NBA Playoffs 2016 Conference Finals

Western Conference Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors

Although I was very shocked the Thunder beat the Spurs, the Thunder are playing their best basketball and have a legitimate chance to beat the Warriors. After giving up a dozen fourth quarter leads during the regular season, the Thunder were the complete opposite against the Spurs, closing out every game with great defense against the most potent offense in the NBA. Their series win was especially impressive after their Game 1 blowout vs San Antonio. After that game, I thought the Spurs were going to blow by the Thunder maybe losing a game in OKC, but then walk into the Western Conference Finals to face-off with the Warriors. Much like the Trailblazers, the Thunder were written off by just about everyone. Bill Simmons had one of most popular tweets after the game (Coach Simmons?) questioning Billy Donovan's coaching. To Bill's point, I think most people were questioning the Thunder and their effort. They bounced back after Game 1, by stealing Game 2, and the same after Game 3, with a Game 4 win. If the Thunder can steal one of two at Golden State, I think they can make this into a seven game series. I won't say they will win Game 7 at Oracle, but I think they belong in it. I am going to take the Warriors in 6, which means the Thunder will steal one, but also lose on their home court. There is just no way I can bet against a Warriors team with a decently health Curry, playing in all games.




Eastern Conference Finals

Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Congrats to the Toronto Raptors on advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. It is such an accomplishment for that franchise. Unfortunately, they have to face the smoking hot, undefeated in this post-season, Cleveland Cavaliers on 1 day of rest. There is always the argument that they will keep the momentum from the last series and the Cavs will be rusty, but I think rest is very important, especially playing in back-to-back seven game series. The Raptors have played almost twice as many games as the Cavs (14-8). Besides the fatigue, the Cavs have been playing unstoppable with their 3 point shooting, which is never something a team should rely on, but if it works and wins games, then keep doing it. The Raptors offense is in no way able to keep up with the Cavs' offense, so their best bet is to grind them out and beat them up inside, because when the Cavs go "small" I think the Raptors are going to be in serious trouble of allowing big runs. 2-3 three pointers and an easy bucket in a row is all the Cavs need to open up the flood gates. Before the playoffs started I picked the Cavs over the Raptors in 6, but with how the playoffs have played out and how the Cavs have been playing, I'm taking Cleveland in 5 to advance to the NBA Finals again to face the Golden State Warriors.

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NBA Playoffs 2016 2nd Round

Western Conference Semis

Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs

This series could turn into a classic. Both teams looked great in their first round series, although I would say the Spurs played better and didn't have any bad games, while OKC had that one blunder in Game 2. The teams split their regular season series 2 wins a piece, the home team winning each time. I think the Thunder are very capable of winning in the nearly impossible AT & T Center, but I don't think they will. If the Thunder can steal one game on the road, I think they have a chance. Spurs win 4-1. Mental toughness will come into play in this series.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors

The whole Blazers team has the Lillard mindset now and I love it. As Birdman would say "put some respek on my name." Seems like Lillard and the Blazers have been yelling this to the media all year, now it's time they should. The Blazers have earned my respect, but I don't think they can pull of the upset even with Curry questionable to return. The Warriors are deeper and can win without Curry in this series. I think the Blazers will keep the series competitive and even win a game at the Moda Center, but the Warriors shouldn't have a problem. If the series is tied after Game 4 and Curry has yet to play, I think he would return for Game 5 and finish off the series. Warriors win 4-1 and go on to play the Spurs in what could be the best Western Conference Finals in the last 10 years.

Eastern Conference Semis

Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Props to the Hawks for finishing off the Celtics and not allowing the upset I called, but they have their hands full with the Cavs. The Cavs have looked like the best team in the playoffs so far after sweeping the Pistons, in a series that many people thought the Pistons could win at least 2 games. I didn't think that though. Lets hope for the Hawks sake, they play better than they did in last years's ECF, where they were swept and looked terrible. I can't see the Hawks getting swept again, but they are nowhere close to beating the Cavs in a series. The series against Detroit showed a lot of maturity from Irving as well. I was highly impressed that he lead the team in scoring and I think that is a great strategy for the Cavs to succeed. Have LeBron get Love and Irving points rather than each of them going one on one in isolation plays. Cavs win 4-1.

Miami Heat/Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers/Toronto Raptors

What a treat! Two game 7s on the same day. Regardless of who wins, the underdogs (Charlotte & Indiana) have been great. Unfortunately, I think the higher seeds will win in both series, but who knows, that's why they play the game and we write about it. My biggest concern is the Toronto Raptors. Are they going to fold again? I honestly thought they were over the hump after their great regular season, but Lowry and DeRozan can't buy a shot and haven't played well at all. The reason I think the Raptors will win is because Demarre Carroll will be the difference and one or both Lowry and DeRozan will actually have a good game and of course because Views came out on Friday and Drake will be hyping them up.

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NBA Playoffs 2016

2016 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference

#1 Golden State Warriors vs #8 Houston Rockets

This will be a sweep for the Warriors. The Rockets sneaked into the playoffs by beating 3 sub-par teams to end the season. The Warriors did the complete opposite, beating 2 playoff teams twice in their last 4 games to get the record for most wins in regular season history (73). GSW wins 4-0. Dwight Howard might play his last ever game as a Rocket.

#4 LA Clippers vs #5 Portland Trail Blazers

As always, the 4/5 match-up will be one of the best series in the first round of the NBA playoffs. I think a lot of people are just writing off the Blazers, but most people, including myself, wrote them off before the season even started. Props to them, but I think the playoffs will show their youth and inexperience. Lillard will have a big game almost every game, but the Clippers are a much more, well rounded team built to go past the first round. I'll give the Blazers a game, maybe 2 if Lillard makes a game winner to keep the series alive. Clippers win this series 4-2 and move on to face their hated rivals, the Warriors. Side note: Blake Griffin isn't back to where he was before the quad and hand injury. I am very curious to how he will play in this first round. 

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #6 Dallas Mavericks

This series has blowout written all over it. The Mavs don't match-up well against the Thunder. The Mavs aren't much better than the Rockets. A more complete team, but not as deep and Dirk isn't the same Dirk as 2011. Also, with Parsons out, their chances are even smaller than if they were fully healthy. I can see Dallas winning once at home on an OKC 4th quarter slip up like they did in the regular season, but no chance the Mavs win more than one. OKC sweeps 4-0.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Memphis Grizzlies 

Memphis couldn't be in any worse position, I mean they could lose Z-Bo and really not have a chance, but no Conley or Gasol leaves only a dream for Memphis to win. This will be a good warm up series for San Antonio before they face the Thunder. SA sweeps 4-0.

Eastern Conference 

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #8 Detroit Pistons

Hats off to Detroit for making it to the playoffs after a little drought. I really like what Stan Van Gundy has done. The trade for Tobias was good and I like their young nucleus. 2 or 3 more years and they might be a top 4 team in the East. Although Detroit did take a couple of games vs Cleveland this season, make no mistake LeBron and Cavs are ready to roll. I give Detroit some credit and say they will win one game, but the Cavs are going to blow them away. Cavs win 4-1.

#4 Atlanta Hawks vs #5 Boston Celtics

This will be the best series of the first round of the playoffs. This is the only series that a possible upset could happen. The Hawks aren't even close to the team they were last year and the Celtics were the #3 seed just a week ago. Add on that comeback by the C's vs Heat in their season finale, I would not be one bit surprised if the Celtics pull off the upset. I am not one to pick upsets, but if there will be one, it will be this series. I'm taking the Celtics in 7.

#3 Miami Heat vs #6 Charlotte Hornets

Don't sleep on the Hornets, they earned this spot and just a few weeks ago, they were the #3 seed. The 3-6 seeds are all so close in talent that the seeding isn't very important, but home court advantage is what will be a huge benefit to the higher seeds. Kemba Walker had a heck of season and is leading this team in the right direction. I don't think they can beat the Heat in a seven game series, but I do think they can be competitive and win a game or 2 in this series. The Heat win 4-1.

#2 Toronto Raptors vs #7 Indiana Pacers

The only reason people are doubting the Raptors is because of their past performances in the playoffs. This team is better than last year and I believe they learned from their last year's blunder. The Pacers and Paul George started off hot, but cooled off way too much. I expect the Pacers to stay competitive, but Toronto is too good to lose this series. Plus the addition of Demarre Carroll is going to pay off. Raptors win 4-1.   

Western Conference Semis

#1 GSW vs #4 LA Clippers: GSW wins 4-2

#2 SAS vs #3 OKC: SAS wins 4-2

Eastern Conference Semis

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #5 Boston Celtics Cleveland wins 4-2

#2 Toronto Raptors vs #3 Miami Heat Toronto wins 4-3

Western Conference Finals

#1 Golden State Warriors vs #2 San Antonio Spurs: GSW wins 4-3

Eastern Conference Finals

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #2 Toronto Raptors: CLE wins 4-2

NBA Finals

Golden State Warriors win in 6. 

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

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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.


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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.

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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

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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

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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



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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

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