Super Bowl XLVIII

Here we are. The biggest day of the year, some would say, (including me). Tomorrow is Super Sunday.

Here's the fast version.

Seattle Seahawks (1) vs. Denver Broncos (1)
Line: Den by 2.5  
Pick: Denver

There's a lot on the line with this Super Bowl.
Number one offense vs. number one defense.
Peyton Manning's legacy.
Seattle's big talk.
A 'cold weather' Super Bowl.

And it all comes down to this.

The bottom line is that I feel like Denver has more drive, more fire power. As much as I like Russell Wilson, I don't think that he can keep up with Peyton Manning. Denver has too many wide receivers for Seattle's powerful secondary to keep track of. Plus, people forget that Denver also has a pretty good defense. Certainly not on the level of Seattle's, but compared to the gap between the two offenses, the gap between the defenses is much smaller. I think it will be a close game, competitive for sure, and that Seattle does have a chance. But overall, I think Peyton wants to cement his legacy and this is the only way he can do so. Five MVPs are nice, but rings are the things that talk the loudest. 

2013 Championship Picks

Alright, here we are. Championship weekend, two weeks away from the Super Bowl. It's all on the line here, and I'm sure the NFL is excited about the two match ups. Plenty of drama.

First, we've got the ever present Brady vs. Manning.

(2) Patriots vs. (1) Broncos
Pick: Broncos

The Broncos simply cannot afford a collapse like last year and will be doing everything they can to prevent that. They should have beaten the Patriots in the regular season. Peyton Manning is getting old and he realizes he only has a few more shots at winning another one.

Then, to the grudge on the West Coast.

(5) 49ers vs. (1) Seahawks
Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks play with a chip on their shoulder and they're playing at home. What more can you say? The 49ers have squeaked by in the playoffs and will be unable to keep up with Seattle.

The last time two number one seeds met in a Super Bowl was 2009, when the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts played. And naturally who was the QB for the Colts? Peyton Manning of course. 

2013 Divisional Weekend Picks

Here are my picks for this weekend. The Chargers are my one upset pick, only because they seem to have been Manning's Achilles' heel for many seasons. I'm not totally sold on it, but I think it could happen. I also wouldn't mind seeing the Colts and Saints win, but doubt both teams could pull it off.

(6) Saints (11-5) vs. (1) Seahawks (13-3)
Pick: Seahawks
(4) Colts (11-5) vs. (2) Patriots (12-4)
Pick: Patriots

(5) 49ers (12-4) vs. (2) Panthers (12-4)
Pick: Panthers
(6) Chargers (9-7) vs. (1) Broncos (13-3)
Pick: Chargers 

2013 Week 17 Picks

Panthers (11-4) vs. Falcons (4-11)
Pick: Panthers
Redskins (3-12) vs. Giants (6-9)
Pick: Giants
Browns (4-11) vs. Steelers (7-8)
Pick: Steelers
Texans (2-13) vs. Titans (6-9)
Pick: Titans
Lions (7-8) vs. Vikings (4-10-1)
Pick: Lions
Jets (7-8) vs. Dolphins (8-7)
Pick: Dolphins
Ravens (8-7) vs. Bengals (10-5)
Pick: Ravens
Jaguars (4-11) vs. Colts (10-5)
Pick: Colts
Rams (7-8) vs. Seahawks (12-3)
Pick: Seahawks
Broncos (12-3) vs. Raiders (4-11)
Pick: Broncos
49ers (11-4) vs. Cardinals (10-5)
Pick: Cardinals
Chiefs (11-4) vs. Chargers (8-7)
Pick: Chiefs
Bills (6-9) vs. Patriots (11-4)
Pick: Patriots
Buccaneers (4-11) vs. Saints (10-5)
Pick: Saints
Packers (7-7-1) vs. Bears (8-7)
Pick: Packers
Eagles (9-6) vs. Cowboys (8-7)
Pick: Eagles

2013 Week 16 Picks

Dolphins (8-6) vs. Bills (5-9)
Pick: Dolphins     S: Dolphins
Buccaneers (4-10) vs. Rams (6-8)
Pick: Rams      S: Rams
Cowboys (7-7) vs. Redskins (3-11)
Pick: Cowboys    S: Cowboys
Colts (9-5) vs. Chiefs (11-3)
Pick: Chiefs    S:Chiefs
Browns (4-10) vs. Jets (6-8)
Pick: Browns    S: Jets
Titans (5-9) vs. Jaguars (4-10)
Pick: Titans     S: Titans
Vikings (4-9-1) vs. Bengals (9-5)
Pick: Vikings      S: Bengals
Saints (10-4) vs. Panthers (10-4)
Pick: Panthers     S: Panthers
Broncos (11-3) vs. Texans (2-12)
Pick: Broncos     S: Broncos
Cardinals (9-5) vs. Seahawks (12-2)
Pick: Seahawks     S: Seahawks
Giants (5-9) vs. Lions (7-7)
Pick: Lions    S: Lions
Raiders (4-10) vs. Chargers (7-7)
Pick: Chargers    S: Chargers
Steelers (6-8) vs. Packers (7-6-1)
Pick: Steelers     S: Packers
Patriots (10-4) vs. Ravens (8-6)
Pick: Ravens      S: Patriots
Bears (8-6) vs. Eagles (8-6)
Pick: Eagles     S: Eagles
Falcons (4-10) vs. 49ers (10-4)
Pick: 49ers     S: 49ers

2013 Week 15 Game Picks

Eagles (8-5) vs. Vikings (3-9-1)
Pick: Eagles
49ers (9-4) vs. Buccaneers (4-9)
Pick: 49ers
Patriots (10-3) vs. Dolphins (7-6)
Pick: Patriots
Seahawks (11-2) vs. Giants (5-8)
Pick: Seahawks
Bills (4-9) vs. Jaguars (4-9)
Pick: Jaguars
Redskins (3-10) vs. Falcons (3-10)
Pick: Falcons
Bears (7-6) vs. Browns (4-9)
Pick: Bears
Texans (3-11) vs. Colts (8-5)
Pick: Colts
Jets (6-7) vs. Panthers (9-4)
Pick: Panthers
Chiefs (10-3) vs. Raiders (4-9)
Pick: Chiefs
Packers (6-6-1) vs. Cowboys (7-6)
Pick: Cowboys
Cardinals (8-5) vs. Titans (5-8)
Pick: Cardinals
Saints (10-3) vs. Rams (5-8)
Pick: Saints
Bengals (9-4) vs. Steelers (5-8)
Pick: Bengals
Ravens (7-6) vs. Lions (7-6)
Pick: Ravens 

2013 Week 14 Picks

Bills (4-8) vs. Buccaneers (3-9)
Pick: Buccaneers     S: Buccaneers
Chiefs (9-3) vs. Redskins (3-9)
Pick: Chiefs     S: Chiefs
Falcons (3-9) vs. Packers (5-6-1)
Pick: Packers     S: Packers
Lions (7-5) vs. Eagles (7-5) 
Pick: Lions     S: Lions
Dolphins (6-6) vs. Steelers (5-7)
Pick: Steelers     S: Steelers
Colts (8-4) vs. Bengals (8-4)
Pick: Colts     S: Bengals
Browns (4-8) vs. Patriots (9-3)
Pick: Patriots     S: Patriots
Raiders (4-8) vs. Jets (5-7)
Pick: Jets     S: Jets
Vikings (3-8-1) vs. Ravens (6-6)
Pick: Ravens     S: Ravens
Titans (5-7) vs. Broncos (10-2)
Pick: Broncos    S: Broncos
Rams (5-7) vs. Cardinals (7-5) 
Pick: Cardinals    S: Cardinals
Seahawks (11-1) vs. 49ers (8-4)
Pick: Seahawks     S: Seahawks
Giants (5-7) vs. Chargers (5-7)
Pick: Giants     S: Chargers
Panthers (9-3) vs. Saints (9-3)
Pick: Saints    S: Saints
Cowboys (7-5) vs. Bears (6-6)
Pick: Cowboys    S: Cowboys

2013 Week 9 Picks

Titans (3-4) vs. Rams (3-5)
Pick: Rams       S: Titans
Saints (6-1) vs. Jets (4-4)
Pick: Saints      S: Saints
Chargers (4-3) vs. Redskins (2-5)
Pick: Chargers
Chiefs (8-0) vs. Bills (3-5)
Pick: Chiefs       S: Chiefs
Falcons (2-5) vs. Panthers (4-3)
Pick: Panthers     S: Falcons
Vikings (1-6) vs. Cowboys (4-4)
Pick: Cowboys    S: Cowboys
Buccaneers (0-7) vs. Seahawks (7-1)
Pick: Seahawks      S: Seahawks
Eagles (3-5) vs. Raiders (3-4)
Pick: Raiders    S: Raiders
Steelers (2-5) vs. Patriots (6-2) 
Pick: Patriots     S: Patriots
Ravens (3-4) vs. Browns (3-5)
Pick: Ravens     S: Ravens
Colts (5-2) vs. Texans (2-5)
Pick: Colts      S: Colts
Bears (4-3) vs. Packers (5-2)
Pick: Packers     S: Packers

2013 Week 8 Picks

Bills (3-4) vs. Saints (5-1)
Pick: Saints   S: Saints
Dolphins (3-3) vs. Patriots (5-2)
Pick: Patriots       S: Patriots
Giants (1-6) vs. Eagles (3-4)
Pick: Eagles      S: Eagles
Cowboys (4-3) vs. Lions (4-3)
Pick: Lions       S: Lions
49ers (5-2) vs. Jaguars (0-7)
Pick: 49ers      S: 49ers
Browns (3-4) vs. Chiefs (7-0)
Pick: Chiefs      S: Chiefs
Jets (4-3) vs. Bengals (5-2)
Pick: Bengals     S: Bengals
Steelers (2-4) vs. Raiders (2-4)
Pick: Steelers     S: Steelers
Redskins (2-4) vs. Broncos (6-1)
Pick: Broncos    S: Broncos
Falcons (2-4) vs. Cardinals (3-4)
Pick: Cardinals   S: Cardinals 
Packers (4-2) vs. Vikings (1-5)
Pick: Packers     S: Packers
Seahawks (6-1) vs. Rams (3-4)
Pick: Seahawks      S: Seahawks

2013 Week 8 Thursday Night Pick

Game Pick:

Panthers (3-3) vs. Buccaneers (0-6)

Pick: Panthers

What we learned

5. Games have been decided by closer margins; though what this says about the league and the teams is set to be seen. Have we reached the point where teams can scout each other so well?

4. The Jaguars have the potential to go 0-16 this season, and in my opinion will. 

3. Though RGIII has shown improvement, he is not back to as much form as he thinks and the Redskins will miss the playoffs. 

2. The Broncos are still one of the best teams in the AFC, but if they want to remain so they must improve the defense. 

1. The Colts are the real deal and must be treated as a serious contender. 

2013 Week 7 Thursday Night Pick and Wrap up

Firstly,

Seahawks (5-1) vs. Cardinals (3-3)

Pick: Seahawks

5. RGIII is not the same as last season. Recovered or not, he's clearly not the same QB. Not sure if the team is holding him back, or if he personally feels concerned about his recovery. 

4. The Rams are rising and no one is paying attention. (Everyone is too distracted by the Texans falling). 

3. The Lions are the real deal. (And yes, I will harp on it until they win a playoff game.)

2. There is a larger gap between teams -- basically it seems like teams tend to either be really good or quite bad, with a few teams floundering in between.

1. The power in the league is shifting slightly, from the traditionally good teams to some new playoff figures. 

2013 Week 6 Picks

Panthers (1-3) vs. Vikings (1-3)
Pick: Vikings       S: Vikings
Eagles (2-3) vs. Buccaneers (0-4)
Pick: Eagles     S: Eagles
Raiders (2-3) vs. Chiefs (5-0)
Pick: Chiefs     S: Chiefs
Steelers (0-4) vs. Jets (3-2)
Pick: Jets    S: Jets
Rams (2-3) vs. Texans (2-3)
Pick: Texans     S: Texans
Packers (2-2) vs. Ravens (3-2)
Pick: Packers    S: Ravens
Bengals (3-2) vs. Bills (2-3)
Pick: Bengals     S: Bengals
Lions (3-2) vs. Browns (3-2)
Pick: Lions    S: Lions 
Titans (3-2) vs. Seahawks (4-1)
Pick: Seahawks   S: Seahawks
Jaguars (0-5) vs. Broncos (5-0)
Pick: Broncos    S: Broncos
Saints (5-0) vs. Patriots (4-1)
Pick: Saints     S: Patriots
Cardinals (3-2) vs. 49ers (3-2)
Pick: 49ers    S: 49ers
Redskins (1-3) vs. Cowboys (2-3)
Pick: Cowboys    S: Cowboys
Colts (4-1) vs. Chargers (2-3)
Pick: Colts     S: Chargers

2013 Week 5 Picks

Jaguars (0-4) vs. Rams (1-3)
Pick: Rams
Chiefs (4-0) vs. Titans (3-1)
Pick: Chiefs
Ravens (2-2) vs. Dolphins (3-1)
Pick: Ravens
Eagles (1-3) vs. Giants (0-4)
Pick: Eagles
Saints (4-0) vs. Bears (3-1)
Pick: Saints
Patriots (4-0) vs. Bengals (2-2)
Pick: Patriots
Lions (3-1) vs. Packers (1-2)
Pick: Packers
Seahawks (4-0) vs. Colts (3-1)
Pick: Colts
Panthers (1-2) vs. Cardinals (2-2)
Pick: Cardinals
Broncos (4-0) vs. Cowboys (2-2)
Pick: Broncos
Texans (2-2) vs. 49ers (2-2)
Pick: 49ers
Chargers (2-2) vs. Raiders (1-3)
Pick: Chargers
Jets (2-2) vs. Falcons (1-3)
Pick: Falcons 

Thursday Night Pick and Wrap Up

Tonight, I am bold.
Tonight I am picking the Rams to beat the 49ers.
49ers (1-2) vs. Rams (1-2) 
Pick: Rams

Things we learned in Week 3

5. The Giants and 49ers are in trouble.

4. The Ravens are returning to championship form and haven't allowed a touchdown in the last two games.

3. Coaches are beginning to feel the heat (Schiano, Coughlin, Jim Harbaugh).

2. The Lions are going to turn the corner.

1. The Chiefs are the real deal.

2013 Week 3 Game Picks

Week 3 picks for your viewing pleasure!

Texans (2-0) vs. Ravens (1-1)
Pick: Ravens      S: Ravens
Packers (1-1) vs. Bengals (1-1)
Pick: Packers       S: Packers
Rams (1-1) vs. Cowboys (1-1)
Pick: Rams       S: Rams
Falcons (1-1) vs. Dolphins (2-0)
Pick: Dolphins    S: Dolphins
Browns (0-2) vs. Vikings (0-2)
Pick: Vikings        S: Vikings
Bills (1-1) vs. Jets (1-1)
Pick: Bills       S: Jets
Buccaneers (0-2) vs. Patriots (2-0)
Pick: Patriots             S: Patriots
Chargers (1-1) vs. Titans (1-1)
Pick: Chargers       S: Titans
Lions (1-1) vs. Redskins (0-2)
Pick: Lions      S: Redskins
Giants (0-2) vs. Panthers (0-2) 
Pick: Giants       S: Giants
Colts (1-1) vs. 49ers (1-1)
Pick: 49ers       S: 49ers
Jaguars (0-2) vs. Seahawks (2-0)
Pick: Seahawks      S: Seahawks 
Bears (2-0) vs. Steelers (0-2)
Pick: Bears       S: Steelers
Raiders (1-1) vs. Broncos (2-0)
Pick: Broncos     S: Broncos

Thursday Game Pick and Weekly Wrap

First, a game pick for the revenge game tonight:
Chiefs (2-0) vs. Eagles (1-1)
Pick: Chiefs
(Though I think it will be a good game and a close one. I have more faith in the Chiefs as a whole. They have something to play for.)

Let's take a look back at the week and discuss what we've learned about a few things. Here are the top 5 things we learned in week 2.

5. The 49ers have a weakness and are not the indestructible force previously believed to be, even within their division.

4. Patriots fans should be deeply concerned; maybe the Bills game in week one wasn't a fluke.

3. Could the Rams, Dolphins and Bills be the real deal?

2. The Jaguars will have the number one pick in next year's draft.

1. The Steelers will not make the playoffs. 

2013 Week 2 Picks

Browns (0-1) vs. Ravens (0-1)
Pick: Ravens
Rams (1-0) vs. Falcons (0-1)
Pick: Falcons
Panthers (0-1) vs. Bills (0-1)
Pick: Bills
Redskins (0-1) vs. Packers (0-1) 
Pick: Packers
Dolphins (1-0) vs. Colts (1-0)
Pick: Colts
Cowboys (1-0) vs. Chiefs (1-0)
Pick: Chiefs
Vikings (0-1) vs. Bears (1-0)
Pick: Vikings
Chargers (0-1) vs. Eagles (1-0)
Pick: Eagles
Titans (1-0) vs. Texans (1-0)
Pick: Texans
Lions (1-0) vs. Cardinals (0-1)
Pick: Lions
Saints (1-0) vs. Buccaneers (0-1)
Pick: Saints
Jaguars (0-1) vs. Raiders (0-1)
Pick: Raiders
Broncos (1-0) vs. Giants (0-1)
Pick: Broncos
49ers (1-0) vs. Seahawks (1-0)
Pick: 49ers
Steelers (0-1) vs. Bengals (0-1)
Pick: Bengals

2013 Week 1 Picks

Here we are at week one once again. Because all the teams are 0-0, I haven't written the records out after every team. The first week features some interesting games, like Packers vs. 49ers and Falcons vs. Saints, along with the night games.

Patriots vs. Bills
Pick: Patriots
Seahawks vs. Panthers 
Pick: Seahawks
Bengals vs. Bears
Pick: Bengals
Dolphins vs. Browns
Pick: Dolphins
Vikings vs. Lions
Pick: Lions
Raiders vs. Colts
Pick: Colts
Chiefs vs. Jaguars 
Pick: Chiefs
Buccaneers vs. Jets
Pick: Buccaneers
Falcons vs. Saints
Pick: Saints
Titans vs. Steelers
Pick: Steelers
Cardinals vs. Rams
Pick: Rams
Packers vs. 49ers 
Pick: 49ers
Giants vs. Cowboys
Pick: Giants
Eagles vs. Redskins
Pick: Redskins
Texans vs. Chargers
Pick: Texans

Who Will Protect This House? I Will.

Tonight the defending World Champions Baltimore Ravens open their season against the Denver Broncos...away at Denver. The Ravens were unable to continue the tradition of opening their season at home because of the Orioles' schedule. Yet, though they can't literally defend their house, the Ravens have plenty to defend. The idea of the house here is the championship. The Ravens must prove that they are more than a magical team of destiny, that they can be a dynasty. It is the goal that Harbaugh and Flacco have both vocalized. Can the Ravens make the leap? I believe they can. In many ways, they have improved their defense through adding youth and progressing towards the future. That is the idea of dynasty. Progressing, even if others doubt how the methods and the signings. The new look Ravens are faster and younger, though they must gel quickly to stop Peyton Manning. The Broncos are loaded on offense, but the defense has taken several hits on defense. The game tonight has a high chance of being high scoring, with both defenses reeling to control two explosive offenses. The Broncos have revenge on their mind, but the Ravens still have a chip on their shoulder and are entering a new era -- for the first time Ray Lewis is not the roster. It is Flacco's team now and he has risen to take control. At the Ravens home game, the fans chant "Who will protect this house? I will. I will." The chant will be absent tonight in Denver, but the idea behind it will certainly not be.

Pick: Ravens
Steven's Pick: Ravens

2013 NFC West Predictions

1. San Francisco 49ers
There is a reason that the 49ers were the NFC representative in the Super Bowl last year. They have talent littering both sides of the ball and a successful coaching staff to keep order. They managed to avoid tragic losses of talent, though they are now a little thin at the WR position. If injuries hit the WRs or Kaepernick then this team could be in deep trouble. But that being said, a healthy 49ers team must simply remain constant and carry on where they left off last year.

2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have a chance to knock the 49ers from the top of the division. Pete Carroll has somehow worked magic and found talent from other teams and through the draft. QB Wilson was the surprise of the year last year, though I expect a little regression as all second year quarterbacks tend to have. Defenses will also be able to defend the read option better after an off-season of study. But the strength of this team is really the defense, especially the secondary. The loss of CB Trufant hurts a little, but the depth here is so great the unit should remain solid with CB Sherman and CB Browner. They have a chance to keep the major quarterbacks of the entire NFC in check.

3. St. Louis Rams
The Rams showed enormous improvement under Jeff Fisher in his first year and expect them to improve even more. Unfortunately, they play in a highly competitive division which will hamper them. Yet, last year they held their own against the big boy 49ers and can expect to again. QB Bradford has his last shot to prove himself this year. The addition of T Jake Long should help this by keeping Bradford on his feet, rather than on his back. The departure of RB Jackson hurts more than anything for this team. Still, look for the whole team to improve in the second year of Fisher's system.

4. Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Arians was the coaching catch off the off-season and the Cardinals landed him. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much to work with besides Larry Fitzgerald. Carson Palmer has come in to sort of help the quarterback situation, but he's aging and hasn't shown true talent since he was with the Bengals. Off season additions have been mostly to sure up the defense -- CBs Arenas, Cason and Power, as well as S Bell and LB Brinkley. Maybe RB Mendenhall will give an offensive boost, but he's had problems with injuries and isn't considered an every down back. Overall, there is future hope for the Cardinals, but not this year. This is the first rebuilding year.