Super Bowl XLIX Preview

It's time for Super Bowl XLIX (49) this Sunday evening as the New England Patriots face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Arizona.
The Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7 two weeks ago to win the AFC and advance while the Seahawks rallied back from a 16-0 deficit to topple the Green Bay Packers, 28-22 in overtime to get back to the Super Bowl and defend their crown.
The Patriots feature future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady (4,109 yards passing regular season with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions) and his favorite target, tight end Rob Gronkowski, who made 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and twelve touchdowns.
Along with "The Gronk" are wide receivers Julian Edelman (92, 972, four TD), Brandon Lafell (74, 953, seven TD) and Danny Amendola, who had just 27 receptions this season, but has been stellar in the post-season.
The running game has been running back by committee this year, although LeGarrette Blount has been the featured back since coming back to the Pats from the Pittsburgh Steelers in mid-November.
The defense for New England has been better this year than in season's past, especially in the secondary where Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner (a former Seahawks player) have been near lock down corners in recent games. The Patriots had 16 interceptions this season to go with 39 quarterback sacks.
New England's defense allowed an average of 344 yards per game this season, giving up 104 yards per game on the ground and 240 passing yards per game.
As for Seattle, they thrive on the running game, especially when top running back Marshawn Lynch is in "Beast Mode" having gone for 1,306 yards this season with a 4.7 ypc average and 13 rushing touchdowns. Lynch also made 37 receptions for 367 yards and four more scores.
Quarterback Russell Wilson is a dual threat as he can beat teams with his arm or his legs, having rushed for 849 yards this past season (7.2 ypc average) and scored six rushing touchdowns. His passing went for 3,475 yards with 20 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
However, in the NFC title game, Wilson threw four picks but was bailed out by the defense getting three turnovers and a timely onside kickoff recovery which led to the dramatic comeback win over Green Bay.
The Seattle wide receivers are the "Rodney Dangerfields" of the NFL, getting no respect from anyone, but they are an integral part of the Seahawks offensive attack.
Doug Baldwin (66 receptions for 825 yards and three TD) is the team's leading receiver. Also in the fold are Jermaine Kearse (38 receptions for 537 yards) and Ricardo Lockette,  who averaged 17.7 yards per grab with two scores in limited playing time this season. The tight ends are Luke Willson (22, 362, three TD) and Tony Moeaki.
When it comes to defense, the Seahawks are second to none in the NFL, having allowed a league lowest of 267 yards per game, including 82 yards rushing per game and just 185 yards passing each week.
The secondary is known as the "Legion of Boom" featuring corners Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell along with safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. The 'Hawks intercepted 13 passes this season and registered 37 QB sacks.
Both teams feature solid place kickers as well. The Patriots have Stephen Gostkowski, who made 35 of 37 field goal attempts this year while scoring 156 points. Seattle kicker Steven Hauschka was 31 of 37 on field goal tries and racked up 134 points.
Both teams were penalized quite a bit in the 2014 regular season, with Seattle being flagged 130 times for 1,009 yards while the Patriots were penalized 120 times for 1,080 yards.

This game could come down to a late turnover deciding the outcome with the ability by both teams to get the critical turnover when they need it most. Seattle is especially opportunistic at this and they have have intercepted four passes in their two playoff wins.
Brady and company have been denied in their last two Super Bowl appearances (both losses to the New York Giants) and Seattle certainly has a better defense than the Giants teams that beat New England in those games.
If the Patriots can get out to a comfortable lead (10 or more points) it may be difficult for the Seahawks to catch up as they did against Green Bay because the Pats have a better defense than Green Bay.
Like Seattle, New England can stiffen in the red zone and hold teams to field goals rather than touchdowns and that always makes a big difference.
If the Seahawks get out to a sizable lead, they can make life miserable for Brady and his offense with their tenacious defense.
Look for a closer game in Super Bowl 49 as opposed to the blowout the Seahawks dealt to the Denver Broncos last year. It could come down to which team has the ball last.

                                        
                           PREDICTION 

   Seattle Seahawks 24, New England Patriots 20   

AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE

 America Held Hostage Part III

Here's what America gets for putting REPUBLICANS in control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress.

AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE

AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE - Part II

With the republicans now in control of both chambers of Congress, the 99 percent of the American citizens are indeed under siege.

Hall of Fame Baseball Legend Ernie Banks Dies

Ernie Banks, one of the all time greats and best loved players in the history of Major League Baseball, died last night at the age of 83 years old.
He was referred to as "Mr. Cub" because he spent his entire 19-year career with the "lovable losers" Chicago Cubs teams in the 1950s and 1960s before retiring following the 1971 season. Banks finished with 512 career home runs and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Rest In Peace Ernie and "Let's Pay Two" today.

AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE

Since the Republicans took over the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 elections, they have not introduced ONE single Jobs Bill, yet they complain about the jobs bills President Barack Obama and the Democratic party want to initiate for the American people.
Now the dunderheads that call themselves Americans voted these bastards in the majority of the U.S. Senate as well ... so it goes without saying that as a result of these insane decisions, the United States of America is being held hostage by these "Domestic Terrorists" known as the Republican party.

As a result of this, Heftyinfo will continue to expose these phony Americans for the traitors of this country that they truly are . . . . .   so it begins


AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE - Part I

SUPER BOWL IS SET - Patriots and Seahawks

Russell Wilson takes on Tom Brady

It will be the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49 in two weeks.
The Patriots smoked the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7 while the Seahawks won a squeaker at home over the Green Bay Packers, 28-22 in overtime.
Running back LeGarrette Blount (three touchdowns and 148 yards rushing) led the Patriots while quarterback Tom Brady had three scoring passes.
Marshawn Lynch (157 rushing yards and a TD) was the hero for Seattle to help force the overtime session. Quarterback Russell Wilson (who threw four interceptions) connected with Jermaine Kearse on a 35-yard scoring pass in the OT for the win.
So, it's New England and Seattle in the Super Bowl.

NFL Playoffs - NFC Championship Game Preview

GREEN BAY PACKERS at  SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

      The Seattle Seahawks are one game away from returning to the Super Bowl as they attempt to defend their Super Bowl crown.
The Green Bay Packers are determined to knock off the defending champions, especially after being  blown out by a 36-16 score in the season opener in Seattle.
Both teams have been rolling in the second half of the regular season. The Seahawks finished at 12-4 after a 6-4 start while the Packers had the same regular season record after a rough 1-2 beginning. The Seahawks knocked off the Carolina Panthers, 31-17 last weekend while Green Bay held off the Dallas Cowboys, 26-21 in a classic game played at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers had an MVP caliber season and led the league is passer rating and teams with excellent wideouts Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to give the Packers one of the league's most explosive offenses. Running back Eddie Lacy and back up James Starks form a solid one-two punch to give the offense superb balance.
The Seahawks are less of a power on offense, but QB Russell Wilson is a threat with either his arm or legs and has capable targets to throw to in Luke Willson (tight end)  and wide receivers Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin.
And then of course, there is "Beast Mode" ... running back Marshawn Lynch, who seems to thrive in the post-season. He is capable of carrying the offense on his back with his punishing running style.
Defensively, there isn't much comparison as the Seahawks dominate in that area with their stellar front seven and of course, the "Legion of Boom" secondary, led by Byron Maxwell and Richard Sherman at the corners and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, who had a 90-yard "pick six" interception to ice the playoff win last week against Carolina.
Green Bay is led by linebackers Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk and front man Julius Peppers on the defense and can come up with the turnovers at opportune times.
The X factor in this game will be whether or not Aaron Rodgers is at 100 percent health as he has been nursing a left calf injury and was visibly hobbled last week. If the Seahawks can get after Rodgers and force errant passes, it'll be a blowout as it was in Week One.
The Packers have shown great fortitude this year and will not be an easy opponent. If they can get an early lead and make the Seahawks play from behind, perhaps they can spring the upset.
One thing for sure this time around is to expect a much closer game than the 20-point blowout from early September because Rodgers and the Packers are simply too good for that to happen again.


PREDICTION -    Seattle 27,  Green Bay 17

NFL Playoffs - AFC Championship Game Preview

                                      INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The New England Patriots will host the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday evening. Only this time the opposing quarterback for the Colts facing the Pats in the conference title game will be Andrew Luck, whose team knocked off the Denver Broncos, 24-13 last week.
When these two teams faced each other back in November (in Indianapolis) the Patriots hammered Luck and the Colts, 42-20. They also blasted the Colts in last year's playoffs, 43-22 as they intercepted Luck four times and saw running back LeGarrette Blount score four touchdowns while going for 166 yards rushing.
This past season, the Colts won the AFC South (11-5 record) and have topped the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos in the post-season. Meanwhile, the Patriots went 12-4 to win the AFC East again and won a 35-31 thriller over the Baltimore Ravens last week in the divisional round of the playoffs.
With Tom Brady leading the offense, the Patriots put up a lot of points once again this season and Brady has a plethora of weapons to choose from when passing the ball. Tight End Rob Gronkowski is among the best in the NFL while wide receivers Brandon LaFell, Julian Edleman and Danny Amendola have been stellar.
The running game is solid with Shane Vereen, Jonas Gray, Stevan Ridley and Blount carrying the ball and the defense has been consistent this year, especially in the improved secondary that has corners Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, who can shut down the opposition.
The Colts can score too and Luck had another solid season while looking to wideouts T.Y Hilton, Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne and tight end Coby Fleener to bolster the passing game. The running game was weak, but Boom Herron has been on the rise in recent weeks, including scoring a rushing touchdown in the win at Denver last weekend.
Expect a much tighter game than the blowout New England enjoyed in November as the Colts keep it close for three quarters before Brady and company draw away in the fourth quarter for the win and their first Super Bowl trip in three years.

PREDICTION -  New England 34,  Indianapolis 21

NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Review

It's on the Conference Championship Games following this past weekend's games that saw the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts win their games and punch their tickets that puts them one game away from the Super Bowl.






NEW ENGLAND 35, BALTIMORE 31

The Patriots stormed back twice from 14-point deficits to defeat the Baltimore Ravens, 35-31 as Tom Brady had three touchdown passes and 367 yards passing in the win. Wide receiver Danny Amendola had five receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard TD strike from fellow receiver Julian Edelman that tied the game 28-28 late in the third quarter.
The Ravens bolted out to a 14-0 lead as QB Joe Flacco (292 yards passing with four TD and two interceptions) threw two scoring passes in the first quarter.
The Patriots tied it up on a scoring run by Brady and a 15-yard TD strike to Amendola. The Ravens regained a seven-point lead at the half when Flacco connected with tight end Owen Daniels for a touchdown after Brady was picked off near midfield late in the first half.
Trailing 28-14, the Patriots scored twice in the third quarter and their defense stiffened the rest of the way, limiting Baltimore to just a field goal and intercepting Flacco to seal the game late in the fourth quarter. The Patriots went ahead for good 35-31 with 5:04 left in the game when Brady hit WR Brandon LaFell for a 23-yard scoring pass.

SEATTLE 31, CAROLINA 17

The Seahawks put away the Panthers in the fourth quarter when Kam Chancellor took an interception back 90 yards for a score. 
Building a 24-10 lead to that point saw QB Russell Wilson throw for three touchdowns while the defense forced three turnovers to lead the way.
Carolina QB Cam Newton (246 yards passing) threw for two scores but also had the two picks thrown in the loss.
The Seahawks became the first defending Super Bowl champions to win a playoff game the following post-season since the New England Patriots did so in January of the 2005-2006 playoffs.

GREEN BAY 26, DALLAS 21

The Packers overcame an eight point deficit to defeat the Dallas Cowboys, 26-21 and advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in four years as QB Aaron Rodgers threw for three touchdowns while passing for 316 yards and a clutch fourth down catch by Dallas WR Dez Bryant at the Green Bay one-yard line was over turned to provide the final score.
The Packers got the ball back after the replay review and ran the clock out to win the game and eliminate the Cowboys.
Dallas had a 21-13 lead late in the third quarter after running back DeMarco Murray (123 yards rushing) scored on a one-yard run. From there, Rodgers threw two scoring passes to lead the comeback. Dallas QB Tony Romo had a touchdown pass in the loss.

INDIANAPOLIS 24, DENVER 13

The Colts shocked the host Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon as their defense frustrated Broncos QB Peyton Manning into just 26-of-46 passing for 211 yards and one touchdown (on their opening possession) as Manning played the game with a torn quadriceps muscle.
Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck threw for two scores and 265 yards along with two interceptions while RB Daniel "Boom" Herron scored a rushing touchdown to lead the offense.
The Colts out gained the high powered Broncos offense 364-288 in total yardage and will face the New England Patriots next Sunday evening in the AFC Championship Game.

Welcome To The Dark Ages Illinois

All that can be said for Illinoisans for the next four years with this guy as governor of the state is GOOD LUCK!

NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Preview

After a week off following the bye week, four division winners will be in action this weekend as the NFL Playoffs advance to the Divisional Round.
The New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks do the same against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday while the Green Bay Packers host the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos play at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The following offers a capsule style look at the four games this weekend with the Heftyinfo predictions following up.

Saturday, January 10

AFC Divisional Round Game 

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - The Ravens have had the Patriots number in two of the last three meetings in the playoffs, but that was when they had Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and others who are no longer playing on their defense.
The Patriots are healthy and have a better secondary than Baltimore, so it stands to reason the Pats will win this round.

NFC Divisional Round Game

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks -  The Panthers magic carpet ride ends this Saturday night in the Great Northwest. The Seahawks are BETTER defensively in all areas and they have a more potent and balanced attack on offense.

Sunday, January 11 

NFC Divisional Round Game

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers - The Packers have the home field advantage (8-0 this season) while the Cowboys were a perfect 8-0 on the road this season ... so something has to give.
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers has been nursing an injured calf muscle so that may have impact on the game if he's not 100 percent. Dallas lucked out with a terrible officiating crew in their corner last weekend that helped them to win against Detroit. This time they will have to earn a victory, but it's not going to happen in Lambeau Field.

AFC Divisional Round Game

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos - Is Peyton Manning ready to advance in the playoffs against the guy (Andrew Luck) who took his place on the Colts roster two years ago?
Yes he is ... and the Broncos will beat the Colts like a drum this Sunday afternoon in the Mile High City.


The Heftyinfo predictions for the Divisional Playoffs  . . . . .     (Home teams are listed in BOLD)

New England over Baltimore
Seattle over Carolina
Green Bay over Dallas
Denver over Indianapolis

Last Week's Record:  1-3

PLAYOFF RECORD:  1-3

NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Round Review

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3rd

Carolina Panthers 27, Arizona Cardinals 16 - The Cardinals managed just 78 yards in total offense as third string quarterback Ryan Lindley was intercepted twice by the Carolina defense.
Meanwhile, Panthers QB Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes while running back Jonathan Stewart rushed for 123 yards and scored a touchdown to lead the offense. The Panthers will travel to play the Seattle Seahawks next Saturday.

Baltimore Ravens 30, Pittsburgh Steelers 17 - Ravens QB Joe Flacco had a pair of scoring passes and the defense sacked Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger five times and intercepted two passes to spring the upset on the road.
The Ravens will travel to face the top-seed New England Patriots next Saturday.




SUNDAY, JANUARY 4th

Indianapolis Colts 26, Cincinnati Bengals 10 - The Colts advanced with a dominating second half that broke open a close game (13-10 halftime Indy lead) as QB Andrew Luck (376 passing yards) threw a TD pass and kicker Adam Vinatieri made four field goals to make the difference.
The Indianapolis defense limited the Bengals to just 144 passing yards and will play the Denver Broncos next Sunday in the Divisional Round.


Dallas Cowboys 24, Detroit Lions 20 -  The Cowboys rallied to win on a eight-yard scoring pass from Tony Romo to Terrance Williams with 2:37 left in the game after falling behind 14-0 and trailing 20-7 late in the third quarter.
The Dallas late game heroics were made possible by a highly controversial decision by the game officiating crew to pick up a penalty flag after pass interference was called against the Cowboys midway through the fourth quarter and the Lions driving deep into Dallas territory.
Detroit scored the first 14 points on a 51-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate and an 18-yard touchdown run by Reggie Bush.
Dallas scored on the first of two TD connections with Romo and Williams, a 76-yard strike to cut it to 14-7 before the Lions increased the lead to 17-7 at the half.
The Lions kicked a field goal to make it 20-7 and from there, the Cowboys scored the game's final 17 points to advance to the next round, where they will face the Green Bay Packers on the road next Sunday.

They Got The Memo From The NFL

How 'bout them Cowb . . .  ehhh  REFEREES?  

NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Round Preview

Some familiar teams and some surprises are in the playoffs this year as the NFL looks to crown another Super Bowl champion in about a month from now.
The wild card round gets started this weekend with two games taking place in both the AFC and NFC while four division winners (New England, Denver, Green Bay and Seattle) have the bye week.
The following is a breakdown of the four games this weekend ... followed by the Heftyinfo picks for the games.

AFC Wild Card Round

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - These two teams do not like each other and the Steelers will be looking to make it four in a row against their rivals in the post-season.  They split the season games in the AFC North battle with Pittsburgh blowing out Baltimore, 43-23 in early November. The Ravens blasted the Steelers, 26-6 in Week Two.
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco passed for just under 4,000 yards this season with 27 TD passes and just 12 interceptions while Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had his best ever regular season (statistically) with 4,952 yards passing along with 32 TD passes and only nine picks thrown.
The Steelers rate the edge in offense with Antonio Brown at wide receiver and Heath Miller at tight end, but they will be without Le'Veon Bell (1,361 rushing yards this year) who was injured (knee) in last week's season finale against Cincinnati.  Ravens RB Justin Forsett (1,266 yards rushing) enjoyed a renaissance season after starter Ray Rice was suspended for off the field issues and then released by the team back in early September.
Both teams defenses reflect each other as each has good run defense with sub-par pass defense that had eleven interceptions by the secondaries for each team.

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts -  The Colts shut out the Bengals (in Indy) 27-0 back in October and rate the edge in this one as well.
However, Cincinnati has since found a running game with rookie back Jeremy Hill going for 1,124 yards (5.1 ypc average) teaming with Gio Bernard (680 yards rushing) who missed time this season with various injuries.
Bengals QB Andy Dalton is 0-3 in the playoffs and looks to get rid of the negative tag that has plagued him come January. The "Red Rifle" often turns into the "Red Ryder BB Gun" once the playoffs arrive.
As for the Colts, they have been on a roll of sorts late in the season, winning five of their final six games with QB Andrew Luck throwing 40 touchdown passes with 16 interceptions to go with 4,761 yards. Wideouts Reggie Wayne (64 receptions) teams with All-Pro T.Y. Hilton (82 receptions for 1,345 yards and seven TD) and tight end Coby Fleener (51 catches and eight TD) to offset a weak running game.
The Bengals have a stellar defense that seems to be rounding into form at the right time, especially the pass defense, which had 20 interceptions this season. The Colts defense has been steady all season, allowing 343 yards per game while registering 41 QB sacks.

NFC Wild Card Round

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers - These teams met after the 2008 season in the playoffs and the Cards surprised the heavily favored Panthers, but the Cardinals are the slight favorites this time around, facing a team with a 7-8-1 record.
The Panthers are led by QB Cam Newton, who threw for 3,127 yards with 18 TD and 12 picks in a sub par season while also missing time with injury. Running back Jonathan Stewart came on strong late in the season, gaining 809 yards (4.6 ypc average) while rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin (73 grabs for 1,008 yards and nine TD) and TE Greg Olsen (84, 1,008, six TD) provide targets for the passing game.
Arizona has third string QB Ryan Lindley starting this game and has good targets in wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald (team leading 63 receptions), Michael Floyd (17.9 yards per catch) and rookie John Brown, who made 48 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns.
The Panthers have been on a roll defensively, allowing only 43 points in a four-game winning streak that propelled the team into the playoffs for the second straight year.
Arizona's defense was among the best in pro football this season, giving up just 18.7 points per game.

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys -  This game has the potential to be the best this weekend as one of the best defenses in the NFL takes on one of the league's best offenses.
The Lions defense gave up just 301 yards per game and was tops in the NFL against the run, allowing only 69 yards per game while the pass defense was adequate, picking off 20 passes and getting 42 QB sacks this season. In addition, the Lions gave up 282 points, which was third best among defenses in the NFL.
On the flip side, the Cowboys ranked second in the NFL in rushing, gaining 147 yards per game with running back DeMarco Murray leading the way with a league best 1,845 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
The Cowboys can score points and their passing game was among the best in the NFL as well as QB Tony Romo passed for 3,705 yards with 34 TD and only nine interceptions. Wide receiver Dez Bryant was a beast, catching 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. Tight End Jason Witten is another target for Romo, grabbing 64 passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns.
The Lions offense was up and down this season with QB Matthew Stafford throwing for 4,257 yards along with 22 TD and 12 interceptions. Wide receivers Golden Tate (99 receptions for 1,331 yards with four TD) and Calvin Johnson (71, 1,077 yards, eight TD) are the go to guys for Stafford while running back Joique Bell ran for 860 yards while rushing for seven touchdowns.
The Dallas defense allowed 355 yards per game (103 rushing and 252 passing) while picking off 18 passes but registered just 28 sacks while allowing 352 points.

The Heftyinfo picks for the Wild Card Round (Home teams are listed in BOLD)

Arizona over Carolina
Pittsburgh over Baltimore
Cincinnati over Indianapolis
Dallas over Detroit

Last Week's Record:  11-5

SEASON RECORD:  174-81-1

Lock of the Week Record:  15-2