The Brothers Bowl Breakdown...

As impossible predictions came true we're facing one of the most improbable Super Bowl matchups in recent history. The 49'ers outlook was bleak near the end of the first half of the NFC Championship game when they gave up an astonishing 17-0 lead. The high flying Falcons looked poised to end their streak of bad luck, but fate had a different plan. After riding the hot hand of quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco finds themselves in the driver's seat with a great chance of actually winning the Lombardi trophy. Luck is on their side, as they have performed well when they reached the big game.

However, victory will not come easy for either team. Though the 49'ers they have a deep receiving core in Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, A.J. Jenkins, Vernon Davis, expect DB's Bernard Pollard, and Corey Graham to cover routes over the middle, and to the sidelines rather well. The Raven's secondary is unheralded but they stymied New England's strong receiving corps.

The same can be said about San Francisco, however. Last week, they made second half adjustments to shut down arguably the best receiving tandem in football: Roddy White and Julio Jones. Meanwhile they had to contend with legendary tight end, Tony Gonzalez. So, things will not be easy for Anquan Bolden, Tory Smith, or Dennis Pitta.

Both teams are equipped with stout run defenses. Key matchups to look for. Frank Gore against Haloti Ngata. Both players share multiple Pro Bowls. This will be a great battle that may contribute more than people give it credit for. If Gore is held in check and receivers are well-covered, a linebacker spy could make Kaepernick think twice about running.

Another matchup to watch is the formidable pass-rushers of the 49'ers. The Ravens offensive line is not the strongest and they have been moved around plenty. Flacco may not get the luxury of holding the ball waiting for the deep routes to develop, if Navarro Bowman and Patrick Willis put pressure on the offensive line.

In the end, will the Ravens rally around a grizzled veteran to give him on last shot at glory to send him out in style? Or will the 49'ers strike it rich and evoke the glory days once again? We will know soon enough...

Injuries Abound in Week 14....

How do Injuries Affect Your Fantasy Playoffs?

Several of the key injuries that took place this week will undoubtedly make you think twice about starting them. Many key running backs are involved in tight divisional races. Consider the injuries on the following players:

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Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants After showing some flashes of brilliance he once again hurt his knee and Coach Tom Coughlin is uncertain as to his ability to play next week.

Donald Brown, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts This powerhouse was a big contributor to Andrew Luck's success as a rookie. Brown's injury placed him on the injured reserve for the rest of the year

Fred Jackson, Running Back, Buffalo Bills If you're a fantasy owner you know how Jackson has top ten running back potential. After a Grade 1 knee sprain. The Bills coaching staff shut Jackson down for the season

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys Since his Thanksgiving performance, Dez has been unstoppable. A fractured index may not keep him off the field, but it will surely hurt his ability to catch

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Washington Redskins After an MRI revealed a sprained knee, Griffin was given the option to practice. Griffin tweeted that he feels great and ready to go for Sunday. RG3 owners can only hope that his knee can sustain the running!

Good luck in your fantasy playoffs, and other football related endeavors!

Chief's Linebacker commits suicide

In a harrowing display of terror, Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Jovan Belcher committed suicide in the parking lot of Arrowhead stadium. Belcher, 25, first killed his girlfriend in a Kansas city suburb, and then drove back to Kansas City Chief's Arrowhead stadium. There he encountered Mr. Pioli, the KC Chiefs General Manager, and Romeo Crennel, the Chief's Coach. After they tried to talk him down from doing anything to make the situation worse, Belcher thanked them for everything that they had done. He promptly shot himself immediately afterwards.

Belcher's story is coming to the limelight after many suspect that repeated head trauma caused schizophrenic tendencies in Belcher. Belcher plays a position that takes lots of abuse on a daily basis. Former all-pro linebacker Junior Seau also was a stand out player who played with reckless abandon. Studies are being conducted whether or not the repeated impacts feasibly contribute to dementia, schizophrenia, or even more detrimental emotional problems. Our prayers go out to the Belcher family, his girlfriend's family, and all parties involved. Hopefully, the medical community can sort this out soon, before others are hurt.

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