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.

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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.

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“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

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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

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“A Giant Battle at the Frozen Tundra”

Historic Lambeau Field plays host to the divisional match-up this weekend between the New York Football Giants and the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Previously meeting in week 13 in the Meadowlands, the Packers narrowly escaped with a victory, as Aaron Rodgers led the potent offense down the field in less than two minutes to help seal a three-point victory. Could this time around be different? Do the Giants hold a grudge? Are they seeking revenge? All these things will be resolved come Sunday.

Four years ago, these two empowered teams met in the NFC Championship with a trip to Super Bowl XLII on the line. Eli Manning marched his troops into swirling winds and negative temperatures at Lambeau Field to take on Brett Favre (his final game as a Packer) and the Green and Gold. The game ended in a 23-20 victory for New York who eventually went on to surprise the undefeated Patriots. Both of these teams have storied histories and have something to prove this Sunday. The Giants are looking for revenge from earlier this season while Aaron Rodgers and company look to spoil a surprising New York Giants playoff run. It’s going to be a Giant battle at the Frozen Tundra.

Green Bay’s Ball Control and Defensive Pressure

With a remarkable 15-1 season under their belts, the Packers are poised to make history again by heading back to the Super Bowl. Securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs has seeded the Packers at number one as they look to take down a rising Giants team. The Packers have been unstoppable this season, with the exception of a skid in Kansas City, and have easily defeated teams that have thrown everything their way. If Green Bay doesn’t want to be disappointed by a solid New York squad, they’ll have to have eyes in the back of their heads if they hope to make another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

The Packers go into Sunday’s game unscathed by injuries, with key players such as Charles Woodson, Greg Jennings, Brian Bulaga, Randall Cobb, and James Starks listed as probable. This may benefit a Green Bay team that was seriously hindered by injuries a year ago, giving them a bit of an advantage. The biggest player to watch for the Packers is undoubtedly the stellar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The front-runner in line for MVP of the league this year has passed for 45 touchdowns, throwing only six interceptions, and tossing 4,643 yards. A 68.3 percentage completion (second highest in the league) has translated into a passer rating of 122.5. The numbers don’t lie and if Rodgers passes like he has all season, he should have no problem going up against the tough Giants defense. Problems can arise however, if Rodgers can avoid the Giants defensive pressure.

You could make an argument that the Giants have the best defense left in the playoffs because of the way they beat up on the Falcons, which brings me to a key match-up to be aware of in Chad Clifton versus Jason Pierre- Paul. Clifton returns after a sustained injury and is now pitted against one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. Getting pressure on Rodgers will slow him down and Jason Pierre-Paul is the prime candidate for the job. He recorded 16.5 sacks in just his second season in the NFL, and will give the Giants a fighting chance in stopping the aggressive Packers offense. Nonetheless, Aaron Rodgers is lethal outside of the pocket, so the Giants may need to think about other ways of putting pressure on Rodgers. Protecting Aaron Rodgers will be one of the biggest keys to victory for the Packers.

For the defense, they will need to put pressure on Eli Manning. Manning is a poised pocket thrower, but getting him out in the open may give the Packers some opportunities for a turnover. Defensive pressure isn’t something the Packers are known for, but with this being the playoffs, they’ll need to learn how to get to Eli Manning and throw him off his rhythm.

The Packers have such a potent wide-receiving corps that is hard to contain. With this match-up the Giants are likely to bring the heat more often than not. This pressure will make short passes and slant routes (a Packers specialty) more likely options. The guy to watch on the Packers offense will be tight-end Jermichael Finley. In his previous match-up with the Giants, Finley shined with six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. His biggest catch came on a 24 yard toss on the game winning drive that gave the Pack the W. Finley will be a key player in the Packers success come Sunday.

Ball control will be key if the Packers hope to overcome the Giants. Like I mentioned previously, the Packers have a dangerous receiving corps, but ball control issues may rear their ugly heads. The Packers receivers can be notorious for dropping passes. This cannot happen especially in a playoff game. Green Bay needs to emphasize the implications of having “butter fingers” and prevent those types of mistakes from occurring. It’s truly simple…catch the ball.

Overall, the Packers are favored to win in the re-match. They’re 15-1, have a solid offense, and they’re at Lambeau Field, all advantages the Packers could use. Yet, the Packers defense is something to worry about considering they’re ranked in the bottom three on pass defense this year. The secondary will have their work cut out for them if they hope to contain New York wide-outs Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. The defense is notorious for giving up lots of yards, but in their defense (no pun intended) they specifically play for the interception, resulting in more yards for the opposition. We’ll see how well the Packers perform in a game that feels all too familiar.

New York’s Defense and Deep Threats

The New York Giants made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth this year, hosting a home playoff game for the first time in roughly a decade. After a slow start, the Giants rolled on all cylinders, stuffing the Atlanta Falcons run game and essentially holding Matt Ryan in check. Now, the Giants go on the road to one of football’s most historic stadiums in Lambeau Field to play the Packers, a re-match they’ve been dying for since week 13.

This game is a chance for the New York Giants to put a devastating hurt on a promising Packers season. Some unforgettable memories may loom large in this match-up, but some keys for the Giants are going to be slowing down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack. The first time around the Giants used an array of defensive schemes that had Rodgers a little out of sorts early on, they may be able to fool him again, but the Giants will need to pepper in zone disguises and other confusing concepts in the backfield.

The Giants defense looks revitalized, especially up-front with dangerous man Jason Pierre-Paul leading the way. In their last meeting, the Giants dominated the line of scrimmage and only finished the game with two sacks on Rodgers. This time around, the Giants are going to need to find an alternate way of putting pressure on Rodgers, since Rodgers is so athletic and has no problem throwing the ball on the run. The Giants defensive line has seen a resurgence this year, especially now with Osi Umenyiora returning to the line-up. Umenyiora was absent during the week 13 match-up and essentially will help Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul put the heavy pressure on the Packers. Pressuring Rodgers may be harder than one might think, but it is something New York is seriously going to have to consider if they wish to stop the explosive GB offense.

Eli Manning and the offense needs to step up in a big way come Sunday, especially when they need to move the ball downfield. Manning is a solid passer against the blitz, which undoubtedly the Packers will use often, so look for Manning to throw for plenty of passing yards. However, he will need to be aware of some tricky defensive schemes the Packers so often like to use, such as blitzing linebacker Clay Matthews while using cornerback Charles Woodson as a decoy rusher. The Packers defense usually tries for the interception, so if Manning can read this well, consider him to have 300 or more yards through the air.

The ground game is going to be vital for the Giants. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs may have been waved off a few weeks ago, but now the Giants have a legit rushing attack and have rediscovered how to avoid tackles. This could benefit them in the long run, especially if they control the clock.

The deep threats of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks will be vital for a victory as well. The Packers secondary is shaky and if Manning has enough time, will find these two guys wide open down the field for easy scores. The long ball may prove worthy if the Giants utilize it well. We’ll see what transpires come Sunday.

Who Wins?

This is going to be a closer game than one might expect, but with the Packers back at full-strength and playing at home, the “Cheeseheads” look like to be in a good position to host the NFC title game. They’ve taken care of business all season long and aren’t about to let the happy go lucky G-men come in and ruin such a promising season.

Although the Giants have found their groove again in the running game and the passing game, not to mention coming close to defeating the Pack back in week 13, they may fall just shy up upsetting the former Super Bowl Champs.

Packers 31 Giants 27

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 NFL Playoff Picks: Divisional Round

The point spread for this up coming NFL playoff weekend is massive, and something I want nothing to do with. Either the oddsmakers are using the same computer that brought us a terrible BCS championship game or someone has been drinking the kool aid. Clearly the Tebow magic can keep things closer than 14 points and as the Texans and Giants a few of our pick’em experts think they make for decent upset picks on the road.

Kevin Roberts was the top pick’em expert last week going 4-0

NFL Playoff Picks

Overall

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Playoff experience means more to some, than it does to others.

The concept of the idea, that one could be more seasoned in a playoff game is true to a certain degree. That notion of learning from your mistakes or a sense of higher confidence is completely understandable. Yet, when does pure adrenaline or team talent step in as an over powering factor. One play, one kick does require playoff experience, you need to be composed in order to execute, but that isn’t the only requirement.

Last week we saw a few big plays from playoff rookies and miscues even meltdowns from those who were suppose to have been around long enough to know what it takes to win.

Rookie J.J Watt single handily flip the momentum of a first year playoff team with one play. One impressive leap that lead to a interception and a defensive score changed the whole vibe of a playoff game. The Texans seem to take control of their first ever playoff appearance after their first round pick J.J Watt, added seven points to the scoreboard right before halftime.

Tim Tebow clearly had similar accomplishments in wildcard weekend, although I’ll save you the recap from a game that has been no doubt discussed to death in great detail. Still, when tested by what many had thought was a superior defense, he…or should I say the team prevailed.

Matty Ice may need to change his nice-name soon. Playoffs for the Falcons have gotten worse with every passing year. With intentions of reloading the firepower in the off-season for a big playoff run, Atlanta was completely outmatched and out-coached by the New York Giants in a embarrassing post season game.

This weekend the odds-makers have set the bar quite high. Home-field advantage is always one of the biggest overpowering factors yet many believe playoff experience is why this weekends favorites are predicted to have the biggest advantage. Tom Brady and the sub-par Patriots defense host the Denver Broncos as 14 point favorites. I for one can’t bring myself to pick against a team that has won the big dance 3 times in the last 10 years, but aside from the fact that Tebow and company are on the road, I feel they match-up quite well against the Pat’s. The Broncos are fueled by team adrenaline little expectations and have elements on both sides of the ball that could make them dangerous.

The same could be said about the Texans and 49er’s this weekend. Both teams have strong running games and explosive defense’s as they head into playoff contests as underdogs. The 49er’s are 4 point dogs in their own house, something I for one think will be used as a motivational tool this week in the locker room. The G-MEN won in Labeau in the playoffs as underdogs just 4 years ago. Same coach, same QB, in fact many of the same players across the board, yet the NFC East sleepers are 9 point underdogs to the Packers.

I think the point I’m trying to make is: “Any Given Sunday”

Brady, Rodgers, Bree’s all have the experience to win at any given moment. But football is a team sport and it takes execution on all levels to pull out a win. I expect at least one upset this weekend, it fact I’m hoping for at least one.

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NFL Wildcard Playoff Picks

This weekend features 4 NFL wildcard games that look to be very entertaining. This group of post-season talent sure does feature a lot of newbies, rookie QB’s and or teams with sub-par records? We could have a straight forward butting kicking from all the Vegas-favorites, but the playoffs are where stars and born. There may be a few surprise headlines come Monday.

Before I give a shout out to Jody Smith and his 2011 domination in Fantasy and Pick’em with a impressive 172-84 record, which by the way surpassed all ESPN Pick’em experts and tied the Accuscore robots and polls, I just want to say the “Rodriguez Think Tank” gets extra attention come post season. Of course nobody remembers but me, but I did have a perfect record in the post season after wildcard weekend and on straight up and against the spread last year. That’s right, I became a zen master of pick’em football!… wow is this ever setting me up for a free fall -lol.

Never the less check out the picks of some of our writers for the post-season wildcard weekend.

Gridiron Experts Wildcard Playoff Picks

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NFL Playoff Preview: Falcons at Giants

The NFC has it’s fair share of powerhouse offenses, and this weekend may showcase two you would typically over look.

The Packers and Saints come to mind very quickly when you’re thinking about teams that can score fast and run up the points with big play touchdowns, yet the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants are each equally as explosive in their own way, and should make for an exciting playoff contest.

Oddly enough, the hometown Giants, with a regular season record of 9-7 and a .500 record at home, are the lead favorite in the sports betting world. While this might not surprise some, the Giants have had a roller-coaster season and barely claimed the NFC East. As it seems, home field advantage is playing a large factor in this game, especially since Atlanta would much rather play indoors. Still the Falcons can’t seem to earn the respect of not only the betting community, but those picking winners in the post season. Last year the Packers rolled over the Falcons on the way to Super Bowl stardom, and some feel the Falcons playoff experience is lacking again this week against a team that has a “been there done that” mentality. New York definitely has swagger and Super Bowl rings that are barely 5 years old, but on paper I’d say these teams are very equally matched.

The Giants are a tough, quick strike offense with a high-motor insanely aggressive blitzing front four. They are seasoned and are a perfect official delegate from the “Love’em Hate’em” NFC East bunch. Yet this year, the Giants at one win above the .500 mark seemed to be good enough to cash a ticket to the post season from this once prestigious division.

The Giants enter Sunday’s game with momentum, and not just from the luxury of getting to play at home. The G-Men are riding high from their Week 17 victory over the Cowboys and are still gloating about being the best team in New York after gift-wrapping an Xmas whooping on the Jets a couple weeks back. Still the argument could be made that this team is very Jekyll and Hyde, so much so that it wouldn’t surprise me if they completely forget to show up Sunday.

The NY fans can turn ugly fast, and a sputtering offense would be the worst way to start this game. Atlanta has the tools to steal the show at any point so New York is going to want to either strike fast with points or put together a long drive that can put Atlanta’s defense in check early. A couple 3 and outs and the momentum could be pulled out from underneath the home favorites. Fortunately, the Falcons defense is a weak-link on the road, and a hard nose rushing attack will succeed in helping move the chains. Eli Manning should have a great passing day and I expect to see some dancing in the end zone from Victor Cruz.

The Falcons couldn’t buy respect from the critics if they had ended the season with the leagues best record, they are a dome team (without Drew Brees) and that’s that. But the playoffs are center stage for the football nation and typecasts can be broken fast. Matty Ice has some amazing vertical threats including Julio “sold the farm to get’em” Jones, who many were worried about after such a high price the team paid to move up and acquire, yet clearly things have paid off. Atlanta now has a 1A and 1B wide receiver duo that should shred the New York defense if time can be found in the pocket. Actually, that is my X-factor for the game: Giants defense vs. Atlanta’s offensive line. If Matty Ice is awarded time to make the throws he could spoil the party.

In order for the Falcons to win this game I believe the offensive line protection needs to be absolutely perfect. The defense for the Falcons, while on paper ranks decent numbers, still plays far better at home. Stopping the New York offense isn’t as important as keeping up with the scoreboard on the road. Without time in the pocket the Giants have just too many weapons, experience, and momentum to not lock this game up. I think Atlanta scares early but falls short in the end.

Giants 32 Falcons 27

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