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Let’s recap:  I’m 2-4 in these playoffs.  I’ve picked against the Ravens every time.  I had much greater expectations of the Seahawks.  My one constant is that I did get the 49′ers right, although the score was slightly closer against the Falcons than I expected.

So, let me add my useless unique perspective and predict the outcome.

How the 49′ers will win:

49′ers have an amazing defense, but they are not perfect. They let Atlanta get the lead and then had to fight and claw to get back in the game.  But I think the 49′ers defense can intimidate like the Ravens used to intimidate. It comes down to what they do when they have the ball on offense.  They need to be successful in the running game and the mid and long range passing game.  They need to keep Baltimore moving and get them tired.  The key for the 49er’s is to balance their offensive attack and keep Baltimore guessing on defense.

How the Ravens will win:

The Ravens need to have an incredible game in their pass defense. I suspect Baltimore will key up a defense designed to contain the running game.  The 49′ers will need to hit the mid and long range passing game to win.  That means that Pollard and Reed will have to have the games of their lives.  They need to put fear into the deep threats of the 49′ers.  If they do that, and the linebackers don’t tire out, good things will happen.  Success is built on keeping the 49′ers off the field and putting punishing hits on the receivers.

What I think will happen:

I think the 49′ers will win this game.  They have too many options both running and passing the ball that Baltimore will get worn down.  I expect Baltimore to put up some points, but the 49′ers will win by 10:  27-17.

Who do you think will win and why?

As I sit and write this post, I’m slightly distracted.  Leafs are beating the Canadiens.  (Edit:  Canadiens just scored so Leafs hold a 2-1 lead.)

Leafs vs Canadians – #hockeyisback

So, with that slight distraction, let’s get to the championship games.

Original Image – http://dialglobalsports.com/

AFC Championship Game – Baltimore at New England

No contest.  Brady at home.  Their front 7 on defense will put Flacco on his heels.  Brady’s short game will be on.  I predict a 2 touchdown win.  Prediction:  Patriots 24-10.

NFC Championship Game – San Francisco at Atlanta

I think this one will be closer, but I think that SF can slow the run down enough to pop a few wide receivers and make them afraid of crossing the middle.  Atlanta will probably start fast with 2 scores.  If the 49′ers can answer them and keep it within a field goal, they will run away with it in the second half.  Prediction:  49′ers 27-14.

Besides, who doesn’t want a 49′ers vs Patriots rematch?

What, where’s week 1? You’re just starting now?

Yes. The first round of the NFL playoffs were meh, except for the Skins-Seahawks game. Would have been much more interesting to have RG3 with a healthy wheel. Imagine that Seahawk defense chasing him all over the field like a bad Benny Hill video. But with a bum knee that was clearly evident in the Skins win over the Cowboys to clinch the NFC East, the first round loss for Washington was a foregone conclusion.

(PS – I also predicted that the NHL lockout would end. I made it a New Year’s resolution. Coincidence? I think not. You’re welcome, NHL fans.)

Anyway, on to week two. Here is where we get to see some real games.

AFC games
Baltimore vs Denver (Saturday at 4:30)
Houston vs New England (Sunday at 4:30).

Ravens and Broncos are the most interesting of these two games. But Denver’s defense is going to be able to hold Flacco and Rice back long enough for Manning to put up some points. The second half will prove the difference. Close at halftime, all over by the start of the 4th quarter.
Prediction: Broncos win 35-17.

Texans vs Patriots is not really going to be much of a game. Out of all the games this weekend, this one could the dud. While not as bad as the BCS title game (did the police find ND’s defense yet?), Tom Brady is just too good at home. He’ll have the Texan defense huffing and puffing by halftime.
Prediction: Patriots win 35-10.

NFC Games
Green Bay vs San Francisco (Saturday at 8:00)
Seattle vs Atlanta (Sunday at 1:00).

Packers vs 49′ers will be fun to watch. If the 49′ers can get to Rodgers, it will be a long frustrating day for Green Bay. 2 things have to happen for the 49′ers to win: challenge the Packers to a ground war and win with a late field goal. They can do that if the 49′ers pass defense can wear out the receivers. If the Packers playmakers begin to hear footsteps and become gun-shy, there will be turnovers. The Pack will turn to the run, which is the 49′ers staple defense. However, I don’t think that will happen. Expect the Pack to win by 10.
Prediction: Green Bay wins 27-17.

Seahawks and Falcons will be interesting. I don’t expect a high scoring game since both teams have offensive issues recently, especially the bad wheel of Lynch. Can the Seahawks get riled up for an early game (to them, at least)? Here’s my best guess: if the Falcons can strike early and run the ball with effectiveness, it will not go well for the visiting team. But if the Seahawks can get into the backfield early and pressure Matt Ryan, he’ll miss throws. This is the game I actually could see go either way, but I will go against the grain. I’m picking a low scoring game.
Prediction: Seahawks win 14-10.

Agree / Disagree? What are your picks?

The title says it all

Love this play.  I’m starting to like this kid.

Yup, nothing like hanging out on a Sunday evening in my backyard with my close personal friends.