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

Things to consider

By Dan Rodgers

Clearly I forgot that the Ravens suck in the second half and that a two touchdown lead at half-time means nothing. They are without a doubt consistently the worst second half team in the NFL on both sides of the ball.

The offense can't move the ball and the defense can't stop anyone as soon as it reads 3Q on the scoreboard. There have been numerous occasions, not including today's game against Pittsburgh, that the Ravens have blown a huge lead in the second half (note Texans game). Fortunately for them, they came out on top during the regular season, but that doesn't happen in January.

The Steelers didn't lose an ounce of confidence at half-time and came roaring back in the third quarter. They forced three turnovers and scored two touchdowns to tie the game. There was a botched snap (Flacco's fault), a Ray Rice fumble (he got popped), and a terrible throw that was intercepted (Flacco's fault).

The worst of it came on the Steelers last drive. The game was tied at 24-24, and on a third down and 10 they did a quick slant to Hines Ward for 11 yards and first down. Then, on THIRD AND NINETEEN, they completed a 58 bomb to ANTONIO BROWN. He is a rookie and only had 16 catches the entire season. Terrible...I don't even know what else to say.

I would rather the Jets lose 45-3 again then lose like that...

Now on to the good stuff. The Packers destroyed the Falcons. I apparently gave the Falcons way too much credit. I figured the amazing Matty Ice, who is 20-2 career at home, would put up a better fight than 48-21.

Aaron Rodgers came out to prove something today and he most certainly did to me. The kid threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran another one in. He displayed phenomenal arm strength and excellent mobility. He is definitely one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has an extremely bright present and future. Behind Peyton Manning, Rodgers is without a doubt the QB I want to lead my team.

Rodgers That

Not in the Mood

By Dan Rodgers

So the Jets loss today and I'm still pissed even though they made the playoffs. The pass defense was terrible against a mediocre Chicago offense. Whatever.

I was the best team in my fantasy football league this year and this week is the championship. I'm facing a friend of mine who snuck in even though he has a good team. I have been destroying any and everyone, last week I won by about 100 points which is a massacre in our league.

Today, of course being the championship, my guys decided to suck. Not to mention, my friend's team had random guys just go off. Ray Rice and Joe Flacco were held in check coming up under their projections. BUT, Miles Austin put up about 19 points and don't even get me started on Rob Gronkowski who had two touchdown catches today. He had Garcon who caught a touchdown, Aaron Rodgers who threw two touchdown passes from inside the five yard-line.

My guys on the other hand, were nothing short of average. My starters at least. Josh Freeman and Jay Cutler, who were both on my bench, put up 40 and 30 points, respecively. Vick hasn't played yet and Schaub was well below average in the second half finishing with only 15 points. Mendenhall also had 15 and Arian Foster had a decent day with 21. Nicks did have a touchdown, but Larry Fitzgerald was terrible with only one catch. The Jets defense gave up a ton of points and Chris Cooley had something like five dropped passes.

I'm down about 58 points with Vick and Lance Moore to play, and all he has left is Matt Bryant. I still have a shot in hell only because Vick has put up unbelieveable games already this season; however, unlikely that the two of them will outscore Bryant by that much.

Hopefully both players will have career days...I'm frustrated as hell with a bunch of things right now. Not to mention I just missed out on extra money for my trip to Las Vegas.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 4: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Another Sunday has graced us, and I'm pumped. The Jets face the Bills today and if all is right in the football world, they will be 3-1 at days end.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everything goes pink in the NFL and I love it. My Jets hat is the sideline one from last year with the pink brim. I think it's great that the NFL participates and sells the gear.

Well, here are my three games to watch this week, so far this year I'm 6-3.

Game 1

Ravens at Steelers - Pittsburgh looks to improve to 4-0 without star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That would be extremely impressive for a Pittsburgh team that seemed to struggle mightily at times last year. It has been an interesting start for both teams, the Ravens were able to squeak out a win against a Jets team that only beat themselves. They looked awful against the Bengals and only beat the Browns by a touchdown. The Steelers defense has looked phenomenal and their offense had a breakout game last week against Tampa Bay. I think Pitt's defense will give Flacco trouble, just like Cincy did, and that is going to lead to a few turnovers for Bmore. The Steelers remarkable run will continue at home against a team that hasn't beat them at Heinz field since the Harbaugh-Flacco combo started.

My Prediction: Steelers (-1) 23 Ravens 16


Game 2

Redskins at Eagles - You might be curious why this game is on here. One reason: Donovan McNabb. He is once again playing at Lincoln Financial Field, but for the other team and that makes for great headlines. Typically when a star player returns to play his former team, he beats them. This is going to be a different story, the Redskins aren't playing good football and they just aren't good in general. Vick is playing out of his mind and the Eagles just seem to be rolling on all cylinders on offense. The Skins will probably look to control the ball and run a lot more than they have. I don't think Washington has enough talent to compete with an Eagles team that seems to be clicking. Look for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to have big games for the Iggles.

My Prediction: Eagles (-5.5) 27 Redskins 17


Game 3

Pats at Fins - As a Jets fan, this is an interesting game. I think I've decided I would rather New England win (if a tie doesn't happen), because I feel like Miami could be more dangerous if they stick around. So putting them at 2-2 and 1-2 in the division would be a pretty solid hole. Everyone knows what the Pats are made of, and I think they are going to make the playoffs anyway. The Pats are extremely one-dimensional, much like the Colts, but they are so good at that dimension that it doesn't matter. Look for Chad Henne to try and duplicate a Mark Sanchez performance in week two, and Tom Brady will also try to duplicate Sanchez's week three performance. So basically, in the crazy world we live in, everyone is trying to be like QB Nacho Taco.

My Prediction: Patriots (-1) 27 Dolphins 23

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

Matt Wieters...the future

By Dan Rodgers

Today I was lucky enough to work another autograph signing for CBS Radio. My buddy Chris and I made our way out to Columbia for the event featuring Baltimore Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters.

Since I also worked the Joe Flacco signing, it was interesting to see the difference between the two. For one, it actually seemed as if Wieters drew a much larger crowd and people got back in line after getting one autograph. People definitely didn't do that for Flacco.

Personally, I was happy to see such a large crowd for Wieters; it kind of gave me renewed hope that baseball isn't dying off like many think so. There were a lot of kids there that seemed really excited to meet Matt so that bodes well for the Orioles fanbase. Of course, the old-time fans were there, wanting to finally meet what many think is the Orioles future.

The representatives from the Orioles seemed fairly adament at getting Wieters out of there as soon as possible and to the stadium for the game tonight. (White Sox 4 Orioles 2) However, Matt appeared to be a really nice guy, and was wearing a wedding ring. Many of the girls seemed fairly upset, but I don't know if he is actually married or just wears the ring to not get heckled by countless women.

Anyway, I've got to work in the morning, but once again another fun event for CBS Radio... hopefully they keep 'em coming...

Mixfest 2010 August 22 at Pier 6...

Rodgers That

Hey Joe, an autograph?

By Dan Rodgers

Today I worked an event for CBS in which I got to meet Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco because it was an autograph signing.

He is definitely in the six foot five inch height range; the guy was towering over me when I shook his hand (not the strongest handshake for a guy who can throw the ball eighty-some yards).

He was nice enough to stay past the allotted time and sign everyone's gear even though he didn't have to. He seemed like a really nice guy, but I could kind of tell he wasn't so used to the spotlight.

That, of course, isn't a bad thing at all. It's good to be humble when you're really talented at something. The only thing I regret is not befriending him faster and getting some season tickets!

Next time I meet a player I'll do a better time at trying to get a quote or something. However, I did overhear something along the lines of "This is the best Ravens team we've had since I've been here." Take from that what you will.

Rodgers That

Elite QBs, not yet Joe

By Dan Rodgers

ESPN Analyst John Clayton came out with a list of the NFL QBs that he thinks are on the elite level, and I disagree with a lot of them. Let us break down the list and see where we stand.

AFC

• Tom Brady, New England Patriots
• Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
• Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
• Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
• Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
• Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

Tom Brady, unfortunately, is a three-time Super Bowl champ. So clearly, he should be on the list. However, Joe Flacco has two years of experience on a team that is built primarily on the rushing game. This will be an important year for him because of all the weapons he now has on offense (i.e. Anquan Boldin/Donte Stallworth). Flacco is just too inexperienced to be given a crown yet, sorry bud.

No one will argue with Peyton Manning, end of story. Carson Palmer is on the edge for me because he is so talented, but he has yet to reach the next level. He hasn't done anything in the playoffs or put up 4,000 yard and 30 touchdown seasons every year, so this will be a make or break year for him. Top 10 yes, but not yet elite.

Phillip Rivers is definitely one of the best young QBs in the league, and if I had a top 10 list he would be on it. However, if I had an elite list, he wouldn't be on it. Roethlisberger has to be on it because he is a two-time Super Bowl champ. Schaub is a tough one though. I love this kid and all the amazing work he did for my fantasy football team last season, but given a few wasted seasons in Atlanta and then back to back injuries in 2008 and 2009, he has only put together one amazing season (4,700 yards and 29 TDs). If he can do it again, and again, he should be on the list but not yet.

NFC

• Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
• Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
• Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins
• Eli Manning, New York Giants
• Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
• Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
• Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Drew Brees is amazing and just continues to put down all of the critics, I absolutely love him. Favre, even though he screwed the Jets over, I can definitely admit is a great QB and most definitely elite when he is on the field. McNabb is someone you might not think about, but he only had one losing season his entire career in Philly and that should tell you something. He is a playmaker with his legs and his arm and will possibly bring some life to a dead Washington team.

Eli Manning I'm not really a fan of, but I do give him credit because he beat the Pats in the Super Bowl when people were talking about that New England team being the best of all-time. Not elite yet though...sorry. Aaron Rodgers is the man. He is a gun-slinger and reminds me of Favre. He is a playmaker and is only getting better, sitting on the bench behind Favre for a few seasons couldn't have hurt. He definitely belongs on the list.

Ever since Romo took over in Dallas he has done nothing but put up very impressive statistics, for an undrafted free agent nonetheless. The only question mark that could leave him off the list is what has he done for me lately...in the playoffs. He took it one step further last season and I think he belongs on the list because Dallas is a contender with him at QB.

Matt Ryan, see Joe Flacco.

So, in conclusion I've decided that John Clayton should be much tougher in his decisions and not just give it out to make sure the list if full. Just because a QB belongs in the top 10 doesn't mean he is elite.

Elite QBs:
AFC - Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger
NFC - Brees, Favre, McNabb, Rodgers, Romo

Top 10:
1. Manning - The Best
2. Brees - Showed he can play with and beat the best
3. Favre - Who knows how long he'll play
4. Brady - Shown can be beaten...and embarrassed
5. Roethlisberger - Gosh he is ruining his career
6. McNabb - Sucks he hasn't won a Super Bowl...and got traded to Washington
7. Rodgers - Arguably the best young QB in the league
8. Romo - Proved he can win the playoffs...kind of
9. Rivers - Can't take over a game...yet
10. Palmer - This is his year...or he could be done

Rising: Brees, Rodgers, Romo, Rivers

Falling: Favre, Brady, Roethlisberger, McNabb, Palmer

Rodgers That

Looking back: NFL Saturday

By Dan Rodgers

Divisional Round - Saturday

Baltimore Ravens (+6.5) 3 Indianapolis Colts 20

My prediction: Ravens 26 Colts 20

I predicted the Colts score on the money, but the Ravens decided to end their season and I wasn't expecting it. I want to apologize to everyone about that the Ravens' decision to lay down against a rival in a playoff game. I assumed that they would show up like the did last week and at least put up a fight. BUT, you all know what assuming does, it makes an ASS out of U and ME. The Colts didn't play well, but they forced a few mistakes and watched the Ravens shoot themselves in the foot...over and over again. I don't want to hear about penalties and complaints about the refs because nothing would have changed the Ravens playing so terrible. Talk about a recent sophomore slump, Flacco looked pretty good early on this season but his "injuries" have just completely thrown off his game. Better luck next year.

Arizona Cardinals (+7) 14 New Orleans 45

My prediction: Cardinals 38 Saints 44

So, I was kind of spot on in the Saints/Cards game, but I figured the Cardinals wouldn't suck like they did and at least put up half the points they did against Green Bay. However, they laid a second half egg and were held to only fourteen points. I was pretty on target in predicting the Saints score and the over was money. The Saints kept the game exciting putting up 45 points including a few electrifying plays from Reggie Bush. The Cardinals gave up a remarkable 45 points in consecutive weeks. The more impressive thing is that they won one of those games. The Saints will roll in the NFC Championship and will face Dallas or Minnesota. This is the first time that New Orleans has hosted the big game so they will be pumped and that dome will be rocking.

Rodgers That

Division Saturday Preview

By Dan Rodgers

House sitting with the girlfriend. I was in Delaware so this preview is going to be a bit late. This is going to be an excellent Saturday full of football. First off, we should have an offensive explosion.

Cardinals (+7) at Saints

The Arizona Cardinals head to the Big Easy to take on the Saints. This should be over a 70 point-plus game. Look for the Saints to shock everyone and put up a ton of points even though many "experts" expected them to be out of sync due to losing their last three games and having the bye week. I look for them to barely reach the 40's while the Cardinals will be close behind in the high 30's. The defenses in this game will once again get embarrassed, but the Saints will get the last laugh because they'll put up more points. Kurt Warner might have played his last playoff game and who knows what that will mean for Fitzgerald and Boldin. Also, look for both rushing attacks to be utilized because of the hype in the passing game.

My prediction: Cardinals (+7) 38 Saints 44

Ravens (+6.5) at Colts

I love, beyond recognition, the Ravens to AT LEAST cover the spread in this game. I will not make any promises but don't act surprised if the Ravens pull this one out. The Colts will probably focus in on stopping Ray Rice so Joe Flacco will probably have to do better than the 35 passing yards he had last week. I expect the Ravens defense to have a similar repeat performance of what they did last time to the Colts when they held them to only 17 points. I expect the Ravens to at least punch it into the end zone once, but if they get down to the goalline and they don't give it to McClain I will go crazy. Look for a couple turnovers but Peyton won't go down without a fight.

Ravens (+6.5) 26 Colts 20

If I were a betting man (laughs), I would take the over in the Saints/Cards game and Baltimore to cover the spread.

See you tomorrow.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 9: The Down and The Dirty

By Dan Rodgers

I am aware that I just wrote back-to-back pieces about the MLB Gold Gloves Awards, but this is my weekly piece and I want it to be down every Wednesday. Well, at least when I started it was still Wednesday.

NFL Week Nine

"The Down"

This award was tough to hand out to one player in the beginning. After analyzing the stats and looking a bit deeper into everything it became clear that Matthew Stafford came out on top (or bottom depending how you look at it). Even though he threw two touchdowns and Orton didn’t throw a single one. Stafford threw for 22 of 42 for 203 and 2 TDs. Oh, not his five, yeah count ‘em FIVE interceptions. Stafford took after last week’s biggest loser, Kurt Warner. The main reason why Stafford had to be chosen over Orton is because at least Orton faced a respectable team in the Steelers. Also, Stafford faced the Seahawks, and jumped out to 17 point lead. Why did he even throw a pass the rest of the game? Oy, who knows…

Honorable Mentions:

QB Kyle Orton (DEN) – 23 of 38 for 221 yards and 3 INTs

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) – 18 of 32 for 195 yards and 2 INTs

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) – 14 for 39 yards

WR Ted Ginn, Jr. (MIA) – 1 for 7 yards

"The Dirty"

Kurt Warner, last weeks biggest loser, completely dominated the Chicago Bears supposedly respectable defense. Warner only completed 22 of 32 passes for a measly 261 yards. So you might be asking how he won the award this week? Well, his five touchdown passes certainly sealed the deal for me. That’s right, a week after his five interceptions, Warner showed that at 37 years-old he still has some juice left in the tank. I don’t think there is any discrepancy to be had over Warner. I mean Fitz had a crazy good game, but of course that was because of Warner. Randy Moss and Mike Sims-Walker put up impressive stats but they were identical so just one of them couldn’t win it. Lastly, Michael Turner put up over 150 yards for the second consecutive week but was slightly over showed in my book.

Honorable Mentions:

WR Larry Fitzgerald (AZ) – 9 for 123 yards and 2 TDs

WR Randy Moss (NE) – 6 for 147 yards and 1 TD

WR Mike Sims-Walker (JAX) – 6 for 147 yards and 1 TD

RB Michael Turner (ATL) – 18 for 166 yards and 2 TDs

If anyone thinks I missed a player that deserves to be recognized on either list please let me know.

Rodgers That