Now that teams are done handing out the franchise tag, free agency is just around the corner and this season should be another exciting season for free agency. There hasn’t been much to do in the last few weeks besides look at sportsbook reviews. Good thing free agency is ready to get started next week as free agency begins March 12.

The biggest prize in free agency will be Mario Williams. Williams was having another great season until his season came to an early end in week 5 due to a torn pectoral muscle. No worries though, Williams says the injury is completely heeled. The front-runner for Mario Williams is the New England Patriots followed by the Cowboys. Williams will fit perfectly in New England’ 3-4 scheme and how could Mario pass up on an opportunity of competing for  perennial Super Bowl contender? Mario stated that he loves how the Texans are coming together and may stay with the team, as long as the price is right.

For teams looking to boost their offensive line, New Orleans Saints OG Carl Nicks will hit the market now that the Saints decided to use the franchise tag on Drew Brees. As an Eagles fan, I’m certainly hoping the Eagles can make a run at Nicks since they’ll need to help Vick get protection. Last year the Eagles had to sign Evan Mathis who was cut by the Colts in order to fill him in as a starter on their line. Nicks would be a huge boost to the Eagles line.

For teams needing to boost their secondary, Titans CB Courtland Finnegan will be available. Finnegan will likely find a new team since he has publicly stated that he feels the Titans don’t want him. The Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, and Vikings are all in the mix to land Finnegan’s services.

This free agency is also packed with tons of available WRs. Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston, Mike Wallace (restricted), Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Lloyd will all be on the market.

It’s going to be an exciting 2012 free agency.

If you could compare NFL running backs to WWE wrestlers, who would they compare to? We’ll break down NFL running backs and list their WWE counterparts in this series.

Adrian Peterson — Adrian Peterson is the cream of the crop of NFL running backs. Big, explosive, elusive, powerful — he has it all. In order to find his WWE counterpart, you have to look at the man who’s been at the top of the WWE for years. Although no longer an active WWE wrestler, other than his WrestleMania 28 match against John Cena, The Rock is to the WWE what Adrian Peterson is to NFL running backs — the prototype. He is the envy of fellow running backs and GMs around the league.

Chris Johnson — Although 2011 was a down year for Johnson after posting ridiculous numbers in his first three years, Chris Johnson is still the NFL’s fastest running back and the sole reason he was taken by the Titans in the first round of the NFL draft back in 2008. To find his WWE counterpart, you have to look for a WWE star with speed who is able to strike at any moment. That WWE star is none other than Randy Orton. Randy Orton is known for his quick and vicious attacks on WWE rivals. Orton is able to strike from anywhere, at any time, and often dominates unsuspecting opponents. Chris Johnson has the same ability. With a single snap, Johnson can strike opponents by taking the ball 80 yards for a touchdown and do it again on the very next drive.

LeSean McCoy — There is no doubt that LeSean McCoy was the breakout star of the 2011 NFL season. LeSean racked up 1,309 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 315 receiving yards, and another 3 receiving TDs. To find Shady’s WWE counterpart, we have to look to see who WWE’s breakout star of 2011 was. WWE’s biggest rising star of 2011 was Albert Del Rio who started off 2011 by winning the Royal Rumble and later winning the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Both McCoy and Del Rio will be looking to carry the momentum they gained in 2011 into 2012.

Maurice Jones-Drew — Jones-Drew was the NFL’s leading rusher in 2011 with 1,606 yards despite his 5’7″ stature. In order to compare Jones-Drew to his WWE counterpart, you have to look for a WWE star with a small frame that still packs a punch. That star would be Rey Mysterio. Mysterio stands at 5’6″ tall, yet is a WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, and 2006 Royal Rumble winner. Both stars have been able to overcome their small size and still dominate their respective sports.

Steven Jackson — When I hear of Steven Jackson, I cannot think of any other running back that has had that many years in the league and has still got it. Although no longer the rusher he once was due to age and injury, when there’s a healthy Steven Jackson, there’s a back that is still capable of absolutely running all over opposing defenses. Steven Jackson still managed to finish 9th in the league in rushing despite battling a strained hamstring throughout the season. Jackson finished the year with his 7th straight year with 1,000+ yards rushing. Like Jackson, The Undertaker has been around for a long, long time and continues to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents. Although The Undertaker is battling some injuries himself, Undertaker still has the power to dominate the WWE.

Remember to checkout WrestleScoop.com for WWE Rumors and more.

We have a rematch of Super Bowl XLII where the Giants upset the Patriots as 7-point underdogs. The Giants ended the Patriots dreams of an undefeated season that game. The Giants also defeated the Patriots again this year in week 9. It’s safe to say that the Giants have the Patriots number.

This is a tough game for me to get excited about. It’s going to be a great game, no doubt, but I don’t have a team that I want to see win. As an Eagles fan, I certainly don’t want to see the Giants claim a second Super Bowl victory within the last four years. It’s also equally difficult to want to see the Patriots win even if it’s over a division rival. The Patriots Super Bowl XXIX win over the Eagles has me also hating on the Pats equally.

If I had to list my top five least favorite teams, the Patriots, Giants, Steelers, and Cowboys are all in the top five. I’m not going to go into any analysis here, but just going to throw out a hunch. I like the Giants chances in this one and would pick them if it wasn’t for one key factor. It’s tough to beat the same team twice in the same season and in back-to-back Super Bowl matchups (albeit that it was four years ago). I think you see the Pats top the Giants in a close one. I’m being bias here since I just want the Giants to lose.

Prediction: Patriots 27 – Giants 24

Pick Against the Spread: Patriots -3 (Confidence: 2.5/5)

Thanks to everyone participating in our pick ‘em league. This season has come down to the wire. Yours truly ended up in 6th place out of 45 teams. I ended the season with a 132-124 record ATS. The league championship is on the line as My All Star Team and HyeHustle are squaring off with 144-112 records. My All Star Teams has been on a tear in the playoffs going 9-1 in the playoffs. I’ll be excited to see who comes out on top after tonight.

HOUSTON TEXANS (+7.5) @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

I think you go points here. The Texans defense should be able to keep the Texans in this game. Both defenses give up an average of 17 PPG. Both offenses score about 24 PPG. This is a very even matchup. I think this spread should be more like +4.5. Houston is giving up just 85.7 rushing yards per game in their last 3. I think you see the Texans hold the Ravens to a touchdown or less. But then again, you’re asking for a lot from T.J. Yates against the Ravens defense in the playoffs.

Prediction: Ravens 24 – Texans 17

Pick Against the Spread: Texans +7.5 (Confidence: 2/5)

NEW YORK GIANTS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (-7.5)

I’m an Eagles fan, you think I’m going to take the Giants? Aaron Rodgers baby!

Prediction: Packers 38 – Giants 24

Pick Against the Spread: Packers -7.5 (Confidence: 3/5)

It’s never easy picking playoff games, so I usually tread lightly throughout the playoffs. Most of the picks last week were low-confidence plays. In the last two years, the underdogs went 6-2 ATS in the Wild Card round, so I decided to play the trend and take the dogs this past week. Taking the dogs ended up 1-3 with Tim Tebow getting the sole cover.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-3.5) @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The books are giving much love to the 49ers and their top-ranked defense that gives up just 14.3 PPG (10.9 PPG at home). I think you’ll actually see the Saints punt at least once this game (unlike last game). That’s right, not a single punt from the Saints last game. Despite how good the 49ers defense is, I don’t think you see the 49ers hold the Saints to less than 24 points. However, there is a dramatic drop in PPG for the Saints when they travel. The Saints average about 41 PPG at home, but just 24 PPG on the road. That’s something to be concerned about. I actually think the bye weeks hurts the 49ers hurts more than it helps them since the Saints are coming into this game with a ton of momentum following their dominating win over the Lions last week. I’m going with the Saints this week and think you see them win by 7.

Prediction: Saints 27 – 49ers 20

Pick Against the Spread: Saints -3.5 (Confidence: 3/5)

DENVER BRONCOS (+13.5) @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Granted, New England beat up on Denver just a few weeks ago 41-23, but it’s a whole new day for Tim Tebow and the Broncos. I will take the points mainly because I want to root for Tim Tebow and hate the Patriots, but I do think they have a legitimate shot at covering the spread. The reason I think the Broncos have a shot is because New England’s defense sucks. Another reason I think the Bronocs have a shot at this game is that the Patriots are defeatable if you can pressure Tom Brady. I loved what I saw from Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller last week and think you’ll see them bring the pressure again this week. A final reason for this pick is that Tim Tebow loves Jesus more than Tom Brady and God will help him with this game. If Tebow was Atheist, he would clearly be one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL. I don’t think there is any debating this.

Prediction: Patriots 35 – Broncos 24

Pick Against the Spread: Broncos +13.5 (Confidence: 2/5)

At the time of this post, it looks like the Lions pick is panning out according to plan. The Lions got the opportunity to set the tone by scoring the first touchdown of the day, which was the key to their gameplan, as they’ll be able to carry a 14-10 lead into halftime which gives those with the points a 14.5-point lead at halftime. Let’s take a look at Sunday’s action.

ATLANTA FALCONS (+3) @ NEW YORK GIANTS

First, full disclosure, I am an Eagles fan so I am never going to take the Giants in the playoffs, so this pick is totally bias. First, the Giants are inconsistent. They can either be on fire or they can absolutely suck. They can manage to beat the Cowboys twice and the Jets once, but they’ll lose to the Redskins and Seahawks. I guess you can call division games never easy and the Seahawks game a fluke. This is a pretty even match-up. Homefield advantage is key. If this is played in Atlanta, you take the Falcons — no doubt about it.  But with the game played in New York, it gives the Giants a legitimate shot. Both offenses are quite impressive. Even there. Both have good defenses. Even there. I just want to see the Giants lose so I’ll go Falcons here.

Prediction: Falcons 27 – Giants 24

Pick Against the Spread: Falcons +3 (Confidence: 3/5)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-9) @ DENVER BRONCOS

This is going to be an ugly game. The over/under 33.5 is telling of that. The Steelers D is going to absolutely stifle Tim Tebow and the Broncos. The Steelers have given up an average of 14 PPG during the season and 9.7 PPG in their last 3 games. Pittsburgh’s offense is only averaging 14.3 PPG in their last 3 and 15.6 PPG on the road. I think you see the Steelers score around 17 points, plus or minus 3. How many points can Tebow get the Broncos? Realistically, maybe 10 points, plus or minus 3… if he’s lucky. I think you see the Steelers win by a TD in a low-scoring game. The Steelers are capable of shutting out the Broncos or holding them to a pair of field goals, maybe a touchdown if Tebow gets lucky. The Steelers don’t score a lot of points though, it’s just going to be ground and pound. I say you go Steelers, but I expect their margin of victory to be around 7 in a 13-6 or 17-10 game. With the over/under at 33.5, under 40.5 seems like a lock with the Steelers. I say use the points to tease the Steelers down to -2. I don’t think the Broncos have what it takes to upset a team with as much playoff experience as the Steelers have.

Prediction: Steelers 13 – Broncos 6

Teaser: Steelers -2/Under 40.5 (Confidence: 4/5)

It is good to be back. The holidays are always crazy. We finished the year strong going 2-0 in week 16 and hitting our top pick in the Falcons in week 17. We are ready to roll into the playoffs with more juice in our pockets. It is wild card weekend and four games are on tap. The playoffs are extremely tough to pick against the spread. In the last two years, the wild card dogs went 6-2 ATS. I may have to play the trend and pick every dog on this week’s card. If I’m not taking the points, I am staying away as I think you take the points in all four games this weekend.

CINCINATTI BENGALS (+4) @ HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans have made the playoffs for the first time in their history and will have to rely on their rookie T.J. Yates who is 2-3 as a starter and has an average QB rating of 80.3. T.J. faced the Bengals on December 11th and pulled out the victory, winning a tight one 20-19. In that game, Yates threw for 300 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. The player to watch in this one is obviously Arian Foster who will take on the 10th ranked run defense in the NFL. When Arian faced the Bengals just a few weeks ago, he was completely shut down. Foster was held to 41 rushing yards and posted his worst per-carry average of the season, racking up just 2.7 YPC.

This game should be another tight one. I’ll trust the Bengals D to contain Adrian Foster again and put the pressure on Yates to win this game with his arm. In their last game, the Texans won 20-19.  I expect a similar tight, low-scoring games so I will gladly take the Bengals with the points. However, with the Texans incredible defense, I am not overly confident in the Bengals outscoring the Texans here.

You can take the Bengals with a good chance of an outright win and the likelihood of the cover. You can also take the Bengals at +11 for an extra cushion and rely on the under 45 knowing that two very good defenses will be facing a rookie quarterback. In any event, I think you see the Bengals make this a tight game and there’s no doubt that this should be a low-scoring contest. The Texans may win this one by a field goal, but with a tight game, I’ll favor the points. I’ll stick with the teaser for an extra points boost since I am very confident that the story of this game will be each team’s defense.

Prediction: Bengals 20 – Texans 17

Pick Against the Spread: Bengals +4 (Confidence: 2/5)

Teaser: Bengals +11/Under 45 (Confidence: 3/5)

DETROIT LIONS (+10.5) @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints have destroyed everyone at home so why should this game be any different? I see a lot of merit in taking the Saints (-10.5), but this is the playoffs, where the dogs are 6-2 ATS in the last two years. There are some very compelling reasons to take the Saints. The Saints are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games and are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games. The Saints also have a ridiculous 41 PPG home scoring average. You can expect the Saints to light up the Lions pass defense, who is ranked 22nd against the pass.

You can’t just write off the Lions though. I think and hope you see a competitive game. Afterall, the Lions 5th-ranked offense can keep up with the Saints 1st-ranked offense. I don’t like how the Lions finished the season though. Although they were 3-3 in their last 6 games, their 1-4-1 ATS record has me concerned. The Lions were battling some injuries though and two of those games were against Green Bay.  The Lions can still cover 10.5 on the road as the Lions still manage 28.9 PPG when travelling.

The Saints have faced the Lions very recently,  just about a month ago on December 4. The Saints defeated the Lions at home 31-17 as 9-point favorites. Stafford threw for over 400 yards, but the Lions were penalized 11 times for 107 yards and missed two field goals, which was the difference maker in that game. Add the two missed field goals and the Lions get the cover. The Lions also got themselves in a hole early, giving up a 17-0 lead to the Saints before getting on the scoreboard in the 2nd quarter.

It’s tough to beat the same team twice so hopefully the Lions can learn from their mistakes and minimize their errors. I’m not saying the Lions will beat the Saints, but I hope they can cover 10.5 points. If they can prevent the Saints from scoring two unanswered touchdowns to start the game, you will see the Lions compete throughout this game. The Lions outscored the Saints 10-7 in the 2nd half so this game is mostly a matter of how the Lions start this game. I am going to take the points in a low-confidence play. I would recommend passing on this game though or playing it lightly as a Saints domination could also likely occur.

Prediction: Saints 31 – Lions 27

Pick Against the Spread: Lions +10.5 (Confidence: 2/5)

Good morning and Happy New Year from the West Coast. It’s so weird that football games start at 10:00 AM. I just woke up hungover and it’s halftime in the 1:00 games. How do these people live? Week 17 is always a crap shoot anyway.

At 4:00, I think you continue to pound the Bucs by taking the Falcons (-9.5) at home and go with Pittsburgh (-7) on the road over Cleveland. In the rest of the games, I’ll stick with Tim Tebow at home to rebound from last week’s embarrassing loss, San Diego (+2.5) over Oakland, and Seattle (+2.5) over Arizona. My top 4:00 play has to be the Falcons followed by the Steelers.

Sorry I missed the 1:00 action, but my only play there would have been Bears (+1.5) over Vikings.

Happy New Years!

Merry Christmas everyone.  I have been getting into the habit of posting my football picks on Saturdays, but all of the football action is today due to the holiday. All I can do at this point is throw up some quick picks. Not a whole lot of games that I like anyway. We’ll have to tease the Pats and Ravens and go with the Panthers over the Bucs.

TEASER: PATRIOTS (-2) over Miami w/ RAVENS (-4) over Browns

We have two home teams with big spreads to cover that should be a lock to win as they’re both jocking for playoff position in the AFC. The Patriots should take care of business at home over the Dolphins and the Ravens should take care of business against the Browns.

Prediction: Patriots 27 – Dolphins 20

Prediction: Ravens 27 – Browns 13

Pick Against the Spread: Patriots (-2) and Ravens (-4) Teaser (Confidence: 3/5)

CAROLINA PANTHERS (-9) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have been awful losing 8 straights games and going 1-7 ATS in that stretch. The Panthers dominated the Bucs 3 weeks ago when they played in Tampa 38-19. I don’t see any reason why this week should be different. The Panthers defense is a huge liability and can let you down, but there’s no doubt the Panthers will outscore the Bucs here. The Bucs average 16.7 PPG on the road and 16.0 PPG in their last three games. Carolina has averaged 29.8 PPG in their last three games. They are rolling right now. Tampa’s defense has also given up an average of 36.7 PPG in their last three games.

Prediction: Panthers 31 – Bucs 17

Pick Against the Spread: Panthers -9 (Confidence: 3/5)

We are coming in to tonight’s Monday Night game 6-0 ATS in our last 6 Monday Night picks. I would ordinarily just pass over this game as too close to call, but I have to post a pick to keep the Monday Night streak alive! I’m going to recommend a teaser by taking the points and the under.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS (-3)

Despite Big Ben getting the start tonight, the 49ers stay at 3-point favorites. I say take advantage of the points. This is a pretty even matchup on both sides of the ball. While the 49ers have averaged 28 PPG at home and 23.6 PPG throughout the season, the 49ers offense has struggled lately, scoring just 19 against the Cardinals and putting up 6 on the Ravens. Patrick Willis is also out this game.

This is a big game for the Steelers, who have an opportunity to move up a game on the Ravens in the AFC North race, which is the difference between a No. 1 or 2 seed vs. a No. 5 seed. In what will no doubt be a tight game, I will want the points on my side, especially since the Steelers could win outright.

With both defenses giving up a combined 18.6 PPG in their last 3 games — that’s 6.3 PPG allowed by Pittsburgh and 12.3 PPG allowed by the 49ers — the under 37.5 is compelling. What is even more compelling is adding the points to the over and taking the Steelers at +10.

I usually like to tease Monday Night games and see the perfect opportunity to take points while betting on the under with two of the best defenses in the league squaring off. Points will be tough to come by for both teams and both teams love to run the football and eat up the clock. I don’t think anyone is expecting the 49ers to win by 10+ points and I think the highest possible score you end up seeing tonight is 24-20. Take the Steelers at +10 with the under 44.5.

Prediction: Steelers 16 – 49ers 13

Pick Against the Spread: Teaser Steelers +10, Under 44.5 (Confidence: 4/5)