Ten & Six With Mike Otto - Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens (Plus Picks!)

Everything is purple...

Well hello again, football fans!  Welcome back to Ten & Six!

The Minnesota Vikings dispatched with the Chicago Bears in overtime last week, hurting their draft position while giving Minneapolis yet another reason to look down on Chicago.

This week the Vikings head to the Chicago of the East Coast, Baltimore, to take on the underachieving Baltimore Ravens in a game that is likely to be forgotten by everybody who watches it withing two day of its completion.

Mikey, what do we have to look forward to Sunday?

I had a feeling the Vikings would find a way to pull this one out one way or the other. Did anyone else notice they were on their way to another loss until Christian Ponder and Chris Cook both made unceremonious exits from the game?

Lots of noticeable improvements/ positive trends to take away from that game. Erin Henderson didn't play a single snap, that's got to sting. It actually makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and no, that's not the beer talking. Audie Cole had another impressive game, and this coaching staff/front office should feel really stupid for not letting him see the field until now.

Much more on the good, the bad and the incredibly embarrassing with our Vikings later. Right now it's time to delve into some league picks! Let's go!

Indianapolis (8-4) at Cincinnati (8-4) 

Andrew Luck has had a very up and down sophomore campaign. He was the only guy to beat the Seahawks, who look like the best team in the NFL. He has also had some games slip away that the Colts win if he shows up. Against a stiff Bengals defense, I don't see little Lucky coming out on top. Bengals win 20-13.

Cleveland (4-8) at New England (9-3)

The Patriots aren't good enough to get it done this year. Not when playoff time rolls around. They just don't have enough weapons this year, and Tom Brady isn't going to be enough to get it done against a team like the Seahawks. He is, however, enough to get it done against the Browns. Pats win 31-17.

Oakland (4-8) at New York Jets (5-7)

What a garbage game this is going to be. It's still incredible to me that the Jets actually have 5 wins on the year, but I wouldn't be surprised if that was their total after the season ends. They have regressed to their disorganized, petty, bickering natural state and the world makes sense again. Raiders win 23-10.

Kansas City (9-3) at Washington (3-9)

The Chiefs finally had to play 3 good teams and the result wasn't unexpected: 3 straight losses. The Chiefs, I hate to say it, look like playoff one-and-dones. They will get back on the winning track this week, as they easily dispatch the suddenly dysfunctional Washington Redskins. A Mike Shanahan team, suddenly dysfunctional? SHOCKING. Chiefs win 23-13.

Atlanta (3-9) at Green Bay (5-6-1)

Sounds like little Rodgers' collar bone is still an ouchie-boo-boo-wah-wah so the Packers season can officially be flushed down the tubes. Matt Flynn didn't look so good facing any secondary that doesn't have Chris Cook in it, did he? Suffer, Packer fans, you all earned it. The lowly Falcons win one at Lambeau, 28-16.

Buffalo (4-8) at Tampa Bay (3-9)

Larger than life Toronto mayor Rob Ford was at the Bills game last week doing what he does best: eat chicken wings. Suddenly the Bucs are winning games and that's terrible for Bucs fans because it means Greg Schiano won't be going anywhere come year's end. Terrible. Bucs win 26-17.

Miami (6-6) at Pittsburgh (5-7)

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin got fined 100K for his sideline interference on a Thanksgiving Jacoby Jones punt return. Tomlin was just getting into the spirit of giving. As in giving 100 thousand dollars to charities of Roger Goodells' choice. What a nice man. His Grandma must be proud. Ryan Tannehill has looked good in recent weeks. It won't last. Steelers win 19-10.

Detroit (7-5) at Philadelphia (7-5)

This should be quite the matchup. King of the Jungle vs. King of the Skies.

Nick Foles hasn't thrown an interception all year, to go along with a not-too-shabby 19 TD's. That performance has earned him a WHOLE 2 hours of video games a day from his mother and legal guardian, Nicole Foles. Nicole Foles took it in some holes and out pooped what would grow to be Philadelphia Foles. Enjoy the run Nick, it never lasts in Philly (ask Dononvan McNabb). Eagles win 38-31.

Tennessee (5-7) at Denver (10-2)

You suck Tennessee! Nobody likes you! You're an ugly shaped state that smells weird, but not the "old barbeque" weird. I'm talking the "how many dead people are in that house?" weird. Your coach is an idiot. Your quarterback is a pussy whose bones seem to be made of fine china. Fuck you, Tennessee, I'll never get the last 6 sentences back. Broncos win easy, 33-20.

St. Louis (5-7) at Arizona (7-5)

The Rams are terrible. What a waste of an NFL franchise. Really, I'd be prepared to write off all of St. Louis if it weren't for that arch and Nelly. This is either where the Cardinals season stays on the path to the postseason, or where they tank and win maybe one more game all year. They'll be OK this week. Cards win 23-20.

Seattle (11-1) at San Francisco (8-4)

The Niners won't be able to beat the 'Hawks this year. No way, no how. I hate Pete Carroll. He was a cheater at USC, and he's running a team of cheaters now. Seeing his smug face saddened is all I hope for on Sundays. Unfortunately it's only happened once this year. Not going to happen this Sunday. Gold Coast Harbaugh will give Carroll's squad a run for their money but fall short. Seahawks win 26-24.

New York Giants (5-7) at San Diego (5-7)

Tom Coughlin, you 85 year old bastard you! I feel good about myself every time I see you whining on the sideline to the refs. In your opinion, has your team ever committed a penalty? It seems like they haven't. Nobody likes an elderly crybaby. Seeing old people whine is like seeing an infant balance a checkbook, it's just not right. Chargers win 30-23.

Carolina (9-3) at New Orleans (9-3)

Should be the game of the week. If Cam and the Panthers can go into the Superdome and win they will cement themselves as a threat in the playoffs. I'm still a little skeptical. Their defense is playing out of their minds. If they regress at all, I don't think Cam and the Panthers offense can pick up the slack. Drew Brees won't have a second bad game in a row. Saints win, 28-20.

Dallas (7-5) at Chicago (6-6)

This is it Romo. It's December. You win all these games, you're in the playoffs with a home game, you falter even once, and the Eagles will gladly take your spot. Do I trust history? Or do I believe in Romo? History? Romo? History?? Romo?? History. Bears win 23-21.

On to the main event!

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-8-1) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-6)

The Vikings season long QB carousel continues! This week Matt Cassel will get his latest shot at the starting job and will no doubt give it his best effort. I've always thought Cassel gave the Vikings the best chance to win, while Ponder gives them the best shot at the 1st overall pick in the NFL draft.

I guarantee you if Ponder doesn't get knocked out of that game against the Bears the Purple would have lost by at least 10. He was holding the ball way too long and getting sacked once a possession as a result. It's painful to watch Ponder try to run an offense. Every time he drops back I get nervous and expect the worst. I thoroughly hope Ponder has started his last game as a Viking, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. This coaching staff and front office has disappointed me so often this year with head-scratchers and bonehead calls, nothing would surprise me.

How does Josh Freeman fit into all this? I have no fucking clue. I'm not sure anyone does. The only real answers to that question would have to come from Rick Spielman himself, and they would more than likely make me a dangerous combination of angry and sad. It's best I don't think about it at all. With that said, lets look at some positive(s) and negatives from that win over the Bears. As always the positive(s) first.

Positive(s):

-Robert Blanton  The had-hitting backup safety was at his aggressive best in that game. He was even put in the nickel package playing man to man against the Bears slot receiver and performed well. I'd like to see Blanton start alongside Harrison Smith when he returns from injury.

-Audie Cole  Played another great game at MLB and will get the start there again this week vs. the Ravens. He just missed an interception in the 1st quarter where he read McCown's eyes and got to the right spot. When the Bears ran the same play later in the game, he tipped a pass and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Vikings. Erin Henderson has never had a game like that.

-Adrian Peterson  ALL DAY 10K! AP went over 200 yards and became the third fastest running back to 10,000 yards rushing. The scary thing is, you could tell his groin was still bothering him, he lacked his usual burst in the open field. He might have broke his own single game record if he was 100%. Crazy. What a beast!

Negatives:

-Pass Blocking  The only way to pass the ball behind the offensive line this year is with 3 step timing routes. It seems like anytime a Vikings QB has tried a 5 step drop to let something develop downfield, he ends up on his back. Granted that QB has usually been Christian Ponder, so it's hard to tell exactly who sucks and when, but the O-line just hasn't been as good as expected. In fact they have been middle of the road at best in terms of pass protection. Step up! Jerks.

-Chris Cook  I haven't seen a Vikings cornerback look this consistently bad since Ramos McDonald. That is not good company to be lumped in with. The frustrating thing about Chris Cook's game is he's usually in decent position to make a play on the ball, but can't locate it or understand when to turn his dumb head around. He has good coverage, and is position to make a play, yet never has. He won't be on the team next year.

Three Keys To A Vikings Victory

Key #1: Feast On The Complacency

The Ravens won the Super Bowl last year and it seems as thought they are still on their parade route through downtown Baltimore. Amazingly, only two Ravens players got stabbed during that parade last winter. These reigning champs have been coasting through this year. The last thing any Vikings players coasted through was a happy hour at the local muni. So lets take full advantage of the Super Bowl hangover!

Key #2:  Make Flacco Earn That Outrageous Paycheck

No doubt about it, this dude is one overpaid quarterback. Currently the richest man in the NFL salary wise, this dunce needs to have a target on his back. No easy drop-backs, no easy completions, make him wish he was home with the kid whose birth he missed to play the Browns. THE BROWNS! Seriously, if flying to Cleveland and playing the Browns is more important than witnessing the birth of your first son, you kind of deserve to die. Just saying.

Key #3:  Get The Rock To The Beast Adrian Peterson

This is the second year in a row that opposing defenses seem just a little too tired to contain AP come December. The man has a bigger tank than anyone in the NFL. I don't care who he is, a safety who has played every game this year wants nothing to do with All Day in the open field. The enemy is weak. The battering ram is strong. Try and stop him.

Two Matchups To Watch:

Matchup #1:  Xavier Rhodes vs. Jacoby Jones

Xavier has been busy covering the opponents best wide receiver in recent weeks and the good news is he has been rising to the challenge. He rarely gets burned for large gains (10+ yards) and when he does he makes a tackle immediately. He has displayed above-average ball awareness, breaking up a few passes he had no business doing so. Although he has yet to tally an interception, he has been a step away a couple times. Those instincts will come, and Flacco has been known to throw a couple floaters out to the flat, this might be the rookie's week.

Matchup #2:  The Elements vs. The Vikings

With the final Metrodome game looming and ground broken on the new stadium, the Vikings must face the prospect of 2 years at TCF Bank Stadium, and with that comes the rain, sleet and snow. The Vikings will have to do their best mailman impression and perform regardless of the conditions the next few years. With the prospect of freezing rain at game time in Baltimore, the Vikings will get a good look at what they will face frequently during home games the next 2 years. Pass this test, and it will bode well for the transition years that the team will soon face.

Mike's All-Purpose Flour Lock Of The Week

Matt Cassel, quarterback, YOUR Minnesota Vikings

Matty Cassel is going to make the most of this latest, greatest opportunity and match Joe Flacco drive for drive en route to 250 yards passing and 2 TD's

Final Takes

Playing the defending champs in their own house is no easy task even though they are 6-6. Factor in the nasty weather predicted for kickoff on Sunday and the Vikings are going to have their hands full.

Don't be surprised if early turnovers stall Viking drives and lead to Baltimore points. That ball is going to be cold and slippery and whichever team avoids costly turnovers will come out on top. Unfortunately, I don't like the Vikings chances to win the turnover battle in poor conditions. I think the Vikings will have some fumble issues, particularly from the wide receivers.

The Vikings will make this one close, but lose it in the 4th quarter in typical dopey fashion. 

Final Score

Minnesota Vikings: 20
Baltimore Ravens: 26

There you have it, Vikings fans!  Another tough week in a season of tough weeks.  Wrap yourself up in a blanket, make some hot chocolate, watch Audie Cole & Adrian Peterson, and thank your lucky stars you don't have to go outside for a few hours.

For more Mike Otto be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  The line between sad & entertaining runs awfully thin on a Sunday.  He can also be found right here on Newest Industry contributing to our Trendsetting column.

For more Newest Industry be sure to give us a follow on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1) to stay up on the work being done by all of our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Trivial as it seems, stopping by and giving us a "Like" is a free & legitimate way to support the blog.   

Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Super Bowl Sunday!

I catch the beat runnin' like Randy Moss...

Well hello once again, football fans!  Super Whore Bowl Sunday is finally upon us!

It's been a long season, but we're finally here.  After a week off for rest, we're honored to be joined by great football mind Michael Otto.  If you doubt his credentials, check the web for another pigskin prognosticator who picked the Vikings to finish 10-6.

This year's Super Bowl (as you may have heard) features the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens.  They are coached by two brothers separated by 15 months (Jim & John Harbaugh).  There's also a Vikings connection to this year's game, with the Ravens suiting up ex-Vikes Matt Birk & Bryant McKinnie and a certain greatest wide receiver ever suiting up for the 49ers, the one, the only, Randy Moss.

Mike's been reading his scouting reports and breaking down game film all in an attempt to predict how this year's game will play out.

So, Michael, thoughts?

Randy! Randy! Randy! Randy!

It's the Super Bowl, homeboy!  This is Ten & Six!

For the first time ever, the NFL will have blood brothers John & Jim Harbaugh facing off against each other's respective teams in the biggest football game of the year.  I think the Harbaugh Bros should switch sides before the game and see if anybody notices the difference.  Ray Lewis would be overheard muttering (through uncontrollable sobs), "That don't smell like our Harbaugh."

In another NFL first, Norv Turner and his brother Glorv Turner became the first brother tandem to run the train on Dan Snyder during Super Bowl weekend.

(Editor's Note: That may not be true.  Then again, Glorv is an enabler...)

The Ray Lewis Farewell Tour has reached its conclusion.  Will he dance and cry off into the sunset?  Or will he be forced to ride home in the trunk of his buddy's car, head hung in shame, suit stained with the blood of his opponents?  Let's not forget, Ray already has a Super Bowl ring, while another aging former superstar on the other sideline, Randy Moss, does not.

Randy is trying to get his first ring and this might be his last chance to do it as a starting wide receiver.  I'll be rooting for Harbaugh West and Randy Moss come Sunday.  Ray Lewis and Haurbaugh East: you can't simply stab your way into everyone's heart.

Three Keys To A Ravens Victory:

Key #1: Force turnovers

You have to find a way to negate Colin Kaepernick's incredible athletic ability and the best way to do that is to force the kid into some mistakes.  He's essentially a rookie quarterback playing in the Super Bowl.  Even though he didn't show any nerves against the Falcons it's very possible he will have some jitters come Sunday.

If the Ravens can force a couple of interceptions or fumbles they'll be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come Sunday night.

Key #2: Bend but don't break

The Niners are going to move the ball between the 20's, they simply have too many weapons not to.  If the Ravens defense can hold the Niners to field goals it will be much easier for Joe Flacco to take control of the game through long, methodical drives that end in touchdowns.

I don't think the Ravens can win a shootout against the Niners, so it will be important to keep the score relatively low in the early going.

Key #3: Feed the ball to Ray Rice

The Niners have lost games this year when their opponents play more physically and win the battle in the trenches.  The Ravens need to hand the ball to Ray Rice.  They need to throw it to him.  Pitch it, flick it, nip it, hit it!  All of it to "Ruh-Roh!" Ray Rice.

Boss the Niners Front 7 around a little, get them on their heels early in this game, and the tide will undoubtedly turn in the Ravens favor.

Three Keys To A Niners Victory:

Key #1: Unleash Colin Kaepernick!

The Niners have the most electrifying player in the NFL.  Harbaugh West needs to put the young man in a position to succeed based on his superior athletic ability.  There's no point in complicating things now.  A relatively simple offensive scheme coupled with Kaepernick's impressive size, speed, & downfield vision have got the Niners this far and you best the ride the horse that got you here.

Key #2: Spread the ball around

The Niners have the unique advantage of 5 solid options for running or receiving success on any given play.  Between Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore, one is bound to be open.  On the off chance they are all covered, Kaepernick can take off and burn you all by himself.

Very few teams can put 5 players on the field at the same time who must all be accounted for.  The Niners need to play to that strength to spread the Ravens defense out and keep them off balance.

Key #3: Perform a pagan ritual sacrifice before kickoff

The football gods must be satisfied!  Blood must be spilled!  Heads must be ceremoniously lopped off! Stick to the books and sacrifice the douche-iest current figure in all of sports.

Sorry, Joe Buck, but you had a good run.  You rode your father's coattails to the pinnacle of sports announcing and now we need that head.  Come over here and help me sharpen my machete, Joe.  We want that head to come off with one clean lop.

Lopping off Joe Buck's head on live TV will come in at #2 on the "Most Disgraceful Acts In Sports" list, right behind Randy Moss fake mooning the Lambeau crowd.  You made the scale, Joey, we're just trying to live by it.

If the Niners can successfully sacrifice Joe Buck during pre-game warm-ups it would go a long way toward their victory.

Three Matchups To Watch:

Matchup #1: Randy Moss vs. Ed Reed & The Top Of The Defense (and the rest of the world)

Let's face it, it's always had the feeling of Randy vs. The World and he performs his best when he realizes that.  Randy Moss has always had a chip on his shoulder and he's never claimed to be a humble man when it comes to football.  Anyone who is "shocked" to hear Moss proclaim himself, "the greatest receiver of all time" hasn't followed Randy's career too closely.

Whether you think Randy Moss or Jerry Rice is the greatest of all time doesn't matter because there's only one of them playing on Sunday.  I'm truly going to enjoy watching what I consider the best wide receiver of all time running down the sideline stride-for-stride with Ed Reed, who, by the way, I consider to be the best safety of all time.

Matchup #2: Joe Flacco vs. "The Elite Club"

Flacco has stood on the doorstep of greatness for a couple of years now, yet has never gotten too far from the curb of failure.  The man has had to face constant doubt from pundits and fans, yet handled all of it in stride.  Such is the life of a good-but-not-great (yet) NFL quarterback.

If Flacco wins on Sunday he will have proven himself as elite, he will have silenced the haters, and finished this chapter in the NFL history books.

Matchup #3: The Battle Of Jimmy & Johnny Harbaugh

You can't talk about this Super Bowl matchup without talking about the Har-Bros facing off against each other.  This isn't just about bragging rights for the rest of their lives, but about bragging rights for generations to come!

Just think, 150 years from now Jim Harbaugh VII will be facing off against John Harbaugh VI on an episode of Maury over who is the father of little Barbella IV (Yes, Maury is still alive 150 years from now).  I can hear it now - "My daddy beat your daddy back in the day, so we all know I have the winning sperm!  That's my baby girl!"

(Also, yes, in an odd turn of events, would-be fathers actually want to be that babydaddy 150 years from now.  The future's a scary place, people.)

Yes, a lot is on the line in New Orleans on Sunday, least of all the Lombardi Trophy.  An entire generational lineage hangs in the balance, along with the rights to bang future societal outcast Barbella III and create the 4th coming of Barbella Christ Turner.  Errr.... Go Niners!

Mike's All-Purpose Flour Lock Of The Week:

Pull your #84 jerseys out!  It's gonna be a fun ride!

I'm thinking Randy Moss adds a Super Bowl winning TD to his resume this weekend.

"Everone's wondering whether Moss gonna come out today.  Moss, are you gonna come out today?" 

Well Randy, you showed us all throughout your entire career just what your intentions were.  Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, A.J. Green... they all follow the Moss model.  The man modernized how defenses play game-breaking wide receivers.  Hell, he created the game-breaking wide receiver.  The old man has one more big game in him.

Stat Line: 106 yards, 1 TD

Final Takes

The Ray Lewis Farewell Tour is doomed.

If this were the Falcons or Packers I would say the Ravens probably win this game, but this Niners team is a monster and they are clicking on all cylinders.

Quite simply, there are very many different scenarios in which I can imagine the Niners winning this game.  There are very few scenarios in which I can picture a tearful Ray Lewis hoisting the Lombardi Trophy above his head one last time.

The Ravens will have to play a perfect game to win.  Are they capable of that?  Yes.

Will it happen?  No.

Final Score:

San Francisco 49ers: 31

Baltimore Ravens: 23

Well there you have it, football fans!  The 2012 NFL season ends with Randy Moss cradling the Lombardi Trophy!  One can only hope.

For more of Mike Otto be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  He can also be found right here on Newest Industry taking on the biggest stories of the week in our Trendsetting column.  He owns a #84 Vikings jersey.

Newest Industry also has a home on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1).  Give us a follow to stay up on the work being done by all of our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Stopping by and giving us a "Like" is a free & legitimate way to support the blog. 

Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Conference Championship Weekend

If you gon' do it, do it just like this...

Well hello again, football fans!  Welcome to the penultimate week of NFL action!

It's Conference Championship Weekend!  Or, as it's known to Vikings fans, the weekend we get our hearts broken and fall back off the wagon.

This year, however, binge drinking came early for Vikings fans.  Among them, your host and great football mind Mike Otto.  Even though the Vikings season has been over for a couple weeks, Mike is still watching the NFL with a keen eye for the subtle advantages and a broad eye for potential jokes.

As such, Mike has compiled a 2-6 record for this year's playoffs.  That's pretty shabby.  Fortunately, what Mike lacks in postseason performance he makes up for with sheer, stubborn determination.  Aiming to get his record as close to .500 as possible, he's back to tell us how each team could punch their ticket this Sunday and which teams he thinks might actually get the job done.

Mikey, we realize this is traditionally a tough week for you, but we'll get through it together.  Thoughts?

Whew!  That was quite an exciting divisional round!

Pete Carroll's true colors (the color of failure?) finally shown through when he learned that you never ice the kicker.  It's a freaking Matt Bryant!  Always be on a Matt Bryant fucking up.

Russell Wilson is the real deal and, in my opinion, has done enough to take the Rookie Of The Year trophy away from Bob III and little Andy Lucky.

Peyton Manning had the 2nd words QB performance of the weekend, edging only Matt Schaub (who unquestionably regained his title as one of the "Worst Of The Best" NFL quarterbacks).

Matt Ryan may have saved Mike Smith's job with his final minute drive by taking full advantage of a Seahawks defense that, for some inexplicable reason, was blitzing.  Major fail all around for the Seahawks coaching staff in that final minute.

It all reminded me of the early 2000's Vikings play calling ineptitude... so many memories.  I wonder what Ramos McDonald is doing right now?

(Editor's Note: Mike lapses into this sentiment once or twice a week.  Frankly, he should probably just Google Ramos McDonald at some point.)

The "Ray Lewis Farewell Tour" moves on!  Who knows if Ray killed anyone?  Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, the point is he got away with it, and that's all that really matters in America.  It's not illegal unless you get caught!  Good for Ray.  O.J. made the mistake of committing his murders after his playing days, forfeiting the opportunity to run his way back into our hearts.

Ray had 17 tackles in the Ravens big win, so even though he might not be able to get sideline-to-sideline (or state-to-state in a trunk) like he could when he was young, the man still has game.

Colin Kaepernick was the best athlete on the field for any team last weekend.  The Packers had no answer for him and the Niners read-option offense.  Black Irish made the Packers defense look ugly, slow, and stupid for the majority of the game.  If the young QB had two more games like that one in him the Neners are going to be Super Bowl champs.

If you're wondering, former Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel's Divisional weekend highlights included watching Blade Runner and eating at the Taco John's off the interstate.

My picks went 1-3 again last week, leaving me at an ugly 2-6 for the playoffs after my 174-100-1 regular season performance.  Time to right the ship!  Let's make a couple picks!  And, just to change it up, let's make them winners!

(#2) San Francisco at (#1) Atlanta

Why the Niners could win:

They have the best pure athlete left in the playoffs with Captain Kaepernick.  This kid cn kill you with his cannon arm or his gazelle-like stride.

Michael Crabtree's stepped his game up to an All-Pro level ever since Kaepernick took over.

Frank Gore might be getting older, but he's still a bruiser who fights hard for every yard.

And don't forget Vernon Davis (whose production drastically dropped after the quarterback change), who I think is due for a big game.

Randy Moss wants a second chance at a Super Bowl win.  Never forget what he can do with the proper motivations.

The Falcons nearly crapped the bed last week and they seem to still have trouble closing teams out.

Why the Falcons could win:

The Dirty Birds have home-field advantage.

Matt Ryan seems to have finally gotten over his annual playoff choke-fest.  When he's playing confident football, watch out.  Matty Ice is easily one of the most cerebral QB's in the game and he's on the short list of guys who could pick apart the Niners secondary.

Doesn't football just kind of owe a Super Bowl trip to Tony Gonzalez?  I think so.

Mike Smith is a football icon, a bastion of knowledge and football intelligence in this league.... OK, just kidding about that last part.

Who I think takes it:

Colin Kaepernick is going to do some more of that bicep kissing in this one.  I just don't see enough speed on the Falcons defense to hang with Captain Kaepernick.

Matt Ryan is good, but he's not a dual threat.  The Falcons run game overall is hit or miss.

Just too much to overcome for the Falcons one week after barely escaping with a win against the Seahawks.  Niners win 31-23.

(#4) Baltimore at (#2) New England

Why the Ravens could win:

I underestimated the emotional boost this squad is getting from Ray Lewis.

The Ravens deserved to win that game against the Broncos last week and actually made Peyton Manning look average at times.  If you can fluster Peyton, you might have a chance at rattling Tom Brady's cage.  Ruffle his feathers!  Steal his Man Uggs!  Do whatever it takes to get that little bitch shakin' in his gender-neutral boots.

The Ravens were one terrible touchdown drop (shout out to Lee Evans!) away from beating the Patriots and punching their ticket to the Super Bowl last year.  There's no reason to think they can't take the final step this year.

Joe Flacco is playing well right now and he is they main reason they beat Peyton.  If he can match Tom Brady's offensive output on Sunday the Ravens will win.

Why the Patriots could win:

It's Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in the playoffs.  They are both attention craving monsters.  They have an insatiable hunger that can only be quelled with Super Bowl championships.  It's just hard to bet against two madmen so obsessed with greatness that they have done (and continue to do) anything to win.

I generally dislike the Patriots, but I think Brady wants this one bad.  He sees it, it's right there for him.  He may be a pussy, but he's the best quarterback in the league.

Who I think takes it:

As excited as I am about the possibility of a Harbaugh Bowl, I just don't see the Ravens pulling this out.  Tom Brady has the Ravens defense's number and that is going to be too much for Joe Flacco and Rice Ray to counter.

(Editor's Note: Yup, "Rice Ray.")

Turn back the clock 5 years on Ed Reed & Ray Lewis and the Ravens win this game.  The boys are going to be a step slow on Sunday and it's going to cost them.

Ravens will keep it close all game, but the Patriots will edge them in the end 34-27

Don't worry, Ravens or Falcons fans.  After all, I am 2-6 in these playoffs, so your squads will probably win this weekend.  Good luck to all!! The Packers are DEAD!!  WOOOOOO!!!!

There you have it, folks, "Wooooo!!!!"  Strong words.  Strong words from a strange man.

For more of Mike Otto's commentary on the NFL and pseudo-upscale Lyndale eateries, be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  We promise, something's always winding him up.

Newest Industry also has a home on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1).  Give us a follow to stay up on the work being done by all of our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Stopping by and giving us a "Like" is a free and legitimate way to support the blog.  We can't go state-to-state like we used to either.