Super Bowl LIV (54) Analysis & Prediction

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#1 San Francisco 49ers (13-3) VS #2 Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)

I expect this one to be a close one. The 49ers led by arguably the best defense in the NFL VS. the Kansas City Chiefs whose offense is ranked 5th in points scored per game (28.2), and has the 5th most passing yards per game (281.1). Also you have to remember that the 49ers are #2 in points scored per game (29.9), and the #2 rushing offense in the league (144.1 per game). Even though the 49ers on paper have the better offense, to me the Chiefs clearly are the better team on offense. This is a tough game to decide because of all the talent in this one, so let’s break it down into which team has the advantage at each position.

QB: This one is pretty obvious, the Chiefs clearly have the better QB in Patrick Mahomes. Garappolo certainly isn’t bad, in fact he is an above average QB, but he just doesn’t compare to Mahomes.

QB advantage goes to the Chiefs

Running Backs: This one is also pretty obvious, the 49ers have the better running game led by that triple threat in Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, and Raheem Mostert. We saw last week what happens if the 49ers can rely on the run game to win. We will likely see Kyle Shannahan lean on the run game

RB advantage goes to the 49ers

Receivers: This one is about as even as it gets. The 49ers and Chiefs both have arguably the best Tight Ends in football. The 49ers have more options than the Chiefs at receiver. However I think the Chiefs have the better options with Tyreek Hill, who is the fastest player in the league, and arguably the best TE in Travis Kelce.

Receivers advantage goes to the Chiefs

Total Offense: I have to go with the Chiefs on this one, they simply have the better weapons. The 49ers do have more viable options, but I gotta go with the Chiefs.

Defense: Across the board, this goes to the 49ers. The 49ers clearly have the better defense. The Chiefs defense may be a little above average, but it doesn’t compare to the 49ers.

Special Teams: Both teams have solid returners, so it ultimately comes down to who has the better kicker. I give this one to the 49ers with veteran Robbie Gould.

 

Final Score prediction:

Like I said earlier, this will definitely be close. Two great teams matching up with each other. The 49ers are the more versatile team as they are well above average in just about everything. However, in a huge game like this where one team doesn’t scream out to me, I have to look at who has the better QB. I’m taking the Chiefs to win this, obviously it could go either way, but I’ve gotta go with the Kansas City Chiefs to take home the Lombardi trophy and win Super Bowl 54.

Chiefs win 34-30

2020 NFL Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

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#6 Minnesota Vikings at #1 San Francisco 49ers

What a year the 49ers had, and this matchup has been a good one during the regular season. Expect this to be another great game. In my opinion the 49ers have the best defense left in the playoffs. The 49ers are very well coached, and can put some points up on the board. Also, they are one of the best running teams in the NFL. The Vikings coming off an impressive win against the Saints have a very good run defense. If they stop the run, I like the Vikings in this one. I just don’t believe in Jimmy Garoppolo to be able to throw the ball over 40 times and do it effectively. That’s what he will have to do if the Vikings shut down the run. The Vikings offense is capable of putting up big points. However their offense will struggle in this game. I think that this will be a close low scoring game. You have to go against the Vikings in this one, they have another road game against a top team in the NFC, although I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they did win. This was a tough call, but I have to go with the 49ers.

Score Prediction: 49ers WIN 20-17

 

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#6 Tennessee Titans at #1 Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are what many say the best team in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is the MVP frontrunner, and will play like that this game. The Titans only chance of winning this one is obviously if Derrick Henry has another sensational performance like he did last week against the Patriots. What I fear happening for the Titans is that the Ravens will jump out to an early lead. If that happens, the key for the Titans is to make sure they don’t abandon the run game. If the Titans are in a hole early, and have to throw a lot they will be in trouble. Now, don’t get me wrong, Ryan Tannehill has played as good as the Titans could have asked for him to play. He has been great since taking over for Mariota. However, I don’t see Tannehill being able to put up an incredible game and be the reason why the Titans win if they are down. Key for the Ravens is shutting down Henry, which is nearly impossible to do. The Titans identity is to run, so shutting the run down will result in an almost certain win for the Ravens. The Ravens offense is very hard to keep pace with, and they have a pretty good defense. I got the Ravens winning this one because I don’t see the Titans being able to keep up with the Ravens offense.

Score Prediction: Ravens WIN 37-20

 

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#4 Houston Texans at #2 Kansas City Chiefs

This should be a pretty good game. However, Chiefs to me have a clear QB advantage with Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs also have more weapons, they have the fastest player in the NFL in Tyreek Hill, the best Tight end in the AFC for sure Travis Kelce, and have decent running backs. The Texans do have a for sure top WR in the playoffs in Deandre Hopkins. Not to mention a healthy Will Fuller gives them a great receiving core that also includes speedster Kenny Stills. Deshaun Watson is also very hard for pass rushers to sack, since he is like a magician in the pocket. The key for the Texans to win this game is their offense has to play better in the first half. The Texans typically always struggle on their first drives of the game. Good teams like the Chiefs will be able to capitalize on the Texans lack of ability to produce in the first half of games. Also another key is to keep Mahomes off the field, win the possession battle. If they do those things against the Chiefs, they have a good chance of winning. However, I think that the Chiefs won’t allow them to do that with a much improved defense. Chiefs will head to the AFC championship round.

Score Prediction: Chiefs WIN 33-27.

 

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#5 Seattle Seahawks at #2 Green Bay Packers

Both of these teams have great QB’s. Aaron Rodgers vs Russell Wilson. This is a rematch of the 2015 NFC championship where the Seahawks won in OT after the Packers failed to recover an onside kick in regulation that would have iced the game. The Seahawks do have the presence of Beast mode, but are pretty thin at running back. Without the run game, the Seahawks still can win with Wilson under center. The Packers lack wide receiver depth as Davante Adams and Aaron Jones are the only people you can really trust in this offense. If the Seahawks double Adams and key in on the run, someone else on the Packers will have to step up besides Davante Adams. I don’t think that a team will break 30 points in this game, but it won’t be a defensive battle the whole way. I think this game with 2 very good and experienced quarterbacks in playoff games, it will come down to which defense can make a stop. Both QB’s are very hard to stop in the playoffs. Packers have the better defense in my opinion, and Za’darius Smith, the Packers linebacker, is an absolute beast and will get to Wilson this game. This game is pretty even, so I have to give it to the Packers at Lambeau field. Being at Lambeau field is just a huge advantage for the Packers. I think the Packers win this one 26-20.

NFL Top 10 – week 8

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  1. The New England Patriots (7-0)

The Patriots took full advantage of their easy schedule as they continue to dominate every team that they play. The Patriots defense has been absolutely incredible so far this year. The only improvement this team needs is to be able to drive the ball better offense. So far this year the Patriots have outscored opponents 223-48. They have scored 30 points in every game so far this year except for the game they played against the Bills. The Patriots will look to stay perfect against the Browns next week.

  1. New Orleans Saints (6-1)

Last week, the Saints absolutely shredded the Bears defense. The Bears have arguably the best defense in the league, and even without Drew Brees, the Saints were able to score over 30 points. Their defense did their job yet again. Latavius Murray had a huge game while filling in for the injured Alvin Kamara. He had over 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Also yet again Teddy Bridgewater continues to get the job done. With Teddy Bridgewater playing at this level the Saints may be able to ease the injured Drew Brees back. Next week they host the Arizona Cardinals.

 

  1. Green Bay Packers (6-1)

When the Packers offense is playing how it was the last game, they are one of the hardest teams to beat. Their defense continues to play at a high level, and Aaron Rodgers absolutely torched the Raiders defense going for 429 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and also adding a touchdown on the ground. If we can see that this game on offense wasn’t just a fluke, you may see this team rise even more in the power rankings. Next week the Packers will travel to Arrowhead against the Chiefs in a primetime Sunday night football game.

 

  1. San Francisco 49ers (6-0)

What an ugly game that was last week against the Redskins. Obviously the weather conditions were terrible, but the 49ers didn’t make much of an improvement. It is pretty hard to judge them off of that last game, but they did manage to win that game. In games like that, good teams will find a way to win. A game like that was up for grabs, and was a defensive battle all game. The best thing about this team is that the 49ers defense is the real deal. Next week the 49ers host the Panthers, and will look to bounce back offensively.

 

  1. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

Kirk Cousins has been absolutely on fire, and last game was no exception. After a slow start, he has been torching defenses left and right. The Vikings also have a top 3 RB in the league in Dalvin Cook. This team is such a good all around team, one week they beat you offensively and one week their defense will dominate or both. Adam Thielen did suffer a hamstring injury after a highlight reel touchdown, so hopefully he is alright. However, they shouldn’t need him this week going up against one of the worst teams, the Washington Redskins on Thursday Night football. Expect the Vikings to keep it going and go 6-2 heading into week 9.

 

  1. Kansas City (5-2)

They did lose Patrick Mahomes to injury, which obviously is a huge loss for them. However they have lots of weapons on offense and their defense isn’t great, but they do have some playmakers on defense. Last week against the Broncos, the Chiefs won 30-6, and really didn’t even need Mahomes to win that game. However if it is a shootout, I would be very worried about this team. Without Patrick Mahomes, I just don’t see this team winning any high scoring shootout type games. Next week they host the Packers, which will definitely be a test, but ultimately we will see what Matt Moore is made of.

 

  1. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

The Ravens just are coming fresh off of one of their best games of the year against Seattle. Playing against Seattle is tough to do. Playing them at home is very hard to win. The dual threat QB Lamar Jackson has proven that he is the better version of Michael Vick. That defense also game in clutch with 2 touchdowns. However, one of those touchdowns were basically given to them by DK Metcalf. This team should be able to cruise to winning the AFC North. Next week, the Ravens have their bye week.

 

  1. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)

This team took a tough loss at home last week against the Ravens. It was a rare home game where Russel Wilson didn’t play very good. The Seahawks defense also could not contain Lamar Jackson, although it is very hard to do. Before this week, the Seahawks looked like a top 5 team, but after this game it takes them outside of the top 5. Next week, they take on the 1-6 Atlanta Falcons in which should be a strong bounce back week.

 

  1. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

The Colts just came off a great week against the Texans last week. Their offense is rolling, and they got TY Hilton back from injury. Eric Ebron made the catch of the year. Their defense was making huge plays. A lot of things went right last week for the Colts. The only reason I have them at #9 is because I need to see a little more consistency. Next week they play the Broncos, and should have an easy win after seeing the Broncos struggles on offense.

 

  1. Buffalo Bills (5-1) 

So far so good for the Bills, but they haven’t played any good teams except for the Patriots (they lost to them). For the Bills to rise in the power rankings, I need to see their offense play better. Last week they played the Dolphins, so 31 points isn’t all that impressive. They lack offensive weapons, and I am not to sure about Josh Allen’s throwing ability. However their defense is one of the best, which is why they are even in the top 10. Next week the Bills have a little bit of a test against the Eagles. This game will decide whether or not they belong in the top 10.

NFL Week 7 – Top 10 Teams

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1. New England Patriots (6-0)

Through the first 6 weeks, the Patriots have beat every team they have played easily (except for the Bills). They are outscored their opponents by 142 points. Their defense has been dominant, and there offense has been good enough to get them to win 6 games in a row. On offense they at times struggle to move the ball down the field, but they have Tom Brady. When they played a good defense in the Bills, they were only able to put up 16 points. Other then that game, there offense has scored 30 or more points. Sure they haven’t had a real test yet, but the defending champs haven’t lost a beat since.

2. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)

You may think that this is a little high. The 49ers have absolutely dominated so far. If you don’t know yet, this defense is for real. The scary part about this team is that they are 5-0, and there offense hasn’t really gotten into a rhythm. I have faith in Jimmy Garoppolo, and he has played good enough to get them here. Most people didn’t see this coming, but I am not surprised at all by this 49ers team. Kyle Shannahan has done a great job with this organization, and will look to continue their success next week against the Washington Redskins.

3.  New Orleans Saints (5-1)

In my opinion, this team would definitely be #2 if Drew Brees was healthy. At the same time you have to give credit to Teddy Bridgewater. He has came away with 4 impressive wins in a row. Their defense did there job last week against the Jaguars as they beat them 13-6. This team has so many weapons on offense, and will be contending for being the #1 team on the list when Brees is back.

4. Green Bay Packers (5-1)

This defense has led them to 5-1 and have done a great job so far. This defense forced turnovers week in and week out. Last week they barely were able to beat the Lions on Monday Night football.  Some may say that Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been playing well this season. If you watched the games, he has known weapons on offense with Adams out. There were several drops last week, and an interception that hit off of Darrius Shepherd helmet. The concern with the Packers are there weapons on offense, they are very thin at wide receiver even with Adams back. There offense should eventually get it together, and their defense will continue to dominate. Next week they will look to improve to 6-1 going up against the Oakland Raiders.

5. Seattle Seahawks (5-1)

The Seahawks managed to rally back from last week’s game against the Browns. Russell Wilson has put up MVP numbers so far this year, and this team is on there way. The offense is rolling, however their No. 1 tight end Will Dissly will undergo season ending surgery on his achilles. That is definitely a big loss for the, but I wouldn’t expect it to slow down the Seahawks. This defense has done what is has to do. They have allowed a good amount of points, but they have done a good job in putting the Seahawks in a position to win. The Seahawks will look to keep it going a home against the Baltimore Ravens.

6. Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)

This team has been struggling over the past 2 games, There offense has been held under 25 points 2 games in a row. They lost 2 in a row, and should have lost to the Lions. However, this team has a very high ceiling. They just got there star receiver, Tyreek Hill back. He put up good numbers last week (5/80/2). The defense continues to be below average, but this team was never built around there defense. There offense will get it back together and make a huge rebound this week.

7. Houston Texans (4-2)

Deshaun Watson played a great game last week against the Chiefs, and led them to a win. This team offensively has so many weapons. They have a major deep threat in Will Fuller, and also a top 3 receiver in the league in Deandre Hopkins. Carlos Hyde continues to run with authority to boost this run game. Their defense isn’t bad, but they haven’t been playing particularly well. THis offense is capable of winning shootouts, which is why they are at number 7 on the list.

8. Minnesota Vikings (4-2)

This  offense has been rolling lately. Kirk Cousins is finally playing well, and Stefon Diggs finally broke out last week. Dalvin Cook had a bad week last week, but he has been spectacular this year. This defense proved yet another week that they are one of the best defenses out there. This is a very rounded Vikings team, and they will look to keep it going next week against the Detroit Lions.

9. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

The dual threat QB Lamar Jackson continues to perform well. The Ravens have been a very dangerous team on offense so far this year. Last week they gave Baltimore fans a scare, as they only were able to beat the Bengals by 6, and played on of their worst games of the year. Their defense did their job, and held the Bengals to 17. They do need to start playing better though, teams like the Bengals should be an easy win for this team. This week against the Seahawks we will see if this Ravens team can make a case as a top 5 team in the NFL.

10. Buffalo Bills (4-1)

The Bills defense continues to dominate every team. They have kept every single team they have played this year under 20 points. Really, their defense is why they are 4-1. There offense has had major struggles. Josh Allen hasn’t taken the next step forward, and they have no weapons on offense aside from maybe John Brown. Next week though they have a easy match up vs. the Miami Dolphins.

Washington Nationals April Report

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The Nationals finished April with a 16-9 record. The hitting in the first month has been great with 6 players batting .300 or more and Ryan Zimmerman has had a breakout April and leads the team with a .420 batting average and 11 home runs.  It will be hard for Zim to keep up this pace but if he does not get injured, he could be good all year.  Bryce Harper has also been great with a .391 batting average and 9 home runs.  I think Bryce could have another MVP season this year.  Daniel Murphy is also really good so far and is very consistent.  Adam Eaten was doing great as the leadoff hitter but had an early end to his season when he tore his acl running to first base.

The Nats starting pitching has also been good. Max Scherzer is always a cy young award candidate, Strasburg could be if healthy, Tanner Roark is a very good pitcher, who is very underrated and Gio Gonzales has been a great surprise not allowing more than 2 runs in any game.   Where the Nationals have really struggled has been in the bullpen. There bullpen ERA is over 5.50. They don’t have an established closer, or even a new closer. Blake Treinen looked ok in his first 2 games, but was hit hard and now was taken out of the closer role. Dusty Baker put shawn Kelley in the closer role, but he hasn’t established himself as a closer yet.  Shawn Kelley has been alright but is not a great closer. Other relievers have also struggled.

The keys for the Nationals to be great is for there bullpen to do there job, and for them to find out who they’re closer is, and for him to prevent the opposing team from scoring in the 9th inning.  The nationals really needed to get a closer before spring training but did not do that. They still can trade for a good closer.  There bullpen, and injuries are the only thing that can keep them from going to the world series this year. I think the Nationals can be the best team in the NL.  The Nationals have the best hitting in the league so far. They also have three guys in the top three for RBI’s (Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy. If Ryan Zimmerman can keep this up, the Nationals should definitely finish the year first in hitting.

If the Nats keep it up, I think they will finish the year 94-68. I think that the Nationals will go to the playoffs and they will make a run.  If the Nationals get there bullpen figured out, they can represent the National League in the World Series.