How I did last week: 9-7
Teams on bye: Seahawks, Broncos, Bengals, Browns, Cardinals, and Rams
Dolphins at Raiders: I like the Dolphins to win in Oakland. It just seems like nothing is going right in Oakland and Dennis Allen's seat is getting warmer and warmer. Look for the Dolphins defense to pull out in this tight affair. Dolphins win 17-16
Lions at Jets: The Lions are on fire after shutting down the Packers high-powered offense last week and they should continue against a much worse Jets offense this week. Lions win 27-17
Packers at Bears: This is a huge game that could determine how the NFC North race ends up. The Packers could start the year with two consecutive losses to division opponents or right the ship. Look for Aaron Rodgers to get his team back on track with a big game at Soldier Field. Packers win 31-27
Bills at Texans: Texans at home should amount into a victory, especially with the strong pass rush of the Texans against the young E.J. Manuel. The X-Factor in this one will be the Texans receivers like Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. They will need to support the passing offense for the Texans to pull away. Texans win 23-14
Panthers at Ravens: After a poor showing against the Browns at home, I don't think they can win against the strong Panthers defense without the playmakers they usually have. Look for Carolina's defense to have a field day. Panthers win 27-10
Titans at Colts: Andrew Luck and the Colts offense will out-duel the Titans less explosive attack and pull out at home. I think the Colts defense could have a major impact on the outcome, though. Colts win 28-13
Buccaneers at Steelers: After getting crushed by the Falcons, the Buccaneers have no chance to beat the new explosive offensive trio of Roethlisberger-Bell-Brown and get beat badly again. Steelers win 35-17
Jaguars at Chargers: Chargers will coast to an easy victory at home against a young Jaguar team, Phillip Rivers doesn't lose games he shouldn't. Chargers win 28-16
Falcons at Vikings: I like the Falcons to win again after a huge offensive showcase against Tampa and will again facing another bad defense in Minneapolis. Falcons win 27-20
Eagles at 49ers: This one will come down to the wire. I like the 49ers at home to beat the Eagles with a slow start to LeSean McCoy's season and hope Kaepernick plays well against the bad defense of Philly. 49ers win 23-20
Saints at Cowboys: I like Drew Brees against a really bad Cowboy's defense and demolish the Cowboys. Look for the Saints to try to establish the running game early and often to open up the play action game. Saints win 41-31
Patriots at Chiefs: I like the Patriots to capitalize on the Chief's slow start and get a big victory on the road. Brady will dissect the secondary and the Patriots defense will shut down the passing game. Patriots win 27-14
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
NFL Week 3 Predictions
Chargers at Bills: A week after tearing through Seattle's Legion of Boom, look for Rivers to continue to thrive in Mike McCoy's system and dissect the Bill's secondary. Chargers win 31-20
Titans at Bengals: Bengals at home, look for a big game from Gio Bernard, as the Titans will likely look to shut down the Dalton-Green combination. Bernard will make a large impact both running the ball and out of the backfield. Also, I like Geno Atkins and that fearsome Bengals defense. Bengals win 27-13
Ravens at Browns: This could yet be another upset that the Browns provide for the rest of the NFL. I like the Browns to surprise their division rivals, as Joe Flacco will be forced to throw superstar cornerback Joe Haden's way with Bernard Pierce out with an injury. Browns win 20-17
Packers at Lions: Rodgers has a history of beating the Lions, and I don't think that will change. Look for Randall Cobb to have a great game, as the Lion's will be focusing on Jordy Nelson, who leads the league in catches and yards. Matthew Stafford will also have success, as this game will likely be a shootout, with the better quarterback winning. Packers win 41-34
Colts at Jaguars: The Colts caught a break, as after a horrendous 0-2 start to the season, they play against the jaguars. I expect Andrew Luck to help his team glide to an easy victory at EverBank Stadium. Colts win 31-16
Raiders at Patriots: This one is pretty easy. This will be a field day for Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, while the New England defense will focus on stopping Maurice Jones-Drew. Patriots win 35-13
Vikings at Saints: The saints wil bounce back this week against a Vikings team distracted by the Peterson issues. Look for Rob Ryan's defense to really show their stripes against an offense without their best plat maker. Saints win 30-13
Texans at Giants: The Giants have looked horrible through two weeks, and look for that to continue this week. JJ Watt and that pass rush will put a lot of pressure on Eli Manning, forcing him to make bad throws. Texans win 20-10
Redskins at Eagles: The Eagles offense will terrorize the under performing redskins defense. This game will likely be an offensive shootout, and Cousins will have a decent game, but his defense will not allow him to get his team the win. Eagles win 34-27
Cowboys at Rams: The cowboys will run the ball a lot this game, but Gregg Williams will counter that attack with the four first round pick players along that defensive line. The X-Factor in this game will be Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing attack. Cowboys win 24-13
49ers at Cardinals: This is a game that is not getting enough credit. This will be a defensive shootout but I trust the 49ers to get it done and have Kaepernick and his legs take them to victory. 49ers win 17-13
Chiefs at Dolphins: I like the Chiefs in this one, even without Jamaal Charles. Alex Smith will be able to win this game, but the group that will push the Cheifs over the edge is the pass rush led by Tamba Hali. Chiefs win 17-13
Broncos at Seahawks: This is gonna be a great game. Arguably the beat offense in the league versus arguably the best and most fearsome defense. I like Peyton to beat the Seahawks as he rarely ever loses to a team twice in a row, and this will be no exception. Broncos win 31-30
Steelers at Panthers: A rock solid Panthers defense against a struggling Steelers team. Cam Newton will look great and look for Kelvin Benjamin to have a great night. Panthers win 23-10
Bears at Jets: A week after blowing a big lead at Lambeau, the Jets face the Packers biggest rival in the Bears, and after a great performance against the 49ers, the bears will cruise to another victory against the struggling jets. Bears win 31-20
Titans at Bengals: Bengals at home, look for a big game from Gio Bernard, as the Titans will likely look to shut down the Dalton-Green combination. Bernard will make a large impact both running the ball and out of the backfield. Also, I like Geno Atkins and that fearsome Bengals defense. Bengals win 27-13
Ravens at Browns: This could yet be another upset that the Browns provide for the rest of the NFL. I like the Browns to surprise their division rivals, as Joe Flacco will be forced to throw superstar cornerback Joe Haden's way with Bernard Pierce out with an injury. Browns win 20-17
Packers at Lions: Rodgers has a history of beating the Lions, and I don't think that will change. Look for Randall Cobb to have a great game, as the Lion's will be focusing on Jordy Nelson, who leads the league in catches and yards. Matthew Stafford will also have success, as this game will likely be a shootout, with the better quarterback winning. Packers win 41-34
Colts at Jaguars: The Colts caught a break, as after a horrendous 0-2 start to the season, they play against the jaguars. I expect Andrew Luck to help his team glide to an easy victory at EverBank Stadium. Colts win 31-16
Raiders at Patriots: This one is pretty easy. This will be a field day for Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, while the New England defense will focus on stopping Maurice Jones-Drew. Patriots win 35-13
Vikings at Saints: The saints wil bounce back this week against a Vikings team distracted by the Peterson issues. Look for Rob Ryan's defense to really show their stripes against an offense without their best plat maker. Saints win 30-13
Texans at Giants: The Giants have looked horrible through two weeks, and look for that to continue this week. JJ Watt and that pass rush will put a lot of pressure on Eli Manning, forcing him to make bad throws. Texans win 20-10
Redskins at Eagles: The Eagles offense will terrorize the under performing redskins defense. This game will likely be an offensive shootout, and Cousins will have a decent game, but his defense will not allow him to get his team the win. Eagles win 34-27
Cowboys at Rams: The cowboys will run the ball a lot this game, but Gregg Williams will counter that attack with the four first round pick players along that defensive line. The X-Factor in this game will be Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing attack. Cowboys win 24-13
49ers at Cardinals: This is a game that is not getting enough credit. This will be a defensive shootout but I trust the 49ers to get it done and have Kaepernick and his legs take them to victory. 49ers win 17-13
Chiefs at Dolphins: I like the Chiefs in this one, even without Jamaal Charles. Alex Smith will be able to win this game, but the group that will push the Cheifs over the edge is the pass rush led by Tamba Hali. Chiefs win 17-13
Broncos at Seahawks: This is gonna be a great game. Arguably the beat offense in the league versus arguably the best and most fearsome defense. I like Peyton to beat the Seahawks as he rarely ever loses to a team twice in a row, and this will be no exception. Broncos win 31-30
Steelers at Panthers: A rock solid Panthers defense against a struggling Steelers team. Cam Newton will look great and look for Kelvin Benjamin to have a great night. Panthers win 23-10
Bears at Jets: A week after blowing a big lead at Lambeau, the Jets face the Packers biggest rival in the Bears, and after a great performance against the 49ers, the bears will cruise to another victory against the struggling jets. Bears win 31-20
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Big Ten Basketball: Wisconsin Expectations
Many people say that the upcoming season for the Wisconsin Badgers mens basketball team is Final Four or bust. I am going to take it a step further, National Championship or bust!
I have broken down the components that will make this season the greatest in the history of Wisconsin athletics.
1. Coaching:
Bo Ryan is as consistent as they come. He has taken his Badger squad to the NCAA tournament every year he has coached. This has been achieved with a lot of three star recruits and only one five star in Sam Dekker. He has a great assistant coaches next to him in Greg Gard and Lemont Paris, who both contribute in recruiting and in-game situations. Coming off of his first and well deserved Final Four appearance, Ryan hopes to make his mark in history, a National Championship! He deserves his first championship more than any other coach in college basketball, as his name deserves to be named in the same sentence as other great coaches like Coach K, Jim Boeheim, John Calipari, Bill Self, and Tom Izzo. I believe he can achieve this feat and bring the Big Ten a championship, something the conference hasn't achieved since Izzo did it back at the start of the new millennium.
STARTING FIVE:
2. Traevon Jackson:
The often criticized Badger, Jackson has proven to be the undisputed leader of the team. And now that Ben Brust has left, and Jackson has become a senior, his leadership has to take a step up. From his clutch late game shots, to his ample distribution and underestimated and gritty defense. I expect his amount of turnovers to decrease with his experience as a senior and his clutch play to continue. Traevon Jackson has a lot of pressure on him but he is bound to have an incredible season leading the Badgers to history.
3. Josh Gasser:
Defensive stalwart is a word often used to describe Josh Gasser, and that is a perfect description. Last year he matched up against the likes of Gary Harris, Nick Johnson, Joseph Young, and Nik Stauskas. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country and has a knack to come up with tough rebounds over taller and stronger players. Coming off of his torn ACL, it was reasonable that Gasser wasn't a huge contributor in the offense, but he will be depended upon to make a lot of baskets from behind the arc now that Brust, the all-time leading Badger in three pointers made, is gone.
4. Sam Dekker:
Dekker is a junior, but this may be his last season in a Wisconsin uniform. He is projected to be a chosen at an early slot in next years NBA Draft. A former five star recruit out of Sheboygan, Dekker has the physical attributes and skill set to be one of the most prolific scorers in the country. He will look to improve on his shot behind the arc and his defense this upcoming season. He was reportedly the best player at the LeBron James summer camp and has grown two inches to be 6-9 and has hit the weight room quite a bit this summer. He is the most talented player Bo Ryan has ever had to coach and I think he will repay the legendary coach by exceeding the already high expectations bearing down on him.
5. Nigel Hayes/Bronson Koenig:
The recent growth of Sam Dekker makes me wonder if Bo Ryan will continue to use three guards in the the lineup switching the graduated Brust with up and coming star Bronson Koenig. I am starting to think that they will start the season with Nigel Hayes, and if he has trouble playing against faster teams, Koenig will come in. Hayes has a spectacular approach on defense and his spot up jumper perfectly complements his in the paint scoring. Koenig is the prototypical Badger, a small, scrawny, and scrappy white guy who is a magnificent three point shooter and scrambles for tough rebounds over taller players. This will be more of match ups with Hayes starting against bigger and stronger teams, while Koenig will play against faster, three-point oriented teams.
6. Frank Kaminsky:
The production and success of Frank Kaminsky was in the least bit expected. His amazing run of efficiency both inside and outside of the three point line. His defense was great, often blocking out rebounding more athletic bigs. He has high expectations coming into this season, as he will have a target on his back, something he didn't experience last season. He is considered a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft, a National Player of the Year candidate, and will lead a team of Badgers to unparalleled expectations in the history of Badgers basketball. Kaminsky's leadership and run of success will be a very big part of the Badgers title hopes this upcoming season.
7. Bench:
The main players off the bench this season will consist of four players, much like last season. Whoever isn't starting between Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig will be the sixth man and a contender for the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Award, the award that Hayes won last season. Second off the bench will be forward and Badger mainstay Duje Dukan, who provides gritty and defense and rebounding while also adding a sweet touch on a three ball while on offense. Backing up Kaminsky and potentially Nigel Hayes will be sophomore Vitto Brown, who showed some promise on defense but to much on offense. Look for Brown to get more minutes while Ryan and the other coaches work on his offensive progress. The guards of the future for the Badgers is Bronson Koenig and the next player off the bench, Jordan Hill. Once Jackson and Gasser are gone, Ryan will depend on these scrappy guards. Hill brings a lot of speed and vision to the floor and looks to work on his shooting and defense this upcoming season.
8. Humility/Humbleness:
One is not to question Ryan's everlasting humility. The question is, how are the Badgers going to act after a Final Four season. Every game of the year, they will be the one's who has a target on their back and will have to become prone to huge upsets. The Badgers are used to being the ones upsetting the big stars. To take not only Coach Ryan, but the loyal fans of Wisconsin, to the promise land, it will take humbleness, teamwork, and selflessness. I believe that these scrappy Badgers have what it takes to take the next step, and make their marks in history.
Head Coach Bo Ryan
PG Traevon Jackson
SG Josh Gasser
F Sam Dekker
C Frank Kaminsky
I have broken down the components that will make this season the greatest in the history of Wisconsin athletics.
1. Coaching:
Bo Ryan is as consistent as they come. He has taken his Badger squad to the NCAA tournament every year he has coached. This has been achieved with a lot of three star recruits and only one five star in Sam Dekker. He has a great assistant coaches next to him in Greg Gard and Lemont Paris, who both contribute in recruiting and in-game situations. Coming off of his first and well deserved Final Four appearance, Ryan hopes to make his mark in history, a National Championship! He deserves his first championship more than any other coach in college basketball, as his name deserves to be named in the same sentence as other great coaches like Coach K, Jim Boeheim, John Calipari, Bill Self, and Tom Izzo. I believe he can achieve this feat and bring the Big Ten a championship, something the conference hasn't achieved since Izzo did it back at the start of the new millennium.
STARTING FIVE:
2. Traevon Jackson:
The often criticized Badger, Jackson has proven to be the undisputed leader of the team. And now that Ben Brust has left, and Jackson has become a senior, his leadership has to take a step up. From his clutch late game shots, to his ample distribution and underestimated and gritty defense. I expect his amount of turnovers to decrease with his experience as a senior and his clutch play to continue. Traevon Jackson has a lot of pressure on him but he is bound to have an incredible season leading the Badgers to history.
3. Josh Gasser:
Defensive stalwart is a word often used to describe Josh Gasser, and that is a perfect description. Last year he matched up against the likes of Gary Harris, Nick Johnson, Joseph Young, and Nik Stauskas. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country and has a knack to come up with tough rebounds over taller and stronger players. Coming off of his torn ACL, it was reasonable that Gasser wasn't a huge contributor in the offense, but he will be depended upon to make a lot of baskets from behind the arc now that Brust, the all-time leading Badger in three pointers made, is gone.
4. Sam Dekker:
Dekker is a junior, but this may be his last season in a Wisconsin uniform. He is projected to be a chosen at an early slot in next years NBA Draft. A former five star recruit out of Sheboygan, Dekker has the physical attributes and skill set to be one of the most prolific scorers in the country. He will look to improve on his shot behind the arc and his defense this upcoming season. He was reportedly the best player at the LeBron James summer camp and has grown two inches to be 6-9 and has hit the weight room quite a bit this summer. He is the most talented player Bo Ryan has ever had to coach and I think he will repay the legendary coach by exceeding the already high expectations bearing down on him.
5. Nigel Hayes/Bronson Koenig:
The recent growth of Sam Dekker makes me wonder if Bo Ryan will continue to use three guards in the the lineup switching the graduated Brust with up and coming star Bronson Koenig. I am starting to think that they will start the season with Nigel Hayes, and if he has trouble playing against faster teams, Koenig will come in. Hayes has a spectacular approach on defense and his spot up jumper perfectly complements his in the paint scoring. Koenig is the prototypical Badger, a small, scrawny, and scrappy white guy who is a magnificent three point shooter and scrambles for tough rebounds over taller players. This will be more of match ups with Hayes starting against bigger and stronger teams, while Koenig will play against faster, three-point oriented teams.
6. Frank Kaminsky:
The production and success of Frank Kaminsky was in the least bit expected. His amazing run of efficiency both inside and outside of the three point line. His defense was great, often blocking out rebounding more athletic bigs. He has high expectations coming into this season, as he will have a target on his back, something he didn't experience last season. He is considered a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft, a National Player of the Year candidate, and will lead a team of Badgers to unparalleled expectations in the history of Badgers basketball. Kaminsky's leadership and run of success will be a very big part of the Badgers title hopes this upcoming season.
7. Bench:
The main players off the bench this season will consist of four players, much like last season. Whoever isn't starting between Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig will be the sixth man and a contender for the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Award, the award that Hayes won last season. Second off the bench will be forward and Badger mainstay Duje Dukan, who provides gritty and defense and rebounding while also adding a sweet touch on a three ball while on offense. Backing up Kaminsky and potentially Nigel Hayes will be sophomore Vitto Brown, who showed some promise on defense but to much on offense. Look for Brown to get more minutes while Ryan and the other coaches work on his offensive progress. The guards of the future for the Badgers is Bronson Koenig and the next player off the bench, Jordan Hill. Once Jackson and Gasser are gone, Ryan will depend on these scrappy guards. Hill brings a lot of speed and vision to the floor and looks to work on his shooting and defense this upcoming season.
8. Humility/Humbleness:
One is not to question Ryan's everlasting humility. The question is, how are the Badgers going to act after a Final Four season. Every game of the year, they will be the one's who has a target on their back and will have to become prone to huge upsets. The Badgers are used to being the ones upsetting the big stars. To take not only Coach Ryan, but the loyal fans of Wisconsin, to the promise land, it will take humbleness, teamwork, and selflessness. I believe that these scrappy Badgers have what it takes to take the next step, and make their marks in history.
Head Coach Bo RyanPG Traevon JacksonSG Josh GasserF Sam DekkerC Frank Kaminsky
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