IDK Playoffs - Rd 1

At the time this article is going to press, while its not officially in the books, it does appear the first round playoff matchup is set. Boys and girls, set your tivo to the Dirty Birds and Ante Up as this one is going to be a doozy.

The focus, of course, will be on Ante Up as this was the team that finished with the worst record last year. The same team that had the first pick in this year’s draft. But oh what a draft it was. Outside of veteran receiver, Reggie Wayne, the entire starting lineup as of Week 13 comprised of new players. Wow.

Quarterback. With the first pick of the draft, Jae surprised teams a bit with a quick selection of Aaron Rodgers. That pick now looks genius. Rodgers is the second highest scoring player this year, ahead the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Philip Rivers. With over 3,100 yards, 22 td passes and just 5 picks, Rodgers has had an MVP type of year. On the flip side, Jon counters with Carson Palmer and Matt Ryan. While Palmer has experienced somewhat of a renaissance year with Ochocinco back, both quarterbacks have been pedestrian at best. Ryan has had his moments but has been inconsistent with injury. With Ryan still injured, its likely we’ll see Palmer under the gun next week. Edge: Ante Up

Running Backs. Jon is stacked at the skill positions and the Dirty Bird backfield is no exception. Led by the incomparable Adrian Peterson and the multi-dimensional Steven Jackson, the 3rd and 5th best backs in the league respectively, the Dirty Bird backfield is set. On the other side of the field, Ante Up will counter with Most-Improved Player of the Year candidate, Ray Rice and young rookie back, LeSean (Shady) McCoy. Entering the year with Brian Westbrook and Steve Slaton as the starters, Ante Up has completely reworked his lineup. Rice is now a certain keeper and is the 4th highest scoring running back this year. McCoy has shown flashes of brilliance and certainly has extreme athleticism. Expect these two to be in the keeper roster entering next season. Edge: Dirty Birds

Wide Receivers. Reggie Wayne, alongside of Aaron Rodgers, is the unquestioned captain of this young Ante Up team. Wayne is flanked by new starters, Chad Ochocino (probably the best pick of this year’s draft) and newly acquired Robert Meachem. Don’t forget, some dude named TO was also recently signed off the waiver wire. If there’s a veteran component to this Ante Up lineup, there’s no question that it’s the receiving core. Wayne, Owens and Chad Johnson – rewind 3 years and you have a ridiculous receiving lineup. As stacked as Jon is in the backfield, his receiving core is quite possibly even more impressive. Led by the best receiver in the league (sorry Reggie Wayne), Larry Fitz – the Dirty Bird receiver core is complemented by the ridiculous Wes Welker and Miles Austin. For those that don’t know, that’s 3 of the top 6 receivers this year. While we all knew Larry and Wes were awesome, who the hell is Miles? Who cares … this is an uber athletic passing game. Get the damn ball! Edge: Dirty Birds

Fearless Forecast. Jae’s team has had a great year. Regardless of what happens here, Ante Up now has a solid fleet of keepers that will stabilize the roster for years. However, Jon’s roster is just too deep. There’s too much firepower and experience here. Dirty Birds by 15.