Conference Championship Preview

Only four teams remain in the journey to Super Bowl XLII and the quest for Lombardi’s trophy. The New England Patriots host the San Diego Chargers in Sunday’s first conference championship game, while the Green Bay Packers host the New York Giants in Sunday’s nightcap. As usual, vikings.com has a preview of each game along with a prediction.


San Diego Chargers (13-5) at New England Patriots (17-0)
Gillette Stadium
Sunday, 2:00 CT on CBS

The Patriots pursuit of perfection and the Chargers improbable run through the playoffs continue in Sunday’s early playoff matchup. New England staved off a tough Jacksonville team last week to reach this point while San Diego battled injuries and the unfriendly confines of the RCA Dome to upset the Colts.

This contest is a rematch of a game earlier this season, when the Patriots cruised to a 38-14 victory at home in Week 2. But, as New England coach Bill Belichick mentioned earlier this week, that game was too long ago to dwell on too much.

The key for San Diego will be their health. Three of their most important offensive players, LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), Philip Rivers (knee) and Antonio Gates (toe), are all banged up and their availability is vital. Tomlinson should be able to go, but both Rivers and Gates may be game-time decisions.

The Patriots offense will have to be especially sharp on Sunday if they are to out-play an athletic and talented defense. Randy Moss was held to just one catch for 14 yards last week against the Jaguars, but Tom Brady still went 26 of 28 in an MVP-like performance. A similar performance would be enough to put New England over the top, but it’s also important the running back Laurence Maroney remain an integral part of the game plan.

If Rivers is unable to go it will be backup Billy Volek who takes over the starting duties. Volek led the Chargers on a game-winning drive last week against the Colts. New England will try and get Moss more involved in this game to open up the running game and free up Wes Welker underneath.

Prediction: New England 27, San Diego 17


New York Giants (12-6) at Green Bay Packers (14-3)
Lambeau Field
Sunday, 5:30 CT on FOX

The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field will be very frozen when the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers take the field on Sunday evening. Game-time temperatures are expected to be in the single-digits, adding even more difficulty to the Giants task of winning their third straight road playoff game.

After wins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys on the road, the Giants find themselves one game away from the Super Bowl. Eli Manning has been playing better and the running tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw has been enough to put the offense over the top.

The Packers have benefited from outstanding play by quarterback Brett Favre, but the offense is also paced by former Giant Ryan Grant, who rushed for a team playoff record 201 yards and three touchdowns last week in the snow against Seattle.

Sunday’s game may come down to the defenses, and who can stop the run more effectively. Both teams boast an effective pass rush, but with the weather expected to be inclement, an efficient running game will be a premium. The Giants allowed an average 97.7 rushing yards per game in the regular season while the Packers gave up 102.9.

If the game comes down to which offense can make a play at the most opportune time, one would have to favor the Packers. Favre is having one of his best seasons and his receivers excel after the catch. But the Giants have defied the odds for two straight weeks and they will look to do the same this week at a frigid Lambeau Field.

Prediction: Green Bay 24, New York 17

2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year nominees

National Football League

Five first round draft choices make up this year's nominees for the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year award. WR Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs, RB Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills, RB Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, LT Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and LB Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers were this year's nominees.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com from 9 a.m. EST on January 3 through 6 p.m. EST on January 28 to determine the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year.

In addition, for the third year, NFL fans may cast their votes for the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year using phones with Sprint wireless service -- an opportunity available only to Sprint customers. This fast, convenient voting method involves texting the word PEPSI to short code 7777. Sprint customers will then receive an interactive text message that links fans to the ballot with the five finalists. Data and text messaging rates may apply.

The winner will be presented the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year award during a press conference in Arizona, the site of Super Bowl XLII, on Thursday, January 31, 2008.

The five finalists were selected for their outstanding performances throughout the 2007 NFL season. Each week, five nominees were chosen for Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL fans voted for the winner on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless. Those results were used to help determine the finalists.

This is Pepsi’s sixth year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the third year that Diet Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.

THE NOMINEES

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs first-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Bowe started in the final 15 contests of the 2007 season, totaling 70 receptions for 995 yards and five touchdowns -- tops among all NFL rookie receivers. Both his 995 receiving yards and 70 catches were the highest single-season marks by a rookie in Chiefs history. Bowe, who attended Louisiana State University, was nominated for six Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo Bills
Lynch led all NFL rookies with 280 carries this season (ninth in the league) and totaled 1,115 yards, first among AFC rookies.. After passing the 200-carry mark in Week 14, Lynch became the first Bills rookie running back to post 200 attempts since 2001. Lynch led the NFL in rushing attempts per game at 21.5 and finished fifth in the AFC and first among AFC rookies with an average of 85.8 yards per game. Lynch scored seven touchdowns throughout the season and exhibited his versatility by making 18 receptions for 184 yards. Lynch, who attended the University of California, was nominated for six Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning twice.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson shattered all Vikings rookie rushing records and set an NFL record for rushing yards in a game with 296 against San Diego on Nov. 4. Peterson led the NFC and was second in the NFL in rushing with 1,341 yards, a total that ranks as the second-most yards in a season in Vikings history. A threat as a receiver and a kick returner, Peterson amassed 2,021 combined net yards to rank second in Vikings history behind Herschel Walker's 2,051 in 1990. Peterson, who attended University of Oklahoma, was nominated for seven Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning three times.

Joe Thomas, T, Cleveland Browns
The third overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Thomas not only started every game of the season at left tackle for the Browns, but he played every single offensive snap. He was an integral part of the Browns revamped offensive line that allowed QB Derek Anderson to pass for 3,787 yards and throw 29 touchdowns. Thomas' effective blocking also allowed the Browns to gain on the ground, with RB Jamal Lewis rushing for 1,304 yards. Thomas was so effective in protecting the passer, that Anderson was sacked only 14 times, the third lowest in the NFL and the lowest among quarterbacks who played in all 16 games. Thomas, who attended University of Wisconsin, was nominated for one Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Willis led the NFL with 174 tackles this year, including 135 solo tackles, tops among all NFL players. Willis also totaled four sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovered fumble and five passes defensed throughout the season. One of his best games was against NFC South champion Tampa Bay when he recorded 20 tackles (12 solo), 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defensed. Willis, who attended the University of Mississippi, was nominated for five Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning four times.

Championship Weekend: Pats vs Bolts; Giants @ Pack

Here is your games for Championship Weekend. The winners here will meet in Superbowl XLII on Sunday, February 3, 2008. Have fun picking your winners and cheering on your favorite teams remaining in this season's bid for the Super Bowl.

AFC Championship: Sunday, January 20, 2008--3:00pm

(4) San Diego Chargers (13-5)

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(1) New England Patriots (17-0)

NFC Championship: Sunday, January 20, 2008--6:30pm

(5) New York Giants (12-6)

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(2) Green Bay Packers (14-3)

Bolts beat Colts; Giants hand Cowboys Playoff Loss

San Diego Chargers 28 Indianapolis Colts 24
The surprising San Diego Chargers took it to the Indianapolis Colts yesterday afternoon, as they defeated them 28-24 in a surprising upset. The Colts and Bolts traded off scoring all game, but it was San Diego who prevailed in the end when a Peyton Manning pass slipped through the fingers of Dallas Clark on the Colts final drive of the game.

The Indianapolis Colts scored first on a Peyton Manning pass to Dallas Clark to give Indianapolis an early 7-0 lead. Then the Bolts returned the favor with a touchdown of their own. Vincent Jackson took a 14 yard pass from Phillip Rivers to tie the game in the second quarter. Indianapolis would score on a field goal with 5:10 left in the half to take a 10-7 lead. The field goal was a 46 yard kick, off the foot of Adam Vineteri.

In the third quarter the Bolts would take their first lead of the game with a 30 yard pass from Phillip Rivers to Chris Chambers giving San Diego a 13-10 lead. The Colts would answer back with a touchdown of their own and another three point lead. Peyton Manning would find Reggie Wayne in the end zone for a nine yard strike to give the Colts a 17-14 lead. However, the Chargers would answer back before the end of the third quarter with yet another touchdown. Phillip Rivers connected with Darren Sproles for a 56 yard pass, and a 21-17 Bolts lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Colts would score first and regain the lead 24-21. Peyton Manning would hit Anthony Gonzales for a 55 yard strike. That would be Indianapolis's final lead. San Diego would then score on a one yard run from Billy Volek with 4:50 left to play in the game and give the San Diego Chargers a 28-24 lead. Manning and his Colts were unable to answer the call and the Bolts win.

San Diego will now play the new England Patriots for the AFC Title game and the right to play in Super Bowl XLII.

New York Giants 21 Dallas Cowboys 17
In an epic East Division rival, the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17. This was a typical game between two clubs that know each other very well and love to knock the other out of the playoffs.

The New York Giants were the first to strike, as Amani Toomer was hit for a 54 yard touchdown in the first quarter. The Dallas Cowboys would answer back with 14 unanswered points and look as if they may take control of the Giants. Tony Romo would find Terrel Owens in the end zone for a five yard pass to tie the game; and later Marion Barber would run in a one yard touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. The Giants would then answer with a touchdown of their own when Amani Toomer was open in the end zone for a four yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to tie the game before the half.

The third quarter saw only the Cowboys score, as Nick Folk would kick a 34 yard field goal to give the Cowboys a 17-14 lead. New York would take the final lead of the game on a touchdown run from Brandon Jacobs one yard out. The Giants would have a 21-17 lead with 13:29 left to play in the game. New York's tough defense would not allow Dallas to score, and now the Giants will travel to Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship.

Saturday's Divisional Series

Green Bay Packers 42 Seattle Seahawks 20

This game did not start out as planned by Brett Favre and his Green Bay Packers. On the first play of the game Brett Favre threw a short pass to Ryan Grant who fumbled the ball. It was recovered by the Seahawks and brought back to the one yard line. Seattle's Shaun Alexander scored one play later to give Seattle a surprising 7-0 lead.

Favre and his Packers then had their second chance of the game, and Ryan Grant fumbled again. The Seahawks recovered the ball on the Green Bay 49, and returned it to the 27 yard line. Seattle scored seven plays later on a Matt Hasselbeck pass to Bobby Engram for an early 14-0 Seahawks lead.

Then the Packers came to life. Green Bay scored on their next six possessions and never turned the ball over again. Brett Favre threw to Greg Jennings (15 yards), in the first quarter, and handed the ball if to Ryan Grant who ran in a one yard touchdown. In the second quarter, Favre hit Greg Jennings for a two yard touchdown, and Ryan Grant ran in a three yard run for his second touchdown of the game. In the third quarter Favre hit Branden Jackson for a 13 yard touchdown and Ryan Grant ran in his third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.

On the evening, Brett Favre completed 18 of 23 passes for 178 yards, threw three touchdowns and no interceptions. Ryan Grant carried the ball 27 times for 201 yards, ran in three touchdowns and fumbled the ball twice. Grant also had two receptions for six yards. Greg Jennings had six receptions for 21 yards and two touchdowns.

The amazing comeback by the Green Bay Packers now put them in the NFC Championship game to face the winner of the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

New England Patriots 31 Jacksonville Jaguars 20

In a much closer second game of the evening, the New England Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars. This game was a dog fight in the first half, as we saw Tom Brady throw a perfect 12/12 in the passing game and David Garrard went 10/12 on his passing game.

The Jacksonville Jaguars scored first on a David Garrard pass to Matt Jones for eight yards giving the Jaguars a 7-0 lead. The scoring drive for Jacksonville was the first time a team has scored on the opening drive against New England in 14 games. Then the Patriots scored two touchdowns. A Tom Brady 3 yards pass found Benjamin Watson in the end zone to tie up the game 7-7 in the first quarter, then scored again in the second quarter on a Laurence Maroney one yard run to give New England a 14-7 lead. Jacksonville tied up the game before the half with a touchdown pass from David Garrard to Ernest Wilford for six yards.

In the second half New England took a little more control of the game. The Patriots scored on a Tom Brady pass to Wes Walker for six yards in the third quarter, and later hit Ben Watson in the end zone for nine yards. Jacksonville's only third quarter score was on a 39 yard field goal from Josh Scobee. new England took an 11 point lead into the fourth and final quarter.

Jacksonville then made it an eight point lead with a field goal early in the fourth quarter. Josh Scobee kicked a 25 yard field goal to bring the Jaguars within one score. However, New England would put the game away with a 35 yard field goal of their own from Stephen Grostowski with 6:39 left to play in the game.

For the Patriots Tom Brady completed an amazing 26 of 28 passes for 262 yards three touchdowns and no interceptions. Laurence Maroney was the guy in the backfield with 22 carries for 122 yards and one touchdown, while Wes Welker caught nine passes for 54 yards and one touchdown. The team leader on receptions was Dauntee Stallworth with three receptions for 68 yards and no touchdowns. Finally, Bobby Watson had two receptions for 12 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots will now play the winner of the Indianapolis San Diego game.

AFC and NFC Divisional Series

With the Wild Card Weekend coming to an end last Sunday, we are now ready to look at the AFC?NFC Divisional round of games. Here we see all the winners from Wild Card Weekend playing against the top seeds of each division.

It appears in most people's mind, last weekend went as planned. Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh 31-29, and San Diego defeated Tennessee 17-6. In the NFC games, the New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-14, while Seattle defeated Washington 35-14. In my mind the only upset came when Seattle defeated Washington. I thought the 'Red Hot" redskins would overcome the Seahawks and go on to play Dallas. Below you will find the new AFC/NFC match ups for this weekend. I will list the games as conferences.


NFC Divisional Series Match ups:

(5) New York Giants (11-6)

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(1) Dallas Cowboys (13-3)

(4) Seattle Seahawks (11-6)

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(2) Green Bay Packers (13-3)

AFC Divisional Series Match ups:

(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5)

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(1) New England Patriots (16-0)

(4) San Diego Chargers (12-5)

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(2) Indianapolis Colts (13-3)

NFL 2008 Tentative Draft Schedule

Here is the 2008 NFL tentative Draft order. The final draft order will be determined after the Super Bowl. Here is a look at how things should line up for the April 2008 Draft day. Listed below you will find the teams name, record, win percentage, strength of schedule and opponents record respectively.

1 Miami 1 15 .063 .539 138-118

2 St. Louis 3 13 .188 .512 131-125

3 Atlanta # 4 12 .250 .516 132-124

4 Oakland # 4 12 .250 .516 132-124

5 K.C. # 4 12 .250 .516 132-124

6 NY Jets 4 12 .250 .523 134-122

7 New Eng. 5 11 .313 .465 119-137 (from 49ers)

8 Baltimore 5 11 .313 .516 132-124

9 Cincinnati 7 9 .438 .461 118-138

10 New Orl. 7 9 .438 .480 123-133

11 Buffalo 7 9 .438 .516 132-124

12 Denver 7 9 .438 .516 132-124

13 Carolina 7 9 .438 .523 134-122

14 Chicago 7 9 .438 .543 139-117

15 Detroit 7 9 .438 .543 139-117

16 Arizona 8 8 .500 .434 111-145

17 Minnesota 8 8 .500 .504 129-127

18 Houston 8 8 .500 .516 132-124

19 Philadel. 8 8 .500 .563 144-112

20 T.B. * 9 7 .563 .469 120-136

21 Washing. * 9 7 .563 .555 142-114

22 Dallas * 10 6 .625 .430 110-146 (from Browns)

23 Seattle * 10 6 .625 .414 106-150

24 Pittsb. * 10 6 .625 .453 116-140

25 Tenn. * 10 6 .625 .500 128-128

26 NY Giants * 10 6 .625 .516 132-124

27 San Diego * 11 5 .688 .500 128-128

28 Jackson. * 11 5 .688 .516 132-124

29 Green Bay * 13 3 .813 .469 120-136

30 Dallas * 13 3 .813 .496 127-129

31 San Fran. * 13 3 .813 .516 132-124 (from Colts)

32 New Eng. * 16 0 1.000 .469 120-136

THE AFC Playoff Race

Below you will find the seeding and pairings for the AFC's first round of the playoffs. This is Wild Card Weekend; the time where the Wild card teams showcase their talents and look for some upsets. In the AFC race I see there being many possibilities and different outcomes. Please take a few minutes and look over the match ups, then make your pics in the comments section.

1. New England Patriots (16-0) Bye Week

2. Indianapolis Colts (13-3) Bye Week

6. Tennessee Titans (10-6)

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3. San Diego Chargers (11-5)

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)

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4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

NFC Playoff Picture

The Minnesota Vikings season is over, and they are now looking into the new year. The 2007 season ended much better than it started with Minnesota going 3-6 in their first nine games, and 5-2 in their final seven games. Our Vikings almost made the comeback of the year with their five game winning streak, but fell two games short in the end. We now look toward the 2008 playoffs and preview who we think will win each round and go to the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.

Below you will find the seeding and pairings for the NFC's first round of the playoffs. This is Wild card weekend, the time where the Wild card teams showcase their talents and look for some upsets. In the NFC race, I see there being many possibilities and different outcomes. Please take a few minutes and look over the match ups, then make your pics in the comments section.

1. Dallas Cowboys (13-3) Bye Week

2. Green Bay Packers (13-3) Bye Week

6. Washington Redskins (9-7)

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3. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

5. New York Giants (10-6)

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4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)