Top 5 NFL Coaches of 2011

Conventional wisdom says that Jim Harbaugh is going to win the Coach of the Year. The rookie San Francisco 49er coach is worthy, but there is a coach who didn’t have as much success this season, but deserves consideration. If I had a vote for COY – which I don’t – my vote would go to another coach who oversaw even a more incredible turnaround. Here is one guy’s top five – okay, I cheated, top six coaching rankings for the 2011 season.

5. Tom Coughlin/Bill Belichick

Both of these guys get overlooked every year, especially Belichick. It is because year in and year out their teams are solid. This year Belichick’s team overcame one of the NFL’s worst defenses, but still found a way to put together another great regular season and of course a run back to the Super Bowl. How good is ‘The Hoodie’ and his staff? For the second time they filled a glaring hole on defense by moving a wide receiver to a defensive back and got decent production out of him.

Coughlin’s Giants also had injuries to major players to deal with and partly because of that, struggled in the early part of the season. When the chips were down in the second half of 2011 Coughlin’s team was on point again. They got healthy and played great football down the stretch beating the top two seeds on the road to get back to the Super Bowl.

4.  Marvin Lewis

As the 2011 season approached, I thought the Bengals were going to be terrible. They were coming off a last place 4-12 season and they were destined to lose quarterback Carson Palmer. They replaced Palmer with rookie Andy Dalton. Historically starting a rookie quarterback in Week One is a recipe for disaster. Dalton wasn’t even a first round pick, but somehow Lewis and his staff were able to get their rookie quarterback – and receiver A.J. Green – on the same page as the rest of the offense. They were able to do it fast. They made it to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback who had to play against some of the toughest defenses in the league.

How is this for a rookie season baptism? Dalton had to face the top three defenses – yardage wise – in the league. He faced Pittsburgh (twice), Baltimore (twice) and Houston(twice including the playoffs). Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns ranked tenth in the league and of course Dalton had to play them twice as well. Playing seven games against top ten defenses with a rookie quarterback and winning nine games with a playoff berth as well – Coach of the Year consideration in my book.

3. Gary Kubiak

Yes he had one of the league’s best rushing attacks and one of the league’s best defenses, but this is a team that had not made the playoffs in its history. Add to that the injuries the team had to overcome to not only make the playoffs, but win a playoff game is remarkable.

Kubiak and his staff had to overcome injuries to four of their top players. Arian Foster was out for much of the first half of the season. Mario Williams was out almost the entire year and Matt Schaub was lost for the season about half way through the year. Elite wide receiver Andre Johnson was limited to about half a season due to separate hamstring ailments. To make things worse they lost second string quarterback Matt Leinart in his first game replacing Schaub.

It didn’t matter. Kubiak and the Texans put together a solid first half of the season, played good enough in the second half of the season and actually won a playoff game – and almost a second – with a third string quarterback.

2. Jim Harbaugh

Most people are going to have Harbaugh at number one and with good reason. He took a franchise that had been struggling for years and in one season took them to overtime in the NFC Championship Game. He was able to take a good defense and help make it great and was the first coach to get solid, consistent play from quarterback Alex Smith. The team won seven more regular season games than the year before and although played in the league’s worst division proved many experts wrong by beating most people’s dark horse Super Bowl pick – the New Orleans Saints – at their own game, not with defense, but with offense.

1. John Fox

Fox’s Broncos were coming off a disaster of a season. They won just four games and finished last in the AFC West. This year the team made a four game improvement, won the division and a playoff game. It was a weak division and they ended with a .500 record, but the brilliance of Fox goes far beyond the numbers.

You could say the Broncos got lucky during their long string of wins in the middle of the season and you would be right, but the reason Fox should get the nod is that he did something coaches just don’t do in the NFL. His team was going nowhere so he changed his entire thought process and figured out a way to get his team winning. Fox recognized the team wasn’t going anywhere with Kyle Orton at quarterback so he made the switch to Tim Tebow. Everyone knows how the story ended, but what goes under-appreciated is Fox and his staff role in the transition.

Fox changed the entire way the team did business on the field. They went from a conventional 21st century offense to an offense out of the 1940’s in a matter of weeks. They did it on the fly without the benefit of training camp or even an off-season. Fox found a way to win seven of the last eleven games with a quarterback who had trouble completing the most elementary of NFL pass routes. I don’t think the approach they had to take this year has a chance of working long term, but for this year, with that talent, the job John Fox did makes him the runaway coach of the year for 2011.

Top 5 NFL Coaches of the Year Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Super Bowl XLVII

Sunday, February 5th 6:30 PM EST from Indianapolis (NBC)

Vegas line: New England -3 (ML -135) o/u 55

Perhaps the greatest day of the year is finally upon us: Super Bowl Sunday! The final game of another amazing NFL season where we will crown a new champion and eat and drink ourselves into a stupor in what has become one of the biggest party days on the calendar.

This year we get a rematch of what is commonly agreed upon as the greatest upset in the modern history of the game, the Super Bowl XLII classic between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. That game saw the Giants, 14 point underdogs, shock the world and end the undefeated Patriots run at immortality.

It won’t be such a surprise if the Giants pull it off this time. The Pats are slim three point favorites in the rematch, but most fans, players and prognasticators seem to be siding with New York. Despite the heavy action for the G-Men, Vegas has yet to adjust the +3 number accordingly….suspicious or trap?

Take a look at the Gridironexperts SuperBowl picks here and ridiculous prop bets. Use the comments thread below to make your own predictions.

Giants

It’s amazing that every year Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is supposedly on the hot seat. He’s been able to instill discipline into his teams and seems to be adept at getting the most out of them. It’s not an accident that he has this club in it’s second big-game appearance in four years.

As for the offense, you can’t spell ELITE without Eli. Upon playing in his second Super Bowl in four seasons, Eli Manning should now definitively be in the elite group of top-notch quarterbacks. The passing game is what makes this offense works….these aren’t your father’s G-Men.

New York actually finished last in the NFL in rushing this season. The rushing attack has improved over the playoffs, so expect New York to try to establish a ground game early, to set up play-action opportunities downfield. Both backs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will be involved, with Bradshaw commanding the lion’s share of the totes and Jacobs acting in a short yardage and change-of-pace role. D.J. Ware could also see about 4-5 touches.

It’s the Giants’ receiving corps that will pose major problems for the Patriots’ 32nd ranked pass defense. New England has been simply awful all season in coverage and this is the best group of wide-outs they’ve faced. Hakeem Nicks is the main receiver and redzone threat, but emerging Victor Cruz might be just as good. Both have the ability to stretch the field and outrun the secondary. Mario Manningham is a dangerous slot receiver option and very difficult for linebackers to cover.

Expect better than usual rushing numbers in this game, and don’t be surprised if Manningham ends up making a big contribution.

Patriots

New England is an interesting comparison to New York…both teams have prolific passing games, are led by All-Pro signal-callers, struggle in the run game and have bad defenses. Though the Pats have the league’s lousiest D, the Giants aren’t much better. They rank 27th, and the winner of this game will have the distinction of having the worst ranked championship defense in history.

We all know about the greatness of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. This is their fifth Super Bowl together. Brady will look to join Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana as the only four-time Super Bowl champions in league history.

Like the Giants, the Patriots offense is predicated on establishing a strong aerial attack. But rather than a group of strong wide receivers, the pats win with the NFL’s deadliest 1-2 punch at tight end. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are both nightmare matchups for any opposing team. They’re both just too big, strong and fast.

Gronkowski sets NFL records for touchdowns scored for the position and has 20 TD’s in 18 games. He’s nursing a high ankle sprain but should be good to go for the game. Hernandez is a threat as Brady’s preferred target in and around the goal line and has even been garnering several carries a game…what can’t these guys do?

Wes Welker is a fantastic slot receiver and had yet another ho-hum 100+ catch season. With the Pats running so many two tight end sets, Deion Branch is the main outside threat that will challenge a suspect Giants secondary. Chad Ochocinco’s reward for finally making it to a Super Bowl will likely to be inactive. He has made next to zero contribution and his signing will go down as a huge mistake for the club.

Predictions

The Giants have the ability to get an excellent pass-rush by just rushing four. This will allow them to drop seven into coverage and attempt to slow down the Patriots passing attack. This will actually set up opportunities for New England’s rushing attack. Look for better than expected numbers from BenJarvus Green-Ellis. A darkhorse sleeper for MVP: Stevan Ridley.

New York will likely try to keep the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands as much as possible by attempting to get Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs involved early and often. This could keep the scoring down.

Super Bowl Preview Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Super Bowl Picks

The ruined Patriots perfect season has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the New England faithful. Eli Manning led the winning drive and was well deserving of the MVP award as the super underdogs beat the perfect Pat’s in a thrilling 17-14 victory back in 2008.

This time round the term “underdog” doesn’t apply to either club and should be tossed from any descriptions. Both teams seem equality deadly on offense while the few weak spots on either team make it hard to find vulnerable targets to go after. Two great quarterbacks will battle for what should be an exciting Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl Picks Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

10 Ridiculous Super Bowl Prop Bets

The Super Bowl is big for so many reasons. The players and fans of both teams have their hearts set on being Super Bowl Champions, but there are so many other elements to Super Bowl Sunday. Companies and brands dump millions into advertising to capture the worlds attention in hope of selling their crap to the public, this years going rate is $3.5 million for a 30 second spot. There are also the big movie trailers that try to hype up this years hottest must-see blockbusters. The art form of a “Must-See” movie trailer can’t be denied these days, yet spending millions of dollars to miss your mark is huge, even crippling. Lets also not forget about the bars, pubs and restaurants that fan’s will be attending all over the world, each hosted location will have a chance to pull in their biggest single day earnings of the year. Yet the real hidden gem of this yearly mega-event doesn’t come with a side of fries.

I’ll admit it, I drop more cash on food, beverages and “friendly wagers” on Super Bowl Sunday than any other NFL day of the year. But for big name online sportsbooks or Las Vegas Casinos, money trades hands like you could only imagine. I tried my best to research what was invested at last year’s game, I tried to find something on who lost or even profited the most from last years Super Bowl, but whatever number I found would surely be only the tip of the iceberg. With bets as crazy as calling “Head’s” or “Tails” for the games kickoff, you know if you looked hard enough, the insane prop bets would surely be worth a laugh.

***The Following Super Bowl Prop Bets are real ridiculous wagers you can make for the Super Bowl XLVI with an online sportsbook. I am not plugging any single sportsbook, I researched many providers to bring you these top 10 hilarious bets for a laugh.***

1. What Color will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?  (If nothing is dumped wagers will be No Action. )

Odds:

• Clear/Water 7 to 4
• Orange 9 to 4
• Yellow 5 to 2
• Red 6 to 1
• Green 7 to 1
• Blue 10 to 1

My Thoughts: Cool bet, but knowing my luck it’s the color that makes no sense what so ever, like yellow or green. Someone somewhere has the inside track on this, I could see this being a loaded suckers bet. Maybe it’s me, maybe I have seen far too many CSI episodes or watched the movie Casino too many times, but couldn’t you just picture the underground betting community fixing this bet. They just need to find the guy that’s making to juice.

My Pick: I’m going to take Blue, both teams have blue in their color jersey scheme and the Colts (home turf) are blue….but wait…maybe that’s what they want  me to pick.

10 Ridiculous Super Bowl Prop Bets Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

2011 Best and Worst Value: Tight Ends

Since the 2011 fantasy season ended, you’ve had a brief period to recharge. Yet many of you already want to start planning your 2012 drafts. This column will deliver the jump start that you need to begin that process.

We will examine TEs that provided the best and worst value for their owners. This will be based upon their numbers, and where they were drafted. We’ll utilize standard scoring of six points per TD, and one point per 10 rushing/receiving yards in a 12-team league.

BEST VALUE

Rob Gronkowski

The fact that Gronkowski delivered extraordinary numbers during the regular season is hardly bulletin material. But his accomplishments become even more remarkable, when you consider that he was still available in the eighth round, before becoming the ninth TE selected… just after Marcedes Lewis. He then proceeded to lead all TEs with 17 TD receptions, which also surpassed the total of all WRs. With the addition of his lone rushing TD, his total of 18 trailed only LeSean McCoy for second overall. He also led his position with 1,327 receiving yards, which was also sixth among all receivers. His 90 receptions were second among TEs, and fifth best overall. He also was easily within the top 20 in scoring in fantasy leagues, and the enormity of his production has helped redefine the value of elite TEs to owners. As a result, be prepared for him to be selected in round two of your next drafts.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham’s output was nearly the equal of Gronkowski’s, and its impact upon the degree to which fantasy owners will now utilize elite TEs in their draft strategy is enormous. He was originally the sixth TE chosen, with an ADP of 74. He rewarded those who entrusting him with a sixth round selection, by leading all Tight ends with 99 catches, which was also the NFL’s highest total behind only Wes Welker and Calvin Johnson. His 1,310 yards were seventh overall, and second among TEs. His 11 TDs were the fourth highest among all receivers, and 10^th best overall. Without question, Jimmy Graham has vaulted into a tier with Gronkowski, that transcends all others at the position, and he will command at least a third round selection next summer.

Aaron Hernandez

If Hernandez happened to wear a different uniform, his 2011 accomplishments would be discussed even more extensively. Because even though teammate Gronkowski delivered an epic statistical explosion, Hernandez still managed to supply numbers that far exceeded his value. Fantasy owners made Hernandez just an 11^th round pick, as 12 TEs were chosen before him. Yet, he generated the fourth highest yardage total at his position (910), and was tied for fourth with 79 receptions. Plus, he surpassed 100 yards in three games, averaged 65 YPG, and scored seven times. While Gronkowski will collect an enormous number of receptions again next season, Hernandez will produce sufficiently to merit selection as a top five TE.

Tony Gonzalez

Gonzalez assembled a decent 2010 season statistically, generating 70 catches for 656 yards, while scoring six times. But since those were the fewest number of receptions since 2002, and his lowest yardage total since 1998, many fantasy owners feared a continual decline in 2011. As a result, he was the 12^th TE drafted, which was after Marcedes Lewis, Owen Daniels, and Kellen Winslow among others. Gonzalez repaid those who selected him by finishing third among all TEs with 80 receptions. Gonzalez also ranked fifth at his position with 875 yards, while generating seven TDs. Despite his 2011 success, both Roddy White and Julio Jones will commandeer a sizable percentage of targets again in 2012, and their collective presence will make it exceedingly difficult for Gonzalez to match his 2011 numbers.

Dustin Keller

He was not exactly garnering a considerable amount of attention heading into last summers’ drafts, after producing 815 yards on 65 receptions in 2010. And there were undoubtedly games during the 2011 regular season, in which fantasy owners weren’t exactly enamored with Keller’s production. But considering that he was just the 17^th TE selected, he easily exceeded expectations. For the modest price of a 12^th round draft pick, Keller rewarded those who chose him, by finishing sixth at his position with 815 yards, and ranking ninth in receptions with 65, while establishing new career highs in both categories. While it might be difficult for him to place at such a high level again next season, he can be employed as a 10^th round selection, for those who choose not to utilize a lofty pick on their TE.

WORST VALUE

Jermichael Finley

His imposing physical ability, and the prolific nature of Green Bay’s offense, combined to make Finley a tremendously enticing choice on draft day. As a result, he became the second player at his position to be selected, as fantasy owners were willing to utilize a fourth round pick on the fourth-year TE. While he ultimately generated solid production overall, his numbers did not quite attain the level that one would prefer to see after making such a lofty investment. He did establish new highs in TDs (eight) and receiving yards (767), while also tying his career best with 55 catches. However, that reception total placed him just 14^th among all TEs, while his total yardage ranked only 12^th. Plus, three of his TDs were amassed in week 3 against Chicago, while he failed to reach the end zone in 11 other contests. While it is expected that he will return to Green Bay, considering the numerous options that Aaron Rodgers possesses, and the growing number of high quality TEs throughout the league, it is best to draft Finley no higher than the top eight at his position.

Dallas Clark

Although he missed 10 games in 2010 due to a torn ligament in his wrist, he appeared to be an excellent candidate for a massive resurgence in 2011. In fact, it was reasonable to anticipate numbers in the neighborhood of 2009, when he collected double digit TDs for the third time in his career, along with over 800 yards. Therefore, it made complete sense for fantasy owners to utilize a fifth round pick on Clark, which made him the fourth TE selected. However, what ensued was nothing short of disaster. Clark only amassed 352 yards, despite performing in 11 contests, which was just five more than he accumulated in six games during 2010. His two TDs were the fewest since his 2003 rookie year, and his 34 catches placed him 27^th among TEs, and were the least since 2005. His value in 2012 is uncertain as of now, since his status with the Colts, as well as the identity of his QB, is unclear.

Marcedes Lewis

After finishing 2010 tied for the league lead among all TEs with a career best 10 TDs, Lewis appeared capable of performing as a No. 1. He became the eighth TE selected, with an ADP of 94, as Gronkowski, Gonzalez and Hernandez were among those still available. However, despite starting 15 games, his output declined significantly. Lewis ranked a disappointing 21^st in receptions among all TEs with just 39. Plus, his paltry 460 yards also placed him 21^st, and were the fewest since 2008. The worst news for those who drafted him, was that he failed to score for the first time in his six year career. If his 2011 numbers, and the reality that Blaine Gabbert will still be under center, do not provide sufficient reasons to look elsewhere for your next TE, the fact that new HC Mike Mularkey has called Lewis “perhaps the best blocking tight end in the NFL” should.          

Owen Daniels

Despite the fact that Daniels had missed a total of 13 games in 2009-2010, fantasy owners displayed optimism, that he would experience a return to health, and high quality numbers in 2011. That image of an active Daniels collecting numerous passes from Matt Schaub, propelled him into becoming the seventh TE drafted, with an ADP of 74. Ultimately, he did in fact compete in 15 games. However, that makes the modest production that he attained even more disappointing, as he finished just 15th among TEs with both 54 receptions, and 677 receiving yards. While that enabled him to lead the Texans in both categories, his numbers were hardly a satisfactory reward for those who selected him. Even though Schaub was only able to perform in 10 contests, which impacted Daniels’ opportunities, he still, should not be among the top 10 TEs chosen next summer.

Zach Miller

Miller averaged 63 catches, 745 yards, and four TDs in 2009-2010, led the leading the Raiders in every major receiving category, and even garnered his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010. He then spurned a chance to resign with Oakland, in lieu of a more lucrative contract with Seattle. Since serious questions enveloped the QB position with his new team, fantasy owners were aware that his numbers could decline. He became the 14^th TE selected, with an ADP of 130. But that modest investment was still far too hefty, as Miller’s output plummeted sizably with the Seahawks. Even though he participated in 15 games, he ranked a lowly 41^st among all TEs in yardage with 233, and improved just slightly to 37^th in receptions (25). Worse, he failed to find the end zone during the entire season. Unless a radical change occurs at the QB slot, Miller is not worth drafting.

2011 Best and Worst Value: Tight Ends Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Is Tom Coughlin a Hall of Fame Coach?

Just a few years ago this question would be ridiculous. Actually just two months ago this question would have been absurd, but if the New York Giants win on Sunday, the idea of Tom Coughlin being a Hall of Fame coach may be legit.

For years there have been rumors that Coughlin has been on his way out. The players hate his old school ways. How many times have we heard about the five minute early to meetings rule? They have had unexplainable losing streaks nearly every year, but most years his teams end up in the playoffs. Even when he coached the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars he nearly took the team to the Super Bowl in just the second year of existence. In his seven seasons in Jacksonville he went to two AFC championship games.

With the Giants, Tom Coughlin pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history when the Giants defeated the undefeated New England Patriots in 2008. Now he has his team back in the Super Bowl against the mighty Patriots for a rematch. If he wins he will have defeated Bill Belichick twice on the biggest stage, the only coach to beat the mighty Belichick even once in the Super Bowl.

The much criticized Coughlin has put together a 142-114 record in sixteen seasons. His teams have been to the playoffs nine of those years. With the expansion Jaguars he was able to turn an expansion team into a team with a winning record in just the second year. Those Jaguars were not a flash in the pan either. After struggling in year one, they made the playoffs four years in a row before starting to struggle in the 2000 season. Two of Coughlin’s worst years can almost be thrown out. His first year with the expansion Jaguars he was not going to win many games and his first year with the Giants he was starting a rookie quarterback – Eli Manning – for most of the season. No coach was going to find much success those two years. If you take out those two years he has had just three losing seasons.

Maybe the best argument for Coughlin in the Hall of Fame if he wins next week is this. If he wins he will join a list that includes Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Don Shula, Chuck Noll, Tom Flores, Bill Walsh, Bill Parcells, Jimmy Johnson, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan and Belichick as coaches who have multiple Super Bowl championships. Half of those guys – assuming Belichick gets in – already have the ugly yellow Hall of Fame jacket in their closet.

Personally if the Giants win I am not ready to put the red faced one in the Hall of Fame, but if Coughlin wins on Sunday and his teams continue to show well over the next few years, as crazy as it sounds – Tom Coughlin will be worthy of Hall of Fame talk.

Is Tom Coughlin a Hall of Fame Coach? Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

“The Ravens Fly into Foxboro for AFC Title Game”

Championship weekend has arrived in the NFL as the 2011 season continues to shock and awe. Gillette Stadium plays host to the AFC Championship between the high-flying Baltimore Ravens and the battle-tested New England Patriots. It comes as no surprise that the top two AFC squads are battling for a spot in Super Bowl XLVI, but only one can rightfully represent the American Football Conference in the most highly anticipated game in all sports. This will mark the first time the Patriots and Ravens have met all year, with both esteemed squads winning their divisions and claiming first round byes, yet questions still linger about the ferocity surrounding the Baltimore Ravens. Can they compete with New England? Do they have an offense that can contend with the Patriots? Sunday afternoon should reveal all.

The Patriots and Ravens are no strangers to each other. They’ve squared off six times against each other in the regular season and once in the postseason, which came last year in a wild card game where the Ravens routed the Pats 33-14. On the other hand, the Patriots own a perfect 6-0 record over the Ravens in the regular season. Whatever the case may be both teams are out to prove they’re worthy of being where they are this season. The Ravens fly into Foxboro hoping to upset the heavily favored Patriots while New England looks to head back to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in ten years.

Baltimore’s Ball Control and Superior Defense

The Ravens offense, as of lately, has been under a lot fire due to the fact that quarterback Joe Flacco seems incapable of moving the ball efficiently, raising questions of Flacco actually being an elite quarterback. This week, veteran Baltimore cornerback Ed Reed literally threw Flacco under the bus saying “he can’t play like he did against the Texans in the AFC Championship Sunday against the New England Patriots,” implying that Flacco wasn’t capable of leading the Baltimore offense. Hopefully this spat won’t carry itself over into one of the most anticipated games in Ravens history.

The top priority for the Baltimore Ravens will be getting the ball into the hands of running back Ray Rice. Rice is the league’s leader in total yardage with 2,068, with 1,364 of those on the ground. If the Ravens can get Rice out into open space, the Patriots will have a mess on their hands. Either running or catching, Rice is one of the most dynamic players on the Baltimore roster and will be expected to show up big if the Ravens have hopes of heading to Indy. If Rice can set the tone, like he did in last year’s wild card game against the Patriots, breaking off on an eighty-three yard touchdown run from scrimmage, then the Ravens will be able to hold their own.

With Joe Flacco facing tons of scrutiny, his confidence has to be shaken. This will open up a prime opportunity for Bill Belichick to neutralize the run game and force the struggling quarterback to beat his team through the air. Flacco hasn’t been spectacular and the Ravens have rarely relied on him to be the central point in their offense, yet come Sunday, the Ravens may have to rely on Flacco’s arm if they hope to surpass New England. Patriots front men nose tackle Vince Wilfork and defensive end Mark Anderson are threats the Ravens should be worried about. If they cannot be contained, Flacco and the Ravens are in for a world of hurt.

Besides getting the ball to Ray Rice, wide receiver Anquan Bolden will be another vital option. Bolden is a superior route runner and has no problem catching the ball in tight coverage (especially if there is an erratic throw from Flacco). New England’s secondary has been mediocre all season and if Flacco is having a good day throwing the ball, watch out for Boldin to be a game changer when the Ravens need it the most. Other wide-outs, rookie Torrey Smith and veteran Lee Evans need to step up in big ways on Sunday and contribute to big pass plays downfield. These receivers will be going up against CB Devin McCourty and solid safeties James Ihedigbo and Patrick Chung (a fierce competitor) and will have to be aware of what kind of defensive schemes the Patriots are using.

Somewhere the Patriots may be surprised by the Ravens could be using Baltimore tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson. Both can be used in tight situations and are dangerous receivers entering the red zone and third down situations. John Harbaugh would be wise to use these two men in more ways than one if he wants to catch the Pats of guard. Ball control and limiting the amount of turnovers is key for a Ravens victory. Keeping the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands will be vital.

Finally, the Ravens defense is the utmost prime factor in stopping New England. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed and the rest of the defense (ranked third overall) will need to step up to prevent Tom Brady and this lethal offense from marching down the field. It was by all odds the Ravens D that helped them overcome the Houston Texans, considering the offense was shut down after a stunning first half. If Baltimore’s offense can’t put points on the board, look for the defense to prevent New England from scoring, giving them a greater chance of winning.

Baltimore has one heck of a mighty game to prepare for. Well see if they’re contenders or pretenders come Sunday.

New England’s No Mercy and Aggressive Offense

The New England Patriots look absolutely unstoppable coming off last week’s rout of the Denver Broncos. The AFC divisional game was over by the half as the Patriots had to do very little to stop Tim Tebow and the Broncos. Tom Brady led the aggressive offense, throwing 5 first half touchdowns (an NFL postseason record) and the Patriots cruised to an easy victory leading to the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots showed no mercy against the Broncos, what’s to say they won’t do the same against the Ravens?

For more than a decade, Tom Brady has proven that he is one of the most dangerous passers in the NFL. Given the appropriate amount of time, Brady will shred the best defenses out there and may have no problem moving the ball against the third best defense in the NFL. Although Brady hasn’t faced a potent defense in months, going back to a game against Pittsburgh, in which New England was held to a measly seventeen points, yet this is the playoffs and Brady is used to this type of pressure. He could be magical come Sunday.

Tom Brady will likely run the no-huddle offense on Sunday to keep the Ravens D on their toes. The main man the Ravens will have to be aware of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski and Brady have been two peas in a pod this year, and if Gronkowski finds space, the Ravens might be in big trouble. Baltimore will need to blanket Gronkowski in coverage, forcing Brady to find another receiver. Yet, that could leave WR Wes Welker in single coverage, another guy who could put up big numbers and another one of Brady’s biggest targets.

If the Patriots run game gets going, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, the Ravens may find that stopping the run could prove difficult considering a week ago, the Texans did a fine job of running all over the Ravens. If the Patriots can up their ground game, they’re surely to win.

The biggest concern for the Patriots is their defense. Yet, if the Patriots were as dominant as they were a week ago against Denver, the Patriots could easily cruise to the Super Bowl.

Another thing about New England is they hold no mercy. No matter how bad the other squad is playing, they’ll continue to throw down the gauntlet. The Patriots aggressive offense is a big concern for Baltimore. They’ll need to find ways to confuse Brady in coverage in more ways than one.

The Patriots are desperate to get back to the Super Bowl and are undoubtedly hoping to have another shot at the New York Giants. They’re looking for revenge and they want it badly.

Who Wins?

The Patriots easily defeated the Broncos while the Ravens had a bit of a difficult time putting away the Texans. If the Patriots are rolling on all cylinders, they’ll easily come away with another AFC Championship. However, the Ravens could surprise the Pats in a big way, but I’m betting that New England isn’t about to let anything stand in the way of another trip to the Super Bowl.

Patriots 31 Ravens 17

AFC Championship Preview Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

NFL Playoff Picks: Championship Week

This weekend’s outcome could create a few similar match-ups for Super Bowl XLVI.

The Ravens and Giants met back in 2001 for a boring blowout where Trent Dilfer handed the ball off most of the game in a 34-7 win. Dilfer completed 12 of 25 passes for 153 yards and 1 touchdown, numbers very similar to the type of fantasy stats Joe Flacco is averaging today. The Ravens’ defense allowed just 152 yards, forcing 5 turnovers, recording 4 sacks, and not allowing an offensive touchdown en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.

If the 9 point favorite Patriots win this weekend and meet the Giants in the Super Bowl, we would have a grudge match of the game that got away from a perfect season. Eli Manning led the winning drive and was well deserving of the MVP award as the super underdogs beat the perfect Pat’s in a thrilling 17-14 victory back in 2008.

If the San Francisco 49er’s win the NFC Championship, it will be the first time the team will return to the big stage since beating the San Diego Chargers at Super Bowl XXIX back in 1995. The 49er’s won 4 Super Bowls between 1985 and 1995, but have barley made post season appearances since.

Ahmed is leading our Playoff picks with a 6-2 record straight up. Ahmed and Jody are tied with a 6-2 record against the spread. Both have completely different picks this week

NFL Playoff Picks

NFL Playoff Picks: Championship Week Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

“It’s Not Tebow Time”

Alright, so I dropped the ball on this article, I’ll admit it right off the bat. I said I would take it at the beginning of the week and then got busy writing a couple other pieces, including 10 Amazing NFL Draft Steals, Starting in the Playoffs and Talent vs. Playoff Experience which is 1.) me thinking way too much about the NFL draft too early and 2.) an article (possibly too deep) about the hype the media puts around Playoff Experience. Either way I’m sorry as this article is going to take a weird spin, but hey… it’s Friday, let the weekend begin!

By the way, If you do want to read some amazing in-depth NFL previews I suggest checking out any of the other Gridiron Experts articles that Jody, Brian, and Chris wrote. Killer content that I think any football fan would love.

My preview of the game that Las Vegas sports bookies and many people in the Boston area see as a complete joke between the Denver Broncos and the (wicked-bad) New England Patriots is quite simple.

And it has nothing to do with Tim Tebow.

While the media world can’t get enough of Tim Tebow, I believe this match-up has far from anything to do with him. That’s either the most stupid or brilliant thing I’ve ever said. Clearly the game was won from his big play throw in overtime that shocked the football nation and allowed this match-up to even take place.

But hear me out…

The Broncos proved that they can score points. They did it last week against one of the tougher defenses in the league. Pittsburgh, despite being on the road, has always given opponents trouble especially in the dying seconds of the game. So if a team that has a running back for a quarterback can throw the ball and move the chains against one of the better defenses in the league, the Patriots should be easy to score on.

Remember these teams played each other earlier in the year, and if there weren’t 3 turnovers in the second half the score would have looked completely different. Back in week 15, and after SNL spoofed their winning streak with a Jesus taking credit skit, the Broncos skipped the usual slow start followed by a fantastic finish and scored on their first three possessions to start the game. It was only over after they were done in by a trio of turnovers in the final 8 and half minutes of the second quarter.

Tim Tebow had 93 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns.

But I’m getting away from my original point. It’s clear that the Broncos know how to move the ball, even if it’s an unorthodox style.

What I think Denver will need to do throughout this game is figure out how to stop Tom Brady. Stopping Brady and his explosive offense is the true key to this game. The Patriots defense is average at best, so Tebow just has to keep up with everything that he has been doing to score points. But a shoot-out and this game gets ugly.

As much as I want to pick Denver in this contest I believe that the true strategy is just keeping Brady from blowing this game wide open, a close game into the 4th quarter and the Broncos have a shot.

Pat’s 24-20

Broncos at Patriots NFL Playoff Preview (Sort of) Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born