Fbkid's Championship Weekend Predictions

In the eyes of many people we have finally reached the best football week of the year. Two high intensity games to determine the matchup of who will be fighting for the ultimate prize in the Super Bowl. While these games are very hard to predict, the one thing that we know for sure is that every possible matchup would have some compelling storylines. Here is every possible Super Bowl scenerio and the topics you will then start hearing about for the next two weeks.

Colts vs Saints: Peyton Manning playing against his dad's old team (This year's eqivilent of Jerome Bettis is from Detroit), Saints making their first ever Super Bowl appearance, The city of New Orleans and how it's rallying around the team, Could the Colts have gone undefeated and last but not least Manning vs Drew Brees: the league's best quarterback against the best quarterback who has yet to win a ring.

Colts vs Vikings: Peyton Manning vs Brett Favre: arguably two of the ten best quarterbacks of all time going at it for their 2nd rings, Sidney Rice emerging into an elite receiver, Adrian Peterson's lack of recent production and finally on two weeks notice could Prince possibly make a worse "fight song" for his hometown Vikings.

Jets vs Vikings: Brett Favre against his former team, Rex Ryan and his dad, Rex Ryan soundbites that will be said leading up to the game, The Jets running game against the Williams wall, Sidney Rice vs Darrelle Revis and the debate over if we will we get a poolside guarantee from Mark Sanchez (In my opinion this has to be done. It doesn't even have to be about winning the game but something related to it).

Jets vs Saints:(The least attractive of all the matchups on paper). Dominant defense against explosive offense and how will the game be different from their week four matchup.

Last week: 2-2
Playoffs: 3-5

Last week with the spread: 2-2
Playoffs: 3-5


Jets vs Colts: The Jets have been the story of the playoffs so far and now they go up against the team who by starting the "Curtis Painter Era" helped them land a playoff birth. Mark Sanchez has played well this postseason but with the Colts ability to put up points will he be able to keep the Jets in the game? Considering the way Peyton Manning distributes the ball that is the question that could determine the winner of this game and if it does happen to be the Jets, Rex Ryan should give Bill Polian the game ball.

Prediction: Jets 14 Colts 20

Vikings vs Saints: With both teams contaning explosive offenses and solid defenses this is a very hard thing to predict. If there is one thing for certain though it is that the Superdome will be rocking. The Vikings have been practicing wearing ear plugs and some players might even wear them in the game. Other then getting Adrian Peterson going, the Vikings need to get other receivers involved early. Jabari Greer who has had an outstanding season will be covering Sidney Rice so for Rice to have the opportunitites to make plays Favre needs to connect with guys such as Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and Vishante Shiancoe a few times.

Prediction: Vikings 26 Saints 30

Who To Watch For In The East-West Shrine Game

Last year I mentioned how while the Shrine game doesn't have the same hype as the Senior Bowl,they have had their share of big name players such as Jared Allen, Greg Jennings, Marques Colston and Wes Welker. Participants from last year's game are already having an impact on their team's as well. Mike Thomas and Sammie Stroughter both gave their teams a spark as slot receivers and return men while Sebastian Vollmer who was an unknown to many on draft day played very well for the Patriots at both tackle positions. Here are some players to watch for in this year's game.

Daryll Clark QB Penn State: Going into the year, Clark was projected as one of the top senior quarterbacks in the 2010 draft. Now you don't hear much about him but with a big performance he could shoot his way up draft boards. Clark has a solid build, and a good arm to go with his athleticism. With a solid showing here, Clark could end up going in the 3rd or 4th round and be groomed by a team to become their quarterback of the future.

Javarris James RB Miami(FL): After a freshman season where he averaged 4.6 yards a carry, scouts were expecting James to become the next great running back from The "U". Between the emergence of Graig Cooper and an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games in his junior year, Edgerrin's cousin is flying under the radar. James has solid size and has NFL pedigree so don't be surprised if he goes in the 4th or 5th round and receives the "could be a better pro than college player" tag that Andre Brown received last year.

Freddie Barnes WR Bowling Green: Going into the year chances are if you weren't a Bowling Green fan you wouldn't know who Barnes was. After a year in which he had over 150 catches for 1770 yards and 19 touchdowns, that isn't the case anymore. Those numbers weren't put up against the greatest competition, but they were impressive enough to make him a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award that is handed out to the Nation's best receiver. Barnes may not have the timed speed you look for in a receiver, but he has great hands and is a very smooth route runner. He could end up being an excellent value in the later rounds as could immediately contribute on third downs as a possession guy and eventually develop into a number two receiver.

Dennis Pitta TE BYU: To most he as known as the inspiraton to the many "I Pitta the fool" signs seen at BYU games. To scouts, he is seen as a tight end who can make a big impact at the next level. At 6'5 with soft hands, Pitta emerged as Max Hall's favorite target after the emergence of Austin Collie. The big question facing Pitta is that some feel that he has already reached his ceiling as a player and he could improve on his blocking. Regardless of those two factors, Pitta is a sure handed receiver and with his big frame, is a very good value in the 4th or 5th round.

Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss: Before the year started, Hardy was projected by most to be at least a top 15 pick and to be in the discussion when debating the draft's best pass rusher. After a year where his season was cut short due to surgery on his wrist, Hardy is no longer in the discussion of best pass rushers in the draft but a big game could change that. At 6'5 275 he still has great size and has room to improve as a player. If Hardy plays up to his top ten billing he was receiving at the beginning of the season, he could be a steal for somebody in either the 2nd or 3rd round.

Fbkid's Divisional Playoffs Predictions

Last week was another indication that anything can happen once the playoffs begin. In a season where parity seemed to disappear, every team that was considered an underdog going in and other then the Packers Cardinals game they weren't even close. It was a rough week for me as well and hopefully the games and my predictions are better this week.

Last week: 1-3
Playoffs: 1-3

Last week with the spread: 1-3
Playoffs: 1-3


Cardinals vs Saints: The Cardinals offense had a performance for the ages last week and now go up a Saints defense that seems to be getting worse as the season goes along. With a rested Drew Brees going against the Jekyll and Hyde Cardinals defense, it may be that the first team to score 50 wins.

Prediction: Cardinals 28 Saints 34

Ravens vs Colts: The Ravens completely ran over the Patriots last week and with their ground attack and veteran defense they have a chance of knocking off the Colts as well. While the Ravens are gaining momentum the Colts haven't played a meaningful game in a month and have a tough time stopping the run which would allow the Ravens to limit Peyton Manning's opportunties which is crucial as it is highly unlikely Joe Flacco would match him score for score.

Prediction: Ravens 24 Colts 20

Cowboys vs Vikings: While the Vikings were considered by some the team to beat in the regular season, the Cowboys are getting hot at the right time and now being mentioned in that discussion. With a strong defense, lots of offensive weapons and a relieved Tony Romo it could definitely happen. If the Vikings offensive line can hold off the Cowboys front seven, we have the opportunity to see another memorable playoff game.

Prediction: Cowboys 24 Vikings 28

Jets vs Chargers: The Jets had to have been relieved when the Ravens won as this gave them a much more favorable matchup against a Chargers. The Chargers struggle against the run, primarily pass the ball and Mark Sanchez even though he played well last week won't have to worry about the cold weather. The main difference between the Chargers and Bengals on offense is that the Chargers have more offensive weapons. While Darrelle Revis has had an outstanding year he only erases one third of the field and players such as Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd should recieve plenty of targets.

Prediction: Jets 17 Chargers 21

Fbkid's Wild Card Weekend Predictions

After an exciting regular season, the playoffs are finally here. The 12 teams who remain have played their hardest to get here and from this point on anything can happen. As far as predictions go, this week is very difficult to pick. Three of the matchups this weekend are rematches from the last week of the regular season and a few of the teams who had nothing to play for didn't exactly go all out. Regardless, it should be a weekend full of intense football with some games that will go down to the wire.

Last week: 10-6
Regular season record: 173-82

Last week against the spread: 9-7
Regular season record: 142-114


Jets 20 Bengals 16
Eagles 26 Cowboys 21
Ravens 21 Patriots 28
Packers 31 Cardinals 27

Fbkid's Week 17 Predictions

The final week of the regular season is here which also means that it is the hardest time to predict games. With most of the playoff seeding already determined, it is hard to tell what teams will do with their players. Regardless this week should have lots of competitive football as the final playoff spots and jobs are on the line.

Game of the weak: Colts vs Bills: Assuming the Colts don't play their starters for more then a quarter or two, this one could be painful to watch.

Game of the week: Eagles vs Cowboys: The NFC East title is on the line here in a game that is always entertaining. If the Eagles win, they also clinch the number two seed in the NFC.

Last week: 11-5
Overall: 163-77

Last week with the spread: 11-5
Season: 133-107

Colts 21 Bills 16
Saints 17 Panthers 26
Jaguars 14 Browns 17
Patriots 31 Texans 27
Giants 23 Vikings 30
49ers 28 Rams 13
Falcons 24 Bucs 20
Steelers 28 Dolphins 17
Bears 31 Lions 17
Eagles 26 Cowboys 21
Chiefs 17 Broncos 23
Ravens 23 Raiders 14
Titans 31 Seahawks 17
Redskins 20 Chargers 26
Packers 23 Cardinals 27
Bengals 24 Jets 14