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MVP results will be made public before NBC televises presentation

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:32:00 -0600

NFL Honors ceremony

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:12:00 -0600

The NFL has set up an entire gala-like ceremony for this year’s awards announcements at the Murat Theatre. Throngs of media are lined up a ...

D.J. Williams: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0600

1) Introduction: When the Packers selected D.J. Williams in the fifth round last April, most were quick to say that “the rich were getting richer,” with the assumption that Williams—the Mackey Award winner in 2010—would step right into a role in the Packers already deep and talented offense. That may still happen in time, but [...]

Packers Team Report 02/04/2012

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:27:00 -0600

Tight end Jermichael Finley isn't bashful about saying his piece and making predictions, but Nostradamus, he is not. Finley claimed in the aftermath of the 37-20 upset loss to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs Jan. 15 that he has no insight on whether he will be back as a Packer next season. "If I was a psychic, I could tell you that," Finley said. "But, I don't know what's going on (with the team's decision-makers). If I did, I'd tell you." Finley tops a list of only a handful of veteran players on the team who are due to become unrestricted free agents in March. Other notables are halfback Ryan Grant, Pro Bowl center Scott Wells and ascending backup quarterback Matt Flynn. Some have tossed around the possibility of the Packers' designating Flynn as their franchise player in February as a means to get something in return for him by dangling him as trade bait. Yet, the more likely scenario is general manager Ted Thompson slaps the tag on Finley, ensuring Green Bay gets at least one more season out of its playmaker for who it doesn't have a worthy successor at tight end if he were to get to free agency. "If it happens, it's the business decision they made around here," Finley said of the tag. "I would love to be back in Green Bay. It's all a business decision. I'm going to do my best with wherever I get put." Finley played a full season for the first time in his four-year career, a year after he suffered a season-ending knee injury five games into Green Bay's Super Bowl-winning 2010 campaign. Finley ranked third on the team with a career-high-tying 55 catches for a personal bests of 767 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2011 regular season, but Thompson held off on giving him a contract extension. It's possible Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy have reservations about Finley, who admittedly wasn't always on the same page with quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season and led the team with more than a dozen dropped passes. McCarthy, however, hinted in his season-ending news conference Wednesday the team would be bringing Finley back. "Jermichael and I talked about his year," McCarthy said. "He didn't feel great about the way it went. He knows he has a lot of good, better football in front of him. I think Jermichael's a very talented young man, and I would emphasize young. He needs an offseason program, like a lot of guys, and I think he'll continue to grow and be an outstanding football player for us." McCarthy also endorsed the return of Wells, who has been a starter since 2005. "Make no bones about it, I told Scott I hope we're working together again next year," McCarthy said. "He's going into free agency, and we'll see what happens. Scott Wells has been a very valuable member of our football team. I think he's done an excellent job the last couple of years. I would say he's clearly the best lineman we've had this year, as far as performance. It's nice to see him being recognized as a Pro Bowl center. I hope we can get it worked out." UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS QUARTERBACK: Starter - Aaron Rodgers. Backups - Matt Flynn, Graham Harrell. A sluggish performance in the stunning divisional-round loss to the New York Giants was the anomaly for Rodgers in an otherwise unforgettable season that should end with him still in Indianapolis in early February to receive his first league MVP award on the eve of Super Bowl XLVI. Rodgers didn't play the final regular-season game, but his staggering body of work the first 15 games gave him the team records for completion percentage (68.3), passing yards (4,643) and touchdown throws (45) with ease and also the new NFL standard for efficiency with a 122.5 passer rating. All the while, Rodgers made more inroads as a savvy quarterback in Green Bay's pass-happy offense who isn't reckless with the football, throwing a career-low six interceptions in his fourth season as a starter while registering a personal-high average of 9.3 yards per pass attempt. Rodgers absorbed 36 sacks (his second-highest total), but he has few peers who can break the pocket and pick up sizable yards with his feet - he ranked third on the team with 257 rushing yards and scrambled for a career-best 66 yards in the postseason loss. Flynn, Rodgers' patient understudy the last four seasons, is poised to get a hefty pay raise in free agency and contend for a starting spot somewhere else after his team-record-setting 480-yard, six-touchdown performance in only his second pro start in the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions. Harrell has yet to play in a game in his two-year run with the Packers, but general manager Ted Thompson thought highly enough of the young prospect to promote him from the practice squad the last month of the season when the Buffalo Bills tried to sign him. RUNNING BACKS: Starters - Ryan Grant, FB John Kuhn. Backups - James Starks, Brandon Saine. Injured reserve: Alex Green. Running the football took more of a backseat in the offense with Rodgers' pulling the trigger. The 395 rushing attempts is the team's fewest since Rodgers replaced Brett Favre as the starter in 2008. What's more, the carry-by-committee approach implemented by head coach Mike McCarthy resulted in the Packers' lowest yardage output by their leading rusher in 13 years. Starks, the de facto No. 2 back most of the season, claimed this season's dubious honor with 578 yards despite being hampered down the stretch of the season by an assortment of ankle and knee injuries. The explosive runs between Starks and veteran Grant (559 yards) were few and far between. Neither had a 100-yard game, and Grant had the team's longest gain - a 47-yard touchdown late in the season. Grant, who didn't seem to be fully back after missing all but the first game of the 2010 season because of a ruptured ankle, is set to be an unrestricted free agent and iffy to return to the team. The succession plan with Starks as a featured back is on shaky ground because he's spent too much time in the training room his first two years in the league. The team has high hopes for the powerful Green, a third-round draft pick last year who suffered a torn ACL at midseason. Saine, an undrafted rookie, has potential as a versatile contributor out of the backfield after being promoted from the practice squad to replace Green. The blue-collar Kuhn, selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time, will need recovery time in the offseason after suffering a knee injury in the last game. TIGHT ENDS: Starter - Jermichael Finley. Backups - Tom Crabtree, Ryan Taylor, D.J. Williams. Injured reserve: Andrew Quarless. Thompson has a critical decision to make in the coming weeks: whether to use the franchise tag on Finley or let the ultra-talented, but maddeningly inconsistent performer reach the open market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time. The on-field chemistry, or lack thereof, between Rodgers and Finley continued to be detrimental this season. As much as Finley was dependable in playing a full season for the first time and producing career-high numbers with 55 catches for 767 yards and eight touchdowns, he led the team with more than a dozen dropped passes. Losing Finley would create a major void given the importance of the position in the passing game. The Packers kept an unprecedented five tight ends on the roster at the start of the season, but the four young backups combined for only 12 catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Quarless, a capable pass catcher, is on the comeback trail after suffering a torn ACL in the first meeting with the Giants in early December. Crabtree excels as a blocker. Taylor and Williams had little playing time on offense as rookies, though Taylor stood out for his coverage skills on special teams. WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters - Greg Jennings, Donald Driver. Backups - Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb. Injured reserve: Shaky Smithson. Rodgers' embarrassment of riches on the receiving end of his throws was exemplified by the production of the deepest collection of playmakers in the league. Each of the five wideouts had at least 25 receptions - a first in team history. Jennings earned a Pro Bowl nod for the second straight year with 67 receptions for 949 yards and nine touchdowns, but a fourth straight 1,000-yard season fell by the wayside because of a torn MCL that kept him out of the final three regular-season games before he returned for the playoffs. Jennings' absence allowed Nelson to become the team's most productive receiver with breakout numbers of 68 catches for 1,263 yards (18.6 yards per catch) and 15 touchdowns. Nelson still was no better than No. 3 on the depth chart. Driver, the team's most-tenured player who completed his 13th season, was a starter in name only as his playing time and production (37 catches, 445 yards, six touchdowns) plummeted greatly. He turns 37 on Feb. 2 and may be bidding adieu to Green Bay, though he has a year left on his contract. Jones made the most of his limited contributions with 38 catches for an average of 16.7 yards and seven TDs. Cobb split time with Driver in the slot, and the speedy rookie is adept at creating yards after the catch (average of 15 per reception). Undrafted rookies Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel spent all season on the practice squad and will push to make the 53-man roster next season. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - LT Chad Clifton, LG T.J. Lang, C Scott Wells, RG Josh Sitton, RT Bryan Bulaga. Backups - T Marshall Newhouse, G/C Evan Dietrich-Smith, G Ray Dominguez, T Herb Taylor. Injured reserve: T Derek Sherrod. A rash of injuries prevented the Packers from having continuity on the line for most of the season. The preferred starting five finally ended the season together for the playoffs game after they had been broken up since Week 4. The rock-solid Wells, who is Pro Bowl bound for the first time, is the only starter who manned his position every game. Lang, who beat out 2011 first-round draft pick Sherrod in a camp battle at left guard, had to play some at right tackle late in the season when Bulaga went out with a knee injury. Sitton also was felled by knee problems for a brief stretch in December and didn't perform up to his high standards of 2010. A torn hamstring sustained by Clifton, 35, in Week 5 opened the door for second-year Newhouse to have an extensive stint as Rodgers' blind-side protector. The results were hit-and-miss, but Newhouse may have the inside track to be the opening-day starter next season if Clifton is let go. Sherrod was supposed to be Clifton's heir, but Sherrod might not be ready for the start of camp because of a broken leg he sustained in mid-December. Dietrich-Smith made a total of four starts at both guard spots as an injury replacement late in the season. Dominguez, an undrafted rookie, and Taylor, a late-season pickup off the street, never played. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters - DLE Ryan Pickett, NT B.J. Raji, DRE Howard Green. Backups - DE C.J. Wilson, DE Jarius Wynn, DE Mike Neal. Injured reserve: DE Lawrence Guy. The Packers never overcame the loss of versatile and effective pass-rushing end Cullen Jenkins, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency after the lockout ended last summer. Neal, the heir apparent at right end, was at the heart of the problem. The 2010 second-round draft pick suffered a knee injury in training camp and didn't make his season debut until Nov. 20. Thereafter, he was next to invisible on the field with nary a sack and only five tackles in the last seven regular-season games. Green Bay's seasonlong struggles to generate a pass rush included a dropoff by Raji, who had only three sacks after having 6 1/2 in 2010. Raji still received a first-time nod for the Pro Bowl, although his contributions in other areas (just 43 tackles after 66 in 2010) went down despite being a more rested player this season. Pickett, an 11th-year pro, was productive against the run when he was healthy - he missed two games late in the season because of a concussion but led the linemen with 54 tackles. Green provided little more than being a big body on early downs. Young ends Wilson and Wynn played a lot in a rotation but mustered just three sacks between them. LINEBACKERS: Starters - LOLB Clay Matthews, MLB Desmond Bishop, MLB A.J. Hawk, ROLB Erik Walden. Backups - OLB Brad Jones, OLB Frank Zombo, MLB D.J. Smith, MLB Robert Francois, OLB Vic So'oto, OLB Jamari Lattimore. Green Bay's pass-rush deficiencies (a grand total of 30 sacks in 17 games, including the playoffs) fell greatly on not having a capable starter opposite Matthews. Walden held the role for all but the final two games of the season and came up with just three sacks - none after Nov. 20. That allowed opponents to liberally double-team Matthews, who had a solid season in being selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time in as many seasons but saw his sacks total dip from 10 and 13 1/2 his first two years to a team-leading six this season. Zombo, who emerged as a starter as an undrafted rookie in 2010, played only six games because of a variety of injuries. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers turned to onetime starter Jones in the playoffs, but it was too little, too late. So'oto, who made the team as an undrafted rookie with a stellar preseason, never kept the momentum going in the regular season after suffering a back injury days before the season opener. The inside tandem of Bishop (team-high 142 tackles, five sacks) and Hawk (104 tackles) succumbed to calf injuries in the Thanksgiving game at Detroit, which allowed the young duo of rookie Smith and Francois to do some good things for a few games. DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters - LCB Charles Woodson, RCB Tramon Williams, SS Charlie Peprah, FS Morgan Burnett. Backups - CB Sam Shields, CB Jarrett Bush, CB Pat Lee, CB Davon House, S M.D. Jennings. Injured reserve: S Nick Collins. All in all, a miserable season for the Packers' secondary, which was a group of strength for the Super Bowl champions the previous season. The loss of Collins, a three-time Pro Bowl honoree and the "quarterback" of the secondary, to a career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 was immense. Peprah (five interceptions) is a nice veteran to have on the team, but he's not full-time-starter material, as evidenced by his multitude of breakdowns in coverage and missed tackles. Collins' absence also affected Burnett, who had to assume different responsibilities on the back end and wasn't nearly as effective as a playmaker after getting all three of his interceptions in the first three games. Still, Burnett produced 107 tackles and has a high ceiling after playing his first full season following an injury-shortened pro debut in 2010. Woodson isn't slowing down at age 35, tying for the league lead with seven interceptions, but he can't be excused from the Packers' allowing the most passing yards (4,988) in NFL history. Williams and nickel back Shields each had four interceptions, but their downfield coverage skills regressed from last season and made them whipping boys for opposing quarterbacks to exploit. Bush also was a liability when periodically deployed as the dime back, though he and Lee were coverage aces on special teams. House, a fourth-round draft pick, had a lot of hype going into training camp as an accomplished cornerback in college, but the Al Harris lookalike (dreadlocks included) never appeared on defense during the season. Jennings, who made the team as an undrafted rookie, was a special-teams contributor. SPECIAL TEAMS: K Mason Crosby, P Tim Masthay, KOR Randall Cobb, PR Cobb, LS Brett Goode. An Achilles' heel for Green Bay in previous years, the special-teams units made remarkable gains this season under previously embattled coordinator Shawn Slocum. Counting the playoffs, Crosby made 26 of 30 field-goal attempts for a career-best 86.7 percent. He also broke his own team record with a 58-yard field goal in Week 7 at Minnesota and came within one point in the regular season of equaling his franchise-best 141 points set as a rookie in 2007. Masthay also had a record-setting season in his second year with the club, establishing team marks for gross (45.6 yards) and net (38.6) averages with solid directional punting. Cobb quickly gave the Packers a dynamic kick returner they haven't had in several years with a league-record-tying 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the season opener. The second-round draft pick also scored on an 80-yard punt return in another prime-time game. Goode has been dependable with the long-snapping duties for four years.

Setting the table for a busy Saturday

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0600

Saturday should be busy and rewarding for those of us in the NFC North. At 5:30 p.m. ET, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce its class of 2012. Former Minnesota Vikings Cris Carter and Chris Doleman are among those on the ballot. So is Green Bay Packers outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene and former Detroit Lions guard Dick Stanfel, a nomination from the Seniors Committee. I'll plan to weigh in on the blog shortly after the announcement, whether we have good news or bad news.

John Kuhn: 2011 Green Bay Packers Player Evaluation and Report Card

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0600

1) Introduction: One of the more popular players on the team, Kuhn went from being a record-breaker at Shippensburg to an Arena League draft pick to folk hero at the NFL’s most storied franchise. Needless to say, it’s been a long and winding journey for Kuhn to get where he’s at today. Now, 70,000 plus [...]

For now, Gronkowski has the edge on Packers' Finley

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:45:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS — The most talked about body part in Indianapolis this week has not been Eli Manning's arm, Bill Belichick's brain or Chad Ochocinco's mouth. The popularity contest was won by Rob Gronkowski's ankle.

Finley: No news on conract

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:19:00 -0600

Packers tight end Jermichael Finley made the rounds at radio row on Friday as one of the few players not pushing some kind of product. ...

Packers, Finley making no progress on new contract

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 -0600

Impending free agent tight end Jermichael Finley spoke to reporters in Indianapolis on Friday, and indicated that he and the Packers have had no discussions regarding a new contract. “Hey, it’s the NFL,” Finley said. “With business right now, I don’t even know what’s going on. … You just have to play that (waiting) game.…

Packers' Finley still in waiting

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:00 -0600

Indianapolis -- Just caught up with Jermichael Finley after the tight end's tour de force through Radio Row at the J.W. Marriott. He said it was a "crazy" experience --- one he hopes to do next season with his jersey on.

Giants' Road To Indy The Post's Brett Cyrgalis Takes A Look At A Season In Which The Giants

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:00 -0600

REGULAR SEASON Sept. 11 at WaShington Loss, 28-14 The Giants start the season on a sour note by letting Rex Grossman throw for 305 yards and two TDs.

Only 246 fans displaced at 2011 Super Bowl took seats for XLVI

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:51:00 -0600

Of the roughly 3,200 fans who found themselves scrambling in last year's Super Bowl seating fiasco in Dallas, 246 took the NFL up on its offer of a ticket to Sunday's game in Indianapolis between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

Every team guaranteed Thursday night game next season

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:21:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS - The Green Bay Packers are guaranteed to play at least one Thursday night game this season because of an expanded NFL Network schedule, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Friday.

Thursday Night Football to feature every team

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:19:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS – The NFL will play Thursday Night Football games starting in Week 2, commissioner Roger Goodell announced Friday. Every team will be featured once, ...

Jamari Lattimore: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0600

1) Introduction: As the “other” outside linebacker from Middle Tennessee State (Erik Walden) on the Packers roster, Jamari Lattimore was perhaps the polar opposite of Vic So’oto. While So’oto was more powerful that quick, Lattimore was more quick than powerful. While So’oto exploded onto the scene during the preseason, Lattimore remained relatively unknown. But perhaps [...]

WI Schools Readying for Packers' 'Play 60 Challenge'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:58:00 -0600

More Than 2,800 Students To Participate Feb. 6 Through March 4

Does 'Moneyball' Work in Football?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:06:00 -0600

Statisticians are trying to bring mathematics and economics to decisions made on the field and in player drafting. Those methods run counter to football's time-honored ways.

Patriots TE Gronkowski enjoys breakout season many expected of Finley

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS - The most talked about body part in Indianapolis this week has not been Eli Manning's arm, Bill Belichick's brain or Chad Ochocinco's mouth. It was Rob Gronkowski's ankle.

Podcast: Packers WR Greg Jennings

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:59:00 -0600

Green Bay Packers WR Greg Jennings talks about the loss to the Giants in the playoffs and shares his advice for New England's receivers vs. the Giants defense. Who is Jennings' picks to win Super Bowl XLVI?

Goodell: No Expansion Plans

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:34:00 -0600

The commissioner also hit on concussions and introduced an expanded Thursday lineup during his "State of the NFL" address on Friday in Indianapolis.

Signature snaps: Top five running plays of 2011

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 -0600

The NFL offseason will officially be upon us following the Super Bowl and, like any offseason, it will feel too long. One of the best ways to get through it is to enjoy the good memories from the...

Your Super Bowl betting bonanza

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 -0600

$87 million was legally wagered on last year’s Super Bowl in the state of Nevada.

Add in the cash that gets down offshore, internationally and with your local Italian friends up the block and that number skyrockets to make Super Bowl Sunday the most heavily bet game of the year.

The interesting thing about the NFL’s ultimate showdown is that the game itself offers very little value. This isn’t a Tuesday night college buckets game between Akron and Toldeo. Bookmakers around the globe pay extra special attention to the numbers they set for the Super Bowl, making it all the more difficult to gain an edge if you’re going to the window thirty minutes before kickoff.

The Big Game means Big Money.

As we wrote on Wednesday, the sharps took a position on the Giants +4 and +3.5 when the opening numbers came out, according to Wynn sportsbook director Johnny Avello. Since that time however, the action has continued to come in on New York.

“So far Vegas sportsbooks are rooting for the Patriots and while that can still change by kickoff, the action has clearly been one-sided especially on the moneyline for the Giants to win the game outright,” Director of Race & Sports for Station Casinos Chuck Esposito told me on Thursday. “Looking at the point spread, it has only been a factor six times in the Super Bowl. The last three times these two teams have met, someone has scored to change the outcome in the last 1:30 of the game.”

Esposito won’t be the only bookmaker in town rooting for New England come Sunday evening.

“I anticipate we'll be Patriots fans throughout Caesars Entertainment as we approach kickoff, although it only takes a few large bets from casino customers to change our position,” Caesars Senior Race & Sports Analyst Todd Fuhrman told me Thursday. “Right now it's much more likely the line will come down to NE -2.5 than it would even sniff the full 3 again."

The same can be said about the prevailing thought process on the ground in Indianapolis this week, as I have yet to find a member of the media willing to side with New England—against the spread OR straight up. The Giants have covered the number in five straight games and after their impressive upset of the defending champion Green Bay Packers, New York has clearly emerged as a public darling.

However, while there hasn’t been a whole lot of movement on the side for Sunday’s Super Bowl, there was some interesting action taking place on the total just a couple days ago, as the over/under went from 55 and 55.5 down to 54, indicating that some cash has come in under the assumption that this matchup won’t be as high scoring as many anticipate.

NEW YORK GIANTS (12-7, 7-3 road) at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (15-3, 9-1 home)

Time: Sunday, 6:30pm ET
Opening line: New England -3.5/55.5
Current line: New England -3 (even)/54 at LVH, New England -2.5 (-115)/54 at BetOnline.com
Betting trends: 58% backing the New York Giants, 52% backing the UNDER

New York Giants: 11-7-1 against the spread, OVER is 9-9-1
New England Patriots: 10-8 against the spread, OVER is 12-6

Fortenbaugh’s Playoff Record

Straight up: 7-3
ATS: 5-5
Over/Under: 6-4

Super Bowl Prediction: I can’t remember the last time so many people were in a rush to bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Giants are a scorching-hot football team, but it’s a big red flag to me to see so many members of the public and media picking Big Blue to win this showdown. Brady’s only got a few years left and knows damn well this could be his last shot to bring home number four. New England claims the Vince Lombardi Trophy in a 24-20 win over the Giants.

MAD PROPS

Brace yourselves for 1,500+ words of mind-blowing Super Bowl proposition bet analysis. If you come out the other side of this thing alive, feel free to hit us up in the comments section with what you like for Sunday.

Prop: Will the first kickoff result in a touchback?
Pick: YES (-120)
Experts: Vegas-Runner (Pregame.com) & Teddy Covers (Covers.com)
Twitter: @VegasRunner & @Teddy_Covers

Vegas-Runner: “76% of all kickoffs in Lucas Oil Stadium have resulted in touchbacks. We know from data that the New York Giants prefer to receive the opening kickoff, while the Patriots like to defer. I expect that trend to continue in this game regardless of who wins the coin toss. That means the stronger-legged Stephen Gostkowski should be teeing off to begin the game and he's shown the ability to boot the ball deep even in bad weather. This time, he gets to do so in a dome. No player wants to make a costly mistake at the very start of the game, so don't expect to see anyone try to make a big play early on by running the ball out if it's deep in the end zone, which this ball will be.”

Only in the world of prop betting could Stephen Gostkowski emerge as a hero five seconds into the game.

Teddy Covers: “This bet is still worth making at -200 or better and it’s an interesting handicap. The Patriots have a strong tendency to defer when they win the opening coin toss while the Giants prevailing tendency is to get the ball first when they win the toss. As a result, chances are pretty good that it’s going to be Stephen Gostkowski with the opening kickoff instead of Lawrence Tynes. Gostkowski is a touchback-type kicker with a big leg and the adrenaline will most assuredly be flowing for that opening kick. The Giants don’t attempt many kickoff returns from deep in their own end zone and without a strong return game, they are quite comfortable taking the ball at the 20-yard line. Put it all together and we’re getting a 3:1 favorite while laying 2:1 or less to do it.”

Prop: New York Giants total points in the third quarter
Pick: UNDER
Expert: Marc Lawrence, Playbook.com
Twitter: @MarcLawrence and @Sportscapper

Lawrence: “New York scored an average of just 3.79 points per game in the third quarter this season while the Patriots allowed just 20 total points in third quarter over their last ten games of season.”

Prop: Team to score first (Giants -110, Patriots +100)
Pick: GIANTS (-110)
Expert: BeyondTheBets.com
Twitter: @BeyondTheBets

Beyond The Bets: “This is one of those props that the general public will eat up because they think they're getting a steal on the favored team at even odds. However, if the Patriots do score first, it will in all likelihood be in the game's second possession and not the first. That's because the Giants are a near certainty to receive the ball first, something the sportsbooks are well aware of.

Since Sept. 7, 2008, the game Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Patriots have won the coin toss 28 times. In all 28 situations, the Patriots chose to defer. The Giants, meanwhile, have won the toss nine times this year and elected to receive in seven of them. One of those games was against the Patriots in Week 9.

In two previous meetings — once in the 2007 regular season and once in the Super Bowl later that year — the Giants won the toss and elected to receive. In the Super Bowl, the Giants took the ball and drove down the field before kicking a field goal to go up 3-0.

This year's Super Bowl is expected to be a high-scoring affair with a total set at 54. If you think the team that gets ball first will score, then the Giants look like a strong play at reasonable odds, even though it might not seem like it.”

Prop: Which half will feature more points scored?
Pick: Second Half (includes overtime)
Expert: Warren Sharp, SharpFootballAnalysis.com
Twitter: @SharpFootball

Sharp: “This is a play borne from a quote I read from former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi last week. He mentioned how the defense gets really gassed in a hot dome in the second half of a Super Bowl. There is a huge halftime show and the game has more frequent, longer commercial breaks. So I went back and looked at dome Super Bowls. Since 1977, 12 of 14 have seen more points scored in the second half, including all three Patriots Super Bowls from 2001-2007.

Thanks for the info, Tedy.

New England has been scoring early as of late, but in eight of New York’s last 12 games, more points came in the second half.

The other thing going for us here is that the Giants and Patriots rank back-to-back in fewer points scored in the first half, with only 45% of their total point production coming in the first two quarters, which means 55% of their scoring is coming in the second half.

Finally, in the last three meetings between New York and New England, 16 points per game have been scored in the first half and 34 points per game have come in the second half. We also have the potential for overtime to help us, in a game my computer predicts should be very close.”

Prop: Total field goals made by Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes
Pick: OVER (1.5)
Expert: Marco D’Angelo, Pregame.com
Twitter: @MarcoInVegas

D’Angelo: “Tynes has converted six of eight postseason attempts and that was kicking at MetLife Stadium, Lambeau Field, and a rain-soaked Candlestick Park. He will be kicking indoors for the Super Bowl and the Patriots defense has been playing better lately with their “bend but don't break” style helping them to win two postseason games. I see a few more field goal attempts from the Giants and playing indoors will increase Tynes’ range.”

BONUS PROP from Marco D’Angelo and Warren Sharp

Prop: Total number of kickoff returns
Pick: UNDER (6.5)

D’Angelo: “Both teams average three kickoff returns per game and this showdown is taking place inside a dome, which should lead to more touchbacks.”

Prop: Total receiving yards for Giants wideout Mario Manningham
Pick: OVER (44.5, -115)
Expert: WagerMinds.com
Twitter: @WagerMinds

WagerMinds: “Manningham played in only nine regular season games this year without injury. But when he played, he produced. In the nine contests where Manningham was fully healthy, the New York wideout only went under the 44.5-yard mark once. With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz now shining as the stars of the offense, look for more coverage on Manningham from Julian Edelman. In the AFC Championship game, Baltimore wide receiver Lee Evans (the No. 3 wideout) posted a season-high 69 yards?against Edelman.

The public perception of Manningham is rather low at the current moment as his last two games featured just 31 and 17 receiving yards, respectively. However, Manningham’s last two playoff games were played on grass, a substance not necessarily favorable to the former Michigan standout. This year (in games without injury) Manningham averaged 36.4 yards per game on grass vs. 60 yards per game on turf. Even if he has been underperforming yardage-wise, Manningham has been an integral part of the Giants’ 2011 playoff push, catching a touchdown in each playoff game.”

Prop: Total receptions by Patriots wideout Deion Branch
Pick: OVER (3)
Expert: Marco D’Angelo, Pregame.com
Twitter: @MarcoInVegas

D’Angelo: “In 15 games during the regular season, Branch hauled in 51 receptions (3.4 per game), but in this showdown he's a veteran that quarterback Tom Brady can go to and count on. Also keep in mind that tight end Rob Gronkowski won’t be at 100% for the Super Bowl due to an ankle injury and wide reciever Wes Welker will see a healthy dose of the New York defense's attention. I see value in this prop.”

A PROP BET YOU SHOULDN’T MAKE

Prop: Will the opening coin toss land on heads or tails?
Pick: STAY AWAY!
Expert: Payne, PayneInsider.com
Twitter: @PayneInsider

No thanks.

Payne: “Fun and smart rarely find themselves in the same sentence when talking sports betting. Apparently, betting which side a coin lands on constitutes entertainment. Having a complete stranger determine my fate in seconds with a flick of the thumb doesn't come off as "fun" to me. One sportsbook I speak with regularly says the coin toss is their most heavily bet prop each and every Super Bowl. The problem is the price point at -105 for both heads and tails. This might be the only wager in the history of sports betting where you are GUARANTEED to lose money. It's a 50/50 proposition and for the 50 times you win, you're paid $1, while the 50 times you lose result in a $1.05 loss. Losing money isn't fun.”

THOUGHTS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTER

Expert: Todd Fuhrman
Position: Senior Race & Sports Analyst, Caesars Entertainment
Website: ToddsTake.com
Twitter: @ToddFuhrman

Fuhrman: “I think prop bets can offer value, however, you have to play the game out in your head before making a bet. This year if you believe that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury is serious, take a look at Aaron Hernandez props since the Patriots season-long reliance on the tight end position wont change against the Giants.”

Expert: Johnny Avello
Position: Director of Race & Sports Operations, Wynn & Encore Hotels & Casinos

Avello: “The one proposition bet that has been getting a great deal of action is the “Which team will run the first play from the line of scrimmage” prop, with customers betting the Giants pretty strong. Why you say? Because Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has made the decision to play defense on the last 28 coin flips he has won. That’s because the last time the Patriots opted to receive after winning the toss—which was against the Kansas City Chiefs a few years ago—Tom Brady blew his knee out early in the game. So if this trend holds up, New England has only a 1 in 4 chance to have the ball first because if the Giants win the flip, there is only a 1 in 2 chance they choose to defer.”

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

Goodell: NFL Network will expand to 13 games in 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:00 -0600

Indianapolis - Commissioner Roger Goodell held his annual Super Bowl press conference Friday and the only piece of news that came out of it might upset some Packers fans.

Ryan Taylor: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0600

1) Introduction: Ted Thompson raised a few eyebrows in April when he took Taylor just two rounds after selecting D.J. Williams at the same position. The Packers then had five tight ends, including Taylor, with a chance to make the final roster at the beginning of training camp. By September 3, Taylor and his four [...]

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Janoris Jenkins

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:44:00 -0600

Pros

He’s the Darrelle Revis of college football. He doesn’t shy away from competition and looks to take on the other team’s #1 playmaker. Unlike the other top cornerbacks in this draft, Jenkins will shadow the top opposing receiver no matter where the receiver lines up. He’s physical and not just in a pass defense only mindset.

Jenkins looks to make play and it doesn’t matter if it’s picking a pass or coming off the route and stopping the running back coming out of the backfield. He’s one of the most sure tacklers in the college game. His physicality allows him to battle the bigger receivers. It takes their concentration off of the route and makes their focus turn to getting separation from the 5’10 Jenkins.

When he is out of position, he still shows great recovery speed to defend passes and he also has some of the quickest hips on change of direction. Janoris can play the receiver tight or he can back off and still make a difference. When he steps back from the line, he’s usually baiting in the quarterback. Most signal callers underestimate how quick Jenkins’ break on the ball is. After Janoris has broken the quarterback’s will to throw to his side, he hides the corner blitz and is in the backfield before the quarterback or the ball carrier can change route.

[Ed Note: Make sure to check out the Opposing Views Mock Draft]

Cons

I mention that Jenkins is always looking to make a play whether it’s in the passing game or versus the run. He has this ability to recognize it early because he’s one of the select few corners that look in the backfield while in coverage. This puts him at risk and has come back to bite him a time or two. He jumps the route or either bites on the double move and while he does have tremendous make up speed, that won’t save him if he doesn’t correct that before the next level.

He’s a playmaker by nature so playing him in zone takes him out of his element and he tends to flow out of his zone, giving up containment on whoever enters it. He’s very confident / prideful and maybe too much so. After his departure from Florida he seemed to struggle to get up for games while in North Alabama uniforms. He didn’t play as well in 2011 as his 2010 season against tougher competition. I can only speculate but he play as if the competition was beneath him and he shows on film not finishing plays.

Now, let’s talk about the big, psychedelic elephant in the room. His departure from Florida during the offseason, basically seemed like Craig from “Friday” getting fired on his day off. Different teams will view the problems with marijuana differently and that will effect his draft stock more than his play.

Comments

The NFL said that they would start policing teams that continuously draft players with character issues. I can understand some concerns about Jenkins past but we can’t go overboard and act like he’s getting arrested for shooting at or next to people like Aqib Talib and Rolando McClain (allegedly).

Janoris is the only elite cornerback in this draft and what I mean by that is that he’s the only one worthy of a top 10 pick despite his character issues. If I’m an NFL team in need of a young, starting cornerback, I don’t hesitate and draft Jenkins. There’s a little lower risk now thanks to the rookie pool. Jenkins departure from Florida came the week of the 2011 NFL draft. Hopefully a year later, that week will mark his departure from one team and joining another in a little more positive light.

Facts

CB, North Alabama
Ht: 5’10
Wt: 191
40 time: 4.42

[Ed Note: Make sure to check out the Opposing Views Mock Draft]
More NFL Coverage
Jayson Braddock is an NFL Scout / NFL Writer & On-Air Personality. Jayson is also a football insider for the Dylan Gwinn show on 790 AM in Houston, TX - Listeners NOT in the Houston metropolitan area can hear Jayson on iheart radio or sports790.com. You can also catch Jayson on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio with Scott Engel and the morning crew every Thursday at 10:30am ET. You may email Jayson directly @ jayson.braddock@rotoexperts.com or follow him on Twitter @JaysonBraddock

Patriots prepare for Madonna

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS – Music icon Madonna made the rounds at the J.W. Marriott hotel yesterday with a press conference and a trip to radio row. She ...

Cris Carter still waiting on the Hall of Fame

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0600

In 1994, Cris Carter set an NFL record with 122 receptions over the course of a 16-game season. Shortly thereafter, the Pro Football Hall of Fame received and put up for display his full uniform, commemorating an achievement that figured to stand for some time. The very next year, Herman Moore caught 123 passes for the Detroit Lions. Since then, the NFL has seen a 143-catch season (Marvin Harrison for the Indianapolis Colts in 2002) and another 123-catch campaign (Wes Welker for the New England Patriots in 2009).

Packers: From one dynasty to another?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:45:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS — The New England Patriots were a combined 27-21 in three years under Pete Carroll (1997-99) with one playoff victory. Bill Belichick was hired in 2000 and a quarterback named Tom Brady was drafted No. 199 overall the same year.

NFC North links: Bears liked Welker in 2004

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600

Chicago It turns out in the spring of 2004, the Bears wanted Patriots receiver Wes Welker so much they were the only team to extend a pre-draft visit invitation. One of the most important items on new general manager Phil Emery’s lengthy to-do list is dealing with the 14 Bears who are due to become free agents in March. Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz won't discuss his contract, defends Ndamukong Suh in interviews. The Lions announced Friday that ticket prices will increase by 7.

Videos: Preview this year's Super Bowl commercials

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:35:00 -0600

Can't wait till Sunday to see what advertisers have cooked up for the big game? We've got 'em here.

Podcast: Vikings QB Christian Ponder

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:44:00 -0600

Vikings QB Christian Ponder tells Mike and Mike that Adrian Peterson is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from a severe knee injury. Ponder also comments on his rookie season, replacing Donovan McNabb, Rob Gronkowski, the Super Bowl and more.

Packers: McCarthy taps Clements

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:40:00 -0600

GREEN BAY — Mike McCarthy retained a key member of his offensive coaching staff by making official what most of the NFL considered a given: He promoted Tom Clements to offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Packers elevate Tom Clements into offensive coordinator role

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:34:00 -0600

Maybe the only surprise about Tom Clements’ promotion with the Green Bay Packers is that it took so long.

But head coach Mike McCarthy did what many expected he would in elevating Clements to offensive coordinator from quarterbacks coach, putting him into the position vacated by Joe Philbin, who left to become the coach of the Miami Dolphins.

McCarthy took care of business after the Packers’ staff returned from coaching the NFC squad in the Pro Bowl. Clements has been an offensive coordinator before, serving in that role for two seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He’s been longing to become a coordinator again, and now he gets the chance without having to move. The Packers denied a bid by the Chicago Bears to interview him for their coordinator job two years ago.

"Tom has been an integral part of our success and our staff, making it an obvious decision to promote him to offensive coordinator," McCarthy said in a statement released by the team. "He has earned this opportunity and we look forward to continued offensive success in 2012."

Clements interviewed for the head-coaching vacancies at Tampa Bay and in the college ranks with Penn State. He’s got a solid reputation and is credited for helping develop Aaron Rodgers after the departure of Brett Favre. In that vein, he is also credited with working with Packers backup Matt Flynn, who should be a targeted free agent.

"I'm happy that it's happened and I'm happy for Joe that he's a head coach, and I'm glad I was able to step into his place," Clements said in the team’s release. "I've been a coordinator before, only for a few years. I've always wanted to get back to doing that and I'm thankful that it's here in Green Bay."

McCarthy will remain the play caller for the Packers.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Jarrett Bush: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0600

1) Introduction: Like any other player on the Green Bay Packers’ secondary, 2011 was not exactly a banner year for Jarrett Bush. Still, he recorded a career high in interceptions (two, but hey it’s still a career high!) and recorded his first NFL sack finishing with one and a half on the season. Known as a [...]

QB coach Tom Clements named new Packers offensive coordinator

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:54:00 -0600

Mike McCarthy retained a key member of his offensive coaching staff by making official what most of the NFL considered a given: He promoted Tom Clements to offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Super Bowl report: Giants TE, Milwaukee native Beckum on making the big game

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:54:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS - New York Giants tight end Travis Beckum, a Milwaukee native and former University of Wisconsin player, shared his thoughts Thursday morning on his career, Wisconsin memories and his future as he prepares to play in his first Super Bowl.

Photos: Vince Lombardi Trophy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:50:00 -0600

Don't overlook the Giants' talent at WR

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:30:00 -0600

In breaking down the Giants this week, my focus has been on the defensive side of the ball looking at the safety position and the front four pass rush of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Tom Brady.

However, we can't forget about the talent Eli Manning has to work with in the passing game. Here is what I see with Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. A talented core group of WRs that can test the top of the Patriots' secondary.

ICONHakeem Nicks will have opportunities to test the top of the Patriots' secondary in Super Bowl XLVI.

Hakeem Nicks: Size, length and vertical speed. A true No.1 outside of the numbers that can attack Cover 2, work the top of the route tree and win vs. press-coverage with a single high safety look in the middle of the field. And don’t forget what Nicks can do after the catch on the dig route (square-in) or the deep curl. An ideal fit for Manning and the vertical offense that we see in New York. I would test this Patriots’ secondary early with Nicks on Sunday and look to target him inside of the red zone—because he is a matchup issue on the slant and (back shoulder) fade.

Victor Cruz: I don’t see Cruz as a “speed” player, but we have to focus on what he can do in the route stem. Cruz has the ability to win at the line of scrimmage and create separation at the top of the stem (where the WR makes his initial break) to stack on top of a DB or work back inside of the numbers. That sells when you can consistently beat a defender’s leverage, put him in a trail position and go get the football. Think of the intermediate route tree with Cruz, but let’s also remember that he does high-point the ball and make plays down the field. On Sunday, I would try to get Cruz aligned inside of the numbers and look to target him in crucial game situations (think 3rd downs) where he can move the sticks.

Mario Manningham: It’s easy to look past Manningham because of the attention Nicks and Cruz draw from a defensive game plan perspective. But going back to the playoff run for the Giants he will show up inside of the 20-yard line. Look at the deep slant he ran vs. the Packers and the 4th quarter TD vs. the 49ers on the skinny post where he pressed the route to the middle of the field. A player to check out when the Giants bring their “Posse” personnel (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) on the field. And another option for Manning to attack this New England defense with on Sunday.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattBowen41

Packers name Clements new offensive coordinator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:17:00 -0600

The Green Bay Packers didn't have to look far to find their new offensive coordinator, promoting quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to replace Joe Philbin.

Questions after Tom Clements promotion

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:53:00 -0600

Promoting Tom Clements to offensive coordinator was the logical choice for Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who lost incumbent Joe Philbin two weeks ago to the Miami Dolphins. But two key questioned remained unanswered in a news release issued Thursday to announce the change: Will Clements double up as his own quarterbacks coach, a job he has held since 2006, or will McCarthy add a new one? Will Clements call the plays, or will McCarthy continue to do so?

Smith talks 18-game season, HGH testing

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:21:00 -0600

Indianapolis -- At one point Thursday, DeMaurice Smith referred to it as "The L-Word." Not too long ago, the league and its players were embroiled in a long, tiresome lockout. There wasn't any news to report from the NFL's Player Association's annual Super Bowl press conference, but the union's executive director did touch on a few issues that have not exactly gone away.

Packers name Clements new off. coord.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:56:00 -0600

The Green Bay Packers have named Tom Clements as new offensive coordinator.

Packers stay in-house to replace Joe Philbin, promote Clements

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:54:00 -0600

The Packers announced Thursday that they are staying in-house to replace outgoing offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Quarterbacks coach Tom Clements received the promotion. Packers.com calls it “the least surprising news of the NFL postseason.” “Tom has been an integral part of our success and our staff, making it an obvious decision to promote him to…

Packers promote Clements to offensive coordinator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:52:00 -0600

The Packers have promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to their offensive coordinator position.

NFLPA exectuive director raises topic of painkillers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:49:00 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS – The NFL Players Association held its annual Super Bowl press conference Thursday at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis. Executive director DeMaurice Smith ...

Clements promoted to offensive coordinator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:39:00 -0600

Green Bay - Packers coach Mike McCarthy made the move that many people saw coming after the departure of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin to Miami.

Clements' Promotion Gets QB Seal of Approval

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:36:00 -0600

Tom Clements, who has been Green Bay's quarterbacks coach the last six seasons, replaces new Dolphins coach Joe Philbin. Clements, who was praised all season by Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn, "has earned this opportunity," coach Mike McCarthy said.

Clements named offensive coordinator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:33:00 -0600

The Green Bay Packers named Tom Clements their new offensive coordinator Thursday. Head Coach Mike McCarthy made the announcement. Clements possesses 19 seasons of coaching experience, including 1...

Clements named Packers’ offensive coordinator

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:33:00 -0600

The Packers named Tom Clements as their new offensive coordinator, the team announced this afternoon. Clements will replace Joe Philbin, who was named head coach ...

Clements makes short move to coordinator's office

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:22:00 -0600

Little did Tom Clements know that his next job was just a short completion down the hallway from his old job. That’s how far Clements will move the contents from the office of the Packers’ quarter...