Super Bowl XLVI Prediction

Well folks here we are, the Super Bowl. The NFL season which began with 32 teams 22 weeks ago now culminates with the Giants and Patriots clashing in Indianapolis in a repeat of Super Bowl XLII. So who's going to win this time around?

NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants have transformed from a team based on a strong running game and dominating defense into one predicated on a strong passing attack. Eli Manning has emerged this season as one of the NFL's elites with his receiving crew of Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are one of the most talented. New York has continually sported a dominating pass rush in recent memory and this season's team was no different with Jason Pierre-Paul leading a dominating and deep group that also includes Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. For the most part, the Giants flew under the radar through the season with the majority of the focus in the NFC West being on the "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles and the polarizing Dallas Cowboys. Now on the big stage for the second time in Eli Manning's tenure, if the Giants hope to take home another Lombardi Trophy, Manning must play a near flawless game with the defense getting plenty of pressure on Tom Brady. Should these two keys happen, Big Blue will be on top of the football world.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
It was business as usual for the Patriots and Tom Brady, racking up 14 regular season wins despite sporting one of the worst defenses in the league. Needless to say, New England is a team based on over-powering displays of offense with the major play makers being Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With impressive playoff wins over the Broncos and Ravens already under their belts, the Pats seem to be ready for anything the Giants can throw at them. However, it could be said that the Patriots were also heavily favored the last time these two played for the Lombardi Trophy. If the Patriots' young defense can hold the New York passing attack off just enough, and Brady's own offense can be effective and efficient, New England could return to the peak of the NFL summit after a seven year absence.

THE VERDICT
With the lack of a clear favorite for this year's Super Bowl, the stage is set for an incredible game that could come down to the final moments of the fourth quarter. I don't expect either team to pull away at any point throughout the evening and we could all be in for a shootout. A side note that may end up being inconsequential in the outcome of the game, but the Patriots released backup wide receiver Tiquan Underwood on the eve of the Super Bowl. The timing of this move is just inexplicable and I think it casts a cloud of potential bad karma over New England. Hey, I'm not one to buy into any kind of mumbo-jumbo but in a match up this even, I'll take anything that helps to make my choice and easier. My gut says Giants with Eli winning another MVP award.

NEW YORK GIANTS 35, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT 32

Super Bowl XLVI Prediction

The time has finally come. Only two teams are still standing after a most amazing, dramatic, heart-rending...exciting, thrilling season in recent memory. And now, we have a Super Bowl rematch between two teams that played one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent memory four years ago. Of course, many differences exist between Super Bowl XLVI and Super Bowl XLII, but the main storylines of each game will undoubtedly be at the position that has remained the same in both games. Eli Manning is leading a hot road-warriors Giants team (again), and trying to solidify his claim of being an elite quarterback in the process. The fact that Eli has already made it to 2 big games is quite astounding. In the meantime, Tom Brady is trying to reach a higher level of greatness that only few quarterbacks share: the winner of four Super Bowls. Brady can surely thrust himself into the likes of Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, and John Elway. Either way, both teams will be striving for that goal of being the best of the best and crushing their newly formed rival. This ain't Yankees-Red Sox, but it sure is starting to feel that bitter.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Pats come into this game with a quarterback on the pedestal of NFL greatness. Tom Brady leads his motley crew once again into the Super Bowl. It's stunning that Brady has managed to lead this team year after year into the playoffs, despite a constantly rotating roster (says something about those other AFC East teams...). Belichick-Brady may be a coach-quarterback duo that will live on for years to come in New England after they are done. A Super Bowl victory now could cement their legacy and prove that Super Bowl XLII was a flop; a minor hiccup in a historic decade of dominance. But enough gushing about Brady. What does he have to work with? Well, the running game has been off and on throughout the season, at best. Backs like Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Stevan Ridley can certainly carry the load, but their efficiency is mostly in the redzone, close to the goal line. In the air is where the magic happens. The Patriots have an unassuming combo of tight ends that are really just versatile receivers. Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski can snatch the ball out of the air as well as anyone, and provide good exploitations for the Pats' passing game between the hashmarks. Wideouts Deion Branch and Wes Welker are also threats on the outside, while contributors like Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater can provide more mix-and-match combinations both short and deep. The O-line for the Pats have been shaky at times, but the return of Sebastian Vollmer should certainly help. Key "injuries" on the offensive front include Matt Light and Rob Gronkowski, who both serve vital roles in this offense. Light's health will be extremely valuable considering the pass rush by the Giants' D-line.

On defense, this team has managed to find meaning in their line, led by the athletic, gut-busting Vince Wilfork. The linebackers have also stepped up as of late, led by former Gator Brandon Spikes in the middle. Overall, this defense is solid. The only question about it is the secondary. The corners for the Patriots have been up and down throughout the season, but have come on late to form a respectable bunch. Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, and company can all be playmakers, while players like James Ihedigbo and (snicker) Julian Edelman can be counted on for support. What should be particularly intriguing is the play of Devin McCourty, who can roam the field as good as anyone and catch up to the play. For this team to stay in the game, they must rely on their defensive unit to stop Brandon Jacobs and company on the ground, and the elusive Eli Manning and his merrymen of receivers in the air. If the Patriots defense can step up in the biggest game of their lives, the offense will handle the rest.

Special teams-wise, the Pats still rely on ol' Stephen Gostkowski, who has successfully replaced Adam Vinatieri. Zoltan Mesko continues to reliably handle punting duties, while Woodhead and Edelman are the returners.


NEW YORK GIANTS

The kings of New York return to the Super Bowl in quest of a title against an old foe. If New York can get the win, Tom Coughlin could be right up there with Bill Parcells as one of the greatest Giants coaches to ever live. And then if that's not a question of legacy, just look at who's under center. Eli Manning is only 31, but has tremendously rebounded from his tumultuous past. Once cast behind his brother Peyton and father Archie, "Little Bro" now has the chance to create his own chapter in Giants history. Of course, Manning is not alone on his quest. His receivers should get just as much play, despite Manning's effectiveness in the pocket. Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Mario Manningham all bring great hands, tremendous speed, and excellent route running to the table. With no true safety blankets underneath, Manning can exploit long passes on many plays. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw can still ground and pound, but the instability of the offensive line may cause the running game to experience a few problems.

Of course, the story of this Giants team is the hot, tough D. Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul are the bookends up front, with Chris Canty and Osi Umenyiora providing excellent support pressure. The Giants rely on the linebacking duties of Chase Blackburn, Michael Boley, and Mathias Kiwanuka, who are not only good in run stopping abilities, but also thrive on the pass coverage. Of course, the Giants secondary provides support on the backside with Corey Webster, Antrel Rolle, Kenny Philips, and Aaron Ross (and a slew of reliable backups). The Giants' flaw on their defense is probably the hole between the linebackers and the safeties, which the Packers and 49ers managed to exploit (unfortunately sloppy play from those teams resulted in more outside routes). The Giants will have to watch Tom Brady and company carefully, especially the tight ends who can easily chew up yardage between the hashmarks.

On special teams, the Giants have kicker Lawrence Tynes and punter Steve Weatherford. Tynes may have a weak leg, but he is still one of the more clutch kickers in the league today. Weatherford doesn't have much control of his punts sometimes, but he can still kick bombs. The returners are a carousel of Jerrel Jernigan, Will Blackmon, Aaron Ross, and Devin Thomas. After the NFC Championship Game, it will be interesting to see how the Giants attack and perform on punt return duties.

PREDICTION:
NEW ENGLAND 27, NEW YORK 24
Overall this is a very tough, physical matchup. Both teams have solid offenses and rising defenses. Like everyone else, I think this one will come down to a few key special teams plays. The Giants may be the hottest team right now, but something tells me to not forget about Tom Brady. Whoever jumps out to a big early lead will win, as these defenses will definitely get tired. And in that case, the offense with more firepower will win. The Pats have just enough to pull this one out, but the Giants surely won't take it easy. Either way, the tagline of Super Bowl XLII still resonates loudly, begging the question: "Who Wants It More?"

Marshall named Pro Bowl MVP; Future of Game Uncertain

The 2012 Pro Bowl started off slow, but it provided plenty of excitement and great plays as the AFC beat the NFC 59-41. Early on, the NFC built a sizable lead behind Larry Fitzgerald's two touchdown receptions. But the AFC stormed back, tying the game at the half and then pulling away in the 4th quarter. Despite multiple trick plays (including onside kicks, reverses, fake punts, laterals, and a drop kick attempt), the NFC could not outdo Brandon Marshall's multiple circus catch touchdowns, including one where he caught the ball on a bounce on his back. Marshall also recorded 4 touchdown receptions, the most of any Pro Bowl player in a game since Jimmy Smith's 3 touchdown performance almost a decade ago. Of course, the big question now will be whether the Pro Bowl remains in Hawaii in forthcoming years, now that the contract Hawaii has with the NFL is officially up. A lot of players would like the game to stay in the islands, which would probably be the best case scenario. Assuming Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie doesn't screw up negotiations, this process should be an easy one logistically. Unlike the 3 other major sports, the Pro Bowl always takes place at the end of the year, in the same city. Moving the Pro Bowl to the Super Bowl city would be Plan B, but that move would be unpopular with many players. Who would want to play in Houston or Jacksonville when an AFC South player has already been to those cities during the year. The Hawaii aspect of the game offers a unique chance for players to enjoy the island hospitality while feeling a sense of reward for a good season. It also allows the state to make money from tourism. The Pro Bowl could become even more of a sham if it is constantly on the move in cold-weather cities, with many players deciding not to go and attendances dropping, so it would be ideal to keep it in Hawaii for the foreseeable future.

NFC Championship Prediction

The year is 2002, during NFC Wild-Card Weekend. The score is SF 39, NYG 38. The Giants have a chance to win the game on a 41 yard field goal with 6 seconds left. Giants long snapper Trey Junkin, on the final play of a solid career, botches the snap. Punter and holder Matt Allen can't get the snap down for kicker Matt Bryant, and runs to the right before throwing up a desperation lob as time expires. The pass falls incomplete, and the 49ers go away victorious, after coming back from a 38-14 deficit late in the third. However, Giants fans still steam at a missed call on the final play of the game, where eligible receiver Rich Seubert seems to be the victim of pass interference. The NFL eventually acknowledged the mistake, but the score was not changed. This year, with the two storied franchises meeting for the first time since that 2002 wild wild-card game, with the Giants wanting to avenge their 2002 counterparts. The 49ers, however, seem to be on a quest for destiny as they move one step closer to making it back to the big game. With so many bases to cover and storylines to play out, this one could be very exciting.

First, let's look at New York. Sitting at .500 and almost certainly out of the playoff picture, the G-Men have managed to recapture the magic of their 2007 team with a stifling defense and re-found offense. The Giants got two big wins against the rival Cowboys to advance back into the playoffs. With masterful wins against the Falcons and 15-1 Packers, the Giants come to San Francisco better than they were earlier in the season when they lost to the Niners. Eli Manning has proven himself to be an exemplary quarterback. Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks have blossomed into a receiving trio that rivals that of any other in the league. And the ground game of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw perfectly complements the passing attack. The defense, of course, is a big story as well, with a penetrating defensive line featuring the likes of Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, and Osi Umenyiora. The linebackers and corners all provide support to the tremendous pressure. These Giants always seem to play exceptionally well come playoff time. They certainly are road warriors, but they do face a tremendous test in San Francisco.

Everyone says the NFC West sucks, but let's not forget that, for the past 12 Super Bowls, the division has averaged at least one representative in the big game every 3 years or so (St. Louis in 1999 and 2001, Seattle in 2005, and Arizona in 2008). This year, the Niners can continue that trend with a victory at home against a tough opponent. The Niners played their hearts out last week and won an epic against the Saints, and now face an even tougher opponent in the Giants. The Niners have been solid in all phases of the game, literally: offense, defense, and special teams have been astounding. The offense is led by the resurgent Alex Smith, who has shown more confidence and accuracy with the football. Smith has a workhorse in Frank Gore at tailback, and also has some receiving threats, most notably in tight end Vernon Davis. The Niners D has been no slouch either, led by standout players Justin Smith, Navorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, and Donte Whitner, with rookie Aldon Smith providing outstanding assistance up front. On special teams, the Niners have been nearly perfect behind the legs of punter Andy Lee and kicker David Akers. Overall, the Niners are a very talented football team. They have the willpower to succeed, especially under coach Jim Harbaugh. They believe, and that is a very strong advantage in itself.

So who will go away victorious? It may just come down to whoever plays better that day. The question of "Who wants it more?" could not be more appropriate in this situation. I'll give the Niners the edge at home.

SAN FRANCISCO 38, NEW YORK 31

AFC Championship Prediction

The AFC Championship Game features a contest between the top two teams in the AFC. Baltimore and New England are old rivals. The Pats are built on offense, the Ravens are built on big D. These two teams have always been pretty dominant, and now they are meeting for the chance to make it back to the big game. But who will prevail?

First let's look at the Patriots. New England can survive solely on Tom Brady's back alone. The defense have been atrocious for most of the year (although they managed to look competent against Denver). Brady thrives and the inside threats, with the ever shifty Wes Welker and the manipulative tight end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots offense is essentially built around these four men. With a tough offensive line and enough protection, Brady has enough firepower to expose any defense. Speaking of defense, the Patriots D has been pretty terrible for most of the year. The D-line has frequently overpursued, the linebackers have been immobile, and the secondary has been beaten. Of course, stars like Vince Wilfork, who remains a constant bull up front, and Brandon Spikes, a tackling machine at middle linebacker, can surely keep a stylistically inept Baltimore offense at bay. But the defense will definitely have to step up.

Baltimore will need all the help they can get to defeat the Patriots. The Baltimore offense will definitely have to keep up with the Pats scoring-wise, but they also have one consistent thing that New England doesn't: a consistent runner in Ray Rice. Joe Flacco can be off and on, but Rice can be incredibly consistent. Rice can certainly keep the Patriots' offense on the sidelines, but Flacco will definitely have to stretch the field every so often. He could do that against the Pats. Of course, Baltimore's defense will be the real story. Ray Lewis is as great as ever, Ed Reed is superhuman, and Haloti Ngata is a man-beast. And that's not even half of it. The Ravens defense is what will keep them in this game. If the stars can shine and the defense can penetrate, the pressure will eventually get to Brady. Brady has never looked comfortable under duress, which was especially evident four years ago in Super Bowl XLII. The Ravens are also masters at gang-tackling, which is essential to any team making a title run.

Defense wins championships, and the Ravens are certainly winners in that category. But the Patriots are an offensive juggernaut. If they stick to the same gameplan that they used against the Broncos, they will outscore the Ravens before Baltimore even has time to catch their breath. Unless the Ravens can get pressure on Brady and force turnovers, I don't know if I can trust Joe Flacco and company to win this game. It's possible, but things must go the Ravens' way. In Foxborough. With the forecast calling for a possibility of freezing rain, this one may turn out to be wet n' wild.

NEW ENGLAND 37, BALTIMORE 30

UTTQ Predictions: Championship Sunday

Well here we are, the last weekend of NFL football before the holy grail of sporting events, the Super Bowl. By Sunday's end both tickets to the biggest of games will be punched and an epic clash will await in Indianapolis.

BALTIMORE 30, NEW ENGLAND 27
In an epic clash of strength vs. strength, the vaunted Ravens D comes into Foxboro with aspirations of shutting down the Patriots high-powered offense. The Ravens have been one of, if not the most unpredictable team from week to week, as they've turned in dominant performances against the likes of the Steelers and 49ers while falling victim to the Jaguars and Seahawks. In four losses this season, the entire team played down to their competition and if they hope to win on Sunday, everyone has to be ready to go. The Patriots on the other hand looked very sharp in their blow out win over the Broncos last weekend though New England fans beware, teams that have scored 40+ pts in the postseason tend to struggle the following round. The match up ultimately comes down to which weakness can be most effective. The Pats D is atrocious and one of the worst in the NFL, while the Ravens O apart from Ray Rice has been pedestrian. Should the New England step up and get multiple crucial stops, the Pats should walk away victorious. However, if the Ravens D can play to its full potential and shut down the Patriots just enough for Joe Flacco to get a lead, John Harbaugh's guys will be Indianapolis bound.

NEW YORK GIANTS 20, SAN FRANCISCO 27
Coming off a simply epic victory over the Saints, how will the 49ers follow it up? And let's not forget that New York upended the defending Super Bowl champs in dominant fashion. Both teams sport punishing defenses, with San Francisco's having the edge in linebacker and defensive back play and New York sporting a slightly better D line. The Giants offense has a decisively more explosive passing game, while SF has a slightly better ground attack. I expect this game to be a very physical affair as neither team is supremely better than the other. This Sunday night showdown should be competitive throughout with the outcome being decided late in the 4th quarter. San Francisco has been consistently better than the Giants throughout the season, though New York has shown the ability to turn in unexpected dominating performances. When the dust settles though, an all-Harbaugh Super Bowl will be set when alls said and done.

UTTQ Predictions: Divisional Round

NEW ORLEANS 21, SAN FRANCISCO 24
In a true clash of strengths, the Drew Brees and the Saints bring their high powered offense into the Bay Area to face off against the vaulted 49ers D. The match up that should define the game though is when Alex Smith is under center. San Francisco has struggled throughout the season at scoring TDs over Field Goals and they'll need to get into the endzone to have a chance at winning this one. New Orleans will score but SF should be able to contain Drew Brees just enough to pull it out.

DENVER 30, NEW ENGLAND 27
The last time these two teams clashed, the Patriots won in blow out fashion. Denver now comes into this game confident after beating the Steelers in overtime propelled by a strong showing from Tim Tebow. The big test for the much maligned Pats D will be to contain the big plays down that field that doomed the Pittsburgh D. Tom Brady and co. will score some points but I just can't bet against Tebow in a game as big as this one.

NEW YORK GIANTS 35, GREEN BAY, 32
The Giants just may be the hottest and most dangerous team in the playoffs. The matchup between these two during the regular season went down to the wire so the Giants already know that they can beat the Packers. This game conjures up memories of the NFC Championship game in 2007 with Eli Manning and co. upending Brett Farve and the Packers on a cold day in Lambeau. History will repeat itself.

HOUSTON 14, BALTIMORE 24
If the good Ravens team shows up to play, this game won't be more than a walk in the park. Baltimore is built to shut down running games which the Texans' offense is predicated on which should force TJ Yates to become the focal point of the offense. Should that be the case, the Ravens will expose him for the rookie QB that he is.