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 Season Opener

By Dan Rodgers

I know I haven't posted anything in a while. I hope everyone stayed safe during the hurricane and the other terrible weather. Also, hopefully you got power back before me.

This will be a short game preview and prediction and I will finish some fantasy teams and further talk about the NFL in my next video.

Saints @ Packers

Line: Packers by 4

In case you don't understand spreads and other gambling terminology, I'll be posting a video about that.

The Packers won this past Super Bowl, the Saints won the one before that. Both teams got there and won with an explosive offense and a play-making defense. We will start by taking a look at both offenses.

Both of these quarterbacks are top five in the NFL, and they make the players around them better. Aaron Rodgers didn't waste the years he sat on the bench behind Brett Favre, and won the Super Bowl is just his third year as a starter. Drew Brees proved the Chargers wrong by leading the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Brees is getting old and on the way down (don't get me wrong, he is still a great QB). He is lacking the necessary playmakers on offense to truly attack the Packers defense. The Saints will hope rookie Mark Ingram will turn into their every-down running back, and tight end Jimmy Graham continues to work off of last season's success. However, the wide receivers have yet to develop as the Saints probably hoped.

The Packers on the other hand have proven stars on offense (Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, etc.) that Rodgers makes even better. Green Bay doesn't really need their running game, however, Ryan Grant is an above average back who is coming off of an injury and James Starks filled in nicely. Rodgers has been on point during the preseason, and the Pack look to be in prime position to defend their title.

I think the Saints offense will keep them within fighting distance, but their defense probably won't do them any favors tonight. Their defense continues to age as well and have never been that good. They do make big plays, but Rodgers is too good to let that beat him.

The Packers defense has been top five in the league since Dom Capers joined them two seasons ago. They look to continue that run against the Saints offense and get redeem themselves for the 51-29 loss the year before Capers took over.

Prediction: Packers (-4) 27 Saints 21

Rodgers That

Sunday Preview

By Dan Rodgers

Ravens (+3.5) at Patriots

I definitely love the Ravens in this game to at least cover the spread. Primarily because of that half point but if you just look at the match up: the Ravens had numerous opportunities to beat the Pats earlier this season and the Pats are injured. Brady primarily has numerous injuries including ribs and a finger. I personally think the Ravens will win out right, but if you're going to put your money on anything definitely on the Ravens to at least cover. Patriots won't be able to do anything besides win by a field goal if that.

My prediction: Ravens (+3.5) 34 Patriots 23

Look for a high scoring game and multiple turnovers. Ray Rice should have 150+ yards and 2 touchdowns. Tom Brady will have 2 touchdowns and a turnover or two.

Packers (PK) at Cardinals

Recently the spread has gone more in the Packers favor because of the beat down the laid on Arizona last week. Green Bay is the hottest team in the NFL right now winning seven of their last right games with their only loss coming at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers on a last second touchdown pass. One of my favorite young players, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, is slightly injured but he will play. Look for the Packers to air it out like they did last week to open up the ground game with Ryan Grant. The game won't be nearly as much of a blowout as it was last week, but it Green Bay will win by double digits.

My prediction: Green Bay (PK) 37 Arizona 27

Rodgers That