Whitney Houston’s life was tragically cut short yesterday when she passed away at the age of 48. Growing up as a kid, my mom was a huge Whitney fan, and always had her cassette (remember those?) in the car. So I became very accustomed to her music and boy, did she have a talent.  Before I knew about her screwed up life, beyond the voice, I knew her simply for her voice.  We’re always looking for new talent in this country, but a voice like Whitney’s just doesn’t come around that often. As evidenced by her spectacular rendition of the national anthem in Super Bowl XXV, Houston’s voice was a gift to the world.

Listen to this and tell me it doesn’t give you chills:

Rumors continue to swirl about the patriarch of Lucas Oil Stadium, Peyton Manning, possibly packing his bags and taking his talents and injury risk to another town. Manning has been the Indianapolis Colts for the past decade and half, reaching two Super Bowl and winning one,  four MVP awards, and is literally the reason Indianapolis host the Super Bowl this month. If/when 18 leaves town, he will have plenty of admirers in free agency, whether he is fully healthy or not (more likely). Every team searching for stability at the quarterback position has been speculated as a possible destination for the perennial Pro Bowler and each team has their pros and cons. If Peyton decides to continue his career elsewhere, he will have to weigh his options.

Miami Dolphins

Pros: New Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin is a pass-first play caller that will allow Peyton to air it out at will. The Fins have a number one target with Brandon Marshall and a reliable slot presence in Davone Bess, who will allow Peyton to share the ball as he likes. Jake Long is one of the best left tackles in the game so Peyton has clear protection from his blindside. Miami’s owner Stephen Ross is not afraid to spend money, which means Manning may only lose a few million from his deal with Indy.

Cons: The Dolphins for the most part are a team in flux. They have a new coaching staff and a questionable running game (not that Peyton is use to great running backs over the past five years). While Marshall and Bess are productive receivers, the rest of the pass catchers on the roster are underwhelming. The Dolphins could also be changing their defense which would involve a transition period for the team and could setback Manning’s goal of winning now.

Arizona Cardinals

Pros: Like the Dolphins, the Cardinals have a fantastic receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. That is pretty much where the similarities end. The Cardinals have a seasoned coach who took the team to the Super Bowl in 2008. Arizona seems to have figured out their running game with oft-injured Beanie Wells. Peyton can get use to great field position with returners like Andre Roberts and more specifically, Patrick Peterson.

Cons: The biggest issue with a Cardinals/Manning marriage is the fact that the team already paid Kevin Kolb and the Eagles to fill their quarterback opening just a summer ago. Kolb was inconsistent and oft-injured during his debut season with the Cards, so taking on a guy coming off of neck surgery may not be the best answer. Along with Kolb, comes the fact that despite the heavy payment for the former Eagle, Ken Whisenhunt refused to change his system to fit KK’s needs. Why would Peyton be any different? You can make the argument that he has run an offense on his terms for over a decade, but he is also likely to be on the team for just two years. With that said do the Cardinals want to deal with the loss of another future Hall of Famer, just when the team is in the swing of things and stunt their growth? To make matters even worse, Arizona may the worst offensive line in the league, which is not a great environment for a quarterback coming off of major neck surgeries. Add in a lack luster defense and Peyton may have bitten off more than he can chew with Arizona.

Washington Redskins

Pros: A lot of pundits believe Washington is Peyton’s most likely destination. They have a Super Bowl-winning coach with an offensive line that continues to improve. The owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder, (for all his faults) is loaded and willing to pay a Pro Bowler or three (I’m looking at you Adam Archuleta). If Peyton wants to bring any of his Indy buddies with him to Washington, Snyder is very likely to oblige. Mike Shanahan can definitely take heat off Manning with his unusual success with average running backs. Also, Fred Davis and Chris Cooley have similar styles to Dallas Clark, one of Peyton’s favorite toys in Indy.

Cons: Much like Peyton’s current owner, Jim Irsay, Dan Snyder tends to stick his nose into things at the worst possible times. Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan has had trouble adjusting to veteran quarterback’s strength and tends to hold too much control of the offense, which may turn off fellow control freak, Peyton Manning. The NFC East features stiff competition, that have dominated the division for years. Not to mention, Peyton’s brother Eli plays in the division. At best, the Skins with Peyton are maybe third in the division on paper, which may not be enough to entice the future Hall of Famer. To add onto the undesirables, Santana Moss is aging and the other Washington receivers leave something to be desired.

San Francisco 49ers

Pros: Of all the teams on this list, the 49ers are probably the most likely to have a win-now attitude and ability. A once-considered afterthought, Alex Smith, led the team to the NFC title game, so imagine what they could do with a guy like Peyton at 75 percent? Peyton Manning succeeded Head Coach Jim Harbaugh in Indy, so there is familiarity there. Harbaugh is a fiery coach in the mold of Jim Mora Sr. who was Peyton’s first pro coach, so that may energize the four-time MVP. Michael Crabtree is a decent wide receiver but the real prize is Vernon Davis, who could be the most dynamic option Peyton has had since Marvin Harrison. Another plus is the team’s defense. The 49ers only allowed one 100-plus game this past season, which means Peyton will have plenty of opportunities to control the clock. With an offensive line the caliber of San Fran’s that shouldn’t be a problem.

Cons: If Jim Harbaugh is honest and Alex Smith understands his value, then there won’t be a new quarterback in the Bay Area. If Peyton dodges that issue, he does have the inconvenience of moving his newborn twins and wife across the country. For all the success that San Fran had last season, they are still very young, so Peyton may have to readjust his leadership skills to fit the youth on the team. Also, of all the teams on the list, the Niners are the least likely to overpay a questionably healthy Manning.

Seattle Seahawks

Pros: Despite the fact that Pete Carroll is built more for younger talent, Peyton could be enticed by Carroll’s open mind. For all of his quirky decisions, Carroll is one of the more innovative coaches in the league, something Peyton may find refreshing. Seattle is another team with an owner who will pay big bucks for a winner. If Peyton wants Reggie Wayne or Robert Mathis to join him on the West Coast, all he has to do is ask. The Seahawks have a talented back in Marshawn Lynch, who can carry the load if Peyton feels the effects of his surgeries early on. The Seahawks also have a decent backup quarterback (Tavaris Jackson) who has starting experience. The backup option allows Peyton to take his time to heal if he has a setback during the training camp and/or (worst case scenario) the season. The defense is also great at causing turnovers, so Peyton has a shot at putting up big point totals like in his prime.

Cons: As mentioned before with the 49ers, a lot plays on Manning’s desire to move his family out West. Also, while Carroll is an outside-the-box thinker, he is coming off one of the worst drafts in quite some time (that didn’t involve Al Davis). The offensive line is consistently inconsistent which may scare the Super Bowl winner. Longevity is the name of the game, so Peyton may want to go to a place with more protection. To pile onto the Seahawks, they paid big money for Sidney Rice and Zach Miller last offseason, with very little to show for it. Those types of big money moves could cause problems when it comes to negotiating a contract with Manning.

Wild Cards

Kansas City Chiefs

Pros: Matt Cassel and Kyle Orton have proven to be mediocre starters and Scott Pioli may want to add his former rival to give his team a better passer. The Chiefs are a fast pace offense and adding Peyton’s arm could set the AFC West on fire. There is little competition in the division, so the former second home of Joe Montana could become Manning’s new playground.

Cons: Romeo Crennel has come out and said he wants Cassel and Orton back in KC, which would likely put a hitch in Peyton’s arrival. As mentioned before, the Chiefs are fast paced, so that may not groove with Peyton’s patient, strategy-driven style of play.

Dallas Cowboys

Pros: Jerry Jones is known for making a splash and paying for it too. Jones recently came out and praised Peyton’s brother and pretty much threw his current QB, Tony Romo, under the bus. This could be a shot in the dark, but it could be the move Jones needs to make.

Cons: Peyton is known for taking control of his offense and doesn’t like a controlling owner. The Cowboys have a lot on their payroll already so it may not make sense to add a large salary to the mix with a Pro Bowl quarterback already on staff.

Cleveland Browns

Pros: A move to Cleveland would keep Peyton close to home and give him the best front office of the options. Mike Holmgren has two first round picks to play with, which could go towards adding weapons for the aging Manning. Much like Miami’s Jake Long, Joe Thomas is among the elite of the blindside protectors, which is something Peyton will no doubt appreciate.

Cons: While the Browns will no doubt look to upgrade over Colt McCoy, the plan could be to go younger (Robert Griffin III, Matt Flynn). The Browns also lack a lot of offensive weapons which could be a nail in the coffin when courting Manning.

After a dreadful, laughable 2012 Pro Bowl, there is the legitimate possibility that the NFL’s annual All-Star Game, which was christened the Pro Bowl back in 1950, could be axed. If the effort isn’t there, the main question is – why keep it? How can the Pro Bowl be fixed, if at all? Juiced Sports Radio takes a look the much scrutinized showcase game from both sides. We welcome all opinions.

Two Weeks Ago: 1-1 /  Season: 158-84 (65%) /Playoffs: 8-2

In possibly one of most talked about and quarterback-driven Super Bowls in the past ten years, the Giants take on the Patriots. Tom Brady has been a gem since here entered the league, but this season, Eli Manning has been the superior player. These teams have tons of talent but in different areas as in most match-ups in these playoffs. Will Victor Cruz salsa his way to a ring or will the Gronk own the endzone and end the Giants hope of repeat results? To find out, let’s Take it to the Bank.

NY Giants vs. Patriots

Pick: Giants 31-24. Both of these teams have great pass catchers and horrible secondaries, so points will be scored in this one. The game relies on if Rob Gronkowski is able to play, because if you take Gronk away, the Pats lose their first option. Terrell Owens went over  a 100 yards receiving in a Super Bowl on a broken leg, so you have to think Gronk’s injury won’t keep him out. The Giants are going to do everything they can to fluster Tom Brady and if they can, it is their game to win. If the Patriots want to win, they have to do something the Giants won’t see coming. Enter Chad Ochocino. This may be the time to finally unleash the “Spanish Numerals” on the Giants. Chad may catch a lot of flak for not understanding Bill Belichik’s offense, but he is still one of the best route runners in the league.

On the Giant side of things, their trio of receivers are a big advantage to have against the Pats defense. If Vince Wilfork and company can’t get pressure on Eli, then Brady might as well get comfy on the sidelines. Eli will destroy you,’ if you let him. The Pats ranked at the bottom of the league on defense this season and it would be easy to see the Giants winning by double digits if they keep Brady off the field. This is going to make the running game essential for both teams. Both teams, despite some of their build up, have pretty mediocre units on the ground. The team that finds light between the lines could control the game.

In the end, the Giants have too many weapons and much better match-ups in this one. The Pats won’t have Gronk at full speed and Wes Welker can be controlled. Look for the Giants defense to set record numbers for sacks against the beaten up offensive line of New England. The forgotten New York receiver and former first-round pick, Hakeem Nicks, will take home an extra trophy as he will be the game’s MVP.

Photo: Getty

Last Week: 4-0 /  Season: 158-84 (65%) / Playoffs: 7-1

We are down to the “Final Four” of the NFL Playoffs. While some fans may have tuned out to the league with their teams out of loop, those who have still hung on have had the joy of some breathtaking contests. The two match-ups for this weekend have great defense against great offense written all over both of them. The Niners and Ravens bring the hard-hitting Harbaugh mentally, while the Patriots and Giants can stretch the field and score points with the best of them. Somethings will have to give this weekend. Let’s Take it to the Bank.

NFC

NY Giants @ 49ers

Pick: 49ers 27-23. The match-ups are flowing in this one. The top rushing defense against the (former) two-headed running attack, a steady offensive line against a (seemingly) unstoppable pass rush, and two quarterbacks so different that they are almost similar. If you were to to list the pros and cons NFL-style for both teams, you’d see that these teams match up so well together because each’s strength is the other’s weakness. My favorite battle in this game is one that will likely go understated in the hype and build for this contest: the turnover battle. The Niners don’t turn the ball over but they haven’t played a pass rush like New York’s on a consistent basis. Eli Manning has limited his mistakes this year, but he is also going against the team that tied for the most turnovers in the league (with the Packers). This game will come down to who makes the most mistakes (as cliche as that sounds). It is hard not to love the intensity (in a positive way, not Mike Singletary’s way) and poise that Jim Harbaugh has brought to San Francisco. The Giants’ dreaded West Coast trip and the golden leg of David Akers could play major factors in sealing a victory for the Bay Area’s own.

AFC

Ravens @ Patriots

Pick: Patriots 30-24. The Ravens and Patriots always seem to be among the best in the league and they will settle who is better this weekend. Everyone and their mother seems to be predicting the Pats to win this, simply because of their offense. Take it to the Bank has no shame, so I will concur with those national pundits. The Ravens are consistently inconsistent on the road; so much so that they are the wildcard of the remaining four teams. If Baltimore wants to win this game, they have to find a way to hold onto the ball and they have run on the Pats defense. The key is clock management and avoiding mental errors. Bill Belichick always brings something new to the table, so the Ravens need to be patient against Tom Brady or he’ll end them. Baltimore struggled against the Texans last week (give them a break, they were playing the number two defense in the league) and it is hard to see New England’s tight end duo getting tamed by the Ravens secondary. As much as the Harbaugh Bowl is the more interesting sell for the Super Bowl, John Harbaugh will have to wait till next year.

Photo: Getty

Last Week: 3-1 / Season: 158-84 (65%)/ Playoffs: 3-1 (75%)

The wild cards were literally few and far between last week as all the home teams won their games. The divisional playoff weekend is normally considered the best weekend of play for the NFL and with the battles this year, it seems like history is set to repeat itself. Most of  the games are going to be close and since all of my colleagues are giving scores, Take it to the Bank is bringing you scores as well. Let’s Take it to the Bank.

NFC Divisional Round

Saints @ 49ers

Pick: 49er 31-27. This game is probably the most interesting match-up on the docket this weekend. The Niners are a great rushing team who hold onto control of the clock and have a defense that can shutdown opposing rushing attacks. On the other hand, the Saints are perhaps the most high-octane passing attack in the league. The reason to like the Niners in this game is their ability to stay away from turnovers and control the clock. If the Saints put the game in the 40’s they will win easily but the Niners’ run-defense will make Brees throw. You may be thinking that is a good thing, but with Aldon Smith in the game, Brees will get hit. Shake a passer up (I don’t care who they are) and they will be off their game.

NY Giants @ Packers

Pick: NY Giants 28-24. While the Packers have been terrific this season, the loss of their offensive coordinator (who tragically lost his son last week) is going to be tough to get over. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t taken a snap since Christmas and the Giants pass-rush is catching on, so  New York may be hard to handle. The Pack luckily have Greg Jennings returning to the lineup against a horrible Giants’ secondary, but it’s hard to throw when a formidable pass-rush is heading your way. Victor Cruz and Hakim Nicks have the ability to stretch the field and Eli Manning is playing the best ball of his career. The Giants get the upset win in a close one.

AFC Divisional Round

Texans @ Ravens

Pick: Ravens 23-10. The Texans played a great game last week but they are entering the Thunderdome this weekend. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are healthy and are ready to bring Baltimore to another Super Bowl (Kelly Clarkson anyone?). T.J. Yates has constantly been praised on Take it to the Bank, but now he plays a great defense with one of the best coaches in the league. The Ray Rice show (he is the pride of New Jersey) will hit the ground running (literally), opening up passing lanes for Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith and most importantly, allow Joe Flacco to dictate the game. Baltimore is moving on to fight another day.

Broncos @ Patriots

Pick: Patriots 27-17. Pittsburgh got caught with their pants (or coverage) down last week, but it’s hard to think Bill Belichiek will face the same fate this weekend. New England has an awful defense but Tom Brady is still the truth. Tim Tebow needs to throw the ball to succeed in this one, but 6 for 10 passes ain’t going to do it. The Broncos need to hold New England to 17 points to win this game and it’s hard to see them doing so. The Pats win by two scores.

Photo: AP

The regular season has come to an end and college guys are announcing their future plans on a seemingly daily basis. With some fans already missing their teams, the first post-season mock draft could be a nice solution to the not-yet-free agency blues. Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, and a bunch of other party poopers won’t be joining us this year, but there is still a bushel of talent ripe for the picking in 2012. Indianapolis, you’re on the clock.

1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- ANDREW LUCK, QB, STANFORD

Andrew Luck is the most widely-considered number one pick in about 15 years. The Colts are also the current team of the last “sure thing” Peyton Manning. What will happen to him? I wonder.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS-MATT KALIL, OT, USC

The Rams haven’t given Sam Bradford the protection he needs (yes, that is a stab at Jason Smith, a former 2nd overall pick, himself). If you want your QB to avoid injury or not feel constant pressure, you get him a wall to stand behind. Kalil is an absolute blocking machine and has the potential to be the best lineman of his generation.

3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS-JUSTIN BLACKMON, WR, OSU

Christian Ponder is as good as his weapons are. Yes, Percy Harvin is a fantastic player but you can’t count on him to be healthy for a whole season. Guys like Greg Camarillo and Michael Jenkins aren’t who I’d want to rely on. His Fiesta Bowl performance should propel him from stud to can’t miss prospect.

4. CLEVELAND BROWNS-ROBERT GRIFFIN III, QB, BAYLOR

Some scouts think Griffin may be a better prospect than Luck, but there is no way he jumps him on the draft board. The Browns luck out (pun intended) here because Landry Jones and Matt Barkley have decided to wait till next year to enter the draft.  The last of the great 2012 QB prospects (there are only two) is a lock for the top five and with Colt McCoy’s playing like the living embodiment of spoiled milk, Griffin is likely to be Cleveland’s first pick in the opening round.

5. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-TRENT RICHARSON, HB, ALABAMA

Richardson is a very special player and the Bucs are lacking in that category. LeGarrette Blount was a nice fix at the running back position in his rookie year but he definitely dropped off in year two. Josh Freeman has proven he needs a good running game to thrive. Richardson can take the focus off Freeman and open up passing lanes for Mike Williams and Co.

6. WASHINGTON REDSKINS-DEVON STILL, DT, PENN STATE

The Redskins have good burst from their young linebackers (Orakpo, Kerrigan) but there is very little to scare you on defensive line. Devon Still can get burst for this team and help stop the bleeding against the running game. The Skins would prefer to take a QB here but with the lack of value at this point in the draft, they are more likely to go the free agency route (Matt Flynn, possibly Peyton Manning and Matt Cassel).

7. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS-MORRIS CLAIBORNE, CB, LSU

Rasheen Mathis is a nice player but he is getting up there in age. Claiborne is similar to his former teammate, Patrick Peterson, but with better coverage skills and more prototypical size for the cornerback position. The Jags lack in the sack department, and making the opposing passer hesitate because of great coverage is a good way to start.

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS-QUINTON COUPLES, DT, UNC

Couples is a local guy who can puts butts in the seats and passers on their back. The Panthers have lacked talent in the middle since Kris Jenkins was shipped out of town, and Couples brings pressure like it is going out of style. Couples was a monster in college this season and it is hard to bet against him succeeding on the next level.

9. MIAMI DOLPHINS-MELVIN INGRAM, OLB, SOUTH CAROLINA

Ingram’s the name, besting offensive linemen is his game. The versatile youngster from South Carolina has a lot of toughness and more importantly, he is an upgrade over retiring Jason Taylor and Kao Misi. He is a bit undersized for the rush linebacker position that he’d play in the 3-4 defense but depending on the new scheme, Ingram is a nice piece for a forever changing defense.

10. BUFFALO BILLS-RILEY REIFF, OT, IOWA

The main reason Buffalo is struggling down the stretch is their vastly inferior offensive line. It seems all the lineman have played well individually but haven’t come together as a unit. That is mainly due to a lack of talent on the blindside. Reiff is the second best tackle in the draft and could take a lot of pressure off Ryan Fitzpatrick and his new contract.

11. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS-JONATHAN MARTIN, OT, STANFORD

Brandon Albert didn’t work out at left tackle so it is time to try again. Martin is a reach here, but he is the only other tackle that belongs in the top 20 picks. There is likely a new QB coming to town; he’ll need some blocking.

12. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS-NICK PERRY, DE, USC

Another team that needs a QB, but has to settle for another need. Perry is very familiar with Seattle’s defense as Carroll coached him and recruited him at USC. The Seahawks need more pass-rushers as Raheem Brock has proved he’s just another guy.

13. ARIZONA CARDINALS-DRE KIRKPATRICK, CB, ALABAMA

Yes, the Cardinals went cornerback early in last year’s draft but they need help on the other side of the secondary (A.J Jefferson ain’t cutting it). Kirkpatrick is fast and has great size (6′3) for the position and could greatly improve Arizona’s defense.  Wide Receiver is another spot that the Cards could go for, considering their underwhelming options aside from Larry Fitzgerald.

14. DALLAS COWBOYS-ALFONSO DENNARD, CB, NEBRASKA

Mike Jenkins has fully regressed from the standout cornerback we saw a few seasons ago. Terrence Newman is no puppy either, so Dennard is the likely the solution to the problem. Dennard is quick, but also big enough cover the Calvin Johnsons and Andre Johnsons of the world.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES-LUKE KUECHLY, ILB, BOSTON COLLEGE

If the Eagles are the Rolling Stones, linebackers are satisfaction (because they can’t draft none). Kuechly is a tackling machine who has the leadership to match. If Andy Reid ever decides to draft a linebacker early, this could be a match.

16. NEW YORK JETS-MICHAEL FLOYD, WR, NOTRE DAME

Plaxico Burress is likely one and done in New York (or New Jersey if you want to be factually accurate) and Santonio Holmes is a mess and a half. Floyd has a mix of both of their talents. The Notre Dame star is tall and fast with a knack for the redzone. Floyd could be a key cog for Mark Sanchez.

17. CINCINNATI BENGALS (RAIDERS)-JANORIS JENKINS, CB, NORTH ALABAMA

Nate Clements is getting older and an understudy would be essential to the long term success of the Cincinnati defense. Jenkins is a very talented player with the craving for weed to match. Still he is worth the risk in the late teens.

18. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS-ALSHON JEFFERY, WR, SOUTH CAROLINA

Speed has been lacking since Darren Sproles left town, but Alshon Jeffery is all out fast. The Chargers are likely to lose Vincent Jackson to free agency and A.J. Smith needs to fill the void.

19. CHICAGO BEARS-PETER KONZ, C, WISCONSIN

Losing Olin Kruetz was huge from both a leadership and talent perspective but Konz is the type of player to fill at least the talent void. With Mike Tice taking the reigns at offensive coordinator, the running game will take center stage and Konz is a good man to have blocking for you.

20. TENNESSEE TITANS-DAVID DECASTRO, OG, STANFORD

DeCastro is the most talented guard of the bunch and with Chris Johnson lacking this season, an interior lineman may be just what the Titans need. The more blocking the better for an aging Matt Hasselbeck and young Jake Locker.

21. DENVER BRONCOS-JEREL WORTHY, DT, MICHIGAN ST.

Broderick Bunkley is a good enough starter but he could use some help busting through the interior of offensive lines. Worthy is a big man with a motor to match and could make Denver’s defense significantly better against the run. The Broncos could also use a linebacker here.

22. NEW YORK GIANTS-ZACH BROWN, UNC, OLB

The Giants have lacked a cover linebacker for some time. That’s part of the reason they have such a tough time against the Eagles and Cowboys who constantly use their tight ends and running backs on screens and as number one passing options. Brown can only play weakside linebacker but he excels in passing situations.

23. CINCINNATI BENGALS-LAMAR MILLER, RB, MIAMI

Cedric Benson is getting up there in age for a running back, so Miller could be the future in Cincinnati. Miller is another talented UM back who can carry the load for the next few years for the young Bengals.

24. HOUSTON TEXANS-DONTARI POE, DT, MEMPHIS

With the success the Texans have had on defense, it is hard to believe they lack a great nose tackle. Enter Dontari Poe, who could be Houston’s guy for the next decade. Poe is huge and has the strength to take on more than one blocker.

25. DETROIT LIONS-MIKE ADAMS, OT, OHIO STATE

For all the great picks that Jim Schwartz has made, he has yet to upgrade Matt Stafford’s protection. This is a bit early for Adams but Jeff Backus can’t play forever and Adams is an upgrade at right tackle while he weights for the blindside.

26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FALCONS)-KENDALL WRIGHT, WR, BAYLOR

What better way to get the most out of Griffin than his college teammate and main target, Kendall Wright? The quick and sure-handed Baylor WR brings something to Cleveland that they haven’t have since Kellen Winslow: a prime passing target.

27. PITTSBURGH STEELERS-CORDY GLENN, OG, GEORGIA

The Steelers need to continue adding to their once-awful offensive line. Glenn is a beast who plays nasty and can keep Big Ben’s jersey clean. The Steelers like to run the ball and Glenn is a massive body who can get the ball down the field on the ground.

28. BALTIMORE RAVENS-MARK BARRON, SS, ALABAMA

The Ravens lack holes so upgrading a position is their best bet. Bernard Pollard has played well but after a few stops in the league, he is more like a good backup. Barron is by far the best safety prospect this year and is a polished guy who can take the field immediately.

29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (SAINTS)-MOHAMED SANU, WR, RUTGERS

The Patriots lack a deep threat and Sanu can stretch the field. The Rutgers standout is fast and can take the focus off the Pats’ tight ends and Wes Welker.

30. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS-STEPHON GILMORE, CB, SOUTH CAROLINA

Carlos Rogers has been great this season but he needs a partner in crime. Gilmore is a bit of a reach but he fills the need of a team who does well against the run but is only so-so versus the pass.

31. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS-ANDRE BRANCH, DE, CLEMSON

The Pats are looking to be more of a hybrid defense and Branch can play both the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. Part of New England’s struggles on defense are their lack of pressure and substance on the defense line. Branch is a mauler who can get past tackles and bring down running backs.

32. GREEN BAY PACKER-JARED CRICK, DE, NEBRASKA

What do you give the team that seemingly has it all? Well, you could always bring in a guy to stop the run and help stabilize a shaky defense. Crick brings the Packers the physical toughness they missed in 2011 with the departure of Cullen Jenkins.

Photo: AP

Week 17: 9-6 (60%) / Season: 158-84 (65%)

The first weekend of the playoffs is here. For those fans of teams who didn’t make the playoffs; there is always next season (trust me, I feel your pain). With the 49ers, Packers, Patriots, and Ravens all sitting at home, the wild cards do battle. This is probably the most underwhelming slate of games in recent memory for a wild card weekend. As much as ESPN or Fox wants to hype these contests, it is more than likely that three of the four games will be extremely one-sided. The main thing to watch is the drama, not the actual sport, so if you’re into theatre, this weekend could be for you. On with the show, let’s Take it to the Bank.

NFC Wild Card

Lions @ Saints

Pick: Saints. The “Battle of the 5,000 Yarders” will commence in New Orleans and it is hard not to like the home team. The Saints are undefeated this season at home, so history tells us that streak will continue. The Lions are a great team but it is hard to see them winning this game. Detroit’s secondary is their weakness and the Saints excel in the passing game. No matter who Detroit puts on the treasure trove of New Orleans’s WRs, someone will get open. This is a very tough matchup for the Lions but I do expect it to be competitive throughout. Detroit needs to find other options to win this game as Calvin Johnson will likely be doubled. The Saints win in a shootout.

Falcons @ NY Giants

Pick: NY Giants. Is this possibly the least talked about matchup of the weekend? It honestly shouldn’t be. These teams are pretty evenly matched: offensively the Falcons are tops and defensively the JPP train is running hard. The Giants do have offensive firepower but the Falcons defense isn’t hurting either. With all that said, The Falcons enter a situation they are not use to: freezing cold weather with a high chance of snow. The Giants definitely have the edge because they have played in the cold air and conditions and likely practiced in them during the week. The Falcons are a southern“Dome” team so it could throw off their rhythm with the wind blowing at high speeds. NYG in a very close one.

AFC Wild Card

Bengals @ Texans

Pick: Texans. The Bengals have not won a playoff game in two decades and the Texans have never won a playoff game. Something has to give in this matchup and history will be made (that’s how you at home can make this matchup at least a little interesting). The two rookie quarterbacks are both recovering for different reasons: Dalton had to be hospitalized for the flu Tuesday and Yates has a well-documented should injury; but neither of those ailments will matter in this game which will be largely dictated by the rushing attack of both teams. The Texans have a slightly better defense and running game so they get the edge. The return of Andre Johnson won’t hurt either.

Steelers @ Broncos

Pick: Steelers. Pittsburgh comes into this game pretty beat up, luckily they play the Broncos who essentially backed up into the playoffs, losing three pretty putrid games in a row. A lot has been made of Big Ben’s high-ankle sprain but I have seen him do tremendous things with worse injuries. Yes, not having Rashad Mendenhall will hurt in the playoffs but not in this game. The Steelers need to get their three young WRs (Wallace, Brown, Sanders) involved early and keep the Broncos defense honest. The Broncos need to rely on Willis McGahee and short passes to control the clock. The longer Big Ben waits on the sideline, the better chance Denver has of upsetting the defending AFC champs.

Photo: Getty

A special thanks to the fine people at H&R Block who emailed me this nifty little infographic (if you’ve followed Juiced throughout the years you know how much we love infographs)! This one is particularly neat in not just its design but in the depth of its information. So while you prepare for LSU-Alabama after a slew of video arcade game scores, check this thing out. And impress your friends with your newfound sports knowledge (chart after the jump, click on it to zoom in).