NFL Divisional Round Saturday Predictions

New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks: 4:25 p.m. Saturday

       In a clash of opposites, Drew Brees and company will travel cross country to face what seems to be an unbeatable Russell Wilson at Century Link field. I'm sure everyone knows how good the 'Hawks are at home evident by Wilson's lone career loss at home coming a few short weeks ago. While this may seem promising for the visiting Saints, I don't think they should read too much into it.

       Week 13 this season marks the last time these teams met and it was very ugly for New Orleans. They were blown out 34-7 as Drew Bree's road struggles continued. On the road this season, Drew Brees has completed 10% less of his passes compared to at the SuperDome. He's thrown for 500 less yards with 28 more pass attempts. The most telling stat is his 27 touchdowns at home compared to 12 on the road while totaling 9 interceptions away from home while just three in New Orleans. This is a scary stat for New Orleans fans who are hoping their team can take down the king of the NFC.

        Although Brees managed to get over his road woes in the playoffs last week against the Eagles, he will be facing a much tougher defense this weekend. That augmented to the fact that the 'Hawks have a very efficient offense is what will prove too much this weekend. Marshawn Lynch will control the game against a mediocre run defense. While the Saints will limit Seattle through the air, it won't be enough to hold Seattle from advancing to the Championship Game.

                                                   

                                                                                              X-Factor: Jimmy Graham 

     While this pick may seem obvious, the x-factor is in fact obvious. The Saints best chance of staying in/winning this game is Jimmy Graham having his biggest game of the year. This is a lot to ask because Graham has already had a 10 catch, 179 yard, and a touchdown performance this season.

Final Score: Seahawks-30 Saints-17




Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots: 8:10 p.m. Saturday

     Andrew Luck and the Colts needed a spectacular comeback last week to escape the Chiefs and are granted with a trip to a cold New England. This matchup pairs the Future of the NFL versus the face of the league for the past decade. You can't ask for much more than Brady versus Luck but this game will actually be decided on the other side of the ball.

   
The Colts own a bottom 5 rush defense but fortunately for them the Patriots have serious troubles rushing the ball. On the contrary though, the Patriots may be on to something. In the regular season finale, LeGarrette Blount ran for 189 yards and 2 scores on the Patriots' way to a 14 point win over the Bills. With the loss of Gronk many people thought New England's season was over but there is a chance that the Pats have new hope. No matter how much the NFL leans towards the Quarterback, the Super Bowl Champion seems to always represent the team that got production from their running game and defense. This screams Patriots for me. With a shaky defense and a struggling offense all season it seems to be coming around for Brady and Co.

X-Factor: Griff Whalen/Da'rick Rogers

     You are probably saying who? Indy came into the season with their Wide Receiver depth chart as such. 1. Reggie Wayne 2. TY Hilton 3. Darius Heyward-Bey
      Well things have clearly changed with the injury from Wayne and lack of production from DHB. Whalen and Rogers sport the 2 and 3 slots for the Colts. If you know anything about football, you know that Belichick will shut down TY Hilton who had a monster week against the Chiefs. Coverage will lean towards Hilton and all types of schemes will focus on shutting him down. While this may seem problematic, this does open up opportunities for the 2 and 3. Therefore, Whalen and Rogers production will determine the outcome of the game.

Final Score: Patriots-34 Colts-27

My Thoughts on the NFL's Week 6

1. Thad Lewis and the Bills put up a valiant effort but it wasn't enough to stop a Cincinnati team that may be just good enough to claim the AFC North Divisional Title. It's simply going to come down to who wins the divisional games and the Bengals look like they are that team right now.

2. Is Brian Hoyer that good? Browns are 3-0 in games Hoyer played in (now out for the season) and are 0-3 with Weeden at the helm. They have young talent in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron but Weeden is the problem and definitely not the answer. Look for the Browns to use their top picks to find that Quarterback. 

3. The Detroit Lions are sitting at a silent 4-2. They have done this all without a truly healthy Calvin Johnson. When he returns at full strength this team could make a playoff push. I think it'll come down to the Bears and Pack but we'll have to wait and see. Which leads me to my next thought. 

4. Green Bay's offense took 2 major hits (Cobb and Jones both suffered knee injuries) and looked awful but Baltimore looked even worse. A combined salary between Rodgers and Flacco of $230 million dollars and we got an abysmal performance. Both these teams look mediocre (both 3-3) but definitely have the potential to make the playoffs. 

5. The Chiefs keep on rolling. It took 24 unanswered points but the Chiefs are now 6-0 after their 24-7 victory today. I'd say the promising thing for the Raiders is possibly that they've found their QB. 7 points you might think I'm crazy but Terrelle Pryor has some talent and his new handcuff, Denarius Moore, goes along well with him. Look for the Raiders to build around Pryor in the draft.

6. Cam Newton appears back in form. He totaled 4 touchdowns in a rout of the Vikings and has now won 2 straight. Meanwhile the defense has looked stellar in their past 2 performances. I'd say this team is rebuilding but the Falcons have been terrible and the Bucs don't have a win so as it stands the Panthers are 2nd in the division. Prayers out to AP whose son was just killed.

7. The Jets came out with a major letdown allowing Pittsburgh to notch its first W of the season. Pittsburgh still has a chance in this weak division but I wouldn't say its a great one. As for NY, I'd say they're not a playoff team but Geno is definitely their guy.

8. The Eagles have won 2 in a row and are all of a sudden in 1st place at 3-3 (Dallas and Washington are playing right now). The Bucs have the talent but not the Quarterback. Although he played excellent today, you can't win a SuperBowl with this guy. Right?

9. Cheering when your starting QB gets hurt. Stay Classy, Houston. 2 comments on the QB situation here. T.J. Yates came in and threw a pick sick totaling 5 straight games with one. 2nd, Vince Young tweeted that he's ready to come back and play and would love to for his home state. No chance Houston signs VY but I personally would love to see it. St. Louis though looked very impressive in the blowout win. They are definitely building and should end up around 8-8 this year. Promising for the Rams.

10. Denver didn't look impressive nor did they cover the spread but they got their 6th straight win and are now tied atop the division with aforementioned Kansas City. Knowshon Moreno is thriving with all these running lanes but Denver is vulnerable. The Jags received their participation ribbons in a valiant effort as well as giving the rest of the league game tape on how to exploit the corners. 2nd yr wideout Justin Blackmon came up with 14 catches for 190 yards.

11. Tennessee's lone touchdown came off the flukiest of plays. (The kicker was hurt so the punter who's the usual holder had to kick so the Seahawks brought in a new holder who muffed the snap then tried throwing the ball got stripped and the Titans took it to the house.) Besides this absurd play, Seattle's defense looked stout and Russell Wilson improved to 11-0 at home.

12. Tom Brady is still very very good. While he hadn't thrown a touchdown in the past two games, in the final 5 ticks of the game on Sunday, Brady pinpointed a pass to the rookie Kenbrell Thompkins to secure a win and a 5-1 record. The Patriots gutted one out and still don't have Gronk back. This team could be really good. The Saints took a rough loss but are still running away with the division.

13. My final thought is that Vernon Davis is also very very good. While Davis only totaled 1 catch for 10 yards in the second half, his monster 7 for 170 in the 1st was all that was necessary. San Fran doesn't look like the team that got to the Super Bowl last year but are still a healthy 4-2. They need to find their mojo and get back to hard nosed football. 

Thanksgiving Day Football- Texans vs. Lions

Houston Texans (9-1) vs. Detroit Lions (4-6)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The best part of Thanksgiving, besides the food, is sitting around the TV with your friends and family watching some NFL football. While this looks like a mismatch on paper, it truly isn't. While the Lions are, what I'd say, the biggest disappointment this season, they are still very capable of pulling the upset. The odds makers seem to agree, as they have only favored Houston by a mere 3 points. 

The Houston Texans have yet to lose on the road this season and have looked like the AFC favorite all year. Last week against the Jaguars though, they almost slipped up. The most dominating AFC defense, besides the Steelers, allowed 37 points last week to Chad Henne. Yes, Chad Henne. This week they'll be facing a much better offense with the likes of Calvin Johnson and major disappointment, Matthew Stafford. Houston, because of their schedule, looks like they are going to coast to the 1 seed in the AFC. The Patriots still have a chance because of the weakness of their division, but I predict the AFC top 3 finishes as follows.

Houston Texans (Have tiebreaker over Baltimore)
Baltimore Ravens (Have tiebreaker over New England)
New England Patriots

Even if the Texans do finish Number 1 in the AFC, I don't think they will make the trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. They lack the playoff experience and I don't think they would be able to beat Peyton Manning or Tom Brady in January. If Houston does clinch the Number 1 it furthers their chances but I still remain in doubt.

On to the Detroit Lions. I don't want to keep repeating myself about how disappointed I am in the LIons but I'm disappointed. The Lions made the playoffs last year for the first time in a decade. Matthew Stafford threw for an unbelievable 5,000 yards and Calvin Johnson was the best WR, by far, in the league. What has happened this year? Besides Megatron appearing on the cover of Madden, The Lions defense has been poor and as a matter of a fact, the Lions offense does not look that good. Defenses have adjusted to Johnson and game planned saying, we won't let him beat us. Unfortunately for Lions fans. No other players on the team have stepped up. 

Detroit's playoff hopes are not out of the picture but they need to get hot and today is a great day to start. A loss today pushes them to 4-7 and I'd say that could be the end but if they pull off the upset, which I think they will (yeah I said it), they are right back in it. Detroit has to get back on track and between Stafford and Calvin there is too much talent not to be dominant. I think after Detroit figures out how Chad Henne and Cecil Shorts/Justin Blackmon scored 37 on Houston, they will be able to have a dominating offensive performance.

Prediction: Lions-31 Texans-27

Sportacular Sport's NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are Sportacular Sport's predictions and analysis for Week 8 of the NFL Season

So far this week I'm 0-1 because the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night. 

Bye Week Teams- Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals

(1-5) Carolina Panthers @ (5-1) Chicago Bears

After a strong defensive showing from the Bears on Monday Night, it seems no one can score against this defense. Allowing only 13 ppg the bears go up against a Cam Newton who cannot seem to escape the Sophomore slump. After a poor outing at home against a beat up Dallas team, I don't see this one being any close. While Cam contains big-play potential, I see Matt Forte having an excellent game and the Bears prevailing big. (With Jay Cutler though, how is anyone supposed to figure out this game)

Final Score- Bears-31- Panthers-17(I think the Panthers will score a garbage touchdown making it look closer than it really was)

(3-3) San Diego Chargers @ (1-6) Cleveland Browns

Philip Rivers just pulled off the biggest choke-job of his career and for him that's saying something. In wake of blowing a 24 pt lead two mondays ago, I think the Chargers rebound with a tight win. The Browns might be without first round pick Trent Richardson and even if he suits up he's struggling with a rib injury. The Browns always have a knack for keeping games close, especially at Paul Brown Stadium. Their average margin of defeat is just over 7 points a game meaning their always in it till the end. Rivers plays well enough to get the victory.

Final Score- Chargers-24-Browns-20

(4-3) Seattle Seahawks @ (2-4) Detroit Lions

A surprising 4-3 Seattle team led by rookie QB Russel Wilson, travels to Detroit, Michigan to face a disappointing Lions team. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Lions look like the 2008 0-16 Detroit team. Not really, but they are very disappointing based off the potential entering the season. A 5,000 yard passer (Matthew Stafford) and the NFL's best receiver (Calvin Johnson). On the other hand, Marshawn Lynch keeps running over players and the Seahawks keep squeaking out wins. I've been very discouraged by the play of the Lions and very satisfied with the performance of the Hawks. In a surprise, I think the Seahawks sneak into Detroit and steals a win.

Final Score- Seahawks-23-Detroit-21

(1-5) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (4-3) Green Bay Packers

Maurice Jones- Drew and maybe Blaine Gabbert are going to be out for this game. If both are playing, I still don't see this one being any close. Green Bay is at home and Rodgers has found his game again. The Jags, on the other hand, just blew a game to the Raiders last Sunday and don't have much going for them. Their past two top draft picks have been Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Neither have produced and having the 28th ranked defense won't help much. I predict this one being a blowout. Final Score-Packers 38-Jaguars-13

(3-3) Indianapolis Colts @ (3-4) Tennessee Titans

An inspired Colts team travels to Nashville to face a streaking Titans squad. Having won two in a row with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans have beaten the Steelers at home and then traveled to Buffalo and won in a high scoring affair. The Colts also are playing well themselves after beating the Packers and Browns in two out of their last three. I anticipate this game to be very close and very well played. Chris Johnson appears to be playing well and Kenny Britt when healthy can be very effective. While RGIII seems to be running away with the ROY, Andrew Luck has been very good as well. The one aspect that I think could take Tennessee over the top would be their special teams. Therefore, in a very tight one I believe with the home crowd the Titans will be victorious.

Final Score- Titans-31-Colts-27

(4-3) New England Patriots "@" (3-4) St. Louis Rams

The reason for the quotations is because this game is taking place in London, England. After heartbreaking losses to the Ravens and Seahawks and a very close game against the Jets, it is very hard to tell which Patriot team we will see in England this weekend. I anticipate a team led by 3 time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady making a major statement. If the Patriots lose this game though, this could be the beginning of the end of the Brady dynasty. The St. Louis Rams are showing signs of an up and coming team. Playing in the NFC West is a tough task nowadays as the Rams are in last with a decent 3-4 record. St. Louis has been playing well but they're do for a stinker and the Patriots are going to be angry this weekend.

Final Score- Patriots 42-Rams-17

(3-3) Miami Dolphins @ (3-4) New York Jets

Just like the Rams, the Dolphins look like an up and coming team with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. Reggie Bush can be effective and the breakout player of the year so far is WR Brian Hartline. Coming off a bye week, I expect the Dolphins to jump out to a quick lead and quiet Fireman Ed. Even though NY has lost the best CB (Darrelle Revis) in the league and their top WR (Santoni Holmes), the Jets can still play good defense. Shonn Greene leads the ground and pound attack although he is inconsistent. A late comeback by Mark Sanchez and our first sighting of a Tim Tebow TD leads the Jets to a close win at home.

Final Score-Jets-23-Dolphins-20

(6-0) Atlanta Falcons @ (3-3) Philadelphia Eagles

The last undefeated team in the NFL travels to a highly talented yet underperforming Eagles team on Sunday @ 1pm. Matty Ice has lived up to his nickname in winning late in games. The Falcons haven't been overly dominant but that's irrelevant because they're finding ways to win. The Eagles however led by Mike "turnover" Vick have one of the most talented teams in the NFL yet cannot perform likewise. Lesean Mccoy has been O.K. and the combo of the Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been alright as well. However, I see a strong defensive effort from the Eagles on Sunday as they play up to their potential. Eagles eliminate the final undefeated and win by enough where Mike Vick won't have the chance to blow the game.

Final Score-Eagles-27-Falcons-17

(3-4) Washington Redskins @ (3-3) Pittsburgh Steelers

RGIII has almost locked up ROY and we are only heading into week 8 of the NFL season. His unbelievable play on 4th and 11 last week almost helped the Redskins knock off the defending champs on the road. If it weren't for a 77 yard breakdown in the secondary courtesy of Victor Cruz, the Redskins would have a chance to have a winning record heading into the 2nd half of the season. While the 'Skins look like they have a bright future, the Steelers show up with a different team every week. Big Ben has a 14-1 record at home against NFC opponents but those were teams filled with DPOY's like healthy Troy Polamalus and James Harrisons. In the upset of the week, watch as that record becomes 14-2. 

Final Score-Redskins-23-Steelers-21

(2-4) Oakland Raiders @ (1-5) Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams came into the season with much upside and have not delivered much. Besides KC's dream season a few years ago, the Chargers and Broncos look like they still control the AFC West. Oakland led by turnover prone Carson Palmer and injury ridden Darren McFadden and Darius Heyward-Bey have yet to click. After a come from behind against the...Jags... Oakland doesn't have much besides two all pro kickers. The Chiefs though have the talent in Jamal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel has been injured but even before that the Chiefs didn't look very good. Bowe doesn't want to be there and the Chiefs cheer when their QB gets hurt. This looks like the worst game of the week. I guess I'll take the Chiefs because they are at home but besides that there is nothing doing here.

Final Score-Chiefs-31-Raiders-23

(5-2) New York Giants @ (3-3) Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are playing like defending champions and no one can touch Eli in the 4th. The Cowboys have way too much talent to be just 3-3. Granted they should've beaten the Ravens, the Cowboys have a dynamic duo at WR, a pro-bowl Qb, and a solid RB. The Cowboys defeated the Giants in the opening of the NFL season but are extremely inconsistent. The Giants usually go through a mid season slump and what greater time to start right about now.

Final Score-Cowboys-26-Giants-17

(2-4) New Orleans Saints @ (3-3) Denver Broncos

The Saints have won 2 in a row behind excellent performances by Drew Brees. The Denver Broncos are also riding a small winning streak and are coming off their bye. Give a rested Peyton Manning an extra week to prepare for a horrible defense and watch a thrashing. The Saints can put up points themselves but it won't be enough on Sunday Night. Expect an extremely exciting game resulting in a Broncos's win.

Final Score-Broncos-41-Saints-31