Mid Season Playoff Predictions

Mid-Season NFL Playoff Predictions

NFC:

1.      San Francisco 49ers: They win the head to head match up with the Bears and win the first seed and a bye. The 49ers have an easy schedule up ahead of them and with their #1 ranked D there won’t be a slip up. Regular season record: 13-3.

2.      Chicago Bears: The Bears also have a very easy schedule ahead of them, though they will drop both division games to the Packers this season. Final record 13-3.

3.      Atlanta Falcons: After a breakdown in the middle of the season, the Falcons pull it together and get the third seed. They will never be in jeopardy of losing the division though. Atlanta ends up going 12-4.

4.      New York Giants: This year the Giants will not be the underdog which has helped them in the past. They win the division easily and get the 4^th seed. Final record 11-5.

5.      Green Bay Packers: After a rough start the Packers rebound and make it as a wild card team. They seem to play better when they are faced with adversity instead of being the head honcho. Their regular season record ends up being 10-6.

6.      Seattle Seahawks: I know, I know this is a surprise. Out of their last eight games, five of them are at home where they still have yet to lose this year. The 13^th man comes up big helping them reach the playoffs. Final record 9-7.

Wild Card Games

Seahawks vs. Falcons                                                                                    Packers vs. Giants                                  

AFC:

1.      Houston Texans: A great start helps them to tie up the first seed this year, the first in franchise history. Still a solid team, but looking for a defining win from them. Regular season record 13-3.

2.      New England Patriots: New England can be the most dangerous team in football on any given Sunday. It is the breakdowns that have killed them so far. They own the tie breaker over the Broncos and get the second seed. Final record 12-4.

3.      Denver Broncos: They are getting hot at the right time. Peyton Manning is looking good as ever and the defense is starting to come around. Final record 12-4.

4.      Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore starts to slide and lose momentum a little bit towards the end of the season, yet they still win the division. Final record 11-5.

5.      Pittsburg Steelers: They are unable to beat the Ravens this year and that is the difference between a 4^th and 5^th seed in the playoffs. Final record 9-7.

6.      Indianapolis Colts/ Miami Dolphins: Whoever wins the game this Sunday gets my pick for sneaking into the back door of the playoffs. Both teams finish 8-8.

Wild Card Games

                        Colts/Dolphins vs. Broncos                                       Steelers vs. Ravens

NFL Week 8

NFL Week 8

MIN @ TB: (Game of the week #4). This is a Thursday night game and the advantage always goes to the home team. I would say Minnesota should have this game in the bag, but it is going to be a tough one. It is a shame no one can really watch this game, and that’s why it is not highlighted in red. Vikings win 24-18(OT).

CAR @ CHI: At this point in time the Panthers don’t have enough fire power to beat the Bears. Chicago wins 21-10.

SD @ CLE: (Upset Game). This is a make or break game for the Chargers. If they lose they can almost kiss the playoffs good by this year. Browns 27-24.

SEA @ DET: Seattle has won all of their games at home this season… not that impressive on the road though. If they could pull out a victory here that would propel them in the right direction. Seahawks 28-18.

NE @ STL: This one won’t be as exciting as the Super Bowl 11 years ago. Patriots 35-17.

MIA @ NYJ: All the talking will be put to rest finally on Sunday. The Jets need to close their mouths and just play football. Jets 28-27.

ATL @ PHI: (Game of the week #2). Atlanta gets their first real test this week. Philly doesn’t turn the ball over in this game coming off of the bye week and gets a W. Eagles 31-24.

WAS @ PIT: RG III Lets the Steelers D have it this week with the play action as long, as he stays healthy. Redskins 42-35

JAC @ GB: The Jaguars just have too many injuries to make this one exciting. Packers roll 45-18.

IND @ TEN: (Game of the week #3). This will be a close game between two division rivals. If Chris Johnson can put up another day like he did last week the Colts are in trouble. Indianapolis wins a close one 31-29.

OAK @ KC: A game between two of the league’s worst teams. Oakland wins though, 18-16.

NYG @ DAL: Dallas commits way too many penalties to be successful in this league. Giants 28-20.

NO @ DEN: (Game of the week #1). Peyton Manning is looking better and he won’t disappoint this week either. Broncos 28-27.

SF @ ARI: They are who we thought they were! Arizona is the same mediocre team they have always been. 49ers 38-14.

BYE: BUF, CIN, HOU, BAL.

NFL Week 7

NFL Week 7

SEA @ SF: (Game of the week #3). I think San Francisco bounces back from being embarrassed with a sloppy win against the Seahawks. 49ers 23-18.

TEN @ BUF: Buffalo pulls out a victory in this one 26-23.

BAL @ HOU: Houston is not as good as we all thought they were. Baltimore thrashed them as the Packers did last week. Ravens 37-24.

CLE @ IND: (Upset of the week). Cleveland is coming around; I’m going out on a limb here and saying the Browns have it. Browns 24-18.

DAL @ CAR: Cam Newton continues to struggle and Big Blue comes out on top. Cowboys 27-13.

GB @ STL: The Pack is back? Packers 34-17.

ARI @ MIN: Two of the most surprising teams this week, but one of them has to loss. Arizona stops the run and Christian Ponder 16-10.

NO @ TB: New Orleans is back on track, but it seems to be a little too late to actually save the season. If they were smart they would lose the rest of their games to get some good picks next year… except they would probably get caught for that as well. Saints 28-17.

WAS @ NYG: (Game of the week #1). Eli Manning is looking like he did at the end of last year; not perfect but good enough. Giants 28-27.

JAC @ OAK: Battle for the first pick next year? A little too early to start thinking like that, but neither team has a chance at the playoffs. Raiders 26-10.

NYJ @ NE: This will be a good battle between bitter rivals. Patriots win big 41-24.

PIT @ CIN: Big ben explodes for 300+ passing yards. Steelers 31-21.

DET @ CHI: (Game of the week #2). Another big division game this week. Bears 32-27.

BYE: ATL, DEN, KC, MIA, PHI, SD.

NFL Week 6

NFL Week 6

 

TEN @ PIT: Tennessee 26-23(Final).

OAK @ ATL: Another walk in the park for Matty Ice and company as they head to the West Coast for a second time this season. Atlanta has too much momentum and fire power to trip up against the Raiders. Falcons 44-17.

CIN @ CLE: Cincinnati is coming off a tough loss last week. They looked sloppy and I don’t think that will change this week. The Browns pick up their first win of the season at the dog pound 17-16.

STL @ MIA: St. Louis got a huge morale boost even though they lost their top receiver last week. Going to Miami should not be a big deal if they can pound the ball with Steven Jackson. Rams 24-20.

IND @ NYJ: Tim Tebow will see his first real action this week against the Colts. Even if it is only for a few drives it will still have an impact. J-E-T-S 28-24.

DET @ PHI: Neither of these teams is living up to their expectations. Too many turnovers for Vick are killing the Eagles. Lions win the turnover battle and the game; 31-17.

KC @ TB: Jamal Charles has a huge game and helps Brady Quinn in his first start this year. They will be too much for the Bucs. Chiefs 24-10.

DAL @ BAL: (Game of the week #3). This game will be tight if Tony Romo takes care of the ball. The Ravens need Ray Rice to step up and have a monster game running and catching the ball. Ravens 27-23.

NE @ SEA: Tom Brady’s weapons are too much for Seattle’s defense to handle for 60 minutes. Patriots 38-18.

BUF @ ARI: Arizona is showing some weaknesses that I thought they the entire season. This one will be tough fought and dragged out. Every possession will count and ball control is key. Bills 22-16.

NYG @ SF: (Game of the week #1). Rematch of the NFC Championship last year where Eli Manning took a beating. Look for the 49ers to do the same thing this time around as well. Expect the same outcome as the NFC Championship as well. Giants 38-24.

MIN @ WAS: Minnesota is looking like an all-around average team who can play defense. There are no strong parts of their game, but the best part is that there are no weak parts either. I want to say they keep their winning streak alive this week, except my gut is saying no. Redskins win 25-21.

GB @ HOU: (Upset game of the week). The Texans came out soft against the Jets on Monday night last week, but were still able to pull out the victory. I honestly believe the Packers can pull this one out as their defense comes up big. Packers 30-27.

DEN @ SD: (Game of the week #2). Two evenly matched division rivals face off on Monday night. A close showdown in mile high, Denver wins 31-28.

BYE: CHI, NO, CAR, JAC.

Power Rankings

It is almost week six in the NFL and that means it is over a third of the way done. I will do two more of these ‘”power rankings” throughout the regular season and right before the playoffs where I will choose who I think will win it all this year.

1)      Atlanta Falcons: You almost have to put them and Houston one and two because they are the only undefeated teams left. Atlanta is playing solid defense to complement their high soaring offense. They do have problems stopping the run occasionally, but when your offense puts point on the board like they do it is hard for your opponent to stick with their game plan.

2)      Houston Texans: I think fundamentally they could be the best team in football. They play the right style to make a deep push into the playoffs and knock off some really good teams. Pound the ball, set up play action, and play great defense is always a solid game plan no matter where you are playing.

3)      Baltimore Ravens: Yes the Ravens. Joe Flacco finally has the reigns in his hands and is proving that he is capable of leading a team. Their defense can still lead them, but it is always a nice luxury when your offense can put points on the board.

4)      San Francisco 49ers: They play the same style of ball as do the Texans. Only difference is that the 49ers play in the NFC and this year it looks to be a bit better than the AFC so far. Alex Smith needs to stay healthy and just control games for them.

5)      New England Patriots: They may be only 3-2, but they are the scariest 3-2 team out there. Tom Brady has things rolling again on offense and has a much improved defense from last year to help him out. As long as Bill Bellichick is coaching, it is safe to say his team always has a chance.

6)      Chicago Bears: Brian Urlacher is revamped in this new defensive scheme that has brought new life to the Bears. If Jay Cutler can cut down on the turnovers he can be dangerous.

7-15) Playoff Contenders-New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburg Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Cincinnati Bengals.

16-29) On the Bubble-Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

30 & 31) Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Week 5

NFL Week 5

BYE: Raiders, Coyboys, Lions, Buccaneers

ARI @ STL: Are the Cardinals the team to beat now? The NFC West is shaping up to be a strong conference and maybe Arizona can give the 49ers a run for their money this year. I still need to see a breakout game where the offense shows more power and is more careful with the ball. The Rams usually play good at home and I think Steven Jackson is going to play like a beast. That will set up the play action for Sam Bradford and company. Rams win 20-10.

BAL @ KC: Baltimore’s defense is great at taking away your best weapon. The only chance Kansas City has is if Jamal Charles gets rolling. Don’t expect that to happen though. Ravens 28-10.

CLE @ NYG: Upset game. The Browns have a good chance of winning this game. I still think New York has the advantage in this game, but just maybe the Browns can pull out the win. I’m going out on a limb here Browns 21-20.

MIA @ CIN: The Bengals are solid all around. Not great at anything, but not bad either. Andy Dalton will do well against the Dolphins back side defense. Bengals 27-22.

GB @ IND: Looks like the monster in Wisconsin finally awoke from hibernation last week. The quarterback that had the highest rating in NFL history last year finally had a good game. Andrew Luck won’t have a good game against a defense that thrives on confusing QB’s. The only chance the Colts have is if they pound the ball and control the clock, seems to be a good formula so far against the Packers. Green Bay 31-21.

PHI @ PIT: Game of the week #2. Turnovers. Whoever wins the turnover battle wins this game. Big Ben vs. Michael Vick. I’m going with Pittsburg because they have the better defense. Steelers 28-24.

ATL @ WAS: Big game here for both teams. Atlanta needs this to stay undefeated and Washington needs it to stay relevant in the NFC East. I think this one could go either way and it will come down to the wire. Falcons 38-35.

SEA @ CAR: This is a wild card game. Two QB’s who are still kind of struggling in the beginning of the season, yet they can both run the ball effectively on the scramble. DeAngelo Williams needs to help out Cam in the same way Marshawn helps Russell. If that happens the Panthers win. If not, Seahawks win. Panthers 20-17.

CHI @ JAC: This one shouldn’t even be close. Chicago’s defense has expanded their playbook and utilizing Brian Urlacher more even though everyone else is getting credit. Bears 35-18.

BUF @SF: The 49ers only weakness is a balanced offense. Not sure how balanced Buffalo is without C.J. Spiller. San Francisco 24-17.

DEN @ NE: Game of the week #1. We are nearing the end of a great battle between two great QB’s. This game is all about match-ups. Whichever defense gives up the big play at the end will come up disappointed in this one. New England 31-28.

TEN @ MIN: Minnesota is looking a lot better than last year. AP will do work against the Tennessee defense this week. Look for a +150 yard performance from him. Vikings win 27-17.

SD @ NO: Game of the week #3. Drew Brees will get the record this week, but not the win sadly. This is usually where San Diego starts to fall off a little bit, only this year their defense is somewhat helping out the offense. Expect big numbers from the Saints offense, but they won’t get into the end zone too often. Chargers 30-24.

HOU @ NYJ: The Texans are old school in the way they play football. Run the ball, play great defense, and play action over the top once you start to creep up to stop the run. The Jets are shorthanded at receivers and can’t seem to catch a break. Texans 33-14.