The NFL Championships, Super Bowl & the View From Texas

by Julie Tereshchuk on January 19, 2018 in Sports,
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“Who do Texas football fans want to win? My best guess: Jacksonville and Minnesota.”

As temps plummeted in Texas, it sure felt like football weather this week! So, with the NFL Conference Championships coming up Sunday, and the Super Bowl only two weeks away, we turned to longtime sports journalist Rick Cantu for his take on the ensuing battles.

With neither the Houston Texans or the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, has there been any Texas interest since the regular season finished?

The big deal here—especially in Austin—is that Nick Foles is the new quarterback in Philadelphia, replacing injured starter Carson Wentz. Foles was a star at Westlake High School in the capital city and he has had a fine career. Funny thing, Drew Brees is also a Westlake grad and it would have been fun to see two former Chaparrals lock horns this Sunday.

Looking at the AFC, who should we watching this weekend?

The AFC is a battle of the haves (Patriots) and have-nots (Jaguars). We all know New England has been king of the NFL forest for more than a decade, the closest thing to a pro sports dynasty. Jacksonville has never been to a Super Bowl, but after upsetting Pittsburgh last week, it seems the time is ripe to upset Tom Brady and Company.

And what about the NFC? Will the Vikings make it a hometown Super Bowl by beating the Eagles?

Even though the game is in Philadelphia, the Vegas line has Minnesota as a slight favorite. That won’t go over well with the Eagles, who feel they have been disrespected after Wentz’s injury. Maybe that Hail Mary pass to win the game against New Orleans is a sign that Minnesota’s failures in the past will take a back seat.

Anything else before we head out to stock up on chips and salsa?

Texas might be [said to be the] king of football, but that’s really not true. The Cowboys haven’t been to the Super Bowl in 22 years and the Texans haven’t exactly come close. Who do Texas football fans want to win? My best guess: Jacksonville and Minnesota.


We’ll be back before the Super Bowl with more expert commentary and tips from Rick.