NFL: Week 17 Preview: Cowboys at Redskins is a worthy season closer

It's in prime time for a reason. Washington host Dallas in a win and in game in Landover on Sunday night with absolutely everything on the line. Win the game, win the NFC East and tie up the #4 seed in the NFC and a home playoff game with (almost certainly) Seattle. Lose, and for Dallas that's it, and for Washington, only a real run of results going in their favour would suffice. It's the last game of the regular season and it really is everything to play for. Washington's rookie sensation against Dallas' erratic shooter at quarterback. Robert Griffin III has had a sensational rookie season since being drafted second overall out of Baylor. Tony Romo tends to fall apart in December under pressure, but can have incredible games at the drop of a hat. It's a game that could go either way, but with Washington having home advantage; it could be very difficult for the Cowboys to be seeing postseason action.

In the other NFC East game, the Giants can make the playoffs if Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago all lose. Their recent slump, however, is going to be hard to break out of, and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to see the Giants actually losing at home to Philly. It's been that sort of season.

It's in the NFC North where the other playoff side will come from barring an unlikely series of results. Minnesota host Green Bay knowing that quite simply, a win and they have the #6 seed. The sticking point is that Green Bay are playing for the #2 seed and the all important first round bye. If the packers beat the Vikings, they will have the #2 seed, and the Vikings season will rest on whether Detroit can beat Chicago. In an interesting piece of scheduling, the Bears will kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern in Detroit, while it's a 4.25 Eastern kick off in Minneapolis. This could work in two ways for the Vikings. If Chicago have won, they will know that a win is necessary. If Chicago have lost, they may look at Washington being favourites at 8.20. Either way, green Bay are going to be extremely difficult to beat, even at home, but with Adrian Peterson rushing 210 yards at Lambeau earlier in the season, they know they have an ace in the hole - and who knows, maybe their rivals in Detroit will have something to say.

NFC playoff scenarios:
Washington in if: Washington win or tie or Washington lose and Minnesota and Chicago lose.
Dallas in if: Dallas win.
Minnesota in if: Minnesota win or Minnesota lose and Dallas, NY Giants and Chicago lose.
Chicago in if: Chicago win and Minnesota lose.
NY Giants in if: NY Giants win and Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago lose.

Most of the rest of the NFC is in dead rubber mode, but there is still some interest in the NFC West. San Francisco can claim a first round bye with a win over the Cardinals and a Green Bay loss, while Seattle could steal the division and the #3 seed with a win at home to the Rams and a 49ers loss. With the #1 seed already sewn up, expect the falcons to send out the backups in their NFC South tie with Tampa Bay. New Orleans will try to get to 8-8 in the Superdome against Carolina in the other NFC encounter.

In the AFC, it's all about the first round byes. I fully expect Denver to destroy Kansas City and wrap up a bye, and New England should breeze past a Dolphins side, who although in a slight resurgence, aren't of the Patriots' class. So that leaves Houston. Beaten at home by the Vikings last week has left them in danger of losing the #1 seed. They play a Colts side who are already playoff bound, and already locked into the #5 position. With no chance of improving their seeding, Indianapolis may rest starters, and that could well pave the way for the Texans to wrap up the #1 seed.

Elsewhere expect the Jets to crumble once again in Buffalo. Greg McElroy has a concussion (which the Jets coaches found out about - in true Jets style - when McElroy arrived at practice with a towel wrapped round his head, accompanied by a trainer), and Rex Ryan has inexplicably named Mark Sanchez as the starter, bypassing Tim Tebow again and seemingly confirming that he was a front office signing and not a Rex signing. They may be a trainwreck, but they really are interesting to read about! The Ravens to exert their authority over the Bengals, Tennessee and Jacksonville play a game that will be watched by no-one, Pittsburgh to end their season on a high note over the Browns and San Diego and Oakland play out another game that no-one cares about. Life in the AFC isn't that interesting when the playoff teams are settled with a week to go!


Sunday Early Afternoon Predictions
New Orleans over Carolina by 16
Atlanta over Tampa Bay by 3
Buffalo over NY Jets by 7
Baltimore over Cincinnati by 12
Detroit over Chicago by 6
Tennessee over Jacksonville by 10
Houston over Indianapolis by 3
Philadelphia over NY Giants by 6
Pittsburgh over Cleveland by 16

Sunday Late Afternoon Predictions
San Diego over Oakland by 10
San Francisco over Arizona by 28
Seattle over St Louis by 21
Green Bay over Minnesota in overtime
New England over Miami by 7
Denver over Kansas City by 35

Sunday Night Prediction
Washington over Dallas by 6

Playoff Predictions

AFC
Byes: #1 Houston, #2 Denver
#6 Cincinnati at #3 New England
#5 Indianapolis at #4 Baltimore

NFC
Byes: #1 Atlanta, #2 Green Bay
#6 Minnesota at #3 San Francisco
#5 Seattle at #4 Washington

Monday NFL Musings: Seattle Rising

Forget the result of the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks are the team to fear in the NFC playoffs. Just two years after making the playoffs with a pretty abysmal 7-9 record, Pete Carroll has crafted a team who can genuinely be feared on both sides.

Their defence has been resolute. They rank 5th overall in pass defence, and 11th overall in run defence. They've registered 36 sacks on opposing quarterbacks, 17 interceptions (including 2 pick sixes) and forced 20 fumbles (with one returned for a touchdown). Their offence has been led by an unheralded third round rookie by the name of Russell Wilson. The 75th overall pick out of Wisconsin (who had previously played college baseball at NC State) was seen by many as undersized and unlikely to make an impact on the NFL. His numbers, 2,868 yards passing with 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, and 431 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing come close to those of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the first and second overall picks, and Wilson has to be in with a shout of winning the Rookie of the Year Award. Marshawn Lynch has ably assisted with close to 1500 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns (as well as 180 receiving yards with two further touchdowns), but it's been an incredible rookie year from Wilson.

The Seahawks downfall may be that they will more than likely only have a wildcard spot, and won't be at home in the playoffs. Seattle are a perfect 7-0 at home, but faltered on the road with a 3-5 record. They need an unlikely Arizona win in San Francisco next week to win the division, but if they can take their home form on the road in the playoffs, Seattle could be an unlikely shout for the Super Bowl.

Houston shut down Adrian Peterson and restricted him to just 86 yards as his quest for the NFL rushing record faltered. They failed to shut down Christian Ponder though, and the Vikings now have their destiny in their own hands. Win at home against a Green bay side who have already tied up their own playoff berth and Minnesota will make their first return to the playoffs since their overtime loss to the Saints in the 2009 NFC Championship when Brett Favre ran the show. The Vikings defence brutalised Arian Foster, restricting him to 15 yards on ten carried, and held the Texans to just 34 rushing yards in total. The Texans were held to just 187 overall yards and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in over six years. They can still clinch the #1 seed in the AFC with a win next week, but this trouncing will be much more worrying than their previous losses this year. Going back to Minnesota, they will be in buoyant mode in the Metrodome next week. Green Bay need a win to clinch a first round bye, but can the chance to make the playoffs in front of a home crowd, and the possibility of Peterson breaking the rushing record, anything could happen. It promises to be a great game.

The NFC East picture is a little more settled than it was before the weekend. Dallas' visit to Washington next week is in primetime for a reason. It's a straight shootout for the division title. Dallas' home loss to the Saints doesn't change the fact that they must win at FedEx Field to win the division. A win or tie is good enough for the Redskins to win the division and claim the #4 seed. Their win at Philadelphia was more laboured than they would have liked, but at 9-6, they hold the cards in the division. The Giants capitulation in Baltimore means that they will only clinch a playoff spot if Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago all lose next week, and they themselves topple the Eagles. All eyes will be on what is set to be a thrilling regular season closer in Landover next Sunday night.

The Chicago Bears are still in the playoff hunt, and they know that a win over the Lions, coupled with Green Bay beating Minnesota will put them in the playoffs. It's out of their hands, but fingers will be crossed at Soldier Field.

Over in the AFC, it's almost all tied up. The Colts and Bengals tied up the wildcard berths and Baltimore claimed the last remaining division in the North. All that's left to play for is home field advantage and the first round byes. Houston will clinch the #1 seed with a win over Indianapolis, with Denver waiting in the wings to steal it if they should lose. Denver need to win or hope the Patriots lose to get the first round bye. The Pats can still clinch the #1 seed if they win and the Texans and Broncos both lose. Other than those three, it's a lot of dead rubbers in the AFC this coming week.

I'll preview Week 17 on Friday. Have a great Christmas.

Sunday NFL Preview: Week 16

Two things of note happened in the Monday Night Football Saturday Edition in Detroit. One: The Atlanta Falcons clinched the #1 seed in the NFC by going 13-2 in a 31-18 win. That they go into the playoffs as probably the most underrated #1 seed in memory is irrelevant at this point. Two: Calvin Johnson, in a season where the Detroit Lions sit 4-11, set the all-time NFL single-season receiving record, surpassing Jerry Rice's 1995 mark with a game still to play. But while both of these things are particularly impressive, neither was particularly surprising. Atlanta have been quietly winning games all season (and indeed I actually predicted a 13 point victory on Thursday), while Megatron has pretty much been Detroit's only receiving threat. The main focus on Sunday will be how the playoff picture shakes out. And whether, unlike Saturday night, there can be any shocks.

Looking first at the NFC, there are so many permutations that it could hurt your head. The biggest game this weekend is the NFC West showdown between Seattle and San Francisco. With their record of 10-3-1, the 49ers have sealed a playoff berth, but with the Seahawks sitting on 9-5 and breathing right down their necks, the division is still up for grabs. The game is the final primetime NFL game of the regular season, and promises to be an absolute stunner. San Francisco seal the division with a win, Seattle all but seal a playoff berth with a win. It's going to be a battle of 2 young quarterbacks and two seasoned star running backs in the Pacific Northwest and whoever wins is in great shape for the postseason.

Depending on the result in Seattle, the NFC playoff picture could be either muddy or very muddy. The highest stakes appear to be in the NFC East, where three teams sit on 8-6, could all win the division, and the team finishing second could grab a wildcard spot. Today, Dallas entertain New Orleans, Washington visit the fourth team in the division, the dead in the water Eagles, and the Giants are at Baltimore later on. New Orleans are desperate to make something of a disappointing season and reach 8-8, and that leaves them the most vulnerable to a loss today in my eyes. The Cowboys are 4-3 at home this year though, while the Saints are 2-5 on the road. It's a tough game to call, and despite being pretty much dead in the water themselves, the Saints will enjoy being able to influence the playoffs this late on.

The Washington Redskins should have Robert Griffin III back under centre in Philadelphia, and know that they can count on backup Kirk Cousins too after his showing last week. The Eagles have been desperate all season, and I can't see them beating a Redskins team charging for the playoffs even at home.

The Giants visiting Baltimore is a strange one. The reigning Super Bowl champions have been hot and cold all year, and their 34-0 shutout loss to Atlanta a week ago will be playing on their minds. The Ravens actually have a better record than the Giants and sit top of the AFC North, with a playoff berth already confirmed. Their loss at home to Denver last week has ruined their chances of a first round bye, but they will be desperate to claim the division before they visit Cincinnati next week. A loss for the Giants would seriously dent their playoff hopes, so expect a very tight game.

Speaking of Cincinnati, they are involved in a playoff race all of their own. The Bengals sit on an 8-6 record as they visit division rivals Pittsburgh this afternoon. The Steelers have a 7-7 record at the moment, and crucially won the first meeting between the two earlier in the season. A further win today would even up the records, and the Steelers would be ahead on head-to-head record. The Bengals haven’t beaten Pittsburgh in the last 9 attempts, and with so much on the line in a road game today, can they pull one out of the bag?

Over in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers have already won the division as they welcome the Tennessee Titans in what should be a formality. Elsewhere in the division though, the Bears and the Vikings are still alive in the playoff race. Adrian Peterson has almost single handedly driven Minnesota to an 8-6 record, and they currently sit in the #6 position in the NFC. They do, however have to visit Houston, who despite already having won their division, still actually have quite a lot to play for. Lose both of their remaining games, and they could be kissing good bye to not just the #1 seed in the AFC, but also their first week bye, by virtue of their loss to New England. Will the Texans go all guns blazing against the Vikings and risk Jared Allen and Peterson tearing them up? Or will they play a more conservative game and hope that their return visit to Indianapolis next week will be the better place to tie up the conference. I fully expect the Texans to go for it, but with Peterson in the Vikings backfield, anything could happen.

The Chicago Bears have at times looked exceptional this season, then Jay Cutler remembers who he is and has an absolute nightmare the next week. They are behind the Vikings on head-to-head in division, but can still make the playoffs if they win out and the Vikes (and some combination of Washington, the Giants and Dallas) lose at least once. Despite the long trip to Phoenix, the Bears should have too much for the hapless Cardinals. Although look what happened to Detroit last week.

Elsewhere, the Colts visit Kansas City and should expect a win, Miami visit Buffalo, the Jets with Greg McElroy at QB welcome the equally bad San Diego, Tampa Bay host a St Louis side with the most outside chance of reaching the playoffs, Carolina host the inept Raiders, Tom Brady and the Patriots should have some fun in Jacksonville, and the Broncos can strengthen their credentials at home to Cleveland.

Sunday early afternoon predictions

New Orleans over Dallas by 6

Washington over Philadelphia by 17

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati by 8

Green Bay over Tennessee by 17

Houston over Minnesota by 3

Indianapolis over Kansas City by 24

Miami over Buffalo by 6

NY Jets over San Diego in overtime

St Louis over Tampa Bay by 7

Carolina over Oakland by 13

New England over Jacksonville by 20

Sunday late afternoon predictions

Baltimore over NY Giants in overtime

Chicago over Arizona by 10

Denver over Cleveland by 14

Sunday night prediction

Seattle over San Francisco by 2

NFL: Don't underestimate the Falcons

I'm going to start this by being completely honest. I hate the Atlanta Falcons in a way only a New Orleans Saints fan can. To put it in context for all of you not as accustomed to the NFL, I hate the Falcons in the same way I hate Celtic as a lifelong Rangers fan. And how as a Chelsea fan I hate Leeds (and well, everyone). But in the NFL, it's the Falcons I look to lose every week. But it's not happened this year and for that they need to be admired. Or do they?

The Falcons are 12-2 going into tonight's trip to Detroit, where a win can secure the NFC's #1 seed, and both of their losses have come on the road to divisional rivals looking to prove something. They lost to a Saints team who have struggled all season, and for whom the scalp of Atlanta would be the highlight of the year and were doubly focused on beating their rivals. And they lost to a Carolina side, whose second year, first overall draft pick quarterback was struggling and had to prove his worth in light of the rookies showing him up. Cam delivered, and the Falcons were handed their second loss. Losing in division, especially on the road, doesn't make you a bad side, so why were the Falcons never topping the lists of the top teams in the NFL, even when starting the season 8-0? Why have the Falcons been top of the "Power Rankings" for just a week or 2 all year?

Because they haven't beaten anyone. Or so many commentators would have you believe. And that theory does - sort of - hold up. They disposed of Kansas City in week 1. They've since beaten San Diego, Oakland, Arizona, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. As well as winning the home games against New Orleans and Carolina. That means 8 of their 12 wins have come against teams with a losing record. And their strength of schedule is amongst the lowest in the league at .488. But wait. Look at who has the weakest strength of schedule this year. It's only the Patriots. And believe it or not, the 49ers, Packers and Texans also have a weaker strength of schedule than Atlanta. All 4 teams have been hyped at one point or another as the bets in the NFL.

And the other 4 wins. Week 2 against the Broncos. The 11-3 Broncos. Yet leading up to week 15, many claimed that the Falcons "Haven't beaten anyone". Peyton Manning hadn't started to get it together in Denver by week 2 according to those "in the know" and that win wasn't as impressive in week 2 as it would have been in week 11 or 12. Nonsense. They disposed of the Redskins in week 5. The RG3 led Redskins who are overwhelming favourites for the NFC East and bound for the playoffs. But of course, they were rubbish in Week 5 (they were 2-2). They beat Dallas in week 9. The Cowboys are challenging for the NFC East too, but they were 3-5 back in week 9, so of course, that wasn't an impressive win either.

It took until last Sunday, their 34-0 routing of the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants for anyone to stand up and notice the Falcons. The whole NFC East - being seen as the most exciting division in football right now - has been dispatched by this team, but it's taken until now to be noticed. Is it to do with their personnel? Matt Ryan isn't a big name stud quarterback, and while Michael Turner and Julio Jones get the job done (and often in style) at running back and wide receiver, neither are big household names.

Don't get me wrong, I'd be devastated if the Falcons even made, never mind won, a Super Bowl in New Orleans, but the level that they've been counted out is surprising, and quite possibly very dangerous. I doubt very much potential playoff opponents have written them off in the same way the media have, but media opinion carries a lot of weight. As it is, I feel that Atlanta will beat Detroit at Ford Field tonight and take the NFC #1 seed. In fact, even if they don't, I can't see them also losing to Tampa Bay next week (unless Green Bay and San Francisco both lose as well this week and they play a weakened team - but they'd already have it wrapped up in that scenario anyway).

I don't understand why Atlanta have been so under hyped so far this season, and for all I know, they enjoy flying under the radar, it may even help them. But I do know that they can't be counted out, and as much as it pains me to say, they have to be seen as a real Super Bowl contender.

Saturday Night Prediction
Atlanta over Detroit by 13

NFL: Sanchez not the answer in East Rutherford

Sometimes it really just goes the way you expected all along.

Despite me saying yesterday that I actually expected the Jets to win, that was down to the fact that they were playing a Tennessee Titans side who have been nothing short of dreadful all season. I had forgotten to take into account that Mark Sanchez would be under centre.

Seemingly lost in a haze, Sanchez threw four interceptions, two of them in a calamitous fourth quarter, and then somehow managed to fumble a snap on the Titans 25 yard line with less than a minute to go - when a touchdown would have taken the game to overtime. Five turnovers, three in the final 15 minutes. The jets are now 6-8 and officially out of the playoff hunt.

While Sanchez's $8.5 million guarantee will almost certainly keep him at the Meadowlands for another year (although I'd get shot of him anyway, either try and negotiate a trade, or just flat out cut him) with the Jets' season now in garbage time, it's surely time for Rex Ryan to bench him and go with one of his other two quarterbacks for the final two games. The problem there is that one of them is the polarizing Tim Tebow, and the other is the untested Greg McElroy.

Tebow managed to take an ailing Denver team to the playoffs last year, with a stirring series of fourth quarter comebacks. Look at what Peyton Manning has done with largely the same Denver offence this year however, and made many think that anyone other than Kyle Orton could have lifted that side. There's always been questions about Tebow's arm, and how he'll cope when defences get wise to his running. Although looking at Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton this season, maybe a young, athletic quarterback with a running threat is becoming the new normal?

Greg McElroy was seen as the Jets saviour in week 13 when he came in for the dismal Sanchez, and threw a touchdown pass that sealed a victory. But McElroy really wasn't *that* good that afternoon. He threw just 7 times, completing 5 for 29 yards and rushed for just 5 yards on 4 carries. Against the Arizona Cardinals, who went on to give up over 50 points the very next week. The former Alabama man definitely has potential, but is he the answer?

If I were Rex Ryan, and as we all know, I am certainly not; I would start with Tebow for week 16 and 17. The jets traded for him for a reason, and although he divides opinion, the guy is wildly popular, and has a track record of winning games. At 25 years old it's no longer a case of not being ready, and with the season already a write off, Ryan has nothing to lose by throwing him in.

Rex has to look to next season. There is no standout quarterback in the 2013 draft - although you only have to look at Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Kurt Warner and this year Russell Wilson, to see that being a big first round pick isn't the be all and end all. But with a very limited pool of veterans who will be available in the close season, and an even smaller pool better than what he has - Rex may well have to look within. Sanchez is not the answer, so start Tebow and give McElroy some snaps through the last two weeks. In game evaluation is by far the best way...

Monday NFL Musings

It's too little too late for the Saints, but a 41-0 win over a division rival put a big smile on my face last night. Drew Brees has had probably the two worst games of his career the past 2 weeks, but turned on the style in the Superdome throwing 4 touchdowns to 4 different receivers with no interceptions. The defence turned on the style too and not only had their best game of the season, but their best game in 17 seasons, with a first shut out since 1995, and a first in the Superdome since 1991. It looks as if it's come too late for the playoffs this season, but an 8-8 season is still a possibility, and it leaves us all wondering what could have been if Jon Vilma and Will Smith's suspensions had been turned over before Week 1.

Outside of Tampa, it was a great week for the NFC South, as Atlanta bounced back from their shock loss to Carolina last week with a shutout of the reigning Super Bowl champions the New York Giants. The rout pushed the Giants out of the playoff spots and means the Falcons can tie up the NFC's #1 seed in Detroit on Thursday night. Now I dislike the Falcons more than any other team in football, but what a season they've had, and a win like that has shown them as a genuine Super Bowl contender. It was another great win for Carolina too, as Cam Newton led a 31-7 destruction of the Chargers in San Diego. The Panthers could win 7 games this year (they sit 5-9 right now), and if Cam can find any sort of consistency next year, they could be a big dark horse.

Is there any other way to describe Adrian Peterson than incredible? The Vikings running back has already ensured his personal best season for rushing yards, and is just 293 yards short of the all time rushing record with 2 games to go. The Vikings sit 8-6 after their win in St Louis, and are in the 6th spot in the NFC playoff race. Peterson has to be a front runner for MVP, because without him, it's hard to see the Vikes having won more than 3 or 4. A visit to Houston and Green bay in Minneapolis see out the Vikings season, 2 wins will definitely see them in the playoffs.

And while those two games may look like two of the hardest in the league, they are both against division winners. The Packers locked up the NFC North again with a comfortable, yet laboured win over an ailing Bears who have now lost two on the trot and find themselves out of the playoffs as things stand. Meanwhile, the Texans knocked off a flat Indianapolis to win the AFC South once again, but need at least 1 more win to secure a first round bye. 

Seattle scored 50 points for the second week in a row, and actually ran a fake punt while 30 points up in the 4th quarter. I actually like that Pete Carroll is a bit of a dick when it comes to running plays, because I don't get this American notion of not running up the score. If you're superior, show your superiority. What are you meant to do, just stop playing? Speaking of running plays, Russell Wilson rushed for 3 touchdowns, passed for one more, and just looked excellent. The Seahawks are looking like a playoff team just now, their showdown with the 49ers at CenturyLink next Sunday is going to be explosive. The 49ers themselves won a thriller in Foxboro, confirming their own playoff spot and denting the Pats' hopes of claiming a bye.

Kirk Cousins showed exactly why the Redskins drafted two quarterbacks this year as he lifted Washington to an impressive win in Cleveland while a beaming RG3 looked on. The Giants capitulation means that Washington now have the NFC East lead, with the division title still up for grabs by 3 teams. The third of whom being Dallas, who won a thriller in overtime at home to the Steelers, whose own playoff hopes now lie in the balance.

Elsewhere, Oakland scored 5 field goals while shutting out Kansas City in an absolute stinker of a game; the Cardinals routed a shocking Detroit; Peyton manning and the Broncos demolished a flagging Baltimore; and Miami crushed the Jags in a battle of the Florida AFC teams. The Jets take on Tennessee tonight in a less than mouthwatering Monday Night Football clash. Both teams are pretty awful, but I'm actually predicting a Jets victory, which will take them to a rather improbable 7-7. It's a funny old game.

NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships

Last week's Divisional Playoffs threw up a couple of classic games, and a huge shock as the Giants thrashed the Packers in Green Bay. Their reward is a trip to Candlestick to take on the 49ers, but before that the Ravens travel to Gillette Stadium for the AFC Championship Game against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

AFC Championship

#2 Baltimore (13-4) at #1 New England (14-3)
As the top two in the AFC go head to head for the championship, there is one big question. Can Baltimore's defence contain Tom Brady? That's about what it comes down to. The Ravens have the fourth best passing defence in the league (third best in overall yards and points allowed), but Brady is the second best passer in terms of yards this season (behind only the record shattering Drew Brees) and had 39 touchdowns in the regular season before adding an incredible six more in the Divisional Round against the Broncos.

The two most important players on the Ravens roster today are Ray Lewis and Tyrell Suggs. The linebacker duo are going to be tasked with breaking the Patriots shaky offensive line and getting to Brady, who has been hit hard a few times this season. On offence, the Ravens will looks at the Patriots having the 31st ranked pass defence in the league, and Joe Flacco will be prepared to throw. I do expect Ray Rice to carry frequently though, again, the Pats' rush defence is poor, just 17th in the league, and Rice has the power and speed to exploit them.

The game will be decided purely by Brady and if he can evade the Ravens defence. Baltimore will score points against this Patriots defence who leak points all over the place. If Tom Brady can avoid Suggs and Lewis and find Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski, we could see a high scoring shootout. It's going to be close, and will almost certainly be a thriller in Foxborough, and I have an inkling that it will be the Ravens who will be travelling to Inidianapolis in two weeks time.

Prediction: Baltimore 34 New England 31

NFC Championship

#4 New York Giants (11-7) at #2 San Francisco (14-3)
I did say that the Giants would cause the Packers more problems than most people thought last week, and I was proved right as they steamrollered their way to victory. Eli Manning looks to lead his team to a second Super Bowl, but comes up against a stern San Francisco team who will be buzzing after their thrilling last seconds win over the Saints last week.

Nicks, Manningham, Cruz and Bradshaw. It's a four headed monster of weapons that Eli has at his disposal, and even with one of the best defences in the league (2nd in points allowed and league best in rush defence) the 49ers will find it difficult to cope with the multitude of options the three wide formation gives the Giants. Tom Coughlin has written a playbook that thrives on that formation, and you've got to believe that Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have been working with their defence all week to neutralise this threat.

The 49ers themselves have had a great season, but have proved not to be unbeatable. Alex Smith at quarterback however, has had his best NFL season since being the #1 overall draft pick in 2005. His intelligent play is backed up by the powerhouse Frank Gore at running back, and there are points in this team. I see the 49ers using the home advantage and taking another close game to see a repeat of Thanksgiving night's Harbaugh Bowl in The Greatest Show on Earth

Prediction: New York Giants 34 San Francisco 38

Event Recap: UFC on FX: Guillard vs Miller

Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Friday 20th January 2012

Jon Anik and Kenny Florian are doing commentary tonight. Makes a nice change from Goldberg and Rogan, will be interesting to see how they do. All fights are three rounds on the FX shows, it looks like PPV and Fox shows are the only non-title main events that go five rounds. This has the makings of a good little show, so here's hoping!

Pat Barry vs Christian Morecroft (Heavyweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1
A great idea to kick off the show with two heavyweight bangers. This should bring the casual fans straight in. Barry goes for a legkick early which is caught and he is taken down by Morecraft. Morecraft has almost taken the back, but Brry defending well and stands up! Morecraft lands a couple of jabs, and Barry hits a huge leg kick which wobbles Morecraft. Morecraft shoots for a takedown but it's stuffed initially. After Barry attempts a weak looking guillotine, he is taken down. Morecraft mounts the back again and gets caught in an armbar. Barry defending well, and manages to transition to the stand up again. Barry with a huge left hook, Morecraft is on his back on the ground and Barry follows up with some big shots. Herb Dean steps in and this is done.

Official Decision: Barry by KO at 3.38 of Round 1

Rating: *** Morecraft was winning the round handily, but got caught with an absolute belter of a shot. That was a great knockout from Barry after he had already shown some good submission defence. There's some real power in his hands on this evidence. Great finish. Just to note, Anik and Florian are excellent in the booth so far.

Mike Easton vs Jared Papazian (Bantamweight)

Referee: Mario Yamasaki

Round 1
Crazy clinch exchange right at the start of the round! It goes up against the cage and Easton is landing some good knees while controlling the pace. Yamasaki breaks them up and we're back into the standup. Papazian lands some shots but Easton walks straight through them. Papazian using his range well and peppering Easton with the jab. Both men landing shots, and a great leg kick from Easton. Very tight round, but just shade it to Easton for the aggression he showed.

Score: 10-9 Easton

Round 2
Easton literally just walking through Papazian's punches, and landing some of his own. Papazian also taking the shots in his stride. The two are exchanging and when they get going it is explosive. Papazian gets the upper hand by pinning Easton against the cage. Easton still landing some knees in the clinch. Yamasaki separates them again, there was a warning about 15 seconds before the split. Another good exchange that Papazian gets the better of. Up against the cage again as Easton lands the trip takedown and lands in half guard. Into side control, but Papazian gets back to his feet. Another really close round, but the takedown from Easton should just about get him the round.

Score: 10-9 Easton

Round 3
Another wild exchange to start the round, and Easton gets the clinch. Papazian pins Easton against the cage, but the two just keep reversing the position. Yamasaki splits them up, and it looks like Easton landed a low knee. Very quickly back to the action and some good leg kicks from Papazian. Takedown attempt from Easton is stuffed. Really good exchange again, both men eat some big shots. It's turned into a boxing match until Papazian forces Easton up against the cage. Easton breaks it up and the exchanges start again. Papazian on the ground, but it looked like a slip. The punches from Papazian don't look as clean now, and the fight ends as it started with a crazy exchange. Papazian just shades the round, but it's Easton's fight.

Score: 10-9 Papazian

Final Score: 29-28 Easton

Official Decision: Easton by Majority Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-29)

Rating: **** 1/2 Great fight. Really exciting from start to finish, with two fighters who just went for it. It wasn't highly technical, but it was extremely entertaining. One judge scored it level, I can only imagine they scored the first round 10-10. The right decision was made though, as it looked to me that Easton won a very close fight. If that's not Fight of the Night we're going to be in for a cracking last two bouts.

Duane Ludwig vs Josh Neer (Welterweight)

Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1
Neer lands a good shot, but Ludwig lands a couple of fantastic counter shots. Neer pushes Ludwig against the cage, but it's well defended by Ludwig. Ludwig lands some really strong shots including a big knee to the body, but Neer stands firm. Neer's mouthguard comes loose and causes a short stoppage. Ludwig is landing well with the counters, but Neer doesn't seem to feel that he's being hit. Neer catches a kick and takes Ludwig down. Ludwig pulls guard, but Neer is all over him and locks in a guillotine. It's in tight and Rosenthal checks Ludwig's arm. He is limp and this is done. Great submission.

Official Decision: Neer by Submission at 3.04 of Round 1

Rating: *** 1/2 Josh Neer

Melvin Guillard vs Jim Miller (Lightweight)

Referee: Herb Dean

Round 1
Guillard goes for a couple of flying knees early and lands a great shot that drops Miller. Miller back to his feet, but gets caught with another hard knee. High kick from Guillard blocked. Miller presses Guillard against the cage, but the takedown attempt is stuffed. Miller throws some shots, but Guillard is in total control here. Knee from Guillard, but Miller lands the takedown. Guillard gets up, but Miller takes the back and locks in a choke and Guillard taps out! Wow.

Official Decision: Miller by Submission at 2.04 of Round 1

Rating: *** 1/2 Miller was getting blasted standing, but as soon as Miller took his back the writing was on the wall. He didn't even have the arm across the throat, but that choke was locked in so tight, Guillard had no choice but to tap. Great comeback from Miller, and a huge win.

Joseph Sandoval vs Nick Denis (Bantamweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1
Denis comes out swinging and lands some great shots. Another few punches and three or four elbows in the clinch put Sandoval down. It's over very quickly in the first round.

Official Decision: Denis by KO at 0.22 of Round 1

Rating: *** What a way to make your UFC debut. Stunning finish from Denis. Sandoval had no idea what had hit him.

That was a really enjoyable Fight Night card and a fantastic way to debut on FX. Anik and Florian were excellent on commentary, and it's nice to see the UFC give them the gig on the B-show. It gave the event a different feel from the Pay Per Views, which in my opinion is a good thing. Of course, it helped that they had some really good fights to call. Next weekend sees Rashad Evans vs Phil Davis and Michael Bisping vs Chael Sonnen on Fox (thankfully on ESPN here in the UK!) and I'll be covering that event as per usual.

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Weekend Sunday

After the Saints (disappointingly) crashed out in a thriller at the 49ers and Denver were blown out by the Patriots, the final two Divisional Round games take place this evening. The Patriots await to find out their visitors, and the 49ers will find out whether they will host the Giants, or travel to Lambeau.

AFC Divisional Round
Houston (11-6) at Baltimore (12-4)
Home advantage has been paramount in this year's playoffs, with all six home teams having come out on top so far. The Ravens are undefeated at M&T Bank Stadium this season, while three of the Texans six losses have come on the road. TJ Yates has done well since coming in for the injured Matt Schaub, but it was their rushing game, namely Arian Foster, that saw off the Bengals last weekend. Foster has 153 yards and 2 touchdowns then, but it remains to be seen whether he can do that against the Ravens' 2nd ranked rushing defence.

And it is the Ravens defence that has been instrumental in seeing them to this stage.They are third in the league in total yards allowed, and also third in points given up. Inside linebacker Ray Lewis remains one of the scariest defensive players in the NFL even at 36 years old, and he will have Foster right in his sights. Joe Flacco hasn't lit the fires at quarterback, but with Ray Rice pitching in with 12 rushing touchdowns (and a touchdown pass of his own) their offence has been pretty efficient. I don't see the Texans being able to break down the Ravens defence, and I predict that Baltimore will be playing in Foxborough next week.

Prediction: Houston 13 Baltimore 20

NFC Divisional Round
New York Giants (10-7) at Green Bay (15-1)
It's been a contrasting season for these teams, as the Packers had the playoffs wrapped up early as they went 13-0, while the Giants only secured their place by winning in week 17 against Dallas. The two sides did meet in the regular season on December 4th at Lambeau, when the Giants took the Packers all the way before finally being defeated 38-35 in an absolute thriller of a game.

And that's where the interesting part comes in. While the Packers won all but one of their games this season, they gave up over 22 points a game, and their defence was worst in the league for passing yards and total yards allowed. Only the performance of Aaron Rodgers (and Matt Flynn in week 17) lifted them to that 15-1 record. The Giants will take heart that they put up 35 points just six weeks ago, and their near shut out of Atlanta last week (they only gave up a single safety) will give them confidence going forward.

While it would be easy to say that the Packers will breeze this game, I think there's more to it than that. Firstly, Aaron Rodgers and many Packers starters now haven't played for 3 weeks having been rested for week 17, while Eli Manning and the Giants have momentum on their side. Secondly, the Packers have lost three of their last five home playoff games. And thirdly, the Giants play outdoors in a cold weather city, so much of the weather advantage that Green Bay tends to hold is nullified. I still think the Packers will win and go on to host the 49ers for the Conference Championship next week, but I have a feeling it will be a lot closer than most people will expect.

Prediction: New York Giants 31 Green Bay 35

Event Recap: UFC 142: Aldo vs Mendes

HSBC Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Saturday 14th January 2012

Main Pay per View report once again, as I was watching the NFL Playoffs while the prelims were taking place. It's the UFC's return to Brazil after a highly successful show last August.

Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim (Lightweight)

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Round 1
Crowd is absolutely rabid. Massive boos for Etim during the introductions. Some good early strikes from Etim after a takedown attempt. Etim gets a takedown but Barboza sweeps back to the feet. Good leg kicks from Barboza. Both men trading some nice strikes, with some good punches landing from both. Spinning back kick to the body from Barboza right at the end of the round may just have nicked the round.

Score: 10-9 Barboza

Round 2
Strikes landing again, mainly leg kicks from Barboza. Etim shoots for a takedown but gets stuffed. Good technical striking from Barboza, but Etim managing to land some good shots. Head kick from Etim only partially blocked. Takedown from Etim but Barboza gets back to the feet again. The round ends with Barboza landing some more kicks. Etim is landing, but Barboza is landing harder and more accurately.

Score: 10-9 Barboza

Round 3
Barboza misses a couple of strikes, and Etim tries to capitalise. He fails with his strikes and gets stuffed on a takedown attempt again. Spinning back kick from Barboza and it's a highlight reel knockout. Stunning stunning stunning.

Official Decision: Barboza by KO at 2.02 of Round 3

Rating: **** It was a nice little fight, with Barboza looking good after the first 90 econds or so. The knockout was absolutely outstanding, one of the best I've ever seen. It came out of absolutely nowhere and will be on the UFC highlight reels for quite some time. Incredible.

Erick Silva vs Carlo Prater (Welterweight)

Referee: Mario Yamasaki

Round 1
Tentative start from both men, but Sliva hits a knee to the body to drop Prater. Silva jumps all over him and Yamasaki steps in to stop the fight. Explosive finish. There is some talking between the officials here, and I think I've heard something about illegal shots being mentioned. This may end up in a DQ. Yamasaki has ruled illegal shots to the back of the head.

Official Decision: Prater by DQ at 0.29 of Round 1

Rating: N/A The shots looked legal from the first view and the replays. One or two may have strayed to the back. Yamasaki attempts to explain the decision, and says he had to make a decision on the spot. It looks like an uncharacteristic mistake from Yamasaki, and we may see this get changed to a No Contest. Very very unlucky for young SIlva, who looked absolutely explosive.

Rousimar Palhares vs Mike Massenzio (Middleweight)

Referee: Leon Roberts

Round 1
Pre-fight reaction for Palhares was incredible! Leg kicks from both men early, and an accidental low blow from Palhares. Massenzio takes a minute and the fight starts again. Takedown from Palhares straight into a leglock. Massenzio taps immediately.

Official Decision: Palhares by submission at 1.03 of Round 1

Rating: *** Great submission from Palhares, who, still only 31, can push himself back to the upper echelon of the division. Outstanding finish.

Vitor Belfort vs Anthony Johnson (197lbs Catchweight)

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Round 1
Johnson came in a ridiculous 12lbs overweight, but Belfort agreed to the fight. Say goodbye to 20% of your purse, and possibly your job as well. Great takedown from Johnson early, his power is impressive. Belfort pulls guard, but Johnson gets a couple of good shots in. Belfort pulls guard and neutralises things, and Miragliotta stands them up. Belfort stuffs a takedown attempt and lands some good shots from the sprawl. Miragliotta stands them up. Johnson misses a shot and gets hit by some good shots. The two end up on the ground and Belfort pulls guard again. Miragliotta stands them up again, that one seemed a bit premature. Belfort takes the back and rains some shots down on the head of Johnson. Belfort flattens Johnson out, softens him up with some big punches and elbows and locks in a rear naked choke. The crowd is going mental as Johnson taps out.

Official Decision: Belfort by Submission at 4.49 of Round 1

Rating: **** Great back and forth fight for the first three and a half minutes, then Belfort took control. It was a great submission, and the lead up to it was absolutely perfectly executed. The crowd are utterly stunning tonight, they are chanting like at a football match, and Joe Rogan says it's giving him goosebumps. Belfort calls Johnson unprofessional, but says he just had to get on with things. Great performance from Belfort, and at just 34 years old, he can have another run at the top, and I'd love to see him back there,

Jose Aldo vs Chad Mendes (UFC Featherweight Championship)

Referee: Mario Yamasaki

Round 1
Powerful leg kicks from Aldo. Mendes tries to counter, but gets hit hard. Takedown attempt from Mendes, stuffed effortlessly by Aldo. Low blow from Mendes, but Aldo ready to go right away. Huge uppercut from Aldo and Mendes attempts a takedown on the counter. Stuffed again by Aldo. Mendes holding his own standing, but goes for another takedown. Aldo grabs the cage to stuff a takedown, and gets a warning. Knees to the thighs from Mendes as he has Aldo's back standing. Aldo breaks out and smashes a knee square into Mendes' face. Two shots on the ground and it's all over at the buzzer. Aldo runs straight from the cage into the crowd to celebrate and is swarmed by fans. This is an amazing visual. He is being carried on the shoulders of a sea of fans around the arena. Absolutely incredible. I've never seen anything like this before.

Official Decision: Aldo by KO at 4.59 of Round 1

Rating: **** 1/2 It was a great one round fight, of which we have seen so many of recently. Chad Mendes was holding his own, and had maybe done enough to win the round by holding Aldo's back. But what a finish from Aldo, he broke away from Mendes and landed the most perfect knee to the head. His reaction after winning was spellbinding, the guy is an absolute star.

Ricardo Funch vs Mike Pyle (Welterweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: Mario Yamasaki

Round 1
Both men trade some blows early. Pyle catches Funch with a straight right hand, follows up with a knee and lands some shots on the ground until Yamasaki steps in.

Official Decision: Pyle by TKO at 1.22 of Round 1

Rating: *** Good win from Pyle who saw an opportunity and took it.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs Ednaldo Oliveira (Heavyweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)

Referee: Dan Miragliotta

Round 1
Gonzaga comes in looking a little soft. It's a tentative starts as both men try to find range. Oliveira lands a few punches as Gonzaga circles around the cage. Hge single leg takedown from Gonzaga into side control. The two men stand and Gonzaga lands another takedown. Knee to the body from Gonzaga who locks in a rear naked choke. Oliveira taps.

Official Decision: Gonzaga by Submission at 3.22 of Round 1

Rating: ** 1/2 It was a good win from Gonzaga, who never looked in any real trouble from Oliveira

Thiago Tavares vs Sam Stout (Lightweight) (Bonus Prelim Fight)


Referee: Leon Roberts

Round 1
Score: 10-9 Tavares

Round 2
Score: 10-9 Tavares

Round 3
Score: 10-9 Stout

Final Score: 29-28 Tavares

Official Decision: Tavares by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Rating: * 1/2 Pretty stuffy fight that neither man will have gained or lost much from.

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Weekend Saturday

All four home teams won last week, which meant that New Orleans, Houston, New York Giants and amazingly Denver progressed to the Divisional Round. The tow games couldn't be more different today, with one expected to be very close, and the otehr with a predicted blowout. Here's what's happening.

NFC Divisional Round
#3 New Orleans (14-3) at #2 San Francisco (13-3)
The Saints showed exactly what they're made of last weekend as they put up 45 points for the third game running in an obliteration of a very good Detroit Lions side. Drew Brees threw for another 466 yards after smashing the regular season passing record, while the defence did their part by intercepting Matthew Stafford twice. The 49ers defence has been pretty hard to break down all season, so it remains to be seen if the running back trifecta of Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory and the superlative Darren Sproles can break through that D-line. If not, their receivers have the advantage of being thrown to by Brees, with Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston, along with the aforementioned Sproles being his favoured targets - though Brees and Sean Payton's spread offence can cause major confusion.

It's their stuffy defence that has lifted San Francisco to the season that they've had. Coach Jim Harbaugh has had an incredible debut season, but he must do something big to beat the Saints. Quarterback Alex Smith has thrown just 17 touchdowns (compared to Brees' 46) and 2,000 yards less passing yards than his counterpart. Running back Frank Gore is going to have to have a monster game, but the Saints' rush defence has been pretty solid. The 49ers have a very difficult task ahead of themselves, but home advantage may help them out. The spread is set at 3.5 in favour of New Orleans, and that won't be far off the mark. It will be the Saints who move on to the Conference Championship in a close, entertaining game.

Prediction: New Orleans 34 San Francisco 30

AFC Divisional Round
#4 Denver (9-8) at #1 New England (13-3)
It was an absolute thriller at Mile High last Sunday, as Denver booked their place in the Divisional Round with the first play of overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tim Tebow may have only completed 10 passes, but two of them for for touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown, and led the number 1 ranked rushing offence in the league to a surprising and momentous win. I still have my doubts about Tebow as a true NFL quarterback, and tonight will have a big bearing on his career.

Tom Brady and the Patriots came from a long way behind to beat the Broncos four weeks ago when they met in the regular season, and Brady has had another fantastic season, 2nd only to Drew Brees in passing yards. The fact that the team have managed to win 13 games with the worst defence I've ever seen under Bill Belichick (31st in pass yards and total yards allowed) says alot about Brady and his two main targets, Wes Welker, and record breaking tight end Rob Gronkowski. The spread is set at 13.5 in favour of the Patriots, which on the surface looks fair. But if Tim Tebow can prove himself and take advantage of the Pats' poor defence, things might just get shaken up a bit.

Prediction: Denver 27 New England 28

Boxing News: WBA orders immediate Khan vs Peterson Rematch

While Khan has bitched and moaned and generally come across as a bad loser since the fight in Washington DC on December 10th, it is now clearly obvious that something dodgy went on at that fight. I've seen the footage, and if that guy (‘mystery man’ Mustafa Ameen) isn't an official, what the hell is he doing talking to the judges? I personally scored it by 1 point to Peterson, so would have had Khan winning if the 2 points hadn't been deducted, but that's beyond the point now. There was someone who shouldn't have been there, and he may have affected the outcome. It's not going to be proven one way or another.

As you can see from the scorecards, judge George Hill has made a rather odd looking amendment to round 7, and this seems to be where most of the allegations of tampering have come from.

Well done to the WBA for doing the right thing and ordering a rematch. I'm hoping the IBF will do the same when they meet next week. It would surprise me slightly if the Washington DC Athletic Commission decide to call it a no-contest, but I suppose it is a possibility if they can't prove what actually happened with the judges and the scorecards. It's going to be interesting to see what Ameen says at the IBF meeting on the 18th, that is for sure. A meeting that Khan is still weighing up whether or not to go to.

Bring on a rematch, it was a cracking fight and I'll happily see them go again.

College Football: BCS National Championship Game

#1 LSU Tigers (13-0) vs #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

LSU were clearly the best team in the DI-FBS throughout the regular season, beating everyone that was put in front of them, often highly comfortably. Alabama's sole loss was by a field goal in overtime against the Tigers, and while Oklahoma State, Houston and Boise State both also finished with one regular season loss, that close run match gave them the #2 ranking in my eyes. If only just!

This year's bowl season has been pretty spectacular, especially the four BCS Bowls, with two going to overtime, and putting up an average of 94.5 points per game (the 70 scored by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl admittedly helping that figure). While that may hint at things to come, the previous encounter between these two finished 6-6, with the Tigers adding another 3 in overtime, and while it was a nailbiter, it was hardly the most thrilling of games for the neutral.

The nation's two best defences go head to head here, not overly surprising when Les Miles and Nick Saban are the head coaches of the two sides. LSU's defensive line has been almost impenetrable, while sophmore corner Tyrann Mathieu has been utterly explosive, with 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns as well as 2 touchdowns from punt returns. Mathieu found himself becoming a Heisman finalist, and winning the Chuck Bedarnik award for the best defensive player in college football. He also intends (for now) to return for his junior year, so LSU may have a bit of beast on their hands with the "Honey Badger".

On offence, LSU haven't set the world alight, with neither of their senior quarterbacks, Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee putting up spectacular numbers. Running backs Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue and Michael Ford have carried a lot of the offensive weight. That said, the Tigers have put up over 38 points per game, and even the Tide's impressive defence may struggle to contain them.

The Tide are also dominated by their defence, with their defensive line being almost as impenetrable as the Tigers'. They do lack the stand out player that Mathieu is, but Saban and defensive co-ordinator Kirby Smart have set up a tough, tough defence. Junior linebacker Dont'a Hightower is projected to be a late first round NFL Draft pick (Houston, New Orleans and the Giants are reportedly interested), and he is the lynchpin of this solid defence.

On offence, the Tide have another standout running back in Trent Richardson. The junior has already tasted the National Championship when he was Mark Ingram's backup in the 2009 season, and finished third in the Heisman running this year. Sophmore quarterback AJ McCarron has had an up and down season, but with Richardson in his backfield, the spotlight has been off him.

This match promises to be another defensive battle, but I fully expect a higher scoring game than their regular season meeting. The Tigers have almost home advantage, and while the tickets are officially split 50-50, LSU fans have snapped up most of the neutral seats. With over 70,000 travelling the 84 miles upstate from Baton Rouge without a ticket, it's Tiger country in New Orleans tonight. With the city and state still buzzing from the Saints' playoff win on Saturday, Louisiana is rocking.

Alabama will put up a good effort, and I fully expect them to break through LSU's defence at least once. However, I also fully expect the Tigers to put up a couple of touchdowns (perhaps even another defensive one), and pull out the win in a tight, entertaining game.

Prediction: LSU 20 Alabama 17

NFL Predictions: Wildcard Weekend Sunday

Apologies for missing yesterday's games, had an unexpected pub session. I'm happy to say that the Saints cruised through, as did the impressive Texans. The third and fourth Wildcard games take place this evening. I'm short on time so it's score predictions only. A full preview of tomorrow night's BCS National Championship will be posted tomorrow, and a full previews of the Divisional Round will be here next week.

NFC Wildcard Game


#5 Atlanta (10-6) at #4 New York Giants (9-7)
Prediction: Atlanta 34 New York Giants 31

AFC Wildcard Game


#5 Pittsburgh (12-4) at #4 Denver (8-8)
Prediction: Pittsburgh 42 Denver 13