LCB NFL Picks: Week 16

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+4.5 Baltimore Ravens (9-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-5) Saturday on NFLN 8:15: Langston's Pick: The Ravens are coming off of a tough-luck game against the Steelers, where the battle of defenses and a bad call went in Pittsburgh favor. The Cowboys are coming off of a great win over the NFC leading Giants, where they shut down New York's offense and sacked Eli 8 times. Both teams enter this game desperately seeking a win to stay in the wildcard race, with the winner taking a step towards the playoffs and the loser making vacation plans. I like the Cowboys pass-rush, the celebration of the final game at Texas Stadium, and rookie QB Joe Flacco to combine for a Dallas win. Boys by 6. LCG's Pick: I think the Cowboys will be unfocused due to the celebration, and the Ravens will be locked in and ready to pounce. Baltimore has been crushing it for the better part of the season, and I like them to continue that tonight. Romo and the Cowboys seem to rise to the occasion when their doubted, and fail when their expected to achieve. Ravens by 3.

-2 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) @ Tennessee Titans (12-2): Langston's Pick: No Haynesworth, no Vanden Bosch, no win for the Titans. I like the Steelers to win this 1:00 matchup between the two AFC powers. Pittsburgh by 6. LCG's Pick: The Titans are content with winning the AFC South and are now resting up, while the Steelers seem like they are out for blood every single game. I like the Steelers to continue that mode of play, as resting up for the playoffs rarely ever helps you win these late season matchups.

+3.5 Atlanta Falcons (9-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (9-5): Langston's Pick: This should be a great game to watch, as both teams are in the thick of the playoff race with two of the more explosive backs of the NFL in Michael "The Burner" Turner and Adrian "Purple Jesus" Peterson. Peterson is hobbled yet on a mission, his MVP caliber play should carry the Vikings to the victory and the playoffs. LCG's Pick: Peterson isn't healthy, Tarvaris is still starting, and the Falcons are curiously injury free. I like the Falcons and Michael Turner to run all over the Metrodome to a win.

+3 Carolina Panthers (11-3) @ New York Giants (11-3) Sunday on NBC 8:15: Langston's Pick: We learned the Giants aren't the same without Brandon Jacobs putting punishment on the defense. Jacobs is not 100%, and the Giants will be forced to give a bulk of the carries to Ward and Bradshaw. Yet I like Eli to step his game up and carry the Giants to a victory through the air. LCG's Pick: The Giants are a more talented team, and even though they are dealing with a mountain of issues I like them to beat the Panthers on Sunday night. Eli will have a huge game in a recovery of the disaster in Dallas. Giants by 6.

+4 Green Bay Packers (5-9) @ Chicago Bears (8-6) Monday on ESPN 8:30: Langston's Pick: It's too bad games don't last 30 minutes, if that was the case the Packers may by 14-0. They blow games they appear to have in the win column. One of the main factors is the injury plagued defense just seems to wear down at the worst possible time, and let go of the game late. For that reason I like the Bears to take this win. But it will be a good one, as this rivalry always supplies great football. LCG's Pick: I like the Bears to win this game, the Packers have played great considering their record but just seem to always come up short. This game will not be any different. Bears by 8.

2008 NFL Season Preview: #9 Minnesota Vikings

Division: NFC North
Last Years Record:8-8
Head Coach: Brad Childress
Offensive Coordinator: Darell Bevell
Defensive Coordinator: Leslie Frazier

Key Additions:
DE Jared Allen
WR Bernard Berrian
S Madieu Williams

Key Losses:
FB Tony Richardson
S Tank Williams

Offensive Breakdown:
The Vikings brass hit the jackpot when Adrian Peterson fell to their laps in the 2007 draft. Purple Jesus is a burgeoning superstar and has been compared to an extensive list of hall of famers, most notably Barry Sanders. Peterson is had maybe the most remarkable rookie years of anyone ever to play in the NFL; gaining 1341 yards with 5.6 ypc, 12 touchdowns, two 200 yard rushing performances, breaking the single game rushing record with 296 yards, NFL offensive rookie-of-the-year, and Pro Bowl MVP. All of that before his 23rd birthday, and he still needed to work on some things in the off season. Opponents slowed him down in the second half of last season, and he must learn how to be more patient and selective when running against eight- or nine-man fronts. Chester Taylor, who actually outgained Peterson in the second half of the season, will see less and less carries as Peterson gets more experience will see a bulk of his action on third down. With Purple Jesus' explosiveness and Taylors power, this is the best backfield in the NFL and probably the best since Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. Maurice Hicks will be the third back and may see action in passing situations. The Vikings signed Thomas Tapeh to replace Tony Richardson at fullback.

To say Tarvaris Jackson had a rocky year last year would be a gross understatement. He "led" the team to an 8-4 record while only throwing 9 touchdowns to his 12 interceptions. Between him, Kelly Holcomb, and Brooks "Brothers" Bollinger he had the lowest quarterback rating. With the running game that they have and the west-coast offense that they employ there is not enough excuses in the world to defend Tarvaris' play last season. But Brad Childress is doing his best and thinks Jackson will be better in his third season as he expects better decision-making and fewer turnovers. Tarvaris has a rocket of an arm and quick feet, he just needs to understand when to go for the big play and when to throw it out of bounds. Gus Frerotte was brought in this off season to help mentor the young QB and play the role of life support if Jackson doesn't improve or gets injured. Frerotte knows the west-coast system well and is a better-than-average backup.

Tarvaris wasn't the only one to blame for their passing woes last season as the wide receiving core was terrible at best. The Vikings ranked 28th in the NFL in passing offense last season, and receivers accounted for only 12 TDs. That is where Bernard Berrian comes in, he is a down field threat and was reliable in his time with Chicago. His ability down field will stop defenses from stacking the box. Sidney Rice will likely win the job to start along side Berrian. Ride could live up to his first round expectations, especially in the red zone, where his 6'4" frame allows him to outreach defenders. Bobby Wade might be the one most helped by the arrival of Berrian, it allows Wade to return to his more familiar role in the slot. Robert Ferguson and Aundrae Allison should vie for playing time. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe must develop more consistency catching the ball, as he dropped three touchdown passes last season.

The strength of the offensive line is in the middle, where Pro Bowl center Matt Birk is flanked by two dominating run blockers, left guard Steve Hutchinson and right guard Anthony Herrera. Both are aggressive and physical one-on-one blockers who excel in the zone-blocking scheme. Right tackle Ryan Cook is the weak link, because he is playing out of position. Bryant McKinnie is the starting left tackle, that is after his 4-game suspension is over. McKinnie has not lived up to the expectations that were set when he signed the huge extension in 2006. Hicks is the all-purpose backup, but will most likely struggle while standing in for McKinnie.

Defensive Breakdown:
The acquisition of Jarad Allen in the off season symbolized a couple things for the Vikings; First they want to win now and they are making the moves to do so. Secondly they are tired of being passed on, when they have the best defense against the run. Jared Allen's pass rushing ability off the edge will compliment the best tackle tandem in the league quite nicely. Kevin Williams and Pat Williams are a huge factor as to why the Vikings led the league in rush defense over the last two seasons. Kevin Williams is also a threat to the quarterback in passing downs, and opponents won’t be able to double-team him if they are doubling Allen, and vice versa. Opposing offenses will have to pick their poison, double Williams or double Allen, either way their QB will be getting hit. Ray Edwards, Brian Robison and possibly Jayme Mitchell will rotate at the end spot opposite Allen. Depth behind both Williamses is a question. The Vikings hope that fifth-round pick Letroy Guion can contribute at some point.

The linebacking core remains in tact from last season as EJ Henderson, Chad Greenway, and Ben Leber return with no real competition against them for playing time. Henderson and Leber both play the run well and are underrated blitzers. After playing in only one game in 2006, Greenway was basically a rookie and had on the job training in 2007. He has to improve his open-field tackling but has all of the physical tools to be a full-time starter. Derrick Pope will serve as a utility backup at all three positions. The Vikings also signed EJ's younger brother Erin as an undrafted free agent. Heath Farwell and Vinny Ciurciu will be available if necessary, but will see the field the most on special teams.

The secondary should benefit from the improved pass rush. Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin are the starting corners and are decent in coverage but neither has outstanding speed. Yet they are physical and understand passing routes. Benny Sapp comes in to compete with Marcus McCauley for the nickleback job. Free safety Madieu Williams comes in to replace Dwight Smith, giving the Vikings better deep coverage, and strong safety Darren Sharper is entering the final year of his contract. The Vikings drafted Tyrell Johnson out of Arkansas State with their second-round pick and he will likely be groomed as Sharper's replacement.

Season Outlook:
The Vikings all have all the pieces to be a playoff team, but need Tarvaris to step up and provide a passing threat. If he can do that Purple Jesus should have an even better season and the Vikings will be dangerous. The defense has no gaping holes and should punish opposing quarterbacks. I see the Vikings winning around 11 games and taking the division crown.

Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 08 @ Green Bay 7:00 PM ESPN
Week 2: Sep 14 Colts 1:00 PM CBS
Week 3: Sep 21 Carolina 1:00 PM FOX
Week 4: Sep 28 @ Tennessee 1:00 PM FOX
Week 5: Oct 06 @ New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 6: Oct 12 Detroit 1:00 PM FOX
Week 7: Oct 19 @ Chicago 1:00 PM FOX
Week 8: BYE WEEK
Week 9: Nov 02 Houston 1:00 PM CBS
Week 10: Nov 09 Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX
Week 11: Nov 16 @ Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX
Week 12: Nov 23 @ Jacksonville 1:00 PM FOX
Week 13: Nov 30 Chicago 8:15 PM NBC
Week 14: Dec 07 @ Detroit 1:00 PM FOX
Week 15: Dec 14 @ Arizona 4:05 PM FOX
Week 16: Dec 21 Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX
Week 17: Dec 28 Giants 1:00 PM FOX