Weekend Observations

The story of the weekend was the injury RGIII sustained in the Redskins loss to the Seattle Seahawks.  That's unfortunate because the Hawks played a hell of a game after the 1st quarter.  The defense shut down Washington's running game and Earl Thomas proved why he's the 2nd most important player on the team.  The two time pro bowler (he's only played 3 seasons) was brilliant wreaking havoc all over the field and causing turnovers that led to a victory.  Now that the NHL lockout is over DC fans can turn to the Capitals for their sports fix.  Something tells me the Wizards aren't going to turn it around this season.

 

As for my B3TZ game?  I made a valiant effort coming back from a 4 point deficit, but I barely missed the cut.  Blake Griffin and the Clippers let me down early in the week and I was never able to recover.  Congrats to Danielle Tran, Winston Tran, and Monk Key for coming in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively.  I'm not completely discouraged about my 6 week losing streak, but the lack of victories is starting to become annoying.  Not to worry though, the self proclaimed expert on all things sports related will make his triumphant return to the top of the leader board this week.  Here are some observations over the weekend.

The NFL has decided Chip Kelly's gimmick offense isn't what they're looking for and the Oregon coach will head back to Eugene.  Just because Jim Harbaugh, Pete Carroll, and Greg Schiano have had success in the pros doesn't mean every college coach is ready to make that leap.  Note to Chip Kelly:  Don't go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

The media is doing their best to pretend the national championship game between Notre Dame and Alabama will be competitive.  Don't believe them.  Notre Dame is out of their league and Nick Saban is about to win his 3rd national championship in 4 years.  Not sure how I feel about that.

Canada can breathe a sigh of relief now that the NHL lockout is over.  My friends and family in Vancouver can pull out their Canucks gear and head down to Rogers Arena.  Can't say it makes any difference to me one way or another.

Kobe Bryant is leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 30.5 points per game, but his individual success hasn't translated into Laker wins.  LA has lost 3 straight games and are currently behind Portland, Minnesota, and Utah for 8th place in the Western conference.  Where's Jeanie Buss's fiancee when you need him?

Seahawks B3TZ

Seattle vs. Washington

It's not secret I'm drunk off the Pete Carroll Kool Aid and I think the Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl this year.  In order for my prediction to be right the first obstacle is RGIII and the Washington Redskins.  The Skins have a tremendous amount of momentum going into Sunday's game and they will certainly enjoy the benefits of the home crowd at Fed Ex field.  That doesn't mean they have the better team however and winning playoff games comes down to making big plays while eliminating mistakes and turnovers.  I think Russell Wilson is going to have a monster game while RGIII struggles against a superior defense.  First stop the nation's capital.  After that win  off to the dirty south. 

LA B3TZ

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers have conceded LA bragging rights to the Clippers this season.  Although Kobe Bryant is playing inspired ball the rest of the team seems lost in the D'Antoni system.  Once considered to be a championship contender it looks like the Lakers will struggle to make the playoffs.

Conversely the Clippers are by far the deepest team in the NBA.  Their bench has more talent than the starting line up of Washington, Charlotte, Sacramento, or New Orleans.  That doesn't mean they can get to the Western conference finals, but it sure makes for a dominant regular season team.  Steve Nash will need a big game if the Lakers have any chance of winning.

AFC Playoff Predictions

Cincinnati + 4 1/2 over Houston

Not sure if anybody noticed, but the Houston Texans lost 3 of their last 4 games and barely held off the Colts to win the AFC South.  Once considered the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl the Texans now find themselves without a first round playoff bye and the aura of invincibility has been completely removed.

To make matters worse the Bengals want revenge for their playoff loss to the Texans last year.  Andy Dalton and AJ Green are no longer rookies and this time when they travel to Reliant Stadium it will be with the league's #6 ranked defense standing behind them.  If the Bengals offensive line can stop JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus from getting to the quarterback this game has upset written all over it (or at least coverage of the spread).

Indianaoplis +7 over Baltimore

In a fairytale ending Ray Lewis sacks Andrew Luck, picks up the fumble, and scores the winning touchdown just as time expires.  In the real world Lewis and Terrell Suggs are not really healthy and Andrew Luck smells blood in the water.  The Colts didn't expect to be back in the playoffs this quickly, but here they are with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

On the flip side Baltimore lost 4 of their last 5 games and Joe Flacco hasn't had a decent game in months.  Ray Rice doesn't get enough touches and the offensive philosophy is out of sync.  This is not the way I wanted the mighty Hurricane tandem to go out, but at least Ed Reed and Ray Lewis will be in Canton someday.  The Colts will play to win and the Ravens will play not to lose.  Don't be surprised to see Shankapotimus rear his ugly head in Baltimore.  Indy covers easily.

Carmelo B3TZ

New York vs. San Antonio

The New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs hook up for their last meeting of the season tonight at Madison Square Garden.  The Knicks are slowly integrating Amare Stoudemire back into the line up and adjusting to life without Raymond Felton.  Fortunately Carmelo Anthony is healthy and more than willing to carry New York on his back.  Tim Duncan and the Spurs will put up a good fight, but Carmelo and the Knicks will win a close one.

Denver vs. Minnesota

When the Denver Nuggets traded Carmelo Anthony 2 seasons ago George Karl said they were a better team going forward.  I don't know about all that, but when Denver takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight they will have won 7 of their last 10 games.  Minnesota is missing the services of Ricky Rubio, so I expect Denver to win in a rout.

NFC Playoff Predictions

Minnesota +7 1/2 over Green Bay

If you listen to Valyncia Jennings the Packers lost a first round bye in the playoffs because Aaron Rodgers (2011 Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP) doesn't know what the hell he's doing and didn't throw to her brother enough.  If you listen to Valyncia's twitter rants you'd swear she was the greatest offensive mind since Bill Walsh.  Greg Jennings is pretty good, but he's not all that!  I mean, he's not Megatron or anything.  If Valyncia were paying closer attention she'd realize the Packers lost because they got run over by a one man wrecking machine named Adrian Peterson.  The Packers defense won't be any better by Saturday and in fact their bodies might not have enough time to recover from the beating they took last Sunday.  Although this game is in Green Bay I don't see the results being any different.  Adrian will run all day and the Vikings will pull off the upset (or at least cover).

Seattle +3 over Washington

RGIII says his knee is feeling better.  Unfortunately his improved health will be the source of his demise.  It will give him a false sense of security that the read option can be effective against the Seahawk defense.  Earl Thomas and Cam Chancellor will cut off the running lanes while Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner shut down passing lanes.  RGIII has had a magical season, but he'll soon realize the Seahawks are the biggest, strongest, fastest defense he's seen all year.  He'll have no answer for the pressure.

Meanwhile Russell Wilson is starting to look like Neo in the Matrix.  Every week he discovers some new move that he can add to his skill set.  Right now he has too many weapons in his arsenal for the 28th ranked defense (30th against the pass) to shut down.  The Hawks can score at least 24 points and I doubt the Redskins can set past 20.  You do the math.

California B3TZ

Sacramento vs. Cleveland

The Sacramento Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers are both looking to turn over a new leaf in 2013.  The Cavs should be improved with rookie of the year candidate Dion Waiters and the return of Kyrie Irving.  The Kings on the other hand face uncertainty about the health of Tyreke Evans and also where the team will play next season.  Look for Irving to exploit Sacramento's smaller point guards.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden St.

The Los Angeles Clippers saw their 17 game winning streak come to an end, but that doesn't mean they will automatically start a new one.  The Golden St. Warriors have been playing inspired ball this season holding their own against the NBA's elite teams.  Although Draymond Green and David Lee have been playing well as of late Blake "The Barbarian" Griffin still has a distinct advantage in this match up.  Look for Blake to have a big game and the Clippers should win a close one.