I put off starting this post longer than I typically do because I was so bummed out about going 0-for-4 on picks last weekend (making me 3/8 total), that I wondered if the conference championships were just better off being left alone. Alas, it has still only been 2 weeks since I went a solid 3/4 in the wildcard round and it's not like I can't break this super horrible picking streak I've been on. It's safe to say that after my atrocious bowl picks (16/42) and these disappointing playoff results, I am in full basketball mode. Thanks to the great slate of games on MLK Day and the race between Golden State and San Antonio for 70 wins, this NBA season is still ridiculously entertaining despite a lack of great teams outside of the obvious top 4 right now (Spurs, Warriors, Thunder and Cavaliers) and basketball continues to prove why it is the best sport around despite games like Andre Drummond's Wednesday night from hell (13/36 at the free throw line). I'd rather watch Hack-A-____ strategies over Danny Amendola's illegal hit from last round any day.
Here are my Conference Championship predictions and mini-previews... Patriots 27 - Broncos 16
Greg M. Cooper - USA TODAY Sports Julian Edelman is coming off of a 10-catch, 100-yard performance in his first game in two months.
The 2015 Denver Broncos are the luckiest NFL team since the 2011 Denver Broncos (TEBOW!). Denver has now won ten games this season by one score including last week's victory over a depleted Steelers offense. Much like Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning got to make one ridiculous play that was not at all indicative of his performance last Sunday that ended up being the deciding factor in a one-score game against Pittsburgh (sound familiar?). New England barely ended the Chiefs season thanks to Andy Reid: Clock Management Guru striking again. Julian Edelman and his route running made a return and clearly boosted Tom Brady's performance along with team morale as the Pats are now 11-0 with Edelman (2-4 without). Defensively, New England just placed Linebacker Jerod Mayo on injured reserve (which does not mean nearly as much as it did three Mayo IR stints ago) and the team really just needs to shut down Denver's run game (expect a big Jamie Collins game). Denver's defense might be the best in the league right now but, DB Chris Harris Jr. still has a lingering shoulder injury that might require some help from Denver's Safeties. The game is in Denver so, watch out for some field goals (thanks elevation levels!). Ultimately, this is the last time we get to see Brady versus Manning (hopefully) and what would be a more appropriate result than seeing Peyton's dreams of returning to the Super Bowl crushed again? If Denver wants to win, they'll bring in Brock Osweiler and establish some consistency in their passing game for once. Panthers 38 - Cardinals 13
These two men (Luke Kuechly & Larry Fitzgerald) will define this game.
In a rematch of last season's godawful wildcard game, the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals both look to return to the Super Bowl for their second appearances in franchise history. Carolina was on track to totally demolish Seattle until they got too conservative and turned a 31-0 shutout into a 31-24 final. Arizona gave everybody in Arizona, Wisconsin and everyone at NBC heart attacks with the best playoff game quite possibly ever in their 26-20 OT win over Green Bay. One thing that was noticeably off last week was Carson Palmer, who reverted to his Oakland days with some of the throws he practically begged the Packers to intercept. If Palmer can't play well against Green Bay's defense, why would he against Carolina's immovable defense? Forget that Larry Fitzgerald is the terminator hellbent on winning a Super Bowl before his legs give out, if Palmer can't find him, John Brown or Michael Floyd, Arizona is in big trouble. David Johnson has quietly taken a backseat in Bruce Arians' game-plan the past two weeks and it's unlikely he'll break 100 yards even if they remember how good he is at some point before the clock hits 0:00. The thing we are seeing this year that was not around in 2014 is a fully healthy Cam Newton throwing strikes to pretty much anyone. Jonathan Stewart has reinvigorated his career these past few months and Arizona's run defense does occasionally break, leaving 60 yards of space for Eddie "Jerome Bettis 2.0" Lacy to run through. Injury-wise, Carolina will be without DE Jared Allen and Arizona is still rediscovering what life without the honey badger (Tyrann Matieu) is like and it's nowhere near as enjoyable for them as an active honey badger. So, enjoy the Conference Championships even if they turn into blowouts and don't blame me for picking against your bandwagon team and that result becoming true.
Head coaching changes galore! The Cleveland Browns have dumped Mike Pettine for Bengals OC Hue Jackson and the departure of Johnny Manziel is now imminent. Jackson went 8-8 in one year as the head coach in Oakland and will likely turn that whole Browns roster upside down but, that still likely won't result in wins because it is still Cleveland and these are still the Browns. In Miami, Dan Campbell's interim experience was alright but not too different from the Joe Philbin era. As a result, Campbell is gone and in steps Bears OC Adam Gase, who slightly redeemed Jay Cutler this season and should be a huge get for players like Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller (if he stays), Jay Ajayi and Devante Parker. The Giants forced Tom Coughlin's resignation and promoted OC Ben McAdoo to head coach in a move that will only help them maintain some consistency on offense. Lastly, the 49ers hired Chip Kelly and with that mixture of poor ownership, a unique GM and a head coach with mixed reviews, San Francisco is set up for a wild couple of seasons now that Jim Tomsula has shaved off his mustache, rendering him useless. Tampa Bay promoted OC Dirk Koetter (yawn) and Philly hired former QB/Chiefs OC Doug Pederson (They really miss Andy Reid). One opening remains in Tennessee and Josh McDaniels is likely the favorite to replace Mike Mularkey to wrap up the coaching carousel for 2016. On to the second round!... Chiefs 23 - Patriots 20
Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports Much of this result is dependent on the health of Linebacker Justin Houston.
I realize that I'm cheating by both picking the Patriots to make the Super Bowl in the preseason and taking Kansas City this weekend but, a ton of things have changed since August and even with Jeremy Maclin listed as a game-time decision, this is still a very similar Chiefs team to the one that dismantled the Patriots early last season (they didn't even have Maclin) and the Patriots are way more dinged up than KC even with the week of rest (Edelman's not 100%, Amendola hasn't been 100% in years, Blount is out, Gronk just had his knee looked at, etc.). With all of that said though, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are still at the tops of their games and this match-up does not take place at Arrowhead so, like nearly every game this weekend, I could totally see this game going either way. Kansas City just feels like a team bound to lose in the Super Bowl after last week's humiliation of Houston. Packers 27 - Cardinals 23
Christian Petersen/Getty Images Why will James Jones be wearing a hoodie indoors in Arizona?
No matter what happens between Green Bay and Arizona, I feel pretty confident in stating that the final score will not be 38-8. After tanking the week 17 game versus Minnesota, the Packers looked like The Packers in their 35-18 win over Washington and though that could have been fluky, it's still blatantly obvious that this offense is in much better hands with Mike McCarthy calling plays instead of Tom Clements. Arizona has not changed at all since their 30-point victory over the Packers even though they suffered a 30-point loss to the Seahawks in a meaningless week 17 game. On pretty much every level, Arizona is the superior team right now. This game feels like a trap (Kansas City-Houston did too and look how that turned out) and between Arizona and Carolina, something has to break up the perfect 1 versus 2 conference championship. Screw it, I'll stick with my preseason Super Bowl pick and reluctantly take the Packers. Seahawks 19 - Panthers 17
Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images Cam Newton is a totally different beast than Teddy Bridgewater
In a match-up that is always close, Carolina and Seattle are two of the more entertaining teams in the league and have begun a sort of rivalry against each other. In the battle of two MVP candidates, it's basically a draw at every single position besides Running Back where the injured-yet-active Marshawn Lynch has a clear advantage over Jonathan Stewart despite the long absence this year. All the way back in week five, Carolina won this game 27-23 back when Tight Ends were Seattle's kryptonite. While these teams have not been altered drastically since October, Carolina did just lose veteran Cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman to a Torn ACL. This game is such a toss-up (despite the fluke lucky win by Seattle in the wildcard round) that it might come down to a freak injury or which player is least ready for the spotlight (Cortland Finnegan). Steelers 20 - Broncos 13
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images With Antonio Brown injured, Martavis Bryant needs to step up in a major way.
I'm just calling all of the upsets and hoping that one will happen but, this game is going to be a toss-up as one of the worst second round games ever televised. Just take a look at the inactives and weep to yourself accordingly as we all know no matter what, everybody is watching this game come late-afternoon Sunday. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman did a surprisingly respectable job against Cincy's defense in last week's 18-16 upset but, now Antonio Brown (the best receiver in the NFL) is OUT and Ben Roethlisberger's arm is one awkward hit away from falling off. It would seem like a totally bold prediction to take Pittsburgh minus half their offense and with a weak defense but, Denver's defense has not quite lived up to their early-season hype and Gary Kubiak made the idiotic decision to throw zombie Peyton Manning back out there and this pick is more of a confidence-in-Peyton-blowing-it pick. The winner of this game is not going to the Super Bowl. Good lord, I hope not. Enjoy the divisional round and don't blame me for correctly predicting your team's elimination!
Are you like me and find yourself constantly listening to or watching podcasts while completing other tasks? Are you also a Chicago Bears fan or just interested in the direction of the team/feelings of the fanbase? If so, Alec Swanson has created this podcast for you! (wasn't that nice of him?). In the Supercast Shuffle's fourth installment (would have gotten to posting about it 3 episodes sooner if it weren't for end of 2015 madness), Swanson brought on some special guests (first guests milestone!) and discussed a whole bunch of NFL topics. You can check that out by clicking on the video below or by checking out the official Bears Supercast Shuffle website and you can even follow the super podcast on Twitter and Facebook.
Some thoughts that I had while Alec, Nick and Scott discussed the future of the NFC North, the Bears and the playoffs...
1. Notre Dame Linebacker Jaylon Smith. That should be the Bears' guy. He's worth the wait more than Kevin White is worth the wait.
2. Adam Gase would be a perfect fit in Miami. They need a new mind running that offense properly.
3. The Eagles are the Cleveland Browns of the NFC + annual unobtainable expectations. Gase shouldn't even flirt with coaching them. That said, I'm a Bradford believer and the strongest year off of an ACL injury is typically the second season. Hopefully Bradford leaves also (Hey, St. Louis needs a QB!).
4. Draft-wise, Green Bay takes a Linebacker (maybe Emmanuel Ogbah of OK State), Minnesota takes an O-lineman, Detroit loses Calvin Johnson in some way and ends up drafting a receiver out of nothing more than pure Lion-ness. GB wins the division, Minnesota, Chicago (wildcard totally in play next year) and then Detroit just continues to fart their way through the Stafford era.
5. I fully trust Russell Wilson in those conditions but, Marshawn Lynch being OUT turns this around from a repeat of 38-7 to a totally winnable game for Mike Zimmer & his defense. I'm not changing my pick of Seattle winning at the end of the day.
No matter what happens during this weekend's NFL playoffs, it will not be nearly as disappointing as the New Year's Eve college football playoff games. Two blowouts to go along with blowouts the next day in the most well known bowl games made for the most depressing two day stretch since that horrible Alabama-LSU championship. Now, all we have to look forward to is a Clemson versus Alabama championship game and sure, there is some intrigue with Alabama's defense trying to play against a non-pro style offense (something they've struggled with in the past) but ultimately, when only Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney can win the trophy, there are no winners.
On to my Wildcard Picks...
Houston 23 - Kansas City 17 in Overtime
AP Photo/David J. Phillip Not enough people have talked about how J.J. Watt is having an even better season than his DPOTY-worthy 2014.
Plenty of talking heads are referencing the Chiefs 27-20 week one victory over the Texans when that score seriously does not indicate anything that will happen in this game when so many variables have been altered. 1. Houston QB Brian Hoyer was injured and replaced by now-Ravens QB Ryan Mallett. 2. KC Pro Bowl RB Jamaal Charles tore his ACL in October and Andy Reid now runs a timeshare between Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. 3. Houston Pro Bowl LT Duane Brown tore his quadriceps and will miss the rest of the postseason. Basically, everything is different now and I expect Kansas City to blow it early because not every road team can win in the first round and Andy Reid is still their tease of a head coach. Pittsburgh 27 - Cincinnati 17
Aaron Doster - USA TODAY Sports Big Ben will be heavily relied upon if RB DeAngelo Williams is inactive.
The Bengals may have won the AFC North battle over Pittsburgh but, they will not be winning any wars with A.J. McCarron starting at Quarterback while Andy Dalton heals his pesky thumb. In my opinion, the Bengals have the best overall defense in the NFL right now thanks to some injuries to other teams and the slow deterioration of the Denver Broncos. They could win this game if Ben Roethlisberger plays anything like he has in the Steelers' final two regular season games (which was shockingly poorly) and if they can cover the un-coverable wideout Antonio Brown. Cincinnati's rushing attack is dull at times but, seems consistent while Pittsburgh is a total mess (for the second year in a row! remember Josh Harris?). If Fitzgerald Toussaint is about to get his first start as an NFL Running Back, that should totally eliminate a big chunk of Pittsburgh's game-plan. Mike Tomlin has also had some suspect decisions that have cost Pittsburgh over the season but, when it comes to postseason football, nobody blows it more consistently than the Marvin Lewis-led Bengals. Seattle 28 - Minnesota 20
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports Harrison Smith is an underrated key to Minnesota's success this season.
Seattle just destroyed Minnesota 38-7 where Minnesota's only touchdown came on a Cordarrelle Patterson return LAST MONTH. The Vikings defense is much healthier than it was five weeks ago but, it will take a lot more than some extra bodies to overcome a 31-point difference. Not helping Minnesota's cause is the return of Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle did just lose to St.Louis two weeks ago but, divisional rivalries are a totally different story than must-win playoff games against an inexperienced Quarterback in his first playoff game against the #1 scoring defense in the NFL. Green Bay 20 - Washington 17
AP Photo/Brian Blanco Start spreading the news, Bashaud Breeland is the most underrated Cornerback in the NFL.
Between Washington's run game, Green Bay's passing game and the facts that Washington won a horrible division while Green Bay went 4-6 over the final ten, this game should be unwatchable. Luckily, this game will probably be close and Mike McCarthy is calling plays for the Packers again so, anything is possible with this one. I'll take the Packers because they've been here before and if Cornerback Sam Shields can clear concussion protocol, the defense will contain the smoking hot Washington passing attack.
So, enjoy the Wildcard round and don't blame me for picking against your team and that result becoming true.
Justin Bieber is arrested in some country outside of the U.S.
The Golden State Warriors win 72 games but, lose prior to the NBA Finals
Lauryn Hill FINALLY drops an album out of thin air (I'm allowed to repeat)
Donald Trump drops out of the presidential race, only to announce his support for Hillary Clinton
Kendrick Lamar wins at least 6 Grammy Awards
The Cleveland Browns hire Chip Kelly as their new Head Coach/General Manager
Michael Vick retires
Tom Brady gets re-suspended for #Deflategate
The Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series Champions after somehow acquiring Yasiel Puig
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images I wouldn't trade away Puig but, where there's smoke, there's typically fire.
Zoolander 2 gets <40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes
A non-musician in the Thronedashian family releases a song and it's not awful
Lebron leaves the Cavs
The Seahawks win the Super Bowl
It snows in May in Wisconsin.
Some other musicians with new albums? Rihanna, Kanye West, The Killers, Santigold, Guns N' Roses, Bruno Mars, Fiona Apple, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Jay Z, Janelle Monae, Vampire Weekend, St. Vincent, KT Tunstall, John Legend, P!nk, Feist, M.I.A., Memory Tapes, The Shins, Skrillex and Mystikal.
The College Football Playoff is expanded to 8 teams after they tear up the current contract
A Controversial law is passed country-wide (There's always at least one)
Unfortunately, Kristaps Porzingis suffers a major injury (Sorry, I don't mean to get dark on this)
ESPN announces that it is going to launch ESPN4
The Lakers hire Tom Thibodeau
I set a new personal record in wings eaten over a 365-day span
