NFL Divisional Round Picks: Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Early Game
(3) Houston Texans (+9) at (2) Baltimore Ravens

This is a very interesting game, and fortunately for the Ravens, they get to face a very talented Texans team whose without their starting quarterback and best defensive player. Even so, Houston was able to dominate last week against Cincinnati. I think the Texans will need to get their running game going if they want to have any success. Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 190 against a good Cincy defense, and they'll need to find their holes to open up the passing game for Yates. The Ravens typically feast on rookie quarterbacks, but they don't usually face rookies with such a strong supporting cast.

The Ravens offense will need to make sure they have a balanced attack and don't forget to get their best offensive player, Ray Rice, the touches he deserves. The Texans must pressure Joe Flacco and force him into check downs to make sure they don't get burned by Torrey Smith or Lee Evans. Stretching the defense will be a key for Ray Rice to find some running room.

I think if Ray Rice gets 17-23 carries and a few catches, the Ravens should be balanced enough to move the ball against Houston. While I don't see the Ravens shutting Houston down, unless Haloti Ngata and the Ravens defense can't contain Foster, I think Baltimore will pull this one out and makes their second AFC Championship game in four years. This will be a close one though.

Prediction:
Baltimore Ravens 20 Houston Texans 16 (+9)

Late Game
(4) New York Giants (+8) at (1) Green Bay Packers

The Packers are, by record, the NFL's best team this season, and they were a let down against Kansas City away from going 16-0. This game is a rematch of a game in New York earlier this season. The game was before the Giants hit their stride, but they did keep the game close before losing by a field goal.

The Giants pass rush is what makes their defense so effective. They should be able to get pressure on Rodgers, and while he is a good scrambling QB, it will have some impact. New York's run defense is fairly irrelevant because the Packers don't run much, but they have to make sure they don't let Ryan Grant or James Starks break a long run. The Packers offensive effectiveness will be determined by the protection. If the Giants rush is ineffective, this game will probably turn into a blowout. However, like I said earlier, don't expect that to happen.

You can throw away the regular season statistics for the Giants offense because they are playing extremely well. They rushed for over 170 yards and Eli Manning threw three touchdowns in last week's blowout win against Atlanta. They should find success against a weak Packers defense. However, Green Bay's defense does have a knack for making big plays when it matters most, so expect them to come up with a big stop late in the game.

I think this will be an exciting game and the Giants should be able to stick with the Pack most of the way.

Prediction:
Green Bay Packers 30 New York Giants 23 (+8)

Enjoy what looks to be an awesome weekend of the Divisional Round Playoffs.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 3

By Dan Rodgers

Before I go into this, just another quick congrats to Kellen Moore and the Boise State Broncos on their victory and Moore getting to 50 wins.

I did pick Houston on TNF because I figured they would dominate. TJ Yates looked decent and Foster had a great game. Somehow the Texans couldn't score and Indy made them pay. Now Baltimore is back in the driver's seat for the first-round bye.

Well, the night games followed suit. The Ravens were in prime position to go into San Diego and win on the road, further prove they are an elite team, and move one step closer to earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, they decided to suck and the Chargers looked like the 10-3 team looking for a first-round bye.

San Diego is 7-7 and somehow still alive in their division. Oh wait, they play in the AFC West, the worst division ever (biggest competition is the NFC East).

Well, the Ravens lost, which means the Steelers are in prime position to steal away the No. 1 seed in the playoffs because they would have a better record and the tiebreaker over the Pats. But wait, just when you expect the Steelers to take advantage of everyone else messing up, they get spanked (like I predicted they would).

The 49ers more than dominated the game and all but knocked the Steelers out of the division race. With Big Ben hurting, the Steelers probably won't try to aggravate the injury. Luckily for the wild card teams, the division winner they will face in the first round will be an apparently bad Texans team, and whichever terrible team represents the AFC West (probably Denver).

Events like week 15 are the reason the NFL is so incredibly popular. They aren't helping their cause with all of the stupid rules and the refs sucking, but the competition is incredible.

Not a good start to this week... I'll be getting my swag back the rest of the season since the semester is over.

Rodgers That

NFL: Let's Vent

By Dan Rodgers

Are the New York Giants serious? Eli Manning throws three interception and the team fumbles three times, losing two of them.

They were playing the Seattle Seahawks. Let us review this. Don't even try to tell me the interception in the red zone wasn't Manning's fault. He led Victor Cruz way too much and Cruz was forced to reach out for the ball. There was still over a minute left and they were inside the 10; there was no reason to not run the ball.

Regardless, New York should have killed them because the Seahawks are terrible away from home; not to mention they had to travel to the east coast for an early game! This had all the makings for the Giants to kill them and of course, they suck. Seattle has gotten killed on the road and had five sacks in four games, but today they had three on Manning.

I should have been smarter and realized that 10 people, including myself, picked the Giants for survivor and I should have stayed away. I admit, I was probably a bit lazy and picked New York because they were the blatantly obvious choice, but the thing with me is that I'm smarter than that. Usually. Today I wasn't and it cost me big time. I hate the Giants now...

On to the Jaguars... This game went relatively how I expected. The Jags scored more than I thought, but when it came down to it, I was still in perfect position to win. Blane Gabbert fumbled while driving for a potential win (they were at midfield), and Cincy tried to run the ball out but turned it over on downs with like 10 seconds left. The Jags completed a pass and did the whole b.s. lateral thing to try to make something happened, and someone on the Bengals picked up the loose ball and ran it in for a TD. You should be able to guess why I'm upset that the total score went from 43 points to 50.

Lastly, I should have been smarter with the Houston game. They beat Pittsburgh last week which was huge for them and they are playing an Oakland team that is pissed about under-performing at home against New England and is emotional about the passing of Al Davis.

Early games: 4-4 ATS 5-3 SU

UGH.

Rodgers That

Ugh, Jets...

By Dan Rodgers

So I apologize for not writing. My sister's wedding was this weekend and I have final exams this week. There has been a lot going on, but now that finals finish up this week and winter break begins, the amount of posts should definitely increase.

I am still feeling crappy from the Jets pathetic loss on Sunday. Not really feeling anything write now, just watching MNF with Abe because he's a Ravens fan.

Ravens 14 Texans 0 5:23 in 2Q

Giants 21 Vikings 3 2:46 in 3Q

Rodgers That

Texans, 'Andre the Giant' face Eagles

By Dan Rodgers

It's Thursday again which means some football. The Texans travel to Philly to take on a pissed off Eagles team. Even though Houston receiver Andre Johnson got into a fist fight with Titans defensive back Cortland Finnegan this past Sunday, he will still be playing in tonight's game. Both Johnson and Finnegan seemed shocked that no suspensions were handed out.

Finnegan was especially upset because Johnson lived up to his nickname, Andre the Giant, and landed a few punches. Both players were fined $25,000 even though Finnegan has a history of playing dirty.

The NFL is hesitant to suspend because there are only 16 games.

While Johnson is beyond important to the Texans pass offense, I think Houston might struggle since Asante Samuel is returning to the lineup. Houston's defense is porous and Michael Vick should have his way with the secondary. I expect a few touchdown passes from the QB.

I don't think this will be a blowout and part of that will depend on how Houston's running game does. Arian Foster is the NFL's leading rusher and will need to add to that total to keep the Texans in the game. Philly will be focused on stopping the pass which will allow Foster to have a decent game.

CORRECTION: Samuel is actually not playing, there were reports that he could play tonight. Game should be closer now...

Look for a late touchdown by Houston to cover the spread.

My Prediction: Texans (+8.5) 23 Eagles 31

Rodgers That

Week 9: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so after some time off we're bringing back some games to watch. We are passed the half way point in the season and the divisional races are getting interesting.

Game 1

Chargers at Texans - This game is huge for both teams because Houston has fallen to third in the division. The Chargers are in a bigger mess at 3-5, they are two and a half games back in a weak AFC West. The Chargers NEED this win to have a decent shot in the division, but KC and Oakland play each other so they won't fall too far back. Houston might need this game even more because Tennessee just picked up Randy Moss and Indy is well, Indy. Look for Houston to try to have a balanced offense, but they will air it out if necessary. Rivers will have a big game as usual, look for him to close in on 400 passing yards.

My Prediction: Chargers (-3) 30 Texans 24


Game 2

KC at Oakland - This is a huge divisional game. Didn't think I would be saying that at the beginning of the year. KC leads Oakland by one in the AFC West, but while KC is squeaking out close ones, the Raiders have looked very good as of recent. I like the Raiders to win and make this division even closer. Both teams will be rooting for Houston to beat SD, but need to take care of their own business. I like McFadden to have a decent game, and don't expect much from KC's passing offense.

My Prediction: Raiders (-1) 24 Chiefs 17


Game 3

Indy at Philly - For some reason the Eagles are favored by three points in this game. That technically means the spread makers feel like these teams are evenly matched. That is very interesting due to how well the Colts have been playing and the fact that the Eagles have been hurt. Vick and DeSean Jackson come back from injury today, and expect big things from them. Peyton should have his way as usual and I'm confused as to why the Colts aren't favored. I would stay away from this game because of the weird spread, but the Colts are probably the safe bet. However, one of my philosophy's is if the spread is weird in one teams direction, take the team you wouldn't typically take. Usually, I would take the Colts, since the spread is weird, the Eagles might be the pick.

My Prediction: Colts (+3)2 28 Eagles 30

Rodgers That

Colts seek revenge tonight

By Dan Rodgers

In week one the Indianapolis Colts were embarrassed by the Houston Texans in a 10-point defeat. It wasn't Matt Schaub's most prolific passing game, but breakout running back Arian Foster racked up over 230 yards and three touchdowns.

Indy has been bitten hard by the injury bug this season, and tonight they have numerous starts and key contributors out: TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, SS Bob Sanders OUT; RB Josesph Addai, CB Jacob Lacey, CB Jerraud Powers DOUBTFUL/QUESTIONABLE.

This list doesn't even include RB Donald Brown and WRs Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez and Pierre Garcon who all have injuries but are expected to play.

The Colts look to stay undefeated at home all-time against the Texans. Houston looks to take a commanding lead over Indy as it would give them a one game lead, but a sweep of them this season.

The winner of the game will be one game up on the loser of the game and a half up on the 5-3 Titans. Neither team has played Tennessee this season.

My Prediction: Colts 30 Texans (+6) 28
^ Hopefully the score is reversed, as some of you might know, I love the Texans even though I'm a diehard Jets fan.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 5: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Week five has a ton of intriguing match ups and we're definitely in store for some upsets as no spread this week is double digits.

Game 1

Chiefs at Colts - Being the last undefeated team, the Chiefs have something to be proud of. However, they've only played three games. They have a tough match up this week against an Indy team who is beyond furious with the fact that they have two losses already. Look for Indy to come out firing on a weak KC defense. Don't count the Chiefs out though, Indy's defense is extremely weak and they could do some damage. Look for rookie Dexter McCluster to make some big plays for KC.

My Prediction: Colts 28 Chiefs (+8) 23

Game 2

Giants at Texans - This is going to be an extremely good game between a defense that sacked the QB 10 times last week and the No. 1 ranked...rushing offense? That's right folks, Houston leads the NFL in rushing yards, primarily because of the fast start Arian Foster has gotten of to. The Giants will have to slow down an explosive Texans, that will get WR Andre Johnson back this week, and hope to get Matt Schaub out of his comfort zone. The Giants will be missing their starting Center, Defensive End and Linebacker. The Giants might have a chance if they can put up the points, but don't count on that with LB Brian Cushing hopefully returning to the field for Houston. The Texans should improve to 4-1.

My Prediction: Texans (-3) 34 Giants 17

Game 3

Vikes at Jets - This is the MNF game and it has no shortage of storylines, including but not limited to:

• Brett Favre's return to New York
• Moss to the Vikings, will play 17 games this year
• Santonio Holmes returns from suspension
• Revis and Pace return from injury
• Jets 4-0 all-time at home against Vikings

As you can tell, tomorrow night will be a very exciting time in my life and football in general. I think this is a winnable game for the Jets. They are playing great football, while Minnesota struggled the first two weeks of the season. The Vikes haven't found their groove yet, and being in New York, I don't see how the Jets will lose. I like them to cover the spread handily in a revenge game for the Jets organization.

My Prediction: Jets (-4) 24 Vikings 13

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Rodgers That

1/4 NFL predictions

By Dan Rodgers

So we are officially 25% done with the regular season, well, at least most teams have played four games by now.

There have been a few surprises this season and personally, I don't think too many of them will last:

• The Kansas City Chiefs, the last unbeaten team, are 3-0 heading into their week five game against the Colts.
• The Dallas Cowboys are 1-2 heading into their week five game against the Titans.
• The Colts are 2-2, with two divisional losses to the Texans and Jaguars, respectively.
• The San Francisco 49ers are 0-4 heading into their week five game against the Eagles.
• The Houston Texans are 3-1, off to the best start in franchise history, and now get star LB Brian Cushing back from suspension.
• The New York Jets are 3-1, only loss being by 1 pt. to the Ravens, get back LB Calvin Pace, CB Darrelle Revis, and WR Santonio Holmes going into a revenge game against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.
• Speaking of the Vikes, Favre has thrown six interceptions in three games (one shy of total of last season) and doesn't appear to have the magic of 2009.
  

The Chiefs should come down to Earth, while the Cowboys and Colts should both get back on track. Look for Houston to stay on track and have a good shot to make the playoffs, they'll give Indy a run for their money. The 49ers are arguably the biggest shock because many "experts" picked them to win the NFC West. Who knows what will happen with them...

Of course, I'm praying that my Jets stay on fire. They have already won more games in the division this year than they did all of last. They get to face a banged up Minnesota team this coming week, and they'll look to make a statement on national television.

Season Predictions:

AFC East: 2 Representatives - Jets and Pats
AFC North: 1(2) Representative(s) - Ravens and/or Steelers
AFC South: 1(2) Representative(s) - Colts and/or Texans
AFC West: 1 Representative - Chargers

Three out of four teams between the Ravens, Steelers, Colts and Texans will advance to the playoffs.

NFC East: 1 Representative - Giants
NFC North: 2 Representatives - Bears and Packers
NFC South: 2 Representatives - Falcons and Saints
NFC West: 1 Representative - Rams or Cardinals

The Rams or the Cards will win the division with a mediocre record, the other won't make the playoffs.

Even though we have only experienced a small sample of this NFL season, it has still proven to be crazy...over the next 13 weeks we will see if the ship will right itself for some teams or they can shock the NFL world.

Rodgers That

Previews, reviews and more

By Dan Rodgers

Sorry everyone for not posting again last night. I forgot I had a fraternity meeting to attend and didn't have time to write.

The first Sunday of the season didn't disappoint, here are a few notable headlines:

• Bears edge Lions on controversial non-touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson.
• Patriots show up, blowout Bengals in first half.
• Texans shock NFL, beat Colts by double digits.
• CJ2K doesn't disappoint, Titans blow out Raiders.
• Green Bay holds on against Vick-led Eagles, Kolb out with concussion.
• Seattle surprises San Fran, blows them out 31-6.
• Skins beat 'Boys in a SNF sleeper, 13-7.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

MNF has finally arrived and my Jets take on the Baltimore Ravens. This game is going to be a ground-n-pound, grind it out, hard-hitting contest. Mark Sanchez, better known as Nacho Taco (reference to him wearing a Taco Bell hat in "Hard Knocks"), looks to prove his doubters wrong by not making too many costly mistakes.

The Sanchise looks to take advantage of a supposedly-weakened Ravens secondary. This is the biggest key to the game. It will be the Ravens biggest weakness against the Jets biggest weakness, and whichever one can take advantage of the other should have a large advantage in this game. Both teams will look to run the ball effectively, but both teams will be passing situations eventually.

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens use their new acquisitions of WR T.J. Housh and CB Josh Wilson. Both players have only been with Baltimore for a few weeks, and will not be as familar with the playbook etc. Also, Flacco will not have the type of chemistry that would be ideal against a team with a good pass defense.

Personally, I think the Jets will win in a close one, but if they come out flat the Ravens could beat them handily.

My Prediction: Jets (-2.5) 20 Ravens 17

Watch Out For:

• Ray Rice and screen plays.
• Vernon Gholston to maybe make a tackle?
• Mark Sanchez, one mistake might lead to more?
• Jets secondary against a revamped Ravens receiving corps.
• Jets trying to run against the Ravens front seven.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 1: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Folks, that time of the year has finally arrived, NFL football is back!

Listed below are my three games to watch during the day. I'll also update how my fantasy teams are doing later on today.

Game 1

Bengals at Pats - This game is very intriguing to me and not just because I'm a Jets fan. This will be a big game for New England to prove that they haven't gone anywhere and are still the team to beat in the ACFE. The Bengals had a very good year last season with a powerful running game and a good defense. Carson Palmer is always dangerous and look for him to test his new toy (T.O.), but don't expect Cinci to stray too far from their running game. As for the Pats, a lot of people are writing them off and saying their defense isn't at all good. If the Pats can shut down the Bengals offense, it won't be a good sign for the rest of the AFC.

My Prediction: Bengals (+5) 24 Cheatriots 20

Game 2

Colts at Texans - This game five years ago would be a blowout. However, in recent seasons Houston has been slowly but surely improving. Last season was their first over the .500 mark, and I couldn't be happier for them. Peyton Manning looks to improve his record against the Texans to 16-1, and Houston looks to shock the football world by beating Manning. This could be the most important game in Texans history. They will be without Brian Cushing, due to suspension, and look for Manning to go after rookie CB Kareem Jackson. Schaub should have a good game, and look for surprisingly good numbers from Texan RB Arian Foster.

My Prediction: Texans (+2) 30 Colts 28

^Going for the upset pick here, more likely to happen is - Colts (-2) 30 Texans 24
Game 3

Packers at Eagles - A member of the Rodgers clan goes to work today. Aaron Rodgers should have a good day against what seems to be a weak Philly secondary. Look for Rodgers to eclipse the 300-yard mark with ease, and in doing so, Ryan Grant should have a good game. I'm very interested to see what Kolb can do in his first start. The Packers secondary got lit up to end their post-season run last year. Kolb will likely try to do the same considering his coach is Andy "I never run the ball" Reid. I don't see any reason why the Packers don't take this one handily.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 34 Eagles 23


Should be a great first week since we have some intriguing matchups. Check back later for an update, fantasy update and SNF preview.

Rodgers That