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The NFL betting season came to a close on Sunday night when the Indianapolis Colts beat the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. There was plenty to rant about in the week that was in the world of sports, so here at Bankroll Sports, we’ll pose these two words to the worst teams, players, coaches, and situations over the last seven days: C’mon Man!!!

I’m tired of all of these teams in the NCAA basketball betting world falling victim to sandwich games. I’m looking at you Georgetown Hoyas and Duke Blue Devils. G’Town looked awful in a home loss to South Florida, which was stuck between wins against both Duke and Villanova. The Dookies fell victim as well, barely beating Boston College in Chestnut Hill. They beat Georgia Tech in a huge revenge spot right before the BC game, and have North Carolina next week in Chapel Hill. Aren’t you supposed to bring it every single night? These aren’t the only two teams in this situation, but the Hoyas and Blue Devils are the ones that are guilty this week. C’mon Man!!!

What’s going on with the North Carolina Tar Heels? Who are these imposters wearing baby blue right now? North Carolina lost to both Virginia Tech and Maryland this week, and that loss to Maryland came by 21 points. The Tar Heels are now sitting in tenth place in the ACC, and they’re only a half game in front of being in dead last. Why is this team even remotely being talked about for the NCAA Tournament? Teams that are 13-10 are just trying to make the NIT. For you, the defending national champs, you only have two words coming your way: C’mon Man!!!

The Miami Heat are in really bad shape right now. They have lost five straight games and are only 1-4 ATS in those five. Don’t blame G Dwyane Wade. Flash is scoring 26.8 points per game this year and has averaged just under that in those five games. The problem? There are only two players in those five NBA betting battles that have scored more than 16 points in a game. F Jermaine O’Neal put up 24 against the Bulls on Saturday, while F Michael Beasley put up 21 on the Cavs earlier in the week. Wade, you’re exempt from this one. But for the rest of you: C’mon Man!!!

Yes, it was QB Peyton Manning that threw the pick that ultimately handed the Super Bowl to the Saints, but let’s take a minute to blame the special teams of the Indianapolis Colts. This was a unit that missed a field goal, only averaged 22.2 yards per kick return, and committed the biggest gaffe of the day, allowing New Orleans to recover the onside kick to start the second half. Indy took the lead in the third quarter after the Saints hit them with the onsider, but K Matt Stover’s missed field goal is what really broke the camel’s back. There are three facets to every football game, and the Colts failed miserably at the third one, which proved to be the most important. C’mon Man!!!

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One of the greatest things about the Super Bowl from a betting standpoint is the enormity of betting opportunities for sports bettors.  The Super Bowl has always been the single most popular game in the world when it comes to sports betting. Just to give you an idea of the money involved, Nevada is expecting nearly 100 million in wagering just within the state’s borders for this year’s Super Bowl. As a result, online bookmakers have taken advantage offering countless proposition and exotic betting lines for side action. For this year’s Super Bowl, bettors can literally wager on anything from the outcome of the coin flip to what color top Kim Kardashian will be wearing at the game.  In a previous post below, Rodney recently shared some tips for betting props along with some of the top prop odds and Super Bowl betting bonuses. With so many lines available, bettors can easily get caught up in all the excessive action in all the wrong ways. Since there are so many betting opportunities available, many bettors will wager money with a “careless” attitude and risk money on many chance bets. I spent some time breaking down some of these prop lines and to provide some predictions that will increase your chances of ending the season in the black.  Below are a few prop that I believe deserve some attention heading into the Super Bowl. All of the prop odds below can be found at Bodog Sportsbook (10% Bonus – Accepting Credit Card deposits for the Superbowl)

Prop Bet #1 – Will the Indianapolis Colts score every quarter?

Yes  +130
No  – 160

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are two offensive powered teams that will collide with a lot of points expected. The Saints secondary has been questionable all season and that throws up red flags for many reasons against Peyton Manning’s offense. In fact, the Colts have scored in 3 of 4 quarters in both postseason match-ups. While history may tell us that a team scoring all 4 quarters is unlikely in a Super Bowl, the Colts have a great chance. The reason is they have to keep the pressure on the Saints and their offense will not let up with the lead. The Saints hung 45 on the Cardinals and 31 on the Vikings. Therefore, Manning should get plenty of opportunities with the football and it’s doubtful the Saints defense will have an answer for the fast pace Colts offense. With some profitable juice, this is a great risk to consider.

Pick – Yes

Prop Bet #2 – The first 1^st down will be either a passing or rushing play?

Passing -200
Rushing  +160

Unless there is a 1 yard conversion, a passing play should be the result of the first 1^st down in the game. Neither offense has much confidence in their running game. In fact, both teams use their running games to control the clock rather than looking for success on the ground. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are two of the top quarterbacks in the league and it is no secret that both offenses heavily favor the pass. Both offenses will keep the ball in the hands of their star quarterbacks and hope they both get into a rhythm early. Unless there is a early short yardage situation, the passing game will be used nearly every down especially early in the game. Consider this a high percentage play that a passing play will result in opening first down of the game.

Pick – Passing

Prop Bet #3 – Total receiving yards – Robert Meachem

Over 45 ½  +105
Under 45 ½  -135

Robert Meachem has played a solid role in contributing to the Saints lethal passing attack this season. However, in recent weeks Meachem has been nearly ineffective. Over the last 3 games, Meachem has caught just 4 passes totaling 31 yards. The reason may be because the Saints have run the ball better and have gotten help from a ton of outside passing options. Whatever the case may be, Meachem has not even been targeted by Drew Brees but very rarely in the past few games. Running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas have been used more frequently catching balls out of the backfield taking some of those outside options away from Meachem. Wide outs Devery Henderson and Marques Colston will remain the primary targets in the passing game. If the Saints continue to use their backs in the passing game with effectiveness, Meachem may be left out of the picture once again.

Pick – Under 45 ½

Prop Bet #4 – Who will throw more interceptions?   

Drew Brees  -105
Peyton Manning -125

All eyes will be on both quarterbacks this Sunday and rightfully so. The Colts have Peyton Manning who before it is all said and done could go down as the greatest quarterback every. The Saints have Drew Brees who has absolutely mastered the New Orleans air attack. While most may agree that Manning is the better of the two, he is also the most vulnerable to giving up an interception. Manning threw 16 interceptions during the regular season while Brees threw just 11 total. In fact despite the Saints secondary that lacks respect against the pass, they actually picked off 26 interceptions during the regular season equaling the 3^rd most in the NFL. Safety Darren Sharper tied for the most picks in the NFL with 9 and the Saints defense will need those turnovers this weekend to pull off the victory. Even if the Colts prevail, Manning normally gives up at least one interception and that may be one more than Brees will throw this Sunday.

Pick – Manning

Prop Bet #5 – Team to receive the opening kickoff 

New Orleans Saints  -115
Indianapolis Colts  -115

This particular betting line is offered every year, but nearly always seem to go the opposite direction from what the betting public expects. However, we believe we got this year’s decision for both team’s figured out. The perceptions here is that both teams want to put their offenses on the field first which is why the line is considered a toss up. However, the Colts may elect the alternative if they do happen to win the toss. The Colts defense has played extremely well at times this year and their momentum tends to set the tone for the offense. I believe the Colts will put their defense on the field first to try and force a quick change of possession putting the advantage to their offense. On the other side of the coin, I just do not see how the Saints could put their defense on the field first allowing Peyton Manning the first opportunity to score. If the Saints win the toss, they will accept the ball and look to make an opening statement.

Pick – Saints

Underdogs are typically the way to go… This bodes awfully well for New Orleans, particularly catching so many points. The only teams to cover a spread higher than four points in recent Super Bowls have been these Indianapolis Colts in 2007 (-7 vs. Chicago Bears) and the Denver Broncos in 1999 (-7.5 vs. Atlanta Falcons). Aside from that, dogs larger than four points have been golden, going 6-2 ATS dating back to 1996. The underdog has covered six of the L/8 Super Bowls overall as well.

Run, run, run, as much as you can… Once again, in all likelihood, this is a huge trend that will be solid for the Saints. In the previous 43 Super Bowls, the team running the ball more in the game went a stellar 37-4 SU. (In Super Bowl V, both the Cowboys and Colts ran the ball 31 times. The same happened when the Bills and Cowboys rushed the pigskin 29 times apiece in Super Bowl XXVII) The Colts pass the ball on almost 63% of their offensive downs. New Orleans is still a pass-happy squad, but it only puts the pill in the air 55% of the time. The Saints are averaging carrying the ball 6.3 times per game more than Indianapolis does. Don’t think that the Colts don’t know about this stat though. An aerial based team in 2007 itself, the Colts still ran the ball 40 times combined with RBs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai, and that’s why they captured Super Bowl XLI.

All Over the Under… Reaching 56.5 points in any NFL betting battle is difficult, but the truth of the matter is that it’s very possible, especially when you consider how good these two offenses are that will take the field on Sunday afternoon in Miami. However, keep in mind that only eight Super Bowls have exceeded 56 points in NFL history, and none have gotten there since 2004. It’s not like there has been a lack of offensive firepower in the big game either of late. Last season, the Cardinals had one of the highest-flying offenses in the league. The same could be said about the record-setting Pats of 2007-08 and the Colts from ’06-’07. Chew on this as well. Indianapolis only had three games this season, including the playoffs, get to that 57+ point mark. New Orleans has played both of its playoff games beyond that number and did play six games past that point in the regular season. However, only three of those occurred away from the Superdome.

Watch out for moneyline value… Normally speaking in the regular season, teams that are favored by 5.5-6 points are usually lined around -250 or so on the moneyline. But this is the Super Bowl, and the majority of money either comes in on the favorites to cover the football betting line, or the underdog to win outright on the moneyline. The end result? Deflated numbers for the favorites to win SU. Right now, at Diamond Sportsbook, you can find Indianapolis lined at -220, and if you shop, you may be able to find a -200 or so by game time.

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Every year, with the Super Bowl, comes the never ending betting that is involved. Along with the Indianapolis Colts being just under a touchdown favorite and the total going up from 56.5, sportsbooks are always listing an astronomical number of proposition odds and betting options. Listed below you will find an array of proposition odds from a combination of our top sponsor sportsbooks.

Some General Advice For Betting Props;
Do not be afraid to take the unders when betting on Super Bowl propositions. Generally with Super Bowl prop bets, the under is the sharper and wiser play. Most public bettors will take overs with the vast majority of their prop bets. The reason for this is due to one single human emotion; excitement. Many bettors are betting props just to add some additional excitement to the big game. That being said, it’s much more exciting to root for a milestone (such as passing yards or touchdown passes) to happen then it is to cheer for something to “not happen”. The average fan and sports bettor doesn’t want to root for Drew Breese and Peyton Manning to NOT throw touchdown passes. There is nobody that is more aware of this then the oddsmakers are, which is why Vegas sportsbooks make more money from Super Bowl proposition bets then they do from sides and totals on the big game. So, take my advice here and plan your attack with a contrarian point of view. Sift through the prop odds at your favorite books and look for inflated numbers that are above an individual players (or team’s) per game average. Then, keep an eye on the number for those prop odds at a few books, such as BetUS and Diamond Sportsbook, throughout the week and wait and see if the public will drive the those high numbers up even higher. Then, bet the under on those props a few hours before kick-off. Finally, as you watch the game, silently root for the opposite of what all your friends are cheering for. Chances are that you will be cashing your tickets and MAKING MONEY, while they will be wondering why they even made those ridiculous bets in the first place.

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List of Popular Super Bowl Prop Betting Odds;

Coin Toss
Heads -105
Tails -105

Saints -105
Colts -105

1^st Touchdown Scored
Pierre Thomas  8 to 1
Marques Colston 7 to 1
Devery Henderson 10 to 1
Robert Meachem 8 to 1
Reggie Bush 12 to 1
Jeremy Shockey 15 to 1
Drew Brees 40 to 1
Reggie Wayne 5 to 1
Joseph Addai 7 to 1
Dallas Clark 5 to 1
Pierre Garcon 10 to 1
Donald Brown 20 to 1
Austin Colley 10 to 1
Peyton Manning 50 to 1
Field 9 to 2
No Touchdown Scored 300 to 1

Longest Completion by Drew Brees
Over 39.5 -115
Under 39.5 -115

Longest Completion by Manning
Over 39.5 -115
Under 39.5 -115

Longest Rush by Bush
Over 8.5 -120
Under 8.5 -110

Longest Rush by Thomas
Over 11.5 -120
Under 11.5 -110

Points Scored by New Orleans
Over 25.5 -115
Under 25.5 -115

Points Scored by Indianapolis
Over 31.5 -120
Under 31.5 -110

Most Pass Attempts
Brees -110
Manning -120

Most Receptions
M. Colston +0.5 -110
R. Wayne -0.5 -120

Longest Reception by Colston
Over 23.5 -115
Under 23.5 -110

Longest Reception by Henderson
Over 17.5 -120
Under 17.5 -110

Longest Reception by Meachem
Over 17.5 -120
Under 17.5 -110

Longest Reception by Shockey
Over 12.5 -120
Under 12.5 -110

Longest Punt by Morstead
Over 51.5 -115
Under 51.5 -115

Longest Rush by Addai
Over 12.5 -115
Under 12.5 -115

Longest Rush by Brown
Over 9.5 -115
Under 9.5 -115

Longest Reception by Wayne
Over 23.5 – 115
Under 23.5 -115

Longest Reception by Clark
Over 18.5 -115
Under 18.5 -115

Longest Reception by Garcon
Over 25.5 – 115
Under 25.5 -115

Longest Reception by Collie
Over 18.5 – 115
Under 18.5 -115

Longest Punt by McAfee
Over 51.5 -120
Under 51.5 -110

Passing Yards by Manning
Over 304.5 -120
Under 304.5 -110

Pass Attempts by Manning
Over 36.5 -120
Under 36.5 -110

Completions by Manning
Over 26.5 – 110
Under 26.5 – 120

Rush Attempts by Addai
Over 15.5 -110
Under 15.5 -120

Rushing Yards by Addai
Over 65.5 -115
Under 65.5 -115

Receptions by Wayne
Over 5.5 -130
Under 5.5 100

Receiving Yards by Wayne
Over 77.5 -115
Under 77.5 -115

Receptions by Clark
Over 6.5 100
Under 6.5 -130

Yards by Clark
Over 69.5 -120
Under 69.5 -110

Last night’s Super Bowl lived up to the hype and expectations that it received while providing for the second year in a row on of the best games of the year in the NFL’s biggest game. Everyone remembers Eli Manning and the Giants upsetting the undefeated New England Patriots last year in a close grudge match. However, this year epic battle was also among the ranks of one of the best Super Bowl’s in recent history. The NFL could not be happier with how their Championship game has been played over the last two seasons. Perhaps the NCAA would get these types of caliber championship games if they would ever finally go to a playoff system, but that is another subject for another time. Last night Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald played the underdog role that made a valiant effort at a 13 point comeback only to see Pittsburgh make another game winning drive in the final seconds of the game something they did quite a bit this season. Santonio Holmes may have got the MVP Award last night, but big Ben Roethlisberger had one of the best nights he has had all season and the Steelers offense was the group to breakthrough and get the job done rather than the defense. There was a lot we learned last night as we take a look back on the NFL’s biggest night.

The first thing we learned is that the Pittsburgh offense is not too shabby. The Steelers had some bright moments on the ground and even more success through the air. Santonio Holmes come up with two big grabs late in the game, including the game winning touchdown with less than a minute to go in the game pulled down in the back of the end zone while somehow keeping two feet inbounds. The touchdown reception was definitely the biggest play of the game and a true testimony of skills. For Roethlisberger, it was just another game winning drive that the Steelers accomplished so often in the latter part of the year against teams like Dallas and Baltimore. However, this game winner will be remembered forever. The Steelers defense got them to the Super Bowl, but it was the offense that really made the difference last night for Pittsburgh.

The Hall of Fame answer may not have been decided last night, but I guarantee you that Kurt Warner lead two Hall of Fame type drives at the end of the game to give Arizona the lead with under 3 minutes to go. Sure Larry Fitzgerald made big plays, but Warner delivered the ball in tight spots time and time again. Some believed that Warner needed to win that game last night to really seal his faith into the Hall. However, the veteran put on another brilliant display in the NFL’s Championship Game. Warner went 31 for 43 (72%), 377 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The 377 yards will rank 2nd all-time behind his 414 yard performance in the 2000 Super Bowl meaning Warner now has the 3 highest passing performances in Super Bowl history in only 3 Super Bowl appearances. That should definitely aid in his cause, yet some will still question his longevity in the league. One thing that people should not forget though is that this guy still is not done. He will be back this year throwing to the same talented group of receivers given they can keep Anquan Boldin in town. Warner best chance at winning a Super Bowl most likely was last night, but as we have learned you can not count him out ever. Arizona will return a strong offense next year, and if their defense can play the way they did throughout the post season this team’s future is bright.

Larry Fitzgerald is amazing if you did not catch on to this fact throughout the playoffs you must not have been watching. Fitzgerald posted yet another 100+ yard performance last night shattering the postseason record while amassing 546 yards in the playoffs with 7 touchdowns. Without Fitzgerald, there is no telling how ineffective the Arizona offense could be. This special wide receiver is a playmaker that can change games in the blink of an eye. Fitzgerald pulled down a beautiful touchdown early in the 4th to close the lead to 6, then caught a pass over the middle and left 3 Steelers like they were standing still for 64 yards to put the Cardinals on top in the closing minutes. If you are new to the name Larry Fitzgerald, he has been making amazing plays since his days at Pittsburgh just go look at some of his youtube highlights. Arizona has a golden treasure in this young talent and it will be very fun to watch him over the next few years especially if Anquan Boldin stays with the team despite some early reports saying he will not.

The last thing we did not learn last night may have been the most important. The final play on offense for Arizona concluded with force fumble that ended up in the Steelers hands or at least that is what was called. Looking at the replay it clearly looked like the football was in Warner’s hands as it was going forward. Now he may not have had control of the ball, but the ball was definitely in contact with his hand as his arm motioned forward. However, there was never an official review in the biggest moment of the game. Sure Warner would have had to throw a hail mary on the next play and pray for a miracle, but still the NFL should have never let Pittsburgh kneel on the ball before taking an extra look. Just a bizarre situation considering how well and how often the replays of have been used in the National Football League over the last few seasons. While it most likely would not have changed the outcome on the game, they took all possibility out when they did not review the play. Instead, the Pittsburgh Steelers are now the first team to win 6 Super Bowl’s in NFL history and that will do nothing but add fire to the beloved Steeler nation.

Let me know what you think readers. Should the play have been reviewed? Fumble or incomplete pass?

Everyone knows Superbowl Sunday is the single biggest betting event every year. The sportsbooks around the nation offer unlimited amounts of unusual and exciting bets for the Superbowl considering the extremely large amount of bettors eagerly anticipating a final chance to win some money to close out the football season. This year you can bet on anything from how long it will take Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem to who will win the coin toss. If you looking for some ways to win some money on some other aspects of the game consider a few of these prop betting picks we have established.

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Team to receive the opening kickoff?

Steelers +145
Cardinals -175

This bet is as simple as it gets. Arizona always wants the ball when they win the coin flip so they can put their high power offense on the field. The Arizona offense leads the team and definitely not the defense which gave up nearly 27 points on the board every game this season. The Cardinals offense will be eager to get on the field if they win the toss and possibly make some big plays early and not allow the Pittsburgh defense to dominate like they have all season. Pittsburgh on the other hand is definitely going to put their defense on the field if they win the toss. The Steelers have the best defense in the NFL and they will definitely want to shut down the Arizona offense right off the bat to make a statement. The Steelers defense ranks first in 3 of 4 major defensive categories and 2nd in the other major category which is rushing defense. The Steelers will definitely be trying to prove early that they can shutdown the Cardinals offense and control the pace of the game. Throw some extra money on this prop if you have the chance. The odds may not be favorable to making a big win, but this is a certain winner.

Pick: Arizona -175

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Will there be a score in the first 7:30 of the first quarter?

Yes -170
No +140

I know a lot of people are jumping on the over total for the game due to the fact both offenses have performed really well through the playoffs and many are anticipating for their to be a good bit of points scored. However while that may or may not happen, teams less likely come out of the gates with a bang on offense in the Superbowl. A lot of times the defenses control the first minutes of the games and the play calling is a bit conservative until the tempo picks up. Going back to the first prop bet, I believe Arizona gets the ball and will attempt to move it up the field through the air. I like to think Pittsburgh defense will at least win the first battle against the Arizona offense on the field. Predicting that the Pittsburgh offense will then take over and then move the ball rather slowly as they usually do with a good bit of running plays with a pass thrown in here and there. The first few minutes usually fly by and believe it will again. Place a wager that there will not be any points scored in the opening minutes on this game and get some good odds as well.

Pick: No +140

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First team to be penalized for pass interference?

Steelers -140
Cardinals +110

This is a bet like other prop bets that are simply by the trend of the game. Arizona will be throwing the ball all over the field while Pittsburgh will throw the ball more sparingly. Expecting that the Steelers get many more chances to make a pass interference and the difficulty they may have covering the Arizona receivers I would place my money on Pittsburgh. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have been unstoppable all year long with over 25 combined touchdowns grabs. Fitzgerald caught 3 touchdown passes in the first half of the NFL Championship and has also broken a postseason record with 419 receiving yards. It is safe to say that the Pittsburgh defense will have a tough task in trying to control these playmakers that lead one of the best air attacks in the NFL. Not to mention how the NFL has gotten fairly absurd with their pass interference calls over the last few years. It seems like the defender is to a big disadvantage with the rules and the first touch they make on a receiver the yellow flag flies. Again the odds may not be what you would like on a winning bet, but follow the likelihood of what will happen and place this wager with Pittsburgh.

Pick: Pittsburgh -140

The 2009 Super Bowl is a mere two days away as the world awaits one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the planet. The Super Bowl has always been the most popular and widely watched game in sports. This year’s battle promises to draw some more dramatic excitement as the Arizona Cardinals are in search for their first ever Super Bowl victory while the Pittsburgh Steelers will be trying to break an NFL record with their 6th Super Bowl win. Not only does this game cap off a great season for the winner, but it will also define the eternal career of quarterback Kurt Warner. One of the growing debates leading into this year’s spectacle has been the possibility and chances that veteran QB Kurt Warner will make the Hall of Fame. Warner has definitely received a bigger fan base through his performance during the playoffs this year where he has epitomized what it takes to be a leader of an NFL football team. Clearly this debate does not have an answer with many people believing Warner will make it into the Hall of Fame and many believing he will be left out. One thing that is for sure is this year’s Super Bowl may be the final audition that concretes the Warner legacy forever.

One of the pessimistic clouds that have overshadowed Warner’s career is that many believe he has not been as consistent enough as a top quarterback to receive the ultimate nomination into Canton, Ohio. Warner became an Arena Football League quarterback in 1995 after not being able to get a spot with an NFL team. Warner did not even enter the NFL until 3 years later at the age of 28. However, one year later Kurt Warner would take the role behind center for the St. Louis Rams and complete one of the biggest breakout stories in NFL history. The 1999 season really put the star quarterback on the map as he completed 65% of his passes on the season, for 4,353 yards, and an amazing 41 touchdowns. The 41 touchdowns became a Rams all-time record while placing 5th on the single season all-time list. Warner received his first MVP and led the St. Louis Rams to their first ever Super Bowl victory and also won the Super Bowl MVP becoming the 6th person ever to win both MVP titles in the same year. Over the next two years Warner will still have a good bit of success throwing 57 touchdowns and racking up an outstanding 4,830 yards through the air in 2001. The yardage total of 4,830 ranked 3rd all-time and led to Kurt Warner receiving his 2nd MVP award in 3 years while leading the Rams to another Super Bowl appearance. The Rams lost a close game to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI, but Warner still amassed over 365 yards the 2nd most in Super Bowl history behind his 414 yard performance in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Warner seemed to be on the fast track as one of the NFL’s all-time greats at the quarterback position despite his late entrance into the NFL. However, the following years were anything but expected. In 2002, Warner broke a finger on his throwing hand after a 0-3 start and despite making a comeback effort only played in two more games the rest of the season. Warner got the starting role back in the 2003 season opener, but after fumbling 6 times in the opener against the New York Giants his season was over before it begun. Marc Bulger took over the QB position for the Rams and Warner was left on the sidelines for the rest of the season and was releases by the Rams at the end of the year in 2004. During the off-season, Warner found a home with the New York Giants. However, this fit could be seen long before it happened that it was not going to work. Warner had become popular behind explosive offensive attacks and the New York Giants offense was more balanced power attack. Not to mention the Giants had already signed their future franchise quarterback in rookie Eli Manning. Warner got the Giants off to a 5-2 start before going through 2 straight poor performances that resulted in losses and Eli Manning would take over behind center. Following the season, Warner signed a one year contract with the Arizona Cardinal in a move similar to the St. Louis situation where a talented receiving core based around a west coast offense was in search of quarterback to give them a spark.

During the beginning of the Arizona campaign in 2005, Warner battled injuries in the midst of mediocre performances and finally partially tore his MCL at the end of the season. The popular belief quickly became that Kurt Warner’s days of a starting quarterback in the NFL were over and that he may even retire. However Warner got off to a fairly good start in 2006, but shared time with Matt Lienart who many thought was the future for the Cardinals. Leinart got the nod going into the 2007 season, but after some poor performances Warner would have to come of the bench and give Arizona a much needed confidence boost. Warner ended the 2007 season with a rather effective impression falling one touchdown short of a franchise record with 27 TDs for the season along with 3,417 yards as well. Warner got the start entering this season and it quickly became apparent that all the pieces of the Arizona offense had finally got glued together. Arizona sported one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL and Warner led the assault by amassing over 4,583 yards and a franchise record 30 touchdowns. Warner’s ability to direct the talented Arizona offense down the stretch this season has become eerie similar to that of his performance with the St. Louis Rams. Despite the year’s of underachieving, Warner has the opportunity to grab his 2nd Super Bowl ring and become the first ever quarterback to win the first franchise Super Bowl with two different teams. If Warner can lead the Cardinals into another postseason upset, the years from 2002-2006 will likely be forgotten forever.

The debate is so popular because the argument is legitimate from both sides. Many people may argue how can a guy receive the Hall of Fame talk when he spent nearly half his career battling for a starting position? However, looking at the statistics side of the argument Warner would likely be a lock. After all how can you turn down someone who has the second highest completion percentage all time at 66%, 3 Super Bowl appearances, 1 Lombardi Trophy, a Super Bowl MVP, and 2 NFL MVP awards? Warner also has a few more notable statistics including the highest passing yards per game average in NFL history at 261, the highest percentage of 300 yard games at 45%, and is tied with Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger for the most games with a perfect passing rating. However, the sad thing is that without this year’s breakout Warner might not be in any of the Hall of Fame talk. Still his performance down the stretch has been noticed by everybody in America and truly spectacular to watch. It is safe to say if he can pull off another underdog type feat and win his 2nd Super Bowl then the 37 year old can make retirement reservations for Canton, Ohio, but for now let the debate rage on.

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The Division Playoff Round is out of the picture along with yet another exciting and crazy weekend of football leaving us with NFL’s version of the final four. Championship weekend is among us as we have a pair of games to determine both the NFC and AFC Titles and more importantly decide who will be playing in this year’s Super Bowl. Amazingly the NFC will be hosted by the #5 and #6 seeded teams in the Title game for the first time in history when the Arizona Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles. The AFC match-up will be a colossal rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens dominated the majority of the game earlier this year, but Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a game winning drive late in the 4^th quarter to steal the victory. Take a look at what to watch for during Championship weekend.

NFC Championship

Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (11-7)

The Arizona Cardinals have been the biggest surprise this postseason. The Cardinals started off the year strong, but were nearly written off for dead losing their last 4 of 6 games of the regular season. However, the Cardinals would find the spark that would need to ignite their electrifying air assault. The Cardinals blew out the Carolina Panthers last week 33-13 a team that many people thought were the best in the NFC heading into the playoffs Arizona will host their first playoff game this weekend since 1947 and will become the final NFC team to host at least one home playoff game. Kurt Warner has looked solid finding targets Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin missed last week’s game and his status for the NFC Championship game is unknown. Larry Fitzgerald has been spectacular to say the least. Averaging 130 yards per game in the playoffs receiving with a pair of touchdowns, Fitzgerald has been uncontrollable for opposing secondary. The Cardinals will match up well again this week when they lead a high power offense against a brutal Philadelphia defense. The Eagles defense has been superb especially in the trenches. The best way to attack the Philadelphia defense if there is any is to try and pick apart the secondary. Warner and company will attempt to shock the world once again and earn a bid to the Super Bowl when they host the Eagles on Sunday.

Philadelphia has looked scary good during the playoffs and knocked off the defending Super Bowl Champions last week 23-11. The Eagles are flying high since their 5-5-1 start this season equaling 6 victories in their last 7 games. Philadelphia is getting it done on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles have not allowed over 14 points in 6 straight games and only allowing 10.8 points per contest during that stretch. The Eagles may have surprised many with their victory over the Giants, but I knew if New York did not make some plays through the air that they would be in for a long day. The Eagles have opened up as 3 point favorites over the Cardinals and they will have to withstand a strong passing game that was 2^nd best in the NFL this season averaging 292 yards per game. The Eagles let some Giants receivers get open last week, but New York failed to make the big plays. The Eagles secondary will have to be solid this weekend to slow down the Arizona passing game. Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb has been wonderful since being benched in week 12 for not performing up to par. Since that time, McNabb has averaged 240 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and only 4 picks. McNabb has the offense back to performing the way they should have been all year. Michael Westbrook is a big time playmaker that had a big 71 yard screen pass that lifted the Eagles over Minnesota in the first week of the playoffs. Westbrook was not very effective last week, but his presence alone is a big play threat for the Eagles offense. The Eagles made a Super Bowl appearance in 2005. McNabb and Westbrook will look to lead the Eagles back with a win over the Cardinals.

AFC Championship

Baltimore Ravens (13-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)

The first meeting between these teams this season was a wonderful defensive football game and the re-match has all the makings to be very similar. In the first meeting, Santonio Holmes caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger with 43 seconds left to get the victory over the Ravens 13-9. The Steelers have been nearly untouchable in the latter part of the year winning 7 of their last 8 games against some of the best teams in the NFL. Pittsburgh had a convincing performance last week when they man-handled the San Diego Chargers 35-24. Pittsburgh has one of the best defenses to ever step on an NFL field. The Steelers rank 1^st, 1^st, 2^nd, and 1^st in all 4 major defensive categories. Pittsburgh’s success is based around the performance of the defense because before last week the offense had really not been that good. The Steelers offense only averages 21 points per game along with 312 yards of total offense that both rank in the bottom half of the NFL. However when you have defense as talented as this unit, like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens proved that alone can be enough to win a Super Bowl. The Steelers looked like more of an offensive team last week, but that could be due to a poor San Diego defense as well. Still Pittsburgh is playing very well. Willie Parker leads the way on the ground and had a big performance against the Chargers. When Parker is effective on the ground, the Steelers are nearly impossible to defeat. Parker racked up 146 yards and 2 touchdowns last week and will get a load of carries this weekend for certain. Pittsburgh has yet to lose a game this season when Parker rushes for at least 50 yards or more. The Steelers defense will certainly be stout, but will the Pittsburgh offense be strong enough to hold off the Ravens for a second time?

I said before the playoffs started the Baltimore Ravens looked like the best prepared team to really make a strong run at a Super Bowl. The Ravens have really matured on the offensive side of the ball and the defense is a very tough unit. Baltimore has played better than anyone in the 2^nd half of the season winning 11 of their last 13 games. In the last 8 games, Baltimore is only allowing 10.2 points per game. If you throw out the Cowboys high scoring game, the Ravens are only allowing an amazing 8 points per contest. On top of that, the Baltimore offense has really come around late in the year. Rookie QB Joe Flacco is throwing more passes and controlling the ball well. The Ravens ground game has been solid this season as well behind the legs of Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. Both running backs will share carries and they have both shown the can be effective backs. Baltimore was shut down by the Pittsburgh offense in their last meeting only putting up 202 total yards. The offense should have a bit more confidence this time around and it will be interesting to see if they can get the job done. The turnovers will be a key category in this game. Last meeting, both teams have two turnovers a piece and it will be very crucial for each team to hold onto the ball in a field position type ball game. Look for this ball game to possibly be another very low scored game controlled by defense.