Elite 8 Picks

Alright, we're only an hour away from this round kicking off so I'll keep this short and sweet.

Cardinals @ Saints

If you like points, then watch this game. I think the Saints got lucky in a heck of a lot of games this year and haven't looked good in a long time. The Cardinals have this guy called Kurt Warner who I would take over Drew Brees in these playoffs. Cardinals pull away late in the 3rd behind a huge game from Warner.

Cardinals 44 Saints 31

Ravens @ Colts

Close one here. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ravens pull it off but I think the Colts are just too good. Flacco ailing is certainly a worry too. I see Matt Stover sinking his old team late.

Colts 20 Ravens 17

Cowboys @ Vikings

Simply put, the Cowboys are just too good right now to be shut down by the struggling Vikings (that game against the Giants doesn't count). I see them going to the Super Bowl, to be honest. Cowboys shut down Favre (thankfully) and Peterson and their 3 backs have a huge game.

Cowboys 30 Vikings 20

Jets @ Chargers

I'll be honest, it's tough to pick this game without any bias. I know that this certainly won't be as easy of a game for the Jets as the Bengals game was. Huge matchup issues ahead for New York with the SD tight end attack. I think the Jets will be able to put up some points as the Chargers run defense is suspect and the Jets have the best O-line and rushing attack (statistically at least) in the land. I'm calling for a huge interception by Kerry Rhodes late, leading to a Jay Feely FG in the final minute.

Jets 29 Chargers 27

EAGLES-LESS 8

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

If Sports Fountainhead Founding Father J.Mays can courageously come back from an 0-4 picking week & make predictions for the EAGLES-LESS 8, then so can I from 1-3. With my EAGLES out, I guess their big question is if Donovan "Chunky Soup" McNabb will "be back" (say it like The Terminator, the now CA Governor)? Well to semi-quote The Clash "If he stays there will be trouble, if he goes there will be double." On to the teams still playing:

Cardinal @ Saints: Over/Under is 57 points, I'm going with the Under as Drew "Cool" Brees (my fantasy football QB) shows why he should have been the NFL MVP by leading his Saints marching in for a late TD & a 28-27 win.

Ravens @ Colts: OK, Peyton "Place" Manning was the MVP yet again, but he'll just be good enough to win in this one, 20-14.

Jets @ Chargers: Nobody's talking about the Chargers, so I will--they have a good team. Good enough to shut-up Rexy Ryan's Jets 21-13.

Cowboys @ Vikings: I saved what I believe is the best game of the EAGLES-LESS 8 Round of the Playoffs for last. It's also the most interesting game to me as a Cowboys-hater. So I can't be unbiased, but that won't stop me from predicting that Brett "Wrangling Man" Favre will move one-step closer to why he came back this year by sending Tony Romo down to Kokomo. Vikes 30 Cowboys 20.

And when it's all said & done, Remember you heard it right here in the Sports Fountainhead.

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

I'm back, aiming to take sports predicting to a whole new low. Can I make it to 0-8? Time will tell.

Saturday's Games
#4 Cardinals @ #1 Saints - Oh, Kurt Warner. You and your buddies had to ruin my dream. I'll forgive you. I like you. I wish you all the best this Saturday. You'll need it. NOLA is a hell of a place to play. The Saints were flying high with 13 straight wins before falling flat at the end. They're not in this situation (read: the playoffs) often so it's kind of new territory. Brees was an MVP candidate and they have a tough OL and some speedy WRs. The defense has some holes, as usual. You'll have some fun with that, won't you? Yes, I'm taking Arizona in another barn burner. I've been picking the Saints to be a great team long before the talking heads. And they proved me right, for the first few months. December? Eh, not so much. Can they respond and rebound or will a terrible finish dash Who Dat hopes? Sorry, Saints. It's not your year. Warner's Cards have found that '09 playoffs groove!

PREDICTION: Cardinals 48, Saints 42


#6 Ravens @ #1 Colts - The team that formerly inhabited Baltimore faces the team that currently resides there. A lot has been said about rust for the Colts since they haven't played a meaningful game in a month. And they're 0-3 when they have a bye. The Ravens, on the other hand, punched the Patriots in the face and groin (thank you for that, by the way) and are flying high. People are mentioning them in the same breath as some team from almost 10 years ago. They played in a meaningful game, apparently. Are they that good. No? Close? Maybe. But they are feeling pretty good right now and are facing a team under scrutiny from fans and the media. The best QB ever will be too much for Ray Lewis and Co. (again). Manning will lead his team to yet another victory, silencing the talk from weeks 16 and 17. It'll be until the end. The Ravens will have a chance to tie but Flacco won't pull it out.

PREDICTION: Colts 27, Ravens 20


Sunday's Games
#4 Cowboys @ #1 Vikings - Has Dallas broken through? Are they as good as the media says? I don't know. I really wanted to take them last week, but it would have ruined my "Green Bay-destroying-Brett Favre-in-the-divisional-round" hopes. Turns out, the Cardinals and Eagles both destroyed that. So here I am with the Cowboys and the Minnesota Favres. That's all they have, right? It's what the media wants you to think. After all, he's "America's QB" just like the Cowboys are "America's Team". Yes, I seriously heard Greeny on Mike & Mike in the Morning say that. Anyway, I try not to let my opinions on teams or players drive my picks (didn't work last week). I'll stay true and try to base this on what I'm comfortable with: stats and gut feelings. Say hello to another game in Jerry's World. Dallas takes it to Minnesota in the dome, overcoming many Flozell false starts. Dallas runs outside and hits on 2 big plays (the Viking secondary is 'meh' at best). All heavenly Favre doesn't have enough.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 24, Vikings 21


#5 Jets @ #2 Chargers - The Jets haven't given up more than 15 points since a week 11 thumping by the Patriots, who are now spectators. I think that streak ends in beautiful San Diego on Sunday evening. Why? Because the Chargers average 28 points per game and scored 20 or more in all 16 games this season. And they have an 11 game winning streak. And they are playing at home. I have to give props to New York though because they truly remind me of the 2000-2001 Ravens. We know how that ended, right? I don't foresee them repeating that feat but, as is the case in the playoffs, a strong D and great ground game will take you places. That place is San Diego, not Miami. J! E! T! S! should mean journey ends this Sunday (thanks, Marcellus).

PREDICTION: Chargers 28, Jets 16

My Picks for 2010 NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Round

E and Jack Strap have made their picks so I guess I should man up and make some "bold predictions sure to be wrong" as well. I won't make you wait any longer; I know the suspense is just killing you.

Saturday's Games
#6 Jets @ #3 Bengals - One of three rematches in the Wild Card round. An intriguing matchup since Rex Ryan believes his team should be Super Bowl favorites and the Bengals showed little fight in Week 17. I think Cincinnati has much more in store for the J! E! T! S! JETS! JETS! JETS! this time around. However, defense (and running games) win championships so it won't be a blowout. Jets keep it close but the inexperienced and overrated Mark Sanchez can be the hero when his team needs him to be

PREDICTION: Bengals 16, Jets 10


#6 Eagles @ #3 Cowboys - Another rematch, however a much better one in the late game. Sure, the Jets and Bengals should be close and go down to the wire but this is a rivalry. Easily one of the best in the NFL. The Cowboys have never beaten a team three times in a season. The Eagles have the better coaching staff and playoff record (4-0 in Wild Card round). I know Wade Phillips seems to have made strides this season and the Cowboys had a great December for the first time in a long time but... I just don't like the feeling I have. It will be a great game. That's all I'm hoping for*.

PREDICTION: Eagles 27, Cowboys 21


Sunday's Games
#5 Ravens @ #4 Patriots - The only non week 17 rematch features two opponents that are really starting to hate each other. The Ravens think the Patriots, specifically QB Tom Brady, get way too many penalties called that are borderline or unwarranted [I tend to agree]. The Patriots want to prove they can overcome Welker's injury and a mediocre defense to obtain the mystique they carried from 2004 through 2007. I think this will be a battle and a bad penalty could have a huge impact on this game.

PREDICTION: Patriots 24, Ravens 17


#5 Packers @ #4 Cardinals - And finally, the 3rd Week 17 rematch of the Wild Card round. This game wasn't even close in the final week of the regular season and I really don't think it will be any different here. Sure, Warner didn't play the whole game but that wasn't the only problem. Anquan Boldin and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie are doubtful and that is a huge blow to all three facets of the Cardinals game. I think the Packers are on too much of a roll and the Cardinals are too beat up and weak to stop Rodgers and Co. Of course, Arizona could prove me wrong and play like they did in January last year.

PREDICTION: Packers 31, Cardinals 20

*Total disclosure... I really think the Cowboys can win. But, I want to see Aaron Rodgers and the Packers CRUSH the Vikings in the Divisional Round. So, since I was 50/50 on the Eagles/Cowboys I went with what had to happen to get Green Bay to Minnesota next week.

ROUND 1 {DING-DING} PLAYOFFS

By Your Athletic Supporter, Jack Strap

With all the regular season ANNOINTING (see story below) over & E's picks in, let me take a shot at predicting ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL Playoffs:

Jets @ Bengals: As a life-long Eagles fan, I really miss Buddy Ryan but at least this week we had his son Rex making bold proclamations (the nut doesn't fall far from the tree). So for Buddy, I say Jets 20 Bengals 14.

Eagles @ Cowboys: Can you imagine what it would have been like this week if the aforementioned Buddy Ryan & Jimmy "The Hair" Johnson were coaching this game rather than boring Andy & Wade? No pre-game hype, but post-game celebration by the Eagles after winning 27-21 in Jerry's Joint.

Ravens @ Patriots: OK, I can't pick another road-winner in ROUND 1 {DING-DING} of the NFL PLAYOFFS, but the loss of Welker will be a problem for the Pats next week. This week it's Patriots 21 Ravens 13.

Packers @ Cardinals: This game will be a lot closer than the temperature difference in Green Bay (18 degrees forecast @ game-time tomorrow) vs. 70 degrees in Glendale. I'm thinking that Brett Favre will be watching his under-study Aaron Rodgers lead a 4th quarter comeback for the Pack 35-31.

Ring that ROUND 1 Bell {DING-DING} & let the PLAYOFFS begin!

Wildcard Weekend Picks

The book is shut on college football but still wide open on football of the professional sort. This weekend kicks off what is sure to be an intriguing NFL Postseason. Will the resting players strategy finally work for the Colts? Will another Wildcard team make a run to the Super Bowl? We'll have to wait on those answers but for now, here are my WC Weekend picks...

New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals

The first of 3 Week 17 rematches. The Jets completely embarrassed the Bengals though Cincy did not play with their full arsenal. Regardless, the Jets are starting to come together and Cincy has been very shaky since building their big division lead. While common opponents are not something to put a ton of stock in, the Jets are 2-0 to the Bengals 0-2 in common games (Texans and Raiders). Both those games were on the road for the Jets (and won convincingly) while the Bengals traveled to Oakland and played Houston in Cincy. Call me a homer, but I think things are starting to come together for the Jets. As long as Sanchez doesn't go on an INT binge, I think they'll be OK. Revis Island will go a long way to shutting down the Bengals offense.

Jets 23 -- Bengals 13

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Another game, another rematch. Cowboys beat Philly pretty handedly last weekend and honestly, I do not see why they will not do it again. The December/Late Season monkey is finally off of Romo's back and they are catching fire at the right time. Not only that, but the Eagles have lost to every decent team they've faced this year. Unless DeSean Jackson and McNabb go crazy on offense (or special teams with Jackson), I do not see the Eagles winning this game at Jerry's Palace.

Cowboys 31 -- Eagles 14

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

I strongly dislike both teams (Pats more than Ravens though, for sure) but I guess I have to pick one. Losing Welker is huge but not crippling. As long as the Pats are able to bottle up the Ravens running attack, I think they should be fine. The Baltimore defense is not as strong as it used to be and I see Brady and Moss having a pretty big game. Should still be a close one though.

Patriots 24 -- Ravens 20

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals

Rematch number 3 of the first round. Packers are hot, Cardinals are breaking down. It's pretty much as simple as that. Only way I see the Cardinals winning is if Warner plays out of his mind. Which is certainly a possibility.

Packers 35 -- Cardinals 27

2009 NFL Draft Grades: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens, much like the Falcons and Dolphins, were one of the surprise teams of 2008. After going 13-3 in 2006 they fell all the way down to 5-11 in 2007. This cost Brian Billick his job. The offensive mastermind never materialized in Baltimore and that was his ultimate downfall. Eagles special teams coach John Harbaugh was hired as the new head coach over player favorite Rex Ryan, now coaching the Jets. Under Harbaugh and rookie QB Joe Flacco the Ravens bounced back quickly, improving to 11-5 and narrowly missing not only a divisional title but a shot at the Super Bowl as well.

INTRODUCTION
The Ravens have been great at two things when they field a competitive team: rushing offense and pretty much everything on defense. Last season was one of those teams. Baltimore was 4th in rushing yards per game, averaging 148.5 yards on the ground. They also capitalized on turnovers and good field position, ranking 11th in points scored despite being below average in total yards per game (18th). This is all thanks once again to a stellar, ball-hawking, hard hitting defense. A defense that didn't rank lower than third in the major statistics. They were 3rd in points and rushing yards allowed per game and 2nd in passing yards and total yards allowed per game. Turnovers were abundant and the team routinely pinned opponents inside their own territory. The defense loses Bart Scott, Chris McAllister, and Jim Leonhard unfortunately which could cause the defense to drop off some. They must find capable replacements.

GM Ozzie Newsome is a genius when it comes to player evaluations. He finds gems along the OL and little known players that develop on defense (Scott, Leonhard). John Harbaugh proved he has what it takes to be a head coach in the league. Can Baltimore topple Pittsburgh and become an elite team in the AFC?

DRAFT RECAP
Round/Pick/Overall
1/23/23 - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
2/25/57 - Paul Kruger, DE/OLB, Utah
3/24/88 - Lardarius Webb, CB, Nicholls State
5/1/137 - Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU
5/13/149 - Davon Drew, TE, East Carolina
6/12/185- Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia


BASED ON NEEDS

• WR - Try again.
  
• LB - Check!
• DL - Check!*
• S - Try again.
• CB - Check!
  

The one glaring omission during the Ravens draft was WR. No one was brought in during the selection process to help second year QB Joe Flacco. They did however have a pretty solid draft. They found two new LBs for their scheme and added a RB to take over for the change of position of Le'Ron McClain. They also had one of the biggest draft steals when they addressed the o-line. Not taking any receivers, d-linemen, or safeties hurts though.

*DE Paul Kruger will play OLB for Baltimore, so this was really a need that went unfulfilled.

GRADE: 55/100


BASED ON TALENT
Pick 1 - Why Oher slid out of the Top 15 is beyond me. He is a wonderful story and a terrific OT. He can easily be a standout RT and with some tutelage a solid LT. Ozzie Newsome got a gamer with this pick, even if it wasn;t the position that many thought should be filled first. Grade: 10

Pick 2 - Paul Kruger gets to learn from Terrell Suggs. There aren't many others better suited to teach a player to be a pass rushing OLB. Kruger could be the replacement for Suggs if he departs in free agency next year. Having the replacement already on the roster will do wonders for the team in 2010. The defense won't skip a beat; Kruger will have already learned the 'D'. Another solid pick by Baltimore. Grade: 8

Pick 3 - The Ravens definitely needed some CB help. The need was definitely lessened after Samari Rolle resigned and they added Chris Carr and Domonique Foxworth opposite Fabian Washington. Webb gives them a young guy to groom over the next two years to eventually challenge for the nickel spot. He was a good pick here though there were some other CBs more prepared to play sooner - such as Donald Washington, Victor Harris, and D.J. Moore. Grade: 6

Pick 4 - Former UDFA Bart Scott - Ray Lewis' partner in crime the last few years - followed Rex Ryan to New York, leaving the second ILB position up for grabs. Tavares Gooden or possibly Antwan Barnes or Prescott Burgess could try to fill the Scott void. However it could be this fellow right here. Phillips has the size to take on blockers in the 3-4 defense and would be a nice complement to Lewis. Grade: 8

Pick 5 - Not sure about this pick. Sure Todd Heap and new backup L.J. Smith are injury prone and third stringer Quinn Sypniewski is coming back from missing an entire year but do they need a young, developmental TE? Over help along the DL and at WR? Eh. No offense to Drew but this pick could have been better spent. Plus there were better TEs still available such as James Casey, Cornelius Ingram, and Bear Pascoe. Grade: 3

Pick 6 - Le'Ron McClain is being moved back to FB leaving only Ray Rice and Willis McGahee as experienced players at RB. Peerman was the best RB left on the board, followed by Rashad Jennings and James Davis. This was a good pick talent and needs wise. Peerman will challenge second year pro Jalen Parmele for the third RB spot. Grade: 8

GRADE: 43/60


OVERALL
Pretty nice haul, though they didn't really attempt to fill needs which can be good and bad. They found some future starters which is always nice but there are some depth problems at positions that could have easily been fixed throughout the draft. They only had six picks, one less than normal, so they need to be careful when trading away selections. In the long run it ruins quality depth. This class could have been a bit better if they went with a NT or DE instead of a TE.

FINAL GRADE: B-

WHY: I think I was generous in hindsight. This could easily have been a C or C+. The Ravens - while getting some nice value in Oher, Kruger, Phillips, and Peerman just didn't fill needs. And there was talent available at their picks that wouldn't have been reaches. I know everyone tries to follow the BPA method but sometimes you need to find players that can help you in areas of need. I gave them a bump up because going by numbers strictly is silly. I liked most of their picks even if they got hit hard for not filling needs.

NOTE: My "final grade" is weighted and is not a simple combination of "needs" and "talent".


SUPERLATIVES
Best Pick:
Worst Pick:
Sleeper:
Instant Impact:
Developmental:


OTHER DRAFT GRADES - Baltimore Ravens
CBS Sports (Prisco): B
CBS Sports (Rang): B
ESPN (Kiper): B
NFL.com (Brooks): B
NFL.com (Fan's): B
Walter: A

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2007 NFL Predictions - Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens - I wish I could call Cincinnati and Baltimore teams 1A and 1B. With the addition of Willis McGahee and stout drafting as usual, the Ravens are definitely in the position to repeat as Division Champions. However, I have a few concerns. Can Steve McNair stay healthy and continue to play at a high level? Will the loss of Adalius Thomas hurt more than people expect? Will Samari Rolle hold steady and play close to the Star Level of the rest of the defensive backfield?

Prediction - 2nd, AFC North, Wild Card