The Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA

Division previews were a little boring. I'm going to be giving the top 10 NBA players of each position. I'll start with point guards. This was without question the most difficult list to make because there are a wave of young talented point guards that have entered the league in recent years (e.g. Westbrook, Rose, Evans) and veterans still competing at an all-star level (Kidd, Nash, Billups). So in ranking these players I tried to recognize the tremendous new talent, while remembering the players who have dominated this position for the last decade, as well as leaving out a couple exceptional floor generals.

10. Tyreke Evans, Sacromento Kings

      2010 Statistics: 20.1 ppg 5.3rpg 5.8apg 1.5spg

The 2010 rookie of the year is one of four players to average 20-5-5 in their rookie campaign, the other three being Oscar Robertson, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan. That's great company to be around. For those of you who have followed the BDL from the beginning you might remember the first three articles were a R.O.Y debate and I won.

9. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

    2010 Statistics: 16ppg 3.1rpg 5.7apg

Last year Parker's season and numbers were hampered by injury, otherwise he would be much higher on this list. Last year I'd have him closing out the top five. If the 2007 Finals MVP makes a comeback, he'll be back with the elite.

8. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets

    2010 Stats: 19.5ppg 5.6apg .910 ft%

After this Carmelo Anthony circus is over Billups could be Denver's franchise player. While I believe his clutch performance to be exaggerated. He is still one of the better winners in the NBA. Billups has appeared in the play-offs every season since 2001 and he has the talent to continue the streak with or without 'Melo.

7. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

    2010 Stats: 10.3ppg 9.1apg 5.6rpg 1.8spg

In his prime Kidd is better than any player on this list. At 37 however, Kidd isn't the same triple-double machine he once was, but he is still one of best and the most complete point guards in the game. 2010 marked the 15th consecutive season Kidd has finished top five in assists per game and he is currently the active leader in steals and assists.

6. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

    2010 Stats: 16.1ppg 4.9rpg 8apg

    Westbrook is a rising star playing for a rising franchise. In his first play-off series he averaged 20-6-6 against the Lakers and his handling of Derek Fisher is a major reason the Thunder were so difficult to take down for the defending champs.

5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

    2010 Stats: 20.8ppg 6apg 3.9rpg

Succeeding the greatest player of all time as Chicago's superstar is no easy task. While he'll never fill those shoes, with the supporting cast he has now, he can bring Chicago back to the top.

4. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

    2010 Stats: 16.5ppg 11apg .938 ft%

After a mediocre 2009 season which ended in the Suns missing the play-offs for the first time since 2004, the ageless Nash made a tremendous comeback. The two time MVP lead the league in assists for the fourth time in his career and brought his team to the Conference Finals. Perhaps most significantly, on the way accomplished something that had eluded him throughout his entire career. He eliminated the Spurs.

3. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

   2010 Stats: 13.7ppg 9.8apg 2.3spg

He has established himself as Boston's best player during the play-offs and he put on some of the best performances in Celtic play-off history. Celtics fans drastically overrate him. No, he is not the best point guard in the league, he is the most athletic point guard in the league. If he wants to be the best he should work on that horrendous jump shot.

2. Derron Williams, Utah Jazz

    2010 Stats: 18.7ppg 10.5apg 4rpg
Willams is a  tremendous player and the fact it took him till 2010 to make the all-star team is an insult to him and exposes a major flaw in the selection process. Williams emerged as one of the leagues best floor generals in 2007 when he lead the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals. We witnessed the true greatness of Williams when he lead the injury-plagued Jazz past Denver by averaging 25.8ppg and 11.2apg in the first round.

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
    2010: 18.7ppg 10.7apg 2.1spg
Last season was a down year for CP3 due to injury. But putting up 18-10 is a damn good down year, he still put up numbers better than any player on this list. People were so mesmerized by Rondo and Williams play-off performances that many forgot about the player who lead the league in steals and assists for two years in a row, holds the NBA record for most consecutive games with a steal (108) and finished second (2008) and fifth (2009) in the MVP voting. Make no mistake, point guard is Chris Paul's position. If he can stay healthy he could go down as the best point guard that isn't Magic Johnson.

Honorable mention: Aaron Brooks (Houston Rockets), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Devin Harris (New Jersey), Mo Williams (Cleveland Cavaliers)

UPDATE: Here's a ESPN point guard List Ranker if you wanna make our own list and compare it to mine. I am always up for a spirited debate.

MLB 2010 National League Division Series Previews

NL East Champion Philadelphia Phillies

Record: 97-65
Manager: Charlie Manuel
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009
Last World Series Appearance: 2009
Last World Series Title: 2008
Total Championships: 2
2010 MVP: Roy Halladay

NL Central Champion Cincinnati Reds

Record: 91-71
Manager: Dusty Baker
Last Playoff Appearance: 1995
Last World Series Appearance: 1990
Last World Series Title: 1990
Total Championships: 5
2010 MVP: Joey Votto

This series at first glance looks like a mis match. On one hand we have the back to back defending National League champs with most of the roster still left over from the 08 title season. Playoff experience is at a premium in Philly and the squad has a big 3 of pitchers as well as an American League style force of an offense. The Phillies underachieved most of the year mostly due to injuries but have been waiting for this moment since the final out of last seasons fall classic loss to New York. The only true question mark with this team actually lies with its season MVP, Roy Halladay. Despite being perhaps the best pitcher of the last ten years the playoffs are a whole different ball of wax. Halladay will be making his first career playoff start in game one and even though it should not be an issue for a guy coming off a 21 win season this is still something currently unknown. Great aces of the past have crashed and burned in the post-season after remarkable success all summer. There is also added pressure on not only Roy but the Phillies brass. The organization decided to unload fellow former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee in the off-season after acquiring Halladay. This was weeks after Lee single handily won the only two Philly World Series victories. Some say it was curious to give up one Cy Young guy for another especially when you know what the guy you are letting go of can do come October and unsure of the newcomer.

Despite this being Halladay's first post-season pretty much everything else is in Philadelphia's corner. They are now healthy and usually powerful bats such as Raul Ibanez are finally regaining past form. Even Lidge is turning back the clock a bit and showing flashes of his brilliant 2008 year as the closer. This will be mountain for the Reds to climb. Cincinnati has put together a formidable club that will be around for years to come. However, the first go around with a unit does not usually lead to a deep run. It takes a few years of playing together at a high level to be able to truly compete with one of the best squads the NL has seen in years.

On the bright side Cinci does not exactly have zero chance to make this a series. The Reds are very young but have a great deal of talent. They have power with NL MVP contender Joey Votto and also have an ace in the making with Edinson Volquez. This is a franchise that always can hit but now that they finally have found a descent pitching staff their offense is getting its just due and they find themselves still playing. Cordero bolsters the back end of the pen and makes contests eight innings long. Along with Volquez the Reds staff includes former curse breaking idiot Bronson Arroyo, his playoff success of the past can truly be an asset. Arroyo has acted like an extra coach to pitchers all year calming them down when needed and ensuring bad innings do not cluster out of control. While he has been the mentor on the mound, Scott Rolen has been that guy for everyone else. Rolen, a former Philly, has played in two World Series and won a ring while in St. Louis. That playoff experience can do nothing but help. Rolen knows how to hit and make the quick adjustments game to game necessary for a deep run in October.

These two managers are almost a wash. If it was not for a century old curse and a guy named Bartman the dust man would have two pennants as manager under his belt. Manuel does have two and unlike Dusty earned a championship in 2008. Manuel knows his team so well this is second nature to him at this point. Baker proved to be the perfect guy to lead the Reds into the post Griffey era and back closer to the glory days. I knew this Reds team could contend back in March but honestly did not expect this much so soon. I'm happy they are over achieving but that ends now. 90% of the Philly roster has played in a World Series, this even includes new comer and big three member Roy Oswalt from the 2005 series with Houston. The National League still goes through the city of brotherly love and it is going to take more then a nice young team to take their crown. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins will show up come playoff time, the question is will Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Jay Bruce do the same. If not this will be an easy three game sweep. If they do it may just be delaying the inevitable. I will give Votto and company a game but that's it and I'm being generous, Phillies in 4.

NL West Champion San Francisco Giants

Record: 92-70
Manager: Bruce Bochy
Last Playoff Appearance: 2003
Last World Series Appearance: 2002
Last World Series Title: 1954
Total Championships: 5
2010 MVP: Aubrey Huff

NL Wild Card Atlanta Braves

Record: 91-71
Manager: Bobby Cox
Last Playoff Appearance: 2005
Last World Series Appearance 1999
Last World Series Title 1995
Total Championships: 3
2010 MVP: Martin Prado/Jason Heyward

These two once proud franchises ended a few years of suffering and after tough battles both somehow managed to get to October. The Braves are here despite being without even one guy with an 80 rbi campaign. Their pitching has taken them here, yet much like the Rays it is more of a complete staff effort then being thanks to an ace. Hudson's 17 win season throw back is their closest thing to a top flight guy, he is not even being handed the ball to start the playoffs. That honor is being awarded to another former "idiot", Derek Lowe. This decision was pretty simple since Lowe was the winner of every series clincher for the Red Sox in their 2004 title run. He has had the most post-season success by a mile on the staff. Billy Wagner also gives Atlanta confidence in the bullpen that they have not had since John Smoltz closer days put him in the Hall of Fame. Despite the Braves pitching talent they can far from comparable to what San Fran has to offer. In front of another 40 save season for Brian Wilson the Giants bring a rotation very front heavy. In a short series that can be more then enough. Remember the Braves pennant winning days of the 90's and the reason Cox is going to Cooperstown? Yup, they were thanks to top flight starting pitching that no matter how good the team was it was nothing without the guys on the mound. Lincecum and Cain may not be Glavine, Smoltz, or Maddux in their primes but they are pretty damn close. Lincecum flirts with the Cy Young every year and while Cain lives in Tim's shadow he is the perfect side kick. These guys could shut down the Braves inconsistent offense. If they do Atlanta doesn't stand a chance

The Giants may actually be the only team to bring less offense then Atlanta. Aubrey Huff was forced to carry this team all season, however, only finished with 86 runs batted in. He has always been a great guy power hitter and is now finally getting his due. All Huff and crew will be asked to do is put up about three runs a game. If they do so the Giants will have no trouble getting rid of the Braves.

The country will be rooting for Cox in his last fall and even for Chipper to pick up a charity and second ring while on the bench, however, fan support wont win games. Both of these two teams are young and inexperienced in this position. The Giants pitching will just prove to be to much. If you love low scoring games tune in to this division series. San Francisco in 4. Farewell Bobby Cox, what a magic carpet ride of a managerial career, unfortunately it will be over soon.

MLB 2010 American League Division Series Previews

AL Central Champion Minnesota Twins

Record: 94-68
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009
Last World Series Appearance: 1991
Last World Series Title: 1991
Total Championships: 3
2010 MVP: Carl Pavano (shockingly enough but this could go to a few guys)

AL Wild Card New York Yankees

Record: 95-67
Manager: Joe Girardi
Last Playoff Appearance: 2009
Last World Series Appearance: 2009
Last World Series Title: 2009
Total Championships: 27
2010 MVP: Robinson Cano

Leave it to the Twins to find themselves in the same situation year in and year out. After a great regular season and one of their rare division crowns that was not won on game 163 Minnesota is right back where they left 2009, up against a buzz-saw, the evil empire from the Bronx. This will be the 4th time in the last ten post-seasons these two squads will meet up in the ALDS, New York has won each of the previous three series. However, this is a new year and there is one big difference in 2010 in contrast to the past, this time the Twins have home field advantage. Despite at times forcing Yankee fans to wipe sweat from their brow the Twins never truly posed to be a threat in any of the past series. This time I feel they actually do.

New York crawled into the playoffs as if it is their birth right. They won just two of their last ten and instead of getting healthier down the stretch just seemed to become more banged up. Yes, they are the defending champs and yes, they are still one of the most talented teams ever put together, but, I do not see the same fire and hunger that surrounded this team all of last post-season. A-rod has his ring and has had a bit of an up and down year even though he did end up with another 30 home run and 120+ rbi campaign. On the other hand, the Twins are extremely thirsty for a shot to finally beat the franchise that possibly could have cost them a couple championships in the past. Minnesota had to over come the loss of their super star closer all season and managed just fine. Not only that but they bring a very comparable lineup to the table. They have power, speed, and play some of the best defense in all of baseball. They have a team that actually reminds me of some of the Yankee squads of the 90's, all-stars mixed with grizzled vets, young athleticism, and led by a quiet yet motivated man who knows exactly which buttons to push and when. Some questions if they could transition away from playing ping pong baseball at the Metrodome into the more conventional style needed for Target Field. Adding a guy like Jim Thome showed that they understood they would need to play a different game and they have done it well through out most of the season. Even with Morneau out for the entire playoffs, trust me that will hurt, Minnesota can still rebound. All that will do is ensure Thome is in the lineup every day without question. He is not the Thome from Cleveland's pennant winning days but is still a force at the plate and is in the perfect ballpark at this point in his career.

New York decided to not give Burnett a start and use Sabathia as much as possible. CC is the only guy they truly feel confident in right now but history shows that pitchers on 3 days rest tail off rather then dominate, this has even been seen in Sabathia's own history. Not only that, but the Yanks are going to need quality starts due to their struggles before Rivera in the pen. New York has all the experience and on paper should have no problem administering another sweep. However, I just don't think it will be that easy this time around. If the Twins can win game one they can shock and finally flip the script and eliminate New York. That first game will decide the pace more in this series then any other. Unfortunately I do see CC giving New York that needed opening W despite being on the road. Target is perhaps the one field very similar dimension wise to the new Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Bombers may feel right at home. I have gone back and forth on this and would love to see the small market Twins get over the hump, Gardenhire really deserves to manage in a World Series one day. With all that said, I am picking New York to advance in a slug fest. Pettitte and Jeter are just different guys in the playoffs and will turn it on. Minnesota's lack of playoff experience on the mound leaves more of the chance for an explosion that they can ill afford. In sports you often need to learn to lose before you can win, the Twins lesson is not over yet. Yanks in 5.

AL East Champion Tampa Bay Rays

Record: 96-66
Manager: Joe Madden
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008
Last World Series Appearance: 2008
Last World Series Title: NA
Total Championships: 0
2010 MVP: Carl Crawford

AL West Champion Texas Rangers

Record: 90-72
Manager: Ron Washington
Last Playoff Appearance: 1999
Last World Series Appearance: NA
Last World Series Title: NA
Total Championships: 0
2010 MVP: Josh Hamilton

These are two very talented and at times still underrated teams. Texas spent all off-season ensuring they would have the chance to get in the playoffs and they did. This is their first trip since the turn of the century. Unfortunately they are running into another well put together club at the worst possible time. In order for the Rangers to win their first ever playoff series they may need Cliff Lee to literally pitch every night, that is obviously not going to happen. We all saw him pick up two huge wins for Philly in the World Series last year but still watch as the Yanks had a champagne bath. One ace is not enough by himself. I'd say hitting wise is Texas's only edge. They bring several guys who can hit the ball a mile as well as put up a high average, something pretty uncommon these days. Michael Young and Josh Hamilton and company can also flash leather defensively at times. A lot of guys like Young and Kinsler are fantasy gems and do not get the credit they have deserved for years (put Young's numbers next to Jeter's and you may fall over how similar they are). Don't get me wrong though Tampa is not shit at the plate by any means. TB has just as much power, and is the fastest team in all of baseball, especially on their home pads. They do not hit anywhere near as high in the average department, you don't have to look any further then top slugger Carlos Pena's below .200 clip to know that. Crawford is playing for a contract and will be a force on the base pads, his peskiness could really get in the heads of every Texas pitcher not named Cliff Lee if they don't watch out. 

Unlike Texas, Tampa does not have a top of the line ace, however, they have several great number two type guys. They have formed one of the better overall rotations in the bigs. Quality starts and an excellent bull pen can give the once Devil Rays a true shot to make another deep post-season run. Tampa just truly embodies a team and the fact that their payroll trim of 2011 is already a guarantee they may rally together knowing this is their last shot with this core unit. Team of destiny is written all over this group. Due to that and being a better overall team I am picking Tampa to win this pretty easily. Texas will pick up one win thanks to their offense and possibly Lee, Vlad may even continue his AL comeback player of the year season and carry them to it. After that TB should have it on lock. Pitching, defense, manger, experience, are all on the Rays side. My pick is Tampa in 4 although a sweep wouldn't shock me, Lee is not unbeatable. Tampa may be the only AL squad that could actually take out New York.

Over/under on fans for Rays home games 10,000 per?

MLB 2010 Playoffs Are Here!

Sorry for my lack of posting the past few weeks. I have been outrageously busy. Trying to make money, pay bills, and pursue a career in media/broadcasting doesn't leave much time to buzz-saw my thoughts on the blogs. I will be making more time and going back to my old ways very soon, especially during this fall season.

Match ups are set and I will have my post-season predictions in the coming days. After a great season that saw tough races go down to the final day and witnessed Hall of Famers spend their last summers in the sun, I'm certainly ready for some October baseball! Are you?

The NFL: A Month in Review

September's over kids. It's starting to get cold. The Bills are already playing for Andrew Luck and I'm shocked to see that there are just three unbeaten teams left three weeks in.

It's been a wacky start to the NFL season with the lockout looming over us.

So the Hammer had a rough start to the season going 6-10 and 9-7 in picks in the first two weeks. But last week a 12-4 record brought me back into the thick of things.

So let's get things started...

San Francisco (0-3) at Atlanta (2-1)
The wheels fell off last week as the 49ers got embarrassed by the Kansas City Chiefs. As bad as the offense has been, and as much as Jimmy Raye's firing was probably justified, he's a scapegoat for a team that's failed to show up two out of three weeks. The defense has been downright appalling in those two games, and against Kansas City the Niners defense was gauged in the running game and bit hard on trick plays. The Niners are in the least enviable situation of anybody (though perhaps Harbaugh and Luck are BOTH going to San Fran when the season ends). They now travel across the country to take on a very hot Atlanta Falcons team. I'm still not a believer in the Falcons, and I think that the 49ers are 100% desperate, but they should have been desperate last week. I've always been a big supporter of Mike Singletary, but he seems like the Bill Stewart of the NFL. He talks the talk, but he doesn't walk the walk. Or maybe San Francisco's age on defense is finally catching up to them. Either way, the Niners need a near miracle to win this game in the difficult Georgia Dome. It'll be close at halftime, but Atlanta still wins this game.

Atlanta 20, San Francisco 13

New York Jets (2-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-3)
The Jets haven't played well in Buffalo in recent years, and that was capped off with a six turnover, fourteen penalty performance last year in an overtime loss to the struggling Bills. The Jets return to Buffalo, but this time they're not on a two game losing streak. They've won two in a row and the passing offense is finding a rhythm. The Jets face their weakest front seven of the young season (and perhaps all season) in Buffalo's makeshift 3-4. This should be the game where the running game really lets loose between Tomlinson and Greene. The Bills offense found life last week with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the Bills also had the fortune of playing an extremely inexperienced New England secondary. New York got torched through the air by Chad Henne last week, but Buffalo's offensive line could face some serious problems that Miami's didn't. Still, no Calvin Pace or Darrelle Revis leaves the Jets much more vulnerable. It shouldn't be too much of a problem though.

New York 27, Buffalo 14

Cincinnati (2-1) at Cleveland (0-3)
I want to do nothing more than pick the Cleveland Browns, who have blown three leads in three games. But I just can't do it. They seem to always find a way to lose, which is going to spell the end for head coach Eric Mangini. The Browns could have had bigger leads in each of those games, but turnovers--the killer of best-laid gameplans has destroyed Cleveland. It doesn't matter who is starting this week for the Browns at quarterback. The Bengals secondary is going to lay waste to them. Cleveland's not a bad team. Someone has to light a spark for them to finally win close games and it's not going to be Jake Delhomme. The Browns defense has also been very mixed, but I'm not expecting to see Carson Palmer torch them. It's going to be a nip and tuck low scoring game.

Cincinnati 16, Cleveland 13

Detroit (0-3) at Green Bay (2-1)
The poor Lions are running into a buzzsaw in a Green Bay team that just committed 18 penalties in a devastating divisional loss. The Packers sometimes play down to their opponents (a staple of the Mike McCarthey Packers), but they will still pull this one out. No Matthew Stafford for Detroit and a still listless Detroit defense that can't get off the field on third down will give Green Bay an easy third victory.

Green Bay 34, Detroit 13

Denver (1-2) at Tennessee (2-1)
Yes, Denver is going to throw the ball. That's because they're backfield has been devastated by injuries and they're defense hasn't played well (no surprises) forcing them to play from behind. Chris Johnson is going up against a defense that has done a decent job against the run, but they also now face one of the best tandems of line and back in the league. The Broncos have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 63.6% of their passes, 7.4 YPA, and a rating of 96.9. Young hasn't been as good as last season, but when he takes care of the ball the Titans win games. This isn't going to be a blowout, but I fully expect the Titans to win this game.

Tennessee 30, Denver 23

Seattle (2-1) at St. Louis (1-2)
A pivotal division matchup that could determine who has the inside track early in the NFC West. Okay you can stop laughing now. Seattle has been an anomaly this season. They've been living off of the difficulty of playing in Seattle, but when they're on the road...they're bad. St. Louis has played much better football this season and the offensive line is playing very well right now. In fact, St. Louis' offense has seemed capable. Better execution on special teams and a miracle on defense will lead to St. Louis playing consistently good football, but the Rams have been in every game. Bradford gets a bend-but-don't-break secondary that has been torched through the air but has forced turnovers and limited the touchdowns. Bradford's going to take what Seattle gives him with his makeshift receiving corps. and find a way to get his second victory in the Edward Jones Dome.

St. Louis 19, Seattle 16

Carolina (0-3) at New Orleans (2-1)
Boy this Carolina offense is bad. I wish I could blame the play calling for the struggles of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, but teams are stacking the box and forcing the Panthers to throw and until somebody in Carolina proves that they can throw the ball. The Panthers get an aggressive defense and a ballhawking secondary that has been of ill use because the Saints have struggled to stop the run this season. Maybe Carolina can establish the run early and won't have to turn so quickly to an anemic passing game, but it's unlikely.

New Orleans 28, Carolina 10

Baltimore (2-1) at Pittsburgh (3-0)
I can't believe I'm saying this but give me Charlie Batch. Yes, Charlie Batch. They guy who has been collecting no-show paychecks with Pittsburgh for the better part of the last decade. The guy who was once benched for Rutgers quarterback Mike McMahon. I'll take him and this outrageously good Steelers defense against a banged up Raymell Rice. I don't know if the Steelers defense is going to maintain this success, but it's a rivalry game and this is the type of game where you can essentially throw whose playing on offense out the window. The question is which offense is going to be less frustrated by the time the two minute warning rolls around to lead a game-winning field goal drive. Believe it or not...I'm taking Pittsburgh. I guess because they're at home. These teams are almost mirror images of each other and a big part of me wants to take Baltimore because Flacco has been so good early in his career in close games, but I feel obligated to pick Pittsburgh for some reason.

Pittsburgh 10, Baltimore 7

Houston (2-1) at Oakland (1-2)
Oakland's a tough place to play, but the Raiders offense is really only going to be able to throw the ball and they're not built to do that--especially with banged up receivers. Arian Foster is going to run wild against the Raiders defense, and that should open things up for Matt Schaub early on. If the Texans have it their way though, Foster will shield the passing game so that Andre Johnson won't have to be on the field as much.

Houston 31, Oakland 14

Indianapolis (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2)
So when does the Trent Edwards era officially begin in Jacksonville? I hope it's this week because he's going to get a major shock when he sees what going up against the Indy pass rush is like (could it be better then the Jets in 09?). Indianapolis is on a major role (and so is Peyton Manning) and the Jaguars have a secondary that's been sliced and diced to nobody's surprised all September. Rumor around Jacksonville is that if the team gets blown out again Jack Del Rio is going to be out of a job. There was a time when Del Rio was the hottest coach in the league...now his seat is hotter than anybody's. Goodbye JDR.

Indianapolis 34, Jacksonville 7

Washington (1-2) at Philadelphia (2-1)
I've been getting a lot of flack all week at U92 radio for my faith in the Washington Redskins in this game. I believe Donovan McNabb is going to lift this team up by its bootstraps. The defense has been appalling the last two games, but they have an outrageous amount of potential against a Philadelphia team with a very banged up offensive line. The Eagles secondary has had a nice start to 2010, but they've been aided by teams running the ball on them and a very weak schedule. The Eagles have beaten up two embarrassments for franchises in Detroit and Jacksonville. This is still a weak test, but a bigger test then either of those two organizations. Mike Shanahan may not be the right coach for the Skins, but he's still a great coach in his own right.

Washington 20, Philadelphia 17

Arizona (2-1) at San Diego (1-2)
As an NFL fan I feel that Ken Wisenhunt should be publicly stoned for replacing Kurt Warner with Derek Anderson. He had to have some idea that Matt Leinart wasn't going to be the guy...or maybe it's just his bias against young quarterbacks. Either way it's a crime watching Derek Anderson destroy what was a superb offense in 2009. Somebody get Arizona a real quarterback. This is just hard to watch. Dan Williams is going to be deactivated this weekend for reporting overweight to practice (and he's actually played okay). Ryan Matthews should have a much better matchup now and he already had a good one against the 31st ranked rushing defense in the NFL.

San Diego 27, Arizona 10

Chicago (3-0) at New York Giants (1-2)
It's pretty crazy that the Bears are still underdogs going into this game against a team that's looked awful the last two weeks and beat a pretty mediocre Panthers team. That being said, the Giants are in panic mode and the Bears can't keep living off of close victories. That's not the mark of a consistently good team. That's the mark of a decent team with a little luck. The Bears have allowed a lot of yards through the air, but they've also limited touchdowns. Eli Manning must take care of the ball or this is going to be a long season for the Giants. If they fall to 1-3 Coughlin's seat is going to get very, very hot. That Giants offensive line needs some help, and a healthy William Beatty would be a nice start. Too bad he's out. Shawn Andrews MUST step up this week. If Julius Peppers plays to his full capability he could really annoy Manning. All the signs point towards a Bears win, but I'm going to go with my inexplicable gut and pick the Giants.

New York Giants 27, Chicago Bears 20

New England (2-1) at Miami (2-1)
Miami's coming off a rough division loss at home. They now host New England who they have traditionally been very strong against in Miami. Early season Miami is a tough place to play, and while Brady should have his way with this Miami secondary, I'm expecting the Pats defense to continue it's early struggles. This one could be a shootout, but Miami's defense is better coached and late in the game they should be able to come up with that critical turnover they need to win this game.

Miami 31, New England 24

I'm 27-21 on the season.

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 9-7
Week 3: 12-4

So if that pace continues I should go 14-0 this week right?

NBA 2011 Previews: Southeast Division

I'll wrap up the Eastern Conference previews with its strongest division, the Southeast.


1. Orlando Magic
Last Season: (59-23) 1st in Southeast, 2nd in the East
Season Ended: Lost Conference Finals (4-2) to Boston
Best Player: Dwight Howard


Pencil in Quentin Richardson for Matt Barnes and not much has changed in Orlando. After finishing with the league's second best record and going 8-0 in their first two play-off series, the Magic were embarrassed by the Celtics in the Conference Finals. Expect a similar outcome if Howard hasn't learned how to score without throwing it down. They'll continue to be one of the league's elite. However, Howard has to work on his offensive post game if Orlando wants to win a championship.


2. Miami Heat
Last Season: (47-35) 3rd in Southeast, 5th in the East
Season Ended: Lost First Round (4-1) to Boston
Best Player: T.B.D Between Dwayne Wade or LeBron James


I have been trashing the Heat a little. Honestly I'm not saying they will definitely fall short. I'm just saying sometimes a plethora of talent doesn't automatically translate to a championship (see also, 2004 Lakers). I have no idea what to expect of the Heat, which is why I'm not giving them anything, not even a division championship.


3. Atlanta Hawks
Last Season: (53-29) 2nd in Southeast, 3rd in the East
Season Ended: Lost Second Round (4-0) to Orlando
Best Player: Joe Johnson


Besides letting go Mike Woodson and promoting assistant coach Larry Drew, Atlanta kept their roster in tact. The major concern was keeping Joe Johnson, and they did so by drastically overpaying him. This is great for continuity, but not sufficient for anything more than a third consecutive second round exit.




4. Charlotte Bobcats
Last Season: (44-38) 4th in Southeast, 7th in the East
Season Ended: Lost First Round (4-0) to Orlando
Best Player: Gerald Wallace


2010 was the best season in the short history of the Bobcats franchise. However any chance of them moving up in the ranks of the division was eradicated by the Heat acquiring James and Bosh. Losing Raymond Felton didn't help either.


5. Washington Wizards
Last Season: (26-56) 5th in Southeast, 14th in the East
Season Ended: Missed Play-offs
Best Player: Gilbert Arenas


Many thought the Wizards had the talent to hold a 4 or 5 seed in 2010. I did as well. The big 3 of Gilbert Arenas, Antoine Jameson and Caron Butler saw that sort of success in the past. With Arenas slated for a full season and the addition of Flip Saunders who is a great regular season coach they were looking like a high 40 or low 50 win team. Then after an 11-32 start Gilbert Arenas, while arguing with a teammate took his "Agent Zero" nickname a little too literally and saw it fit to draw a firearm in the locker room. John Wall will be a great pro. He's a Calipari coached point guard and so far that as been an exceptional breed. Did anyone see his reaction when the Wizards won the draft lottery though? He was hardly excited, rightfully so, the Wizards suck.

NBA 2011 Previews: Central Division

With Cleveland crashing and only two teams that show any real promise, it will be a close contest between the Central and Atlantic for worst division in the NBA.


1. Chicago Bulls
Last Season: (42-20) 3rd in Central, 8th in the East
Season Ended: Lost First Round (4-1) to Cleveland
Best Player: Derrick Rose


The Bulls are going to be good, very good. Maybe not a serious contender just yet but they will pose a challenge. Derrick Rose is one of the top 5 point guards in the league, and will continue to improve. A front-court with two double-double machines in Noah and Boozer will be a force only the Lakers and Celtics bigs can match-up with evenly, let's not forget the addition of 7ft. Omer Asik. They do have a rookie coach in Thibodeau, but if he's even a little better than Del Negro then the Bulls are a 5 seed at worst.


2. Milwaukee Bucks
Last Season: (46-36) 2nd in Central, 6th in the East
Season Ended: Lost First Round (4-3) to Atlanta 
Best Player: Brandon Jennings


As I had previously mentioned, the Bucks are going to be the Blazers of the East. A blend of seasoned veterans and young talent, lead by prospective superstar Brandon Jennings. They are good enough to earn a home court play-off series. I can't say anything the about the Bucks that I haven't already said. So I won't be redundant.


3.  Cleveland Cavilers
Last Season: (61-21) 1st in Central, 1st in the East
Season Ended: Lost Second Round (4-2) to Boston
Best Player: Mo Williams


See photo above.


4. Indiana Pacers
Last Season:  (32-50) 4th in Central, 10th in the East
Season Ended: Missed Play-offs
Best Player: Danny Granger


The Pacers were one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA last season. That could be in part because Danny Granger, one of the best scorers in the NBA was out for 20 games. Not like it would make a dramatic difference. Signing Darren Collison who was one of the best back-up points in the league, along with the veteran James Posey will help young the Pacers offensive struggles, but not enough to matter. At best the Pacers are a 40 win team


5. Detroit Pistons
Last Season: (27-55) 5th in Central, 12th in the East
Season Ended: Missed Play-offs
Best Player: Richard Hamilton


It was only 2 years ago that the Detroit Pistons were playing in their sixth straight Eastern Conference Finals series. They lost that series (4-2) to Boston, marking the end of an era. In 2010, two seasons and one Iverson later, the Pistons were a 20 win team. I'm a big fan of Greg Monroe, who will be the teams best post player. Richard Hamilton played only 46 games last season, when he isn't injured he is one of the most consistent players in the league, but he isn't good enough to lead the Pistons anywhere. The Pistons sucked last year, and they are going to suck again.