10 Bold Predictions for the 2021 NFL Season It’s the most wonderful tiiiiiiiime of the year!!!! Man, there is literally no joy in this world during the dark times. And by dark times, I mean the six months between March and September where there’s no football. The 2021 NFL season is finally upon us, and we have a lot to cover. Fans are back in the stands, there’s an extra game added to the schedule this season, and so much more! That “so much more” is mostly predictions, but there’s a lot to cover in those predictions, so. Let’s just hop right in. Here are my ten bold predictions for the 2021 NFL season, followed by a crude projection of the standings and an even more crude prediction about the 2022 playoffs. Happy football, everyone. Enjoy! 10 Bold Predictions for the 2021 NFL Season 1. Justin Fields takes over for Andy Dalton within four weeks.  Of all my predictions, I think this one is probably the one most likely to occur. Andy Dalton came to Chicago with the intention (nay, the promise) of being QB1 when the season opened. Enter- Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance during the preseason, albeit in short spurts. Fields has the typical rookie growing pains to get through- and I don’t believe this first season for him will be easy by any stretch of the imagination- but being a better quarterback than Andy Dalton is not that hard. And Fields gives the Bears stability under center, and a young football mind that can be molded and grow into the player Chicago hopes he’ll be. Because when Fields is on, he’s fantastic. I think another loss to the hapless Lions will force Matt Nagy to make the switch to the OSU product. Where it goes from there for Fields- I don’t know. But I do know they’ll be better off with him than with Andy Dalton. 2. Sam Darnold will be a revelation in Carolina.  Ya know, I’m happy for Sam, I really am. Going from an organization doomed to run quarterbacks’ potentials into the ground in the New York Jets (good luck Zach Wilson) to a high-powered, pass-happy offense in Carolina? Thank GOODNESS. He’s got a buddy already in Robby Anderson from his time in New York, the best pass-catching running back in football in CMC, and a young, exciting offensive scheme thanks to OC Joe Brady (fostering good quarterbacks and honing their talent without destroying them, what a concept!). Darnold’s gonna do very well this season. It makes it all the more exciting that the Panthers get the Jets in week one. My guess is the former USC Trojan tops 25 touchdown passes this year. 3. The defense leads Indianapolis to a winning record.  No Carson Wentz, and likely no Quentin Nelson for the Colts. It’s almost like all is lost. Fortunately, the Colts have a GREAT defense, which- at least for me- was a thorn in my side as I watched them destroy my fantasy team’s players week in and week out. DeForest Buckner could very well lead the league in sacks, and Xavier Rhodes might be the NFL’s best shadow corner. The Colts might look to be a middle-of-the-road defense, but they stifled opposing RBs- holding them to 90.5 yards a game in 2020, good for second in the league last year. If the offensive isn’t a complete train wreck (keep in mind their starter is Carson Wentz- so the bar is LOW), I think this defense can help them squeak out 10 or 11 wins this season. 4. The Patriots defeat the Buccaneers in Tom Brady's return to Foxboro.  Ah yes, the old homer take. Is this one farfetched? Yes. But I’m gonna hit you with a big curveball later in the article, so this one won’t seem as crazy compared to that one in a little bit. So the Buccaneers are the defending Super Bowl champions and are returning all 22 starters, and Tom Brady is poised to become only the fourth QB to beat all 32 NFL teams when the Bucs visit Brady’s old team, the Patriots, up in Foxboro in week 4. Brady, at 44 years old, has shown literally zero signs of slowing down, and is arguably playing better at 44 than he did at 24. The Buccaneers have a high powered offense, and probably the league’s best defense. Typical Tom-Brady-being-the-best shit. We know all this. But hear me out. The Patriots have gotten better on defense. And they’ve spent over $160 million on offense and have an exciting rookie QB that taught Cam Newton the playbook. They’ve also got Bill Belichick. I’m convinced that by now, Belichick goes out and loses on purpose to his protogés, only to turn around and embarrass them when it matters most by pulling out a trick he’s been holding out on them throughout their careers in New England. It’s like Belichick teaches them everything they know, but not everything he knows. Having coached Brady for 20 years, he knows what has to be done to slow his former golden boy down. I think he plays that card and we see things we’ve NEVER seen from a Belichick-coached team. I think the new-and-improved defense gives Brady fits in the pocket, stifles the run game, and is able to keep some of his receivers in check. Mac Jones and the offense will need to do their jobs and play an incredibly clean game without turning the ball over and making the most of every single drive. Can they do it? Well, let’s get there first. I feel it in my bones, you guys. Patriots by a million. Brady doesn’t take his helmet off when he and Bill hug at the end of the game. 5. Julio Jones will overtake A.J. Brown in both receiving yards and touchdowns.  Say what you want about the Titans and their two-headed monster at receiver- this is still the Derrick Henry show. But Julio Jones left Atlanta for a reason, and this new start in Tennessee will show that he’s got plenty left in the tank. I mean, he put up over 1,000 receiving yards in 7 of the last ten seasons, and one down year in Atlanta’s terrible offense doesn’t mean we’re taking him out to pasture. People are so quick to forget that Jones was and still is one of the best, most reliable receivers in the league. If AJ Brown’s knee injury keeps him out of week one, we could see a big debut for Jones against the Cardinals. Still, I think this season proves that Jones is the better receiver, and a new start will put him right back into the upper echelon of wide receivers in the league. This Titans offense is on the precipice of something great. You watch. 6. To that point, Derrick Henry will NOT break the single-season rushing record.  With an 17th regular season game, there are a lot of records in play that weren’t so easily attainable in a 16-game regular season. That means Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards could certainly be in sight, especially for the defending rushing champion, who notched 2,000 yards of his own last season. But here’s the thing- there are some STIFF rush defenses the Titans have to go through this season. There’s the Colts (twice). Kansas City. The Rams. The Patriots. The Bills. The 49ers. The Steelers. Hell, I feel like even the Jets could put up a fight up front. And even if King Henry manages to go through ALL that, there’s still the reality of inevitable regression after a monster season- and the fact that he might have to share the spotlight with the Titans’ new weapon, Julio Jones. Henry came up 78 yards short of Dickerson’s record last year. He’s definitely capable of reaching 2,105 yards. But it ain’t happening this year. 7. The Arizona Cardinals will have the NFL's highest-scoring offense.  Kliff Kingsbury is on the hot seat this year for Arizona, there’s no doubt about that. Bringing in DeAndre Hopkins in 2020 and missing out on the playoffs, nearly injuring Kyler Murray in the process? Yikes. But this season brings new hope for the Red Sea and Kingsbury’s air-raid offense: the arrival of AJ Green, who could have a second birth in Arizona- there’s a reason people like to finish out their careers in Arizona: look at the old dogs like Carson Palmer, Kurt Warner, and Larry Fitzgerald, who all had stellar careers in their later years in the desert. Green and his health will be the x-factor this year. If he’s able to keep his body together, the combination of he, Hopkins, and Murray could be lethal. Kyler Murray will also need to learn how to stay in the pocket and run a tad more conservatively if the Cardinals are to make the playoffs this season. If all goes well, the Cardinals could easily have one of the best offenses in football- we might even see a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Hopkins and Green. 8. Josh Allen will win NFL MVP.  Five reasons why Josh Allen will win MVP:
9. The Cincinnati Bengals will win more games than the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Bengals are on the upswing, thanks to a returning Joe Burrow and a young and talented (although unproven) group of receivers including Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins. If all goes well and everyone stays healthy, the Bengals are gonna win more than a few games this season. The Steelers are trending downwards, bringing back Big Ben for one more tragic season, and relying on a rookie RB, and a WR group that rivals the Three Stooges in terms of physical comedy. From Juju’s TikTok dancing to Chase Claypool’s complaining to Diontae’s drops- there’s not a lot to like about the gold and black. Calling it right now- the Steelers’ loss to the Bengals last season started the spiral. Their impending loss to the Bengals this season cements their place at the bottom of the AFC North. 10. Finally, Jameis Winston- yes, that Jameis Winston- will break the NFL's single-season passing record.  Hear me out. The single-season passing record is currently held by Peyton Manning, sits at 5,477 yards. Jameis Winston threw for 5,109 in his final year in Tampa. I’m just saying, Jameis likes to throw the ball. A lot.
Now, Did he throw 30 interceptions in 2019? Yes. Did he have better talent in Tampa than he does in New Orleans? Yes. But I think Jameis can still have his cake and eat it too- that is, throw for 5,500 yards and throw 40 interceptions. First step is establishing the relationship between he and his mediocre wide receivers. Marquez Callaway and Winston had some great connections during the preseason, and Callaway figures to be the WR1 until Michael Thomas returns in week 7. Winston will need help from names like Tre’Quan Smith, Diontae Harris and Chris Hogan. He’ll need to have a good rapport with TE Adam Trautman, who is now the TE1 after Jared Cook left for Los Angeles. The other factor is Thomas and his injury history. If Thomas returns to MVP form after taking time to heal, he becomes a huge asset to Winston and his quest to break Manning’s record. That’s certainly a big if. The other big factor here is Alvin Kamara, who is a dangerous pass-catching RB, who had 24 touchdowns in 2020, and 756 receiving yards to go with it. If anyone's gonna help the cause, it's Kamara. I think Jameis can do it. He’ll need just about everything to fall his way, but he’s certainly got the arm and the motivation to do it. There’s a reason these prediction were bold. Fight me. Now, here are my standings predictions for the 2021 NFL season, followed by some way-too-early playoff predictions. AFC East Buffalo 14-3 New England 10-7 Miami 9-8 NY Jets 6-11 As mentioned, Buffalo has the best record in football. The Patriots take one season to recover from Brady being gone. Miami still has another year/needs one more player to do some real damage (not to mention I’m not fully confident in Tua for a whole season… maybe a trade for Deshaun Watson?), and the Jets will Jets. AFC North Cleveland 12-5 Baltimore 9-8 Cincinnati 8-9 Pittsburgh 7-10 Baltimore has no offense, and is relying on the talents of one Lamar Jackson and that defense to get literally anything done. This is Cleveland’s year. Man, the NFC North has changed so much, man. AFC South Tennessee 11-6 Indianapolis 10-7 Jacksonville 7-10 Houston 4-13 Trevor Lawrence is in for a rude awakening when he realizes that the Jaguars went out and got him and no help as his offensive line folds like a cheap card table on the way to 10 losses. At least they’re not as bad as Houston’s going to be, though. AFC West Kansas City 13-4 LA Chargers 11-6 Las Vegas 9-8 Denver 7-10 I should mention that the Chiefs are still loaded and will take your children if you’re not careful. Although Justin Herbert is gonna give them a run for their money- he and Mahomes are gonna have great duels and I’m excited to see them play each other for real this season. Las Vegas and Denver are still mediocre with mediocre QBs. NFC East Dallas 11-6 Washington 10-7 Philadelphia 7-10 NY Giants 5-12 Dallas is relying on a big step forward from their abysmal defense of 2020 and from CeeDee Lamb, who had a breakout campaign last year and is looking to add to it this year. If that happens and Dak plays healthy coming off an injury, this division belongs to the Cowboys this year. Washington’s record will rely on the play of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was brilliant for a half season with the Dolphins, but we know that Fitz can be erratic at times. Remind me why Eagles and Giants fans talk so much shit when they’re constantly the two worst teams in the division? NFC North Green Bay 12-5 Minnesota 10-7 Chicago 8-9 Detroit 5-12 I haven’t even talked about Aaron Rodgers yet! Well, he’s back in Green Bay, and probably wants to win a Super Bowl on what is likely his last go-around in Wisconsin before he takes over the full-time Jeopardy! host job. The Packers are still stellar, hence the record. Minnesota still has Kirk Cousins for a quarterback- hence the record. The Bears I mentioned above- hence the record. And the Lions? Well. The record. NFC South Tampa Bay 13-4 Carolina 10-7 New Orleans 8-9 Atlanta 4-13 No surprises here. Sam Darnold flourishes in Carolina, and the Saints falter without Drew Brees. The beat goes on. NFC West Arizona 11-6 Seattle 11-6 LA Rams 10-7 San Francisco 10-7 Man, I love the NFC West. Maybe they’ll fulfill my prediction of being the division where every team has a winning record this year (looking at you, 49ers!). If Trey Lance is who he says he is, this division has the potential to house four top-10 QBs this season, between Murray, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford, who is playing on a team with some talent this year in Los Angeles. And, of course, your way-too-early playoff predictions for this year: AFC Playoffs: (2) Kansas City over (7) New England (3) Cleveland over (6) Indianpolis (5) LA Chargers over (4) Tennessee AFC Divisional: (1) Buffalo over (5) LA Chargers (3) Cleveland over (2) Kansas City AFC Championship: (1) Buffalo over (3) Cleveland NFC Playoffs: (2) Green Bay over (7) Washington (3) Arizona over (6) LA Rams (5) Seattle over (4) Dallas NFC Divisional: (5) Seattle over (1) Tampa Bay (2) Green Bay over (3) Arizona NFC Championship: (2) Green Bay over (5) Seattle Super Bowl LVI: Buffalo over Green Bay Bills Mafia. Fight me. I’m so happy football is back, you guys. The NFL season starts tonight with the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 8pm on NBC.
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March Madness 2021: The Great Mascot Death Bracket III The Loyola Ramblers return to the tournament in 2021, eager to repeat their success from 2018. For the first time in two years, March Madness has returned to us. Last year’s cancellation of the tournament due to the pandemic left me without an opportunity to do a death bracket, but now that the field of 68 has officially been unveiled, we can officially commence with the festivities! And so, welcome all, to the third incarnation of the Great Mascot Death Bracket! Since we have a lot to get to, here’s a quick overview of the rules: Isn’t filling out a bracket normally just boring? Picking the 1 seeds to go all the way to the championship? Having just one or two upsets in your bracket? Lame. The purpose of the Death Bracket is to spice things up. The premise is simple: instead of two teams playing basketball, what if we pit each mascot against each other in a no holds barred fight to the death? No rules, just answering the question: who would win in a fight? The winner, obviously gets eternal glory and the title of Death Bracket Champion. Got it? Pretty simple right? Feel free to fill out your brackets this way to impress your friends or co-workers. Just don’t blame me if you don’t break 10 points total. Also, fair warning- if you’re not a fan of animals being “eliminated”, this is probably not the article for you. But now that the long wait is over… Let the battle BEGIN! West RegionRound of 64 ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (1) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. (16) Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. (16) Norfolk State Spartans
As is tradition, all First Four games will evolve into a three-way battle royal. And thus, our first matchup pits the Bulldogs of Gonzaga against a Mountaineer from Appalachian State and a Spartan from Norfolk State. A bulldog is a breed of dog, known for being a good boy with floppy cheeks. A mountaineer is someone who lives in a mountainous area or partakes in sports like climbing. A Spartan is a fierce warrior, part of one of the most feared militaries in ancient history. I think it’s pretty clear who the winner is. The spartan has a sword, for god sake. Winner: Norfolk State Spartans (8) Oklahoma Sooners vs. (9) Missouri Tigers
Sooners were settlers of Oklahoma during the late 19th century. A tiger is a ferocious beast with stripes and teeth. I understand the pioneers of the day were tough, traveled folk, but they had other issues like cholera, typhoid, drowning, angry Native Americans, and other causes for death like in the game Oregon Trail. Adding a Tiger to the mix is not only going to mess with them psychologically, it’s likely also going to result in their death. The tiger eats the sooner. Next. Winner: Missouri Tigers (5) Creighton Blue Jays vs. (12) UCSB Gauchos
Making its first appearance in the bracket, the Gaucho is “a skilled horseman, reputed to be brave and unruly.” A blue jay is a wild bird common to eastern North America. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say the dude who looks like he’s going to cut you open can probably take a blue jay. Beware the gaucho. Winner: USCB Gauchos (4) Virginia Cavaliers vs. (13) Ohio Bobcats
The Cavalier (a supporter of the king in 17th century England) is a worthy contender, having been in the death bracket each of the last two times out. He does have a sword, after all. However, he faces a worthy opponent, a bobcat, who is likely hungry considering he just saw a tiger chow down on some poor middle-American settlers. Bobcat eats cavalier. On to the next! Winner: Ohio Bobcats ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (6) USC Trojans vs. (11) Drake Bulldogs vs. (11) Wichita State Shockers
For those of you unfamiliar: a Trojan is a native of Troy, another of the fiercest warriors in history. A bulldog is a bulldog, of course, and a shocker, according to Wichita State’s definition, is “someone who earns money by shocking, or harvesting wheat”. I’m going to say the shocker, or Wheat Man, has a scythe. He’s not going to harvest all that wheat by hand! Off with their heads! Sorry, doggo. Winner: Wichita State Shockers (3) Kansas Jayhawks vs. (14) Eastern Washington Eagles
Finally! Our first all-air battle pits the Jayhawks against the Eagles. Originally known as a Jay-Hawker, or someone from 1850s Kansas who fought against pro-slavery folks from Missouri, it is unclear how the ornithological meaning of “Jayhawk” came into play. Somehow we ended up with this dumb bird with pilgrim shoes instead. I think the Eagle is the more battle-ready participant here, and can easily outduel the Jayhawk. Winner: Eastern Washington Eagles (7) Oregon Ducks vs. (10) VCU Rams
Who would win in a fight? A duck or a ram? I’ll give you a hint: let’s hope that duck has Aflac life insurance. Winner: VCU Rams (2) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. (15) Grand Canyon Antelopes
Two years ago, the unlikely duo of Alan Alda and Jeremy Renner teamed up to take out most of the rest of the field. This year, they’re back to take on an Antelope, a fauna resident of the African Savannah. Antelopes are quick and fleet-footed, but there’s no stopping one of Hawkeye’s arrows once he has you in his sites. Winner: Iowa Hawkeyes Round of 32 (16) Norfolk State Spartans vs. (9) Missouri Tigers Don’t they fight some sort of Tiger in 300? If this particular spartan is anything like Gerard Butler, it is the tiger who is dining in hell. Winner: Norfolk State Spartans (12) USCB Gauchos vs. (13) Ohio Bobcats I think the gaucho is pretty resourceful here. As cattle herders, they can use that to their advantage by sacrificing the cows to the hungry bobcat, then taking it out from being while it’s distracted. Winner: USCB Gauchos (11) Wichita State Shockers vs. (14) Eastern Washington Eagles Wheat man vs. pesky eagle. While on paper the Eagle looks as if it might easily pluck off the pieces of wheat from the wheat man’s body, we know that the wheat man takes many forms, including that of a scarecrow. And that is to his advantage, because when the eagle is not looking… Slice. Winner: Wichita State Shockers (2) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. (10) VCU Rams A charging ram is no match for a certain Hawkeye firing like five arrows at you at once. Sleep tight, VCU. Winner: Iowa Hawkeyes Sweet 16 (16) Norfolk State Spartans vs. (12) UCSB Gauchos I think the Gaucho has finally met his match here. The Spartan has armor, and since he’s warded off a tiger already, I don’t think a man herding cattle is going to be much of a problem. The Spartan also has a sword. Don’t bring a cow to a sword fight. Winner: Norfolk State Spartans (11) Wichita State Shockers vs. (2) Iowa Hawkeyes Hawkeye hasn’t had his own movie yet. And if he did, I think the wheat man serves as an excellent potential villain. And because Hawkeye is my least favorite avenger, we’ll go ahead and call this one in favor of the wheat man, as not even Alan Alda can figure out the mystery of why the wheat man can keep sneaking up on you and scything his opponents from out of nowhere. Shockers move to the Elite 8. Winner: Wichita State Shockers Elite 8 (16) Norfolk State Spartans vs. (11) Wichita State Shockers Like something out of a horror video game, the spartan enters the quiet wheat field, and begins to hack away at the grain with all his might. It is only then that he realizes that with each hack of the sword, he is not only doing the Shocker’s bidding of collecting wheat, but that the wheat man has twisted space and time, trapping the spartan in an endless spree of chopping wheat until he falls over and dies. Winner: Wichita State Shockers Wichita State Advances to Final Four East RegionRound of 64 ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (1) Michigan Wolverines vs. (16) Texas Southern Tigers vs. (16) Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers
A pretty straightforward matchup here- a wolverine is small but feisty, but the tiger is larger and can move around pretty well for a big fella. The mountaineer might stand a chance against the wolverine, or just against the tiger, but not both, as we see the wolverine and the tiger team up to kill the mountaineer. As cool as it would be to see a wolverine take down a tiger, I don’t think Darwin’s rules of natural selection would allow that to happen. Winner: Texas Southern Tigers (8) LSU Tigers vs. (9) St. Bonaventure Bonnies
The Bonnie is short for the Bona Wolf, and a tiger is, once again, a tiger. It’s also unfortunate for the Bona Wolf, as St. Bonaventure is also the patron saint of bowel disorders. So not only is it going to have some sort of IBS or other intestinal disease, it’s also small enough that it is going to get eaten by a tiger. Winner: LSU Tigers (5) Colorado Buffaloes vs. (12) Georgetown Hoyas
So no one really knows where the term “Hoya” came from. Hoya Saxa is the “college yell” of Georgetown, which means “What Rocks!” So I’m not sure if Georgetown has come to educate the buffalo in Greek or what. So instead of some sort of philosophical mascot, let’s put in the Hoyas’ real-life mascot, which is… *check notes*  A dog. Damn it. Winner: Colorado Buffaloes (4) Florida State Seminoles vs. (13) UNC-Greensboro Spartans
The Seminole, a fierce Native American warrior from the Southeastern US, matches up against another spartan. I really admire the fighting spirit of the Seminoles, but that tomahawk chop isn’t going to do a whole lot against that Spartan’s armor. The sword is still mightier in this instance. Winner: UNC-Greensboro Spartans ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (6) BYU Cougars vs. (11) Michigan State Spartans vs. (11) UCLA Bruins
This intriguing matchup pits a ruthless cougar against a bruin (or bear) against another dude from Ancient Greece. Again, two angry, sharp-toothed animals could easily double team a guy wearing armor and rip him to shreds. And I think that while the bear is a worthy opponent, the cougar is faster. After a brutal fight, the cougar is the winner, and he celebrates with his victory dance.  Winner: BYU Cougars (3) Texas Longhorns vs. (14) Abilene Christian Wildcats
You don’t want to piss off a longhorn. You probably don’t even want to get near it, considering what happened when Bevo and Uga met a few years ago at the Sugar Bowl. I think the wildcat stands more of a chance to fight back, but if the longhorn shows his wild side, one of those horns will go right through you. Winner: Texas Longhorns (7) Connecticut Huskies vs. (10) Maryland Terrapins
The husky has a tricky challenge ahead of him in the Terrapin, a diamondback turtle native to North America. The terrapin certain provides a strong defense thanks to the shell, but I don’t think he can do a whole lot more than that. If he pokes his head out of that shell once, the husky’s going to make him pay for it. Winner: Connecticut Huskies (2) Alabama Crimson Tide vs. (15) Iona Gaels
You could approach Alabama’s name literally, but an ocean of red water isn’t going to be very threatening, least of all to a Gael, a native of Scotland. But when you bring in Big Al, Alabama’s (adorable) elephant mascot, things change. The Gaels probably could get a flew blows on on the elephant, but one false move, and that elephant would crush that Scotsman. Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide Round of 32 (16) Texas Southern Tigers vs. (8) LSU Tigers A few years ago, the combined team of Auburn and Clemson’s Tigers (the ClemsBurn SuperTigers) destroyed everyone en route to a championship win. You might anticipate that the same thing would happen here in another tiger vs. tiger matchup. But remember how I said that St. Bonaventure was the patron saint of bowel diseases? Well guess which tiger contracted a bowel disease from its first round game? That’s right. The LSU Tiger dies on the WAY to the fight, leaving the Texas Southern Tiger to win by default. Winner: Texas Southern Tigers (5) Colorado Buffaloes vs. (13) UNC-Greensboro Spartans A spartan against a charging buffalo. Hm. I keep envisioning a man dressed in armor being absolutely shelled by a large charging animal, so that’s exactly what’s going to happen here. Winner: Colorado Buffaloes (6) BYU Cougars vs. (3) Texas Longhorns Does the cougar have enough strength to take down a longhorn? Maybe. But does the longhorn have enough height and strength (and physical attributes, i.e. the horns) to lift that cougar up in the air? You betcha. Cougar kebabs all around. Winner: Texas Longhorns (7) Connecticut Huskies vs. (2) Alabama Crimson Tide Sigh. Let’s get this over with. I’m going to save this puppy and usher him out of the fight. We all know the elephant would win, so why do we have to kill a dog over it? I’m rescuing the doggo and he shall be my friend forever. Crimson Tide wins by default. Besides, I wanna see an elephant take on a longhorn anyways. Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide Sweet 16 (16) Texas Southern Tigers vs. (5) Colorado Buffaloes I hear buffalo burgers are pretty good. Damn, nature, you scary! Winner: Texas Southern Tigers (3) Texas Longhorns vs. (2) Alabama Crimson Tide The battle of the tusks culminates here in this battle between Texas and Alabama. While the longhorn’s weapons may be sharper than the elephant’s tusks, the elephant has some tough skin, which can protect it from damage at the outset of the fight. In addition, the elephant can use its trunk to keep the longhorn from doing real damage, and bend it into submission as it takes over the fight. Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide Elite 8 (16) Texas Southern Tigers vs. (2) Alabama Crimson Tide Tigers are strong, fast, and deadly. But if you get an elephant mad, it’ll run you over in a hurry. I think the size advantage poses a challenge for the tiger, and while I couldn’t find any good videos pitting a tiger and an elephant against each other in nature, just look at the size disparity: In addition, the elephant usually travels in packs (we can employ the “tide” part here), and I don’t think that tiger stands a chance against a pack of elephants. Elephants are underrated as animals that will destroy everything in their path, and this tiger is no different. Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama Advances to Final Four South RegionRound of 64 (1) Baylor Bears vs. (16) Hartford Hawks
I WENT TO SCHOOL AT HARTFORD AND THEY’RE IN THE TOURNAMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME. AND WHILE THEY’LL GET SQUASHED BY BAYLOR I’M GOING TO PUT THEM OVER IN THIS BRACKET BECAUSE THIS IS MY SHOW, DAMMIT. The pesky hawk plucks out the eyes of the bear. The bear, blinded, hurtles off the side of a cliff. Winner: Hartford Hawks (8) North Carolina Tarheels vs. (9) Wisconsin Badgers
The Tarheel of North Carolina is typically tasked with producing tar and pitch from the pine trees of the state and patching the hulls of ships. I imagine tar is very sticky, and having it on your heels is probably both painful and annoying, considering you’d be immobile. That said, the Tarheel is easy pickings for the badger. Winner: Wisconsin Badgers (5) Villanova Wildcats vs. (12) Winthrop Eagles
This is about as generic as you can get with the wildcats and eagles, two of the most common names in amateur sports. The eagle has to land sometime, and when it does, you can bet the wildcat is going to be there to eat it for lunch. Winner: Villanova Wildcats (4) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (13) North Texas Mean Green
The Boilermakers, whose mascot is the Boiler Express, an actual locomotive train, demolished most of the competition in last year’s bracket. This year they square off against the North Texas Mean Green, whose name is more symbolic of spirit than anything else. Is this Mean Green more of a fighting machine or just an angry version of Face from Nick Jr.? (Those of you that understand that deep-cut reference, I SO appreciate it). After further investigation, it's an.... Eagle. Right. Either way, the express keeps on rolling. All aboard! Winner: Purdue Boilermakers (6) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (11) Utah State Aggies
Ahh the age old question: just what the hell is an Aggie anyway? In the most base terms, an Aggie is a farmer (short for Agriculture), not a bull as seen in the picture above. So it’s… that farmer guy against a pirate dressed in red. All I can say is: don’t bring a hoe to a gun fight. Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders (3) Arkansas Razorbacks vs. (14) Colgate Raiders
Pirate versus Piggy. Sorry, piggy. Winner: Colgate Raiders (7) Florida Gators vs. (10) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokie is the turkey-like mascot at Virgina Tech, and since turkey is delicious, you can bet that it’s going to be swallowed up by a very hungry Gator. Winner: Florida Gators (2) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. (15) Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
You could make the case for using Brutus Buckeye for Ohio State, instead of the actual buckeye nut. But given I’ve got another golden opportunity to make this ongoing bit a reality, we’re sticking with the nut. The Golden Eagle eats the nut. Unfortunately for the golden eagle, the Buckeye nut is poisonous. The Golden Eagle dies. The Buckeye is victorious. Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes Round of 32 (9) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (16) Hartford Hawks Badger eats Hawk. Also, UHart can only go SO far before I have to bring it back down to earth. It wasn’t that great, after all. Winner: Wisconsin Badgers (4) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (5) Villanova Wildcats *Cues “Dumb Ways to Die” as the Wildcat doesn’t follow proper train safety protocols and gets hit by the oncoming train* Winner: Purdue Boilermakers (6) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (14) Colgate Raiders This is one of those instances where you see a graph and the options are: A) Yes; B) Yes, but in Red. You ALWAYS choose the “But in red” option.  Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders (7) Florida Gators vs. (2) Ohio State Buckeyes MORE STUPID BUCKEYE NONSENSE! Gator eats Buckeye. Buckeye poisons Gator. Buckeye is victorious as Gator dies. It's beautiful. Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes Sweet 16 (9 Wisconsin Badgers vs. (4) Purdue Boilermakers So not only would a train absolutely DESTROY a badger physically, I’m going to say that the train’s loud volume and ability to make the ground shake will actually evict the badger and his family. So the Boilermakers move on not through nomination, but through the fact that the badger’s home’s property value has gone down and he has to move his family somewhere quieter. Winner: Purdue Boilermakers (6) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (2) Ohio State Buckeyes Do we think the Pirate knows enough to not eat suspicious tree nuts? No. He doesn’t. Most pirates only know the sea, and are unfamiliar with the fruits of the land. 15 Buckeyes on a dead man’s chest. Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes Elite 8 (4) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (2) Ohio State Buckeyes You’re probably thinking I’m going to get ridiculous with this, like the Buckeye is going to sit on the railroad tracks and try to derail the train, similar to the way the myth goes where you can derail a train with a penny on the track. That’s exactly what he’s going to try to do. And he’s going to turn into some variation of Buckeye-nut Butter doing it. Boilers are on to the Final Four. Winner: Purdue Boilermakers Purdue Advances to Final Four Midwest RegionRound of 64 (1) Illinois Fighting Illini vs. (16) Drexel Dragons
An actual man from Illinois thinks he has a prayer against a DRAGON. Man, if teams really were based on the strength of their mascots, Drexel would have a seriously good chance to win. In this case, the Dragon torches the man for thinking deep dish pizza is actual pizza. Because it’s not. It’s casserole. Winner: Drexel Dragons (8) Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. (9) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Rambler in this case is a wolf, the LU Wolf. It could also be just a human rambling from place to place. It doesn’t matter, because both are allergic to bee stings. Winner: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5) Tennessee Volunteers vs. (12) Oregon State Beavers
This is a rare instance where a Volunteer can actually get something done in a fight to the death. I imagine someone in Tennessee has some pesky Beavers he needs to get rid of, and the Volunteers says “hey, I’ll do it!” and easily eradicates the Beavers from the man’s land. Good going, Volunteers! You’re not so useless after all! Sometimes a perfectly menial task like pest control can get you somewhere in a Mascot Death Bracket. Winner: Tennessee Volunteers (4) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. (13) Liberty Flames
Cowboys are used to sitting out under the stars beside a fire, which they are in complete control of the whole time, making sure to put it out before they go to sleep. The Cowboy snuffs out the flame and then uses it again to make himself breakfast the next morning. The act of defeating your opponent, only to revive it so it can make your breakfast is ICE. COLD. Winner: Oklahoma State Cowboys (6) San Diego State Aztecs vs. (11) Syracuse Orange
Mexico is fourth in the world in the production of oranges, and the Aztecs inhabited Mexico. I’ll assume the Aztec has eaten quite a few oranges in his time. The warrior makes use of an orange wedge to give himself orange teeth before finishing off his daily dose of Vitamin C. Also, I know Syracuse's logo is just the Orange "S", but I had to include Otto. You can't NOT include Otto. Winner: San Diego State Aztecs (3) West Virginia Mountaineers vs. (14) Morehead State Eagles
The mountaineer has experience being up really high, so he’s right at home when he challenges the Eagle to a fight and kills it. Winner: West Virginia Mountaineers (7) Clemson Tigers vs. (10) Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Scarlet Knight is gonna wear that tiger as a prize when he skins it and moves to the next round. Winner: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2) Houston Cougars vs. (15) Cleveland State Vikings
A cougar is a cooler version of a mountain lion, but let’s be real, the Viking is absolutely going to win this fight. No giant feline’s sending him to Valhalla. Winner: Cleveland State Vikings Round of 32 (16) Drexel Dragons vs. (9) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets I’ve never seen what happens when you light a bee on fire, but I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t be able to find its molecules with the naked eye if it got torched by a DRAGON. Winner: Drexel Dragons (5) Tennessee Volunteers vs. (4) Oklahoma State Cowboys The Cowboy hires the Volunteer as a ranch hand. The Volunteer has a heart attack from an undiagnosed condition while working with the cows one day. A bit sat but ultimately unperturbed, the Cowboy moves on to the next round. Winner: Oklahoma State Cowboys (6) San Diego State Aztecs vs. (3) West Virginia Mountaineers The Aztecs had razor sharp obsidian weapons, some of which had the power to “decapitate a horse,” according to a Wikipedia article I read. That, and the Aztecs are just plain scary, so I think the Mountaineer just takes his ball and goes home out of sheer fright. Aztecs to the Sweet 16. Winner: San Diego State Aztecs (10) Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. (15) Cleveland State Vikings For the sake of argument, let’s say we’re fighting in a large field. I think the open terrain suits the Knight better, but the openness of the terrain opens it up for close-quarters melee combat between the two warriors. Both are equipped with armor, and the Viking certainly has more raw power and can decapitate you with his battle ax. But I think in this fight, the knight has better training, and is able to get the Viking to use his only fury against him, where he takes advantage and stabs him as he catches his opponent off guard. An upset, but an earned one nonetheless. Winner: Rutgers Scarlet Knights Sweet 16 (16) Drexel Dragons vs. (4) Oklahoma State Cowboys Cowboy versus Dragon? That Cowboy is TOAST. Winner: Drexel Dragons (6) San Diego State Aztecs vs. (10) Rutgers Scarlet Knights This is another instance of warrior versus warrior, which I believe again plays out in the knight’s favor, simply because of the advanced weaponry and armor he has access too. The Aztec is a worthy opponent, but when his opponent can kill him with a single blow, there’s not much he can do about it. Winner: Rutgers Scarlet Knights Elite 8 (16) Drexel Dragons vs. (10) Rutgers Scarlet Knights This is what we wanted. Dragon versus Knight. There’s no damsel at play here (except for maybe a date with the Final Four), but the Knight is able to get to the top of the volcano to the dragon’s lair, scaling dangerous cliffs and braving fire and brimstone in the process. And the dragon absolutely ROASTS his ass. Winner: Drexel Dragons Drexel Advances to Final Four Final Four(16) Drexel Dragons vs. (4) Purdue Boilermakers
Just like any normal day riding the MTA, the dragon derails the Boiler Express and tosses it into the volcano. Dragons move to the finals. Winner: Drexel Dragons (11) Wichita State Shockers vs. (2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Surely something as large as an elephant can halt the unstoppable mythical force known as the Shocker- Nope. The Wheat Man lulls the elephant into a false sense of security by allowing him to enter the wheat field, where the elephant decides to take a nap. It is there that the Wheat Man steals the elephant’s soul. Elephants never forget. Wheat Men never forgive. Winner: Wichita State Shockers National Championship(16) Drexel Dragons vs. (11) Wichita State Shockers
The dragon can torch the wheat fields all he wants. The Wheat Man, throughout this bracket has become so powerful that he now embodies all forms, both living and non-living, seen and unseen. He will outlive the dragon long after his death (the Dragon has celiac and is actually allergic to gluten which is present in wheat, funnily enough. So that snack the dragon wants to have actually kills him), as he will outlive all things long after this world meets its end by absorption into the sun. In the end, there is no peace. There is no God. There is only the Wheat Man. Winner: Wichita State Shockers And with that dark, dark ending to the Death Bracket, tell me which mascots you think would win in a fight to the death in the comments down below! The First Round of the NCAA Tournament kicks off on Friday, March 19th, on the networks of CBS. 2021 NFL Playoff Predictions and Season Recap We actually completed the NFL season, you guys. We actually did it. 32 teams started, and now only 14 remain. January is the start of playoff football, which everyone knows is the most wonderful time of the year. This season was unlike any other, with many stadiums empty because of COVID concerns and restrictions. Still, we saw record breaking performances, a varied MVP race, and some long-standing streaks finally snapped. I for one, watched more football this year than I ever have, having often two or more screens playing different games at the same time: One on the TV, and two more on laptops that back channeled out-of-market games, all playing simultaneously. It’s the poor man’s Red Zone. Here’s what I saw this season.  Firstly, we begin with my Patriots in New England. Man, those 20 years with Tom Brady were a trip, weren’t they? We got a season full of ups and downs (mostly downs) with Cam Newton at the helm. I like Cam, but nothing was working for him this season. The Patriots did this ingenious tactic where they would just give Cam the ball and he would run up into the line with the ball for no yards. They also did this brilliant thing where they left him with N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers and Damiere Byrd to throw to. Fun fun fun! While it was fun having no pressure to succeed but also getting great games out of it (week two against Seattle, for example), it quickly got frustrating. A four game losing streak, multiple mistakes at the end of games by Newton to lose games, and a lack of talent on offense made this a season to forget. I’m not sure what the future holds- but coach Bill Belichick better learn how to draft, and quickly.  My football Sunday group became big Los Angeles Chargers fans this season, due in no small part to the play of Justin Herbert, who emerged in week two to replace Tyrod Taylor, who, oh yeah had his lung accidentally punctured while team medical staff was trying to give him a shot for his injured ribs. Herbert was brilliant this season, breaking the rookie touchdown pass record (sorry, Joe Burrow- prayers up for your knee). Unfortunately, the Chargers defense was terrible this season, losing a number of one score games, even having games where they blew enormous leads in the process. The Chargers finished 7-9, which is a huge accomplishment for a rookie QB. They also fired head coach Anthony Lynn, opening the door for another coach to enter and take over a team with a very attractive offense with tremendous upside. I was also today years old when I discovered that the Patriots and Chargers finished with the exact same record this year. Football stats are weird.  Speaking of stats- Aaron Rodgers had more touchdown passes than the Packers did punts this season.  Derrick Henry became only the 8th player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.  My fantasy football opponent in the championship game had both Stefon Diggs AND Deandre Hopkins- both of whom led the league in receptions at one points this season (and I mean literally 1st and 2nd)- and Stefon Diggs ended up winning the receiving title. Also the pass seen in this photo was the greatest thing to ever happen.  The Browns made the playoffs!  The Bills won the AFC East! And most of all- COVID didn’t kill the season. While there were certainly some frustrating schedule changes, the season got all 256 games off between weeks 1 and 17. Not bad. Good for players (mostly) following protocol and the league for insisting these games be played. Every year, I like to take a look at my predictions I made at the start of this season. This year, they were BOLD. Sometimes, I’m right! This year, I was wrong. I was so very wrong. Have a look. 2020 Predictions Recap1. The Patriots will once again win the AFC East. Well, that very much didn’t happen. Chalk it up to the lack of defensive players, or the play of Cam Newton, or Bill Belichick’s inability to help the young wide receivers grow, but the Patriots finished at 7-9 this season. This is their first losing season since 2000. It goes without saying that they also missed out on the AFC East title, which went to the Buffalo Bills, their first division title since 1995. Prediction: INCORRECT 2. Joe Burrow will break the rooking passing touchdown record. Joe Burrow tore his ACL during a week 11 game against Washington, ending his rookie season prematurely. He finishes his campaign with 13 touchdown passes in 10 games, putting him on pace for 21 touchdown passes, which would not have been enough to catch Baker Mayfield’s 27 passes a few years ago. However, out of Burrow’s injury, we got Justin Herbert, who did in fact break Mayfield’s touchdown pass record, throwing for 31 in his rookie season. Prediction: INCORRECT 3. No team in the NFC West will finish below .500. And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn’t been for those 49ers and all their injuries! While the Rams, Seahawks cruised to double-digit wins this season, and Arizona looked poised to join that group as well before falling off a cliff in the last few weeks of the season (they finished 8-8), the injuries for the 49ers just kept piling up. First, it was Joey Bosa. Then it was Solomon Thomas. Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle followed shortly after. The 49ers finished 6-10, a season after a Super Bowl appearance. Prediction: INCORRECT 4. The Packers will miss the playoffs (in Aaron Rodgers’ final season in Green Bay). If this season has taught us anything, it’s that hell hath no fury like an Aaron Rodgers scorned. I hope Jordan Love learned a lot watching his starting QB work this year. The Packers finished 13-3 in 2020, locked up the top seed in the NFC, and Rodgers is likely on his way to winning MVP. The connection between Rodgers and Adams was lethal this season; Rodgers passed for 48 touchdown passes, and Adams was on the receiving end of 18 of them. I’m not sure what the future holds for Rodgers and the Packers, but if I were the team, I would apologize immediately for drafting a quarterback in the first round and get your MVP starter some more weapons immediately. Prediction: INCORRECT 5. … and so will the 49ers. … Through no fault of their own. You can only do so much when you lose half your roster to injury. Names like Bosa, Thomas, Garoppolo, Kittle, Richard Sherman, Dee Ford, Raheem Mostert- not to mention having to flip-flop between Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard- if those are the cards you’re dealt, it quickly becomes very hard to win football games. The Niners finished 6-10, although they probably could have made a run at the division title had everyone been healthy. One bright spot this season was the play of Brandon Aiyuk, as the rookie receiver had 468 yards and 4 touchdowns in his final six games of the season. The Niners will be back. Hopefully. Prediction: CORRECT 6. Drew Brees will win MVP. It doesn’t help my case that Brees missed four games due to a rib injury that left him with a collapsed lung. It also doesn’t help that Alvin Kamara was the MVP of the Saints this year, as he rushed for 932 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Brees passed for exactly HALF the number of touchdowns that Aaron Rodgers did this year- I just don’t see Brees winning MVP this year. It’s a shame, since reports are surfacing that this will likely be Brees’ final year in the league. Unless the league wants to give him the merit based solely as a lifetime achievement award (of course, that’s what the Hall of Fame is for), it just isn’t going to happen for the Saints QB this year. Prediction: LIKELY INCORRECT 7. Tampa Bay won’t win the NFC South. It’s always nice to see your ex not doing well. Tom Brady and the Bucs just couldn’t beat the Saints this season, losing to them twice as part of an 11-5 record. Pair it with losses to the Rams, Bears, and Chiefs, and Tampa will finish in second in the division, behind the Saints, who finished 12-4. On the bright side, the Bucs, by virtue of their playoff seeding, might actually have the… easiest path to the Super Bowl? A playoff game against the NFC East champion, followed by what could be a cold weather game if the Saints and Seahawks get their jobs done this weekend, setting up a win-or-go-home game against the Saints or Seahawks. They won’t get to host a playoff game, but this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Tom Brady. Prediction: CORRECT 8. Adam Gase will be fired before Doug Marrone. I can’t believe I didn’t get this one right. I was SURE of this one. The Jaguars even WON their first game of the season! Given, yes, they dropped their next 15, but even four straight losses was enough for the Jaguars to give Marrone the boot in early October. The Jets held onto Gase for the ENTIRE SEASON. They finished 2-14 after starting the season 0-13. They fired Gregg Williams, their defensive coordinator, who gave up a desperation bomb from Derek Carr and the Raiders (intentionally?), before they fired Gase following week 17. The level of ineptitude from New York sports franchises is always entertaining, but the Jets are on another level. Prediction: INCORRECT 9. Daniel Jones will finish as a top-five passer. Welp. Jones missed a few games this season due to injury, which hurt his chances of accomplishing this goal. His team also finished 6-10, which doesn’t help. I had really thought that Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard were really going to come alive this season. I was wrong. Jones finished with 2943 yards, good for 19th. Better than people like Drew Brees, Drew Lock and Lamar Jackson, though! Better luck next year, Danny Dimes. Prediction: INCORRECT 10. ZERO games will be cancelled to to COVID concerns. This is a tough one to judge, because while no games were actually missed due to COVID concerns, a number of games were drastically rescheduled and moved from their scheduled dates. There was that debacle in New England, where the league made the Patriots fly to Kansas City on a Tuesday and play a game that night without their starting quarterback. In addition, the Titans had players show up to their closed facility (against league protocol) and practice, leading to another COVID breakout among the team. This forced multiple game changes that effected a number of teams- the Pittsburgh Steelers included, who had their bye week thrust upon them unceremoniously in week 4. Then there was the Steelers and Ravens, originally scheduled for Thanksgiving, which was moved to the following Wednesday, almost a week later, where the Ravens had to play without Lamar Jackson. And who could forget the Denver Broncos, who had to bring in an emergency wide receiver to play quarterback after all FOUR of their quarterbacks were deemed COVID close contacts and could not play in their game against the Saints. Again, while there were no actual game cancellations due to COVID, there was certainly enough mixing of the schedule and confusion surrounding it to give me a headache. Prediction: CORRECT (I guess) Total predictions correct: 3/10. Yikes. I also like to take a look at the playoff teams I predicted and compare them to the actual results from this season. I correctly predicted 8 of the 12 playoff teams, with 5 out of 7 correct in the AFC. The placement, as usual, did not go the way I had predicted:
I also correctly predicted the records of the following teams:
And finally, here are my updated playoff predictions for the 2021 NFL Postseason. 2021 Playoff PredictionsSuper Wild Card Weekend (Jan. 9 & 10)#7 Indianapolis Colts (11-5) at #2 Buffalo Bills (13-3) Saturday, January 9th, 1:05pm (CBS) Vegas: Bills -6.5 We’ll get our first look at Josh Allen and the second-seeded Bills early, as they take on the Indianapolis Colts up in Buffalo on Saturday. The Bills are seeking their first playoff win since 1995 (you’ll remember they blew a lead to Houston in last year’s wild card contest). However, I believe that Allen has taken the next steps toward being an elite quarterback and will improve on his result from last year. The Bills are perhaps the most dangerous team in the AFC, with a stout defense, and an improved offense from last year- need I remind you they have the NFL’s receiving leader, Stefon Diggs, on their team this year? Indianapolis’ defense has the potential to give them troubles, and the offense- in particular, the ground game- has really made strides late in the season, but I think Buffalo pulls it out in an instant classic. Prediction: Buffalo 34, Indianapolis 31 (OT) #6 Los Angeles Rams (10-6) at #3 Seattle Seahawks (12-4) Saturday January 9th, 4:40pm (FOX) Vegas: Seattle -3.5 Recent history has shown us that the Rams have the Seahawks’ number. They’ve been able to use pressure up front, relying heavily on Aaron Donald to keep Russell Wilson under wraps. However, with Jared Goff’s status up in the air (a broken bone in his hand kept him out of action this weekend), I don’t see John Wolford stepping up and being the hero for the Rams. On top of that, the Seahawks defense is much improved from earlier this season, and they’re on a four-game winning streak because of it. 12th Man not required, Seattle has this game in hand. Prediction: Seattle 24, Los Angeles 10 #5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) at #4 Washington Football Team (7-9) Saturday, January 9th, 8:15pm (NBC) Vegas: Tampa Bay -8.5 “We’re not playing a 7-9 team,” Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told the media this week, “we’re playing a 4-1 team. We’re playing Alex Smith... we’re not playing Dwayne Haskins.” Arians makes a good point about Washington being a noticeably better team when they start Alex Smith and not that schmuck Haskins from Ohio State. Now that Haskins is officially off the team, Alex Smith will be the starter this weekend for Washington as they host Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Even without Mike Evans though, I don’t see Tampa losing this game. Tom Brady is, of course, the most successful quarterback in history, and though he’s been abysmal in prime time games this year, I think this wild card game against a team with a losing record will be just another stepping stone. I can see Chase Young potentially giving Brady a little bit of trouble by delivering some pressure on the six-time Super Bowl champion, but the Bucs are just a better team than Washington. They should win this one no problem. Prediction: Tampa Bay 36, Washington 17 #5 Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at #4 Tennessee Titans (11-5) Sunday, January 10th, 1:05pm (ABC/ESPN/Freeform) Vegas: Baltimore -3.5 The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, Derrick Henry ran through the top-ranked Baltimore Ravens defense as a 10-point underdog. During the regular season this year, Henry ran through them again as he scored an electrifying overtime touchdown on a run from about 30 or so yards out. The Titans will host the playoff game this time around, but the Ravens have been playing really, really good football lately. If the defense can contain Henry, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens can take control of the game and potentially steal one. I’m taking the Ravens in this one, as Lamar extends his winning streak to six games since returning from COVID. Remember when the Ravens were dead earlier this season when they got embarrassed by the Chiefs? Prediction: Baltimore 24, Tennessee 21 #7 Chicago Bears (8-8) at #2 New Orleans Saints (12-4) Sunday, January 10th, 4:40pm (CBS/Nickelodeon/Prime Video) Vegas: New Orleans -10 Let’s call the Saints “unlucky.” Their last three playoff losses have been: An overtime loss against the Vikings in which they blew a lead and Brees through an interception in overtime, a loss against the Rams in the NFC championship game on a blown no-call- although Brees threw an interception at the end of THAT game too, and a walk-off touchdown in a game now known as the Minneapolis Miracle. They have a golden opportunity to right the ship against the 8-8 Chicago Bears, who squeaked into the playoffs thanks to the Cardinals bottoming out. Bears RB David Montgomery has been on a tear in December, rushing for nearly 450 yards and 5 touchdowns in his last four games, but aside from that, I don’t trust Mitchell Trubisky to get the job done against the Saints and their solid defensive unit. Partner in the fact that Alvin Kamara will be making a return from COVID to play in this game, and that spells disaster for Chicago. I think the game will be close enough for the Saints not to cover the spread, but I don’t think the game will be as close as the score indicates. Also, VERY excited to watch this game on Nickelodeon. Prediction: New Orleans 23, Chicago 17 #6 Cleveland Browns (11-5) at #3 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) Sunday, January 10th, 8:15pm (NBC/Peacock) Vegas: Pittsburgh -6 There’s a lot to unpack here. For one, the Browns just beat the Steelers last weekend, clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2000- it just so happens the Steelers were resting their starters… and they won by just two points despite being 10-point favorites. Remember how they got blown out by 31 points in week 6? For another, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski will not be coaching the team this weekend, as he’s out with COVID- special teams coach Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach for the game this weekend. Stefanski is one of a number of Browns personnel, players included, to have COVID concerns heading into Sunday. So the Browns have that going for them. On the other side, Steelers WR Juju Smith-Schuster said on Friday that “the Browns are still the Browns”- as if the star WR hasn’t given enough teams bulletin board material this season. Now, will the Browns be able to rally the troops in time to prepare for this game? I hope so. I like watching the Browns play, and their rivalry with the Steelers is one of the more entertaining matchups in football. But do I think the Steelers just have things going for them because of all the player/personnel issues in Cleveland? I do. Browns gonna Browns, I guess. Prediction: Pittsburgh 36, Cleveland 20 Divisional Playoffs (Jan 16 & 17)#3 Pittsburgh Steelers at #2 Buffalo Bills This is the rematch we wanted. Steelers-Bills, round 2. The last time these two played, the Bills defeated the Steelers, 26-15 in a cold, rainy night in Buffalo. Call the Steelers what you want- legitimate Super Bowl contenders is not one of them. They couldn’t stop Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs the first time, so what makes you think they’ll be able to stop them this time around? If Cleveland has anything to say about their wild card game, they won’t let Ben Roethlisberger out of there without banging him up a little bit. I think the Bills have the defense to stop a feast-or-famine Steelers offense, and their offense is too good. Bills win again and move onto the AFC Championship game, a game everyone wanted to see them in. Prediction: Buffalo 27, Pittsburgh 21 #3 Seattle Seahawks at #2 New Orleans Saints What an intriguing pair we have here! Two should-be MVPs facing off in a divisional playoff game. Despite the Saints defense’s high level of play, I still think Russell Wilson can maneuver the Seahawks through it. Likewise for Drew Brees and the Saints, despite the Seahawks defense also having played better over the last month. I like New Orleans at home (although, is home field advantage even a thing in this wild season we’re having?) in a close one, maybe Brees leads a game winning drive in the fourth to find a returning Michael Thomas, who puts the Saints in the NFC title game. Prediction: New Orleans 28, Seattle 27 #5 Baltimore Ravens vs. #1 Kansas City Chiefs Mahomes vs. Lamar, round three: playoff edition. This was the AFC Championship game I envisioned last year, with the year’s two previous MVPs duking it out for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. This time around it’ll likely be in an AFC Divisional playoff. The Ravens got shelled by the Chiefs earlier this season, and while the Ravens have learned how to run the ball finally, I still think Kansas City has the advantage based on skill level alone. This one will be closer than 34-20, but Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t deviate from their game plan they employed to beat Baltimore the first time. Prediction: Kansas City 35, Baltimore 31 #5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. #1 Green Bay Packers It was a dream start-turned-nightmare for Aaron Rodgers the last time these two squads met in the first week of November, as Tom Brady and the Bucs squashed Green Bay, 38-10, scoring 38 unanswered points. Brady threw for a pair of touchdown passes in that game, but Ronald Jones was the star, rushing for over 100 yards and a pair of scores of his own. The Packers have been excellent down the stretch, though. Rodgers will likely be the MVP, and the Packers will be entering this game off their bye week by virtue of winning the NFC. Tampa also hasn’t been great against playoff teams this year (1-5… though their lone win came against these same Packers, and 10-0 against non-playoff teams), and they’ll probably still be bruised from the hits taken from the Washington defensive front. I think Tampa gives Green Bay a game, but the Packers will pull it out in the fourth quarter and win. The Packers prevent Tampa from becoming the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Prediction: Green Bay 30, Tampa Bay 27 Conference ChampionshipsNFC Championship: #2 New Orleans Saints vs. #1 Green Bay Packers Sunday, January 24th, 3:05pm (FOX) Green Bay got embarrassed in last year’s NFC Championship game by San Francisco, a 34-20 game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. They’ll run into Drew Brees and the Saints here, this time at Lambeau Field (the Packers won in New Orleans back in September). The last time these two played, Rodgers didn’t even need Davante Adams, as it was the Allen Lazard show (146 yards, one touchdown). Aside from that, it appears that all the Packers need to do is stop Alvin Kamara, since he is the sole reason the Saints continue to win games. If Brees has to try to beat the Packers through the air, I think he’ll fail. Packers avenge their NFC Championship loss and go back to the Super Bowl. Prediction: Green Bay 38, New Orleans 28 AFC Championship: #2 Buffalo Bills at #1 Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, January 24th, 6:40pm (CBS) This was the game we all wanted to see. Many people believe that Buffalo has what it takes to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs from repeating as Super Bowl Champions. The Bills have a great defensive front, which can get past the Chiefs’ offensive line and take down Patrick Mahomes on his super deep drops he uses to chuck the ball down the field. They’re effective against the run- not that the Chiefs can run the ball anyways. They have the speed to match up with quick receivers like Tyreek Hill. Their offense is, as you know, stellar, against a Chiefs defense that isn’t that great. They can force the Chiefs to play a methodical game of football, something they do not excel at- since they LOVE to take home run shots all the time. If they Bills aren’t in this game, Kansas City is going to cruise to another Super Bowl. That said- I think something’s gotta give. The Bills will need a perfect football game on defense to win. If there’s one slip up (and I think there will be)- Mahomes will take advantage. If they Chiefs can wear down the Bills, either by playing effective, drawn out, slow paced, methodical football, or by hitting multiple home runs on deep touchdown passes- they can pull it out. This game will be close. But I think Bills fans will need to wait another year. Mahomes hits the dagger on a long bomb late in the fourth quarter to sink the Bills. Prediction: Kansas City 31, Buffalo 20 Super Bowl LV#1 Kansas City Chiefs vs. #1 Green Bay Packers
Sunday, February 7th, 6:30pm (CBS) Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL Two great head coaches. Two explosive offenses. Two suspect, but suffocating defenses. Two elite quarterbacks. A rematch of Super Bowl I. Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay should live up to the hype. Expect tons of things to be written about the new playoff format, as both of these teams were the only ones to earn bye weeks in their respective conferences. However, these are still the two best teams in football, and they should be the two teams playing for the Lombardi Trophy. Both teams defenses will need to contain the others’ quarterbacks- as both Rodgers and Mahomes can extend plays and accomplish the seemingly impossible. Whichever defense keeps their opponent’s QB in check will have the advantage. On top of this, if this game isn’t an offensive shootout, I don’t know what I’m even watching football for. The Packers have the ability to pick you apart both on the ground and through the air- the Chiefs have the ability to make you play out of position on defense and take advantage. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is going to be very successful as a head coach, but I think his team comes up a little bit short. The Chiefs are the most complete team in football, and they look very ready to repeat as champions. Prediction: Kansas City 41, Green Bay 35 What are your thoughts on how these playoffs will shake out? Leave a comment down below.  Give us football- the 2020 NFL Season is ready to begin. (Sports Illustrated) I wasn’t sure we’d make it to this point. The NHL, NBA and Major League Baseball have all resumed their seasons amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hockey and basketball went smoothly, playing in a bubble. Baseball, struggled for a while, but has managed to keep itself afloat. And, despite everything, we have football to look forward to this season. This is my first article in months. A lot has happened.  You may notice Tom Brady is playing for a different team now. Cam Newton is also playing for a different team now. DeAndre Hopkins is an Arizona Cardinal, Brandin Cooks and David Johnson are Houston Texans. Adrian Peterson moved to Detroit, Stefon Diggs to Buffalo. Things are weird, but we must move on.  We’re coming off a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl win. Patrick Mahomes is now the proud new recipient of sports’ first $500 million contract. I swear, we’re going to see the first billion-dollar athlete in just a few years. We’re also poised to see a duel between Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, last season’s MVP. Jackson has yet to win a playoff game of his own, but we seem to have the next big quarterback rivalry in this great league.  And of course, things are all kinds of bizarre because of the pandemic. Teams announced that, for at least the first month, fans would not be allowed to attend games (though there were some teams who opened at limited capacity). I’ll talk about that a little bit later, but things are going to be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Still though, we have a season to discuss. Here are my 10 bold predictions for this year’s unique NFL season. 1. The New England Patriots will still win the AFC East. At the beginning of this summer, it was hard to imagine anything was going to be certain for the Patriots moving forward. Tom Brady moved to Tampa Bay and convinced management to let him take Rob Gronkowski with him. The defense, the league’s best in 2019, faces some personnel concerns after leaders Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung both opted out of this season. I thought the Patriots would be relying on an untested second year quarterback in Jarrett Stidham, and that the defense, particularly the front seven, would be a train wreck. But then Cam Newton came to town… and then I became excited for this upcoming season in New England. While the Bills assumed the de facto “Kings of the AFC East” crown with the departure of Brady, the arrival of Newton (and, from what we’ve seen in camp, his work ethic since arriving) has put that seriously in doubt. Sure, Newton doesn’t have the weapons Brady has now, but he has the ability to make plays on offense. If he can return to his MVP form, I’d say there’s a strong possibility of good things happening in Foxborough. Pair that with a defense that still brings the best defensive back group in football- anchored by reigning DPOY Stephon Gilmore- to the fold, and have a little optimism in some untested talent, and you could argue that not only will the Patriots make the playoffs, Bill Belichick will have his finest coaching season yet. All they have to do is beat their divisional opponents to win the division, right? 2. Joe Burrow will break the rookie touchdown pass record. Maybe I was a little salty that LSU won the National Championship. Maybe I was little over the Joe Burrow hype. But since he’s come into the NFL riding what just might be the greatest season for a quarterback in the history of college football, his hard-nosed, matter-of-fact, “just win” attitude has garnered me a little more respect for him. Make no mistake, the Bengals are still the Bengals. They have some major improvement to do, but improving from having the league’s worst record last season is a very easy baby step. I think Burrow will make an instant impact in Cincinnati. Think about it. He has receivers like Tyler Boyd and Auden Tate, not to mention A.J. Green, the once-great/still-great veteran receiver who is returning from injury. Joe Mixon is a great young running back who will have at least 300 touches this season. Also, the rookie touchdown pass record is only 27. Cincinnati might not break out of a loaded AFC North, but for Joe Burrow I consider 27 passing touchdowns to be chump change. Let’s see 30, I say. 3. No team in the NFC West will finish below .500. We begin with the Arizona Cardinals, who have had one of the league’s best offseason, since unloading David Johnson and acquiring DeAndre Hopkins from Houston. Kenyan Drake, who albeit has an 8-game sample size of being a stud, was a stud nonetheless for Arizona and the spark they needed on the ground. And, of course, there’s Kyler Murray. Many are projecting him to make the Lamar Jackson jump from hyped rookie to second-year superstar. I’d say the weapons are there for him to do it. Seattle, their long time division rival, seems to only improve and stick around every year. It’s a wonder Russell Wilson hasn’t won MVP yet. DK Metcalf will return from his rookie year with a lot of upside, not to mention they re-signed Josh Gordon. Oh, and for those of you with question marks about the defense… they did just get Josh Adams from the New York Jets, and they have a young pair of pass rushers in L.J. Collier and Darrell Taylor to help replace Jadeveon Clowney. The Los Angeles Rams are headed for a downturn. But 8-8 is still .500, so I’m going with it! Aaron Donald is still a freak of nature, with Jalen Ramsey poised to take his game to another level after a huge contract extension. And while Jared Goff might not have Todd Gurley to hand the ball off to, his receivers (Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and TE Tyler Higbee) are all still very good at their jobs and can move the ball effectively. I don’t expect RBs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. to be fantastic, but if the Rams can be even slightly above average, they’ll help at least this prediction come to fruition. Lastly, we have the defending NFC Champions, the 49ers. Their defense was fantastic last year, not to mention the run game. I think there’s a strong possibility they’ll finish toward the top of the division. But let’s take a second and talk about them… 4. However, last year's NFC Champions, the San Francisco 49ers, will miss the playoffs. When it comes to the NFC West, the Super Bowl hangover is real. It happened to Seattle back in 2015. It happened to the Rams two years ago. It’s going to happen to the 49ers too. I think Nick Bosa is a revelation at defensive end and their mostly-injured defense from 2019 will return to both health and form this season. But it’s their offense I’m worried about. The run game seemed to lose its glimmer by the time the team turned to its third RB to lead the charge. Raheem Mostert is great and Tevin Coleman likewise, but I’m unsure they can repeat their success this season, especially in such a tough division. Mostly though, I worry for Jimmy Garoppolo and the passing game. Emmanuel Sanders was a great pickup at the trade deadline, but he’s off to New Orleans, leaving Jimmy G to throw to Deebo Samuel, Tayvon Austin, Dante Pettis and rookie Brandon Aiyuk as his primary targts. Sure, he can dump the ball to George Kittle all day, but eventually that strategy is going to run cold. To top it all off, the Niners, in each week of their schedule, play a team (with some exceptions, sorry Washington and the Jets) that could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, with games against the Patriots, Saints, and Cowboys, to name just a few. Pair it with a division on the rise and the fact that 6 out of the last 10 Super Bowl losers failed to make the playoffs the next season, and you’re in for a bad time. 5. ... and so will the team they faced in that game, the Green Bay Packers (in Aaron Rodgers' final season in Green Bay). The Packers suffer a similar fate to the 49ers in that they also face an uphill climb against a division that appears ready to get back on its feet. The Minnesota Vikings just bolstered their defense by acquiring Yannick Ngakoue and Ronnie Harrison, and even though they lost Stefon Diggs, I still think the Vikings can get it done even ith only Adam Thielen. Dalvin Cook also is one of the league’s best playmakers, assuming he stays healthy. Expect the Bears defense to bounce back also, as Robert Quinn joins an already lethal defensive line featuring Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. While it’s not very exciting to see Mitchell Trubisky back under center, we may see the emergence of another great receiving threat in Anthony Miller, who may emerge in the same way Allen Robinson did last year. The Lions, I’ll admit, have no shot. They just traded away Darius Slay, and Matt Patricia’s team is relying on an aging Matthew Stafford and untested rookie RB D’Andre Swift (and, yes, Adrian Peterson) to get the job done. Then there are the Packers. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t played like an MVP since 2016, and the front office’s decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round didn’t play well with their Super Bowl-winning QB. Rodgers can’t throw the ball to Devante Adams every play, which means he’ll have to rely on his no-name receivers like Allen Lazard when he’s not being harassed in the pocket. They were also exposed badly in last year’s NFC Championship game, as their defense, which had been steady all season long, surrendered 27 points in the first half and could not recover. I predict the Packers will fall to 9-7 on the year, four games worse than last year, and miss the playoffs, prompting Aaron Rodgers to leave the team next offseason. 6. Drew Brees will (finally) win MVP. It’s just about time for the guy, isn’t it? It’s a shame they don’t award MVP awards for lifetime achievement awards. I guess that’s what the Hall of Fame is for, but I digress. Give the man his MVP. The 41-year old Brees is in the twilight of his career, but is still playing at an elite level on a team that hasn’t quite gotten over the hump in the last five years or so. The Saints will have some competition this fall with Tom Brady leading the new and improved Buccaneers, Matt Ryan’s Falcons looking to improve since they acquired Todd Gurley, and the Panthers using new quarterback (former undefeated Saint) Teddy Bridgewater, to helm their squad. But Brees and the Saints still boast a lethal passing attack, as Michael Thomas continues to dominate opposing defenses, and the addition of Emmanuel Sanders only makes things more difficult for secondaries. Brees is both the career leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns, but the man hasn’t won an MVP. He’s still good enough to play like one. Give the man his damn trophy, and he can finally call it a career. 7. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't win the NFC South. You’ll notice a lot of these predictions relate to each other, as in each one seems to be relying on the last. As you may know, a certain 6-time Super Bowl champion found his way to Tampa to revitalize the franchise. But the Buccaneers, potent as their offense may be, suffer the same problem the Cleveland Browns do- an overhyped offseason leading to a colossal letdown this season. This is likely my boldest prediction, which is why I had to edit it- I previously pondered if Tampa Bay would even make the playoffs, before I was reminded that Tom Brady played in New England for 20 years and made do with wayyyy worse. I think based on strength of division alone, the Bucs won’t win the division. Their offense is stacked, but their offensive line leaves something to be desired. Obviously we don’t know if rookie Tristan Wirfs really is the missing piece yet, and we have no idea how running backs like LeSean McCoy, and- oh yeah- Leonard freakin’ Fournette will add to the equation, and we’ll really see if Brady was a “system quarterback” or not while in New England. As anyone who’s ever beaten the Patriots knows- if you pressure Tom Brady, he’ll have a hard time winning. While the offense might score 50 a game, you also might not be sure the defense won’t allow 60. They did blow an 18-point lead to Daniel Jones, of all people, last season. OH! Speaking of Mr. Jones… 8. Daniel Jones will be a top-5 passer. Daniel Jones likes to throw the ball down the field. Last season, he was arguably the best deep passer in football, at least based on accuracy, with over 40% of his deep passes being accurate. However, he was at the bottom of the NFL when it came to completions of his deep passes (just over 20%). One can only wonder whether that is his fault or his receivers. I am expecting both Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard to take big steps forward this season, and for Jones’ acclimation to a redesigned Jason Garrett offense to play to those strengths, and for Jones to complete more deep passes down the field. The Giants won’t be the best team in the NFL by any stretch of the imagination this year, but I’ll be damned if Daniel Jones won’t turn in a 4000-yard season this year. 9. Adam Gase will be the first coach fired this season. And now we get to the coach’s hot seats this year. According to CBS, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone is currently the favorite for first coach to be fired this season. Gase is fifth. If I had to pick between Gardner Minshew and Sam Darnold as my quarterback, I’d pick Minshew. Even if he has no one to throw to (and believe me, he has NO ONE to throw to), Minshew has enough heart that can literally will his team to a victory. I don’t see that kind of hunger in Sam Darnold, whose primary receivers are *checks notes* Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims, Breshad Perriman, Chris Hogan and Chris Herndon. Yikes. There’s also the fact that his running backs are a disgruntled and aging Le’Veon Bell, who appears ready to give up his position to a man twice his age, Frank Gore. On defense it just gets worse. Jamal Adams was shipped off to Seattle, and the team has tons of new faces in the middle. Finally, the clincher: scheduling. The first nine weeks of the Jets schedule is as follows: Bills, 49ers, Colts, Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Bills, Chiefs, Patriots. I’ll be impressed if they win ONE of those games. Gase gets the axe after just four of them. 10. Zero games will be cancelled this season due to COVID. I read an article on ESPN about each franchise and how they’re going to allow (or not) fans into their stadiums this fall. Since the COVID situation appears to be getting better- or at least remaining stagnant- (1 positive test out of over 2,000 players and coaches), and the NFL announcing it won’t be testing players on game days, I think, despite the lack of a bubble, and players and coaches flying from place to place, we won’t see a single game cancelled because of the virus. About half of teams won’t see fans in their stadiums, at least for the first month of the season. Some won’t at all (Washington said they won’t because of the “unpredictability of the virus”, a.k.a. management is still working on getting Dan Snyder out of Washington so they can complete their name change and move on with reality). But regardless, the machine is too complex to be stopped completely. Rain, snow, tidal wave, global pandemic, the NFL will persevere. Will we see a bunch of positive tests swept under the rug at the end of this season? Probably. But for now, we have football. Who am I to complain? 2020 NFL Season Predictions- StandingsAFC East Patriots 10-6 Bills 9-7 Dolphins 6-10 Jets 4-12 For reasons mentioned above, Cam Newton has a great season, and Bill Belichick has an even better one. The Patriots beat the Bills in a crucial game on Monday night in December, winning them the division again. AFC North Steelers 11-5 Ravens 11-5 Bengals 8-8 Browns 5-11 The Steelers, that’s right, the Steelers, are my pick to with the AFC North. The defense looks ready to be one of the more dominant forces in the league. Skill players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner are ready for a comeback after a dormant season. Above all, Ben Roethlisberger is back and ready to take the black and gold to the promised land. I expect Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to take a step back only in record, still landing a solid wild card spot. AFC South Colts 10-6 Texans 8-8 Titans 7-9 Jaguars 3-13 Man, this division is enigmatic. Philip Rivers takes over for the Colts, and has rookie RB Jonathan Taylor behind him running the ball. The Titans made it to the AFC Championship last year, but Derrick Henry has shown me that, despite being a bowling ball at times, he has the ability to run cold. The Texans end up realizing that David Johnson is a waste of space as a player and the Jaguars are the Jaguars. The Colts, as if by default, claim the AFC South. AFC West Chiefs 14-2 Chargers 9-7 Raiders 7-9 Broncos 6-10 Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs look ready to be the NFL’s next dynasty, having locked up their core group of players for a considerably long time (and for considerably even more money). I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve locked up the AFC’s top seed at the start of December. While the Chargers lost safety Derwin James, they’ve still got Joey Bosa on defense, and I believe Austin Ekeler will be even better now that Melvin Gordon is gone from the team. Speaking of the Broncos, they need one more year to really get their feet under them, but they’re going to be really good, REALLY soon, just you wait. What’s there to say about the Raiders? The move does nothing for them. They’re still the same old Raiders. NFC East Cowboys 11-5 Eagles 11-5 Giants 7-9 Washington 4-12 The Cowboys, if not for being the Cowboys, could probably be the NFC’s best team in 2020. Dak Prescott is playing to earn his damn money, and his supporting cast could not be more stellar. Sure, they lost Jason Witten, but Blake Jarwin is a capable replacement, especially for when Dak needs to change it up from throwing to players like Amari Cooper, or Michael Gallup (who is ready for a monster season of his own). The Eagles will match their record if Carson Wentz stays healthy, although I’m not sure I trust Miles Sanders to run my backfield. The Giants may improve but still need another player from next year’s offseason for them to be good again, and Washington will be as tragic as their uninspired temporary name suggests. NFC North Vikings 10-6 Packers 9-6-1 Bears 7-8-1 Lions 5-11 I threw a tie in here because I was bored. I explained this above. The Packers fall just below the 7th spot in this year’s playoffs (remember, there are 7 spots this year), and the Vikings win the division thanks to the stellar play of their defense. NFC South Saints 12-4 Buccaneers 11-5 Falcons 8-8 Panthers 6-10 Again, mentioned above. Saints have the MVP on their team, we learn that Brady might be actually 43 years old. Both teams make the playoffs, but the Saints win the division. NFC West Seahawks 11-5 Cardinals 10-6 49ers 10-6 Rams 8-8 Does Kyler Murray, a second year quarterback with a big ol’ question mark, lead the Cardinals from last place to a playoff spot this year, in spite of a tough division which features the previous NFC Champion? Yes, yes he does. Cardinals defeat the 49ers in week 16 to earn that tiebreaker, sealing the 49ers fates. And finally, for the memes, here are a quick slate of playoff predictions for next January... assuming we still have a league after 5 more months. 2021 Playoff PredictionsAFC Playoffs
Wild Card Bills over Colts Ravens over Patriots Steelers over Chargers Divisional Chiefs over Bills Ravens over Steelers AFC Championship Ravens over Chiefs NFC Playoffs
Wild Card Buccaneers over Vikings Cowboys over Eagles Cardinals over Seahawks Divisional Saints over Buccaneers Cowboys over Cardinals NFC Championship Saints over Cowboys Super Bowl LV Saints over Ravens 2020 NFL Season Playoff Predictions & Season Recap The best part about the new year? The NFL playoffs begin very, very soon. We only have a little bit of time before the games begin, so let’s jump right into the action and recap the season in a nutshell.  Jackson was brilliant this year- and he's probably your MVP. Lamar Jackson was the big story this season- the second year Baltimore quarterback led his Ravens to a 14-2 record and the overall #1 seed in the playoffs. We were all wowed when he threw 6 touchdown passes to open the season against Miami, and the rest of the team really rallied around him from there on out. Mark Ingram, who many thought was in the twilight of his career, had a solid season at the RB position, and assisted Jackson as Baltimore led the league in team rushing yards. Jackson’s ability to work the pocket as a true passer (instead of just the ground threat everyone thought he was) inspired receivers like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to have solid seasons. Even the defense was spectacular: the Ravens ranked 3rd in yards allowed and 4th in points allowed. They ride a 12-game winning streak into these playoffs, and look like the most prepared team to take home a Super Bowl title.  Is this the end for the Patriots run of playoff success? The Patriots, having started the season 8-0, went 4-4 down the stretch, including two consecutive losses at Houston and against Kansas City, and an embarrassing stunner in week 17 at home against the Miami Dolphins, the last of which tossed them out of contention for a first round bye. They will play their first wild card game in 10 years against the Titans. Their defense has been stellar, though, ranking first in the league in yards and points allowed. But Tom Brady, now 42, has not had his best season, although it doesn’t help that he hasn’t had many receivers to throw to. They will need help from players like N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, and Benjamin Watson, as well as some productivity from staples like Julian Edelman, Sony Michel and James White- although they face three teams with stout defenses.  Mahomes and the Chiefs will look to advance to the team's first Super Bowl since 1971. The Kansas City Chiefs finished with the same record as last season, although it was a far less productive year for defending MVP Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes threw only 26 touchdown passes this year, half of what he threw last year. They did have a great second half of the year, and players like Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins have all made names for themselves during the year thanks in part to a boost from their quarterback.  Raheem Mostert was part of the three-headed dragon that comprised the 49ers backfield this year. On the NFC side, no one expected the San Francisco 49ers to finish the season at 13-3 with the top seed in the NFC, but if you saw their body of work this season, they definitely earned it. Spearheaded by a fantastic defensive effort (ranked 2nd best in the league in both yards and points allowed), a young offensive group has quietly become one of the best in all of football. Jimmy Garoppolo is the quarterback we all envisioned him being, but a run game that has involved three backs, each with their own fantastic play, has been the envy of all, with Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman all sharing the load. They will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The only downside- it appears the 49ers have been having to escape from games down the stretch. They just barely survived scares against the Saints, Rams, and Seahawks to end the season.  The Packers can be an offensive powerhouse, especially when Aaron Jones is on the field. Green Bay is back in the playoffs behind the terrific play of Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones, who carried the Packers quietly to a 13-3 record of their own. What stands out most about this Packers team is its defense, which had a habit of bending and not breaking. This team was 6-1 in games decided by 7 points or fewer. They may not have the same firepower as the Saints or 49ers, but if they can keep the game close and keep Aaron Jones firing on all cylinders, we may see a return to glory for Rodgers and the Packers. Back in mid-August, I made some bold predictions in regards to how I thought the 2019 NFL season might go. Some of my picks were right on, others were complete whiffs. Still, I did fare a little better than last season. In addition, I also predicted the record of every team in the league, as well as a way-too-early playoff prediction. Let’s see how I fared with those: 1. The Cleveland Browns won’t make the playoffs. With an offense that included the likes of Jarvis Landry, Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Odell Beckham, many thought the Browns were a strong pick to make the playoffs, and perhaps even win the Super Bowl. The Browns, however, are still the Browns. The team lacked any kind of consistency or accountability under head coach Freddie Kitchens. Beckham became an afterthought, and had possibly has worst full season as a professional. Pair it with the emergence of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, as well as the Steelers ability to just hang around in the AFC North, the Browns found themselves at 6-10 in their 2019 campaign- more lost games than in 2018- a finish that solidified them as the only franchise without a winning record in this decade. Perhaps the firing of Freddie Kitchens will bring about some kind of new beginnings in 2020. Prediction: Correct 2. Juju Smith-Schuster will finish with more catches, receiving yards than Antonio Brown. I wrote all this when Antonio Brown was in the midst of his infighting with the Oakland Raiders. In a wild span of 24 hours, Brown went from grabbing a coach and threatening him, to not being able to play, to being cleared to play, to wanting to be cut, to being cut, to being signed by the Patriots. So count it… that equals almost five times I thought Smith-Schuster was going to prove me right just on technicality alone. When Brown signed with the Patriots, I thought things might swing the other way. The previously undefeated Patriots looked even more unstoppable after signing one of the best receivers in football. 10 days later amid sexual assault allegations, the Patriots cut Brown, leaving Smith-Schuster as the only of the two receivers in the league. Brown finished with 4 catches for 56 yards and one touchdown in New England’s week 2 win over Miami. Smith-Schuster, on the other hand, may well have just sat out the season after his dismal campaign: He played 12 games, had 42 receptions for 552 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hampered by injury, it was a season for him to forget. I mean, hell, it was a season for BOTH these men to forget. Prediction: Correct. But I mean by technicality? 3. The Giants will win more games this year than they did last year (5)… even though Daniel Jones won’t replace Eli Manning as starter. There were two predictions here: that the Giants would win more games than they did last year, and the Eli Manning would not lose his job. Both of those things were proven untrue. In week 3, head coach Pat Shurmer announced that Daniel Jones would replace Manning in their game against Tampa Bay. For the then-winless Giants, perhaps it was going to be the right move, as Jones’ brilliant performance against Tampa resulted in a huge comeback win for New York. Pair it with a win the next week against Washington to even their record out at 2-2, and things looked like they were going to be okay for the Giants (and for me). All they needed to make my call a reality was for Jones to get hurt or something. The Giants lost the next 9 in a row, officially ruling out my prediction with a loss in week 14 in overtime to the Eagles. Jones got hurt in the process, allowing Manning to come in and take over in the process, but Jones returned for the final three games of the season. The Giants finish at 4-12, two games worse than last year, and face the future with the Duke product leading the offense. Prediction: Doubly incorrect. 4. Patrick Mahomes will not surpass 40 touchdown passes this year. In fairness to this past season’s MVP, no quarterback passed for over 40 touchdowns this season. Even Lamar Jackson, this season’s probable MVP, led the league with only 36. Perhaps this prediction was only a softball to prove a point that even good players regress. There haven’t been many quarterbacks to pass for 40 touchdowns in consecutive seasons anyway. Drew Brees was the last one to do it, but he’s Drew Brees. Mahomes also lost a game or two to injury this season, leaving Matt Moore to take over for him. Pair it with a season of throwing to players like Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman, and you can imagine that 40 touchdown passes is a little difficult. He finishes the season with 26, essentially half of what he had in his MVP year last season. Prediction: Correct 5. Nick Foles will finish as a top-10 quarterback. Foles broke his collarbone in week 1, ruining any chance of this prediction coming true. He did, however, give us Gardner Minshew in the process, which is like pickled root vegetables at my Thanksgiving table: wholly unexpected but delightfully thankful for. Next. Prediction: Incorrect 6. The Broncos and Redskins will finish with identical records this year. The Redskins have a toxic team culture and were heralded as one of the worst teams in football out of the gate. Christ, their two quarterbacks were Case Keenum (of one-hit wonderdom in Minnesota, allowing teams to horrendously overvalue him) and Dwayne Haskins, the rookie who bitched about not being taken by the Giants, threw his first ever NFL touchdown pass TO THAT SAME GIANTS TEAM (a pick six), and then desperately pleaded to his linemen to give him direction on what to do in order to survive a collapsing pocket, only to have his linemen literally laugh in his face. The Redskins finished 3-13. The Broncos initially looked to be right on that losing track as well, as Joe Flacco quickly proved that he was not the answer at quarterback for Denver. The team started 0-4, won two in a row, then lost 4 out of their next five, including a game in Minnesota where they blew a 23-0 lead. Enter: Drew Lock, who started the final five games for the Broncos, and led them to four wins out of their last five, getting the Broncos to 7-9 to end the year. Receiver Courtland Sutton had a breakout year, ending as one of the up-and-coming young players in the league. I guess a quarterback swap doesn’t mean the two squads are equal. Prediction: Incorrect 7. The Rams will miss the playoffs. Blame it on a strong NFC West (and the NFC West was STRONG). Blame it on whatever you want. The Super Bowl hangover was real for the former NFC Champions this season. Despite early season wins against the Panthers, Saints and Browns, the team struggled, losing their next three in a row and surrendering 105 points in the process (a shootout loss to James Winston and the Buccaneers? Come on.). A 45-6 home thrashing by the Baltimore Ravens all but killed the Rams playoff hopes. Even though trading for Jalen Ramsey was a cool thing, it didn’t help that the Rams just weren’t up to snuff for this year. Prediction: Correct 8. Josh Rosen and the Dolphins will make Kyler Murray and the Cardinals look silly. Well how was I supposed to know that the Dolphins would suck in AUGUST!? Many thought the Dolphins would even go 0-16 (although 5-11 sucks just as much). After being outscored in their first two games by a combined scored of 102-10, Josh Rosen took the reins from Ryan Fitzpatrick in week 3, but didn’t fare much better, as the Dolphins continued to lose, dropping their first 8 in a row. Arizona’s season was streaky. After a tie against Detroit in the season’s opener, the Cardinals lost three, won three, lost 6, won two, and lost their season finale. Kyler Murray was, on the whole, not terrible, leading comebacks in games against Atlanta, the Giants, and even Detroit, even if it was a tie. Despite the teams finishing with near identical records, I’m giving the win to Kyler Murray, who showed much more promise in his rookie season than Josh Rosen did… riding the bench for his second year in a row. Prediction: Incorrect 9. Melvin Gordon will play this season. Gordon ended his holdout after week 10, rejoining the Chargers for the rest of the season. Still, Austin Ekeler was able to remain efficient out of the backfield as a receiving option- which was good for my fantasy team. Prediction: Correct 10. The Patriots will finish with a top-5 defensive unit. As anticipated, the Patriots finished the season with the best defense in the NFL. Through the first 8 weeks of the season, they allowed no more than 14 points to opposing teams, finishing with 14 average points allowed throughout the season, ranking first in that category, as well as first in yards allowed. While the offense was just average, the defense was stellar, the secondary especially. Stephon Gilmore has made a strong case for himself for defensive player of the year with 6 interceptions, two of them for touchdowns, to go along with 20 passes defended, the most in his 8 year NFL career. While we have yet to see if the defense can return to the form they assumed through the first eight weeks of the season in the playoffs, we can take comfort in the fact that they were simply outstanding this year, a rarity for New England- where the defense is the talking point over the offense. Prediction: Correct I also predicted the standings and playoff teams early in the year, and finished a little better in 2019 than I did in 2018. I correctly predicted 8 out of the 12 playoff teams. I had all my division winners in the AFC correct, although the placement of these teams did not go the way I planned:
As for the records, I fared about as well as I could from banking on my potential playoff teams. Here are the records I correctly predicted from the beginning of the season, all four of them:
Now, with all my guessing out of the way, let's cap this off with some predictions, now that our playoff window is narrowed to 12 teams. Here are my official playoff predictions for the postseason of the NFL's 100th season. Wild Card Weekend (Jan 5-6) #5 Buffalo Bills (10-6) at #4 Houston Texans (10-6) Saturday, January 4th, 4:35pm (ESPN) (Texans favored by 3) Buffalo is a dangerous team to take lightly, and I think we’re all about to see their coming out party in Houston for the first Wild Card game. The Bills’ defense is excellent, and if they can keep pressure on Deshaun Watson and keep him in the pocket, they should have no problem winning. What is Watson gonna do? Throw to DeAndre Hopkins the whole game when he’s being doubled, and try to hit Will Fuller if Tre’davious White has anything to say about it? The Texans run game is also unimpressive. When was the last time Carlos Hyde had a career-defining game? Josh Allen has developed into the quarterback the team thought he’d be, and has shown that he can win in primetime against big time teams. Buffalo wins in a game that is not as close as the score indicates. Prediction: Buffalo 23, Houston 13 #6 Tennessee Titans (9-7) at #3 New England Patriots (12-4) Saturday, January 4th, 8:15pm (CBS) (Patriots favored by 5) Okay. I, again, am hereby declaring the Patriots dead in the water. A potential Tennessee-Kansas City-Baltimore Gauntlet is too much for them, considering the way they’ve looked over the last six weeks. Tennessee scratched and clawed their way into the playoffs thanks to the play of Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, who have both been brilliant down the stretch. You can run against this stout Patriots defense- and to be honest, as of late, you can pass against them too. On offense, Tom Brady has no one to throw to…. At least, no one who’s been wiling to show up and make a play. He can’t throw the ball to Edelman or the tight end he doesn’t have. The Patriots should view their week 17 home loss to Miami as a wake-up call, and I think they’ll bring a certain type of underdog energy to this game. I expect them to win, but I won’t be surprised if they lose. Remember what happened the last time these two played? That was an embarrassing loss in Tennessee to Mike Vrabel’s squad by double digits. This one will be close. At least their last win of 2019 will be at home before they get squashed by Kansas City in the divisional round. Prediction: New England 27, Tennessee 24 #6 Minnesota Vikings (10-6) at #3 New Orleans Saints (13-3) Sunday, January 5th, 1:05pm (FOX) (Saints favored by 7.5) Remember what happened the last time these two faced each other in the playoffs? It was a fun little walk-off victory for the Vikings on a play now known as the Minneapolis Miracle. These two are different in 2019. The Vikings were just north of average, with Kirk Cousins showing that he’s still got a little bit left in the tank, and the defense playing pretty well too. Dalvin Cook has been a revelation, but his injury late in the regular season has left some question marks about whether Alexander Mattison and Matt Boone can succeed against real talent going forward. Drew Brees is out for blood after the botched PI call in last year’s NFC Championship game, looking to win one last Super Bowl before his career comes to an end. The offense is rolling thanks to Brees, Alvin Kamara, and especially Michael Thomas, who would be in the conversation for MVP were it not for a certain Baltimore quarterback. The defense isn’t spectacular, but against Minnesota, I don’t think that should be a problem for New Orleans. I anticipate a big home win in the Wild Card round. The dream remains alive for Brees and the Saints. Prediction: New Orleans 36, Minnesota 21 #5 Seattle Seahawks (11-5) at #4 Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) Sunday, January 5th, 4:40pm (NBC) (Seahawks favored by 1.5) Both teams are battered by injury, sure. But these two are not even on the same planet when it comes to comparing talent. The Eagles have no one for Carson “I’m Made of Glass” Wentz to throw to. The Seahawks lost all their running backs, and have now attempted to revive the corpse of Beast Mode to recapture that glory from the Legion of Boom days. Still, the Seahawks are the better team because Russell Wilson is the better quarterback of the two. There is no one better in the league right now that scrambling to make something out of nothing, finding receivers in traffic, and truly putting the team on is back. Wilson throws three touchdown passes as the Seahawks roll. Prediction: Seattle 31, Philadelphia 14 Divisional Round #5 Seattle Seahawks at #1 San Francisco 49ers Saturday, January 11th, 4:35pm (NBC) Ah yes. Seattle-San Francisco, Round 3. We were in this exact same position back around Veterans Day, where the two had that epic clash on Monday night where the Seahawks won in overtime. Now, San Francisco has just been escaping in games since that point, a prime example being week 17 when their defense made an excellent stop on the one yard line to seal a win and lock up the #1 overall seed. The 49ers are a team that is at full strength, but do they have the experience needed to go all the way to the Super Bowl? Jimmy Garoppolo has yet to have a game placed squarely on his shoulders. I think San Francisco’s ground attack serves them well here considering they have so many options to work with. Mostert, Breida and Coleman have all had their spotlight moments this year, so maybe we’ll see all three of them? Seattle is not a walkover, though. They are able to move the ball against San Francisco’s second-ranked defense, and I believe Wilson will be able to make the same plays he’s made against them in the two prior meetings. As such, overtime will be required. I think it’s a back-and-forth affair, with San Francisco squeaking out a win in overtime to move to their first NFC Championship game appearance since 2013. Prediction: San Francisco 35, Seattle 32 (OT) #5 Buffalo Bills at #1 Baltimore Ravens Saturday, January 11th, 8:15pm (CBS) Since this is the first we’ll see Lamar Jackson in these playoffs, many are expecting this to be some kind of offensive showcase; that the Ravens will put up 55 points and move on to the AFC Championship. I don’t think this is the case- remember who they’re playing: Buffalo has a great defense and held the Ravens back from running up the score in a 24-17 loss earlier this season. This game will be a defensive showdown, with both the Bills and Ravens (whose defense has only gotten better as the year’s gone on) keeping points at a premium. I think Lamar Jackson finds a way around the Bills in the third quarter, keeping the game just out of reach for Buffalo. Expect a low-scoring affair in this one. Prediction: Baltimore 17, Buffalo 6 #3 New England Patriots at #2 Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, January 12th, 3:05pm (CBS) Christ, okay. I do this every year. I predict a Patriots loss so I can protect myself from getting too invested, therefore preventing me from feeling too bad about them losing. The Patriots SHOULD lose this game. They lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at home in week 14, so what makes you think they’ll be able to win on the road? It doesn’t matter if they did it last season. This year is not last year. The Chiefs are simply a better, more well-rounded football team. They can beat you on the ground, and they can definitely beat you through the air. Tom Brady doesn’t have anyone reliable to throw to, and if Terrell Suggs (remember him?) and the Chiefs can put pressure on the New England offensive line, that’ll be all she wrote. I think Kansas City jumps out to a big lead in the first quarter, and the Patriots are unable to recover from it. The dream of a seventh Lombardi trophy is killed and buried in Kansas City. For real, if you think the Patriots make it out alive against Kansas City, you’re delusional. Prediction: Kansas City 34, New England 21 #3 New Orleans Saints at #2 Green Bay Packers Sunday, January 12th, 6:40pm (FOX) This divisional around is full of fun games, isn’t it? Packers/Saints? Drew Brees vs. Aaron Rodgers? This is what the NFL is all about. The Packers are the one team that nobody seems to be talking about. Everyone is all bogged down talking about Lamar Jackson, or Drew Brees’ touchdown record, or the Seahawks/49ers rivalry. The Packers are 13-3 and for good reason: Aaron Rodgers has been incredible this season, Aaron Jones has been a revelation at running back, and the defense is playing great football. But the Saints are hot, and I think a big win over Minnesota could really spur New Orleans onto a win at Lambeau Field. Drew Brees leads a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, aided by a huge catch and run by Michael Thomas, to steal one for the Saints. Prediction: New Orleans 24, Green Bay 23 Conference Championships AFC Championship: #2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. #1 Baltimore Ravens Sunday, January 19th, 3:05pm (CBS) Perhaps a Kansas City-Baltimore AFC Championship wasn’t what we were expecting to start the season, but it’s what we’ve got. Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes- two of the best young quarterbacks this league has seen in a while. Baltimore won the last time these two met, and that game was in Kansas City. With both teams at full strength, we are in the market for what could be an AFC title game for the ages. The Kansas City defense isn’t great against the run, and so we could see Mark Ingram have a big game here. And even if they don’t, they’ll have to stop Lamar Jackson, who can beat you with his feet, as well as through the air. Essentially, if the Chiefs can’t stop the run, it’s over. Patrick Mahomes throws a couple touchdown passes to keep the game close, but Baltimore is just too good. Lamar Jackson, in his second season, leads the NFL’s top team to the Super Bowl, seeing their third win. Prediction: Baltimore 38, Kansas City 35 NFC Championship: #3 New Orleans Saints at #1 San Francisco 49ers Sunday, January 19th, 6:40pm (FOX) The Saints and 49ers have also matched up before, with San Francisco earning a hard-fought victory. In this game, even though the game is in Santa Clara, I think the Saints come out swinging, catching the 49ers defense off guard with a fast and quick opening drive, forcing Jimmy G and the Niners to play from behind. With the Saints effectively able to stop the run, Garoppolo will need to win the game on his own, throwing the ball. He can’t. He throws a late-game interception, sending the Saints back to the Super Bowl, giving Drew Brees another shot at the big one. New Orleans has avenged its loss in last year’s catastrophic NFC title game loss, and San Francisco’s luck has run out. Prediction: New Orleans 27, San Francisco 23 Super Bowl LIV New Orleans Saints vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, February 2nd, 6:38pm (FOX) Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida I can see it now: the Ravens open up as Super Bowl favorites by 7 points, and they jump out to a 17-6 lead by halftime, thanks to a touchdown run by Ingram, and a short Jackson pass to Hollywood Brown for 14 points in the second quarter. But Brees and the Saints won’t go away, as their hot streak rekindles itself, and their old horse of a quarterback throws two touchdown passes in the third quarter, taking a 23-17 lead on a crazy trick play that features a pass from Taysom Hill to Jared Cook. The Ravens counter as a Jackson touchdown early in the fourth quarter puts Baltimore back up, 24-23. After a late field goal by Wil Lutz to put the Saints up 26-24 with just over 2 minutes to go, it is all on the shoulders of the MVP to lead his team to glory. But early in the drive, a Jackson fumble winds up in the arms of Marshawn Lattimore, who runs it in for a game-sealing touchdown. Drew Brees retires after the game after being named Super Bowl MVP for the second time. The all-time passing yards and touchdown leader stamps his ticket to Canton with a golden star in his final game. Yes I know I’ve picked the Saints to win the Super Bowl for the last three playoffs in a row, shut up. Prediction: New Orleans 33, Baltimore 24 Am I wrong? Scream at me in the comments. The Best Sports Plays of 2019
With each passing year, the “Top Sports Plays” list seems to get more and more ambitious; I prepare myself all year for it, writing down and saving clip after clip of incredible athletic feats on each day I see them, from January 1st right on down.
After getting to today without having a list, I think I maybe went a little too hard this year. When I compiled my preliminary list, I had over 225 plays to choose from, and I was tasked with whittling it down to 100. And, honestly, I ran out of time and energy to rank 12 different diving baseball catches that all pretty much look the same. For me, having even 115 and narrowing it down to 100 is difficult enough, so I thought I’d take a different approach for 2019’s version of the list. So, welcome to According to Andrew’s selections for the Best Sports Plays of 2019. Here’s how this is going to work: I have organized the plays you’re about to read about and see into categories by sport. Baseball, Football, Hockey, Basketball, etc. Each sport will have its own subdivisions, with anywhere from 1-5 unranked entries in each subdivision. Instead of having an enormous ranked list, you’ll see each type of play grouped together and celebrated. But here’s the kicker- I still have enough audacity in me to create a ranked list somewhere in here. At the end, you’ll see my ranked picks for the Top 10 Sports Plays of the year. As a result, those plays will not be included in the different play sections under each sport. The top 10 are simply transcendent above the rest, and can exist in a top 10 list of their own. There. Mischief managed. Now let’s dive in. This is the best sports had to offer over the past year. Hockey
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The Blue Devil is named for the french “les Diables Bleus,” a nickname given to the Chasseurs Alpins, the French Alpine light infantry battalion during World War I. An eagle is an eagle, and a bison is a bison. Imma give the ELITE FRENCH SOLDIER the benefit of the doubt in this opening round game.
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
(8) Virginia Commonwealth Rams vs. (9) Central Florida Knights
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In this game, there are animals, and there are guys with swords and armor. This is an easy one. Those Rams horns are tough, but I don’t think they’re any match for the knight’s sword and shield.
Winner: Central Florida Knights
(5) Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. (12) Liberty Flames
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An adorable bulldog against a candle. And again, a flame could mean anything, but in this case, the flame is a candle. I think the dog goes up to the candle and sniffs at it (and realizes it’s probably a really interesting smelling Yankee Candle or something) but then sneezes on it. The flame is snuffed out. The bulldog wins.
Winner: Mississippi State Bulldogs
(4) Virginia Tech Hokies vs. (13) Saint Louis Billikens
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So a Hokie is, in layman's terms, a chicken. A Billiken is a charm doll. So we basically have two satanic worship tokens. It really all depends on which one will charm the other one to death. The Billiken looks the creepiest, so I think it’ll use its juju to ensure the chicken is sacrificed to the gods of March Madness.
Winner: Saint Louis Billikens
ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (6) Maryland Terrapins vs. (11) Belmont Bruins vs. (11) Temple Owls
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Here we have three animals, one of which is a bear. The Bruin will crunch down on the terrapin’s shell, ending the turtle’s tournament run. Bears can also climb trees, which mean that not even the owl is safe from the bear’s clutches. The Bruin tears through his competition on the way to the next round.
Winner: Belmont Bruins
(3) LSU Tigers vs. (14) Yale Bulldogs
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This is one of those sad moments where we have to eliminate a dog from the competition. The tiger’s got the edge. Sorry, Eli.
Winner: LSU Tigers
(7) Louisville Cardinals vs. (10) Minnesota Golden Gophers
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An underground creature against a sky creature is a tricky situation. Why would the sky creature ever want to go underground? Can the underground creature even get up high enough to attack the sky creature? There’s a lot of waiting game to be played here. I think the edge goes to the cardinal, who can attack the gopher with a vicious air attack whenever he pops out of the ground. The cardinal blinds the gopher with his sharp talons (do cardinals have large talons?), and moves into the next round. Also, what makes a gopher golden?
Winner: Louisville Cardinals
(2) Michigan State Spartans vs. (15) Bradley Braves
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The Spartan’s armor will do some good against those vicious tomahawks coming from the brave. The Brave might be a fierce warrior, but I think the Spartan has a bit more formal training, especially in hand-to-hand combat. Sparty on.
Winner: Michigan State Spartans
Round of 32
(1) Duke Blue Devils vs. (9) Central Florida Knights
The Blue Devil is still riding through on his tank. The knight is no match for early 20th century war technology. Pretty sure the Blue Devil has a gun, too. Allons-y to the next round, Duke!
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
(5) Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. (13) Saint Louis Billikens
The Bulldog uses the Billiken as a chew toy. Next!
Winner: Mississippi State Bulldogs
(11) Belmont Bruins vs. (3) LSU Tigers
Ooooh, these bouts between tigers and bears are my favorites. Both are strong, fierce, and threatening. According to the trusty internet: “... tigers are known for killing… bears for its diet… bears constitute 8% of its diet.” In addition to that incredibly vague piece of information, I value the tiger’s speed over the bruin’s bulk. Those sharp teeth can do a lot of damage in not a lot of time.
Winner: LSU Tigers
(7) Louisville Cardinals vs. (2) Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans carried javelins, which could be used to throw and strike enemies at long distances. With one incredibly accurate shot, the Spartan kabobs his dinner for the night.
Winner: Michigan State Spartans
Sweet 16
(1) Duke Blue Devils vs. (5) Mississippi State Bulldogs
Aww man. Sorry, pupper.
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
(3) LSU Tigers vs. (2) Michigan State Spartans
I imagine that the Spartan had to come across some crazy animals in his time. I mean, have you ever seen the crazy animals from 300? At least, I think there are crazy animals in 300. Regardles, Sparty will handily deal with a measly tiger. Next victim.
Winner: Michigan State Spartans
Elite 8
(1) Duke Blue Devils vs. (2) Michigan State Spartans
It’s a matter of technology here. The Spartan has a sword and a shield, but the soldier has a gun and can pick the Spartan apart with pinpoint shooting. The Blue Devil rolls on to the final four.
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
Duke advances to the Final Four
Elite 8
(1) Duke Blue Devils vs. (2) Michigan State Spartans
It’s a matter of technology here. The Spartan has a sword and a shield, but the soldier has a gun and can pick the Spartan apart with pinpoint shooting. The Blue Devil rolls on to the final four.
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
Duke advances to the Final Four
West Region
Round of 64
ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (1) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. (16) Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. (16) Prairie View A&M Panthers
ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (1) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. (16) Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. (16) Prairie View A&M Panthers
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The Knight has a sword. It will only have to kill the panther, since the panther’s probably going for the animal lower on the food chain first. Sorry, bulldog. Another one bites the dust.
Winner: (16) Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
(8) Syracuse Orange vs. (9) Baylor Bears
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The bear eats the orange. Because fuck Syracuse.
Winner: Baylor Bears
(5) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (12) Murray State Racers
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Most horses can only run for so long before getting tired. I think when he does, the eagle is going to pick him clean, vulture style.
Winner: Marquette Golden Eagles
(4) Florida State Seminoles vs. (13) Vermont Catamounts
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A catamount is a cougar native to the Yukon. The Seminole is native to Florida, so I’m confident that it won’t have any knowledge of what a catamount brings to the table. The big cat eats him alive using its cunning, natural intuition for the terrain, and speed. Also “catamount” is a far superior name to “cougar” or “mountain lion.”
Winner: Vermont Catamounts
ENTRY BATTLE ROYALE: (6) Buffalo Bulls vs. (11) Arizona State Sun Devils vs. (11) St. John’s Red Storm
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What color do the Sun Devils and Red Storm have in common? Red. Neither of them stand a chance against the irate Bull, no matter how arbitrary a “red storm” is.
Winner: Buffalo Bulls
(3) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (14) Northern Kentucky Norse
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So a raider is a pirate. The Norse are actual vikings. It’s a battle of ocean men who survive by killing other ocean men. Just as a rule, I think that vikings are tougher than generic pirates, so I think the Norsemen bring down the hammer on the red pirate guys.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
(7) Nevada Wolfpack vs. (10) Florida Gators
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One alligator against a pack of wolves. Hmm. See ya later, alligator.
Winner: Nevada Wolfpack
(2) Michigan Wolverines vs. (15) Montana Grizzlies
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These two faced each other last year. A wolverine’s bite is so powerful they’ve been known to topple moose. Also...
Winner: Michigan Wolverines
Round of 32
(16) Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. (9) Baylor Bears
Grizzly bears can run at up to 40 miles per hour. One false step and that knight becomes Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. The bear, fueled by the power of the vitamin C that he just snacked on, will maul the knight based on pure brute strength.
Winner: Baylor Bears
(5) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (13) Vermont Catamounts
That cougar is going to eat that bird for lunch.
Winner: Vermont Catamounts
(6) Buffalo Bulls vs. (14) Northern Kentucky Norse
THOR BRINGETH THE HAMMER.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
(7) Nevada Wolfpack vs. (2) Michigan Wolverines
Wolverines might be cool, but the wolf pack have the numbers game. The wolf pack may lose one or two, but they’re not going to let a singular wolverine push them around.
Winner: Nevada Wolfpack
Sweet 16
(9) Baylor Bears vs. (13) Vermont Catamounts
The bear has been on a tear as of late, and I think his thick skin is enough to ward off the catamount’s bites and scratches, wearing him down until the bear can just overpower him.
Winner: Baylor Bears
(14) Northern Kentucky Norse vs. (7) Nevada Wolfpack
And now that we’re back into humans fighting animals… Vikings used animal pelts as clothing. Look! There are enough wolves to have one pelt for each member of the crew! Those Vikings and their spears are going to make some mincemeat of these wolves. Man, I really wish I could see what happens at the end of The Grey.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
Elite 8
(9) Baylor Bears vs. (14) Northern Kentucky Norse
Whether it’s on the football field or in the death bracket, the Vikings have the edge. Using their modern stone-age technology, fueled by Led Zeppelin music, the Norsemen send the bear to Valhalla as a sacrifice to Heimdahl.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
Northern Kentucky Advances to the Final Four
South Region
Round of 64
(1) Virginia Cavaliers vs. (16) Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs
(1) Virginia Cavaliers vs. (16) Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs
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UGH WHY DO WE HAVE TO SLAY DOGGIES.
Winner: Virginia Cavaliers
(8) Ole Miss Rebels vs. (9) Oklahoma Sooners
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Those Sooners on the frontier were tough as nails. They even had to ward off things like cholera. The rebels, derived from the Confederates during the Civil War, come from around the same time period. But from what I’ve seen in almost every movie about westward expansion and about the Civil War, most of the rebels are portrayed as scared young boys (and like, 14 or 15 years young), and the frontiersmen are all portrayed as scruffy, hardened men. The Sooner is going to shoot the Rebel because he has no patience for weakness.
Winner: Oklahoma Sooners
(5) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (12) Oregon Ducks
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Badgers are omnivores and eat anything. Ducks can only eat anything that will fit in their beaks, like fish or worms, or the scraps of bread people toss from the pier. The badger gobbles that poor duck up in one fell swoop.
Winner: Wisconsin Badgers
(4) Kansas State Wildcats vs. (13) California-Irvine Anteaters
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An anteater brings a seven-foot-long sticky tongue to the party against the generic wildcat. The problem is that the anteater only eats one thing: ants. It has no teeth. Although, it is impressive that it can eat up to 35,000 ants PER DAY. The wildcat will bite right through the anteater’s tongue in some weird french-kiss-gone-wrong scenario.
Winner: Kansas State Wildcats
(6) Villanova Wildcats vs. (11) Saint Mary’s Gaels
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Another generic wildcat. Joy. A Gael is a native of Ireland. My money’s on the tough Irishmen who won’t let Villanova win another national championship.
Winner: Saint Mary’s Gaels
(3) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (14) Old Dominion Monarchs
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The Boilermakers are folks who do hands-on work with train boilers. They get down and dirty, working to make sure that the train boilers are running smoothly on coal. They’re blue collar workers, and they will TOPPLE THE MONARCHY. LONG LIVE THE PROLETARIAT UPRISING. Also Purdue’s actual mascot is the Boilermaker Special. An ACTUAL LOCOMOTIVE TRAIN. Good luck, everybody else.
Winner: Purdue Boilermakers
(7) Cincinnati Bearcats vs. (10) Iowa Hawkeyes
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A bearcat is not some kind of incredible super bear-cat hybrid. He is an adorable, vicious animal that will bite your face off. But for me, the edge actually goes to Iowa.
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Jeremy Renner and Alan Alda take no prisoners. With Renner’s Hawkeye as the muscle and Alda’s Hawkeye as the brains and medicine guy, these two could be unstoppable.
Winner: Iowa Hawkeyes
(2)Tennessee Volunteers vs. (15) Colgate Raiders
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Pirate with gun against regular Tennessee guy with no gun. The volunteer just volunteered to be here, he had no idea what he was getting into! He has a family! Have mercy! All he did was try to help!
Winner: Colgate Raiders
Round of 32
(1) Virginia Cavaliers vs. (9) Oklahoma Sooners
Gun beats sword. It’s science. Also, the Sooner’s majestic mountain beard alone could probably beat up the Cavalier and his handlebar moustache.
Winner: Oklahoma Sooners
(5) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (4) Kansas State Wildcats
OH SHIT THAT BADGER WAS LIKE “I’MMA FUCK YOU UP, WILDCAT. YOU BETTA STEP BACK.” Badgers foreverrrrrr.
Winner: Wisconsin Badgers
(11) Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. (3) Purdue Boilermakers
It’s a locomotive train. Irishmen are tough, but they’re gonna look real dumb standing in front of a train.
Winner: Purdue Boilermakers
(10) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. (15) Colgate Raiders
I think Renner’s Hawkeye can fire like five arrows at the same time. This is like some Peter Pan-against-Captain Hook type stuff. The pirates may have guns, but they Hawkeyes have Jeremy Renner and Alan Alda. Easy win for the Hawkeyes.
Winner: Iowa Hawkeyes
Sweet 16
(9) Oklahoma Sooners vs. (5) Wisconsin Badgers
Sooners know how to trap their food. That badger doesn’t have a prayer.
Winner: Oklahoma Sooners
(3) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (10) Iowa Hawkeyes
CHOO-CHOO, BEEYOTCH.
Winner: Purdue Boilermakers
Elite 8
(9) Oklahoma Sooners vs. (3) Purdue Boilermakers
Technology wins. It’s conestoga wagon (yeah, I play Oregon Trail) against steam train. The boilermaker sees your wagon and raises you ONE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD.
Winner: Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue advances to the Final Four
Midwest Region
Round of 64
(1) North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (16) Iona Gaels
(1) North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (16) Iona Gaels
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Tar Heels, by nature, have sticky feet. They would be sitting ducks against a pissed-off Irishman.
Winner: Iona Gaels
(8) Utah State Aggies vs. (9) Washington Huskies
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An Aggie is one who makes his living in agriculture. That said, I am highly positive that a farmer has methods of dealing with pesky dogs who try to trample through his garden and eat his crops. Using things like an invisible fence, pesticides, or just a straight up gun, the Aggie makes sure that poor beautiful husky won’t come around his garden every again.
Winner: Utah State Aggies
(5) Auburn Tigers vs. (12) New Mexico State Aggies
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Then again, this particular aggie is dealing with a freaking TIGER. Tigers eat both meat and plants, but they mostly eat meat. Screw your plants, farmer. This cat wants to eat YOU.
Winner: Auburn Tigers
(4) Kansas Jayhawks vs. (13) Northeastern Huskies
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The husky uses its jumping skills to snag the jayhawk right out of the air.
Winner: Northeastern Huskies
(6) Iowa State Cyclones vs. (11) Ohio State Buckeyes
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A cyclone is a tornado. Iowa State’s mascot is Cy the Cardinal technically, but I like the image of a tornado better. A buckeye is a nut from a tree. I don’t think mother nature is taking too many prisoners in her path of destruction.
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
(3) Houston Cougars vs. (14) Georgia State Panthers
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These two are… basically the same thing. I’m gonna give it to Houston, because I’m willing to be that T’Challa doesn’t stand much of a chance against an actual mountain lion. His heart wouldn’t be able to kill it, or something.
Winner: Houston Cougars
(7) Wofford Terriers vs. (10) Seton Hall Pirates
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The terrier is a very fast dog. I’m gonna give the upset to the dog here, as he gnaws on the pirate’s peg leg long enough that it collapses and he falls into the ocean.
Winner: Wofford Terriers
(2) Kentucky Wildcats vs. (15) Abilene-Christian Wildcats
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So, in the case of two teams having the same mascot, I’ve taken the best player from each college and pit them against each other in a game of one of one-on-one (or sometimes, I just combine the mascots like last year’s winner, the ClemsBurn SuperTigers). Here is a list of players who were drafted from the NBA from Abilene-Christian:
1964- Jim Reynolds (Cincinnati Royals)
1968- John Godfrey (Los Angeles Lakers)
1972- Kent Martens (Cleveland Cavaliers)
1973- Willie Calvert (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Take your pick.
De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo were all taken in the first round from Kentucky LAST YEAR.
You know what? Fuck it. No one wins. I hate Kentucky, and no one who goes to Abilene-Christian has the ultimate dream of going to the NBA. No one wins.
Winner: No one.
Round of 32
(16) Iona Gaels vs. (8) Utah State Aggies
The Aggie likely has potatoes. The Gael… well, he’s from Ireland. I think we have our winner here. The Aggie starves the Gael out by refusing to share his potatoes.
Winner: Utah State Aggies
(5) Auburn Tigers vs. (13) Northeastern Huskies
WHY TIGER WHYYYYYYY.
Winner: Auburn Tigers
(6) Iowa State Cyclones vs. (3) Houston Cougars
Cyclones can reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour on land and have a damage path up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. The cougar is bound to have a rock fall on it and trap it or something. Weather takes no prisoners.
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
(7) Wofford Terriers vs. N/A because Wildcats are stupid
This is like another one of the Westminster Dog Show incidents. The terrier wins again by walkover.
Winner: Wofford Terriers
Sweet 16
(8) Utah State Aggies vs. (5) Auburn Tigers
Time to pull the rug out from underneath. The Utah State Aggies mascot is big blue, an ox. That Tiger is going to eat that ox for lunch.
Winner: Auburn Tigers
(6) Iowa State Cyclones vs. (7) Wofford Terriers
Oh, Toto… I’m not sure we’re in Kansas anymore…. Or in Dorothy’s arms.
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
Elite 8
(5) Auburn Tigers vs. (6) Iowa State Cyclones
Tigers are not known to hibernate, meaning the poor cat would be left in the open at the mercy of the weather. The cyclone would cause mass destruction across the land, and the tiger would get caught in the crossfire.
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State advances to the Final Four
Final Four
(2) Duke Blue Devils vs. (14) Northern Kentucky Norse
The French soldier has been through a lot. Surely he’s prepared to take on a group of...
NOPE. VIKINGS. They bludgeon the poor Frenchie and roast him over the fire. The Norse Force is on to the championship.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
(3) Purdue Boilermakers vs. (6) Iowa State Cyclones
I was really having trouble figuring this one out. A cyclone is a cyclone, but a steam locomotive is a freaking steam locomotive. So I googled “train vs tornado” and this is what I found:
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
National Mascot Death Bracket Championship
(14) Northern Kentucky Norse vs. (6) Iowa State Cyclones
On the trip to the New World, or at least on a journey anywhere, vikings are prone to run into inclement weather. Of course, things are a little easier if Thor is on your side. The god of thunder helps clear a path for his fellow Norsemen as the cyclone dissipates. Because science.
On the trip to the New World, or at least on a journey anywhere, vikings are prone to run into inclement weather. Of course, things are a little easier if Thor is on your side. The god of thunder helps clear a path for his fellow Norsemen as the cyclone dissipates. Because science.
Winner: Northern Kentucky Norse
This bracket was weirdly sponsored unofficially by Marvel? Because Avengers: Endgame is in theaters April 26th.
Who's your favorite mascot? What other absurd scenarios for this can you think of? Who's your pick to win the National Championship? Leave a comment down below.
The 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament begins Thursday, March 21st starting at 12:30pm on the networks of CBS.
10 Takeaways from Super Bowl LIII
I get it, casual football fan.
To you, I’m sure Super Bowl LIII was… boring.
I’m sorry the high-powered Rams offense and the Tom Brady-led Patriots couldn’t bring you the 74-point, 1000-yard offensive showcase that the Pats and Eagles did last year. And for the two squads this time around to manage only 16 points in the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever? It has to be a let down.
This game was WEIRD, man.
Even the halftime show was weird.
But hey, it was close the entire time except for the very end.
I mean, you know me. I’m only a LITTLE bit invested in it.
At 4:30pm (two hours before game time), I told my friend I could already feel my heart rate accelerating.
After Sony Michel scored in the fourth quarter to put the Patriots up 10-3, my heart rate did begin to decrease a little bit.
And as we speak, the Patriots are taking their victory parade through the streets of Boston.
They won their sixth Super Bowl championship on Sunday- weeks after I publicly wrote them off and declared them dead.
I whiffed. Like badly.
Man, six titles. The 99-day Boston sports drought is over. What a crazy ride this season was.
Let’s recap.
The Patriots established the run early, but Tom Brady’s second pass attempt of the game was intercepted. Fortunately for New England, they forced the Rams to punt.
And punt.
And punt.
And punt again.
Rams punter Johnny Hekker was busy in this game, punting on the Rams first eight possessions. It was just up to the Patriots to capitalize on the Rams not being able to do anything with the ball.
They didn’t do themselves any favors when Stephen Gostkowski missed a field goal in the first quarter on New England’s second drive of the game.
But after the teams traded punts for three possessions, Gostkowski finally connected on a 42-yard field goal. 3-0, New England.
It would stay that way heading into halftime.
The halftime show was… underwhelming. We’ll talk about that later.
In the second half, it was more of the same. Just when it seemed like both offenses were about to get something going, the opposing defense would make a stop. Through the first half, the Rams (who had the second-ranked offense in football) managed only 57 yards.
LA nearly managed to break through in the third quarter, though. Brandin Cooks beat Stephon Gilmore and was left all alone in the end zone, and Jared Goff’s pass looked like it might put the Rams ahead. But Jason McCourty made an excellent recovery, and knocked the ball out of Cooks’ hands before he was able to maintain control. The Rams had to settle for a field goal,
and Greg Zuerlein connected on a 53-yard field goal, capping off a 10-play, 42-yard drive that tied the game at 3 heading into the fourth quarter.
It was from there that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made some slight adjustments that almost immediately yielded results. The teams traded punts before the Patriots got the ball on their own 31.
Tom Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for 18 yards, then Julian Edelman for 13 yards. He hit Rex Burkhead with a short pass for 7, putting the ball at the Los Angeles 31. On the next play, Brady went back to Gronkowski, completing a pass for 29 yards that put the Patriots in the red zone for the first time.
Sony Michel punched it in from the 2, finally scoring the game’s first touchdown.
On the very next possession, Jared Goff threw off his back foot toward the end zone intended for Cooks. This time, Gilmore stuck with his man, and intercepted the underthrown ball.
9 plays and 72 yards later, all of them coming on the ground, Gostkowski nailed a 41-yard field goal, and that would prove to be all she wrote.
In a game that was supposed to be a Super Bowl shootout, it was the defenses of the two teams that ultimately claimed the day.
Julian Edelman was named the game’s MVP, as he was the most productive offensive player, with 10 catches for over 140 yards.
Bill Belichick became the oldest coach, at 66, to win a Super Bowl. Tom Brady became the oldest quarterback, at 41, to win a Super Bowl.
Despite the lack of scoring, there’s a lot to unpack here. Here are my ten immediate reactions to the game.
1. Patriots MVP- Bill Belichick.
This win was an important notch in Bill Belichick’s belt. With no outstanding players (at least not overtly), it came down to the coach’s game plan that made the difference. The defensive scheme work time and time again confused Jared Goff, to the point where you could see his uneasiness creeping in on him as the game wore on. From changing defensive plays inside 15 seconds on the play clock, to keeping constant pressure on Jared Goff and shutting down the running game, Belichick’s defensive mastery harkens back to Patriots victories like that in Super Bowl XXXVI, where they held the “Greatest Show on Turf” to 17 points while forcing three turnovers, and multiple AFC playoff games, against Peyton Manning and the Colts (2005, when the Pats held the league’s best offense to 276 yards and 3 points), and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in this season’s most recent AFC Championship game. Much like the Red Sox under the direction of Alex Cora, Bill Belichick showed us why he is the best coach in all of football with his preparation and proper execution.
2. Rams MVP- Johnny Hekker. I guess.
If you can him an MVP. Hekker did a lot of work in the game, punting 9 times. He also set the record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history at 65 yards. But aside from that, the Patriots’ scoring drives came on punts that landed outside the New England 20 yard line. Honestly, it could have been the Rams defense for keeping the Patriots to 13 points. It could have been, but they lost. Last time I checked, losing teams don’t have MVPs.
3. In a season dominated by offense, this Super Bowl showed us that defense hasn’t gone away.
I think this season spoiled us. I think players like Patrick Mahomes have spoiled us. Not to put this all on the 2018 NFL MVP, but he did throw for 50 touchdown passes this season, and his Chiefs were lighting up opposing defenses. And when we saw a 54-51 instant classic between the Rams and Chiefs on a Monday night (or even a 43-40 game between the Chiefs and Patriots), everyone assumed that this offensive gun show was just the new way of the NFL now, that defenses were becoming obsolete because teams with great offenses could score pretty much at well. Take a look at coaches like Sean McVay, even. He’s young, pretty (that has nothing to do with it but his physical appearance was a main talking point at my Super Bowl party), and has a great football mind. He’s made headlines with his near-photographic memory. It’s flashy, it’s new, and because the new kid was successful in such a high-profile, exciting way, we all thought the league was turning into the high-powered offense show. This Super Bowl showed us that defense still wins championships. The Patriots’ defensive unit, a squad devoid of a real A-list star, played cohesively and dominated. The Rams didn’t run a single play inside the red zone. High-powered offense, who?
4. The blame for the Rams offensive ineptitude can be placed on Jared Goff...
The guy looked like a deer in the headlights. What stood out to me is his obvious unraveling as the game progressed. On the Rams’ first drive, Goff was flushed out of the pocket, then slyly got rid of the ball, throwing it away before stepping out of bounds. On a play in the 2nd quarter, on 3rd down, he was flushed out of the pocket once again, pressured by three Patriot defenders. Rather than chucking the ball away, he took a 14-yard sack, sinking to his knees in what looked like total defeat and concession to the play. The Patriots would change their defensive plays inside the 15-second mark on the play clock and Goff had no idea what to do. Now, it is not Jared Goff’s fault that his pass intended for Brandin Cooks (that should have put the Rams ahead) was knocked away by Jason McCourty. McCourty made an excellent defensive play. But the Gilmore interception in the fourth to ice the game was absolutely his fault. It was a terrible throw, on the run, off his back foot, and under thrown. Goff’s a good player, but he didn’t look ready for prime time in this game.
5. But the real blame deserves to be placed on Sean McVay. He’s not as smart as we think he is.
I feel like the Rams spent so much time on defense trying to contain Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, that they completely forgot to develop their offense. It’s like they just thought that their offense was good enough and just kind of left it as-is to “play their game” against the Patriots. McVay got 100% outcoached in this game. He conceded that in his postgame speech; talking about “buzz sequences” and “quarters strategies” or “packages” or whatever. I’m convinced that he’s just using football jargon to make himself sound smarter than he actually is. I was so surprised that the Rams didn’t come out and try to catch the Patriots off guard with some no-huddle, or some more play action, or perhaps even running the ball on 3rd and short instead of trying to force the ball to your receivers that were being covered to no end, especially late in the game when it began to turn into a stalemate. It’s like McVay had this whole game plan developed, except he did it in reverse. They ran the ball early, and then we never heard from Todd Gurley again (I think he was hurt). 27 of the Rams’ plays went for zero or negative yards. He focused too much on defense and forgot to coach the offense. He could have made some adjustments and those never happened. When you play the Patriots, and especially in a high-stakes game like the Super Bowl, you better be ready to play a full 60-minute game that is constantly in motion. Bill Belichick would rather tell you nothing and make you think he’s stupid than try to prove he knows everything. Now, McVay is not a bad coach. But he’s got a lot of learning to do in order to be a truly great one. This time, the master is the victor, not the pupil.
6. The halftime show was hot garbage.
Again, if you were a casual fan, everything about the four-plus hours of game sucked. And that includes Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi’s performances during the halftime show. Was there no one else, NFL? Have you really burnt bridges with every other big name performer that we had to listen to Maroon 5 sing “She Will Be Loved”??
This was probably the most bizarre group of performers ever assembled for a halftime show. Adam Levine looked like he was having the time of his life, clearly. And he just kept taking off clothes. Now, I’m not going to lie, I like Maroon 5. I don’t think they’re bad. But I just think they were a bad pick. And cramming Travis Scott and Big Boi (but not Andre)? This whole thing was a culmination of the NFL’s connection to the outside world. Bland and out of touch.
AND ANOTHER THING. Don’t show me Spongebob and then give me Travis Scott singing Sicko Mode. How DARE you.
7. Sony Michel has come into his own and I apologize for everything I’ve ever said about him.
Michel has been brilliant for the Patriots on ground in the latter half of the season. In this game alone, he rushed 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. But more than that, he’s turned into the sturdy, solid, every-down back the Patriots haven’t had since Corey Dillon was in the backfield.
My one qualm is that I wish his selection had been in a later round of the draft, but I am pleased to see Michel has blossomed into a good running back, and I hope the Patriots don’t screw it up with him in three years.
8. Tom Brady has at least one (or more) playoff runs left in him.
There is no “cliff.” Let me just say, first and foremost, that this “cliff” everyone wants Brady to fall off does not exist. He is not going to wake up one morning and suddenly be like Charles Barkley from Space Jam. The dude is a phenomenal athlete, and this season has shown me that he’s got the stuff to continue playing at a high level. Between the ages of 39 and 41, the guy has won two Super Bowls, and in the one he lost, he threw for 505 yards, which was a Super Bowl record.
It has never been about going out on top for Tom Brady. He will stop playing once he feels he is no longer able to. I think he wants another ring, another MVP, another passing record. He wants more. And the rest of the world is going to have to live with the fact that the man that Father Time forgot is going to be torching defenses for the foreseeable future.
9. The Patriots got hot at the right time.
In my funeral for the Patriots a few months ago, I said that I hoped that Bill Belichick hadn’t shown us the full potential of his team, and I think we saw that during this playoff run. It started with a dismantling of the Chargers, and then two great defensive showings against the Chiefs and Rams. Even after dismal months to open and close the season, they got the job done- even after everyone counted them out. Again.
I almost feel like Belichick could be recycling old game plans from his first go-around of Super Bowls: his teams aren’t fantastic on paper, but they play strong, hard-nosed football, and they’ll beat you on the ground as well as on the defensive side of the ball.
But whether Brady is throwing for 500 yards, or the defense gets 7 turnovers, what matters is that the Patriots were playing the best football at the right time. Their 18-1 season in 2007 showed us that it doesn’t matter how good you play in September. If you don’t play well in January and (especially) February, nobody cares. The Patriots played their best and smartest football when it mattered most. Love them or hate them, they earned this one.
10. You are a slave to the Super Bowl.
That’s right. Even if you have a negative opinion on the game. If you watched the game and found it boring and did nothing about it, you are a slave to the game.
Why were you still watching if the game was boring? Just turn it off. Don’t bitch about it on Facebook or Twitter about how boring it was, just turn it off! If you liked defense, that game was incredible. Just because it wasn’t another 41-33 game doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good game.
You can call it boring all you want. But you can’t stop watching. That’s the effect this game has on people- it will make you wait for things to get exciting. But don’t complain when you get let down by it. You chose to watch it, not the television.
Rant over.
Anything I missed? Tell me your thoughts from the Super Bowl! Leave a comment down below.
Don’t forget to check out my other Super Bowl article, the Top 10 Super Bowls of All Time, by clicking HERE.
Top 10 Super Bowls of All Time
Well, Super Bowl LIII is in the books.
And let me just say outright that it doesn’t make this list.
But, for what it’s worth, the Super Bowl has given more than a few games to remember. In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, let’s take a look at the best Super Bowl of all time.
Honorable Mentions:
Super Bowl XIII
Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31
January 21, 1979
Orange Bowl- Miami, Florida
January 21, 1979
Orange Bowl- Miami, Florida
If you explain to someone in the 1970s what the NFL was like, look no further than Super Bowl XIII, which featured the Steelers and Cowboys- definitively the two best teams of the decade. The Steelers offense featured Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. On defense, the “Steel Curtain,” including “Mean” Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Hamm, and Mel Blount. The Cowboys, led by coach Tom Landry, had an impressive group of their own, led by future Hall of Famer Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett and Drew Pearson.
In the third quarter, with the Steelers leading 21-14, Staubach spotted tight end Jackie Smith wide open in the middle of the endzone. Smith slipped in the end zone and could not hang on to the pass, which would have in all likelihood tied the game. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal to make it 21-17, only to see the Steelers pile on two more touchdowns to make it 35-17. The Cowboys would not go quietly, scoring twice with under seven minutes to play, but the Steelers recovered the onside kick to ice it, with a 35-31 victory.
In the third quarter, with the Steelers leading 21-14, Staubach spotted tight end Jackie Smith wide open in the middle of the endzone. Smith slipped in the end zone and could not hang on to the pass, which would have in all likelihood tied the game. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal to make it 21-17, only to see the Steelers pile on two more touchdowns to make it 35-17. The Cowboys would not go quietly, scoring twice with under seven minutes to play, but the Steelers recovered the onside kick to ice it, with a 35-31 victory.
Super Bowl XXXVIII
New England Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29
February 1, 2004
Reliant Stadium- Houston, Texas
February 1, 2004
Reliant Stadium- Houston, Texas
Everyone remembers this game for Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s infamous moment at the halftime show. But there was a game surrounding it, thank you very much. Super Bowl XXXVIII was scoreless for the first quarter and a half, and it looked to be headed in the direction of a low scoring football game. But the teams combined for 24 points in the last 3:05 and never looked back. The Carolina Panthers, who the year before finished 1-15, actually led in the fourth quarter of the game, as Jake Delhomme hit Muhsin Muhammad with an 85-yard touchdown pass to put Carolina up 22-21. But Tom Brady and the Patriots struck back with an 11-play, 4-minute drive to regain a 29-22 lead. The Panthers would tie it thanks to a pass from Delhomme to Ricky Proehl (who tied Super Bowl XXXVI for the Rams), but simply left too much time on the clock for Tom Brady (not to mention a kickoff from John Kasay that went out of bounds), as the Patriots drove down to the Carolina 28-yard line, allowing Adam Vinatieri to make the game-winning 45-yard field goal. The Patriots would win their second Super Bowl in three years. I would say this game really marked the beginning of the Patriot dynasty, as New England would win their third Super Bowl the next year.
Super Bowl XLVI
New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17
February 5, 2012
Lucas Oil Stadium- Indianapolis, Indiana
February 5, 2012
Lucas Oil Stadium- Indianapolis, Indiana
The New York Giants finished the season 9-7, which was the lowest ever winning percentage for a Super Bowl winning team (56.3%). The Patriots, who finished 13-3, were looking for their fourth Super Bowl title, and to avenge their loss from four years earlier, when the Giants had spoiled their potential undefeated season. Still, the Giants needed overtime to defeat the 15-1 Green Bay Packers in the NFC Title Game, and the Patriots lucked out on a missed field goal from Billy Cundiff in the AFC Championship Game. But here they were.
The Giants jumped out to a 9-0 lead before the Patriots roared back with 17 unanswered points. The Giants would add 6 more, and the two would enter the fourth quarter with New England up, 17-15 (of course, what would a Super Bowl with the Patriots be if not close and absurdly dramatic). With 4:06 left in the game, New England had the ball at the Giant 44-yard line on 2nd and 11. Tom Brady fired a pass to a wide open Wes Welker at the New York 21. Welker, famous for his solid hands, dropped the pass, which would have made the Giants burn their last time out and all but put the game away had he completed it. The Patriots had to punt, and Eli Manning once again worked his playoff magic, connecting with Mario Manningham on a 38-yard gain, where Manningham managed to keep both feet in bounds on the play. The Patriots famously let Ahmad Bradshaw score a touchdown to put the Giants up 21-17, giving Brady and the Pats 57 seconds to drive down the field and score. They could not, and the Giants handed Bill Belichick and New England their second Super Bowl loss in 4 years, bringing the New England dynasty into serious question.
The Giants jumped out to a 9-0 lead before the Patriots roared back with 17 unanswered points. The Giants would add 6 more, and the two would enter the fourth quarter with New England up, 17-15 (of course, what would a Super Bowl with the Patriots be if not close and absurdly dramatic). With 4:06 left in the game, New England had the ball at the Giant 44-yard line on 2nd and 11. Tom Brady fired a pass to a wide open Wes Welker at the New York 21. Welker, famous for his solid hands, dropped the pass, which would have made the Giants burn their last time out and all but put the game away had he completed it. The Patriots had to punt, and Eli Manning once again worked his playoff magic, connecting with Mario Manningham on a 38-yard gain, where Manningham managed to keep both feet in bounds on the play. The Patriots famously let Ahmad Bradshaw score a touchdown to put the Giants up 21-17, giving Brady and the Pats 57 seconds to drive down the field and score. They could not, and the Giants handed Bill Belichick and New England their second Super Bowl loss in 4 years, bringing the New England dynasty into serious question.
Super Bowl XLVII
Baltimore Ravens 34, San Francisco 49ers 31
February 3, 2013
Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, Louisiana
February 3, 2013
Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, Louisiana
Everything changed when the lights went out. The Ravens were running away with the game, leading 28-6 after the opening kickoff of the second half, thanks to three Joe Flacco touchdown passes, and Jacoby Jones returning the second half kickoff for a touchdown. But then came the power outage (thanks, Beyonce!), stopping play for 34 minutes- one of the more bizarre episode the Super Bowl has ever known. But once the power was restored, everything changed for Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers.
San Francisco went on a tear in the third quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points to bring the score to 28-23 heading into the fourth quarter. With just over 10 minutes remaining, and the Ravens up 31-23, Colin Kaepernick scampered 15 yards for an electrifying touchdown run, putting the Niners behind by only 2. However, Kaepernick’s attempted two point try fell flat, and the pass sailed over the head of Randy Moss, keeping the game 31-29 with 9:57 left. The Ravens tacked on another 3 with a Justin Tucker field goal, but a 34-29 game was still within reach for San Francisco, as they got the ball back with just over four minutes left. San Fran made it all the way back to the red zone, but were stopped by the Ravens defense in a terrific goal line stand, turning the ball over on downs. Ravens punter Sam Koch iced a Baltimore victory by running out of his own end zone for a safety with 4 seconds left to play. In the battle of the Harbaugh coaches, John was victorious. The Ravens defense carried them all season long, and it was fitting that Ray Lewis finished his career on top with a 34-31 Super Bowl victory.
San Francisco went on a tear in the third quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points to bring the score to 28-23 heading into the fourth quarter. With just over 10 minutes remaining, and the Ravens up 31-23, Colin Kaepernick scampered 15 yards for an electrifying touchdown run, putting the Niners behind by only 2. However, Kaepernick’s attempted two point try fell flat, and the pass sailed over the head of Randy Moss, keeping the game 31-29 with 9:57 left. The Ravens tacked on another 3 with a Justin Tucker field goal, but a 34-29 game was still within reach for San Francisco, as they got the ball back with just over four minutes left. San Fran made it all the way back to the red zone, but were stopped by the Ravens defense in a terrific goal line stand, turning the ball over on downs. Ravens punter Sam Koch iced a Baltimore victory by running out of his own end zone for a safety with 4 seconds left to play. In the battle of the Harbaugh coaches, John was victorious. The Ravens defense carried them all season long, and it was fitting that Ray Lewis finished his career on top with a 34-31 Super Bowl victory.
Super Bowl V
Baltimore Colts 16, Dallas Cowboys 13
January 17, 1971
Miami Orange Bowl- Miami, Florida
January 17, 1971
Miami Orange Bowl- Miami, Florida
Ah, the Blunder Bowl. A record 11 turnovers. But hey, this was the first Super Bowl to be played after the completion of the AFL-NFL merger, so that has to count for something. Super Bowl V is most notable for the game’s final play, as Jim O’Brien hit a 32-yard field goal with 5 seconds to play to break a 13-13 tie, and give the Baltimore Colts their first Super Bowl championship.
The Colts overcame a 13-6 deficit in the fourth quarter, even after losing Johnny Unitas before halftime. Earl Morrall, the Colts backup, looked shaky, as he threw an interception on the first play of the fourth quarter. However, Tom Nowatzke’s 2-yard touchdown run tied the game at 13 with just over 7:30 left to go. The teams traded punts, and the Cowboys ended up in Colts territory with less than two minutes to play. But a costly penalty (an absurd 15-yard-plus-a-spot-foul-for-OFFENSIVE-HOLDING; thank goodness the NFL amended the rule in 1974) pushed the Cowboys back into their own territory, and and interception gave the ball back to Baltimore. With nine seconds to play, kicker Jim O’Brien was called on to be the hero for the Colts. He succeeded.
Another fun fact about this game is that the MVP went to Chuck Howley. Howley’s two interceptions were, to that point, a Super Bowl record.
Did I mention that Chuck Howley played for the Cowboys? The 70s were a weird time, man.
The Colts overcame a 13-6 deficit in the fourth quarter, even after losing Johnny Unitas before halftime. Earl Morrall, the Colts backup, looked shaky, as he threw an interception on the first play of the fourth quarter. However, Tom Nowatzke’s 2-yard touchdown run tied the game at 13 with just over 7:30 left to go. The teams traded punts, and the Cowboys ended up in Colts territory with less than two minutes to play. But a costly penalty (an absurd 15-yard-plus-a-spot-foul-for-OFFENSIVE-HOLDING; thank goodness the NFL amended the rule in 1974) pushed the Cowboys back into their own territory, and and interception gave the ball back to Baltimore. With nine seconds to play, kicker Jim O’Brien was called on to be the hero for the Colts. He succeeded.
Another fun fact about this game is that the MVP went to Chuck Howley. Howley’s two interceptions were, to that point, a Super Bowl record.
Did I mention that Chuck Howley played for the Cowboys? The 70s were a weird time, man.
The Top 10
10. Super Bowl XXXII
Denver Broncos 31, Green Bay Packers 24
January 25, 1998
Qualcomm Stadium- San Diego, California
January 25, 1998
Qualcomm Stadium- San Diego, California
The Packers were defending champions, and 11-point favorites against an aging John Elway and the Denver Broncos. What strikes me most about this game is the play of Denver RB Terrell Davis, who, despite suffering a migraine headache and missing most of the second quarter, rushed for 157 yards and a Super Bowl record three touchdowns.
With the game remaining close pretty much all the way through, the Packers battled back from early turnovers and a 17-7 deficit, and tied the game at 17 early in the third quarter. Brett Favre wasn’t going away quietly. But John Elway and the Broncos, poised to shake their previous Super Bowl demons (having lost their franchise’s last four appearances- not to mention the AFC’s 13-game losing streak in the Super Bowl), had plans of their own. Elway hit Ed McCaffrey for 36 yards, putting Denver at the Green Bay 12 yard line. On 3rd down, Elway scrambled and dove for a first down. He was hit by LeRoy Butler and Mike Prior while airborne, that he was spun around in a play that would become known as “The Helicopter.” The play kept the Bronco drive alive, and Davis would score the touchdown, capping off a 92-yard march down the field. Green Bay would score early in the fourth to tie it, but both defenses tightened up after that. With 1:45 to go, Davis punched in his third rushing score of the day, putting the Broncos up for good, and winning them their first Super Bowl title.
With the game remaining close pretty much all the way through, the Packers battled back from early turnovers and a 17-7 deficit, and tied the game at 17 early in the third quarter. Brett Favre wasn’t going away quietly. But John Elway and the Broncos, poised to shake their previous Super Bowl demons (having lost their franchise’s last four appearances- not to mention the AFC’s 13-game losing streak in the Super Bowl), had plans of their own. Elway hit Ed McCaffrey for 36 yards, putting Denver at the Green Bay 12 yard line. On 3rd down, Elway scrambled and dove for a first down. He was hit by LeRoy Butler and Mike Prior while airborne, that he was spun around in a play that would become known as “The Helicopter.” The play kept the Bronco drive alive, and Davis would score the touchdown, capping off a 92-yard march down the field. Green Bay would score early in the fourth to tie it, but both defenses tightened up after that. With 1:45 to go, Davis punched in his third rushing score of the day, putting the Broncos up for good, and winning them their first Super Bowl title.
9. Super Bowl XXIII
San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
January 22, 1989
Joe Robbie Stadium- Miami, Florida
January 22, 1989
Joe Robbie Stadium- Miami, Florida
“Isn’t that John Candy?” asked 49ers QB Joe Montana before leading a game-winning drive to win Super Bowl XXIII. Leave it to Montana to be endlessly cool and awesome. These two teams had met previously in Super Bowl XVI, which the 49ers won, 26-21. But this time, unlike the game seven years prior, Cincinnati had upper hand for much of the contest. Thanks to a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Stanford Jennings, the Bengals found themselves up 7 heading into the fourth quarter.
But again, this is Joe Montana and Jerry Rice we’re talking about here. San Francisco orchestrated a four-play, 85-yard drive, ending with a 14-yard strike from Montana to Rice to tie the game at 13. After some great defensive play, Cincinnati made it back to the 49er side of the field, and Jim Breech nailed a 40-yard field goal to put the Bengals back on top, 16-13. Due to a penalty by San Francisco on the ensuing kickoff, the 49ers found themselves at their own 8 yard line with 3:10 left to go. Montana proceeded to pick the Bengals apart, finding receivers like Rice and running backs like Roger Craig for medium to large chunks of yardage, all the way down the field. Finally, with just over 30 seconds left, Montana fooled the Bengals and found John Taylor for the game-winning touchdown. Jerry Rice was named MVP, with 11 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown- though Joe Montana could have easily been named MVP in his own right thanks to that masterful drive.
But again, this is Joe Montana and Jerry Rice we’re talking about here. San Francisco orchestrated a four-play, 85-yard drive, ending with a 14-yard strike from Montana to Rice to tie the game at 13. After some great defensive play, Cincinnati made it back to the 49er side of the field, and Jim Breech nailed a 40-yard field goal to put the Bengals back on top, 16-13. Due to a penalty by San Francisco on the ensuing kickoff, the 49ers found themselves at their own 8 yard line with 3:10 left to go. Montana proceeded to pick the Bengals apart, finding receivers like Rice and running backs like Roger Craig for medium to large chunks of yardage, all the way down the field. Finally, with just over 30 seconds left, Montana fooled the Bengals and found John Taylor for the game-winning touchdown. Jerry Rice was named MVP, with 11 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown- though Joe Montana could have easily been named MVP in his own right thanks to that masterful drive.
8. Super Bowl XXXVI
New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
February 3, 2002
Louisiana Superdome- New Orleans, Louisiana
February 3, 2002
Louisiana Superdome- New Orleans, Louisiana
We’re here, 17 years later, telling this story again. David vs. Goliath. Of course, the roles in 2019 are reversed. But back in 2002, it was the Patriots, led by then-second year player, first year starting QB Tom Brady, who entered the Superdome as 14-point underdogs against Kurt Warner and the St. Louis Rams- the “Greatest Show on Turf.”
Early on, it was the Patriots defensive efforts who stifled the Rams, leading to a pick-six by New England cornerback Ty Law (congrats on the Hall, Ty!). Brady would capitalize on third Rams turnover by finding David Patten in the back of the endzone to put the underdog Patriots up 14-3 at halftime. They’d add a field goal to increase the lead to 17-3. The spread was officially covered. But in the fourth, everything changed. What was originally a scoop and score touchdown by Patriots DB Tebucky Jones was called back by a penalty, and the Rams took advantage of the new set of downs- cutting the lead to 7 on a Kurt Warner touchdown Run.
Later in the fourth, Warner would orchestrate a fantastic drive with passes to Az-Zahir Hakim and Yo Murphy, a long rush by Offensive Player of the Year Marshall Faulk, and finally a touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl to tie the game at 17 apiece. The problem with this is that no one new who Tom Brady was yet. So the 1:20 left on the clock was no problem for the young starter. Even with no timeouts, Brady led New England down the field, highlighted by a long catch by Troy Brown that put the Patriots in field goal range. Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard field goal sailed through the uprights as time expired, and the Patriots had won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. And that was all we would ever hear from the Patriots until the end of time.
Early on, it was the Patriots defensive efforts who stifled the Rams, leading to a pick-six by New England cornerback Ty Law (congrats on the Hall, Ty!). Brady would capitalize on third Rams turnover by finding David Patten in the back of the endzone to put the underdog Patriots up 14-3 at halftime. They’d add a field goal to increase the lead to 17-3. The spread was officially covered. But in the fourth, everything changed. What was originally a scoop and score touchdown by Patriots DB Tebucky Jones was called back by a penalty, and the Rams took advantage of the new set of downs- cutting the lead to 7 on a Kurt Warner touchdown Run.
Later in the fourth, Warner would orchestrate a fantastic drive with passes to Az-Zahir Hakim and Yo Murphy, a long rush by Offensive Player of the Year Marshall Faulk, and finally a touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl to tie the game at 17 apiece. The problem with this is that no one new who Tom Brady was yet. So the 1:20 left on the clock was no problem for the young starter. Even with no timeouts, Brady led New England down the field, highlighted by a long catch by Troy Brown that put the Patriots in field goal range. Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard field goal sailed through the uprights as time expired, and the Patriots had won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. And that was all we would ever hear from the Patriots until the end of time.
7. Super Bowl XXV
New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
January 27, 1991
Tampa Stadium- Tampa, Florida
January 27, 1991
Tampa Stadium- Tampa, Florida
From the National Anthem on down, you could tell that this game was going to be a special one. It was the Bill Belichick-led defense of the Giants, against the no-huddle, K-gun offense of the Buffalo Bills. While neither team was really able to make up anything through the air, it was Buffalo who was able to dominate on the ground, as Thurman Thomas tore it up for 135 yards and a touchdown. Even though the Giants took the lead in the 3rd quarter on an Ottis Anderson touchdown run, Jim Kelly and the Bills came right back on offense, and executed a 63-yard drive at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth, which Thomas capped off with a touchdown. 19-17, Buffalo. Jeff Hostetler and the Giants countered with their own long drive, this one 14 plays for 74 yards. Even though New York failed to get into the end zone, Matt Bahr’s 21-yard field goal put the Giants back up by one.
Okay, now for the heartbreak. The Bills finally got the Giants to punt, and they did so with 2:16 left to play. Kelly was brilliant on the Bills’ last drive, and Thomas managed to squeeze a crucial seven yards from the 36 to the Giants’ 29-yard line, setting up a potential game-winning field goal with 8 seconds to play.
And then Scott Norwood happened. The 47-yard field goal wasn’t even close. It sailed wide right, and the Giants ran out the clock, and defeated the Bills in the closest Super Bowl game in history. Don’t worry, though. The Bills would make it back to the Super Bowl the next year. And the next year. And the next year.
They’d lose all of those, too.
Okay, now for the heartbreak. The Bills finally got the Giants to punt, and they did so with 2:16 left to play. Kelly was brilliant on the Bills’ last drive, and Thomas managed to squeeze a crucial seven yards from the 36 to the Giants’ 29-yard line, setting up a potential game-winning field goal with 8 seconds to play.
And then Scott Norwood happened. The 47-yard field goal wasn’t even close. It sailed wide right, and the Giants ran out the clock, and defeated the Bills in the closest Super Bowl game in history. Don’t worry, though. The Bills would make it back to the Super Bowl the next year. And the next year. And the next year.
They’d lose all of those, too.
6. Super Bowl XXXIV
St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16
January 30, 2000
Georgia Dome- Atlanta, Georgia
January 30, 2000
Georgia Dome- Atlanta, Georgia
This is perhaps, at least by physical standards, the closest Super Bowl of all time. Mike Jones stepped up to tackle Kevin Dyson at the one yard line, sealing a 23-16 victory for the Rams.
The Titans were propelled to the big game thanks to “The Music City Miracle,” a magical lateral kickoff return for a touchdown to defeat the Buffalo Bills. The Rams and “The Greatest Show on Turf” offense had to turn to Kurt Warner, an undrafted QB who started in the place of Trent Green, and ended up defying all expectations, finishing the year with the best offense in football. But despite out gaining the Titans in the first half, 294-89, the Rams only had a 9-0 lead by halftime. They’d go up 16-0 midway through the fourth. But Steve McNair, Eddie George and the Titans rallied- they scored three times for 16 unanswered points to tie the game.
Of course, the Rams weren’t done. On the first play after the ensuing kickoff, Warner found Isaac Bruce for 73-yards, putting the Rams up 23-16. It was Warner’s only completion of the fourth quarter, but it turned out to be the winner. McNair and the Titans found themselves at their own 12 with 1:48 to go, but effective ball movement and penalties committed by St. Louis allowed Tennessee into the red zone, with McNair escaping trouble on 3rd down and finding Kevin Dyson for 16 yards. The Titans used their final timeout with six seconds to go from the St. Louis 10 yard line, setting up one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history.
McNair hit Dyson on a quick slant over the middle, but he still had a ways to go to reach the endzone. Mike Jones quickly wrapped Dyson up and brought him down at the one yard line as the clock ran out. The image of Dyson reaching for the goal line is one of the most memorable image in Super Bowl history. But this win for the Rams was the start of something truly special, as they would dominate the league offensively for the next three years.
The Titans were propelled to the big game thanks to “The Music City Miracle,” a magical lateral kickoff return for a touchdown to defeat the Buffalo Bills. The Rams and “The Greatest Show on Turf” offense had to turn to Kurt Warner, an undrafted QB who started in the place of Trent Green, and ended up defying all expectations, finishing the year with the best offense in football. But despite out gaining the Titans in the first half, 294-89, the Rams only had a 9-0 lead by halftime. They’d go up 16-0 midway through the fourth. But Steve McNair, Eddie George and the Titans rallied- they scored three times for 16 unanswered points to tie the game.
Of course, the Rams weren’t done. On the first play after the ensuing kickoff, Warner found Isaac Bruce for 73-yards, putting the Rams up 23-16. It was Warner’s only completion of the fourth quarter, but it turned out to be the winner. McNair and the Titans found themselves at their own 12 with 1:48 to go, but effective ball movement and penalties committed by St. Louis allowed Tennessee into the red zone, with McNair escaping trouble on 3rd down and finding Kevin Dyson for 16 yards. The Titans used their final timeout with six seconds to go from the St. Louis 10 yard line, setting up one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history.
McNair hit Dyson on a quick slant over the middle, but he still had a ways to go to reach the endzone. Mike Jones quickly wrapped Dyson up and brought him down at the one yard line as the clock ran out. The image of Dyson reaching for the goal line is one of the most memorable image in Super Bowl history. But this win for the Rams was the start of something truly special, as they would dominate the league offensively for the next three years.
5. Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33
February 4, 2018
U.S. Bank Stadium- Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 4, 2018
U.S. Bank Stadium- Minneapolis, Minnesota
The greatest offensive showcase in Super Bowl history. One punt. Over 1000 yards of offense. 74 points. A trick play. The Patriots, coming off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history the year before, traveled to Minneapolis for a rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles, a franchise looking for their first Super Bowl championship. This Eagles team finished 13-3, but it was thanks partially due to their backup quarterback Nick Foles, who took the place of Carson Wentz after the rookie tore his ACL in December.
There was one punt in this game. Just one. And, to that effect, hardly any defense at all. The Eagles torched the Patriots on offense from the start, jumping out to a 16-12 lead early in the game. Then came the trick play in question. Foles lined up his offense, then faked like he was going to talk to his offensive lineman, only to have the ball snapped to Corey Clement, who handed the ball to TE Trey Burton. Foles went out for a pass and was left uncovered, and Burton found him for a shocking score, putting the Eagles up 22-12 at halftime.
But of course, Tom Brady and the Patriots cannot be counted out. Managing to keep the game close, New England battled back in a fury, with Brady completing touchdown passes to Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan, eventually the lead 33-32 with 9:22 to go. Philly wouldn’t go down quietly. Foles and the Eagles went on a 14-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up 7:01, finishing with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Foles to Zach Ertz, and the Eagles were back on top, 38-33 after a failed two-point try.
Still, there were over two minutes to go, and New England was about to get the ball back with a chance to win the game with a touchdown. But on the second play of the drive, defensive end Brandon Graham stripped Brady of the ball for the game’s only sack. The Eagles tacked on another field goal. 41-33. Still, there was 1:05 left to go. Alas, a few Hail Mary attempts fell short, and the Eagles pulled the upset for the first Super Bowl victory.
The Patriots gained 613 yards in the game, the most ever allowed in a Super Bowl by one team, and the most ever allowed in a loss. Brady passed for 505 yards, a Super Bowl record. But it was Nick Foles’ heroics, and his 373 yards and 3 touchdowns that earned him MVP honors.
There was one punt in this game. Just one. And, to that effect, hardly any defense at all. The Eagles torched the Patriots on offense from the start, jumping out to a 16-12 lead early in the game. Then came the trick play in question. Foles lined up his offense, then faked like he was going to talk to his offensive lineman, only to have the ball snapped to Corey Clement, who handed the ball to TE Trey Burton. Foles went out for a pass and was left uncovered, and Burton found him for a shocking score, putting the Eagles up 22-12 at halftime.
But of course, Tom Brady and the Patriots cannot be counted out. Managing to keep the game close, New England battled back in a fury, with Brady completing touchdown passes to Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan, eventually the lead 33-32 with 9:22 to go. Philly wouldn’t go down quietly. Foles and the Eagles went on a 14-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up 7:01, finishing with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Foles to Zach Ertz, and the Eagles were back on top, 38-33 after a failed two-point try.
Still, there were over two minutes to go, and New England was about to get the ball back with a chance to win the game with a touchdown. But on the second play of the drive, defensive end Brandon Graham stripped Brady of the ball for the game’s only sack. The Eagles tacked on another field goal. 41-33. Still, there was 1:05 left to go. Alas, a few Hail Mary attempts fell short, and the Eagles pulled the upset for the first Super Bowl victory.
The Patriots gained 613 yards in the game, the most ever allowed in a Super Bowl by one team, and the most ever allowed in a loss. Brady passed for 505 yards, a Super Bowl record. But it was Nick Foles’ heroics, and his 373 yards and 3 touchdowns that earned him MVP honors.
4. Super Bowl XLII
New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
February 3, 2008
University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, Arizona
February 3, 2008
University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, Arizona
An undefeated team. A catch. An upset for the ages. We’re clearly entering the “everyone beats the Patriots” section of the list. New England finished the year 16-0, becoming only the second team in NFL history to finish a regular season undefeated since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and the first team to ever win 16 games in a regular season. Their opponents, the New York Giants, finished with a respectable 10-6 record and would be a Wild Card team. However, their defense was solid and, if Eli Manning showed up (which, I mean, he did, otherwise the Giants wouldn’t be here), New York was a force to be reckoned with.
For a game featuring one of the best offenses in NFL history- Tom Brady’s 50 touchdown passes and Randy Moss’ 23 touchdown catches- it was extremely surprising that the game was 7-3 at halftime. It came down to the fact that the Patriots’ defense could not get off the field on third down- the Giants held the ball for over 30 minutes, and took advantage of New England’s failures to convert on third down, as Manning found David Tyree to put New York up 10-7 in the fourth. Brady would find Randy Moss to counter, putting the Patriots up 14-10 with just over two minutes remaining.
And then, absurdity. The Giants had to go 83 yards in 2:39. On 3rd and 5 from the Giants 44-yard line, Manning dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by multiple Patriots, including Adalius Thomas, Richard Seymour, and Jarvis Green, all three of them being able to grab at least a fistful of jersey. Manning evaded all three of them, and fired the ball downfield to David Tyree, who made a leaping, one-handed grab, and came down with the ball pinned to the back of his helmet, keeping the drive alive.
Every time I watch that play, I am shocked that Tyree catches that ball.
The Giants proceeded to drive down the field, where Manning found Plaxico Burress in the endzone with 39 seconds to play, putting the Giants up 17-14. A couple of Brady Hail Mary passes fell incomplete, and the Giants completed the upset. There would be no undefeated season for the Patriots.
For a game featuring one of the best offenses in NFL history- Tom Brady’s 50 touchdown passes and Randy Moss’ 23 touchdown catches- it was extremely surprising that the game was 7-3 at halftime. It came down to the fact that the Patriots’ defense could not get off the field on third down- the Giants held the ball for over 30 minutes, and took advantage of New England’s failures to convert on third down, as Manning found David Tyree to put New York up 10-7 in the fourth. Brady would find Randy Moss to counter, putting the Patriots up 14-10 with just over two minutes remaining.
And then, absurdity. The Giants had to go 83 yards in 2:39. On 3rd and 5 from the Giants 44-yard line, Manning dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by multiple Patriots, including Adalius Thomas, Richard Seymour, and Jarvis Green, all three of them being able to grab at least a fistful of jersey. Manning evaded all three of them, and fired the ball downfield to David Tyree, who made a leaping, one-handed grab, and came down with the ball pinned to the back of his helmet, keeping the drive alive.
Every time I watch that play, I am shocked that Tyree catches that ball.
The Giants proceeded to drive down the field, where Manning found Plaxico Burress in the endzone with 39 seconds to play, putting the Giants up 17-14. A couple of Brady Hail Mary passes fell incomplete, and the Giants completed the upset. There would be no undefeated season for the Patriots.
3. Super Bowl XLIII
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23
February 1, 2009
Raymond James Stadium- Tampa, Florida
February 1, 2009
Raymond James Stadium- Tampa, Florida
No one thought the Arizona Cardinals had a prayer to be in this Super Bowl at the start of the season. Still, the Cardinals and Steelers gave us an instant classic in Tampa. Remember Kurt Warner? Well, this was his comeback tour, having regained the starting job with the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers won Super Bowl XL, and were looking to become the first franchise in NFL history to win six Super Bowls.
The Steelers jumped out to a 10-7 lead, but Arizona was driving down the field as halftime neared. With the Cardinals at the Pittsburgh 1, Warner’s pass for Anquan Boldin was intercepted by James Harrison, who returned it the length of the field for a 100-yard pick six, increasing the Steelers’ lead to 10 at halftime. In the third, the lead increased to 13. But when the fourth quarter rolled around, Arizona finally got rolling. They scored 16 unanswered points, including a safety and two Larry Fitzgerald touchdowns, the second one on a dramatic, 64- yard catch and run to put Arizona ahead 23-20 with 2:37 left to play.
On the ensuing drive, though, it was Roethlisberger and the Steelers who went to work, picking apart the Cardinals defense, en route to a 6-yard touchdown pass from Big Ben to Santonio Holmes, the game’s MVP, who made a fantastic catch in the back of the end zone while falling out of bounds. The Steelers snatched victory from a valiant Arizona Cardinals squad, and became the first team to win six titles, surpassing the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for most all time.
The Steelers jumped out to a 10-7 lead, but Arizona was driving down the field as halftime neared. With the Cardinals at the Pittsburgh 1, Warner’s pass for Anquan Boldin was intercepted by James Harrison, who returned it the length of the field for a 100-yard pick six, increasing the Steelers’ lead to 10 at halftime. In the third, the lead increased to 13. But when the fourth quarter rolled around, Arizona finally got rolling. They scored 16 unanswered points, including a safety and two Larry Fitzgerald touchdowns, the second one on a dramatic, 64- yard catch and run to put Arizona ahead 23-20 with 2:37 left to play.
On the ensuing drive, though, it was Roethlisberger and the Steelers who went to work, picking apart the Cardinals defense, en route to a 6-yard touchdown pass from Big Ben to Santonio Holmes, the game’s MVP, who made a fantastic catch in the back of the end zone while falling out of bounds. The Steelers snatched victory from a valiant Arizona Cardinals squad, and became the first team to win six titles, surpassing the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for most all time.
2. Super Bowl LI
New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (OT)
February 6, 2017
NRG Stadium- Houston, Texas
February 6, 2017
NRG Stadium- Houston, Texas
This was the first Super Bowl to ever require overtime to decide a winner. But what makes this game the second best Super Bowl is that it wasn’t much of a game to begin with- at least in the first three quarters. The Atlanta Falcons were all over the New England Patriots in the first half, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. They capitalized on Patriots turnovers, and the play of Devonta Freeman, Matt Ryan, and Julio Jones was terrific. But what put the Falcons up 21 was Robert Alford, who intercepted Tom Brady’s pass and returned it 82 yards to the house. A Stephen Gostkowski field goal made it 21-3, but Tevin Coleman and the Falcons came right out after halftime and scored a touchdown. 28-3.
But there’s a reason we talk about 28-3.
The pessimist I am, I always thought this game was out of reach for New England. When James White scored New England’s first touchdown, Gostkowski missed the extra point. 28-9.
Gostkowski made a field goal. 28-12. It’s a two score game with 9:44 to go.
When Dont’a Hightower sacked Matt Ryan, forcing a fumble, and Alan Branch recovered at the Atlanta 25, I still didn’t think it was enough. Brady found Amendola, and James White added the two point conversion on the Kevin-Faulk-esque direct snap. 28-20. Okay.
Then came the Julio Jones catch. The absurd, diving catch along the sidelines, in New England territory. Now it had to be over.
But then Ryan took a sack. And then there was a penalty to push the Falcons out of field goal range. New England could get the ball back with 3:30 to go. Problem was, they were at their own 9 yard line. In order to score a touchdown, the Patriots would have to complete a drive that would be their longest of the year.
But then Brady found Hogan. And Malcolm Mitchell. And then Edelman.
EDELMAN.
But there’s a reason we talk about 28-3.
The pessimist I am, I always thought this game was out of reach for New England. When James White scored New England’s first touchdown, Gostkowski missed the extra point. 28-9.
Gostkowski made a field goal. 28-12. It’s a two score game with 9:44 to go.
When Dont’a Hightower sacked Matt Ryan, forcing a fumble, and Alan Branch recovered at the Atlanta 25, I still didn’t think it was enough. Brady found Amendola, and James White added the two point conversion on the Kevin-Faulk-esque direct snap. 28-20. Okay.
Then came the Julio Jones catch. The absurd, diving catch along the sidelines, in New England territory. Now it had to be over.
But then Ryan took a sack. And then there was a penalty to push the Falcons out of field goal range. New England could get the ball back with 3:30 to go. Problem was, they were at their own 9 yard line. In order to score a touchdown, the Patriots would have to complete a drive that would be their longest of the year.
But then Brady found Hogan. And Malcolm Mitchell. And then Edelman.
EDELMAN.
Brady picked the Falcons defense apart, and James White found the end zone from two yards away. 28-26. Amendola added the two point conversion. Tie game.
Incredibly, the Patriots had all the momentum. And then, there was overtime.
When the Patriots got the ball first, you knew it was over. In 3 minutes and 58 seconds, New England drove down the field, and James White found the end zone, completing the 25-point comeback, and winning New England its 5th Lombardi Trophy.
Incredibly, the Patriots had all the momentum. And then, there was overtime.
When the Patriots got the ball first, you knew it was over. In 3 minutes and 58 seconds, New England drove down the field, and James White found the end zone, completing the 25-point comeback, and winning New England its 5th Lombardi Trophy.
1. Super Bowl XLIX
New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24
February 1, 2015
University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, Arizona
February 1, 2015
University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, Arizona
I am adamant that this is the greatest Super Bowl of all time. The way it was played. The way it was a game the entire time. The catch that almost ended New England’s season. The shocking twist at the end. Super Bowl XLIX had it all.
The Patriots and Seahawks were the two best teams in the league during the 2014 season. The Seahawks looked to repeat as Super Bowl champions. The Patriots were looking for their first title in 10 years. The game line was a toss up. This game was going to be epic.
After a scoreless first quarter, the two teams exploded offensively, trading touchdowns twice. Tom Brady hit Rob Gronkowski to go up 14-7 with 28 seconds left. But the Seahawks, not to be outdone, drove 80 yards in 29 seconds, and Russell Wilson hit Chris Matthews for an 11-yard touchdown. 14-14 at the break.
In the third, it was all Seattle. Marshawn Lynch was unstoppable on the ground. Steven Hauschka tacked on a field goal to make it 17-14, and Wilson found Doug Baldwin to make it 24-14. To this point, no team had ever come back from down from 10 or more in a Super Bowl.
Enter: Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Using two long drives that chewed up a combined 8 minutes of clock time, Brady found Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman to come from behind, putting the Patriots up 28-24 with 2:02 to go.
On the first play after the 2 minute warning, Wilson found Lynch on a pass for 31 yards. He would find Jermaine Kearse for 33 more on a crazy pass that fell into Kearse’s arms after being batted up in the air. The crazy play gave the Seahawks the ball at the New England 5 yard line with 1:05 to go.
Marshawn Lynch brought the ball to the one yard line, and everyone thought he would punch it in from the one yard line. But on the next play, Wilson dropped back to pass, and his throw intended for Jermaine Kearse was intercepted by Malcolm Butler at the goal line.
One of the worst coaching decisions in Super Bowl history has affected the Seahawks franchise ever since.
The Patriots won Super Bowl LI in one of the greatest comebacks of all time. But the back and forth nature of the game define Super Bowl XLIX as the greatest Super Bowl of all time.
What’s your favorite Super Bowl? Leave a comment down below.
The Patriots and Seahawks were the two best teams in the league during the 2014 season. The Seahawks looked to repeat as Super Bowl champions. The Patriots were looking for their first title in 10 years. The game line was a toss up. This game was going to be epic.
After a scoreless first quarter, the two teams exploded offensively, trading touchdowns twice. Tom Brady hit Rob Gronkowski to go up 14-7 with 28 seconds left. But the Seahawks, not to be outdone, drove 80 yards in 29 seconds, and Russell Wilson hit Chris Matthews for an 11-yard touchdown. 14-14 at the break.
In the third, it was all Seattle. Marshawn Lynch was unstoppable on the ground. Steven Hauschka tacked on a field goal to make it 17-14, and Wilson found Doug Baldwin to make it 24-14. To this point, no team had ever come back from down from 10 or more in a Super Bowl.
Enter: Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Using two long drives that chewed up a combined 8 minutes of clock time, Brady found Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman to come from behind, putting the Patriots up 28-24 with 2:02 to go.
On the first play after the 2 minute warning, Wilson found Lynch on a pass for 31 yards. He would find Jermaine Kearse for 33 more on a crazy pass that fell into Kearse’s arms after being batted up in the air. The crazy play gave the Seahawks the ball at the New England 5 yard line with 1:05 to go.
Marshawn Lynch brought the ball to the one yard line, and everyone thought he would punch it in from the one yard line. But on the next play, Wilson dropped back to pass, and his throw intended for Jermaine Kearse was intercepted by Malcolm Butler at the goal line.
One of the worst coaching decisions in Super Bowl history has affected the Seahawks franchise ever since.
The Patriots won Super Bowl LI in one of the greatest comebacks of all time. But the back and forth nature of the game define Super Bowl XLIX as the greatest Super Bowl of all time.
What’s your favorite Super Bowl? Leave a comment down below.
2019 NFL Playoff Predictions
January is a busy time for me. I go from cramming my Best of the Year spread into a week (even though I said to myself I would have it done earlier this year and I lied), right into a prediction list for the 2019 NFL playoffs.
I’m on my toes for the most part, though. As is common for the new year, I’m feeling reinvigorated heading into 2019. We’ll see how long it lasts.
Just like always, we’ll take a look at the big storylines from this season, then move into judging me for how wrong I was in my ten bold preseason predictions from August of last year, and finally look ahead to the playoffs that start this weekend.
And just like every year for the NFL, nothing went as planned.
I’m on my toes for the most part, though. As is common for the new year, I’m feeling reinvigorated heading into 2019. We’ll see how long it lasts.
Just like always, we’ll take a look at the big storylines from this season, then move into judging me for how wrong I was in my ten bold preseason predictions from August of last year, and finally look ahead to the playoffs that start this weekend.
And just like every year for the NFL, nothing went as planned.
Patrick Mahomes, in his second season in the NFL, passed for 50 touchdowns.
The big story of the year was the Kansas City Chiefs, who, behind Patrick Mahomes and his record-setting pace of scoring touchdowns, reached the top of the AFC this year at 12-4. With a near fatal offensive attack, which features Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and (for a while at least) Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs led the NFL in yards and points per game during the regular season, never scoring fewer than 27 points in a game. And in order to beat them, you’ll probably have to be good on offense as well- in the four games the Chiefs lost this year, they averaged 37.5 points in those games. Their defense isn’t great, but Kansas City is exemplary of this new, high-octane offense brand of professional football.
They're baaaack...
The Patriots have numerous question marks heading into the playoffs. There are questions in regards to the health of Tom Brady, who many have clocked a decline in play for the New England QB. The team had and then lost Josh Gordon. Their defense is suspect. The wide receiver group is not nearly as strong as it was last year. And still, the Patriots ended up with an 11-5 record, and, thanks to some luck from other teams losing at timely points, the #2 seed in the AFC. They’ll have a bye week and a home game in Foxboro. Whether it will yield dividends remains to be seen.
Deshaun Watson has been stellar for the Texans this season.
After a 4-12 campaign last year, the Texans remained healthy for all of 2018 and rode a nine game win streak after starting 0-3 to a final 11-5 record, the AFC South title, and the #3 seed in the AFC.
Mitchell Trubisky has led an underrated Bears offense to a 12-4 record and an NFC North title.
The NFC was all about surprises, as the Green Bay Packers stumbled to a 6-9-1 record, and the Minnesota Vikings also failing to make the playoffs at 8-7-1. The NFC North went to the Chicago Bears, whose trade for Khalil Mack seems to have paid off. Mack had 12.5 sacks this year. The Oakland Raiders, Mack’s former team, have 13. You can see the difference, no? Mitchell Trubisky is blossoming into one of the better quarterbacks in this league, and Tarik Cohen is going to be very good for a long time.
Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara might be the best running back tandem in football right now.
Speaking of being very good for a long time, Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are back in the playoffs as the NFC’s top seed. With both Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram leading the charge of the ground, and Michael Thomas leading the NFL in receptions, Drew Brees’ MVP caliber season brought the Saints a 13-3 record. They enter with the best Super Bowl odds at 21%.
Todd Gurley was a force at the running back position for the Rans.
The Los Angeles Rams, as expected, were huge players in the league this year, with Jared Goff showing that he’s going to be a stud for a long time. With receivers like Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks in the mix, as well as Todd Gurley, the Rams were lighting up teams left and right- they even took down the Chiefs in a 54-51 classic in week 10.
As for me, I actually won my fantasy football league this year- and I mean I legitimately won a league I cared about winning.
This drink is for you, George Kittle. Thank you.
And now, let’s see how I fared with my preseason bold predictions:
1. The Cleveland Browns will still finish last in the AFC North.
Prediction: Incorrect
The Browns finished in third place at 7-8-1, thanks to the emergence of Baker Mayfield, who led all rookie QBs with over 3,700 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. After the team fired coach Hue Jackson, the Browns went 5-3 under Williams, which included a three-game win streak over the Panthers, Broncos, and Bengals. The Browns have a lot to look forward to with Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Jarvis Landry leading the charge in seasons to come. They finished 1.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals, who finished in 4th at 6-10.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo will lose his first game of his career in week one.
Prediction: Correct
The Vikings defense, as expected, swallowed up Garoppolo in his first start of the 2018 season in a 24-16 win. Mike Hughes’ interception return for a touchdown put Minnesota up by fourteen, only to see the Niners try to chip away at the lead. They were not able to close the gap they had shortened to eight, and the Vikings handed Jimmy G his first loss as a starter. Garoppolo would later tear his ACL in week three and be lost for the season, and San Francisco tumbled to a 4-12 record.
3. For the third year in a row, a rookie will win the rushing title (namely, Saquon Barkley)
Prediction: Incorrect
Despite finishing with more touchdowns and a better yards per carry average, Saquon Barkley finished second in total yards to this year’s rushing title winner, Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke didn’t even play the last game of the season, but still edged the outstanding rookie by 127 yards. Barkley, however, did lead all rookies in rushing yards, finishing with almost 300 more than Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay.
4. The Cowboys will be leading the NFC East before they collapse at the end.
Prediction: Incorrect
I would say this could not be farther from the truth, as the Cowboys finished atop the NFC East with a 10-6 record. Thanks to the second coming of Amari Cooper, who totaled 725 yards and 6 touchdowns (including 3 in a back-and-forth game against Philadelphia, the same game I said the Cowboys would spiral after losing… which they didn’t) since coming to Dallas from Oakland, the Cowboys have subtly become one of the better teams in football. The Eagles did manage to salvage a playoff spot, but the Cowboys, much to my chagrin, won the division and will play a home playoff game this weekend. Jason Garrett has still not been fired.
5. Michael Thomas will lead the league in receiving yards.
Prediction: Incorrect
Thomas finished with the most catches in the league this year, but he finished 6th among receivers in total yards, behind Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, and Juju Smith-Schuster, with 1,405 yards on the season and 9 touchdowns. Still, Thomas managed to be Drew Brees’ favorite receiver, with 28.5% of targets on the season. As for Odell Beckham? Well, his team missed the playoffs, and he didn’t finish in the top 15 in catches, yards, yards per catch, or touchdowns. So much for the “Triple Crown” of receiving, I guess.
6. Helmet to Helmet contact and tackles will reduce significantly by the end of the season.
Prediction: Mostly incorrect
Since I could not find any unnecessary roughness penalty stats that are specifically helmet-related since the new rules were implemented, I’m going to call this prediction mostly incorrect. There was a no-call on Kareem Hunt, a running back, when he tried to run through Justin Simmons using the crown of his helmet as a leading point (although this was later turned into a $26,000-plus fine). I would say that just about every single penalty where the helmet was used as a point of contact (that I saw, and truthfully, my work schedule prevented me from doing very much in-depth football viewing this season) was a justified call. The referees, from an eye-test-only standpoint, did a good job of calling it. There were 197 unnecessary roughness penalties called this season, in comparison to 212 called a year before, but who knows if there was any correlation between helmet-to-helmet hits and regular unnecessary roughness penalties?
What really frustrated players (and made headlines) was the roughing-the-passer penalty, as 15 penalties were called for roughing the passer in just week one, and 48 over the first five weeks- 19 more than were called in the first five weeks of the 2017 season. So we’ll see what happens next year.
7. The kneeling won’t stop and nobody cares what you think about it.
Prediction: Correct
In September, the NFL froze its established policy on the national anthem, meaning that, while the policy of the NFL is to “stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem,” no players or team could be fined or disciplined by the NFL for violating the rule.
In the long run, this is good for everyone. It’s an unnecessary policy that should never have had to been established in the first place- honestly, this whole thing should be a complete non-issue and it’s spiraled out of control.
In the short term, it makes Roger Goodell and the rest of the NFL’s owners look like idiots for going back on the policy that they created. And, honestly, I think that’s wonderful.
8. Nick Foles will start for the Eagles in week 1, then a different team in week 17.
Prediction: Incorrect
In fact, we’re at the same place we began at the end of the 2017 season. When Carson Wentz went down in week 14 with a fractured vertebrae, Foles once again took control of the Eagles offense, ending the season 3-0 since then, and leading Philly back to the playoffs, giving them a chance to defend their title. The team I suggested the Eagles trade him to, the Broncos, ended up going 6-10, good for third in their division. Case Keenum still doesn’t know how to throw a football. The Eagles, on the other hand, made the right move by keeping Foles on the roster, and now they have a chance to put us through Groundhog Day once again in 2019.
9. Joe Flacco will lose his starting job to Lamar Jackson by the end of the season.
Prediction: Correct
Given, this was due to injury, but with the Ravens in the playoffs, and Joe Flacco in fact cleared to play, Lamar Jackson is the current starting QB for Baltimore. Jackson has been stellar in the role, going 6-1 down the stretch to win the AFC North with a 10-6 record. Like I said he would, Jackson brings a new angle to the Ravens offense- the mobile quarterback threw for over 1,000 yards, and ran for another 554 during his seven games as starter. Whether or not he leads the Ravens back to success in the playoffs remains to be seen.
10. The simplified catch rule won’t make catches any easier to define.
Prediction: Incorrect
Yeah, I was wrong on this one. If there are fewer steps to take in defining a catch, typically all a replay official has to do is look for those three things. Two feet down, control, and a football move reaching for the line to gain. It’s not that hard, I guess.
Final prediction record: 3.5
I’ve said before that I’m really terrible at predicting things like that.
Speaking of other things I was bad at, let’s take a look at how I fared from my standings predictions from earlier this year. I predicted all 32 teams’ records and potential playoff seedings.
I correctly predicted six out of twelve playoff teams:
Not bad. As for the records, I predicted those… less well. Of 32 NFL teams, I corrected predicted the correct records of the following teams:
So that’s fun.
Here are my updated playoff predictions. These Wild Card games are going to be FUN.
As for me, I actually won my fantasy football league this year- and I mean I legitimately won a league I cared about winning.
This drink is for you, George Kittle. Thank you.
And now, let’s see how I fared with my preseason bold predictions:
1. The Cleveland Browns will still finish last in the AFC North.
Prediction: Incorrect
The Browns finished in third place at 7-8-1, thanks to the emergence of Baker Mayfield, who led all rookie QBs with over 3,700 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. After the team fired coach Hue Jackson, the Browns went 5-3 under Williams, which included a three-game win streak over the Panthers, Broncos, and Bengals. The Browns have a lot to look forward to with Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Jarvis Landry leading the charge in seasons to come. They finished 1.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals, who finished in 4th at 6-10.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo will lose his first game of his career in week one.
Prediction: Correct
The Vikings defense, as expected, swallowed up Garoppolo in his first start of the 2018 season in a 24-16 win. Mike Hughes’ interception return for a touchdown put Minnesota up by fourteen, only to see the Niners try to chip away at the lead. They were not able to close the gap they had shortened to eight, and the Vikings handed Jimmy G his first loss as a starter. Garoppolo would later tear his ACL in week three and be lost for the season, and San Francisco tumbled to a 4-12 record.
3. For the third year in a row, a rookie will win the rushing title (namely, Saquon Barkley)
Prediction: Incorrect
Despite finishing with more touchdowns and a better yards per carry average, Saquon Barkley finished second in total yards to this year’s rushing title winner, Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke didn’t even play the last game of the season, but still edged the outstanding rookie by 127 yards. Barkley, however, did lead all rookies in rushing yards, finishing with almost 300 more than Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay.
4. The Cowboys will be leading the NFC East before they collapse at the end.
Prediction: Incorrect
I would say this could not be farther from the truth, as the Cowboys finished atop the NFC East with a 10-6 record. Thanks to the second coming of Amari Cooper, who totaled 725 yards and 6 touchdowns (including 3 in a back-and-forth game against Philadelphia, the same game I said the Cowboys would spiral after losing… which they didn’t) since coming to Dallas from Oakland, the Cowboys have subtly become one of the better teams in football. The Eagles did manage to salvage a playoff spot, but the Cowboys, much to my chagrin, won the division and will play a home playoff game this weekend. Jason Garrett has still not been fired.
5. Michael Thomas will lead the league in receiving yards.
Prediction: Incorrect
Thomas finished with the most catches in the league this year, but he finished 6th among receivers in total yards, behind Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, and Juju Smith-Schuster, with 1,405 yards on the season and 9 touchdowns. Still, Thomas managed to be Drew Brees’ favorite receiver, with 28.5% of targets on the season. As for Odell Beckham? Well, his team missed the playoffs, and he didn’t finish in the top 15 in catches, yards, yards per catch, or touchdowns. So much for the “Triple Crown” of receiving, I guess.
6. Helmet to Helmet contact and tackles will reduce significantly by the end of the season.
Prediction: Mostly incorrect
Since I could not find any unnecessary roughness penalty stats that are specifically helmet-related since the new rules were implemented, I’m going to call this prediction mostly incorrect. There was a no-call on Kareem Hunt, a running back, when he tried to run through Justin Simmons using the crown of his helmet as a leading point (although this was later turned into a $26,000-plus fine). I would say that just about every single penalty where the helmet was used as a point of contact (that I saw, and truthfully, my work schedule prevented me from doing very much in-depth football viewing this season) was a justified call. The referees, from an eye-test-only standpoint, did a good job of calling it. There were 197 unnecessary roughness penalties called this season, in comparison to 212 called a year before, but who knows if there was any correlation between helmet-to-helmet hits and regular unnecessary roughness penalties?
What really frustrated players (and made headlines) was the roughing-the-passer penalty, as 15 penalties were called for roughing the passer in just week one, and 48 over the first five weeks- 19 more than were called in the first five weeks of the 2017 season. So we’ll see what happens next year.
7. The kneeling won’t stop and nobody cares what you think about it.
Prediction: Correct
In September, the NFL froze its established policy on the national anthem, meaning that, while the policy of the NFL is to “stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem,” no players or team could be fined or disciplined by the NFL for violating the rule.
In the long run, this is good for everyone. It’s an unnecessary policy that should never have had to been established in the first place- honestly, this whole thing should be a complete non-issue and it’s spiraled out of control.
In the short term, it makes Roger Goodell and the rest of the NFL’s owners look like idiots for going back on the policy that they created. And, honestly, I think that’s wonderful.
8. Nick Foles will start for the Eagles in week 1, then a different team in week 17.
Prediction: Incorrect
In fact, we’re at the same place we began at the end of the 2017 season. When Carson Wentz went down in week 14 with a fractured vertebrae, Foles once again took control of the Eagles offense, ending the season 3-0 since then, and leading Philly back to the playoffs, giving them a chance to defend their title. The team I suggested the Eagles trade him to, the Broncos, ended up going 6-10, good for third in their division. Case Keenum still doesn’t know how to throw a football. The Eagles, on the other hand, made the right move by keeping Foles on the roster, and now they have a chance to put us through Groundhog Day once again in 2019.
9. Joe Flacco will lose his starting job to Lamar Jackson by the end of the season.
Prediction: Correct
Given, this was due to injury, but with the Ravens in the playoffs, and Joe Flacco in fact cleared to play, Lamar Jackson is the current starting QB for Baltimore. Jackson has been stellar in the role, going 6-1 down the stretch to win the AFC North with a 10-6 record. Like I said he would, Jackson brings a new angle to the Ravens offense- the mobile quarterback threw for over 1,000 yards, and ran for another 554 during his seven games as starter. Whether or not he leads the Ravens back to success in the playoffs remains to be seen.
10. The simplified catch rule won’t make catches any easier to define.
Prediction: Incorrect
Yeah, I was wrong on this one. If there are fewer steps to take in defining a catch, typically all a replay official has to do is look for those three things. Two feet down, control, and a football move reaching for the line to gain. It’s not that hard, I guess.
Final prediction record: 3.5
I’ve said before that I’m really terrible at predicting things like that.
Speaking of other things I was bad at, let’s take a look at how I fared from my standings predictions from earlier this year. I predicted all 32 teams’ records and potential playoff seedings.
I correctly predicted six out of twelve playoff teams:
- New England (AFC East winner, #2 seed- predicted as AFC West winner and #1 seed)
- Los Angeles Chargers (2nd AFC West, #5 seed- predicted as AFC West winner and #3 seed)
- Houston (AFC South Winner, #3 seed- predicted as #6 seed, Wild Card #2)
- Philadelphia (2nd NFC East, #6 seed- Predicted as NFC East Winner and #3 seed)
- New Orleans (NFC South Winner, #1 seed- Predicted as NFC South winner and #1 seed)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFC West Winner, #2 seed- Predicted as NFC West winner and #4 seed).
Not bad. As for the records, I predicted those… less well. Of 32 NFL teams, I corrected predicted the correct records of the following teams:
- Tampa Bay (5-11)
- New Orleans (13-3)
- Washington (5-11)
So that’s fun.
Here are my updated playoff predictions. These Wild Card games are going to be FUN.
Wild Card Weekend
#6 Indianapolis Colts (10-6) at #3 Houston Texans (11-5)
Saturday, January 5th, 4:35pm (ESPN)
Andrew Luck and the Colts surprised us by clinching the AFC South with a 10-6 record, despite starting the season 1-5. The Texans became the team we thought they’d be before Deshaun Watson got injured last year. Indy is a good team with a solid defense, but I like Houston at home in a close one. Both games between the two have been decided by three points- I think this one is no different.
Prediction: Houston 27, Indianapolis 24.
#5 Seattle Seahawks (10-6) at #4 Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
Saturday, January 5th, 8:00pm (FOX)
I have never been sure as to what Seattle is. Apparently, they’re still very good at playing football despite missing the playoffs at 7-9 last year. Russell Wilson is playing like the quarterback we know, taking passing the ball to a new level altogether. As for Dallas, they’ve re-emerged as a team with firepower on offense and an underrated defensive unit. This one will be a shootout, I think. But I like Seattle. We’ll get the bad Dak Prescott (and I think we will, it’s Dallas in the playoffs), and the Seattle defense will be able to hold Zeke and Amari Cooper to minimal damage.
Prediction: Seattle 31, Dallas 23.
#5 Los Angeles Chargers (12-4) at #4 Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Sunday, January 6th, 1:05pm (CBS)
The last time these teams met, Baltimore won on their home turf. I’m predicting the same thing this time around. I know it’s time for Rivers to win a ring, but this Chargers team has been both hot and cold this year with the virtue of a relatively easy schedule. They have the ability to play down to their competition, and I don’t think they’ll be able to figure out Lamar Jackson and company, while the top-ranked Ravens defense takes care of keeping the damage minimal. The Ravens go on to Kansas City.
Prediction: Baltimore 26, Los Angeles 13.
#6 Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) at #3 Chicago Bears (12-4)
Sunday, January 6th, 4:40pm (NBC)
The Bears wanted Philadelphia. They could have sat back and taken a loss to Minnesota but they didn’t. I think the Bears know they can handle Philly. Nick Foles might be good to go but that doesn’t mean he’s Superman and will be playing without any semblance of injury. Chicago silences the haters and stifles the Eagles dreams of a championship repeat.
Prediction: Chicago 35, Philadelphia 21.
Divisional Playoffs
#4 Baltimore Ravens (10-6) at #1 Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
Saturday, January 12th, 4:35pm (NBC)
Kansas City is the best offense in football. But I think the defense has something to say in this matchup. Another thing to note is that Kansas City’s defense is not that great- they’re the worst rushing defense in football- which bodes well for Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards. In a miraculous upset (especially since the Ravens were given a 1.3% chance to win the Super Bowl), I think the Ravens defense avenges their OT loss from earlier this season at Arrowhead, forcing a crucial turnover of Patrick Mahomes late in the game, and moves on to the AFC Championship.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, Kansas City 27.
#3 Chicago Bears (12-4) at #2 Los Angeles Rams (13-3)
Saturday, January 12th, 8:15pm (FOX)
Teams that are cold in December typically don’t fare well in January. They lost two in a row to the same Bears and the Eagles, and gave up 32 points to a weak Niners team in week 17. I think the Bears come out swinging, and Khalil Mack gives Jared Goff fits all day long. Even with a fresh Todd Gurley, this Rams team is battered with injuries; they’re not the same team they were to start the season.
Prediction: Chicago 24, Los Angeles 15.
#3 Houston Texans (11-5) at #2 New England Patriots (11-5)
Sunday, January 13th, 1:05pm (CBS)
Of all the coaches that are former associates of Bill Belichick who have beaten the Patriots- Matt Patricia, Mike Vrabel, etc.- Bill O’Brien is the only one who hasn’t figured the hoodie out. Not to mention, the Patriots were the only team in the league this year to go undefeated at Gillette Stadium- a place the Texans have never won. This is the tomato can game for the Patriots. Tom Brady makes the league just a little nervous with this win.
Prediction: New England 37, Houston 24.
#5 Seattle Seahawks (10-6) vs. #1 New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Sunday, January 13th, 4:40pm (FOX)
It’s hard to bet against the Saints with the way their offense has been rolling. Even though Seattle has momentum, the Saints are just overwhelming if they get rolling. Seattle’s porous defensive line makes for a field day for Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, and Drew Brees is able to beat the Seahawks through the air. Marshon Lattimore has quietly become one of the best corners in football, and he’ll take away Doug Baldwin, one of Russell Wilson’s top targets. The road to Atlanta goes through New Orleans.
Prediction: New Orleans 28, Seattle 10.
Conference Championships
NFC Championship
#3 Chicago Bears at #1 New Orleans Saints
Sunday, January 20th, 3:05pm (FOX)
It’s the Bears’ vaunted defense against the Saints’ potent offense in a very loud Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Despite the presence of Khalil Mack, the Saints have so many ways to beat you on offense, and a good enough defense to keep you from scoring just enough times. The pressure’s on New Orleans to win one more big one before the best days of Drew Brees’ career is over, and I think they do. Mitchell Trubisky is inexperienced and it’ll show, as early mistakes come back to haunt the Bears. Growing pains are normal, though. The Bears will back soon.
Prediction: New Orleans 30, Chicago 10.
#3 Chicago Bears at #1 New Orleans Saints
Sunday, January 20th, 3:05pm (FOX)
It’s the Bears’ vaunted defense against the Saints’ potent offense in a very loud Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Despite the presence of Khalil Mack, the Saints have so many ways to beat you on offense, and a good enough defense to keep you from scoring just enough times. The pressure’s on New Orleans to win one more big one before the best days of Drew Brees’ career is over, and I think they do. Mitchell Trubisky is inexperienced and it’ll show, as early mistakes come back to haunt the Bears. Growing pains are normal, though. The Bears will back soon.
Prediction: New Orleans 30, Chicago 10.
AFC Championship
#4 Baltimore Ravens at #2 New England Patriots
Sunday, January 20th, 6:40pm
As a Patriots fan, I’m scared of Joe Flacco. I’m not scared of Lamar Jackson. Here’s a stat for you- the Patriots are 11-0 against rookie quarterbacks at Gillette Stadium. Jackson is no different, and he’ll be swallowed up by Trey Flowers and the New England defensive line. This isn’t to say that the Patriots’ defense won’t make big plays too: a late interception by Duron Harmon sends the Patriots back to the Super Bowl for the third year in a row.
Prediction: New England 31, Baltimore 26.
Super Bowl LIII
Sunday, February 3rd, 6:30pm (CBS)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
#2 New England Patriots vs. #1 New Orleans Saints
I am sticking with my guns and keeping my prediction from the start of this year intact. Both teams are still in it, so why not?
New England is an underdog for the first time since their 2001 win in Super Bowl XXXVI, but they won’t play like it in the opening quarter, as a quick throw to James White puts the Patriots up 7-0 on the game’s first drive.
From there, the Saints defense keeps the game locked down, keeping New England to field goals only while Brees and the offense get going. Alvin Kamara breaks loose a long run on the way to a Brees touchdown pass to Michael Thomas, then again to former Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson. Tom Brady, down 5 with the ball late in the fourth quarter (like he was at the end of Super Bowl LII), is picked off by Marshon Lattimore, sealing a win for the Saints. In the end, Brees ends with three touchdown passes, and a Super Bowl MVP, before using his speech to announce his retirement at the end of the game, going out on top.
Prediction: New Orleans 24, New England 19.
Call me out. Leave a comment down below.
The playoffs start Saturday, January 5th!
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
#2 New England Patriots vs. #1 New Orleans Saints
I am sticking with my guns and keeping my prediction from the start of this year intact. Both teams are still in it, so why not?
New England is an underdog for the first time since their 2001 win in Super Bowl XXXVI, but they won’t play like it in the opening quarter, as a quick throw to James White puts the Patriots up 7-0 on the game’s first drive.
From there, the Saints defense keeps the game locked down, keeping New England to field goals only while Brees and the offense get going. Alvin Kamara breaks loose a long run on the way to a Brees touchdown pass to Michael Thomas, then again to former Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson. Tom Brady, down 5 with the ball late in the fourth quarter (like he was at the end of Super Bowl LII), is picked off by Marshon Lattimore, sealing a win for the Saints. In the end, Brees ends with three touchdown passes, and a Super Bowl MVP, before using his speech to announce his retirement at the end of the game, going out on top.
Prediction: New Orleans 24, New England 19.
Call me out. Leave a comment down below.
The playoffs start Saturday, January 5th!
Top 100 Sports Plays of 2018 (Part 4)
PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4
Well friends, here we are. It's the top 25 plays of 2018. If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. If you skipped right to this section, welcome! You've reached the top of the mountain!
Of the top 100 plays, this section of the list is a combination of both the best and the most iconic plays of 2018.
Let's get right to it.
25. 9/24- Vance McDonald stiff arms defender and takes it to the house
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There are stiff arms, and then there is complete domination of your defender. Vance McDonald shows no mercy to Bucs FS Chris Conte and takes it to the house. Iconic.
24. 6/3- Bradley Zimmer dives to make a great flying catch
Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins
24. 6/3- Bradley Zimmer dives to make a great flying catch
Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins
You'll believe a man can fly after you watch Bradley Zimmer take flight to take an extra base hit away in this game against the Twins.
23. 11/14- Tom Kuhnhackl gets tripped, slides puck in the net from his back
New York Islanders vs. Vancouver Canucks
23. 11/14- Tom Kuhnhackl gets tripped, slides puck in the net from his back
New York Islanders vs. Vancouver Canucks
This is absurd. This is some Alex Ovechkin-like nonsense. Somehow, SOMEhow, Kuhnhackl is able to put one in the back of the net from his dang back. You could probably try this again another hundred times and still not be able to replicate it.
22. 5/26- Gareth Bale game winning bicycle kick puts Real Madrid ahead
UEFA Champions League Final
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
22. 5/26- Gareth Bale game winning bicycle kick puts Real Madrid ahead
UEFA Champions League Final
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
There's something beautiful about a good bicycle kick. Here, Gareth Bale puts Real Madrid ahead for good with this stunning kick that finds the top left corner of the net in the UEFA Champions League Final.
21. 3/1- LeBron dribbles through Tristan Thompson’s legs to himself
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
21. 3/1- LeBron dribbles through Tristan Thompson’s legs to himself
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Look at LeBron James out here nutmegging his own teammates. He's just so damn good, he owns God's username and password and will do with it what he pleases.
20. 7/13- Billy Hamilton reaches way over the fence to rob Matt Carpenter
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals
20. 7/13- Billy Hamilton reaches way over the fence to rob Matt Carpenter
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The dismount is a tad silly, but the catch is absolutely absurd, as Billy Hamilton climbs the wall and reaches over the fence to take a home run away from Matt Carpenter.
19. 4/16- Frederik Andersen paddles puck away from open net
Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, Game 3
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
19. 4/16- Frederik Andersen paddles puck away from open net
Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, Game 3
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
On first glance it's really hard to tell just how wide open that net is for David Pastrnak to shoot at. But Freddie Andersen comes up with the save of the playoffs, sealing a much-needed win for the Leafs against their rival Boston Bruins.
18. 7/1- Kevin Pillar climbs the wall to rob Nicholas Castellanos of a home run
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
18. 7/1- Kevin Pillar climbs the wall to rob Nicholas Castellanos of a home run
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
I have said it before. I will say it again. Kevin Pillar is SUPERMAN. He's gonna climb the fence again (because what else is new) to take a home run away from Castellanos. Just a day at the office for Mr. Pillar.
17. 1/6 - Marcus Mariota throws touchdown pass to himself
AFC Wild Card Game
Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
17. 1/6 - Marcus Mariota throws touchdown pass to himself
AFC Wild Card Game
Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Brett Favre's first ever NFL pass was to himself. Who's to say that Marcus Mariota hasn't one-upped him here? The Titans QB scrambles and barely makes it to the line of scrimmage before his pass is batted... right back into his hands, where he dives toward the end zone to give the Titans a much-needed score.
16. 3/31- Zlatan Ibrahimovic blasts his first goal with LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC
16. 3/31- Zlatan Ibrahimovic blasts his first goal with LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC
Well, this one ain't fair. Zlatan is ageless, and he shows that by blasting his first goal in America from just over the mid-field stripe. He would add another header to put the Galaxy up 4-3, but this one to tie it just electrifies the crowd. LA FC got Zlatan'd on this day.
15. 3/21- Sidney Crosby bats puck to himself and scores
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
15. 3/21- Sidney Crosby bats puck to himself and scores
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
What we've got here is your basic game of hot puck-tato. Sidney Crosby, in all his insanity, uses his excellent hand-eye coordination to tip the puck to himself, and rifle it past Carey Price for the goal.
14. 12/21- Sami Vatanen makes stop to keep it out of the net, Taylor Hall scores on breakout
New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators
14. 12/21- Sami Vatanen makes stop to keep it out of the net, Taylor Hall scores on breakout
New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators
Now this is one hell of a sequence. The Devils make the stop not with their goaltender, but with Sami Vatanen. On the ensuing breakout, the Devils get the odd-man rush, with Taylor Hall scoring the goal, lighting a fire under both the crowd and the team. Watch it and feel the madness.
13. 5/31- Jayson Tatum dunks on LeBron James
Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
13. 5/31- Jayson Tatum dunks on LeBron James
Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This is your reminder that Jayson Tatum is really good at basketball. He makes a poster out of the King, slamming it home over LeBron James.
12. 6/4- Jessie Warren makes great diving snag off bunt and turns two
Women's College World Series, Game 1
Florida State Seminoles vs. Washington Huskies
12. 6/4- Jessie Warren makes great diving snag off bunt and turns two
Women's College World Series, Game 1
Florida State Seminoles vs. Washington Huskies
A DIVING STOP FROM OUT OF NOWHERE! Jessie Warren had to have known this bunt was coming, otherwise she wouldn't have made the excellent diving play. She also has the IQ to throw it to first and double up the runner. This is awesome.
11. 5/5- LeBron goes off the window for game winner
Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 3
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
11. 5/5- LeBron goes off the window for game winner
Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 3
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
We all know that Toronto didn't have a prayer in this series. When LeBron's shot kisses the glass on the way in, you could hear all of Canada's collective hearts breaking, as the King had once again ripped them out of their collective chests.
Also, LeBron totally knew this was going in as soon as he let it fly.
10. 1/8 - Alabama wins national championship on bomb from Tua Tagovailoa
CFP National Championship
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Also, LeBron totally knew this was going in as soon as he let it fly.
10. 1/8 - Alabama wins national championship on bomb from Tua Tagovailoa
CFP National Championship
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia had Alabama on the ropes. It was 2nd and 26. Bama was out of field goal range. And yet, this guy, who came into the game midway through and started dominating, throws a 41-yard bomb to DeVonta Smith, winning the national title for the Crimson Tide. Georgia should be ashamed of themselves.
9. 2/27- Mikael Granlund bats puck in after it bounces off his chest
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
9. 2/27- Mikael Granlund bats puck in after it bounces off his chest
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
I see players bounce pucks on sticks all the time. It's not often you see a player full on soccer-ball it from his chest, and bat it into the net. That's exactly what Mikael Granlund does here. Electrifying and truly stunning.
8. 9/23- Tiger wins his first tournament in five years with tap in putt
TOUR Championship, Final Round
8. 9/23- Tiger wins his first tournament in five years with tap in putt
TOUR Championship, Final Round
That's right, nerds. The golf shot of the year is a two-foot tap in putt from Tiger Woods, who, with this putt, claimed his first PGA Tour victory in five years. Also, come for the putt, stay for the thousands of people following Tiger around as he walks up the 18th fairway at East Lake. No one makes golf what it is like Tiger does.
7. 2/22- Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson’s shootout goal wins gold medal for US
2018 Winter Olympics- Women's Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game
United States vs. Canada
7. 2/22- Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson’s shootout goal wins gold medal for US
2018 Winter Olympics- Women's Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game
United States vs. Canada
If you needed a better look at how DIRTY Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson's game winning goal was □ https://t.co/wkOWa0qwZl pic.twitter.com/7GRRCOkoNk
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2018
It came down to a shootout for the United States and Canada, and this delicious goal from Jocelyne Lamoureux dekes Shannon Szabados out of her skates, serving as the golden goal for the Americans, as goalie Maddie Rooney would stop the next Canadian shot. The U.S. women won the gold medal, four years after blowing a 2-0 lead to Canada in the gold medal match in Sochi. This one is all about redemption and finesse.
6. 2/28- James Harden crosses up Wesley Johnson, stares, drains 3
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
6. 2/28- James Harden crosses up Wesley Johnson, stares, drains 3
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Let me walk you through this one: James Harden crosses up Wesley Johnson so badly that Johnson falls down. Johnson fell down so hard that Harden STARED AT HIM AND WAITED FOR HIM TO GET UP BEFORE DRAINING A THREE IN HIS FACE. James Harden has ice in that beard. Cold. Blooded.
5. 12/9- The Miracle in Miami: Dolphins double-lateral touchdown to beat Pats
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
5. 12/9- The Miracle in Miami: Dolphins double-lateral touchdown to beat Pats
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
We don't have to talk about this one.
Fun fact: The Patriots radio call of this play features 35 seconds of stunned silence.
Fun fact: The Dolphins didn't make the playoffs.
4. 10/17- Benintendi robs Alex Bregman to win game 4
American League Championship Series, Game 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Fun fact: The Patriots radio call of this play features 35 seconds of stunned silence.
Fun fact: The Dolphins didn't make the playoffs.
4. 10/17- Benintendi robs Alex Bregman to win game 4
American League Championship Series, Game 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
At least Alex Bregman didn't leave us waiting, as he swung on the first pitch from Craig Kimbrel, hitting it into shallow left field. With the bases loaded, anything could have happened if the ball had gotten by the Red Sox left fielder. But it did not, and Andrew Benintendi came up with one of the best plays of the year, winning game four for the Red Sox.
3. 2/4- “The Philly Special”; Eagles pull off trick play pass to Nick Foles for TD
Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
3. 2/4- “The Philly Special”; Eagles pull off trick play pass to Nick Foles for TD
Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
We don't have to talk about this one either.
2. 3/31 and 4/1- Arike Ogunbowale's back-to-back buzzer-beaters win Title
NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament- Semifinal and National Championship
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies and Mississippi State Bulldogs
2. 3/31 and 4/1- Arike Ogunbowale's back-to-back buzzer-beaters win Title
NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament- Semifinal and National Championship
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies and Mississippi State Bulldogs
Never had a player hit buzzer-beaters in both the semifinal and National Championship game before. Arike Ogunbowale made herself into a household name when she hit one with one-second to play against UConn... and then did it again to win a National Championship with an even crazier shot against Mississippi State. Thanks to Arike, Notre Dame are your NCAA Women's basketball champions.
1. 1/14- "The Minneapolis Miracle"; Stefon Diggs 61-yard walk-off touchdown
NFC Divisional Playoff
Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
1. 1/14- "The Minneapolis Miracle"; Stefon Diggs 61-yard walk-off touchdown
NFC Divisional Playoff
Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
And finally, our number one play of 2018.
All Marcus Williams had to do was not duck. Had he not ducked, he probably would have made the play on Stefon Diggs, and we wouldn't be sitting here talking about this play.
Instead, we are. Stefon Diggs' 61-yard touchdown won the game for the Vikings, and, since it has its own nickname, etched itself forever in NFL history, and on this year's list of top plays.
And with THAT, we have reached the end of the top 100 sports plays of 2018.
Are there any that we missed? Leave a comment down below.
<<< PART 3 (49-26)
Also, be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
All Marcus Williams had to do was not duck. Had he not ducked, he probably would have made the play on Stefon Diggs, and we wouldn't be sitting here talking about this play.
Instead, we are. Stefon Diggs' 61-yard touchdown won the game for the Vikings, and, since it has its own nickname, etched itself forever in NFL history, and on this year's list of top plays.
And with THAT, we have reached the end of the top 100 sports plays of 2018.
Are there any that we missed? Leave a comment down below.
<<< PART 3 (49-26)
Also, be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Top 100 Sports Plays of 2018 (Part 3)
PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4
Welcome back to the top 100 plays of 2018! If you're looking for parts one, two, or four, click the links above. In part three, we'll be taking a look at entries 49-26.
49. 11/25- Chris Carson does flip over defender
Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers
It's one thing to jump over a guy, it's quite another to finish the flip and land on your feet and keep going. *Cues Super Mario jump sound effect*
Holy catfish.
48. 10/20- Chris Taylor saves some runs with great running catch
National League Championship Series, Game 7
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Holy catfish.
48. 10/20- Chris Taylor saves some runs with great running catch
National League Championship Series, Game 7
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
With NL MVP Christian Yelich at the dish and the tying run at second, things looked pretty hairy for the Dodgers. Enter: Chris Young.
47. 10/23- Marchand and Pastrnak make mincemeat of the Senators with great passing
Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators
47. 10/23- Marchand and Pastrnak make mincemeat of the Senators with great passing
Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators
"In your face!" - Jack Edwards, noting the fantastic moves of Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak.
I'd say that's pretty apt for this one.
46. 9/1- TJ Vasher’s Odell Beckham Jr.-like catch
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Ole Miss Rebels
I'd say that's pretty apt for this one.
46. 9/1- TJ Vasher’s Odell Beckham Jr.-like catch
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Odell would be proud of this one, as TJ Vasher goes airborne and stays in bounds for a fantastic catch.
45. 6/3- Steph Curry hits loooooong three to beat shot clock
NBA Finals, Game 2
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
45. 6/3- Steph Curry hits loooooong three to beat shot clock
NBA Finals, Game 2
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
When the shot clock winds down to zero, some players fire up desperation threes. If you're Stephen Curry, you throw up J's like you're at the Y and you drain them.
44. 7/12- Mookie Betts finishes 13-pitch AB with grand slam
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
44. 7/12- Mookie Betts finishes 13-pitch AB with grand slam
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Mookie Betts is the American League MVP for a reason. He takes a thirteen pitch at bat and deposits the last one over the Green Monster for an electrifying grand slam. I'm tellin' ya, it's time to party!
43. 1/2- Carter Hutton is able to recover and make save on bouncing puck
St. Louis Blues vs. New Jersey Devils
43. 1/2- Carter Hutton is able to recover and make save on bouncing puck
St. Louis Blues vs. New Jersey Devils
This save is absurd. Hutton is able to make one save, then bring his left leg forward in order to block a rebound and keep the puck out of the net. This is all about the yoga here.
42. 11/25- Joel Embiid shakes defender, does alley oop to himself of the glass
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
42. 11/25- Joel Embiid shakes defender, does alley oop to himself of the glass
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
THE DISRESPECT, JOEL EMBIID. No regard for human life on this one.
41. 2/10- Andrei Vasilevskiy makes behind the back glove save
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Los Angeles Kings
41. 2/10- Andrei Vasilevskiy makes behind the back glove save
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Los Angeles Kings
Okay, Andrei, now you're just showing off. He's already going to win the Vezina in 2019, but making saves like this, behind your back?? WE GET IT. YOU'RE A GOOD GOALIE.
40. 10/13- Reliever Brandon Woodruff homers off Clayton Kershaw
National League Championship Series, Game 1
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
40. 10/13- Reliever Brandon Woodruff homers off Clayton Kershaw
National League Championship Series, Game 1
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw is a good pitcher. Relievers typically don't get to hit at all, much less get hits. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw that a RELIEVER hit a home run against Clayton Kershaw in the first game of the NLCS. Purely epic.
39. 10/27- N’Keal Harry makes one-handed catch from his back
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. USC Trojans
39. 10/27- N’Keal Harry makes one-handed catch from his back
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. USC Trojans
Homeboy is literally ON HIS BACK while he makes this one-handed grab. Eat your heart out, Odell Beckham. You have competition.
38. 8/12- David Bote’s pinch-hit, walk off grand slam lifts Cubs over Nationals
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
38. 8/12- David Bote’s pinch-hit, walk off grand slam lifts Cubs over Nationals
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
Aside from the obvious "home run to win the World Series," I think the "down by three, walk-off grand slam" is the most home run in baseball. Watch as David Bote comes off the bench for an epic walk-off grand slam for the Cubs.
37. 7/4- Keon Broxton robs Brian Dozier of a home run
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins
37. 7/4- Keon Broxton robs Brian Dozier of a home run
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins
Keon Broxton goes over the fence, and I mean waaaaay over in order to make this snocone grab. Also, fun fact, this game happened on the Fourth of July. Hooray, America!
36. 12/12- Niven Glover throws down crazy dunk
Oak Ridge vs. Edgewater
36. 12/12- Niven Glover throws down crazy dunk
Oak Ridge vs. Edgewater
My high school only ever had one guy who was just tall enough to dunk. This high schooler from Texas, Niven Glover, goes between his legs for a rim-rattling dunk.
35. 5/16- Marc-Andre Fleury denies Mark Scheifele twice to preserve lead
Western Conference Finals, Game 3
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets
35. 5/16- Marc-Andre Fleury denies Mark Scheifele twice to preserve lead
Western Conference Finals, Game 3
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets
What a year it was for Marc-Andre Fleury, carrying the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final. Here, he stops Mark Scheifele on not one, but two shot attempts.
34. 3/3- Julian McGarvey makes the steal and hits 75-footer to win Sectional Championship
Ardsley (NY) vs. Tappan Zee (NY)
34. 3/3- Julian McGarvey makes the steal and hits 75-footer to win Sectional Championship
Ardsley (NY) vs. Tappan Zee (NY)
To nail a long buzzer-beater is one thing. To intercept a pass, and then quarterback a 75-foot buzzer-beater is quite another. Julian McGarvey does just that, winning the New York sectional championship for Ardsley.
33. 9/29- Davion Davis one handed catch
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats
33. 9/29- Davion Davis one handed catch
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats
What makes this one-handed catch better than the other one-handed grabs on this list (and there are a lot of them)?
It's because Davion Davis makes what is essentially a backhanded one-handed grab.
32. 5/30- Braden Holtby lays out for paddle save to keep game close
Stanley Cup Final, Game 2
Washington Capitals vs. Vegas Golden Knights
It's because Davion Davis makes what is essentially a backhanded one-handed grab.
32. 5/30- Braden Holtby lays out for paddle save to keep game close
Stanley Cup Final, Game 2
Washington Capitals vs. Vegas Golden Knights
It has become known in hockey as "The Save." In a 3-2 game, with the Caps on the verge of evening the Stanley Cup Final, Braden Holtby made this incredible save on Alex Tuch to keep the game in hand.
31. 11/24- Kendrick Rogers one-handed grab to extend game in 3OT
Texas A&M Aggies vs. LSU Tigers
31. 11/24- Kendrick Rogers one-handed grab to extend game in 3OT
Texas A&M Aggies vs. LSU Tigers
This game was absolutely bonkers. Seven overtimes. But in the third overtime, Kendrick Rogers made THIS catch to extend the game. He was pretty much the MVP, and for good reason.
30. 12/13- Andrei Vasilevskiy make the crazy scorpion save
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
30. 12/13- Andrei Vasilevskiy make the crazy scorpion save
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
When the announcers think the other team has scored and they haven't, that means you've done something right. Andrei Vasilevskiy somehow gets a piece of the puck by lifting his skate up and denying a goal.
29. 7/29- Jackie Bradley, Jr. makes running grab and crashes into Green Monster
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
29. 7/29- Jackie Bradley, Jr. makes running grab and crashes into Green Monster
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
Jackie Bradley is a crazy good outfielder. And this could be a potentially scary play since he tumbles into the big wall out there in centerfield.
28. 12/1- Celtics and Marcus Smart make incredible passes for Jayson Tatum finish
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
28. 12/1- Celtics and Marcus Smart make incredible passes for Jayson Tatum finish
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Basketball is a team sport. Basketball is a team sport. Basketball is a team sport. Also, Marcus Smart should be the highest-paid Celtic in history.
27. 10/19- Anthony DuClair falls down, still manages to finish and score
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers
27. 10/19- Anthony DuClair falls down, still manages to finish and score
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Anthony Duclair blows a tire, and then pulls out ALL the hands to coral the puck and score on this ridiculous goal. Now you're just showing off, because this is absurd.
26. 3/11- LeBron filthy no-look pass to Kevin Love fakes out the Lakers
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
26. 3/11- LeBron filthy no-look pass to Kevin Love fakes out the Lakers
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, in 2018 LeBron played for the Cavaliers. And he faked literally everyone on his future team out with this incredible pass to Kevin Love, who finishes for two.
Only one more part to go! Click the link to see the top 25!
<<< PREV: Part 2 (75-50) NEXT: Part 4 (25-1) >>>
Be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Only one more part to go! Click the link to see the top 25!
<<< PREV: Part 2 (75-50) NEXT: Part 4 (25-1) >>>
Be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Top 100 Sports Plays of 2018 (Part 2)
PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4
We're back with part two of our four-part best play extravaganza! You can find the rest of the parts (or part 1, if for some reason, you stumbled here first) in the links above.
Here are plays 75-51:
75. 10/11- David Pastrnak undresses Oiler defenders en route to goal
These are straight mitts of marinara for David Pastrnak. This guy's so good. Whatcha gonna do when Pastamania runs wild on you, brother?
74. 4/12- Filip Forsberg dangles through defender’s legs and scores
Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
74. 4/12- Filip Forsberg dangles through defender’s legs and scores
Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
This is nothing new for Filip Forsberg, as the guy has a deke move named after him. Here, he goes through his own legs and toys with the Colorado defenders en route to a very nifty goal in game one.
73. 12/23- Luka Doncić hits three with .6 seconds left
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
73. 12/23- Luka Doncić hits three with .6 seconds left
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Luka-mania is upon us, and let me tell you, I am HERE for it. With .6 seconds left, Doncić sends the Mavs bench into a frenzy as he ties the game at 107 with an impossible three-pointer.
72. 7/20- Joey Wendle makes crazy glove flip for the out to nab Justin Bour
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins
72. 7/20- Joey Wendle makes crazy glove flip for the out to nab Justin Bour
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins
"Can Eovaldi get it?" Nope, but Joey Wendle can, using his glove to make a great flip to first to nab Justin Bour for the out. I love great baseball IQ.
71. 12/8- Keldon Johnson half-court shot to tie game
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Seton Hall Pirates
71. 12/8- Keldon Johnson half-court shot to tie game
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Seton Hall Pirates
Seton Hall controlled this game (and they'd win in overtime)- but Kentucky showed why they're a force to be reckoned with (and will not go away) as Keldon Johnson nails this buzzer-beater from half court to send it to OT.
70. 4/28- Odubel Herrera pulls one back from the bushes
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
70. 4/28- Odubel Herrera pulls one back from the bushes
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
I don't really know why there are brushes within reaching distance at Citizens Bank Park, but there are. They're no match for Odubel Herrera, though, as he is able to pull the ball back in play, saving a home run.
69. 1/5 - Carey Price makes one save, rolls over to make another save
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
69. 1/5 - Carey Price makes one save, rolls over to make another save
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
For all the smack I talk about the Canadiens, Carey Price is a force to be reckoned with. He makes a Dominic Hasek-like save (in overtime, no less) against two Lightning players to keep the game tied. Ridiculousness.
68. 1/26- Blake Peters nails 80-foot shot to beat the buzzer
Evanston Township (IL) vs. Maine South (IL)
68. 1/26- Blake Peters nails 80-foot shot to beat the buzzer
Evanston Township (IL) vs. Maine South (IL)
The first thing to know about this play is that Blake Peters is a freshman. The other is that this play is now known as the "Peters Prayer." Please enjoy a 14-year old nailing an 80-foot game-winner.
67. 12/16- Patriots make great special teams coverage play
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
67. 12/16- Patriots make great special teams coverage play
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life pic.twitter.com/qrBJNQ7YwN
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 16, 2018
The Patriots use not one, not two, but THREE different players to pin the Steelers deep off a punt. This is some baller special teams coverage if I've ever seen some.
66. 2/6- Brian Elliott makes stick save with some help from Claude Giroux in OT
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
66. 2/6- Brian Elliott makes stick save with some help from Claude Giroux in OT
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
How many sticks does it take to keep the puck out of the net? Two apparently. Brian Elliott starts with a great paddle save, and Claude Giroux has great hand-eye coordination to bat the puck away from the crease. A solid tandem, no?
65. 6/13- Mitch Haniger and Jean Segura make great play on Luis Valbuena
Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels
65. 6/13- Mitch Haniger and Jean Segura make great play on Luis Valbuena
Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels
The bat flip is legendary. The throw is mutant. The tag is even niftier. I love baseball.
64. 9/23- Josh Allen hurdles defender
Buffalo Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings
64. 9/23- Josh Allen hurdles defender
Buffalo Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings
Say what you want about Josh Allen and the Bills, but the guy can run. Dude has some serious ups as he leaps over the Vikings defender here.
63. 2/27- Ja’Quan Newton buries UNC with buzzer-beating 3
Miami Hurricanes vs. North Carolina Tarheels
63. 2/27- Ja’Quan Newton buries UNC with buzzer-beating 3
Miami Hurricanes vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Man, I do love a good college basketball crowd silencer. After UNC tied the game with a clutch three with only seconds to go, Miami player Ja'Quan Newton thrust the dagger into the hearts of the Tarheels, winning the game for the Hurricanes.
62. 9/19- Steven Matz behind the back snag and double play
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
62. 9/19- Steven Matz behind the back snag and double play
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Ah yes, the ol' behind the back snag. You're slick, Steven Matz.
61. 11/29- Elias Pettersson makes a great pass for the goal while falling
Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
61. 11/29- Elias Pettersson makes a great pass for the goal while falling
Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
This is some great awareness by Elias Pettersson here, to be able to keep control of the puck even though he's tripped, to finding Brock Boeser, who slaps it into the empty net.
60. 8/11- Ramon Laureano doubles up Eric Young with crazy throw from centerfield
Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels
60. 8/11- Ramon Laureano doubles up Eric Young with crazy throw from centerfield
Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Angels
The best play in baseball is the outfield assist. Watch this, as Ramon Laureano doubles up Eric Young with an out-of-this-world throw from the warning track.
59. 11/13- Pekka Rinne essentially throws his stick behind him to block shot
Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks
59. 11/13- Pekka Rinne essentially throws his stick behind him to block shot
Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks
I'm not quite sure what this save is. Does he... throw his stick at the puck? Or does the puck actually hit him in the back? How does the stick get back there? Regardless, it's a great save. Post your comments as to how you think Rinne makes this save.
58. 10/16- Tony Kemp goes up onto the wall to rob Steve Pearce of a hit
American League Championship Series, Game 3
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
58. 10/16- Tony Kemp goes up onto the wall to rob Steve Pearce of a hit
American League Championship Series, Game 3
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
If this had fallen for a hit, it would have blown the game open for the Red Sox. Instead, Tony Kemp makes an outstanding catch, further emphasized by the loud bang made when the ball hits the wall from inside his glove.
57. 2/3 - Dominic Green hits game-winning 3 after layup is swatted away
Arizona Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies
57. 2/3 - Dominic Green hits game-winning 3 after layup is swatted away
Arizona Wildcats vs. Washington Huskies
I can imagine that Washington was pumped to find that the game-tying jumper was blocked. Problem was, there was still time for Dominic Green to bury a game-winning three pointer for Arizona.
56. 4/11- Sidney Crosby tips one in out of mid-air
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
56. 4/11- Sidney Crosby tips one in out of mid-air
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
What else is to be expected from Sid the Kid? And in a playoff game, no less! Crosby somehow redirects this puck into the net after a blast from the point. Crazypants.
55. 2/6- Giannis Antetokounmpo jumps over Tim Hardaway on dunk
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
55. 2/6- Giannis Antetokounmpo jumps over Tim Hardaway on dunk
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
Does it need repeating that Giannis is a freak of nature? I didn't think so. He jumps OVER a dude on his way to a dunk. You're welcome.
54. 9/16- Keelan Cole one-handed grab
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots
54. 9/16- Keelan Cole one-handed grab
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots
This was Jacksonville's version of the Super Bowl (since they shit the bed and finished 5-11 this year). As is nature in every Super Bowl against the Patriots, there's some crazy circus catch. This one by Keelan Cole is no different.
53. 2/11- Casey Cizikas one handed shovel goal
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames
53. 2/11- Casey Cizikas one handed shovel goal
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames
Well this is a new way to score a goal. I'm curious to see what kind of direction this puck takes off the stick of Casey Cizikas as it goes past Mike Smith. I dig it.
52. 9/29- Juwan Johnson makes crazy one handed grab
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
52. 9/29- Juwan Johnson makes crazy one handed grab
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
This is on the first drive of the game for Penn State. Imagine what a crazy one-handed catch would do for both your team and the crowd! I can't imagine what would happen if you were to squander all of that momentum in a crucial moment in the game...
51. 10/27- Max Muncy ends 18-inning game with walk-off home run
World Series, Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox
51. 10/27- Max Muncy ends 18-inning game with walk-off home run
World Series, Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox
And 18 innings later.... Max Muncy ends the longest game in World Series history with a blast that will long live in Los Angeles Dodgers lore.
50. 12/9- Juju Smith-Schuster toe-tap touchdown
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders
50. 12/9- Juju Smith-Schuster toe-tap touchdown
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders
In the pros, it's two feet down with possession. This one was called incomplete on the field, but replay showed that Juju had both feet in bounds and control of the ball, completing the absurd touchdown catch.
We are halfway done! Be sure to check out parts three and four of the best plays of 2018 by using the links above (or below), and take a look at the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
<<< PREV: Part 1 (100-76) NEXT: Part 3 (49-26) >>>
We are halfway done! Be sure to check out parts three and four of the best plays of 2018 by using the links above (or below), and take a look at the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
<<< PREV: Part 1 (100-76) NEXT: Part 3 (49-26) >>>
Top 100 Sports Plays of 2018 (Part 1 of 4)
Every year, the Best Plays list gets longer and longer. It started with 10, then expanded to 50, and for the last year, it's been the top 100 plays of the year.
And because this is probably my favorite list to compile (that, and it has the most research involved), I have kept the list at 100. There were so many iconic plays to cover, I even split it up into FOUR different lists, just so that it's more manageable to look at.
And with that in mind, let's get to it. No honorable mentions, just 100 of the best plays from 2018.
100. 8/16- Umpire catches bat flip from Castellanos homer
Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins
And because this is probably my favorite list to compile (that, and it has the most research involved), I have kept the list at 100. There were so many iconic plays to cover, I even split it up into FOUR different lists, just so that it's more manageable to look at.
And with that in mind, let's get to it. No honorable mentions, just 100 of the best plays from 2018.
100. 8/16- Umpire catches bat flip from Castellanos homer
Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins
Nicholas Castellanos hits a home run here, but that isn't the story.
"No bat flipping on my field," says home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez.
99. 9/29- Fan plunks Giancarlo Stanton from the Monster as he rounds second
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
"No bat flipping on my field," says home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez.
99. 9/29- Fan plunks Giancarlo Stanton from the Monster as he rounds second
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
This is an impressive throw. The Green Monster is 38 feet high, and to hit a guy on one hop as he rounds the bases is probably a good 150 feet. It's also quintessentially Boston, to throw at an opposing player. Props to Stanton for tipping his hat to the guy, though.
98. 6/9- Lorenzo Cain saves Orlando Arcia’s error by making the catch
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
98. 6/9- Lorenzo Cain saves Orlando Arcia’s error by making the catch
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Good for Lorenzo Cain, helping out his teammate before Orlando Arcia completely makes a fool of himself by dropping the ball.
97. 4/1- Bruins keep the puck in with an extra attacker, score with 3.8 left to tie it
Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
97. 4/1- Bruins keep the puck in with an extra attacker, score with 3.8 left to tie it
Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
How the Bruins are able to keep this puck in, I have no idea. However, they do, and manage to get it to Patrice Bergeron, who ties the game just before the horn, sending it to overtime.
96. 11/1- Braden Holtby blocks an open net and sprawls for a second save
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
96. 11/1- Braden Holtby blocks an open net and sprawls for a second save
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
The guy isn't a Vezina Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion for nothing. One of the best plays in hockey is the cross pass and tap into the wide open net. Braden Holtby stones Brendan Gallagher, and the save spurs a goal for Lars Eller in OT down the other end.
95. 12/5- Zion Williamson goes off the backboard to R.J. Barrett
Duke Blue Devils vs. Hartford Hawks
95. 12/5- Zion Williamson goes off the backboard to R.J. Barrett
Duke Blue Devils vs. Hartford Hawks
Hartford is my alma mater. They deserve this. Watch as Zion Williamson passes one off the glass, and as R.J. Barrett slams it home in this vicious alley-oop.
94. 10/25- Kenny Stills and Devante Parker combine for bizarre catch
Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans
94. 10/25- Kenny Stills and Devante Parker combine for bizarre catch
Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans
So, this one is caught by Kenny Stills, who is then hit by a Houston defender. The ball comes loose and is batted forward by another Houston defender, and lands in the awaiting arms of Stills' teammate, Devante Parker. This one is good for 46 yards. Unreal.
93. 9/14- J.R. Martin's behind-the-back deke, then Hail Mary touchdown
North Gwinnett (GA) vs. Walton (GA)
93. 9/14- J.R. Martin's behind-the-back deke, then Hail Mary touchdown
North Gwinnett (GA) vs. Walton (GA)
Watch closely: North Gwinnett HS (Suwanee, GA) quarterback evades a defender by tucking the ball behind his back, and then finding Garrison Manor for the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass.
92. 11/8- The weirdest flea flicker ever is good for two points
SDHSAA Class 9A Football Championship- Howard Tigers vs. Canistota/Freeman Pride
92. 11/8- The weirdest flea flicker ever is good for two points
SDHSAA Class 9A Football Championship- Howard Tigers vs. Canistota/Freeman Pride
It started off as a run.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 8, 2018
It didn't end up that way. #SCtop10 (via @SDPBSports) pic.twitter.com/0v7BeaG3rW
The play starts as a run, ends up as a pass, and is good for two points in what has to be the strangest point-after-touchdown attempt ever. Canistota/Freeman would win the game in a 46-14 rout.
91. 9/1- Devin Duvernay’s leaping touchdown grab
Texas Longhorns vs. Maryland Terrapins
91. 9/1- Devin Duvernay’s leaping touchdown grab
Texas Longhorns vs. Maryland Terrapins
Full extension, outstretched fingers, touchdown. This one is just sweetness.
90. 5/28- Jackie Bradley, Jr. makes over-the-shoulder grab in deep center
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Making a basket catch over your shoulder is no easy feat. But Jackie Bradley Jr. is no ordinary outfielder. This clip is a little tough to see at first glance, but Bradley makes a nice grab going backwards toward the deepest parts of Fenway Park.
89. 4/1- Travis Konecny undresses the defense with a toe drag goal
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
89. 4/1- Travis Konecny undresses the defense with a toe drag goal
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
Travis Konecny makes this look easy, as he corrals a puck in mid air, then is able to deke four Bruins on his way to a pretty looking goal.
88. 10/24- Sidney Crosby goes through the defender’s legs to score
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers
88. 10/24- Sidney Crosby goes through the defender’s legs to score
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers
Hold... hold... hold... make you look silly... score.
A day in the life of Sidney Crosby.
87. 9/8- Tee Higgins reaches over defenders and spins away for touchdown
Clemson Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies
A day in the life of Sidney Crosby.
87. 9/8- Tee Higgins reaches over defenders and spins away for touchdown
Clemson Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies
The catch is Moss-like. The spin and touchdown run is beautiful. This is a great play by a very talented young receiver.
86. 7/22- Cheno Guzman does a 360 and then casually rolls it in for a goal
San Antonio FC vs. Real Monarchs
86. 7/22- Cheno Guzman does a 360 and then casually rolls it in for a goal
San Antonio FC vs. Real Monarchs
This play comes to us from the United Soccer League, and features San Antonio FC player Cheno Guzman doing a nifty spin move to get past the defender, and then casually dribbling the ball into the net. Is this the equivalent of a classy celebration in American football?
85. 8/7 & 8/8- Adam Engel robs home runs in the same place on consecutive nights
Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
85. 8/7 & 8/8- Adam Engel robs home runs in the same place on consecutive nights
Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
I guess the best option would be to just not hit it at White Sox CF Adam Engel, who robs Greg Bird, followed by Kyle Higashioka on consecutive nights. Pretty impressive feats of both luck and skill.
84. 11/6- Miles Bridges slams home a great dunk
Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks
84. 11/6- Miles Bridges slams home a great dunk
Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks
Where's the gravity, Miles? You know I love you, but come ON! This is filthy.
83. 4/15- Khris Middleton hits three with .5 seconds left to send game to OT
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
83. 4/15- Khris Middleton hits three with .5 seconds left to send game to OT
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
As a Celtics fan, I thought this one was over. .5 seconds and an inbound from just over the mid-court line? Khris Middleton didn't want to go home early, as he buried the long three to tie it, shock the TD Garden crowd and send the game to overtime.
82. 9/1- Quentin Pounds reels in touchdown with one hand
Washington Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers
82. 9/1- Quentin Pounds reels in touchdown with one hand
Washington Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers
In college football, all you need is one foot in the end zone with possession. Quentin Pounds is able to just get both together in time for this crazy touchdown catch against Auburn.
81. 12/7- Northern Michigan goalie Atte Tolvanen scores goal
Northern Michigan Wildcats vs. Michigan Tech Huskies
81. 12/7- Northern Michigan goalie Atte Tolvanen scores goal
Northern Michigan Wildcats vs. Michigan Tech Huskies
GOALIE GOAL!!!! Goalie goals are like fat guy touchdowns or big guy three pointers. But sometimes, when the net is empty, and the stage is right, sometimes the goalie gets to be the first one through the high-five line. Northern Michigan goalie Atte Tolvanen finds the other net in this one.
80. 4/30- Terry Rozier goes through his legs and then alley-oops to Marcus Morris
Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
80. 4/30- Terry Rozier goes through his legs and then alley-oops to Marcus Morris
Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
This is Scary Terry channelling his inner Kyrie Irving. What HANDLES on this kid.
79. 3/31- William Karlsson goes between-the-legs for a spectacular goal
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks
79. 3/31- William Karlsson goes between-the-legs for a spectacular goal
Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks
This takes some balls, going between your own legs and going top shelf. But William Karlsson has no fear, and buries it past Sharks goalie Martin Jones for the shorthanded goal.
78. 5/30- Gary Sanchez throws runner out at third after wild pitch bounces back to him off the backstop
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros
78. 5/30- Gary Sanchez throws runner out at third after wild pitch bounces back to him off the backstop
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros
I had thought the backstop at Yankee Stadium was either plastic or padding. I guess I was mistaken, and that it's brick (or something). Think of all the things that have to go right for this play to work: the ball has to come right back to catcher Gary Sanchez, and has to be in the correct position for him to wind up and gun it down to third base, where the runner is waiting to be tagged by Miguel Andujar. Crazy lucky, this one.
77. 1/1- Myles Boykin makes one handed catch, jukes defenders on way to winning touchdown
Music City Bowl
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. LSU Tigers
77. 1/1- Myles Boykin makes one handed catch, jukes defenders on way to winning touchdown
Music City Bowl
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. LSU Tigers
I'm upset with Notre Dame football right now, but at least this was a good way to start the year (this is our very first play on the list). Myles Boykin makes a great one-handed grab on the way to score the winning touchdown against LSU.
76. 12/2- Flames’ Mike Smith makes a great skate save
Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks
76. 12/2- Flames’ Mike Smith makes a great skate save
Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks
How much of this is luck, and how much of this is skill? Regardless, it's a fantastic skate save by Mike Smith to keep a sure goal out of the net.
And just so I can keep you guessing, that's the end of part one! You can find the other parts via the links at the top.
NEXT: Part 2 (75-50) >>>
And be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
And just so I can keep you guessing, that's the end of part one! You can find the other parts via the links at the top.
NEXT: Part 2 (75-50) >>>
And be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Top 15 "Oh No!" Sports Moments of 2018
Kickers in the NFL this season are having a TIME.
For all the glory that sports can bring, sometimes they make you get up from your chair and just take a second. Sometimes they throw something at you so asinine, so incredulous, that you just have to bury your face in your hands and cry a little.
Sports have the ability to make you cheer and inspire you, but they’ve also got the ability to make you laugh at other people’s pain and just give a little “oh, no!” to that effect.
This is the opposite of the best moments from the sports year. These are the worst of the worst: the top 15 “Oh NO!” sports moments of 2018.
Sports have the ability to make you cheer and inspire you, but they’ve also got the ability to make you laugh at other people’s pain and just give a little “oh, no!” to that effect.
This is the opposite of the best moments from the sports year. These are the worst of the worst: the top 15 “Oh NO!” sports moments of 2018.
Dishonorable Mentions:
February 20th- Fergie's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NBA All-Star Game
I’m less inclined to knock Fergie for this one because singing the National Anthem is very difficult. It requires incredible range, it’s stupidly over-melodic, and the pressure is on (especially if you’re a recording artist) to be different from everyone else who’s ever sung it before.
Now, I’ll be honest. This is… a poor effort. But it’s not all bad. Give her credit for trying to jazz it up a bit. Carl Lewis still did it worse… although his doesn’t have a meme made out of it.
December 23rd- Steelers convert fake punt against Saints, except they don't
Now, I’ll be honest. This is… a poor effort. But it’s not all bad. Give her credit for trying to jazz it up a bit. Carl Lewis still did it worse… although his doesn’t have a meme made out of it.
December 23rd- Steelers convert fake punt against Saints, except they don't
The Steelers, as of writing this, are in trouble. They sit outside the AFC playoff picture after being in control of their own destiny. In their week 16 game against the Saints, they decided a fake punt would be in order near midfield… even though they were winning by four with 4:15 to go. They didn’t get it.
#Steelers FB Roosevelt Nix celebrated with a first down signal, not realizing he was short of a first down. pic.twitter.com/evE1nxzlqN
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 24, 2018
Roosevelt Nix, who ran the ball, thought he had it however. 7/10 on the celebration there, bud. Problem is, you’re a yard and a half short. The Saints would win the game, 31-28.
April 7th- Padres let infield fly drop, Astros score winning run from second
April 7th- Padres let infield fly drop, Astros score winning run from second
Hitting a baseball is hard. Having to communicate with other people is pretty hard, too. The Astros, to this point in the game, were 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. But they had Derek Fisher on second with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning with Alex Bregman at the plate. Then that ^ happened. Astros win, 1-0.
Baseball is hard.
Baseball is hard.
The Top 15:
15. December 2nd- Georgia's fake punt fools no one, Bulldogs lose to Alabama
GEORGIA HAD THIS GAME WON. AGAIN. Just like in the National Championship, Georgia was beating Alabama in the 4th quarter, and they completely fell apart. Tied at 28, and the ball on the Georgia side of midfield on 4th and 11 with just over three minutes left, Georgia called its freshman quarterback, Justin Fields, onto the field to participate in punt coverage, hoping to catch Alabama off guard. It did not work. Alabama would win the game, 35-28, clinching the SEC Championship and going on to be the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff. THIS GAME WAS IN ATLANTA. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE FAKE PUNTING ON 4TH AND 11???
14. August 10th, July 10th, & June 7th- Baseball's worst defenses
14. August 10th, July 10th, & June 7th- Baseball's worst defenses
This is the first of a few double-whammys on this list. The first exhibit is the “walk-off strikeout” exhibit.
First, we’ll take a look at the minor league Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, who walked off with a rare bases-loaded, three-run, walk-off strikeout against the Burlington Bees.
First, we’ll take a look at the minor league Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, who walked off with a rare bases-loaded, three-run, walk-off strikeout against the Burlington Bees.
Secondly, we’ll look at the Houston Astros’ walk-off against the Oakland A’s, which features some… interesting base running techniques, and just some poor, poor defense. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TAG HIM.
Finally, this is a game between the Reds and Rockies, where both teams forget how to baseball on the SAME DAMN PLAY.
Sometimes sports make my heart hurt.
13. June 27th- Germany eliminated from World Cup by South Korea
Sometimes sports make my heart hurt.
13. June 27th- Germany eliminated from World Cup by South Korea
This is Germany. They’re supposed to be really good at soccer. They just got eliminated by South Korea, who’s not supposed to be really good at soccer. And this isn’t some fluke knockout round loss, this was a dominant 2-0 loss is the group stage. The world was right to laugh at Germany. They’re supposed to be better than this. We were rooting for you. We were all rooting for you. Except not really, sucks to suck, see you at the Olympics.
12. September 22nd- Wake Forest kicker forgets to enter game, misses field goal
12. September 22nd- Wake Forest kicker forgets to enter game, misses field goal
I think this is like a reverse Charlie Brown, where the guy actually forgets to kick the ball. I’m not really sure how you forget that your team is on the opponent’s side of the field, or how you forget that it’s fourth down. But Wake Forest freshman kicker Nick Sciba did. But even if you forget, no sweat right? You just have to take a little less time preparing and make the kick like normal. He didn’t It hit the left upright. Poor guy. Notre Dame would win the game. At least the field goal wasn't the difference, that would have sucked big time.
11. February 19th- Elizabeth Swaney at the Olympics is all of us
11. February 19th- Elizabeth Swaney at the Olympics is all of us
I’m sure we all watch athletes like Shawn White or Chloe Kim go into the Olympics and wow us both and make us want to try out skiing or snowboarding, thinking that one day, we might be able to do such things. In reality, Hungarian-American skier Elizabeth Swaney is all of us. I’m sure she’s just as petrified of that big halfpipe as we would be going up to approach our first trick. Of course, Swaney is a bona fide Olympic athlete, having gone to compete for her mother’s country of Venezuela, and then Hungary as a freestyle skier, slowly making her way up the rankings by just… skiing. Obviously she’s not a skilled Olympic athlete, but she’s got the brains to scam her way into the Olympics. She captured the dream. Not all heroes wear medals.
flipping back and forth between fergie and liz swaney and i just can’t on this monday eveningpic.twitter.com/3E0DcAFmsJ
— brithny zhang (@b_money_z) February 20, 2018
10. April 29th- Titus O'Neil and the Greatest Royal Tumble
Wrestling is the best. And sometimes, it goes beyond the best and makes its way onto this list. And the best wrestling moment of the year came back in April at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event, a promotional event broadcast from Saudi Arabia. Titus O’Neil, head of the stable Titus Worldwide, entered the arena to take part in a 50-man, over the top rope battle royal, as entrant number 39. As he was charging down the ramp, the seriousness of the match was broken as O’Neil caught the edge of the ringside mat and bit it- hard- nearly sliding underneath the ring itself. Obviously, the announcers lost it and replayed it probably 15 million times on air during the event. This is the greatest thing to ever happen.
9. October 7th- Khabib attacks Conor McGregor's camp after UFC 229 win
9. October 7th- Khabib attacks Conor McGregor's camp after UFC 229 win
From comical to serious, from the squared circle to the octagon, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor was one of the highlights of the UFC calendar year. Or… lowlights, if you want to look at it that way. After weeks of hype, which included various personal attacks by each combatant- with McGregor even making comments about Khabib’s family, the fight got underway at UFC 229 in Las Vegas. The undefeated Khabib defeated McGregor by submission in the fourth round. But then things got hairy. After the match concluded, Khabib jumped the cage, and began violently whaling at any member of McGregor’s camp that got in his way- an unprovoked, idiotic act. Khabib cited the assailment as retaliation for McGregor making the bout “personal.” UFC president Dana White suspended both men in the aftermath of the event.
8. September 19th- Vontae Davis retires at halftime
8. September 19th- Vontae Davis retires at halftime
Let’s face it- the Buffalo Bills are bad. They’re really terrible. They’ve got some glimmer of hope in Josh Allen, but let’s face it. When your starter during week one was Nathan Peterman, you’ve got some problems. Down 28-6 at halftime to the Los Angeles Chargers, cornerback Vontae Davis had had enough. And so the dude literally up and quit at halftime, reportedly telling his coaches that he was “done.” This is so totally disrespectful but so funny at the same time. It’s a microcosm of the Bills organization. David said he “meant no disrespect” to his teammates and coaches, and said in an interview that he came to the sudden realization that “he shouldn’t be out [there].” But I’ve never heard of this, at any level. Sounds like a sore loser to me! Only in Buffalo. #BillsMafia
7. April 6th- Sergio Garcia's Masters meltdown
7. April 6th- Sergio Garcia's Masters meltdown
laying golf is hard. Watching people play golf is painful. Watching professionals suck at the sport they get paid to be good at is soul sucking. Sergio Garcia even won the Masters Tournament a few years ago. And here he was in the first round of this year’s tournament, hitting five balls in the water on the 15th hole. He carded a 13 on the hole and would miss the cut. This one really does make you go “oh no…” Watch at your own discretion.
6. March 1st- Louisville gives up 5 in the final one second, loses to Virginia
6. March 1st- Louisville gives up 5 in the final one second, loses to Virginia
And that’s not some kind of crazy 5-point play. This is a slow, painful, college basketball foul-shooting death we have here. Virginia, down four, with the ball, shoots a desperation three. FOUL. Two free throws later, there is a lane violation, which means it is Louisville’s ball, up by 2 with .9 seconds left. The dude TRAVELS. Virginia ball. On the inbound, Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter banked home the game-winning three, sealing the 67-66 win for the Cavaliers. There are so many things that you just have to not do- SIMPLE things, and you did ALL of them. You deserve to lose by a point, Louisville. Rick Pitino ruined the Celtics.
5. November 22nd- Kewan Platt's vicious cheap shot
5. November 22nd- Kewan Platt's vicious cheap shot
Yeah there’s no reason for this. Dude plays for Fitchburg State, acting like he’s taking it so seriously he’s gonna go to the NBA or UFC or something. The kid from Nichols State, Nate Tenaglia, probably shoved Platt and the ref missed it or something, so this is what Kewan Platt decides to do, throw a vicious elbow a full second after the kid has let loose a three. And the way Tenaglia’s head snaps back, you would think that one inch in the wrong direction, and we’re looking at something far more serious. It’s pretty lucky that Tenaglia’s not seriously injured. Platt was suspended and “barred indefinitely” from campus after the cheap shot.
4. May 5th- 76ers drop confetti early thinking they've won; Celtics win in OT
4. May 5th- 76ers drop confetti early thinking they've won; Celtics win in OT
In a way, I can understand the confusion here. It’s close enough to being a three, emotions are running high, and you’re in front of 20,000 people at the Wells Fargo Center who vehemently hate the Celtics, I get that. But keep your hand off the button until you know the score.
With 1.7 seconds left in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Sixers SG Marco Belinelli rattled home a long jumper to tie the game at 89 and send it to overtime. The Sixers’ confetti guy, however, thought the game was over (as did many of the Sixers), and released some confetti from the rafters. The referees ruled it a two, and the two teams would play overtime.
The Celtics would win. Awkward.
3. November 11th- Cody Parkey and the four uprights
With 1.7 seconds left in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Sixers SG Marco Belinelli rattled home a long jumper to tie the game at 89 and send it to overtime. The Sixers’ confetti guy, however, thought the game was over (as did many of the Sixers), and released some confetti from the rafters. The referees ruled it a two, and the two teams would play overtime.
The Celtics would win. Awkward.
3. November 11th- Cody Parkey and the four uprights
It hasn’t been a good year for kickers in the NFL. Dane Carlson and Zane Gonzalez (who?) both lost their jobs after bad performances in week two. Mason Crosby missed four field goals and an extra point in a Packers 31-23 loss to the Lions.
And then there was Cody Parkey, who missed four field goals himself- all off the upright.
What you are about to watch are four different kicks. Oh, Danny boy; the pipes, the pipes are calling.
And then there was Cody Parkey, who missed four field goals himself- all off the upright.
What you are about to watch are four different kicks. Oh, Danny boy; the pipes, the pipes are calling.
Here is all of Cody Parkey’s missed field goals today. pic.twitter.com/tAkxDRHTwP
— The Loop Sports (@TheLoop_Sports) November 11, 2018
2. December 2017 to December 2018- Nathan Peterman and the Buffalo Bills
And then there was Nathan Petermeme.
Sorry, allow me to use his full name. Nathan “Twelve Interceptions” Peterman
This guy is bad. Like, historically bad. The guy must have had a really good tryout, because he somehow made it to the NFL level, and poor management probably allowed him to start (then again it’s the Bills, so it was definitely poor management).
In the Bills’ week nine 41-9 loss to the Chicago Bears, Peterman’s statline was as follows: 38-49, with 188 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Those three interceptions brought his total to 12 against 130 attempts, making his career interception rate 9.23%.
To put that in perspective: Aaron Rodgers had 1,000 career pass attempts before he threw his 10th interception. It took Nathan Peterman fewer than 100 to reach that mark. But on the bright side, the Oakland Raiders are undefeated since signing him. So that’s a sign of good things to come.
1. May 31st to June 8th- The 2018 NBA Finals
Sorry, allow me to use his full name. Nathan “Twelve Interceptions” Peterman
This guy is bad. Like, historically bad. The guy must have had a really good tryout, because he somehow made it to the NFL level, and poor management probably allowed him to start (then again it’s the Bills, so it was definitely poor management).
In the Bills’ week nine 41-9 loss to the Chicago Bears, Peterman’s statline was as follows: 38-49, with 188 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Those three interceptions brought his total to 12 against 130 attempts, making his career interception rate 9.23%.
To put that in perspective: Aaron Rodgers had 1,000 career pass attempts before he threw his 10th interception. It took Nathan Peterman fewer than 100 to reach that mark. But on the bright side, the Oakland Raiders are undefeated since signing him. So that’s a sign of good things to come.
1. May 31st to June 8th- The 2018 NBA Finals
This one requires some serious explanation because it is an entire series…. Realistically though, we’re going to focus on just the beginning and the end.
So it’s the Warriors and Cavaliers for the FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW. It’s LeBron against Steph and KD. The Warriors have won two of the last three. We had our rubber match. The series against the Celtics would have at least been exciting. This was garbage.
So it’s the Warriors and Cavaliers for the FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW. It’s LeBron against Steph and KD. The Warriors have won two of the last three. We had our rubber match. The series against the Celtics would have at least been exciting. This was garbage.
Game one ended in bizarre fashion thanks to one J.R. Smith. With the Warriors leading 107-106, Cavs guard George Hill went to the free throw line, and knocked down the first, leaving it tied, 107-107. He would miss the second shot. Smith, thinking the Cavaliers had the lead, grabbed the rebound and dribbled it out to half court. LeBron James, dumbfounded, pointed to the basket as if to tell Smith that there was still time. There wasn’t, and the game would go to overtime, where the Warriors would win 124-114.
Games two and three (and four) were not close. The Warriors won game two 122-103, and took game three in Cleveland 110-102.
In game four, the Warriors took the lead at the start (coming out of the gate up 13-3) and never looked back, winning 108-85, their largest win of the series. With 4:03 remaining in the game, LeBron was taken out, his last action as a member of the Cavaliers. Kevin Durant was named MVP, and the Warriors (unsurprisingly) got better that offseason by signing DeMarcus Cousins.
This series was a stinker, and it’s our number one “oh no!” sports moment in 2018.
What moment in sports this year made you cringe? Leave a comment down below.
And be sure to check out According to Andrew’s Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Games two and three (and four) were not close. The Warriors won game two 122-103, and took game three in Cleveland 110-102.
In game four, the Warriors took the lead at the start (coming out of the gate up 13-3) and never looked back, winning 108-85, their largest win of the series. With 4:03 remaining in the game, LeBron was taken out, his last action as a member of the Cavaliers. Kevin Durant was named MVP, and the Warriors (unsurprisingly) got better that offseason by signing DeMarcus Cousins.
This series was a stinker, and it’s our number one “oh no!” sports moment in 2018.
What moment in sports this year made you cringe? Leave a comment down below.
And be sure to check out According to Andrew’s Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Top 10 Sports Games of 2018
Fair warning: there’s a lot of football on this list.
But dear me, did 2018 give us some games to remember. From the Olympics to the World Cup, to the College and NFL playoffs and beyond, this year showcased the best that sports had to offer.
I also want to point out that all of these are very close. There is no drop off between one and two, nor is there a drop off between the actual list and the honorable mentions.
The games this year were spectacular. Let’s take a look at the top 10 games in sports in 2018.
But dear me, did 2018 give us some games to remember. From the Olympics to the World Cup, to the College and NFL playoffs and beyond, this year showcased the best that sports had to offer.
I also want to point out that all of these are very close. There is no drop off between one and two, nor is there a drop off between the actual list and the honorable mentions.
The games this year were spectacular. Let’s take a look at the top 10 games in sports in 2018.
Honorable Mentions:
September 8th- Clemson escapes College Station
Clemson Tigers 28, Texas A&M Aggies 26
Clemson should have put away Texas A&M much sooner and much more handily than they did. Fortunately, they made the play when they had to, and defeated the Aggies in a thrilling victory in week 2 of college football. Clemson led by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, as sophomore QB Kelly Bryant’s pass to Diondre Overton put the Tigers up 21-6. Clemson would add another later in the third, going up 28-13 entering the fourth. But Texas A&M would not go away quietly, as Aggie QB Kellen Mond led two touchdown drives within five minutes in the fourth, the second leaving the score at 28-26 with just a two point conversion pending. With the game in the balance, the Tigers defense stepped up, and forced an interception, with K’Von Wallace making the pick in the end zone, sealing a Tiger victory. Clemson is playing in the College Football Playoff, but they might not be here if not for some great defense early in the season.
September 29th- Penn State's questionable 4th down play calling
Ohio State Buckeyes 27, Penn State Nittany Lions 26
September 29th- Penn State's questionable 4th down play calling
Ohio State Buckeyes 27, Penn State Nittany Lions 26
Ah, the ol’ Ohio State-Penn State rivalry. This edition took place at Beaver Stadium, and probably shouldn’t have ended the way it did. The Nittany Lions had Ohio State on the ropes. They had the home crowd behind them, and the offense was firing on all cylinders before everything changed. Penn State struck first twice on two field goals and then a 93-yard touchdown pass from Trace McSorley to KJ Hamler to put Penn State up 13-0. But Ohio State would not go away quietly, battling back in the third to take a 14-13 lead on a J.K. Dobbins run from 4 yards out. In the fourth, McSorley and the Nittany Lions came back with a vengeance, taking two drives down the field for scores in 6 minutes to go up 26-14, the second touchdown having a two-point try get stuffed at the goal line. Binjimen Victor made it a little closer for the Buckeyes, weaving his way down the field for a 47-yard touchdown to make it 26-20 with just over six minutes to go. And on the eighth play of a 96-yard drive, four minutes later, K.J. Hill’s 24-yard pass from Dwayne Haskins put the Buckeyes up 27-26 with just over two minutes to go. All Penn State needed to do was drive down and hit a game-winning field goal. They would get to the Ohio State 43 before a stop on 3rd down set up a 4th and five. Penn State called timeout. Ohio State called timeout. You would think that, after two timeouts, and on 4th and 5, Penn State would have something ready to get that first down. Instead, it was a questionable draw play that went for a loss of two, turning the ball over to Ohio State, who knelt on it for the 27-26 win. And just like that, the faces of the Penn State players and fan base went as white as the clothing in the crowd.
January 21st- Danny "Playoff" Amendola sinks the Jaguars
AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 20
January 21st- Danny "Playoff" Amendola sinks the Jaguars
AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 20
No one expected the Jacksonville Jaguars to be in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots. Still, with an underrated offense and one of the best defenses in football, they outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a shootout, and traveled to Foxboro on a cold January afternoon, with the winner being crowned AFC Champion and getting to play in the Super Bowl. This was business as usual for the New England Patriots, on the other hand, who were playing in their 8th consecutive AFC Championship game, looking to return to the Super Bowl after winning it the year before. At the start, it was all Jaguars, who used Leonard Fournette on the ground to keep the Patriots off balance, and QB Blake Bortles picked apart the secondary, and quickly had Jacksonville up 14-3. On defense, the Patriots did not have an answer, as the Jaguars continually stopped the Patriots on third down to prevent New England from gaining momentum. But with less than two minutes to play in the half (albeit thanks to a few penalties), Tom Brady led a long drive culminating with a one-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 14-10 before halftime. After a long Josh Lambo field goal to put the Jags up by 7, the teams traded three-and-outs before Jacksonville went on yet another long drive, again finishing with a field goal to go up 20-10 at the start of the fourth. Even down by double digits, the Patriots could get nothing going, as a double pass from Brady to Danny Amendola to Dion Lewis was fumbled and recovered by the Jaguars. However, thanks to some great defense, the Patriots forced a three and out and got the ball back. The Patriots would convert their next drive into a score to make it 20-17, involving a crucial conversion on 3rd and 18 as Brady hit Amendola with a long strike. After another Jaguars punt, the Patriots only took five plays to go up 24-20, with Brady once again finding Amendola. On the Jaguars final possession, a Blake Bortles pass on fourth down was knocked down brilliantly by Stephon Gilmore, sealing a Patriots comeback, sending New England back to the Super Bowl.
March 31st- Los Angeles FC gets Zlatan'd
LA Galaxy 4, Los Angeles FC 3
March 31st- Los Angeles FC gets Zlatan'd
LA Galaxy 4, Los Angeles FC 3
This game was more the Zlatan Ibrahimovic “coming to America” party than anything else. Pulling a stunning comeback from down 3-0, Ibrahimovic equalized the score with a fantastic volley from just over the midline, then added a header to make it 4-3 LA Galaxy in stoppage time. The arrival of the Swedish superstar from Manchester United was anxiously awaited, and it is clear that Zlatan lived up to the billing.
March 24th- Jayhawks outlast Blue Devils in overtime
NCAA Tournament, Midwest Regional Final
Kansas Jayhawks 85, Duke Blue Devils 81 (OT)
March 24th- Jayhawks outlast Blue Devils in overtime
NCAA Tournament, Midwest Regional Final
Kansas Jayhawks 85, Duke Blue Devils 81 (OT)
In a tournament overshadowed by upsets, one of the more back and forth games of March Madness got lost in the shuffle of things- two college basketball giants battled it out in a contest of hardwood prowess, and the contest needed overtime to decide a winner. Kansas’ Malik Newman scored 13 points in the extra period (in fact, he was the only Jayhawk to score in overtime), and the #1 seeded Jayhawks defeated the #2 seeded Blue Devils to advance to the final four. This game featured 18 lead changes and 11 ties.
The Top 10:
10. July 2nd- Belgium comes from behind to stun Japan
FIFA World Cup, Round of 16
Belgium 3, Japan 2
As the only Asian team remaining in the 2018 World Cup, Japan was looking to keep itself in the tournament by upsetting the favored Belgian team in the round of 16 matchup. Belgium, a sleeper pick for most to win the tournament, came into the match having won their group with three decisive victories over Panama, Tunisia and England. Japan finished 1-1-1 in their group, having managed a tie with Senegal and an upset win over group winner Colombia. At the outset, though, this game was all Japan, as they scored twice early in the second half, the first by Ganki Haraguchi, and another four minutes later by Takashi Inui. The Belgians were in trouble. But in the 69th minute, Jan Bert Lieve Vertonghen managed to score on a high header, cutting the deficit in half, 2-1. In Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui scored on a beautiful cross header to even it at 2-2 in the 74th minute, sucking the air out of the Japan team and giving Belgium some new life. Finally, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Belgium flew down the pitch on one last fast break attack, and Nacer Chadli found the back of the net, icing the win for Belgium, and sending Japan home in heartbreaking fashion. Belgium would go on to upset Brazil in the quarter final, but lost to eventual champion France, 1-0 in the semifinals.
9. February 22nd- United States women's hockey is golden
2018 Winter Olympics: Women's Ice Hockey, Gold Medal Game
United States of America 3, Canada 2 (Shootout)
9. February 22nd- United States women's hockey is golden
2018 Winter Olympics: Women's Ice Hockey, Gold Medal Game
United States of America 3, Canada 2 (Shootout)
The United States women’s national team blew a 2-0 lead in the gold medal game four years ago in Sochi, and lost in overtime to the Canadians. This time, they were not about to let it get away in Pyeongchang. In this edition of the gold medal game, the Americans jumped on the Canadians in the first period, with a brilliant tip-in goal by Hilary Knight. The Canadians battled back, though, scoring two in the second period to take the lead back 2-1 on goals from Haley Irwin and Marie-Philip Poulin, the latter having scored in OT four years ago to win the gold medal for Canada. In the third, though, Monique Lamoureux whistled a shot past Canada goalie Shannon Szabados to even the score at 2 with only 6:21 remaining, where the score would eventually remain until overtime. In the extra period, the Americans managed to keep pace, even outlasting a Canadian power play for the last minute and change of overtime. With the score tied after OT, the gold medal would be decided in a shootout. Tied at two goals apiece in the 6th round, it was Jocelyn Lamoureux this time, who deked Szabados out of her skates and slid in the go-ahead goal for Team USA. All US goalie Maddie Rooney had to do was stop a shot from Meghan Agosta to seal the gold medal for Team USA. She did just that, and for the first time since 1998, the United States sat at the top of the podium, champions in women’s ice hockey. A truly golden moment at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
8. January 1st- Double overtime decides the Rose Bowl
College Football Playoff Semifinal- Rose Bowl
Georgia Bulldogs 54, Oklahoma Sooners 48 (2 OT)
8. January 1st- Double overtime decides the Rose Bowl
College Football Playoff Semifinal- Rose Bowl
Georgia Bulldogs 54, Oklahoma Sooners 48 (2 OT)
I never knew there had never been a Rose Bowl that needed overtime to determine a winner. Finally, in 2018, we had one. This CFB semifinal featured two teams that both could have given Alabama fits in the National Championship. The first was Oklahoma, whose quarterback Baker Mayfield was the recent Heisman Trophy winner, determined to get an Oklahoma squad to the big time after falling short the last few years. The other was Georgia, a hard-nosed team that had quietly finished the season with a 12-1 record, defeating the likes of Notre Dame and Auburn along the way. It was all Oklahoma in the first half, with the score sitting at 31-17 by halftime. Georgia fought back in the third quarter, on a pair of touchdown runs by Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The Bulldogs and Sooners traded pairs of touchdowns in the fourth, with Georgia tying the game on a Nick Chubb run with only 55 seconds to play. With neither team getting it done in the first overtime, the Georgia defense prevented Oklahoma from scoring on the first possession of double overtime, as Austin Seibert’s 27-yard field goal was blocked by Lorenzo Carter. On the second play of Georgia’s possession, Sony Michel ran for 27 yards into the endzone, and sent the Bulldogs to the title game to face off against SEC rival Alabama.
7. November 19th- The Monday night offensive spectacular
Los Angeles Rams 54, Kansas City Chiefs 51
7. November 19th- The Monday night offensive spectacular
Los Angeles Rams 54, Kansas City Chiefs 51
This game showed me that there might be a new era of professional football on the horizon: one filled with offensive explosions and very little defense: whoever’s offense can shine the brightest will be the winner. And so, during a Monday night game moved from Mexico City back to Los Angeles, we may have gotten our Super Bowl preview, as two 9-1 teams met for a clash of the Titans. We saw two quarterbacks throw for a combined 10 touchdown passes. We saw 7 lead changes. We saw some of the worst defense I have ever seen, and perhaps some of the most underthrown footballs I have ever seen. But what we got was one heck of a football game that kept us on the edge of our seats. Just when all seemed lost for both the Chiefs and Rams, both pulled something out of the hat to swing the momentum in the other direction. I truthfully wouldn’t be mad if we saw a Super Bowl that featured these two teams.
6. January 8th- Who is Tua Tagovailoa, anyway?
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
Alabama Crimson Tide 26, Georgia Bulldogs 23 (OT)
6. January 8th- Who is Tua Tagovailoa, anyway?
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
Alabama Crimson Tide 26, Georgia Bulldogs 23 (OT)
Leave it to Alabama to surprise literally everyone and then surprise no one at the same time. Georgia had this game WON. They knocked Jalen Hurts out of the game. Who is Tua Tagovailoa, anyways? The Bulldogs, fresh of a double overtime win in the Rose Bowl the week prior, led 23-20 in overtime, and had just sacked the backup QB Tagovailoa on first down to push the Crimson Tide out of field goal range on second down. No problem. Tua unloaded a 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith to win the game in overtime for the Tide. Typical Georgia sports teams, blowing leads all over the place. Georgia’s not allowed to play football again.
5. November 24th- LSU and Texas A&M go the distance
Texas A&M Aggies 74, LSU Tigers 72 (7 OT)
5. November 24th- LSU and Texas A&M go the distance
Texas A&M Aggies 74, LSU Tigers 72 (7 OT)
We had a 7-overtime game make the list in a prior year, but this one was far superior, based solely on the teams involved. It took Texas A&M seven overtimes to put away seventh-ranked LSU, who were fighting for a potential playoff spot. In the fourth quarter, with LSU up 31-24, A&M QB Kellen Mond threw what was thought to be a game-sealing interception. LSU poured the Gatorade on top of coach Ed Orgeron, before finding out that Mond’s knee had actually touched the ground, meaning the play should have been dead before the ball was thrown. With possession and no time left, Mond, on the very next play, threw a 19-yard strike to Quentin Davis to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the third overtime, with LSU leading 49-41, Mond hit Kendrick Rogers (who should have been this game’s MVP if he wasn’t already) for a 25-yard touchdown pass, which Rogers reeled in with one hand. The game remained tied in the fourth overtime, then the fifth, then the sixth. LSU scored in the 7th overtime on a 10-yard run from Joe Burrow to put the Tigers up 72-66. Their two-point conversion failed. On the Aggies’ possession, Mond hit Davis again for 19 yards to tie it at 72. The two-point conversion? Mond to Rogers, because of course. It took seven overtimes to decide a winner. LSU left virtually empty handed, and A&M left with their heads held high. Can you imagine if the NFL switched to a system like this? Games would be WAY more exciting.
4. February 4th- Philly Philly
Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33
4. February 4th- Philly Philly
Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33
Some dude named Nick Foles was the MVP of this game. Tom Brady, playing in his second consecutive Super Bowl, torched the Eagles defense for 505 yards and still lost. Malcolm Butler didn’t play. The Philly Special was run. The Patriots actually led in this game and had two chances to drive down the field and take the lead in the fourth and could not. The Eagles won the goddamn Super Bowl. That’s all I have to say about that. You want my recap on the game? You can read it HERE. Get out of my face.
3. October 26th- Max Muncy ends it in the 18th
World Series, Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers 4, Boston Red Sox 3 (18 innings)
3. October 26th- Max Muncy ends it in the 18th
World Series, Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers 4, Boston Red Sox 3 (18 innings)
My takeaways from this game are far and few between: a) This is both one of the best and worst games of baseball I have ever seen based on longevity and quality of play. b) Ian Kinsler should never be allowed to play baseball again. And c) The Red Sox should be paying Nathan Eovaldi all of the dollars. In game three of the World Series, with the Red Sox already ahead two games to none, they entered game three against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, starting Rick Porcello to try to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. The game was pretty tame, all things considered. Joc Pederson homered in the third, and Jackie Bradley Jr. homered to tie it in the eighth. But in extras, things got wacky. Eduardo Nunez, who is probably like the #7 hero of this entire World Series for the Red Sox, put his body on the line in the inning, taking a hit by pitch, diving into first, and then eventually scoring the go-ahead run. He would put his body on the line again in the bottom of the frame by diving into the seats to make a catch. But Ian Kinsler (who was awarded a Gold Glove at the end of the season) ruined what could have been a perfectly tame 13-inning victory. After nearly botching running the bases TWICE, he fielded a ground ball to second awkwardly with two outs and a man at third, and errantly threw it away from first base, allowing Max Muncy to score. Instead of a 3-2 Red Sox win, it was 3-3. And they played on. And on. And on. This is a good time to mention Nathan Eovaldi, who threw 97 pitches in 6 full innings of relief, after entering in the 12th inning. This is also a good time to mention that Eovaldi gave up the winning home run to Max Muncy in the bottom of the 18th, sending the Dodgers home with new life, bringing the series to 2-1.
Hint: The Dodgers would drop the next two games and the Red Sox would win their fourth World Series since 2004.
2. January 14th- The Minneapolis Miracle
NFC Divisional Playoff
Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24
Hint: The Dodgers would drop the next two games and the Red Sox would win their fourth World Series since 2004.
2. January 14th- The Minneapolis Miracle
NFC Divisional Playoff
Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24
A comeback. Four lead changes in the last three minutes. A last-ditch prayer of a throw. A miracle finish. This playoff game between the Vikings and Saints had it all. The Saints rallied from down 17 with 1:16 to go in the third quarter, and took a 24-23 lead after a 43-second drive from quarterback Drew Brees led to a Will Lutz field goal. The Vikings were out of timeouts with only ten seconds to go, stuck at his own 39 yard line. Minnesota QB Case Keenum threw one up by the sidelines to Stefon Diggs, who managed to come down with the ball, avoid the defender, stay in bounds, and high step to the end zone to win it as time expired. “The Minneapolis Miracle,” as the radio broadcasters described it. The Vikings would lose to the Eagles in the NFC Championship, missing out on their chance to become a first-time Super Bowl host. But for a franchise experienced with postseason disappointment, this game served as much needed-relief for those still ailing from Blair Walsh’s missed field goal in the cold against Seattle, or Brett Favre’s unnecessary interception against the same Saints in 2010. This moment will probably live on forever in Minnesota Vikings and NFL lore.
1. October 17th- Red Sox vs. Astros- An instant classic
American League Championship Series, Game 4
Boston Red Sox 8, Houston Astros 6
1. October 17th- Red Sox vs. Astros- An instant classic
American League Championship Series, Game 4
Boston Red Sox 8, Houston Astros 6
These were the two best teams in baseball slugging it out in a pivotal game 4. The Astros were down 2-1, looking to even the series and get some much-needed momentum in game five, to be played in Houston. The Red Sox were looking to go up 3-1, an almost insurmountable deficit for any team in baseball, and move one win away from going back to the World Series. The Sox struck first in the opening frame, with Rafael Devers bringing in Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, putting Boston up 2-0 almost immediately.
Trouble brewed in the bottom of the frame, however, as Jose Altuve was called out on a spectator interference call, which, if Mookie Betts had not made the catch, would have either bounced off the wall, or gone over the fence, tying the game for the Astros. Crew chief Joe West made the call, and despite fans and Astros players taking issue with the call, spectator interference was upheld. Rick Porcello then got Yuli Gurriel to fly to right to end the inning.
After a Houston run in the 2nd, Xander Bogaerts doubled to score Andrew Benintendi, chasing Houston starter Charlie Morton from the game after 2.1 innings. But the Astros weren’t done. In the third, Porcello allowed a home run to George Springer and an RBI single to Josh Reddick. In the fourth, he allowed another home run, this time to Tony Kemp. Joe Kelly took over for Porcello, locking down the next inning.
Xander Bogaerts answered with an RBI single in the fifth, tying the game at 4, only to have the Astros answer right back, as Carlos Correa drove in Gurriel. 5-4 Houston after five. Jackie Bradley, Jr., who was defying expectations for the entire series, clobbered a two run home run in the sixth, driving in Christian Vazquez as well. A bases loaded walk in the seventh and a J.D. Martinez RBI in the eighth brought the score to 8-5.
And then there was Craig Kimbrel, who proceeded to give up a run in the eighth and then load the bases in the ninth.
Fortunately for Craig Kimbrel, there was Benny Biceps. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and two outs, Alex Bregman, who to this point was Houston’s probable super star for years to come, lined a ball on his first pitch into shallow left center.
Benintendi dove and made a spectacular catch. There’s no telling what would have happened if he didn’t catch it, but he did, and the Red Sox took home a victory to go up 3-1 in the series. They would go on to win game five the next night, winning the ALCS and advancing to the World Series.
In this back-and-forth, gripping game, ultimately perseverance from the 108-win team shone through, and their performance (along with their competitor) earned this game the top spot for our Best Games of 2018.
Is there a game we missed? Let us know in the comments down below.
Be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew’s Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Trouble brewed in the bottom of the frame, however, as Jose Altuve was called out on a spectator interference call, which, if Mookie Betts had not made the catch, would have either bounced off the wall, or gone over the fence, tying the game for the Astros. Crew chief Joe West made the call, and despite fans and Astros players taking issue with the call, spectator interference was upheld. Rick Porcello then got Yuli Gurriel to fly to right to end the inning.
After a Houston run in the 2nd, Xander Bogaerts doubled to score Andrew Benintendi, chasing Houston starter Charlie Morton from the game after 2.1 innings. But the Astros weren’t done. In the third, Porcello allowed a home run to George Springer and an RBI single to Josh Reddick. In the fourth, he allowed another home run, this time to Tony Kemp. Joe Kelly took over for Porcello, locking down the next inning.
Xander Bogaerts answered with an RBI single in the fifth, tying the game at 4, only to have the Astros answer right back, as Carlos Correa drove in Gurriel. 5-4 Houston after five. Jackie Bradley, Jr., who was defying expectations for the entire series, clobbered a two run home run in the sixth, driving in Christian Vazquez as well. A bases loaded walk in the seventh and a J.D. Martinez RBI in the eighth brought the score to 8-5.
And then there was Craig Kimbrel, who proceeded to give up a run in the eighth and then load the bases in the ninth.
Fortunately for Craig Kimbrel, there was Benny Biceps. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and two outs, Alex Bregman, who to this point was Houston’s probable super star for years to come, lined a ball on his first pitch into shallow left center.
Benintendi dove and made a spectacular catch. There’s no telling what would have happened if he didn’t catch it, but he did, and the Red Sox took home a victory to go up 3-1 in the series. They would go on to win game five the next night, winning the ALCS and advancing to the World Series.
In this back-and-forth, gripping game, ultimately perseverance from the 108-win team shone through, and their performance (along with their competitor) earned this game the top spot for our Best Games of 2018.
Is there a game we missed? Let us know in the comments down below.
Be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew’s Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
Top 18 Moments in Sports in 2018
Team USA enters the Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
2018 was a year of firsts, fantastic finishes, and all-around great moments. From teams winning their first championships to players inspiring us with feats of greatness, we can all learn something from the calendar year in sports.
This year’s been so long, there was an Olympics and a World Cup. And there was a lot to cover. If I’ve omitted a favorite moment of yours, I can only apologize and ask why you didn’t text me to make sure I included it in this countdown. That being said, I did my best, and I think this list accurately depicts what the year in sports was like.
And because my list was so long, I went with the top 18 moments in sports for 2018.
Off we go. Buckle up your chin straps and jockstraps.
This year’s been so long, there was an Olympics and a World Cup. And there was a lot to cover. If I’ve omitted a favorite moment of yours, I can only apologize and ask why you didn’t text me to make sure I included it in this countdown. That being said, I did my best, and I think this list accurately depicts what the year in sports was like.
And because my list was so long, I went with the top 18 moments in sports for 2018.
Off we go. Buckle up your chin straps and jockstraps.
Honorable Mentions:
4/28- Shaquem Griffin is drafted by the Seattle Seahawks
Back at April’s NFL Draft, the Seahawks drafted Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin with the 141st overall pick. Why is this significant? Well, it requires a look at Griffin’s backstory to truly realize its impact. Firstly, Shaquem is the brother of Shaquill Griffin, whom he played with at Central Florida, and whom was drafted by the same team the year before him. Secondly and probably more notably, Shaquem only has one hand. Someone becoming a professional athlete despite a physical impairment like this is a crazy feat. Griffin being drafted shows that anyone can capture their dreams no matter the obstacle if their heart is in it all the way.
8/24- Josef Martinez breaks MLS single season scoring record
8/24- Josef Martinez breaks MLS single season scoring record
In a game in August against Orlando City, Atlanta United Striker Josef Martinez scored his 28th goal of the MLS season, breaking a record held by three men- Roy Lassiter, Chris Wondolowski, and Bradley-Wright Phillips- the single-season record for goals scored in a single MLS season. What’s even more extraordinary is that the Venezuelan national team member had a quarter of a season to go to add to his tally. He finished this season with 35 goals, smashing the previous mark by an astounding seven goals. Martinez’s 28th goal came in game number 26, putting his goals for average at a ridiculous 1.46 per game at the time.
2/24- United States wins its first gold medal in curling
2/24- United States wins its first gold medal in curling
The United States struggled mightily at the Olympics in Pyeongchang. However, their shortcomings were matched only by their surprise successes. One such came two days after the U.S. women won a thrilling gold medal game against Canada, when the U.S. men’s curling team shocked the world by upsetting Sweden, the top-ranked squad in the world, to win its first gold medal ever in the event. When the American lost to Norway to fall to a 2-4 record in round robin play, they were on the brink of elimination. Led by John Shuster, the U.S. team rattled off five consecutive victories, finally defeating Canada in the semifinals, before soundly defeating the Swedes to win the gold- so soundly, in fact, that the Swedish team conceded with several stones left remaining in the 10th and final end. Can we say now that the United States is the new home of curling?
9/24- Gritty is unveiled
9/24- Gritty is unveiled
Gritty represents everything that is perfect, both about the game of hockey and about the city of Philadelphia as a whole. He burst onto the world stage shortly before the start of the 2018-19 season, and, while everyone was taken back by his bizarre appearance, Gritty’s social media presence simply adds to his mystique. The googly eyes. The scraggly beard. The orange fur. He looks like a coked-out muppet. But for a city that greases its light poles when it wins a Super Bowl for the first time, for a city that is scrappy and struggling and blue color and will fight you to the death about its sports teams- Gritty is perfect. Gritty is everything. We are all Gritt-nesses.
9/30- David Wright plays final game as a New York Met
9/30- David Wright plays final game as a New York Met
David Wright did not have a glamorous last few years to his career. He was ridden with injuries to his neck and back, including several painful rehabilitations. But on a cold night in September, the Mets longtime third baseman stepped back onto the dirt for the last time in his fourteen-year career, for one last game at Citi Field. It was business as usual as far as the game goes: Wright walked in the first, and popped to first base in the fourth. In the fifth, the Mets pulled him from the game to a rousing ovation from the crowd, and even the Miami Marlins, who all stood to applaud one of the best third basemen in baseball history. Watch the highlights, and you can see Wright constantly turning around to take in his last few moments on a baseball field. Truly an emotional moment for one of the greats.
5/11- Jonny Venters returns after three and a half Tommy John surgeries
5/11- Jonny Venters returns after three and a half Tommy John surgeries
A single Tommy John surgery is probably the most notorious medical problem a baseball player can have. It involves taking a ligament from another part of the body and using it to repair a ligament damaged in the throwing arm. It’s a season-ending procedure. Now, that’s just one. Think about having three and a half of those. That’s what journeyman pitcher Jonny Venters endured, having missed the 2006, 2013 and 2015 seasons due to the procedures. His arm troubles had allowed the Atlanta Braves to cut him. But finally, in April of this year, the Tampa Bay Rays, having signed Venters to a minor league contract the year prior, finally called him up to pitch- his first major league outing in 2,048 days. He pitched against the Orioles and got Chris Davis to ground out on four pitches. He was then traded back to his hometown Atlanta Braves, where he finished 2018 with a 5-2 record, a 3.67 ERA, and the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
The Top 18:
18. 2/22- United States edges Sweden for cross-country gold
The Olympic Winter Games are a trap, and they’re a trap that wasn’t made for Americans- It’s a trap because it was made for the snow people of Norway, Sweden and Finland to show that everyone who lives there is half-human, half-snow leopard. This being said, it is no surprise that the United States had never won a gold medal in cross country skiing. That was, until Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins edged Norway by .19 seconds to end the Americans’ 42-year medal drought. In the team sprint, the Americans stuck with the favorite Swedes throughout the entire race, with Jessie Diggins making a final push to jump from third to first. Diggins gave it her all in the final 100 meters, stretching the boot at the end to edge Charlotte Kalla and Stina Nilsson by .19 seconds. The United States may not have won a lot of medals in Pyeongchang, but the ones they did were thrilling and emotional.
17. 10/8- Drew Brees sets NFL career passing yards record
17. 10/8- Drew Brees sets NFL career passing yards record
When talking about the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Drew Brees should be in the conversation. He has had a long career that has included a Super Bowl championship and game MVP, as well as holding numerous career passing records. On a Monday night in October at the Superdome, Brees sat only 201 yards back of Peyton Manning for first all-time on the career passing yards list. During the second quarter, Brees hooked up with Tre’quan Smith for a 62-yard touchdown pass, securing Brees firmly at the top of the list. Brees removed his helmet, offered a wave to a sea of standing Saints fans, and shared a hug with his wife and children on the sidelines. What record hasn’t Drew Brees broken at this point?
16. 4/5- Daniel and Henrik Sedin go out together with tandem OT winner
16. 4/5- Daniel and Henrik Sedin go out together with tandem OT winner
Henrik and Daniel Sedin never won a Stanley Cup, but they have been members of the Vancouver Canucks core through their entire careers, having been drafted one after the other in the 1999 NHL draft. The twins effectiveness as a tandem is legendary throughout the game of hockey. But after 17-year careers, the brothers finally decided to hang up the skates. In the Canucks’ final game at Rogers Centre against the Arizona Coyotes, the score was tied 3-3 in overtime. Henrik fed Daniel with a pass into the high slot, which Daniel rifled past Darcy Kuemper, sending the Vancouver crowd into a frenzy, showering with admiration the players who had brought such excellence to the ice after such long careers. This is a moment you could not have scripted any better.
15. 9/20- The Browns beat the Steelers, 21-21
15. 9/20- The Browns beat the Steelers, 21-21
For the first time since December 2016, the Cleveland Browns did not lose a football game. Technically, they didn’t win until week three, but week one saw one of the most interesting contests we’re ever likely to see between two franchises that are night and day- the Steelers the epitome of excellence, and the Browns the hapless loser franchise. With a redesigned team featuring some good offensive talent, Cleveland fans were anxious to finally see their team win a game after going 0-16 in 2017, and 1-15 the year before. What followed in week one was the most amazing (or disgusting, depending on how you look at it) display of football I have ever seen. Down 21-7 in the third, the Browns defense made a big play forcing a James Conner fumble, and capitalizing for a touchdown a few plays later, 21-14. With only two minutes to play in the 4th, the Browns tied the game on a Tyrod Taylor pass to Cameron Sutton. Cleveland would even get close with 20 seconds left and in field goal range, but Taylor’s pass to Josh Gordon was intercepted at the Pittsburgh 5. With the score 21-21, the game headed to overtime. The new NFL overtime period is only 10 minutes long- something greatly affecting this moment. The Browns won the toss for OT but had a punt nearly blocked, giving the Steelers good field position and setting up a potential game-winning field goal for Pittsburgh. Chris Boswell yanked it left, giving all of Cleveland hope. Unfortunately, the Browns gave it right back on a three and out with 1:17 remaining. But with 45 second left, Ben Roethlisberger was hit while throwing, forcing his sixth interception of the day, and putting the Browns inside the Pittsburgh 15 with only 30 seconds to go.
BLOCKED.
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2018
Wow.#PITvsCLE pic.twitter.com/vKXiyNi1Z0
And in true Cleveland Browns fashion, the game-winning field goal was blocked, and the game ended in a 21-21 tie.
The Browns would win their first game in week 3 (thanks to the emergence of someone named Baker Mayfield), but this tie was probably the most Cleveland Browns win ever.
14. 6/9- Justify wins the Triple Crown
14. 6/9- Justify wins the Triple Crown
With American Pharoah becoming the first horse to the Triple Crown for the first time in 37 years back in 2015, the trifecta has lost a bit of its luster. Still, Justify’s run is notable because of his undefeated run, followed by his subsequent retirement. Justify did not race as a two-year old, making him the only of the thirteen Triple Crown winners to not do so. His win at the Santa Anita Derby made him the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, which he did by 2.5 lengths. At the Preakness Stakes, Justify overcame tough, muddy, foggy conditions to capture the second leg of the trifecta by a half length over Bravazo. At the Belmont Stakes, Justify drew first position, meaning a poor start would trap him on the rail, making it difficult to come from behind. Fortunately, he had a great start, earning a wire-to-wire, 1 and ¾ length victory over Gronkowski becoming the thirteenth Triple Crown winner. Justify would retire only a few weeks after the Belmont, ending his career undefeated.
13. 7/1- LeBron becomes LABron
13. 7/1- LeBron becomes LABron
We all knew this was coming, but it’s a moment nonetheless. Coming off a huge NBA finals stinker, the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar opted out of his contract, and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a 4-year, $153 million dollar contract. LeBron’s second departure from Cleveland was less criticized than his first one (see: The Decision), and LeBron even began plans to set up a public school for at-risk kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to soften the blow. Still, the signing was major sports news, and represented a major shift of power in the NBA, from the East to the West, now teeming with top-tier talent.
12. 2/20- Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir capture hearts and strengthen thighs
12. 2/20- Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir capture hearts and strengthen thighs
This was the best figure skating routine of the Olympics, and it won Canadian pair Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir a gold medal. Watch the routine HERE as they skate to a selection of music from the film Moulin Rouge, culminating in a dramatic finish, with Virtue literally standing on Moir’s legs to the climax of the song “Come What May.” It’s heartrending. Get the tissues ready!
11. 10/30- Red Sox win the World Series
11. 10/30- Red Sox win the World Series
I’ll be honest, I didn’t see this happening. Though the Red Sox won 108 games, the most in the majors during the 2018 season, they had their struggles in August and September, and major question marks about the strength of the bullpen began to rise. And still, the Red Sox dismantled the Yankees in five games, then battled back from a 1-0 deficit at home to win in five games against the Houston Astros, one game thanks in part to a fantastic catch by Andrew Benintendi. Finally, in a thrilling series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including one game that featured a back-and-forth, 18-inning contest, the Red Sox won their fourth World Series championship since 2004, spearheaded by help from unlikely sources: Nathan Eovaldi (who pitched lights out in just about every game he appeared in) and Steve Pearce (the World Series MVP, who had clutch home run after clutch home run, including two in the decisive game five), neither of whom were on the team when the season began. Look at it this way: teams don’t win 108 games just by being lucky.
10. 2/4- Eagles win Super Bowl LII
10. 2/4- Eagles win Super Bowl LII
The Eagles won the goddamn Super Bowl. We don’t have to talk about this one. We don’t have to talk about how Nick Foles, a backup quarterback, torched a garbage Patriots defense for 373 yards and three touchdowns (even though Tom Brady lit up the Eagles for 505 yards and still lost). We don’t have to talk about the Patriots’ missed attempted trick play, and the Eagles subsequent “Philly Special” to put the Eagles up 22-12 right before halftime. We don’t have to talk about the city of Philadelphia winning their first sports championship in 10 years and their first football championship since 1960. But we won’t. No thanks.
9. 5/20- Vegas Golden Knights advance to Stanley Cup Final
9. 5/20- Vegas Golden Knights advance to Stanley Cup Final
It is not uncommon for expansion teams to suck in their first season in the league. It is extremely uncommon for expansion teams to have the strongest first season in North American sports history and make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. But still, the Vegas Golden Knights defied the odds and did it. First there was their 51 wins, setting the record for most wins in an inaugural campaign. Then came the points record for a team in its first season with a division-best 109 points. Then it was the sweep of the Los Angeles kings in the first round, followed by a dispatching of the San Jose Sharks in six. Finally, in the Western Conference Finals, the Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets in a hard-fought seven game series, to advance to the Cup final, the first expansion team to do so since the St. Louis Blues in 1972. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, they were defeated by the Washington Capitals in five games, as the Caps won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. But for a group of castoffs from 30 other NHL teams, the Golden Knights gave underdogs everywhere a chance to believe.
8. 3/29- Blackhawks play emergency backup goalie Scott Foster
8. 3/29- Blackhawks play emergency backup goalie Scott Foster
On the day of the game on March 27th, Scott Foster was at his accounting job. By the end of the night, he was a Chicago hero. During the Blackhawks regular-season contest against the Winnipeg Jets, the Hawks were up 6-2 with 12 minutes to play, Chicago goaltender Collin Delia was injured. Funny enough, Delia was serving as the backup goaltender, as primary goalie Corey Crawford was sidelined with a season-ending concussion, and his initial backup, Anton Forsberg, was injured prior to the game. So, with just over half the period left to play, and a four-goal lead, the accountant and rec league goalie entered the action. Foster stopped one shot, and then another, and then another, preserving the four-goal lead and a win with seven stopped shots in the game. Think about it- it’s a pretty cool thing to happen: you start your day as an accountant, and end your day as the first star of a Chicago Blackhawks game, with a 1.000% save percentage. “I think I’m just hitting my prime,” joked Foster in a postgame interview.
7. 4/16- Mary Shertenlieb finishes the Boston Marathon
7. 4/16- Mary Shertenlieb finishes the Boston Marathon
If you’re from Boston and listen to 98.5 The Sports Hub on the radio in the mornings, you are familiar with Toucher and Rich. Rich Shertenlieb’s wife, Mary, is a cancer survivor who ran the Boston Marathon this past April, raising money for the Dana-Farber Cancer institute. The conditions for the marathon this past April were atrocious: rain, wind, sub-50 degree weather; torturous for any runner. For Mary, who was running her first marathon, the toll was even worse. Rich does a better job of describing what happened (if you feel like listening to the podcast link found HERE- and I promise it's well worth your time), but Shertenlieb, after stopping for a few hours to keep warm, and even wanting to quit at times, finally went out and finished the race with her husband Rich by her side. They were the last two people to finish. Take a listen. This is quite the story.
6. 9/7- Serena Williams passes the torch to Naomi Osaka
6. 9/7- Serena Williams passes the torch to Naomi Osaka
Let’s get something clear. Serena Williams was not in the wrong for displaying her aggravation with the court judgements during the U.S. Open final. She couldn’t have won the match anyways even if she hadn’t been penalized for her outburst- Osaka was playing better tennis, that much is certain. But Williams was not in the wrong for calling the double standards in tennis that benefit white, male players who are able to throw fits on the court with no repercussions. The scene itself was messy, but the aftermath was, strangely, elegant. Serena stood up for herself, her fellow players, her daughter, and for all women. The evidence is clear during the trophy ceremony. These two women left it all on the court, and they appear drained both physically and emotionally. This is one of the more dramatic moments of the year, but it is probably the most important.
5. 3/16- #16 UMBC upsets #1 Virginia
5. 3/16- #16 UMBC upsets #1 Virginia
135-0. That was the all-time record of #1 seeded teams in the NCAA tournament against #16 seeds. A few #16’s got close, but it was always the #1 seeds that came out on top. That was until the UMBC Retrievers met the #1 overall Virginia Cavaliers in the first round of the NCAA tournament this past April.
And the Retrievers didn’t just defeat the Cavaliers. They blew them out of the water.
In a 74-54 thrashing, #16 UMBC pulled probably the greatest upset in the history of the NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers shot 39% from the floor in the first half, and entered halftime tied at 21 (something else a 16-seed had never done before). But the momentum never left UMBC’s side, as they converted three-pointer after three-pointer at a seemingly astounding rate. Virginia, which also (as the top team in the nation) lost a game to Chaminade College in Hawaii in another great NCAA upset, allowed 74 points, their worst defensive performance of the season. 99.4% of brackets had the Cavaliers winning this game.
Brackets= busted.
4. 2/22- United States women's hockey team is golden
And the Retrievers didn’t just defeat the Cavaliers. They blew them out of the water.
In a 74-54 thrashing, #16 UMBC pulled probably the greatest upset in the history of the NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers shot 39% from the floor in the first half, and entered halftime tied at 21 (something else a 16-seed had never done before). But the momentum never left UMBC’s side, as they converted three-pointer after three-pointer at a seemingly astounding rate. Virginia, which also (as the top team in the nation) lost a game to Chaminade College in Hawaii in another great NCAA upset, allowed 74 points, their worst defensive performance of the season. 99.4% of brackets had the Cavaliers winning this game.
Brackets= busted.
4. 2/22- United States women's hockey team is golden
As I have said before, the United States did not fare well at the 2018 Olympics. But we did see a golden performance from the women’s hockey team, capped with a shootout win against Canada (whom they had lost to in dramatic fashion four years earlier) for the gold medal. Trailing 2-1 entering the third period, the Americans tied it up on a breakaway goal by Monique Lamoureux. After an overtime period during which the Americans were on the penalty kill, the goal medal was decided in a shootout. The Canadians went ahead 2-1 after three and a half rounds, but the American rallied with a great goal from Amanda Kessel. Finally, in the sixth round, it was Jocelyne Lamoureux who deked out Shannon Szabados and found the lower left corner of the net to put the United States up 3-2 in the shootout. On the next shot, U.S. goalie Maddie Rooney came up with the stop to seal the win for the Americans. For the first time since 1998, the United States had earned a gold medal in women’s hockey- in a game that can definitely be considered one of the best of the year.
3. 6/7- Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup
3. 6/7- Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup
It finally happened. Alexander Ovechkin, for years being the best player in hockey to have never won the Cup, finally won the Cup. It took the Capitals three tries to finally slay their white whale in the Pittsburgh Penguins. It took a tough seven game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, during which the Caps lost three straight after winning the first two in dominating fashion. But, with a win in five games over the Vegas Golden Knights, and spoiling their Cinderella run to the Cup, the Capitals finally reigned supreme over the game of hockey, earning the city’s first sports championship since 1992. The Stanley Cup weighs 34.5 pounds. But when Gary Bettman handed the Stanley Cup to Alex Ovechkin, it probably felt lighter than air. Watch the celebration, and, pair it with the music (which is from Remember the Titans- dammit, Vegas, you know how to make the moment special), and get ready for the chills to creep up your spine.
2. 9/23- Tiger Woods walks up the 18th at East Lake
2. 9/23- Tiger Woods walks up the 18th at East Lake
There is a reason golf is cool. Tiger Woods is the reason golf is cool. Tiger’s had a long road since his career went off the rails almost 10 years ago, and it had been five years since he last won a tournament. But 2018 was the year of the tiger, especially in the latter half of the PGA tour season. He was close at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and was even closer at the British Open at Carnoustie, but he could not close the door on major number 15, despite getting close. Finally, in the last tournament of the year, the Tour Championship at East Lake, Tiger’s hard work came to fruition. He led by two strokes even after consecutive bogeys on 15 and 16, and walked down the 18th fairway surrounded by literally throngs of fans. Watch this highlight and name another golfer that has had THIS kind of effect on people. You cannot. Tiger Woods is the best thing that has ever happened to golf, and his winning of this tournament might just signal the start of one last great run for the king of the golf course. Who would have thunk that the shot of the year would be a two-foot tap in putt? It’s the best.
1. 3/31 and 4/1- Arike Ogunbowale's back-to-back buzzer-beaters win Notre Dame a National Championship
1. 3/31 and 4/1- Arike Ogunbowale's back-to-back buzzer-beaters win Notre Dame a National Championship
No player had ever hit two back-to-back buzzer-beaters in an NCAA tournament before Arike did it. But Arike did it in the national semifinal, and then again in the national championship. Arike did it first against UConn, the terrorizers of the women’s college basketball world, and then against Mississippi State, last year’s runners-up.
After blowing a five-point lead in regulation against UConn, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame managed to keep the game tied and send it to overtime. With only seconds remaining, and the score tied at 89, Arike Ogunbowale pulled up to hit a long two with only one second to go.
After blowing a five-point lead in regulation against UConn, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame managed to keep the game tied and send it to overtime. With only seconds remaining, and the score tied at 89, Arike Ogunbowale pulled up to hit a long two with only one second to go.
Buckets.
UConn’s inbound was intercepted, and the Irish were off to the National Championship.
In the final, the Irish once again had to come from behind, trailing by five with under two minutes to play. But they rallied to tie it at 58 with just over forty seconds left. With three seconds remaining, the Irish managed to get the ball back, and inbounded it to Ogunbowale once again. She launched an off-balance three, seemingly falling away from the play.
UConn’s inbound was intercepted, and the Irish were off to the National Championship.
In the final, the Irish once again had to come from behind, trailing by five with under two minutes to play. But they rallied to tie it at 58 with just over forty seconds left. With three seconds remaining, the Irish managed to get the ball back, and inbounded it to Ogunbowale once again. She launched an off-balance three, seemingly falling away from the play.
And she found the bottom of the basket, winning the National Championship for Notre Dame.
No team had ever won a National Title when trailing by double digits twice in two different games. But Notre Dame did that. No player had ever hit two buzzer-beaters in a tournament before. But Arike Ogunbowale did that.
Kobe Bryant tweeted at her after the first buzzer-beater. Arike responded with another.
That’s Mamba Mentality right there, and it’s our top sports moment from 2018.
What were some of your favorite sports moments from 2018? Leave a comment down below.
And be sure to check out more of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
No team had ever won a National Title when trailing by double digits twice in two different games. But Notre Dame did that. No player had ever hit two buzzer-beaters in a tournament before. But Arike Ogunbowale did that.
Kobe Bryant tweeted at her after the first buzzer-beater. Arike responded with another.
That’s Mamba Mentality right there, and it’s our top sports moment from 2018.
What were some of your favorite sports moments from 2018? Leave a comment down below.
And be sure to check out more of According to Andrew's Best of 2018 spread by clicking HERE.
The Top 10 Best Butts in Sports
by Chelsea Cavagnaro
Guest Writer
Guest Writer
A note from Andrew:
It's true. Everyone loves a good butt.
Chelsea is my friend and I never thought she'd actually make this list. I talked about this on my podcast "Under Futher Review," the most recent episode of which can be found HERE. While you're there, my partner Kata and I analyze the most important sports countdown list in the history of sports countdown lists.
And thanks to Chelsea for actually writing this and making everyone's dream a reality. NOW SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO HER WORDS BECAUSE SHE DESERVES YOUR RESPECT, DAMMIT.
(Also some of this is probably NSFW, just a warning.... I say as I'm literally writing this while at work.)
It's true. Everyone loves a good butt.
Chelsea is my friend and I never thought she'd actually make this list. I talked about this on my podcast "Under Futher Review," the most recent episode of which can be found HERE. While you're there, my partner Kata and I analyze the most important sports countdown list in the history of sports countdown lists.
And thanks to Chelsea for actually writing this and making everyone's dream a reality. NOW SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO HER WORDS BECAUSE SHE DESERVES YOUR RESPECT, DAMMIT.
(Also some of this is probably NSFW, just a warning.... I say as I'm literally writing this while at work.)
So here is my list of the Top Ten Best Butts in Sports. Now I’d like to stress before we dive in that I know nothing about sports, so if you don’t see your favorite athlete’s tushy on here, I apologize. I know maybe 7 people off the top of my head so I had to do some research - some butt research. At the end of the day, I learned a little something, which is what you wanted all along, wasn’t it Andrew?
Honorable Mention:
Larry Fitzgerald
The song “bubble butt” was written about this Arizona Cardinals wide receiver’s amazing donk. Look at this. Just look at it.
The Top 10
10. Kim Hyeon-Woo
This South Korean wrestler starts our list off with an adorable donk. It’s not necessarily the biggest donk in town, but its high and tight. I could bounce a quarter off of it. Looks great in one of those little wrestling onesies. Is that what they’re called? They are now.
9. Isaquias Queiroz Dos Santos
9. Isaquias Queiroz Dos Santos
OH HONEY. He’s Brazilian, need I say more? They’re famous for their perfect cabooses and Dos Santos is no exception. He’s a sprint canoeist so I guess that means you need a fat ass to sit on while you row. It’s so big. So round. It what I am grateful for this year on Thanksgiving.
8. Jack Sock
8. Jack Sock
This tennis player has a derriere that I can only describe as THICC. Look him up, his booty can not be contained by even the loosest of shorts. The booty is large and in charge for sure.
7. Mark Percival
7. Mark Percival
So rugby is my new favorite thing for the butts alone. I guess it’s a thing in Rugby to just pull down your opponents shorts and show the world your crack? Seriously, there are so many pictures of naked butts on the field. Mark Percival’s makes this list because it is thick and juicy, but in a soft way? An approachable way even. Like his booty is a booty that will keep me safe and warm this Winter. Thanks, Percy.
6. Adam Rippon
6. Adam Rippon
Everyone’s favorite gay Figure Skater. We all know that the costumes skaters wear are basically skin tight, I’m not fully convinced that it’s not body paint and jock strap. Rippon’s booty makes this list because it is truly gravity defying. It’s just so high, how many Lutz jumps and Axels do I have to do to make my butt stand up completely on it’s own?
5. John Cena
5. John Cena
 |  |
Did you immediately hear his theme music? Is that meme dead? Anyway, Cena makes this list because of the sides of his cheeks. He has that kind of definition that I will never have. It’s next level firmness.
4. David Beckham
4. David Beckham
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We were all expecting him at some point. The soccer star, and husband to Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, is a hot dad. Honestly, his butt is so bubblelicious that I honestly think pants are no match for it.
3. Julian Edelman
3. Julian Edelman
We made it all the way to the top three butts in sports! We’ve all seen Edelman’s ESPN cover and it is glorious from head to toe. The beard, the thick thighs, that fat ass. No one can deny that he is a full on snack. I don’t want to be vulgar, but Julian, please smother me to death with your gigantic cheeks.
2. Thom Evans
2. Thom Evans
This former rugby player is beautiful. Evans bared it all in a delightful spread and his cheeks remind me of two little mountains that live right next to each other. He auditioned for Jamie Dornan’s role in Fifty Shades of Grey and unfortunately did not get the role, but that didn’t stop him from sharing his talent with the world anyway. Bless you.
1. Serena Williams
1. Serena Williams
Here it is perverts, our number one butt. If you read this whole list, thank you. After looking at literally hundreds of butt cheeks I thought to myself, who is at the top of their game at the moment? Who has it all going on? None other than our Queen, Serena Williams. HAVE YOU SEEN HER BEHIND? It puts all these other butts to shame. So shapely, so perky, so firm. Truly stupendous. She is Black Girl Magic in action and her butt is living proof.
Got any more suggestions for Top 10 lists? Do you want to write a list yourself? Get in touch with Andrew using the contact tab at the top of the page.
You can follow all of Under Futher Review's activities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts using the handle @UFRVodcast.
Disclaimer: the opinions of Chelsea Cavagnaro or anyone else are not the opinions of Andrew or According to Andrew, except when they are. In that case, then they are.
You can follow all of Under Futher Review's activities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts using the handle @UFRVodcast.
Disclaimer: the opinions of Chelsea Cavagnaro or anyone else are not the opinions of Andrew or According to Andrew, except when they are. In that case, then they are.
2018 MLB Playoff Predictions
October is probably the most glorious month on the sports calendar. We’ve got the NHL and NBA starting back up again, the NFL is in full swing, but the real star of the show is baseball. The quest for the World Series begins in October, and there are ten teams each seeking those 11 victories to call themselves World Series champions.
We’ve got a bit of a mixed back this fall. The American League and National League are almost a tale of two cities.
In the AL, we’ve got the major players who were all here before. All of them have well over 90 wins, and each one has had recent playoff success. All of the five teams in the American League could very easily make it to and win the Fall Classic.
As for the National League, it’s an interesting group of unconventional players, with two of the three divisions needing tiebreaker games to determine their champions. All of these teams have under 96 wins, but maybe one could go on a run and defy the odds.
Let’s meet the combatants:
We’ve got a bit of a mixed back this fall. The American League and National League are almost a tale of two cities.
In the AL, we’ve got the major players who were all here before. All of them have well over 90 wins, and each one has had recent playoff success. All of the five teams in the American League could very easily make it to and win the Fall Classic.
As for the National League, it’s an interesting group of unconventional players, with two of the three divisions needing tiebreaker games to determine their champions. All of these teams have under 96 wins, but maybe one could go on a run and defy the odds.
Let’s meet the combatants:
Boston Red Sox
108-54, American League East Division Champions
The B's are back: Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Xander Bogaerts look to improve on their previous playoff outings.
The Red Sox broke their own franchise record for most wins in a season with 108. They feature two potential MVP candidates in Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, and a scary rotation (on paper) with Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello. The Red Sox problem lies in their bullpen. They haven’t found a bridge all season between their starters and closer Craig Kimbrel.
Cleveland Indians
91-71, American League Central Division Champions
This is the Indians third straight AL Central title. Can they avenge their ALDS loss from last year?
The Indians added Josh Donaldson in August and the offense has been hot ever since. Their rotation is even better, with Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger all topping 200 strikeouts apiece. But most of the Indians success comes from within their division- they have tended to struggle when playing better teams outside the very weak AL Central.
Houston Astros
103-59, American League West Division Champions
The Astros look to repeat as World Series champs, trying to become the first team to repeat since the 1998-2000 Yankees.
The Astros look to repeat as World Series champions, and they strangely may have an even better team than last year, as they scooped up Gerrit Cole to supplement the rotation alongside Justin Verlander, Charlie Morton and Dallas Keuchel. They’re probably the most complete team in the American League, at least on paper, and are more than capable of going on an October run. The Astros managed to pull away from tough AL West competition, but how will their bullpen hold up in the playoffs?
New York Yankees
100-62, American League Wild Card host
Giancarlo Stanton (24) and Aaron Judge (99, right) are poised to bring a 28th championship back to the Bronx.
For a team to win 100 games is impressive. For a team to win 100 games and finish 8 games behind the division leader is even more astounding. The Yankees have stumbled at times, but their lineup is as lethal as ever, and they set the record for most home runs in a season by one team this year. Their bullpen might be the best in the majors, but their pitching has been inconsistent throughout the year.
Oakland Athletics
97-65, American League Wild Card visitors
Khris Davis led the league in homers this year. Can his success help the A's win their first title since 1989?
The A’s remarkable run has been thanks mostly to the play of Khris Davis, who led the league with 48 home runs this year, as well as their fantastic bullpenning strategy, where they use multiple pitchers and matchup advantages to win games. They are certainly the most intriguing team of this playoff field, but how will they do against a tough squad like the Yankees, or in a series with the Red Sox?
Atlanta Braves
90-72, National League East Division Champions
Ronald Acuña, Jr. has been a force this season. How will he fare in October?
The Braves come into the playoffs with the fewest wins in the field, but are a young, plucky team with a lot to prove. Ronald Acuña, Jr. has had a stellar rookie season, and the bullpen has shown flashes of brilliance. We’ll see how they do against stronger opponents, but stranger things have happened.
Milwaukee Brewers
96-67, National League Central Division Champions
The Brewers clinched their first division title since 2011 with a win on Monday in a tiebreaker over the Cubs.
The Brewers were down to the Cubs in the NL Central by 6 games on August 28th. They managed to mount a comeback and steal the division crown in a tiebreaker game on Monday. They feature the probable NL MVP in Christian Yelich, as well as the league’s best bullpen to this point. They’ve won 9 of their last 10, including their last 8 in a row. How will they fare against more experienced playoff teams?
Los Angeles Dodgers
92-71, National League West Division Champions
Matt Kemp had a resurgence this year. Is the rest of the team ready for a return to glory?
The Dodgers are looking to win their first World Series title since 1988, having fallen short in game seven against Houston last year. They are the best team on paper, but have a history of faltering in October, with the case being especially true for their ace, Clayton Kershaw. But with an easier slate of playoff games ahead of them, perhaps the stage is set for LA to reclaim the crown.
Chicago Cubs
95-68, National League Wild Card host
Go Cubs Go: The Cubs made it to the NLCS last year, thanks in part to Kyle Schwarber (left) and Jason Hayward (right).
The Cubs went from having the National League’s best record to winding up being second in the division and playing in a one-game playoff. They’re not as good as the Cubs teams of the past, with health issues like Kris Bryant and Addison Russell potentially being an x-factor for the team. They’re still a force to be reckoned with, but if they can’t stir up some momentum, they may be dead in the water.
Colorado Rockies
91-72, National League Wild Card visitors
The Rockies lost in a tiebreaker to the Dodgers. How will Nolan Arenado (28) and the rest of the team respond?
Colorado does very well at home. The problem is, they’re the second wild card team and probably won’t have home field advantage in the playoffs at any point. But still, Nolan Arenado is the team’s best hitter, and they have reason to believe they can perform well, having come up just short to the Dodgers in the NL West. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
American League Wild Card Game:
Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees- Wednesday October 3rd, 8:00pm (TBS)
Starting pitchers: Liam Hendriks (OAK, 0-1) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (NYY, 12-6)
(Season series: Tied, 3-3)
Prediction: Yankees 6, Athletics 1
Why: Offensive firepower. If they can get to this A’s “bullpenning” strategy early, it’ll force Oakland to have to play from behind. Oakland probably won’t be able to keep up with the Yankees’ lineup in terms of offensive productivity. Aside from that, the Yankees dominate at home: they’re 53-28 in the Bronx on the season, and have gone 41-30 against teams with winning records this year.
How the Athletics can win: Keep the damage to a minimum. If the bullpenning strategy works well for the A’s, they may keep Judge and Stanton under wraps long enough for Khris Davis or Stephen Piscotty to drive in a run or two. They may not be able to outslug the Yankees, but they may be able to outdefend them, and even get a lucky bounce here and there. This game could either be the game of the year or a complete blowout.
Starting pitchers: Liam Hendriks (OAK, 0-1) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (NYY, 12-6)
(Season series: Tied, 3-3)
Prediction: Yankees 6, Athletics 1
Why: Offensive firepower. If they can get to this A’s “bullpenning” strategy early, it’ll force Oakland to have to play from behind. Oakland probably won’t be able to keep up with the Yankees’ lineup in terms of offensive productivity. Aside from that, the Yankees dominate at home: they’re 53-28 in the Bronx on the season, and have gone 41-30 against teams with winning records this year.
How the Athletics can win: Keep the damage to a minimum. If the bullpenning strategy works well for the A’s, they may keep Judge and Stanton under wraps long enough for Khris Davis or Stephen Piscotty to drive in a run or two. They may not be able to outslug the Yankees, but they may be able to outdefend them, and even get a lucky bounce here and there. This game could either be the game of the year or a complete blowout.
American League Division Series
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
(Season series, BOS, 10-9)
Projected rotations:
Chris Sale (12-4) vs. J.A. Happ (17-6)
David Price (16-7) vs. Luis Severino (19-8)
Rick Porcello (17-7) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (12-6)
Prediction: Yankees in 5
Why: The Red Sox have no bullpen and haven’t figured out how to bridge the starters to Craig Kimbrel. If the Yankees can jump on the Red Sox early against a pitching core that has been stellar at best, shotty at worst and banged up in the short term, the Red Sox may have to pull more wins out of their ass than they want to. The Yankees also have far more depth than the Red Sox surrounding their stars, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. The Red Sox counter with Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, but the rest of the lineup can go cold if put against the right pitching matchup. On top of all of this, the Yankees are out for blood this season. Having won 100 games and still finishing 8 games out of first place, they’re probably upset that the team they bought didn’t win the division. The Yankees know the Red Sox are feeble. Now it’s time to strike. If you have picked the Red Sox in this series, you’re DELUSIONAL.
How the Red Sox can win: Offense, offense, offense. Hit the Yankees first, fast, and hard. They’ll also need to hold their collective breath and hope for solid outings from their shotty pitching staff. Another factor in the Red Sox favor is familiarity, especially with the back half of the bullpen (consider the 9th inning rally the Red Sox had off Aroldis Chapman earlier this year), which they have done damage off of this year. Either that, or hope the Athletics win the Wild Card Game.
Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians
(Season series: CLE, 4-3)
Projected rotations:
Justin Verlander (16-9) vs. Corey Kluber (20-7)
Gerrit Cole (15-5) vs. Carlos Carrasco (17-10)
Charlie Morton (15-3) vs. Trevor Bauer (12-6)
Prediction: Astros in 5
Why: This has the potential to be one of the better series this October. The Astros look to repeat as World Series champions, and have been flying under the radar for most of the year, thanks to the expectations of winning a weaker division and being overshadowed by the arms race in the American League East. I don’t know that this series has a clear winner, as the Indians made an upgrade at the deadline by trading for Josh Donaldson. Trevor Bauer is back as well, and along with Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger, the quartet became the first foursome in history to top 200 strikeouts each. But I’m going to give the edge to Houston based solely upon in-season consistency. The Indians weren’t very good outside their own terrible division, whereas the Astros were able to pull away from their tough competition out west. Their rotation is better, and their lineup has been more consistent. Astros win in a hard-fought ALDS.
How the Indians can win: Awaken the bats. This series will be the arms race that we all anticipated would happen last year. The Astros’ rotation is stacked, between Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton, and McCullers, and they are a better pitching team than Cleveland in almost every category. But the Indians offense got hot after picking up Josh Donaldson, averaging 5.1 runs per game since his acquisition. If Donaldson, Jose Ramirez, and Francisco Lindor can come alive and force the Astros to go to their bullpens earlier than expected, Cleveland will give Houston a very hard time in this ALDS.
(Season series, BOS, 10-9)
Projected rotations:
Chris Sale (12-4) vs. J.A. Happ (17-6)
David Price (16-7) vs. Luis Severino (19-8)
Rick Porcello (17-7) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (12-6)
Prediction: Yankees in 5
Why: The Red Sox have no bullpen and haven’t figured out how to bridge the starters to Craig Kimbrel. If the Yankees can jump on the Red Sox early against a pitching core that has been stellar at best, shotty at worst and banged up in the short term, the Red Sox may have to pull more wins out of their ass than they want to. The Yankees also have far more depth than the Red Sox surrounding their stars, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. The Red Sox counter with Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, but the rest of the lineup can go cold if put against the right pitching matchup. On top of all of this, the Yankees are out for blood this season. Having won 100 games and still finishing 8 games out of first place, they’re probably upset that the team they bought didn’t win the division. The Yankees know the Red Sox are feeble. Now it’s time to strike. If you have picked the Red Sox in this series, you’re DELUSIONAL.
How the Red Sox can win: Offense, offense, offense. Hit the Yankees first, fast, and hard. They’ll also need to hold their collective breath and hope for solid outings from their shotty pitching staff. Another factor in the Red Sox favor is familiarity, especially with the back half of the bullpen (consider the 9th inning rally the Red Sox had off Aroldis Chapman earlier this year), which they have done damage off of this year. Either that, or hope the Athletics win the Wild Card Game.
Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians
(Season series: CLE, 4-3)
Projected rotations:
Justin Verlander (16-9) vs. Corey Kluber (20-7)
Gerrit Cole (15-5) vs. Carlos Carrasco (17-10)
Charlie Morton (15-3) vs. Trevor Bauer (12-6)
Prediction: Astros in 5
Why: This has the potential to be one of the better series this October. The Astros look to repeat as World Series champions, and have been flying under the radar for most of the year, thanks to the expectations of winning a weaker division and being overshadowed by the arms race in the American League East. I don’t know that this series has a clear winner, as the Indians made an upgrade at the deadline by trading for Josh Donaldson. Trevor Bauer is back as well, and along with Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger, the quartet became the first foursome in history to top 200 strikeouts each. But I’m going to give the edge to Houston based solely upon in-season consistency. The Indians weren’t very good outside their own terrible division, whereas the Astros were able to pull away from their tough competition out west. Their rotation is better, and their lineup has been more consistent. Astros win in a hard-fought ALDS.
How the Indians can win: Awaken the bats. This series will be the arms race that we all anticipated would happen last year. The Astros’ rotation is stacked, between Verlander, Cole, Keuchel, Morton, and McCullers, and they are a better pitching team than Cleveland in almost every category. But the Indians offense got hot after picking up Josh Donaldson, averaging 5.1 runs per game since his acquisition. If Donaldson, Jose Ramirez, and Francisco Lindor can come alive and force the Astros to go to their bullpens earlier than expected, Cleveland will give Houston a very hard time in this ALDS.
American League Championship Series
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros
(Season series: NYY, 5-2)
Prediction: Astros in 6
Why: Because history has told this story before. The Astros fell behind 3-2 to the Yankees in the ALCS last year, but outscored them 11-1 in the final two games of the series. The Yankees pitching staff (at least the starting rotation, at least just on the eye test) has the potential to go cold if facing the right rotation. I think the Astros, having been here before, have just the lineup to do it. They’re the most complete team in the American League, and have the ability to outpitch the Yankees, if that’s what it comes down to. I also think Alex Bregman has potential to be a breakout star in these playoffs.
How the Yankees can win: Isn’t it the same as always? Big bats. Keep the line moving and don’t let up. If the Yankees can get to Verlander and Cole and happen to take even one of the first two games in Houston, they will be very much in this series.
(Season series: NYY, 5-2)
Prediction: Astros in 6
Why: Because history has told this story before. The Astros fell behind 3-2 to the Yankees in the ALCS last year, but outscored them 11-1 in the final two games of the series. The Yankees pitching staff (at least the starting rotation, at least just on the eye test) has the potential to go cold if facing the right rotation. I think the Astros, having been here before, have just the lineup to do it. They’re the most complete team in the American League, and have the ability to outpitch the Yankees, if that’s what it comes down to. I also think Alex Bregman has potential to be a breakout star in these playoffs.
How the Yankees can win: Isn’t it the same as always? Big bats. Keep the line moving and don’t let up. If the Yankees can get to Verlander and Cole and happen to take even one of the first two games in Houston, they will be very much in this series.
National League Wild Card Game
Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs- Tuesday, October 2nd, 8:00pm (ESPN)
Starting pitchers: Kyle Freeland (COL, 17-7) vs. Jon Lester (CHC, 18-6)
(Season series: Tied, 3-3)
Prediction: Cubs 5, Rockies 3
Why: The Rockies have trouble winning games on the road. Kyle Freeland is starting on three days’ rest. The Cubs, while meh themselves, are still nothing to slouch at. Jon Lester is still a very capable pitcher, and hitters like Javy Baez, Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant are still playing at high levels. Apart from that, the Cubs just went from being tied for the best record in baseball to having to fight for their playoff lives in this one-game elimination. I think that desperation begins to set in for Chicago, especially if Colorado is to strike first.
How the Rockies can win: Utilize the bullpen. The Rockies bullpen was stellar in September, posting a 2.98 ERA thanks to pitchers like Wade Davis, Scott Oberg, and Chris Rusin. Keep the damage to a minimum, and the Rockies may just squeak out of this one enough to perhaps steal a game on the road and then play well back home in Denver.
Starting pitchers: Kyle Freeland (COL, 17-7) vs. Jon Lester (CHC, 18-6)
(Season series: Tied, 3-3)
Prediction: Cubs 5, Rockies 3
Why: The Rockies have trouble winning games on the road. Kyle Freeland is starting on three days’ rest. The Cubs, while meh themselves, are still nothing to slouch at. Jon Lester is still a very capable pitcher, and hitters like Javy Baez, Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant are still playing at high levels. Apart from that, the Cubs just went from being tied for the best record in baseball to having to fight for their playoff lives in this one-game elimination. I think that desperation begins to set in for Chicago, especially if Colorado is to strike first.
How the Rockies can win: Utilize the bullpen. The Rockies bullpen was stellar in September, posting a 2.98 ERA thanks to pitchers like Wade Davis, Scott Oberg, and Chris Rusin. Keep the damage to a minimum, and the Rockies may just squeak out of this one enough to perhaps steal a game on the road and then play well back home in Denver.
National League Division Series
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
(Season series: CHC, 11-9)
Projected rotations:
Wade Miley (5-2) vs. Cole Hamels (9-12)
Gio Gonzalez (10-11) vs. Kyle Kendricks (14-11)
Jhoulys Chacín (15-8) vs. Jon Lester (18-6)
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Why: Because the Brewers are playing the best baseball out of anybody right now. They’ve won eight straight and nine of their last ten games, and plus they’ll get a chance to put away the Cubs for good in the NLDS, with three of a potential five games at home. This all comes thanks to the play of Christian Yelich, who is likely to be the National League MVP. The Brewers come into October with a .788 OPS and averaging 5.5 runs a game, against a suspect Cubs rotation and a very beatable bullpen. Milwaukee’s bullpen, aside from the Yankees, is probably the best in baseball right now. Thanks to the play of Josh Hader, the bullpen held a 2.03 ERA last month. I think the Brewers take this series easily against a floundering Cubs team.
How the Cubs can win: It’s a slim margin, because yesterday’s wins don’t seal tomorrow’s playoff series. But if the Cubs can steal a win in Milwaukee, they have a chance, thanks to their home record. At the Friendly Confines, Chicago went 51-30 this season. Jon Lester may also need to go on short rest, as he’s their best pitcher, posting a 1.71 ERA in his last eight stars.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
(Season series: LAD, 5-2)
Projected rotations:
Mike Foltynewicz (13-10) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-5)
Kevin Gausman (5-3) vs. Rich Hill (11-5)
Anibal Sanchez (10-11) vs. Walker Buehler (8-5)
Prediction: Braves in 5
Why: Hear me out. The Dodgers are the best team in the National League on paper. But this is a scrappy group of players that are rising out of the ashes of a rebuild. Ronald Acuna has had a sensational rookie season, hitting 26 home runs in his first 111 games. The Braves current GM, Alex Anthopoulos, was an an assistant GM in LA. He more than likely has assembled what it takes to beat the Dodgers, who have showed a checkered history in October, Clayton Kershaw in particular. Matt Kemp, who was an All-Star in July, has platooned in September. With the help of a few lucky bounces, don’t count the Braves out of this one.
How the Dodgers can win: Business as usual. Get behind your starting pitches and jump on the Braves inexperienced talent. They had one more win than Atlanta this season, but they faced more winning teams than any other NL team this season, and went 50-38 against those teams. They’ve also got a better rotation and will be facing a Braves team that is just one game over .500 in its last 43 games, managing only 4.1 runs a game in the last 6 weeks of the season. It’s all a matter of if they can stave off the October bug for one series.
(Season series: CHC, 11-9)
Projected rotations:
Wade Miley (5-2) vs. Cole Hamels (9-12)
Gio Gonzalez (10-11) vs. Kyle Kendricks (14-11)
Jhoulys Chacín (15-8) vs. Jon Lester (18-6)
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Why: Because the Brewers are playing the best baseball out of anybody right now. They’ve won eight straight and nine of their last ten games, and plus they’ll get a chance to put away the Cubs for good in the NLDS, with three of a potential five games at home. This all comes thanks to the play of Christian Yelich, who is likely to be the National League MVP. The Brewers come into October with a .788 OPS and averaging 5.5 runs a game, against a suspect Cubs rotation and a very beatable bullpen. Milwaukee’s bullpen, aside from the Yankees, is probably the best in baseball right now. Thanks to the play of Josh Hader, the bullpen held a 2.03 ERA last month. I think the Brewers take this series easily against a floundering Cubs team.
How the Cubs can win: It’s a slim margin, because yesterday’s wins don’t seal tomorrow’s playoff series. But if the Cubs can steal a win in Milwaukee, they have a chance, thanks to their home record. At the Friendly Confines, Chicago went 51-30 this season. Jon Lester may also need to go on short rest, as he’s their best pitcher, posting a 1.71 ERA in his last eight stars.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
(Season series: LAD, 5-2)
Projected rotations:
Mike Foltynewicz (13-10) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-5)
Kevin Gausman (5-3) vs. Rich Hill (11-5)
Anibal Sanchez (10-11) vs. Walker Buehler (8-5)
Prediction: Braves in 5
Why: Hear me out. The Dodgers are the best team in the National League on paper. But this is a scrappy group of players that are rising out of the ashes of a rebuild. Ronald Acuna has had a sensational rookie season, hitting 26 home runs in his first 111 games. The Braves current GM, Alex Anthopoulos, was an an assistant GM in LA. He more than likely has assembled what it takes to beat the Dodgers, who have showed a checkered history in October, Clayton Kershaw in particular. Matt Kemp, who was an All-Star in July, has platooned in September. With the help of a few lucky bounces, don’t count the Braves out of this one.
How the Dodgers can win: Business as usual. Get behind your starting pitches and jump on the Braves inexperienced talent. They had one more win than Atlanta this season, but they faced more winning teams than any other NL team this season, and went 50-38 against those teams. They’ve also got a better rotation and will be facing a Braves team that is just one game over .500 in its last 43 games, managing only 4.1 runs a game in the last 6 weeks of the season. It’s all a matter of if they can stave off the October bug for one series.
National League Championship Series
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves
(Season series: MIL, 4-3)
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Why: Right now, the Brewers are just too good. They’ll roll right through an Atlanta squad who’s been more lucky than skilled this postseason. I think the lightning in a bottle runs out for Atlanta in this series, especially when they have to travel to Miller Park, where the Brewers went 51-30 this season. The one two-punch of Yelich and Cain is probably going to be too much for the ragtag pitching staff of the Braves to handle.
How the Braves can win: Perhaps they get lucky. Perhaps Yelich and Cain go cold. Maybe a win over the Dodgers is just what the Braves need to spark some momentum against a tough Brewers team.
(Season series: MIL, 4-3)
Prediction: Brewers in 4
Why: Right now, the Brewers are just too good. They’ll roll right through an Atlanta squad who’s been more lucky than skilled this postseason. I think the lightning in a bottle runs out for Atlanta in this series, especially when they have to travel to Miller Park, where the Brewers went 51-30 this season. The one two-punch of Yelich and Cain is probably going to be too much for the ragtag pitching staff of the Braves to handle.
How the Braves can win: Perhaps they get lucky. Perhaps Yelich and Cain go cold. Maybe a win over the Dodgers is just what the Braves need to spark some momentum against a tough Brewers team.
World Series
Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Prediction: Astros in 6
Why: The Astros might be the toughest team to beat in a 7 game series. Their rotation is stacked and may be too much for the Brewers offense, and they can definitely string together some momentum and beat you with their bats. Also, that home crowd at Minute Maid Park is scary. The Astros may not have won as many games as the Red Sox, but they will once again prove this fall that they are the superior team in the playoffs. Why? Consistency and depth.
How the Brewers can win: They can play their game- use their MVP to get ahead, and use the bullpen to lock it down. This series won’t be a walkover, and if the Brewers can win a game in Houston, I think anything is possible. A matchup of two red-hot teams in the World Series makes for quite a story, and this has the potential to be the series of the year.
Or we’ll just get Yankees vs. Dodgers and I’ll throw myself off a bridge.
Who's your pick to win it all? Leave a comment down below.
The MLB playoffs start tonight, Tuesday, October 2nd with the National League Wild Card game at 8pm on ESPN.
Prediction: Astros in 6
Why: The Astros might be the toughest team to beat in a 7 game series. Their rotation is stacked and may be too much for the Brewers offense, and they can definitely string together some momentum and beat you with their bats. Also, that home crowd at Minute Maid Park is scary. The Astros may not have won as many games as the Red Sox, but they will once again prove this fall that they are the superior team in the playoffs. Why? Consistency and depth.
How the Brewers can win: They can play their game- use their MVP to get ahead, and use the bullpen to lock it down. This series won’t be a walkover, and if the Brewers can win a game in Houston, I think anything is possible. A matchup of two red-hot teams in the World Series makes for quite a story, and this has the potential to be the series of the year.
Or we’ll just get Yankees vs. Dodgers and I’ll throw myself off a bridge.
Who's your pick to win it all? Leave a comment down below.
The MLB playoffs start tonight, Tuesday, October 2nd with the National League Wild Card game at 8pm on ESPN.
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