Archive for December 31, 2012

Potential NFL Head Coaching Candidates

December 31, 2012 Vincent Frank Featured, NFL, Vincent Frank
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35 percent of the teams that didn’t make the playoffs in the NFL have already fired their head coach as of noon on the west coast Monday. Needless to say, franchises went the way of spring cleaning this winter.

Here are the coaches that have been fired already

Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers

Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs

Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns

Chan Gailey, Buffalo Bills

Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears

Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles

 

Now let’s take a look at the candidates that I have come up with.

 

Greg Roman, Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

Roman received a lot of play last season; mostly from the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL and Penn State in college. I would be incredibly surprised if he returned to San Francisco as its offensive coordinator in 2013. He seems to be a hot guy around league circles right now.

Personally, I believe a team like the San Diego Chargers would be the best fit. Coming on the heels of another disappointing season with a veteran head coach, San Diego should be looking for some new blood. Roman did wonders with Andrew Luck in college and has been damn good with both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick with the 49ers. He could have a nice working relationship with Philip Rivers.

Another team that makes a ton of sense in the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be looking for an offensive-minded head coach and will be bringing in a young quarterback in April’s draft. Pretty much the same reasoning behind this idea as Roman going to San Diego.

 

Chip Kelly, Head Coach, Oregon

The most likely scenario here would be the Philadelphia Eagles, who just relieved Andy Reid of his duties. You can bet they’re going to make a splash in their head coach search and Kelly is probably going to be Harbaugh-esque in terms of interest he receives.

Kelly could redefine the offensive scheme in the NFL and would have the tools to be successful in Philadelphia. The idea that he could have Nick Foles, Bryce Brown, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin on offense has to make this an intriguing option for the current Oregon head man.

Don’t expect Kelly to take any job, either. He can easily go back to Eugene for another season or two until more attractive jobs open up in 2013 and 2014. Needless to say, he won’t be an option in Cleveland or Arizona.

 

Jon Gruden, Former Tampa Bay and Oakland Head Coach

Now that it appears Oakland will retain Dennis Allen for another season, we can put to sleep the idea of Gruden making a return trip to Northern California. He does, however, have roots in Philadelphia. If the Eagles fail to land, or don’t show interest in Kelly, this could be an intriguing option for them.

I am not entirely too sure if teams with young quarterbacks would show a lot of interest in Gruden at this point. He didn’t handle that position well with Tampa Bay, which could be cause for alarm. The Buffalo Bills seem like an intriguing option if they’re committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick for 2013.

 

Ken Whisenhunt, Former Head Coach Arizona Cardinals

One could easily come to the conclusion that Whisenhunt received a raw deal in the desert. Could any head coach be successful with four different starting quarterbacks in one season. Realistically, he was in a no-win situation this season. That being said, Whisenhunt was not successful with Arizona since Kurt Warner hung up his cleats.

This doesn’t mean that the great football mind won’t get another chance in 2013. The Chicago Bears, who lack any type of understanding of how to build an offensive line, could be an intriguing option here. More likely than not, Whisenhunt will have to wait until “sexier” names are called upon to get serious consideration.

 

Bill O’Brien, Head Coach, Penn State

What O’Brien did in Happy Valley was nothing short of amazing this season. Going into a horrible situation, he got the best out of a roster that had to be reeling from the whole Sandusky scandal. It is also important to note that he was a hot commodity around the NFL before taking the job with Penn State.

Filling numerous coaching roles in New England, including coordinator, O’Brien seems to be logical fit for a team with a young quarterback. Scott Pioli, who has ties with New England, has kept his job with the Kansas City Chiefs. He could look to go to the well one more time. A more likely scenario would be the Carolina Panthers if Ron Rivera ends up getting the boot.

 

Mike McCoy, Offensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos

To be able to make the transition from Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning has to be one of the primary reasons McCoy will get a lot of play this offseason. You have to realize that his offensive philosophy took a complete 180 from 2011 to 2012. Adapting to a new offensive scheme without much too much of an issue is huge here.

Again, we might be looking at a team with a young quarterback here. It looks like Kansas City, who has the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, could be a solid route for McCoy.

 

Andy Reid, Former Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles 

As one of the most successful head coaches in modern NFL history, you can bet that Reid will be on the sideline coaching somewhere in 2013. His name has been mentioned in connection with both the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals. Interestingly enough, it seems that his people are the one’s putting feelers out there.

San Diego would seem like the best fit here for Reid. Though, I really do hope it goes in a younger direction with its head coaching search. Retreads just don’t seem to be getting it done in Southern California. Either way, expect Reid to go to a really good situation. After all, he isn’t at the stage in his career where going to a rebuilding franchise is too attractive.

 

Jay Gruden, Offensive Coordinator, Cincinnati Bengals

Gruden should have gotten more play following his stellar coaching performance for Cincinnati in 2011. You can expect him to receive a ton of interest this year. The one issue is that he cannot interview until/when Cincinnati is eliminated from postseason contention. That hurts his chances with teams looking to make a move in relatively short order.

All things equal, Gruden is one of the best offensive minds out there.

 

Other Options

 

Gus Bradley, Defensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks: Leads one of the best overall units in the NFL with a solid young core. Should get some play, but can’t interview until Seahawks season is over.

Brian Kelly, Head Coach, Notre Dame: He would draw a tremendous amount of interest in the NFL, but I can’t see him leaving such a great spot in South Bend.

Kyle Shanahan, Offensive Coordinator, Washington Redskins: Teams need to be alarmed that he didn’t have much success in Washington until Robert Griffin III didn’t show up.

Perry Fewell, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants: Fewell would probably have been hired as a head coach last season if the Giants had a first-round bye. That being said, his brand might not be as high this year.

 

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Looking Forward: How the Philadelphia Eagles Can Rebuild

December 28, 2012 Vincent Frank Featured, NFL, Vincent Frank
Reid

It now appears that both head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Michael Vick will be making their final appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles this week against the New York Giants.

Reid, the longest-tenured head coach in the National Football League, needs a win to avoid his worst record since taking over as Philadelphia’s head coach in 1999. Meanwhile, Vick is set to earn $15 million, of which $14.1 million isn’t guaranteed, next season. Needless to say, he will most likely be getting his walking papers following the season.

Philadelphia came into each of the last two seasons with high expectations, but failed to live up to the talent level that we all pretty much knew they had. With a mixture of under-performing veterans and untested youngsters, the Eagles just couldn’t get the job done.

It is now time for Philadelphia to blow the whole thing up and start anew. The biggest question here is how they’ll go about doing that? Not whether it will be done.

 

Stick With The Youth Movement

There is absolutely no reason for Philadelphia to make an attempt at reloading in free agency. Its philosophy prior to the last few years was to build through the draft and supplement via free agency. General manager Howie Roseman, should he keep his job, needs to revert the Eagles philosophy back to that more successful point.

Philadelphia’s last couple few drafts have given it a solid young core on both sides of the ball.

2009

1. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

2. LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

McCoy is one of the top running backs in the NFL

2010 

1. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

2. Nate Allen, S, South Florida

5. Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

7. Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State

2011

1. Danny Watkins, G, Baylor

4. Alex Henery, K, Nebraska

6. Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati

7. Stanley Havili, FB, Southern California

2012

1. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

2. Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

Kendricks will be a Pro Bowler soon.

2. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

3. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

4. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

7. Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State

You are looking at about 16 players drafted in the last four seasons that promise to be contributors for the Eagles moving forward. That isn’t too shabby at all. Despite focusing a great deal of their money on free agency, the Eagles have done a decent job in the draft.

Again, this needs to be their focus moving forward.

They can rid themselves of a huge contract when they release Vick prior to the start of the new league year in March. Additionally, they can save $11 million more by releasing free-agent bust Nnamdi Asomugha. That will give the Eagles a good $24 million more in cap space to pick and choose who they might want to extend on their roster or add in free agency.

Asomugha has been one of the biggest free agent busts in recent NFL history

There is absolutely no reason to believe that Nick Foles cannot be the answer at quarterback. He has played extremely well as a rookie in 2012 and seems to possess all the necessary skills you look for in a young quarterback. Give him an entire offseason to work on some major flaws that most young quarterbacks have, including decision making.

LeSean McCoy, even after an injury-plagued 2012 season, is one of the top five running backs in the NFL. He also have electric youngster Bryce Brown to help shoulder the load in the backfield. That could be a dynamic 1-2 punch at running back.

Equally as important for Philadelphia, it has a solid starting wide receiver duo. When healthy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin can be dynamic on the outside.

Of course none of this matters if you don’t have an offensive line. Philadelphia was missing the best tackle in the entire NFL in the form of Jason Peters due to another Achilles injury suffered back in the spring. That was a huge loss right there. Second-year center Jason Kelce also missed all but two games this season.

Despite missing their best offensive lineman, a few different youngsters stepped up along this unit in 2012. Rookie Dennis Kelly has started nine games at two different o-line positions, while 2011 first-round pick Danny Watkins started six games. While Watkins is far from a sure bet and could still be considered a bust, it was important to get him some playing time.

Philadelphia now needs to focus on adding a few other youngsters along the offensive line in order to be able to keep Foles upright and open up more holes for the McCoy-Brown tandem. It can also be financially wise by adding a top tier free agent in what promises to be loaded offensive line market. That’s what I am talking about in regards to picking and choosing where you spend your money.

Nick Foles is the Eagles QB of the future.

Defensively, Philadelphia might not be as set. Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie appear to be a solid core upon which to build with on defense.

DRC, who is set to be a free agent in March, hasn’t been terribly consistent in Philadelphia over the course of the his first two seasons with the team. He is an unlikely candidate for the franchise tag and hasn’t even been the Eagles best cornerback this season.

Instead of spending what promises to be a huge sum of money on DRC, Philadelphia could easily make the decision to allow 2012 draft pick Brandon Boykin step into a starting role while adding another youngster in the 2013 NFL draft. While that would create some growing pains on pass defense, it makes more sense than overpaying for someone that just hasn’t performed up to snuff.

Of course, Philadelphia’s main goal will be to find a new head coach for its franchise for the first team in nearly a decade and a half. That isn’t going to be an easy task.

Does it look for a veteran head coach to help lead what promises to be a young roster? Maybe it decides some new blood is needed from the college ranks to help inspire a young roster.

Either way, that is going to be the Eagles first goal when their season comes to an end this weekend.

At the very least, Philadelphia does have a lot more to work with than other bottom feeders such as the: Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs.

It should be an interesting offseason.

 

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Where the NFL Playoff Race Stands After 16 Weeks

December 27, 2012 Vincent Frank NFL
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With one week remaining in the NFL season there isn’t a whole heck of a lot to be decided. 10 of the 12 teams that are going to make the postseason have already clinched with just the NFC East and the final wildcard spot in the NFC up for grabs.

This doesn’t mean that there won’t be a lot of intrigue come Week 17. We still have to decide who is going to be seeded where.

Today’s article is going to focus on the current seeds in each conference and what needs to happen in order for things to get settled next week.

 

AFC

1. Houston Texans (12-3)

2. Denver Broncos (12-3)

3. New England Patriots (11-4)

4. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

5. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

 

* Houston can clinch the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC with a win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. They hold the tie-breaker over both the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, so they could acquire the first seed even if they lose to Indianapolis

* Denver needs to beat the Kansas City Chiefs and have Houston go down to Indianapolis to acquire the No. 1 seed. It wraps up a first-round bye with either a win against Kansas City or New England loss to the Miami Dolphins.

* New England needs to have Denver lose to Kansas City and beat Miami to acquire a first-round bye. Due to tie-breakers it is eliminated from the No. 1 overall seed.

* Indianapolis is guaranteed the No. 5 seed and Cincinnati can do no better than the No. 6 seed.

* Baltimore can get the No. 3 seed with a win over Cincinnati and a Patriots loss to the Dolphins.

Most Likely Wildcard Matchups

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

 

NFC

1. Atlanta Falcons (13-2)

2. Green Bay Packers (11-4)

3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)

4. Washington Redskins (9-6)

5. Seattle Seahawks (10-5)

6. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)

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7. Chicago Bears (9-6)

8. Dallas Cowboys (8-7)

9. New York Giants (8-7)

* Atlanta has clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.

* Green Bay can clinch the second seed and a first-round bye with a win over Minnesota next Sunday.

* San Francisco can clinch the NFC West with a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. It must beat Arizona and have Minnesota take out Green Bay in order to acquire the second seed and a first-round bye.

* Washington can win the NFC East with a win over Dallas on Sunday Night Football. If the Redskins lose, they can still grab a playoff spot with losses by both Chicago and Minnesota.

* Seattle can win the NFC West by defeating the St. Louis Rams and the 49ers losing to Arizona. It has wrapped up the No. 5 overall seed in the NFC.

* Minnesota can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Green Bay on Sunday. If the Vikings lose they need Dallas, New York and Chicago to all lose.

* Chicago needs to defeat the Detroit Lions and have Minnesota lose to Green Bay in order to clinch the No. 6 seed.

* Dallas must defeat Washington in order to get into the playoffs as the NFC East Champions. It has no other avenue to the postseason.

* New York must win and have Dallas/Chicago/Minnesota all lose to make the playoffs.

Most Likely Wildcard Matchups

Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins

 

 

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NFL Quarterbacks Destined to Play Elsewhere in 2013

December 20, 2012 Vincent Frank Featured, NFL
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One thing is for sure as the 2012 NFL regular season draws to a close. There is going to be a great deal of quarterback movement in the offseason as some teams move on from the past and others attempt to actually find someone of substance at this all-important position.

As you might already know the free agent and draft classes at quarterback leaves a lot to be desired. Outside of Geno Smith, there really isn’t a single franchise-caliber starting quarterback in the draft.

Meanwhile, Jason Campbell is the only soon-to-be free agent even worth looking at as a stop gap starting quarterback option. Even then, he leaves a lot to be desired.

Instead, we are going to see quarterbacks released and traded, which adds to what is already going to be an intriguing offseason. On that note, I thought it made some sense to take a look at a few quarterbacks that will be changing teams in that manner following the season.

 

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

 

 

 

Philadelphia can get out from under Vick’s contract at a cost of just $4.5 million if it releases him prior to the start of the new league year. While the Eagles are definitely going to look in trading their oft-injured quarterback, no team in their right mind will pick up $70 million (non-guaranteed) remaining on his contract.

Additionally, the Eagles seem to have a competent young replacement in the form of rookie Nick Foles, who has impressed in limited action in 2012. If the Eagles do end up releasing Vick, a strong likely hood, two teams have already been mention:

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Yes, the very same Jets who just recently indicated to a source that they are looking for “ball security” from the quarterback position. I guess Rex Ryan and company don’t have much tape on the 2011 and 2012 version of Vick.

Buffalo is a really intriguing option here. Ryan Fitzpatrick just isn’t getting the job done and seems to be regressing from a strong start to the season. While Buffalo just recently signed him to an extension, it can easily get out of the financial terms without having too much dead salary cap money. I see them as a solid possibility.

Pure conjecture, but the Arizona Cardinals also seem like a fit. Kevin Kolb is as good as gone, while Ryan Lindley and John Skelton have been nothing short of disastrous in 2012.

 

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

If San Francisco decides to trade or release Smith he will immediately become the most coveted quarterback on the market. It is becoming more and more like that will be the case due to the strong play of second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Smith is a really intriguing option. He was leading the NFL in completion percentage and second in the league in quarterback rating prior to being benched in lieu of Kaepernick. At 28, Smith also seems to be in the prime of his career and has never played better.

He is also set to earn just $19 million over the next two seasons, which is pennies on the dollar for a solid starting quarterback. Considering how weak the free agent and draft classes promise to be this offseason, San Francisco should be able to trade Smith for a decent bounty; most likely a mid-round pick and future considerations.

If the Jets are indeed serious about ball protection, Smith would seem like a great fit. After all, he has thrown one interception per 50 pass attempts over the course of the last three seasons. The Kansas City Chiefs, who are going to part ways with Matt Cassel, are another option.

 

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

New York finally understands what the rest of us already knew about two years ago. Sanchez just isn’t a good NFL quarterback. In order for it to succeed moving forward it will have to part ways with the former top five pick.

Despite signing a three year, $40.5 million extension with New York back in March, I just don’t see a scenario where the franchise brings him back. It will, however, be on the hook for nearly $9 million should it be forced to release Sanchez.

Various reports indicate that the Jets are going to test the trade market for both Sanchez and Tim Tebow. That being said, there isn’t going to be much of a market for either of them as starters. Heck, there won’t be one.

A team like the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars or Kansas City Chiefs could bring Sanchez in, under a restructured deal, to be a backup for a young quarterback.

Meanwhile, Tebow isn’t going to get any play at all. He is a collegiate-level quarterback who would need an entire offensive philosophy changed in order to succeed. That’s not happening in the NFL.

 

Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders

$11 million of the nearly $40 million remaining on Palmer’s contract is guaranteed. This makes it incredibly hard for Reggie McKenzie to part with the disappointing veteran quarterback. His choice is either take a $11 million cap hit in 2013 in order to look to the future (Terrelle Pryor?) or be stuck with Palmer for another season.

That being said, keeping Palmer on next season would be delaying the inevitable. He is guaranteed nearly $8 million in both 2014 and 2015. I can easily envision a scenario where McKenzie decides to bite the bullet.

Palmer still has the talent and arm to be a somewhat reliable starting quarterback. His problems in Oakland seem to be that he doesn’t fit the scheme all too well and struggles with decision making. A team like Arizona could easily make a play for him as a stop gap for a rookie.

 

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2013 NFL Mock Draft: Version 1.0

December 19, 2012 Vincent Frank Featured
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1. Kansas City Chiefs                     Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
2. Jacksonville Jaguars                   Jarvis Jones, DE/LB, Georgia

Courtesy of ESPN

3. Oakland Raiders                         Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
4. Philadelphia Eagles                     Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Courtesy of ESPN

5. Detroit Lions                             Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Courtesy of Bleacher Report

6. Arizona Cardinals                       Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Courtesy of USA Today

7. Tennessee                               Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
8. Carolina                                   Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Courtesy of the NFL

9. Buffalo                                    Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Courtesy of Bleacher Report

10. Cleveland                               Bjoern Werner, DE/LB, Florida State
11. San Diego                               Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
12. Tampa Bay                             Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB, Lousiana St.
13. New Orleans                          Keenan Allen, WR, California
14. Miami                                      Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
15. New York (J)                         Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Courtesy of Bleacher Report

16. St. Louis                                Sheldon Richardson, DL, Missouri
17. Pittsburgh                              Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
18. Minnesota                              Robert Woods, WR, Southern California

19. Dallas                                    Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
20. New York (G)                       Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
21. Cincinnati                             Kenny Vaccaro, DB, Texas
22. Chicago                                 Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
23. St. Louis (From Wash)       Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
24. Seattle                                   Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
25. Indianapolis                          Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
26. Baltimore                              Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
27. Green Bay                             Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
28. New England                           DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
29. San Francisco                         Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
30. Denver                                     Sylvester Williams, DL, North Carolina
31. Atlanta                                     Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
32. Houston                                   Eric Reid, S, Louisiana State
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If the NFL Playoffs Started Today…..

December 18, 2012 Vincent Frank Featured, NFL
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We are nearly through the initial 15 week of the 2012 NFL regular season and a lot has been decided. With that in mind, there is still a lot of drama ready to take place in the remaining two weeks of the season heading into the playoffs in January.

I decided that it made sense for us to take a look at the playoff matchups if the second season were to start today. Who would have the upper hand in each game? What the Super Bowl might look like? Of course this can all change within the blink of an eye.

 

NFC Wildcard

 

(5) Seattle Seahawks at (4) Washington Redskins

Russell Wilson taking on Robert Griffin III in an opening round playoff game. The NFL seriously couldn’t draw it up any better if this were to happen. These quarterbacks are playing at the highest levels we have seen for rookies in quite some time, it not ever. They have combined for 48 total touchdowns and just 13 interceptions, while leading their teams to playoff contention.

Washington currently sits in a three-way tie for first in the NFC East and Seattle has the inside shot for the first wildcard spot.

This game comes down to a couple different factors. Despite winning two consecutive road games, Seattle really isn’t that good away from the Pacific Northwest. It will be going into a hostile environment with a rookie quarterback making his first playoff start. That usually spells doom. However, Washington’s defense ranks among the worst in the entire NFL against the pass, which bodes well for Wilson.

In the end, I will take the rookie playing a home over the rookie making his first playoff start on the road in a hostile environment.

 

(6) Minnesota Vikings at (3) Green Bay Packers

On the surface, this game wouldn’t even be close. Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North Champions taking on a struggling Christian Ponder at home in January. There is no way Minnesota would even be able to keep this game close. Well, that’s just on the surface.

The Vikings have someone by the name of Adrian Peterson, who is putting together one of the most impressive seasons for a running back in NFL history. He is currently on pace to surpass the 2,000 yard rushing mark after tearing up his left knee less than a year ago. Just think about that for a second.

I still don’t see Minnesota being able to pull out what would be a surprising playoff win in Lambeau. While the Packers come away with the win, this game would be much closer than originally anticipated.

 

AFC Wildcard 

 

(5) Indianapolis Colts at (4) Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore has not lost three in a row, but was able to sneak into the playoffs after a bunch of other AFC teams laid eggs in Week 15. While the Ravens have yet to clinch the AFC North, it’s looking more and more like they’ll end up with the No. 4 seed.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis is having one of the most surprising seasons in the entire NFL. It is 9-5 through 15 weeks and nearly assured of a playoff spot. What Andrew Luck has done as a rookie is nothing short of amazing.

This is a good matchup for the Colts as well. Baltimore ranks in the bottom 10 of the NFL against the pass, which indicates Luck would have a solid game. While the Colts secondary leaves a lot to be desired, I can easily see Indy pulling off a minor upset here.

 

(6) Cincinnati Bengals at (3) New England Patriots

New England lost a golden opportunity to earn a first-round bye when it fell to the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday. It is now probably going to have to take on the final AFC seed at home in the wildcard round.

Don’t fret.

The Patriots will not lose a home wildcard game against a team like Cincinnati. It just isn’t going to happen.

 

NFC Divisional Playoffs

 

(4) Washington Redskins at (1) Atlanta Falcons

Can Atlanta actually win its first playoff game under Matt Ryan? While the Falcons have been the best team (record-wise) in the NFC this season, there is a feeling that they’re vulnerable in the playoffs.

I just don’t envision Robert Griffin III being able to go into the Georgia Dome and coming away with a victory. Washington, no matter how great it has been playing recently, isn’t Super Bowl contenders at this point. Expect Atlanta to take care of business in a relatively easy manner.

 

(3) Green Bay Packers at (2) San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco already defeated Green Bay once this season. It went into Lambeau in the season opener and really dominated what is a great Packers team. The 49ers have an added dimension on the offensive side of the ball in the form of Colin Kaepernick, who was riding the pine behind Alex Smith in September’s game.

I wouldn’t expect this game to be too close. Aaron Rodgers can pick apart a secondary, but he won’t have an opportunity to going up against what is the most dominating front seven in the NFL. San Francisco wins by multiple scores here.

AFC Divisional Playoffs

 

(5) Indianapolis Colts at (1) Houston Texans

The Colts dream season comes crashing down in this one as the franchise realizes it isn’t ready to compete with the big boys on the biggest stage. Arian Foster will be able to exploit a weak Colts front seven and Houston will make it to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.

 

 

 

 

 

(3) New England Patriots at (1) Denver Broncos 

This would be one hell of a game. Peyton Manning against Tom Brady, part…… Well, you get the point. There is a real chance that Denver will go into this game in the midst of a 11-game winning streak. By no means does that indicate that it will run all over the defending AFC Champions.

While I expect this game to be really close, Manning pulls it out in front of the home crowd in Denver and takes it to the conference championship.

 

NFC Championship Game

 

(2) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Atlanta Falcons

This is a really good matchup for San Francisco. Its defense has the ability to turn Atlanta into a one dimensional offense, which will not work out too well with the type of scheme the 49ers run. While Roddy White and Julio Jones do create a tremendous amount of mismatches at wide receiver, I fully expect Carlos Rogers, Chris Culliver and Tarell Brown to be up to the task.

If this game is left into the right hand of Matt Ryan, Atlanta will be in trouble. We have seen the 49ers defense make elite quarterbacks look average over the course of the last couple seasons. That won’t change it Atlanta is unable to generate a running game with Michael Turner.

On the other side of the ball, Atlanta also matches up well against San Francisco’s offense. John Abraham and the pass rush should be able to put ample pressure on Colin Kaepernick. The one thing that I see San Francisco being able to take advantage of is Kaepernick’s athletic ability and willingness to run the ball on his own. If Atlanta is forced to the box in order to prevent him from running, we could easily see Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis with one on one coverage.

In the end, San Francisco pulls off the mild upset and returns to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.

AFC Championship Game

 

(2) Denver Broncos at (1) Houston Texans

While Houston would be considered the “favorite” here, I just don’t see them being able to stop Peyton Manning and the Broncos passing game. The Texans have a wide array of issues in the defensive secondary and will struggle to keep with Demaryius Thomas and Erick Decker down the field.

On the other hand, Denver should have issues being able to stop both Arian Foster Andre Johnson in this one. Its front seven isn’t the greatest in the world and can be beaten off the line. If the Broncos give Foster any type of holes to run through, he will  eat them apart.

Expect a high-scoring game, but the road-tripping Broncos will take it and return to the Super Bowl for the first time since last millennium.

 

Super Bowl 

 

Denver Broncos vs San Francisco 49ers

John Elway will look to get his revenge against the franchise that embarrassed him in Super Bowl XXIV by the score of 55-10. The good news for Elway is that he won’t have to play against San Francisco’s dominating defense. The better news for Elway and company is that the 49ers don’t have Joe Montana to throw the ball to Jerry Rice in this one.

While many of us are probably pulling for a Patriots-49ers rematch, especially after how Sunday night’s game went, Denver will spoil the part.

Manning should be able to do what no quarterback in the NFL has done against San Francisco this season. That is, of course, being able to stand strong in the pocket and finding his receivers on the outside with a decent lane to throw to. Manning has been sacked the least amount of times in the NFL this season, and don’t expect San Francisco’s front seven to be able to put a whole lot of pressure on him.

On the other hand, Colin Kaepernick matches up well against Denver’s defense. He has the arm strength to get the ball deep against lackluster corners and can easily use his athletic ability to get out of the pocket and make something out of nothing.

This would be a really high-scoring Super Bowl with Denver coming out on top by something to the tune of 38-34.

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