week seventeen, NFL picks

We've made it to the end of another NFL season.  Most of the playoff teams and seeds are set, their will still be some jostling around for playoff seeds.  As for the remaining playoff teams, the NFC East winner will be determined Sunday night between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, either the Denver Broncos or the Oakland Raiders will win the AFC West, and the final AFC Wild Card team will be decided.  This will be a fun time with the NFL going into week 17 and then heading for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.  If you want this weekend you can just sit down on your couch and watch football, there is either a pro or college game on every day between now and Wednesday.
Week 17 NFL picks:
1) Washington is in Philadelphia this week, the Redskins have rebounded nicely by getting to five wins but the Eagles will be pumped up to win the final game of disappointing season at home.  I'll pick the Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5) at home over the Washington Redskins.  Philadelphia Eagles -8.5 
2) In New England the Patriots have already clinched the AFC East, home field, and a first round bye.  The Patriots don't loose at home and after staring off strong the Bills have faded.  I'll pick the New England  Patriots (-10.5) at home over the Buffalo Bills.       New England Patriots -10.5
3)  San Diego has folded late in the season once again and Oakland will be pulling out all the stops this week as their playoff positioning is still up in the air.  I'll pick the Oakland Raiders (-3) at home over the San Diego Chargers.  Oakland Raiders -3
4)  The New York Jets are hanging on and need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Miami Dolphins have become a decent team.  I'll pick the NY Jets (+3) on the road in Miami over the Dolphins, to win and hope they get help to make the playoffs.  NY Jets +3
5) coming off a big win last week against the Jets, in which the Jets got down panicked, stared to get away from their game plan, throwing the ball more then necessary, the New York Giant defense was able to come up big.  The NY Giants needed last week for this week.   some more injured Giants will comeback and the Giants with Manning and the defense (Jason Pierre-Paul and company) will figure out the Dallas Cowboys again.  I also trust Eli more then Romo down the stretch.  I'll pick the NY Giants (-3) at home on Sunday Night Football to beat the Dallas Cowboys, and win the NFC East and clinch a 4 seed and a home Wild Card playoff game.  NY Giants -3              

College bowls

It used to be more centered around New Year's but now it's the holidays, it's the college bowl season.  Most of these post-season College Football games don't mean anything, except to the companies which sponsor the games.  These games have nothing to do with the NCAA, its all about money.  These games are important for coaching staffs to get their Student Athletes (players) and personnel a jump start on next season or for a new head coach to get to know his guys, or a swan song for some.  The college post-season can be a recruiting advantage as it enables programs to travel to different parts of the country and we get some non-triditional match-ups.  Some bowl match-ups are better than others, we get to see our favorite teams face-off against teams that the don't normally play.    I already talked about the one game that is meaningful, the National Championship Game which is a re-match of the LSU at Alabama game from a couple months ago.  This game should not be, LSU already beat Alabama on the road and now the have to do it twice in order to win a National Championship.            

week sixteen, NFL picks

We have reached week 16 in the NFL.  The men are being separated from the boys, in this week to week and what have you done for me lately league.  In the NFL you're only as good as your last game, for example the New York Giants came off that win in Dallas and people were high on them then they failed to show up against Washington and people have lost confidence in them.  It can be concluded that their are only a handful of great teams (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay, New England, and New Orleans) in the league as of now.  That dominant team can change at a moments notice, all you need is for one team to get hot.    
Week 16 picks:
1) The Jacksonville Jaguars are in Tennessee to face the Titans, the Jags aren't a very good football team and the Titans have a proven quarterback and a nice young one.  I'll take the Tennessee Titans (-7) over the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.     Tennessee Titans -7
2) The Cleveland Browns won't play Colt McCoy and the Baltimore Ravens are back.  I'll take the Baltimore Ravens (-12) over the Cleveland Browns in Baltimore.  Baltimore Ravens -12    
3)  The Washington Redskins have been impressive, the Vikings have a young quarterback who still needs some seasoning.  I'll pick the Washington Redskins (-6.5) at home over the Minnesota vikings.     Washington Redskins -6.5 
4)  The NY Giants play the NY Jets this week, neither team has been very impressive as they both come off losses last week. (Giants to Washington (Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-paul were the only guys who played well) and the Jets to Philly)  Both teams need this game to get into the playoffs.  Although neither team is great, I trust Eli Manning and the Giants to make more plays then Sanchez and the Jets.  I'll pick the New York Giants (+3) over the New York Jets in what is technically a Jet home game.  NY Giants +3     

NBA preview

The NBA season, finally tips off Sunday (Christmas Day) and there has been a lot of superstar movement to start.  After a trade between the Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets was shut down by Davis Stern, (league owned Hornets) a deal was put together that sent superstar Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the   (other team in LA) Los Angles Clippers.  In some other big movement Tyson Chandler was signed by the New York Knicks, giving the Knicks their own big three. (Anthony, Stoudmire, and Chandler)  The Los Angles Lakers are not what they used to be after Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and coach Phil Jackson retired.  Ever since we heard the season was going to start on Christmas most of the NBA talk has centered around trades and who is going where, to form the next super team.  Super teams, with two or more stars are what the NBA is becoming.  The LA Lakers are not what they used to be, the LA Clippers are now a playoff team with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still young and fast, the Miami Heat and their big three are running out of time, the San Antonio Spurs are trying to hang onto some youth, the Dallas Mavericks will be interesting, I am excited to see the Knicks and their new big three.  Even though Donnie Walsh is no longer at the helm of the Knicks he did good, and managed to clean out a lot of bad contracts.  The Knicks were able to add Tyson Chandler to put with Stoudmire, and Anthony combined with guys like Mike Bibby, Baron Davis and company the Knicks should be in for a good season.  I look forward to seeing this Knick team on the court, should be on their way to the playoffs (this year) and a championship. ( within 3 years)  All NBA teams are going to be asked to play at least one back-to-back-to-back and multiple other back-to-backs.  Their won't be much rest in this shortened NBA season (66 games in 128 or so days) and deep teams will benefit the most, in the regular season, the playoff schedule has not changed much.          

NBA power rankings:
1) Miami Heat
2) Dallas Mavericks
3) Chicago Bulls
4) Oklahoma City Thunder
5) Orlando Magic
6) San Antonio Spurs
7) LA Lakers
8) LA Clippers
9) New York Knicks
10) Denver Nuggets
 

week fifteen, NFL picks

Well, there are only three weeks left in the NFL season.  In the NFC the Packers, Saints, and 49ers have clinched playoff spots, already.  The New York Giants got a big win last week in Dallas thanks to a Jason Pierre-paul blocked field goal which would have tied the game.  The Giants are now set up to win the NFC east with another win against Dallas.  Over in the AFC the Houston Texans are the only team to claim a playoff spot, in a conference which will probably come down to the end.    
Week 15 Picks:
1) Arizona has been up and down all year but this week they welcome in a Cleveland Brown team who's banged up and doesn't have their starting quarterback, Colt McCoy.  I'll pick the Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) over the Cleveland Browns in Phoenix.  Arizona Cardinals -6.5 
2) Green Bay is not loosing to Kanas City this week by Sunday night they'll be 14-0.  I'll take the Green Bay Packers (-13.5) over the Kansas City Chiefs in KC.  Green Bay Packers -13.5 
3) I am going to pick an up-set here, New England's defense isn't very good so I believe the Denver Broncos can score some points, this game comes down to can the Denver defense hold the Patriots and Tom Brady long enough for Tim Tebow and the offense to put up some points.  After last week and another 4th quarter comeback how can you not believe in Tim Tebow.  I'll take the Denver Broncos (+7.5) at home in the Mile High air to knock off the New England Patriots.  Denver Broncos +7.5 
4) The NY Jets got a much needed win against the Chiefs last week and this week take the show on the road to visit Michael Vick in Philadelphia.  The New York Jets need every win right now and this would be a big one, i'll take the NY Jets (+3) in Philly over the Eagles.    NY Jets +3
5) In a big game last week in Dallas where the secondary did not play very well, but they did find a running game with Brandon Jacobs behind the re-built offensive line.  Thanks to an Eli Manning 4th quarter comeback and Jason Pierre-Paul, the NY Giants got a big win.  Now the Giants control their own destiny and will be able to break a tie with another win against Dallas in week 17.  The Giants have to win at least one of their next two first, and that starts this week against Washington.  The Giants know what their up against and I see them playing better against a team they were embarrassed against week 1.   I'll take the New York Giants (-6.5) at home against the Washington Redskins.  NY Giants -6.5       

Week fourteen, NFL picks

As we head into the four games of the NFL season, teams are making their playoff pushes.  We are finally getting some colder, football weather as we hit the end of the regular season.  Maybe we'll get a game or two thats affected by the snow, wind, or rain down the stretch.
Week 14 picks:
1) Although the Oakland Raiders might be a playoff team, we saw against the Giants last week just how good Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are down the stretch of games.  The Packers just don't loose at home, i'll take the Packers (-11.5) at home against the Raiders.  Green Bay Packers -11.5
2) The Washington Redskins can be hot and cold and this week the New England Patriots come to town.  I'll take the Patriots (-8) on the road in Washington.     New England Patroits -8 
3) In a game of two teams that stared with greater expectations, and have since fallen off.  The Buffalo Bills travel to San Diego to play the Chargers.  I'll take the Charges (-7) to wright the ship against the Bills.   San Diego Chargers -7
4)  The NY Jets have to win in order to make the playoffs and in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs where I don't see either team putting up many points, the New York Jets will score a few more.  I'll take the NY Jets (-10.5) at home.   NY Jets -10.5 
5) The New York Giants have to win to make the playoffs, after loosing late to the packers but playing well over all I expect them to carry momentum into Dallas on Sunday Night to play the Cowboys.  I'll take the NY Giants (+3) in (Jerry Jones's place) Dallas.     NY Giants +3  

Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings have come to an end, with two teams making major moves.  First the Miami Marlins spent around $200 million on three players (RHP Mark Buehrle, SS Jose Reyes, and P Heath Bell) to remake their image.  Combine the new guys with the Marlins young guys and they become a power in the National League East.  Out west the Angels followed through on a major player, after years when they seem to be in that market but don't get the guy.  The Angels added 1B Albert Pujols (came in at the last minute and took him away from ST. Louis) and also C.J Wilson.  Albert definitely helps their offense and Wilson slides nicely into that rotation, which already had a couple of aces in Weaver, and Santana.  With those moves the Los Angles Angles Angels of Anaheim became major contenders in the A.L West While the Marlins and Angels were the big spenders, many other teams made, smaller moves.  The New York Mets let Jose Ryes go without much of a fight and they may trade 3B David Wright soon.  The Mets under new General Manager Sandy Alderson are entering full blown rebuilding mode.  The New York Yankees are in wait and see mode, they might try to add a bat if one becomes available, there only real need is a starting pitcher or two (no one great is really out their right now/ Buehrle and Wilson are now off the market).  The Yankees don't need much, just some tinkering here and there.              

NBA

A deal has been reached and we will have basketball on Christmas Day.  In the next couple weeks before play begins, there is going to be some player movement. The New York Knicks may try to further build around Carmelo Anthony and Admire Stoudmire, by going after Chris Paul.  The Knicks do not really have any resources left to trade, after trading a bunch of players and draft picks to Denver for Carmelo Anthony and others.  There are ways the Knicks can technically make this work, but they have to put a team on the court and guys around Carmelo and Admire.  They can always get Chris Paul as a free agent this summer, I think that is a better idea.  Let the Players they have, gel during the shorter season before they start bringing in more players.  I am excited to see what the current Knick team can do.
The Los Angles Lakers have not won a championship recently.  Kobe Bryant needs a supporting cast around him and he hasn't had one recently.  The Lakers want to bring in Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, which will diffidently make them the team to beat and the class of the NBA.  If the Lakers bring all of these stars in and they can all play together, they may become a dynasty.  I don't think the Lakers have the resources necessary to make this happen.
          

Winter Meetings, Jose Reyes

The MLB winter meetings are underway (12/5-9) in Dallas, TX.  These meetings are a yearly excuse for teams to get together and talk with players or their agents.  Their were a couple of signings before the meetings got started with Papplebon going to Philadelphia and Heath Bell going to the Miami Marlins.  The first major signing was announced last night with Jose Reyes going to the Marlins (6yrs/$106 mil).  Mets fans may be disappointed, I haven't talked to one person who thought he was coming back the Marlins were willing to give him more money and the mets had his injury his in the back of their minds.  Maybe with the warm florida air Jose will feel more refreshed and not break down as much.  The Marlins already had pretty good shortstop in Hanley Ramirez but when their are stars on the market, teams will make concessions.  Two is better then one, Ramirez will now shift to third base with Reyes at shortstop and with two all-stars under the age of 30, the Marlins will have the left side of their infield set for years to come.  I think Hanley will be just fine at third, once he realizes the position move is best for the team and he's not the first player to change his position to accommodate someone else.  We should be happy the former Florida now Miami Marlins are spending money.  The Marlins are remaking their image under owner Jeffrey Loria, with a new name, new uniforms, new ballpark, and now money.  The Marlins now have Jose Reyes they just signed Heath Bell, they have an offer out to Pujols (I think will wind up back in St Louis) and will probably be in the market for a pitcher.                       

Week thirteen, NFL picks

We have made it all the way to week 13, in the NFL.  Playoff positions are starting to be solidified and as far as the locals are concerned, the NY Jets are fighting for their lives in what is basically a playoff for that last Wild Card in the AFC, the NY Giants are on a three game loosing streak and hanging on because they have two games remaining with the division leading Dallas Cowboys.
Week 13 picks:
1) The Kanas City Chiefs might be breaking in a new quarterback,  the Chicago Bears are playing with a back up that has been with the system for a while and they have a better defense.  I'll take the Chicago Bears (-7) over the Kanas City Chiefs in Kansas City.  Chicago Bears -7 
2) The Cleveland Browns have gotten some lucky wins this season, but this week they run into the Baltimore Ravens with their feared defense.  I'll take the Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) over the Cleveland Browns on the road.     Baltimore Ravens -6.5
3)  If you saw the New Orleans Saints whip the Giants on Monday night, the Detroit Lions aren't going to beat the Saints at home.  I'll Take the New Orleans Saints (-9) at home versus the Detroit Lions.  New Orleans Saints -9 
4) The New York Jets got a lucky win against Buffalo at home last week and didn't show me a lot, Washington won at Seattle and has some momentum coming in.  Give me the Washington Redskins (+3) over the NY Jets at home.  Washington Redskins +3 
5) I was going to pick the NY Giants to stop the Green Bay Packers undefeated streak, after the Giants not showing up, not being able to get a pass rush on Drew Brees and not being able to run the ball with Brandon Jacobs on Monday night.  That being said i'll take the Green Bay Packers (-7) on the road versus the New York Giants.  Green Bay Packers -7