Week 1 Picks and Playoff Predictions
My predictions are in for the NFC and the AFC, as well as the Bengals, so now it's time for playoff predictions, awards, picks for Week 1, and my Super Bowl pick. Could it be the Bengals? Keep reading to find out.
Week 1 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
DENVER over Baltimore: With all the players the Ravens last this past offseason and with their first game being on the road, I liked Peyton Manning and the Broncos to win, but I never thought Peyton would tie an NFL record with seven touchdown passes. Manning gets the first "Holy Crap" of the season.
New England over BUFFALO: Good luck to Bills rookie QB E.J. Manuel who is making his first career start against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Miami over CLEVELAND: Really like the team Miami has this season and I think they start the season with a victory on the road.
Atlanta over NEW ORLEANS: High scoring game could be in order with Sean Payton returning to the New Orleans sideline, but Atlanta has the better team.
Tampa Bay over NY JETS: Alabama or Oregon could beat the Jets, so the Buccaneers should have no problem with rookie QB Geno Smith and the T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E, TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! Jets.
PITTSBURGH over Tennessee: Home opener for the Steelers results in a win.
DETROIT over Minnesota: I'm really torn over this one. It's hard to predict what teams are going to do the first week of the season, but seeing how the Lions are at home and have Calvin Johnson, I'll take Detroit in a close one.
INDIANAPOLIS over Oakland: Terrelle Pryor vs. Andrew Luck. I think I'll take Luck at home.
Seattle over CAROLINA: The Seahawks may have to come to the east coast for a 1 o'clock kick, but that won't stop them from getting their first win of the season.
Kansas City over JACKSONVILLE: If the Chiefs are indeed an improve team and one that will contend for the playoffs, then they win this game.
ST. LOUIS over Arizona: This game is flying under the radar, but this could be one of the better games this weekend. St. Louis and Arizona both are improved teams, but I like the Rams at home.
SAN FRANCISCO over Green Bay: Rematch of last year's Divisional Round matchup and I see the same result as back in January with a 49ers win.
NY Giants over DALLAS: This one is a toss-up. Games between the Giants and Cowboys are always close and since Eli Manning is more clutch than Tony Romo, I like New York.
WASHINGTON over Philadelphia: RGIII returns and out duels Michael Vick and the new look Eagles.
Houston over SAN DIEGO: Texans start the season out in sunny San Diego and I think they'll have no problem with the Chargers. RB Arian Foster scores at least two touchdowns.
Bengals over BEARS: Tough game right out of the gate for the Bengals. The Bears have a very talented offense with Jay Culter, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall, and the Chicago defense is always one of the best in the league. If the Bengals are to win this game it will be because of their defense. Cincinnati is supposed to have one of the best pass rushes in football and the Bears have had one of the worst offensive lines the past few seasons -- Cutler was sacked 38 times last season. If Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson, Carlos Dunlap, James Harrison and Co. can get to Cutler and force some turnovers, the Bengals will win this game. Bengals 24, Bears 20.
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 1-0
AWARDS AND PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
2013 AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady, Patriots: With Welker and Hernandez gone and an injured Gronk, the Patriots need Brady to have a big year and I think he will. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Adrian Peterson will challenge Brady, but I think he will put up monster numbers that will win him some more hardware.
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, Saints: Drew Brees and the Saints offense always put up lots of yards and points, but with the return of head coach Sean Payton, I think New Orleans will be even better on offense. Brees should throw for close to 5,000-yards and 40 touchdowns once again while possibly leading the Saints to the playoffs.
Defensive Player of the Year: Geno Atkins, Bengals: One could argue that Geno Atkins should have won the award last year, but he'll finally get the recognition he deserves with being named the best defensive player in the league.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, Rams: Austin will get a lot of touches on offense and special teams this year and with his speed his could make some big plays. It might take him some time to get in sync with QB Sam Bradford, but I think he a tremendous effect on the Rams this season. Keep an eye on Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy too.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Desmond Trufant, Falcons: This one is wide open for me. There aren't any real superstars in the making that I think will have a significant impact on their teams this year. Tyrann Mathieu comes to mind, but my only problem with his that is lack of maturity is cause for concern -- also the reason why he was kicked off the LSU football team and his draft stock fell to the third round. Trufant, however, will get a chance to start in Atlanta and with this being a passing league, he will be tested early, but will ultimately have some success.
Comeback Player of the Year: Robert Griffin III, Redskins: Adrian Peterson was able to come back from an ACL injury and have a spectacular season, and I expect the same from RGIII in 2013.
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, Saints: I struggled with this one because there are a lot of great coaches in this league, but something about Sean Payton coming back after a year away makes me think he will have the Saints playing great football. New Orleans was lost without him last year and now that he's back the Saints' offense could put up record yards and points.
Most Frustrating Organization (aka "The Mike Brown Award"): New York Jets: This is a team that has gone from back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances in 2009 and 2010 to laughing stocks of the league. Rex Ryan is a very good defensive coordinator, but, personally, I think he is an absolutely terrible head coach. His handling of the media is a joke, his decisions are head scratchers, his handling of the quarterback position has been appalling, he has created a circus like atmosphere in the locker room, and he has turned the Jets into one of the most dreadful organizations in the NFL. Being a Jets fan is tough these days and it's only going to get worse in 2013.
Playoff Predictions
AFC
(1) Broncos (12-4)
(2) Texans (12-4)
(3) Patriots (11-5)
(4) Bengals (11-5)
(5) Ravens (10-6)
(6) Colts (9-7)
Wild Card Round
Bengals over Ravens
Patriots over Colts
I really believe this is the year the Bengals finally win a playoff game. They have a very talented roster and if Andy Dalton plays well, who knows how far they will go. I see them getting out of the wild card round, but if they have to play in Denver or New England in January, I don't like there odds. As much as I want to pick them to win the Super Bowl, I just don't think it will happen. But I sure hope I'm wrong.
Divisional Round
Broncos over Bengals
Patriots over Texans
AFC Championship
Broncos over Patriots
NFC
(1) 49ers (12-4)
(2) Packers (12-4)
(3) Falcons (11-5)
(4) Redskins (11-5)
(5) Seahawks (11-5)
(6) Giants (10-6)
Wild Card Round
Falcons over Giants
Seahawks over Redskins
Divisional Round
Seahawks over 49ers
Falcons over Packers
NFC Championship
Seahawks over Falcons
SUPER BOWL XLVIII
Broncos 27, Seahawks 24
Peyton Manning and the Broncos have a great team and I honestly think they would have won it last year had it not been for Rahim Moore's bonehead play against the Ravens. There are several teams that could win it, in my opinion, Denver, New England, Atlanta, San Francisco and Seattle have the best chances. Anything can happen in the playoffs, so whoever gets there has a chance to win it. That's one of the things that makes the NFL so special.
Peyton Manning though, wants to add another Super Bowl to his resume. I think this is the year he finally gets number two. There will now be four Super Bowl rings at Manning family gatherings with Eli having two of his own.
Football is back and a great season is ahead. Stay tuned each week for my picks.
Week 1 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
DENVER over Baltimore: With all the players the Ravens last this past offseason and with their first game being on the road, I liked Peyton Manning and the Broncos to win, but I never thought Peyton would tie an NFL record with seven touchdown passes. Manning gets the first "Holy Crap" of the season.
New England over BUFFALO: Good luck to Bills rookie QB E.J. Manuel who is making his first career start against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Miami over CLEVELAND: Really like the team Miami has this season and I think they start the season with a victory on the road.
Atlanta over NEW ORLEANS: High scoring game could be in order with Sean Payton returning to the New Orleans sideline, but Atlanta has the better team.
Tampa Bay over NY JETS: Alabama or Oregon could beat the Jets, so the Buccaneers should have no problem with rookie QB Geno Smith and the T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E, TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! Jets.
PITTSBURGH over Tennessee: Home opener for the Steelers results in a win.
DETROIT over Minnesota: I'm really torn over this one. It's hard to predict what teams are going to do the first week of the season, but seeing how the Lions are at home and have Calvin Johnson, I'll take Detroit in a close one.
INDIANAPOLIS over Oakland: Terrelle Pryor vs. Andrew Luck. I think I'll take Luck at home.
Seattle over CAROLINA: The Seahawks may have to come to the east coast for a 1 o'clock kick, but that won't stop them from getting their first win of the season.
Kansas City over JACKSONVILLE: If the Chiefs are indeed an improve team and one that will contend for the playoffs, then they win this game.
ST. LOUIS over Arizona: This game is flying under the radar, but this could be one of the better games this weekend. St. Louis and Arizona both are improved teams, but I like the Rams at home.
SAN FRANCISCO over Green Bay: Rematch of last year's Divisional Round matchup and I see the same result as back in January with a 49ers win.
NY Giants over DALLAS: This one is a toss-up. Games between the Giants and Cowboys are always close and since Eli Manning is more clutch than Tony Romo, I like New York.
WASHINGTON over Philadelphia: RGIII returns and out duels Michael Vick and the new look Eagles.
Houston over SAN DIEGO: Texans start the season out in sunny San Diego and I think they'll have no problem with the Chargers. RB Arian Foster scores at least two touchdowns.
 |
| Jay Culter vs. Andy Dalton on Sunday in Chicago. (Getty Images) |
This Week: 1-0
Overall: 1-0
AWARDS AND PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
2013 AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady, Patriots: With Welker and Hernandez gone and an injured Gronk, the Patriots need Brady to have a big year and I think he will. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Adrian Peterson will challenge Brady, but I think he will put up monster numbers that will win him some more hardware.
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, Saints: Drew Brees and the Saints offense always put up lots of yards and points, but with the return of head coach Sean Payton, I think New Orleans will be even better on offense. Brees should throw for close to 5,000-yards and 40 touchdowns once again while possibly leading the Saints to the playoffs.
Defensive Player of the Year: Geno Atkins, Bengals: One could argue that Geno Atkins should have won the award last year, but he'll finally get the recognition he deserves with being named the best defensive player in the league.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, Rams: Austin will get a lot of touches on offense and special teams this year and with his speed his could make some big plays. It might take him some time to get in sync with QB Sam Bradford, but I think he a tremendous effect on the Rams this season. Keep an eye on Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy too.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Desmond Trufant, Falcons: This one is wide open for me. There aren't any real superstars in the making that I think will have a significant impact on their teams this year. Tyrann Mathieu comes to mind, but my only problem with his that is lack of maturity is cause for concern -- also the reason why he was kicked off the LSU football team and his draft stock fell to the third round. Trufant, however, will get a chance to start in Atlanta and with this being a passing league, he will be tested early, but will ultimately have some success.
Comeback Player of the Year: Robert Griffin III, Redskins: Adrian Peterson was able to come back from an ACL injury and have a spectacular season, and I expect the same from RGIII in 2013.
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, Saints: I struggled with this one because there are a lot of great coaches in this league, but something about Sean Payton coming back after a year away makes me think he will have the Saints playing great football. New Orleans was lost without him last year and now that he's back the Saints' offense could put up record yards and points.
Most Frustrating Organization (aka "The Mike Brown Award"): New York Jets: This is a team that has gone from back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances in 2009 and 2010 to laughing stocks of the league. Rex Ryan is a very good defensive coordinator, but, personally, I think he is an absolutely terrible head coach. His handling of the media is a joke, his decisions are head scratchers, his handling of the quarterback position has been appalling, he has created a circus like atmosphere in the locker room, and he has turned the Jets into one of the most dreadful organizations in the NFL. Being a Jets fan is tough these days and it's only going to get worse in 2013.
Playoff Predictions
AFC
(1) Broncos (12-4)
(2) Texans (12-4)
(3) Patriots (11-5)
(4) Bengals (11-5)
(5) Ravens (10-6)
(6) Colts (9-7)
Wild Card Round
 |
| The Bengals will not only make the playoffs, but win their first playoff game since 1991. (Tom Uhlman/AP) |
Patriots over Colts
I really believe this is the year the Bengals finally win a playoff game. They have a very talented roster and if Andy Dalton plays well, who knows how far they will go. I see them getting out of the wild card round, but if they have to play in Denver or New England in January, I don't like there odds. As much as I want to pick them to win the Super Bowl, I just don't think it will happen. But I sure hope I'm wrong.
Divisional Round
Broncos over Bengals
Patriots over Texans
AFC Championship
Broncos over Patriots
NFC
(1) 49ers (12-4)
(2) Packers (12-4)
(3) Falcons (11-5)
(4) Redskins (11-5)
(5) Seahawks (11-5)
(6) Giants (10-6)
Wild Card Round
Falcons over Giants
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| Peyton Manning is going for his second Super Bowl ring in 2013. (Getty Images) |
Divisional Round
Seahawks over 49ers
Falcons over Packers
NFC Championship
Seahawks over Falcons
SUPER BOWL XLVIII
Broncos 27, Seahawks 24
Peyton Manning and the Broncos have a great team and I honestly think they would have won it last year had it not been for Rahim Moore's bonehead play against the Ravens. There are several teams that could win it, in my opinion, Denver, New England, Atlanta, San Francisco and Seattle have the best chances. Anything can happen in the playoffs, so whoever gets there has a chance to win it. That's one of the things that makes the NFL so special.
Peyton Manning though, wants to add another Super Bowl to his resume. I think this is the year he finally gets number two. There will now be four Super Bowl rings at Manning family gatherings with Eli having two of his own.
Football is back and a great season is ahead. Stay tuned each week for my picks.
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