Andrew Tie
The Houston Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. For the first time in NFL history, two rookie quarterbacks will be going at it. For the Texans, rookie TJ Yates was thrust into the role after Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart went down with injuries. For the Benglas, rookie Andy Dalton was named starter after being drafted last year, so he's had the role throughout the whole year. Naturally, the people to watch in this game are Yates and Dalton with the better player determining the outcome, right? Wrong. The Texans have cautiously brought Yates along, letting him do what he does best with hitting tight ends Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen for the most part and WR Andre Johnson when he can. Dalton is much more involved in the Bengals offense, so there's nothing new there. But here are some matchups to watch.
Arian Foster/Ben Tate vs. Bengals's Run Defense
Foster and Tate have combined to rush for over 2000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those are some crazy good numbers. However, the Bengals have the 10th best run defense in the league. But last week against a good Ravens run offense, the Bengals gave up over 200 yards, compared to their weekly average of 104.7 yards. The Texans are second in the NFL, averaging over 153 yards a game.
WR AJ Green vs. CB Johnathan Joseph
Another rookie, AJ Green, has been spectacular for the Bengals this year. In his first year, he's caught 7 touchdowns with 1057 yards to boast. On the other side, Joseph has been a great pickup in the offseason, giving the Texans a legitimate lockdown corner in the secondary. The problem for Green is that the Texans have the 3rd best passing defense in the league, only giving up 189.7 yards per game.
I think overall, the Texans will be able to dictate the game with the run and keep the Bengals on their heels. This will open up the pass for Yates. And on defense, Joseph and the Texans have been playing really well and will be able to hold Dalton and Green in check.
Houston Texans 23
Cincinnati Bengals 17
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Playoff Predictions
Andrew Tie
Wildcard Weekend
AFC
Texans over Bengals - I see the Texans getting the run game going and controlling the game. TJ Yates won't have to be perfect, and the Texans come out with a win.
Steelers over Broncos- The Steelers have been hurting recently with Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Clark not playing, and Big Ben is still not doing too well on that ankle. But they're still much better than the Broncos. Sorry Tebow.
NFC
Saints over Lions- This should be a good game, but the Saints are just looking way too good right now. I don't think the Lions will be able to put up enough points to keep up with New Orleans.
Falcons over Giants - Lot of talk this week between Justin Tuck and the Falcons' O-Line, but the passing game will be key. Victor Cruz has been good recently, but I don't think it'll be enough.
Divisional Weekend
AFC
Steelers over Patriots - I have a feeling the Steelers will work some magic here and beat the Patriots. How will Brady and Bill O'Brien work together now that O'Brien has Penn State in the back of his mind?
Ravens over Texans - Not that I'm a huge fan of Joe Flacco in the playoffs, but the Texans aren't that strong right now. Give me some Rice and the Ravens.
NFC
Saints over 49ers - I'm not very good at picking upsets, so I'm not going to try to. The Saints are so good right now, and I just can't see them being stopped with Brees right now.
Packers over Falcons - Packers are better than the Falcons. They'll score more points. They'll win.
Championship Weekend
AFC
Ravens over Steelers - If there's one team that can beat the Ravens, it's the Steelers, but if they don't have a healthy lineup, they won't be able to win. Rice will destroy the Steelers running and catching.
NFC
Saints over Packers- Saints get the win avenging their loss in Week 1. Offensive shootout will be incredible to watch.
Super Bowl Weekend
Saints over Ravens - I'm on the Saints bandwagon right now, not because I particularly like them, but because I think they're pretty unstoppable right now. Joe Flacco doesn't have what it takes to win a Super Bowl.
Wildcard Weekend
AFC
Texans over Bengals - I see the Texans getting the run game going and controlling the game. TJ Yates won't have to be perfect, and the Texans come out with a win.
Steelers over Broncos- The Steelers have been hurting recently with Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Clark not playing, and Big Ben is still not doing too well on that ankle. But they're still much better than the Broncos. Sorry Tebow.
NFC
Saints over Lions- This should be a good game, but the Saints are just looking way too good right now. I don't think the Lions will be able to put up enough points to keep up with New Orleans.
Falcons over Giants - Lot of talk this week between Justin Tuck and the Falcons' O-Line, but the passing game will be key. Victor Cruz has been good recently, but I don't think it'll be enough.
Divisional Weekend
AFC
Steelers over Patriots - I have a feeling the Steelers will work some magic here and beat the Patriots. How will Brady and Bill O'Brien work together now that O'Brien has Penn State in the back of his mind?
Ravens over Texans - Not that I'm a huge fan of Joe Flacco in the playoffs, but the Texans aren't that strong right now. Give me some Rice and the Ravens.
NFC
Saints over 49ers - I'm not very good at picking upsets, so I'm not going to try to. The Saints are so good right now, and I just can't see them being stopped with Brees right now.
Packers over Falcons - Packers are better than the Falcons. They'll score more points. They'll win.
Championship Weekend
AFC
Ravens over Steelers - If there's one team that can beat the Ravens, it's the Steelers, but if they don't have a healthy lineup, they won't be able to win. Rice will destroy the Steelers running and catching.
NFC
Saints over Packers- Saints get the win avenging their loss in Week 1. Offensive shootout will be incredible to watch.
Super Bowl Weekend
Saints over Ravens - I'm on the Saints bandwagon right now, not because I particularly like them, but because I think they're pretty unstoppable right now. Joe Flacco doesn't have what it takes to win a Super Bowl.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
So Let Me Tell You What's Gonna Happen
Max Miceli
With the playoffs starting this weekend, I'd like to tell you how it's all going to go down. You don't have to watch the games yourself. Just read this and you will know it all.
okay here we go
Wildcard Weekend
AFC
Bengals over Houston- The Texans have been hurting since Schaub went down, and the Bengals youngsters have been on their game. Bengals win.
Steelers over Broncos- Tebow can't throw, and the Steelers are way too good defensively for you to come at them one dimensionally. Steelers in an easy one.
NFC
Saints over Lions- The Saints don't lose at home. They just don't. The Lions will put up a fight, and this will be a big time shoot out. I can't see the Lions taking out the Saints at home though.
Giants over Falcons- The Falcons are good. I'd even say they are better than the Giants, but I don't think, as a dome team from the south, Atlanta can go up to New York and beat a team in the weather.
Divisional Weekend
AFC
Bengals over Patriots- I have to have a big upset somewhere, and I think this is the one. The Patriots haven't won a playoff game since their crazy record breaking season in 2008. I think it would be sweet if the hot shot rookie duo of Dalton and Green take down the Pats at Gillette Stadium.
Ravens over Steelers- The Steelers have lost to Baltimore in two tries this year. Why would you expect a different result now. I can't go against the Ravens at home. Ray Rice Runs the Ravens to victory. (say that five times fast)
NFC
49ers over Saints- When the Saints have had trouble, it's been on the road. the Niners have a great D, and in San Fran, the elements can be a factor. I don't care how much of a passing league we are in now a days; Defense still wins championships.
Packers over Giants- Aaron Rodgers... at home... enough said.
Championship Weekend
AFC
Ravens over Bengals- Go back and read what I wrote about the Steelers- Ravens match up. Yeah. This is the Same situation. Ravens are going to the Superbowl.
49ers over Packers- In a season that has had ridiculous amounts of offense, I think Defense and a run game brings home the bacon. the Niners prevent the repeat.
Super Bowl Weekend
Ravens over 49ers
Both teams have great defense. Both teams can pound the rock. The Ravens won against them earlier this season. I see it happening again in a REALLY close one. Ravens win the Harbaugh Bowl for a second time this season and take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
With the playoffs starting this weekend, I'd like to tell you how it's all going to go down. You don't have to watch the games yourself. Just read this and you will know it all.
okay here we go
Wildcard Weekend
AFC
Bengals over Houston- The Texans have been hurting since Schaub went down, and the Bengals youngsters have been on their game. Bengals win.
Steelers over Broncos- Tebow can't throw, and the Steelers are way too good defensively for you to come at them one dimensionally. Steelers in an easy one.
NFC
Saints over Lions- The Saints don't lose at home. They just don't. The Lions will put up a fight, and this will be a big time shoot out. I can't see the Lions taking out the Saints at home though.
Giants over Falcons- The Falcons are good. I'd even say they are better than the Giants, but I don't think, as a dome team from the south, Atlanta can go up to New York and beat a team in the weather.
Divisional Weekend
AFC
Bengals over Patriots- I have to have a big upset somewhere, and I think this is the one. The Patriots haven't won a playoff game since their crazy record breaking season in 2008. I think it would be sweet if the hot shot rookie duo of Dalton and Green take down the Pats at Gillette Stadium.
Ravens over Steelers- The Steelers have lost to Baltimore in two tries this year. Why would you expect a different result now. I can't go against the Ravens at home. Ray Rice Runs the Ravens to victory. (say that five times fast)
NFC
49ers over Saints- When the Saints have had trouble, it's been on the road. the Niners have a great D, and in San Fran, the elements can be a factor. I don't care how much of a passing league we are in now a days; Defense still wins championships.
Packers over Giants- Aaron Rodgers... at home... enough said.
Championship Weekend
AFC
Ravens over Bengals- Go back and read what I wrote about the Steelers- Ravens match up. Yeah. This is the Same situation. Ravens are going to the Superbowl.
49ers over Packers- In a season that has had ridiculous amounts of offense, I think Defense and a run game brings home the bacon. the Niners prevent the repeat.
Super Bowl Weekend
Ravens over 49ers
Both teams have great defense. Both teams can pound the rock. The Ravens won against them earlier this season. I see it happening again in a REALLY close one. Ravens win the Harbaugh Bowl for a second time this season and take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Cowboys at Giants Recap
Walker Minot
So, the Giants, led by Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin, come through again, and the Cowboys stumble anew. Two statements can describe why the Giants won: one, no matter how good your second half defense is, if you give up 21 points to an excellent team in the first half you're probably going to lose, and two, Victor Cruz is a star.
Those two things, plus a slow start by injured Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, propelled the Giants to the victory and an NFC East championship. As I worried about in the preview, the Giants came out lit up and the Cowboys came out flat. Their defense had no answer to the Giants offense, and, despite finishing with a very good stat line, Romo had a tough time initially (understandable, as he had not taken a snap in a week). Giant coach Tom Coughlin had his team 100 percent ready to win, and Cowboy coach Jason Garrett did not match up. In the first quarter Cowboy cornerback Terrence Newman missed a key tackle that should have ended the drive, and later Victor Cruz had a 74 yard touchdown catch (again after a missed tackle by Newman). The second quarter also belonged to the Giants, with two more touchdowns put on the board and an intimidating 21 point lead going into the locker rooms at half.
The second half however was a different story. The Cowboy defense was ready to play, giving up no points in the third quarter. The offense put up a touchdown on good passing by Romo. Hope was kindled in Cowboy hearts. The defense was getting down to business and Romo was in a good rhythm, his hand appearing to be unbothered. The third quarter ended with the Cowboys down 21-7, but the momentum on their side.
The fourth quarter saw another Cowboy touchdown, putting real fear in Giants' fans. The Cowboys' five giveaway losses have been well documented this year, but less well documented was the fact that they won four games in which they trailed going into the fourth quarter. It appeared as though the Cowboys could be on their way to a fifth comeback win. Eli Manning and Victor Cruz however would have none of this. The Giants had made a field goal to stretch the lead to 10 points, the Cowboys were still very much in the game, but they needed another stop. On a 3rd down and seven play Manning scrambled, barely avoiding the sack, and managed to find a well covered Cruz, who made a spectacular catch against his body, 40 yards downfield for a huge first down. Later in the drive Manning connected with Cruz to give the Giants a first down and goal, before finishing it off with a four yard TD pass to UNC alum Hakeem Nicks.
This effectively ended the game. One spectacular play from a veteran QB to a young wide receiver almost cut by the Giants earlier this year.
This game provided a decent synopsis of the Cowboys' season, the initial hope, disappointment, more torturously lingering hope, but finally: anguishing defeat. They had so many chances to make the playoffs, but ultimately they couldn't come through. There was some important element missing, something the Giants had but the Cowboys lacked. Garrett, Romo and crew will spend another offseason searching for it.
For the Giants, the two best players of today's game were their two best players of the season. Eli Manning, who's had the best year of his career, and Victor Cruz, who set the Giant's single season record for receiving yards. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs and I wouldn't be surprised if they went far. The core group of their team has won a Super Bowl, and many elements (QB, RBs, wideouts, and defensive line) look very strong. Watch out for the Giants.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
AFC Playoffs
Max Miceli
So this is what the AFC playoffs looks like:
1. New England Patriots
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Houston Texans
4. Denver Broncos
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Let me start with The Denver Broncos:
For the Denver Broncos, the #4 seed was clinched after a third consecutive loss and another poor performance Tim Tebow. Tebow went 6 for 22 with 60 yards through the air. He fumbled the ball during a key drive when Denver was in scoring position, and his interception with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter ended the game. The usually solid running quarter back only had 16 yards on 6 attempts and was sacked twice.
If the Broncos want to even stand a chance against the Steelers, Tebow will need to step up. The Steelers defense under Dick LeBeau is expected to mimic the strategy the Chiefs used to contain Tebow, and having guys like Troy "where's my Head and Shoulders" Polamalu and James "Why the heck do I keep getting fined" Harrison, I can't see Pittsburg doing anything less than an outstanding job containing Tim Tebow.
Bengals vs. Ravens
For the Baltimore Ravens, today was a chance to prove that they can win on the road and go undefeated in their division.
The problem all season for the Ravens has been winning games on the road, and many have claimed that it's due to a lack of getting Ray Rice the ball. Baltimore didn't want to allow that to be an excuse this week. They handed the ball to him 24 times on which he gained 191 yards and two touchdowns. This was highlighted by a 70 yard run to score the games first TD in the first quarter.
Now the Ravens are set up with a bye and at least one game at M&T Bank Stadium, a place they haven't lost this season.
The Bengals, despite losing, never gave up and gained a playoff spot thanks to some help from the Jets and Raiders. With a matchup next weekend against a Texans team that hasn't looked the same since Matt Schaub went down, Cincinnati looks like they could do some damage in the playoffs.
So this is what the AFC playoffs looks like:
1. New England Patriots
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Houston Texans
4. Denver Broncos
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Let me start with The Denver Broncos:
For the Denver Broncos, the #4 seed was clinched after a third consecutive loss and another poor performance Tim Tebow. Tebow went 6 for 22 with 60 yards through the air. He fumbled the ball during a key drive when Denver was in scoring position, and his interception with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter ended the game. The usually solid running quarter back only had 16 yards on 6 attempts and was sacked twice.
If the Broncos want to even stand a chance against the Steelers, Tebow will need to step up. The Steelers defense under Dick LeBeau is expected to mimic the strategy the Chiefs used to contain Tebow, and having guys like Troy "where's my Head and Shoulders" Polamalu and James "Why the heck do I keep getting fined" Harrison, I can't see Pittsburg doing anything less than an outstanding job containing Tim Tebow.
Bengals vs. Ravens
For the Baltimore Ravens, today was a chance to prove that they can win on the road and go undefeated in their division.
The problem all season for the Ravens has been winning games on the road, and many have claimed that it's due to a lack of getting Ray Rice the ball. Baltimore didn't want to allow that to be an excuse this week. They handed the ball to him 24 times on which he gained 191 yards and two touchdowns. This was highlighted by a 70 yard run to score the games first TD in the first quarter.
Now the Ravens are set up with a bye and at least one game at M&T Bank Stadium, a place they haven't lost this season.
The Bengals, despite losing, never gave up and gained a playoff spot thanks to some help from the Jets and Raiders. With a matchup next weekend against a Texans team that hasn't looked the same since Matt Schaub went down, Cincinnati looks like they could do some damage in the playoffs.
Ravens, Tigers, and Steelers... Oh My!
Max Miceli
The AFC north has a lot at stake this Sunday. We know that the Ravens and Steelers have clinched playoffs spots, and that the Bengals control their own destiny for the 6 seed. We don't, however, know whether the Ravens or Steelers will be the team to get a bye.
Remember how I said the Bengals control their destiny for the 6 seed. Well the Ravens control their destiny for the 2 seed, and these two teams are going to be fighting for their respective destinies today in Cincinnati. For the Ravens, it's a matter of playing at home, and for a team that is 3-4 on the road this season, playing at home means a lot.
For the Bengals, being in this situation in the first place is a success. Coming into the season, the Cincinnati had a rookie QB Andy Dalton, and not much to look forward to, but with the help of another rookie AJ Green, Andy has had a great season. This rookie duo for the Bengals has pushed Cincinnati past a Carson Palmer hangover and now they are a home win away from the playoffs.
Everything looks like it should be in favor of a bengals win. Baltimore is terrible on the road and the Bengals have won their last two games to put themselves in this situation. I can't help but think that the Ravens will win though.
All week long the Ravens have being listening to critics say that they NEED #2 seed because they can't win on the road. I believe that this gives the Ravens even more motivation to win this game.
I think the Ravens will prove their critics wrong and win one on the road to get the bye and go undefeated in the AFC north.
Ravens 24
Bengals 17
The other AFC north showdown doesn't have nearly as much importance. The Steelers need a Ravens loss and a win to get the #2 seed, and the Browns aren't even in playoffs contention.
This makes the real discussion about whether or not Pittsburg should play Big Ben. Despite a solid performance by back up Charlie Batch last week, according to the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, the Steelers will play Roethlisberger until "the game is decided".
This sounds like a bad idea to me. for starters, Big Ben could use the rest, and secondly, Batch can handle the Browns. He threw for 208 yards in his first start going 15 for 22, and the Browns are 4-11. The Browns have lost their last five games, and this week, I don't think the streak will stop regardless of whether or not Ben plays.
The Steelers defense will feed off their shutout from last week, and They will terrify a very disappointing Browns offense.
Steelers 28
Browns 10
The AFC north has a lot at stake this Sunday. We know that the Ravens and Steelers have clinched playoffs spots, and that the Bengals control their own destiny for the 6 seed. We don't, however, know whether the Ravens or Steelers will be the team to get a bye.
Remember how I said the Bengals control their destiny for the 6 seed. Well the Ravens control their destiny for the 2 seed, and these two teams are going to be fighting for their respective destinies today in Cincinnati. For the Ravens, it's a matter of playing at home, and for a team that is 3-4 on the road this season, playing at home means a lot.
For the Bengals, being in this situation in the first place is a success. Coming into the season, the Cincinnati had a rookie QB Andy Dalton, and not much to look forward to, but with the help of another rookie AJ Green, Andy has had a great season. This rookie duo for the Bengals has pushed Cincinnati past a Carson Palmer hangover and now they are a home win away from the playoffs.
Everything looks like it should be in favor of a bengals win. Baltimore is terrible on the road and the Bengals have won their last two games to put themselves in this situation. I can't help but think that the Ravens will win though.
All week long the Ravens have being listening to critics say that they NEED #2 seed because they can't win on the road. I believe that this gives the Ravens even more motivation to win this game.
I think the Ravens will prove their critics wrong and win one on the road to get the bye and go undefeated in the AFC north.
Ravens 24
Bengals 17
The other AFC north showdown doesn't have nearly as much importance. The Steelers need a Ravens loss and a win to get the #2 seed, and the Browns aren't even in playoffs contention.
This makes the real discussion about whether or not Pittsburg should play Big Ben. Despite a solid performance by back up Charlie Batch last week, according to the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, the Steelers will play Roethlisberger until "the game is decided".
This sounds like a bad idea to me. for starters, Big Ben could use the rest, and secondly, Batch can handle the Browns. He threw for 208 yards in his first start going 15 for 22, and the Browns are 4-11. The Browns have lost their last five games, and this week, I don't think the streak will stop regardless of whether or not Ben plays.
The Steelers defense will feed off their shutout from last week, and They will terrify a very disappointing Browns offense.
Steelers 28
Browns 10
Tebow-Time One More Time?
Max Miceli
On Sunday, the Denver Broncos will play the Kansas City Chiefs in an attempt to win the AFC West. If they win, they are division champions. If they don't win and Oakland beats the Chargers, Oakland will take the division and the Broncos will not make the playoffs.
With the AFC West teams all playing inside the division, you can expect that the two games will be tight and hard fought.
In the Broncos and Chiefs game, you will see Kyle Orton take on his former team that has given up 81 points in it's last two game. In two consecutive loses, the Broncos have given up at least 40 points, and last week when it was "Tebow Time", Tim threw two consecutive pick sixes.
If the Broncos can't play better defense and keep Tebow out of throwing situations at the end of the game, the Broncos won't make the playoffs. In this division battle that pit a quarterback that as cut by the team he opposes, you can expect nothing but a great game filled with bad blood.
In this game game I see Kyle Orton getting revenge and Tebow being forced to rely on a Raiders lose.
Chiefs 27
Broncos 20
On the other side of the division, the Raiders are looking to win one for Al, and make the playoffs. They can win the division with help from the Broncos, but they can also win a wildcard spot with help from the Bengals.
Either way, they need to beat the Chargers to make it.
Last week the Chargers, who are usually great in december, lost playoff contention by getting beat down 38-10 against the Detroit Lions. I don't know how I feel about this Chargers team that has had another disappointing season.
In this game, I see two great rushing attacks run through defenses that give up well over 100 yards a game on average. Even without Run DMC, I think the Raiders take this game. They have more than just their pride on the line and I see that being the difference.
Raiders 20
Chargers 10
On Sunday, the Denver Broncos will play the Kansas City Chiefs in an attempt to win the AFC West. If they win, they are division champions. If they don't win and Oakland beats the Chargers, Oakland will take the division and the Broncos will not make the playoffs.
With the AFC West teams all playing inside the division, you can expect that the two games will be tight and hard fought.
In the Broncos and Chiefs game, you will see Kyle Orton take on his former team that has given up 81 points in it's last two game. In two consecutive loses, the Broncos have given up at least 40 points, and last week when it was "Tebow Time", Tim threw two consecutive pick sixes.
If the Broncos can't play better defense and keep Tebow out of throwing situations at the end of the game, the Broncos won't make the playoffs. In this division battle that pit a quarterback that as cut by the team he opposes, you can expect nothing but a great game filled with bad blood.
In this game game I see Kyle Orton getting revenge and Tebow being forced to rely on a Raiders lose.
Chiefs 27
Broncos 20
On the other side of the division, the Raiders are looking to win one for Al, and make the playoffs. They can win the division with help from the Broncos, but they can also win a wildcard spot with help from the Bengals.
Either way, they need to beat the Chargers to make it.
Last week the Chargers, who are usually great in december, lost playoff contention by getting beat down 38-10 against the Detroit Lions. I don't know how I feel about this Chargers team that has had another disappointing season.
In this game, I see two great rushing attacks run through defenses that give up well over 100 yards a game on average. Even without Run DMC, I think the Raiders take this game. They have more than just their pride on the line and I see that being the difference.
Raiders 20
Chargers 10
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