SR – NBA Power Rankings: Week 6

SR – NBA Power Rankings: Week 6

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by | Nov 26, 2019 | Featured, NBA

Okay, so by now it’s pretty clear just what franchises currently look to be affirmed as contenders now that we’ve almost passed the first full month of this season. Viable postseason locks look like as domineering as we expect them to, and well, those that have failed to meet expectations early on look subpar as they are looking more like locks to receive lottery picks in June.

Certain narratives about how a few of cellar-dweller teams may have finally got a glimpse of successful above-.500 basketball are beginning to die down as we near December and the new year, and conversely championship favorites that started their seasons out sluggishly are finally getting the hang of it, perched atop of rankings tracking every major traditional and advanced statistic.

Some teams were on the outside of the top 10 teams looking in to begin the year, and now look like automatic mainstays a month in. Teams like the Clippers and Mavericks started the year on rocky roads, potentially due to the health of their stars.

As disjointed as their starts were, both teams and more on this list look as if they can and will challenge for that Western NBA Finals bid right now. Yes, the Lakers may have dominated all discussions about who is the best team in the West, and perhaps the entire NBA, but best believe the Clippers and Rockets (and Mavericks, if we’re really debating things here) are breathing down their necks.

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1. Los Angeles Lakers (14-2, Last Week’s Ranking: 1)

The Lakers remain stagnant on this list, and for good reason. They’ve had a relatively easy schedule since last week, going 3-0 against teams that aren’t even at .500. Still, December will test LeBron and AD’s Lakers, for the real questions will be answered on just how serious these Lakers are to contend in the West as they go against the Mavericks, Nuggets, Jazz, Heat, Bucks and Clippers (on Christmas day) this upcoming month.

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2. Los Angeles Clippers (12-5, Last Week’s Ranking: 5)

It was only a matter of time since the Clippers got into the top two on the rankings list. They would’ve been No. 1 had it not been for their record, but now you know or have a clear-cut idea of what this Clippers team looks at full, optimal capacity. Paul George returning to the Clips’ lineup has done so much good for Kawhi Leonard and the rest of his new teammates, and it is showing. It’s raised the level of performance for natural scorer Lou Williams, thought the trio have only spent a total of 27 minutes together on the floor.

Down the stretch, as evident in their overtime win against the Celtics and their fourth-quarter extravaganza against the Rockets last Friday, this team is terrifying to stop and intimidating enough on defense to make you miss. Their net rating when all three are sharing the court: +27.5. They have also, for the first time as a team this year, arrived into the top-10 for overall defensive efficiency.

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3. Milwaukee Bucks (13-3, Last Week’s Ranking: 3)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking like an MVP candidate, and saying that this early in the season is the equivalent to saying water is wet.

The Bucks have won seven straight games despite not having Khris Middleton for the next couple of weeks, doing it by materializing the basic principle of making their defense their offense and outscoring their opponents by 9.6 points per game. Milwaukee is currently on pace to lead the NBA in scoring differential for the second season in a row. That mark will probably improve when they face the Jazz, Hawks, Cavaliers and Hornets.

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4. Denver Nuggets (12-3, Last Week’s Ranking: 6)

The Nuggets aren’t anything flashy, or anything overly dominant (I mean, Nikola Jokic is a whole different thing, considering he’s a wizard on the block with his passing prowess) but these Nuggets just win and do it with variety.

Denver played its best game of the year on Wednesday, defeating the Houston Rockets by a final of 105-95 behind standout efforts from Nikola Jokic and Torrey Craig. The latter helped hold James Harden under the 30-point mark for the first time since Nov. 3, but Denver’s entire defense deserves credit for elevating its focus and intensity against a hot Houston team.

They got a big win against the Suns on Sunday afternoon, clutching it down the stretch and with Washington coming to town and a quick road stop in Sacramento, their scoring punch can certainly be reclaimed.

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5. Boston Celtics (11-4, Last Week’s Ranking: 3)

For a change, it doesn’t feel saying the Celtics are more fun to watch without Kyrie Irving hogging up possessions and hoisting up low-percentage shots. These Celtics have been a delightful team to watch takeover the East in the season’s first month. They’ve shown that, while prescribed as underdogs in a lot of their high-profile matchups against teams like the Bucks and Clippers, they aren’t afraid to show heart, especially on the defensive end since the Celtics are the third-best defensive team in the NBA.

Jayson Tatum has the greenlight more than ever and has looked at times like the rookie who took the league by storm in the conference finals just two years ago, and with Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward’s return coming soon, the ball movement with these C’s is likely to increase expeditiously.

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6. Houston Rockets (11-6, Last Week’s Ranking: 4)

James Harden has been amazing and is on a historic streak, averaging 37.9 ppg. in 37.3 minutes per game. The Rocket defense, however, has not looked great during their three-game losing streak, including a hard-fought loss to the Clippers and a 137-point giveaway to the Luka Doncic-led Mavericks just a night ago. With Danuel House and Eric Gordon still out, and Russell Westbrook struggling on the offensive end, Harden should expect more of the same pesky defensive coverages from here on out.

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7. Philadelphia 76ers (11-5, Last Week’s Ranking: 9)

The 76ers’ huge 27-point statement win over the Miami Heat supplanted themselves as an elite power in the East, as they should have been all season. As recent occurrences would have it, their 3-0 start was quickly abolished with suspension, growing pains with new lineup changes, and new role adjustments. All of which made Philly look like shells of their expectations.

Not anymore.

The tandem of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons look like the most defensively oppressing frontcourt in the league as the Sixers post an 103.1 defensive rating and on offense, Philly is outscoring their opponents by 29 points per 100 possessions.

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8. Utah Jazz (11-5, Last Week’s Ranking: 7)

Donovan Mitchell has had a steady start to his 2019 season, but it’s been the inconsistent and ineffective play of new Jazz guard Mike Conley has been a big reason the Jazz rank 21st in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, it doesn’t help a whole lot that Joe Ingles has had difficulty adjusting to his new sixth man role since Bojan Bogdanovic has taken his starting spot.

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9. Dallas Mavericks (11-5, Last Week’s Ranking: 12)

It’s Luka Doncic’s world, we’re just living in it.

Let me rephrase that: We’re all just living, breathing mammals collectively living under the radiant sun that is the Slovenian Sniper’s ray of light that shoneth upon our souls.

Luka Doncic is on a historic run, and the fact that he’s only 20 is even more eye-opening. His 41-point, 6-rebound, 10-assist performance in Sunday’s road demolition of the Rockets wasn’t even his best game during Dallas’ five-game winning streak. He’s a literal walking 40-point Triple-Double. He just picked up a Western Conference Player of the Month Award, and we’re assuming there’s more where that came from.

It’s also really helpful that his cohort Kristaps Porzingis, who struggled as he chipped off rust early in the season, is looking more and more like the all star many expected him to be had his injury woes never happened. This week’s opening challenge against the stacked Clippers will be the ultimate litmus test for the 20-year old to see how far or close the Mavs are to looking the part of a contender.

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10. Toronto Raptors (11-4, Last Week’s Ranking: 10)

The 11-4 returning champion Toronto Raptors are a good team. Shocking. Their only losses this season have come against the league’s most elite teams – the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks – and since then they’ve been 9-0 when projected as sportsbook favorites.

Other pieces like Terence Davis, Chris Boucher and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson have covered the absences of Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry, and during the past four games, Norman Powell has contributed around 19.5 points per game on 54.4% shooting from the field to provide a stable scoring option on the wing and help keep the offense humming, while being quick enough on the defensive end to create chances in transition.

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11. Miami Heat (11-4, Last Week’s Ranking: 8)

Maybe it’s time to pump the brakes on seeing the Miami Heat as a team that is primed to challenge the best of the East.

A solid five-game winning streak was snapped by a hideous, nauseating loss to one of those postseason locks in the Philadelphia 76ers, as they stomped all over Jimmy Butler and the Heat. Aside from some easy, predictable wins expected for a team of that magnitude to win, Miami’s schedule has been really easy, and the loss to Philly had the feel of a putting-you-in-your-place game.

It’s probably a lot more credible assigning the 6th or 7th seed to this Miami team as the season progresses, for it will be hard seeing them topple the likes of a Boston, Philadelphia or Milwaukee this year.

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12. Indiana Pacers (9-6, Last Week’s Ranking: 13)

The Pacers have quietly reestablished themselves among the six teams to separate from the field in the Eastern Conference, especially on the defensive end. They have held their past five opponents to an average of 96.2 points per game, even with two of those games coming against the high-powered offenses of the Rockets and Bucks. They sit at a comfortable 9-6 record amid a slew of injuries to their most impactful pieces, though Malcolm Brogdon returns tonight against the Grizzlies at home.

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13. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8, Last Week’s Ranking: 15)

Karl Anthony-Towns looked as if he was taking a backseat to a Most Improved Player candidate in Andrew Wiggins, but now it’s clear that the former Kentucky Wildcat is kicking it into high gear. Though the record isn’t directly indicative of his effort on the offensive end, which stands at the big man shooting at 44.9 percent from deep as he averages over 26.4 ppg. Yet, the Wolves haven’t been close to impressive, losing four of their last five games.

They may continue to struggle if their shots keep clanking and they don’t find a way to get Karl-Anthony Towns the ball more often when it matters, considering the fact that he only took three shots in their most recent loss to the Suns.

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14. Phoenix Suns (8-8, Last Week’s Ranking:

The sun is starting to set on this Phoenix basketball team. It was a great start, a fiery one at that. But the loss of Aron Baynes, who is arguably the Suns’ most valuable asset in their frontcourt in his career-best season has been more injurious than another 2 or 3-win start to the season. That same injury bug that bit Baynes also took a chunk out of Ricky Rubio, and though it hasn’t affected Devin Booker as much as he’s doing everything in his power (again) to keep the Suns in the playoff hunt this early in the season, it’s still not a big help having 2/5 of his starting 5 on the bench.

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15. Brooklyn Nets (8-8, Last Week’s Ranking: 17)

Good news: Spencer Dinwiddie raked in enough votes to become the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. With Kyrie Irving out, the combination of Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen have meshed well in securing the success of the Nets’ 3-1 stretch without Irving on the court, and Allen pitched in on the offensive end Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 22 points and 17 rebounds.

Sunday’s victory in New York got Brooklyn back to .500 and they’ll have a tune-up opportunity with a visit to Cleveland before their arduous road trip to Boston and Miami.

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16. Sacramento Kings (7-8, Last Week’s Ranking: 16)

Don’t look now, but the Kings pieced together a nice little winning streak last week, winning 7 of their last 10 contests. Bogdan Bogdanovic got the credit last week, and he deserves more after continuing to contribute to Sacramento’s success without De’Aaron Fox, who is still recovering from his ankle injury. His 31 points were significant in Tuesday’s win over the slipping Suns, and he has scored 52 points over the past two games.

Sacramento is 7-8 with a rough path still left to travel on during their trip out East. Boston tonight, Philadelphia on Wednesday. With Fox and Bagley probably coming back soon, the Kings will take their rocky start if it means prime midseason positioning for playoff projection when all 5 of their starters are healthy.

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17. Orlando Magic (6-9, Last Week’s Ranking: 19)

A favorable schedule with Detroit, Cleveland and Golden State could keep Orlando above water while Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic nurse their ailing ankle injuries. This gives a litany of opportunity for Jonathan Isaac to start and put up some impressive numbers, just like how he did in Saturday’s loss to the Pacers with his 25 point, nine rebound, four steal and two block stat line. The Magic are 4-3 in their last seven games, and have a chance to improve that number this week.

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18. New Orleans Pelicans (6-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 26)

No. 8 overall pick Jaxson Hayes, a lean, high energy 19-year-old with significant long-term upside, has lived up to his responsibility as a first-round draft steal and responded well to recent starting duty with Derrick Favors who is dealing with injuries. Hayes has averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks during his five-game stint as a starter.

New Orleans got 15 fourth-quarter points from Brandon Ingram on in a late 124-121 win against the Suns last Thursday and extended their winning streak to a season-best 3 games. Back-to-back road defeats to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers resulted in a 2-2 week, but things are looking up for New Orleans.

It’s only a matter of a few weeks before the phenom Zion Williamson debuts on a court and if his consistent style of play is anything like what we witnessed in the preseason, watch out.

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19. Oklahoma City Thunder (5-10, Last Week’s Ranking: 18)

The Thunder find themselves sitting at a perfect .250, losing 7 of 8 two-possession games this quarter. Their lone win against an above .500 team in the final two minutes of a game came a couple of weeks ago in a home upset win against the Sixers but since then, the Thunder seem to play two solid quarters and a decent fourth but fail to finish tight games, mainly in part to their inability to not come out flat at the end of a half.

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20. Portland Trail Blazers (5-12, Last Week’s Ranking: 20)

So, maybe the Carmelo Anthony experiment is more of a slow-cooker than a spontaneous combustion.

The Blazers’ losing streak has very little to do with the progressively improving Anthony and just about everything to do with the faulty health of Damian Lillard early on. CJ McCollum isn’t much of a primary scoring option but with two games against the Chicago Bulls and one home game against the Thunder, Rip City has the opportunity to pile on some wins leading up to Lillard’s eventual return to full health.

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21. San Antonio Spurs (6-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 14)

It’s weird seeing Gregg Popovich’ Spurs lose eight games in a row, isn’t it? Of course, its like clockwork how an early-struggling Spurs team finds a magic path to get out of the mud midway through a season, pushing for a high slot in playoff seeding when all theorized them to finally miss out on the postseason.

They were able to grab a get-right win against the Knicks in the Garden, snapping that very eight-game winning streak but doesn’t absolve any issues for the league’s 27th ranked defense as they have to face off against both Los Angeles teams and Minnesota this week.

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22. Washington Wizards (5-9, Last Week’s Ranking: 28)

It’s a little bit of an improvement from last week, simply because of the precarious disparity between the Wizards’ offensive and defensive efficiency. On one end, it’s bucket after bucket, as Bradley Beal and Mo Wagner pile on points like they’re Autumn leaves on a tarp. On defense, they’re practically Swiss cheese, as the Wizards possess the 29th-best defense in the NBA.

Before Sunday, the Wizards had won three of four, and despite the continued atrocious defense, were flat outscoring opponents. That slowed against the Kings in a somewhat more defensive battle, and although being dealt a 113-106 loss, they still competed.

Washington has scored at least 120 points in five of its last six games but is just 2-4 in that span. Imagine if they start playing some competent defense…

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23. Memphis Grizzlies (6-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 24)

Memphis followed up a season-best three-game winning streak with win-less week 5. But hey, that’s expected with such a young, developing roster. 2nd overall pick Ja Morant has dazzled and is in a league of his own as it pertains to the Rookie of the Year Award, averaging 19.7 points and 6.0 assists in the three games they’ve lost.

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24. Charlotte Hornets (6-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 21)

Charlotte lost four-straight and had an opportunity to end that skid, had it not been for the Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Tomas Satoransky both drilling threes in the games final seconds to snatch a victory from the claws of James Borrego’s team. We’re going to either learn a lot about the heart of the Hornets team in the next couple of days as they play at Miami on Monday and end the week at Milwaukee on Saturday, with two additional games against Detroit.

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25. Detroit Pistons (5-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 22)

Detroit has lost six of their last seven, and it looks like they’ve come completely undone. They sandwiched a blowout win over the struggling Hawks with two ugly losses to the Bucks and Bulls last week. They do have a chance to better their record with home games against Charlotte, San Antonio and Orlando

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26. Chicago Bulls (6-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 27)

The Bulls haven’t had it easy on the floor and off it, with drama insinuating itself in the locker room between Zach LaVine and head coach Jim Boylen, who openly criticized LaVine’s lackluster defensive effort in a loss to the Pistons.

LaVine then gave reason for Bulls fans to cheer, even for a little while, with one of the most amazing, pulsating finishes you’ll ever see this year in a last-second fadeaway three from the right J in the game’s waning moments to win against the Charlotte Hornets. He finished with 13 threes and 49 points – two career-highs in one night.

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27. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-11, Last Week’s Ranking: 23)

Cleveland ended a six-game losing streak on Saturday, beating the slumping Trail Blazers 110-104, as the are now 3-9 in November.

On the year, the Cavs offense has been worse with Sexton and Garland on the floor than it’s been overall, which isn’t a great sign for that duo’s future, since the very reason they drafted Garland was for him to build chemistry with the second-year guard.

John Beilein benching them in their blowout loss to the Heat last week isn’t the best indication that the two are starting to get a hang of this NBA thing, either.

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28. Atlanta Hawks (4-12, Last Week’s Ranking: 25)

Trae Young has been the only bright spot for the Atlanta Hawks, who have lost nine of their past ten games. Only the Warriors have a worse record than their four wins.

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29. New York Knicks (4-13, Last Week’s Ranking: 29)

It’s more of the same for the bumbling Knicks, who stumble back into their 29th spot on this list. We thought that the Knicks had somewhat turned a small, baby corner based on the stretch of the previous four games. After their near-victory against the Philadelphia 76ers that saw the Knicks lead by five entering the quarter and lose all the same, the New York just can’t get out of its own way, even in another close loss to the Nets in a 103-101 loss on Sunday night.

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30. Golden State Warriors (3-14, Last Week’s Ranking: 30)

It’s just injury after injury for the Warriors, who still possess the worst record in the NBA. Draymond Green is banged up and was listed as questionable for their game Monday night against OKC, Kevon Looney is dealing with nerve issues and won’t suit up for either the Thunder or Bulls games, and it’s looking more and more that they are all in for securing that No. 1 overall pick this summer.

 

 

Nov 26, 2019 No Comments
Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 5 of NBA Season

Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 5 of NBA Season

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by | Nov 25, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

Will this be the week that P.J. Tucker is dethroned from the #1 spot? Other sneakerheads in the NBA are getting more creative when it comes to their on-court decisions. Whether it be through older sought after P.E.’s or commissioning the work of a customizer – these players are making a statement when it comes to their feet while they play.

Lebron James continues to pump out what seems like an endless amount of Lebron XVII colorways. Hopefully a few of the ones he has worn will make their way to a general release. Older OG Kobe models don the court each week, ahead of what we now know will be the next Kobe Protro – the Nike Zoom Kobe 5. Budding superstar Luka Doncic has been seen wearing a slew of sneakers from different brands, as he is currently a sneaker free agent after his Nike deal recently expired. Although we still see Luka wearing Nike majority of the time, he has recently been spotted wearing Under Armour Curry 7’s and the Jordan Jumpman Diamond. Who will take the top spot in week 5’s countdown?

 

 

15. Q4 Sports The Specialist “Family Matters” Custom – Langston Galloway – Detroit Pistons (done by @andr3wtl)

 

     

 

 

14. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #1 “Slime” – Donovan Mitchell – Utah Jazz

 

     

 

 

13. Jordan XXXIV P.E. – Blake Griffin – Detroit Pistons

 

     

 

 

12. Nike Lebron XVII P.E. – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

     

 

 

11. Nike PG 3 “Skills Academy” – Montrezl Harrell – Los Angeles Clippers

 

     

 

 

10. Jordan Why Not Zer0.2 SE – Russell Westbrook – Houston Rockets

 

     

 

 

9. Nike Kobe 6 “Italian Camo” – Gary Harris – Denver Nuggets

 

     

 

 

8. Nike Zoom Freak 1 “Oregon P.E.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks

 

     

 

 

7. Nike Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” – Nickeil Alexander-Walker – New Orleans Pelicans

 

     

 

 

6. Nike Lebron XVII “Win/Win” – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

     

 

 

5. Nike Kobe 5 “Bruce Lee” – Tobias Harris – Philadelphia 76ers

 

     

 

 

4. Nike Lebron XV “SVSM” Home & Away P.E.’s – Montrezl Harrell – Los Angeles Clippers

 

       

 

 

3. Under Armour Curry 7 “Sour Patch Kids” – Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks

 

     

 

 

2. Nike Kobe 3 “Rice HS P.E.” – P.J. Tucker – Houston Rockets

 

     

 

 

1. Nike Zoom Freak 1 “Utah Jazz” Custom – Royce O’Neale – Utah Jazz (done by @andr3wtl)

 

     

Nov 25, 2019 No Comments
Primetime MNF Preview: Baltimore Ravens @ Los Angeles Rams

Primetime MNF Preview: Baltimore Ravens @ Los Angeles Rams

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by | Nov 25, 2019 | Featured, NFL

 

The front runner for the NFL league MVP in a lot of people’s eyes Lamar Jackson will be taking his talents to LA. The Baltimore Ravens have been dominating the league and Jackson has made it clear he can get the job done with his legs or arm. We thought it was special when we saw Michael Vick but the Ravens have the super cheat code version of Vick in Jackson. Some of the plays that Lamar Jackson has been able to make for this Ravens team this season have been nothing but amazing. Jackson is coming into the matchup against the Rams with 25 total touchdowns 19 through the air and 6 on the ground. He has 2,258 passing yards and 781 rushing yards on the season. The Rams defense has come on strong as of late and will have their hands full trying to slow down Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have the most complete weapon in the NFL in Lamar Jackson and they will put that on full display tonight in LA. Jackson has the ability to split defenders and draw out plays to make sure that his receivers can get open while he’s scrambling in the pocket. One of the best things that have happened to the Ravens was getting Mark Ingram in the offseason for Lamar Jackson because having that dominate running back behind him keeps a defense honest. Mark Ingram has been a complete beast his whole career and his first season in Baltimore has been nothing short of signs of “Beast Mode” like Marshawn Lynch on runs. With the explosive play of Mark Ingram behind Lamar Jackson, it keeps the defenses guessing what the Ravens will do next.

 

The passing game and the running game for the Ravens are on full display weekly as the play action and RPO are always in full effect. Lamar Jackson has been able to get the ball to his playmakers in the receiving core but one person that has taken full advantage of the special play of Jackson has been Mark Andrews. This season Mark Andrews has been the number 1 guy for Jackson and his stats have shown that with 82 catches for 1,150 yards with 9 touchdowns. Andrews has been able to emerge as one of the best tight ends in the NFL and the play from Lamar Jackson has helped him in that discussion. When Marquise Brown has been healthy and playing at 100% he’s been another weapon that Jackson has gone too on the season. We can rave about the offense as much as we want too but this Baltimore Defense has been on another level since getting Marcus Peters from the Rams. The Baltimore defense is coming off shutting down Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans at home. This Ravens defense has been ball-hawking and they’ve found a way to get to quarterbacks all season. The Ravens will try to get to Goff and slow down Todd Gurley in the running game to get this win tonight. The Rams are in serious need of his game and that could have them force the ball in places they usually wouldn’t against this defense. Look for Earl Thomas to try and shut down the Rams passing game as the Ravens defense will be trying to bring one back to the house.

 

 

The Los Angeles Rams are coming into this game against the Ravens fresh off a win to the Chicago Bears. If the Rams want to remain successful they will have to ride the Todd Gurley train all night long. Last week against the Bears was the first time all season that Gurley was pretty much let loose and they let him run all over the Bears defense. The Rams have been resting Gurley all season pretty much and this is now the time in the season for them to let him take over. The Rams need the 2018 Todd Gurley back in the biggest way as they’re at 6-4 on the season in a strong NFC West with the Seahawks and 49ers. If Gurley can return to that form then it will make the Ravens have to be patient and not blitz Jared Goff all night. This team was built off the run game and the strong defense so it will be the right time to get that back into full force tonight. Jared Goff got paid and hasn’t returned back to the play that he did with last season. Goff has been rushing in the pocket and he hasn’t been able to look or feel comfortable in the pocket all season long. If the Ravens get to Goff it could be a long night for the Rams. What the Rams need to get back to is the screen pass game as they would set up Todd Gurley for great plays to get him in space. If Goff can get the ball to Gurley in space that’s usually a great way to get to a victory.

 

Jared Goff has been without Brandin Cooks and he will be coming back tonight against the Ravens as that will help create more opportunity. With Cooks coming back that will give Jared Goff’s number 1 option Cooper Kupp a chance to flourish even more. This season Kupp has been a complete monster in the slot and has been the go-to guy for Goff all year long. This season Cooper Kupp has 845 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns through 11 weeks so look for him to add on to that total tonight. If Kupp can get loose in the Ravens secondary that will be really good moving forward for the Rams who need this game badly. The Rams defense will have their hands full with Lamar Jackson but if anyone can get to him it’s the reigning defensive player of the year, Aaron Donald. Donald is a generational talent that can disrupt any opposing offenses gameplan and make sure that they can’t execute at all. Aaron Donald is one of those players that can rush the quarterback like no other and he will have to have his hands all over this game tonight for the Rams to be winners. The addition of Jalen Ramsey will be huge as he will try to slow down some of the offensive players for the Ravens in their receiving core but it will take an overall effort from LA. Look for the Rams to pull out all the stops tonight against the Ravens as we may even see some trick plays and fakes tonight.

 

 

This will be a huge game for both teams when it comes to seeding in their conferences. This should be an offensive battle and it will be a great one in LA tonight. The Rams need this to stay in the mix for the wild card and the Ravens need this game to stay in the hunt for the number 1 seed in the AFC. Look for both offenses to go off tonight and make some serious highlight plays but it will come down to the defense or special teams play in this game.

Score Prediction: Baltimore Ravens Win (31-24)

Nov 25, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

Primetime Preview: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

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by | Nov 24, 2019 | Featured, NFL

 

One of the biggest games of the season will be going down in San Francisco as the 9-1 49ers will be playing against the 8-2 Packers. The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season as Jimmy Garoppolo has led them to the best record in the NFC. Jimmy Garoppolo has stepped his game up this season and has turned into an elite quarterback and someone that just doesn’t manage games. Jimmy G has 2,478 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. This year he’s been all about winning and improving his players around him. One thing that’s noticeable with his game this season is the fact he’s able to find multiple reads on a play. Last year Jimmy Garoppolo would just look at one player the whole time and this season if option A or B isn’t available he will hit C for the right play. Another player that has been able to help Jimmy G this season has been George Kittle who’s a game-time decision tonight against Green Bay. Having Kittle in the lineup will definitely help against a Green Bay defense that gives up a lot of big plays to tight ends this season. Either way with Kittle or not the receiving core of the 49ers has been able to step up with these injuries and it has opened the door for Deebo Samuels. Jimmy G will be getting Emmanuel Sanders back as well in week 12 against the Packers which will help them out even more. While Jimmy Garoppolo has been special this year he’s been able to have a great running back by committee behind him as well. Tevin Coleman has been a beast since coming back from his injury and he’s been the complete running back that the 49ers expected him to be from day one. Since Matt Breida has been out Coleman has had total control of the backfield and has evolved into a runner and pass catcher. The 49ers offense has finally hit that stride and has matched the intensity that the defense has been able to play with all season. This 49ers defense has been ball-hawking all year and they are able to get turnovers and sacks. The defense will have a tough task ahead of them as they will try to stop Aaron Rodgers coming off a bye week and being ready to gameplan against them. If the 49ers can get into the backfield and get to Rodgers that will help them in this game. It could be a good or bad thing because Rodgers has shown that he can be a huge threat inside and outside the pocket. The 49ers will have their hands full tonight as they play the Packers and try to prove that they’re a legitimate contender in the NFC.

 

 

The Green Bay Packers are coming into tonight trying to prove that they’re still title contenders and that starts with #12. Aaron Rodgers has been a complete quarterback this season and has made plays inside and outside the pocket. The great thing about Rodgers is the fact he can get any receiver and still make the right play. It has been a really good sight for the Packers to get Davante Adams back from his injury as he’s looking to make some huge plays on the big stage. When Rodgers and Adams start connecting there isn’t much a defense can do because these two have undeniable chemistry. The Packers have a lot of receivers in the passing game that can make any catch and it helps to have one of the greats throwing the ball to you. When Aaron Rodgers is behind the center he makes plays that are tough look very easy. Look for Rodgers to be on the move a lot in San Francisco as he will have Nick Bosa coming after him all night. The part of the Green Bay game that has emerged this season is the pass-catching of Aaron Jones. When Rodgers gets in trouble he’s able to get that ball out to Aaron Jones who’s been able to step his game up to another level this season. On the season Aaron Jones leads the NFL with 14 total touchdowns and doesn’t look to slow down any time soon. The 49ers defense will be a tough challenge for Aaron Jones but he’s ready for the challenge and has shown he can carry the load. The Packers have been running their offense through Jones all season and they will be looking to have the same success against the 49ers. The Green Bay defense has had some good games and they’ve had some bad games. They will need a huge effort from the defense and hope that Martinez can get to Jimmy G before he makes any plays on the offensive end. The Packers are a complete team on both ends and they will want to use this game against the (9-1) 49ers. Green Bay can show the world that they’re one of the teams that should be watched. This should be a great battle on both ends of the field so it will come down to who can get those stops on the defensive side.

 

 

This will be a close game in San Francisco so look for a true battle on the field. This game will have a lot of significance for the NFL playoff picture going down the road. Both teams are good at running the ball and throwing the ball so this should be down the middle throughout the game. Coaching will be on full display as well because you have two great offensive-minded coaches who want to set the tone in Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan.

Score Prediction: Green Bay Packers Win (28-24)

Nov 24, 2019 No Comments
SR NFL Week 12: Preview and Predictions

SR NFL Week 12: Preview and Predictions

Featured

by | Nov 24, 2019 | Featured, NFL

 

1:00 PM EST

Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns

 

The Miami Dolphins are coming into this game with 2 wins on the season. They’re in a prime position to get a great draft pick in April but they will first have to head to Cleveland. The Dolphins have been hit with injuries and suspensions on the season which doesn’t hurt. The one bright spot for the Dolphins has been the emergence of DeVante Parker the young wide receiver who’s putting the NFL on notice. The Dolphins have Ryan Fitzpatrick starting at quarterback and it’s helped them be in some close games since the switch. The Dolphins defense will be in for a tough matchup as this lines up to be one of those Baker Mayfield/Odell Beckham Jr get back games. The Browns are looking for anything positive after the malicious episode on Thursday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This should be a great game overall for the Cleveland Browns as they will look to get both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the mix to open up some plays for the play-action for Baker. If the Browns can stop a couple of playmakers on the Dolphins from getting loose in the secondary this should be a piece of cake. The Browns defense will suffer after losing Myles Garrett but if anyone can help a team that’s in a funk its the 2 win Dolphins. Look for the Browns to kick it into high gear as they’re trying to stay in the mix for their division against the Baltimore Ravens. Baker Mayfield has 12 interceptions to 11 touchdowns on the season and he will be looking to add more TDs this weekend against the Dolphins.

Score Prediction: Cleveland Browns Win (31-14)

 

Detroit Lions @ Washington Redskins

 

This will be the matchup of Dwayne Haskins vs Jeff Driskel on Sunday in Washington DC. What we can expect to see is some great wide receiver play in this one. The Redskins have Terry McLaurin the young rookie who’s been able to lead this team in touchdowns and receiving yards. On the flip side, the Lions have the two-headed monster of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr who can get open in the secondary with the quickness. Both teams have playmakers that can make things happen but it will be a tale of who’s defense can step up in this one. The Redskins have the ageless Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice in the backfield to help out the rookie Haskins. The play of the Redskins running backs as of late has helped take some pressure off Haskins. If the Redskins can continue to switch things up they could have a true chance in this game. The Lions running game has been banged up as of late but the signing of Bo Scarbrough helped them in a big way on the ground. Last week he got signed by the Lions and came in and ran for 55 yards with a touchdown. If the Lions can continue to get him the ball and if Jeff Driskel can make the necessary plays in the pocket and outside of the pocket this should be a win for the Lions. Both defenses are banged up but look for Darius Slay to try to put a stop to the Redskins passing game in this one on Sunday afternoon.

Score Prediction: Detroit Lions (19 -10)

 

Oakland Raiders @ New York Jets

 

The 6-4 are coming into New York to play the Jets as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. People wrote off this Raiders team after all the foolishness at the beginning of the season but they found something special after their win in London. The Raiders will test the Jets secondary as they have one of the best receiving cores in the NFL. Darren Waller has been a great addition this season and has been near the top in all the statistics for the tight end position. Derek Carr has been playing at a high level and this season he’s been able to flourish because of the running game. Josh Jacobs has been a complete beast in the backfield and it’s something that Oakland hasn’t had in a long time. The way that Jacobs has been running it’s opened up a lot of things for the passing game and it’s helped Carr big time. The Jets have a good defense but they will be challenged against a Raiders team that’s trying to make a statement early in the season. One thing that’s working for the New York Jets is the fact that they have one of the easiest schedules down the 2nd half of the season. Sam Darnold is coming off one of his best games this year as he threw for 293 yards and 4 touchdowns. One thing that the Jets need to do is get their bell-cow Le’Veon Bell the ball a lot more. When the ball’s in Bell’s hands’ great things do happen for the Jets and that needs to continue in this game. Bell can run and catch out the backfield all day on the Raiders but will need the opportunity to shine in this showdown as the Raiders don’t stop the run that good. The Jets have a great wide receiver pair in Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder so look for Darnold to lean on them a lot in the passing game as well.

Score Prediction: Oakland Raiders Win (27-17)

 

New York Giants @ Chicago Bears

 

 

The Chicago Bears are 4-6 and will need this game badly if they’re going to make a playoff run. It seems like nothing has gone the Bears way this season from kicking problems to QB controversy. Mitch Trubisky will be starting after getting pulled from the game against the LA Rams with a hip injury. The Bears need the Mitch from last season at home this Sunday against the Giants. Last season Mitch was running all over the place and was making smart decisions with the football in the passing game. Sunday will be the make or break for the season in Chicago so look for Mitch Trubisky to get his main receiver Allen Robinson involved quickly and early. Robinson has been having a great year and will need to attack that Giants secondary as they give up a lot of yardage weekly. People will put the blame on Mitch Trubisky but the Bears need to help by getting that running game going as well so look for David Montgomery to have a bounce-back game as well. When Montgomery is running the ball at a high level we see how it can really help the offense. The Bears defense will only have to worry about Saquon Barkley who’s coming off a bye week and ready to put on a show against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Giants offense runs through Barkley and they will need to get him involved in both the running and passing game to have a chance. With Evan Engram and Sterling Shephard out again, things will be on Golden Tate and Saquon Barkley for Daniel Jones. It’s going to be a tough matchup for the Giants but when you have a talent like Saquon Barkley on your team all it takes is one run that can change the tide of a game.

Score Prediction: Chicago Bears Win (17-10)

 

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

 

The NFC South has been one of those divisions that have been extremely competitive. Without Cam Newton this season it’s been the Kyle Allen show in Carolina. Allen has been able to step up his game but it takes a full team effort to win games in the NFL. The Panthers are 5-5 on the season and have given the keys to Christian McCaffrey on the offensive side. The stats on the season for McCaffrey this season have been unreal as he has 11 touchdowns with 1,059 yards on the season so far. If the Saints are going to win this game it starts with stopping Christian McCaffrey in the running and passing game. Some of the plays that he’s made this season really have been spectacular and majority of them have been created by himself making people miss. With CMC in the backfield that helps out big time but the Panthers will need to spread the ball around and try to get the ball to Olsen, Samuels, and Moore. The Panthers receiving core has improved this season but will need to make some plays against a Saints defense that’s loaded and ready to attack the quarterback. The Saints defense has played very well and they will try to hold McCaffrey in check. Drew Brees has been looking like the MVP candidate that he always looks like since coming back from his Thumb injury. Brees will look to get the ball to Alvin Kamara who’s been off lately in the running back. If Kamara can have a monster game against this Panthers defense on Sunday then that will help put the Saints in a position to win. Michael Thomas has been playing like an all-pro player this year as well with 1,141 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. If the Saints can get him the ball early and make sure that Luke Kuechly doesn’t get to Drew Brees they should improve to 9-3 on the year.

Score Prediction: New Orleans Saints Win (34-28)

 

Seattle Seahawks @ Philadelphia Eagles

 

Russell Wilson has been playing elite football all season and has made defenses trying to defend him look silly. The fact that Wilson can throw the ball and run the ball has helped him become one of the league’s most impactful players. Wilson has been able to be everything for this Seahawks team throughout the years and this season he’s put up some monster numbers. Russell Wilson has 2,737 yards on the year with 23 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Russell Wilson will try to put the Seahawks on his back against the Eagles on the road as he looks to take advantage of a banged-up defense. The Seahawks are a running team and they’ve used Chris Carson a lot on the season as he’s been able to get behind his fumbling ways from the start of the season. If the combination of Wilson and Carson can run all over this Eagles defense on Sunday it should be easy. The Seahawks use the run game to open up the passing game so they can get the ball to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf who have been gobbling up targets all season from Wilson. This Seahawks team is complete as they can beat you in all the levels of the game but the defense has to step it up a little more. If Bobby Wagner can get to Carson Wentz then it could help the Seahawks get the victory on the road. The Eagles have been a team that’s up and down but are coming off a strong showing against the Patriots even in a loss. Carson Wentz has been without his wide receiver unit all season pretty much and has had to depend on Zach Ertz to be the go-to receiver. Carson Wentz like Russell Wilson has the chance to get out the pocket and make some magic happen. If Wentz can get some good running from Miles Sanders in the backfield then they can try to create more opportunities to have a chance to win. The Eagles will need an all-out effort against the Seahawks who want to make that playoff push for January.

Score Prediction: Seattle Seahawks Win (27-24)

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

 

The Atlanta Falcons have been hot as of late and it’s crazy that it has happened since Austin Hooper went down with an injury. The Falcons have had impressive wins against the Saints and Panthers in back to back weeks. The Falcons defense has been hot and holding teams to under 10 points the last couple weeks. If the Falcons defense can force some turnovers against Jameis Winston on Sunday then they could sweep their division during this stretch. Matt Ryan has been playing like the Matt Ryan we all been waiting to see now. Ryan has been able to help the Falcons to wins but it’s been his arm that’s making it happen. Once Freeman went down with his injury the Falcons turned it over to the passing game and haven’t looked back as they’ve looked like the Falcons team that made it to the Superbowl. Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones have been playing outstanding the last couple of weeks for Atlanta. If the Falcons can continue to play through them and keep the Buccaneers offense to a minimum this could be a huge week for them. The Buccaneers and Jameis Winston just have to play it smart and not turn the ball over in this game. All season it’s been hit or miss for Jameis Winston as he’s been very hot but also very cold. If Jameis can get the ball to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin throughout the day this should be a great day for the Bucs. Jameis Winston has to make sure that he can get out the pocket and not get sacked in this one. The Falcons defense will try to force Jameis to beat them as the Bucs don’t have a reliable run game just like the Falcons don’t. This will be a shootout throughout the air and both defenses will be put to the test early and often in Atlanta.

Score Prediction: Atlanta Falcons Win (31-24)

 

Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills

 

The Buffalo Bills will be looking to build on their amazing season so far as they have the Broncos heading into town. The Bills have been able to establish the run with Josh Allen and with Devin Singletary on a weekly basis now. When the Bills got rid of LeSean McCoy early in the season they knew what we now see from Devin Singletary. Devin has taken this opportunity and he’s made the best of it and has looked amazing since coming back from his injury. Singletary has 2 touchdowns on the season but he’s been a real threat in the passing game and running game. Josh Allen has shown that he’s comfortable throwing the ball and running the ball at a high level this season. One thing about Josh Allen is the fact that he’s a true gamer and someone that will put it on the line for his team. Lately, Josh Allen has been able to link up with John Brown the speedster and the connection between both of them has been something special. Josh Allen has shown a lot of growth in his second season in the NFL and he will need to continue that with Von Miller coming for him. Josh Allen will need to lean on his running game a lot as Denver is one of the few teams in the NFL that love to blitz a lot. If the Broncos defense can get to Josh Allen then it could be a long day for Buffalo. The Broncos have a strong defense and that’s something they try to build off in every game. If the Broncos defense gets to Josh Allen or if they can stop the run that would help. Brandon Allen will be making another start and will be leaning on his two playmakers (Phillip Lindsey/Courtland Sutton) to help him get the victory. This has been a down year for Lindsey but this has been a great year for Sutton who has emerged as the number 1 option in the passing game. If the Bills secondary can shut down the Broncos receiving core and make them commit to just running the ball it could be a long day for Denver. Both teams have a good defense but it will come down to the play of the offense and who can get the edge in this game that should go down to the wire in Buffalo.

Score Prediction: Buffalo Bills Win (16-10)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals 

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to get back in the win column as they will be facing the 0-10 Bengals. The Steelers will be without James Connor and Juju Smith-Schuster for this one as both were hurt in the game against the Browns. Mason Rudolph who was fined $50,000 for his involvement in the situation in the game in Cleveland will be playing. The Steelers will be shorthanded but still have a good defense that can make things tough for the Bengals. This will be a true test for the Steelers as they will have to play without key players in their lineup for the first time in a long time. Now the Bengals, on the other hand, are going to be without AJ Green as he was placed on the IR. The Bengals will be relying on the running game from Joe Mixon to get things going for them if they’re going to have any chance to get a win out of this game. Ryan Finley will be behind the center as he will try to get the first win for his career. Both teams need this game but it’s clear that the Bengals are in rebuild mode at this point and ready for the NFL Draft in April.

Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers Win (13-7)

 

4:05 PM EST

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennesse Titans 

 

This matchup should be very defensive in Tennesse as the Jaguars and Titans but are stingy with points. This battle should be very good as Nick Foles will be looking for his first win of the season. Nick was able to connect with his receiver DJ Chark for two touchdowns last weekend and he will look to continue that on the road. The Jags were sluggish last weekend in Indianapolis and they will be looking to rebound against the Titans. If they’re going to leave Tennesse with a win they will need Leonard Fournette to be present in this game. Fournette is one of the best RBs in the NFL and when he rushes over 100 yards in a game the Jags are usually in good shape. The Jags will need both the run and pass game going if they want to be successful. The thing about that is the fact the Titans get a lot of takeaways and their defense has a great front seven that can get to the quarterback. The Titans have Ryan Tannehill who’s career has been rebooted in Tennesse with the way he’s been playing as of late. If Tannehill can connect with his receivers AJ Brown and company it will be a great day for them. The Jaguars still have a great secondary with AJ Bouye who has been playing extremely well since Jalen Ramsey left the team. The Titans will have the advantage at running back with Derrick Henry as he’s running at an unstoppable pace right now. Henry runs with aggression and will try to find his way in the end zone as many times as he can to help the team out. Both teams need a win if they will make a run at the wild card or even have a chance in their divisions.

Score Prediction: Tennesee Titans Win (20-14)

 

4:25 PM EST

Dallas Cowboys @ New England Patriots

 

This is the game of the week and everyone will have eyes on this matchup between America’s teams (Patriots vs Cowboys). The Patriots defense has been dominating every matchup this season except the Ravens. The Patriots defense will be facing another quarterback that can run but not as much as Lamar Jackson in Dak Prescott. They will have their hands as Dak Prescott has been having a career year coming into this game with 3,221 yards and 21 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. The Patriots will try to make it tough on Dak and they will try to take away one of the weapons on the team either Ezekiel Elliott or Amari Cooper. The Patriots will want Dak to have to play like superman in this matchup so he will be forced into turnovers. The Cowboys will go as far as Dak takes them with the way he’s been playing this season. The Patriots will be ready for the Cowboys defense and Tom Brady will be coming into this game with an elbow injury. Nothing will stop Brady at this point in his career as he’s been able to play in these games with a great offensive line that doesn’t get him touched much. Tom Brady still has the IQ and he’s got some playmakers on the team that help him continue his GOAT statues play on a weekly basis. If the Patriots are going to be successful in this matchup they will need to find Julian Edelman and James White in the passing game because both have been consistent all year. The Patriots running game has been shaky all season with Sony Michel but a game like this can bring him back to the end zone. The Cowboys and Patriots should be a great battle on both sides of the ball so we should be expecting a great game either way. The Patriots are trying to continue to gain ground in the AFC #1 seed race. The Cowboys want to keep space between themselves and the Eagles.

Score Prediction: New England Patriots (24-21)

 

 

Nov 24, 2019 No Comments