NFL Playoffs: NFC/AFC Championship Preview

#4 New York Giants vs. #2 San Francisco 49ers
Date: Sunday, January 22nd 2012, 6:30 EST (FOX)
Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Previous Meeting(s): 49ers 27 Giants 20

Alex Smith busted the "Bust" Label with his impressive
playoff win and late game heroics

When San Francisco has the Ball:     
-We thought that all the 49ers could do was run the football, run out the clock and Alex Smith was merely a "Game Manager". We were wrong Alex Smith can throw the football and he showed that the 49ers can match high scoring offenses. Saturday against the Saints, Smith threw for 299 Yards and 3 Pass TD's and added  a 28 yard Rush TD as well. His favorite target is Vernon Davis who unleashed against the Saints for 180 Receiving Yards and 2 TD's, including one to win the game. Even without the Passing game the 49ers have Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter to rely on, and both backs can break a long run at any time. When the 49ers take the field against the Giants expect them to use the run often against the Giants 19th ranked Rush Defense, and that will wear down the Giants defense and enable the 49ers to pass later in the game.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Get Pressure on Eli
2.) Hold onto the football
3.) In Vernon Davis we trust

The Giants are getting hot, but if they want to make it back
to the Super Bowl they will have to beat a Elite 49ers Defense

When New York has the Ball: 
-The New York Giants are burning hot right now, after running over the Falcons in the Wild Card Round, they went to the air against the Packers and found success often. Eli Manning went off for 330 Yards with 3 TD's and only 1 INT. 2 of those TD's came on big plays to Hakeem Nicks  (165 Receiving Yards 2 TD's). The Giants were nearly perfect when they went to the air, but they didn't find as much success on the ground until later in the 4th Quarter when the game was in hand.. Against the 49ers No.1 Ranked Rushing Defense, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw aren't likely to find much success. If the Giants can't establish the run the pressure will be on Eli Manning to win this game. Manning has already proven he was Elite, now he has to do it again if he wants to make it to his 2nd Super Bowl

Keys to the Game:
1.) Create Pressure
2.) Use the Middle of the Field
3.) Give Eli time.

Prediction: Giants 27
                   49ers 24

#2 Baltimore Ravens vs. #1 New England Patriots
Date: Sunday, January 22nd 2012, 3:00 EST (CBS)
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Previous Meeting(s): None

When New England has the Ball:

At this point it doesn't matter who is going against Tom Brady,
he just can't be stopped

-There is only one word to describe Tom Brady "MVP" and he proved it once again against the Broncos. Brady tied a Playoff Record with 6 TD Passes and 363 Yards. Rob Gronkowski caught 10 passes for 145 Yards and 3 TD's continuing his record breaking 2011 season. The Patriots also changed things up in the running game as TE Aaron Hernandez carried it 5 times for 61 yards. The Patriots will now face a tough test as they take on a veteran Ravens Defense who rank 4th against the Pass (196 YPG) and 2nd against the Run (92 YPG). The Patriots will be playing at home which will give them an extra advantage, but they are in for a difficult task.


Keys to the Game:
1.) Make Flacco Throw
2.) Use the Gronk Monster
3.) Keep 8 in the Box

The key for the Ravens will be defense, and even
at the age of 33, Reed is still the key to stopping Brady

When Baltimore has the Ball:
The Baltimore Ravens are well known for their great defense, but their offense isn't always "eye-popping". They are led by Pro Bowl Ray Rice (2,068 Total Yards 15 TD's). Rice is the Ravens Swiss Army Knife on Offense. He has become one of Joe Flaccos' favorite targets. Even if Rice is blocking, Flacco does have other options. WR Anquan Boldin (57 Catches 887 Yards 3 TD's) and rookie WR Torrey Smith (50 Catches 841 Yards 7 TD's). Unfortunately, the Ravens don't give the ball to Rice nearly as much as they should, and they instead rely upon QB Joe Flacco. When the Ravens take on the 31st ranked Pass Defense it may seem like a cushy match up, but the Patriots are a very opportunistic defense creating 34 Turnovers (23 INT's 11 FF's). If the Ravens want to knock off the Patriots and make their first trip to the Super Bowl since 2000.

Keys to the Game:

1.) Put Pressure on Brady

2.) Establish the Run

3.) Create Early Turnovers

Prediction:  Patriots 31
                    Ravens 17

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Preview

NFC


#3 New Orleans Saints vs. #2 San Francisco 49ers
Date: Saturday, January 14th 2012, 4:30 EST (FOX)
Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Previous Meeting(s): None


When San Francisco has the Ball:
The 49ers pride themselves on running the ball, wearing down defenses, and holding onto the football. They are very successful in all 3 aspects, as they ranked 8th in Running the ball (128 YPG), and they rank 1st in the NFL in Turnovers (10). The lead back is Frank Gore (282 Carries 1,325 Total Yards and 8 TD's). Meanwhile the man who people thought was a bust in Alex Smith has been a solid game manager (3,144 Pass Yards 17 TD's 5 INT's) his 5 INT's is the fewest in the NFL by a Starting QB and he is another reason why the 49ers are 13-3 this season. The 49ers won't score in bunches but because of their great defense (16th against the Pass, 1st against the Run) and their ability to manage the clock and hold onto the football, they have a chance to beat any team. Their offense is in for a tough test as they will have to match the Saints prolific, but thanks to one of the best Defenses in recent memory, a W is very possible.

While Patrick Willis gets the headlines, new All Pro MLB
Navarro Bowman is a force on this 49ers Defense

Keys to the Game:
1.) Don't give Brees time to throw
2.) Protect Alex Smith
3.) Kill the Clock


When New Orleans has the Ball:
The Saints are a magical team when they get to play back home in the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome. When they are at home they put up numbers like its Madden on Rookie Mode. They are a different team on the road however, and that may cost them when they travel to San Francisco. The Saints average roughly 27 PPG on the road and finished the regular season 5-3 when they can't sleep in their own beds. They did manage to turn things around in the 2nd half of the season after starting out 5-3, they have won 9 straight games (including their playoff win against the Lions on Saturday). The Saints will take their 6th ranked Rushing Offense on the road to Candlestick but are doubtful to find much success as they take on the best Run D in the game. Expect the Saints to rely on Drew Brees a lot in this game, and depending on the weather he could see a drop in his performance. There is no question the Saints have a much better Offense then the 49ers, but they will have their toughest test of the year next Saturday.


Keys to the Game:
1.) Attack the 49ers Secondary
2.) Make Smith throw the football
3.) Hold onto the football


Prediction: Saints 24
                    49ers: 17


#4 New York Giants vs. #1 Green Bay Packers
Date: Sunday, January 15th 4:30  EST (FOX)
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Previous Meeting(s): Packers 38 Giants 35


When Green Bay has the Ball:

If Aaron Rodgers wants to win another Lombardi
he is going to have to hope his defense will back him up

The Packers are led by likely MVP Front Runner Aaron Rodgers (4,643 Pass Yards 45 TD's 6 INT's). Rodgers is blessed with 2 great options at WR in Pro Bowl WR Greg Jennings (67 Catches 949 Yards 9 TD's) and Jordy Nelson (68 Catches 1,263 Yards 15 TD's). The Packers Offense is No.1 in the league in PPR (35) and they only turned the ball over 14 times this season a franchise record. The Packers are a disciplined football team, and Aaron Rodgers has proven he can pick apart any defense, and make plays late in the game. The Packers didn't run much in the regular season but Head Coach Mike McCarthy says he wants to get the run going in the playoffs. The Packers may have a chance to do that now with a healthy offensive line for the first time since Week 3. The Packers will be in for a rough road in order to win another title.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Stop the Giants Front Four
2.) Attack the Giants Secondary 
3.) Create Turnovers


When New York has the Ball:
The Giants excel at one thing and this is throwing the football. Pro Bowl QB Eli Manning (4,933 Pass Yards 29 TD's 16 INT's) and WR's Victor Cruz (82 Catches 1,536 Yards 9 TD's) and Hakeem Nicks (76 Catches 1,192 Yards 7 TD's) have helped lead the Giants to the 5th best passing attack in the NFL. The passing attack shouldn't have any trouble against a Packers Defense that ranks last in the league with nearly 300 YPG.Th After Sundays game against the Falcons, the Giants proved that they do have a running game, and Brandon Jacobs is leading the charge because of his ability to break tackles and help run down the clock. The key to the game will be how Eli Manning does against a Packers Defense that led the NFL with 31 Interceptions.


Keys to the Game:
1.) Put Pressure on Rodgers
2.) Don't Force Anything
3.) Run out the Clock


Prediction: Packers: 35
                   Giants: 28




AFC


#4 Denver Broncos  vs. #1 New England Patriots
Date: Saturday, January 14th 2012, 1:00 EST
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Previous Meeting(s): Patriots 41 Broncos 23


When New England has the Ball:
The New England Patriots continue to be led by All Time Great QB Tom Brady (5,235 Pass Yards 39 TD's 12 INT's) and he always performs year after year. This year he had a new favorite weapon in TE Rob Gronkowski (90 Catches 1,327 Yards and 17 TD's) as Gronkowski set a new NFL Record for most Receiving Yards and TD's by a TE in one season. Bradys familiar target Wes Welker (122 Catches 1,569 Yards and 9 TD's). The Patriots are a finely tuned offensive machine ranking 2nd in Pass Yards and 3rd in PPG (32) and they rank 3rd in the NFL with their +17 Turnover Differential. If the Patriots have to run the ball BenJarvus Green-Ellis ( 826 Total Yards and 11 TD's). Against a solid Broncos Defense the Patriots won't be perfect, but they shouldn't have much problem putting up 30 points.




Keys to the Game:
1.) Throw it to Gronkowski
2.) Win the Turnover/Takeaway Battle
3.) Stop Tebow!

After Tebow threw for 316 yards against the Steelers,
he could be in for an even bigger game against the Patriots

When Denver has the Ball:Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow that is the name of the game for the Denver Broncos. After 3 games of passing so bad that the Broncos were ready to put Brady Quinn in, Tebow showed everyone he can be a Starting Quarterback in the NFL. Tebow made big passes against the No.1 Steelers Defense when it mattered most. Tebow finished with 316 Passing Yards and 2 Passing TD's to go along with 1 rushing. The Broncos Passing Game and Running game relies upon Tebow and when he is on, the Broncos are going to win. Tebow should have few problems against the Patriots 31st ranked Pass Defense, especially coming off a tremendous game on Sunday. The problem for the Broncos will be Tom Brady, and how can the Broncos offense match the Patriots. It all could come down to the 4th Quarter, and if it does it will be Tebow Time!

Keys to the Game:
1.) Let Tebow throw it
2.) Attack Tom Brady
3.) Keep it Close in the 4th Quarter

Prediction: Patriots: 31
                   Broncos: 27


#3 Houston Texans vs. #2 Baltimore Ravens
Date: Sunday, January 15th 2012, 1:00 EST (CBS)
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Previous Meeting(s): Ravens 29 Texans 14


When Baltimore has the Ball:

If the Ravens want to make it to the Super Bowl, they will need
to start relying more on Ray Rice

The Baltimore Ravens are the type of team that leaves you scratching your head as to why. Why don't they give the ball to Ray Rice (2,068 Total Yards 15 TD's) more often. Rice is the Ravens Swiss Army Knife on Offense. He has become one of Joe Flaccos' favorite targets. Even if Rice is blocking, Flacco does have other options. WR Anquan Boldin (57 Catches 887 Yards 3 TD's) and rookie WR Torrey Smith (50 Catches 841 Yards 7 TD's). There are weapons on this Ravens team, it is just a matter of knowing how to use them. The Ravens will be in for a challenge when they take on a impressive Texans Defense that ranks 4th against the Run and 3rd against the pass. If the Ravens want to win this game they will have to give it to Rice often, and also hope Joe Flacco can prove he is a capable of leading his team to a Super Bowl.
Keys to the Game:
1.) Hand it off to Rice
2.) Shutdown Arian Foster
3.)  Force Early Turnovers


When Houston has the Ball:
The Texans are in for a very difficult test next Sunday when they go on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans offense led by the two head monster of Arian Foster (1,841 Total Yards and 12 TD's) and Ben Tate (1,040 Total Yards and 4 TD's) will be going against a Ravens defense that ranks 2nd against the run,allowing only 92 YPG on the ground.  It was evident in Week 6 when Foster and Tate combined for only 90 yards on the ground as the Texans fell flat in a 29-14 defeat. Things will be very different this time though as the Texans will have Andre Johnson back, which should give the RB's more room to run. The real question in this game though will be how can rookie QB T.J Yates handle one of the toughest, and most experienced defenses in the league. The Texans have a chance to do something special in their first playoff trip ever, and a Win against the Ravens would put them one step closer to their first ever Super Bowl.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Use the Play Action
2.) Make Flacco win the game
3.) Bring on the Blitz

Prediction: Ravens: 20
                   Texans: 13

NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview

AFC
(Patriots and Ravens have 1st Round Byes)

#6 Cincinnati Bengals vs. #3 Houston Texas
Date: Saturday, January 7th 2012 4:30 EST (NBC)
Location: Reliant Stadium Houston, Texas
Previous Meeting(s): Texans 20 Bengals 19

When Houston has the Ball:
-Expect the Texans to run it early and often against the Bengals 10th Ranked Rush Defense. The Texans have a two headed monster of Arian Foster (1,841 Total Yards and 12 TD's) and Ben Tate (1,040 Total Yards and 4 TD's). When they aren't handing off the rock,rookie T.J Yates will be looking to WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels. Yates will likely have problems against a Bengals Defense that ranks 9th against the Pass, and has registered the 5th most Sacks in the league (45)

Keys to the Game:
1.) Establish the run and wear down the Bengals D
2.) Win the turnover battle
3.)  Stop A.J Green

When Cincinnati has the Ball:
-The Bengals are led by 2 young rookies on offense. Rookie QB Andy Dalton (3,398 Pass Yards 20 TD's 13 INT's) and his favorite rookie target Pro Bowl WR A.J Green (65 Catches 1,057 Yards 7 TD's). Dalton will try to find holes in the Texans 3rd ranked Pass Defense but if he can't find success there the Bengals will have to try and run the ball with Cedric Benson (1,149 Total yards and 6 TD's) against the Texans 4th ranked run defense.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Shutdown Foster and Tate
2. ) Get the ball to A.J Green
3.) Keep Dalton Upright

Prediction: Bengals 24
                   Texans: 17


#5 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. #4 Denver Broncos
Date: Sunday, January 8th 2012 4:30 EST (CBS)
Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High Denver, Colorado

Previous Meeting(s): None

How will Tim Tebow do in his first ever Playoff game against one of the best
Defenses in the League.

When Denver has the Ball:

-The name of the game is Tim Tebow, and while his stats aren't great (1,729 Pass Yards 12 TD's 6 INT's and 6 Rush TD's) his 4th Quarter Stats are better (984 Pass yards 6 TD's 4 INT's and 3 Rush TD's). Regardless of stats in any quarter, Tebow will have a tough time against this defense. The Broncos offense will bring a system of Option Plays, QB Keepers, and Draws. If Tebow doesn't have the ball in his hands odds are Willis McGahee has it (1,250 Total Yards 5 TD's) but both Runners will have problems against the Steelers 8th Ranked Run Defense. Don't even think about the Pass as Tebow has only thrown it 271 times this year and has completed less then 50% of his Passes, and it will be even tougher against the best Pass Defense in the NFL.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Don't turn the ball over
2.) Keep the Score close
3.) Take down Big Ben

When Pittsburgh has the Ball:
-The Steelers will go into the playoffs without RB Rashard Mendehall (Torn ACL) but Ben Roethlisberger has finally healed from a High Ankle Sprain. The Steelers will have to rely on Isaac Redman (557 Total yards and 4 TD's) against the Broncos 22nd ranked Rush Defense. I expect the Steelers to take to the air alot in this game against the Broncos 18th ranked Pass D, and Mike Wallace (72 Catches 1,193 Yards 8 TD's) will benefit against an older Secondary. The Broncos expect Brian Dawkins back this week but even that won't be enough to contain Wallace.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Make Tim Tebow Pass
2.) Keep Tebow in the Pocket
3.) Score Early and Often

Prediction: Steelers 27 Broncos 17

NFC
(Packers and 49ers have First Round Byes)

#6 Detroit Lions vs. #3 New Orleans Saints
Date: Saturday, January 7th 2012  8:00 EST (NBC)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Super Dome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Previous Meeting(s): Saints 31 Lions 17

There is something magical about the Super Dome, the Saints
average nearly 40 PPG while playing in front of their Home fans

When New Orleans has the Ball:

-Outside of the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome the New Orleans Offense is just a normal offense (27 PPG) but at home they are a machine (40 PPG). Drew Brees the likely NFL MVP (5,476 Pass Yards 46 TD's 14 INT's). The Saints Pass most of the game and will look to do the same against a Lions defense that just let Packers Backup QB throw for 6 TD's and 480 Yards in cold weather. The Saints don't run the ball often but when they do, expect carries to be divided between Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and Darren Sprolles.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Attack the Lions Secondary
2.) Shutdown Megatron
3.) Stop the Lions Front Four

When Detroit has the Ball:
-Congrats to Matthew Stafford (5,038 Pass Yards 41 TD's 16 INT's) for staying healthy this year and leading the Detroit Lions to the playoffs for the first time in years. He is the commander of this offense and has developed a connection with Calvin Johnson (96 Catches 1,681 Yards 16 TD's). The Lions lost Jahvid Best earlier in the year and have had to rely on Kevin Smith as their primary RB. Expect the Lions to use the run minimally as they will be looking to attack the Saints 30th ranked Pass Defense. It will be a high scoring game, which means alot of yards and TD's for Stafford and Megatron.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Put Pressure on Brees
2.) Force Brees into INT's
3.) Throw it to Megatron

Prediction: Saints 35 Lions 24

#5 Atlanta Falcons vs. #4 New York Giants
Date: Sunday, January 8th 2012 1:00 EST (FOX)
Location:  MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Previous Meeting(s):  None

When New York has the Ball:
-The Giants excel at one thing and this is throwing the football. Pro Bowl QB Eli Manning (4,933 Pass Yards 29 TD's 16 INT's) and WR's Victor Cruz (82 Catches 1,536 Yards 9 TD's) and Hakeem Nicks (76 Catches 1,192 Yards 7 TD's) have helped lead the Giants to the 5th best passing attack in the NFL. The passing attack shouldn't have any trouble against the Falcons 20th ranked pass defense. The Giants couldn't run the ball even if it was an offense only practice, as they rank last in the NFL in yards. They will be playing in the cold New Jersey weather so the game should be close.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Stop Michael Turner
2.) Eliminate the Deep Threat
3.) Get to Ryan early

When Atlanta has the Ball:
-The Falcons have multiple play makers on offense. QB Matt Ryan (4,177 Pass Yards 29 TD's 12 INT's), RB Michael Turner ( 1, 508 Total Yards 11 TD's) and WR's Roddy White (100 Catches 1,296 Yards 8 TD's) and Julio Jones (54 Catches 989 Yards 8 TD's). The Falcons will look to exploit the Giants weakness, their 29th ranked Pass Defense.As for the running game they should do just enough to keep the Giants on their toes in this game. The one thing the Falcons will have to avoid is the Giants front four which has the 3rd most sacks in the NFL (48).

Keys to the Game:
1.) Cover Victor Cruz
2.) Control the Clock
3.) Protect the Football

Prediction: Giants 27 Falcons 21