If there is such a thing as the Peter King curse, and it's similar to the Madden curse, then it's not promising for Atlanta that the Si.com writer predicted them to win the 2012 Super Bowl. The SI NFL preview issue is hitting the stands (or the internet) and King has the Falcons beating the San Diego Chargers, 24-20, in this year's Super Bowl.
It's not a bad pick but I would disagree with the Falcons in there. I know they were great last year, and they really do have a terrific year, but I can't see RB Michael Turner turning in a productive season again. He's had too much wear and tear and past history is pretty accurate on what happens to running backs who carry a large load. Maybe I'm wrong, though. Maybe they run the table through the playoffs and win it all.
The Chargers are a solid pick, if you ask me. I just keep thinking with a team that talented they have to make some noise in the playoffs at some point, right? QB Philip Rivers is an elite quarterback in the NFL and he nearly brought his team to the playoffs last year with a ridiculous run on injuries and a truly awful special teams unit. If those two things revert to the mean, the Chargers are making the playoffs.
Other notables from King's predictions:
- The Colts do make the playoffs. A lot of people are predicting this is the first time since 2001 that they don't make the playoffs considering QB Peyton Manning's health.
- The Lions and Rams make the playoffs. That's a bit of a surprise. I can see the Rams making the playoffs considering the NFC West but the Lions would have to make it with a division that features both NFC teams in the conference championship game last year.
- Ravens-Patriots in the playoffs, again. King has these two teams playing which would be really cool because the Ravens got the best of New England when they last met in the playoffs.