It all boils down to this as the #1 ranked Louisiana State University Tigers face the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Tournament Game at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA on January ninth. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is no stranger to this game, winning the national tournament in 2009 and also winning it with LSU as a head coach in 2003. LSU head coach Les Miles is also no stranger at this moment as he has won the national tournament in 2007. Two great squads and head coaches clashing on a collision course in what will certainly be an awesome game. The odds makers presently have this at Alabama (-1) with the over-under scheduled at 40 points.

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The LSU Tigers come into play undefeated at 13-0 with an 8-0 record in the SEC. They have also gone an incredible 8-0 versus ranked squads with wins over number three Oregon, #25 Mississippi State, #16 West Virginia, #17 Florida, #20 Auburn, #2 Alabama, #3 Arkansas, and #14 Georgia. This game is a rematch of the classic November fifth game at Alabama with the LSU Tigers winning in ot over the Tide 9-6. The LSU Tigers have an awesome offense ranked 12th in the nation with 38.5 points per game scored. LSU’s real weapon is their defense which is ranked 2nd in the nation with just 10.5 points per game allowed. Senior Quarterback Jarrett Lee with 1,306 passing yards and also a 152.0 rating mans the LSU Tigers passing attack. With each racking up over 700 yards on the ground, the tandem of sophomores Michael Ford and Spencer Ware pace the LSU running attack. CB Tyrann Mathieu concluded fifth in the Heisman contest while nabbing 6 picks and getting 173 yards off of those picks which rate 1st in the nation.

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The Crimson Tide come into this game attempting to get revenge for their loss to LSU back in November. The Tide has gone 11-1 in total with a 7-1 record in the SEC. They have gone 4-1 versus the Top 25 this season with wins over #23 Penn State, #14 Arkansas, #12 Florida, and #24 Auburn. Their just loss was the aforementioned game versus LSU in November. The Tide has averaged 36.0 points per game on offense with an outstanding running game. As great as LSU is on defense, the Tide are even greater at it ranking 1st in the nation just permitting a mindboggling 8.8 points per game. The Tide place the offense in sophomore Quarterback AJ McCarron’s hands, McCarron has 2,400 passing yards and a 149.8 passer rating. Junior Running back Trent Richardson concluded second in the Heisman whilst getting 1,583 rushing yards and 20 td’s on the ground.

The Pittsburgh steelers are matched up vs the Denver broncos in the nfl Playoffs. The Pittsburgh steelers ended as a wild card with an impressive record of 12-4 in the AFC North division, whereas the Denver broncos concluded up with an 8-8 record narrowly claiming champions of the AFC West. The Pittsburgh steelers will be going to Denver to face off vs them at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

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Denver has liked some success this year and a huge amount of press buzz around quarterback Tim Tebow after he took control the starting position with the departure of Kyle Orton. They were able to grab some interesting comeback wins as his play as well as their solid defense has kept them in contention in several competitions this year.

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Tebow should have confidence and remain calm under pressure to progress in the playoffs and possibly cement himself as the team quarterback for the Broncos. Former Broncos quarterback and current VP of operations John Elway has given Tim Tebow some words of encouragement for the impending game. If the Broncos find themselves tumbling behind early in this playoff match up, then it will be pretty tricky to turn it around vs the solid defense of the Pittsburgh steelers. Both teams will rely on their defense to keep themselves in the game and give their offense a possibility to step up and perform. Pittsburgh steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has proven himself this year and looks to carry on that success in the first round of the playoffs. Additionally watch for running back Isaac Redman to step up as Rashard Mendenhall is tending to a knee injury.

Tthe Pittsburgh steelers are slated as eight point favorites to progress in the playoffs, probably because he Denver broncos are not going to have an effortless time vs the powerhouse Pittsburgh steelers. The over/under on total points in this game is 35.5.

Following finishing with the best record in the league last year, and getting terminated in the 1st round by the Packers, the Falcons pray that slipping into the playoffs undetected in 2012 will offer them greater results. Atlanta concluded 10-6 this season, earning them a 1st round wild-card contest with the NFC East winning Giants (9-7).

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For the Jan 8 – Falcons against Giants game, nonetheless, New York appears to have the traction proceeding into the playoffs. Oddsmakers have identified this, and made New York a 3-point favorite. This is perhaps a astonishing position for a team that lost 4 competitions consecutively in November-December. In order to offer them an chance to arrive at the playoffs, the Giants had to depend on huge mistakes by their division foe Dallas Cowboys. A win over Dallas in week 17 guaranteed them the division title.

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New York competitors may argue that their losing streak this season came when starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw was wounded. And this is a valid argument, as 3 of 4 losses in that streak came when Bradshaw was on the bench. Now that he is back the Giants have looked like a different team, winning two must-win competitions consecutively over tough competition (New York Jets and Dallas).

Atlanta won 3 of their last 4 competitions coming into the playoffs, but Atlanta has had trouble all season vs winning squads. Versus squads that concluded over .500, Atlanta is just 2-4. Just two weeks ago, they were eliminated by the New orleans saints, 45-16.

Both squads are directed by quality qbs, the Giants by Eli Manning and the Falcons by Matt Ryan. The difference in this game, nonetheless, might be in quarterback stress. The Giants defensive line can get to the quarterback, and registered 48 sacks this year, excellent for third in the league. The game will be based on how well Matt Ryan and the Falcons offensive line can resist the stress of the Giants’ defensive front.

When it comes to scheduling, maybe the Lions just are unlucky. First, they end their regular season versus their division foe Green Bay Packers, who also possess the league’s best record. Then they follow that up by drawing the New orleans saints in the 1st round of the playoffs.

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The Jan 7 – Lions versus New orleans saints game will be the second meeting of the two squads this year. New Orleans won the 1st meeting in New Orleans 31-17. New Orleans is a 10.5 point fave to beat Detroit this week, and this is maybe part of the reason.

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Another is that New Orleans is on a roll. They’ve won eight matches back to back coming into this week’s meeting with Detroit, defeating 3 other playoff squads throughout that stretch. Following kicking an opposing player with his cleats, defensive celebrity Ndamukong Suh was suspended for two matches, but Detroit were able to pull things together. They won 3 from their last 4 matches of the year, merely losing a tight game to 15-1 Green Bay. When they last faced New Orleans, they were without Suh, and Detroit is praying the return of his presence to the defensive line is the change they need to stop Drew Brees and the effective New Orleans offense.

Unfortunately for Detroit, that Saints offense has been amazing for the second half of the year. They’ve gone over 40 in 4 of their last 6 and landed over 40 points in their last 3 matches. They’re 8-0 in their home stadium this year and a while back this year in New Orleans they dropped 62 points on Indianapolis.

Detroit has struggled this year versus higher quality competition, going 1-5 versus playoff squads (merely defeating Denver). Their offense has the potential to be high-flying, and thus it will likely be up to their defense to ensure they are in this match. If Suh will almost certainly make up for his two-game suspension, now is the time.

The Bengals will be facing off versus the Texans in pro football playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Reliant Stadium in Houston for the match up. Cincinnati concluded their season with a record of 9-7 and attained the playoffs this season as a wild card in the AFC North division. Following coming out ahead as the top team in the AFC South this season, Houston concluded with a record of 10-6.

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With the Texans having serious accidents to quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart and the Bengals losing each game versus playoff caliber teams, both teams have still had their fair share of struggles this season. Both quarterbacks were lost for the season with their accidents and rookie T.J. Yates has taken control. Houston has also viewed major accidents to linebacker Mario Williams as well as wide receiver Andre Johnson. The two teams have already faced one another in the course of the regular season and the Texans made a last effort return attempt with a match winning td pass captured by wide receiver Kevin Walters with just a few seconds left on the clock.

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The Cincinnati Bengals will need to try and stay with what has worked for them this year which has been their outstanding run game with running backs Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. If they can make this happen they may have the edge and ultimately eliminate a playoff team and progress past the first round for the first time in just over twenty years.

This might boil down to the wire yet again as it is destined to be a near one. The Texans are minor favorites despite many accidents to many crucial superstar players. The over/under for total total points for this specific game is 38. The line is established with the Houston Texans as 3 point favorites at their home field to the underdog Cincinnati Bengals.

The Seattle Seahawks (7-8) will be traveling to challenge the Cardinals (7-8) in an NFC West divisional match. Each respective squad has fallen just shy of playoff contention this year as they were looking for a wild card berth, but there is a little bit of reason that a win will offer either squad a winning record. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has yet to lose a game against the Cardinals in his stint, but Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb might return and start for his squad after recuperating from a concussion.

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Arizona must stop the strong run game from the Seattle Seahawks with top rusher Marshawn Lynch seeking to continue to add to his impressive career high of 1,118 yards. Lynch has additionally won a touchdown in a squad record eleven games.

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Both teams would adore to finish strong with a winning record and are getting ready as if this were every other game. Both of them have potential bright odds ahead with a number of competitors being added to the Pro Bowl roster including Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and defensive competitors Adrian Wilson and Patrick Peterson. Seahawks safety Earl Thomas was additionally selected for the Pro Bowl squad and all these leading competitors should be participating in this final fight with the exception of Peterson who’s doubtful with an injury to his left Achilles’ tendon. Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch almost certainly feels he should have been picked for the Pro Bowl honors as well and after being omitted probably will want to show why he genuinely does belong there.

This match will be an appealing one to see who can end on a great note and maintain a winning record for the 2011 year. The Cardinals are a favorite over the long shot Seattle Seahawks with a spread of -3. The over/under for total points in this game is 40.5.

This game between the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns will offer 2 squads who have diverse goals for the last 2 competitions of the season. The Pittsburgh steelers are presently in the playoff competition and are just only getting all set for the playoffs. On the flip side, the Browns are only trying to save their season with a few more wins after having had a quite bad season. Both squads nevertheless will be competing hard in spite of the difference in their records. It will likely be a quite tight game if both squads play hard.

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The Pittsburgh steelers are presently 11-4 and have only come off a big win against the St. Louis Rams. The Browns have lost 5 consecutive competitions whereas the Pittsburgh steelers beat the Rams 27-0 and shown amazing defense. The Browns last game against the Ravens showed just how hard it is for the Browns to score and they’re surely going to have a hard time with the Pittsburgh steelers defense. However, a solid amount of the game will rest on the team’s stars and how they are going to play under strain. Since the regular season is practically done, watch for both squads finish with a flurry.

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The Pittsburgh steelers are focusing on Big Ben to drive the squad for big passes that will lead to multiple tds whereas the Browns will pray that Hardesty will control the ground game. The Browns nevertheless will need to work together as a unit to be able to eliminate the Pittsburgh steelers as the talent is surely on Pittsburgh’s side. Both squads will look to play hard and keep it a minimal scoring game but watch for a dominating performance by Big Ben and the Pittsburgh steelers. The Browns will just have an opportunity if the Pittsburgh steelers entirely break down offensively but this is really uncertain.

The Eagles (7-8) will be visiting the Redskins (5-10) in an NFC East divisional match in their final game. Both squads are at the bottom of the division standings and have been eliminated from playoff competition this season. Philadelphia had a huge amount of media hype before the start of the season being described the dream team with their splash in the free agent market.


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Nonetheless, they have not quite lived up to the very high expectations and have had their fair share of battles this season with accidents to key competitors such as qb Michael Vick. Because Eagles head coach Andy Reid is possibly on the hot seat for remaining the squad’s coach next season, they still have something to play for.


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With an injury to his toe, Redskins running back Roy Helu is doubtful to play once again. With key Eagles defensive competitors doing well such as defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole, their deficiency of depth at the running game combined with their weak offensive line will be tough to triumph over. It will be up to Redskins qb Rex Grossman to have a great passing game for them to have any sort of chance. The Eagles are averaging about 400 yards on offense per game and you can anticipate them to do just as well with the pair of a healthy Michael Vick at qb and running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel is not likely to play with a hamstring injury.

In spite of both squads not earning a playoff berth for the 2011 season, they still would like to end on a positive note and come out ahead for the final game of the year. The Eagles are favorites in this particular game to the underdog Redskins with a line of -9. The over/under for points is at 46.5.

Week 17 of football Year is always full of trap contests. The game between the Lions and Green Bay Packers in Green Bay is one of this sort of game.

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The Lions have had a renaissance year. They’ve already qualified for the postseason with a win over the Chargers this past week, on top of already having a winning record. Having said all that, nevertheless, the Detroit Lions pale in contrast to the Green bay packers who are 14-1 and already beat the Detroit Lions 27-15 in Detroit earlier in the year. One has to wonder why odds makers are making the Detroit Lions a 3 point fave in the game even though it all says this should be a Green bay packers win. The reason is…

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The Green bay packers come into this match with the number one seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Green bay packers have nothing to play for since win or lose, they’re going to be the number one seed. Given this, all indications are the team will rest major competitors on its offense and defense. For example, stud qb Aaron Rodgers might play just the 1st quarter. As the team tries to get rest for its battered offensive line, this is particularly true. In general, the Green bay packers appear to be ready to sleepwalk through this match.

The Detroit Lions are taking a different approach. It is now seeking to get the greatest seed [5th] possible, even though the team has qualified for among the 2 wild cards in the division. The advantage of this higher seed would mean the Detroit Lions would play a less strong choice of division champions depending on the outcome of the other contests in week 17. That may be the distinction between being one and done in the playoffs or having a deep run. The Detroit Lions will be really motivated for this match all in all.

The Jan 01 – Carolina Panthers at Saints contest is a fascinating one for Football devotees and gamblers. The Saints come into week 17 at 12-3. They’ve already wrapped up the 3rd seed in the NFC, and the only way they can strengthen that seeding is if San Francisco loses to 2-13 St. Louis, which doesn’t seem likely. Therefore, New Orleans may not play their starters for the complete game and there’s the likelihood qb Drew Brees will sit for most, if not all, of the game.

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Of course whether or not Drew Brees along with New Orleans starters sit will have a big effect on the game. New Orleans is preferred in the game by 8. These 2 squads last met on October 9th this season. Although it looked like the Carolina Panthers would eke out a win, Brees led the Saints to a game-winning touchdown with 50 seconds left and the Saints pulled out a 30-27 victory.

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They have a lot to be fired up about for next season although the Carolina Panthers (6-9) do not have a shot at the playoffs this season. Their rookie qb, Cam Newton, has established a rookie record for passing yards and an Nfl record for rushing tds by a qb. The Carolina Panthers have won 4 of their last 5.

This is an significant game for the Carolina Panthers, despite the fact that the Saints may rest some competitors. They’d love to finish their season one game below .500, and with a win over their division foe Saints, in New Orleans. As they came within a touchdown (and one minute) from defeating New Orleans earlier this year, it would seem that 8 points is a manageable spread for the Carolina Panthers to cover. The Saints have been hot recently, nonetheless, and are unbeaten at home this season. Thus, it will all boil down to who winds up on the field for the Saints on Sunday, and who spends time regenerating for the playoffs.