NFL Preview 2012 and Playoff Predictions

Are you ready for some football? My preview for the 2012 NFL season

American Football Conference (AFC)

AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens
Notes: Just like last season the Ravens finish in first place, might be for the last time though with Reed, Lewis getting towards their end and the Cincinatti Bengals are clearly on the rise.
2. Cincinatti Bengals
Notes: Despite losing first round draft pick CB Dre Kirkpatrick, they added insurance with CB Terrence Newman, with 2nd year QB Dalton and 2nd year WR Green as one of the best young QB-WR tandems (besides Stafford-Johnson) the Bengals may be ready to fly.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Notes: The Steelers really have not made any moves besides improving their offensive line with first round pick G David DeCastro and are threatened by the holdout of their star WR Mike Wallace.
4. Cleveland Browns
Notes: Cleveland improved by drafting top draft pick RB Trent Richardson who could right away be a star, at 28 years old QB Brandon Weeden might have to start right away meaning Colt McCoy's days are numbered the only thing missing in Cleveland now is a primetime WR.  If they do that they will be ready to take off and fly high especially with establishing already one of the best young defenses in the league (allowed 19.2 points a game, tied for 5th in the NFL).

AFC South:
1. Houston Texans
Notes: It's a strong possibility that if last season Houston had a healthy Matt Schaub the Texans could have gotten past the Ravens into the AFC Championship game to face the Patriots, Schaub-Johnson is another lethal connection, don't forget this.
2. Tennessee Titans
Notes: Depending on the health of WR Kenny Britt, QB Hasselbeck could have one last run in him before Locker takes over.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Notes: I am not sold on QB Blaine Gabbert, however perhaps the draft addition of top pick WR Justin Blackmon will help and with a not too shabby defense (allowing 20.6 ppg for 11th best in the NFL) the Jags will improve this year.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Notes: QB Andrew Luck could be really good some day but like the other rookie QBs (esp Peyton when he was a rookie) he is most likely to struggle, especially having to be able to fill Peyton Manning's shoes..those are very big shoes to fill.

AFC East:
1. New England Patriots
Notes: Surprise, surprise the Patriots finish back in 1st in the division and the move they made might be totally under the radar as they acquired WR Brandon Lloyd a deep threat for the offense that it might have lacked.  Not to mention the Pats may have well improved their 15th best defense in the league (21.4 points allowed per game) by adding LB Donta Hightower out of Alabama.
2. New York Jets
Notes: With the Jets dominating headlines since the acquisition of QB Tim Tebow, the draft moves of DE Quinton Coples and WR Stephen Hill might go under the radar especially with Sanchez who threw a career best 26 TDs last season, even though him and the Jets have been missing a deep threat since Braylon Edwards last played there whom averaged 17.1 yards a catch.
3. Buffalo Bills
Notes: The Bills started off hot last season and then finished 6-10, one of these years they'll be more consistent perhaps it will be this year.
4. Miami Dolphins
Notes: It'll be interesting to see how the Fins look without Marshall and how long Moore will be QB till Tannehill takes over, especially since their only main acquisition might be Pats reject WR Chad Ocho Cinco (now again known as Chad Johnson).

AFC West:
1. Denver Broncos
Notes: The Broncos shall repeat as division winners with the acquisition for an even better QB in Peyton Manning, even though Tebow's wins were like magic, if the Broncos are given a healthy Peyton Manning for the season, more magic could possibly happen as Manning could have a couple more great years left in him.
2. San Diego Chargers
Notes: Rivers had a very disappointing season last year, perhaps this year he bounces back and the Chargers end up with a wild card spot.
3. Oakland Raiders
Notes: The Raiders after last season sure looked like they were on the rise despite only finishing 8-8, they are a talented squad, however the firing of 1st year head coach Hue Jackson could cost them, I thought he did a good job last year.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Notes: With a healthy Cassel, Charles, Bowe and Baldwin the offense could flourish but the loss of CB Brandon Carr might hurt more than anything else, even though they still have CB Brandon Flowers. Between the Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs the 2nd spot for the division is up for grabs at least in my opinion.

National Football Conference (NFC)

NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers
Notes: One reason the Packers weren't able to repeat as Super Bowl champions was the same reason they weren't able to beat the now defending Super Bowl champion Giants, their pass rush especially on their line but they might have now addressed them with the additions of their draft picks LB/DE Nick Perry and DT Jerel Worthy.
2. Chicago Bears
Notes: For all the talk about Jay Cutler not having any targets, that changed this season with the additions of newly reunited teammate Brandon Marshall and even draft pick Alshon Jeffery might make an impact away.
3. Detroit Lions
Notes: I can see them winning as many games as they did last season however it's a tough division, of course if they have a healthy Stafford and Johnson that would be enough to win some games right there, especially since I see a breakout season from Suh. If it was up to me the Lions would be division champs but the truth is the Packers are really good right now and I think the Bears will be now that Cutler has some weapons, it's a tough division, then again maybe anything can happen.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Notes: A healthy Adrian Peterson is one reason to not take the Vikings for granted and their defense isn't that bad either, the question here will be how much improvement they see from 2nd year QB Christian Ponder.

NFC South:
1. New Orleans Saints
Notes: Despite Bountygate, and unless players get suspended for a year for this they are still a dangerous football team especially as long as Brees remains QB.
2. Carolina Panthers
Notes: Yes you read this right I have the Panthers finishing in 2nd in this division, I just get the feeling Cam Newton is going to get better and better and with Steve Smith as his right hand man and the addition of LB Luke Kuechly in the draft, he gets more help to start making the Panthers a better football team.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Notes: Despite the explosive duo of WRs Roddy White and Julio Jones, the concern of Matt Ryan still not being able to win a playoff game (the next Romo?) is major especially with it's very poor showing vs the Giants in the Wild Card round. I see them taking a step back despite the addition of CB Asante Samuel from Philadelphia.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notes: Everything fell apart for them last season (especially with Coach Raheem Morris getting the boot) and truth is it might not get any better for Josh Freeman and company in as tough as a division as this is now.

NFC East:
1. New York Giants
Notes: Despite the losses of key players in WR Mario Manningham (spectacular grab in the Super Bowl) and RB Brandon Jacobs, you still have to respect the Giants for not only being defending NFC East champions but defending Super Bowl champions as well, you can no longer take Eli for granted, I certainly won't, they are the champs till defeated.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Notes: I think they bounce back this season especially on the defensive end with the addition of DeMeco Ryans, perhaps Vick putting up a career best in passing numbers this year as well.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Notes: Tony Romo is a good QB not a great QB though and he fails to perform in the big moments so despite the addition of CB Brandon Carr in FA and CB Morris Claiborne through the draft to help their defense, until he is (if he is) they won't be able to go far.
4. Washington Redskins
Notes: Believe it or not RG3 has less pressure on him this season than Andrew Luck since Washington hasn't had a good QB since maybe Doug Williams while Luck has to try to fill Manning's shoes. It'll be interesting to see if RG3 can make an impact right away this season the way Cam did last season.

NFC West:
1. San Francisco 49ers
Notes: Many key additions this season in WRs Randy Moss (brought him out of retirement and Mario Manningham (might be an underrated move compared to Moss) and RB Brandon Jacobs and WR AJ Jenkins and RB LaMichael James in the draft.  It'll be interesting to see what Moss looks like on the field especially if Smith can utilize him well, I think he can since I believe he had his breakout game vs the Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game with the GW TD to Davis.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Notes: With the additions of WR Antonio Bryant and former Browns in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow being reunited.  The question here is, could Matt Flynn be their guys? Or did my Lions make him look better than he actually was with their poor secondary? If he is their guy and deep threat WRs like Sidney Rice and Braylon Edwards can stay healthy (Edwards wasn't able to last season with the Niners) along with Winslow watch out for the Seahawks.
3. St. Louis Rams
Notes: Is this the year Sam Bradford finally breaks out? Or do we find out this year he's not as good as we thought he would be? The Rams could have an impact on their defense with CBs Cortland Finnegan and even risky draft pick CB Janoris Jenkins to at least be better than what they were last season.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Notes: CB Patrick Peterson could make an impact in his 2nd season not just as a punt/kick returner but as a CB this year, draft pick WR Michael Floyd could flourish next to one of the best WRs in the NFL in Larry Fitzgerald. However my question is who is going to throw to them? I'm still not sold on Kolb (wasted trade) or Skelton, 6th round draft pick Lindley? Unless he's the 2nd coming of Tom Brady no, I think they'll need to draft one next season in the 1st round, perhaps they'll land Barkley.

Playoff Predictions:
American Football Conference (AFC)
1. New England Patriots
2. Houston Texans
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
WC. Cincinatti Bengals
WC. San Diego Chargers

Wild Card game: Bengals vs Ravens. Winner: Bengals
Wild Card game: Chargers vs Broncos. Winner: Broncos
AFC Divisional game: Bengals vs Texans. Winner: Texans
AFC Divisional game: Broncos vs Patriots. Winner: Patriots
AFC Championship Game: Texans vs Patriots. Winner: Patriots

National Football Conference (NFC)
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. New Orleans Saints
WC Chicago Bears
WC Philadelphia Eagles

Wild Card game: Bears vs Saints. Winner: Saints
Wild Card game: Eagles vs Giants. Winner: Giants
NFC Divisional game: Saints vs Packers. Winner: Packers
NFC Divisional game: Giants vs 49ers. Winner: 49ers
NFC Championship game: 49ers vs Packers. Winner: Packers

Super Bowl XLVII
Patriots vs Packers
Winner: Patriots

Last season I predicted the Patriots to win the Super Bowl and was just one Tom Brady missed pass from getting it right, lets hope the 2nd time is the charm and Brady gets his 4th so he and the Pats can be a Super Bowl before their window totally closes.

2012 NBA Final Mock Draft: Round 1

Intro: There are a few things that could happen on draft day or before, could be a big trade goes down, Dwight Howard on the move perhaps? A championship contender moving up in the draft order? One thing is for sure though.... Basketball never ends.
Round 1:
1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Notes: Clear cut #1 pick has potential to be a great big man in the league.
2. Charlotte Bobcats - Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Notes: The pick they should take here is Thomas Robinson, however the consensus is it will be sharpshooter Bradley Beal.
3. Washington Wizards - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Notes: In my opinion the 2nd best player in the draft, he has potential to be one of the best small forwards in the league, perhaps a poor mans Kevin Durant.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Harrison Barnes, SF, UNC
Notes: I would say Thomas Robinson here but the Cavs already drafted Tristian Thompson last year so they already have a 4, Barnes has bust potential, has no killer instinct but perhaps a good coach in Byron Scott could make it work there in Cleveland with Irving and Thompson.
5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
Notes: Sacramento improves it's frontline by adding Robinson to the 4 with Cousins at the 5; Evans, Robinson and Cousins as the building blocks for the future.
6. Portland Trailblazers - Andre Drummond, PF/C, UConn
Notes: With Oden most likely done, Portland drafts it's replacement to go along with supreme PF Aldridge on the frontline.
7. Golden State Warriors - Damian Lilliard, PG, Weber State
Notes: After dealing Ellis to the Bucks last season, Golden State finds it's replacement in Lilliard so Stephen Curry can go back to his natural position, the 2.
8. Toronto Raptors - Austin Rivers, SG/PG, Duke
Notes: Rivers has risen up on the boards, Toronto might be looking for a guard and might be buying into the Rivers hype.
9. Detroit Pistons - John Henson, PF, UNC
Notes: The Detroit Pistons have C Greg Monroe and PG Brandon Knight as their building blocks, they add more size inside with PF Henson who has the potential to be a pretty good shotblocker in the NBA. Only concern I have is that he's very skinny; needs to bulk up, he was the standout in the Pistons workouts according to reports.
10. New Orleans Hornets - Jeremy Lamb, SG, UConn
Notes: With Lamb and Davis on the Hornets, New Orleans may finally have 2 pieces for the future to make it look bright since CP3 and David West.
11. Portland Trailblazers - Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington
Notes: After adding size inside with Drummond, Portland betters themselves on the wing with SG/SF Terrence Ross, who has the potential to be a steal in the draft.
12. Houston Rockets - Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Notes: Houston might lose their PG this offseason in Kyle Lowry, Kentucky PG Marquis Teague might be a potential replacement.
13. Phoenix Suns - Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Notes: This pick could depend on whether or not Phoenix can resign Nash, if they do they will for sure be adding some size inside, 7'1 Leonard will be hard to pass up here.
14. Milwaukee Bucks - Tyler Zeller, PF/C, UNC
Notes: Trading Bogut last season should be enough reason to draft a potential replacement at the 5 with Tyler Zeller, regardless you can never have too much size inside.
15. Philadelphis Sixers - Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
Notes: Very good shooting guard that could possibly start at the 2 spot for the Sixers if not give more power off the bench along with Lou Will.
16. Houston Rockets - Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Notes: At this point Moultrie is the best player available and again you can never have too much size inside, Moultrie in the frontcourt to compliment Luis Scola.
17. Dallas Mavericks - Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
Notes: With the Mavs likely due to lose Kidd in free agency and unless they get Deron Williams from the Nets, the Mavs will likely be looking for a successor here that very well might be Marshall who has the makings to be a pure point guard.
18. Houston Rockets - Moe Harkless, SF, St. Johns
Notes: Houston adds on to their frontline with Harkless who may be a cinderella pick in this draft.
19. Orlando Magic - Terrence Jones, SF/PF, Kentucky
Notes: With Dwight possibly on the move this summer, Orlando might be looking for another big man to give them help inside Terrence Jones may be the answer.
20. Denver Nuggets - Perry Jones, SF/PF, Baylor
Notes: Denver already has size inside in Kenneth Faried, Javale McGee, they very well might add more with Jones here.
21. Boston Celtics - Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Notes: One of the Celtics weakness is lacking size inside and they also may very well lose KG to free agency, 7 foot Melo is the best player available for them at this point.
22. Boston Celtics - Jared Cunningham, SG, Oregon State
Notes: The Celtics might lose Ray Allen this offseason, this may be his replacement.
23. Atlanta Hawks - Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
Notes: Atlanta needs more size inside especially since they may lose PF Josh Smith this offseason.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Notes: Sullinger considered a red flag to some teams in the draft but at this point I can see the Cavs taking a chance here on the hometown kid.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Khris Middleton, SG/SF, Texas A&M
Notes: The Griz may lose OJ Mayo this offseason, might look at Middleton as a replacement.
26. Indiana Pacers - Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor
Notes: Miller is the best player available at this point, may make an impact off the bench.
27. Miami Heat - Draymond Green, SF/PF, Michigan State
Notes: Green can play either the 3 or 4, could be a nice addition off the bench for Miami.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Evan Fournier, SG, France
Notes: Thunder might lose SG Harden this offseason, might look at Fournier as a replacement.
29. Chicago Bulls - Royce White, SF, Iowa State
Notes: Chicago might make a trade for a top draft pick in this draft involving Deng if so this could be the pick that is his replacement.
30. Golden State Warriors - Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Notes: Golden State adds more size inside with 6'11 C Ezeli to compliment PF David Lee.

NBA Finals Prediction: Updated

First Round:
Eastern Conference
1 Chicago Bulls vs 8 Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Chicago in 4
4 Boston Celtics vs 5 Atlanta Hawks:
Result: Boston in 6
2 Miami Heat vs 7 New Your Knicks
Result: Miami in 4
3 Indiana Pacers vs 6 Orlando Magic
Result: Indiana in 4
Western Conference:
1 San Antonio Spurs vs 8 Utah Jazz
Result: San Antonio in 5
4 Memphis Grizzlies vs 5 Los Angeles Clippers
Result: Memphis in 6
2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs 7 Dallas Mavericks
Result: Oklahoma City in 6
3 Los Angeles Lakers vs 6 Denver Nuggets
Result: Lakers in 6

Second Round:
Eastern Conference:
1 Chicago Bulls vs 4 Boston Celtics
Result: Chicago in 6
2 Miami Heat vs 3 Indiana Pacers
Result: Miami in 7
1 San Antonio Spurs vs 4 Memphis Grizzlies
Result: San Antonio in 6
2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs 3 Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Lakers in 6

Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference:
1 Chicago Bulls vs 2 Miami Heat
Result: Miami in 6
1 San Antonio Spurs vs 3 Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Lakers in 6

NBA Finals:
2 Miami Heat vs 3 Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Let this be the series that finally settles the Kobe vs. LeBron debate. Lakers in 6, not to mention Kobe's 6th ring.

NBA Playoffs: Nuggets vs Lakers

Western Conference Matchups:
6 Denver Nuggets vs 3 Los Angeles Lakers
PG Ty Lawson vs PG Ramon Sessions
Advantage: Tie, both are young slashers.
SG Aaron Affalo vs SG Kobe Bryant
Advantage: Kobe
SF Danilo Galinari vs SF Matt Barnes
Advantage: Danilo
PF Kenneth Faried vs PF Pau Gasol
Advantage: Pau
C Kosta Koufos vs C Andrew Bynum
Advantage: Bynum
Bench:
Advantage: Nuggets
Coaching:
Advantage: Nuggets
Intangibles:
Advantage: Lakers
Prediction: Lakers in 6

NBA Playoffs: Mavericks vs Thunder

Western Conference matchups:
7 Dallas Mavericks vs 2 Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Jason Kidd vs PG Russell Westbrook
Advantage: Westbrook
SG Delonte West vs SG Thabo Sefolosha
Advantage: Thabo
SF Shawn Marion vs SF Kevin Durant
Advantage: Durant
PF Dirk Nowitzki vs PF Serge Ibaka
Advantage: Nowitzki
C Brendan Haywood vs C Kendrick Perkins
Advantage: Tie
Bench:
Advantage: Mavericks
Coaching:
Advantage: Tie
Intangibles:
Advantage: Mavs, defending NBA champions
Prediction: Thunder in 6

NBA Playoffs: Clippers vs Grizzlies

Western Conference Matchups:
5 Los Angeles Clippers vs 4 Memphis Grizzlies
Positional matchups:
PG Chris Paul vs PG Mike Conley
Advantage: Paul
SG Randy Foye vs SG Tony Allen
Advantage: Mayo
SF Caron Butler vs SF Rudy Gay
Advantage: Gay
PF Blake Griffin vs PF Maurice Speights
Advantage: Griffin
C DeAndre Jordan vs C Marc Gasol
Advantage: Tie
Bench:
Advantage: Grizzlies
Coaching:
Advantage: Grizzlies
Intangibles:
 Advantage: Grizzlies
Prediction: Grizzlies in 6

NBA Playoffs: Jazz vs Spurs

Western Conference matchups:
8 Utah Jazz vs 1 San Antonio Spurs
Positional matchups:
PG Devin Harris vs PG Tony Parker
Advantage: Spurs
SG Gordon Hayward vs SG Danny Green
Advantage: Spurs
SF DeMarre Carroll vs SF Kawhi Leonard
Advantage: Spurs
PF Paul Milsap vs PF Tim Duncan
Advantage: Spurs
C Al Jefferson vs C DeJuan Blair
Advantage: Jazz
Bench:
Advantage: Spurs
Coaching:
Advantage: Spurs
Intangibles:
Advantage: Spurs
Prediction: Spurs in 5.