NFL Elite Eight

Week 2 still has one game left but will neither of those teams will factor into the NFL elite. Unlike college football, we let a couple of weeks play out before we give you who the elite are.

1. Green Bay Packers (2-0) – In a game that was supposed to be a blowout ended up being tight. The defending champs probably overlooked the Cam Newton lead Panthers. They need to be better defensively but are still on track to defend their Super Bowl.

2. New England Patriots (2-0) – Another week, another big day for Tom Brady. 29 straight regular season home wins (misleading stat since he lost a couple playoff games at home). Patriots are on a mission for revenge.

3. New York Jets (2-0) – The Jets righted the ship after a not-so-great performance in Week 1 dominating the Jaguars in every facet of the game. Mark Sanchez continues to be the Achilles heal of this team. They have a tough 3-week road stretch which ends in New England in Week 5.

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) – After winning their “Super Bowl” against the Steelers in Week 1, they came down to earth and lost to a Tennessee team that is not good. They need to show me something if they are going to compete with the Patriots and Jets. Joe Flacco is the Tony Romo of the AFC.

5. Detroit Lions (2-0) – This pick my surprise some people but they have looked really good. Scoring 75 points and the Stafford-to-Megatron connection looks unstoppable (3 touchdowns already). Detroit goes to Minnesota this week. With how they are playing, they should move to 3-0.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) – After getting whitewashed by Ravens they bounced back nicely, beating the Seahawks at home. They will need to get better on offense as 24 points against the Seahawks is not good enough.

7. Houston Texans (2-0) – The defense has only given up 20 points. Granted they have played only the Manningless Colts and the Dolphins, it is light year’s better than last year. A huge test this week when they go into New Orleans. Matt Schaub is going to have to have a big game.

8. Buffalo Bills (2-0) – This may be the last time they ever end up on the Elite 8 all season. A thrilling comeback yesterday (down 18 at one point) has people in Buffalo believing. Going to New England this week may end there ‘precious little field trip’.

NFL Divisional Playoff Round Preview: Ravens at Steelers

Ravens (13-4) at Steelers (12-4)

Game Time: 4:30pm Saturday

Previous Match-up:

Week 4: Ravens defeated Steelers 17-14 in Pittsburgh

Week 13: Steelers defeated Ravens 13-10 in Baltimore

Spread: Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-3)

Overview: The Ravens demolished the Chiefs last weekend 30-7. They played great defense and were able to wear down the Chiefs in the 2nd half. The Steelers and Ravens have split both meetings this year each winning on the other team’s field by 3 points. In fact, 6 of the last 7 games between these two AFC North rivals have been decided by 4 points or less. Expect much of the same on Saturday.

Why the Ravens will win – The Ravens have played their best football of the season over the last month. Joe Flacco has won 4 road playoff games in his first 3 NFL seasons. Going on the road, in the playoffs is something the Ravens do on the reg. The stage will not be to big for them. If the Ravens are able to grind this game out against the Steelers, expect that to open up the play-action passing game for Flacco. Flacco needs to come up big for this team to move on. Let’s not forget, they already won here this year.

Why the Ravens won’t win – If Ray Rice becomes invisible, this could be a long game for the Ravens. As much talent as they have in the passing game, they have rarely exploded for big plays. This offense can not become one-dimensional.

Why the Steelers will win – The Steelers seem to have the Ravens number winning 5 of the last 7 meetings. Big Ben did not play in the first time these two teams met. If he is able to improvise, by turning negative plays into positive plays, the Ravens are in for a long day. Being at Heinz Field could become a huge factor as the Steelers typically play really well at home.

Why the Steelers will not win – The Steelers have been an interesting team to watch all season. They have been able to stop the run but have been blown up many times defending the pass. Troy Polamalu needs to be healthy. His health is a major question thus hurting the Steelers chances.

Final Thought: This is going to be a bruising, hard-hitting, slugfest between to AFC North rivals that hate each other. Both teams are very similar: built to run, pass when they have to, and play great defense. This game will go down to the last possession.

Prediction: I will take Pittsburgh 16-13. I have no strong feeling on this game either way.

Elite Eight: Week 15

As we come down the stretch it is all about going into the playoffs playing your football. I wouldn’t be surprised if these are the eight teams playing in 2nd round of the playoffs.

1. New England Patriots (12-2) – The beat goes on for the New England Patriots. Did the Packers exploit them a little bit? Only time will tell.

Next Up: at Buffalo

2. Atlanta Falcons (12-2) – Took care of business in Seattle. All they need to do is win one of the last two to clinch 1 seed in the NFC.

Next Up: New Orleans 8:20 (Mon.)

3. Baltimore Ravens (10-4) – Big home win against the Saints to keep them in hunt for the AFC North title.

Next Up: New Orleans 1:00

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) – The Steelers lost a tough one at home to the Jets. They are now 4-3 at home. Homefield may not mean that much.

Next Up: Carolina 8:20 (Thurs.)

5. Philadelphia Eagles  (10-4) – Improbable, unreal, amazing. Those are just a couple of words to describe the last eight minutes against the Giants. Win the next two and they could get a bye.

Next Up: at Minnesota 8:20

6. New Orleans Saints (10-4) – The Saints lose to the Ravens takes a lot of air out of the Monday night game this week in Atlanta. I don’t expect the same intensity as we thought going in.

Next Up: at Atlanta 8:20 (Mon.)

7. New York Jets (10-4) – Needed a win in a place they never won before and got it. Looking like they will be the 5 or 6 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Next Up: at Chicago 1:00

8. Chicago Bears (10-4) – Tore apart the undermanned Vikings. Win the next 2 games and they will have a bye week.

Next Up: New York Jets 1:00

Deano’s Moneymakers: Week 13 NFL Edition

After an okay day picking the championship games yesterday, I head back to the grind iron to pick the NFL games this weekend.

Overall Record: 56-56-4

Money in Bank: $(200)

Bet Per Game: $100

Cleveland (+5) at Miami – Cleveland has been playing well the last six weeks. Miami has struggled at home. I see Peyton Hillis having a big day.

Denver at Kansas City (-9) – After getting blown out in Denver, Kansas City will look to rebound and beat Denver big.

St. Louis (-4 1/2) at Arizona -Bradford will continue the Rams climb into the playoff hunt. Go Rams.

Pittsburgh (+3) at Baltimore – An old-fashioned, backyard brawl. Pittsburgh wins in a close win.

 

NFL Elite Eight: Week 12

1. New York Jets (9-2) – The Jets defense was absolutely stifling in the 2nd half giving up 41 yards on 34 plays. The Showdown is on for AFC supremacy on Monday night.

Next Up: at New England 8:30 (Mon)

2. New England Patriots (9-2) – Detroit competed for 45 minutes but eventually wore down against the Patriots. They will be playing for the number 1 seed on Monday against the Jets.

Next Up: New York Jets 8:30 (Mon)

3. Atlanta Falcons (9-2) – What can you say about Matty Ice at the Georgia Dome who is now 19-1 all-time there. They are now In the driver’s seat for number 1 seed in the NFC.

Next Up: at Tampa Bay 4:15

4. Baltimore Ravens (8-3) – Took care of business at home. They welcome in Pittsburgh for AFC North leadership.

Next Up: Pittsburgh 8:20

5. New Orleans Saints (8-3) – They won on Thanksgiving despite being outplayed by Dallas. Must continue to win to keep pace with Atlanta.

Next Up: at Cincinnati 1:00

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) – Steve Johnson of the Bills is currently has a lot of fans in the Steel City. They must play a lot better against Baltimore if they plan on winning the AFC North.

Next Up: at Baltimore 8:20

7. Chicago Bears (8-3) – Were able to beat the Philadelphia Vick’s. Can Jay Cutler lead this team to the promise land?

Next Up: at Detroit 1:00

8. San Diego (6-5) – Everyone has pegged the Chargers as one of the best teams in the league. I am withholding judgment until they win the division and actually win a big playoff game.s

Next Up: Oakland 4:05