NFC Championship: Vikings at Saints

So as the nightmare scenario for Packer fans draws nearer, I thought I’d go over this game in detail. Going to examine three parts to this game, what the Vikings need to do to win, the Saints, and 3 ex-packers who could determine the outcome of this game.

What do the Vikings need to do to win?

Essentially play the exact same game they did last week against the Boys. It starts with their D….if they can control the line of scrimmage with their front four, I believe the Saints have no chance. Jared Allen again will match up with a backup left tackle. The only difference is this guy, Bushrod, has already played a few weeks. Really though, if the Vikings can protect Favre while get constant pressure on Brees, they should win this game. But its not that simple, this game is on the road….Here are their road games this year..

W – 34-20 @ Cleveland

W – 27-13 @ Detroit

W – 38-10 @ STL

L – 27-17 @ PITT

W – 38-26 @ GB

L – 30-17 @ AZ

L – 26-6 @ CAR

L – 36-30 @ CHI

The only team they beat this year on the road with a winning record was Green Bay. Now its not the Vikings fault that they had a cake schedule but Sunday they face one of the best offenses since Kurt Warner’s Rams, on the road, in a dome.

How do the Saints win this game?

Strike first and often. The Saints need to score first and fast. Like a quick 80 yard punt return or long pass. This will put a sting into the heads of them Vikings. And it might bring the gunslinger back on the other side of the ball. They also have to bring some heat to Favre, disguising their blitzes…do something they haven’t done all year maybe. I also think for the Saints to win Reggie Bush has to have an impact in more ways than one.

Ex-Packers to watch

  1. Brett Favre – I think how the first quarter goes will determine how his game goes. If the Vikings don’t fall behind early he will stay with what the Saints give him and not take many chances. And if he has another game with not being touched then look out, he can control this game. Last week, the Saints were able to get in the face of another old, veteran QB, can they do it again?
  2. Darren Sharper – He’s always talking a big game, this is the time for him to back it up. He needs a pick in this game…
  3. Ryan Longwell – After hearing him on KFAN the other night, I’m thinking he’s the best bet for potential goat. If the Vikings need him at the end, for like a 45 yeard FG…I’m thinking he’ll miss it.

Prediction

I see the Vikings coming out thinking they are the better team, which they are mostly. Most analysts are going with the Vikings, the same dumbasses who picked the Cowboys. The Saints will come out early, get up by 14. Favre leads the Vikes to a furious comeback in the 3rd quarter…then Reggie Bush drops a bomb…then Longwell chokes.

Saints 38 Vikings 37

Published on January 22, 2010 10:53 am.
Filed under: 2009 Season, NFC Championship, NFC North, Predictions, playoffs Tags: , , , , ,

Playoff picks: Cowboys @ Vikings

Playoff picks: Cowboys @ Vikings

Favre knows how to relax...so much more to add to this photo but..

So this game isn’t going to unfold like everyone expects…all the analysts are crazy over how good the Cowboys are, but I bet the Vikings will show up this week for these reasons…

  1. They are 8-0 at home
  2. Favre has had two weeks of rest (he is 40 and has never missed a game for 18 years, time off benefits him more than any player)
  3. The Vikings are the 2 seed and by all accounts, they are the underdog
  4. Adrian Peterson is so due

The Cowboys are a talented team and they finally got the monkey off their backs but I can’t see them winning Sunday.

Key Matchup

Cowboys OLBs Spencer and D. Ware versus Vikings OTs McKinnie and Loadholt – I see Favre neutralizing this matchup by doing screens to Taylor and AP while mixing up little dump offs to Shiancoe and P Harvin. And then at some point this will slow them down thus opening up the deep pass to Berrian and/or Sydney Rice.

Prediction – Vikings 34-17

This is the perfect setup game for Viking fans, big win and then big diss next week. Favre has been good in the divisional playoff games at home, and poopy in other games. But what do I know, I was 0 for 4 last week.

Other picks: Cardinals 38 Saints 24, Colts 23 Ravens 17, Chargers 27 Jets 6.

Published on January 15, 2010 1:33 pm.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Predictions, playoffs Tags: , , , , ,

Wild Card Week: Packers at Cardinals

Wild Card Week: Packers at Cardinals

So looking ahead to this Sunday’s showdown between Green Bay and Arizona. Last year the Cardinals were the epitome of a dark horse team. Talented but limped at the end of the regular season. They got shelled by the Patriots and the Vikings. Then they went on to barely lose to the Steelers in last year’s Super Bowl.

This year they have been up and down but again aren’t getting much attention coming into the playoffs. The Packers have been flying just above the radar. I think if they didn’t lose on a last second TD pass to the Steelers things would be different for them. They would’ve finished the season on an 8 game winning streak and for some reason it seems the sports media picks more up on that then a team that won 7 of 8.

Anyways, I think this game will be totally unlike last Sunday’s game. Hopefully the Packers won’t come in over confident after dismantling a uncaring Cardinals team 33-7. But the Packers are on a roll and have lots of skilled players healthy and playing at a high level.

Players to watch

  • Clay Matthews – Is there anyone that can block him on AZ?
  • Greg Jennings – So due for a gigantic game and he’s the type of player who shines in big games
  • Kurt Warner – He’s either really good or really bad
  • Adrian Wilson – Hasn’t played in either game against Packers but I’ve always liked him
  • KR on AZ – Not sure who this is, but Packers are real susceptible to the big returns

Key Matchups

Warner vs Packer’s secondary – No question the scariest matchup for the Packers. I’m hoping this ISN’T a repeat of the Steelers game a few weeks ago where Roth threw for 500 yards. For sure AZ will look to exploit the Packers depth in the defensive backfield by spreading them out with 4 wides…IE Jarret Bush, Josh Bell, Underwoord.

In my mind, the main difference here is AZ doesn’t have an all-pro type tight end to contend with AND Boldin is either out or will be hampered by the knee.

Rodgers vs Cardinals secondary – Well they’ve played twice already (even though it was preseason) and Rodgers has absolutely lit them up. Will things change this time when everything is on the line?

Ryan Grant / Brandon Jackson / Ahman Green vs Cardinals D-Line – If the Packers can run the ball that will only add to their O’s dominace in this game. Another thing to look for in early.

Packer Defensive Pressure vs AZ O-line – This will probably determine the game. How AZ deals with Green Bay’s 3-4 and Capers blitz packages will be key early on. If the Packers can get constant pressure and hit warner and stuff the run (like they’ve done the past 9 out of 11 games) this could get ugly quick.

I'm all in

Whisenhunt vs McCarthy – This is the wild card of the game. Green Bay plays pretty much the same D as the Steelers and Whisenhunt used to coach against that D every day in practice when he was offensive coordinator. Look for them to do deep posts or deep crossing routes in the middle of the field against Green Bay. It seems to me that its some sort of known hole in this D. I’ve seen Pittsburgh, Cincy, and AZ in the preseason do this successfully against Green Bay.

Predictions

I have a feeling McCarthy gets the last laugh on Sunday. If this game is close watch for a ballsy call to lift the Packers. If you were playing poker with him, McCarthy would be the type of guy who quietly plays by the book until you relax and think you know what he’s up to. Then when your not looking he bluffs his way through the biggest pot of the night on like 8 high.

The Cardinal players are trying to make the case that everyone is doubting them and what not…But thats hogwash, they were in the Super Bowl last YEAR! And Green Bay was 6-10!! So really, the Packers have NOTHING to lose and should play loose. Plus they are mostly young and out there having fun bashing heads around. Oh and talent wins in the playoffs and while they may be young, Green Bay has more…During their 7-1 run, they’ve stayed away from mental breakdowns also.

What gives? Plus the NFL is fixed right? And there’s no game bigger for the sponsors then a rematch of Favre’s Vikings and the Packers.

Green Bay 38 Cardinals 24

Published on January 7, 2010 9:59 pm.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Predictions, Uncategorized, playoffs Tags: , , , ,

Week 17 Picks

It’s the last week of the regular season and I don’t recall another final week with not so much drama involved. Most playoff spots are decided, except for the AFC. So this week is more of a guess as you have no clue who’s going to play (or not play)

Packers @ Cardinals – Green Bay has nothing to play for, they either have the 5 or 6 seed. The Cardinals could be in the running for the 2 seed if the Vikings fall in the early game. If Vikings lose, Cardinals 28 Packers 16…otherwise I see this being a preseason type game as they will most likely have a Wild Card rematch next week. Packers 33 Cardinals 30.

Side note: I’m hoping the Vikings lose so the Cardinals play all out in this game while giving the Packers the opportunity to rest ailing players.

Giants @ Vikings – Even though they have been reeling (losing 3 of 4), the Vikings are still a good team, and they are especially good at home. Will the Giants try to gain some respect after last week’s debacle? Probably not. Vikings 36 Giants 20.

Bears @ Lions – This could end up being the game of the week because its all about pride. Should be a brusing game that the Bears will walk away with towards the end. Bears 38 Lions 29.

Published on January 3, 2010 10:32 am.
Filed under: 2009 Season, NFC North, Predictions Tags: , ,

Week 16 Predictions

Seahawks @ Packers – This will be one of those semi-sloppy type blowout games, Lambeau will be rockin no matter what. Packers 31 Seattle 13

Vikings @ Bears – Since its a meaningless game for the Bears, this is the game ESPN has built up the Favre/Childress story as much as possible….so who knows how accurate/significant it is…Slightly bad weather and this will be a serious spin game for the Vikings. Otherwise the Bears just roll over. Bears 22 Vikings 16 (or if weather is fine and Bears don’t show up Vikings 28 Bears 3)

Lions? Why bother.

Published on December 27, 2009 7:49 am.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Lambeau Field, NFC North, Predictions Tags: , , ,

Week 15 Picks

Green Bay @ Pittsburgh

Do the Steelers have fight left? The Packers have won five straight while the Steelers have done the opposite. If the Packers can limit turnovers and not allow more than 2 sacks I think they’ll win like 27-16. If not, Steelers win 31 – 28.

Vikings @ Carolina

I wish the Vikings could choke this game but the fact is the Vikings dominate run-first teams. (As was proven last week) Vikings 27 Panthers 13.

Bears @ Ravens

Who cares? Bears are done. This will probably be  snow game though. Ravens 24-9.

Cardinals @ Lions

Lions got no chance. Arizona 35-10.

Published on December 19, 2009 9:29 pm.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Predictions Tags: , , ,

Third Quarter Review

I am a week late on this so its going to be Quarter Three +1. Here are the NFC North standings after 13 games on the board.

Vikings 11-2

Packers 9-4

Bears 5-8

Lions 2-11

My second quarter forecast for Green Bay is off, they have been resurgent since the Tampa loss. It looks like Rodgers and crew have been able to pull off what Favre and Co did in 1993. Let’s hope this continues. Despite the AZ loss, the Vikings have continued to roll. Here are the remaining games..

Vikings – @CAR, @CHI, NYG

Packers – @PITT, SEA, @AZ

Bears – @BAL, MIN, @DET

Lions – AZ, @SF, CHI

The Vikings just need one win here (or one GB loss) to clinch the division. And, unless there’s bad weather in Charlotte this week, I see them doing just that on Sunday. BUT if somehow they stumble, then they would have to either win in the cold in Chicago or at home against the Giants. This game would be meaningless for the Giants unless the Cowboys continue to struggle thus opening up the last wild card spot. (If Green Bay stumbles which means the Vikings win anyway)

So, in essence, the Packers only chance is to win out with the Vikings (and Cowboys) losing out. Which means this Sunday’s games are key. If the last game @AZ is meaningless for the Cardinals then Green Bay’s toughest remaning game is the Steelers. Do they have any life left? Will Poulamulu play? Chances of all this happening and Green Bay miraculously winning the division? Like 100-1. If the Vikings manage to lose to Carolina and the Packers win against Pitt…..Then things get real interesting.

Predictions:

Vikings 13-3 (@CHI)

Packers 11-5 (@AZ, meaningless game for both teams but then Green Bay goes back to AZ for Wild Card!)

Bears 6-10

Lions 2-14

Published on December 16, 2009 9:50 am.
Filed under: 2009 Season, NFC North, Predictions Tags: , , , , ,

Week 14 Predictions

Packers @ Bears

This seems to be an easy pick here…Packers are rolling, Bears are reeling. Its the a must win for Green Bay and a who cares game for the Bears. But there’s one thing in favor for the Bears…Soldier Field and recent history. Lovie Smith has a good history against Green Bay and was embarrassed Week 1. And if its frigid conditions with the normal December blistery wind its anybody’s game.

But the Packers have too much on the line to lose this one…I think they don’t win without consequences though. I can see them getting a couple injuries that linger for a couple weeks. But please, JUST DON’T SCREW UP ON SPECIAL TEAMS!

Green Bay 22-13

Bengals @ Vikings

Last week, the Vikings found themselves behind by two scores and what happened? Collapse. Favre turns into the Gunslinger, Chilli does nothing, injuries happen, etc. So this week, even though the Bengals are mainly a running team, maybe they come out passing. If they can get a lead, watch out. (There could even be boo-birds at halftime) But I don’t know, AP is SOOO due. And Favre has had a great year, as much as I’d love for him to flop he’s not this soft.

Vikings 31 – Ravens 28

Lions @ Bengals

Prediction….Pain

Ravens 30-3

Published on December 12, 2009 11:26 pm.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Bears, Favre, NFC North, Predictions Tags: , , , , , ,

Week 13 Predictions

Who really cares about the Lions and Bears this week…

Vikings @ Arizona - This is the first good team the Vikings have played in a while. Cardinals 35 Vikings 32

Ravens @ Packers - Going to be a cold, tough game. Both teams can’t afford anymore losses. Better team wins this game. The key, like many cold weather games, will be special teams and both team’s running game. Unless McCarthy comes out in a snowsuit with an electric heater…Packers 26 Ravens 17

Published on December 6, 2009 8:56 am.
Filed under: 2009 Season, NFC North, Predictions Tags: ,

Possible Favre / Packer rematch?

Yes there’s still 5 games left, but if both teams continue to play at the same level the possibility of Green Bay coming to Minneapolis for a rematch gets bigger and bigger. Hopefully didn’t just jinx it cuz that game would be unthinkable. Totally agree with Simmons on this one…

Anyway, if this Pack-Vikes playoff game happens, it’s the toughest call for the Sports Gods in years. If Green Bay loses to Favre a third time, they would have to shut down the state for a week so everyone could regroup. If Minnesota blows a home playoff game to Favre’s old team Gary Anderson/Darrin Nelson-style, same thing. In other words, the stakes are too high. The last time we were here? 2003. A Red Sox-Cubs World Series looming. The Sports Gods freaked out. They couldn’t handle it. Bartman/Alou/Gonzalez and Grady/Pedro/Boone happened. I can see the same thing happening this time. Green Bay falls to the sixth seed (or misses the playoffs), the Saints keep the No. 1 seed, something — anything! — to prevent a third Favre-Packers game that would be bigger than all of us. And that’s why it can’t happen.

Published on December 4, 2009 4:59 pm.
Filed under: 2009 Season, Predictions Tags: , , , , , ,