TEM’s Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview: New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers

The Pack have been the favorite since the beginning of the year. The Giants weren’t even supposed to be here in some people’s eyes. But no matter what we all think, what we do know is that these two teams had a really competitive game in the New Meadowlands. Now we get to see Round 2, except this time, its in Green Bay.

QB Eli Manning was hitting the big play with consistency last week. And no player was bigger for him in the passing game than WR Hakeem Nicks. This week, expect Nicks to have the advantage again in his matchup. He will more than likely be facing CB Sam Shields while CB Charles Woodson will be in the slot. But for as good as the Giants were in the passing game, they must be equally impressive in the running game. If RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are effective, they keep Packers QB Aaron Rodgers off the field. Another thing the Giants have to do is account for LB Clay Matthews. He can wreck a game if the Giants don’t control him and Eli could be under duress all game.

QB Aaron Rodgers is the MVP. Contrary to all the Drew Brees lovers, he’s the man in my opinion. Now with that being said, Rodgers has to come out and carry his offense again this week. For him to do that, the Packer offensive line must protect Rodgers from the Nascar pass rush of the Giants, led by DEs Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck. If the Packers protect Rodgers, then the Giants secondary could be in some trouble. No offense to the Giants, but they don’t have enough DBs to cover TE Jermichael Finley and WRs Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings and James Jones. Another player to watch this game when the Packers are on offense will be James Starks. He is the most physical of the Green Bay RBs and he must be somewhat effective to help the offensive line keep some of the heat off of Rodgers.

This game should be interesting and high-scoring. But, like most games, it comes down to defense. Whoever makes more plays defensively will win the game. I will take the team that creates more turnovers to win this game, the Green Bay Packers.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers 34, New York Giants 31

TEM’s Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview: Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens

The Texans made the playoffs for the first time. They also won their first playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals last week. This weekend, they try to make another first happen as the Texans head to Baltimore to play the Ravens for the right to go to the AFC Championship.

QB TJ Yates has been a cool customer in the pocket. He has made the throws when he needed to, but the biggest weapon on this team is RB Arian Foster. Foster was a man amongst boys last week as he shredded the Bengals defense. For the Texans to be successful against the Ravens, Foster must come up big again. The Ravens will more than likely crowd the line of scrimmage with S Bernard Pollard, who’s like a linebacker playing safety, to help slow Foster down. LB Ray Lewis and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata will play a huge roll in stopping the run as well. If the Ravens are successful in stopping the run, then all the pressure falls on Yates and that will not be good, especially with S Ed Reed lurking in the shadows. But even with Reed lurking, I expect Texans WR Andre Johnson to make some plays because he does have the advantage against the Ravens CB’s. The question is can he make enough?

QB Joe Flacco has been ridiculed for everything from his performances this season to his mustache. Well, one thing you cannot ridicule Flacco for is his performance in the post-season. Flacco just seems to come up strong in post-season play. In this game, he will be asked to make some plays in the passing game due to the Texans being so stout against the run. Now even with the Texans stuffing the run, that doesn’t mean RB Ray Rice doesn’t get his touches. Trends are meant to be broken sometimes and the Ravens are a better offensive team when Rice is involved. He must get 20+ touches this game. Also, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron must be stubborn with calling running plays to help his quarterback settle in and be successful. If Cameron is stubborn with the run, I expect WRs Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin to make some big plays due to the run setting up the pass. Also expect the Ravens’ TEs (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pita) to also factor in. Jonathan Joseph and the Houston secondary will be tested this game more than against the Bengals. Another factor in this game is for the Ravens to get a handle on LB Brian Cushing. If Cushing is allowed to be his normal, game-changing self, then that could be serious issues for the Ravens.

As for how the game will go, I expect the Ravens to come out with a lot of energy. If the Texans can withstand that initial surge, then I think this game is a close game. If not, then this game could get ugly really quick. I think the Texans hang around for a little while, but with the run taken away from them, the Ravens eventually take over the game.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 30, Houston Texans 13

TEM’s Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview: Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots

The energy was crazy as the Denver Broncos won on the strength of Tebow’s arm, Demaryius Thomas’ legs and the great play of their defense. This week, the task gets even harder as the Broncos travel to Gillette Stadium to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots, as they begin what they hope is a big run. The pressure will be on a different level. And like they say about pressure, it bust pipes and it makes diamonds too.

QB Tim Tebow wasn’t exactly the most efficient passer last week, but he sure did make each pass count. Tebow completed 10 passes for 316 yards against the Steel Curtain and targeted Ike Taylor almost every single time. Like last week, Tebow must continue to pull the trigger as John Elway said. The Patriots do have a pretty bad defense, so expect them to give up some plays to the Broncos receivers. But as long as DT Vince Wilfork, LB Jerod Mayo and crew can stop the run, then the Pats have the Broncos right where they want them. RB Willis McGahee must run the ball well to keep the Pats from just sitting in zones. Tebow has gotten better, but at this point in his career, he isn’t ready to carry this team with his arm. And that could be a bad situation for the Broncos if he is forced to carry the team with his arm. The Broncos definitely want to control the tempo and keep the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands.

The Patriots are a team that many had as Super Bowl favorites. After an exciting regular season, the Pats enter the playoffs as healthy as they’ve been since the start of the year. Expect the Pats to continue to use TE Rob Gronkowski (90 receptions, 1327 yards, 17 TDs). Gronk is a huge matchup problem and is especially a matchup problem for the Broncos. I see Gronk getting lose again and scoring yet another TD. If Gronk isn’t open or if the Broncos double-cover him, expect Brady to look for guys like TE Aaron Hernandez (79 receptions, 310 yards, 7 TDs), WR Wes Welker (122 receptions, 1569 yards, 9 TDs) and WR Deion Branch(51 receptions, 702 yards, 5 TDs). And just when Brady and crew get you thinking about the pass, that’s when the Pats hit you with the Law Firm, RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis is by far the Patriots best RB and can grind it out if that’s what the Patriots want to do. LB Von Miller is a big key this game. The Broncos must get pressure on Brady all game long. Brady has shown that when pressure is on him, he does tend to make mistakes. If the Broncos can keep the pressure up, than Brady won’t be able to get into a rhythm and that makes the game a bunch easier on the Broncos.

This game will be exciting in the beginning moments. But as the game wears on, the Broncos emotional high will come down. Once it does, expect the Pats to make the Broncos pay. Tebow has shown us some great things and has pulled off some great victories, but like all good things, they come to an end.
Prediction: New England 38, Denver 24

TEM’s Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview: New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco 49ers

There are great offenses. There are great defenses. And then you have the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers. These two teams have been the standard bearers for the NFL offensively and defensively respectively. And now they meet in the divisional round of the playoffs in the city by the bay.

QB Drew Brees has been out of this world this year. And he carried that over with his 33/43, 466 yard and 3 TD performance against the Detroit Lions. But for those that watched the game, the Saints didn’t really start going until they got some big plays via the run and short dump pass to RB Pierre Thomas. Thomas, along with jitterbug RB Darren Sproles, have the unenviable task on taking on the best run defense in football. The 49ers have allowed only 2 rushing TDs this year to go along with only allowing a league-best 77.3 rushing yards per game. As we all know, the Saints like to put the ball in the air, but the running game will play a role if the Saints are to win. Another key thing to watch in this game will be the pressure on Drew Brees. DE Justin Smith will be key in producing pressure in Brees’ face. The pressure up the middle seems to affect Brees more than pressure coming from the outside. If Smith, DE Ray McDonald and crew clog the middle and make their presence felt, then Brees, who is barely six foot tall, will not have the throwing lanes he needs to be successful. The final key of the game is the presence of 49ers LBs Navarro Bowman and Patrick Willis. These two guys, along with safeties Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson, will be key in taking away Brees’ best weapons, TE Jimmy Graham and RB Darren Sproles. The more San Francisco can limit these guys, the more they enhance their chances. If these two get going, it could be a long day for the Niners.

QB Alex Smith has had his best season ever as a professional. But even with that, many folks doubt he can produce in a pressure-filled situation. The time is now if he is to prove the doubters wrong, but not in the way that most would think. Smith must continue to get the 49ers offense in the correct sets and plays against a Saints defense that can be vulnerable. The Saints have been opportunistic, but they cannot be as opportunistic if you play smart and take care of the football. RB Frank Gore had another productive season (282 carries, 1211 yards, 8 TDs). And he will again be counted on to be the focus of the offense. Gore must make the Saints pay for being pretty porous in run defense. The more effective the 49ers are on the ground, the less possessions Bress has to wreak havoc on the field. Another key matchup will be the Saints DBs vs Michael Crabtree and the 49ers passing game. Crabtree, along with the presence of TE Vernon Davis, have been giving teams fits when the Niners pass. He must continue his strong play down the stretch to give Smith a big-time threat down the field. Saints S Malcolm Jenkins will more than likely draw the assignment of keeping Davis in check. If Jenkins allows Davis to stretch the Saints defense, that makes the 49ers even that much more dangerous. Also, if S Roman Harper is caught covering anyone, the Niners must look to take advantage of him. Harper’s more trouble rushing the passer(7.5 sacks) than in the passing game. Lastly, WR/PR/KR Ted Ginn must be paid attention to. He could take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

As far as the game, I expect the 49ers to come out throwing before they settle into the running game to break their tendencies offensively. This Saints will come out gunning like they usually do. The difference in this week and last week is they are playing a better defense and a better team than the Lions were. Pace and tempo along with the crowd and the outdoors will be in the 49ers favor. That, along with a big play from Ginn in the return game and some good field goal kicking, will lead the 49ers to a win against the Saints in Monster Park.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, New Orleans 24

TEM’s Wild Card Weekend Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Denver Broncos

Denver is the Mile-High City. Its also the home of Tebowmania. Tebowmania will definitely be tested this weekend when the Pittsburgh Steelers, complete with their fans bearing terrible towels, invade Denver.

QB Ben Roethlisberger(4077 yards, 21 TDs, 90.1 passer rating) has been the model of a toughness this year. He’s broken his nose, sprained his ankle and had other assortments of injuries over the years and he still has played in games. He’s the unquestioned leader of the Steelers offense. This year he’s gotten the chance to pass the ball a whole bunch more. WRs Mike Wallace(72 receptions, 1193 yards, 8 TDs) and Antonio Brown(69 receptions, 1108 yards, 2 TDs) have been explosive all year for him. But the key for the Steelers is the running game in my opinion. With leading running back Rashard Mendenhall(928 yards, 9 TDs) injured and out for the post-season, expect RB Isaiah Redman and RB John Clay to get the bulk of the carries. These guys must fill in well for Mendenhall. That will allow Big Ben opportunities to hit the Broncos up for the big play due to Denver having to respect the run. If they don’t, that puts it all on Big Ben’s shoulders. An immobile Big Ben throwing a ton of passes with the likes of rookie LB Von Miller(11.5 sacks) and LB Elvis Dummervil(9.5 sacks) lurking isn’t a good recipe for a victory.

QB Tim Tebow(1729 yards, 12 passing TDs, 72.9 passer rating) hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire with his statistics. But, for what he hasn’t done statistically, he more than has made up for in intangibles like leadership and clutch play. But clutch play can only lead you so far. Tebow must get back to valuing the football and doing the things that made him successful. One of the things that helped him was the success of the running game. RB Willis McGahee(249 yards, 1199 yards, 4 TDs) found the fountain of youth this year and he must be effective in keeping the Broncos offense on schedule. If they fall into unfavorable down and distance situations, then the advantage goes to the Steelers. And with OLB James Harrison and S Troy Palamalu lurking on the Steelers defense, that’s a scary proposition for Tebow. Another thing that helped Tebow was being smart with the football. Tebow must make the throws to players like WR Eric Decker(44 receptions, 612 yards, 8 TDs) when they are open and throw it away when those plays aren’t there.

All in all, this game will be ugly. I expect points to be at a premium. And in a game where points are at a premium, I trust the team that has more offense. Big Ben and the Steelers win this game in a close one.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Denver 13

TEM’s Wild Card Weekend Preview: Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants

It’s playoff football time in Gotham City. No, its not the Jets but the Giants that are headed to the post-season to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The crowd will be amped. The atmosphere will be electric. And the game should be good.

QB Matt Ryan has enjoyed his best season as an Atlanta Falcon (4177 yards, 29 TDs, 92.2 passer rating). Ryan enjoyed this season due to the play of rookie WR Julio Jones(54 receptions, 959 yards, 8 TDs), WR Roddy White(100 receptions, 1296 yards, 8 TDs) and TE Tony Gonzalez(80 receptions, 875 yards, 7 TDs). But for as much as these guys did for the passing game, Ryan’s best friend needs to be RB Michael Turner(1340 yards, 11 TDs). Turner has been the barometer for the Falcons. When he is given the ball 20-25 times, this Falcons team is tough. When the Falcons become a passing team, that’s when they become vulnerable. It should be interesting to see how Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey calls this game. If I were him, I would attack the Giants with Turner. If that running game is successful, then you keep the Giants pass rush, led by Jason Pierre-Paul(16.5 sacks) and Justin Tuck, off balance. Ryan better hope the Nascar pass rush doesn’t get cranked up. The Falcons have the better matchups in terms of their WRs and TEs vs the Giants DBs, but Ryan can’t make great passes when he’s looking up at the sky.

QB Eli Manning(4933 yards, 29 TDs, 92.9 passer rating) has certainly been inconsistent this year. He played great in games against the Patriots and the Cowboys and then there was the Seahawks game. Yikes! But of recent, when the game and the season has been on the line, he’s been Eli the Clutch. But for as clutch as Eli has been, what’s even more incredible is he’s led this team to the playoffs with the worst running game in the NFL. Well, its playoff time and that means its time for the Giants to run the ball better. They need RBs Ahmad Bradshaw(171 carries, 659 yards, 9 TDs) and Brandon Jacobs(152 carries, 571 yards, 7 TDs) to play like the beasts they can be and not like the duds they have been for most of the year. If Eli can get some help in the running game, then expect some fireworks in the passing game. Victor Cruz(82 receptions, 1536 yards, 9 TDs) has been the star of the Giants offense all season. In this game, he ought to be licking his chops. No offense to Falcons CBs Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, but neither can handle Cruz, let alone WR Hakeem Nicks(76 receptions, 1192 yards, 7 TDs) on the opposite side. This game has all the makings of another big game for Eli. The two guys that could throw a wrinkle in those plans are DE John Abraham and LB Curtis Lofton. Abraham, even though he doesn’t have big sack numbers this year(9.5), could cause serious problems for a Giants offensive line that has had their problems at times this year. As for Lofton, he’s the guy that is their best defensive playmaker in the back seven. He must show up and show out for this Falcons defense.

As far as how this game goes, expect the run games of both teams to be the key. I just have a feeling that the Giants running game will get its acts together and give Eli some support. The Giants will be big today and the Falcons will end another year in disappointment.
Prediction: New York Giants 27, Atlanta 23

TEM’s Wild Card Weekend Preview: Detriot Lions vs New Orleans Saints

There have been boring games, exciting games and games that were just downright ugly all season. Well, this game is sure to be of the entertaining variety. Its put up or shut up time for too offensive teams as the Lions head to the Superdome to take on the lethal New Orleans Saints.

QB Matt Stafford has been incredible this year. That’s in part to him being healthy all year for the first time in his career. And we all got a glimpse of how good he can be when he is healthy( 5038 yards, 41 passing TDs). But no QB can do it by himself and Stafford has had one of the most dominant forces in the NFL at WR at his disposal in WR Calvin “Megatron” Johnson(1681 yards, 16 TDs). The Saints will try to double and even triple team him like they did the last time these two teams matched up in the regular season. The thing that goes against the Lions is their lack of a running game. The Lions running game got so bad that they brought a guy in off the streets (Kevin Smith) to play for them. Smith has been effective, but he hasn’t given the Lions the balance they need. And with the Lions passing a lot, expect Saints S Roman Harper to be blitzing a lot. Harper is pretty much their best guy rushing the passer, as odd as that sounds. He’s tallied 7.5 sacks this season. But for as good as he is in rushing the passer and blitzing, he’s a liability in pass coverage. If I’m the Lions, when Harper isn’t blitzing, I’m throwing right at him. And besides Megatron, the Lions have rookie WR Titus Young and WR Nate Burleson and TE Brandon Pettigrew. If this offense gets rolling, the Saints could have some problems. Another guy that needs to be watched for the Saints in this game is S Malcolm Jenkins. He’s a difference-maker, so expect him to make a big play or two. All the Lions WRs and TEs need to know where Jenkins is because Jenkins punishes people when he gets to them.

Just like the Lions offense can create problems for the Saints, MVP candidate Drew Brees and crew can cause problems for the Lions. Besides Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers, Brees has been the best QB in the NFL this year (5476 yards, 46 passing TDs). Brees will be going up against a Lions defense that was taken to task last weekend by backup QB Matt Flynn and the Green Bay Packers. Expect Brees to tear into this defense from the word go. And the thing that’s so dangerous about the Saints is that they have so many weapons. But of all their weapons, the most important ones are TE Jimmy Graham (1310 yards, 11 TDs) and RB Darren Sproles. Graham and Sproles always seem to make the big plays, so expect a lot of attention to be given to them by Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and crew. The best plan of attack for the Lions would be to try to get pressure up the middle on Brees and that task falls on DTs Nic Fairley, Ndamakong Suh and Corey Williams. For all that Brees can do, he is only 6 foot tall and needs throwing lanes in order to make his passes and if these guys are in his face, he can’t see where he’s throwing. Another key thing the Lions need to do is stuff the run. If they are able to take that part of the New Orleans offense away, then the pass rush of the Lions can just pin their ears back and attack Brees. The bad thing is they haven’t been good at stopping the run all year.

Expect this game to be a high scoring affair in the beginning. But the longer the game goes on, the more the power of the Saints will take over. Its been a good season Lions, but its time to start the off-season.
Prediction: New Orleans 38, Detroit 24

TEM’s Wild Card Weekend Preview: Cincinnati Bengals vs Houston Texans

The Cincinnati Bengals continue their unexpected season in Houston as they appear in the playoffs for the second time in three years. Rookie QB Andy Dalton has been excellent this season for a team that was thought to be rebounding. He has amassed 3398 yards while passing for 20 TDs. In this game, Dalton must continue to be the smart guy that he is behind the center. He must value the football and take advantage of the few opportunities that he will be afforded against one of the toughest defenses in the NFL this year in the Houston Texans. Rookie WR AJ Green(1057 yards, 7 TDs) against stellar CB Jonathan Joseph should be a good matchup. TE Jermaine Gresham will be a mismatch for the Houston defense and he should also be a player to watch this game. Another key point this game for the Cincinnati offense will be the play of their offensive line and RB Cedric Benson. Benson had another 1,000 yard season this year and he must be effective in the run game because if he isn’t, players like Texans DE JJ Watt will be all over Dalton and that won’t be good.

QB T.J. Yates has been a Godsend for the Texans this year. After losing starting QB Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinhart for the year to injuries, most people thought that the Texans would fall quickly. Well, Yates and his poise kept the Texans afloat despite their current three game losing streak heading into the playoffs. Yates has been poised, but he isn’t going to be the key this game. The key for this offense will be RB Arian Foster. He has been a monster running the football this year (1224 yards, 10 rushing TDs) and if I were them, I would run right at a Bengal defense that just let Ray Rice run wild against them last game. Yates will also be called upon to make some plays in the passing game. And its huge for the Texans that WR Andre Johnson is reasonably healthy after going through a couple hamstring injuries. He will no doubt be matched up with CB Nate Clements, who will be making his first playoff appearance in his 11 year career. That should be an interesting matchup between two veteran competitors. Another person you may want to watch is Houston TE Owen Daniels. He is also very vital to the Texans passing game.

As for how the game goes, expect this game to be in the high teens/mid-twenties at best because of the power of these two defenses. In the end, the Bengals will have more weapons, make more plays and are in a better flow than the Texans, who limped into the playoffs. Marvin Lewis finally gets his first win in the playoffs.
Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Houston 20

NFL Sunday Night Showcase: Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants

It all comes down to one game. The New York Giants or the Dallas Cowboys from Met Life Stadium. The winner is the NFC East champion and goes to the playoffs. The loser goes home. Sounds like there’s going to be some excitement in New York tonight.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo has been oft criticized for his not-so-clutch performances at times and his downright unexplainable decisions as well. Tonight, Romo has to be smart with the football. Get the ball into the hands of WRs Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and TE Jason Witten, but don’t force it though. If the play is there, make it. If it isn’t, he needs to just get rid of the ball. Another thing that will help Romo will be a consistent running game. If Cowboys RB Felix Jones can pierce the Giants defense, that will help keep the Cowboys out of predictable down and distances so the Giants pass rush, led by DE Jason Pierre-Paul, cannot get a beat on the Cowboys offense.

Giants QB Eli Manning has also been inconsistent at times this year. Manning has looked like the possible MVP some days and looked like he was asleep at the wheel on others. The good thing about this game is it’s at home and it’s a big game. And no one understands the big game as much as Eli this year. In pretty much every big game this year, he has performed at an excellent level. If he is afforded some time in the pocket, he should be able to take advantage of a weak Cowboys secondary. A guy the Giants have to be aware of all game is Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware. Ware is a beast and the Giants will definitely need to provide extra attention his way. Another thing to pay attention to will be how the running game does against the Cowboys. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will be pivotal.

Expect this game to be a back and forth affair. Both teams have the capability to be explosive offensively and I expect both teams to make plays. In the end, I think the home crowd and the tendency of the Giants to play their best in big games will lead the Giants to the win and the NFC East crown.

Prediction: New York Giants 34, Dallas Cowboys 31

NFL Thursday Night Showcase: Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts

The crowd will be live, the energy will be electric and the now one-win Colts are have got it rolling again. Well, the last part isn’t so true, but the Colts will be looking forward to keeping the momentum gained from the Titans game. The Texans, on the other hand, will be looking to get some momentum back from the unexplainable loss last week.

Last weekend, Colts QB Dan Orlovsky, made his first start since playing for the 0-16 Detroit Lions team a few years back. He wasn’t spectacular, but what he did do was manage the game. He made some throws when he needed to, but his main goal was to just keep his team in the game with smart decisions and key throws. In this game, Orlovsky has to do more, but he’s going to have to get some help from his running game. Joseph Addai, Donald Brown and crew must show up and take some pressure off him. Expect the Texans defense to show multiple looks at the Colt offense. The mixups of defenses will certainly give the Colts some things to think about offensively. A key matchup will be the Colts offensive line vs the Texans defensive line.

Rookie QB T.J. Yates has been a revelation for the Texans. He has done better than most thought he would as the third starting QB for Houston this season.. Yates has had an innate ability to make great plays in pressure situations. Well, this week, the Texans and their mentality will be tested. Will the Texans come out with no energy and no desire to be there Sunday? Or do we get the same scratch and claw mentality that they have had all year? Other than that question, I expect Texans RB Arian Foster to have his way with the Colts defense. Despite what we saw from the Colts defensively last week, don’t expect the Colts to stop Foster.

The Colts will come out fired up. But what happens when that energy wears off? I think we will see the same old Colts we’ve been watching this year. With that, expect the Colts to not be able to move the ball. The thing is, the Texans may have problems moving the ball if last weekend was an indication. This game should be nip-and-tuck for a little bit, but in the end, the Texans will win this game.
Prediction: Houston 27, Indianapolis 16

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