Lets face it, I’m no John Clayton, Tom Jackson, Steve Young, my boy Emmitt Smith or even DA Coach, Mike Ditka. I’d like to think I am better looking than all of them, but I am just a regular guy who watched his team disappoint once again as they failed to make the playoffs this year.
This is me in 2005. EIU alumni. Life long Dallas Cowboy Fan
Though I could break down the Cowboys disgrace of a season, I much rather discuss and make my predictions for the teams that deserved to be in the playoffs and perhaps make a trip to Tampa. Let’s start with the 4 Wild-Card games…Criteria for predictions: QB play, running game, defense, etc… and of course story lines for the media.
#5 Indianapolis Colts at #4 San Diego Chargers
This should be the most watched Wild-Card game of the weekend. Both Quarterbacks are extremely hot and you could make a strong case for each one as MVP candidates. Rivers has thrown 11 touchdowns and 1 interception during their 4 game win streak as he helped them get into the playoffs. Manning has thrown 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as the Colts rattled off 9 straight as they head into Saturday nights showdown. These two faced off earlier this year which ended with an Adam Vinatieri game winning field goal as the Colts won 23-20.
Though the Colts running game has been pathetic this year, it hasn’t mattered when you have Peyton Manning under center. Expect Manning to throw all over one of the worst pass defenses in the league, as San Diego gives up almost 250 passing yards a game. LaDainian Tomlinson appears to have a soar groin from this past weekend against Denver which isn’t good news for the Chargers. The game will be played in sunny California, so the weather won’t be a factor. With all that said…Indianapolis still has Peyton Manning! Colts 27 San Diego 21
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #3 Miami Dolphins
I don’t know how the Dolphins turned their season around but it seems with efficient QB play, a dual running back tandem, their defense not allowing a touchdown in 3 of the last 5 games, and oh, Bill Parcells seems to be all you need. The Ravens bring of the nastiest defenses to Miami (Oh, weather will not be a factor) as they are second in the league in total yardage (261yds/game). Their rookie QB, Joe Flacco, hasn’t been great, but he’s made plays when he had too, and is as cool, calm and collected in the pocket as a 10 year starter. All that with the #1 rushing offense (148yds/game) in the AFC, this game should be a repeat of the 27-13 game from week 7. Pennington has been a pleasant surprise but is facing a Baltimore defense that lead the league with 26 picks! Expect Ed Reed to add another to his collection. Ravens 30 Dolphins 19
#5 Atlanta Falcons at #4 Arizona Cardinals
This was my toughest decision. I feel like this is out with the old (Kurt Warner, 30 touchdowns) in with the new (Matt Ryan 16 touchdowns) Not only was there a difference of 14 in touchdowns thrown, that’s all the age difference between these two – Warner 37, Ryan 23. This game has a nice personal sentiment for myself, as I had both Larry Fitzgerald and Roddy White on my fantasy team (Thanks to the both of you for solid seasons)! Kurt Warner leads a high powered passing offense as both Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (23 touchdowns between the two of them) have to lead their Cardinals and 6-2 home record (once again, weather wont be a factor) against one of the leagues top run offenses (152yds/game). Michael Turner has been a pleasant surprise and has helped ease Matt Ryan’s rookie season has he hasn’t had to make to many plays with his arm. I went back and forth on this one… Can Kurt throw the ball close to 40 times and lead his team to victory? Can Matt Ryan and Turned control the clock and add another victory to a memorable season? Falcons 28 Cardinals 27
#6 Philadelphia Eagles at #3 Minnesota Vikings
I will try and leave my personal feelings out of this game as the Eagles made my Cowboys look like girl scouts the other day. As well not be bias towards a former EIU Alumni in Brad Childress, the head coach of the Vikings.
Donovan McNabb has been through a lot in his Eagle career, but the reality is, this guy knows how to win (it irks me to say that). He’s played in big games before, and with their blitzing defense and all-purpose running back Brian Westbrook the Eagles should take care of business in the Metrodome. Vikings do have Adrian Peterson and 145yds/game rushing, (top 5 in the NFL) and the #1 rushing defense, but fell into the playoffs with a last second field goal. They have awful passing game and will need to make big plays downfield, regardless if its Tarvaris Jackson, or Gus frerotte. Weather won’t be a factor, as it kills me to say this…. Eagles 31 Vikings 17
We move onto the divisional rounds, and according to my predictions the next round should look a little something like this…
#5 Indianapolis Colts at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers defense was absolutely stifling this year allowing a league best 237 yards/game and 156 passing yards a game. Which seems like bad news for Peyton Manning who might have to throw the ball 40 times to win this game, but then again, who would you rather have making the big throw to win a game than Peyton Manning? With a battered Ben Roethlisberger, and the Colts defense knowing how to step up in big games, (just ask the Bears in 2006) I expect Manning to continue his story book career and walk into Heinz Field and walk away with a victory. Colts 20 Steelers 17
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #1 Tennessee Titans
Can rookie Joe Flacco out perform the veteran Kerry Collins? The answer is… I don’t think he has too. Both teams possess talented running games, and both Quarterbacks have made big throws when they’ve had too. This game will come down to whose defense will make the big play… both have the capability of turning a game around and it should be close most of the way. I went back in forth with this one but… Ravens 24 Titans 21
#5 Atlanta Falcons at #2 Carolina Panthers
These two teams faced each other during the regular season, each taking care of their home field advantage. I expect this one to be much of the same, but a lot closer of a game. The dynamic duo of Williams and Stewart have provided Carolina with a deadly running game, and with the deep threat of Steve Smith, Carolina has the potential and talent to make it all the way to the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan has had a terrific season, along with Michael Turner, but the Falcons season will end when the run into a veteran team such as the Panthers. Falcons 24 Panthers 28
#6 Philadelphia Eagles at #1 New York Giants
Just like the previous game, these teams faced off twice as well, but this time winning on each others home field. Will the Giants be able to cope without a true #1 receiver? Can McNabb continue to prove everyone wrong? If Brandon Jacobs is healthy, (which he should be) along side Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants have enough to send the Eagles home. I expect a big running day for Jacobs, which will open the play action for Eli, and make some big throws down field to Boss, smith, or Dixon. Eagles 21 Giants 27
AFC Championship
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #5 Indianapolis Colts
The lower seeds will prevail and battle for a Super Bowl Berth. Ravens are defense, defense, defense, and will eliminate a weak Colts running game. So once again, Peyton Manning will be expected to do what he does best… Throw touchdowns! Flacco will just have to do enough to win the game, and hand the ball of to a stellar Ravens running attack. But… if Manning gets enough time from him O-Line to make throws, he will! This game can go either way, but leaning towards one of the greatest QBs of all time… Ravens 21 Colts 24
NFC Championship
#2 Carolina Panthers at #1 New York Giants
These two teams faced off earlier this year which was one of the greatest games all year between any two teams! The Giants got the game into OT, and won the game on Brandon Jacobs’s 3rd rushing touchdown. DeAngelo Williams had 4 on the game, but his team could not hold on to an early lead. I believe with the lack of deep threat for the Giants, the Panthers hang on for another close game decided by the legs of Williams and Stewart. Panthers 28 Giants 23
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers
Media story lines? Tony Dungy wins another Super Bowl before he rides off into the sunset? Will Adam Vinatieri beat John Fox, and the Panthers again as he did in Super Bowl XXXVIII? The Panthers will pound the ball on the ground, while taking shots down field with Steve Smith. Carolina won’t scare you defensively, but they can put up points in a heart beat. If Manning gets time (it’s becoming a cliché) he will bring home another Super Bowl Ring. Carolina must get pressure on Manning, if not; I expect this one to be a shoot out. Colts 34 Panthers 30
Though I could break down the Cowboys disgrace of a season, I much rather discuss and make my predictions for the teams that deserved to be in the playoffs and perhaps make a trip to Tampa. Let’s start with the 4 Wild-Card games…Criteria for predictions: QB play, running game, defense, etc… and of course story lines for the media.
#5 Indianapolis Colts at #4 San Diego Chargers
This should be the most watched Wild-Card game of the weekend. Both Quarterbacks are extremely hot and you could make a strong case for each one as MVP candidates. Rivers has thrown 11 touchdowns and 1 interception during their 4 game win streak as he helped them get into the playoffs. Manning has thrown 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as the Colts rattled off 9 straight as they head into Saturday nights showdown. These two faced off earlier this year which ended with an Adam Vinatieri game winning field goal as the Colts won 23-20.
Though the Colts running game has been pathetic this year, it hasn’t mattered when you have Peyton Manning under center. Expect Manning to throw all over one of the worst pass defenses in the league, as San Diego gives up almost 250 passing yards a game. LaDainian Tomlinson appears to have a soar groin from this past weekend against Denver which isn’t good news for the Chargers. The game will be played in sunny California, so the weather won’t be a factor. With all that said…Indianapolis still has Peyton Manning! Colts 27 San Diego 21
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #3 Miami Dolphins
I don’t know how the Dolphins turned their season around but it seems with efficient QB play, a dual running back tandem, their defense not allowing a touchdown in 3 of the last 5 games, and oh, Bill Parcells seems to be all you need. The Ravens bring of the nastiest defenses to Miami (Oh, weather will not be a factor) as they are second in the league in total yardage (261yds/game). Their rookie QB, Joe Flacco, hasn’t been great, but he’s made plays when he had too, and is as cool, calm and collected in the pocket as a 10 year starter. All that with the #1 rushing offense (148yds/game) in the AFC, this game should be a repeat of the 27-13 game from week 7. Pennington has been a pleasant surprise but is facing a Baltimore defense that lead the league with 26 picks! Expect Ed Reed to add another to his collection. Ravens 30 Dolphins 19
#5 Atlanta Falcons at #4 Arizona Cardinals
This was my toughest decision. I feel like this is out with the old (Kurt Warner, 30 touchdowns) in with the new (Matt Ryan 16 touchdowns) Not only was there a difference of 14 in touchdowns thrown, that’s all the age difference between these two – Warner 37, Ryan 23. This game has a nice personal sentiment for myself, as I had both Larry Fitzgerald and Roddy White on my fantasy team (Thanks to the both of you for solid seasons)! Kurt Warner leads a high powered passing offense as both Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (23 touchdowns between the two of them) have to lead their Cardinals and 6-2 home record (once again, weather wont be a factor) against one of the leagues top run offenses (152yds/game). Michael Turner has been a pleasant surprise and has helped ease Matt Ryan’s rookie season has he hasn’t had to make to many plays with his arm. I went back and forth on this one… Can Kurt throw the ball close to 40 times and lead his team to victory? Can Matt Ryan and Turned control the clock and add another victory to a memorable season? Falcons 28 Cardinals 27
#6 Philadelphia Eagles at #3 Minnesota Vikings
I will try and leave my personal feelings out of this game as the Eagles made my Cowboys look like girl scouts the other day. As well not be bias towards a former EIU Alumni in Brad Childress, the head coach of the Vikings.
Donovan McNabb has been through a lot in his Eagle career, but the reality is, this guy knows how to win (it irks me to say that). He’s played in big games before, and with their blitzing defense and all-purpose running back Brian Westbrook the Eagles should take care of business in the Metrodome. Vikings do have Adrian Peterson and 145yds/game rushing, (top 5 in the NFL) and the #1 rushing defense, but fell into the playoffs with a last second field goal. They have awful passing game and will need to make big plays downfield, regardless if its Tarvaris Jackson, or Gus frerotte. Weather won’t be a factor, as it kills me to say this…. Eagles 31 Vikings 17
We move onto the divisional rounds, and according to my predictions the next round should look a little something like this…
#5 Indianapolis Colts at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers defense was absolutely stifling this year allowing a league best 237 yards/game and 156 passing yards a game. Which seems like bad news for Peyton Manning who might have to throw the ball 40 times to win this game, but then again, who would you rather have making the big throw to win a game than Peyton Manning? With a battered Ben Roethlisberger, and the Colts defense knowing how to step up in big games, (just ask the Bears in 2006) I expect Manning to continue his story book career and walk into Heinz Field and walk away with a victory. Colts 20 Steelers 17
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #1 Tennessee Titans
Can rookie Joe Flacco out perform the veteran Kerry Collins? The answer is… I don’t think he has too. Both teams possess talented running games, and both Quarterbacks have made big throws when they’ve had too. This game will come down to whose defense will make the big play… both have the capability of turning a game around and it should be close most of the way. I went back in forth with this one but… Ravens 24 Titans 21
#5 Atlanta Falcons at #2 Carolina Panthers
These two teams faced each other during the regular season, each taking care of their home field advantage. I expect this one to be much of the same, but a lot closer of a game. The dynamic duo of Williams and Stewart have provided Carolina with a deadly running game, and with the deep threat of Steve Smith, Carolina has the potential and talent to make it all the way to the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan has had a terrific season, along with Michael Turner, but the Falcons season will end when the run into a veteran team such as the Panthers. Falcons 24 Panthers 28
#6 Philadelphia Eagles at #1 New York Giants
Just like the previous game, these teams faced off twice as well, but this time winning on each others home field. Will the Giants be able to cope without a true #1 receiver? Can McNabb continue to prove everyone wrong? If Brandon Jacobs is healthy, (which he should be) along side Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants have enough to send the Eagles home. I expect a big running day for Jacobs, which will open the play action for Eli, and make some big throws down field to Boss, smith, or Dixon. Eagles 21 Giants 27
AFC Championship
#6 Baltimore Ravens at #5 Indianapolis Colts
The lower seeds will prevail and battle for a Super Bowl Berth. Ravens are defense, defense, defense, and will eliminate a weak Colts running game. So once again, Peyton Manning will be expected to do what he does best… Throw touchdowns! Flacco will just have to do enough to win the game, and hand the ball of to a stellar Ravens running attack. But… if Manning gets enough time from him O-Line to make throws, he will! This game can go either way, but leaning towards one of the greatest QBs of all time… Ravens 21 Colts 24
NFC Championship
#2 Carolina Panthers at #1 New York Giants
These two teams faced off earlier this year which was one of the greatest games all year between any two teams! The Giants got the game into OT, and won the game on Brandon Jacobs’s 3rd rushing touchdown. DeAngelo Williams had 4 on the game, but his team could not hold on to an early lead. I believe with the lack of deep threat for the Giants, the Panthers hang on for another close game decided by the legs of Williams and Stewart. Panthers 28 Giants 23
SUPER BOWL XLIII
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers
Media story lines? Tony Dungy wins another Super Bowl before he rides off into the sunset? Will Adam Vinatieri beat John Fox, and the Panthers again as he did in Super Bowl XXXVIII? The Panthers will pound the ball on the ground, while taking shots down field with Steve Smith. Carolina won’t scare you defensively, but they can put up points in a heart beat. If Manning gets time (it’s becoming a cliché) he will bring home another Super Bowl Ring. Carolina must get pressure on Manning, if not; I expect this one to be a shoot out. Colts 34 Panthers 30
nice predictions gioia!
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