Overall, the predictions in the last post were pretty good – I got my upset and got a few coaches right…including Jimmy H and Brady Hoke even with all the Harbaugh and U of M rumors at swirled around. I don’t think the National Championship game could have ended in a less exciting manner, but the season of the asterisk is talk for another day.

There are 4 pretty big games happening this weekend to shape the super bowl. For a change, Peyton Manning will be giving his take from the pre-game shows instead of the locker room. Recently history tells us not to sleep on the wildcard teams this weekend either. All 4 games have the chance to be exciting, 2 of them will be for sure.

• Ravens at Steelers: One thing we all know is that this will be a fun game to watch if you like hard hits and game changing plays. They split this season, each winning by 3 on the opponent’s field. The Steelers have had 2 weeks to rest and prepare for a very familiar foe; the Ravens are coming off a statement win, and having Reed back for the game is huge. We all know what Big Ben can do (on and off the field), but this game is where Flacco becomes and man and solidifies himself as part of Ravens history – or is the goat and reason they lose. I think he will get things going with a couple strong backs and the best receiving core in his career and the Ravens beat the Steelers in a tough battle decided in the 4th quarter.
• Packers at Falcons: This may be the most intriguing matchup of the weekend. In their first meeting, Atlanta won a close game at home with Aaron Rodgers being the leading rusher for the Pack. Green Bay has found their running game again and the defense is playing the best they have all season; Matty Ice and the Falcons were the best team this regular season and rarely lose at home. This will be another close and exciting game – this time for explosive offensive plays against solid defenses. With two great QB’s playing here, the game is decided by a key defensive play…either a turning point for a swing or a huge stop in the final minutes of the game. The buck stops here for Green Bay and the Falcons will play at home next weekend with a super bowl trip on the line.
• Seahawks at Bears: We saw this game once this year, when Briggs was out and Cutler was less than 100%. Seattle’s D was ready last time and will come out blazing after him to see if the O line of Chicago can stop them this time after having 6 sacks in the previous meeting. The Seahawks looked legit last weekend in defeating the Saints and Hasselbeck was solid in his comeback. This time, they’re playing on the awful Soldier Field turf after a cold and wet week in the Windy City. The Bears are rested and ready (or better be if Lovie wants an extension), the Seahawks are coming off an emotional win and have the underdog complex in full force. A game changer may be the health of Tatupu, who still isn’t cleared after the concussion last week. This would be a huge loss for Seattle as he’s their best defensive player. The Seahawks have been awful on the road this season, and lose big when they get down in games. Pete Carroll has said they will kick to Hester, he will make them pay by taking one to the house. Chicago needs to come out hard and fast, but will easily handle a Seattle team who I believe used most their energy for the win last weekend.
• Jets at Patriots: We get it, it’s personal, you all hate each other. That’s nothing new, but the Jets can’t seem to keep their mouths shut when it comes to their feelings about other teams and players. These two teams know each other well and split this season. Theoretically, it’s anyone’s game…realistically, it’s the Pat’s to lose. They are just better than the Jets, have had time to rest, and have Belichick focusing on what he does there – win. As Rex runs his mouth, Bill is running his team and scheming to not only beat the Jets but put together a beatdown like their 45-3 win last month. Cromartie will have his hands full after his remarks about Brady and will get beat bad on at least a couple downfield plays. The Pats seem to be healthy and are where they like to be – at the top of the AFC in the postseason. This would be a huge upset win for the Jets, but it won’t happen as Sanchez will make mistakes and Folk is far from being the clutch kicker that he appeared to be last week. New England wins this game, and the most the Jets run their mouth, the worse the defeat will be.

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the games with good food and great friends. Happy NFL watching to all!