It’s Week 17 and that means there are way too many great topics to focus on just one in this week’s blog. So here goes…
Who wins the AFC West?
After winning 7 of 8 games and all the Tebowmania hype the Broncos find themselves in a win-and-you’re-in scenario. If you would have given them this option 11 weeks ago when they were 1-4, they would be ecstatic and falling all over themselves to take you up on the deal. But after losing the last two and all the Tebow critics nipping at their heels, you get the feeling they are reeling a little bit with the Kyle Orton-led Chiefs coming to the Mile High City. All that said, I still think the Tebow magic returns and the Broncos sneak into the playoffs as the AFC West champion.
Who wins the AFC North and a first-round bye, Pittsburgh or Baltimore?
In the AFC it will be the Patriots and the Steelers watching at home during Wild Card Weekend. I think the Steelers will beat the hapless Browns, while the Ravens get upset in Cincinnati, which would mean three AFC North teams in the postseason.
How about the NFC East?
I don’t trust the Cowboys, so I think it is the New York Giants representing the NFC East in the playoffs. This just feels like a game that Cowboys find a way to lose, plus I think while the Cowboys might be more talented physically than the Giants, I believe the Giants are mentally tougher.
Everyone loves Andrew Luck, but what’s Heisman-winner Robert Griffin III’s potential in the NFL?
I love the upside of RG3. He is not just a mobile QB who can throw, from what I have seen, he has a big time NFL arm. And it looks like he has all the intangibles as well to be the leader a franchise is looking for in the QB position. Just look how he has taken Baylor to a level they haven’t seen in a long time. I think he is off the board early and ends up having a very good NFL career.
Who’s the Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Easy – Cam Newton. What he has done as a rookie is amazing, especially when you consider how bad the Panthers were last year and that he had no off-season program to help him prepare.
What about the Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Aldon Smith of the San Francisco 49ers. The guy is a pure pass rusher who has dominated games at times this year for one of the top defenses in the NFL. He has 14 sacks, which is good any year and exceptional as a rookie.
Who’s the NFL MVP?
In a close race I would give it to Aaron Rodgers. He is playing the QB position as well as it has ever been played and has led his team to a 14-1 record. Drew Brees is close and probably should be the Offensive Player of the Year after breaking Dan Marino’s single-season passing record.
Who’s hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Indianapolis in February?
I can’t see anyone beating Green Bay at Lambeau Field in the playoffs. I know their defense is suspect, but I think they will get to Indianapolis and then I don’t see any of the AFC contenders stopping them on the turf indoors.
– Tony Boselli
Howard David and Tony Boselli will be on hand Sunday in Miami as the Jets try to keep their Wild Card hopes alive with a win against the Dolphins. New York needs a win plus a Cincinnati loss, a Tennessee lose (or tie) and either Denver OR Oakland to lose (or tie). Coverage begins at 12:30 PM Eastern on Westwood One Sports.
