Vikings hire Bengals DC Mike Zimmer. That's the second bengals coach to be hired as a head coach. Are the Bengals the flavour of the month? Any thoughts on losing your coaches Strafford and are they any good? So we have a coach now it's time to trade up to get QB.

New England 31 Denver 30

San Fran 17 Seattle 7

Vikings hire Bengals DC Mike Zimmer. That's the second bengals coach to be hired as a head coach. Are the Bengals the flavour of the month? Any thoughts on losing your coaches Strafford and are they any good? So we have a coach now it's time to trade up to get QB.

New England 31 Denver 30

San Fran 17 Seattle 7

I have now recovered from my Dalton inspired attack of the sulks and the NFL is no longer dead to me.

Zimmer is a defensive genius CFH and is a massive loss to the Bengals. As to how he will go as a head coach...not sure. He is brutally honest and some players just don't respond well to that, although others thrive. Divas beware.You will probably see some friction between him and your senior management at times, as he certainly isn't a butt kisser. I doubt there will be any middle ground mate, he will either be a huge success or a massive failure.

As to the other guy. The Redskins are about to find out that he isn't his brother. Jay is okay, but the Skins have taken a huge risk. Admittedly Dalton isn't all that, but Gruden has made a number of questionable calls over his tenure at the Bengals. Most notably his decision not to throw to AJ Green for the whole of the first half in our playoff loss to the Texans last season. He is a smart guy, but I won't miss those decisions to go for the fifty yard touchdown pass on 4th and short in key games.

Good luck to both of them, but we will certainly miss Zim more, our defence was decimated by injury yet he still had us up there as one of the best defensive units going around.

Broncos 41 - pats 31

Niners 28 - Seattle 27

A lot of love for the Niners this week. I can't see it happening. We're playing well, and I don't think Seattle are at the best right now, but if there's any game to get Seattle playing their best, it's a home game against us. And I'm still not sure Kaepernick is good enough to get it done at Seattle.

As for the AFC game, I'm going to give it to home-field advantage, but it could go either way.

New England 30 Denver 33

San Francisco 17 Seattle 20

Broncos 38 Patriots 31

Niners 20 Seattle 10

Mines reverse psychology, if I back the niners they are sure to lose since I've backed against them and they seem to win.

Is there any way both teams can be disqualified

Ahhhh no fun watching two of your rivals playing the the championship for a shot at the Super Bowl.

I have now recovered from my Dalton inspired attack of the sulks and the NFL is no longer dead to me.

Zimmer is a defensive genius CFH and is a massive loss to the Bengals. As to how he will go as a head coach...not sure. He is brutally honest and some players just don't respond well to that, although others thrive. Divas beware.You will probably see some friction between him and your senior management at times, as he certainly isn't a butt kisser. I doubt there will be any middle ground mate, he will either be a huge success or a massive failure.

As to the other guy. The Redskins are about to find out that he isn't his brother. Jay is okay, but the Skins have taken a huge risk. Admittedly Dalton isn't all that, but Gruden has made a number of questionable calls over his tenure at the Bengals. Most notably his decision not to throw to AJ Green for the whole of the first half in our playoff loss to the Texans last season. He is a smart guy, but I won't miss those decisions to go for the fifty yard touchdown pass on 4th and short in key games.

Good luck to both of them, but we will certainly miss Zim more, our defence was decimated by injury yet he still had us up there as one of the best defensive units going around.

I thought the Vikings would go for a coach with a offensive background as our last coach was a defensive man. Seems to be good reports on Zimmer. The vikings always hire the opposite personality to the coach we just fired. Frazier was the nice guy after Brad Childress was fired and now we have Zimmer who as you said doesn't hold his tongue. Hope he can work with a new QB. We should trade up or hope that Bortles falls to us at pick 8.

Edited January 19, 201411 yr by cowboy_from_hell

Here's Bill Simmons' latest column from 'Grantland' - this week Bill answers various emails ...

... That Championship Mailbag

Q: So, let me see if I’ve got this right. Someone sacks Colin Kaepernick, gets up and kisses his bicep in mocking celebration, and it’s fine. NaVorro Bowman sacks Cam Newton, breaks out Cam’s trademark Superman celebration, and we talk about him as a class act and defensive player of the year candidate. Kaepernick runs into the end zone, does the aforementioned Superman celebration, and we have a full blown “Kaepernick is too immature and a total d-bag” controversy. FOR MOCKING A GUY WHO CALLS HIMSELF SUPERMAN.
—Jesse McGrath, San Francisco

SG: Yup … you nailed it. And you almost turned into Talking Head Guy! That reminds me …

Q: During pregame of Broncos/Chargers announcers pointed out Welker’s special helmet and according to the brief comments made on tv it is supposed to be safer and reduce his risk of being reconcussed … uhh if that’s the case why doesn’t the NFL make everyone wear these helmets before they get concussed?
—Ryan, Virginia Beach

SG: This is the new version of the “Why don’t they just make the entire airplane out of the black box?” email.

Seahawks 24 Niners 21

Broncos 31 Pats 21

Not looking good for the Patriots - they're now down 20-3, half way through the 3rd quarter.

24.48 to 12.20 "time of possession" advantage to Denver as well.

Pats look done. No defence will kill them, even if they put up three touchdowns now it won't be enough.

On another note, very nervous for my Seahawks today. Last year I went to a game at Century Link field where the Hawks beat the Cardinals 58-3 on a game that meant nothing and every single Arizona play on offense I couldn't feel or hear myself even think.

Really hoping we give 49ers a bath ttonight

Kudos to Denver - far too accomplished.

Terrific defense from Denver but Peyton's performance was also first rate. 400 yards with 2 x TD's and no interceptions. The Broncos time in possession in the first half was also telling. Brady and the Pats offense just couldn't get going but that had more to do with Denver's defense.

So, it's off to New Jersey for Peyton and the Broncos. If Denver "bring it" like they did today, they'll be hard to beat - no matter who they're up against.

10-3 the 49ers way at half time.

That's a good result for the niners - so far. San Francisco also get the ball at the start of the 2nd half. Seattle need to get their offense working but like Denver in the preceding game, the 49ers defense has been very good.

Kaepernick's run to set up the niners TD was amazing. The game is up for grabs though as there's so many variables that can happen - Lynch, Gore, Wilson, Kaepernick and all the WR's can all influence this result in a big way. That's apart from both defenses. Been a really good game to watch.

Both of these defences I'd rate as the two best in the game. Two big plays are the only real offence in this at all.

Last quarter comes down to Wilson for the Hawks. We'll get a chance to win the game, it's just whether he's good enough. Today he's turned back into trouble far too many times instead of taking the first option. I'm hoping this changes. Go Hawks

Cracking game that one, plenty of big yardage plays, and crushing defence. Great last drive by Kaep, but a great play by Sherman.

He's probably the best corner in the game, but he's also easily the most idiotic personality in the game, did anyone see his post game interviews?

Gotta say even if Crabtree hadve caught that ball, wouldve been a huge ask next week for the defence with Bowman doing his ACL.

Have taped the Broncos-Pats game so watching that now!

Devastating for the good folk of San Francisco and their supporters.

I'm off Yankee imperialist sports for now. Back to the more gentlemanly pursuit of cricket and, once the tennis is done and dusted, the footy.

Terrific 2nd half by the Seahawks. Seattle's run defense (specifically against the 49ers RB's) was probably the difference but it could be argued that the 49ers only passing for 153 yards just wasn't enough either.

A lot fell on Kaepernick's shoulders but perhaps the niners needed at least one other offensive player to have a standout game. Not much between the 2 sides in all reality but one team had to lose.

But full credit to an all round excellent game by Seattle. An intriguing battle awaits in 2 weeks time.

Terrific 2nd half by the Seahawks. Seattle's run defense (specifically against the 49ers RB's) was probably the difference but it could be argued that the 49ers only passing for 153 yards just wasn't enough either.

A lot fell on Kaepernick's shoulders but perhaps the niners needed at least one other offensive player to have a standout game. Not much between the 2 sides in all reality but one team had to lose.

But full credit to an all round excellent game by Seattle. An intriguing battle awaits in 2 weeks time.

Obviously the Seahawks defense is just amazing. And looking at that game I really thought it was like get to 20 points and you'll probably win kind of game. The Seahawks found a way to make amazing plays whilst the 49ers didn't. But I think a lot of it is on Kap. The first intercept was a shocker (then again Wilson had the fumble on the first play) and the end zone INT just wasn't quite a good enough throw.

I get NFL players are a different bread of athletes than AFL or practically any other but I think Kap needs to ditch the headphones and casual clothes and shape up a bit. He just doesn't look smart enough to be a clutch QB and if you don't look it you might not be it. That's harsh on a guy who's a great talent but perception can be reality.

At the same time Richard Sherman. Not sure if I hate you or love you but I'd gladly have you playing half back flank for the dees.

Oh and Manning or a receiver will likely win the MVP if the Broncs win the superbowl but my tip for the real difference maker is Terrence Knighton the big DT from Denver. He was largely responsible for shutting out the Pats running game and he had a big sack. Plus his nickname is Pot Roast!

Go the Broncos!

They better smash Seattle, can't wait for the Super Bowl.

I thought the Vikings would go for a coach with a offensive background as our last coach was a defensive man. Seems to be good reports on Zimmer. The vikings always hire the opposite personality to the coach we just fired. Frazier was the nice guy after Brad Childress was fired and now we have Zimmer who as you said doesn't hold his tongue. Hope he can work with a new QB. We should trade up or hope that Bortles falls to us at pick 8.

As a bears fan I'm thinking Zimmer is a good hire who's defense can become the best of a bad bunch in the NFC North and then with a running game you can control games and be a reasonable team. Or that's what I was thinking until you hired Norval as OC!!!

Chasing the franchise QB always seems to be the plan but with 2 years coming up playing outdoors I wonder if you aren't better off sticking with Cassell who I think can be ok. Use the first round pick on the best talent available and build a defense and the rest of the offense around ball control and run. Draft a QB in the second or third round when you aren't overspending and let them develop at whatever pace they need. That's the tactic that worked well for the two teams in the NFC teams playing today as well as for the Eagles.

Obviously the Seahawks defense is just amazing. And looking at that game I really thought it was like get to 20 points and you'll probably win kind of game. The Seahawks found a way to make amazing plays whilst the 49ers didn't. But I think a lot of it is on Kap. The first intercept was a shocker (then again Wilson had the fumble on the first play) and the end zone INT just wasn't quite a good enough throw.

I get NFL players are a different bread of athletes than AFL or practically any other but I think Kap needs to ditch the headphones and casual clothes and shape up a bit. He just doesn't look smart enough to be a clutch QB and if you don't look it you might not be it. That's harsh on a guy who's a great talent but perception can be reality.

At the same time Richard Sherman. Not sure if I hate you or love you but I'd gladly have you playing half back flank for the dees.

Oh and Manning or a receiver will likely win the MVP if the Broncs win the superbowl but my tip for the real difference maker is Terrence Knighton the big DT from Denver. He was largely responsible for shutting out the Pats running game and he had a big sack. Plus his nickname is Pot Roast!

Kaepernick will get better with more games. We sometimes forget that he only became a regular starter about 14 months ago. He's still quite raw in terms of managing a game. I felt that 1 or 2 of his receivers today might have made a better fist of things and he didn't get much help at all from his running backs. In the end, it seemed that he had to do it all for the 49ers to win.

A good comparison is Russell Wilson - Seattle seem to have more structure with their offense so Wilson tends to just blend in (of course, he's a lot more than that but that's the perception sometimes)

As for all the peripheral stuff with CK, you may be right but I'm not sure it effects his actual game. He's probably my favourite player to watch outside of a number of the Packer players so I guess I'm a little biased. That 58 yard run today was great to watch.

There wasn't much in that last throw either - 40 seconds left, it was worth a go. If Sherman doesn't get his hand up there, Crabtree probably would have caught it in bounds and the 49ers win the game. Fine line sometimes.

Classic match-up in the Super Bowl though ... no.1 offense vs no.1 defense and no.1 seed vs no.1 seed.

Kaepernick will get better with more games. We sometimes forget that he only became a regular starter about 14 months ago. He's still quite raw in terms of managing a game. I felt that 1 or 2 of his receivers today might have made a better fist of things and he didn't get much help at all from his running backs. In the end, it seemed that he had to do it all for the 49ers to win.

A good comparison is Russell Wilson - Seattle seem to have more structure with their offense so Wilson tends to just blend in (of course, he's a lot more than that but that's the perception sometimes)

As for all the peripheral stuff with CK, you may be right but I'm not sure it effects his actual game. He's probably my favourite player to watch outside of a number of the Packer players so I guess I'm a little biased. That 58 yard run today was great to watch.

There wasn't much in that last throw either - 40 seconds left, it was worth a go. If Sherman doesn't get his hand up there, Crabtree probably would have caught it in bounds and the 49ers win the game. Fine line sometimes.

Classic match-up in the Super Bowl though ... no.1 offense vs no.1 defense and no.1 seed vs no.1 seed.

But remember Kap probably has the best O line in football as well as the 3 quality receiving options in Crabtree, Boldin and Davis. Any above average QB has tremendous success with that talent around him and the 49ers defense IF (and it's a big if) they aren't playing Seattle in Seattle!

For Seattle to win the superbowl they are going to have to run the ball on the Broncos which the Pats showed today is incredibly hard. I don't see Seattle getting enough offense unless Lynch gets over 100 rushing. Then their defense will have to get enough pressure on Manning. For the talk of their dominant secondary with Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas it wont matter because Manning will find mismatches on back up corners and linebackers, he simply has too many weapons. It's going to have to be the front 4 of Seattle stopping the run and putting pressure on Manning.

My tip is low scoring and very close and one of the QB's will get a final drive to either cement the legacy (in Peyton) or make one for themselves. Could be a bit similar to the 2008 SB between New England and NYG.

But remember Kap probably has the best O line in football as well as the 3 quality receiving options in Crabtree, Boldin and Davis. Any above average QB has tremendous success with that talent around him and the 49ers defense IF (and it's a big if) they aren't playing Seattle in Seattle!

For Seattle to win the superbowl they are going to have to run the ball on the Broncos which the Pats showed today is incredibly hard. I don't see Seattle getting enough offense unless Lynch gets over 100 rushing. Then their defense will have to get enough pressure on Manning. For the talk of their dominant secondary with Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas it wont matter because Manning will find mismatches on back up corners and linebackers, he simply has too many weapons. It's going to have to be the front 4 of Seattle stopping the run and putting pressure on Manning.

My tip is low scoring and very close and one of the QB's will get a final drive to either cement the legacy (in Peyton) or make one for themselves. Could be a bit similar to the 2008 SB between New England and NYG.

Fair enough - I guess what I was intimating at was that we possibly needed to see some magic from his WR's against that strong defense of Seattle's. A freak catch or such like. Sometimes a WR has to make the play.

There might have been a couple of "short arm" efforts as well - but that can happen in any game with any team I suppose. What do they say - you may as well catch it as you're going to get hit anyway! I saw at least a few (in total) of those such incidents in this game (from both sides) ... and CK was hamstrung a bit because his RB's had very little influence (Frank Gore had 11 carries for 14 yards)

But you make some good points, all the same.

As for the Super Bowl - you'd reckon that Denver might have the advantage but they're only 1.5 point favourites. So many variables and then any particular player might have the game of their life.

Edited January 23, 201411 yr by Macca

Playoff tipping comp points tally ... (3 points on offer for correctly tipping the Super Bowl winner)

7 - titan_uranus (6 correct tips in a row)

6 - DemonDave

5 - Macca

4 - Strafford* (technically you can still do the "double," Strafford)

3 - Gorgoroth

2 - Pantaloons*, the master*, cowboy from hell ('possibly still in "road team" mode 'cfh'? )

* denotes missed out on 1 or 2 weeks of tips.

Perhaps along with our Super Bowl tips we can have a go at the Super Bowl MVP. While we're at it, posters here might care to name their regular season MVP, ROTY and defensive player of the year (Peyton would have to have a mortgage on the regular season MVP)

Edited January 23, 201411 yr by Macca

I usually don't care for the MVP, it pretty much always goes to the winning sides QB.

I think injury watch will be front and centre for the next few weeks to ensure both teams are fit and firing.

If the O line for Denver play well, Manning will find the receivers (as said before), he would be looking for the receivers not taken by Sherman who is one of the best Corners in the game.

Denver have faded in the last quarter in the last few weeks so I'll be interested to see if they have a lead on Seattle if they can hang on.