Hampton Forecast 53 – 36 (.596)
Trojan Horse 46 – 35 (.568)
Blue House Lives 38-36 (.514)

This is a must win for both teams. The 49ers will have to have a very explosive running attack to prevail this week. The Packers should win.
Hampton Forecast
Packers 33 – 49ers 13
Blue House Lives
Packers 14 – 49ers 10
Trojan Horse
Packers 28 – 49ers 15

Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers

Every one faired well last week and here is how we stand for the season:

Hampton Forecast 47 – 33 (.588)
Trojan Horse 42 – 31 (.575)
Blue House Lives 35-31 (.530)

The Packers and the Falcons are the two most consistent teams in the NFC.  The team that wins this game, will have home field advantage through the playoffs.  The Packers have more weapons at wide out, but the Falcons have more weapons in the running game.  The Packers D has a slight edge.  Aaron Rodgers ability to run may be will create a few extra opportunities.  I give the Pack the edge:
Hampton Forecast
Packers 33 – Falcons 28
Blue House Lives
Falcons 27 – Packers 25
Trojan Horse
Falcons 28 – Packers 21

The Vikings are still beating themselves instead of their opponents with 2 goal line interceptions.  It’s really painful to watch.  One of the passes hit Percy Harvin in the chest hard enough to bring back his migraine headaches which were supposed to have been under control, before bouncing off of three different Dolphins before falling being picked off in the “Luck of the Favre” fashion.  The Ravens played worse on offense vs the Bengals than they did when the scraped out a week 1 victory in the Meadowlands.  Chris Johnson was held to under 40 rushing yards as he was only afforded 16 carries as the Titans had 9 turnovers.  Almost as many points as they scored.  My predictionary woes were ended with dominant 2nd half by the Jets as they crushed the Patriots, and banished as the Texans overcame a 14 point deficit to beat the Redskins in overtime.  The Colts passing defense forced the Giants to run the ball, and the running defense recovered fully from their week 1 woes.  The 49ers gave the Saints everything they could handle forcing Drew Brees to mount a game winning drive with 1:21 left on the clock.

Here’s how our correspondents look so far:

Trojan Horse 9-5 (.643)

Hampton Forecast 8-6 (.571)

Blue House Lives 8-6 (.571)

Last week the Titans couldn’t hold on to the ball, not just figuratively either.  They had 9 turnovers in last weeks loss to the Steelers.  The Giants D couldn’t force a single turnover vs the Colts and I don’t see more than two coming this week.  That being said, Chris Johnson gets back to his 100+ yard standard as the Titans control the game and manage a challenging road win.

Hampton Forecast

Titans 34 – Giants 27

Blue House Lives

Giants 24 – 14

Trojan Horse

Titans 21 – Giants 17

The Dallas Cowboys have yet to establish the running game.  It’s very confusing.  They have Marion Barber one of the best ground and pound backs in the league.  If he played for the Jets or the Giants, he’d be one of the most decorated backs in the league.  They have Felix Jones who is as explosive as L.T., and is always a danger.  Finally they have Treshard Choice who is capable of being a very solid number 2 in other systems.  Granted their line isn’t quite up to snuff, but neither is the Vikings and their running game is plane old fashion scary.  It’s only a matter of time, and I think it will be set up by the time they get back from their week 4 bye.  The Texans however have established their running game and last week they also got the passing game going.  I foresee the Texans staying on top of the AFC South for at least one more week.

Hampton Forecast

Texans 34 – Cowboys 23

Blue House Lives

Texans 28 – Cowboys 25

Trojan Horse

Texans 24 – Cowboys 20

The Saints have shown moments of weakness over the first two weeks.  Allowing a 49ers team that had committed 4 turnovers and given up a safety to battle back and tie the game with under 2 minutes remaining was a reality check.  However they went right down the field and kicked the game winning field goal as time expired.  Brees is getting old with is “Who Dat? Who Dat, thinking they gonna beat them Saints.” crap.  If any team in the South can bring them off their pedestal it’s the Falcons, or should I say: ” De Falcons, Dat who.”

Hampton Forecast

Falcons 31 – Saints 29

Blue House Lives

Saints 17 – Falcons 10

Trojan Horse

Saints 30 – Falcons 14

Both the Colts and Broncos lost tough games week 1.  They both also got their games rolling and took care of business week 2.  Both offensives are firing on all cylinders and their defenses took care of their week 1 woes.  With unexpected teams standing strong above them in each of their conferences, The Chiefs in the West and the Texans in the South, neither can afford to waiver for long.  The Colts have a penchant for stepping up and taking care of business while the Broncos of always find a means of failing, however the Broncos have finally built a solid receiving core to compliment their running game.  Will it be enough?  No.

Hampton Forecast

Colts 38 – Broncos 30

Blue House Lives

Colts 31 – Broncos 21

Trojan Horse

Colts 35 – Broncos 13

The Jets took care of business versus the Patriots.  However the star of the last game, Braylon Edwards will miss significant time this game if I know Rex Ryan.  They will also be missing Revis who deservingly so suffered a hamstring injury after holding out during the entire pre-season.  The Dolphins D has been scary.  Stuffing AP 4 plays in a row is difficult.  Stuffing him 8 out of 9 goal line attempts is the most respectable thing I’ve seen from any defensive line this year.   Their DBs made Berrian look lazy and Harvin look slow.  They even held Shiancoe scoreless.  The Jets D has looked impressive in spurts, but not for a solid game.  I think consistency wins out and the Dolphins stay on top of the AFC East.

Hampton Forecast

Dolphins 27 – Jets 20

Blue House Lives

Dolphins 22 – Jets 21

Trojan Horse

Dolphins 16 – Jets 10

Everyone thought the Packers would be 2-0 at this point.  No one thought the Bears would be.  Technically they shouldn’t be.  The Lions won that game.  Everyone knows that was a catch.  The Packers got their groove back after losing Ryan Grant week 1.  Brandon Jackson isn’t Ryan Grant but they Kuhn provides the hammer needed in short down yardage.  Packers dial up the points in a rivalry to derail a Bears team that shouldn’t be undefeated anyway.

Hampton Forecast

Packers 36 – Bears 20

Blue House Lives

Bears 26 – Packers 24

Trojan Horse

Packers 38 – Bears 28

Oakland Raiders @ Arizona Cardinals

I know what your thinking.  The Cardinals aren’t a sleeper.  They won the west last year.  It’s a good thing I’m picking the Raiders.  Darren McFadden has finally recaptured his college form.  He’s been a sleeper himself putting up over 150 all purpose yards in week 1 & 2.  Bruce Gradkowski is starting and he’s been solid so far.  I’m kinda surprised they went after Jason Campbell after what he accomplished last year.  It won’t be pretty.  I’m positive of that.  The Raiders win a game that’s up for grabs:

Raiders 24 – Cardinals 20

Raiders 24 – Cardinals 14

Bears 26 – Packers 24

An image from the future, or merely a tongue in cheek response to his haters?

Last year I went a measly 23-17.  (Granted two of those losses should be accredited to the referees.)  I seek to improve this year, and as inspiration I’ve gotten some competition.  In the spirit of the College Pick ‘Em, I’ve accepted the challenge of Striker as well as extending an open invitation to Scooter and J.P. Sprints.  (Nickname pending approval.  He is my boss.)  I’ve had to rededicate myself to the League, almost as a sign, my faith has already been rewarded by the return of Favre in likely his final NFL season.   That’s a hard line to type.  Brings tears to the eyes, and sorrow to the heart.  Due to the added competition level a new factor has been added to the NFL Coverage this season:  Each analyst will predict an upset in addition to the games normally covered as a means of making our coverage every bit as fulfilling as that of FOX and CBS.  Only ours comes a full 4 days earlier.  Enough talk though, lets get to the Coverage:

The Hampton Pre-Season Forecast

Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers

Season Opener Thursday September 9th

Game 1

Minnesota Vikings vs the New Orleans Saints

In typical NFL fashion, a rematch of the most dramatic game from last year was scheduled for the season opener.  Let’s hope that this time the officiating is a bit tighter and that Bobby McCray and pals aren’t allowed to take cheap shots without being penalized DURING the game.  They shouldn’t have to take the measure though.  The Vikings have lost a lot of depth so far.  Chester Taylor, the teams starter-quality back up, left for the division rival Bears; while a hip Injury has left the Vikings without their star receiver until at least week 7.  Percy Harvin is having migraines and Berrian is under-performing, which will put all the pressure on AP.   As much as it pains my heart:

Hampton Forecast

Vikings 24 – Saints 28

Blue House Lives Prediction

Vikings 27 – Saints 24

Striker Report

Vikings 22 – Saints 26

Trojan Horse Pick

Vikings 20 – Saints 27

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Cheatriots

Other than Favre, the signing of T.O. has been one of the largest topics of discussion over the off season.  Can he play with Ocho-Cinco and will he once again become the “Team Obliterater”  as Skip Bayless has coined.  Ocho-Cinco wants to win and is will to be T.O.’s Robin.  However eventually Ocho-Cinco will outshine T.O. and the bomb will go off.  Just not this early:

Hampton Forecast

Bengals 30 – Cheatriots 21

Blue House Lives Prediction

Bengals 26 – Patriots 28

Trojan Horse Pick

Bengals 20 – Patriots 30

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

The Texans have an high octane offense, that will only get better as Schaub progresses and Arien Foster comes into his own.  However the Colts just seem to have the Texans number, and unless Manning goes down I can’t pick the Texans over the Colts:

Hampton Forecast

Colts 35 – Texans 27

Blue House Lives Predictions

Colts 37  - Texans 24

Trojan Horse Prediction

Colts 20 – Texans 23

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb has played well since taking over for McNabb.  Aaron Rodgers has played spectacular since taking over for Favre.  I think the trends continue.  The Eagles play well, and the Packers play spectacular.  Barring some big plays on special teams Green Bay will overpower Phily:

Hampton Forecast

Packers 35 – Eagles 17

Blue House Lives Prediction

Packers 27  - Eagles 20

Trojan Horse Pick

Packers 30 – Eagles 20

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

The Dallas Cowboys always enter the season with enough hype to fill their ludicrously expensive stadium and always finish with little enough hype to fill a WPS one.  This is the 3rd year in a row that the Washington Redskins are expected to give the NFC East a run for it’s money.  However their big move this off-season was to pick up McNabb who as already suffered an ankle injury.  If he can’t stay healthy they have to fall back on REX GROSSMAN.  That’s a fate worse than A.J. “Touchy” Feely.  Let’s hope he can.  I doubt he will.  Regardless the Cowboys have the best weapons in the league this season.  Their O-Line is suffering but they’ll be able to lean on Barber when necessary.

Hampton Forecast

Cowboys 24 – Redskins 21

Blues House Lives Prediction

Cowboys 38 – Redskins 20

Trojan Horse Pick

Cowboys 20 – Redskins 21

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets

This match-up has two of my division winners facing off.  Not good for my predictions, but great for NFL fans.  The Jets  and Ravens are known for their Defenses.  The Jets have Revis, the best Cover Corner in the league.  The Ravens have Ray Lewis, the greatest defensive field general in the league.  However both teams are at a little less than full power with the front nucleus of the Jets D, Cedric Ellis out and the Ravens are missing the fiercest Safety this side of Bob Sanders in Ed Reed.  The Ravens however have a much more threatening Offense with the emergence of Ray Rice and Joe Flacco last year, and the addition of Anquan Boldin.  The Jets are missing Santonio Holmes and lost both Leon Washington and Thomas Jones last year.  The Jets will be scary at full power, but the Ravens have the edge in this one.

Ravens 30 – Jets 16

Blue House Lives Prediction

Ravens 24 – Jets 16

Trojan Horse Pick

Ravens 24 – Jets 20

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

Ron Burgandy is known for saying that San Diego is German for a Whale’s Vagina.  What it really means is gets off to a slow start.  The Chargers are horrible at opening with a punch, but always manage to wind up winning the AFC “Worst” as they get to near mid-season and really become dangerous.  The Chiefs reinforced one of last years weaker defenses over the off Season with the addition of Eric Berry, the UT alum with a knack for finding the ball, as well as Alabama corner Javier Arenas.  They raided the SEC once more adding the speed Demon Dexter McCluster out of Ole Miss as a jack of all trades to handle the ball as much as possible. They then picked up Thomas Jones to handle the short yardage carries, to help keep McCluster and Jamaal Charles healthy.  The added talent should be more than enough to grant them an early season upset over the slow starting Chargers.

Chargers 20 – Chiefs 23

When Eric Berry hits you in the face, you find yourself with the irresistible urge to thank him.

Blue House Lives Upset Pick of the Week

Arizona Cardinals 22 – St. Louis 24

Trojan Horse Upset Pick of the Week Inspired by the KFC Double Down

Dallas 20 – Washington 21

Arian Foster showing Jordan Babineaux his new gloves.

The NFL Pre-Season has started and that means two things:

First off, if you haven’t joined a league yet, you are running out of time.  Second off, Drew Brees’s days are numbered.   Not a personal threat, but Madden 2011 has hit the shelves so it’s only a matter of time.

The BHSN is expanding upon it’s usual college pick em with a local NFL Fantasy League, but we’ll cover that later.  To renew my desire for a league that left me very disappointed with it’s officiating on several occasions last year, and to prepare for the added competition coming to the NFL predictions column this year I’ve fully dedicated myself to my research.  Part of that research includes participation in a few fantasy leagues.  Based upon player growth last year in both the NFL and NCAA I’ve compiled the following rankings to help out those who have less success at drafting a fantasy team.

Hampton’s Top 25 Fantasy Picks:

1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Ray Rice
4. Maurice Jones-Drew
5. Aaron Rodgers
6. Micheal Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. Drew Brees
9. Andre Johnson
10. Peyton Manning
11. Rashard Mendenhall
12. Steven Jackson
13. Randy Moss
14. Jamaal Charles
15. Tom Brady
16. Reggie Wayne
17. Miles Austin
18. Calvin Johnson
19. Roddy White
20. Brandon Marshall
21. DeSean Jackson
22. Larry Fitzgerald
23. Ryan Grant
24. Shonn Greene
25. Pierre Thomas

There are a few people that aren’t listed that some of you may be curious about.  Ryan Matthews will put up good numbers, but he doesn’t seen much play near the end zone which really hurts his fantasy value.  DeAngelo Williams is on a lot of peoples top 25s but tandems rarely continue to flourish in back to back years without one player becoming slowly overtaking the majority of the carries.  We saw a definite fall in the Giants three piece scheme with Bradshaw and Jacobs dropping off and Ward becoming non-existent.

There are also some players that I ranked a bit lower than you would expect as well.  Fitzgerald for instance will miss the rest of the pre-season and will suffer without Warner’s ability to lead him without running him into hungry free safeties.  Frank Gore’s numbers will likely slide a bit with Alex Smith growing a bit more confident and with the development of Crabtree and Ted Gin Jr.  Other variances are due to realistic expectations and myself ranking consistency over one break out season.

I’ve also compiled a list of some players who may slide down a few rounds from their normal rounds.  I’d keep an eye out for Ronnie Brown during rounds 4-5 as he can gain back his starting role.  Look for C.J. Spiller in the late 3rd to early 4th round as he looks to be the Bills starter due to injuries.   As for players that may go undrafted, here are my sleepers:

1. Arian Foster RB
2. Dexter McCluster WR
3. Bernard Berrian WR
4. Jerricho Cotchery WR
5. Chad Henne QB
6. Malcolm Floyd WR
7. Josh Cribbs WR
8. Terrell Owens WR
9. Nate Burleson WR
10. Mike Williams WR

Foster proved himself last year while Slaton quite literally dropped the ball.  Tate who was slated to take over the number one slot has already picked up an injury which has opened up the way for Foster to put up some really good points this year.

McCluster is being tweaked into all folds of the Chiefs offense and look for him to average 5 carries a game and as the potential to produce similar stats to Mike Wallace last year.

Bernard Berrian produced nice numbers after finally becoming healthy, and used to be the Vikings number 1 receiver.

Jerricho Cotchery used to be the Jets go to guy, and with the addition of both Holmes and Edwards he is going overlooked in some leagues.  With Holmes suspension Cotchery can put up solid number 2 stats during the first 4 games, and his value will sink with Holmes return however, making an easy to cut player when your need to replace your Tight End or Kicker for a week.

Chad Henne put up solid numbers last year after Pennington’s injury and has potential to blossom into an adequate starting fantasy option.  He will probably never average 30+ a game, but should deliver a solid 20.  More than you can usually expect from a QB coming after the 7th round.

Malcom Floyd isn’t going entirely undrafted, but he is usually there around round 10.  He should be the number 1 receiver in San Diego while Jackson is off being a baby, so keep an eye on him around round 8.

Josh Cribbs in an interesting item.  He will likely factor into the Browns RB race, as well as being a slot receiver.  This means Cribbs is capable of putting up 8-10 points a week in most leagues, with potential for much more.

I never thought I’d see Terrell Owens go undrafted, but he has done so in 2 out of 5 drafts I witnessed, with myself taking him twice after the 8th round.  It appears Palmer is going to throw to him as well, so look for TO’s numbers to rival that of Ocho Cinco if he stays healthy.  A great pick after your starters are in order.

Nate Burleson seems to be the Lions go to guy near the end zone.  He’s not afraid to take a hit which makes him a great option for Stafford in the red zone.  Don’t look for him to put up a lot of yards, a TD a week makes up for that.

Mike Williams has already made his way into the the starting line up.  Watch his output as he’s likely to be a quick target for an injury pickup.

Can the seemingly superhuman Colts run the bandwagon Saints off their rails?

First things first. The Jets came out with a few shiny plays just for the Colts, in what reminded myself of the Auburn – Alabama game this year. The underdogs came out swinging for the fences, but just couldn’t keep up with the big boys. The Jets got the 17 points that every analyst other than the Houzh gave them, but failed to keep to Colts under that mark for the last two quarters. The Colts will represent the AFC in Miami.

This next bit is going to sound like the whiny complaints of a disappointed and spiteful fan. Therefore I will start by representing both sides. The Vikings didn’t deserve to win. Adrian Peterson failed to open his arms widely enough to receive the ball once, and straight up dropped the ball a second time to kill a drive inside the Saints five yard line just before halftime. He put the ball on the ground a third time, but managed to recover that mistake. Percy Harvin also had a fumble as did Bernard Berrian. Brett Favre threw two interceptions one of which can only be explained by “The luck of the Favre. “ That being said, they still should have won it. There defense played miraculously to keep it a game. The offense managed to come back on their next possession after each turnover. The real problem because obvious during the first quarter. The Saints Defense was trying to hurt Brett Favre, and the referees were going to let them do it. The first quarter alone saw Darren Sharper, Brett’s form Packer team mate lowered his helmet and hit Brett in the chin after one pass was thrown. Later that drive Bobby McCray, A.K.A the biggest douche bag the league has seen since Albert Haynesworth, committed helmet to helmet contact twice after that on the same drive. One of those three penalties was called. This behavior continued the entire game. At one point Brett Favre had dropped back 25 times and been hit 11 times after the throw. Seven of those hits were with helmets lowered. One was a pile drive, which was obvious to everyone except for Troy Aikman, who was either drunk is has been rendered punch drunk by the amount of concussions he suffered over his career. Even the refs felt the need to call that one, as it is one of the new rules that is strictly enforced. However another of the leagues new rules, which single handedly won the Patriots as game vs. the Ravens, went ignored. The rule is simple:

A player may not forcefully and intentionally strike a quarterback in, or below the knees. This rule was designed for Tom Brady after he went down in last year’s season opener vs. the Chiefs. The rule has been highly recognized and called throughout the year. After the first of Brett’s interceptions Bobby McCray dove full speed into the back of Brett’s legs injuring his left ankle. No flag was thrown, so instead of First Down and Ten from inside the Saint’s 30 yard line, the Vikings found there defense taking the field once again. All in all Brett still had a chance to win in the two minute drive as the Vikings were in Ryan Longwell’s range. An untimely penalty forced to Vikings to take to the air and Brett Favre threw his that pass that might haunt him for the rest of his life for the 2nd time in three years.

The Game goes to overtime and the Saints get the ball. Vikings lose. Every Vikings and Favre fan new it then and there. However the Vikings defense stops Peirre Thomas on 4th down by dislodging the ball from his grasp as he attempts the first down. The first down marker can even be easily seen behind him in the close up of the ball shifting. The ball never crosses the marker. However first down Saints. Next the sure handed Meachum drops a sure catch forcing Hartley to attempt a 52 yard kick to win the game, or the refs can ignore the fact that the tail of the ball touched the ground and place it at the 22 and give the Saints the win. So yeah the Saints win the most vulgar lopsided game that has ever been witnessed. They blood-thirstily ignored the rules and tried to take Brett Favre out of the game. Officials turned blind eye after blind eye and…….

Oh. A Bush was in attendance and is a Saints fan. That makes sense.

Super Bowl Preview

February 7th, 2010

Miami, Florida

New Orleans Saints vs. the Indianapolis Colts

The scene is too large. McCray isn’t allowed to simple ignore the rules and beat the ever living shit out of Peyton Manning after the ball is thrown. Personal Fouls aren’t ignored because the play clock for the first quarter runs out with a live ball still in play. The Replay officials actually watch what happens and make adjustments accordingly. Pass interference isn’t called on a ball that was thrown seven feet over the head of Colston. The Colts win:

Colts 38 – Saints 28 – Referees 0 (it’s the Super Bowl)

Also I would like to state for the record:

If an apology isn’t made to the Vikings for the horrible calls that handed the Saints the game, I hereby resign as an NFL commentator. I am disgusted at how one sided games have been called for the home teams, during certain games this year. The Ravens – Patriots game was horrid. The Vikings – Steelers game was even worse. This game made me physically sick. Everyone who watched the game should be entitled to $20 movie voucher for the time wasted watching a game that had a decided out come before it had even started. This fact was made abundantly clear when a Brett Favre Sears commercial that states “I’ll see you in Miami, or will I?” was aired for the first and only time in the commercial break that lead to half time. Yeah. I’m done. I have never seen a game more clearly given to the other team, and yes I did watch the AFC Championship game where the Tuck A.K.A. Brady rule was invented.

Hampton’s Record: 23-16 (.590)
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This is the only phone through which one can witness Peyton Manning's laser rocket arm.

Last week went about 95% as it should have.  The Colts made only one mistake on an interception by Ed Reed, which was corrected as Pierre Garcon chased Reed down and punched the ball out.  Having been asked about the hustle, Garcon humbly responded “He took my touchdown, so I went and got it back.”  The Vikings dominated the Cowboys, despite all the talk around Rosy’s of it being their year.  Favre threw for 4 touchdowns and was inches away from 5, as Sydney Rice finally managed to find the end zone, having set up countless touchdowns for Shaincoe and Peterson during the year.  The Saints piled the points onto a week Cardinals defense, and double coverage on Fitzgerald locked down their offense with Anquan Boldin out of the picture.  Finally, the Jets got their 17 points, just as I said they would.  However Nate Kaeding who had only missed three field goals all year, missed all three attempts Sunday.  A single FG would have tied the game.

Only 4 teams remain.  The Vikings go to New Orleans for the NFC title, and the Jets go back to Indianapolis to face a Colts team that will play all 4 quarters this week.  The winners will represent their respective conferences in the Super Bowl on February 7^th.

New York Football Jets at Indianapolis Colts

The last times these two teams played Peyton Manning and the Colts offense had their way with the Jets defense for two and one half quarters.  Then the Colts Stars:  Manning, Wayne, Garcon, Clark, Freeney, Bracket, Mathis, and Addai took the rest of the game off.  Then the Jets D ate backup Curtis Painter up, like fifteen year old girls ate of Clay Aiken all those years ago.  Forcing multiple turnovers, one of which was an automatic seven points.  This game should play out much like the first game started.  Revis will cover Wayne well, but he’ll still get a touch or two.  The key playmakers will be Dallas Clark and a combination of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie.  Against an aggressive blitz and man coverage the slot receiver will rack up some serious yards after catch.  The Jets will run the ball well and lock up the ball for around thirty minutes in a losing effort.

Colts 35 – Jets 17

Neither Richard Alpert or Brett Favre age as the years go by.

Sunday 6:40 ET on FOX

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints

The Vikings and the Saints.  The match everyone has predicted and wanted since week six.  The team that gets the most pressure on the opposing QB will win this game.  That team is the Minnesota Vikings.  With the Williams Wall sandwiched between Ray Edwards and Jared Allen, look for the Vikings front four to total five sacks by itself.   Kim Kardashian or no, Reggie Bush isn’t going to have career rushing days in consecutive weeks, and with Purple Jesus to fall back on the Vikings also have the advantage on that front.  The receiving core of the Vikings is a little deeper than the Saints with Shockey a little wounded.  The only real advantage the Saints have are the veteran DB’s led up by a Darren Sharper.  This game will be decided by a former Packer, and sorry Sharper, but you sain’t the guy.

Vikings 38 – Saints 28

Will Miracle Meachem propel the Saints to the NFC Championship?

You know how I said the Cowboys couldn’t beat the Eagles three times in one season?  I was wrong.  Apparently they could defeat them 16 times in as season if necessary.  The Ravens crushed the Patriots, avenging the slight given them earlier this year.  The Ravens D forced 3 Tom Brady turnovers in the first quarter alone, and spectators reportedly heard crying coming for the depths of the Patriot sideline for the rest of the afternoon..  The Bengals managed to hold Thomas Jones under 50 yards rushing, but still allowed nearly 200 yards on the ground.  With Ocho Cinco under the thumb of Darrel Revis, the Bengal offense couldn’t manage to keep up falling by 10.  Four more points than the two kicks missed by Graham which Coach Marvin Lewis said cost them the game.  The Cardinals won a low scoring basketball game toppling the Packers 51-45 in overtime, thanks to a little bit of Lambeau bad luck.  A tradition that goes back to Elway and Sharpe‘s Poweraid theft of 98.  An event this analyst remembers all too well.

Saturday’s Games

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints

The Saints started off the season 13-0, but lost their last three games.  This slide has caused many experts to slot them as the underdogs as the Red Hot Cardinals come off of an impressive win over an equally impressive Packer squad.  The Saints defense was able to force a large number of turnovers early in the season and have failed to do so during their current slide.  However with Boldin likely sidelined again and Fitzgerald in double coverage they are likely to force a few.  Kurt Warner has been accused of throwing it up and letting Fitzgerald make most of his plays for him, if this is true look for Darren Sharper to find a couple fall his way.  Either way a healthy Saints Offense led by Drew Brees and Miracle Meachem will pile up a bunch of points and flimsy Cardinals D:

Saints 38 – Cardinals 31

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts

The Ravens fell just short of the Colts in their meeting earlier this season when they were forced to settle for field goals all day long.  Flacco and Rice have exploded the last couple of weeks as they did early in the season and if any team in the AFC can take out the Colts it’s them.  However the Colts are healthy.  They made a point of coming into the playoffs that way.  They are deeper than they have ever been.  Joseph Addai has come alive of late, and Donald Brown and Chad Simpson all capable of making big plays out of the back field and arguably the best receiving core in the league.  The Colts are unlocking under Manning coming off of the bye.  Ray Rice will control most of the game against a week Colts running game, but just like that Monday night against Miami, Peyton will refuse to lose:

Colts 33 – Ravens 27

Sunday’s Games

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings

Sidney Rice needs to have a big game to beat the Cowboys.

Every analyst and non-committal fan around the world has jumped on the Cowboy bandwagon of late.  If you look backwards through time, you can actually see them leaping onto it, from the Vikings bandwagon.  The last two halves that mattered, the Vikings combined for over 60 points.  The Cowboys  have been dominate of recent (probably just because I have been picking against them).  Rumors are actually starting to spread of Wade Phillips keeping his job.  That won’t happen.  Sidney Rice will and Vincent Shiancoe will make Favre look  better than ever:

Vikings 48 – Cowboys 27

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers

The Jets have ran rampant this year.  Thomas Jones has put together another pro bowl worthy year, and no one really noticed.  The Chargers have been the hottest team in the league since week 5, and have one of the most well balanced attacks seen in the league.  This game comes down to Phillip Rivers as he must put the game onto Mark Sanchez’s shoulder.  Dirty Sanchez isn’t quite ready to carry a team to a championship, and if the Jets are forced to play catch up, he’s made many the game sealing mistake this season.  Darrel Revis will lock down Vincent Jackson, placing the primary burden on the shoulders of  Antonio Gates.  If Gates can pull the Jets Linebackers off the line of scrimmage, look for Sproles and Little T to combine for 150 yards. If not then Sanchez may be able to play small ball and ride Greene and Thomas to the victory:

Chargers 30 – Jets 17

Will the Ravens sink the Patriot's championship hopes?

The last week of the regular season lacked a little of the luster the previous weeks had.  The Texans and Steelers both did what they had to do to get to the playoffs, but didn’t get the needed help from the Raiders or Bengals.  The Bengals decided they’d rather just play the Jets once, and rested the majority of their starters.  This was likely after seeing Wes Welker go down, as the Texans rode Arian Foster past the Patriots.  Chris Johnson broke Marshall Faulk’s record for season single yards from scrimmage record, setting the new mark at 2,509; however he fell 103 yards shy of reaching Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,109 rushing yards.  The Vikings carried over from the second half of their Monday night game putting up another 30+ point half to open against the Giants.  That effort combined with a Cowboy win over the Eagles granted them a first week bye.  All in all 3 matches turned out to be previews of this weekend’s match-ups, and in the final game the Ravens seek to avenge an early season loss to the Patriots that came over so very questionable, and one-sided calls.

Thomas Jones gave the Bengals defense more than they could handle last weekend.  However they had all the time in the world to score points with the Bengals only attempting 19 passes.  Look for Ochocinco to get half as many looks this weekend, as THIS game will come down to whether or not Dirty Sanchez can power them past the veteran Carson Palmer.  I predict an USC Quarterback to pull out the victory this week, just not the one you think.  Riding Thomas Jones, and backed up by a solid receiving core Sanchez will shine, as Ocho Cinco is covered by the league’s most talented lock down DB in Revis:

Jets 24 – Bengals 21

The Cowboys have had the Eagles number so far this season winning both matches.  However last week’s win was aided by the luck of the Favre.  These are two equally matched teams.  The only real X-Factor is DeSean Jackson, who’s yet to have a big game versus the Cowboys this season.  Can the Cowboys beat the Eagles for the third time in a single season?  Or will Jackson dance this weekend? Jackson will dance.

Eagles 30 – Cowboys 24

Sunday

The Patriots won their first match on the strength of two roughing the passer calls that Brady got, that Flacco didn’t.  It was a disgusting display.  Brady’s whining could be heard in the cheap seats as he demanded calls for players grazing his legs as they fell to the ground, while Flacco remained silent as he was speared a full 3 seconds after releasing the ball.  Don’t look for blatant miscalls to determine a playoff match.  The Ravens are healthy, and the Patriots are missing their workhorse in Wes Welker.  Unless a new rule is invented this weekend, Cry Brady cries:

Ravens 31 – Patriots 23

Larry Fitzgerald should have a big game against the Packers.

The Cardinals, as expected, rested Kurt Warner, Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells.  The Packers ran the score up anyway.  With effectively a free preview of this week’s play calling look for the big play Cardinal D to dial in on Aaron Rodgers, while the Dynamic Duo of Fitzgerald and Bolden each get a touchdown and 60 yards a piece.  The Packers prepared for the wrong game:

Cardinals 33 – Packers 24

Hampton’s Record: 16-14 (0.533)