Tuesday, September 18, 2012

NFC West = NFL's Best Division?

       
          We've heard the sports media brainwash fans into believing the NFC West has been the weakest division for years. The division has participated in three NFC Championships and two Super Bowls since 2005. Seattle Seahawks versus Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 proved to be a shame as the referees completely botched what was the Seahawks first time participating in the Super Bowl. Then in 2010 the Steelers and Cardinals put together possibly the best Super Bowl performances in NFL history.  Those who criticized the history and tradition of the NFC West since 2002 is sadly mistaken. This is the division of the 5x Super Bowl Champion 49ers and the St. Louis Rams "Greatest Show on Turf" historic football teams led by All Pro legends and NFL Hall of Famers. 

            Now let's take the history bundle it up and package it with the now, take a deep look at the NFC West and you will find the NFL's hardest hitting division. Yes, the Steelers and Ravens rule the defense of the recent past but those days are diminishing and the 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals represent the new wave of NFL defense. Cardinals defensive "Red Storm" is loaded with talent ask Tom Brady and the fans in New England how many New York Giants Super Bowl flashbacks they had in week two as Darnell Dockett was breathing down Brady's neck. Have a conversation with Jerry Jones and Tony Romo about how the Cowboys only managed 7pts in their week two trip to the Great Northwest. Challenge the Seahawks uniquely built secondary and find out why their called the "Legion of Boom". Travel North to Wisconsin and find out what the cheeseheads think of the San Francisco 49ers after week one "They Are Who We Thought They Were". Patrick Willis led the NFL's best defense versus the potent offensive weapons of Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers and left a trail of melted Velveeta at Lambeau Field. 


            You heard of East Coast versus West Coast bias in the media and the NFL well here's the truth. 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals have three f the best and most gifted defenses in the NFL. Don't think for one second teams from the NFC South, NFC North and NFC East are going to come West of the Mississippi River and blow out candles at CandleStick Park, march into Arizona and steal water out of the dessert or visit Seattle and quiet the 12th Man. New Orleans Saints quest for a Super Bowl repeat died in Seattle 2011 buried beneath the rubble of the greatest NFL run in history and the Saints haven't recovered. The New York football Giants played the real 2012 Super Bowl in San Francisco and still thank St. Francis for a overtime miracle fumble. Like Cam Newton (2011), Robert Griffin III suffered his first NFL lost to a NFC West team falling to the St. Louis Rams in week two after plowing through the Drew Brees and the Saints in week one. 


            In the NFC West if you want to play in a shootout play the Rams besides that welcome to the new "Red and Blue Division". Welcome to the NFC West last one out turn the lights off, or you will be leaving in a casket your choice. Come hard or don't come at all it's a new season.

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

AFC 2012-2013 Playoff "Predictions"

At JMC Sportsbook we believe in "Just Making It Count".Last season we predicted the Baltimore Ravens to gain track and make it to the Super Bowl. Our "Chrystal 8 Ball" was one game and a TD drop away from seeing those predictions come to fruition. This season we are looking into our "Chrystal 8 Ball" one more time, lacing up our boots, putting on the hard hat and going out on the limb by bringing you are 2012-2013 AFC playoff picture.

I know it's early but what's a prediction if we wait until mid-season? Waiting until week 10 is not a prediction its common sense. We don't have to wait and see if the Houston Texans are real contenders or if last season was a fluke. I am not waiting for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to set the world on fire with deep passes to Brandon Lloyd. Look you deserve predictions and real possible outcomes you want to know who's hot and who's going to fall of the face of the earth before it happens. Did JMC Sportsbook not believe in young cubs Andy Dalton and AJ Green to only see them flourish into hungry Bengals in Cincinnati?

So here's the "Chrystal 8 Ball" hopefully it's not broken or in need of a refund. By the way our 8 Ball is made in America not in China like some of that other stuff....

1.) New England Patriots: Tom Brady coming off his second Super Bowl defeat to Eli Manning and the New York Giants has t be seething at the opportunity to see football Sunday's again. Bill Belichick the ultra competitive coach "some's to competitive" can't wait to dissect team defenses with Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez and Ron Gronkowski. Patriots hampered by injuries and lack of concentration "Brady to Welker" dropped a golden opportunity to win their 4th Super Bowl since 2001. In 2011-2012 NFL season the schedule is soft and I mean"Charmin soft". Patriots face only four playoff teams from last season and 17-0 is not out of the picture. Prediction:14-2

Key Home Games: 

Oct. 7th vs. Denver

Dec. 10th vs. Houston

Dec. 16th vs. San Francisco

Key Away Games:

Sept 23rd @ Baltimore

Sept 30th @ Buffalo

2.) Houston Texans: Possibly the most powerful offense "West of the Mississippi" led by a monster pack at the running back position Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for over 2,000 yards last season. Look for the pair to repeat and Arian Foster to cement himself as the best RB in the NFL. Texans defense ranked 3rd against the (189.7) and 4th against the rush (96.0) the lost of DE Mario Williams will not deter the Texans from posting similar defensive stats in the 2012-2013 season. Texans drafted two Defensive Ends in the 2012 NFL Draft Whitney Mercilus (1st Rd) and Jared Crick (4th Rd.). The only question which is huge for the Texans is health can Andre Johnson play a full season without injury and can Schaub stay up right in the pocket and away from the doctors office? Prediction: 12-4

Key Home Games: 

Oct 14th vs. Green Bay

Oct 21st vs. Baltimore

Key Away Games: 

Sept 23rd @ Denver

Dec. 10th @ New England

3.) Cincinnati Bengals:The young Bengal cubs shocked 99.9% of NFL experts with a successful 2011-2012 season after cutting and pawning off Terrell Owens and Ocho Cinco (Chad Johnson). The Bengals watched Carson Palmer walked away as rookies Andy Dalton and AJ Green took over for Cincinnati. The young'ns picked up the slack and performed greatly of course that was with Cedric Benson providing 1,067 rushing yards but the Law Firm "Jarvis-Green Ellis and assoc." should provide equal to greater value than Benson 2011. Bengals defense was top 10 against both the pass and the rush and expect that unit to duplicate those numbers in the AFC North. Due to Cincinnati's easy schedule we have the Bengals pegged to surprise again and win the AFC North. Prediction: 10-6 yes, fearless!!

Key Home Games:

Oct 21st vs. Pittsburgh

Dec. 30th vs. Baltimore

Nov. 11th vs. New York (Giants)

Key Away Games:

Sept 10th @ Baltimore

Dec. 23rd @ Pittsburgh

4.) San Diego Chargers: San Diego Chargers have the best first half schedule in the AFC. No, I don't believe the Chargers are better than the Broncos but sometimes the best team doesn't always win the division. Take a long look at the Broncos schedule and you will see why the Chargers are pegged to win the AFC West and why 9-7 might be the call. Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates are still in powder blue and bolt yellow. The growth of Malcolm Floyd into a #1 receiver is tremendous and the Chargers 6th ranked passing game will continue even with the shipping out and departure of Vincent Jackson.  Ryan Mathews is a young up and coming RunningBack but albeit with some health concern issues. The defensive line should be improved with (1st rd.) DE Melvin Ingram out of South Carolina added to the lineup. Honestly the AFC West is a throw up and the Chargers have the best schedule... Prediction: 9-7

Key Home Games: "all of them"

Key Road Games: "ditto"

5.) Buffalo Bills: The turnaround of the year award goes to the Buffalo Bills. Bills have more defensive and offensive weapons flying under the radar and the signing of Mario Williams with a friendly schedule makes them scary. Remember Buffalo opened their 2011 campaign 4-1 defeated the New England Patriots 34-31 in week 3 while Fred Jackson rushed for over 110 yards in four out of the first six regular season games. That Buffalo team eventually went on a long losing streak in the middle of the season but Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jackson gave the Buffalo fans hope and in 2012 that hope will pay off. Expect Buffalo defense to improve with addition of Mario Williams who signed a new deal worth $100 million. Bills pass D was ranked 28th last season. Prediction: 11-5

Key Home Games: 

Sept 30th vs. New England

Key Road Games:

Oct 7th @ San Francisco

Nov. 4th @ Houston

Nov. 11th @ New England

6.) Pittsburgh Steelers: The question for the Steelers coming into the 2012-2013 season is can they stay healthy? Steelers open the season with health concerns haunting starting runningback Rashard Mendenhall. Also Steelers Linebacker and defensive James Harrison is deal with a nagging knee issue and rookie Guard David DeCastro is with an unfortunate knee injury as well. Steelers come into the season beat up but lucky their schedule offers some breathing room. The schedule gives the terrible towels a early season bye week (4) and their top ranked pass defense is still alive. Under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley expect Ben Roethlisberger to air out the football to reliable targets Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown. For once offense will be the call in Pittsburgh as the defense and terrible towels hold serve. If the O-Line can heal expect the Steelers to make a run in the AFC North. Prediction: 10-6

Key Home Games: 

Nov 18th vs. Baltimore

Dec 23rd vs. Cincinnati

Key Away Games:

Sept 9th @ Denver

Oct 21st @ Cincinnati

Nov 4th @ New York (Giants)

Dec 2nd @ Baltimore

Note: Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens are AFC mainstays how can you deny teams with leaders Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis? Then you look at the team schedules and you shake your head. The Bronco's schedule is the equivalent of a "rich trying to get into heaven" of finding a needle in a haystack. Baltimore Ravens schedule is horrendous and with tough divisional rivals Bengals and Steelers the season is not a cake walk Terrell Suggs get healthy soon. I heard the rumors of the Titans but I don't trust them Steve Fisher is gone to St. Louis and I don't think they make it after a huge coaching change over and a first time season starting QB.


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Monday, September 3, 2012

NFL: NFC 2013 Playoff Predictions


As the famous quote say's "Are You Ready For Some Football"? It's the end of summer the days are getting shorter and the sounds of fans cheering on their favorits past time fills the air.  Whispers of another exciting NFL season is being heard around the corner. NFL analyst and talk show radio hosts are putting together their seasonal outlooks and predictions of another great NFL season is starting to take shape.
This is the time of year @JMCSPORTSBOOK likes to analyze the upcoming season as well. Last season we were off, I admit it we pegged the NY Giants as 2011-2012 playoff observers, sitting at home watching the Eagles soar to the top of the NFC East. Well the Eagles flopped and the Giants turned into the G-Men of New York City. Winning their second Super Bowl and defeating the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
This season the NFC is loaded with a list of talented Quarterbacks beginning with Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees desperately seeking their second Super Bowl appearance. Ultra talented and electric is Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers offense with the resurgence of Steve Smith at Wide Receiver and the health of the dual headed Running Back core of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. The partnership of Quarterback Jay Cutler and Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall brings an aerial attack to the rough and rugged style of the Chicago Bears (thanks Philbin) and the "Monsters of the Midway" at Soldier Field. 
Defense is the call in the NFC West where last seasons surprise 49ers boast what could be the NFL's best defense with Linebacker Patrick Willis. Travel North and we run into the Puget Sound where Head Coach Pete Caroll has amassed possibly the most talented secondary in the league led by Free Safety Earl Thomas.  
So what's the predictions for this season's NFC playoff race, who has the chance to be this years new kid on the block (49ers). What former Super Bowl Quarterback will bring their franchise back to the top? In a league where an average of  5 playoff teams from the previous season fails to make the playoffs annually here's the "Magic 8 Ball" for the 2012- 2013 NFC playoff picture.
1.) San Francisco 49ers: This defense is elite Patrick Willis and Defensive End Justin Smith head the NFL's most talented defensive unit. Offensive additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham serve as new weapons for shaky Quarterback Alex Smith. Vernon Davis showed his still a top notch Tight End after being relegated to blocking duties under former Head Coach Mike Singletary... Prediction 12-4                                                                          
Key Home Games: 
Sept 16th vs. Det, 
Oct 16th vs. NYG                                    
Key Road Games:
 Sept 9th @GB, 
Dec 23rd @Sea
2.) Green Bay Packers: Criticize Green Bay's last-place defense in the land of cheese all you want but Charles Woodson, Desmond Bishop and BJ Raji still lineup for the Packer defense and their first five 2012 draft picks were defensive players. A-Rod still has the controls of the Green Bay offense and they won't miss a beat with former offensive coordinator Joe Philbin departing to Miami. "Green Bay Packers still rule the NFC North"... Prediction: 11-5                                                              
Key Home Games: 
Sept 9th vs. SF,
 Dec 9th vs. Det,                                        
Key Road Games: 
Mon Sept 24th @ Sea,
Nov 25th @NYG, 
Dec 16th @Chi
3.) Atlanta Falcons: After last seasons miserable 2 -24 defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card will the Falcons bounce back? Questions have been raised about the competence of Matt Ryan to Rise Up in the playoffs. Despite four consecutive winning seasons the Falcons have not won a playoff gams since 2004. Falcons addressed several key areas of concern including the offensive line drafting Peter Konz out of Wisconsin to keep Matt Ryan cool as "ICE" in the pocket and the addition of Asante Samuel helps out a porous 2011 secondary. This could be Tony Gonzalez last hurrah. Prediction: 11-5                                                                                
Key Home Games: 
Sept. 30th vs. Car,  
Nov. 19th vs N.O.,
 Dec. 16th vs. NYG  
Key Road Games: 
Nov. 11th @ N.O., 
Dec 22nd @Det
4.) New York Giants: 2012 Super Bowl champions have arguably the best set of wide receivers in the National Football League Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz provide Eli Manning with a potent offense. David Wilson out of Virginia Tech was drafted with the Giants 2012 first round pick and looks dangerous coming out of the backfield at runningback or course Ahmad Bradshaw is the starter but Wilson still projects to get touches on this championship team. Osi Umenyiora's contract issues are over and the Giants defensive best rush is the best in the business. Giants play the leagues roughest second half schedule.... Prediction 9-7                                                                   
Key Home Games: 
Sept 5th vs. Dal,
Nov. 25th vs. GB,
Dec. 30th vs. Phi          
Key Road Games:
Oct. 14th @SF,
Dec. 16th @Atl, 
5.) Detroit Lions: Finally breaking through in their 2011-2012 seasonal campaign Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson team up again to wreck havoc on opposing secondaries. Stafford passed for 5,038 yards and 41 TD's shattering the Lions passing records for the most yards and touchdowns in a season. Megatron the receipients of 16 touchdown passes last season has become of the face of the franchise and the Lions are ready to become perennial playoff contenders. In contrast the Lions defense with the alway's notable Ndamukong Suh are looking to improve on defense after finishing 22nd (pass) and 23rd (rush) in the NFL. Prediction: 10-6                                                                       
Key Home Games:
Nov 18th vs. GB,
Dec 22nd vs. Atl,  
Dec. 30th vs. Chi      
Key Road Games:
 Sept 16th @SF,
Dec. 9th @ GB
6.) Seattle Seahawks: With one of the best homefield advantages in the NFL courtesy of the famed 12th Man the Seahawks are eager to prove that last seasons second half was not a fluke. Stacked with talent on defense Seattle is poised to become a top 5 unit. Safety Earl Thomas and the Seahawks secondary (3/4 2012 Pro Bowlers) are now being matched up front with a hungry defensive line. Rookie Quarterback Russell Wilson looked fantastic in pre-season games and looks to be the future, "no correct that" the now of the Seahawks and Pete Carrolls legacy. Marshawn Lynch is full "Beast Mode"  Sidney Rice and Braylon Edwards provide reliable targets... Prediction: 10-6                                                                                                
Key Home Games:
Sept 24 vs. GB,
Dec. 23 vs. SF                                      
Key Road Games:
 Oct 7 @ Car,
Oct 18 @ SF,
Oct 28 @Det,
Dec. 2 @ Chi
Note: Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears deserve special consideration their schedules are a little bit tougher and NFL playoffs only allows a total of 6 teams in the playoffs don't count them out . "Are You Ready For Some Football"???
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Also listen to Clenaure Carter U.S. Sports Correspondent on Israel Sports Radio http://israelsportsradio.com/      

Also check out Pro Sports Lives at http://www.prosportslives.com/ every Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST....