Sounds intriguing, but they do play on and, as I recall, there's a fairly important game scheduled for later on in Arizona. At least that's the word on street.
Do they even let you out on the street? That's surprising. I know that the Super Bowl is the big one, but you see my point, right?
Especially if you don't wear a hat.
I'll bet you got some real laughs out of that line the first time you used it. I'm guessing that was 1975, right?
Maybe 1977. But I take your point.
Jokes are old, you're a little old. This banter is getting old. Therefore, it's time to get down to the HYYYYYPPPEEE! and watch me work!
Baltimore Ravens (+7) vs. New England Patriots. The Patriots have rebounded nicely since they had a nightmare against Kansas City and Tom Brady is looking like a legitimate MVP candidate. If this was 2004, New England would win, especially since this game is being played in Foxboro. However, I do not see Troy Brown or Corey Dillon around now and the Ravens have been masterful at winning on the road. I have concerns for Baltimore, because the emotions of finally winning a playoff game in Pittsburgh could cause a hangover effect. So of course I would pick New England right? Well, not exactly. Ravens 28, New England 24.
I'm not sure what to think about this one. The Ravens are a bit of a bete noire for the Pats and while I think the Patriots are the better team, I don't think it will be easy. But I do think they'll prevail. Patriots 31, Ravens 27.
Carolina Panthers (+11) vs. Seattle Seabags. Seattle are the defending champions and although I do not think they will repeat this year, there is one category where they will win. Pete Carroll is a major jerk and with Jim "Hey, I'm a Major Jerk, Too" Harbaugh now walking on water somewhere in the Ann Arbor area, Carroll will be the default winner of the Jerk Coach of the Year for this seasons and he'll be the favorite for the next few years as well. We all know that Seattle rarely loses at home and has a very tough and physical team. What people forget is that Dallas beat Seattle in their building this year and New Orleans and San Fran almost beat them last year at home. I can't hate on Russell Wilson because he is an upstanding man and was a great quarterback for Bucky. But Scam Newton looked very good last week and he would like nothing better than to quiet a bunch of Seahawk fans. I think the Panthers are a tough matchup for the Seahawks, so let's roll the dice on this one. Carolina 13, Legion of Booed 9.
I'd like to agree with you, young fella. But I don't. The Panthers have improved, but they have a losing record for a reason. Seattle wins this game by wearing them down. Seahawks 24, Panthers 20.
Dallas How Bout Them Cowboahs (+5.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. Dallas has been smoking hot lately and Tony Romo is trying to prove to me that he is not actually a choker in big games. Problem is that Dallas won with some help from the men in stripes last weekend. People in Michigan would probably agree with me, but that is for you, the reader, to decide. DeMarco Murray has been fabulous this year and the Packers tend to struggle against the run. However, the Packers beat the Cowboys last year in epic fashion with a 23 point comeback, with Matt Flynn at the helm, in JerryWorld. Think they can handle Lambeau? Aaron Rodgers and the offense play like gangbusters at home and the Packers have yet to lose there all year. Can't see that changing. Packers 37, Cowboys 19.
Let's roll the obligatory Frozen Tundra footage. Take it away, Ray Scott and Jack Buck:
Yeah, it's cold in Green Bay. I really hope that Joe Buck can wear the same hat that his dad did on the 1967 broadcast. It won't be that cold on Sunday, but it's going to be a challenge for the Cowboys to cope with the weather. I do worry about DeMarco Murray, but my sense is that Dallas is not built to deal with the Packer offense. This will be a shootout and the Packers will outscore the Cowboys. Packers 38, Cowboys 28.
Indianapolis Colts (+7) vs. Denver Broncos. This game is dominated by the quarterbacks, as Peyton Manning once again faces his former team and his successor Andrew Luck. Manning would love to get another Lombardi Trophy to match his brother and to help remove some of the stain of not being able to get it done in the clutch. Denver is explosive and you have to think this is their last best chance to win a title. Luck will have his time, but not this time. Denver 45, Indy 32.
I wonder about Manning -- he's been fading down the stretch and I don't think he'll get his team to the Super Bowl. I do think the suspect Colts defense is there for the taking, though. Peyton gets one more week. Broncos 35, Colts 24.
Oregon Ducks (-6) vs. The Ohio State University Buckeyes. I am so glad that neither team in this game is an SEC team! It is about freaking time that the Southeastern Excessively Hyped Conference is out of the title game. Remember, no one knows more about HYYYYYPPPPE! than me, so if I say the SEC has excessive hype, you can take it to the bank. As you may know, I was at the Rose Bowl with the old dude and the rest of the family and I have to say this -- my goodness, Oregon looked very convincing. Marcus Mariota is a legit beast and Oregon just rolled over the Criminoles. I am familiar with Ohio State and they had a much tighter game against Alabama, but had a big blowout in a certain game I will not comment on, but is out there for those that are curious. A person with knowledge of Ohio State told me that this team reminds him of the 2002 team that beat a loaded Miami team in Glendale in an epic game. I did pick Ohio State for good reason last time, but Oregon passed the eye test. Ducks 42, O-H-N-O 39.
We were in Pasadena last week and it was an amazing performance. When the Ducks jumped on FSU, it was over in a hurry. Ohio State has really looked good over the last few games and I think Urban Meyer is going to win national championships in Columbus. I just don't think it will be this year. Should be a very entertaining game. Ducks 38, Bucks 31.
That is all for this week. And my message to the players is this -- heroes get remembered but legends never die. Ben out!
3 comments:
I think Aaron Rodgers' injury could be a major factor in the game. Rodgers' ability to move in the pocket and occasionally run are key facets to his game, and between the injury and the cold, I'm not sure that Rodgers will performance anywhere near 100%.
I've said this about Green Bay for years now - if they had ever seriously addressed their defense, they would at least have a couple of other Super Bowl appearances, if not victories. The Packers are 23rd against the run and the Cowboys are the 2nd best rushing team. Green Bay is also 1-3 in their last four playoff games since the Super Bowl run of 2011.
I think it'll at least be a close one.
Ringer, the Packers have addressed their defense with a 1st round pick the last three seasons. I wish that some of these picks would have played better, especially Nick Perry, but it's not as though the Packers have been ignoring the defensive side of the ball.
maybe, it could be the Packers are not very good at developing the D side of the ball? much like the Bears have never been good at developing the O side.
both patterns will likely continue for a very long time.
not that there wont be flashes of D, but Packer O has gotten them into the playoffs how many years straight now???
i wouldnt worry too much. who ever scores the most points wins, anyway.
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