This is my second post in a series where I rank my top 10 games from each console I've owned. If you haven't seen it, go check out my Top 10 Original Xbox Games of all time. Anyway, this one will be about my top 10 Nintendo 64 games of all time. I've only ever owned about 25 or so, but this will focus on the 10 I played most. If you played Nintendo 64 games like me growing up, you should recognize most or all on this list. As before, if any had a sequel, they will be combined into one entry.
Honorable Mention: Pokemon Snap
As a huge fan of the first two generations of Pokemon, I had to get and play Pokemon Snap as a kid. I loved trying to best my previous shots that I had submitted to Professor Oak. I also loved how the game slowly expanded, adding maps and items to interact with the Pokemon. Unfortunately, this game is limited, as it sets you on the same linear track for each map. It would've been cool if they at least had multiple tracks to choose from (each one with Pokemon you couldn't get on other paths). I was also hoping for a sequel to be released when Generation 2 games came out, but alas, it wasn't to be.
10. Super Smash Bros.
I was never that great of a Smash Bros. player, as my friends could attest to, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite to play as, unsurprisingly, was Kirby, as he was easiest to succeed with for noobs like me. What I really liked though were the "Break the Targets" and "Board the Platforms" challenges they had for each character. I liked how each character's challenges were uniquely different and suited them. I completed most of them, but I think there's a couple I could never manage.
9. NBA Hangtime
This arcade style basketball game was pretty fun. If I could change one thing, it would be to not have a time limit on the team/player selection screen. But they had to make it as much like an arcade game as they could, I suppose. I did once beat every team in the game with a created player. I also wish the game had famous players like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley, who were in the NBA at the time, but I think they weren't part of the players union or something.
8. Pokemon Stadium (+ Pokemon Stadium 2)
Like I said, I was a big fan of Pokemon during the first two generations, so I had to get Pokemon Stadium. I remember going opening day and spending my birthday money on it. I distinctly remember it was close to $100, due to it containing the Gameboy cartridge adapter pack. But I just absolutely loved how you could now play your Pokemon games on a bigger screen. A screen, also, that didn't require additional lighting. I spent countless hours doing that. I also thoroughly enjoyed playing through the gym leaders they had in this game and of course, the minigames, which are still fun to this day.
7. Star Fox 64
I remember playing this as a kid, but not having a ton of success with it in the single-player missions. I always get stuck on the same planet. Eventually, I played it through as a young adult, and I beat the game. It was the easy path, but hey, I did it. Maybe someday I'll do a harder path. Anyway, as a kid, I remember playing multiplayer with my sister/friends and shooting each other down. That was fun.
6. Wave Race 64
Another great multiplayer game was Wave Race. I enjoyed the single-player races as well, and the stunt missions were fun, too. I think I raced best with the girl in the game. I thought she had the best handling. But this game did get a bit monotonous at times, as it was basically just riding a jet ski to the correct side of a buoy. But hey, it's still fun, and that announcer guy really earned his paycheck.
5. Goldeneye 007
Who didn't play the multiplayer version of this as kids? I remember it fondly. I also played the campaign many times, although I could never beat it, and I still haven't beaten it. I have tried picking it up in recent years, only to realize how bad the controls are compared to FPS today, but perhaps someday.
4. Mario Party (+ Mario Party 2)
I would argue the first two Mario Party's were the best multiplayer games on the Nintendo 64. I remember putting countless hours into the first, both by myself and with others. I also remember getting burns/blisters on the palm of my hand from the control stick spinning minigames. I then (not very smartly) used a pair of batting gloves I owned, but I only ended up ruining those. As for the second one, I never owned it, but I rented it several times from Blockbuster. I probably should have just bought it (or asked for it for Christmas).
3. Mario Kart 64
My girlfriend and I will still to this day whip this game out and do a grand prix together. It holds up well. I never had a favorite racer or favorite map, but I still enjoyed it. I also loved the multiplayer battles they had as well. I don't think there's been a 2 or 3-year period in my life that I haven't played this game since getting it. I just have to play it every few years.
2. Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr.
This may be my favorite baseball video game of all time. It's close. It's got an arcade style, which you have to accept. But I loved playing as the Mariners, mainly because they had such great players at the time in Jr., Edgar, Buhner, Randy Johnson, and A-Rod. It's a bit too easy for me now, as I can just run up the score on the computer, even with a team full of bad players. I just love the controls, which in my opinion, hold up well today.
1. Super Mario 64
How could I not make this #1? Granted, there is no multiplayer element, but there is no game I have put more single-player hours into in my life. As a kid, this game did eventually fall to the wayside as I played others (like the ones on this list). But I still pick it up every few years. It wasn't until my late teens/early 20s that I finally got 120 stars. Now, it's no problem to get. I still see others streaming this game, showing me new ways to get stars, or showing me new glitches, so I have to try them out myself. A few glitches I have gotten to work are glitching Mips through a door and doing the BLJ (backwards long jump) up a flight of stairs to get into an area I'm not supposed to have access to yet. Anyway, this is just a game I could see myself playing every decade for the rest of my life; it's just that perfect.
Showing posts with label Super. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super. Show all posts
Monday, July 10, 2023
Monday, February 3, 2020
Super Bowl LIV Thoughts and Reaction
I have never done this before, but I might make this an annual thing, where I go over things that happened in the Super Bowl. I will go over how it affects how I view each of the two teams, what I thought about the officiating, and how it impacts everyone's legacies.
The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions for the first time in fifty years. Despite the Seahawks playing in the same division as them until 2001, I have always liked the Chiefs. They've almost always been a fun team to watch (except for the Brodie Croyle/Tyler Thigpen years). I think the Chiefs are now my second favorite team, after the Seahawks. The Chiefs haven't beaten the Seahawks (at least not recently), as the Hawks beat them in Seattle in 2018. They are about as fun to watch as they've ever been, with a superstar quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. They've also got passionate fans with a great stadium atmosphere.
I thought the game was fairly entertaining; it was definitely more entertaining than last year's game. The officiating was good, although a few calls stand out that I'd like to go over:
- The offensive pass interference call on George Kittle: Watching Sportscenter after the game, Scott Van Pelt said it's technically a correct call according to the rulebook, but that he didn't like it. The only reason I didn't really like the call was because I've seen that sort of small push-off with one arm not called most of the time. I also thought Kittle would have caught the ball without that push-off. But any push-off by a receiver that gives you an advantage is by rule, offensive pass interference. This was just a call that was strictly enforced, and 49ers fans can only be upset at the fact that that referee noticed it.
- Damien Williams touchdown reception: Was it a touchdown? It was mighty close. What I find most hard to believe is that on the biggest football game of the year, they can't have a camera that goes right down the goal line. They had one that was close, but it was still at a slight angle. Why can't we get one where the goal line and the sideline make a right angle? Who knows. Honestly, I think his foot stepped out a very split second before the ball broke the plane of the goal line, but they couldn't overturn it without clear evidence. On first watch of the play at live speed, I didn't think he was in. The replay, however, made me think it was very close.
- The 49ers delay of game not called: I hate that teams can technically get away with a delay of game if they time it right. For a delay of game, the umpire needs to see the clock at 0, then he has to see the ball. If the ball is starting to get snapped, they let it go. On a replay, they showed the umpire starting to run up to signal a delay of game, but then the ball got snapped, so they let it go. It should only take a split second for the umpire to notice the ball hasn't been snapped at 0, and then immediately blow his whistle. However, to the 49ers fans that are upset that they didn't call delay of game because the play resulted in a turnover on downs, what if a first down happened on that play? You would've been glad you got away with it. I don't think it was poorly handled by the officials, but I do think the NFL needs to tighten up on when they signal for delay of game.
- Pass interference on 49ers defender covering Travis Kelce: On one of the Chiefs touchdown drives in the 4th quarter, a 49ers defender (sorry, didn't get the name) was called for defensive pass interference while covering Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. This was the correct call. I only bring this up because I heard or read somewhere that 49ers fans were salty about that call. It's textbook. The defender did not turn to play the ball, and inhibited Kelce from being able to make a play on the ball while making minor contact. Kelce wasn't trying to come back to the ball, but anytime contact is made on a play like that, pass interference is going to be called.
- The Chiefs being offsides on 49ers 3rd down attempt: It was Tanoh Kpassagnon who was close to being offsides on this play. I will say he definitely started moving before anyone else. Watching it in real time, it's not overtly clear he was offsides unless you watch him specifically. I didn't see it when I watched it live, and I always watch the lines at the start of plays. In watching multiple replays, yes, it does appear he was offsides, if barely. So should this have been called? Probably, but I've seen this type of offsides call missed many times before. Usually, the offsides that gets called on defensive lineman is when they jump early and go back, trying to get back before the ball is snapped. By the way, Kpassagnon didn't seem to gain any unfair advantage from the play, as he was pancaked on the play and was not one of the rushers chasing after Garoppolo. And, even if it was called, the down becomes 3rd and 9, which is still a tough conversion to make.
The problem with these borderline and close calls is that they all went the Chiefs way. There was a forceable blow to each quarterback's helmet, both went uncalled, so it didn't favor either team. But when so many calls go one team's way, it's understandable for people to think the officials are favoring one team. They cannot go into a play thinking "Well, we just favored the Chiefs on the last call, the next close call we should favor the 49ers". That is not how they are supposed to officiate. They officiate by trying to make the correct call each time. No one call had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, and the 49ers really only have themselves to blame.
Officiating aside, what does this mean for each of the teams? Well for the Chiefs, it means only good things. The Chiefs could be the AFC's next dynasty. Andy Reid cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of his era and will be in the Hall of Fame some day. Patrick Mahomes has gotten off to one of the best starts to a career ever by a quarterback, and even if he doesn't win another Super Bowl, he's probably bound for the Hall of Fame, so long as he plays close to another ten plus years. As for the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan will be scrutinized for sure. He was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons when they blew a 28-3 lead. He seemingly can't protect a lead on the biggest stage. But he and his team are very young and have many opportunities in front of them. They cannot let this heartbreaking loss affect them going into next season.
I think both the Chiefs and 49ers will be competitive next season as well, although it's hard to expect both of them to return to the Super Bowl. Last year at this time, I would've bet money the Rams would return to the playoffs, yet they did not. Anything can happen in the crazy league that is the NFL, and 2020 should be just as entertaining as the previous season. Can't wait!
The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions for the first time in fifty years. Despite the Seahawks playing in the same division as them until 2001, I have always liked the Chiefs. They've almost always been a fun team to watch (except for the Brodie Croyle/Tyler Thigpen years). I think the Chiefs are now my second favorite team, after the Seahawks. The Chiefs haven't beaten the Seahawks (at least not recently), as the Hawks beat them in Seattle in 2018. They are about as fun to watch as they've ever been, with a superstar quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. They've also got passionate fans with a great stadium atmosphere.
I thought the game was fairly entertaining; it was definitely more entertaining than last year's game. The officiating was good, although a few calls stand out that I'd like to go over:
- The offensive pass interference call on George Kittle: Watching Sportscenter after the game, Scott Van Pelt said it's technically a correct call according to the rulebook, but that he didn't like it. The only reason I didn't really like the call was because I've seen that sort of small push-off with one arm not called most of the time. I also thought Kittle would have caught the ball without that push-off. But any push-off by a receiver that gives you an advantage is by rule, offensive pass interference. This was just a call that was strictly enforced, and 49ers fans can only be upset at the fact that that referee noticed it.
- Damien Williams touchdown reception: Was it a touchdown? It was mighty close. What I find most hard to believe is that on the biggest football game of the year, they can't have a camera that goes right down the goal line. They had one that was close, but it was still at a slight angle. Why can't we get one where the goal line and the sideline make a right angle? Who knows. Honestly, I think his foot stepped out a very split second before the ball broke the plane of the goal line, but they couldn't overturn it without clear evidence. On first watch of the play at live speed, I didn't think he was in. The replay, however, made me think it was very close.
- The 49ers delay of game not called: I hate that teams can technically get away with a delay of game if they time it right. For a delay of game, the umpire needs to see the clock at 0, then he has to see the ball. If the ball is starting to get snapped, they let it go. On a replay, they showed the umpire starting to run up to signal a delay of game, but then the ball got snapped, so they let it go. It should only take a split second for the umpire to notice the ball hasn't been snapped at 0, and then immediately blow his whistle. However, to the 49ers fans that are upset that they didn't call delay of game because the play resulted in a turnover on downs, what if a first down happened on that play? You would've been glad you got away with it. I don't think it was poorly handled by the officials, but I do think the NFL needs to tighten up on when they signal for delay of game.
- Pass interference on 49ers defender covering Travis Kelce: On one of the Chiefs touchdown drives in the 4th quarter, a 49ers defender (sorry, didn't get the name) was called for defensive pass interference while covering Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. This was the correct call. I only bring this up because I heard or read somewhere that 49ers fans were salty about that call. It's textbook. The defender did not turn to play the ball, and inhibited Kelce from being able to make a play on the ball while making minor contact. Kelce wasn't trying to come back to the ball, but anytime contact is made on a play like that, pass interference is going to be called.
- The Chiefs being offsides on 49ers 3rd down attempt: It was Tanoh Kpassagnon who was close to being offsides on this play. I will say he definitely started moving before anyone else. Watching it in real time, it's not overtly clear he was offsides unless you watch him specifically. I didn't see it when I watched it live, and I always watch the lines at the start of plays. In watching multiple replays, yes, it does appear he was offsides, if barely. So should this have been called? Probably, but I've seen this type of offsides call missed many times before. Usually, the offsides that gets called on defensive lineman is when they jump early and go back, trying to get back before the ball is snapped. By the way, Kpassagnon didn't seem to gain any unfair advantage from the play, as he was pancaked on the play and was not one of the rushers chasing after Garoppolo. And, even if it was called, the down becomes 3rd and 9, which is still a tough conversion to make.
The problem with these borderline and close calls is that they all went the Chiefs way. There was a forceable blow to each quarterback's helmet, both went uncalled, so it didn't favor either team. But when so many calls go one team's way, it's understandable for people to think the officials are favoring one team. They cannot go into a play thinking "Well, we just favored the Chiefs on the last call, the next close call we should favor the 49ers". That is not how they are supposed to officiate. They officiate by trying to make the correct call each time. No one call had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, and the 49ers really only have themselves to blame.
Officiating aside, what does this mean for each of the teams? Well for the Chiefs, it means only good things. The Chiefs could be the AFC's next dynasty. Andy Reid cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of his era and will be in the Hall of Fame some day. Patrick Mahomes has gotten off to one of the best starts to a career ever by a quarterback, and even if he doesn't win another Super Bowl, he's probably bound for the Hall of Fame, so long as he plays close to another ten plus years. As for the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan will be scrutinized for sure. He was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons when they blew a 28-3 lead. He seemingly can't protect a lead on the biggest stage. But he and his team are very young and have many opportunities in front of them. They cannot let this heartbreaking loss affect them going into next season.
I think both the Chiefs and 49ers will be competitive next season as well, although it's hard to expect both of them to return to the Super Bowl. Last year at this time, I would've bet money the Rams would return to the playoffs, yet they did not. Anything can happen in the crazy league that is the NFL, and 2020 should be just as entertaining as the previous season. Can't wait!
Friday, January 24, 2020
My Top 5 Super Bowls
I love the game of football, so I obviously watch the Super Bowl every year. On some occasions due to working a retail job, I've had to miss the start of a game, but I have seen the majority of every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXXII, when the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers. With Super Bowl LIV just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to list my Top 5 Favorite Super Bowls ever. These are the most memorable Super Bowls to me, and the ones I had the most fun watching.
Honorable Mention: Super Bowl XLIX - Patriots vs. Seahawks
I have to include this as an honorable mention, because I really enjoyed the first 98% of this game. I just didn't like the ending. But knowing we were about to (probably) get our second straight Super Bowl win, and to beat one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history was a sweet feeling--at the time.
5. Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs. 49ers
A blackout, the longest play in Super Bowl history, and an almost epic-comeback. What more could you ask for? Oh, how about watching your least favorite NFL team lose on the biggest stage possible? To see the 49ers comeback effort fall short was just music to my ears. They had been our division rivals for a decade now, so I had built up enough animosity towards them.
4. Super Bowl XXXVII - Buccaneers vs. Raiders
A team I really enjoyed watching in the early 2000's was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had one of the greatest defenses of all time with Warren Sapp, John Lynch, Derrick Brooks, Simeon Rice, and Ronde Barber. And it was Dexter Jackson who won Super Bowl MVP, go figure. It wasn't a close contest, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I remember I had a small wager with my grandpa on the game--he thought the Raiders would win. It wasn't for much (a dollar) but it was more for the pride in knowing I picked the better team.
3. Super Bowl LI - Patriots vs. Falcons
Now, I dislike the Patriots, but I love a good comeback. I also was thinking in the couple years before this game, that we were very due for a Super Bowl that goes to overtime. And this was the first Super Bowl in history to go to overtime. And of course, one of the greatest comebacks in sports history happened in this game, so I had to include it.
2. Super Bowl LII - Patriots vs. Eagles
This Super Bowl set all kinds of records for offensive production including most total yards between the two teams. The Philly Special play is one of the best Super Bowl plays of all time, seeing as it came on 4th and goal. And to top it off, Brady got strip sacked, proving he was mortal. The Eagles had gotten revenge for Super Bowl XXXIX.
1. Super Bowl XLVIII - Seahawks vs. Broncos
Was there any question? The Seahawks got the quickest score in Super Bowl history (although it wasn't anything they did). This game is quintessential Legion of Boom at their peak. But it was Malcolm Smith of all people, who had the key defensive play on a pick six. It was forced by Cliff Avril hitting Manning as he threw, so Smith was just in the right place at the right time. The Hawks started the 2nd half with a kickoff return touchdown from Percy Harvin and never looked back. The Hawks first (and so far only) Super Bowl win may forever be my favorite Super Bowl ever.
Super Bowl LIV is just 9 days away, and I think there's a decent chance it could make this list. The Chiefs enter as 1.5 point favorites, a very close line for a Super Bowl, and it's hard to get closer than that. As a Seahawks fan, I will of course be rooting for the Chiefs, but also because I would fully support the Kansas City Chiefs as the new AFC dynasty.
Super Bowl LIV was definitely enjoyable and close (until the end). If it were to make the list, it would be at #5, and it would really only supplant Super Bowl XLVII because it was more recent.
Honorable Mention: Super Bowl XLIX - Patriots vs. Seahawks
I have to include this as an honorable mention, because I really enjoyed the first 98% of this game. I just didn't like the ending. But knowing we were about to (probably) get our second straight Super Bowl win, and to beat one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history was a sweet feeling--at the time.
5. Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs. 49ers
A blackout, the longest play in Super Bowl history, and an almost epic-comeback. What more could you ask for? Oh, how about watching your least favorite NFL team lose on the biggest stage possible? To see the 49ers comeback effort fall short was just music to my ears. They had been our division rivals for a decade now, so I had built up enough animosity towards them.
4. Super Bowl XXXVII - Buccaneers vs. Raiders
A team I really enjoyed watching in the early 2000's was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had one of the greatest defenses of all time with Warren Sapp, John Lynch, Derrick Brooks, Simeon Rice, and Ronde Barber. And it was Dexter Jackson who won Super Bowl MVP, go figure. It wasn't a close contest, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I remember I had a small wager with my grandpa on the game--he thought the Raiders would win. It wasn't for much (a dollar) but it was more for the pride in knowing I picked the better team.
3. Super Bowl LI - Patriots vs. Falcons
Now, I dislike the Patriots, but I love a good comeback. I also was thinking in the couple years before this game, that we were very due for a Super Bowl that goes to overtime. And this was the first Super Bowl in history to go to overtime. And of course, one of the greatest comebacks in sports history happened in this game, so I had to include it.
2. Super Bowl LII - Patriots vs. Eagles
This Super Bowl set all kinds of records for offensive production including most total yards between the two teams. The Philly Special play is one of the best Super Bowl plays of all time, seeing as it came on 4th and goal. And to top it off, Brady got strip sacked, proving he was mortal. The Eagles had gotten revenge for Super Bowl XXXIX.
1. Super Bowl XLVIII - Seahawks vs. Broncos
Was there any question? The Seahawks got the quickest score in Super Bowl history (although it wasn't anything they did). This game is quintessential Legion of Boom at their peak. But it was Malcolm Smith of all people, who had the key defensive play on a pick six. It was forced by Cliff Avril hitting Manning as he threw, so Smith was just in the right place at the right time. The Hawks started the 2nd half with a kickoff return touchdown from Percy Harvin and never looked back. The Hawks first (and so far only) Super Bowl win may forever be my favorite Super Bowl ever.
Super Bowl LIV is just 9 days away, and I think there's a decent chance it could make this list. The Chiefs enter as 1.5 point favorites, a very close line for a Super Bowl, and it's hard to get closer than that. As a Seahawks fan, I will of course be rooting for the Chiefs, but also because I would fully support the Kansas City Chiefs as the new AFC dynasty.
Super Bowl LIV was definitely enjoyable and close (until the end). If it were to make the list, it would be at #5, and it would really only supplant Super Bowl XLVII because it was more recent.
Monday, December 30, 2019
2019-2020 NFL Playoffs – Predictions and Top 10 Super Bowl Matchups!
The 2019 NFL regular season is over, and the playoffs start next weekend. Who will be playing in Super Bowl LIV in
Miami? I’m going to predict the
playoffs, even including scores, and then afterwards I will list my top 10
Super Bowl matchups.
Wild Card Round
AFC:
(6) Titans at (3) Patriots: Titans 24, Patriots 20
Yup. The Patriots get upset at home in the playoffs. Tennessee is the more complete team and more physically imposing, and Derrick Henry has a great day.
(5) Bills at (4) Texans: Bills 19, Texans 17
The Bills defense is really good. The Texans defense isn’t that good. I see yet another upset here, with Josh Allen winning his first ever playoff game.
NFC:
(6) Vikings at (3) Saints: Saints 30, Vikings 23
No Minneapolis Miracle here, especially since the game is in New Orleans this time. The Vikings claw back from a deficit but are unable to get another opportunity to score.
(5) Seahawks at (4) Eagles: Eagles 27, Seahawks 19
One and done for the Hawks. The Seahawks are not the same team that played Philadelphia over a month ago, and the Eagles are playing better football since then. Result: Eagles win.
Divisional Round
AFC:
(6) Titans at (1) Ravens: Ravens 34, Titans 21
The Titans have trouble keeping up with a rested and efficient Ravens team.
(5) Bills at (2) Chiefs: Chiefs 26, Bills 17
Arrowhead in January proves too much for these Bills. The Chiefs won’t light up the scoreboard, but neither will the Bills.
NFC:
(4) Eagles at (1) 49ers: 49ers 28, Eagles 13
The 49ers defense dominates, getting turnovers and sacks galore. The 49ers have control of the game all game long and mostly run and kill the clock.
(3) Saints at (2) Packers: Saints 27, Packers 20
The Saints upset the Packers in a cold game. Normally indoor teams don’t do well in these environments, but the Saints are out to prove they are better than the Packers and deserved the higher seeding.
Conference Championships
AFC:
(2) Chiefs at (1) Ravens: Chiefs 28, Ravens 26
The Ravens get a few field goals from Tucker, but the Chiefs have CC game experience which proves to be the difference. Lamar Jackson has yet to beat the Chiefs and it remains that way, proving the Chiefs are his kryptonite.
(3) Saints at (1) 49ers: 49ers 28, Saints 24
As much as I’d like to say the Saints upset the 49ers in this one, I just don’t see it happening. The 49ers beat them once before, they can do it again. Also, the division most represented in the Super Bowl for the NFC in recent memory is the NFC West.
Super Bowl LIV: Chiefs 35, 49ers 31
In a wildly exciting game, the Chiefs emerge victorious. Mahomes gets the ball last, down 31-28, and instead of going for a field goal and overtime, connects with Mecole Hardman for a game-winning score. Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP.
Wow, not terribly far off! The Chiefs won, as I predicted, but the score wasn't quite as high for either team. I was right on predicting Mahomes for MVP, but he was a clear favorite to begin with.
My Top 10 Super Bowl Matchups:
#1 – What I predict: Chiefs vs. 49ers
Again, this is my Super Bowl prediction, the battle between Joe Montana’s two teams.
And this just so happened to be the matchup that happened! Yet again, we have a Super Bowl with two teams who had first-round byes. We'll see if my predicted score above holds true for the game.
#2 – The obvious choice of #1 seeds: Ravens vs. 49ers
The most likely Super Bowl matchup every year is the two #1 seeds meeting, and in this case would be the Ravens and 49ers. It would also be a rematch of Super Bowl XLVII, in which the Ravens won.
#3 – The two hottest teams: Ravens vs. Packers
These are the two teams with the longest winning streaks in the NFL.
#4 – My mid-season Super Bowl picks: Ravens vs. Saints
This was my mid-season pick for the Super Bowl, Charm City vs. the Big Easy. New school vs. Old School.
#5 – The Super Bowl matchup I’ve wanted for YEARS: Patriots vs. Packers
Can we finally get a Brady vs. Rodgers matchup in the Super Bowl? Probably not, but it doesn’t hurt to hope. This, and the one below this, would tie for the matchup between the oldest franchises in the playoffs.
#6 – A fitting rematch: Chiefs vs. Packers
A rematch of Super Bowl I in the NFL’s 100th season? That would be very fitting. It’s also a matchup of the two State Farm QB’s, which we were deprived of earlier in the season because Mahomes was hurt.
#7 – To pad the Hall of Fame Resume: Patriots vs. Saints
The next best thing to Rodgers vs. Brady to me would be Brees vs. Brady. To some, this would be a better matchup. This matchup would be legendary, with the winner padding his resume for Canton even more, not that either of them need it.
#8 – Battle of the Birds: Ravens vs. Seahawks
The NFL is due for a wild card team getting to the Super Bowl. They’re due for a team winning three road games on their way to the Super Bowl. The Seahawks, I believe, have the best shot at doing that of any 5 or 6 seed. And to see Jackson vs. Wilson would be pretty awesome.
#9 – Rematch of an epic game: Patriots vs. Seahawks
If the Seahawks were to make it back to the Super Bowl, wouldn’t it be fitting for it to be against the Patriots? Marshawn Lynch is on the roster again, and perhaps we could give him that opportunity he so deserves.
#10 – Two of the biggest dynasties in NFL history: Patriots vs. 49ers
Arguably, the two biggest dynasties in NFL history would be the 49ers from the 80s to the mid-90s and the Patriots from the 2000s to the 2010’s. Would be fitting for the NFL’s 100th season. Also this would pit Jimmy Garoppolo against his former mentor, Tom Brady.
Wild Card Round
AFC:
(6) Titans at (3) Patriots: Titans 24, Patriots 20
Yup. The Patriots get upset at home in the playoffs. Tennessee is the more complete team and more physically imposing, and Derrick Henry has a great day.
(5) Bills at (4) Texans: Bills 19, Texans 17
The Bills defense is really good. The Texans defense isn’t that good. I see yet another upset here, with Josh Allen winning his first ever playoff game.
NFC:
(6) Vikings at (3) Saints: Saints 30, Vikings 23
No Minneapolis Miracle here, especially since the game is in New Orleans this time. The Vikings claw back from a deficit but are unable to get another opportunity to score.
(5) Seahawks at (4) Eagles: Eagles 27, Seahawks 19
One and done for the Hawks. The Seahawks are not the same team that played Philadelphia over a month ago, and the Eagles are playing better football since then. Result: Eagles win.
Divisional Round
AFC:
(6) Titans at (1) Ravens: Ravens 34, Titans 21
The Titans have trouble keeping up with a rested and efficient Ravens team.
(5) Bills at (2) Chiefs: Chiefs 26, Bills 17
Arrowhead in January proves too much for these Bills. The Chiefs won’t light up the scoreboard, but neither will the Bills.
NFC:
(4) Eagles at (1) 49ers: 49ers 28, Eagles 13
The 49ers defense dominates, getting turnovers and sacks galore. The 49ers have control of the game all game long and mostly run and kill the clock.
(3) Saints at (2) Packers: Saints 27, Packers 20
The Saints upset the Packers in a cold game. Normally indoor teams don’t do well in these environments, but the Saints are out to prove they are better than the Packers and deserved the higher seeding.
Conference Championships
AFC:
(2) Chiefs at (1) Ravens: Chiefs 28, Ravens 26
The Ravens get a few field goals from Tucker, but the Chiefs have CC game experience which proves to be the difference. Lamar Jackson has yet to beat the Chiefs and it remains that way, proving the Chiefs are his kryptonite.
(3) Saints at (1) 49ers: 49ers 28, Saints 24
As much as I’d like to say the Saints upset the 49ers in this one, I just don’t see it happening. The 49ers beat them once before, they can do it again. Also, the division most represented in the Super Bowl for the NFC in recent memory is the NFC West.
Super Bowl LIV: Chiefs 35, 49ers 31
In a wildly exciting game, the Chiefs emerge victorious. Mahomes gets the ball last, down 31-28, and instead of going for a field goal and overtime, connects with Mecole Hardman for a game-winning score. Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP.
Wow, not terribly far off! The Chiefs won, as I predicted, but the score wasn't quite as high for either team. I was right on predicting Mahomes for MVP, but he was a clear favorite to begin with.
My Top 10 Super Bowl Matchups:
#1 – What I predict: Chiefs vs. 49ers
Again, this is my Super Bowl prediction, the battle between Joe Montana’s two teams.
And this just so happened to be the matchup that happened! Yet again, we have a Super Bowl with two teams who had first-round byes. We'll see if my predicted score above holds true for the game.
#2 – The obvious choice of #1 seeds: Ravens vs. 49ers
The most likely Super Bowl matchup every year is the two #1 seeds meeting, and in this case would be the Ravens and 49ers. It would also be a rematch of Super Bowl XLVII, in which the Ravens won.
#3 – The two hottest teams: Ravens vs. Packers
These are the two teams with the longest winning streaks in the NFL.
#4 – My mid-season Super Bowl picks: Ravens vs. Saints
This was my mid-season pick for the Super Bowl, Charm City vs. the Big Easy. New school vs. Old School.
#5 – The Super Bowl matchup I’ve wanted for YEARS: Patriots vs. Packers
Can we finally get a Brady vs. Rodgers matchup in the Super Bowl? Probably not, but it doesn’t hurt to hope. This, and the one below this, would tie for the matchup between the oldest franchises in the playoffs.
#6 – A fitting rematch: Chiefs vs. Packers
A rematch of Super Bowl I in the NFL’s 100th season? That would be very fitting. It’s also a matchup of the two State Farm QB’s, which we were deprived of earlier in the season because Mahomes was hurt.
#7 – To pad the Hall of Fame Resume: Patriots vs. Saints
The next best thing to Rodgers vs. Brady to me would be Brees vs. Brady. To some, this would be a better matchup. This matchup would be legendary, with the winner padding his resume for Canton even more, not that either of them need it.
#8 – Battle of the Birds: Ravens vs. Seahawks
The NFL is due for a wild card team getting to the Super Bowl. They’re due for a team winning three road games on their way to the Super Bowl. The Seahawks, I believe, have the best shot at doing that of any 5 or 6 seed. And to see Jackson vs. Wilson would be pretty awesome.
#9 – Rematch of an epic game: Patriots vs. Seahawks
If the Seahawks were to make it back to the Super Bowl, wouldn’t it be fitting for it to be against the Patriots? Marshawn Lynch is on the roster again, and perhaps we could give him that opportunity he so deserves.
#10 – Two of the biggest dynasties in NFL history: Patriots vs. 49ers
Arguably, the two biggest dynasties in NFL history would be the 49ers from the 80s to the mid-90s and the Patriots from the 2000s to the 2010’s. Would be fitting for the NFL’s 100th season. Also this would pit Jimmy Garoppolo against his former mentor, Tom Brady.
Monday, December 29, 2014
All Possible Super Bowl Matchups, Their Storylines and Likelihood
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Highly... highly doubtful this would happen. There has never been a Super Bowl with two #6 seeds, although there has been a Super Bowl with two wild card teams. Not many storylines in this one... it would certainly be a hard-fought, defensive struggle with perhaps some aerial attacks from the gunslinger QB's.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Again highly unlikely as these two teams basically limped into the playoffs. But they are two well-coached teams and it would be the second time John Harbaugh has faced an NFC West team in the Super Bowl.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Two historically unfortunate franchises facing off (One would get their first Super Bowl win). Also it would be the battle of the kitties. Would be another hard-fought game, but this wouldn't be a Super Bowl that intriguing. Not very likely, either.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
How many times would we hear Steve Smith Sr.'s name mentioned in the talk before the game? Answer: A LOT. He would probably want this Super Bowl, but not many people do. Would be another defensive game.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Another matchup where a team would get their first Super Bowl win. Highly unlikely matchup with the two QB's (Dalton, winless in playoff games, and Lindley, who is a practice squad guy on most teams).
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Jim Caldwell, the current coach of the Lions and former coach of the Colts, would be the main storyline here. Also, two Texas-raised QB's (Luck and Stafford) would be facing off. Not too likely, but not impossible for this matchup. If a matchup is going to happen where the seeds of the two teams add up to at least ten, this would be the matchup that would happen.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Defense vs. Offense? Hard to say what the storylines would be for this game. Dallas would be heavily favored, for sure.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Another battle of the kitties which you certainly shouldn't bet on. These two teams tied in the regular season... might we see overtime in the Super Bowl for the first time if this were to happen? Also, two minority coaches facing off (First since Lovie Smith's Bears against Tony Dungy's Colts). Wouldn't be a Super Bowl that NBC is clamoring for, that's for sure.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
How many times would Bruce Arians' name be mentioned? A LOT. This would be a fantastic Super Bowl to watch with the Bruce Arians storyline (provided Arizona got Stanton back and he was playing decently). Could Arizona's D contain Andrew Luck?
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (6) Detroit Lions
These two teams are pretty close geographically. Also, the Steelers 2nd to most recent Super Bowl victory came in the Lions stadium. Other than that, not too many storylines.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Would be a very good matchup, but not many storylines. Almost all of America would be rooting for the Packers, more than likely. And the Ravens would be huge underdogs.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Not many storylines here, either. Dallas would be heavily favored, having taken out Green Bay (and probably Seattle, both on the road) to get to this point.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Two number one pick QB's (Luck and Newton) face off in a chance to reward their team for picking them number 1 overall with a Super Bowl title. And two soft-spoken coaches who get a lot of respect from their players would face off.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII, EXACTLY six years later (Feb. 1, 2009 to Feb. 1, 2015). A few of the same players remain, namely Big Ben for the Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald for the Cardinals. And with the Steelers trying to take a Super Bowl from the Cardinals on the Cardinals' turf, this would be a very good matchup.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Would likely be a high-scoring game. What prevails, a horse or lion? Could Matthew Stafford be the third rising QB to beat Manning in a Super Bowl? (The first two being Brees and Wilson) Also, Golden Tate would be facing the Broncos in the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Not too many storylines here, other than Pete Carroll vs. the other Harbaugh brother. Justin Forsett would be facing his former team. Both running backs would be from the University of California. Would be a hard-fought, low-scoring game.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Titletown vs. No Titles in this town. Basically. Green Bay would be heavily favored and heavily rooted for. There was a regular season game in 2013 between these two teams which was back and forth and high scoring, which I'd expect this game to be as well.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
These two teams just recently played and Dallas smoked them. Indy would be seeking revenge. This would be a good matchup for NBC, with two gunslingers airing it out. It would be up to the defenses to make a big play or two.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Don't see this matchup happening (at all) but it would be a fun game to watch. Two big QB's against two tough defenses. Two minority coaches facing off in this game as well.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Peyton Manning taking on another NFC West team with a tough defense. Depending on Arizona's offense, Denver could be heavily favored. Not likely with Arizona limping in to the playoffs.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Not too many storylines. It would be Tom Brady in University of Phoenix Stadium against a wild card team from the NFC... again. Could Stafford pull an Eli Manning and beat Tom Brady?
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Very few storylines in this matchup that NBC would probably want to stay away from. The Hawks would be heavily favored, more than likely. It would be the 2nd time the Hawks (as a #1 seed) face an AFC North Team (that is a wild card) in the Super Bowl.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
The story would be the quarterbacks, of course. Two quarterbacks with potent offenses with defenses that usually do just enough to get wins. Would most likely be a high-scoring and entertaining game.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
OH MAN. This rivalry would be renewed with a Super Bowl matchup. This would be a dream matchup for NBC. Many are dreaming of this potential matchup. The history behind these two franchises would be the main storyline.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be the John Fox Bowl, the Denver coach having previously coached Carolina. However, I don't see this matchup with Denver happening, either, but anything's possible. Peyton Manning would be facing another athletic African American quarterback who comes with a strong running game and a solid defense. Would Manning lose again?
(1) New England Patriots vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Tom Brady would need to shake his Arizona demons... against Arizona. Arizona would probably be underdogs in their own stadium. Bruce Arians would be a coaching god if he won this matchup.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
I predicted this matchup at the start of the season, and I'm sticking to it (sort of). It's a real possibility. It would be the matchup of the QB's from the 2012 draft class, Luck vs. Wilson (1st overall vs. 75th overall). Would be a good matchup and the Seahawks SHOULD be favored.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
This is another dream matchup for NBC, a rematch of Super Bowl XLV. Many of the same players remain from those teams, including the starting quarterbacks. The first time they faced off was in an environmentally-controlled arena, and this time would be the same thing.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
This is another matchup that NBC would like. This is a "rematch" of Super Bowl XII, 37 years later. This game would be very high-scoring (41-38?) and more than likely be close. Their regular season game in 2013 would be one many would hope this game would be similar to.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII, with basically only Tom Brady remaining from either of those two teams. The Patriots would be heavily favored, but the Panthers would give them a fight.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Oh boy. Rematch of Super Bowl XL. This is a game I would definitely want to see, just so the Hawks could get revenge. The Hawks are scheduled to host the Steelers next season, so a Super Bowl re-rematch would take place the following season. Let's just hope for this game Bill Leavy would not be officiating.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Rematch of Super Bowl XXXII. I have dreamed of this Super Bowl matchup again for a long time, because Super Bowl XXXII was the first Super Bowl I ever watched. These two teams playing against each other look so visually appealing, with red and orange vs. yellow and green. Another dream matchup for NBC. If the Hawks can't be in the Super Bowl, THIS is the matchup I would want.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Another game for the ages. Dallas would have a TON of supporters, being much geographically closer to Arizona than New England. Hard to say who would be favored. This would be an exciting and close game, for sure.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, less than a year later. Obviously, the Broncos would be seeking revenge. A Super Bowl rematch hasn't happened the following season since Dallas and Buffalo in 1993 and 1994. Dallas won both of those games (the first easily, the second sort of easily) and I think the same would happen here.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Another dream matchup. They played in the regular season in Green Bay, with the Packers coming out victorious. New England would be seeking revenge and without Lambeau to protect the Packers, New England would have a real shot (and probably be favored). Rematch of Super Bowl XXXI.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
This is the matchup many Hawks fans think will happen, are rooting for, or both. It would be the 2nd straight year the two #1 seeds face each other. This isn't technically a dream matchup for NBC, but it would be a classic. I do think the Patriots would put up more of a fight than the Broncos last season, but I see the Hawks coming out on top.
So there's all the possible Super Bowl matchups. Which will happen? We'll find out by the end of January 18, when the conference championship games conclude. Should be fun to watch.
Highly... highly doubtful this would happen. There has never been a Super Bowl with two #6 seeds, although there has been a Super Bowl with two wild card teams. Not many storylines in this one... it would certainly be a hard-fought, defensive struggle with perhaps some aerial attacks from the gunslinger QB's.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Again highly unlikely as these two teams basically limped into the playoffs. But they are two well-coached teams and it would be the second time John Harbaugh has faced an NFC West team in the Super Bowl.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Two historically unfortunate franchises facing off (One would get their first Super Bowl win). Also it would be the battle of the kitties. Would be another hard-fought game, but this wouldn't be a Super Bowl that intriguing. Not very likely, either.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
How many times would we hear Steve Smith Sr.'s name mentioned in the talk before the game? Answer: A LOT. He would probably want this Super Bowl, but not many people do. Would be another defensive game.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Another matchup where a team would get their first Super Bowl win. Highly unlikely matchup with the two QB's (Dalton, winless in playoff games, and Lindley, who is a practice squad guy on most teams).
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Jim Caldwell, the current coach of the Lions and former coach of the Colts, would be the main storyline here. Also, two Texas-raised QB's (Luck and Stafford) would be facing off. Not too likely, but not impossible for this matchup. If a matchup is going to happen where the seeds of the two teams add up to at least ten, this would be the matchup that would happen.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Defense vs. Offense? Hard to say what the storylines would be for this game. Dallas would be heavily favored, for sure.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Another battle of the kitties which you certainly shouldn't bet on. These two teams tied in the regular season... might we see overtime in the Super Bowl for the first time if this were to happen? Also, two minority coaches facing off (First since Lovie Smith's Bears against Tony Dungy's Colts). Wouldn't be a Super Bowl that NBC is clamoring for, that's for sure.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
How many times would Bruce Arians' name be mentioned? A LOT. This would be a fantastic Super Bowl to watch with the Bruce Arians storyline (provided Arizona got Stanton back and he was playing decently). Could Arizona's D contain Andrew Luck?
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (6) Detroit Lions
These two teams are pretty close geographically. Also, the Steelers 2nd to most recent Super Bowl victory came in the Lions stadium. Other than that, not too many storylines.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Would be a very good matchup, but not many storylines. Almost all of America would be rooting for the Packers, more than likely. And the Ravens would be huge underdogs.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Not many storylines here, either. Dallas would be heavily favored, having taken out Green Bay (and probably Seattle, both on the road) to get to this point.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Two number one pick QB's (Luck and Newton) face off in a chance to reward their team for picking them number 1 overall with a Super Bowl title. And two soft-spoken coaches who get a lot of respect from their players would face off.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII, EXACTLY six years later (Feb. 1, 2009 to Feb. 1, 2015). A few of the same players remain, namely Big Ben for the Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald for the Cardinals. And with the Steelers trying to take a Super Bowl from the Cardinals on the Cardinals' turf, this would be a very good matchup.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Would likely be a high-scoring game. What prevails, a horse or lion? Could Matthew Stafford be the third rising QB to beat Manning in a Super Bowl? (The first two being Brees and Wilson) Also, Golden Tate would be facing the Broncos in the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Not too many storylines here, other than Pete Carroll vs. the other Harbaugh brother. Justin Forsett would be facing his former team. Both running backs would be from the University of California. Would be a hard-fought, low-scoring game.
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Titletown vs. No Titles in this town. Basically. Green Bay would be heavily favored and heavily rooted for. There was a regular season game in 2013 between these two teams which was back and forth and high scoring, which I'd expect this game to be as well.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
These two teams just recently played and Dallas smoked them. Indy would be seeking revenge. This would be a good matchup for NBC, with two gunslingers airing it out. It would be up to the defenses to make a big play or two.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
Don't see this matchup happening (at all) but it would be a fun game to watch. Two big QB's against two tough defenses. Two minority coaches facing off in this game as well.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Peyton Manning taking on another NFC West team with a tough defense. Depending on Arizona's offense, Denver could be heavily favored. Not likely with Arizona limping in to the playoffs.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (6) Detroit Lions
Not too many storylines. It would be Tom Brady in University of Phoenix Stadium against a wild card team from the NFC... again. Could Stafford pull an Eli Manning and beat Tom Brady?
(5) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Very few storylines in this matchup that NBC would probably want to stay away from. The Hawks would be heavily favored, more than likely. It would be the 2nd time the Hawks (as a #1 seed) face an AFC North Team (that is a wild card) in the Super Bowl.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
The story would be the quarterbacks, of course. Two quarterbacks with potent offenses with defenses that usually do just enough to get wins. Would most likely be a high-scoring and entertaining game.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
OH MAN. This rivalry would be renewed with a Super Bowl matchup. This would be a dream matchup for NBC. Many are dreaming of this potential matchup. The history behind these two franchises would be the main storyline.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be the John Fox Bowl, the Denver coach having previously coached Carolina. However, I don't see this matchup with Denver happening, either, but anything's possible. Peyton Manning would be facing another athletic African American quarterback who comes with a strong running game and a solid defense. Would Manning lose again?
(1) New England Patriots vs. (5) Arizona Cardinals
Tom Brady would need to shake his Arizona demons... against Arizona. Arizona would probably be underdogs in their own stadium. Bruce Arians would be a coaching god if he won this matchup.
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
I predicted this matchup at the start of the season, and I'm sticking to it (sort of). It's a real possibility. It would be the matchup of the QB's from the 2012 draft class, Luck vs. Wilson (1st overall vs. 75th overall). Would be a good matchup and the Seahawks SHOULD be favored.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
This is another dream matchup for NBC, a rematch of Super Bowl XLV. Many of the same players remain from those teams, including the starting quarterbacks. The first time they faced off was in an environmentally-controlled arena, and this time would be the same thing.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
This is another matchup that NBC would like. This is a "rematch" of Super Bowl XII, 37 years later. This game would be very high-scoring (41-38?) and more than likely be close. Their regular season game in 2013 would be one many would hope this game would be similar to.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (4) Carolina Panthers
This would be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII, with basically only Tom Brady remaining from either of those two teams. The Patriots would be heavily favored, but the Panthers would give them a fight.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Oh boy. Rematch of Super Bowl XL. This is a game I would definitely want to see, just so the Hawks could get revenge. The Hawks are scheduled to host the Steelers next season, so a Super Bowl re-rematch would take place the following season. Let's just hope for this game Bill Leavy would not be officiating.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Rematch of Super Bowl XXXII. I have dreamed of this Super Bowl matchup again for a long time, because Super Bowl XXXII was the first Super Bowl I ever watched. These two teams playing against each other look so visually appealing, with red and orange vs. yellow and green. Another dream matchup for NBC. If the Hawks can't be in the Super Bowl, THIS is the matchup I would want.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys
Another game for the ages. Dallas would have a TON of supporters, being much geographically closer to Arizona than New England. Hard to say who would be favored. This would be an exciting and close game, for sure.
(2) Denver Broncos vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, less than a year later. Obviously, the Broncos would be seeking revenge. A Super Bowl rematch hasn't happened the following season since Dallas and Buffalo in 1993 and 1994. Dallas won both of those games (the first easily, the second sort of easily) and I think the same would happen here.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Another dream matchup. They played in the regular season in Green Bay, with the Packers coming out victorious. New England would be seeking revenge and without Lambeau to protect the Packers, New England would have a real shot (and probably be favored). Rematch of Super Bowl XXXI.
(1) New England Patriots vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
This is the matchup many Hawks fans think will happen, are rooting for, or both. It would be the 2nd straight year the two #1 seeds face each other. This isn't technically a dream matchup for NBC, but it would be a classic. I do think the Patriots would put up more of a fight than the Broncos last season, but I see the Hawks coming out on top.
So there's all the possible Super Bowl matchups. Which will happen? We'll find out by the end of January 18, when the conference championship games conclude. Should be fun to watch.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
2014 NFL Preview and Predictions
The 2014 NFL Season is almost here, and as a Seahawk fan, I am extremely
excited. The Seahawks enter a season for
the first time as defending Super Bowl Champions, and they are hungry for
another. Let's take a look at how I
think each team will do, just so I can see how wrong I was come end of the
season. I have calculated each team's
record so that there are an equal number of wins and losses throughout the
league. Some may surprise. Here are my predictions for each team's
record, by division:
* = Wild Card Team
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 11-5
2. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
3. Miami Dolphins: 6-10
4. New York Jets: 5-11
Summary: The AFC East won't be a particularly strong division, and the Pats will get a good chunk of their wins from their division rivals. The Bills may entertain thoughts of the post-season for a while, but their playoff drought will continue. The Jets and Fins will struggle without having competitive rosters.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
2. Cleveland Browns: 9-7*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-10
Summary: You heard it here first, folks. The Super Bowl Champs from just a year and a half ago will finish in last place. The Ravens will be inconsistent on both sides and struggle (And they'll regret that contract they gave Flacco). Expect the Browns to compete with an improving D and a fierce QB battle.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2. Tennessee Titans: 7-9
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9
4. Houston Texans: 5-11
Summary: The Colts will benefit from inferior competition in their division (6-0 in division play is a possibility) and Andrew Luck will get even better. The Jags and Titans will compete but it won't be enough. The Texans, without a legit starting QB, will be in rebuilding mode.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos: 11-5
2. San Diego Chargers: 8-8*
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10
4. Oakland Raiders: 6-10
Summary: I was gonna say this division will be decent, but seeing as they play the NFC West, I don't think they'll do too well. The Broncos offense will have a drop-off and they'll lose a few close games, especially to the NFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers are likely headed for slightly worse seasons, and the Raiders will be... the Raiders.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7
2. Washington Redskins: 8-8
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7-9
4. New York Giants: 4-12
Summary: Expect this division to be competitive, for the most part, but don't expect to have any really competitive teams to emerge and do some damage in the playoffs. There will probably be a team that falls apart and does horribly, and I'll pick the Giants (watch me be wrong), because they're in real bad shape if Eli Manning gets hurt.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Detroit Lions: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11
Summary: Green Bay is one of the better all-around teams in the league... if they stay healthy. Which they should, after dealing with a rash of injuries last season. Detroit will smoke a lot of teams out but lose some shootouts. The Vikings should surprise some people, while I'm picking the Bears to really struggle, especially if Cutler gets hurt.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 12-4
2. Carolina Panthers: 8-8
3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9
Summary: New Orleans will have an improved D and a solid team. Carolina will have a bit of a regression and miss the playoffs. Atlanta will be improved, but not enough for the playoffs. And the Bucos underwent too many changes to succeed overnight, but they'll have their moments.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 10-6*
3. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7*
4. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
Summary: I think the Seahawks will go 12-4, which surprisingly will give them a two game lead over the 2nd place team. The Rams are going to be the surprise team of the west and shock everyone. The 49ers will deal with injuries and off the field issues, but will remain competitive. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will lose a lot of close games and be the hard luck team of the league, perhaps the best 6-10 team in history.
And now, for the playoffs. Do the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champs? Let's find out.
Playoff Seedings
AFC
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
2. New England Patriots (11-5)
3. Denver Broncos (11-5)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
5. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
6. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
5. St. Louis Rams (10-6)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
Wild Card Games
(6) Chargers at (3) Broncos: Broncos win
In a rematch of last year's division round game, the Broncos again get the upper hand... barely.
(5) Browns at (4) Bengals: Browns win
In what might be their first ever playoff meeting, the entire state of Ohio shows up and Browns fans take over Paul Brown stadium and the Bengals again fail to win a playoff game.
(6) 49ers at (3) Packers: Packers win
In another rematch of a division round game last year, the Packers this time get their revenge and beat the 49ers.
(5) Rams at (4) Eagles: Rams win
The Rams D proves too much for the Eagles high-flying offense, and Foles gets sacked several times.
Division Round Games
(5) Browns at (1) Colts: Colts win
The Colts have just enough magic and offense to power past the Cleveland D.
(3) Broncos at (2) Patriots: Patriots win
In what may be the final matchup between Brady and Manning, Tom Brady gets the upper hand and the Broncos are sent home disappointed... again.
(5) Rams at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
This game will be close and low-scoring, but the 12th man is just enough for the Hawks to squeeze out a win to move to the next round. The Hawks have faced the Rams in the playoffs before (the year before the Super Bowl appearance against the Steelers, I believe) and they barely lost that one. The same won't happen here.
(3) Packers at (2) Saints: Packers win
Aaron Rodgers is gonna have a career year after an injury-riddled 2013. He's gonna be determined.
Conference Championship Games
(2) Patriots at (1) Colts: Colts win
Lucas Oil Stadium will be electric, and Tom Brady will be mad at his teammates for some reason. Colts prevail in a shootout.
(3) Packers at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
For the 3rd straight time, the Packers will lose an exciting game at Century Link Field, and the Seahawks punch their 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl. Should be as exciting as last season's NFC Championship game between the Hawks and Niners.
Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, AZ:
Seahawks 30, Colts 21
In what will be the matchup of the two best QB's from the 2012 draft class,
Wilson will prevail over Luck because Wilson won't be facing that tough of a
defense, and the Hawks repeat as Super Bowl Champions!!!
Now, for some awards:
* = Wild Card Team
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 11-5
2. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
3. Miami Dolphins: 6-10
4. New York Jets: 5-11
Summary: The AFC East won't be a particularly strong division, and the Pats will get a good chunk of their wins from their division rivals. The Bills may entertain thoughts of the post-season for a while, but their playoff drought will continue. The Jets and Fins will struggle without having competitive rosters.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
2. Cleveland Browns: 9-7*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-10
Summary: You heard it here first, folks. The Super Bowl Champs from just a year and a half ago will finish in last place. The Ravens will be inconsistent on both sides and struggle (And they'll regret that contract they gave Flacco). Expect the Browns to compete with an improving D and a fierce QB battle.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2. Tennessee Titans: 7-9
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9
4. Houston Texans: 5-11
Summary: The Colts will benefit from inferior competition in their division (6-0 in division play is a possibility) and Andrew Luck will get even better. The Jags and Titans will compete but it won't be enough. The Texans, without a legit starting QB, will be in rebuilding mode.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos: 11-5
2. San Diego Chargers: 8-8*
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10
4. Oakland Raiders: 6-10
Summary: I was gonna say this division will be decent, but seeing as they play the NFC West, I don't think they'll do too well. The Broncos offense will have a drop-off and they'll lose a few close games, especially to the NFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers are likely headed for slightly worse seasons, and the Raiders will be... the Raiders.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7
2. Washington Redskins: 8-8
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7-9
4. New York Giants: 4-12
Summary: Expect this division to be competitive, for the most part, but don't expect to have any really competitive teams to emerge and do some damage in the playoffs. There will probably be a team that falls apart and does horribly, and I'll pick the Giants (watch me be wrong), because they're in real bad shape if Eli Manning gets hurt.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Detroit Lions: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11
Summary: Green Bay is one of the better all-around teams in the league... if they stay healthy. Which they should, after dealing with a rash of injuries last season. Detroit will smoke a lot of teams out but lose some shootouts. The Vikings should surprise some people, while I'm picking the Bears to really struggle, especially if Cutler gets hurt.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 12-4
2. Carolina Panthers: 8-8
3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9
Summary: New Orleans will have an improved D and a solid team. Carolina will have a bit of a regression and miss the playoffs. Atlanta will be improved, but not enough for the playoffs. And the Bucos underwent too many changes to succeed overnight, but they'll have their moments.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 10-6*
3. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7*
4. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
Summary: I think the Seahawks will go 12-4, which surprisingly will give them a two game lead over the 2nd place team. The Rams are going to be the surprise team of the west and shock everyone. The 49ers will deal with injuries and off the field issues, but will remain competitive. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will lose a lot of close games and be the hard luck team of the league, perhaps the best 6-10 team in history.
And now, for the playoffs. Do the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champs? Let's find out.
Playoff Seedings
AFC
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
2. New England Patriots (11-5)
3. Denver Broncos (11-5)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
5. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
6. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
5. St. Louis Rams (10-6)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
Wild Card Games
(6) Chargers at (3) Broncos: Broncos win
In a rematch of last year's division round game, the Broncos again get the upper hand... barely.
(5) Browns at (4) Bengals: Browns win
In what might be their first ever playoff meeting, the entire state of Ohio shows up and Browns fans take over Paul Brown stadium and the Bengals again fail to win a playoff game.
(6) 49ers at (3) Packers: Packers win
In another rematch of a division round game last year, the Packers this time get their revenge and beat the 49ers.
(5) Rams at (4) Eagles: Rams win
The Rams D proves too much for the Eagles high-flying offense, and Foles gets sacked several times.
Division Round Games
(5) Browns at (1) Colts: Colts win
The Colts have just enough magic and offense to power past the Cleveland D.
(3) Broncos at (2) Patriots: Patriots win
In what may be the final matchup between Brady and Manning, Tom Brady gets the upper hand and the Broncos are sent home disappointed... again.
(5) Rams at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
This game will be close and low-scoring, but the 12th man is just enough for the Hawks to squeeze out a win to move to the next round. The Hawks have faced the Rams in the playoffs before (the year before the Super Bowl appearance against the Steelers, I believe) and they barely lost that one. The same won't happen here.
(3) Packers at (2) Saints: Packers win
Aaron Rodgers is gonna have a career year after an injury-riddled 2013. He's gonna be determined.
Conference Championship Games
(2) Patriots at (1) Colts: Colts win
Lucas Oil Stadium will be electric, and Tom Brady will be mad at his teammates for some reason. Colts prevail in a shootout.
(3) Packers at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
For the 3rd straight time, the Packers will lose an exciting game at Century Link Field, and the Seahawks punch their 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl. Should be as exciting as last season's NFC Championship game between the Hawks and Niners.
Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, AZ:
Seahawks 30, Colts 21
Now, for some awards:
MVP: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
Going on a HUGE limb here, but if Earl leads us in tackles and interceptions, all the while our defense being the best in the league, again... it'd be hard to not include him in the conversation.
Offensive Player: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers will have a career year and will have plenty of support and protection to go with it.
Defensive Player: Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
He might set the sack record. Twenty sacks is a very real possibility for Quinn.
Offensive Rookie: Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans
A bit biased, but I'd love to see Sankey, a running back, win Offensive Rookie of the Year, instead of a quarterback. The quarterback crop isn't particularly strong, so this is definitely a possibility.
Defensive Rookie: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
Regardless of how the Raiders do, they know they have a good one in Mack. He'll lead them in sacks more than likely.
Coach: Jeff Fisher, St. Louis
If the Rams do as well as I predict them to, Jeff Fisher deserves Coach of the Year.
Comeback Player: Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
His team may not too particularly well but I think RGIII will have a better season than the last.
Pepsi Rookie of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
This always seems to go to a different rookie, so I'll go with Teddy Bridgewater to propel the Vikings... to 3rd place.
Well, there you have it. The Seahawks will repeat as Super Bowl champs, I predict. If the 49ers somewhat struggle, and if the Hawks are able to win the division, a 2nd straight Super Bowl championship is a very real possibility. Let's hope for a great season, and a 2nd straight Super Bowl win! GO HAWKS!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Seahawks Predictions (NFL Preview Part 2 of 3)
For the first time ever, the Seahawks return to play as
DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS. Boy does
that sound good to say. The Seahawks
open their season with tough opponents and finish with tough opponents, with a
relatively easy middle part of their schedule.
How do I see them doing in each game?
Let's find out. I'll go game by
game, predicting the score for each contest.
Let's get to it!
Week 1 - Vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 24-21
Hawks Record: 1-0
Opening night of the season, the Hawks fall behind early due to jitters and excitement and trail at the half 14-10. But in the 2nd half the defense steps up and the Seahawks score two unanswered touchdowns to make it 24-14. The Packers score in the 4th to make it close, and they are able to get the ball back, but the D stops them. Should be close and hard fought, I don't see them possibly scoring more than the combined 45 points I predicted.
Week 2 - At San Diego Chargers: Win, 28-13
Hawks Record: 2-0
San Diego was a playoff team a year ago, so this won't be too easy of a contest... you'd think. But Philip Rivers will struggle against the LoB, not having seen them at their current playing ability. Expect the D to make some big plays (turnovers, sacks) and the offense to only be ordinary at best in this one, which should be plenty enough.
Week 3 - Vs. Denver Broncos: Win, 31-24
Hawks Record: 3-0
In the rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Hawks again get the upper hand and win. Peyton Manning will struggle at first with the noise but will eventually settle down. Broncos will get stopped on a last minute try to tie the game.
Week 5 - At Washington Redskins: Win, 28-10
Hawks Record: 4-0
The Seahawks are even better than the 2012 team that made the playoffs, but the same cannot be said for the team from Washington. Predicting easy wins on the first two road games is risky, I'll admit, but the team will be well rested after a Bye Week and should be hungry in this one to keep things going.
Week 6 - Vs. Dallas Cowboys: Win, 34-16
Hawks Record: 5-0
Tony Romo has nightmares about Century Link Field. I don't think he's ever won in Seattle, and that won't change. This should be similar to the 2012 home opener in which the Hawks won handily. This should also be one of the offense's better games of the season.
Week 7 - At St. Louis Rams: Loss, 20-19
Hawks Record: 5-1
Hard to do... but I can't see the Hawks going perfect. And I see the Rams as a much improved team. Should be close and hard fought, but the Hawks haven't done too well in recent years in St. Louis. If the Rams don't improve much in 2014 then I wouldn't be surprised if this was a win. But I think the Hawks may underestimate them.
Week 8 - At Carolina Panthers: Win, 10-7
Hawks Record: 6-1
How come the Seahawks have had to play IN Carolina for THREE straight years? I'd understand two years in a row, but THREE? That should not be allowed. But no matter, the Hawks should win a defensive bruiser of a contest, with both QB's not getting to 200 yards passing.
Week 9 - Vs. Oakland Raiders: Win, 34-9
Hawks Record: 7-1
A part of me thinks the Raiders will be an improved team, but even so, this is a game everyone circles as a win in their predictions. A loss to the Raiders at home would be inexcusable. Matt Schaub will have flashbacks to last season when he through a game-blowing pick to Richard Sherman, and so he'll likely throw a couple INT's here.
Week 10 - Vs. New York Giants: Win, 24-15
Hawks Record: 8-1
Whenever I pick the Giants to do poorly, they do well, and whenever I pick them to do well, they do poorly, so I give up. Regardless, Eli Manning's never had much success in Seattle, and while this may be a closer contest than what we'd like, it should still be a relatively easy win.
Week 11 - At Kansas City Chiefs: Loss, 28-20
Hawks Record: 8-2
Funny thing is, I don't see the Chiefs being as good as last year. But the Hawks, having played in their seventh straight game without an off week at a stadium that's always hard for the visitors, I think, will struggle. Jamaal Charles might have a big game. If he does, and Alex Smith takes care of the football, this will be a tough game to win. It's not too bad losing to a team on the road when they're in the other conference, because that doesn't factor into tiebreakers.
Week 12 - Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win, 19-17
Hawks Record: 9-2
Two years ago in Seattle, the Hawks thwomped the Cardinals 58-0. Last year, the Cardinals got their revenge and stole a win from the Hawks in Seattle, the first home loss in quite some time. This time around, the Hawks are the ones getting revenge in what should be a tight contest again.
Week 13 - At San Francisco 49ers: Win, 21-16
Hawks Record: 10-2
It's about damn time we win in San Francisco. It's not a long flight, their fans aren't particularly loud, and the weather never plays a factor. Since this game is being played in the newly constructed Levi's Stadium, the Hawks might think of this as a neutral site game (especially since there WILL be some Hawk fans there) and forget that it's a road game. The Hawks know this is one of the most important games on their schedule, and their failure to win in San Francisco should fuel their desire for this win. Hawks in an upset.
Week 14 - At Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 28-20.
Hawks Record: 10-3
The Eagles are more than likely the best team in the NFC East, and while I see this game going either way, I think the banged up Hawks (from the Niner game) struggle to contain Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. This game would have some playoff implications, but it's not the end of the world if the Hawks lose. With two road contests in a row against NFC playoff teams from a year ago, the Hawks would probably be ok with going 1-1 in these contests.
Week 15 - Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win, 27-13
Hawks Record: 11-3
The 49ers will be seeking revenge yet shall find none. Colin Kaepernick (if he's healthy) will struggle and the Hawks will put themselves in great position with this win. I expect it to be a close game for the most part, with the Hawks pulling away with a late score to make it a two-score game.
Week 16 - At Arizona Cardinals: Win, 24-14
Hawks Record: 12-3
Last season, the Hawks had a pretty resounding win against the Cardinals in Arizona, and I see a similar result here. For the 2nd straight year at the end of the season, the Hawks play at the site of the upcoming Super Bowl, and like last year, they will win. They'll look at this game as a Super Bowl dress rehearsal.
Week 17 - vs. St. Louis Rams: Loss, 19-17
Hawks Record: 12-4
In their defense, I'm predicting the Hawks to not have to win this game to secure a playoff spot. Sure, they'll give the Rams a good effort, but without 100% effort, expect the hungry Rams to take advantage. They haven't won in Seattle in quite some time, and that's due to change. But don't worry Hawk fans, this game won't matter to the Hawks at all.
Well, that's it. What? No post-season? Of course the Seahawks make the post-season. They're way too talented to miss them. But guess what? You're going to have to wait until part 3 of my NFL Predictions to see how they do in the playoffs. Sorry! Don't want to spoil too much. I'll give you a sneak peak. The first game the Hawks will play will be against...
THE RAMS.
"WHAT?!"
That's right. The Rams.
"So if the Rams make the playoffs, does that mean the 49ers miss them?"
You're going to have to wait and see.
Update:
Here is who I think will lead the Seahawks in each of the following categories. Passing and rushing leaders will obviously be Wilson and Lynch, respectively, but what about the other categories?
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Kearse
Sacks: Avril
Tackles: Thomas
Interceptions: Thomas
Week 1 - Vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 24-21
Hawks Record: 1-0
Opening night of the season, the Hawks fall behind early due to jitters and excitement and trail at the half 14-10. But in the 2nd half the defense steps up and the Seahawks score two unanswered touchdowns to make it 24-14. The Packers score in the 4th to make it close, and they are able to get the ball back, but the D stops them. Should be close and hard fought, I don't see them possibly scoring more than the combined 45 points I predicted.
Week 2 - At San Diego Chargers: Win, 28-13
Hawks Record: 2-0
San Diego was a playoff team a year ago, so this won't be too easy of a contest... you'd think. But Philip Rivers will struggle against the LoB, not having seen them at their current playing ability. Expect the D to make some big plays (turnovers, sacks) and the offense to only be ordinary at best in this one, which should be plenty enough.
Week 3 - Vs. Denver Broncos: Win, 31-24
Hawks Record: 3-0
In the rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, the Hawks again get the upper hand and win. Peyton Manning will struggle at first with the noise but will eventually settle down. Broncos will get stopped on a last minute try to tie the game.
Week 5 - At Washington Redskins: Win, 28-10
Hawks Record: 4-0
The Seahawks are even better than the 2012 team that made the playoffs, but the same cannot be said for the team from Washington. Predicting easy wins on the first two road games is risky, I'll admit, but the team will be well rested after a Bye Week and should be hungry in this one to keep things going.
Week 6 - Vs. Dallas Cowboys: Win, 34-16
Hawks Record: 5-0
Tony Romo has nightmares about Century Link Field. I don't think he's ever won in Seattle, and that won't change. This should be similar to the 2012 home opener in which the Hawks won handily. This should also be one of the offense's better games of the season.
Week 7 - At St. Louis Rams: Loss, 20-19
Hawks Record: 5-1
Hard to do... but I can't see the Hawks going perfect. And I see the Rams as a much improved team. Should be close and hard fought, but the Hawks haven't done too well in recent years in St. Louis. If the Rams don't improve much in 2014 then I wouldn't be surprised if this was a win. But I think the Hawks may underestimate them.
Week 8 - At Carolina Panthers: Win, 10-7
Hawks Record: 6-1
How come the Seahawks have had to play IN Carolina for THREE straight years? I'd understand two years in a row, but THREE? That should not be allowed. But no matter, the Hawks should win a defensive bruiser of a contest, with both QB's not getting to 200 yards passing.
Week 9 - Vs. Oakland Raiders: Win, 34-9
Hawks Record: 7-1
A part of me thinks the Raiders will be an improved team, but even so, this is a game everyone circles as a win in their predictions. A loss to the Raiders at home would be inexcusable. Matt Schaub will have flashbacks to last season when he through a game-blowing pick to Richard Sherman, and so he'll likely throw a couple INT's here.
Week 10 - Vs. New York Giants: Win, 24-15
Hawks Record: 8-1
Whenever I pick the Giants to do poorly, they do well, and whenever I pick them to do well, they do poorly, so I give up. Regardless, Eli Manning's never had much success in Seattle, and while this may be a closer contest than what we'd like, it should still be a relatively easy win.
Week 11 - At Kansas City Chiefs: Loss, 28-20
Hawks Record: 8-2
Funny thing is, I don't see the Chiefs being as good as last year. But the Hawks, having played in their seventh straight game without an off week at a stadium that's always hard for the visitors, I think, will struggle. Jamaal Charles might have a big game. If he does, and Alex Smith takes care of the football, this will be a tough game to win. It's not too bad losing to a team on the road when they're in the other conference, because that doesn't factor into tiebreakers.
Week 12 - Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Win, 19-17
Hawks Record: 9-2
Two years ago in Seattle, the Hawks thwomped the Cardinals 58-0. Last year, the Cardinals got their revenge and stole a win from the Hawks in Seattle, the first home loss in quite some time. This time around, the Hawks are the ones getting revenge in what should be a tight contest again.
Week 13 - At San Francisco 49ers: Win, 21-16
Hawks Record: 10-2
It's about damn time we win in San Francisco. It's not a long flight, their fans aren't particularly loud, and the weather never plays a factor. Since this game is being played in the newly constructed Levi's Stadium, the Hawks might think of this as a neutral site game (especially since there WILL be some Hawk fans there) and forget that it's a road game. The Hawks know this is one of the most important games on their schedule, and their failure to win in San Francisco should fuel their desire for this win. Hawks in an upset.
Week 14 - At Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 28-20.
Hawks Record: 10-3
The Eagles are more than likely the best team in the NFC East, and while I see this game going either way, I think the banged up Hawks (from the Niner game) struggle to contain Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. This game would have some playoff implications, but it's not the end of the world if the Hawks lose. With two road contests in a row against NFC playoff teams from a year ago, the Hawks would probably be ok with going 1-1 in these contests.
Week 15 - Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Win, 27-13
Hawks Record: 11-3
The 49ers will be seeking revenge yet shall find none. Colin Kaepernick (if he's healthy) will struggle and the Hawks will put themselves in great position with this win. I expect it to be a close game for the most part, with the Hawks pulling away with a late score to make it a two-score game.
Week 16 - At Arizona Cardinals: Win, 24-14
Hawks Record: 12-3
Last season, the Hawks had a pretty resounding win against the Cardinals in Arizona, and I see a similar result here. For the 2nd straight year at the end of the season, the Hawks play at the site of the upcoming Super Bowl, and like last year, they will win. They'll look at this game as a Super Bowl dress rehearsal.
Week 17 - vs. St. Louis Rams: Loss, 19-17
Hawks Record: 12-4
In their defense, I'm predicting the Hawks to not have to win this game to secure a playoff spot. Sure, they'll give the Rams a good effort, but without 100% effort, expect the hungry Rams to take advantage. They haven't won in Seattle in quite some time, and that's due to change. But don't worry Hawk fans, this game won't matter to the Hawks at all.
Well, that's it. What? No post-season? Of course the Seahawks make the post-season. They're way too talented to miss them. But guess what? You're going to have to wait until part 3 of my NFL Predictions to see how they do in the playoffs. Sorry! Don't want to spoil too much. I'll give you a sneak peak. The first game the Hawks will play will be against...
THE RAMS.
"WHAT?!"
That's right. The Rams.
"So if the Rams make the playoffs, does that mean the 49ers miss them?"
You're going to have to wait and see.
Update:
Here is who I think will lead the Seahawks in each of the following categories. Passing and rushing leaders will obviously be Wilson and Lynch, respectively, but what about the other categories?
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD's: Kearse
Sacks: Avril
Tackles: Thomas
Interceptions: Thomas
Friday, January 24, 2014
My Seahawks Journey and Extensive Super Bowl Prediction
Hey guys, I first want to start out by apologizing for the long delay in
between blog posts. I've been busy and
really haven't felt the need or want to write about something. Anyway, here we are in 2014 and the Seahawks
have made it to their second ever Super Bowl.
What a great season they have had, and hopefully it ends on a high
note. I'm going to talk about my life as
a Seahawk fan for a bit, how I became a Seahawks fan and certain notable games
I remember, and then it will all lead up to my predictions for the Super Bowl,
which will include an interesting analogy.
The first Seahawks season that I can remember was 1999, the last season in the Kingdome. The Seahawks went 9-7 that year, winning the AFC West Division Championship and earning their first playoff trip since 1988. I got into the Seahawks around that time because I had just gotten into watching sports (including the Mariners and Sonics), but also because of my dad. Before I was born, my dad would record every Seahawks game on VHS, but had to stop once me and my sister were born. I remember watching one of the games he recorded. He eventually gave the tapes of the games to Seahawks and Seattle sports super fan, Lorin Sandretzky, also known as "Big Lo".
I even went to a few games in Husky Stadium while Seahawks Stadium (which eventually became Qwest Field which became CenturyLink Field) was being built. I saw the Seahawks lose to the Broncos, but I also saw the Hawks cream the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, in which Shaun Alexander got a team record 266 yards rushing. I feel after that game I really fell in love with the Seahawks.
After 1999, the Seahawks still remained in mediocrity until 2003, when they made the playoffs again. I remember watching that playoff game against the Packers in the freezing cold, when the game went into overtime. Matt Hasselbeck infamously declared, "We want the ball, we're gonna score". He then proceeded to throw a pick six to Al Harris to seal the win for the Packers. The Seahawks made the playoffs the following year, but lost to the Rams at home in the playoffs, which also happens to be the last time the Seahawks lost a home playoff game.
The following year, of course, was the Seahawks Super Bowl season. I was so hung up on every game that every loss left me devastated and depressed for the next week. After the Super Bowl loss to the Steelers, I was so upset that I smashed every one of my Steelers miniature helmets I had at the time.
The remaining Seahawks players made the playoffs a few more times, but never mustered any real playoff run. Then the Seahawks had a few bad seasons, which eventually led to them hiring Pete Carroll. Pete and John Schneider, the GM, have put together arguably the best roster in Seahawks history. Now they are one win away from the team's first ever Super Bowl title.
I haven't let myself get hung up on games this year like in years past. Just last season, when the Seahawks playoff run ended in a loss to the Falcons, I remember feeling so hopeless for the team, thinking that was our only shot. But now, the following season, the Seahawks have gotten to the final game. But for this game, I'm not going to let it affect me as much as others if we lose. It helps to have a team and quarterback as opposition that I'm both a fan of. I can never hate the Broncos or Peyton Manning, because they're both a big reason why I became a bigger fan of football than anything else. If the Seahawks lose, it's not the end of the world, nor is it the end of their run.
Now, for predictions. At the start of the football season, way back in August, I predicted a Super Bowl matchup between the Broncos and Seahawks, and look how right I was. Sure, I missed on a few playoff teams (Oops on Texans, Ravens, Falcons, Giants, and Rams), but I got the end result correct. Now, I predicted a final score of 27-24 Broncos. But that was when I thought our defense would have a bit of a down year with a new defensive coordinator. So, let's go over what I think will really happen:
First quarter:
Seahawks win toss--defer to second half
-Manning and Broncos slowed by weather, punt on first possession.
-Wilson and Seahawks go 3 and out, which is something we've grown used to seeing over the past couple months.
-Broncos get decent field position thanks to a good punt return by Decker, but settle for a field goal.
- Seahawks get ball and are driving as quarter ends.
After one quarter: DEN-3, SEA-0
Second quarter:
- Seahawks drive to red zone, but a fumbled exchange between Lynch and Wilson gives the ball to the Broncos.
- Peyton Manning finds Demaryius Thomas for a long bomb, scoring the game's first TD.
- Seahawks drive again, thanks to some good runs by Lynch, but have to settle for a field goal.
- Broncos get stopped on some pass deflections by the Legion of Boom.
- Seahawks get ball back, but have to settle for a sizeable field goal try, which Hauschka misses to end the half.
After two quarters: DEN-10, SEA-3
Third quarter:
- Seahawks go 3 and out to start the half.
- Broncos drive to the red zone, but Manning is stripped by Cliff Avril and the Seahawks recover.
- Wilson finds Golden Tate on a 40 yard strike, which eventually sets up a Lynch touchdown to tie the game.
- On Manning's first pass of the next drive, Byron Maxwell steps in front of a pass and returns it for a TD.
After three quarters: DEN-10, SEA-17
Fourth quarter:
- Manning and the Broncos go on a methodical drive, getting chunks of short passes and eventually get a Julius Thomas TD.
- Seahawks get to 40 yard line, go for it on 4th down, but can't convert.
- Broncos drive and get to a 4th and 1, but with the conditions and without a strong running game they have to kick a field goal, which Matt Prater does.
- Seahawks get the ball back, but are stopped on 3rd down near midfield. Carroll decides to punt and Jon Ryan is able to pin the Broncos at the 10, with about 3 minutes to go.
- Manning and the offense is stuffed, but they take the time down to 2 minutes. They punt it away to Tate, who muffs it at first but then recovers and gets a few yards.
- Seahawks get a clutch pass to Doug Baldwin, which is a tiptoe sideline catch on third down, which many people will then say is one of the best Super Bowl catches ever. The Seahawks run out of downs, however, and settle for a game tying field goal. Broncos take their remaining timeouts to keep time on the clock, but once they get the ball decide to just kneel.
After four quarters: DEN-20, SEA-20
That's right, the first ever Super Bowl to go into overtime!
Overtime:
- Seahawks lose the toss, which is fine with them because of their D.
- Broncos get the ball, and a pass is tipped and intercepted by Earl Thomas, who returns it to the Broncos 40!
- Seahawks get a first down with a few Lynch runs, and set up a game winning field goal try from the 22. Hauschka makes it, and the Seahawks win one of the most dramatic Super Bowls in history.
FINAL SCORE: DEN-20, SEA-23
MVP: Marshawn Lynch, 21-105, 1 TD
I think if the above were to happen many Seahawks fans would die of heart failure. Anything's possible, though. Before I wrap up, an analogy like I promised:
Their once was a team with a great defense. Maybe even better than great. They had talent at every level on the defense. Their offense was above average and usually good enough to get them enough points to win. Sound familiar? No, this isn't the Seahawks. This team I'm talking about had a good running game as well, and some receivers that weren't All-Pro but made the big catches when it mattered. Their quarterback wasn't even a Pro Bowler, but he was good enough.
This team made it all the way to the Super Bowl as a representative for the NFC. They had the best defense in the league, and maybe, one of the best defenses ever, with two already having gone to the Hall of Fame. In the Super Bowl, they faced the team with the #1 offense and the League MVP at Quarterback. But in the Super Bowl, they stopped this #1 offense by getting FIVE interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. This team? The 2002-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They beat the #1 offense of the Raiders and MVP Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII by a score of 48-21. All I'm saying is that if the Buccaneers can do it, so can the Seahawks. Sure, Peyton Manning might be a step or two above Rich Gannon, but now is the time to shine as a defense, just like the Buccaneers did. This was also the last time the #1 offense and #1 defense met in the Super Bowl.
So, let's hope the Seahawks can repeat what the Buccaneers did. Let's hope for the first major sports championship in this city in 35 years. Let's hope for a Seahawks Super Bowl Title! GO HAWKS!!!
The first Seahawks season that I can remember was 1999, the last season in the Kingdome. The Seahawks went 9-7 that year, winning the AFC West Division Championship and earning their first playoff trip since 1988. I got into the Seahawks around that time because I had just gotten into watching sports (including the Mariners and Sonics), but also because of my dad. Before I was born, my dad would record every Seahawks game on VHS, but had to stop once me and my sister were born. I remember watching one of the games he recorded. He eventually gave the tapes of the games to Seahawks and Seattle sports super fan, Lorin Sandretzky, also known as "Big Lo".
I even went to a few games in Husky Stadium while Seahawks Stadium (which eventually became Qwest Field which became CenturyLink Field) was being built. I saw the Seahawks lose to the Broncos, but I also saw the Hawks cream the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, in which Shaun Alexander got a team record 266 yards rushing. I feel after that game I really fell in love with the Seahawks.
After 1999, the Seahawks still remained in mediocrity until 2003, when they made the playoffs again. I remember watching that playoff game against the Packers in the freezing cold, when the game went into overtime. Matt Hasselbeck infamously declared, "We want the ball, we're gonna score". He then proceeded to throw a pick six to Al Harris to seal the win for the Packers. The Seahawks made the playoffs the following year, but lost to the Rams at home in the playoffs, which also happens to be the last time the Seahawks lost a home playoff game.
The following year, of course, was the Seahawks Super Bowl season. I was so hung up on every game that every loss left me devastated and depressed for the next week. After the Super Bowl loss to the Steelers, I was so upset that I smashed every one of my Steelers miniature helmets I had at the time.
The remaining Seahawks players made the playoffs a few more times, but never mustered any real playoff run. Then the Seahawks had a few bad seasons, which eventually led to them hiring Pete Carroll. Pete and John Schneider, the GM, have put together arguably the best roster in Seahawks history. Now they are one win away from the team's first ever Super Bowl title.
I haven't let myself get hung up on games this year like in years past. Just last season, when the Seahawks playoff run ended in a loss to the Falcons, I remember feeling so hopeless for the team, thinking that was our only shot. But now, the following season, the Seahawks have gotten to the final game. But for this game, I'm not going to let it affect me as much as others if we lose. It helps to have a team and quarterback as opposition that I'm both a fan of. I can never hate the Broncos or Peyton Manning, because they're both a big reason why I became a bigger fan of football than anything else. If the Seahawks lose, it's not the end of the world, nor is it the end of their run.
Now, for predictions. At the start of the football season, way back in August, I predicted a Super Bowl matchup between the Broncos and Seahawks, and look how right I was. Sure, I missed on a few playoff teams (Oops on Texans, Ravens, Falcons, Giants, and Rams), but I got the end result correct. Now, I predicted a final score of 27-24 Broncos. But that was when I thought our defense would have a bit of a down year with a new defensive coordinator. So, let's go over what I think will really happen:
First quarter:
Seahawks win toss--defer to second half
-Manning and Broncos slowed by weather, punt on first possession.
-Wilson and Seahawks go 3 and out, which is something we've grown used to seeing over the past couple months.
-Broncos get decent field position thanks to a good punt return by Decker, but settle for a field goal.
- Seahawks get ball and are driving as quarter ends.
After one quarter: DEN-3, SEA-0
Second quarter:
- Seahawks drive to red zone, but a fumbled exchange between Lynch and Wilson gives the ball to the Broncos.
- Peyton Manning finds Demaryius Thomas for a long bomb, scoring the game's first TD.
- Seahawks drive again, thanks to some good runs by Lynch, but have to settle for a field goal.
- Broncos get stopped on some pass deflections by the Legion of Boom.
- Seahawks get ball back, but have to settle for a sizeable field goal try, which Hauschka misses to end the half.
After two quarters: DEN-10, SEA-3
Third quarter:
- Seahawks go 3 and out to start the half.
- Broncos drive to the red zone, but Manning is stripped by Cliff Avril and the Seahawks recover.
- Wilson finds Golden Tate on a 40 yard strike, which eventually sets up a Lynch touchdown to tie the game.
- On Manning's first pass of the next drive, Byron Maxwell steps in front of a pass and returns it for a TD.
After three quarters: DEN-10, SEA-17
Fourth quarter:
- Manning and the Broncos go on a methodical drive, getting chunks of short passes and eventually get a Julius Thomas TD.
- Seahawks get to 40 yard line, go for it on 4th down, but can't convert.
- Broncos drive and get to a 4th and 1, but with the conditions and without a strong running game they have to kick a field goal, which Matt Prater does.
- Seahawks get the ball back, but are stopped on 3rd down near midfield. Carroll decides to punt and Jon Ryan is able to pin the Broncos at the 10, with about 3 minutes to go.
- Manning and the offense is stuffed, but they take the time down to 2 minutes. They punt it away to Tate, who muffs it at first but then recovers and gets a few yards.
- Seahawks get a clutch pass to Doug Baldwin, which is a tiptoe sideline catch on third down, which many people will then say is one of the best Super Bowl catches ever. The Seahawks run out of downs, however, and settle for a game tying field goal. Broncos take their remaining timeouts to keep time on the clock, but once they get the ball decide to just kneel.
After four quarters: DEN-20, SEA-20
That's right, the first ever Super Bowl to go into overtime!
Overtime:
- Seahawks lose the toss, which is fine with them because of their D.
- Broncos get the ball, and a pass is tipped and intercepted by Earl Thomas, who returns it to the Broncos 40!
- Seahawks get a first down with a few Lynch runs, and set up a game winning field goal try from the 22. Hauschka makes it, and the Seahawks win one of the most dramatic Super Bowls in history.
FINAL SCORE: DEN-20, SEA-23
MVP: Marshawn Lynch, 21-105, 1 TD
I think if the above were to happen many Seahawks fans would die of heart failure. Anything's possible, though. Before I wrap up, an analogy like I promised:
Their once was a team with a great defense. Maybe even better than great. They had talent at every level on the defense. Their offense was above average and usually good enough to get them enough points to win. Sound familiar? No, this isn't the Seahawks. This team I'm talking about had a good running game as well, and some receivers that weren't All-Pro but made the big catches when it mattered. Their quarterback wasn't even a Pro Bowler, but he was good enough.
This team made it all the way to the Super Bowl as a representative for the NFC. They had the best defense in the league, and maybe, one of the best defenses ever, with two already having gone to the Hall of Fame. In the Super Bowl, they faced the team with the #1 offense and the League MVP at Quarterback. But in the Super Bowl, they stopped this #1 offense by getting FIVE interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. This team? The 2002-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They beat the #1 offense of the Raiders and MVP Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII by a score of 48-21. All I'm saying is that if the Buccaneers can do it, so can the Seahawks. Sure, Peyton Manning might be a step or two above Rich Gannon, but now is the time to shine as a defense, just like the Buccaneers did. This was also the last time the #1 offense and #1 defense met in the Super Bowl.
So, let's hope the Seahawks can repeat what the Buccaneers did. Let's hope for the first major sports championship in this city in 35 years. Let's hope for a Seahawks Super Bowl Title! GO HAWKS!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
My Extensive Super Bowl Prediction
The big game is just three days away, and I am going to make quite a few predictions when it comes to the game. In fact, I will predict how each quarter goes, who will be the MVP, even what happens at the halftime show. Some of these predictions might be a bit out there, but others will be spot on.
Pregame
Alicia Keys has stated she will not sing the traditional version and instead perform it as it were "a brand new song". This will cause many fans in the Superdome to boo her, mainly those 30 and older. She won't forget the lyrics, but she will be criticized for her runs and her notes she holds way too long.
Coin Toss
The Ravens are the away team and will call Tails, as ravens have tails. It will be tails. Why? Because I voted for Tails at Papajohns.com. If I'm right, I win a free pizza. Who doesn't want free pizza? Oh, and the Ravens will receive the ball to start the game.
First Quarter
The game will get off to a slow start, scoring wise. San Francisco has shown in these playoffs to be a team that takes a while to get warmed up. Neither team will score on its first possession, but Baltimore will get a field goal to make it 3-0.
After 1 Quarter: 3-0 Ravens
Second Quarter
The most exciting play of the first half will happen with an Ed Reed pick six off of Colin Kaepernick, about midway through the 2nd quarter. However, just before the half, the 49ers drive for a last-second field goal that David Akers does not shank, surprisingly.
After 2 Quarters: 10-3 Ravens
Halftime
Beyonce will perform, obviously. Midway through her performance, her husband, rapper Jay-Z, will come on stage and perform. They will kiss on stage, which will cause a bit of backlash after the game from some pretentious mothers who say the kiss scarred their child.
Third Quarter
The 49ers receive the ball and drive down the field, but again have to settle for a field goal. The Ravens score another touchdown after Flacco hooks up with Torrey Smith for a 30-something yard touchdown.
After 3 Quarters: 17-6, Ravens
Fourth Quarter
With the ball and driving, Colin Kaepernick takes off on a run but gets decked by a Raven (possibly Ray Lewis... my vision is a little cloudy). He is helped off the field and has to leave the game. Alex Smith comes into the game, and hooks up with Vernon Davis for a touchdown. After a back-and-forth possession swing, the 49ers get the ball with 3 minutes left and Alex Smith leads them to a game-winning touchdown (although Gore will score it), proving to be the hero. The Ravens do get the ball back with less than a minute left, down by 3, but Justin Tucker's 64 yard field goal attempt to tie falls short.
Final Score: 20-17, 49ers
Super Bowl MVP: Frank Gore, 49ers
Even if Alex Smith takes over, I don't think playing for less than a quarter qualifies for MVP. Frank Gore will have a decent game and take home MVP honors. I'll say 105 yards, 1 touchdown.
Postgame
There are 30+ cameras rolling on the Harbaughs as they shake hands and embrace at midfield. Jim, the 49ers coach, will finally take off his stupid sharpie necklace and toss it aside, poking Ray Lewis in the eye as he is giving a tearful interview.
So there you have it. 20-17 49ers is my prediction. Ray Lewis does not get to retire on a high note, and the 49ers remain perfect in the Super Bowls, getting their 6th ring in their famed history.
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