2018 World Series Predictions

It’s been a whirlwind of a day, so I’m going to make this one pretty brief. I talked more in-depth about the Red Sox and the Dodgers in my 2018 NLCS/ALCS Predictions that accurately selected the two powerhouses to advance this far. So who will hold the Commissioner’s Trophy? Let’s take a look at the World Series.

Long story short, both of these clubs easily have the most stacked lineups from top to bottom in the MLB. The pitching rotations aren’t great, but they are built to win playoff games with 2 or 3 aces. Both bullpens have been shaky at times, but dependable which is all one could ask for in October.

However, there are two key differences. The first is the managers. Dave Roberts is a seasoned veteran. He’s been criticized at times, but at the end of the day, he knows his players very well and puts together a strategic lineup every game. His in-game use of the bullpen and various double switches could be improved, but I give him a solid B+. Best of all, Roberts was managing games this late last year too, as his team fell to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. The man knows what it takes to win in the playoffs, and what he did to lose in them.

That’s not to say that Red Sox manager Alex Cora is inexperienced. It may be his first year as the skipper, but he too was in last year’s World Series… helping AJ Hinch’s team take the title. As a rookie manager, Cora has led Boston to their best regular season in franchise history, and is now just four wins away from the cherry on top. If he trusts himself as much as his team and fanbase does, the Red Sox will not be at a disadvantage in coaching.

The second difference is consistency. The reason the Dodgers couldn’t knock off the Brewers sooner is their inability to always score. The Brewers did a great job of putting points on the board every night. No, they never scored 8 or 9, but 2 or 3 is sometimes all it takes in the playoffs. Sure, the Dodgers are capable of it, but they are equally likely to be shut out too.

The Red Sox aren’t perfect in that sense, but much more reliable. Boston cans struggle at the hands of good starting pitching, as most teams do, but what sets them apart from the League is their drive to dig and string a few hits together when it matters. They rarely get blown out with their never-say-die mentality that ultimately stems from a player’s coach and that MVP in right field.

PREDICTIONS

Game 1 – Clayton Kershaw at Chris Sale, Red Sox win 4-3

Game 2 – Hyun-jin Ryu at David Price, Dodgers win 5-0

Game 3 – Rick Porcello at Walker Buehler, Red Sox win 7-6

Game 4 – Nathan Eovaldi at Rich Hill, Red Sox win 5-1

Game 5 – Chris Sale at Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers win 3-0

Game 6 – Hyun-Jin Ryu at David Price, Red Sox win 6-3

Red Sox in 6.

2018-2019 NBA Predictions

We are a few games into the NBA season, and it’s about time I publish my predictions for this year. Last season, seeding aside, I was able to predict 14 of the 16 playoff teams, including both conference finals match-ups and their series’ going the distance, as well as the eventual champion.. Golden State Warriors. How will I fare this season? Let’s take a look at who’s riding through the postseason this spring.

Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics

The Celtics fell two games shy of the Eastern Conference regular-season title last year, but they were still able to take the Cavaliers to Game 7 in the Conference finals without their superstars Kyrie Irving and, of course, Gordon Hayward. Apart from the 76ers and maybe the Raptors, there isn’t anyone in this crippled Eastern Conference able to challenge Boston.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The only thing holding the 76ers back from greatness is their coach, whose contract they unfortunately extended this past offseason. Ben Simmons is the future of the NBA, Joel Embiid is an imposing center with a lot of potential, and Markelle Fultz can still make his mark on the League. If only Brett Brown could manage in-game situations against formidable opposition…

3. Toronto Raptors

Contrary to popular belief, the Raptors didn’t get a whole lot better with the addition of Kawhi Leonard. DeMar DeRozan was an all-star and the heart of Toronto. Leonard can be that same guy, and he may even have more skill, but he doesn’t change the franchise. To quote James Franklin, Toronto is a great basketball team, but they aren’t elite.

4. Milwaukee Bucks

This team is as good as Giannis Antetokounmpo. A perennial MVP candidate with infamous length and now some more muscle, the big man should be a force in the NBA this year. The question is, even in a depleted conference, how much can one man do?

5. Washington Wizards

Nothing has changed in Washington. They seem to always be fighting for home court in the playoffs as the four or five seed every year. This year, with the same stout backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal, the threat of Dwight Howard replaces Marcin Gortat under the rim. If the old Howard comes to play, the Wizards can be far better than a 5 seed, but if it’s the journeyman Howard, 5 may be the best case scenario.

6. Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo and the Pacers surprised me not once, but twice last year by making the playoffs. I’m a believer in the Indiana native’s ability to distribute the ball while being a threat himself, and he should be considered a top 10 point guard in the league today. The Pacers have an opportunity to feast in the East, but without the talent of the elite teams, I think they remain in the middle of the pack.

7. Miami Heat

It’s Dwayne Wade’s farewell season, and there is no way that Miami doesn’t play more than 82 games this year. Obviously, Wade isn’t the superstar he used to be, but his city and his team should rally around one of the greatest players to don the Heat uniform as he steps off the court for the last time.

8. Detroit Pistons

The Pelicans have shown that the two-center system works over the course of a season, and Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond can easily outmuscle most of the East. Detroit would love more production in the backcourt and beyond the arc, but for someone who really values consistency, I think the Pistons are underrated.

 

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors

The reigning world champions only got better this offseason when DeMarcus Cousins sold out to join this team of all-stars. The NBA has a serious problem with championship chasers, and until that is fixed, the Warriors will roll.

2. Houston Rockets

I think the Rockets had all of the tools that they needed last year to win a championship, so the addition of Carmelo Anthony helps. However, it only helps because he knows his ability and role as a bench player. He has not been the same player since leaving the Nuggets, and he has to recognize that, like Russell Westbrook, he cannot win a championship with his style of play. That said, if he comes off the bench, the Rockets have relentless scoring pressure from starters James Harden and Chris Paul as well as the second line led by Carmelo Anthony when the duo is tired. Not to mention, when Anthony doesn’t have to compete against the league’s best, his numbers will have a resurgence. I love the humility of this former NBA great.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

With that said, the Thunder will actually get better by dropping Carmelo Anthony. As I had predicted, his unwillingness to move to the bench to instead compete for touches with Russell Westbrook and Paul George was detrimental to a really good team. Now, with his ego off of the roster, the Thunder can be as good as last year’s Houston Rockets.

4. San Antonio Spurs

I see a lot of people writing off the Spurs and I can’t understand why. Last year, they were two games away from the 3 seed, and they didn’t have their superstar Kawhi Leonard at all. Now, they have DeMar DeRozan, who I view as comparable, but he’s actually going to play, and he’ll probably have a fire under him because of how Toronto betrayed him this summer. Not to mention, San Antonio has one of the greatest coaches to step on the court in Gregg Popovich. Don’t sleep on the Spurs, guys.

5. Portland Trail Blazers

Now it gets difficult. There is a lot of parity in the West, and it makes for some teams that deserve to be in the playoffs, but there just isn’t enough room. I’m only at the 5 seed and I’m thinking about it. I’ve given this rank to Portland for their marksman and clutch play in the backcourt of Damian Lilliard and C.J. McCollum.

6. Utah Jazz

Despite Gordon Hayward leaving after 2016, the Jazz didn’t miss a beat (no pun intended). Donovan Mitchell should have been the Rookie of the Year last year if not for a technicality, and Rudy Gobert is one of my favorite young centers in the league. Utah is capable of another great season despite the small market.

7. Los Angeles Lakers

Yeah, there is no way that LeBron James misses out on the postseason, even if he doesn’t have much help around him in L.A. Honestly, it’s hard for me to say how or why, but you know James’ magic and commitment to the game will elevate those around him as they strive for greatness together. It won’t happen this year, but you can’t doubt that a title is coming back to the Lakers soon.

8. Denver Nuggets

The last spot was especially tough, as I have to leave out the Pelicans, the Timberwolves, and the Suns for various small reasons. I’ve gone with Denver for their combination of experience and depth. Isaiah Thomas leads the way, even if he has seen better days, and Nikola Jokic continues to get better under the rim every year. It won’t be easy, but the Nuggets snag that last spot.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

East First Round

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Detroit Pistons – Detroit’s two-center system wins in the regular season, but not the postseason. Celtics in 4

(2) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (7) Miami Heat – Dwane Wade’s last ride ends in Philly. 76ers in 5

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Indiana Pacers – After the Raptors relieved the Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey, of his duties, we will see how much Nick Nurse can win in the playoffs. Raptors in 5

(4) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (5) Washington Wizards – These teams have been oppositely equal in my eyes for a long time, so this meeting should be fun. Wizards in 7

West First Round

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Denver Nuggets – Not much to say here, with “Boogie” Cousins fully healthy at this point, GSW should cruise. Warriors in 4

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers – It was a good run, but LeBron James cannot make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Rockets in 6

(3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Utah Jazz – Even as the three seed, the Thunder might be underrated. Unfortunately for the young Jazz team, the road ends here. Thunder in 4

(4) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers – The West is top-heavy, which makes for easy first round matches… but a different story in the Conference Semifinals. Spurs in 7

Eastern Conference Semifinals

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Washington Wizards – The Celtics have a few rivalries to deal with before making it to the NBA Finals. The first, a physical series full of hate with Washington. Celtics in 6

(2) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (3) Toronto Raptors – The answer to my question about Nick Nurse? He can’t. Advice for the future- don’t fire the Coach of the Year. 76ers in 7

Western Conference Semifinals

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (4) San Antonio Spurs – A rematch of last year’s disappointing series is a little more interesting this year with both future Hall of Fame coaches likely on the sidelines for the duration. Warriors in 6

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Oklahoma City Thunder – Another rivalry matchup as the great state of Texas is divided for the clash of the playoffs. Rockets in 7

Conference Finals

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (2) Philadelphia 76ers – If it wasn’t for Brett Brown, the 76ers would win this rematch. Unfortunately for them, Boston betters their bitter rivals again. Celtics in 7

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (2) Houston Rockets – The Warriors gravy train to the NBA Finals is derailed. Rockets in 6

NBA FINALS PREDICTION: Rockets over Celtics in 7

2018 NBA Finals Predictions

I was tempted to copy-and-paste the format I used last year, but while this is the 4th year in a row that the Cavs and Warriors have faced off, this time will be much different. Unfortunately for fans, it’s also not nearly as unpredictable. The entire story is just how much one man – LeBron James – will be able to do to give his team another championship before he leaves for good. Let’s take a look at how many more wins he can give Cleveland in the last series of the 2018 NBA season.

First of all, how did we get here? Unlike in the last two years, this wasn’t inevitable. The Celtics had a legitimate shot at taking Cleveland out for much of the season, and the Raptors ran away with the Eastern Conference. The Pacers gave them everything they could handle in an early upset bid, but nevertheless, the 4-seeded Cavaliers fought and clawed their way past each of them (well, past the Pacers and Celtics) when it mattered most.

Wait, did I say Cavaliers? I really meant LeBron James. My pick for MVP this year had arguably the best season and playoffs of his 15-year career. He literally accounted for over 50% of the team’s offense in the playoffs, averaging 34 points, 8.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game. Falsely assuming that all 9 or so assists were two pointers, that is generously saying that James is responsible for 52 of the Cavs’ 101 ppg this postseason. Now just imagine if he were to play a defense that was focused on getting the ball out of his hands…

Hey, I’ll be honest. The Warriors are no juggernaut. People expected a tough battle with the Spurs in Round 1, but without Kawhi Leonard and later sans head coach and mastermind Gregg Popovich, it became pretty easy for Golden State to advance. In the Conference Semis, the Pelicans’ interior offense was no match for the Warriors’ perimeter shooting, and they again advanced in 5. Then, the toughest test came against a motivated Houston Rockets team that was the favorite all season long to knock off the defending champs. However, even after huge 1st half leads in Games 6 and 7, it wasn’t meant to be for the 2nd most valuable player James Harden and an injured Chris Paul.

Golden State’s tenacity and resolve to come back from huge deficits is commendable, and a huge reason why it’s going to be nearly impossible for one man to take them all down. They have a seemingly endless energy tank and laser focus that lasts all 48 minutes each and every night. With the Larry O’Brien Trophy again within their grasp, it would take a miracle for the Warriors to let it slip away after they’ve come this far.

So here’s the scoop this year: it’s James vs. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Each of those four aforementioned names is capable of guarding James 1-on-1, which leaves three excellent defenders on the other Cavs players. If I’m Steve Kerr, unless Andre Igoudala returns, I would pick Durant to go against James. He has had a marvelous season defensively, leading all small forwards in blocks per game with 1.8, and suffocating his matchups both on the perimeter and on the drive… both of James’ strong suits. Thompson is equally known for his aggressiveness with his back to the hoop too, as well as his sharpshooting. Green can get in the mind of anyone who dares to step in his path, and of course there is Curry who can do it all in crunch time. If that seems overwhelming, then you see my point.

In order to bring Cleveland their second championship and to even the Finals series with the Warriors at 2-2, James’ team has to step up. J.R. Smith needs to start hitting threes, Kevin Love needs to be healthy and become a second threat, and Tristan Thompson is going to have to dominate the boards on both ends of the court. It won’t be easy, but the Warriors don’t have the pressure on them. James does. So who is going to step up and finally help take some of that off of him?

In my eyes, LeBron James needs four more wins to officially become the greatest of all time. He has already had the best season of his career, and that is no thanks to his mediocre, if not subpar, team that probably finds themselves out of the playoffs without him. The fact that he has dragged them into June is an incredible feat in its own right, but the history books will only remember him for how he ends this season. With an impossible series win against the Warriors, he would undoubtedly be the best to ever play the sport. With a loss, he would move to 3-6 in the Finals, and 7 of those appearances (record of 3-4) have already come with a comparable amount of help as Michael Jordan had (who was 6-0). The only way to pass the legend that literally every athlete of every sport is compared to is to single-handedly knock off the Goliath of Golden State.

Predictions:

Game 1- Cavaliers 90, Warriors 112

Game 2- Cavaliers 103, Warriors 115

Game 3- Warriors 108, Cavaliers 110

Game 4- Warriors 117, Cavaliers 104

Game 5- Cavaliers 97, Warriors 109

The Warriors aren’t dropping a game at home, and if not for a buzzer-beater from James, they don’t drop a game on the road either. This time, they don’t blow a 3-1 lead. Warriors in 5.

MVP: Draymond Green. He’s already having a terrific and consistent postseason, and I expect his play to be pivotal in times of struggle and a success throughout this short series.

Bonus Prediction: With this, the Cavaliers-Warriors Era finally comes to an end. The Warriors ironically win the four-year war 3-1, and LeBron James is forced to take his talents elsewhere. I’m not one to predict his landing spot, but if he’s not in Houston, I’d like to think he’s speaking with Paul George on who they should take to the Finals next year.

NBA Second Half Predictions

After a brief hiatus, Sports Thoughts is back to get you ready for the second half of the NBA season. There is a ton to discuss, from the tangle at the top of the West, to the Cavaliers’ rise and fall and rise again. Certainly nothing is decided, but we’re about to separate the men from the tankers. Let’s take a look at what we can expect for the rest of Spring in the NBA.

East Preseason Predictions:

1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Washington Wizards
4. Toronto Raptors
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Miami Heat
8. Philadelphia 76ers

Hey, so far it’s not too shabby. I’m not quite sure why I picked the Hornets at the time, but everyone else is currently holding a playoff spot. The Pacers are really surprising me this year with Victor Oladipo taking the team to new heights even with the departure of Paul George. After Oladipo’s average years in OKC, I guess the change of scenery and new need for leadership really helped his development as a point guard.  

The sleeper will be the Pistons. Just outside the rankings for now, Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin are going to have a very similar dynamic to a healthy Pelicans team. While neither are top contenders for the NBA Finals, they can certainly be staples in the playoffs.

As for the top contenders, it’s a three horse race with the Wizards to likely stay firm as the perennial 4-seed. Unlike in previous years, the Cavs are not at the top. The well-documented platoon swap has so far proved effective for the disappointing Cavs team that finds themselves all the way down in third place.. awh..

Since LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, I’ve lost faith in the regular season. The thing is, everyone knows it comes down to a 7-game stretch for the top 5 or 6 teams in each conference, and most of the other teams have no chance at the title. So, you have 12 teams going through the motions, 12 teams tanking, and that leaves roughly 6 teams actually trying for the majority of the season to claim a low-seeded playoff spot.

Now, I have developed a situation to fix tanking, the player rest situation, and to attract international fans, but that is an article for another day…

Anyway, my point is I don’t care that the Cavs are only at a 3 seed. They are going to play the Celtics and Raptors regardless. Maybe home court advantage plays a big factor in the playoffs and that made the Cavs panic, but any talk about the title contenders in the regular season is just wasting time in my opinion.

That said, I do like some of the moves. Jordan Crawford and Larry Nance are young and give Cleveland some contract control. Letting Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder go seems like a waste after they just got them for Kyrie Irving, but they are both free agents soon and I doubt they will want to stay in Cleveland without James.

Yeah, James is leaving.. again, an article for another time.

I’m happy to see Dwyane Wade back in that Heat jersey too, but I certainly think splitting up the James-Wade combo was a bit excessive, especially for just a “heavily-protected” 2nd round pick. But what’s done is done. The Cavs just lost their first game with their new team on Thursday, and I think there is a lot of renewed confidence in a locker room that needs it down the stretch.

I know I talked a lot about the Cavaliers in the East recap, but the bottom line is that everyone revolves around the Cavs. The Raptors are having a phenomenal season behind DeMar DeRozan, the Celtics are playing exactly as expected, and the bottom half of the league don’t fit into the big equation at this moment. The only thing we are wondering for the rest of Spring is what kind of team they have in Cleveland. They can be way better than the Raptors, or they can see a first-round exit as the James-in-Cleveland Era ends for good.

As for my updated predictions, I don’t want to change much. I still think the Celtics are the most dangerous team in the East, and my playoff bracket is going to stay the same. The only thing I want to update is bumping the Pistons in. I’m keeping the Heat at the 8-spot, especially with Wade back home. So yes, I’m still not on board the Pacers Train.

Updated East Predictions:

1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Toronto Raptors
4. Washington Wizards
5. Milwaukee Bucks
6. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Detroit Pistons
8. Miami Heat

Cavaliers vs. Celtics; Celtics move on to the NBA Finals

West Preseason Predictions:

1. Golden State Warriors
2. Houston Rockets
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
6. Portland Trailblazers
7. Denver Nuggets
8. New Orleans Pelicans

The West is where it gets interesting. Just about everyone is going to have a shot at the Warriors, but at the end of the day, GSW’s postseason play is the end-all be-all. The Rockets’ addition of CP3 has paid dividends so far, and they find themselves in 1st place in the West 10 games above the next best team besides Golden State.

I’d also like to say that I’m thrilled to have currently predicted the exact standings to this point. The only scary part will be whether the Pelicans can hang on to the #8 seed without DeMarcus Cousins, but as long as Anthony Davis continues to excel in his absence, I don’t see many threats for their spot.

If I had to pick a potential sleeper, I’ll go ahead and roll with the Jazz who are in the midst of an 11-game winning streak. However, the West is pretty top-heavy, so I don’t expect much to change. If they sneak in, and it’s not at the expense of New Orleans, I think Denver might be in trouble. I love Paul Millsap as much as the next guy, but the Nuggets have never been able to close out a regular season with authority. Honestly, whether or not they do this year, they would still be facing one of the 2 best teams in the NBA in the very first round.

Moving upwards, the Blazers could easily find themselves stuck at the 6 seed despite having a pretty solid shooting team. They sit behind a Thunder team that I knew would be a huge disappointment, but they are churning out wins as of late all thanks to Russell Westbrook. The Timberwolves are in the mix in the mid-tier too, but I’m picking the Blazers as the worst of the three.

It’s tough to judge the Spurs without Kawhi Leonard, but even without the superstar’s presence all season, coach Gregg Popovich has San Antonio amongst the best in the NBA. I’m convinced there’s nothing Pop can’t do to keep the Spurs in constant title contention, and this year is no different. Despite the cloud of uncertainty for the remainder of the season, I’m confident the Spurs will be making some noise this summer.

That leaves us with the Houston Rockets. One of my favorite point guards in the entire NBA, CP3 has gelled as perfectly with James Harden as I anticipated. It’s no wonder the Rockets lead the NBA with Chris Paul’s court vision and with Harden’s sweet shot. However, defense has been an issue at times, and Paul’s health has become an issue as of late.

The Rockets definitely have the best shot to dethrone the champs, but they have to keep hitting their stride through April and May and stay at 100% to have a chance. Even with shooting as good as theirs, nobody wins a shootout against GSW. If head coach Mike D’Antoni has a goal for the rest of Spring, it’s to solidify the Rockets as a more well-rounded powerhouse.

The Warriors are still playing with that huge target on their back, so I give a lot of credit to them for being on top of the dog pile for this long. That said, it’s pretty easy when you have 4 perennial All-Stars in your starting lineup. But nonetheless, Golden State proves every night why they are the class of the NBA.

Now, are they going to repeat? I’m not so sure. I’m a big believer in a need for hunger for a championship in order to reach it. It’s so hard to repeat as champions because you have nothing to fight for. The Warriors already reached all of their dreams. What’s another trophy to them? All I’m saying is it would mean a lot more to the Cavs, Celtics, Rockets, and many others.

I’m not changing my standings for the West. I’m picking the Warriors over the Rockets to reach the Finals.. but the Celtics are going to take it from them.

Let’s get ready for an awesome second half of basketball.

2018 NFL Wild Card Predictions

Wild Card Weekend is upon us, ladies and gentleman. After a season full of twists and turns, we are left with 12 teams still trying to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. But before we get there, those lower seeds need to get through the gauntlet that is the Wild Card round. If you know you’re going to miss some of the action, or you just need a quick preview, read on. Let’s take a look at what’s going down this weekend in the NFL.

 

Titans at Chiefs (Saturday 4:20 PM ET ESPN/ABC)

The Chiefs have a knack for getting hot at weird times. This season was no different. After starting the season on a thrilling 5-game winning streak, they found themselves back at .500 after Week 13. With a ton of pressure from fans and the media alike, Kansas City punched their ticket to the playoffs with a division-clinching victory against the Dolphins in Week 16. Now sporting a 4-game winning streak, the Chiefs look to roll with the momentum down the homestretch.

Alex Smith has had an unbelievable season this year. From being undrafted in Fantasy to the #2 QB in the league, Smith has quietly had a very good and, most importantly, consistent year for the Chiefs. With his leadership and stability, KC has handled adversity well, and they’re about to face a lot more this January. Luckily, playoff experience from last year will help the majority of the roster excel at home on Saturday.

However, not among those with experience is rookie running back Kareem Hunt. It’ll be important for him to approach the playoffs the same as any other game. He’s definitely not as daunting as he was early in the season, but he’s still a talented back with a lot to give. Other contributors will be speedy return man and wide receiver Tyreek Hill and big tight end Travis Kelce. When these three are playing in sync with Alex Smith, the Chiefs are one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.

As for the Titans, they do not boast the same type of postseason experience nor the big playmakers like Kansas City. They had an up and down year that had them in the hunt for the AFC South title against the Jaguars before dropping 3 straight late in the season. However, a win against the Jags in Week 17 locked in their spot as the 5 seed as they look to battle their way to their first postseason win since 2003.

It won’t be easy. Marcus Mariota didn’t have the year he’s capable of, and the Titans have struggled to gain momentum for the majority of the season. With the passing game in flux, it’s up to Derrick Henry to carry the load for the offense with DeMarco Murray already ruled out.

The problem is that there is so much youth and inexperience in Tennessee right now. This will be a great stepping stone for years to come, but it’s going to take all hands on deck plus a little luck for the Titans to come to Arrowhead Stadium and steal a victory. I’m sure head coach Mike Mularkey will pull out all the stops as he tries to do whatever it takes to win, but I don’t think it will be enough against a pretty sound Chiefs team.

Prediction: Chiefs win 31-20.

 

Falcons at Rams (Saturday 8:15 PM ET NBC)

The Falcons start their quest for revenge in Los Angeles after a pretty smooth Week 17 went their way. It was an up-and-down season that left Atlanta with a respectable 10-6 record, which seems worse than it appears in a stacked NFC. The Falcons definitely have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, and with a subpar defense, reigning MVP Matt Ryan is going to need to be on top of his game to lead Atlanta back to the Super Bowl.

The issue is that Matt Ryan hasn’t played nearly as well as he did last year. He’s gotten significant help with the likes of Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, and Julio Jones. The triple threat has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and it’s unlikely that Saturday night will be any different.

So, we’re likely going to see a shootout which probably means that whoever scores last is going to win. We’ll see a lot of big plays and long runs, and the punters may only kick once or twice a side. That said, the winner of this game comes down to defense. The Falcons are probably the worse of the two, but they are no less athletic, and they have proven that they know how to shut down a two-minute drill on more than one occasion. That skill is going to be crucial for Atlanta to try to survive and advance.

Like the Titans, the Rams are seriously lacking in playoff experience. It’s been 13 years since the Rams last made it to a playoff game, so this is a brand new experience for everyone in Los Angeles. Second year QB and first year starter Jared Goff has been awesome this year, but the playoffs are an entirely different animal. Luckily for him, he does have some veteran help in the backfield.

Todd Gurley is one of my favorite running backs in the league this year. He’s big, strong, agile, and he has that extra gear when he finds open field. By far my vote for MVP this year besides an injured Carson Wentz, Gurley keeps having big game after big game. Goff has the responsibility to keep the Falcons’ D guessing, and if he does, Gurley will have another 100+ yard effort with ease.

While the Rams have home field advantage in a 3-6 matchup, they are not the clear favorites. With youth and inexperience behind a first year head coach, L.A. is going to have to prove they belong. That comes with balanced play calling, rolling the dice when they need to, and stopping the Falcons’ relentless attack. It’s a tall order, but I think they’re up to the task.

Prediction: Rams win 35-34.

 

Bills at Jaguars (Sunday 1:05 PM ET CBS)

As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Bills snapped the longest active postseason drought of any major U.S. sport at 17 years. After remaining stagnant at 8-8 for too long, the Bills Mafia has a right to celebrate playing a 17th game, but you know they don’t want it to end there. Buffalo has been practicing hard all week as they try to upend the favored Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

The key for Buffalo will be running back LeSean McCoy. As the #7 RB in fantasy, McCoy has carried his team this far, and the load isn’t going to fall off his shoulders anytime soon. With the QB situation still a little bit of a question mark, and the best pass defense in the league facing Tyrod Taylor, this game is all up to McCoy… and it’s nearly an impossible task to meet those kinds of expectations.
Luckily for the Bills, this will definitely be a defensive struggle.

As stout as the Jags secondary is, they are equally as weak on the offensive end. So, as long the Bills can keep their emotions in check, pick their battles, and take any points they can get, they definitely have a chance. Not to mention, the Patriots hate playing the Bills. That would be an underrated matchup in the Divisional Round.

The Jaguars are also in unfamiliar territory. Jacksonville hasn’t played into January since 2007, after clinching their first AFC South crown in franchise history. So with home field advantage, EverBank Field is expanding their capacity to help out the Jags on Sunday. While this has already been a historical season for the largely struggling franchise, they have a good chance to make it even better.

It’s already pretty well known that the Jags possess a suffocating defense that has limited opponents to an AFC-best 16.8 PPG and 268 YPG. The Bills offense already isn’t that threatening, so it could definitely be a long day for the Buffalo faithful. However, the Jaguars’ offense has it own problems.

Despite a bounty of playmakers, Blake Bortles has been atrocious this year. While his numbers have risen with his top receivers on the sidelines (who knows why), he has all the makings to be a bust in the postseason. Leonard Fournette has the talent to make up for Bortles’ shortcomings, but he is still a rookie and the game cannot hinge on his success. In a low scoring affair, it might just come down to which kicker you trust more.

Prediction: Jaguars win 17-13.

 

Panthers at Saints (Sunday 4:40 ET FOX)

The final game of the Wild Card Weekend pits the two NFC South foes that have been jockeying for position all season long. First we have the Panthers, who just couldn’t quite catch up to the blistering hot Saints. They dropped two games to New Orleans in the regular season, and lost home field advantage for their troubles. The good news is, it’s nearly impossible to beat the same team 3 times in a single season.

So how will Carolina pull off the upset? They need to do a few things. First, they have an athletic defense that can keep pace with anybody. The Saints offense has been awesome due to their balance of weapons and ability to make the big plays. So, the Panthers need to shut those down and frustrate the Saints as much as possible. It won’t be easy, and they won’t be 100% successful, but every little bit counts.

Part two is Cam Newton’s offense. Knowing full well the Saints are going to score, and potentially score often, the Panthers need to correct their mistakes from the first two games and go after this tough defense. They have some of the best rushers in the league and Newton’s quick slants can be deadly. Unfortunately, he’s known for letting his emotions get the best of him at times, so if he can stay calm and let his game flow, I think the Panthers have a great shot at upsetting the Saints.

New Orleans has had a storybook season. Besides the unlikely Super Bowl run in 2010, this is arguably the best Saints team in franchise history. Drew Brees is still putting up record yards to countless receivers, while the tandem of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram boast diverse skill sets to confuse defenses. It’s a staggering embarrassment of riches, and the Saints’ offense is showing no signs of slowing down.

The defense has been on fire too. After a terrible season last year that let the secondary get torched, a couple of defensive draft picks have completely swung the team around. Now it seems that New Orleans is the complete package as they roll everyone that hops in their path. Since their 0-2 start, they have yet to lose a home game, and they don’t plan on starting on Sunday.

There is far less pressure on the Saints to perform. They have momentum, the home crowd, and confidence. That’s why I’m worried. It is extremely difficult to beat a team 3 times in a season, and I always choose the team that’s lost twice in such battles. There is only so much room in that playbook for surprises, so if Carolina already knows what cost them in weeks prior, I can’t see them getting swept.

Prediction: Panthers win 27-24.

NFL Week 17 Predictions

Well, it’s here. The last week of regular season football comes to us on Sunday with a ton of simultaneous action. There is sure to be a lot of drama and madness, but if you want to skip all of that… read on. So far this season I have a very good success rate of 65%, and I don’t plan on slowing down. Let’s take a look at Week 17.

 

Packers at Lions

The final day of the regular season kicks off in Detroit with a game that was probably highlighted before the season began as an incredible season finale. However, with both teams eliminated from the playoffs and floating near .500, I would bet most everyone outside of the Midwest couldn’t care less. Even with Detroit coming off a devastating loss to the lowly Bengals, I’ve got their air raid over Green Bay’s lackluster secondary. Lions win 27-16.

Bears at Vikings

The Vikings have more to play for than it seems, but in all likelihood they will remain in the 2 seed and take a week off after this Sunday. The Bears are at the bottom of the pack, so I can’t imagine they’ll put up much resistance against Minnesota, even with the Vikings’ starters mostly benched. Vikings win 17-10.

 

Texans at Colts

I, for one, was really excited for the Colts and Texans to determine the final AFC playoff spot before the season began, but now it’s merely a battle for a top 5 draft pick. Luckily for both teams, better times are on the horizon assuming a good draft this April. There’s not much to gain or lose in this grudge match. Colts win 24-14.

 

Jets at Patriots

We finally get to the first game that matters on Sunday with the #1 seed in the AFC on the line. The Patriots shouldn’t have much problem with New York, as the Jets’ strength is in stopping the run which won’t matter for Tom Brady. Unless New England gets caught scoreboard watching (and I’ll be surprised if Bill Belichick even allows the Steelers’ score to show in the stadium), I don’t see the Pats losing this game. Patriots win 31-13.

 

Browns at Steelers

The other half of the AFC’s top dogs goes against the 0-15 Browns. Now, with Mike Tomlin yet to announce how much time, if any, the starters will get on Sunday, this might be a really close game. You might forget Cleveland took Pittsburgh to overtime a year ago and only lost by a field goal in Week 1 this year. Circle this game as the one worth watching at 1:00. Nevertheless, I can’t pick the Browns. Steelers win 20-17.

Redskins at Giants

Shifting to the NFC, the ‘Skins and the Giants are both playing for some offseason money. I mentioned how Kirk Cousins is going to be the biggest free agent on the market this offseason, but he’s not alone. Here’s a chance for two of the NFC East’s worse to flex their muscles in their season finale. I think it’ll come down to a missed field goal. Redskins win 20-17.

Cowboys at Eagles

The last of the early afternoon games pits two long-time NFC East rivals together in Philly. The Eagles are going to prioritize health over the game strategy, but an easy win and a #1 seed sure would be nice. The Cowboys just got eliminated last week, so it’ll be interesting to see if they want to bounce back or lie down and hope for better luck next season. I think Dallas has been way too inconsistent for me to give them the benefit of the doubt. Eagles win 24-20.

Panthers at Falcons

The late afternoon slate kicks off with undoubtedly the most important game of Week 17. The Panthers have clinched a playoff spot, but with a Saints loss, they can claim the NFC South title and take home field for the Wild Card round. The Falcons situation is even more dire, as the Seahawks are likely to beat their opponent and force the Falcons to win their way in. Who can get it done? Panthers win 31-27.

Bengals at Ravens

For seemingly no reason at all, Cincinnati came alive against Detroit last week, and they have incentive to do it again against the Ravens this week. However, John Harbaugh may be angry about the game’s time change for no good reason at all, but he’ll throw the kitchen sink at the Bengals. I expect Baltimore to do anything and everything it takes to win and seal their spot in the playoffs. Ravens win 16-14.

 

Bills at Dolphins

The Bills are still alive, but they’re going to need a lot of help. Not only does a win give them a chance at the postseason, it will also give them a winning season for the first time since 2014 after they finished the last two seasons at 8-8. There’s a lot on the line for Buffalo, and I think they get it done. Bills win 21-10.

 

Saints at Buccaneers

On paper, this should be a bloodbath. Arguably the best offense in the NFL is going against the worst defense by far. The Saints need a win to clinch the NFC South.  I think they will come out strong, but don’t expect a lot after halftime if they pull the starters. Keep that in mind when setting your fantasy lineups. Saints win 34-21.

 

Jaguars at Titans

Three weeks ago I was really excited for a proverbial AFC South championship, but after 3-straight gut-wrenching losses for the Titans, this game means significantly less. The Jags have nothing to play for, but if they can beat their rivals, it could be the end of Tennessee’s season. The Titans need to find a way to shed the 3-straight one-possession losses and come through one last time before January. In a defensive struggle that could genuinely go either way, I’m going with Tennessee. Titans win 16-13 (OT).

 

Chiefs at Broncos

The last “who cares” game of the week pitches the #4 seed and AFC West champ Chiefs against a struggling Denver team. I don’t expect to see anyone important on the Kansas City side playing, so here is a chance for Denver and new starting quarterback Paxton Lynch to gather some momentum for next season. It should be another defensive toss-up. Chiefs win 23-20 (OT).

 

Raiders at Chargers

The Chargers are the “next man up” in the AFC playoff picture. It won’t come easy against a good Raiders team that refuses to give up, but L.A. has no choice but to give it their all. Knowing the Chargers, there is no doubt that this will come down to the wire, and we all no how good Philip Rivers is in the clutch… Raiders win 24-21.

 

49ers at Rams

The Rams have already opted to pull Todd Gurley and Jared Goff from their high-powered offense, but they shouldn’t have much problem scoring against San Francisco. The question is, with how much fire will L.A.’s defense play against the undefeated Jimmy Garoppolo? I’ve admittedly picked against him in all 4 of his games this season, so don’t fail me now, Jimmy. 49ers win 34-30.

 

Cardinals at Seahawks

I, among many others, expected this to be a NFC West championship in the preseason, but now it is only a play-in game for the Seahawks. Unlike the Titans’ opponents, I think this is a very beatable Arizona team that Russell Wilson should have no problem scoring against. I’m giving Seattle that #6 seed. Seahawks win 31-7.

NFL Week 14 Reactions

After yet another crazy week in the NFL, the state of Pennsylvania is on top of the world as the first two teams have clinched their spots in the playoffs by winning their divisions on Sunday.  For others, crushing losses pop some bubbles and clear the way for the true contenders. Let’s take a look at everything going on in the NFL.

 

Falcons stymie Saints 20-17

The Falcons played a phenomenal game in front of their home crowd to stay in contention in the NFC South. At 7-5 and in danger of falling into obscurity, the Falcons were able to make a late 4th quarter charge and move to 8-5. In an extremely competitive NFC Wild Card race, 9 wins may not even be enough, so it’s imperative that Atlanta keeps their foot on the gas.

For the Saints, a crushing end zone interception by Dion Jones sealed the victory for the Falcons and likely cost the Saints home field advantage in the postseason. However, with 3 games to play and 1 game separating the NFC South contenders, the division is entirely up for grabs. New Orleans still controls their own fate though, and they are favored in each of their final few games.

 

Bills shovel Colts 13-7 (OT)

If you didn’t see it, a blizzard slammed Buffalo over the weekend leaving hellish football conditions. The sure-footed Adam Vinatieri missed two short field goals and nearly an extra point, and with the lack of offense on both sides, that played a major role in the end of this game. Leave it to LeSean McCoy to break away with only 2 minutes to go in overtime for the clinching touchdown to send the suffering fans home with a win.

The Bills needed it too. To avoid going 8-8 for the 3rd straight season, the Bills will need to beat the Dolphins twice assuming a loss to the Patriots. So, they are still contenders for the 6 seed, but they might have to hope that the Ravens and the Chargers falter. It’s going to be very interesting to see which of the 3 teams will hang on.

 

Bears blast Bengals 33-7

I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t think the Bengals were ones to give up like they did in Cincinnati. After a demoralizing loss to Pittsburgh and with their season on the line, instead of fighting back, the Bengals completely surrendered any chance they had at playing in January. For Marvin Lewis, his seat as coach is looking pretty hot as the Bengals appear to be heading to yet another disappointing season. At least they’re still the best team in Ohio for now.

Mitch Trubisky and the Bears got a solid win on the road, but it doesn’t mean much. They are way out of playoff contention, and now they’re not that close to a top 3 pick either. As long as it’s encouraged, I’m a proponent of tanking, so the Bears should look to dropping their last few games to get the best pick possible.

 

Packers beat Browns 27-21

I was 100% when predicting Browns’ games until this weekend. With a 21-7 lead late with 13 minutes left, I was worried that Cleveland would still blow it, and they did just that. Well, DeShone Kizer did. I guess the panic set thinking the Browns might actually win a game, and he threw two crucial picks to cap off what would’ve been an awesome game for the Browns. Such a shame.

Meanwhile, the Packers are 7-6, and now Aaron Rodgers is back in the picture. He is eligible to play the remaining games so long as he is healthy, and the Packers need him in a razor-thin Wild Card race. Brett Hundley has done well enough, but Green Bay will need Rodgers to fend off 3 of the top teams in the league and sneak into January.

 

Chiefs stuff Raiders 26-15

Kansas City finally got a much-needed win, but they’re not out of hot water just yet. After going up 26-0 against their arch rivals, they gave way to 15 unanswered points that would’ve been more if Oakland didn’t run out of time on their final drive. In any case, the Chiefs keep their division lead for now. However, a division battle against the Chargers this Saturday will clinch it for the Chiefs.

If you caught my hint earlier, I’m counting the Raiders out. They have 3 moderately tough games remaining, and even if they win them all, they could still lose a playoff tiebreaker. This was a must win for Oakland, and it just didn’t happen. I expect them to look ahead and try to strengthen their secondary this offseason.

 

Cowboys cruise past Giants 30-10

It was tough sailing for most of the game, but the Cowboys finally broke away with 20 points in the 4th quarter to cap off the victory. They are too late to capture the division, but they are still in the thick of the Wild Card race. Next week’s battle with the Raiders marks the last game that Dallas will be without Ezekiel Elliott, and it will be a must-win with the way the NFC is shaking out.

Eli Manning got his starting job back, but the Giants didn’t do any better. The new interim coach did fine, I guess, but this season was lost since Week 5, so it’s best to just steal a top draft pick and instantly become NFC East contenders with a legitimate head coach in 2018.

 

Lions leap Buccaneers 24-21

It was a struggle for Detroit, but one score in each quarter was enough to hold off the pesky Buccaneers. With the win, the Lions move to 7-6 and have the ability to hang in the Wild Card discussion. Their play may not be very convincing against an exploitable matchup, but the playoffs are all about “survive and advance”.

The Bucs played as good of a game as they could have, I guess. Their defense should have been scorched by the Lions air raid, but they held their own for the majority of the game to keep their team in it until the very end. Mike Evans has been a huge disappointment with and without Jameis Winston at QB, so I would make it an effort to get Evans more involved before next season.

 

Panthers polish off Vikings 31-24

In another crucial game, the Panthers stole a win from the Vikings to move into a tie for the NFC South lead with the Saints. With 9 wins, one more victory over their next 3 games should clinch a playoff spot for Carolina. However, their sights are set on home field advantage by surpassing New Orleans. Unfortunately, the Saints own the tiebreak so they will need help.

The loss really hurts the Vikings, but they still have a pretty firm grip on the NFC North. The #1 seed looks gloomier, but with Carson Wentz going down for the Eagles, the door is still ajar. There is little margin for error, but I would think Minnesota’s goal at this point is to just stay healthy and save the fighting for when it really counts.

 

49ers beat Texans 26-16

Jimmy Garoppolo may be 2-0 as a starter in San Francisco, but he hasn’t really shined in either outing. While was able to throw for 334 yards against a formidable Texans defense, but his QBR was still an average 67.6. Don’t get me wrong, the future of the 49ers is bright; I just haven’t seen that spark yet.

The 4-9 Texans now move one step closer to stealing a top pick from a worse team. Assuming Deshaun Watson doesn’t succumb to a sophomore slump in 2018, Houston is a prime candidate to win the AFC South. However that is a big assumption, despite how terrific he was over the first half of the season.

 

Broncos blank Jets 23-0

The Broncos dominated the Jets in a pretty complete game. They finally stopped the bleeding of an embarrassing 8-game losing streak and move up to 4-9, while ending the Jets season. There may be not be anything flashy to report from the victory, but Denver will take the win all the same.

The Jets lost a great deal more than just the game on Sunday. At 5-8, their playoff hopes are safely dashed as well. Also, Josh McCown suffered a broken hand to end his terrific season. Things continue to get worse for New York football, but at least they’re not Ohio football.

 

Cardinals kick Titans 12-7

In a pretty boring game for the most part, the Titans only amounted to a single first half touchdown while the Cardinals let Phil Dawson kick for all 12 second half points to outlast the Titans. However, the win doesn’t mean much for Arizona as they sit at 6-7 with little hope of surpassing the 4 teams ahead of them for the #6 seed.

The Titans’ loss is extremely disappointing as they drop a game behind the Jaguars in the AFC South race. With a good game looming against the 49ers followed by two tough battles, the Titans are in danger of sinking further down the playoff pedestal. It’s of utmost importance for Tennessee to stay focused week in and week out or their season might come to an abrupt end.

 

Chargers destroy Redskins 30-13

Los Angeles was all over the Redskins from the opening kickoff as they quickly jumped out to a 30-7 lead up to the 3rd quarter as they were simply on cruise control. With so much at stake, it was clear that the Chargers coming back from an 0-5 start to a Wild Card spot was far more important than the Redskins season.

Washington’s disappointing losses continue to pile up, and what makes it worse is that they’re not even close. Moving forward, they can look to trying to get healthy again as the owners weigh their options with Kirk Cousins. For the Chargers, they can move to a crucial clash with the Chiefs this Saturday to try and make it all the way back to AFC West leaders.

 

Eagles escape Rams 43-35

The Eagles may have come away with the win, but it came at a terrible cost. Potential league MVP Carson Wentz tore his ACL and will miss the homestretch of Philadelphia’s season. Just how much his talents are needed remains to be seen, but I simply do not trust Foles to lead this team the way the young NDSU alum did. The Eagles are in serious trouble.

For the Rams, a 4th loss probably takes them out of contention for the #1 seed, but thanks to a Seahawks loss, they remain 1 game up on the NFC West lead. That is, until they play Seattle this Sunday. A win clinches the division but a loss puts them on the brink of disaster as they fall into a tie for the final Wild Card spot. Time to focus up.

 

Jaguars chip Seahawks 30-24

Things got pretty ugly between the Seahawks and Jaguars as a new rivalry might be forming. With multiple ejections, fines, and suspensions on the way due to on and off the field conduct, it’s apparent how much this game meant to both teams. The Jags now hold a game lead in the AFC South and look to control their destiny from here on out, while the ‘Hawks have to move on to L.A. and try to take back the NFC West.

Russell Wilson might be in the MVP hunt too as he tore up a stout Jaguars pass defense with 271 yards and 3 touchdowns. It’s apparent that the man can go against anyone to keep the Seahawks competitive. So if Aaron Rodgers can do it for the Packers, why not Wilson?

 

Steelers slay Ravens 39-38

After their bitter rivalry with the Bengals ended, the Steelers went home to welcome the Ravens in another classic back and forth battle. I wasn’t expecting the offensive showing in what is usually a very physical battle, but perhaps the loss of Ryan Shazier toned things down for the two enemies. The Ravens poor offense came alive, which is a great sign for the rest of the season, although now they have much less margin for error.

The Steelers were led by a combination of Le’Veon Bell’s 3 touchdowns, Ben Roethlisberger’s 3rd career 500+ yard game, and Antonio Brown’s stellar 213 yard performance. It all adds to a Pittsburgh AFC North title and the current #1 team in the NFL. Now they must finish off the toughest stretch of the season by knocking off the Patriots and clinching the #1 seed for good.

 

Dolphins disappoint Patriots 27-20

Well, that came out of nowhere. Jay Cutler had himself a game as he shredded a hardened Pats defense with 263 yards and 3 touchdowns which was all the Dolphins would need to complete the upset. Unfortunately, the win really only acts as a spoiler as there is little chance Miami can amount to much with only 3 games remaining in the season.

It’s been a long time since Tom Brady has performed so poorly. The Dolphins always seem to give New England problems, and on Monday night it was just too much. One might think the Pats were just looking ahead to the Steelers next Sunday, and you can’t blame them. A victory this weekend puts the Patriots back into the 1 seed where they would likely remain until seasons end.

NFL Week 14 Predictions

It’s the clinching part of the season as teams lock up playoff berths and division titles. For others, it’s about staying alive and fighting to compete another day. There’s so much on the line as we complete Turn 4 and head down the homestretch of the season. For most, it’s going to be an unpredictable time. So let’s take a look at my predictions for Week 14.

Saints at Falcons

The week starts with a crucial NFC South matchup that almost every team in the NFC will keep an eye on. The Saints need the win to hang around near the top of the league, while the Falcons have to stay competitive in the Wild Card race. Truthfully though, a win doesn’t mean as much as not losing. So which offense is going to be able to outdo the other? Saints win 31-20.

Colts at Bills

The Bills continue their homestand in Buffalo after a tough loss to the Pats that brought them back to .500. Bills fans have to fear finishing 8-8 for the third straight year, and a win against Indy is crucial. As close as the race is for the AFC Wild Card, the Bills can’t afford to get upset at this point in the season… and I don’t think they will. Bills win 20-14.

Bears at Bengals

After another chapter of their physical rivalry with the Steelers, the Bengals welcome the Bears in a must-win situation. Considering Chicago didn’t let the 49ers score a touchdown last week and still lost, I think the Bengals have a good shot here. There is no margin for error, and I think Cinci will come out strong and handle the Bears with ease. Bengals win 35-13.

Packers at Browns

Aaron Rodgers is projected to be back in the saddle for Week 15, so this is Brett Hundley’s go home show. He’s done well to keep Green Bay afloat, but a loss against the Browns will undo all of his hard work. Cleveland is already making some changes to turn things around to find that one win, and they’re running out of time. I think this will be competitive in the Dawg Pound as the Packers look ahead and the Browns play with nothing to lose. Browns win 17-16.

Raiders at Chiefs

The winner will be the 4 seed and the loser will have to win out to stay alive. Kansas City is in the middle of an unprecedented collapse, while the Raiders seek to get over .500 for the first time since Week 4.  After getting destroyed by the Patriots in Mexico, Oakland’s last two wins were pretty close considering the teams they played which is indicative of the team they really are.  Meanwhile, I keep trusting in the Chiefs to finally get a win, and it just hasn’t happened as of late. I’m on the fence about this one, but Raiders win 29-23 (OT).

Cowboys at Giants

This matchup was supposed to have more spunk before the wheels fell off of the Giants, but the rivalry should still be fun. Eli Manning is back in control and with a new interim head coach, things will be different for New York. Don’t let that fool you though; Dallas just dominated the Redskins on Thursday and should be ready roll again on Sunday. Cowboys win 31-17.

Lions at Buccaneers

Detroit needs this win more than most teams in the NFL and Matthew Stafford is clutch enough to get it done. It may or may not take more than a 4th quarter effort, but I expect him to throw  3 or 4 touchdowns in the winning effort. The Bucs’ secondary is a terrible matchup for the air raid, and things will blow up quickly. Lions win 34-17.

Vikings at Panthers

It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch Minnesota’s stingy defense face the Panthers’ triple run option. Case Keenum has had an incredible season on his end as well, but he’s also going to face an athletic Carolina defense. The teams play to each other’s stakes, and it’s going to have a playoff feel with so much on the line. Vikings win 14-10.

49ers at Texans

Jimmy Garoppolo struggled against a good Chicago defense, and the Texans are even more feisty. Everyone is excited to see him succeed in the NFL, but even with all of his prep behind Tom Brady, it’s going to take a while to get his feet under him. The Texans aren’t much better than San Francisco, but they’re good enough. Texans win 24-16.

Jets at Broncos

Eh, who really cares at this point? The Jets are playing relatively well despite the fact that they’re going to fall into a pit of 7-9 or so. The Broncos are on the brink of losing their 9th straight, and the “boo birds” are surely going to be flying if things go south early at Mile High Stadium… and they will. Jets win 21-10.

Titans at Cardinals

I can’t believe how stacked the 4 o’ clock lineup is this Sunday. We begin with the Titans who might get a leg up on the AFC South race if the Jags get upset on Sunday night. Arizona is struggling mightily, but their strong secondary could give Marcus Mariota some problems. If that’s the case, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry should have enough juice to escape Phoenix. Titans win 23-17.

Redskins at Chargers

Washington’s toughest remaining test comes at the perfect time for football fans. With the Chargers needing another win to keep themselves in the hunt after starting 0-5, the two playoff hopefuls lock horns in what should be a slugfest. I’m expecting a back and forth battle that will likely eliminate the loser. All else equal, the Chargers are home and healthier. Chargers win 26-23.

Eagles at Rams

The NFC fun continues as the Eagles look to rebound from a tough loss to the Seahawks. They’ll stay on the West Coast to face a red hot Rams team that wants that #1 seed for themselves. It’s odd to see two pocket-passers square off, so if you want old-fashioned football, try to tune into this one. Eagles win 33-27 (OT).

Seahawks at Jaguars

I doubted the Seahawks defense last week, but I don’t have to against Jacksonville. With Blake Bortles at the helm, there is nothing to worry about. This is going to be a really low scoring struggle, and the Jags should do a good job of bottling up Russell Wilson too. The key is to make the most of field position and limit mistakes as much as possible. On that note, I said it already, but a Blair Walsh missed field goal should end his career. Seahawks win 13-10.

Ravens at Steelers

The last thing Pittsburgh needs after the hard hits of Cincinnati is the Ravens. With Ryan Shazier still on everyone’s minds in western PA, it could be hard to focus on their arch rivals. That said, his leadership even from his hospital bed could inspire the Steelers to go out there and win a tough one for him in front of the home crowd. It won’t come without at least a couple of more injuries, but Steelers win 24-20.

Patriots at Dolphins

What better way to finish off this amazing week than seeing the Patriots destroy the Dolphins on Monday night? New England is riding an 8-game winning streak and an undefeated road record into Miami as they look to hang with the Steelers at the top of the conference before they meet next week. Patriots win 28-6.

NFL Week 13 Predictions

It’s the NFL’s edition of rivalry week, and I recommend getting glued to your television sets this Sunday. Week 13 is stacked with high-profile games as well as a couple of clashes between Wild Card contenders. We’re going to come away with a lot of answers by Tuesday, but luckily, I already have them. Over the past few weeks, I’ve risen to a 66%, 107-54 record and I don’t plan on slowing down. Let’s take a look at who’s for real in Week 13.

Redskins at Cowboys

One of the oldest rivalries in the sport writes a new chapter on Thursday night as the two 5-6 teams fight to hang with the Falcons and the Seahawks. The Cowboys have yet to win or even score in double digits without Ezekiel Elliott, but Washington has a literal boatload of injuries to deal with. It’s anyone’s game tonight. Redskins win 21-13.

Vikings at Falcons

Both of these teams have Super Bowl aspirations, but only one can walk away from Week 13 one step closer. The Vikings need the win to stay locked in the two seed and keep home-field advantage. Their lock down defense will suffocate Matt Ryan’s air raid, and their run defense is slowly becoming one of the best in the league, too. I think a Kyle Shanahan-coached Falcons team could win this one, but not this year. Vikings win 28-16.

Patriots at Bills

The division rivals square off for the first time this season as the Pats head into Buffalo undefeated on the road. The streak should continue as Tom Brady is phenomenal on the road, and the running back committee will keep a good Bills front guessing. Tyrod Taylor’s benching in Week 11 might have sparked something in him, but 6-6 isn’t the worst thing in the world with an up in the air AFC Wild Card race. Patriots win 31-17.

49ers at Bears

This is not my “Game of the Weak”. The 1-10 49ers vs. the 3-9 Bears will be an exciting one to watch. Why? Because Jimmy Garoppolo makes his first start for San Francisco against the young Mitch Trubisky of Chicago. It’s going to be fun to see one of the best young quarterbacks in the game get his chance… sorry Trubisky. However! The Chicago defense is good enough to steal the win despite Garoppolo being the better QB. Bears win 21-20.

Buccaneers at Packers

Brett Hundley did really well against the Steelers last Sunday night, and he is capable of carving up one of the worst secondaries in the league. However, I can say the same thing about Jameis Winston. He returns from his shoulder injury this week so we’re in for a shootout between two teams likely to miss out on the postseason. Once again, it should be fun. Buccaneers win 28-27.

Texans at Titans

The Texans defense did well to limit the Ravens’ end zone trips last Monday, but that’s not really saying much. They still allowed 5 scores to one of the worst offenses in the league, and their own offense isn’t very dangerous. Tennessee has way more to play for, so I’m giving them the W. Titans win 23-13.

Broncos at Dolphins

If there’s one game I really don’t look forward to seeing, it’s this one. The Broncos are on a historic 7-game losing streak, and the Dolphins are lost in their own 5-game skid. Normally, this would be an easy win for the Denver defense to shutout the horrible Miami offense, but I just don’t know what to expect from these guys. I expect a lot of sloppy play in a really low scoring game. Broncos win 13-9.

Chiefs at Jets

Speaking of falls from grace, Kansas City is reeling as they visit the Jets trying to get a grip on their season. Somehow, they’re still in first place, but not for long at this rate. The Jets’ physical defense is a difficult matchup for the lackluster Chiefs offense at this point in the season, but I just can’t think that KC will fall to .500. The Jets will mess this up somehow, Chiefs win 20-17.

Colts at Jaguars

Like the Titans, the Jags are the team that has something to play for. While each of their AFC South rivals will try to play spoiler, I’m confident that both Jacksonville and Tennessee will increase the gap in their division. Despite a lame offense, the Jags defense is too good to succumb to Indy. Expect them to march toward that New Year’s Eve play-in game. Jaguars win 24-10.

Lions at Ravens

Last week, the Lions’ air raid was no match for the Vikings’ “No Fly Zone”, but will the Ravens’ corners be up to a similar task? Maybe. At 6-5, both teams are on the fringe of the playoffs, but only one is a true contender. I think Matthew Stafford will step up opposite to how he played on Thanksgiving. Lions win 23-13.

Browns at Chargers

It’s great to see everyone so excited for Josh Gordon’s return to the field, but don’t forget he still doesn’t have anyone to throw to him. I’m not saying DeShone Kizer is the root of Cleveland’s problems, but having Gordon will help. At the end of the day, the Browns are still the Browns. Chargers win 23-17 (OT).

Giants at Raiders

There is so much going on here. I was going to write about how the Giants are huge upset favorites because Oakland is down their #1 receiver due to suspension, and the Giants secondary isn’t half bad. Then, Ben McAdoo benched Eli Manning. The veteran QB’s iron man 210 consecutive start streak will end at the hands of.. not NY’s future Davis Webb.. but Geno Smith. Give me a break. Raiders win 13-10.

Panthers at Saints

The Superdome is going to have a playoff-like feel when the two heavyweights square off on Sunday afternoon. At 8-3, the winner will keep the #3 seed assuming that the Vikings win, while the loser drops to 7-4 and on the brink of playoff elimination. Not to mention, if the Falcons can upset the Vikings, they will jump ahead of the loser of this one. Wild. Who wants it more… Carolina’s run game or New Orleans’ passing attack? Saints win 31-27.

Rams at Cardinals

After a potentially crushing loss to the Vikings, the Rams bounced back against the Saints to get to 8-3. The Cardinals shouldn’t scare them too much, but it’s important that they don’t look ahead to the Eagles next week. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley are a seemingly impossible to stop 1-2 punch, and they alone should be enough to get the win if they’re focused. Rams win 24-14.

Eagles at Seahawks

This would’ve been awesome if the Seahawks’ defense was healthy, but it’s still a pretty exciting game for Sunday night. Carson Wentz has a very legitimate case for MVP, and Doug Pederson is my leading candidate for Coach of the Year. Russell Wilson will keep the Seahawks in it, but I don’t think he’ll be able to overcome the #1 team in the NFL by himself. Eagles win 31-21.

Steelers at Bengals

The Bengals get ready to give an old-fashioned welcome to their arch-rivals in the Jungle on Monday. Things always get a little scrappy between the division foes which makes this anyone’s game. With Pittsburgh already dealing with some on the field discipline issues, you better believe the Cinci players and fans are going to get under their skin. I’m hoping they will stay composed and take care of business on the road. Steelers win 27-24.

NFL Week 12 Predictions

Surprise! My predictions are early this morning so you can be ready for a full slate of football this turkey day. With all of the bye weeks behind us, we’re entering the final stretch of the season, and what better way to enjoy the action than with some family and food. After going 9-5 in Week 11, I’ll keep my 65% season success rate going. Let’s take a look at Week 12 in the NFL.

Vikings at Lions

The Thanksgiving tradition begins with a thriller as the 8-2 Vikings visit Detroit to determine the fate of the NFC North. Either the Vikings win and salt the division away, or the Lions keep their winning streak going and get within 1 game of Minnesota. It’ll be fun to watch Detroit’s air raid go up against the Vikings’ “No Fly Zone”. Vikings win 21-16.

Chargers at Cowboys

Whether or not the Cowboys realize it, they are the better team. They have been lost on offense without Ezekiel Elliott, but Alfred Morris is doing just fine in the backfield. If they stick to their original game plan there is no reason to think they can’t beat L.A. Only one of these teams can stay in the playoff hunt, and right now I don’t have faith in the Cowboys to understand that they still have all the tools they need to win. Chargers win 27-17.

Giants at Redskins

The Giants are coming off their best win of the season as they come to Washington to play spoiler again. Meanwhile, Washington just blew a 15-point lead with 3 minutes to go against the Saints. While New York has all kinds of momentum, they have no business winning again… especially on short rest. Redskins win 28-10.

Buccaneers at Falcons

While the Bucs appear to be rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick, this is the Falcons’ game to lose. Unlike the Cowboys, Atlanta has maintained the status quo without their lead back. I expect their offense to stay in rhythm against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and Tampa Bay shouldn’t be able to mount a comeback even against Atlanta’s forgiving secondary. Falcons win 41-20.

Browns at Bengals

In a rematch for Ohio, the Bengals look to sweep the season series for the 3rd year in a row and win their 7th straight against Cleveland. They shouldn’t have a problem either as the Browns have played horribly against physical defenses like Cincinnati. While the Browns own D is underrated, they have never been able to hold off the opposition long enough for a Browns win so far. Bengals win 24-7.

Titans at Colts

The Titans dropped a tough one to the Steelers last Thursday, but there is no better way to bounce back than against the Colts. Marcus Mariota’s team goes from facing one of the toughest defenses in the league to one made of swiss cheese, so I expect a blow out. While Indy has played some teams close this year, Tennessee is playing angry and needs a win to keep pace with the Jaguars. Titans win 37-14.

Bills at Chiefs

While Buffalo and KC have no doubt lost their shine, this matchup remains intriguing for the two skidding teams. The Bills look destined to go 8-8, but with Tyrod Taylor back where he belongs, he has the capability to score against an inexplicably bad Chiefs defense. For Kansas City, their offense is yet to show up during this losing streak, and if they don’t come to the stadium on Sunday, that skid might reach 5. Chiefs win 23-20 (OT).

Dolphins at Patriots

Two teams trending in two different directions only means one thing. The Patriots are ready to annihilate their pesky division rival. The Dolphins have one of the worst offenses in the league and the Pats’ D has come up big over the past couple of months. I don’t expect anything different on Sunday. Patriots win 31-3.

Panthers at Jets

After an explosion against the Bills, the Jets are back to losing again and the trend should continue this weekend. Carolina is back in their 2015 rhythm and they should be rested and raring to go in New York. I really don’t like the Jets team right now, and the Panthers are hot in every aspect of their game. The matchup to watch is the Jets defensive line vs. the Carolina run game. Nevertheless, Panthers win 31-10.

Bears at Eagles

More of the same here, too. The Pats and Panthers should smoke their opponents and so will the Eagles. The Bears have a decent team but its no match for the best record in the NFL. Carson Wentz has some great vision for a sophomore QB and his targets have some good hands to keep up with him. Not to mention the help his running backs to provide to keep a tough Bears defense on their heels all day. Eagles win 27-7.

Seahawks at 49ers

The 49ers are certainly capable of pulling off the upset, but I doubt Russell Wilson will that that happen. Even with the L.O.B. out of commission, Seattle’s offense is still red-hot. The 49ers might stay competitive against their arch-rivals for awhile, but in the end, the Seahawks finish off the season sweep in a close one. Seahawks win 28-20.

Broncos at Raiders

The Raiders have been pretty inconsistent to this point, but the Broncos are on a 6-game losing streak with no sings of stopping. Their prestigious defense has crumbled, and Paxton Lynch is in at QB now. I like the move, but I don’t think it’s going to translate to wins yet. Raiders win 21-17.

Saints at Rams

The second of the Rams’ difficult double-header pits them against the Saints who boast an impressive 8-game winning streak. After L.A. lost their grip on Minnesota, they have to quickly turn around to battle an incredibly tough Saints team. Don’t expect them to go easy on the Vikings either, as the Saints just came off a thrilling win against the Redskins and look to build off the continued momentum. I think “Big Mo” is a huge factor in the NFL, so Im going with New Orleans. Saints win 30-24 (OT).

Jaguars at Cardinals

Again, two teams.. two different directions. The Jags are rolling as they look for their 5th straight win while the Cardinals’ slide approaches 3 and counting. Jacksonville’s A1 defense will have no trouble keeping up their end of the bargain, and Leonard Fournette should have another 100+ yard game with or without the help of his quarterback. Jaguars win 17-0.

Packers at Steelers

Yep. Two different directions. The Packers face an elite Steelers team that should drop them below .500, but they have the Bucs and Browns on tap to start December, so it’s not all bad. For Pittsburgh, the string of easy prime time games at home continues as they should blow by Green Bay before going to the Bengals. Don’t get caught looking ahead though. Steelers win 38-13.

Texans at Ravens

Finally, the last of our 16-game Week 12 marathon. The Texans may have just knocked off the Cardinals to move to 4-6, but that’s not saying much. The awful Ravens offense will keep pace with the terrible Texans offense, so it’s up to the defense to make the difference. A Will Hill pick-6 should do. Ravens win 20-13.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!