Super Bowl VIII Carolina vs Washington

As predicted by the Dallas Technology Center on July 11, 2012, the championship game will be between the two powerhouse teams of Carolina and Washington. 

Both teams were dominant in their divisions, regularly dispatching almost all opponents. The Redskins two losses were against NYG but one of those was computer coached by the Redskins. Carolina's single loss was against the only other dominant team in the league and only real competition to the Panthers, the San Diego Chargers. The regular season loss was avenged in the AFC Championship game. Either team would've been worthy contenders for this season's championship.

There aren't enough superlatives to describe the Redskins' and Panthers' squads. They both rank in the top 5 in most offensive and defensive categories. This is a not Super Bowl where either team overachieved in the playoffs and knocked out superior talent. These teams have the best talent and are well-coached.

The numbers keep spitting out the Panthers as two touchdown favorites but Washington had a tendency to do better than the point spread than Carolina. It's hard to believe a team led by Aaron Rodgers, a team average over 32 points a game is going to get beat by 14. However, the Panthers have arguably the best pass defense in the league. 

Although the Redskins may make it a closer game than the spread,  the DTC is still predicting the Carolina Panthers to be the 2012-2013 USAFL Champions.

Washington Redskins +14 vs Carolina Panthers 

USAFL Conference Finals

NFC

1. Washington Redskins

2. Green Bay Packers

x3. Detroit Lions

x4. New York Giants

x5. Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC

1. San Diego Chargers

2. Carolina Panthers

x3. Atlanta Falcons

x4. Boston Patriots

x5. Oakland Raiders

Green Bay +13 at Washington

Week 7 Washington 41 vs Green Bay 21

The Redskins built up a 27-7 late into the 3rd quarter and a 103 yard KO return for a TD and a fumble on his one 1 yard line by Packer QB Cam Newtno midway through the 4th quarter dashed any comeback hopes.

Carolina +1 at San Diego

Week 11 San Diego 28 at Carolina 27

Great game. 4 lead changes. Chargers go ahead 21-14 with 50 seconds left in the first half. The Panthers pound their way off the right side, tying it up with 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and then capitalizing on a two back-to back picks off Philip Rivers with field goals. I'm sure they wish at least one of those would've been a TD because Rivers lead them on a 70 yard TD drive leaving Carolina 1:26 to get in field goal range. But the drive starts with a sack of Tony Romo, his 5th of the day, and the Panthers couldn't get far enough starting from their own 19.

USAFL Conference Semi-Finals

ATL @ CAR game had not been played at press time.

NFC

1. Washington Redskins

2. Green Bay Packers

x3. Detroit Lions

x4. New York Giants

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC

1. San Diego Chargers

2. Carolina Panthers

3. Atlanta Falcons

x4. Boston Patriots

5. Oakland Raiders

+13 Oakland (9-7) at San Diego (15-1)

Week 2: SD 34 vs OAK 10

Chargers shut out the Raiders in the 2nd half. Game MVP Philip Rivers throws 16 of 20, 237 yds, 2 tds, 0 ints. A 149 QB rating.

Week 14: SD 30 @ OAK 27 Overtime

Lead changes 6 times. Raiders go up 27-24 with 2:19 to go but San Diego drives to field goal range and ties it up. A 54 yard field goal by the Chargers is blocked in their first OT drive, then the Raiders miss a 54 yarder on their drive. SD wins on a 35 yard field goal with 6:34 left in overtime.

Injuries: No players on either team.

+13 Pittsburgh at Washington

Week 1: WAS 21 @ PIT 9

The Steelers dominate time of possession, holding onto the ball for 38 minutes but the Redskins take the lead with 9:22 left in the game 14-9, then seal it with a 52 yard interception return with 8:15 left. 

Week 16: WAS 37 vs PIT 14

Redskin QB Aaron Rodgers throws for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns while Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger & Company is shut out in the 2nd half.

Injuries: No starters on either team.