In this Sports Thought Thursday, we are going to look at NFL playoffs of 2012.  It has been yet another exciting year for football.  Black Monday was interesting after the regular season was over.  Head coaches and general managers being fired from several different teams because they did not reach their goals of winning the Super Bowl. It is going to be exciting off season but it is time for some NFL Playoffs. Let us look at the teams and match ups in the playoffs.

AFC

Bengals vs Taxans

I am loving Bengals over the Taxans.  I just feel there is something wrong with Houston on their losing streak.  They came out strong at the beginning of the season and I believe the league has figured them out.  I would not be shock to see them win either.  Bengals finished the season strong and took care some of their demons.  I believe they will move on into the playoffs.

Win:  Bengals

Colts vs Ravens

This one is a tough one.  This game will feature the number one pick of this year’s draft and this is the first time that number one pick quarterback makes it to the playoffs in his rookie season.  He has been playing like a 3 to 4 year player.  Ravens defense is weak and Luck might pick them apart.  There are questions on their Offense like every year.  I will have to go with the Ravens and it is a shame to watch this amazing rookie season end.

Win:  Ravens

NFC

Vikings vs Packers

These teams will be playing back to back weeks.  That last game of the last week of the season was something else.  It was a great game.  This game comes down to how the weather is going to be like in Green Bay.  If it is like how it is this time of the year, this might be a simple pick.  However, it is not that easy, Green Bay taking a page from the past with their running game.  I just feel that Vikings have the upper hand on the running game.  I do not see a passing game on either side being effected in this game.  I love Vikings defense but did both teams show too much in their last two games.  I am leaning towards the Vikings but if it has to come down to the passing game.  Rogers is the man and I just feel Vikings’ quarterback will make some mistakes.

Win:  Packers

Seahawks vs Redskins

Here is a game that will be something else.  Two rookie quarterbacks are starting in this game that came out of this year’s draft.  Redskins and Seahawks both finished off strong.  However, Seahawks was just really bad but did Hawks turn around their season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, RG3 is now hurt and cannot run as well as he did in the beginning of the year.  I am liking Seahawks and I believe in their offense and defense.

Win:  Seahawks

AFC Divisional Champions

Bengals vs Broncos

Is there really a debate here?  This game has MVP of the league at QB and maybe the comeback player.  Broncos defense carried this team last season into the playoffs and now Manning is taking that to the Super Bowl.  Sorry Bengals, you had a great year.  I just cannot see you over take this Broncos team.

Win:  Broncos

Ravens vs Patriots

Just like the other game in the AFC, I just feel this game is going to be a lot closer then many of us believe.  Patriots offense is still there like it has in the past and they shown that against my Dolphins in the last game of the season.  Not many people remember Patriots had a ton of problems on defense.  Plus, many have forgotten that loss to the Cardinals.  Maybe they fixed their problems but I have a feeling it might show its ugly head again.  Ravens will find their offense and defense will look like they did in the past.    I have a feeling the Patriots will win but I really like the Ravens.

Win: Ravens

NFC Divisional Champions

Seahawks vs Falcons

I am going to ride the Hawks band wagon.  I believe their defense will stop the running and passing game from Falcons.  Falcons had a great year and they earn their number one seat.  I just have a feeling they will not slay their monkey on their back this season. They will be the same old Falcons.  I am going with their past history.

Win:  Seahawks

Packers vs 49ers

This one is pretty tough.  I will go with experience on this game.  49ers are starting a second year quarterback in the league and I just have a feeling he will show his nerves and inexperience.  Tom will make mistakes and the Packers will jump on them but they are home so he might be comfortable.  I hope for Jim that he picked the right quarterback.

Win:  Packers

AFC Champions

Ravens vs Broncos

I am loving the Broncos moving on to the Super Bowl over the Ravens.  Even if the Patriots make it here, I still will see Broncos move on to the Super Bowl.  This defense from Broncos will stop the Ravens offense.  I just can see this game being close but Manning driving with minutes left on the game for the win.

Win:  Broncos

NFC Champions

Seahawks vs Packers

This will be a fight and a very close game.  Green Bay is a team that runs through what Rogers can do on offense.  This is a tough pick.  I will have to go with my donated team this season.  I will go with Seahawks and I believe it will come down to a field goal.  Packers will loss it because of their inconstant kicker.  I just cannot believe they are still using him.  It will cost them a game.

Win: Seahawks

Super Bowl

Seahawks vs Broncos

Closing the season out, I am liking Seahawks for this reason their defense.  Manning has a Super Bowl experience and a win.  Manning will have problems with those corner backs of Hawks.  I just see him turning the ball over and their DL will cause a ton of problems for the Broncos OL.  I do not think that Broncos will have answers for Hawks offense and/or Russell Wilson, who should be rookie of the year.  Who knows what will happen?  Maybe Manning will show he can play in the big stage unlike he did his last time.  This will be a fight and a great game.  I am picking Seahawks.

Super Bowl Winner:  Seahawks

Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser