Teams I'm convinced are good: Packers (money), Falcons (that offense looks deadly, the D isn't great but I think they're gonna outscore most teams), Cardinals (the D is stout and the offense (as long as Palmer stays healthy) looks really good, they'll be there at the end of the year).
Teams that might be good: Rams (the offense is still a work in progress but the pass rush is one of the best in the league), Vikings (ditto the Rams (dude, don't they look like the exact same team?)), Seahawks (starting slow on both sides of the ball but they've got all they need to go deep in the playoffs again).
Teams that could go either way: Panthers (4-0 in a soft division but I'm still dubious; the D has to improve and the offense needs more than just Cam), Giants (Eli can make a good team bad or a bad team good....so are the Giants good enough for Eli to kill or bad enough for Eli to elevate?), Redskins (the D is legit, the offense seems to be getting better and the division is schizophrenic, the Redskins could be there at the end), Cowboys (all about Romo's health: when he comes back I think they're the best in the East but until he comes back they'll be up and down).
Teams that are probably bad: Bucs (the D is good but its been good for years without ever making a difference, all about how Winston figures it out), Eagles (I have no idea if they're any good or not, but they better figure it out soon).
Teams I'm convinced are awful: Lions (falling apart, can they get a draft pick for Stafford?), Bears (they have their moments of looking good but not enough to make me think they actually will be good), Saints (Brees looks just about done, the D is so-so at best, the division looks to be leaving them behind), Niners (remember when it looked like the Niners were gonna be good at every position for years and years? What happened to that?).
Thursday, October 8, 2015
NFL Week 4 (AFC)
Teams I'm pretty sure are good: Bengals (when Dalton is kept upright he's really pretty good (think Rich Gannon of the 1990s Raiders), the pass rush is really good, the run D is solid and with Roethlisberger out and the Ravens floundering, Bengals might be ready to start selling playoff tickets), Patriots (Brady is still killing it, plan on the Pats going deep into the playoffs).
Teams that could still turn out to be really good: Broncos (that pass rush is stingy but Peyton is clearly just about done, they'll win games but they won't be dominant and its hard to imagine them going far in the playoffs...or they might), Colts (Andrew Luck is off to a horrible start, the D is not very good, the skill players are old (rather then veteran) and there doesn't seem to be much faith in the coach; but I'm still convinced Luck is the next great QB, the division is soft and there is still time to right the ship....or they could be awful), Titans (I'm digging Mariota and the defense isn't bad, if Luck can't get it going, the Titans may well take this division and surprise people in the post-season), Chiefs (I realize they have yet to do anything impressive but consider: Peyton and Rivers are in decline and even though the Raiders look okay, they're still the Raiders; the Chiefs have 3 losses but they were all to really good teams, so are the Chiefs actually a pretty good team? Could be, don't write them off just yet).
Teams that could be good but could also be really terrible: Bills (Taylor, Shady, Watkins, Harvin and a wicked pass defense is a good start; when they're not setting records for penalties they're actually pretty good but if they don't get over the stupid mistakes they'll be a laughing stock by year's end), Jets (the D is turning out to be dangerously good and Fitzpatrick is enough to keep them moving in the right direction, they've still got a lot to overcome but if they play to their capability they might actually be pretty good), Steelers (if Roethlisberger comes back in time, then that offense still has the potential to be deadly; but the D isn't great and without Roethlisberger, I don't think the Steelers go anywhere), Raiders (they're definitely playing better than they've played in over a decade, the Carr-Cooper hookup looks legit and the pass rush isn't bad but they're still young, they have a long way to go and they're still the Raiders).
Teams that look like they could be awful: Chargers (last year Rivers was a legit MVP candidate and that offense was able to rack up some points, but this year the O is sputtering and the D doesn't look superlative; the division isn't necessarily out of reach but they better get it going soon), Ravens (listless, lifeless, Flacco has never been a great regular season QB, the vaunted Raven D looks pretty ordinary, its early but I think they might be awful), Texans (the D is still scary but the offense is an absolute mess, even in a soft division I don't think Texans get it going until they draft the right QB).
Teams I'm pretty sure are terrible: Browns (tough schedule, disappointing defense, the McCown/Manziel controversy is just kind of embarrassing, even though the Steelers and Ravens are faltering they're still at the bottom of the division), Jags (while they do seem slightly better than their recent awfulness, I'm not seeing anything that looks like a good football team), Dolphins (already gave up on the coach, the offense is sputtering, the D is not living up to billing, tough division, the Dolphins are on draft pick duty).
Teams that could still turn out to be really good: Broncos (that pass rush is stingy but Peyton is clearly just about done, they'll win games but they won't be dominant and its hard to imagine them going far in the playoffs...or they might), Colts (Andrew Luck is off to a horrible start, the D is not very good, the skill players are old (rather then veteran) and there doesn't seem to be much faith in the coach; but I'm still convinced Luck is the next great QB, the division is soft and there is still time to right the ship....or they could be awful), Titans (I'm digging Mariota and the defense isn't bad, if Luck can't get it going, the Titans may well take this division and surprise people in the post-season), Chiefs (I realize they have yet to do anything impressive but consider: Peyton and Rivers are in decline and even though the Raiders look okay, they're still the Raiders; the Chiefs have 3 losses but they were all to really good teams, so are the Chiefs actually a pretty good team? Could be, don't write them off just yet).
Teams that could be good but could also be really terrible: Bills (Taylor, Shady, Watkins, Harvin and a wicked pass defense is a good start; when they're not setting records for penalties they're actually pretty good but if they don't get over the stupid mistakes they'll be a laughing stock by year's end), Jets (the D is turning out to be dangerously good and Fitzpatrick is enough to keep them moving in the right direction, they've still got a lot to overcome but if they play to their capability they might actually be pretty good), Steelers (if Roethlisberger comes back in time, then that offense still has the potential to be deadly; but the D isn't great and without Roethlisberger, I don't think the Steelers go anywhere), Raiders (they're definitely playing better than they've played in over a decade, the Carr-Cooper hookup looks legit and the pass rush isn't bad but they're still young, they have a long way to go and they're still the Raiders).
Teams that look like they could be awful: Chargers (last year Rivers was a legit MVP candidate and that offense was able to rack up some points, but this year the O is sputtering and the D doesn't look superlative; the division isn't necessarily out of reach but they better get it going soon), Ravens (listless, lifeless, Flacco has never been a great regular season QB, the vaunted Raven D looks pretty ordinary, its early but I think they might be awful), Texans (the D is still scary but the offense is an absolute mess, even in a soft division I don't think Texans get it going until they draft the right QB).
Teams I'm pretty sure are terrible: Browns (tough schedule, disappointing defense, the McCown/Manziel controversy is just kind of embarrassing, even though the Steelers and Ravens are faltering they're still at the bottom of the division), Jags (while they do seem slightly better than their recent awfulness, I'm not seeing anything that looks like a good football team), Dolphins (already gave up on the coach, the offense is sputtering, the D is not living up to billing, tough division, the Dolphins are on draft pick duty).
MLB Playoffs
Okay, I missed both of the play-in games and I'm already a game down on the Blue Jays, but what the the hell I'll stick with the Blue Jays in 6. I'll take the Royals over the Astros in 6.
Though I liked the Pirates to beat the Cubs, I'll take the Cubs over the Cards in 7. I'll take the Dodgers over the Mets in 4.
Last year, I believe I was correct only 1 time in 9 tries and though I'm already off to a terrible start, trying to predict the future is my passion. The future is coming, I may as well try to look prepared.
Though I liked the Pirates to beat the Cubs, I'll take the Cubs over the Cards in 7. I'll take the Dodgers over the Mets in 4.
Last year, I believe I was correct only 1 time in 9 tries and though I'm already off to a terrible start, trying to predict the future is my passion. The future is coming, I may as well try to look prepared.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
NBA Bric a Brac
Ben Gordon to Warriors. I'm not a fan of Ben Gordon's game but for a veteran squad like the Warriors I reckon he fits in just fine. The Warriors were amazingly healthy last year, that kind of luck is rarely repeated, Gordon might end up playing some meaningful minutes.
Michael Beasley to Shandong (China). I wonder if his lack of Chinese will give him a little more time before everyone figures out what a douche he (apparently) is. I suspect that level of douch-ery transcends language but I also suspect that in China Beasley can get his game, might finally become the dominant player he was meant to be. If he plays well, will he be able to get back to the NBA by playoff time?
Derrick Rose fractured orbital bone. Looks like he'll be ready for opening day so to my mind this is not really a big deal. Rose has been so unlucky with injuries the last coupla years that every injury seems like a career ender, but hey, man, guys get hurt and this seems like a (relatively) normal wear and tear of a pro athlete. In a weird way I think it could be good for him: he'll start the season a little slow, might get up to speed at the right time for the post-season.
Kevin Durant speculation already. Yeah, yeah, this talk is gonna be going on all year long. Coach Donovan, your mission is clear: win or lose, you gotta re-sign KD.
Iman Shumpert hurt. The speculation I saw said that he won't be ready til after New Year's. The Cavs should breeze through the Eastern Conference but without their best perimeter defender, they might miss out on some home games in the playoffs (eh, I doubt it'll matter).
Anthony Bennett to the Raptors. The T-Wolves are adament they didn't 'give up' on Bennett but they did waive before the beginning of the season letting him walk to his hometown Raptors because...I dunno....they really liked him and thought he could play? Bennett to my mind is an undervalued stock and I can imagine going back to Canada might finally give him the opportunity he needs. The Raptors made changes in the off-season though it wasn't the blow-up I thought it would be. Looks to me like Bennett will get some playing time and if he can find a scoring touch, he might be really useful for them.
Mike Miller to Nuggets. Why? Dude, what could Mike Miller possibly have to prove at this point in his career? I can see him getting back to the Cavs or even the Grizzlies but why Denver? Zero chance of a post-season activity for the Nuggets this year.
Kobe to play beyond this year? Even Phil Jax threw out the idea that Kobe could play for someone other than the Lakers next year. Hey, man, I say Kobe doesn't leave until he flat out can't play any more, he is as dedicated to basketball as any player I think I've ever seen and if he can still get paid to score points, I say he keeps going until his body is absolutely done. And if the Lakers don't want him back, I can see him playing elsewhere (why not slide into Manu's spot in San Antonio?).
Raptors pick up options on Caboclo and Nocieria. Those two are the future and with Amir Johnson gone, I guess the future is now for the spunky young Brazilians. I look forward to seeing what they can do.
Sixers waive Gerald Wallace. Wait, when did he get to Philly? Are the Sixers cutting players that aren't even on their roster now?
Pre-season begins. So far all I've seen is Tibor Pleiss. Nickname suggestion: Scarecrow ('cause those arms are freakishly long).
FIBA Euro Spain over Lithuania. I was in and out of the FIBA Euro tourney, good stuff. Spain over France in the semis was probably the money shot game (kinda thought Pau fouled Gobert on that game-tying shot but, man, Pau was balling that day). Kind of a replay of the previous summer's FIBA World Cup: Spain, France, Lithuania and Serbia were the best non-USA teams two straight summers.
I'm so freakin' ready for basketball. Glad football's back, glad MLB is into the post-season, digging as much EPL and Euro soccer as I can watch. But basketball's my thing.
Michael Beasley to Shandong (China). I wonder if his lack of Chinese will give him a little more time before everyone figures out what a douche he (apparently) is. I suspect that level of douch-ery transcends language but I also suspect that in China Beasley can get his game, might finally become the dominant player he was meant to be. If he plays well, will he be able to get back to the NBA by playoff time?
Derrick Rose fractured orbital bone. Looks like he'll be ready for opening day so to my mind this is not really a big deal. Rose has been so unlucky with injuries the last coupla years that every injury seems like a career ender, but hey, man, guys get hurt and this seems like a (relatively) normal wear and tear of a pro athlete. In a weird way I think it could be good for him: he'll start the season a little slow, might get up to speed at the right time for the post-season.
Kevin Durant speculation already. Yeah, yeah, this talk is gonna be going on all year long. Coach Donovan, your mission is clear: win or lose, you gotta re-sign KD.
Iman Shumpert hurt. The speculation I saw said that he won't be ready til after New Year's. The Cavs should breeze through the Eastern Conference but without their best perimeter defender, they might miss out on some home games in the playoffs (eh, I doubt it'll matter).
Anthony Bennett to the Raptors. The T-Wolves are adament they didn't 'give up' on Bennett but they did waive before the beginning of the season letting him walk to his hometown Raptors because...I dunno....they really liked him and thought he could play? Bennett to my mind is an undervalued stock and I can imagine going back to Canada might finally give him the opportunity he needs. The Raptors made changes in the off-season though it wasn't the blow-up I thought it would be. Looks to me like Bennett will get some playing time and if he can find a scoring touch, he might be really useful for them.
Mike Miller to Nuggets. Why? Dude, what could Mike Miller possibly have to prove at this point in his career? I can see him getting back to the Cavs or even the Grizzlies but why Denver? Zero chance of a post-season activity for the Nuggets this year.
Kobe to play beyond this year? Even Phil Jax threw out the idea that Kobe could play for someone other than the Lakers next year. Hey, man, I say Kobe doesn't leave until he flat out can't play any more, he is as dedicated to basketball as any player I think I've ever seen and if he can still get paid to score points, I say he keeps going until his body is absolutely done. And if the Lakers don't want him back, I can see him playing elsewhere (why not slide into Manu's spot in San Antonio?).
Raptors pick up options on Caboclo and Nocieria. Those two are the future and with Amir Johnson gone, I guess the future is now for the spunky young Brazilians. I look forward to seeing what they can do.
Sixers waive Gerald Wallace. Wait, when did he get to Philly? Are the Sixers cutting players that aren't even on their roster now?
Pre-season begins. So far all I've seen is Tibor Pleiss. Nickname suggestion: Scarecrow ('cause those arms are freakishly long).
FIBA Euro Spain over Lithuania. I was in and out of the FIBA Euro tourney, good stuff. Spain over France in the semis was probably the money shot game (kinda thought Pau fouled Gobert on that game-tying shot but, man, Pau was balling that day). Kind of a replay of the previous summer's FIBA World Cup: Spain, France, Lithuania and Serbia were the best non-USA teams two straight summers.
I'm so freakin' ready for basketball. Glad football's back, glad MLB is into the post-season, digging as much EPL and Euro soccer as I can watch. But basketball's my thing.
MLB Playoffs
AL
The Astros are running on fumes, rode a coupla hot streaks in May and July all the way to the post-season, good for them. But I reckon it ends here. The Yankees overachieved all year long and though their starting pitching is pretty soft, I will take them to best the Astros in the play-in game.
I didn't watch any baseball this year til about the middle of August but I watched as much as I could since then. The Blue Jays were easily the best team I saw in all that time (Nationals were probably the worst, the team most unlikely to win day in, day out), the lineup is quite the murderer's row and while the pitching isn't overwhelming, it should be good enough. It'd be cool to see the Royals repeat as AL Champs and they do have home field advantage but they faced so little challenge in the division that I feel like they're not as battle tested as they need to be. The Rangers came out of nowhere to skip past the Angels and Astros but I don't give them more than a puncher's chance against the field (although the best team doesn't always win in baseball). I'll take the Blue Jays.
NL
Cubs-Pirates is such a fine matchup that it's a little disappointing they only get 1 game, a bit like turning the Indy 500 into the Indy 5 (hmmm, I think I like that idea). Arrieta has been untouchable the last 3 months or so but I'll take the Pirates to find a way at home.
The Cardinals casually ground up the competition all year long but somehow they don't seem vastly superior to the rest of the league and in a short series I can see them getting stopped. The Mets have a solid pitching staff but the lineup does not strike much fear. The Dodgers are an interesting mix of vets and kids, they seem to be getting healthy at the right time and their top 2 starters are mowing people down. I like the Dodgers to get it done.
Blue Jays over Dodgers in 6. (Who had that at the beginning of the year?)
The Astros are running on fumes, rode a coupla hot streaks in May and July all the way to the post-season, good for them. But I reckon it ends here. The Yankees overachieved all year long and though their starting pitching is pretty soft, I will take them to best the Astros in the play-in game.
I didn't watch any baseball this year til about the middle of August but I watched as much as I could since then. The Blue Jays were easily the best team I saw in all that time (Nationals were probably the worst, the team most unlikely to win day in, day out), the lineup is quite the murderer's row and while the pitching isn't overwhelming, it should be good enough. It'd be cool to see the Royals repeat as AL Champs and they do have home field advantage but they faced so little challenge in the division that I feel like they're not as battle tested as they need to be. The Rangers came out of nowhere to skip past the Angels and Astros but I don't give them more than a puncher's chance against the field (although the best team doesn't always win in baseball). I'll take the Blue Jays.
NL
Cubs-Pirates is such a fine matchup that it's a little disappointing they only get 1 game, a bit like turning the Indy 500 into the Indy 5 (hmmm, I think I like that idea). Arrieta has been untouchable the last 3 months or so but I'll take the Pirates to find a way at home.
The Cardinals casually ground up the competition all year long but somehow they don't seem vastly superior to the rest of the league and in a short series I can see them getting stopped. The Mets have a solid pitching staff but the lineup does not strike much fear. The Dodgers are an interesting mix of vets and kids, they seem to be getting healthy at the right time and their top 2 starters are mowing people down. I like the Dodgers to get it done.
Blue Jays over Dodgers in 6. (Who had that at the beginning of the year?)
Thursday, September 10, 2015
FIBA Americas
I haven't paid much attention to the FIBA tourney, more interested in US Open Tennis, Euro Basket and the return of NCAA football. I was surprised that Brazil crashed out in group play without much effort considering the beatdown they just laid on everyone in the Pan Am Games; why show up for that competition and sandbag this one? With no USA, no Brazil, it feels like Canada is ready to curb stomp the remaining competitors.
Canada plays Venezuela on one side and Argentina plays Mexico on the other. I just don't see how Venezuela hangs with Canada nor how the winner of the other semi could hang with Canada. But the games still have to be played and Argentina has plenty of veteran savvy (re: old guys). Hang a Maple Leaf on it, this tourney looks done to me.
Canada plays Venezuela on one side and Argentina plays Mexico on the other. I just don't see how Venezuela hangs with Canada nor how the winner of the other semi could hang with Canada. But the games still have to be played and Argentina has plenty of veteran savvy (re: old guys). Hang a Maple Leaf on it, this tourney looks done to me.
NFL Predictions
Ahhh, football is back. Time to predict the future.
AFC
X Pats (2) X Bengals (4) X Colts (1) X Broncos (3)
Y Dolphins (5) Y Steelers (6) Texans Chiefs
Bills Ravens Titans Chargers
Jets Browns Jags Raiders
Steelers over Broncos, Bengals over Dolphins
Steelers over Colts, Pats over Bengals
Pats over Steelers
Colts ready to bust out, Pats are still better than everybody, Broncos'll be gassed by playoffs, I like the Bengals to win a playoff game, Dolphins will have a good D, I like the Steelers to go deep.
NFC
X Cowboys (3) X Packers (1) X Falcons (4) X Seahawks (2)
Y Eagles (5) Vikings Panthers Y Cards (6)
Redskins Lions Bucs Rams
Giants Bears Saints Niners
Cowboys over Cards, Eagles over Falcons
Packers over Eagles, Cowboys over Seahawks
Packers over Cowboys
Packers over Patriots
Packers still the best, Seahawks fade in the playoffs, Cowboys have another year of overachieving, Falcons offense should be pretty awesome, Eagles will be interesting to watch and will pose problems in the post-season, Cards are stout enough to make the playoffs.
(Got a feeling Eli, Brees, Cutler, Peyton and Rivers all fall off this year while Roethlisberger, Luck and Romo dominate)
AFC
X Pats (2) X Bengals (4) X Colts (1) X Broncos (3)
Y Dolphins (5) Y Steelers (6) Texans Chiefs
Bills Ravens Titans Chargers
Jets Browns Jags Raiders
Steelers over Broncos, Bengals over Dolphins
Steelers over Colts, Pats over Bengals
Pats over Steelers
Colts ready to bust out, Pats are still better than everybody, Broncos'll be gassed by playoffs, I like the Bengals to win a playoff game, Dolphins will have a good D, I like the Steelers to go deep.
NFC
X Cowboys (3) X Packers (1) X Falcons (4) X Seahawks (2)
Y Eagles (5) Vikings Panthers Y Cards (6)
Redskins Lions Bucs Rams
Giants Bears Saints Niners
Cowboys over Cards, Eagles over Falcons
Packers over Eagles, Cowboys over Seahawks
Packers over Cowboys
Packers over Patriots
Packers still the best, Seahawks fade in the playoffs, Cowboys have another year of overachieving, Falcons offense should be pretty awesome, Eagles will be interesting to watch and will pose problems in the post-season, Cards are stout enough to make the playoffs.
(Got a feeling Eli, Brees, Cutler, Peyton and Rivers all fall off this year while Roethlisberger, Luck and Romo dominate)
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