson Palmer and departure of Heyward-Bey, at least pre-draft; I believe that the Raiders will have the worst record in the NFL next season. The only reason they won four games last year was because Palmer, despite his struggles, can still throw the football and put up points. The defense wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t good either. I may be wrong but I think it’s going to be a tough season again for the Black and Silver faithful.

AFC South:

1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts showed us last year that it is possible to have the worst record one year then completely turn it around the next and make the playoffs. Andrew Luck is a stud and I normally don’t say that about young quarterbacks. The 11-5 surprise team got even better by adding Darius Heyward-Bey from the Raiders and LaRon Landry from the Jets. Ina addition they signed veteran Matt Hasselbeck, which I think will play a crucial role in Luck’s development in the coming years. Look for the Colts to win the division for the first time in a long time without Peyton Manning leading the way.
2. Houston Texans: Many people will question my pick of the Colts over the Texans and I understand why but I have my reasons. Yes they signed Ed Reed to help boost the already stellar defense but the fact that they had the best record in the league at one point last year and then fell to not having a first round bye in the playoffs tells me something, they lack mental toughness. In football, like any sport, you need to have both physicality and mental toughness and that is something I don’t believe the Texans have. With that being said though, I still believe that they will compete but just not win the division again.
3. Tennessee Titans: At least the debate over which quarterback will start for the Titans is over, this is now Jake Locker’s team. The signings of Bernard Pollard and Shonn Greene will help this team but I don’t think it makes them a threat in the AFC. It will be at least a few more years until the Titans reach the playoffs again I believe.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Many would argue that Jacksonville was the worst team in the league, not Kansas City. There are so many holes on this team to fix and it will take awhile for all of them to be put together and make the Jags relevant again. Receiver Justin Blackmon is a nice building piece for them but they need more than him on offense. Jones-Drew is a nice running back but lets face it, he is very injury prone. The Jaguars will be back at the bottom of the lottery again come next April.

Division Winners:

AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals

AFC East: New England Patriots

AFC West: Denver Broncos

AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

Wild Card Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans (Notable other teams: Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins)

Playoff Bracket:

1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. Denver Broncos (12-4)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
4. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
6. Houston Texans (9-7)

6 Houston Texans @ 3 Cincinnati Bengals: (Bengals 31-24)

5 Baltimore Ravens @ 4 Indianapolis Colts: (Ravens 27-14)

5 Baltimore Ravens @ 1 New England Patriots: (Patriots 31-28)

3 Cincinnati Bengals @ 2 Denver Broncos: (Bengals 20-17)

AFC Championship Game:

3 Cincinnati Bengals @ 1 New England Patriots: (Patriots 38-31)

AFC Champions: New England Patriots

Alex Smith’s benching sealed San Francisco’s fate. By John Martinez Pavliga (originally posted to Flickr as IMG_7552), via Wikimedia Commons

As the 2011 San Francisco 49ers walked off the field of Candlestick Park after losing a close NFC championship game to the eventual champion New York Giants, you could tell that although they had lost, this team had a demeanor about it. It seemed clear that they would be contenders for a long time. They had something to prove and it prove it they did by going into Lambeau Field in week-one and beating the Packers. During their first eight games, the 49ers went 6-2 under quarterback Alex Smith, including Smith going 18-19 while throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns on a Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals. Everything seemed to be going well for the 49ers, until during their bye week when they got the news that Alex Smith had suffered a concussion.  They opted to sit Smith for the week 10 matchup against the St. Louis Rams and start second year quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers and the Rams tied the game and questions began to surface whether or not Smith would return as the starting quarterback.

Kaepernick gave the 49ers a dual threat and skill-set that Smith did not have. Coach Jim Harbaugh liked this option very much and named Kaepernick the starter for the remainder of the season. Kaepernick thrived as the starting quarterback and had the 49ers a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

This decision must have left Smith wondering his value to the team and many wondered if he would accept his new role as a backup. Smith, being the team player that he is, took the new role with grace and watched Kaepernick take his team all the way to the Super Bowl. Under Kapernick, including the playoffs, the 49ers had a record of 7-3-1 and under Alex Smith the 49ers went 6-2.

I never agreed with coach Harbaugh’s decision to bench Smith for Kaepernick, but I guess that’s why I’m not coaching in the NFL. I always felt like it was completely unfair for Alex Smith. The guy led the team to the NFC championship game and if not for a few dumb fumbles, the 49ers would have made the Super Bowl. With Alex Smith. Not to mention, he was 6-2 in the first eight games with 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions. It was a risky move by Harbaugh, one that did pan out as the 49ers did reach the Super Bowl only to come up short.

How ironic is it that the drive that could have sealed the 49ers Super Bowl dreams, came down to a few red-zone plays where Kaepernick just needed to make a good throw? The whole game he was missing key throws that could have changed the game, for instance, his interception. He could have easily dumped it off to his running back who was wide open rather than throw the ball down the field, very high over Randy Moss’s head into the arms of Ed Reed. The 49ers’ performance was lackluster in the first half and I believe without the very odd power outage, the Ravens would have destroyed them at the end of the game just like they did in the first half, but props to the 49ers for making a comeback and the game interesting. Kaepernick and the 49ers had an incredible year and will probably win a Super Bowl in the next few years. But I think the 49ers were destined to lose this season from the moment Alex Smith was replaced as the starter. Karma bites, and the 49ers found that out the hard way.

I needed to hide in my proverbial cave before entering back into the world of sports. The media’s recycled replay has stolen anything and everything fresh to talk about. For days I’ve thought about Super Bowl XLVII and come up with zilch. Nada.

I scratched on a lined sheet of paper a few ideas, but each fell flat.  Ray Lewis retiring was too obvious. Joe Flacco’s soon-be and well-earned mega contract was too recycled.  Jim Harbaugh’s over-conservatism on offense. Ah, now there’s a hard hitter, but it is too early to say if that’s really a problem yet.  And the next landing spot for Alex Smith is boring.

The media spinsters have stolen every crumb worth discussing from a football-related standpoint. ESPN is truly the evil empire. But Dan Patrick and his Fox Sports getaway aren’t void of such a name tag either.

When thinking back to what was ultimately a pretty damn good game between two brothers on opposing sidelines, I’m left dumbfounded at the obvious: the game seemed rigged. Yes, rigged—at least on some level it was.

When the lights went out it was a little too weird. Too cliche of a  story line. Like a classic horror spot on with the scene when the lights flicker and the down and out(the 49ers) are tested to their ultimate limit.

A league as pretentious as the celebrity driven NFL, in my opinion, is not far removed from making this sort of thing happen. Albeit it’s out-there to think so, sure. But absolutely impossible? I don’t think so.

Seventeen points were put up in a four minute stretch following the return of the lights, by a team that mustered only 6 in all of the first half. I timed that. It took me four minutes this morning to brush my teeth and tie my tie. By the time I put my shoes and socks on, it had gone from 4 minutes to 6, 7, maybe 8 or 9. In half the amount of time it took me to brush my teeth, tie my tie and put my shoes on, the 49ers offense magically unveiled 17 points on a defense playing out of their minds?

Give. Me. A. Break.

That was a storyline straight from the Goodell playbook. And it was well-timed. It was a strategic move attempting to draw back the league’s growing disenchanted fan base.  Super Bowl XLVII had the lowest rating in 7 years.

Yes, the lowest.

This means there is a chance for other popular leagues like Major League Baseball or the NBA to reclaim what once was a more equitable balance of American sports power.

Beyonce’s halftime show was… interesting. Maybe it should have had a rating on it though. By Beelover9481 (Beyoncé Knowles), via Wikimedia Commons

Inception, Leonardo Dicaprio, remember? Goodell needs a story to manipulate the masses, draw us back, make us live, eat and and pray the game of football, but it’s not working. The media has been muted on the issue. After all, they are more invested in the NFL’s success than anyone. We’re slowly, but surely, tiring of the league’s ridiculous rule changes and unlawful bounties.

And then there was Beyonce Z at halftime.  Oh God, her crotch grabs and tongue licks were enough to make a five year old dream about making love. And that’s just gross. I threw up in my mouth with each and every one of her ego-maniacal dance moves. I would have rather seen Meatloaf beat box half-naked in a pair of high heels. Her manifestation of what some people define to be music, was as bad if not worse than the infamous Janet Jackson nip-slip. Soft core porn has become a byproduct of an NFL clearly grasping at straws.

In 30 years, I believe, the NFL will cease to exist as we know it for a variety of reasons. It could be because of an alien invasion. Or simply people moving on. Some other steroid-hungry sport will come along and strike our fancy. Like Glass Eating. Ten wine glasses wins. Most blood determines league MVP.

Whether or not such a prediction is true, you can count on this. Tomorrow you will wake up, you will tune into ESPN and listen to whatever ESPN anchor spout the same nonchalant stupidity in a neverending diatribe of bafoonery. NFL, NFL, NFL. All NFL.

Turn the TV off. Have a conversation with yourself in the mirror. Discuss the implications of growing a beautiful beard (or not; or if you’re a lady, the implications of growing leg hair) and join James Harden in his ultimate quest.

There are a number of glorious beards in football too, after all.

Deer antler spray and gay-bashing are unfortunately the driving headlines leading into Super Bowl XLVII. This is the circus that the Super Bowl “media” ring has become.

Real reporters and analysts asking real questions have been pushed aside in favor of paparazzi and comedians – but I guess this is what Super Bowl media week has always been about – sideshow over substance.

Hearsay about what is realistically the equivalent of popping a few extra vitamins and opinions on social issues have officially engulfed the anticipation of the game itself.  The insignificant and unbelonging are being overvalued.  The news shouldn’t be what football players think about swirling gossip and civil rights.

The “media” sideshow around the Super Bowl has unfortunately taken center stage once again. By National Football League [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Maybe its just me. I suppose I’m only interested in the X’s and O’s, but I assume there are actually people out there that care about all the undercard nonsense? It wouldn’t be driving the media if that weren’t the case? I guess I’ll never come around to the TMZ factor – but then again, I never hope to.

Move to the matchup on the field. What immediately comes to mind when breaking it down?

The difference-maker is undoubtedly Colin Kaepernick.  What he has the ability to do is something no one else that will be taking the field is capable of:  turning something into nothing the majority of his team’s offensive snaps.

And why do I dance around the “something into nothing” factor with the caveat of “the majority of offensive snaps?”  Ray Rice doesn’t take the snap from Matt Birk.  Rice can absolutely put the same type of pressure on a defense that Kaepernick can, but the ball just has to travel further to find him.

Touches, touches, touches.  Rice needs more than 25 throughout the course of the game for the Ravens to be on schedule. Throughout the end of the regular season and into the playoffs, newly-appointed offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, formerly the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has kept Baltimore on-time.

49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is a creative mind that will be more than ready for what Baltimore has already shown they are capable of doing.  The key for Caldwell will be comprising twists and tweaks that haven’t been documented on tape.

Look for the Ravens to have gadgets ready on 1st-and-10 to 2nd-and-ahead situations in the middle of the field.  Don’t rule out a Rice-Flacco-Smith flea-flicker if the opportunity presents itself in an advantageous down and distance with room to work.

Ray Rice will have to be an explosive factor for the Ravens to emerge victorious. By U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hughes/Released [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Two brothers, two sons of a coach, going head to head for the game’s ultimate prize?  Some deeply conceived surprise is bound to unravel.

Now place your mind on the opening kick.

If San Francisco comes out and gets a lead with Kaepernick getting loose, the burden for Baltimore will quickly find its way to Joe Flacco.  Advantage: 49ers.

If Baltimore can control the clock in the 1st half, the groundwork will be laid and the rock will end up lying with Ray Rice in the end instead of Flacco.  Advantage: Ravens.

The other side of the coin?  “God is absolutely AMAZIN’!”

There isn’t a doubt Ray Lewis will have his defense pumped up for one last final pass through the gauntlet.  The motivating factor behind a single galvanizing player being able to inspire an entire team in the ultimate fashion can’t be understated.

That being said, what unfolds on the turf still ends up rising over words in the locker room.  Talent and opportunity fundamentally prevails more than motivational speeches – but I think it goes beyond that to a certain extent.

History and experience on big stages has a better shot of winning out in a game like this.  Top to bottom, the Ravens simply have been there more than the 49ers have.  And when you factor in a complete wildcard like Kaepernick, the potential for him to dominate doesn’t completely cancel out the potential for him to fold under the pressure.  His naivete could superceed his obliviousness in the end.

He might not have known where he was in all of his 10 NFL starts that fill his resume, but I think he will eventually find out where he actually is come crunchtime.  Asking what is essentially a rookie quarterback to finish on the grandest of main-event stages is as “all or nothing” of a bet as it gets.

I’m not really much for predictions.

Ravens 27 – 49ers 23.  Whoops.  Slip of the keyboard.

By Keith Allison (originally posted to Flickr as Ray Lewis) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

What does a man do with deer-antler velvet extract? Rub his body in it, run naked in a forest and frolic candidly amongst the doe’?

It’s so outrageous, that as I’m writing this, I can’t stop imagining Ray Lewis naked, and that’s just wrong. Ray Lewis should never be naked nor should he remind me of cottontail creatures in beautiful, bird-chirping forests. He has, for most of his career, been a freak of nature, more super-hero than chagrining saint, more mean than prim with niceties.

If Ray Lewis took deer-antler velvet extract like this article says he did, than I’m more concerned with PETA than I am with a Colin Kaepernick-led 49ers offense, so diverse and intricate in their play calling, they make memorization of the mathematical pi symbol elementary.

PETA aside, the Ravens could have a real problem on their hands –

On Sunday a defense that allows 415.0 yards per game in the postseason, and big plays to opposing receivers iwth high YAC-averages to emphatically emphasize that skill,  lines up against the record breaking legs of Kapernick, a rejuvenated Frank Gore, slant middle possession player in Michael Crabtree and of course, the explosive Vernon Davis.

You can almost hear the creaky old Ravens defense doing a whole lot of YACing on the sideline. A defense that ranked 17th all season is not the kind of thing I feel totally comfortable about. And nor should any of you bandwagon believers.

It might take more than a lively prayer or antler spray to salvage Ray this time. If not, than good riddance. I’m tired of the shenanigans.

I would love to hear your most creative descriptions of deer-antler velvet extract. Post below.

The most decorated quarterback in the game is still in the mix and hungry for another ring. Photo By Keith Allison (originally posted to Flickr as Tom Brady) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

In the NFC the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers will square-off in the deep South. In the AFC, we have a rematch from last season’s AFC championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. Four teams, blood, sweat and tears all working for the same goal, to be crowned Super Bowl Champions.

Here is a breakdown of each game and my predictions for each game:

NFC: San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

Based on the outcomes of last week’s divisional games, one would say that the 49ers would be the easy pick in this game, but I say otherwise. For some reason, even while the Falcons played the Seahawks last week, many people forgot that they won 13 games and earned their right as the top team in the NFC. They were sixth in passing yards and went 7-1 at the Georgia Dome. This week’s game is being played at said Georgia Dome, a place the Falcons have been almost unbeatable in recent years. The Falcons were one of the most dominant teams all season long and shouldn’t be overlooked.

That said, their opponent has been titled the favorite to win the NFC. Led by rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers easily beat the Green Bay Packers (my preseason pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl). Kaepernick’s performance was outstanding, but I still don’t trust him. The Packers had an above average defense, but it was very susceptible to the run — a specialty of the 49ers.

This week, I expect Kaepernick to come back down from his huge performance against the Packers. The 49ers defense was ranked in the top five in the NFL so that could guide them in this game against a strong Falcon offense. But Matt Ryan got the monkey off his back by (barely) winning a playoff game over the Seahawks and I expect him to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Hopefully I am wrong about Kaepernick (I’m a west coast guy) but until the game is over and I see the 49ers have made the Super Bowl, I don’t believe in or trust the second-year quarterback from Nevada. Give credit to the Falcons where credit is due. My prediction for this game is 24-17, Falcons win.

AFC: Baltimore Ravens (10-6) vs. New England Patriots (12-4)

Many people have the Patriots coasting back into the Super Bowl after defeating the Houston Texans 41-28 last week. But the Ravens just beat the number-one seed Broncos and are riding an emotional roller coaster at the moment that will not be derailed. The original Raven, Ray Lewis, will retire at the end of the season, and you know he would love nothing more than to leave the game he loves on top. The game Sunday will be played in Foxborough, where the Patriots were 6-2 there during the season, while the Ravens were a mere 4-4 on the road.

The Patriots were ranked about sixth in total offense this year, while the Ravens were ranked 13^th in total offense. Just by statistics and the names of the teams alone, the sexy pick would be the Patriots to repeat as AFC champions. But, this is the unpredictable NFL and I believe that the Ravens will pull the upset over the Patriots just as they did a week earlier in the mile high city. Baltimore is riding a high at the moment that just can’t be measured and I’m sure Ray Lewis and the entire Raven team remembers last year’s AFC championship game where they were so close to reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since 2000 when they won it all. Don’t forget, the Ravens have already beaten the Patriots this season with a 31-30 week 3 win in Baltimore. My prediction for the game is 31-28 with the Ravens winning it and finally getting the winning field goal they deserve.

Super Bowl XLVII: Baltimore Ravens (10-6) vs. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

See you there.