Superbowls are amazing things, and while I am sad that it also means that the season is coming to an end and football hibernates yet again, I am excited for these last few games because we really get to see what the makings of a champion are.
So let me start with this before I get into the predictions themselves.
The game that I believe will be the most exciting is the Seahawks vs. Niners! You have two mobile quarterbacks, in one of the best divisional rivalries this season. I don't think the game is going to be a blowout, nor do I think we are going to know the winner until the end. This game will be a back and forth battle with it coming down to the final seconds before a winner is determined.
When I think of what would be the best Superbowl- I don't think it matters on the NFC side which of those two teams play in the big game, buuuuut I think having a Superbowl without Peyton would not be as exciting as Patriot fans would like us to believe. And let's be honest, seeing the Patriots in another Superbowl without the Giants, just wouldn't be the same. 13-1 baby!
So now let's get to it. I'm doing this a little different though so I hope you enjoy.
NFC Divisional Championship:
Seahawks vs. 49ers
If I am going to make an honest prediction I do have to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the teams.
QB- Wilson and Kaepernick are both mobile QBs. They bring energy to their teams, it's not just about their arms, it's about their running ability and their ability to extend plays and make them work.
These two are the newer generation of QBs and can be the tipping point for their teams on Sunday.
RBs- Let's talk about Running Backs.
Seahawks- Marshawn Lynch 27 years old and has been with two teams in his career and keeps getting better each season or rather keeps wowing each season. Marshawn is going to be the linchpin to the Seahawks running game. The 49ers Defense is going to have to find a way to stop Lynch in order to ensure that they slow down the Seahawks.
WR- This could have been anyone's game but with Percy Harvin sitting this one out, a lot will rest on Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin who wasn't as active with Harvin healthy. But did great against the Saints when Harvin was taken out of the game. On the 49ers side you have Michael Crabtree AND Anquan Boldin who is having one heck of a season- but that was expected. I think this matchup can be Seattle's if the coaching try a little flair here and there they can still do well without Harvin playing.
TE- If you are going on the name alone Vernon Davis carries much weight. The heart and energy of his team, Vernon Davis should capitalize in this area in the matchup against Seahawks. Vernon for the season has had 15 TD, more than 900 yards and 55 receptions. Compared to much lower numbers of Seattle TE Zach Miller.
OL- This season Wilson has had 8 fumbles. He's been sacked 44 times. That falls on the OL for sure. They are going to have to do a better job of protecting him in this game against the 49ers Defense.
D- Seahawks with the advantage- Sherman, Bruce Irvin, Earl Thomas. The Seahawks Defense is ranked 1 in passing defense, total defense and scoring defense. The 49ers were 7th in passing, 5th in total defense and 3rd in scoring defense. I think the Rankings are a telling factor in how well this team can play. And the last matchup between these two teams what remained was the scoreboard, 29-3 the defense holding SF to a field goal.
Special Teams: Does having a 12th Man like the Seahawks do count? A lot of commentators are giving the special teams advantage to the 49ers. I like LaMichael James, I think he has some great skill, but in regards to the options that they have for ST and who they have, I think the Seahawks actually have more of an advantage than the 49ers.
Coaching: Both Coaches have come from the college coaching setting. While Harbaugh has already made an attempt and run for the Superbowl in his career, Carroll brings flair to the league and has found an interesting formula that is uniquely Seattle's. If Harbuagh can transform his tantrums to the passion that Carroll has I'd give the edge to the 49ers. But what I like about the Seahawks is they are risk takers. Plays are unique, they are creative and they represent very much the heart of this team.
So when it comes down to it all who will take the game:
Prediction- To the disappointment of many of my friends, I am going for Seattle in this one. Since their last matchup the 49ers have definitely grown as a team and have played smarter football. Seattle is a risk taking kind of team. I have said before and I will say it again- they are inconsistent, their winning can sometimes be chalked up to fluke plays. I almost feel like I am watching the football classing- Little Giants, watching the stuff that comes out of Seattle. So why am I picking them? Interesting is fun. I think Seattle can harness a little more finesse that would be great to see in the Superbowl.
Patriots vs. Broncos
QB- There is no denying, no matter how popular or unpopular to the masses these two individuals might be, that Manning and Brady are two of the best QBs playing the game right now. But I am giving this one to Peyton and it's not because I can't really stand Brady. Peyton is having one of the most outstanding seasons, considering that there were so many questions about him following his nexk surgery. But here he is despite losses etc, that he continues to play the game with such passion, charisma and leadership. One of Brady's weaknesses is is inability at times to stay in control especially after being rocked so much. His Achilles heel if you will, is being sacked often and early. Brady tends to fall apart and throw tantrums instead of staying with it. Even though his loss in Indy was a defining moment for sports analysts, Manning stayed poised and didn't allow the scoreboard to hinder his ability.
RB- With the likes Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball, the Broncos have a dynamic RB position in their Offense. But the Patriots have an equally stacked position with LeGarrette Blount. He has been HUGE in the Patriots last few wins this season and will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
WR- Potential injuries to sideline some of their key players on the Patriots side might be the area in which the Broncos have the edge. Demaryius Thomas is listed as probable, but the Broncos haven't had to rely on just Thomas, they have built an incredible game by utilizing ALL of their players- Welker, Decker and Holliday have all been outstanding to watch and I am sure are going to continue to be their weapons this game as well.
TE- Broncos have this one in Julius Thomas hands down.
DL- This isn't the first time around for the Patriots. The Defense might have been their inconsistent link, but after their game against the Chargers, I don't know if that means that their D will still be a weapon to be reckoned with. On the Broncos side, who I am actually giving this part of the matchup to, you have Champ Bailey back in action. When Trevathan isn't making penalties here and there, he is amazing.
One thing for sure is that the defenses are definitely going to have to do work when it comes to both of these divisional games!
ST- With players like LeGarrett Blount and Trindon Holliday or Wes Welker, this can be anyone's to take. It really is going to come up on creativity and how well the Defense does with pressure.
Coaching- It's easy to say Belicheck over Fox. Why? Experience. Let's be honest people wouldn't have such a disdain for the Patriots if it wasn't for the great coaching that constantly puts them in your face and in the Superbowl often. Fox and the Broncos have gotten a formula that works for them, but is it enough to stand up to the Patriots? We shall see.
When you add it all up, the Broncos I hope will take the lead. But my head says the Patriots just do better when it comes to Divisional Championships.
All in all, what I like about these matchups this weekend is that we are seeing who really is the team of the division. We caught glimpses of it when the pairs played each other in the regular season causing losses for both the 49ers and the Broncos. Sunday for sure will come down to both teams leaving it all on the line.
And we all know that anything can happen "Any Given Sunday..."
That's all she wrote folks! Enjoy gameday and I will be back with the post game wrap up.
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