2011 NFL Playoff Predictions

Question, who chose two number six seeds, as well as two number two seeds, to advance into the NFC and AFC championship game when the 2010 NFL season began?  Did it cross any one’s mind that this strange phenomenon could actually happen?  Answer, no one probably thought this, except, of course, for the loyal die-hard fan.   

            

            On Sunday, January 23^rd, the NFL will be hosting two great conference championship games. 

At 3pm, the number six seed, Green Bay Packers, will take on the number two seed, Chicago Bears, in a legendary rivalry game.  These two teams have a rich history with one another.  We can go back as far as the mid 1980’s coaching duel between Mike Ditka and Forrest Gregg.  Mike Ditka, however, seemed victorious in this duel with a Super Bowl win in 1985.  This time it will be a matchup between head coaches Lovie Smith and Mike McCarthy.

 The later game will be the number six seed, New York Jets, versus the number 2 seed, Pittsburgh Steelers, at 6:30pm.  The New York Jets are coming into this game feeling mighty confident, after their tenacious win against the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round.  Both have dynamic offenses that can cause damage with speedster receivers and game changing running backs.  Defense will be the main attraction of this game though.  Offenses will have to factor in their play calling more carefully or will suffer the consequences.

 There are always key players to watch in “big time” games because of their capability of making “big time” plays.  Here is a list of players to keep your eye on for the rest of the playoffs: 

·         The New York Jets threats: Mark Sanchez, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shonn Greene, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Santonio Holmes, Brad Smith, Darrelle Revis, and Bart Scott. 

·         The Pittsburgh Steelers threats: Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Maurkice Pouncey, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu. 

·         The Green Bay Packers threats: Aaron Rodgers, James Starks, John Kuhn, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, and B.J. Raji.   

·         The Chicago Bears threats: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher.

        

     My predictions for Super Bowl XLV will be the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets battling it out for the ultimate prize.  This would be the first time in NFL history that two number six seeds meet in a Super Bowl. 

My pick to win Super Bowl XLV is the Green Bay Packers.  In my opinion, they have the best overall team.  The Packers are clicking on every cylinder from passing the ball and running the ball on offense, to interceptions and sacks on defense.  They will become the best football team in the world on February 6th.  


Vince Lombardi would be very proud.