National Football League

[Tricycle Rider]

PNW weather forecasters must have caught on. Wind is whipping up here already, with severe winds expected by tonight.

We've had huge wind gusts here in Eugene since last night. In Seattle such gusts definitely could impact the game. (Wheeee! Look at the football flying around like a kite. And... he misses the field goal!)

 

[ToreBear]

Hmm, I picked right 0 out of 4 tries last week. Well I'm a rookie, I've to date watched 3.5 playoff games.

My gut said Saints, but with the wind favoring the run game, I will have to say Seattle.

Indy at patriots, Could be an interesting game, but I'm not gonna try watching it this time. Managed half of last weeks late game, then went to sleep at 4am. I'm not even gonna try this time since staying awake until 5-6am, is not doable if I want to enjoy Tommorows XC, Biathlon, Ski flying, combined etc.

The NFL should really dump these late games. There is no way us Europeans can follow them.

My gut and head says San Fran. But I'm going with Carolina since I don't want to give ChewbaccaD a chance to make fun of my picks.

Chargers at Denver.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Game time: GO SAINTS!...I'll hate you again next week, but screw those latte drinking, tech nerds in Seattle.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Sticking with my picks from before. Seattle, SF, Denver, New England..

Quick picks, stats next week;
IND 17, NE 20

You must be looking at the weather and seeing a typhoon, because otherwise no way this game is this low scoring.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Hm, do not underestimate the Saints.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings, as they say.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Damn!t!!!!!

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Game time: GO SAINTS!...I'll hate you again next week, but screw those latte drinking, tech nerds in Seattle.

Damn!t!!!!!

I'll surprise ya. GO PANTHERS! Then if you make the trip to SEA I'll buy you a real coffee. None of that Foo Foo crap with additives. Just black, dark roast, and extra bold. And bring your laptop or tablet and I'll fix it for ya.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good win for Seattle, in a game with some strange bounces. Wilson didn't show much, but Harvin looked good, if he's goid to go next week. The Beast looked very good, and the defense super, especially against the pass.

Very impressed with New England. How Belicheck puts together these players, and a new game plan. I mean, we knew they'd try to run, but even Indy did, and couldn't stop them. And is the Patriot defense of no-names really that good?

 

[Oldman]

Game time: GO SAINTS!...I'll hate you again next week, but screw those latte drinking, tech nerds in Seattle.

Right back at you, bead-wearing swamp dwellers.
By the way, didn't Shawn Peyton learn his lesson from Bountygate? Some of the nastiest cheap shots I've ever seen and most of it not visible from TV coverage.
While Russell Wilson didn't show much know that he didn't need to. When a scramble and toss was necessary he pulled it off and the pass to Baldwin was perfect.
Seattle does need to watch the pointless penalties that keep drives alive. Too many mistakes like that.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

I'll surprise ya. GO PANTHERS! Then if you make the trip to SEA I'll buy you a real coffee. None of that Foo Foo crap with additives. Just black, dark roast, and extra bold. And bring your laptop or tablet and I'll fix it for ya.

The offer is really nice, but I like lattes (I was a barista back when you had to do everything manually), and I've been fixing computers since I put my IBM 386 in a perpetual loop on start-up because of the wrong DOS command.

So I would make a GREAT Seattle fan!! I don't see a scenario that I will be one until the super bowl though. My wife was a long-time resident of SF, so on a Panthers loss, 'ners (my joking name for them) will be my team. If they lose, I always go NFC for the big game...unless it's Dallas...like that's ever gonna happen again, right?

Plus, I think Wilson is freaking amazing, and so is your team. The reason I was rooting for NO is because I wanted two playoff games...and more than anything, I don't think anyone wants to go to Seattle to play.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Right back at you, bead-wearing swamp dwellers.
By the way, didn't Shawn Peyton learn his lesson from Bountygate? Some of the nastiest cheap shots I've ever seen and most of it not visible from TV coverage.
While Russell Wilson didn't show much know that he didn't need to. When a scramble and toss was necessary he pulled it off and the pass to Baldwin was perfect.
Seattle does need to watch the pointless penalties that keep drives alive. Too many mistakes like that.

As a fan of a NFC South team, I can tell you that NO plays dirty every play of every game. They are always looking to try to intimidate. Unfortunately for them, they ran into a team that not only took their dirty hits, but just overpowered them physically. It was really impressive actually. I would say they're the odds-on favorite to take it after watching that game.

And I went back to hating NO immediately after they lost...I really just did not want the prospect of having to go to Seattle to play...I have two tickets with "NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME" printed on them that will never be used...good news is that I also have two for today's game.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Very impressed with New England. How Belicheck puts together these players, and a new game plan. I mean, we knew they'd try to run, but even Indy did, and couldn't stop them. And is the Patriot defense of no-names really that good?

Me too. Especially the game plan. This helps to set up NE for next week's match vs the Broncs or Bolts, because now whoever faces NE will seriously have to know they not only have to defend the pass but they better also defend the run. In Brady's post game presse, he almost looked glowing with that thought, and he should be. Smart, very smart.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Hmm, I picked right 0 out of 4 tries last week. Well I'm a rookie, I've to date watched 3.5 playoff games.

My gut said Saints, but with the wind favoring the run game, I will have to say Seattle.

Indy at patriots, Could be an interesting game, but I'm not gonna try watching it this time. Managed half of last weeks late game, then went to sleep at 4am. I'm not even gonna try this time since staying awake until 5-6am, is not doable if I want to enjoy Tommorows XC, Biathlon, Ski flying, combined etc.

The NFL should really dump these late games. There is no way us Europeans can follow them.

My gut and head says San Fran. But I'm going with Carolina since I don't want to give ChewbaccaD a chance to make fun of my picks.

Chargers at Denver.

Shoulda' gone with the pack.

 

[Oldman]

As a fan of a NFC South team, I can tell you that NO plays dirty every play of every game. They are always looking to try to intimidate. Unfortunately for them, they ran into a team that not only took their dirty hits, but just overpowered them physically. It was really impressive actually. I would say they're the odds-on favorite to take it after watching that game.

And I went back to hating NO immediately after they lost...I really just did not want the prospect of having to go to Seattle to play...I have two tickets with "NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME" printed on them that will never be used...good news is that I also have two for today's game.

Sorry that didn't work out for you. I want to watch SF and Sea play because it should be amazing.

 

[Merckx index]

I want to watch SF and Sea play because it should be amazing.

If you’re from the Bay Area, good luck getting tickets:

The good feelings between the 49ers and Seahawks could never last.

Last week, fans from both teams decided to donate money to children’s hospitals in Seattle and San Francisco. Now, the Seahawks are limiting ticket sales to just six states and the Canadian Provinces.

Only credit cards with addresses from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii will be allowed to buy tickets to Sunday’s NFC Championship between the 49ers and Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. That’s it.

Please notice that California was not on that list. The move will help preference tickets to Seahawks fans and, the team hopes, eliminate scalpers [edit: and 49er fans].

Niner fans are known for traveling. This season, several road stadiums were packed with 49ers fans, and 49ers’ play-by-play voice Ted Robinson said there were droves of 49ers fans in Charlotte for Sunday’s 23-10 road win over the Panthers.

The restriction means 49ers fans will have to go to the secondary market to buy tickets. According to CBS Sports, the cheapest seats are going for $330. So 49ers fans: Good luck, bring your wallet and, by the way, the fan rivalry is back on.

NE will really be studying the tapes of the three DE-SD games. DE was held to < 30 points four times this year, three times by SD. And SD also held the Broncos to < 400 yards in all three games, no other team did that. I can’t understand how two teams that are so good offensively and so weak defensively have so much trouble scoring against each other. SD’s offense was pathetic today until the fourth quarter, and Denver didn’t even have Von Miller. But I didn’t watch the game and don’t know if weather was a factor.

I guess Manning helped get rid of that choker tag with two clutch pass completions at the end that allowed Denver to run down the clock. But if he hadn't thrown a pick right before the half, Denver would have had a little more cushion. If they had gotten into the EZ at that time, the game would have been pretty much over.

Hearing a lot of complaints about the officiating for SF-CA. The 49ers had twelve men on the field when they scored that TD just before the half ended (thirteen if you count Harbaugh, lol). And some head butting that was and wasn’t called. Bottom line, though, is CA needs some one other than Smith to catch passes. Given what he has to work with, I think Newton is doing pretty well.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

If you’re from the Bay Area, good luck getting tickets:



NE will really be studying the tapes of the three DE-SD games. DE was held to < 30 points four times this year, three times by SD. And SD also held the Broncos to < 400 yards in all three games, no other team did that. I can’t understand how two teams that are so good offensively and so weak defensively have so much trouble scoring against each other. SD’s offense was pathetic today until the fourth quarter, and Denver didn’t even have Von Miller. But I didn’t watch the game and don’t know if weather was a factor.

I guess Manning helped get rid of that choker tag with two clutch pass completions at the end that allowed Denver to run down the clock. But if he hadn't thrown a pick right before the half, Denver would have had a little more cushion. If they had gotten into the EZ at that time, the game would have been pretty much over.

Hearing a lot of complaints about the officiating for SF-CA. The 49ers had twelve men on the field when they scored that TD just before the half ended (thirteen if you count Harbaugh, lol). And some head butting that was and wasn’t called. Bottom line, though, is CA needs some one other than Smith to catch passes. Given what he has to work with, I think Newton is doing pretty well.

The calls were bad but that didn't lose us the game, but I disagree on Cam. He threw two bad INT's and neither was on the receiver. He threw bad passes. As bad as that was, Shula's play calling on offense was horrible at times. When we had the ball with almost 7 minutes left, needing 2 TD's, we took entirely too long to get to the line and make the play. Also, the calls on the 1 both times (we failed to score on one, and kicked a FG on the other) were horrendous. Then again, or defense was handled, which I did not expect.

But mostly, I put this one on Cam. We only had one major drop today.

But the refs sucked. The 12 man call, the no flag on a headbutt call were really bad.

 

[manafana]

dream marketing game for nfl as brady and manning will fight out for a super bowl spot, conference finals are often better than the over hyped superbowl night

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Looks like Carolina was an underdog for a reason.

Hey, I went 4-0 this week. Then again, so did a lot of people. No real upsets this weekend.

I may change my mind later, but I'm going with Denver over New England, simply because I don't see Manning making the same mistakes Luck did against New England's defense. But this game is hard to predict. Who thought the Patriots would rush for 238 yards? Who thought Denver's offense would only put up 24 points, in reasonably good weather, at home? And what if San Diego played three quarters like they played the 4th? But my gut tells me the Patriots can't repeat what they just did. And the Broncos will play better.

My gut also tells me San Francisco will squeeze out a win over Seattle. I know all about the home field thing. Just after watching both games, I think the 49ers are on more of a roll, and Carolina was the test they needed. The 49ers also seem at complete, full strength. Considering that Percy Harvin looked like he was going to make an immediate impact, having him questionable for next week can't help Seattle.

Again, may change both picks later. Either way you slice it though, I like the NFC team in the Superbowl.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Most of the year I've been lamenting the Seattle OLine, and mostly the LG and RT positions. So, on a day when Wilson did not pass well, Beast Mode ran for 140 yards... with normal starting LG Carpenter inactive (but uninjured) for the game and who was replaced by rookie Bowie. Normal backup utility OLineman McQuistan also did not play. Now, the playoffs are not the best time to be using the "competition" philosophy for starting positions, but I'll take it. Seattle had to do something. Bowie was an improvement over Carp and McQuistan. This could change things for Seattle throughout the playoffs, into the offseason, and beyond. (Bleacher/Report Link).

Should be a good brawl in Seattle next Sunday.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

There is no doubt that it's going to be a very, very tough game. I'm thinking one of those 16-13 scores, with a lot of 3 and out drives by both teams. A big question to me is Seattle throwing the ball down field, and timing patterns. With Rice done for the season, and Harvin questionable. Now, Tate, Baldwin and Kearse have stood up, but are they at that level? To beat SF? I don't know/ I do think the Seahawks made the adjustment on the OL they needed though. Playoffs or not.

On the other side, I see few questions about the 49ers. I guess the only thing would be if they are too wound up, too tight. That can let a team down, especially if they fall behind. But they have been on such a roll, and are so well rounded.

Today's news is that the Broncos resurgent defense is ready for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Well, if I were the Patriots I wouldn't worry too much about that. Seriously. The Broncos almost collapsed in the 4th quarter, and their previous two performances were against the Texans and Raiders. So being overconfident on defense, especially if their best DB Chris Harris can't play, is something Brady and Belicheck will quickly exploit. I haven't heard anything about the Pats defense, but they best be humble. As I said before, I think the Broncos have more weapons on offense than the Colts did, and I expect Manning to play mistake free, or like he did this week, and thus be able to put up some real points, to one of those 42-34 wins. Especially as the weather is supposed to be nice.

Playing against San Francisco or Seattle's defense, that's another story all together.

 

[Oldman]

There is no doubt that it's going to be a very, very tough game. I'm thinking one of those 16-13 scores, with a lot of 3 and out drives by both teams. A big question to me is Seattle throwing the ball down field, and timing patterns. With Rice done for the season, and Harvin questionable. Now, Tate, Baldwin and Kearse have stood up, but are they at that level? To beat SF? I don't know/ I do think the Seahawks made the adjustment on the OL they needed though. Playoffs or not.

On the other side, I see few questions about the 49ers. I guess the only thing would be if they are too wound up, too tight. That can let a team down, especially if they fall behind. But they have been on such a roll, and are so well rounded.

Today's news is that the Broncos resurgent defense is ready for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Well, if I were the Patriots I wouldn't worry too much about that. Seriously. The Broncos almost collapsed in the 4th quarter, and their previous two performances were against the Texans and Raiders. So being overconfident on defense, especially if their best DB Chris Harris can't play, is something Brady and Belicheck will quickly exploit. I haven't heard anything about the Pats defense, but they best be humble. As I said before, I think the Broncos have more weapons on offense than the Colts did, and I expect Manning to play mistake free, or like he did this week, and thus be able to put up some real points, to one of those 42-34 wins. Especially as the weather is supposed to be nice.

Playing against San Francisco or Seattle's defense, that's another story all together.

Attending the last game you could see a lot more than was observable on TV, particularly the swirling winds. The only place you could reliably pass was heading into the SE corner of the stadium. Wilson passed well and didn't need to. That's a fairly obvious point as Seattle has been playing ultra-conservative control ball the last few weeks. When it was important Wilson hit Baldwin perfectly. Several of the dropped passes are legitimate reasons for concern.

SF on the other hand will see a healthy Seattle O line. That, and Kap does tend to get itchy under constant pressure. Carolina seldom put him in that position. I see it better than even and the first quarter will be key for both team's defense. It may hinge on 3rd & outs on early possessions to setup the balance of the game's offensive strategies. He who scores first will likely default to any ground game that sustains possession.

The AFC will be just the opposite. He who has the ball last....

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

My evaluation of Wilson and the receivers was somewhat based comparing them to NO and Brees, who were better throwing in the same wind. Carroll must have emphasized to Wilson to not force a single throw. Still, I will give Russell big props for the perfect Baldwin pass.

It will be interesting to see not how much, but how Seattle tries to throw Kaepernick off. He somewhat has the same knock he did in college in fixing on the primary receiver before evaluating the defense. But the 49ers will likely take a similar approach of being quite conservative, which alleviates that. Providing the game is close.

Also agree the first quarter is going to tell a lot. If the game goes on and someone can get out to a more than 8 point lead it could be the game.

As I said before, while it was nice to see the Broncos and Patriots play better defense, and the Pats run, I don't expect much of a defensive struggle this week. It's going to be Arena ball as I see it. The losing AFC team very well could score more than the total of the NFC game!

Again, sticking with NFC team to win the Superbowl, no matter what the match-up. NFC Championship is the game to watch my friends.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Looks like Carolina was an underdog for a reason.

Hey, I went 4-0 this week. Then again, so did a lot of people. No real upsets this weekend.

I may change my mind later, but I'm going with Denver over New England, simply because I don't see Manning making the same mistakes Luck did against New England's defense. But this game is hard to predict. Who thought the Patriots would rush for 238 yards? Who thought Denver's offense would only put up 24 points, in reasonably good weather, at home? And what if San Diego played three quarters like they played the 4th? But my gut tells me the Patriots can't repeat what they just did. And the Broncos will play better.

My gut also tells me San Francisco will squeeze out a win over Seattle. I know all about the home field thing. Just after watching both games, I think the 49ers are on more of a roll, and Carolina was the test they needed. The 49ers also seem at complete, full strength. Considering that Percy Harvin looked like he was going to make an immediate impact, having him questionable for next week can't help Seattle.

Again, may change both picks later. Either way you slice it though, I like the NFC team in the Superbowl.

I wish there were a middle finger smiley...

 

[Tricycle Rider]

With the remaining teams these are possibly the most exciting playoffs ever for me. While I don't particularly dislike any NFL teams some of them I just feel completely indifferent about. I can't say that about this post-season. So on that note...

'Hawks
Denver

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

SF 17, SEA 14 (w/o HFA i´d have called out for a SF blow-out)

Even tough the numbers show me SEA as fav, lately the 49ers came up (especially since all receivers are back), and the Saints did what I said (when it was too late, speak after being down 0-16): Attack, pass, don´t play the SEA game. If the 49ers come out throwing (which I think they will) they will silence the crowd, and show that the SEA pass D is mortal as Brees did in the 2nd half (going 19/31-275-1/0 = 100.9 rating, sacked only once for a gaudy 8.3 Y/PP).
Take away the unlucky 4th downs, the stupid non-OoB run by Colston and the MFGs, the Saints likely would have prevailed since SEA pass offense has nothing to show for the last couple of games. If they fall behind, they are doomed, b/c SF has a D too.
Let Kaep have a normal game, all is going to be good.

DEN 37, NE 24

It´s time for PM. It´s just time. I don´t see Brady to outplay PM unless PM has a really bad game...
Brady might go something like the last couple of weeks (w/o Gronk) 18/34-190.
My least expectations for PM is something like 25/40-300. But more like 28/44-350. No way Brady could keep up with that...
Fingers crossed PM doesn´t go into the nervous mode.