Refuting The Sexy Super Bowl Picks

We’ve all heard this one before. A team that surprised everyone last season and came up with a decent record, a budding star or two and a win streak thrown in there somewhere is the sexy pick to represent their conference in the Super Bowl. This year’s example: The Minnesota Vikings. Some experts are predicting a great run for the talented Vikings. After all, they do have second year rushing sensation Adrian Peterson, a monster of a defensive line with Jared Allen, Kevin and Pat Williams and a solid, veteran offensive line anchored by Steve Hutchinson. That’s all well and good, but they don’t have a QB, any top-notch receivers or a standout defensive backfield. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe Tavaris Jackson will flourish and lead his team deep into the playoffs in the midst of an MVP campaign. But I doubt it. I think he will be more likely to lead his team to a 9-7 record on the back of Adrian Peterson and throw more interceptions than touchdowns along the way. I think Jared Allen will see a decline in production this year while learning a new system and suddenly seeing a lot of double-teams. And I think that weaknesses at linebacker and corner will be exploited more this year with the Vikings emergence into the spotlight. My Prediction: 9-7 second place AFC North, a win in the Wild Card round and then an embarrassing loss in the Divisional Playoff.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like these Vikings in the future and think Adrian Peterson is the NFL’s next great back. I just don’t think this year is their year.

In the AFC this year’s sexy super pick is the Cleveland Browns. The Brownies seem like a sure bet this year to be something great right? What with Pro-Bowl QB Derek Anderson throwing to a great group of receivers including but not limited to: Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth and Kellen Winslow. A running back who revived his career last year in Jamal Lewis, a kick returner named Joshua Cribbs who gave us little glimpses of Devin Hester last year and a defense that….did nothing. Oh yea, we all forgot the Browns defense is OK at best. And they didn’t draft anyone above the 5 th round to help with that situation. Willie McGinnest is the leader of that D but he’s old and showing it and this will be his last year. The Browns can put up big numbers, but they have to because their defense won’t hold anyone. Remember the points the Steelers, Bengals and Patriots all put up on them last year? I can’t see them making a Super Bowl run without significant improvement on defense and as far as I can tell, they have done barely anything to improve it. They also play a lot of primetime games in a tough division this year and that can take its toll on a team over the long-haul. My prediction: 10-6 second place AFC North. Loss in the Wild Card Round.

Just for kicks, here are my real Super Bowl Pick: Patriots (14-2) Vs. Cowboys (14-2) I know a lot of people are picking that, but they would have to be stupid not to. Barring injuries, these teams are almost a sure thing to face off in Tampa.

By Matt Fullerton
DFN Sports Staff Writer

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