Posted on in Football, NFL

My NFL 2014 Mock Draft: My First 10 Picks

The NFL Draft is full of questionable picks. Here are my first 10 picks.

Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney: DE, South Carolina

Clowney has lived up to all of the expectations. The Houston D will be unstoppable with him and JJ Watt.

2.   St. Louis Rams: Teddy Bridgewater: QB, Louisville

Bridgewater is a solid QB who will replace Sam Bradford. There is tons of doubt in Bridgewater due to his struggles at the draft combine, and not running the 40-yard dash, yet he still is the best quarterback in the NFL Draft this year. He should use his sensational season at Louisville as a bit of motivation towards his NFL career.

3.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Sammy Watkins: WR, Clemson

The Jags need a go-to receiver for Chad Henne. His name is Sammy Watkins, the best receiver in the draft.

4.   Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel: QB, Texas A&M

Cleveland needs a QB, and Manziel is the answer to that. Manziel is a QB who has been all over the radar this year, and he will be great for this organization.

5.   Oakland Raiders: Greg Robinson: OL, Auburn

Robinson is a hard-nosed, SEC offensive lineman who will protect Matt Schaub.

6.   Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack: OLB, Buffalo

Mack at one point was considered a top 2 pick, but he’ll thrive alongside Osi Umeniyora in Atlanta.

7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans: WR, Texas A&M

Manziel’s favorite target will now become Mike Glennon’s favorite.

8.   Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr: OLB, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)

Barr is a hard-hitting player who will ignite the Vikings, despite the loss of star DE Jared Allen (now on the Bears).

9.   Buffalo Bills: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: FS, Alabama

Clinton-Dix is not a player who intercepts passes, but he can lockdown any player he covers, and is good when blitzing the quarterback.

10. Detroit Lions: Justin Gilbert: CB, Oklahoma State (OSU)

Gilbert is probably the best cornerback in a draft since Patrick Peterson (Cardinals). He will lockdown all receivers at all costs.

Posted on in NBA

The NBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions

The Mavericks and Grizzlies are switching sides in the standings, and so are the Nets and Wizards, yet still, this will be an exciting first round, with more upsets than ever. Here are the predictions for who moves on.

Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

The Pacers have struggled against the Hawks mightily this season, and they will continue. The Hawks will win in 7 games.

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats

The Heat have had no problem against Charlotte. The Miami Heat will continue their quest for a 3-peat with a sweep.

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets

With late Pacers struggles, the Heat and the Nets are the Eastern Conference Finals matchup. The Raptors have arrived in the playoffs for the first time since Chris Bosh led them in the 2007-2008 season. Raptors come up with the upset in 7 games.

(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards

Chicago has done lots of damage since the All-Star break to get to the playoffs, and have been the 4th seed for months. The Wiz Kids have been in the playoffs since mid-March, but it will end, as the Bulls win in 5 games.

Western Conference Playoff Picture

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks

Dallas did just enough to get the 8th seed, and they face the defending Western Conference Champions. The Spurs take care of business in 5 games.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies won the series in 5 games against OKC a year ago, and the Thunder struggle mightily in the playoffs. The Griz win in 6 games.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors

The Clips and the Warriors are Pacific division rivals, and they will battle in the trenches for this one. The Clips, winning in 6 games, due to no Andrew Bogut for the Warriors.

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

The Rockets and Blazers have had their ups and downs, so this will be a tough series to call, but everyone knows that Dwight Howard has what it takes to lead his team past the first round. Rockets in 5 games.

Posted on in Final four, NCAA Basketball

The NCAA Tournament Before Sweet 16: Championship

The Sweet 16 is next in March Madness. See what madness should be seen. My prediction:

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Virginia vs. #4 Louisville

The defending champs have another big National Championship Game in store. This time, it will be against UVA, a team led by coach Tony Bennett. Bennett is a coach who relies on his team’s defense to lead to offense. They are 1st in the nation in points allowed, at 55.5 points allowed per game. Led by Joe Harris and Malcolm Brogdon on offense, and Akil Mitchell on defense, UVA will have an easy time against guys like Russ Smith, Luke Hancock, and Montrezl Harrell. In the end the final score is…

Final Score

#1 Virginia: 61

#4 Louisville: 55

Most Outstanding Player: Joe Harris, Virginia Cavaliers SG

Posted on in Football, NFL

Postseason Predictions: The Big Questions

xlixThe Seahawks just harassed the Broncos, and the questions pile up, such as can the Seahawks win again, will Peyton Manning win a title, and will players like RG3 and Mike Vick make a run in the playoffs. I will answer all of those questions, and my Super Bowl XLIX Championship Preview.

Will The Seahawks Win Again?

There are 2 things that they will need to do if they want to win. First, they need to resign Richard Sherman, Percy Harvin, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. These 4 guys came up huge in the Super Bowl, and without them, the hopes are washed away. Second, they need to beat the San Francisco 49ers. Richard Sherman himself said that San Fran is ‘the 2nd-best team in the NFL,’ and also that the game against Colin Kaepernick and Michael Crabtree was ‘the real Super Bowl.’

Will Peyton Win Another Title?

No. Manning is going to lose core players on offense and defense, such as Knowshon Moreno, Eric Decker, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are possibly on their way out. The loss is something that will definitely lure them to get out of Denver.

 

Will RG3 Get Them To The Playoffs, and Will Vick Get On A Team Again?

RG3 will bounce back. No question. He will have a better coach in Jay Gruden, who helped Andy Dalton to 2 stellar seasons. Mike Vick will not be on another team. After he struggled majorly in Philly, and his past history is bad, an unlikely future is certain for him.

Who Will Win XLIX In ‘Zona?

The New England Patriots will face off with the Seattle Seahawks. This will be another blowout Super Bowl. Final Score: 41-16, Seahawks.

Posted on in Football, NFL

Super Bowl XLVIII: How Each Team Can Win

The NFL has probably the best Super Bowl ever coming your way on Feb. 2nd at 6:00pm on FOX. It’s Richard Sherman’s mouth and skills vs. Peyton Manning’s legacy. Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos. Here’s the analysis of how each team can beat each other and help their team get a victory.

How The Seahawks Can Win:

1. Get Marshawn Lynch running hard!

If Marshawn Lynch doesn’t get a running game going on, then the Broncos will have the game in the bag. Lynch needs to get good yards and early. He can’t fall into another slump like he did vs. the 49ers.

2. Sherman and Byron Maxwell Must Limit Receivers

Sherman and Maxwell were key in limiting the amount of throws made by Colin Kaepernick that went towards Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, and to win, they have to do the same by covering Wes Welker and Demariyus Thomas.

3. Russell Wilson Needs To Use Receivers Other Than Jermaine Kearse

The Kearse has worked lately with Hail Mary’s that land in his hands, but he has other receivers. Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin and Zach Miller are some great targets that he should be using effectively.

If all of these scenarios work in favor of Seattle, they have a 31-20 win over Denver.

How The Broncos Can Win:

1. Manning Cannot Choke In The 4th!!! Again!!!

Manning cannot throw another pick-6 in a Super Bowl. He is 11-13 in regular season games under 40 degrees, and 2-3 in playoff games when under 40 degrees. He cannot choke again.

2. Moreno Needs To Run All Over The Front Line

If Moreno does what he has been doing, he will breeze past the defenders.

If all of these scenarios work in favor of the Broncos, they have 33-19 advantage.

The Winner Is…

THE DENVER BRONCOS, 33-26.

MVP: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos QB

Posted on in Football, NFL

Pro Bowl 2014

I guess Deion Sanders was right about he would dominate the draft, because he totally did. This unconferenced Pro Bowl will be a total domination by his team. Here is why.

Reason 1: Andrew Luck and Cam Newton

Andrew Luck might not look intimidating anymore after shaving off his beard, but he will still be running with the ball a lot, and we will see a lot of handoffs from him to Jamaal Charles. Cam Newton will be running with the ball a whole lot, too.

Reason 2: No Colin Kaepernick for Team Rice

Team Rice selected Drew Brees and Alex Smith as QBs over Colin Kaepernick, who was undrafted. This is a huge disappointment to many after seeing Kaepernick deliver a stellar season.

With all of this set in stone, Team Sanders has the clear edge. Final Score: 59-27, Sanders.

Posted on in Football, NFL

NFL Conference Championship Weekend

This is the weekend where teams will receive a ticket to MetLife Stadium for the Super Ice Bowl. Here are the predictions for who wins and who goes home.

 New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos; 3:00PM EST

The Pats historical run without rook WR Aaron Dobson and star TE Rob Gronkowski has highlighted a team for the ages, with big plays from WR Julian Edelman and RB LaGarrette Blount. The Broncos got away with a huge game, with a 24-17 over the San Diego Chargers. The Patriots will go to MetLife Stadium. Final Score: 26-23, Patriots.

San Fransisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks; 6:30PM EST

The 49ers came away with huge wins over the Green Bay Packers, 23-20, and the Carolina Panthers, 27-10. The Seahawks survived after the the New Orleans Saints huge comeback, winning 23-15. The 49ers and Patriots will meet in a Clash of Clans at MetLife. Final Score: 30-23, 49ers.

Posted on in Football, NCAA

Top 5 Best Bowl Games and Predictions (Not Including BCS Championship Game)

This is the most intriguing bowl season yet, and it will end with in the craziest way possible. Here are the previews for the 5 best bowl games of the 2013-14 season.

Number 5: Clemson vs. Ohio State, Discover Orange Bowl

Both of these teams are coming off losses, so this is pretty big. Ohio State lost in the B1G Ten Championship Game vs. Michigan State. Clemson had an upset win over LSU last year in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and it shall happen again, thanks to some Tajh Boyd heroics. Final Score: 27-23, Clemson.

Number 4: Oklahoma vs. Alabama, Allstate Sugar Bowl

Some Oklahoma heroics helped them beat Oklahoma State on their way to the Sugar Bowl. Alabama lost its last game vs. Auburn on the famous Kick-6. No miracles this time around, as Maxwell Trophy winner AJ McCarron will lead this team to victory. Final Score: 41-27, Alabama.

Number 3: Duke vs. Texas A&M, Chick-fil-A Bowl

Duke has been the biggest surprise this year, going 24th in the country. They lost in the ACC Championship Game to Florida State. Texas A&M on the other hand, has been very successful in the SEC. That success will continue. Final Score: 62-41, Texas A&M.

Number 2: UCF vs. Baylor, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

UCF and Baylor make their 1st BCS bowl appearances. This one won’t be a contest. Final Score: 28-3, Baylor.

Number 1: Stanford vs. Michigan State, Vizio Rose Bowl

MSU and Stanford are coming off huge wins in the B1G Ten and PAC-12 Championship Games. RBs Jeremy Langford (MSU) and Tyler Gaffney (Stanford) will help light up the scoreboard on the 100th Rose Bowl. Final Score: 37-33, Stanford.

Posted on in Football, NFL

Week 17: The Craziest Weekend Of NFL History

The 2013-14 NFL season’s Week 17 will be the craziest ever. Here are the predictions for who wins and who sits at home on the couch.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6) at Dallas Cowboys (8-7), 8:30PM EST, NBC

As many of you have heard, Tony Romo has been injured with a herniated disk. Now here’s the big question. Can Kyle Orton lead the team to victory? Orton is 35-34 as a starter, and this is the biggest game of his life, and also for Jason Garrett. Meanwhile, the Eagles came off a 54-11 win over the Chicago Bears. LeSean McCoy had 18 carries for 133 yards and 2 TDs, and Bryce Brown had 9 for 118, including a 65-yard TD run. Nick Foles went 21 of 25 for 230 yards and 2 TDs. The Eagles will be the No. 3 seed in the NFC, and will beat the ‘Boys for the 1st time since Oct. 30, 2011. Final Score: 30-3, Eagles.

Green Bay Packers (7-7-1) at Chicago Bears (8-7), 4:25PM EST, FOX

Now Bears fans, I know you’ll be hoping for no Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, or Clay Matthews, so this will be easy. Think again! Rodgers, Lacy, and Cobb are expected to play, whereas Matthews is a game-time decision. Bears fans, get ready for another season on the couch. Final Score: 35-25, Packers.

St. Louis Rams (7-8) at Seattle Seahawks (12-3), 4:25PM EST, FOX

The Seahawks were upset 17-10 at home by the Cardinals. With many starters resting, it’ll happen again. Final Score: 22-10, Rams

San Francisco 49ers (11-4) at Arizona Cardinals (10-5), 4:25PM EST, FOX

The Cardinals upset the Seahawks last week with a 17-10 win, but after seeing the 49ers stave off the Falcons comeback with a Pick-6, it ain’t happening. Also, with a Seahawks loss, the 49ers will have the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Final Score: 19-17, 49ers.

Baltimore Ravens (8-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (10-5), 1:00PM EST, CBS

Finally, some AFC talk over here. Ravens and Bengals. This is a game which will determine the AFC North. After seeing the Ravens get crushed be the Pats, they’ll get crushed again. Final Score: 42-19, Bengals.

Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) vs. San Diego Chargers (8-7), 4:25PM EST, CBS

Chargers beat the Chiefs with a huge comeback weeks ago, 41-38. The Chiefs want to rest players knowing that they will make the playoffs anyways. The Chargers will win again, and get the No. 6 seed in the AFC. Final Score: 33-24, Chargers.

Posted on in Football, NFL

The AFC Championship Game Prediction

The AFC Championship Game is all about Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos.

Quarter 1

Brady finds his spark early on. Manning is ice-cold. The defense comes out on fire, and Brady throws 2 TDs. The Pats take a 17-0 at the end of 1.

Quarter 2

Both QBs go cold. It is a disaster throughout this whole quarter. Brady and Manning lead the team to long field goal attempts. A back and forth, 3-and-out thing goes on for the whole quarter. At the half, Pats lead 23-12.

Quarter 3

In quarter 3, Broncos KR Trinton Holliday returns the kick return 100 yards for the score. The Pats go turnover after turnover, 3-and-out after 3-and-out. Broncos K Matt Prater kicks a field goal. After 45 minutes, Pats lead 23-22.

Quarter 4

The most crucial quarter of the AFC season. The Pats kick 2 quick field goals to give them a TD lead. Peyton Manning throws 3 INTs in their first 5 possessions. Tom Brady throws an INT, and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returns the pick 59 yards for the score. We’re tied at 29. Brady tries to help kill clock to get into field goal range. RB LaGarrette Blount fumbles the football on a crucial 3rd And Inches from the Broncos 32-yard line. With 1 minute left, Manning throws 4 first downs to Welker, Decker, DeMariyus Thomas, and Julius Thomas. It’s 1st And Goal from the Pats 4, and Bill Belichick call the Patriots final timeout, with 8 seconds left. Manning escapes all the pressure, and then finds RB Knowshon Moreno in the end zone with no time left.

Final Score: 36-29, Broncos!