Matt Williamson

  (11:58 AM)

Let's do this thing! Van Halen's "Pretty Woman" on the iPad-loud, of course. Mercy!

Big City (P-Town)

Talk about teams backing into the Playoffs, exhibit A, Houston Texans. Yates doesn't look good. Cincinnati handled them last tiem out, but gave the game away late. Won't happen again. Bengals comfortably. Thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (11:59 AM)

Both teams "Backed In"...and I like HOUS. I feel confident about it too. Not saying it will be a blow out, but I really like HOUS to win. At home. Fresher. Dalton hasn't exactly played well in the 2nd half of the season. HOUS is better at both Line of Scrimmages.

Bob (New York )

Who do you think has the advantage in the Falcons/Giants game and in what area? They look pretty evenly matched to me!

Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

They do and even though NYG hasn't been great at home, that is a big advantage to me-esp because I don't know how well Ryan will handle poor weather and the Giants' pass rush could really benefit with great crowd noise. I don't like either secondary or OL all that much, but I think NYG's DL is the difference. And while I like Ryan, I trust Eli here more.

Dan (Vermont)

Do you like all four home teams this weekend?

Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

No, I like Pittsburgh to win on the road

Doug (Lincroft, NJ)

The jets have more than just questions on offense. What do you see them attempting over the off season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

They sure do. My Jets plan: Sign a guy like Orton/Henne/Campbell and open the QB competition up. That isn't perfect, but you can't have everything. Meanwhile, I see big holes at RT and OLB. And they could certainly use a starting Safety and maybe a starting WR to upgrade over Burress. Big list.

Shane (Robins AFB, GA)

Mort, if you had to pick one franchise from each conference that was the most underachieving, who would you pick? My thoughts are SD and DAL, which makes their retention of their respective GMs (AJ Smith and Jerry Jones) puzzling. Do they want to continue to underachieve?? And yes, Im insinuating Jones should hold a press conference and say, "Jerry, you're FIRED!"

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

You might be overrating SD's talent-which again, isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for AJ Smith. TBay sure comes to mind! Dallas is a good call as well. I guess Philly too, although they finished very strong and I am excited about them going forward.

Andrew (New Jersey)

With Rashard Mendenhall obviously out for a significant amount of time, how do you see Ike Redman doing? Is he a RB that they could make a run at the Super Bowl with?

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

He gets what is there and a little more. But real physical and competitive. But doesn't offer much in the passing game-which will be M Moore's job. But to me, that is a bit of a Tell. Moore is in the game-we are throwing or running outside. Redman is in the game-it is most likely an inside run or a short throw. With Mendenhall, it was much more difficult to predict. Plus, Mendy has big play ability. These two don't.

Brian (NOLA)

Hey Matt, listen to the podcast everyday. Big fan of your insight. How do you feel about the interior line match ups between the Saints and Lions? Everyone says Suh has the advantage, but he hasn't looked the same from last year. Nicks and Evans are strong dudes.

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

Thanks. Agreed. That favors NO. DET's entire group of DTs is very strong-and Suh can be fantastic. But Suh has taken a step backwards in Year 2 and has always been a very average player vs. the run. NO isn't great at OC, but you are right, those OGs are total beasts.

Darth Ditka (Sunny Florida)

So...the Bears had a philosophical difference with Mike Martz. Well, the way I see it, to win a Super Bowl you have to be able to rank top 10 in passing. Since the Bears obviously want to remain a run oriented offense, is it safe to assume more losing and frustration for Bears fans? :(

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

I see your point, but I was critical of this marriage from the beginning and here is why...and I am not blaming Martz. But in Martz's system, he is going to throw a ton. Smaller quicker WRs that explode out of their cuts and are great after the catch in space. A QB that is very disciplined and throws to spots. And an OL that can really hold up without much help for a high # of throws and 7 step drops. Well, CHI doesn't have that type of OL-at all! Cutler isn't close to that type of QB, although he transitioned extremely well. And with the Bears' weather conditions and poor playing surface, it doesn't suit Martz's style of route running. I will say, it worked better than I ever thought it would.

Jake (Philly)

If you had one game to win and Brady, Brees, Ben and Rodgers weren't available you would take _______________ because______________

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Ben Roethlisberger. That is a very easy decision.

Steve (Charlotte)

Curious why you think that Matt Ryan will be affected by bad weather, didn't he play at BC?!

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

He did. But BC's season was over a month ago. How many games did Ryan play in conditions as extreme as he will see this weekend? I say that because Ryan isn't physically overwhelming either. Example: Cam Newton hasn't proven to be a poor weather producer, but I would trust his passes to get where they need to be more than Ryan's...especially under the duress that he should be facing this weekend.

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

Folks...I brought my A Game today. Try to keep up!

Jon (NYC)

Elway said Tebow needs to pull the trigger. Is this a case of be careful what you wish for?

Matt Williamson

  (12:13 PM)

I hear ya, but yes, he does. Every QB has to be successful in this league. If you can't/won't, you have to find someone else.

Brian (MA)

Might want to re-read Jake from Philly's question then...Mr A-Gamer.

Matt Williamson

  (12:14 PM)

Ooops! Then, Eli...Sincerely, Mr. A-Gamer

Harry (Babylon, NY)

How much of the Jets offensive woes are player related versus system related?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

I blame the players here more than the coaches. They lack team speed. I mentioned the other specific need positions. And-in the end-you just can't hide your QB in this league...although the Jets coaching staff has done a nice job of doing exactly that over the past few years...but they were stronger in other areas then.

Brett (AZ)

Hey Matt, Happy New Year! What do you do with the Flynn situation if you're GB at this point? Tag him or Finley?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

Tag Finley. I am sure the Pack could do something similar to what NEng did with Brady and squeeze a nice pick or two out of Flynn, but I still think that Finley-despite his inconsistencies this year-is a special player. And Flynn isn't.

Steve (Charlotte)

Would you consider Eli Manning to be "physically overwhealming"?

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

No, but above average physically and ahead of Ryan in that area. Plus, proven.

Mike (Cleveland)

If you were running Indy would you keep Peyton to mentor Luck? or would you let Peyton walk since you are rebuilding?

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

All depends on #18's health.

Paula (Texas)

if the colts take luck will he pull a Elway and not want to play for the colts

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

Why would he? A lot worse places you could go

Brian (NOLA)

Cam Jordan looks like he's starting to get the NFL version of the game. He had his first sack last week and came up with some good pressures too. He's been stout against the run all year. Do you think he's starting to "get it" via the pass rush or was that a more of a factor of the Panter's Oline?

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

They really need him to-and I loved that pick when it happened. With the lockout and all, many of these rookies will be late bloomers. Jordan could def fit that mold.

Mike (Cleveland)

Assume he's 2010 version of #18

Matt Williamson

  (12:21 PM)

If your docs truly tell you that Manning is healthy. Then I think he can be a great QB for 3 more years give or take. Then, I take Luck no matter what. But I listen to offers for Peyton. If you get a BIG deal, move him. Then, you have a LOT of picks and money to use to totally rebuild. If you can't get much in return, I might be short sighted and stay the course and go off the thought that 2011 was a bit of an aberration and that Peyton can make it all better.

Ryan (WI)

What is your take on the whole A. Rodgers being a "system quarterback" thing.

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

A System QB? I don't follow. I guess he qualifies as a System QB if the "System" is one that you can only run with a remarkably talented QB-both physically and mentally. Every offensive coach in the league would love to run GBay's system, but they don't have the QB to do it. Yes, I saw what Flynn did. But that was against a very bad Pass D-and trust me, he would not approach Rodgers in the same system over a much larger sample size.

David (NYC)

Do you think having Santonio Holmes on the Jets roster next season could cost Rex Ryan his job?

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

Trust me, I am not condoning Holmes' behavior. There is a very good reason that PGH gave him away for nothing-and clearly making him a Captain was a terrible idea. But I have also watched him in this O all year-and wow, can I feel his pain/frustration. The Jets have 2 passing plays over 40 yards ALL YEAR! Holmes is a tremendous player, but Sanchez misses him over and over-and they don't throw deep to him! It is insane. Feels like Steve Smith with Clausen last year. Again, not condoning it one bit, but there are two sides to this story too.

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

"All Things Must Pass" -Beatles...so good

Eric (Paris (Fr.))

M-Dub ! Try to keep up with your A Game! Decisive matchup of NY-Atl has to be Falcons' OL capacity against Giants DL to give Ryan enough time to exploit a weak secondary with a great set of WR, right?

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

No question about it...and I don't like it one bit for the Falcons

Squall (Balamb Garden)

Backup QB Power Rankings: give us your top 5.

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

WOW! I guess Flynn has to be #1. Hoyer 2nd? S Wallace would be in the convo. Just spitballing here. Johnson in TBay is a good player. I still think VY is Top 5-probably. Skelton/Kolb...does that count? Who am I missing?

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Matt, will the Steelers line up 8 in the box (bringing Polamalu in) and essentially dare Tebow to beat them in the passing game? I think doing that essentially shuts down Denver's run game.

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

More often than not, yes I would think so. But I think the beauty here for PGH is that they will show Tebow a LOT...and I don't think he is ready to handle it mentally. Tebow really struggles vs. press man-and can be real reluctant to pull the trigger. So Ike takes away Decker or Thomas. And they are physical with the other WR. Also, when you play Man, Tebow beat you with his legs easier. But to me, Troy P and to a lesser degree Timmons, are great spies.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Joe Webb...

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

Good call-he certainly qualifies

Brian (NOLA)

Now that the regular season is wrapped up, Darren Sproles or Jonathan Joseph as best FA acquisition? Both have been exceptional.

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Joseph, but yes, both have been exceptional. How about Babin? Joseph plays more snaps than Sproles and almost always matches up on the opponent's #1 WR...that is strong.

RR (HOLLYWOOD)

Mallett a nice backup option? I think he starts NOW for a couple teams.

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Maybe. Real tough to comment on the rookies in that convo though-esp Mallett, who has never taken a regular season snap.

Mac (Ct)

You did not bring your A game, you miss read Jake from Philly question. Try to keep uo!!!!

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

Wow, you are a little late on that...try to keep up

Brent (Mo)

Do you like SF's chances of reaching the super bowl?

Matt Williamson

  (12:35 PM)

Not really, but it could happen. Their D and Special Teams are crazy-good. If they travel to GBay in the NFC Championship and the weather is horrible, I think they have a decent chance for sure. But I really think NO or GB will represent the NFC.

Ian (Tampa)

Brees or Rodgers for MVP and why?

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

This is lame of me, but I would split it. I really would. I really think they have equal cases. With a gun to my cranium, I take Rodgers...his team didn't lose to the Rams!

Will (Tallahassee)

4th quarter, down a TD.....Who would you rather have Cam/Dalton throwing to Julio/AJ?

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

I would rather have Cam than Dalton in every way/shape/form in any situation. The WR question is closer, but still, Green. He is just more special. Better hands and ball skills. Further along in his development.

Steve (Bangor, PA)

Is the Romo criticism fair, unfair or somewhere in between?

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Mostly unfair. He has had a fantastic season. And played well with a very bad hand last week under constant pressure. Top 10 QB. 20+ teams would kill to have Romo.

Harry (Babylon, NY)

Does Houston have a chance to reach the conference championship if they beat the Bengals?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

I think HOUS wins one, but that is it. I like this matchup a lot for the Texans, but I don't like them in BALT or NENG one bit.

RR (HOLLYWOOD)

ROMO is way overated. If he wasnt the Cowboys QB, he'd be Matt Hasslebeck.

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

Those two are polar opposites. Hass is very cerebral/structured with very ordinary physical tools-esp at this point of his career. Romo is a gun slinger who is great when things don't go to script. Try again.

Mike (San Diego)

Don't you think that the winner of the Cincy/Houstin game will probably get trounced in round 2 no matter who it is?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

YES...but, still, successful seasons for either

AG (Cincinnati)

What holes do the Bengals have to fill to be on par talent wise with the Ravens and Steelers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

They don't have gaping holes-and they now have a ton of draft picks to improve the holes they do have. I think a great OG (DeCastro) would be a fantastic fit for them. Maybe they get crazy and add a true stud RB (Richardson if he falls a bit?). On D, a starting SS would be great, as would more CB depth. Maybe if a great LB prospect was floating around, you grab him. But then it comes down to QB. I don't think Dalton can ever be on par with Roethlisberger. And I have more and more doubts if Dalton will ever be a high end starter. Not saying he is a bust, but I don't like weak-armed QBs in that area of the country come playoff time, etc. And Dalton has really fallen off the 2nd half of the season. Just saying, I am not totally sold like many others appear to be.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Matt, assuming the Colts take Luck, do you see the Rams staying at #2 and drafting Kalil or Blackmon, or do you feel they will trade down? Do you think the Vikings have a shot at Kalil or Claiborne at #3?

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

I know the Vikes will have a shot at Kalil or Claiborne. They pick 3rd Bro-and Luck will be gone. Do the arithmetic here. And either would be great additions. But in the end, I am betting that RG3 goes 2nd overall to CLEV or WASH.

Greg (BMore)

Put down Vonta Leach as a very underrated FA acquisition this season. The man is a beast, and a highly mobile road grader in front of Ray Rice. Many a LB was blowed up by this man this season.

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

Well said. No question.

Trevor (Vegas)

Mr. A-Gamer, since Flynn is UFA how will the Packers get more than a compensatory pick?

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

If they Franchise him, they could then trade his rights like NEng did. But still, I would Franchise Finley over Flynn. But, if they could get a deal done with Finley before the Franchising deadline, they might get their cake and eat it too.

Michael (Cincinnati)

You must really love colt McCoy then...

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

Yeah...not so much

Harry (Babylon, NY)

Did your opinion(objective I might add) about Sanchez change this year or have you always seen him as a middle of the road QB?

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

Wow. You must be new here Harry! Nice to have you! Jets fans have been killing me for years for my thoughts on Sanchez. For some reason, this year they have been much quieter on that front!

Brian (Leesburg, FL)

What is the best plan for the dolphins at QB this offseason? did Moore do enough to start next season or do they sign a FA like Flynn or trade up for a top QB?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

I would not mortgage a TON to go get a 1st round QB. But if one is there, pounce. Otherwise, I would go in with Moore (& maybe Henne too) and use picks and free agents to help at RT, FS and maybe WR. Also, I would then be interested in drafting a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round with a lot of upside, but has a lot of work to do. However, we do need to see who is hired there first and what type of O they want to play and what they will ask of their QB.

Mike (San Diego)

Is the best move for the Rams to find someone in love with RG3 and try to trade down?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Most likely-and I think that happens

Marc (Malden, MA)

With about 7 mins to go, Denver had 3rd and 4 around midfield and they ran a pitch right? That is the definition of conservative.

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

Indeed. But why do they do that? Because they don't trust their QB.

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

Stones "Miss You"...Mick is a total mad man

David (Butte, Nebraska)

Alright, I know you don't cover the NFC South. But who do you personally think will be the future head coach of the Bucs in 2012?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Need to get a QB Guru. Who? I am not sure. But Freeman can be the guy and they need to find a coach to get him back on track. That has to be goal #1 for TBay.

Joe (NY)

Would you trust Tebow??

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Nope

Robert (Hammond LA)

who would you pick, Packers/Saints or the field to win the SB?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

GBay/NO

Tom (Detroit)

Can the Saints get past the Packers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Yep. It might change, but right now, I am picking the Saints to win it all.

jason (tampa)

Can Willis and Bowman match up with Graham / Sproles in the Niners' base?

Matt Williamson

  (12:54 PM)

They would match up as well as any ILB tandem-better actually. But I still wouldn't hesitate to throw to either of those guys one on one vs. Bowman or Willis. Advantage: Saints

Randy (St. Paul)

So you think teams are more likely to trade with St. Louis than Minnesota at 3? It seems like St. Louis needs either Kahlil or Blackmon to support Bradford, and trading that pick would take them out of the running for both.

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Not if they only move back a few spots. The Rams have a lot of needs. Might get quite the package for that #2 spot.

Handel (Canton)

Since you have brought your A-game does that mean you have been only giving us less than 110% the last 17 weeks? I thought you were a high motor guy that never takes a play off?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

Hmmm...that is an excellent point. But this is the playoffs. Where legends are made. Def a high motor guy though. I get by on grit more than talent.

Andrew (New Jersey)

You worked in scouting... What does the future hold for Kellen Moore?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

I honestly haven't studied him, but from what I understand, he is a little QB with a small frame and a bad arm. If that is true, then maybe he is an okay backup-or a good CFLer

Robert (Hammond LA)

Who do you see coming out of the AFC? It seems WIDE open

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Call me a Homer, but if Ben is healthy, I pick PGH. But is he? I think they get past DEN even if he isn't. But to me, their weaknesses are not as great as BALT or NEng...still, three horse race in AFC and I would put BALT last on that list.

Steve (Cleveland)

What did you leave the Browns?? I think you could help us!

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

Was only there a year Bro. Learned a ton-but that was 6 years ago. Been at ESPN ever since-and not interested in leaving! But Thanks

Robert (Boston)

Homer. Even Pats fans know the Ravens are coming out of the AFC. Tell me the Steelers are any better off than they were in the prior losses to Baltimore.

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

I don't trust Flacco and their passing game. I can't get around that.

Matt Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

I am out. Talk about next week. Drop me a line on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL and enjoy the games! Oh yeah, I will be hosting Cover it Live for EVERY playoff game!