Who Will Make it to Miami?
On February 4th, 2007, Prince will be performing live in concert at Dolphins Stadium. Oh and by the way–two NFL teams will be playing for The Lombardi Trophy and NFL Super Bowl Championship. Super Bowl 40 will match AFC vs. NFC in what will surely be a classic. But who will make it to Miami? Here is a handicap of who we can expect to see in The 2007 NFL Playoffs:
New England: The Pats sport not only the game’s biggest “money” QB in Tom Brady, but also the prominent coaching strategist in Bill Belichek. Brady and Co. face a daunting task in this year’s run to glory. For The Pats to be successful, Laurence Maroney must be able to overcome the rigors of his first NFL Playoff, and extended season. We all know what Brady has accomplished in the past, but he must find a consistent WR target. TE Ben Watson has been steady, but rookie Chad Jackson must show his big-game playmaking. The New England Defenses faces its first postseason without LB Willie McGinest. Odds of winning Super Bowl: 8:1
Indianapolis: Here we go again…can Peyton Manning win the big game? Enough, already. The bottom line is this–Manning is the best QB in the league. Case closed. The bigger issue is The Indy run defense. These guys need to stop the run if they have any hope at all of postseason glory, although MLB Gary Brackett could be the most underrated defender in The AFC. The offense, as usual, has been superb. Rookie RB Joseph Addai has emerged as the class of the rookie crop this year. Forget about his running and ball-handling–his blocking is top notch. Odds of winning Super Bowl: 4:1
Baltimore: Without any fanfare, The Baltimore Ravens led by NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Steve McNair are atip The AFC North and look to make waves in the postseason. TE Todd Heap is the best in the league, and RB Jamal Lewis has shown that he still has some motor left. As has been the case, The D, anchored by Ray Lewis is unrelenting. S Ed Reed is downright awesome. Not alot of flash, just a bunch of wins. Odds of winning Super Bowl: 5:1
Wildcard hopefuls:
Cincinatti: should get in as a wilcard–if they do, watch out! Despite a tough loss to Denver, The Bengals are playing well, and could peak at just the right time
NY Jets: Head Coach Eric Mangini has these Jets playing like giants. Mangini tailors his offense around the strengths of QB Chad Pennington–not alot of deep balls, but a well balanced attack. RB Leon Washington is the real deal–look for him to emerge next season as the starter.
Denver: Rookie QB Jay Cutler could be the best out of last year’s deep talent pool. He may take his lumps in this year’s playoffs, but he will continue to get better and make his fellow Vanderbilt alums proud.
Jacksonville, Kansas City: Close only counts in horseshoes. See you next year.
NFC Capsules to be posted next week
