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

Coming into the 2013-2014 NFL season, many people expected that at least some version of the last four teams standing would be the Broncos, Seahawks, Patriots and 49ers. Most years, it doesn’t happen where the projected final four actually make it due to a magical run from a dark horse or incredible unforeseen season. But this year it has happened and for the NFL that is a very good thing.

AFC Championship

Can Tom Brady lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl win? First he will have to go through Peyton Manning and Denver. By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

For Brady and the Patriots a win could mean an incredible feat of reaching the Super Bowl for a sixth time despite all the injuries and poor play from Brady throughout the season. For Manning, this game could make or break his legacy based off his previous playoff struggles.

NFC Championship

On the NFC side of things, the championship showcases two of the most exciting and best young quarterbacks in the NFL. Colin Kaepernick has already made it to the Super Bowl in his short career and Russell Wilson is looking to add to his impressive resume. Over the last few seasons, Seattle vs. San Francisco has become arguably the most heated rivalry in the NFL so it is only fitting that they meet for the NFC crown. Kaepernick and the 49ers have had their recent struggles playing in Seattle so it will be interesting to see how they respond in the NFC Title game.

No matter which two teams win this weekend, Super Bowl XLVIII will be a battle of new vs old. Either way the NFL and its fans will benefit from the matchup.

Who do you think will be in the Super Bowl?

Injuries in sports are a sad but common occurrence especially in the game of football. Even with injuries, many teams are still able to compete and win games. Backup players are key for any team and the skill and value of backups can turn a good team to a great one. The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots have been decimated by injury this season — especially on the offensive side of the ball — and although both teams are having trouble scoring the ball, they seem to win games. Both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have shown thus far into the season why they are firmly entrenched in the most elite group of quarterbacks in the NFL.

Even with injuries to his offense, Aaron Rodgers like Tom Brady has performed well this season. By Mike Morbeck, via Wikimedia Commons

Even with the loss to defensive star Clay Matthews, the Packers are only one game out of the division lead and they should be happy with the way they have played despite all the bad luck.

By the Numbers – Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers has thrown for 1,646 yards, 10 TD, and has a passer rating of 101.9 thus far.

The same thing can be said for the New England Patriots who have fallen victim to injuries yet still hold a record of 5-1. They have played all six games this season without both tight ends. Tom Brady has looked frustrated at times with the astonishing number of dropped balls his receivers have made this season. Losing Wes Welker to Denver was supposed to hurt the Patriots despite Danny Amendola being brought in to replace him. Even Amendola has missed time due to injury so the Patriots have had to rely on Kenbrell Thompkins, whom has emerged as a good young receiver for the Patriots.

Tom Brady has shown time and time again why he is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and this season, he is showing why yet again.

By the Numbers – Tom Brady

Brady has thrown for 1,480 yards, 8 TD and has a passer rating of 79.5.

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 New England Patriots…when you hear those words what do you think of?

Champions

Success.

Classy.

This has been the standard for the Patriots, but lately I have begun to question those words describing this organization.

Since 2000 the Patriots have won three Super Bowl titles all coming with future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady at the helm, which is the most titles in the NFL in those 13 years. Led by Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have been one of the most successful and highly praised sport teams in recent memory. Why is it that year in and year out, we as NFL fans praise the Patriots as an unshakable force to be reckoned with?

Will 2013 be the year that Tom Brady and the Patriots break the 8 year title drought? 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

Here is a look at each of the Patriots seasons since their last title:

2005: [10-6], lost in Divisional Playoffs (Broncos)

2006: [12-4], lost in Conference Championship game (Colts)

2007: [16-0], lost in the Super Bowl (Giants)

2008: [11-5], missed playoffs

2009: [10-6], lost in Wild Card Playoffs (Ravens)

2010: [14-2], lost in Divisional Playoffs (Jets)

2011: [13-3], lost in the Super Bowl (Giants)

2012: [12-4], lost in Conference Championship game (Ravens)

While the Patriots have accomplished so much regular season success since their last Super Bowl title, they have failed to bring back the Lombardi trophy for a fourth time. Past success is important as it provides something for you to look back on and learn from but nowadays national sports fans are more focused on “what have you done for me lately.” I look at the Patriots as consistent contenders as they have been lucky enough to be a consistent playoff team year in and year out but like the Lakers and Yankees, to name a few, the Patriots organization has the mentality of championship or bust. Anything else is a disappointment and by this measure, New England has been a disappointing team for the second half of Tom Brady’s illustrious career.

What do you think? Have they been a bust? Do they have a prayer of making noise again this year with all their injuries and distractions?

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

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.

In a matter of 23 hours and 23 minutes I’ll be numb-brained by an unstoppable force of tryptophan. But who’s counting?

I’m set for the sedation. I went to the gym. Worked off who-knows-how-many calories in order to levy the oncoming attack of turkey legs, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans and bacon, buttered broccoli, rolls, red wine, white wine, champagne, bourbon, a lonely beer (who’s watching?), piece(s) of pumpkin pie topped with hand whipped cream, piece(s) of pecan pie and a secretive second-portioned concoction of them all (use potatoes as the base, then begin swirling cranberry and multiple others into the sticky starch based mountain of divinity).

I’m ready for Uncle Joe’s half-naked intoxication and Aunt Sally’s sassy pursed lip persuasions about another of her hippy skippy selling points on a Himalayan weight loss pill. I’ll dodge, bob and weave the children’s chattering food fights and face Ace, the silent untalkative cousin’s, snarling pit. It will good to be an American. Not only can a man let it loose literally, by unbuckling the slim fitting belt from the skinny jeans or slacks, but he can burp, fart and buzz on a triple-headed machine of NFL football without looking over his shoulder in fear. Blessings and all, am I the only man/woman completely over the traditional turkey day battles starring the irrelevant Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys?

I’m unsure whether or not the new triple-header can salvage the stupidity of watching Detroit (4-6) host the Houston Texans (9-1), and Dallas (5-5) host the Washington Redskins (4-6). The playoff implications here are as small as a flea. Dallas WILL NOT make the playoffs, continuing to disappoint, And Detroit? Detroit is an underachieving mess of young stars succumbed with a sophomore slump.The Washington Redskins are only exciting because of their super-frosh stud, RG 3, but even he, the last three weeks, has looked more human than superhuman, with multiple sub 200-yard passing efforts.

Tryptophan might keep Cowboys fans from attacking their televisions tomorrow. By AJ Guel (originally posted to Flickr as Over the Top) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

How much Tony Romo can a man take, before he throws his 44-inch HD 1080-p television off his second story balcony (that is a made up image, I recommend you don’t do that unless you need your extended warranty check to cover rent)? Give it up already! Tryptophan can’t save Romo from the obvious: He can’t win when it matters. And it sure as hell can’t reverse the hard reality that Detroit plays in a division with Da Bears, The Pack and an upstart Minnesota Vikings team. The Redskins and Cowbowys are two teams with similar fates: Playofflessness. While the Redskins play just to continue the evolution of their franchise face.

So while the rest of y’all will be pretending you’re excited over the historic turkey day battalions, I’ll be sleeping, shellacked with peanut shells. I’ll be about as proactive as Al Bundy taking a third and fourthportion from multiple silent Peg’s in a dream. And when I wake, I’ll watch Uncle Joe call his daughter names while playing a game of boxing on the Wii, and pretend I care: “Uncle Joe, lay off Suzy! I’ll challenge you after another go on the pecan pie. Suzy go to bed. Joe you’re my bitch.”

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GFq6usPg6U

My predictions for the turkey day triple header:

The Houston Texans are clicking like no other team in football right now. Detroit has a struggling offensive line, which is exactly what J.J Watt and the fast-footed front line of the Texans devour. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has taken a large step backwards after his emergence last season, throwing just 12 touchdowns to 10 interceptions through ten games. The Texans will create two monumental turnovers, and Schaub and the offense will capitalize scoring ten points of those. Houston Texans 30, Detroit Lions 17.

The Dallas Cowboys’ speedy defensive lineman Demarcus Ware-led linebacking core, will rattle the spiraling RG 3 and his multi-dimensional attack. This game features two teams defensively underwhelming, but Romo, the man with a pro bowler’s intangible in games that do not matter, will outshine the more popular rookie. Romo vs. RG 3; Romo throws for 300 hundred on a poor Redskins secondary and Dallas wins. Dallas Cowboys 28, Washington Redskins 23.

In the “other” game, the biggest joke of the three, Tom Brady lines up against the Jets with no Gronk. But no Gronk means more Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Lloyd and Danny Woodhead in the slot. The point is, the Pats are not struggling. Brady could line up a cohort of team cheerleaders, and I’d wager money of a Pats route over the mouthy New York Jets. The Jets giving Tim Tebow the ball, is the only news worth covering.  New England Patriots 30, New York Jets 13.

The New England Patriots and the New York Giants will faceoff this Sunday in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI (46) – but this matchup is anything but “new.”

The Pats and G-Men have had many recent battles, highlighted by a Super Bowl Matchup no more than 4 years ago in Super Bowl XLII (42), as well as a regular season matchup this season.

Four years ago in the season’s pinnacle, not only did New York get over in the end with an Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress touchdown connection that ended up being the game winner, but in the same swoop, the Giants also ended the Patriots’ run at a perfect 19-0 season.

This year, Eli did it again to the Pats with a late game, lead-taking, back-shoulder-fade touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ballard with 15 seconds remaining. This is all the more fuel Brady and his teammates need to drive their juggernaut, offensive sports car to victory this time around.

One would be remiss if, while picking New England, didn’t make a point to note how Eli is coming of age, and how some are obviously undervaluing his potential impression on not only this game, but proactively, his now obtainable hall of fame career.

Manning has an 11/1 touchdown/interception ratio in his last 4 games. But Tom Brady happens to have a better passer rating than Eli in not only this regular season, but these playoffs as well.

The pass defense ranking of the Giants this regular season is 29th, which is not much to argue when comparing them to the 31st regular season ranking of New England’s, a pass defense who has been openly ostracized throughout these playoffs, much more than the Giants have been when comparing the overall similarity between the two.

I’ll take Brady versus a 29th ranked defense over Eli versus a 31st ranked defense. And even though the Giants have a total of 20 sacks in their last 5 games, I see the offensive line of the Pats stepping up and protecting their present day version of Joe Montana.

But let us not forget the advantage the recieving core of the Giants has over that of the Patriots. Let’s consider: Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, Jake Ballard and Bear Pascoe; versus: Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Chad “Ochocinco” (uhhh…), Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski in a high ankle-sprained boot. Any real bet would take the former before the latter. Vegas even has the odds of an Ochocinco single catch in the game versus a missed extra point near even money.

The deck is also stacked against New England in the running game. Even a random observer would take Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw over Benjarvis Green-Ellis and …… Danny Woodhead? Kevin Faulk? Stevan Ridley?

This disadvantage is where Tom Brady makes the difference and where first-ballot hall of famers make their mark. Even when they are sitting on 15 and the dealer is showing 19, they hit, and they pull a random 5 out of their back pocket and score big. Intangibles seem to always make the ultimate difference on the biggest of stages.

The trump card in the mix has to be coaching. History and a hand full of rings tells us Bill Bellichek has done wonders with extra time to prepare. Don’t sleep on this palpable advantage the Pats hold no matter what your Super Bowl party hacks have to say.

The joker in the whole cauldron is undoubtedly Peyton’s effect on the whole ordeal. It seems his dilemma is almost challenging the front seat, as the actual game itself rides shotgun. Unrightfully so.

Is Peyton stealing some thunder from his brother? Does the fact that this season’s penultimate contest is taking place in the stadium that Peyton built have some cosmic effect on the outcome? I suppose only shamans and exorcists know for sure.

All of this considered, once Sunday rolls around, and after all of the fanfare has finally come to a simmer, “dopey versus slick, country boy versus the city boy, $100 haircut versus $1,000 haircut” will become the singular forefront.

It will be a battle of quarterbacks. Of course.

It will be a test of one who is ahead, head-to-head, but behind all-time; versus one who is ahead, all-time, but behind head-to-head. This is the storyline, as it should be to the bitter end whenever it shows itself throughout the history of the final say.

So go right ahead – make your bet on whether or not some American Idol winner will foul up the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner. Make your bet on whether or not a steaker will make his or her way onto the field during the game. Make your bet on whether or not Madonna will show her boob during the halftime show.

Just know none of that matters. Aside from all the circus, all the production, all the distraction; remember what does matter and what the game is all about at its core. Remember who wins and who loses, even in the preseason, and why.

Because that simplicity is what will ultimately will decide a champion – football team that plays better on this particular day versus football team that plays worse – nothing more, nothing less.

New England 28 – New York 24.

Stay drunk and full.

When it comes to NFL conference championship games, “clutch” is by stretches the one and only adjective that always separates the winners from the losers. And this Championship Sunday will be no different. There is no doubt whoever performs better in the clutch will ultimately be moving on to Indianapolis and the penultimate party. But outcomes are hard to predict when so many clutch players populate the NFL landscape that remains.

Baltimore @ New England – 12:00pm pst, CBS

The storyline all week has been Ed Reed’s comments during a Sirius XM Radio interview about how quarterback Joe Flacco underachieved in the Baltimore win against Houston. In the wake of the comments, Reed has backpedaled by intimating that his intentions were to simply “motivate” his quarterback for this weekend’s upcoming challenge versus the favorite Patriots. Hardly. Personalities that are NFL quarterbacks don’t need the scolding of veteran safties to help them realize the gravity of the challenge in front of them that is NFL championship football.

More likely, Reed was simply speaking his mind during a radio interview and is now simply trying to bandage the potential damage. Either way, Joe Flacco has averaged over ten wins as well as one playoff win per season in his first four seasons as a starting quarterback for a perennial playoff contender. Reed need leave well enough alone and stay to his own. Focus on your rule of 21, Ed, not your quarterback’s completion percentage or sacks taken, because Brady will challenge that very responsibility that falls on your doorstep.

Look for the vaunted Pats offense to possess the ball early, eat up the first half clock and slowly grind the ball down the field. I see the Ravens defense bending but not breaking in the first half, allowing the hot-starting Pats no more than 16 points before break.

New England’s defense is beyond vulnerable, and the Ravens offense has a major advantage in Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice. There is no doubt Baltimore will be trying to establish the run from the outset and will look to stay in manageable down and distances. A lot of the first half clock will be eaten with extensive offensive drives by both teams, as it is definitely foreseeable that drives that are long and few will result in a quick first half. I put the over/under at 25, with a 13-10 Pats lead or a 13-13 tie as the most predictable half-way mark.

The second half is where adjustments will be made in a tight battle and sheer will can then rule the day. I see the Ravens defense tightening up and forcing a few Zoltan Mesko punts in the third quarter, and Baltimore possibly even taking the lead.

The fourth quarter will be Tom Brady’s, no matter if he is playing from behind or ahead. A early to mid-fourth quarter touchdown pass will either extend or take the lead for the Pats. Joe Flacco has the potential to, at that point, either match or take the lead against a loose New England defense. But in the end, the law firm – Patriot running back BenJarvis Green-Ellis, ultimately becomes a factor in gaining some victory-hinging, late-game first downs.

New England’s offense and shaky defense outlasts a Baltimore defense that just barely holds on and keeps the game within one shot. But the Ravens offense will simply not have enough to contend and cash in at the end; 26-20 Pats.

Writing before even taking a look at the spread or the over/under sometimes justifies. Vegas currently says Pats -7.5 and 44.5 total points. I’m see the Pats winning by the neighborhood of 6 or less, and at least 46 total points being scored, as there is definitely the potential for 50 or more. Degenerates, take the Ravens and the points, as well as the over.

New York @ San Francisco – 3:30pm pst, FOX

What a match-up. And maybe that’s just because I get to hear the ins and outs of Ninerfan reveling with streamers after San Francisco’s big win over the juggernaut Saints. But that elation has now naturally come somewhere back to a semblance of reality, and only a palpable amount of nail-biting nervousness remains for Ninerfan.

All the hub-bub is about how New York is riding the proverbial wave, how it is all setting up perfectly for the overlooked Giants. They lost to the Packers in the regular season and ended up beating the Packers in the playoffs. They lost to the 49ers in the regular season and now have a chance to beat the 49ers in the playoffs. It should be understood that comfy and compartmentalized routes that result in making a good storyline for writers and bloggers shouldn’t ever be a measurable arguing point.

What should be argued is how the shoulder-chipped G-Men are being picked more than the slightly-favored Niners, who are playing in the friendly confines of their back-alley, Mission District-esqe gutter known as Candlestick Park.

The 49ers seem to be storming ahead with their own district of dirty attitude, and it is becoming more and more evident as the week proceeds that they are the ones now taking on the overlooked role in this match-up.

Both teams want to run the ball. Both teams want to shorten the game. Both teams want to win time of possession. But as both teams will struggle in the tug-of-war for the title of beast of ball-control, I think the difference will be how San Francisco will stick with it, almost to a fault, and how New York will abandon it when frustration sets in. This is the formula the 49ers have used to win games all season long. This is how they beat New York at the same site in Week 10 by all of seven points.

The first half will be a typical San Francisco first half, playing good defense, not making any mistakes and kicking field goals. New York will stay predictable on first down, but into the second quarter they will try to open things up. This is where Eli Manning makes a mistake and the Niners take advantage. I see the Niners being plus at least one in the turnover margin in the first half, and taking a lead into the locker room that means more than it reads, roughly 9-7.

San Francisco will also more than likely have first crack in the second half, as it is their game to defer and play defense at the outset. New York’s attitude coming in is not to defer as if they win the toss, they should take the ball from the get-go.

Wash it down from the point of attack, kick out the end, wrap the guard to the middle linebacker. Power play for days. Frank Gore, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis. Mix in a Kenall Hunter here and there. If the Niners don’t get in field goal range on their first possession of the second half, they will punt from midfield and play field position. That very concept ends up ruling the 3rd quarter.

As the sun sets, the home side is in the shadows, and the visitor’s side sees the last starlight of the day. The New York sideline holds their collective hands up in deterrence of not only the setting sun, but more figuratively the growing frustration taking place on the field. Eli and his magic are kept off the field for the most part, as the Niners value first downs, ball control, defense and game-shortening (once again, that formula) over points scored.

In what will be a lower-scoring, tightly-contested battle to the end, I see the 49ers holding on and making good on their Cinderella season, by draining New York in the end; 22-17. Vegas currently says 49ers -2.5 and 42 total points. Degenerates, take the Niners to win by 3 or more, as well as the under.

* * * * * * *

Clutch always rules in tightly-contested match-ups that have culminated to the ultimate of breaking points. Who will end up clutching up in the clutch? Who will write either updated history or new, long-awaited history?

These Pats and Giants need more rings to solidify their place in what will be ultimately reminisced. These 49ers and Ravens need to begin their own new regin in the annals of what is to be written from this point. The perpetuating story seems to never take a break. And that’s what us fans live for.

It may be snowing outside come Super Bowl Sunday, but Lucas Oil’s roof will be closed, like the top of a Weber grill, embers popping inside, ready to cook the next feast. Niners in white and Pats in Blue. How ’bout it?

So where the party at?