Superbowl XLVII: How Bad Do You Want It?

des·ti·ny [des-tuh-nee]

noun: the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.

Ever since Ray Lewis announced to his team and the media that this would be his last ride, things have been a bit of a fairy tale with the Ravens -- a word rarely used in conjunction with the sport of football. 

The Ravens started their playoff run with a win at home over Andrew Luck and the Colts. It was Ray's last home game. Ray's last dance in Baltimore. Next, the Ravens traveled far out west to mile high stadium to face the AP Comeback Player of the Year, Peyton Manning, and the Broncos. In what may have seemed like a miraculous comeback in the midst of the game, Flacco launched a 60+ yard bomb to Jacoby Jones to send the game into overtime. The Ravens went on to wrap that game up after intercepting Manning and kicking a game-winning field goal. Then the Ravens traveled 2000+ miles back east to play Belichick, Brady and the Pats. Being behind 13-7 at half-time and looking up at Tom Brady's, 67-0 record after leading at the half at home, it almost felt like the Pats didn't have a chance once the 2nd half kicked off. They shut Brady and the Patriots out to earn a ticket to Nola.

Sounds a little like destiny.

Photo Courtesy: USA Today

The 49ers journey isn't quite as illustrious, but there's no doubt that they belong where they are. When you look at the 49ers from top to bottom, I think they're a more complete team than the Ravens. Their defense is younger, faster (maybe not quite as wise) and hits just as hard. Kaepernick has silenced doubters (myself included) and is helping to re-write the rules of offense with the likes of RG3, Russell Wilson, and this new class of spread option QB's. Interestingly, he might not have gotten that chance if it weren't for one of the bolder coaching decisions in recent memory by Jim Harbaugh. 

Both Jim and John Harbaugh are two of the most inspirational coaches out there, coaching the two toughest teams in the NFL. Their physical toughness is evident, but it's the mental toughness I'm referring to. The message of perseverance through adversity becomes a tangible, yet immeasurable, success metric.

So you've got these two great teams, with these two great coaches, with these two admirable philosophies. How do you pick a winner?

Well, I figure I might mention that I don't actually believe in destiny. I believe that there isn't much, especially in sports, that's predetermined or inevitable. In football, there are a number of factors that lead to success. There's talent. Experience. Passion. Luck. And there's effort.

Unlike most other team sports, the champion is decided in just 60 minutes. One game to leave everything out there and hold nothing back. Among all the factors that go into which team will stand under the lights and the confetti, effort holds more weight than the rest in football.

If there's one player and one team that's in the best position to give it all they've got for all 3600 seconds on the clock, it's Ray Lewis and the Ravens. His effort throughout his career has inspired the players around him -- even players not on his team. Many of those players want this championship for Lewis as much as they do for themselves. I think that's what it boils down to.

Who really wants it the most?

I'll say the Ravens do.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - NFC & AFC Championship Picks

If you're thinking, "haven't we seen this before", in regards to these playoffs, well, you're not mistaken. 3 of the 4 teams representing the AFC and NFC are the same as last year. The Patriots seem to always be around this time of year. The Ravens are back for the second year in a row to make amends for last years lost against the Pats. The 49ers are attempting to make up for what likely should've been a trip to the Superbowl last year. And of course, we have the inevitable playoff home underdog, the Atlanta Falcons. All these teams have a unique chip on their shoulder. So who's going to make it to the big stage?

Sunday, January 20

San Francisco @ Atlanta | 2:00 p.m. CT

The San Francisco 49ers still have a very fresh memory of Kyle Williams lying face down on the field after having fumbled a kick off return along with their Superbowl hopes. But the 49ers feel like a totally different team--most notably because there's a totally different dynamic when Colin Kaepernick is at QB. I haven't been a fan of Harbaugh's decision all season long. However, last week against the Packers, he showed that maybe he has as much poise and confidence as any veteran QB in this years playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons are this years home underdog. Having finally gotten the "win a playoff game" monkey of their backs, almost instantly, they feel dangerous in the way the Giants have in past years. Although their primary weapons are on the offensive side of the ball, that defense is no slouch, either. Matty Ice and the dirty birds are poised for an "upset"...

...But I don't think they'll pull it off.

My Pick: San Franciso 49ers

Baltimore @ New England | 5:30 p.m. CT

For Harbaugh and the Ravens, particularly Ray Lewis, these playoffs are about finishing. Finishing Ray's last game in Baltimore. Finishing off Peyton Manning and Broncos in OT. And now, finishing the rivalry that started against Belichick and the Pats.

It's not so different for the Patriots. They couldn't finish off the 49ers after their comeback in Week 15. But they were able to finish what they started with the Texans last week. Most importantly, they weren't able to get the job done against the NY Giants last year in the Superbowl. In order to get another chance at that task, they'll need to finish off Ray Lewis and the Ravens once and for all.

Although, If there was a perfect last game for Ray, one might imagine it would be in the Superbowl ... but I can't imagine a better final opponent for Ray to defeat than Belichick and Brady.

Unfortunately for him, you can't have two AFC teams in the Superbowl. So his last ride has to end in Foxboro.

My Pick: New England Patriots

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2012-13 Picks - NFL - Divisional Playoffs (Sunday)

It’ll be tough to live up to the standards of excitement of Saturday’s games, but the Falcons and Seahawks are more closely matched than many believe. And in the late game, the Texans will likely come out swinging which should make for a compelling start. The story lines that may be the result of these games though is pretty compelling. Pats v. Broncos? Seahawks v. 49ers? Lets roll.

Sunday, January 13

Seattle @ Atlanta | 12:00 pm CT
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of another 13-win season. Matt Ryan has got weapons all over the field and a fairly strong offensive line to protect him. Their biggest offense weapons, Jones and White are both deep threats and Ryan has the arm to put it there. But if there’s a secondary that can hold their own against them, it’s the Legion of Doom of the Seahawks. This team is dangerous because of its ‘chip on the shoulder’ mentality – and Russell Wilson. At the end of the day Falcons have something to prove this year, I just don’t buy what they’re selling.

My Pick: Seahawks

Houston @ New England | 3:30 pm CT
The Texans were embarrassed by the Pats on Monday Night Football earlier this year. It was ugly. Not to mention, the Pats were without their star TE, Rob Gronkowski. The balance on offense for the Patriots this year is back, and their defense has been creating turnovers. But the Texans are a little ticked off at how little of a shot they’ve been given against the Belichick / Brady combination. Will they have enough steam to power through 4 quarters in Foxboro? Probably not.

My Pick: Patriots

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2012-13 Picks - NFL - Divisional Playoffs (Saturday)

This weekend doesn't really need much set up. So I’ll just drop a few names. Peyton Manning. Ray Lewis. Aaron Rodgers. Patrick Willis.

Enjoy.

Saturday, January 12

Baltimore @ Denver | 3:30 pm CT
This is by far the hardest game for me to pick in these playoffs. Between Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, John Harbaugh, Champ Bailey and Von Miller, there’s so much on both sides of the ball that it’s more / less a coin flip. The weather seems to suit the Ravens. But Peyton Manning is still Peyton Manning and he’s hungry to get back to the Superbowl. But after watching Rey Lewis’ postgame speech after beating the Colts, it’s tough not to be pumped up for the Ravens. Then again Von Miller has really been getting to the QB this year. It was a tough enough decision that I literally flipped a coin to decide. Best of 7 tosses. Heads, Broncos. Tails, Ravens. Ravens came out on top 4-3 and I was okay with that decision.

My Pick: Ravens

Green Bay @ San Francisco | 7:00 pm CT
I’ve been skeptical of the Kaepernick move to start at QB since it happened. At every opportunity that I expected him to flop, he seemed to dodge a bullet. This is the playoffs now and Aaron Rodgers is a straight shooter with a scope on his rifle. The Packers offense is healthy and the pressure is on. As Stephen A. Smith likes to say, “he’s a baaad man” and it’s tough to pick against him playing back on the west coast where he’s from.

My Pick: Packers

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2012-13 Picks - NFL - Wild Card Weekend (Sunday)

As I mentioned the other day, the anticipation surrounding both of these match ups is off the charts. We might be seeing the last of legends like Ray Lewis. Coach Chuck Pagano returns to coach against his former team. Two rookie Quarterbacks (Russell Wilson and RG3) will duel in the nation’s capitol. It’s going to be a hell of a Sunday.

Sunday, January 6

Photo Courtesy: Colts.com

Indianapolis @ Baltimore | 12:00 pm CT
I was 100% geared up and ready to confidently pick the Colts over the extremely experienced and hungry Ravens team. In what might have been the last playoff run for Ed Reed and without Ray Lewis, the Colts seemed poised for an upset. The return of head coach Chuck Pagano and a win over the Texans to close the season, all the chips were falling into place... until Ray Lewis announced that he would indeed be playing and that it would be his last run. It seemed to deflate the energy around Indy and shift the momentum clearly in the favor of the home team. It will be close, but I can’t see Ray not winning his last game in Baltimore.

My Pick: Ravens

Seattle @ Washington | 3:30 pm CT
Everyone from pundits, to players to fans seems to be high on the Seahawks and their potential to cause playoff havoc. Rightfully so because they’ve been stellar to end the year. The secondary and their hard hitting, ball-hawking style of play; Russell Wilson and his mistake free football; and Pete Carroll and his unmatched motivation and energy on the sidelines. But there’s a special player on the other side of the ball that goes by the name of RG3. There’s concern about his explosiveness, especially against the fast, hard-hitting Seawhawks. We often forget about RG3’s elite completion % (Top 5 in the league) and his 4:1 TD:INT ratio. Oh, and Alfred Morris ain’t bad either.

My Pick: Redskins



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2012-13 Picks - NFL - Wild Card Weekend (Saturday)

When it comes to excitement, on paper Saturday’s games are the lesser of the two when compared to Sunday. But the way we’d expect these match ups to play out is usually not how they do. In fact, I’m expecting a pretty valiant effort from everyone involved. A lot is on the line; Pride, contract extensions, respect and much much more.

Saturday, January 5

Cincinnati @ Houston | 3:30 pm CT
If you feel a sense of Déjà vu that this match up has happened before, you’re intuition is correct. It’s actually the exact same game as last year’s opening contest for Wild Card Weekend. Same situation. Same time. The only differences being that the Texans have Matt Schaub playing this time. Also, the Bengals feel like a better team. Although, I don’t think it’ll matter all that much.

My Pick: Texans

Minnesota @ Green Bay | 7:00 pm CT
The second game on Saturday is a rematch of the Week 17 match up that knocked the Chicago Bears out of playoff contention and left Adrian Peterson just 9 yards shy of an NFL record for rushing yards in a season. His performance likely wrapped up the comeback player of the year honors for AP (in my opinion) and more importantly secured a chance to play the Packers at Lambeau. The biggest difference in this game compared to last week is the environment. I like Christian Ponder, but he hasn’t been nearly as strong on the road – especially in what I believe is his first playoff appearance. (I’d have to check my facts). This seems like an appropriate time for Peterson to run out of gas.

My Pick: Packers

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2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 17

Game of the Week - Sunday, December 30

DAL @ WAS | Cowboys - It’s only fitting that a game of this magnitude should be the last of the regular season. The final pieces of the NFC playoff puzzle won’t be in place until it ends. So what’s on the line? More than your everyday “W”, that’s for sure. The winner of this bitter rivalry earns a playoff berth and a division title in the starkly competitive NFC East. Then there are the individual accolades (to a lesser degree of importance, of course). For Jason Garret, a win likely means another season of tenure as Cowboys head coach. For RG3, it adds another layer onto his case for Rookie of the Year in the race against Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck. For Tony Romo, it’s another chance to get the proverbial monkey off of his back as it pertains to winning big games—although the games to proceed will only get bigger for everyone involved. Jerry Jones must be pleased...

Sunday, December 30

CHI @ DET | Bears – The Bears need this one. They Bears haven’t had Cutler healthy in a game they needed him in for quite some time.

MIA @ NE | Patriots – This is the kind of game the Patriots have historically over-played their stars in.

TB @ ATL | Falcons – Nobody is quite sure what happened to the Falcons today.

NYJ @ BUF | Bills – This is just the kind of situation that the Bills can win in; dysfunctional team without leadership.

BAL @ CIN | Bengals – The Bengals are in the playoffs!!! And they’re poised to play spoiler.

JAC @ TEN | Titans – ATTN Jacksonville: Tebow is on the way. I REPEAT. Tim Tebow is on the way.

HOU @ IND | Colts – If Reggie Wayne gets his way, the Colts get the “W”.

CAR @ NO | Saints – With the news of Sean Peyton returning the sidelines, this team should be fired up to springboard into next year with a “W”.

PHI @ NYG | Giants – Mike Vick should be play like this is an audition for next year – but the Giants are a prideful bunch and although their playoff hopes are slim, I imagine they’d give them life support until the very end.

CLE @ PIT | Steelers – The Browns have already won more than their fair share of games this year. (Sorry Browns fans).

KC @ DEN | Broncos – The only team that makes this team any scarier than last year’s team is Peyton Manning – oh wait…

GB @ MIN | Packers – Indirectly, a Packers win helps the Bears which is the last thing they want – but the Vikings are a rival, too and I’m sure they’d prefer AP didn’t go breaking records on their franchise.

OAK @ SD | Chargers – I misspoke last week. The Raiders didn’t play Pryor last week. They played Matt Leinart…

ARI @ SF | 49ers – The 49ers are slowly deteriorating…at the worst possible time.

STL @ SEA | Seahawks – The Seahawks have caught fire…at the best possible time.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 16

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Sunday, December 23 - Game of the Week
SF @ SEA | Seahawks
The Seahawks are perfect at home this season. Whether or not that should be the case (Packers) or if they were just extremely fortunate (Patriots), is neither here nor there. The fact is, they're a good football team. The Seahawks always play like they have something to prove, like they have a chip on their shoulder; something that's a common thread with many Superbowl champion teams in recent memory. The 49ers on the other hand showed that they can withstand the hardest hit from the NFL's best in their win versus the Pats. But something still feels off kilter about the Kaepernick move to me. Even the slightest bit of distrust with player personnel can have a ripple effect. Harbaugh is all-in on CK for the remainder of the season. Personally, I don't know if he's the guy for the job. But who am I to make that call. Harbaugh knows what he's doing, right?

Saturday, December 22
ATL @ DET | Falcons - Seems like a no-brainer, but the Falcons do seem to spontaneously lose games like this.

Sunday, December 23
OAK @ CAR | Panthers - I hear Terrelle Pryor might see significant minutes today. Eek.
NO @ DAL | Cowboys - With the bounty weight off their shoulders, the Saints looked very alive last week ini their 41-0 rout of the Bucs -- but Romo and co. have more to play for than their black and gold counterparts.
TEN @ GB | Packers - The Pack look to strengthen their playoff positioning in this warm up game against the Titans.
MIN @ HOU | Texans - If anyone should slow down AP and his jog through the NFL's run D's, J.J. Watt and the Texans should be able to give it a go--but that's probably what ever other team has likely thought this year.
NE @ JAC | Patriots - Looking to re-calibrate after last weeks thriller / near historical comeback versus the 49ers.
IND @ KC | Colts - Luck and co. look to be playoff bound. #ChuckStrong
BUF @ MIA | Dolphins - Bills have become the Bills of old again...
SD @ NYJ | Chargers - Lets not talk about the Jets this week.
WAS @ PHI | Redskins - RG3 returns to the field in what may be the last few weeks of Andy Reid as Eagles head coach.
CIN @ PIT | Bengals - This late in the season, I never fathomed picking the Bengals over the Steelers, but they seemed to have nearly turned a corner.
STL @ TB | Buccaneers - After last weeks thrashing, the Bucs "D" will be thrilled not to see Drew Brees on the other side of the ball.
CLE @ DEN | Broncos - They're going to be 12-3 after this week. Seriously? 12-3.
CHI @ ARI | Bears - The Bears have been reeling -- injuries, offensive woes, etc -- the Cards should provide a breather and keep their playoff hopes alive.
NYG @ BAL | Ravens - This could be the week that the defending champs get eliminated from playoff contention.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 15

Sunday, December 16 - Game of the Week
GB @ CHI | Bears - This is in all likelihood, the most storied and exciting rivalry in football. This is also the biggest game of the year for the Monsters of the Midway. They're broken, battered and their backs are against the wall. The Packers are slowly getting healthy and their offense has been treacherous as of late. No surprise they've won 4 of their last 5 games. There's a stat that's been flying around, though; it says that Jay Cutler is one of the league's best in the 4th quarter. This is the kind of game that defines a season. With division titles on the line and playoff positioning in play, I think Cutler plays like it's the 4th quarter and the Bears pull out a close win.

Thursday, December 13
CIN @ PHI | Bengals - To put it nicely, the Eagles have under performed  They'll do so at home versus the surging Bengals this week, too.

Sunday, December 16
NYG @ ATL | Giants - Just the kind of game the Giants usually win and the Falcons lose (tough team in an important match up).
DEN @ BAL | Ravens - I get the feeling Flacco shows some guts this week and pulls out a close win at home versus a Broncos team who has yet to beat anybody of significance.
WAS @ CLE | Browns - The Browns have won 3 games in a row. (shocking!) The Redskins are likely going to be without RG3 Sunday--tough turn of events in their playoff run.
IND @ HOU | Colts - The Colts are on fire and the Texans are coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Pats on MNF. Momentum prevails.
JAC @ MIA | Dolphins - I've waited for this game for longer than it takes the state of Florida to count its votes ... NOT...Dolphins win.
TB @ NO | Buccaneers - I'd like to say the Saints get a home win here, but they likely won't.
MIN @ STL | Vikings - Adrian Peterson continues creating fantasy havoc worldwide.
DET @ ARI | Lions - The Cardinals are pretty pathetic this year. Sorry, Larry Fitz.
SEA @ BUF | Seahawks - If they're in the playoffs, you're not going to want to see them...
CAR @ SD | Chargers - Chargers squeeze out a tough one at home.
PIT @ DAL | Cowboys - HUGE game for Romo and the boys. Cowboys by a FG.
KC @ OAK | Raiders - Raiders show signs of talent every now and then.
SF @ NE | Patriots - I think Belichick exposes the rookie Caepernick and exploits his weaknesses. Although, his strength is the Pats biggest achilles heel.

Monday, December 17
NYJ @ TEN | Titans - SUBJECTIVE PICK: I'd kind of just like the Jets to lose because of how they treated Tebow -- and even Sanchez.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 14

Photo Courtesy: ESPN.com

Monday, December 10 - Game of the Week
HOU @ NE | Patriots - In a potential preview of the AFC Championship, we have Matt Schaub and the Texans against The Golden Boy and the Patriots. Schaub is probably one of the more underrated QB's in the league considering the Texans have one 80% of their last 22 games when he's healthy. Brady is arguably overrated considering he hasn't won a Superbowl since 2004; although he's played in two Superbowls and won an MVP since then. But this game is about two teams that are playing extremely well and in contention (again) for the NFL's highest honor. Monday in Foxboro, we get a glimpse of how bad they want it.

Thursday, December 6
DEN @ OAK | Broncos - Easy pickings for the semi-elite Denver Broncos. I say semi, because they still feel really vulnerable.

Sunday, December 9
STL @ BUF | Rams - Yucky game of the week.
ATL @ CAR | Falcons - Dirty birds dance on the Panthers.
DAL @ CIN | Cowboys - A while back, the Sunday NFL COuntdown crew talked about how big of a game this was for the
KC @ CLE | Browns - Three in a row? ...for the Browns? I'm lost.
TEN @ IND | Colts - Andrew Luck is a franchise QB.
NYJ @ JAC | Jets - Sanchize gets benched after the 1st half. Jets pull out the win.
CHI @ MIN | Bears - Can't say I'm not expecting this game to be close, but I think the Bears pull out the "W"...Barely.
SD @ PIT | Steelers - If Big Ben is playing, the Steelers are winning.
PHI @ TB | Buccaneers - Consistently picking the Bucs makes me queasy...but they're better than they've been.
BAL @ WAS | Redskins - No Suggs. No Ray Ray. RG3 on a roll. The stars are aligning for this team.
MIA @ SF | 49ers - 49ers win...but not easily.
NO @ NYG | Giants - Giants do just enough to keep the Redskins/Cowboys off their coat tails.
ARI @ SEA | Seahawks - I can't say I'm a believer in Russell Wilson, but he has been impressive -- and you can't take away the "W"'s he's picked up this year.
DET @ GB | Packers - Lions keep coming close, but to no avail.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 13

Sorry Victor Cruz. No salsa for you.

Monday, December 3 - Game of the Week

NYG @ WAS | Redskins - I guess my last weeks prediction came a week early -- I said that the NFC east race should remain close, because that feels right this season. With the Cowboys getting a (close) win over the Eagles on Sunday night, just when you think the Giants pull away, RG3 knocks off the defending champs in the nationals capital. Sorry Victor Cruz. No salsa for you.

Thursday, November 29

NO @ ATL | Saints - I guess if they don't get it done this week, we can forget about the Saints making any real noise down the stretch.

Sunday, December 2

JAC @ BUF | Bills - The Jags are 1-9. They need a savior. **Looks longingly for Tim Tebow**

SEA @ CHI | Bears - Seahawks "D" is admirable, but Cutler is a difference maker. Short-handed on the offensive side, Bears still get it done.

IND @ DET | Lions - The Lions showed me a little something last week against the Texans. At home, they should build on that.

MIN @ GB | Packers - Adrian Peterson is comeback player of the year for sure, but the Packers are a better team. Not anticipating two poor weeks in a row from ARod, either.

CAR @ KC | Chiefs - Just call it a Sophomore slump, Cam.

NE @ MIA | Patriots - Well, you know.

ARI @ NYJ | Jets - Can we just be honest? The Jets are better off with another guy at QB.

SF @ STL | 49ers - They should win this week, but this Caepernick thing is going to come back to bite them.

HOU @ TEN | Texans - Texans are legit. Proving that week in and week out now.

TB @ DEN | Buccaneers - It's getting tough to pick against Peyton, but this is a week where the unexpected feels more likely.

PIT @ BAL | Ravens - Pittsburgh is in trouble. They need Polamalu on the field -- and Big Ben.

CLE @ OAK | Browns - Picking the Browns 2 weeks in a row. What?

CIN @ SD | Bengals - The Chargers are yucky. I won't even start Ryan Matthews on my fantasy team.

PHI @ DAL | Cowboys - Well, the Eagles are pretty pitiful. 

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 12

"My heart says Giants. My head says Packers."

Sunday, November 25 - Game of the Week
GB @ NYG | Packers - My heart says Giants. My head says Packers. Historically, in big games this like this, going with Eli Manning is the obvious choice. He's knocked off Tom Brady in two Superbowls; he has an uncanny ability to make miracles happen late in games; he consistently comes up big when it matters most. But this week, for no other reason than keeping the NFC East race as close and interesting as possible, I think the Giants come up short. Yeah... It's better this way.

Thursday, November 22
HOU @ DET | Lions - The Texans are good. Better than the Falcons, but they are vulnerable. I feel like the Lions might capitalize on that this week.
WAS @ DAL | Cowboys - The Cowboys have a chance to truly get on a roll this week versus RG3...but he's out for blood.
NE @ NYJ | Patriots - #FreeTebow

Sunday, November 25
MIN @ CHI | Bears - Cutty or no Cutty, Chicago gets it done and gets back on track.
OAK @ CIN | Bengals - Dalton has played really well this year. 2:1 TD:INT ratio and over 2500 yards passing.
PIT @ CLE | Browns - Call me crazy, but I'm going with the Browns at home.
BUF @ IND | Colts - After their reality check against the Pats last week, Indy can get back on track.
TEN @ JAC | Titans - I'm inclined to pick Tennessee, mainly because the worse Jacsonville does this year, the more likely Tebow will be their starting QB. Wrong, I know.
DEN @ KC | Broncos - I feel like the Broncos are turning into one of the top teams in the AFC...guess that's the Peyton Manning effect.
SEA @ MIA | Seahawks - Their defense is still scary...much less so on the road, though.
ATL @ TB | Buccaneers - Another week to show how vulnerable to Falcons are.
BAL @ SD | Ravens - I really wanted to pick the Chargers at home...well, not really.
STL @ ARI | Cardinals - Amendola is a great fantasy pick up, but he doesn't change the outcome of games.
SF @ NO | Saints - Still going strong with Brees and the boys.

Monday, November 26
CAR @ PHI | Eagles - At the beginning of the year, this game would be circled on the calendar. Today, not so much.


Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 11

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Sunday, November 18 - Game of the Week
IND @ NE | Patriots - Picking the game of the week was more difficult than usual, with so many starting QB's out. Cutler for the Bears; Roethlisberger for the Steelers; Alex Smith for the 49ers. Those games won't be quite the same without the leaders at the helm.

However, both Luck and Brady are healthy for their respective teams. With Luck and the Colts on a roll and the Patriots looking in typical mid-season shape, the renewal of  this old rival starts a new chapter. Manning v. Brady is over (at least with Manning in a Colts uni). Now young Andrew Luck has the privilege of doing battle with Brady and co.

I don't think luck will be on his side. Pun intended.

Thursday, November 15
MIA @ BUF | Dolphins - Miami always surprises me, and this feels like a game they should lose.

Sunday, November 18
ARI @ ATL | Falcons - All is right with the world now that the Falcons have a loss on their record. I think they'll be re-calibrated to reality now.
TB @ CAR | Buccaneers - I haven't felt comfortable picking Cam to win a game in a while. Not going to start now against what seems to be a Bucs team that's building momentum.
CLE @ DAL | Cowboys - Back on track.
GB @ DET | Packers - I feel like the Packers should be losing sometime soon -- but not this Sunday.
JAC @ HOU | Texans - Last week was a struggle against the Bears. This week they should coast.
CIN @ KC | Bengals - Cincy take the AJ Green show on the road to KC.
NYJ @ STL | Rams - I felt a Rams win coming on last week v. the 49ers. They came out with a tie. With Tebow, things would be different.
PHI @ WAS | Redskins - Uber-Rookie versus a Redkins team that needs a "W" -- bad -- RG3 and the 'Skins roll.
NO @ OAK | Saints - Brees and the boys getting back on track slowly but surely. I feel like I've personally predicted they'd be like 9-1 with all this seasons's picks.
SD @ DEN | Broncos - Peyton just makes them a better team.
BAL @ PIT | Ravens - I can't see the Steelers taking down the Ravens without Big Ben.

Monday, November 19
CHI @ SF | 49ers - First time picking against the Bears this year. I just think the 49ers are more equipped to be without their starting QB -- especially when Chicago is on the road and the offense is out of rhythm.

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 10

(Scott Strazzante/Tribune Photo)

Sunday, November 11 - Game of the Week
HOU @ CHI | Bears - You know how there's a point in the season where you go from being "a good team" to "a legitimate Superbowl contender"? This is that game; for both the Texans and the Bears. Both teams have similar recent history, too. The Texans were on the road to the big show right up until the last game of the season where they lost Matt Schaub for the playoffs. The same goes for the Bears. Injuries to Forte and Cutler shattered their chances before they really got rolling. Both teams are healthy and ready to clash their 7-1 records for a big test right at mid-season. Weather conditions, and the right blend of energy and offense should get the Bears their 8th win of the season.

Thursday, November 8
IND @ JAC | Colts - The team shaving its collective head in support of Coach Pagano indicates the sort of chemistry and passion that can carry throughout the entire season.

Sunday, November 11
SD @ TB | Buccaneers - This just feels weird, but apparently Doug Martin is a stud. I found myself having to look him up last week.
TEN @ MIA | Dolphins - Hartline is expecting to play and Tannehill has been playing unexpectedly well.
BUF @ NE | Patriots - Fresh off a bye week against the franchise whipping boys? Pats roll.
OAK @ BAL | Ravens - Totally different team without Ray, but Oakland is banged up and generally playing pretty poorly this year.
DEN @ CAR | Broncos - Crazy what impact one man can make. We saw it with Tebow and his presence  Now we see it with Peyton and his poise, pre-snap skills and experience. Two steps in the right direction for Denver.
NYG @ CIN | Giants - Giants have been a bit shaky these past few weeks, but getting a quick lead should allow them to put pressure on the QB.
DET @ MIN | Vikings - A.P., Ponder and company have looked good this season -- most importantly, better than the Lions. Where's Megatron?
ATL @ NO | Saints - Picking the Saints is probably why my overall season picking record is generally not up to par -- but I'm still not a believer in the Falcons and I have trouble picking against Brees.
NYJ @ SEA | Seahawks - Tebow Time, please?
DAL @ PHI | Cowboys - I feel better picking the Cowboys against the lowly Eagles. Two 3-5 teams with coaches and playoff aspirations on the chopping block. Should be fun.
STL @ SF | Rams - Call me crazy, but I'm picking the Rams...Just got a feelin'.

Monday, November 12
KC @ PIT | Steelers - Is Matt Cassell still even the QB? Steelers...

Thanks for reading guys.

2012-13 Picks - NFL - Week 9

"NOT SOLD. COWBOYS ROLL."

Sunday, November 4 - Game of the Week
DAL @ ATL | Cowboys - Here we go again. The Cowboys are playing in this weeks "Game of the Week". And of course, I can't get off the Romo-coaster just yet. Week in and week out, they're on the brink of something special. Last weeks failed connection between Romo and Bryant sums up their season pretty well. But handing the first loss of the season to the dirty birds would be a good way to cling on to their playoff hopes. On the other hand, we have Matty-Ice and the Falcons tearing through the elite of the -- wait -- who have the really beaten again? Chiefs; (1-7), Chargers; (4-4), Panthers; (1-6), Redskins; (3-5), Raiders; (3-4), Eagles; (3-4), and the Broncos (4-3). The only team with a winning record is the Broncos, whom they beat by only 6 in week 2 before Peyton was half-way settled in Denver. My summation: NOT SOLD. COWBOYS ROLL.

Thursday, November 1
KC @ SD | Chargers - Rivers and company have to get a win at home one of these days, right?

Sunday, November 4
DEN @ CIN | Broncos - I've been hesitant to pick the Broncos week in and week out. But much like Tebow, Manning has the ability to change a culture -- and throw the ball with elite level accuracy.
BAL @ CLE | Ravens - Weeden puts up big yardage week after week, but seems they struggle in the Red Zone, which leads to their struggles in the win column.
ARI @ GB | Packers - Because it's the Packers versus the Cards. Although the Cards "D" does have it's "moments".
BUF @ HOU | Texans - H-Town is still on a roll. Still waiting on a big game from A. Johnson (#80), though.
MIA @ IND | Colts - Just feeling Lucky.
DET @ JAC | Lions - I've got to say the loss of MJD will make it tough to pick the Jags anytime soon.
CHI @ TEN | Bears - Chris Johnson is still on my fantasy football blacklist. Which in real life translates to a Bears "W".
CAR @ WAS | Redskins - We might be prematurely anointing RG3 -- but I'll take the 'Skins at home against a struggling Panthers team any week.
TB @ OAK | Buccaneers - Road win for Martin, Freeman and Jackson. Quite the under-the-radar offensive trio.
MIN @ SEA | Seahawks - Only because of the twelfth man...
PIT @ NYG | Steelers - I pick against the G-Men, alot. But I've got a feeling Big Ben still wants to be better than Eli and the Giants know how to lose unexpectedly -- and win that way, too.

Monday, November 5
PHI @ NO | Eagles - This is one of the more spectacular toss-ups I've seen in a while. Both supremely underachieving squads with head coaches nearing the chopping block. My lucky (but unreliable) coin says, Philly.


Thanks for reading guys.