In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, I know it is not Thursday and I forgot to write-up my prediction that I do every year.  Plus, I did not post the last two weeks on Thursday and Friday.  I figure the best time to post just before the games start.  Once again, another disappointing season for my Dolphins.  I guess next year will be different.  We will have to see.  Let us get into the match up for today Wild Card games and all the way up to the Super Bowl.

Wild Card

Game One Cardinals vs Panthers

I get it that NFC South was the weakest or strongest division in the league.  All the teams had a records below .500.  Panthers could become the second team to do this since 2010 Seashawks that beat New Orleans Saints.  It is kind of crazy the teams that loss and win came out of respected division.  Saints are from the NFC South like the Panters.  Seahawks came out of the NFC West like the Cardinals.  I am liking what I am seeing from Cam and the offense.  We all know their defense is really good.  Let us hope their special team does not disappoint them.  They should beat Cardinals with their third string quarterback.  Cardinals defense is still good but not what it was in beginning of the season.  If Cardinals offense get into some kind of rhythm, they will win this game.  I just do not see it happening.  Panthers should win this game.

Game Two Ravens vs Steelers

The Steelers are known for their defense throughout history.  This group is really good.  Ravens can play some defense also, however their secondary is pretty weak and I can see them having problems with Steelers wide receivers.  Both quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and both of them know how to pass the ball around to our their receivers.  This is more important for the Steelers because their star running back Bell is already ruled out.  They signed Ben Tate.  They are looking at undrafted back Josh Harrison to pick up  that load.  It is going to be raining tonight and that is running game weather.  I believe it will come down to Big Ben arm.  He threw 12 touchdowns in two games this season.  With Bell out, he is their best back that can pass block.  This will affect their passing game.  Can he do it against the Ravens?  This is going to be one of the best games this playoffs.  I am going to say no but this game is going to overtime.  This is going to be a very close game and I have to go with Ravens even though they never beat them in the playoffs.  I still like Ravens.

Game Three Bengals vs Colts

I have to be honest on both of these teams.  I have not watched too many games of either team.  I know AJ Green is believed to be hurt and Andy may realize that it is the playoffs.  He forgets how to play.  I do not believe the Colts have a running game nor defense.  This is going to be a very important game for the coaching staff of the Bengals and Andy’s legacy as quarterback that can play in big games.  What the hell, I am going to pick Bengals.

Game Four Lions vs Cowboys

Cowboys has been the hottest team in the league just like the Settle Seahawks.  One of the best QBs, RBs, and WRs are in the game.  I believe Tony has finally found himself as NFL QB.  This is one of the best teams that he has had in his career.  I love their defense and we know Lions defense will show up.  They will have a pretty good game but will they be able to overcome the weakest part of their team.  I believe the Lions offense will keep their defense on the field a ton.  Lions offense has still not found themselves.  They have their former OC, who is Scott Linehan, that has been in defense meaning.  He is teaching their defense on what the Lions offense likes to in games.   The lucky bounces that Detroit Lions have been receiving this year will come to the end.  I cannot see the Lions finding their offense.  I can see the Cowboys coming out and winning this game easily.  I am picking the Cowboys.

Divisional Playoffs

Game One Patriots vs Ravens

Patriots at home again through out the playoffs and I cannot see them losing against the Ravens.  Sorry Ravens, this is a pretty easy pick and you had a great season.  Pats has this one and I hate to say it.

Game Two Cowboys  vs Packers

This is going to be a pretty interesting game.  I would love to see how the weather is going to be.  I am going on the fact that it is going be a normal weather for Green Bay.  This will come down to who has the better running game.  If it comes down to the passing game, Rodgers and Packers will win this game.  If the Cowboys keep Packers defense on the field longer, Dallas will be one win away from the Super Bowl.  I cannot that see that happening.  Packers will win this game.

Game Three Bengals vs Broncos

I saw a few games of the Broncos this season.  Manning is still good but getting really old fast.  He is better than average quarterback at his age.  He will pull out a win again the Bengals.  Broncos will win in front of their home crowd.

Game Four Panthers vs Seahawks

Here comes the 12th man.  I believe you will know how this will go down.  This will be a defensive game.  It is going to come down the field goal kickers.  I love both defenses.  I can Seattle’s defense coming out in the better end.  Seahawks has this game.

Conference Championships

Game One Broncos vs Patriots

This is the match up that we have seem so many throughout the years.  Brady vs Manning part whatever.  I do not believe in Pats defense.  It is good because of the their new-found running game.  I believe there is a way to play against their defense and offense.  I believe the Broncos OC and DC will find their way to find faults and attack.  I can Patriots looking really bad in this game.  Brady will do a last-minute drive down but come up short to send his team to the Super Bowl. Broncos will be back in the Super Bowl for back to back years.

Game Two Packers vs Seahawks

These two teams have a nice history in the last five years as for NFL moments.  I am loving the Seahawks.  They are on a fire and I cannot see Rodgers being health enough to escape from Hawks D-Line.  It will be close but Seahawks and 12th man are going back to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Broncos vs Seahawks

This will be the first back to back rematch since the 1993 and 1994 Dallas Cowboys vs Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowls.  This is a rematch from last year’s Super Bowl.  I believe this might be the last game for Lynch’s NFL career.  He has been hinting it all season.  He has a bad back and he will have a game that people will be talking about game to come.  Is this the last game for Manning?  Will he get back at Seattle for the game that we are still talking about from last year?  I cannot see any team beating Seattle’s defense.  I am talking about Patriots too.  Seashawks will go back to back Super Bowl Champs since the Patriots in 2004 and 2005!

In closing, I will do a write-up for my prediction of the Super Bowl during the bye-week.  I am pretty excited to watch these games.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13