In lieu of listing what we learned about Week 17, I'd like to reminisce again. I dove into the realm of nostalgia last week, recapping 2012! And now it's time to look back on the 2012 NFL Season! Time to have some fun, kids!
Here were my damn good predictions for the season back in September:
1. The Colts are my sleeper team and will make the playoffs.
They made the playoffs. I'm a genius. You're welcome.
2. The Jets' on and off the field drama will be too much to overcome.
And did it ever! There was so much drama I ran into the butt of a 300 pound man!
3. The Jaguars will be the worst team in the NFL.
Very, very close. Second worst behind Kansas City.
4. The Chargers will have another disappointing season.
4th and 29. That's all you need to know.
And now here are the predictions that made me look like a total idiot:
1. The Eagles and Lions will be the NFC Wild Card teams.
They both finished 4-12. Yikes. Make that two shots of Jack!
2. The Vikings will have another rebuilding year.
Adrian Peterson, coming off major knee surgery, carried this team to the playoffs. For that, he should be the unanimous choice for NFL MVP.
3. Russell Wilson starting over Matt Flynn? Really?
Wilson should win the Rookie of the Year. In a year where Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III get all the attention, Wilson put up some of the greatest numbers for a rookie quarterback in history.
4. Atlanta will finish third in the NFC South.
They finished with the #1 seed. But I was right about one thing. This is their make-or-break year. If they don't make the Super Bowl, much less win a playoff game, they may never win in the Smith/Ryan era.
Now, on to the first round preview:
Cincinnati at Houston
A rematch of last year's wild card game. Back then, Cincy snuck into the playoffs and seemed very happy to be there. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green's talents were raw, but the potential was there. One year later, they are wiser, more mature, and ready for prime time. And what better time to take it to the next level against an ice-cold Houston team? The Texans seemed destined for a #1 seed and a trip to NOLA a few weeks ago. Then they got killed in Foxboro. They got embarrased at home against the Vikings. Then they were outplayed by the Colts in a game they had to win to get a first round bye. They are as vulnerable as it can get right now. The temptation here is to pick the surging Bengals. But I believe the Texans will come into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Oh, and Matt Schaub, not T.J. Yates, is starting this game. It will come down to which quarterback doesn't make a fatal mistake. Houston in a close one.
Houston 27, Cincinnati 24.
Minnesota at Green Bay
A rematch of an amazing Week 17 regular season game at the Metrodome. Aaron Rodgers and co. are licking their chops not only after last year's playoff disappointment after a 15-1 regular season, but for missing out on an opportunity to clinch a first round bye. Adrian Peterson carried this team to the playoffs, falling nine yards short of the all-time single-season rushing record. To win this game, the Vikings need more Peterson magic. It may be too much to ask. It will be too much Rodgers and his million targets, and I believe the Packer D comes up with a big play late.
Green Bay 28, Minnesota 21.
Indianapolis at Baltimore
The only team in the postseason more vulnerable than the Texans right now is the Ravens. They finished the season 1-4. They fired Cam Cameron. Other than their win against the Giants last week, Joe Flacco has struggled. The Ravens have become a more offense-oriented team, and Flacco has not shown any signs of jumping to a higher level. Sure, they get Ray Lewis back, but will it help? As for the Colts, they are riding a wave of emotion into the playoffs, especially with the return of cancer-stricken coach Chuck Pagano. Andrew Luck is getting better by the week. And how much fun would it be to watch him go up against Peyton Manning in Denver during the second round? I say it happens. If the Colts can shut down Ray Rice, it will be a long day for the Ravens.
Indianapolis 30, Baltimore 20.
Seattle at Washington
Russell Wilson vs RGIII. The most electrifying of the rookie QBs. How much fun is this going to be to watch? RGIII carried the Skins to an NFC East title after a 3-6 start, and Wilson put up probably the best three weeks of quarterbacking by a rookie ever against Arizona, Buffalo, and the Niners. These two teams are evenly matched. Excellent quarterbacks, excellent RBs, and a solid defense and recieving corps. This game will come down to whichever team has the ball last. Call this one a toss up.
Seattle 20, Washington 17.
I may not be doing 5 Things, but I WILL give you my official Super Bowl pick. And no, this is not an overreaction. This is for real!
Denver vs Green Bay.
Coming later this week, my newest rant on the NHL lockout. Now that they are negotiating again, this week will be the final chance to salvage the season.
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