NFL Picks 13

Last week turned out to be a crazy week in football. Upsets took place all over the place (Chargers, Bucs, Rams, Jaguars, etc). There was a tie between the Vikings and Packers also, which was the first one of the season. And the two big games lived up to their billings. Dallas won on a last second field goal, and the Patriots upset the Broncos in OT in a wild game. Our picks, well, we were bad…

Andrew – 996 Points (117-58-1) – Winner of Week 12

Greg – 876 Points (115-60-1)

Happy Thanksgiving! Your treat for the day, besides turkey, is three NFL games and the end of all bye weeks this year. Of course the Lions and Cowboys play, but the Lions game against the Packers is sure important. Tonight, it’s the Ravens/Steelers. There are a number of other important divisional games this weekend, including Chiefs vs. Broncos, Part II. But there are two very important non-divisional games… The first is Arizona at Philly, and the second is New Orleans at Seattle. Can’t wait!

Below are our picks and confidence points for all the games (only 14 this week). Play along in the comment section if you want:

Greg’s Picks

16       Dallas over Oakland

15       New England over Houston

14       Carolina over Tampa Bay

13       Denver over Kansas City

12       Buffalo over Atlanta

11       NYG over Washington

10       Cleveland over Jacksonville

9          Baltimore over Pittsburgh

8          San Francisco over St. Louis

7          Seattle over New Orleans

6          Philadelphia over Arizona

5          Cincinnati over San Diego

4          Green Bay over Detroit

3          Indianapolis over Tennessee

2          Chicago over Minnesota

1          NYJ over Miami

Andrew’s Picks

16       Dallas over Oakland

15       New England over Houston

14       San Francisco over St. Louis

13       Denver over Kansas City

12       Carolina over Tampa Bay

11       Detroit over Green Bay

10       Indianapolis over Tennessee

9          Cleveland over Jacksonville

8          Chicago over Minnesota

7          NYG over Washington

6          Cincinnati over San Diego

5          Buffalo over Atlanta

4          Miami over NYJ

3          Baltimore over Pittsburgh

2          Philadelphia over Arizona

1          Seattle over New Orleans

Enjoy week 13, and Thanksgiving!

By: The Sports Guys

NBA Check-In

About one month has passed since the NBA season started, so today is a check-in and I'll discuss some of the hot topics.

- Who is the best team in the NBA right now?

As of today, this discussion comes down to Indiana and San Antonio. And while Indiana has the best defense and got off to the best start, the Spurs are the top team. Due to Danny Granger's injury (and playing level before that), I would wouldn't trust the Pacers' offense in big games as much as the Spurs' offense. San Antonio is balanced, deep, can score consistently inside and out, and still has a solid defense. With all this said, I'd still favor Miami in the playoffs down the road.

- Is Portland for real?

The Trailblazers are 13-2 and have won 11 games in a row. This answer is tricky so I'll answer it twice. Yes, they are for real as a team destined for the playoffs. I love Lillard and Aldridge, and they are surrounded by some great role players that add depth. But no, they aren't a legit title contender as their record would suggest. They aren't as good as the other top Western Conference teams (Spurs, Clippers, Rockets, Warriors, Thunder). But they could also prove me wrong.

- Who is the MVP right now?

This race is completely wide open right now. I think contenders would be Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Love, and Paul George. All five deserve the award for different reasons. I first would eliminate Love due to his team's record. Then I'd throw out George, because he does similar things for Indiana that Lebron and Durant do, just not quite to their level. As for the other 3 guys, if I had to choose now, I'd pick Durant. He started the year without Westbrook, but still got the Thunder off to a quick start. He's leading the league in scoring, and is averaging over 7 rebounds and 5 assists as well. And I think has less help around him than Lebron and CP3 have. But there is a long way to go.

- What do you make of Kobe's new contract?

I think it was smart to keep Kobe in LA and to re-sign him, but the price was too high. I would have at least wanted to see him play a little this year post-injury. With that said, getting Kobe a new deal would be the least of my worries as the GM for the Lakers. I'd work diligently on unloading Gasol and Nash to get younger and start the rebuild. I'd work on establishing some new faces and stars that Kobe could lead over the next couple years. I'd try to get players and/or 2014 draft picks. Then I'd make sure I have money to cash in on some players in the great free agent class this summer.

- What's wrong in New York and Brooklyn?

I was a big fan of both the Knicks and the Nets heading into the season. Both were good last year and I thought they'd be just as good if not better in both cases. It just hasn't worked out. Injuries to both teams have hurt, but they never were playing well regardless. Brooklyn just needs more time, but I think the Knicks need a new coach. I'd give it until Christmas though before I officially panic.

- What should the Bulls do?

The Bulls just lost Rose for the season... again. That kills their chances this year to be a threat in the Eastern Conference. I thought they were third best even with Rose, so now they have no chance against the Heat or Pacers. I'd suggest a mini-rebuild so when Rose returns he has all the right pieces. I'd keep Rose, Noah, Butler, and Snell for sure, but I'd be open to moving any other player (Deng and Boozer in particular). If the right moves comes along to bring in other great players, I'd do it. I'd also look to add talent in the loaded draft class and free agent class this summer. That way when Rose gets healthy, the roster would be ready to compete for championships for years to come, which isn't the case now, even if Rose didn't get injured.

- Who will be the first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Before the year, it was all about Andrew Wiggins. He's got competition for that pick now. Other good choices are Jabari Parker, Julius Randle, Dante Exum, Marcus Smart, and Joel Embiid. I think all six of those candidates will be great players, and they all have the upside to be superstars. This year more than any it could depend on which team is drafting at the top, and which player fits better. If I had to guess now (both draft order and players), this is how I see those top six picks going at this stage:

1. Utah Jazz: Andrew Wiggins - Biggest need is at SF. I went Wiggins over Parker due to athleticism, upside, and I think he's a better fit alongside Hayward. Young lineup would now be Burke, Hayward, Wiggins, Favors, Kanter.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker - I considered Exum and Smart here, but they just traded for Brandon Knight to be their point guard of the future. Parker would give them another much needed scorer and fills a long-term need at the SF. Parker could be the best all-around player in this draft anyways.

3. Sacramento Kings: Julius Randle - I originally had a point guard here, but I think finding a long-term power forward is more needed in the long run. A Randle/Cousins frontcourt would dominate the league for years to come.

4. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum - It came down to Exum vs. Smart for this spot. Exum has more size and upside however. He and Oladipo would be a great backcourt to build around. They have some nice young frontcourt players already too.

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid - Ideally, the 76ers would like to draft Wiggins or Parker, but I don't see them sucking bad enough this season to draft that high. Embiid and Noel could play next to each other though as they develop, which would be intimidating to play against.

6. Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart - Since the Celtics are now rebuilding, I would suggest trading Rondo now and getting some talent/picks in return. Smart would fill Rondo's shoes then as the point guard to lead Brad Stevens' team. Smart is exactly the type of leader Stevens would love.

By: The Sports Guys

Power Rankings 12

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 12

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (2) Seattle Seahawks (10-1) – We have a new number one team, and they were even on a bye this week… With a consistent defense and a great home-field advantage, the Seahawks will be tough to keep out of the Super Bowl this year.

2. (1) Denver Broncos (9-2) – I’ve finally removed the Broncos from the top spot after watching them choke against the Pats Sunday night. They shouldn’t have let their lead slip in the first place, then a terrible special teams play cost them. Peyton also looked human again in this one.

3. (3) New Orleans Saints (9-2) – It wasn’t always pretty against the Falcons, but they got it done once again. You getting excited for these NFC playoffs games yet?

4. (5) Carolina Panthers (8-3) – Cam Newton is getting more and more clutch, as we saw again on Sunday. That’s now seven wins in a row, and they are getting close to securing a playoff birth for the first time in the Cam era.

5. (6) New England Patriots (8-3) – Tom Brady got it done against Manning once again. He overcame the team’s early turnovers to charge back in the second half. The run defense is concerning however.

6. (4) Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) – The offense showed up in a big way (for nearly the first time all year), but the defense disappeared. Two injuries helped cause that, but I was still shocked.

7. (7) Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) –I want to see more touches for Gio out of the bye week. That means rushing at receiving.

8. (9) San Francisco 49ers (7-4) – For the first time in a while, I thought the 49ers looked dominant. If they round back into last season’s form, look out.

9. (11) Dallas Cowboys (6-5) – Back into first place with yet another division win. Romo looked clutch in the fourth quarter, and Dez Bryant broke out once more.

10. (10) Philadelphia Eagles (6-5) – Dallas tied them in the division over the bye week, so we’ll see how Foles and company respond.

11. (14) Arizona Cardinals (7-4) – At the start of the year I said this team would be dangerous and rise in the rankings. It’s turning out to be true. They owned the Colts all over the field on Sunday. Bruce Arians could win Coach of the Year again.

12. (8) Indianapolis Colts (7-4) – Apparently Reggie Wayne makes a big difference, as they have struggled in all phases since his injury, including Sunday afternoon.

13. (12) Detroit Lions (6-5) – Stafford’s four picks doomed them. But…

14. (13) Chicago Bears (6-5) – Apparently nobody wants to win the division as the Bears lost also. Terrible coaching and defense (again) in this one. So…

15. (16) Green Bay Packers (5-5-1) – The Packers gained half a game on both the Lions and Bears. Flynn gave the Packers a lift and Rodgers could return soon. If he does, this is still my choice to win the division.

16. (20) San Diego Chargers (5-6) – Rivers got it done when he needed to, on the road, and against a good team. Impressive!

17. (19) Baltimore Ravens (5-6) – Still in the hunt in the mediocre AFC. Helps when the Jets are a team they are fighting with for a wildcard birth.

18. (15) Miami Dolphins (5-6) – Devastating loss that would have gone a long way towards their playoff standing. In rare news, Mike Wallace made some big plays.

19. (22) St. Louis Rams (5-6) – They ran wild against the Bears, as most teams do. Things are getting cloudy with so many teams around .500.

20. (24) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) – Steelers making a major push to get into playoff contention. Didn’t see that coming a month and a half ago.

21. (26) Tennessee Titans (5-6) – Fitzpatrick played great in this one, finally giving them consistency since Locker’s early season injury. This is yet another 5-6 AFC team in the hunt.

22. (17) New York Giants (4-7) – Loss to the Cowboys sealed their fate most likely. It was a spirited effort again, but they just don’t have it this season.

23. (18) New York Jets (5-6) – Yes, this is another 5-6 team in the hunt in the AFC. But this team seems to be headed in the opposite direction as the others.

24. (21) Cleveland Browns (4-7) – Don’t know where Jordan Cameron has been hiding, but Josh Gordon has been emerging.

25. (28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8) – Another win, as that’s now three in a row. Glennon (and the defense) are getting it done.

26. (23) Oakland Raiders (4-7) – Raiders had a great chance to join the fun at 5-6, but couldn’t get it done in the end.

27. (25) Buffalo Bills (4-7) – On bye, but still got bumped two spots. Don’t have much going for them right now.

28. (29) Minnesota Vikings (2-8-1) – Had some great chances to close out the Packers in regulation and OT. That’s a game they should have won, not tied.

29. (27) Washington Redskins (3-8) – Being said RG3 shouldn’t be playing this season… I have to agree at this point.

30. (32) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) – Winners of 2 of 3, suddenly they are out of the 32 spot.

31. (30) Atlanta Falcons (2-9) – Much better effort against the Saints, but they are still freefalling.

32. (31) Houston Texans (2-9) – Speaking of freefalling, this team is on a downhill spiral that’s now out of control. And with no end in sight…

By: The Sports Guys

Youth vs. Experience

So the talk of college basketball by and large this year has been the great freshmen class that is dominating right now. But let’s not forget, there are some other great players in college basketball too. I’m talking about those guys who have played multiple years in college. So today, I’m picking a team (10 players) of freshmen, and then a team with everyone else (sophomores, juniors, seniors). Then we’ll debate on who would win:

Youth                                                                       

G          Nigel Williams-Goss             Washington

F          Andrew Wiggins                    Kansas

F          Jabari Parker                          Duke

F          Aaron Gordon                        Arizona

F/C      Julius Randle                          Kentucky

G          Andrew Harrison                  Kentucky

G          Sindarius Thornwell              South Carolina

G/F      James Young                          Kentucky

F          Noah Vonleh                          Indiana

C          Joel Embiid                            Kansas

Experience

G          Marcus Smart                         Oklahoma State

G          Russ Smith                             Louisville

F          C.J. Fair                                   Syracuse

F          Doug McDermott                   Creighton

C          Adreian Payne                       Michigan State

G          Shabazz Napier                     UCONN

G          Tyler Haws                            BYU

G/F      Sean Kilpatrick                      Cincinnati

F          James Michael McAdoo         North Carolina

C          Alex Kirk                               New Mexico

Greg: I believe the freshmen team would win.  They are at least as talented at every position but PG, and have great size and scoring ability. The freshmen team is also more athletic, and due to the new rules in college b-ball this year, in order to play defense without fouling you need that athleticism.

I also think that the "Experienced" team is a bit soft, with the exception of Marcus Smart. Smart may be good enough to win this game anyway, but I think if you look up and down the “youth team”, they are all very solidly built, tough players. Rebounding and shot blocking would be a decided edge for the freshmen team.

When I compared the teams, I found myself liking the freshmen team better at SG, SG, and C. I only liked the experienced team more at PG, and PF. The Center position was close, but since Randle has already dominated Payne once this year and Embiid is actually more of a true center than any of them I went with the Freshmen/Youth.

I love Jabari Parker, I think he is the second coming of Lebron James, in a less offensive persona. He needs to take his nutrition and physical conditioning a little bit more seriously, but he is without a doubt in my mind the best player on the court here. Marcus Smart is the only other player capable of challenging that, but I think Parker's inside/outside game and combination with Gordon, Randle, Embiid, Vonleh, and Wiggins would eventually make the difference in the game here. The Youth team has too much scoring and athleticism for the “Experienced Team” to compete with, even with Napier and Smart running the show.

I like the Youth team in a 95-90 win, with Parker leading the way with 19 and 13.

Andrew: I’ll take the veteran squad. We’ve actually even seen this play out this year in some regard… The first example was an experienced Michigan State handling the freshmen team at Kentucky. We also saw Kasey Hill (freshman) get overwhelmed against the vets of Wisconsin. Plus, we watched UCONN execute better than the young Hoosiers, and take freshmen Vonleh and Williams out of the game. Jabari Parker’s Duke squad has been shaky throughout the year, while Marcus Smart’s Cowboys have been dominating teams. There are plenty of examples to choose from, but experience counts.

Taking a look at the rosters, I’ll admit the freshmen team has more upside, but we’re debating on a game being played now, not in five years. The experienced team has been in big games and knows how to play basketball much better at this stage in their careers. Plus their “know-how” easily overcomes the athletic advantage the freshmen would have. I also think the experienced team has much better shooting, they pass better, and they have much better scoring. All ten of these experienced guys have been lighting it up this year… look up the stats if you don’t believe me.

Most importantly, in college basketball, guard play is so vitally important. The guards for the experienced team blow the youth guards away. I also think depth is so much better for the upperclassmen here. When I picked the freshmen team, I listed six guys easily, but struggled to come up with 4 other guys worthy of this game. When I picked the experienced team, it was hard to just pick ten guys out of 30-40 worthy of this game. All of them are stars now, which can’t be said of the youth team.

So while Jabari Parker and even Randle individually would be tough to handle, I don’t see the freshmen team being able to defend the experienced team as a whole at all. They would eat up those young guys. So I’d take your score and make it higher… 105 to 91, the upperclassmen win.

By: The Sports Guys

NFL Picks 12

Last week, I didn’t get to watch a game. Tornadoes hit the city I live in hard Sunday afternoon. My home didn’t have power again until Wednesday afternoon. Here’s what I missed (and you saw): Chicago tied Detroit atop the division by taking out Baltimore in OT. Denver gave KC their first loss. New Orleans took out the 49ers despite some controversy. But the most controversy was at the end of the Carolina win over New England.

Andrew – 950 Points (111-51)

Greg – 876 Points (111-51)

Guest Picker Judson – 765 Points (94-53) – One week less than us

There are only two games I’ll mention in my preview… The first is a rivalry game with Dallas at NYG. This features Romo and Manning, and both teams need this win to keep pace with Philly (who has a bye this week). The best game though is Denver at New England. Denver is the top team in football, but New England will be at home. Peyton vs. Brady is always fun to watch, and Welker is taking on his former team for the first time. Wow!

Below are our picks and confidence points for all the games (only 14 this week). Play along in the comment section if you want:

Greg’s Picks

14       New Orleans over Atlanta

13       Denver over New England

12       Kansas City over San Diego

11       San Francisco over Washington

10       Pittsburgh over Cleveland

9          NYG over Dallas

8          Minnesota over Green Bay

7          Detroit over Tampa Bay

6          Arizona over Indianapolis

5          Chicago over St. Louis

4          NYJ over Baltimore

3          Houston over Jacksonville

2          Oakland over Tennessee

1          Miami over Carolina

Andrew’s Picks

14       Detroit over Tampa Bay

13       New Orleans over Atlanta

12       Kansas City over San Diego

11       Carolina over Miami

10       San Francisco over Washington

9          Houston over Jacksonville

8          Baltimore over NYJ

7          Chicago over St. Louis

6          Indianapolis over Arizona

5          Oakland over Tennessee

4          Green Bay over Minnesota

3          Pittsburgh over Cleveland

2          Denver over New England

1          Dallas over NYG

Enjoy week 12!

By: The Sports Guys