Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors on TNT 3/3/2016

Tonight is the night the Warriors lose at home. It will be a game of runs starting with a big one from the Warriors, but OKC will climb back and keep it close. The 4th quarter will be when the game is decided. KD will score 30+ and Russell will get a near triple double. I think it comes down to 1 or 2 possession game in the final minute, but this time OKC closes out the game instead of letting Curry haunt their nightmares. Curry will have another 30 points and Green will be good too, but the X Factor will be Klay and Barnes, and I'm thinking one will have an off night that will end up hurting GS in the end. #nbaonTNT

Follow me on Twitter @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP! 

2016 NBA Season Post All-Star Game Summary

NBA Mid-Season Report

If the NBA season were to end today, this is what the playoff picture would look like:

Luckily it doesn't and we the fans get around 25 more games per team to determine the final outcome of the regular season.

As for me and my pre-season predictions, I'm holding my own. A few surprises so far this season that I don't think a lot of people saw happening. I think the most apparent surprise league-wide has to be the lack of success by the Houston Rockets. How does a team go from the Western Conference Finals, including a miraculous comeback win against the LA Clippers in the previous round, to now out of the playoffs and ready to ship Dwight Howard? That is nearly unexplainable, but my 2 cents is that maybe wherever Dwight Howard goes, trouble comes along. To dove tail off negative surprises this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have to be up there. After making the playoffs last year and acquiring Greg Monroe this off-season, I think many people thought the Bucks were going jump up a level into that 4-6 range for playoff seeding. That is not the case, and now there are rumors about trading Monroe and MCW. I personally thought they would make the playoffs again as a 7 or 8 seed, but they seem to have lost their magic this season.

Pleasant surprises to me are the success of the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Portland Trail Blazers. I had Boston on the playoff bubble, but not making it in. As of now they sit as the #3 seed and Isiah Thomas made his first all-star game. Congrats! The Mavericks, who got just abused this off-season have bounced back incredibly strong, including a win against the Warriors. I did not having them making the playoffs and am still hesitant to say they'll make it with how competitive the last 4 seeds in the West are. As for Portland, they lost their entire starting line-up except Lillard, yet they sit in the #7 spot. With the starting line-up departure, C.J. McCollum has stepped up his game and is becoming a nice wing-man and second option for Lillard and the Blazers.

Warriors winning 72 or more:
The Warriors will return from the All-Star Game break on a 6 game road trip, including a 2 game streak against west-coast opponents (Portland & LA Clippers) then fly across the country to face Atlanta, both Florida teams, and then finish at OKC all within 1 week (4 games). They get a 2 day break as they return home for a small stint in rematches against the Hawks and Thunder before driving down to LA for a JV "scrimmage" against the Lakers. After their play date with the Lakers, they have a 6 game home stand, where they will win all 6 games. After this home stand, they have 15 remaining games: including 3 against the San Antonio Spurs (2 road, 1 home). Looking at their remaining schedule as a whole, I predict they lose 4 more games total: 3 very competitive games, where all players play, and 1 due to rest. That puts them at 74-8 and becoming the best regular season team record wise in history. Teams I think they will lose to: Thunder at OKC, Spurs at SA, Grizzlies in Memphis, and one random game due to rest.

Cavs Firing David Blatt:
This was one of the most unnecessary moves I've ever seen take place in the NBA. A coach with the best record in their conference, which had just brought his one man team to the NBA Finals, only to lose to one of the best teams to ever play. Even a non-basketball minded person could tell you that is an odd move. It makes LeBron and the whole Cleveland organization look incredibly shallow and heartless. The bottom line in the NBA for coaches is to win championships. I highly doubt that firing Blatt and hiring Lue will make that happen for Cleveland, putting them back to where they were last year.

MVP Rankings:
Steph Curry
Lebron James
Kawhi Leonard
Kevin Durant
Russell Westbrook
Chris Paul
James Harden
Paul George

Rookie of the Year:
Towns
Porzingis

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

Western Conference Playoffs

1. Golden State Warriors

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

4. Los Angeles Clippers

5. Memphis Grizzlies

6. Dallas Mavericks

7. Houston Rockets

8. Utah Jazz

Eastern Conference Playoffs
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Miami Heat
6. Boston Celtics
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Charlotte Hornets

Western Conference:

The top is pretty much set, besides maybe some flip-flopping between the Clippers and Grizzlies depending how the return of Blake Griffin goes and if Memphis can keep up the pace. The bottom 3 (6-8) is a little tougher to determine. Houston is playing terrible and I don't know what they are going to do about Dwight Howard, but at the end of the day they won't be going past the first round of the playoffs if they make it in. Portland is going to bow out. I just can't see them keeping pace with the other 3 with such a young nucleus and very little experience. The Mavs are a solid pick to make the playoffs and could even give the higher seed they face a scare i.e. the Thunder, Clippers, or Spurs. I really want the Jazz to make the playoffs. They are young and have one of the best defenses in the NBA, especially when Rudy Gobert is in. Like I said in my pre-season predictions, I think it will come down to San Antonio and Golden State and although I said the Spurs would beat Golden State, it's looking more clear every day that the Warriors are going to go back-to-back (Drake Voice).

Eastern Conference:

There is no question the East goes through Cleveland. I think they will have a little bit more of a fight in the ECF compared to last year's sweep of the Atlanta Hawks, but nonetheless they will represent the East in the NBA Finals. As for teams getting in, the 5-8 seed is so hard to determine that by the end of the season, a team like Detroit or the Wizards could very well, turn things around and be the #5 or #6 seed at the end of the season. I had an extremely hard time leaving the Wiz out of the playoffs, but with a below .500 record and being 3-7 of their last 10, I don't trust them to turn it around unless they make some trades like the Pistons are doing.

NBA Champions:

Even though I said the Cavaliers were going to be the NBA Champions at the end of this season, I cannot see them beating Golden State or San Antonio is a 7 game series. That being said, I think the Western Conference Finals will be equivalent to the NBA Finals. I truly did not think the Warriors were going to be as good as they are, but it would be dumb to say they aren't going to repeat. I think they will beat Cleveland again 4-2.


Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP

SUPER BOWL 50

SUPER BOWL 50

The Panthers are too good. They might blow out the Broncos. I can see this game going 2 ways: 1) What I think will happen; Carolina is going to do to Denver and Manning as what they did to Arizona and Carson Palmer. Carolina's defense is going to force Manning into turnovers and this game is going to be done early. 2) Manning is going to give it his all and not let his nightmare of the Super Bowl game 2 years ago happen again. He leads the Broncos to victory and retires on top.

Like Steve Young predicted a 35-10 blowout, I'm going the same route, but giving Denver some credit: Panthers 33 Broncos 17.

Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP

2016 NFL Playoffs Championship Round

NFL Playoffs Championship Round

AFC Championship

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

What a treat for the fans to get another Manning-Brady Bowl in the playoffs! Unlike previous games, the quarterbacks are at what seems to be way different stages. Manning looks like this will be his last run at a ring, while Brady played like the MVP. Will Manning use everything in the tank and propel his team to the Super Bowl much like Ray Lewis did in his last season, when he went out on top and beat the Patriots in Foxborough? Or will Tom and the Patriots end Manning's career by avenging their loss in Denver from earlier this season? I'm going with the latter. After some extensive research (Patriots record when playing team twice) and I can't completely confirm this is true, but it looks like: in the Brady-Belichick era, they have only lost twice to teams they lost to in the regular season when playing that team again in the playoffs, which does not including divisional foes, where they played 3 times in a season. Those 2 teams were the 2005 Broncos, led by Jake Plummer, who were 13-3 and the #2 seed, and the other team was the 2006 Indianapolis Colts, who won the Super Bowl. In my opinion those are some pretty good teams to lose to twice in a season and on the road, as well as that Manning was in the prime of his career while Brady and the Patriots were slightly inferior to both teams. These sound like excuses, but those are the facts. Just like in 2001, when the St. Louis Rams beat the Patriots during the regular season by a TD, the Patriots got their revenge in the Super Bowl. Same will happen on Sunday. And just like last year, the Patriots lost their last game of the season, finished 12-4, and then went on to win the Super Bowl. Like last year, both teams finished 12-4, but the seeding was switched around, Denver was the #2 seed and New England was the #1 seed.

Reasons why the Patriots will lose:
1) Brady is 2-6 in Denver in his career, beating Danny Kanell and Tim Tebow. 2) Denver's defense is if not the best defense in the NFL. 3) Peyton Manning is going to play like the Manning he used to be rather than the broken self he is right now. 4) The Patriots have no run game and Denver will be able to get to Brady forcing him to turn it over or get sacked.

All the reason are valid, but I think the Patriots have more reason why they will win rather than lose.

1) Brady is 11-5 against Manning in his career. Yes, Brady lost to Manning last time in Denver during the AFC Championship, but that Manning was much better and healthy. 2) The Patriots have their 2 star receivers back and somewhat healthy, Gronkowski and Edelman. These 2 alone make a huge difference. 3) New England's defense is very good this year, finishing 10th in points allowed. 4) Denver's offense is not good and has not been playing well. This is the game that having a stagnant offense will kill them and end Manning's career. 5) Like I said earlier, the Patriots rarely lose twice to a team in the same season. 6) Chris Harris is banged-up and won't be able to play as well as he normally does. 7) Never bet against Tom Brady.

My gut is telling me that the Patriots will be up and the game will come down to a potential Peyton Manning game winning drive except he isn't going to score and his run will end. Patriots win this one by 4, 27-23.

NFC Championship

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

This is the match-up everybody wanted to see and now we're getting it. 2 teams, not a lot of people picked to go to the Super Bowl before the season are now the 2 best teams representing the NFC. The Panthers are having one of the best season's in NFL history and the Cardinals are having one of their best season's in franchise history. To me, this game is really up in the air to who wins. I can see it going either way. Arizona has a crazy offense and fast defense while Carolina can dominate on the ground, force turnovers, and last but not least are led by the most likely MVP, Cam Newton. Unlike the Patriots, I think most fans of game really like both franchises and like most of the players on both teams. Cam is a fan favorite and everybody is wondering how he will do in the biggest game of his career. It's the same for Palmer as well, because he has always struggled in the playoffs and has never made it this far. The cool thing about this QB match-up is that both are Heisman winners and former #1 draft picks.

After watching last week's games, I would have to say the edge goes to Cam. To get out to a 31-0 start against the defending NFC champions was totally unexpected and showed everyone that the Panthers are ready to win the Super Bowl. Yes, they did not score in the 2nd half and nearly let Seattle comeback and steal the game, but the Panthers are if not the best team in the NFL and know how to win games in every situation.

I'm sending the Panthers to the Super Bowl to play the Patriots. Carolina wins 30-27.

Super Bowl 50

New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers

Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP

2016 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Preview

2016 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Preview

Last weekend, I correctly picked all the road teams to win. It wasn't surprising, but 2 of games were nail-biters. From Cincinnati self-imploding to Minnesota's kicker Blair Walsh missing a 27-yard game-winning field goal, it was a good start to the NFL Playoffs. Although I predicted the first round right, I am going to make some changes from my original playoff predictions, starting with the Steelers vs Broncos game.

AFC Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

In my original prediction I had the Steelers beating the Broncos because the Steelers were coming in hot to the playoffs, while the Broncos were not. The Steelers had also beaten the Broncos just about a month ago, but that game was at Pittsburgh. A few things have changed since then and that is why I am changing my original prediction of Pittsburgh winning. My biggest reason why I am changing my prediction is because of the health of the Steelers two best players: Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger. Brown suffered a concussion and has been ruled out for the game and Roethlisberger has an AC sprain, which will definitely limit his throwing ability. If both were healthy and DeAngelo Williams was healthy, I think I would have stayed with the Steelers, but when your best offensive players are injured, the Steelers stand almost no chance against one, if not the best defense in the NFL. Aside from that, the Broncos will be fired up due to the return of Manning and this possibly being his last ride in the playoffs. Denver wins by 10, 27-17.

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots

This will be the first game to be played in this weekend's line up of games and could turn out to be a great game. The Chiefs are coming in as the hottest team in the NFL, winning 11 straight now after their demolishing of Houston. Like the Steelers, the Chiefs have some serious injuries to important players. Their best pass rusher Justin Houston was injured in the Houston game, which will certainly limit his production even against a beat up New England offensive line. On offense, star WR Jeremy Maclin has a high ankle sprain and will be a game time decision. Ankle sprains, cutting, and running don't go together well, so Maclin will be limited. Tamba Hali is also dealing with a thumb injury. With all the injuries KC will be dealing with I don't think they will be able to beat the Patriots even though Patriots have some stars coming off injuries as well and Tom Brady taking some pretty big hits in their season finale against Miami. Regardless of the Gronk weird injury and practice statuses, I think the Patriots are kind of trolling the Chiefs as they are known to do and won't have a problem beating them. I'm taking the Patriots by 11, 27-16.

NFC Playoffs

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals

The way the Packers played last week and how Arizona got killed by Seattle, I think there is a very good chance of an upset. I think people are over-looking the Packers and think Arizona is way better. I don't see it that way. I see a team (AZ), which just got their butts whooped at home by a team in their own division. Some people may say that AZ had nothing to play for and played the game safe. I would disagree. How many people do you know that go easy on their arch rival and biggest threat? NOBODY. Seattle wanted revenge for Arizona beating them in their house earlier in the season. Back to the Green Bay match up... if the Packers can play like they played against Washington, Green Bay will be in this until the end of the game. My gut is telling me to take the upset, but I think Arizona will put together a nice defensive plan to get after Aaron Rodgers like they did last time he was there. Arizona wins by a FG. 27-24. The only reason I want Green Bay to win is so I can possibly get my pre-season prediction right that they would win the Super Bowl this year.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

At the beginning of the season did anybody think Carolina would be in this position and have this good of a season? NO. 15-1 is very impressive. Like any great team, they found a way to win in almost every game. Some wins, might not have been pretty, but it's winning that matters at the end of the day. This is the game everyone will be watching. In my mind, it's easily the best game of the weekend. Will the defending NFC champs finally get knocked down and a new team be crowned or will Seattle show their playoff magic and knock down the 15-1 #1 seed Panthers. The Seahawks are being pushed to their absolute limits. From being a FG away from their season being over to now having to travel across the country to play the best team in the NFL. Besides Atlanta, Seattle was the last team to beat Carolina, ending Carolina's playoff run last year. Carolina got their revenge when they beat them in Seattle this season. I am going to go against my original prediction and say the Seahawks pull off the upset. With Marshawn Lynch back, they gain an extra spark of energy. They might even go back to the Super Bowl and have a rematch with Patriots or Broncos. I think they are that good and their defense is unbelievable. Yes, Carolina went 15-1, but I really can't see them winning on Sunday against the defending NFC champs. I think Seattle will psyche out the Panthers and beat them, Seattle by 4, and the game probably ending in a spectacular defensive play by Seattle's defense. Cam will still get the MVP award, but i think his run is over for this season. Seattle wins 27-23. I could be completely wrong about Carolina, but I think the experience of Seattle is so valuable that they will know how to win this game.

Seattle vs Carolina Predictions

With my above predictions my new playoff bracket would like this:

AFC Championship
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

NFC Championship
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61

2016 NFL Playoff Wild Card Preview

2016 NFL Playoffs Wild Card Preview

AFC Playoffs

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

The way the Chiefs have been playing, this game should easily be won by the Chiefs. Houston has been playing well too, after starting 1-4, they won their next 8/11, winning the miserable AFC South division. This is also a week 1 rematch that the Chiefs won by a TD. Unfortunately for the Texans, they have serious QB issues and that is going to hurt them in this game against a really good KC defense. The Chiefs are the hottest team in the NFL and I wouldn't be surprised one bit if they play for the AFC Championship in two weeks. I'm going with the Chiefs over the Texans, 23-17.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

I think this will be the best game of the weekend. Division rivals that split their season series where the road team won each occasion. With the Bengals past history, I think people are counting them out too fast. This Bengals team was one of the best defensive and offensive teams in the league before Dalton got hurt. Pending if Andy Dalton plays or not, I think the Bengals will keep it extremely close even with AJ McCarron as the starting QB, but I'm going to have to go with the Steelers even without DeAngelo Williams, 27-24.

NFC Playoffs

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings

I think too many people think the Seahawks are going to steam roll through the playoffs based on their last few games and demolishing of the Cardinals. The Vikings are no easy beat. Don't think they have forgotten about the beat down Seattle game them just over a month ago in their own house. The Vikings are tough and want revenge. I think this game is going to be way closer than what people are saying and what Vegas has them at (5.5). I think this game will be won by a FG by either team. I am picking against the Vikings only because of the inexperience of the Vikings, but I think it will be a great game with a lot of down hill running. Seattle by a FG, 26-23.

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins

As the week has gone on, the line started at (-2) favoring the Redskins, to now a pick em' game. I thought it was crazy to have the Redskins as the favorites even with the recent play of both teams. Rodgers might have been in a slump the last few games of the season, but he is a different QB in the playoffs. Kirk Cousins has really improved as well as the season went on, earning the Player of the month award, which he deserved. Like Tom Brady, I would never bet against Rodgers in a game worth a lot. I'm taking the Packers by 4, 24-20.

AFC Playoffs
1. Denver Broncos
2. New England Patriots
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Houston Texans
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Playoffs
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Washington Redskins
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Seattle Seahawks

AFC Playoffs Divisional Round
1. Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers
2. New England Patriots vs Kansas City Chiefs

NFC Playoffs Divisional Round
1. Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks
2. Arizona Cardinals vs Green Bay Packers

AFC Championship
New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Championship
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals

Super Bowl 50
New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers

Super Bowl Champions
New England Patriots



Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61

NFL Week 17 Predictions

NFL Week 17 Predictions

As week 17 approaches and the regular season ending, there isn't as much drama as one would hope for going into the last week of the season. The NFC is set in terms of teams and the AFC seems pretty steady on who's in and who's out, besides the last wild card spot, but other than that, there isn't that much drama for week 17. Yes, the seeding isn't set in stone, but that won't change too much or really matter because the better team is going to move on regardless of the outcome of week 17. Now for the key match-ups of the week.

1. Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

This a no-brainer as the top game of the week, hence why the NFL flexed this game to Sunday Night Football to conclude the regular season. This game is for all marbles, the NFC North division championship. After Green Bay's thrashing of the Vikings earlier this season, the Vikings will look to get revenge. Once again this game comes at the perfect time for the Vikings. The Vikings are coming off one the team's most dominant victories in franchise history, putting up 49 points (should have been 50, thanks Blair Walsh) against the Giants on Sunday Night Football, where usually the Vikings play horrible during prime-time games. On the other hand, Green Bay got absolutely rocked by the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona. Rodgers was sacked 8 times and the Cardinals dominated on both sides of the ball. That's a good sign for the Vikings, who were one play away from going to OT or winning against the Cardinals with a banged-up defense.

Like last time, this game came at a great opportunity for the Vikings and they blew it. I don't think Sunday's showdown will be quite as bad as their earlier meeting, but I think Green Bay will take this one and probably not have to face each other again next week in Green Bay for the Wild Card playoff pending a Seattle loss. I'm going go with the Packers by 6, 26-20.

The Seattle-Arizona game is a big game as well. The Cardinals already locked up the division, but this game is to stay in contention for a the #1 seed pending a Panther's loss, the Seahawks obtaining the #5 or #6 seed depending on the outcome, and straight up pride. Regardless if Carolina wins their game, I still think the Cardinals will go all out to beat the Seahawks to show who owns the NFC West division. The Seahawks will also want to win this game due to playoff position and momentum heading into the playoffs. Going in on a 2 game losing streak is not idea, even if they draw the Redskins as their wild card match-up. I think the Cards will take it and wrap up the #2 seed going into the playoffs red hot. 33-27 Cardinals.

The game that interests me 3rd most has to be the Jets at the Bills. The Jets are coming off a huge win over New England to keep their playoff dreams alive, thanks to the Steelers losing to the Ryan Mallet lead Ravens. The Bills are coming off a win as well, beating the Cowboys in a defensive stronghold 16-6. The Jets should win this game, but knowing it's against the Bills has to be a little frightening. Even if the Bills are beat up and don't have LeSean McCoy, Rex Ryan would love nothing more than to spoil his former team's playoff hopes. I'm calling the spoiler alert, Bills win by a FG, 20-17.

Here are the rest of my predictions:

WEEK	AWAY TEAM	HOME TEAM	MY PICK
17	Jets	@Bills	Bills
	Patriots	@Dolphins	Patriots
	Buccaneers	@Panthers	Panthers
	Saints	@Falcons	Falcons
	Ravens	@Bengals	Bengals
	Steelers	@Browns	Steelers
	Jaguars	@Texans	Texans
	Titans	@Colts	Colts
	Raiders	@Chiefs	Chiefs
	Redskins	@Cowboys	Redskins
	Eagles	@Giants	Giants
	Lions	@Bears	Bears
	Vikings	@Packers	Packers
	Chargers	@Broncos	Broncos
	Seahawks	@Cardinals	Cardinals
	Rams	@49ers	Rams

Follow me during the playoffs on Twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61. Also check out my Facebook page, so you never miss a post. Basketball Guy JP

NFL Week 16 Predictions

NFL Week 16 Predictions

The Vikings are still in contention to win the NFC North division. They need to beat the Giants and have the Packers lose to AZ this week, which is very possible. With a win, they clinch a playoff spot. For the fans sake, I hope Minnesota wins and Green Bay gets beat so we get a week 17 match-up for all the marbles.

Here is a link regarding the only way the Vikings don't make the playoffs (Vikings miss the playoffs?)

The Saints are so bad at defense, it's hard to watch. Their MNF blunder was a metaphor of their season. Time to restart and get a new coaching staff and maybe some defensive players that can play.

I can't believe the Redskins are going to make the playoffs. What a joke. RG3 must be embarrassed about his situation. I bet he lands either on the Eagles, Browns, 49ers, or Texans next season. Even a bigger joke is the whole NFC East and especially the Eagles. Fivethirtyeight (2015 NFL Predictions) still has the Eagles making the playoffs at 41%, but knowing how the Eagles' season has gone, they will lose to either the Redskins or Giants when they control their own playoff hopes if they win out.

For the rest of the week, there are some notable match-ups to keep an eye on.

My Top Games

1. Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals

This game is huge for both teams. If AZ wins, they secure a bye in the first round of the playoffs. If GB wins this game and their next game against the Vikings, they would steal a first round bye pending another loss by the Cardinals in week 17 against the Seahawks. If AZ wins, I don't know how they would approach their week 17 match-up because it would mean nothing to them in playoff seeding, but for Seattle it would mean securing the #5 seed, pending a Green Bay win over the Vikings. With all those implications, I believe both teams will be playing at their highest level. Both teams could very well win this game, but I'm going to stick to Arizona  to continue their winning streak because of their stellar defense and high powered offense, which will be too much for the Packers defense. I'll take the Cardinals over the Packers, 33-27.

2. Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos

Like the Green Bay vs Arizona game, this game has huge implications for home field advantage and a first round bye. This game has lost a lot of climatic perspective due to both starting QBs being injured, but the value of the game hasn't changed. After 2 losses in a row, I think this is the game Denver gets back on track and takes a lead in the race for the #2 seed. Denver's offense has still been pretty good without Manning, but their ability to finish games have haunted them. Broncos over the Bengals 27-23.

3. New England Patriots at New York Jets

This is a must win game for the Jets, unfortunately they play their archival and the best team in the AFC. This game is very important for the Patriots as well because I believe with a win they lock up the #1 seed, which would mean home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Vegas has the Patriots favored by a FG, but I say they win by a little more. 27-23, Pats seal home-field advantage and end the Jets' playoff hopes.

WEEK	AWAY TEAM	HOME TEAM	MY PICK
16	Chargers	@Raiders	Raiders
	Redskins	@Eagles	Redskins
	Patriots	@Jets	Patriots
	Texans	@Titans	Texans
	Browns	@Chiefs	Chiefs
	Colts	@Dolphins	Colts
	Jaguars	@Saints	Saints
	49ers	@Lions	Lions
	Cowboys	@Bills	Bills
	Bears	@Buccaneers	Bucs
	Panthers	@Falcons	Panthers
	Giants	@Vikings	Vikings
	Rams	@Seahawks	Seahawks
	Packers	@Cardinals	Cardinals
	Steelers	@Ravens	Steelers
	Bengals	@Broncos	Broncos

Follow me on twitter @basketballguy61 and @jpsweets

NFL Week 15 Predictions

NFL Week 15 Predictions

This week is full of terrible games. In my opinion, more than half of the games are meaningless, other than draft position. There are about 4 games worth tuning in to, in this order:

1. Broncos at Steelers: This is the only game this week where both teams' records are above .500. That is so sad. This should be a very entertaining game with some good story lines. Broncos are coming off a bad home loss against the Raiders. The Steelers are coming in hot and are at home. I think the Broncos are going to drop another game and lose to the red hot Steelers, who thrashed the Bengals in Cincinnati last week and have scored over 33 points in their last 2 games. Even with a good defense, the Broncos are going to have a problem with the Steelers' offense. Pittsburgh wins 30-24.

2. Cardinals at Eagles: The Cardinals just barely edged out the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday on sack-fumble. That puts the Cardinals in 2nd place in the NFC behind the still, undefeated Panther, who I will talk about next. This a huge game for both teams, implications different for both. The Eagles need to win if they want to stay alive in the NFC East and the Cardinals are looking to lock in the #2 seed and a first round playoff bye. The Eagles are on a 2 game win streak, beating the Patriots and Bills, but the Cardinals will end that streak with their potent offense and killer defense. I'll take the Cardinals over the Eagles 34-26.

3. Panthers at Giants: I like this game because I want Carolina's streak to continue, but the Giants shouldn't be taken lightly. The Giants are coming off a big win on Monday Night Football and need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Even though Carolina is essentially a lock at the #1 seed, I could see New York spoiling another perfect season. I'll still take the Panthers over the Giants in New York, 33-24.

4. Texans at Colts: This game lacks both 1st string starting QB's and both teams are competing for the division championship while under .500. Sad. I thought Houston was going to get on a roll and be the 6th seed. I was wrong. This is a pick em' game to me and just because the Colts seem like a slightly better team, I am going to go with Indy: 23-20.

Here are the rest of my picks:

WEEK	AWAY TEAM	HOME TEAM	MY PICK
15	Buccaneers	@Rams	Rams
	Jets	@Cowboys	Jets
	Bears	@Vikings	Vikings
	Falcons	@Jaguars	Jags
	Texans	@Colts	Colts
	Cardinals	@Eagles	Cardinals
	Panthers	@Giants	Panthers
	Titans	@Patriots	Patriots
	Bills	@Redskins	Bills
	Chiefs	@Ravens	Chiefs
	Browns	@Seahawks	Seahawks
	Packers	@Raiders	Packers
	Broncos	@Steelers	Steelers
	Dolphins	@Chargers	Dolphins
	Bengals	@49ers	Bengals
	Lions	@Saints	Saints

Make sure to follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61!

NFL Week 14 Predictions

NFL Week 14 Predictions

3 really good games this week:

Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals win

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals win

Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles win

WEEK	AWAY TEAM	HOME TEAM	MY PICK
14	Vikings	@Cardinals	Cardinals
	Bills	@Eagles	Eagles
	49ers	@Browns	49ers
	Lions	@Rams	Lions
	Saints	@Buccaneers	Buccaneers
	Titans	@Jets	Jets
	Steelers	@Bengals	Bengals
	Patriots	@Texans	Patriots
	Colts	@Jaguars	Colts
	Chargers	@Chiefs	Chiefs
	Redskins	@Bears	Bears
	Falcons	@Panthers	Panthers
	Raiders	@Broncos	Broncos
	Cowboys	@Packers	Packers
	Seahawks	@Ravens	Seahawks
	Giants	@Dolphins	Giants

Follow me on twitter @Jpsweets and @basketballguy61