NFC East
1.) New York Giants 13-3 (1) (OVER 9)
After winning the 2007 Super Bowl, the Giants started 2008 11-1. They were the best team in the NFL entering December, but Plaxico Burress decided to carry a gun in sweatpants into a club (and have Michael Bloomberg make an example of Plaxico). The Giants this season could easily follow everything that the 2008 Giants did, other than the nightclub shooting part. The 2008 Giants were better than the 2012 Giants at only three units: linebacker, o-line and running back. The 2012 Giants have a better secondary, d-line, receivers and, most importantly, Quarterback. The Giants should be fine in 2012, and they are flying slightly under the radar. That over under is ridiculously low. The Giants are closer to the team that finished 6-0 than the team that started 7-7.
2.) Philadelphia Eagles 11-5 (5) (OVER 10)
Oh, the Eagles. The "dream team" might actually have a season much closer to a dream in 2012. The Eagles defense came on strong late in 2012 under, yes, Juan Castillo. Without Samuel, the Eagles can get to more straight bump-press man coverage schemes that should work better. Their d-line is still beastly. As for the offense, for some reason, I think DeSean Jackson will actually try this year. He really wanted that contract, and did nothing to earn it, so maybe he will go the other way from the many people who played hard to get the contract and did nothing after. Sure, Vick getting hurt is always a risk, but Nick Foles looks a lot more competent than Vince Young. Overall, the Eagles could easily win this division if the Giants slip, but either way, trusting the Reid-Vick duo was not a complete mistake by Jeff Lurie.
3.) Dallas Cowboys 7-9 (UNDER 8.5)
The Cowboys are close to falling apart. Jason Witten's spleen is about to explode, and so is the Jerry World Machine in Dallas. Miles Austin is still gimpy and Dez Bryant is being babysat like a three year old. The whole thing just seems like a mess. Add in a defensive coach who thinks way too highly of himself and his abilities, and a secondary that still has no safety help, and this team probably wouldn't match what they did a year ago. Their offense is still good enough to stay competitive, but a tough schedule with the NFC South and AFC North will not make life easy in a fight to beat last years 8-8 record.
4.) Washington Redskins 6-10 (UNDER 6.5)
Why does anyone think the Redskins defense is any good? I really want to know, because I have heard this theory that RGIII could have a good rookie season due to a good defense, but here's a nice trend line: 296-336-377-367. Those are the points allowed total over the past four years for the Redskins, starting with 2008 and ending with 2011. That defense is old. They have three young players that are quite good in Orakpo, Kerrigan and Carriker, but guys like Hall, Fletcher, and Cofield aren't getting much younger. As for the offense, because this is Mike Shanahan they probably will still have a good running game, but RGIII doesn't have the best of receiving weapons. Add it all up, and the team will be improved from 2011, but not much so.
NFC North
1.) Chicago Bears 12-4 (2) (MY LOCK OVER 8.5)
The Bears are the first of two teams that were 7-3 last season before losing their starting QB. Both teams I have playing each other in the Super Bowl. As for the Bears, I think every offseason move they have made has been really good. I love getting Brandon Marshall. He and Jay Cutler were one of the most dynamic young QB-WR combos in the NFL in their day. I love the drafting of Alshon Jeffery. I love signing Michael Bush, who is much better as a back-up, pound-the-rock type than a feature back. I like going to Tice's schemes that will emphasize more protection for Cutler. That defense is still quite good if slightly old, so they better put it together this season. The team is easily good enough to clear the 8.5 wins on the over, and will challenge the Packers for the division.
2.) Green Bay Packers 11-5 (6) (UNDER 12)
The Packers won't go 15-1. They won't have a QB set a record for passer rating or throw 45 TDs to 6 INTs. That said, they won't have the worst pass defense of all time in terms of yards allowed either. The Packers are an interesting team. They weren't 15-1 good last season. Despite rarely trailing in the 2nd halves of games, they didn't really blow out a whole bunch of teams, and were totally one-sided. I have to think they turn into something between what they were in 2010 (a good offense and a great defense) and 2011 (a below average defense and an extremely efficient machine of an offense), which results into something like what they were in 2009 (a good but inconsistent defense and a great offense). That season resulted in an 11-5 season, and I think this one will too. There definitely will be some regression for the Packers, and in reality they were more of a 12-4 or 13-3 team last season, so 11-5 seems about right. As for the over/under, picking any team to win 13 games (the OVER in this case) is pretty insane.
3.) Detroit Lions 7-9 (UNDER 9.5)
In many, many cases, this is the life cycle of a team. Year 1: surprise playoff berth. Year 2: fall back to earth and miss the playoffs. Year 3: reach their true level and make the playoffs once again. This is what happened to the Belichick Patriots from 2001-2003, or the Walsh 49ers from 1981-1983. I have a feeling this will happen to the Lions in 2012. It is important to remember that after a 5-0 start, the Lions finished the season 5-6. Stafford almost definitely will not throw for 5,000 yards, and their running game is barely any better. Their defense is about the same. Ndamukong Suh might go back to the level he showed as a rookie, and that D-Line is still pretty ferocious. However, if the d-line doesn't get home, the Lions have little in the secondary to stop guys like Rodgers and Cutler from feasting on them. They still have a really, really bright future, but as for their present, it isn't all that sunny.
4.) Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (UNDER 6)
I feel bad that Leslie Frazier will most likely get fired after a desolate season, but the Vikings should bottom out. They finally decided to commit to a QB in 2011, but seemingly overdrafted Christian Ponder (Joe Webb is still the most exciting backup in the league, though). With Peterson possibly starting the season slow, and migraine-prone Percy Harvin the only good receiver, the Vikings offense is probably among the worst in the NFL. As for the defense, well, they still have Jared Allen, but with the Williams Wall deroding and the backend getting worse and worse, the Vikings have one of the worst defenses in the NFL as well. Good luck for Vikings fans, though, is that Matt Barkley is sitting out there, a glimmering prize. Hope is a good thing.
NFC South
1.) Atlanta Falcons 10-6 (3) (OVER 9)
They might actually be better than a 10-6 type team, but that is what a tough division and matchups against the good NFC East and underrated AFC West will do to you. The Falcons biggest offseason move was getting the best off-man corner in the NFL in Asante Samuel, who will combine with Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson to form the best corner trio in the NFL. The pass rush needs to get better. Ray Edwards can't possibly have a worse year in Atlanta in 2012 than his year in 2011, so that is a good sign. As for the offense, they are among the most consistently good offenses in the NFL. They will rarely be great, but they have a player that could be great in Julio Jones. His increased production should replace what could be decreased production from Tony Gonzalez (of course, Gonzalez is a mythical figure that might never decline). The Falcons will be fine, and stand to gain a lot from the Saints mess, and should reclaim the division as the pendulum of the NFC South swings Atlanta's way again.
2.) New Orleans Saints 9-7 (UNDER 10)
Here is another team that will in no way match the offensive numbers they put up in 2011. There is no way Brees will get close to 5,400+ yards, or the team with 7,700 yards on offense. And yes, quite a bit of this has to do with the loss of Sean Payton. He perfectly connects with Brees and that is now broken. I seriously think the loss of Payton will have a large effect on that team. The defense might improve with Spagnuolo, but the Saints don't have the horses up front that the Giants or even the Rams (Chris Long, Robert Quinn) had. The guy on the Saints who had the most sacks in 2011 was Roman Harper. He's a safety, and having a safety lead the team in sacks isn't a good thing. An offense that will most certainly get worse, and a defense that might not improve as much as most people think with no coach or even backup coach for six games equals a disappointing season in every way.
3.) Carolina Panthers 7-9 (UNDER 7.5)
It is babysteps for the Panthers in 2012. There is a chance they have a Lions from 2011 type surge up to playoff contention, but I think that defense is still far away. The Lions at least had a really good pass rush going for it on that side of the ball. Plus, Cam's rookie year is probably not repeatable. The team in general is still firmly in the right direction, and I like Ron Rivera as a coach, but the team still has too many holes. The good part, though, for Panthers fans is that they will still be among the most fun and entertaining mediocre teams in the NFL. That is life with one of the best young QBs in the game and a defense that can't stop anything.
4.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (UNDER 6)
Call me the opposite of a true believer of a team that is getting hype mainly because of going on a Free-Agent signing spree and hiring a Belichick Apostle. Yeah, those things are proven ways to succeed in the NFL, aren't they? I have no idea why Greg Schaino is still able to live off of one great season six years ago, but it is ridiculous how many people assume he will be a good NFL coach. Also, Vincent Jackson was perfect for Philip Rivers and that Norv Turner offense. I have huge doubts about how well he will play for Josh Freeman in this offense. Carl Nicks is a safer pick, but still, one player does not a line make. I still have questions about Freeman, who's great play in 2010 was mainly based off an unsustainable interception rate. This team had one of the worst stretches in NFL history late in the season and we are ready to just forget about that because of signing a college coach?
NFC West
1.) Seattle Seahawks 9-7 (4) (OVER 7)
I made the statement in my 10 predictions piece, and I stand by it. The Seahawks are a good bet to win that division. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL, led by one of the NFL's best secondaries, with tall corners Mike Sherman and Brandon Browner, and good young safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Their offense has a young o-line and one dynamic receiver who is finally, supposedly healthy. They also have a top-5 running back from 2011. Add it all up, and the Seahawks look like a perfect team to make it back to the playoffs. They are another team in the rise, and I feel happy for Pete Carroll, who has gotten far too much derision for merely average results in New England. By the way, this is also a pretty good lock to go OVER the projected 7.
2.) San Francisco 49ers 9-7 (UNDER 10)
I still like them long term. That defense is quite amazing, but what was arguably more amazing is that the 49ers barely had anyone get hurt last year. No way is that happening again. I don't really like their moves at receiver, as they brought in two guys that are more #3's to add to a receiving corp that still is not any good. I do like the pickup of Brandon Jacobs to take some of the heat of Frank Gore, who is close to running into the ground by this stage. Alex Smith has weapons, but I still think that he will throw some more interceptions. At the end of the day, there is no way the 49ers will be that healthy, or have a +28 turnover differential again. Those things will regress back towards normal, and the 49ers will too, at least for a year.
3.) Arizona Cardinals 6-10 (UNDER 7)
The Cardinals are a talented team without a head, and I think that is felt more this season than last because of drawing the AFC East and NFC North, as well as the Eagles and Falcons in intra-division games. The o-line is even worse this year than it was last year, and the team already won some extremely unrepeatable games under John Skelton. I have a feeling that John Skelton is what his statistics were and not his record. The defense still has pieces, but their age at key positions as well as lack of depth in the secondary. The Cardinals are a decent team, and if they actually get a franchise QB, they have the talent to win 10 games. That's probably why they should've gotten Peytao.
4.) St. Louis Rams 4-12 (UNDER 6)
Oh the sad, sad Rams. Did you know that the Rams set a record for the worst record over a 5-year span. I think they will get a little better, but the Rams are barely any better than they were a year ago. The defense could go either way, and the offense still is devoid of any receiving talent or offensive line talent. I love Steven Jackson, but his time is probably running out as a premier running back in the NFL. He can only do so much. The Rams will take some time to grow, and I hope that ownership gives Jeff Fisher the chance to make it happen, but it will be a long, slow process.
Projected Playoffs
1.) Giants 13-3
2.) Bears 12-4
3.) Falcons 10-6
4.) Seahawks 9-7
5.) Eagles 11-5
6.) Packers 11-5
Wild Card Playoffs
(3) Falcons over (6) Packers 28-21
The Falcons are in a good position to beat this Packers team. They have the secondary to slow down the Packers offense, and the Packers defense cannot come close to rushing the passer to the level they were in 2010.
(5) Eagles 27 over (4) Seahawks 14
The Seahawks are a good team, but they are not really on the Eagles level. The Eagles have the quick, speedy receivers that could give the Seahawks' secondary problems, while the Seahaws don't really have the receivers to give the Eagles secondary issues.
Divisional Playoffs
(1) Giants over (5) Eagles 23-17
A close game between two divisional rivals. This furthers the comparison between the 2008 season, as the #1 seed Giants laid an egg in the divisional round against the Eagles. This time, they don't lay a total egg, and beat the Eagles for the 2nd time in three weeks.
(2) Bears over (3) Falcons 27-16
The Bears are the perfect team to beat Atlanta. They have a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. The Falcons probably won't be able to get a good run game going against the Bears, and I don't like their team playing an outdoor playoff game in January.
NFC Title Game
(2) Bears over (1) Giants 24-21
The Bears do to the Giants what the Giants did to the Packers and 49ers in their playoff runs. The Bears will have a tough time blocking the Giants front, but I just like this matchup for the Bears for some reason. I don't think the Giants will be able to consistently move the ball against a Cover-2 team like the Bears.
1.) New York Giants 13-3 (1) (OVER 9)
After winning the 2007 Super Bowl, the Giants started 2008 11-1. They were the best team in the NFL entering December, but Plaxico Burress decided to carry a gun in sweatpants into a club (and have Michael Bloomberg make an example of Plaxico). The Giants this season could easily follow everything that the 2008 Giants did, other than the nightclub shooting part. The 2008 Giants were better than the 2012 Giants at only three units: linebacker, o-line and running back. The 2012 Giants have a better secondary, d-line, receivers and, most importantly, Quarterback. The Giants should be fine in 2012, and they are flying slightly under the radar. That over under is ridiculously low. The Giants are closer to the team that finished 6-0 than the team that started 7-7.
2.) Philadelphia Eagles 11-5 (5) (OVER 10)
Oh, the Eagles. The "dream team" might actually have a season much closer to a dream in 2012. The Eagles defense came on strong late in 2012 under, yes, Juan Castillo. Without Samuel, the Eagles can get to more straight bump-press man coverage schemes that should work better. Their d-line is still beastly. As for the offense, for some reason, I think DeSean Jackson will actually try this year. He really wanted that contract, and did nothing to earn it, so maybe he will go the other way from the many people who played hard to get the contract and did nothing after. Sure, Vick getting hurt is always a risk, but Nick Foles looks a lot more competent than Vince Young. Overall, the Eagles could easily win this division if the Giants slip, but either way, trusting the Reid-Vick duo was not a complete mistake by Jeff Lurie.
3.) Dallas Cowboys 7-9 (UNDER 8.5)
The Cowboys are close to falling apart. Jason Witten's spleen is about to explode, and so is the Jerry World Machine in Dallas. Miles Austin is still gimpy and Dez Bryant is being babysat like a three year old. The whole thing just seems like a mess. Add in a defensive coach who thinks way too highly of himself and his abilities, and a secondary that still has no safety help, and this team probably wouldn't match what they did a year ago. Their offense is still good enough to stay competitive, but a tough schedule with the NFC South and AFC North will not make life easy in a fight to beat last years 8-8 record.
4.) Washington Redskins 6-10 (UNDER 6.5)
Why does anyone think the Redskins defense is any good? I really want to know, because I have heard this theory that RGIII could have a good rookie season due to a good defense, but here's a nice trend line: 296-336-377-367. Those are the points allowed total over the past four years for the Redskins, starting with 2008 and ending with 2011. That defense is old. They have three young players that are quite good in Orakpo, Kerrigan and Carriker, but guys like Hall, Fletcher, and Cofield aren't getting much younger. As for the offense, because this is Mike Shanahan they probably will still have a good running game, but RGIII doesn't have the best of receiving weapons. Add it all up, and the team will be improved from 2011, but not much so.
NFC North
1.) Chicago Bears 12-4 (2) (MY LOCK OVER 8.5)
The Bears are the first of two teams that were 7-3 last season before losing their starting QB. Both teams I have playing each other in the Super Bowl. As for the Bears, I think every offseason move they have made has been really good. I love getting Brandon Marshall. He and Jay Cutler were one of the most dynamic young QB-WR combos in the NFL in their day. I love the drafting of Alshon Jeffery. I love signing Michael Bush, who is much better as a back-up, pound-the-rock type than a feature back. I like going to Tice's schemes that will emphasize more protection for Cutler. That defense is still quite good if slightly old, so they better put it together this season. The team is easily good enough to clear the 8.5 wins on the over, and will challenge the Packers for the division.
2.) Green Bay Packers 11-5 (6) (UNDER 12)
The Packers won't go 15-1. They won't have a QB set a record for passer rating or throw 45 TDs to 6 INTs. That said, they won't have the worst pass defense of all time in terms of yards allowed either. The Packers are an interesting team. They weren't 15-1 good last season. Despite rarely trailing in the 2nd halves of games, they didn't really blow out a whole bunch of teams, and were totally one-sided. I have to think they turn into something between what they were in 2010 (a good offense and a great defense) and 2011 (a below average defense and an extremely efficient machine of an offense), which results into something like what they were in 2009 (a good but inconsistent defense and a great offense). That season resulted in an 11-5 season, and I think this one will too. There definitely will be some regression for the Packers, and in reality they were more of a 12-4 or 13-3 team last season, so 11-5 seems about right. As for the over/under, picking any team to win 13 games (the OVER in this case) is pretty insane.
3.) Detroit Lions 7-9 (UNDER 9.5)
In many, many cases, this is the life cycle of a team. Year 1: surprise playoff berth. Year 2: fall back to earth and miss the playoffs. Year 3: reach their true level and make the playoffs once again. This is what happened to the Belichick Patriots from 2001-2003, or the Walsh 49ers from 1981-1983. I have a feeling this will happen to the Lions in 2012. It is important to remember that after a 5-0 start, the Lions finished the season 5-6. Stafford almost definitely will not throw for 5,000 yards, and their running game is barely any better. Their defense is about the same. Ndamukong Suh might go back to the level he showed as a rookie, and that D-Line is still pretty ferocious. However, if the d-line doesn't get home, the Lions have little in the secondary to stop guys like Rodgers and Cutler from feasting on them. They still have a really, really bright future, but as for their present, it isn't all that sunny.
4.) Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (UNDER 6)
I feel bad that Leslie Frazier will most likely get fired after a desolate season, but the Vikings should bottom out. They finally decided to commit to a QB in 2011, but seemingly overdrafted Christian Ponder (Joe Webb is still the most exciting backup in the league, though). With Peterson possibly starting the season slow, and migraine-prone Percy Harvin the only good receiver, the Vikings offense is probably among the worst in the NFL. As for the defense, well, they still have Jared Allen, but with the Williams Wall deroding and the backend getting worse and worse, the Vikings have one of the worst defenses in the NFL as well. Good luck for Vikings fans, though, is that Matt Barkley is sitting out there, a glimmering prize. Hope is a good thing.
NFC South
1.) Atlanta Falcons 10-6 (3) (OVER 9)
They might actually be better than a 10-6 type team, but that is what a tough division and matchups against the good NFC East and underrated AFC West will do to you. The Falcons biggest offseason move was getting the best off-man corner in the NFL in Asante Samuel, who will combine with Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson to form the best corner trio in the NFL. The pass rush needs to get better. Ray Edwards can't possibly have a worse year in Atlanta in 2012 than his year in 2011, so that is a good sign. As for the offense, they are among the most consistently good offenses in the NFL. They will rarely be great, but they have a player that could be great in Julio Jones. His increased production should replace what could be decreased production from Tony Gonzalez (of course, Gonzalez is a mythical figure that might never decline). The Falcons will be fine, and stand to gain a lot from the Saints mess, and should reclaim the division as the pendulum of the NFC South swings Atlanta's way again.
2.) New Orleans Saints 9-7 (UNDER 10)
Here is another team that will in no way match the offensive numbers they put up in 2011. There is no way Brees will get close to 5,400+ yards, or the team with 7,700 yards on offense. And yes, quite a bit of this has to do with the loss of Sean Payton. He perfectly connects with Brees and that is now broken. I seriously think the loss of Payton will have a large effect on that team. The defense might improve with Spagnuolo, but the Saints don't have the horses up front that the Giants or even the Rams (Chris Long, Robert Quinn) had. The guy on the Saints who had the most sacks in 2011 was Roman Harper. He's a safety, and having a safety lead the team in sacks isn't a good thing. An offense that will most certainly get worse, and a defense that might not improve as much as most people think with no coach or even backup coach for six games equals a disappointing season in every way.
3.) Carolina Panthers 7-9 (UNDER 7.5)
It is babysteps for the Panthers in 2012. There is a chance they have a Lions from 2011 type surge up to playoff contention, but I think that defense is still far away. The Lions at least had a really good pass rush going for it on that side of the ball. Plus, Cam's rookie year is probably not repeatable. The team in general is still firmly in the right direction, and I like Ron Rivera as a coach, but the team still has too many holes. The good part, though, for Panthers fans is that they will still be among the most fun and entertaining mediocre teams in the NFL. That is life with one of the best young QBs in the game and a defense that can't stop anything.
4.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (UNDER 6)
Call me the opposite of a true believer of a team that is getting hype mainly because of going on a Free-Agent signing spree and hiring a Belichick Apostle. Yeah, those things are proven ways to succeed in the NFL, aren't they? I have no idea why Greg Schaino is still able to live off of one great season six years ago, but it is ridiculous how many people assume he will be a good NFL coach. Also, Vincent Jackson was perfect for Philip Rivers and that Norv Turner offense. I have huge doubts about how well he will play for Josh Freeman in this offense. Carl Nicks is a safer pick, but still, one player does not a line make. I still have questions about Freeman, who's great play in 2010 was mainly based off an unsustainable interception rate. This team had one of the worst stretches in NFL history late in the season and we are ready to just forget about that because of signing a college coach?
NFC West
1.) Seattle Seahawks 9-7 (4) (OVER 7)
I made the statement in my 10 predictions piece, and I stand by it. The Seahawks are a good bet to win that division. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL, led by one of the NFL's best secondaries, with tall corners Mike Sherman and Brandon Browner, and good young safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Their offense has a young o-line and one dynamic receiver who is finally, supposedly healthy. They also have a top-5 running back from 2011. Add it all up, and the Seahawks look like a perfect team to make it back to the playoffs. They are another team in the rise, and I feel happy for Pete Carroll, who has gotten far too much derision for merely average results in New England. By the way, this is also a pretty good lock to go OVER the projected 7.
2.) San Francisco 49ers 9-7 (UNDER 10)
I still like them long term. That defense is quite amazing, but what was arguably more amazing is that the 49ers barely had anyone get hurt last year. No way is that happening again. I don't really like their moves at receiver, as they brought in two guys that are more #3's to add to a receiving corp that still is not any good. I do like the pickup of Brandon Jacobs to take some of the heat of Frank Gore, who is close to running into the ground by this stage. Alex Smith has weapons, but I still think that he will throw some more interceptions. At the end of the day, there is no way the 49ers will be that healthy, or have a +28 turnover differential again. Those things will regress back towards normal, and the 49ers will too, at least for a year.
3.) Arizona Cardinals 6-10 (UNDER 7)
The Cardinals are a talented team without a head, and I think that is felt more this season than last because of drawing the AFC East and NFC North, as well as the Eagles and Falcons in intra-division games. The o-line is even worse this year than it was last year, and the team already won some extremely unrepeatable games under John Skelton. I have a feeling that John Skelton is what his statistics were and not his record. The defense still has pieces, but their age at key positions as well as lack of depth in the secondary. The Cardinals are a decent team, and if they actually get a franchise QB, they have the talent to win 10 games. That's probably why they should've gotten Peytao.
4.) St. Louis Rams 4-12 (UNDER 6)
Oh the sad, sad Rams. Did you know that the Rams set a record for the worst record over a 5-year span. I think they will get a little better, but the Rams are barely any better than they were a year ago. The defense could go either way, and the offense still is devoid of any receiving talent or offensive line talent. I love Steven Jackson, but his time is probably running out as a premier running back in the NFL. He can only do so much. The Rams will take some time to grow, and I hope that ownership gives Jeff Fisher the chance to make it happen, but it will be a long, slow process.
Projected Playoffs
1.) Giants 13-3
2.) Bears 12-4
3.) Falcons 10-6
4.) Seahawks 9-7
5.) Eagles 11-5
6.) Packers 11-5
Wild Card Playoffs
(3) Falcons over (6) Packers 28-21
The Falcons are in a good position to beat this Packers team. They have the secondary to slow down the Packers offense, and the Packers defense cannot come close to rushing the passer to the level they were in 2010.
(5) Eagles 27 over (4) Seahawks 14
The Seahawks are a good team, but they are not really on the Eagles level. The Eagles have the quick, speedy receivers that could give the Seahawks' secondary problems, while the Seahaws don't really have the receivers to give the Eagles secondary issues.
Divisional Playoffs
(1) Giants over (5) Eagles 23-17
A close game between two divisional rivals. This furthers the comparison between the 2008 season, as the #1 seed Giants laid an egg in the divisional round against the Eagles. This time, they don't lay a total egg, and beat the Eagles for the 2nd time in three weeks.
(2) Bears over (3) Falcons 27-16
The Bears are the perfect team to beat Atlanta. They have a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. The Falcons probably won't be able to get a good run game going against the Bears, and I don't like their team playing an outdoor playoff game in January.
NFC Title Game
(2) Bears over (1) Giants 24-21
The Bears do to the Giants what the Giants did to the Packers and 49ers in their playoff runs. The Bears will have a tough time blocking the Giants front, but I just like this matchup for the Bears for some reason. I don't think the Giants will be able to consistently move the ball against a Cover-2 team like the Bears.
