The 2018 MLB season is fast approaching and Spring Training is underway. I sometimes wait until right before the MLB (or Mariners) opener to post predictions, but this time I thought I'd get a jump start on it and make my predictions now. I'm going to predict how each division will go (plus playoffs), and will also predict award winners and go further into detail on how the Seattle Mariners season will go. Let's just say there will be a few surprises. I'm going to start with the NL East and move west so that the Mariners and the AL West are last.
* = Wild Card
NL EAST
1. Washington Nationals
2. New York Mets
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Miami Marlins
Comment: The Nats remain the favorite boasting the best overall roster in the division. The Mets could make a run but their pitching would have to hold up health-wise, something they haven't really proven to do. The Phillies should be improved from 2017 as they're a young team on the rise. The Braves are still a ways a way, and the Marlins are in complete rebuild mode and would surprise no one if they finished with the worst record in MLB.
NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs*
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Cincinnati Reds
Comment: Every so often, the Cardinals surprise everyone and have a great season. That's what makes them a popular team to root for. I think that will happen this year. The Cubs will meanwhile limp into the playoffs as the wild card. The Brewers will be improved with Cain and Yelich, but it won't be enough to get a playoff spot. The Pirates traded Andrew McCutcheon and may be heading for a rebuild. The Reds still are a few pieces away from contending.
NL WEST
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks*
3. San Francisco Giants
4 .Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Comment: The Dodgers boast the best roster in the NL, if not all of MLB. The D-Backs will do their best to prove they're not a one-year wonder. The Giants will be improved, but not the same Giants they used to be. The Rockies will compete but will be needing pitching help (as usual). The Padres will be the Padres.
AL EAST
1. Boston Red Sox
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. New York Yankees
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Tampa Bay Rays
Comment: The Red Sox will be knocking the cover off the ball, boasting the best team batting average. The Blue Jays will compete for a wild card for most of the year but fall short. The Yankees will have a disappointing season in Aaron Boone's first year as manager, as their expectations become too much. The Orioles will compete but play in too good of a division. The Rays will be perhaps the best last placed team in baseball.
AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Detroit Tigers
Comment: The Indians remain the favorites in not a particularly strong division anymore. The Twins will want to prove last year was not a fluke. The White Sox should hang around but be missing a few pieces to really go on a run. The Royals are losing pieces left and right (Cain, Hosmer) and may be headed for a rebuild. The Tigers proved they're headed for a small rebuild by trading Justin Verlander last season.
AL WEST
1. Houston Astros
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim*
3. Seattle Mariners*
4. Texas Rangers
5. Oakland Athletics
Comment: The Astros are built for the long haul, and it would be quite the surprise if they didn't compete for the division crown again. The Angels, after acquiring Shohei Ohtani, will be improved and grab a hold of the Wild Card. Meanwhile, the Mariners surprise most everyone, and just when people aren't expecting them to do much they go on a September run and claim the second wild card over the Twins and Blue Jays. The Rangers have a slightly down season. The A's continue the churning of their roster but will compete.
So onto the playoffs. The Wild Card games first.
NL WILD CARD: Cubs at Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks win
The D-Backs win a game they are the underdogs at home in, and relish their first playoff victory in quite some time.
AL WILD CARD: Mariners at Angels: Angels win
In a heated division rival matchup, the Mariners don't muster much offense despite a decent performance from James Paxton. So the Mariners make the playoffs, but only as a wild card and will still hold the distinction of not HOSTING a playoff game in over 17 years.
Now the divisional round. Who will have the edge?
NL Divisional Round
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers: Dodgers win
Cardinals vs. Nationals: Nationals win
AL Divisional Round
Angels vs. Astros: Astros win
Indians vs. Red Sox: Indians win
Comment: The Dodgers take care of their division rival as do the Astros. The Nats take care of the Cardinals in a 5 game series. The Indians/Red Sox series features Terry Francona taking on his former team, and it proves to make a difference as the Indians "upset" the Sox.
NL Championship Series:
Nationals vs. Dodgers: Nationals Win
AL Championship Series:
Indians vs. Astros: Astros Win
Comment: The NL hasn't had a team win the pennant that had won it recently since the Giants, and haven't had a repeat NL Champ since the 08-09 Phillies. The Dodgers therefore blow it. Also, with the Nationals making the World Series, the Mariners become the only current franchise to have never won a league pennant. The Indians/Astros series is a classic, goes to 7 games, and the Astros win Game 7 in walk off fashion thanks to a George Springer double.
World Series: Nationals vs. Astros: Nationals in 7
In a matchup of two teams that have changed names/leagues in the past 20 years (Nationals used to be the Expos, the Astros used to be in the NL), the Nationals come out on top, thanks to a diving catch by Bryce Harper which saves multiple runs from scoring in game 7. The Nats win their first World Series thanks to World Series MVP Bryce Harper, who hits four homers in the series.
Now, time for some awards:
AL MVP: Mike Trout, Angels
NL MVP: Bryce Harper, Nationals
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale, Red Sox
NL Cy Young: Stephen Strausberg, Nationals
AL Rookie of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, Red Sox
NL Rookie of the Year: Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals (Ouch)
AL Manager of the Year: Scott Servais, Mariners
NL Manager of the Year: Dave Martinez, Nationals
Comment: I usually miss on most or all of these, but it's fun nonetheless. Mike Trout is always a safe pick for MVP. His phenom counterpart in the NL, Bryce Harper, is a safe pick for MVP as well. Chris Sale is another safe pick (I know, I know), and on the Nats, Strausberg, not Scherzer, will be their best pitcher. Shohei Ohtani has a great rookie campaign and wins ROY. Tyler O'Neill who last year at this time was in the Mariners farm system, gets called up and becomes a rookie sensation and wins NLROY. Scott Servais wins Manager of the Year for guiding the Mariners to their first playoffs in 17 years. Dave Martinez wins the NL award for guiding the Nats to their first World Series championship in club history.
So how will the Mariners get there? Hard to say. You can often point at bad luck for being a reason for the Mariners not making the playoffs in a lot of recent seasons, so I'll say this season luck will be on their side. They will hang around for most of the season, never winning too many or losing too many in a row. September though, they go on a run and win a lot of close games, with Edwin Diaz at this point being lights out. I just think that whenever we expect them to do well they disappoint, so this season most fans aren't expecting much, so I'll say they surprise. Finally, some Mariners awards and stat leaders:
MVP: Robinson Cano
Cy Young: James Paxton
Unsung hero: Dee Gordon
Average: Cano
Homers: Nelson Cruz
Stolen Bases: Gordon
Hits: Cano
Strikeouts: Paxton
Wins: Felix Hernandez
Saves: Edwin Diaz
Friday, February 23, 2018
Sunday, February 11, 2018
The 2018 Mariners Don't Inspire Much Optimism
Spring training for the 2018 MLB season is just around the corner, and I gotta say, I can't remember a time feeling less optimistic about the Mariners season. The Mariners didn't make any particularly notable moves in the offseason and they aren't coming off a winning or even positive season. They ended the 2017 season on a sour note, falling out of the playoff race alarmingly fast. With the Buffalo Bills in the NFL having made the playoffs, the Mariners now own the longest playoff drought in North American professional sports. I hate to say it, but I think that drought will continue because these Mariners just aren't good enough and play in too tough of a division.
The Mariners had a relatively quiet offseason. They acquired Dee Gordon from the Marlins and Ryon Healy from the Athletics. Their pitching staff didn't get a huge upgrade, just depth in Juan Nicalsio. These moves to me to scream the typical Band-Aid type job the Mariners usually get, which never results in anything great. They just sign or trade for who they can, constantly hoping the new guys they acquire will be able to lift a team to the playoffs. It hasn't worked before, so I have very little hope or reason to believe it can happen this year.
But for me, the biggest reason to not be optimistic about this season is the strength of the division the Mariners play in, the AL West. The Houston Astros are the reigning World Series champs and will no doubt be a great team again. The Los Angeles Angels made the biggest move of the offseason and acquired Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani. The Mariners were in the running but lost out to their division rival, something I know will haunt us for years to come. The Angels expect to be improved and since they just missed the playoffs themselves last year, they'll be in the running again more than likely. The Texas Rangers still boast a ton of talent and could win a bunch of games. And the A's always have the ability to surprise and win games when no one expects them to. If I had to pick right now where I expect the Mariners to finish, I would say fourth, not because I think they'll lose a lot of games, but because their division is just that tough.
But for some reason I think the Mariners could fly under the radar. Felix will be desperate to prove his career is not over. Paxton will want to prove he can be a front of the line ace and pitch an entire season. Iwakuma still wants to pitch and should be healthy. The bullpen should be better, and Edwin Diaz should have better control. And that's just the pitching. The lineup could be one of the better ones in the American League. There's speed (Gordon, Gamel), power (Cano, Cruz, Seager), and contact hitting (Cano, Segura). The dominoes have to fall just right for this team. They certainly did not last year. But if the rotation can stay healthy, and the hitters can have productive seasons, the Mariners have a shot. But it's a slim shot, and no Mariner fan in their right mind should hold their breath over this team. Give them a month or two to prove themselves, because I think we will learn by May what kind of team the Mariners will be in 2018. I'm tempering my excitement, because this time the Mariners have to earn my excitement for the team.
The Mariners had a relatively quiet offseason. They acquired Dee Gordon from the Marlins and Ryon Healy from the Athletics. Their pitching staff didn't get a huge upgrade, just depth in Juan Nicalsio. These moves to me to scream the typical Band-Aid type job the Mariners usually get, which never results in anything great. They just sign or trade for who they can, constantly hoping the new guys they acquire will be able to lift a team to the playoffs. It hasn't worked before, so I have very little hope or reason to believe it can happen this year.
But for me, the biggest reason to not be optimistic about this season is the strength of the division the Mariners play in, the AL West. The Houston Astros are the reigning World Series champs and will no doubt be a great team again. The Los Angeles Angels made the biggest move of the offseason and acquired Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani. The Mariners were in the running but lost out to their division rival, something I know will haunt us for years to come. The Angels expect to be improved and since they just missed the playoffs themselves last year, they'll be in the running again more than likely. The Texas Rangers still boast a ton of talent and could win a bunch of games. And the A's always have the ability to surprise and win games when no one expects them to. If I had to pick right now where I expect the Mariners to finish, I would say fourth, not because I think they'll lose a lot of games, but because their division is just that tough.
But for some reason I think the Mariners could fly under the radar. Felix will be desperate to prove his career is not over. Paxton will want to prove he can be a front of the line ace and pitch an entire season. Iwakuma still wants to pitch and should be healthy. The bullpen should be better, and Edwin Diaz should have better control. And that's just the pitching. The lineup could be one of the better ones in the American League. There's speed (Gordon, Gamel), power (Cano, Cruz, Seager), and contact hitting (Cano, Segura). The dominoes have to fall just right for this team. They certainly did not last year. But if the rotation can stay healthy, and the hitters can have productive seasons, the Mariners have a shot. But it's a slim shot, and no Mariner fan in their right mind should hold their breath over this team. Give them a month or two to prove themselves, because I think we will learn by May what kind of team the Mariners will be in 2018. I'm tempering my excitement, because this time the Mariners have to earn my excitement for the team.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
2018 Hopes and Goals
This year, 2018, I plan to get a lot done. I was very proud of my girlfriend last year not only buying a new car for herself but getting a new job. I hope to have a similar sort of year this year. I am considering 2018 to be the year of me buying big things for myself. So far, I have already gotten a new phone (A Google Pixel XL 2) and bought new glasses (the old ones broke). As of this moment, I am typing on my new laptop for the first time, an Acer Aspire E15. I bought this laptop so it will be much easier for me to apply for new jobs, which is a hopeful goal for me in 2018. My desktop computer is over a decade old (runs on Vista) and Google Chrome can no longer be updated.
So I hope to get a lot done this year. Amanda bought a new (used) car in 2017 and I may do the same this year. I'm not entirely sure, because my current car is running just fine. But for a while now I have wanted a small-ish pickup truck or SUV. I want a car that can carry large items/loads and one that can handle the elements. It would make getting new furniture so much easier. I'd also like to be the one guy a lot of people know that has a truck or SUV that they can ask me to help with. I like to be helpful and give people a hand if they need it. :)
As for my job, it really is time to move on. I love the pay I get, which is the main reason why I have stuck with Safeway for so long. But I need to do something else. I get so annoyed when a customer says to me "You've been working here a while, haven't you?" Yes, I know I have. Don't remind me. But with my savings getting to a good point, getting money back from people I have loaned money to, I should be able to afford a lesser paying job for a while.
As always, I want to lose weight. I don't consider myself obese, but I'd love to be the weight I was at 8, 9 years ago. I'm trying to eat better and less and started going to the gym a little more. I want to be at a decent enough weight for the summer so I can swim at our apartment complex's swimming pool without feeling self conscious of my body.
I don't like to put a bunch of pressure on myself, because I can get overwhelmed and fret and just want to give up because I can't accomplish most of my goals. I just want to look back on 2018 and be proud of myself. Does that mean I have to accomplish everything? No. I just want to be happy with the effort I gave and feel like I did what I could to further myself in life. This is why I didn't make New Years resolutions. Because I did last year and accomplished only a couple and felt disappointed in myself. I am just going to remind myself of what I want as much as I can, and use that as motivation to by my best in 2018.
So I hope to get a lot done this year. Amanda bought a new (used) car in 2017 and I may do the same this year. I'm not entirely sure, because my current car is running just fine. But for a while now I have wanted a small-ish pickup truck or SUV. I want a car that can carry large items/loads and one that can handle the elements. It would make getting new furniture so much easier. I'd also like to be the one guy a lot of people know that has a truck or SUV that they can ask me to help with. I like to be helpful and give people a hand if they need it. :)
As for my job, it really is time to move on. I love the pay I get, which is the main reason why I have stuck with Safeway for so long. But I need to do something else. I get so annoyed when a customer says to me "You've been working here a while, haven't you?" Yes, I know I have. Don't remind me. But with my savings getting to a good point, getting money back from people I have loaned money to, I should be able to afford a lesser paying job for a while.
As always, I want to lose weight. I don't consider myself obese, but I'd love to be the weight I was at 8, 9 years ago. I'm trying to eat better and less and started going to the gym a little more. I want to be at a decent enough weight for the summer so I can swim at our apartment complex's swimming pool without feeling self conscious of my body.
I don't like to put a bunch of pressure on myself, because I can get overwhelmed and fret and just want to give up because I can't accomplish most of my goals. I just want to look back on 2018 and be proud of myself. Does that mean I have to accomplish everything? No. I just want to be happy with the effort I gave and feel like I did what I could to further myself in life. This is why I didn't make New Years resolutions. Because I did last year and accomplished only a couple and felt disappointed in myself. I am just going to remind myself of what I want as much as I can, and use that as motivation to by my best in 2018.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Star Wars the Last Jedi Hopes and Predictions
Later tonight I am going to see Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and I am
super stoked as you would expect. I did
a blog post right before seeing The Force Awakens so I thought I should do the
same for The Last Jedi (Which shall henceforth be abbreviated as TLJ). I'm going to make 10 predictions and
summarize with what I hope will happen.
1. Someone's origin will be revealed - But perhaps not Rey's
I do believe Rey to be related to Obi-Wan Kenobi, but I don't necessarily think that will be revealed in TLJ. Instead, maybe the origin of either Finn or Snoke will be revealed. I do think Finn could be the son of Lando Calrissian, because Maz Kanata recognized his eyes and she's probably met Lando as she was good friends with Han.
2. Deaths: General Hux, Leia
For TLJ I think General Hux will die. I think it will be him being in a ship and it explodes. As we know, Carrie Fisher passed away after filming TLJ (RIP), so they'll have to write her out somehow. I think it would be better to give her a non-violent death, somehow. But please, don't let it be of a broken heart/loss of will to live.
3. Snoke will not be a lightsaber wielder
So we finally will get to see Snoke in something other than a projection (as revealed in the trailer). I think it will be revealed that he doesn't believe in lightsabers and that he is powerful enough in the force to succeed without one. Perhaps he will own a weapon of some kind that can stand up to a lightsaber.
4. Finn and Rose Tico will eventually be a couple
Now this may not exactly happen in TLJ, but I've seen a few different stills of them in scenes together, leading me to believe there could be something between the two. I don't like the idea of Rey and Finn, I feel they have more of a brother/sister bond. But I could see Finn and Rose together, and we may only get hints of it in TLJ with them hooking up in Ep. 9.
5. There will be a new Dark Side Force Power revealed
So we've gotten new planets, creatures, even types of lightsabers in this new trilogy. But we haven't really gotten any new force powers yet. I think either Snoke or Kylo Ren will debut a new force power, something like Force Drain (seen in KOTOR), Force Destroy, Force Pain, or Force Fire. Obviously if it's something extremely powerful like Force Destroy (which in my mind destroys anything you concentrate hard enough on), it would be only Snoke who can do it.
6. Poe will get to fight outside of an X-Wing
This doesn't seem like a surprise, as it has to happen at some point, right? The beginning of TFA doesn't really count as he took one shot and was immobilized. I hope to see some Han Solo type fighting out of him in TLJ.
7. Luke does not get to reunite with Leia
It's unfortunate, but I think the writers/producers were planning on Luke and Leia reuniting in Ep 9., but because of Carrie Fisher's passing, unless it happens in TLJ, it won't happen at all. If they have Leia pass away in this one hopefully Luke hears and can grieve.
8. The Porg does something adorable to make everyone go "Awwww!"
Ok, this might be the most predictable item on this list, but can you blame me? BB-8 had its moments in TFA (The thumbs up to Finn, for one), and the Porg will do something in TLJ to make mostly women swoon and wish they were real creatures. Perhaps someday a toy manufacturer will make a lifelike and realistic version that is similar to a Furby.
9. Benicio Del Toro's Character DJ will be like Boba Fett and Cad Bane
Hard to say how each of the new characters will fit in and what they'll be like. But with DJ, I think he will be one of those rogue types that looks out for only himself, and perhaps assists the bad guys (much like Boba Fett and Cad Bane). He won't be inherently dark sided, however, and may end up redeeming himself in Ep. 9.
10. Cliffhanger? You betcha
TESB finished with a cliffhanger. Technically AotC did too. So to keep the tradition alive of 2nd movie in a trilogy having a cliffhanger, this one will too. This time, someone's fate will be in the balance: Probably either Rey or Luke.
So really all I hope is for another solid Star Wars film. I really hope it doesn't follow the plot of any other Star Wars movie, like many thought TFA did with A New Hope. I think it will undoubtedly fulfill most of our expectations. And as you might guess, I'm going to see it multiple times in theaters. I can't wait!
Well, I just saw TLJ and while most of my predictions were wrong, some were close and I nailed one in particular. Let's see how many I got right. Obviously, spoilers ahead
1. Someone's origin WAS revealed, and it was Rey's. So I'll give myself a partially correct on this one.
2. Wow, totally wrong. Leia will more than likely die between 8 and 9, but she did not die on screen. Hux didn't, either, but he's almost a lock to die in Ep. 9. Instead we saw Phasma, Snoke, and Luke as the notable deaths. One wrong.
3. Well, he died before we could see if he did use or own a lightsaber. I don't recall seeing one on his person. I have to give myself my first correct answer on this one. Not a lightsaber user that we know of.
4. Well, I was pretty spot on with this one! Might see them as a legit couple in Ep. 9, as time will undoubtedly pass in their story between 8 and 9. Another correct prediction
5. I feel like I saw a hint of a new power when Snoke did an almost lightning bomb at Kylo, I believe it was. I'll have to watch TLJ again to see but to me it looked like something we hadn't seen before. However, I'll give myself just a partial on this one.
6. Well he wasn't in any legit battles outside of his X-Wing (or the speeders on Crait), but he did defend the bridge on the rebel ship, as well as get slapped haha. I'll give myself just a partial.
7. Ok, this is a tricky one. Luke sort of did, but he wasn't actually there. So does this count? Hard to say. He didn't reunite with her in person. Again, just partially correct.
8. Well for one I thought there would only be one Porg in the whole movie. And the most adorable thing was the sad faces on the group of them as Chewie was about to eat one of them. So again, just partial.
9. Well this wasn't necessarily hard to predict, but he did end up turning on Rose and Finn for a monetary gain. That's exactly something Boba or Cad would do. Another one right.
10. There wasn't much of a cliffhanger, certainly not like in TFA. So I did not get this one right.
In total, I got 3 right, 5 partially correct, and 2 wrong. Not bad. This movie definitely surprised me in spots, especially in Snoke's death and Luke not actually being on Crait.
I will probably end up reviewing TLJ in another post (definitely gotta see it again), so stay tuned!
1. Someone's origin will be revealed - But perhaps not Rey's
I do believe Rey to be related to Obi-Wan Kenobi, but I don't necessarily think that will be revealed in TLJ. Instead, maybe the origin of either Finn or Snoke will be revealed. I do think Finn could be the son of Lando Calrissian, because Maz Kanata recognized his eyes and she's probably met Lando as she was good friends with Han.
2. Deaths: General Hux, Leia
For TLJ I think General Hux will die. I think it will be him being in a ship and it explodes. As we know, Carrie Fisher passed away after filming TLJ (RIP), so they'll have to write her out somehow. I think it would be better to give her a non-violent death, somehow. But please, don't let it be of a broken heart/loss of will to live.
3. Snoke will not be a lightsaber wielder
So we finally will get to see Snoke in something other than a projection (as revealed in the trailer). I think it will be revealed that he doesn't believe in lightsabers and that he is powerful enough in the force to succeed without one. Perhaps he will own a weapon of some kind that can stand up to a lightsaber.
4. Finn and Rose Tico will eventually be a couple
Now this may not exactly happen in TLJ, but I've seen a few different stills of them in scenes together, leading me to believe there could be something between the two. I don't like the idea of Rey and Finn, I feel they have more of a brother/sister bond. But I could see Finn and Rose together, and we may only get hints of it in TLJ with them hooking up in Ep. 9.
5. There will be a new Dark Side Force Power revealed
So we've gotten new planets, creatures, even types of lightsabers in this new trilogy. But we haven't really gotten any new force powers yet. I think either Snoke or Kylo Ren will debut a new force power, something like Force Drain (seen in KOTOR), Force Destroy, Force Pain, or Force Fire. Obviously if it's something extremely powerful like Force Destroy (which in my mind destroys anything you concentrate hard enough on), it would be only Snoke who can do it.
6. Poe will get to fight outside of an X-Wing
This doesn't seem like a surprise, as it has to happen at some point, right? The beginning of TFA doesn't really count as he took one shot and was immobilized. I hope to see some Han Solo type fighting out of him in TLJ.
7. Luke does not get to reunite with Leia
It's unfortunate, but I think the writers/producers were planning on Luke and Leia reuniting in Ep 9., but because of Carrie Fisher's passing, unless it happens in TLJ, it won't happen at all. If they have Leia pass away in this one hopefully Luke hears and can grieve.
8. The Porg does something adorable to make everyone go "Awwww!"
Ok, this might be the most predictable item on this list, but can you blame me? BB-8 had its moments in TFA (The thumbs up to Finn, for one), and the Porg will do something in TLJ to make mostly women swoon and wish they were real creatures. Perhaps someday a toy manufacturer will make a lifelike and realistic version that is similar to a Furby.
9. Benicio Del Toro's Character DJ will be like Boba Fett and Cad Bane
Hard to say how each of the new characters will fit in and what they'll be like. But with DJ, I think he will be one of those rogue types that looks out for only himself, and perhaps assists the bad guys (much like Boba Fett and Cad Bane). He won't be inherently dark sided, however, and may end up redeeming himself in Ep. 9.
10. Cliffhanger? You betcha
TESB finished with a cliffhanger. Technically AotC did too. So to keep the tradition alive of 2nd movie in a trilogy having a cliffhanger, this one will too. This time, someone's fate will be in the balance: Probably either Rey or Luke.
So really all I hope is for another solid Star Wars film. I really hope it doesn't follow the plot of any other Star Wars movie, like many thought TFA did with A New Hope. I think it will undoubtedly fulfill most of our expectations. And as you might guess, I'm going to see it multiple times in theaters. I can't wait!
Well, I just saw TLJ and while most of my predictions were wrong, some were close and I nailed one in particular. Let's see how many I got right. Obviously, spoilers ahead
1. Someone's origin WAS revealed, and it was Rey's. So I'll give myself a partially correct on this one.
2. Wow, totally wrong. Leia will more than likely die between 8 and 9, but she did not die on screen. Hux didn't, either, but he's almost a lock to die in Ep. 9. Instead we saw Phasma, Snoke, and Luke as the notable deaths. One wrong.
3. Well, he died before we could see if he did use or own a lightsaber. I don't recall seeing one on his person. I have to give myself my first correct answer on this one. Not a lightsaber user that we know of.
4. Well, I was pretty spot on with this one! Might see them as a legit couple in Ep. 9, as time will undoubtedly pass in their story between 8 and 9. Another correct prediction
5. I feel like I saw a hint of a new power when Snoke did an almost lightning bomb at Kylo, I believe it was. I'll have to watch TLJ again to see but to me it looked like something we hadn't seen before. However, I'll give myself just a partial on this one.
6. Well he wasn't in any legit battles outside of his X-Wing (or the speeders on Crait), but he did defend the bridge on the rebel ship, as well as get slapped haha. I'll give myself just a partial.
7. Ok, this is a tricky one. Luke sort of did, but he wasn't actually there. So does this count? Hard to say. He didn't reunite with her in person. Again, just partially correct.
8. Well for one I thought there would only be one Porg in the whole movie. And the most adorable thing was the sad faces on the group of them as Chewie was about to eat one of them. So again, just partial.
9. Well this wasn't necessarily hard to predict, but he did end up turning on Rose and Finn for a monetary gain. That's exactly something Boba or Cad would do. Another one right.
10. There wasn't much of a cliffhanger, certainly not like in TFA. So I did not get this one right.
In total, I got 3 right, 5 partially correct, and 2 wrong. Not bad. This movie definitely surprised me in spots, especially in Snoke's death and Luke not actually being on Crait.
I will probably end up reviewing TLJ in another post (definitely gotta see it again), so stay tuned!
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Survivor Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers: How the Final 7 will go
Well, another good season of Survivor is winding down, and they are already down to the Final 7: Ashley, Ben, Chrissy, Devon, Lauren, Mike, and Ryan. This is a really solid cast and I don't think I've ever said this about a final 7, but there's at least 6, if not all 7, that could win this game. So it makes it pretty tough to predict who will win, but I'll give it my best.
7th: Mike
Just FYI, there was a string of women being voted out (Roark, Ali, Jessica, Desi all in a row) and this will continue the string of men (Cole, JP, Joe so far). Mike is the lone healer left, and it would just make logical sense for him to win. If he gets anywhere near the end he could win it. The Hustlers and Heroes have to prevent that.
6th: Ben
I don't know exactly how this will happen, but it's likely one of 2 ways. Either Ryan plays his idol to eliminate Ben, or some of Lauren, Ashley, and Devon turn on him. Either way, he's already been outed as a huge threat to win the game, and while it would make for a great season, it's not going to happen.
5th: Chrissy
Chrissy will be a target because she's a smooth talker, likable, and if she sits in the final three could definitely earn some votes. At this point it would probably be her and Ryan vs. Lauren, Ashley, and Devon. Ryan's a strategic threat, but not much strategy left with only 5 remaining.
4th: Ryan
Ryan would be on the outs, and unless he wins immunity, he's probably gone. He could try to break up the fearsome threesome but no one would take him over anyone remaining.
3rd: Ashley
This is the spot now known as the no or one vote spot. Meaning, at the final tribal council, they get one or no votes. I see that being Ashley, as I just don't see a Survivor winner quality in her.
2nd: Devon
Devon's played a great game and could very will win the final few immunity challenges, with all the other male threats out. But I don't think it'll be enough to grant him the title of sole survivor.
1st: Lauren
I never would have predicted this at the start of the season, but I see it happening. She's got Chrissy as more of a threat to win, and everyone else is more of a physical threat, really. Lauren is going to say the right things and come away the winner of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers.
Just for GP, here's how I see the final vote going:
Desi: Lauren
Cole: Devon
JP: Ashley
Joe: Devon
Mike: Lauren
Ben: Lauren
Chrissy: Lauren
Ryan: Lauren
So by a vote of 5-2-1, Lauren wins. Hooray for her.
7th: Mike
Just FYI, there was a string of women being voted out (Roark, Ali, Jessica, Desi all in a row) and this will continue the string of men (Cole, JP, Joe so far). Mike is the lone healer left, and it would just make logical sense for him to win. If he gets anywhere near the end he could win it. The Hustlers and Heroes have to prevent that.
6th: Ben
I don't know exactly how this will happen, but it's likely one of 2 ways. Either Ryan plays his idol to eliminate Ben, or some of Lauren, Ashley, and Devon turn on him. Either way, he's already been outed as a huge threat to win the game, and while it would make for a great season, it's not going to happen.
5th: Chrissy
Chrissy will be a target because she's a smooth talker, likable, and if she sits in the final three could definitely earn some votes. At this point it would probably be her and Ryan vs. Lauren, Ashley, and Devon. Ryan's a strategic threat, but not much strategy left with only 5 remaining.
4th: Ryan
Ryan would be on the outs, and unless he wins immunity, he's probably gone. He could try to break up the fearsome threesome but no one would take him over anyone remaining.
3rd: Ashley
This is the spot now known as the no or one vote spot. Meaning, at the final tribal council, they get one or no votes. I see that being Ashley, as I just don't see a Survivor winner quality in her.
2nd: Devon
Devon's played a great game and could very will win the final few immunity challenges, with all the other male threats out. But I don't think it'll be enough to grant him the title of sole survivor.
1st: Lauren
I never would have predicted this at the start of the season, but I see it happening. She's got Chrissy as more of a threat to win, and everyone else is more of a physical threat, really. Lauren is going to say the right things and come away the winner of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers.
Just for GP, here's how I see the final vote going:
Desi: Lauren
Cole: Devon
JP: Ashley
Joe: Devon
Mike: Lauren
Ben: Lauren
Chrissy: Lauren
Ryan: Lauren
So by a vote of 5-2-1, Lauren wins. Hooray for her.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
My Thoughts on NFL Players Sitting for the National Anthem
Last season, Colin Kaepernick made headlines by kneeling during the National Anthem. That is largely why he remains unsigned, despite multiple teams needing a veteran quarterback. The hubbub generated by this act of defiance died down towards the end of the season, but this preseason it has resurfaced, maybe larger than before. Michael Bennett and Marshawn Lynch (Teammates on the Hawks from 2013-2015) started again this preseason and now we have a group of Cleveland Browns. My take on it is simple: You have been given freedoms by those who lost their lives for you, and you disgrace them by refusing to honor them by simply standing during our National Anthem.
Thousands and thousands of American soldiers have died, been wounded, seen horrors beyond imagination, all so that we civilians can live safe and free lives. These professional football players would not be able to make millions playing the game they love if not for them. And how do they repay them? By sitting during the National Anthem. That is about the biggest slap in the face I could possibly think of. Standing during the National Anthem is about honoring what millions of Americans have done to make this country so great. It's the civilian's way of saying thank you to everyone who has had a part in shaping our country. Michael Bennett's father served in the Navy and chances are every other player that has sat has a family member that has served in the military, government, or helped shape this country in some way. How can you disrespect your own family like that?
I understand the social and racial injustices. I understand why these certain African American players are trying to take a stand by... not standing. Despite racial segregation basically ending 40 years ago, they are still treated differently, most famously by law enforcement. But sitting during the National Anthem is not the way to take a stand, both literally and figuratively. What does it accomplish? You make headlines, you give reporters a story. That's it. Is it changing laws? Is it changing people's actions? Hardly.
Colin Kaepernick started all of this. If he hadn't, would someone else have? Possibly. But, through his actions and words Colin has proven he is immature and unintelligent. So why are these players following this immature and unintelligent player? Marshawn Lynch has shown to be lacking certain verbal skills, and you could argue the same could apply to Michael Bennett. To be honest, I think it comes down to lack of intelligence. These men do not know the proper and smart way to let their voice be heard. They do not know how to appropriately handle themselves. Look at Russell Wilson. He's black. He's good friends with Marshawn and Michael, having been both their teammate. Yet is he sitting for the National Anthem? Nope. He knows it causes more harm than good. And that's what it comes down to. These actions of sitting for the National Anthem are causing more strife and discord than unity.
What is happening is that the country is getting torn on this racial and social issue. Nothing good comes from tearing something apart, unless a rebuilding plan is in place (which it is not). You have the group that supports Colin, Marshawn, and Michael (and those handful of Browns players), and then you have the rest. Is it the 1960's all over again? More players may join their cause. But I think most of them realize that that is not the correct way to make a statement. Most of them realize that they would be disrespecting their friends and family who have served this country.
So what needs to happen? I can't really say what to do to appease those sitting, but I can say this: They need to find some other method. They need to stand and admit that what they were doing wasn't the correct action. Perhaps an NFL player, preferably a popular face such as a star quarterback, needs to step up and encourage his fellow players to stand during the National Anthem. It would make a better argument if it was a black player, too. A white player might only cause further segregation. I want black people to be treated just the same as white people, but to sit during our National Anthem is NOT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THAT.
Thousands and thousands of American soldiers have died, been wounded, seen horrors beyond imagination, all so that we civilians can live safe and free lives. These professional football players would not be able to make millions playing the game they love if not for them. And how do they repay them? By sitting during the National Anthem. That is about the biggest slap in the face I could possibly think of. Standing during the National Anthem is about honoring what millions of Americans have done to make this country so great. It's the civilian's way of saying thank you to everyone who has had a part in shaping our country. Michael Bennett's father served in the Navy and chances are every other player that has sat has a family member that has served in the military, government, or helped shape this country in some way. How can you disrespect your own family like that?
I understand the social and racial injustices. I understand why these certain African American players are trying to take a stand by... not standing. Despite racial segregation basically ending 40 years ago, they are still treated differently, most famously by law enforcement. But sitting during the National Anthem is not the way to take a stand, both literally and figuratively. What does it accomplish? You make headlines, you give reporters a story. That's it. Is it changing laws? Is it changing people's actions? Hardly.
Colin Kaepernick started all of this. If he hadn't, would someone else have? Possibly. But, through his actions and words Colin has proven he is immature and unintelligent. So why are these players following this immature and unintelligent player? Marshawn Lynch has shown to be lacking certain verbal skills, and you could argue the same could apply to Michael Bennett. To be honest, I think it comes down to lack of intelligence. These men do not know the proper and smart way to let their voice be heard. They do not know how to appropriately handle themselves. Look at Russell Wilson. He's black. He's good friends with Marshawn and Michael, having been both their teammate. Yet is he sitting for the National Anthem? Nope. He knows it causes more harm than good. And that's what it comes down to. These actions of sitting for the National Anthem are causing more strife and discord than unity.
What is happening is that the country is getting torn on this racial and social issue. Nothing good comes from tearing something apart, unless a rebuilding plan is in place (which it is not). You have the group that supports Colin, Marshawn, and Michael (and those handful of Browns players), and then you have the rest. Is it the 1960's all over again? More players may join their cause. But I think most of them realize that that is not the correct way to make a statement. Most of them realize that they would be disrespecting their friends and family who have served this country.
So what needs to happen? I can't really say what to do to appease those sitting, but I can say this: They need to find some other method. They need to stand and admit that what they were doing wasn't the correct action. Perhaps an NFL player, preferably a popular face such as a star quarterback, needs to step up and encourage his fellow players to stand during the National Anthem. It would make a better argument if it was a black player, too. A white player might only cause further segregation. I want black people to be treated just the same as white people, but to sit during our National Anthem is NOT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THAT.
Monday, August 14, 2017
MASSIVE NFL Preview 2017!
Well the 2017 NFL season is just around the corner, so it's time for my annual
predictions! First up, it's ten
surprises of 2017. These are ten random
things I predict to happen in the NFL in 2017 (going to 2018) and all should
surprise you to some extent. Here are my
Ten Surprises of 2017:
1. The Browns will beat a 2017-18 playoff team
I don't know who, whether it be the Steelers, Bengals, or someone else, but they will.
2. The Seahawks will have a better road record than home record
Perhaps the home field advantage is wearing off? Either way I see a lot of winnable road games and a few home games where they could be needlessly overconfident.
3. More than one well respected coach will get the axe before season's end (Pagano, Arians, Harbaugh)
Those are some possibilities; it could even be Marvin Lewis of the Bengals, although I picked them to make the playoffs.
4. All four NFC division Champs from 2016 will be at most a game back of the division crown again.
The Seahawks and Pack should repeat, while the Boys and Falcons face tough competition in their division but should hang around until division's end (and possibly get a wild card). You may not think this is a surprise but go back through the years and see what happens to some of the division winners. Every time there's at least one that has a drop-off. Not this time.
5. The leading rusher will be someone who was not a starter last year (and not a rookie).
I don't know who, but someone will come out of nowhere to lead the league in rushing. Ok that's not a huge surprise. Sue me.
6. A number one seed will lose their first game
I feel like for the past 4, 5 years the #1 seed in the playoffs has ALWAYS been in the conference championship because they ALWAYS win the divisional round game. And why not, it's always against a 4 seed at best, at home, and the team is rested after having come off a bye. This time it will hurt a team.
7. For the first time in five years, the AFC South will have a wild card team (and thus two playoff teams)
The AFC South for a long time has been known as one of the worst divisions in football. Not anymore. They are a division on the rise (Jags, Titans improving, Texans should still be good, Colts are hit or miss). Not since the 2012-13 season have they had more than a lone playoff participant.
8. Roger Goodell will have no choice but to start fining those who sit for the National Anthem
Ok, this is more politically related, but at some point Goodell must realize those players choosing to sit during the National Anthem are hurting the league's image--big time. Any action that causes that much damage to "The Shield" should be heavily finable. Yet, he has tried to ignore it, hoping it will go away, but alas it does not appear to be. He will have no choice but to try to defend the league's image.
9. The Patriots will clinch their division in Week 13
This may not seem like much, but it's VERY hard to clinch your division with still a quarter of the season left, but the Patriots might just do it.
10. There will be zero instances of a wild card team having a better record than a division winner
It seems like usually there's a wild card team that does really well (10-6, 11-5) but they don't win their division because someone got even more wins. While there probably will be a 10 win wild card team or two, none of them will have a better record than a division winner. They'll have the same or worse.
Now onto my Win/Loss predictions for each team, starting with the AFC East, moving west, then doing the same for the NFC:
* = Wild Card
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots: 14-2
2. Miami Dolphins: 8-8
3. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
4. New York Jets: 3-13
Summary: The Patriots may go undefeated, but as defending champs too many teams will be targeting them and odds are they'll lose a game or two in the regular season. The Dolphins won't struggle with Cutler, but they won't flourish, either. The Bills did nothing in the offseason to make me think they're going to end their North American major team sport playoff drought. The Jets, meanwhile, will more than likely be a bottom 3 team in the AFC.
AFC North:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6*
3. Baltimore Ravens: 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns: 4-12
Summary: This is the Steelers division to lose this year. But the Bengals with John Ross will be scary on offense and hard to stop (Think Tyreke Hill and the Chiefs last year). The Ravens are still lacking a running game (Curse of Ray Rice?), but still have a decent defense, and the Browns will show marginal, if any, improvements.
AFC South:
1. Tennessee Titans: 10-6
2. Houston Texans: 10-6*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
4. Indianapolis Colts: 5-11
Summary: The Titans should contend for a playoff spot and division title with Mariota back and healthy. The Texans will be scary good with Clowney AND Watt healthy, but I still worry about their quarterback position. The Jags just can't seem to get over the hump and a new coach won't help. The Colts will struggle as it seems Luck won't be ready for the start of the season (Maybe not until Week 7 or 8).
AFC West:
1. Oakland Raiders: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7
3. Denver Broncos: 8-8
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11
Summary: The Raiders are many people's pick to unseat the Pats in the AFC, if it happens. The Chiefs are still solidly built, but with an aging Smith and Mahomes waiting in the wings, will there be a QB controversy? Denver still has a great D, but are still looking for the answer at QB (It's not Siemian). And the Chargers just lost their two rookies and may struggle to find passion for their play, playing in front of only 30,000.
NFC East:
1. New York Giants: 10-6
2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins: 6-10
Summary: The Giants will be hungry after the disappointing Wild Card playoff loss last year. There's very little chance the Cowboys can repeat last year's regular season success, but barring massive injuries they will compete for the division title. The Eagles should improve in Wentz's second year. The Skins... well to be honest I'm not quite sure. Perhaps Cousins will be distracted with all the rumors flying around, or the injury bug will hit them.
NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
3. Detroit Lions: 8-8
4. Chicago Bears: 4-12
Summary: This division is the Pack's to lose. The Vikings would have to play near perfectly. The Lions will remain competitive more than likely, but still have plenty of holes. The Bears are still another year away or so, and they still may not have their future QB.
NFC South:
1. Carolina Panthers: 11-5
2. Atlanta Falcons: 10-6*
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6*
4. New Orleans Saints: 7-9
Summary: This may be the most exciting and competitive division in the NFL. This division is always won by someone unexpected, so I'm going with the Panthers. They still have Newton and a Top 10 D. The Falcons should remain very competitive. The Buccaneers have a bit of hype, but there's no way they're going to win this division easily. The Saints, meanwhile, would be the only team I'd bet money on to not win the division.
NFC West:
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 8-8
3. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
4. San Francisco 49ers: 5-11
Summary: The Hawks have a favorable schedule and play in a weak division, so they should go 5-1 or 6-0 against their division foes. The Rams should improve under new Head Coach Sean McVay and in Jared Goff's second season. The Cards are in no man's land and it might be time to move on from Arians/Warner. The Niners may improve, if slightly. But there's no fixing that mess in San Francisco overnight.
Awards:
MVP: Derek Carr, Raiders
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt, Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: John Ross, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Reuben Foster, 49ers
Coach of the Year: Mike Mularkey, Titans
So the Seahawks finish 12-4? Let's see how they get there. Here are predictions for each game (Which usually are off a lot, but it's still fun)
Week 1: At Green Bay Packers - Win, 21-17 (1-0)
The Hawks haven't won in Green Bay since the last millennium, in Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay after leaving their to become the Hawks head coach. That's got to end. The Hawks will have a good defensive game plan, certainly better than last year's game. Aaron Rodgers and co. will attempt a last second Hail Mary but it will fall short.
Week 2: Vs. San Francisco 49ers - Win, 24-13 (2-0)
The Hawks offense may struggle against an improved 49er defense at first, and the game may be close until the end, leaving Hawks fans wondering if they might blow this easy victory. But in the end the Hawks D will step up and the offense will score a last minute TD to put it away.
Week 3: At Tennessee Titans - Loss, 22-21 (2-1)
In the heat in Tennessee, the Hawks lose their cool (Literally and figuratively) and a costly mistake costs them the game. The Hawks had their only perfect year against the AFC in their entire history last year, and that is highly unlikely to repeat, so a loss to an AFC team is almost inevitable.
Week 4: Vs. Indianapolis Colts - Win, 31-10 (3-1)
Odds are Andrew Luck won't be playing in this game, which is a shame, because it was supposed to be a showcase of the Top 2 QB's from the 2012 draft. With that said, the Hawks should have no trouble taking care of a down on their "Luck" (haha, get it?) team.
Week 5: At Los Angeles Rams - Win, 19-17 (4-1)
This probably won't be a pretty game, but the Hawks need to end their struggles with the Rams on the road. There are a lot of lessons the Hawks could learn from last year's game in LA, and as long as they play smart and efficiently, they should win. Won't be easy, though.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: At New York Giants - Win, 26-18 (5-1)
The long travel shouldn't bother the Hawks too much, and the game is at 1:25 Pacific Time so that should help. Richard Sherman should (And probably will be) stuck to Odell Beckham Jr. like glue, frustrating him. The Hawks have good history in Metlife Stadium (Super Bowl XLVIII) and should continue it.
Week 8: Vs. Houston Texans - Loss, 21-12 (5-2)
JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, if both healthy, may have a field day against our porous offensive line. Our team could be tired from their long trip back from New Jersey and I could see a letdown game here, despite the Hawks probably being favored.
Week 9: Vs. Washington Redskins - Win, 28-21 (6-2)
No way will the Hawks allow two straight home losses in a row, especially in back-to-back weeks. It won't be particularly easy (But then again, what games are?), but the Hawks have done well in recent years against the Redskins and that should continue.
Week 10: At Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-14 (7-2)
The Hawks will want to do anything to avenge for last year's tie in Arizona. I don't see the Cardinals as a strong team this season so it should not be as difficult as some of their other games. So long as the offense gets some rhythm going the defense will do its part.
Week 11: Vs. Atlanta Falcons - Loss, 31-23 (7-3)
Both teams will want revenge in this game, the Falcons for last year's regular season game where a missed PI call probably cost them the game. And the Hawks for last year's playoff game. I don't see the defense being able to keep up with the high flying Falcons defense all day long.
Week 12: At San Francisco 49ers - Win, 21-16 (8-3)
This game won't be as easy as we think, as the 49er defense with the crowd behind them will give the Hawk offense trouble. But in the end, talent will win out and the Hawks will come out on top.
Week 13: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Win, 27-24 (9-3)
Again, this game won't be easy. But it is Prime Time at home, and we have the more experienced quarterback. A last minute field goal or defensive stop will key the victory for us.
Week 14: At Jacksonville Jaguars - Win, 34-17 (10-3)
The Hawks are flying high after this victory, which should be in a very mild weather game. The offense has their best game of the year against a defeated Jaguar defense, and they perhaps clinch a playoff spot in this game.
Week 15: Vs. Los Angeles Rams - Loss, 27-18 (10-4)
A week after the offense has one of their best game, the defense has one of their worst and the Rams continue to be able to beat the Hawks at least once a year. I expect the Rams to have a better 2nd half than first so they may be playing some really good football at this point.
Week 16: At Dallas Cowboys - Win, 28-24 (11-4)
A game that will almost assuredly have playoff implications, the Hawks and Boys will go back and forth, but in the end the Hawks come out on top thanks to the more experienced roster and a line that will be much improved by season's end. This game could potentially be the one that costs the Cowboys a shot at the NFC East division title.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-6
Hard to say if this game will mean anything to either team. But I would be willing to bet money that Carson Palmer will not be playing in this game (either due to injury, struggles, or simply wanting to give another QB experience). Even if Russell and some of the starters sit, I see a victory here.
Well, that's how the Hawks go 12-4. 7-1 on the road and 5-3 at home, which is unusual but not impossible. Now for the Seahawks leaders and team awards (that aren't obvious):
Rushing Yards: Rawls (2nd is RW)
Rushing TD: Lacy
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD: Graham
Sacks: Clark
Tackles: Wagner
Interceptions: Thomas
Team MVP: Wilson
Team unsung hero: Wilhoite
Team Rookie of the Year: Pocic
Now for the playoff predictions to see how the Hawks (and the rest of the NFL's playoff teams) do:
Wild Cards
AFC: Bengals at Steelers - Steelers win
A rematch of the game two years ago the Bengals blew. But the Steelers have too much talent and will be at home, again.
Texans at Titans - Titans win
The Texans have done decently in the playoffs recently... at home. This game will be on the road however, by virtue of a tiebreaker, and the Titans win by a narrow margin.
NFC: Buccaneers at Giants - Giants win
Experience will win out as Eli and co. put away the young Bucs. Also, they will want to avoid losing in the wild card round two years in a row.
Falcons at Packers - Packers win
A rematch of last year's NFC Championship game this time takes place in the wild card round. I don't see the Falcons offense doing much in the Green Bay cold.
Divisional Round:
AFC: Steelers at Raiders - Raiders win
Still haven't had a road team win in the playoffs. Should be a very close and exciting game between two teams with some of the best fanbases. The Steelers have experience but perhaps may lack the drive that will get the Raiders to the next level.
Titans at Patriots - Patriots win
Doesn't it seem like every year the Patriots get an easy matchup in the divisional round? Last year it was the Osweiler-led Texans, and a few years back it was the Tebow-lead Broncos. Well, that pattern continues as the Pats get the Titans and Mariota in his first playoff run. Should be an easy win for the Pats.
NFC: Packers at Panthers - Packers win
Finally, a road team wins. The Panthers defense won't be able to stop Aaron Rodgers, just like the Cowboys defense couldn't stop him last year.
Giants at Seahawks - Giants win
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks lost in the Divisional Round at home. Must have been in the 90's or 80's. But it is bound to happen. The Hawks always play tough in the playoffs but I feel the home field advantage is starting to wear off.
Conference Championships:
AFC: Raiders at Patriots - Patriots Win
Hard to imagine the Patriots not making it to the Super Bowl if they get the number one seed. And Derek Carr and the Raiders should be proud if they get to the AFC Championship game; it means they took a step forward.
NFC: Giants at Packers - Packers Win
A rematch of last year's wild card game. Again, cold weather, and again, the Pack move on.
Super Bowl LII: Patriots vs. Packers- Patriots win, 30-27
I have wanted this Super Bowl matchup for so long... and I predict it finally happens. It would be a showdown for the ages. I predict the Packers to get a last second or minute TD to make it 28-27 (still in favor of the Pats) and on the PAT it is blocked and returned for 2 pts. A few last second heaves from Aaron Rodgers are incomplete and the Patriots win yet again, solidifying Belichick and Brady as the two best in history.
1. The Browns will beat a 2017-18 playoff team
I don't know who, whether it be the Steelers, Bengals, or someone else, but they will.
2. The Seahawks will have a better road record than home record
Perhaps the home field advantage is wearing off? Either way I see a lot of winnable road games and a few home games where they could be needlessly overconfident.
3. More than one well respected coach will get the axe before season's end (Pagano, Arians, Harbaugh)
Those are some possibilities; it could even be Marvin Lewis of the Bengals, although I picked them to make the playoffs.
4. All four NFC division Champs from 2016 will be at most a game back of the division crown again.
The Seahawks and Pack should repeat, while the Boys and Falcons face tough competition in their division but should hang around until division's end (and possibly get a wild card). You may not think this is a surprise but go back through the years and see what happens to some of the division winners. Every time there's at least one that has a drop-off. Not this time.
5. The leading rusher will be someone who was not a starter last year (and not a rookie).
I don't know who, but someone will come out of nowhere to lead the league in rushing. Ok that's not a huge surprise. Sue me.
6. A number one seed will lose their first game
I feel like for the past 4, 5 years the #1 seed in the playoffs has ALWAYS been in the conference championship because they ALWAYS win the divisional round game. And why not, it's always against a 4 seed at best, at home, and the team is rested after having come off a bye. This time it will hurt a team.
7. For the first time in five years, the AFC South will have a wild card team (and thus two playoff teams)
The AFC South for a long time has been known as one of the worst divisions in football. Not anymore. They are a division on the rise (Jags, Titans improving, Texans should still be good, Colts are hit or miss). Not since the 2012-13 season have they had more than a lone playoff participant.
8. Roger Goodell will have no choice but to start fining those who sit for the National Anthem
Ok, this is more politically related, but at some point Goodell must realize those players choosing to sit during the National Anthem are hurting the league's image--big time. Any action that causes that much damage to "The Shield" should be heavily finable. Yet, he has tried to ignore it, hoping it will go away, but alas it does not appear to be. He will have no choice but to try to defend the league's image.
9. The Patriots will clinch their division in Week 13
This may not seem like much, but it's VERY hard to clinch your division with still a quarter of the season left, but the Patriots might just do it.
10. There will be zero instances of a wild card team having a better record than a division winner
It seems like usually there's a wild card team that does really well (10-6, 11-5) but they don't win their division because someone got even more wins. While there probably will be a 10 win wild card team or two, none of them will have a better record than a division winner. They'll have the same or worse.
Now onto my Win/Loss predictions for each team, starting with the AFC East, moving west, then doing the same for the NFC:
* = Wild Card
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots: 14-2
2. Miami Dolphins: 8-8
3. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
4. New York Jets: 3-13
Summary: The Patriots may go undefeated, but as defending champs too many teams will be targeting them and odds are they'll lose a game or two in the regular season. The Dolphins won't struggle with Cutler, but they won't flourish, either. The Bills did nothing in the offseason to make me think they're going to end their North American major team sport playoff drought. The Jets, meanwhile, will more than likely be a bottom 3 team in the AFC.
AFC North:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6*
3. Baltimore Ravens: 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns: 4-12
Summary: This is the Steelers division to lose this year. But the Bengals with John Ross will be scary on offense and hard to stop (Think Tyreke Hill and the Chiefs last year). The Ravens are still lacking a running game (Curse of Ray Rice?), but still have a decent defense, and the Browns will show marginal, if any, improvements.
AFC South:
1. Tennessee Titans: 10-6
2. Houston Texans: 10-6*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
4. Indianapolis Colts: 5-11
Summary: The Titans should contend for a playoff spot and division title with Mariota back and healthy. The Texans will be scary good with Clowney AND Watt healthy, but I still worry about their quarterback position. The Jags just can't seem to get over the hump and a new coach won't help. The Colts will struggle as it seems Luck won't be ready for the start of the season (Maybe not until Week 7 or 8).
AFC West:
1. Oakland Raiders: 12-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7
3. Denver Broncos: 8-8
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11
Summary: The Raiders are many people's pick to unseat the Pats in the AFC, if it happens. The Chiefs are still solidly built, but with an aging Smith and Mahomes waiting in the wings, will there be a QB controversy? Denver still has a great D, but are still looking for the answer at QB (It's not Siemian). And the Chargers just lost their two rookies and may struggle to find passion for their play, playing in front of only 30,000.
NFC East:
1. New York Giants: 10-6
2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins: 6-10
Summary: The Giants will be hungry after the disappointing Wild Card playoff loss last year. There's very little chance the Cowboys can repeat last year's regular season success, but barring massive injuries they will compete for the division title. The Eagles should improve in Wentz's second year. The Skins... well to be honest I'm not quite sure. Perhaps Cousins will be distracted with all the rumors flying around, or the injury bug will hit them.
NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
3. Detroit Lions: 8-8
4. Chicago Bears: 4-12
Summary: This division is the Pack's to lose. The Vikings would have to play near perfectly. The Lions will remain competitive more than likely, but still have plenty of holes. The Bears are still another year away or so, and they still may not have their future QB.
NFC South:
1. Carolina Panthers: 11-5
2. Atlanta Falcons: 10-6*
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6*
4. New Orleans Saints: 7-9
Summary: This may be the most exciting and competitive division in the NFL. This division is always won by someone unexpected, so I'm going with the Panthers. They still have Newton and a Top 10 D. The Falcons should remain very competitive. The Buccaneers have a bit of hype, but there's no way they're going to win this division easily. The Saints, meanwhile, would be the only team I'd bet money on to not win the division.
NFC West:
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 8-8
3. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
4. San Francisco 49ers: 5-11
Summary: The Hawks have a favorable schedule and play in a weak division, so they should go 5-1 or 6-0 against their division foes. The Rams should improve under new Head Coach Sean McVay and in Jared Goff's second season. The Cards are in no man's land and it might be time to move on from Arians/Warner. The Niners may improve, if slightly. But there's no fixing that mess in San Francisco overnight.
Awards:
MVP: Derek Carr, Raiders
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt, Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: John Ross, Bengals
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Reuben Foster, 49ers
Coach of the Year: Mike Mularkey, Titans
So the Seahawks finish 12-4? Let's see how they get there. Here are predictions for each game (Which usually are off a lot, but it's still fun)
Week 1: At Green Bay Packers - Win, 21-17 (1-0)
The Hawks haven't won in Green Bay since the last millennium, in Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay after leaving their to become the Hawks head coach. That's got to end. The Hawks will have a good defensive game plan, certainly better than last year's game. Aaron Rodgers and co. will attempt a last second Hail Mary but it will fall short.
Week 2: Vs. San Francisco 49ers - Win, 24-13 (2-0)
The Hawks offense may struggle against an improved 49er defense at first, and the game may be close until the end, leaving Hawks fans wondering if they might blow this easy victory. But in the end the Hawks D will step up and the offense will score a last minute TD to put it away.
Week 3: At Tennessee Titans - Loss, 22-21 (2-1)
In the heat in Tennessee, the Hawks lose their cool (Literally and figuratively) and a costly mistake costs them the game. The Hawks had their only perfect year against the AFC in their entire history last year, and that is highly unlikely to repeat, so a loss to an AFC team is almost inevitable.
Week 4: Vs. Indianapolis Colts - Win, 31-10 (3-1)
Odds are Andrew Luck won't be playing in this game, which is a shame, because it was supposed to be a showcase of the Top 2 QB's from the 2012 draft. With that said, the Hawks should have no trouble taking care of a down on their "Luck" (haha, get it?) team.
Week 5: At Los Angeles Rams - Win, 19-17 (4-1)
This probably won't be a pretty game, but the Hawks need to end their struggles with the Rams on the road. There are a lot of lessons the Hawks could learn from last year's game in LA, and as long as they play smart and efficiently, they should win. Won't be easy, though.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: At New York Giants - Win, 26-18 (5-1)
The long travel shouldn't bother the Hawks too much, and the game is at 1:25 Pacific Time so that should help. Richard Sherman should (And probably will be) stuck to Odell Beckham Jr. like glue, frustrating him. The Hawks have good history in Metlife Stadium (Super Bowl XLVIII) and should continue it.
Week 8: Vs. Houston Texans - Loss, 21-12 (5-2)
JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, if both healthy, may have a field day against our porous offensive line. Our team could be tired from their long trip back from New Jersey and I could see a letdown game here, despite the Hawks probably being favored.
Week 9: Vs. Washington Redskins - Win, 28-21 (6-2)
No way will the Hawks allow two straight home losses in a row, especially in back-to-back weeks. It won't be particularly easy (But then again, what games are?), but the Hawks have done well in recent years against the Redskins and that should continue.
Week 10: At Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-14 (7-2)
The Hawks will want to do anything to avenge for last year's tie in Arizona. I don't see the Cardinals as a strong team this season so it should not be as difficult as some of their other games. So long as the offense gets some rhythm going the defense will do its part.
Week 11: Vs. Atlanta Falcons - Loss, 31-23 (7-3)
Both teams will want revenge in this game, the Falcons for last year's regular season game where a missed PI call probably cost them the game. And the Hawks for last year's playoff game. I don't see the defense being able to keep up with the high flying Falcons defense all day long.
Week 12: At San Francisco 49ers - Win, 21-16 (8-3)
This game won't be as easy as we think, as the 49er defense with the crowd behind them will give the Hawk offense trouble. But in the end, talent will win out and the Hawks will come out on top.
Week 13: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Win, 27-24 (9-3)
Again, this game won't be easy. But it is Prime Time at home, and we have the more experienced quarterback. A last minute field goal or defensive stop will key the victory for us.
Week 14: At Jacksonville Jaguars - Win, 34-17 (10-3)
The Hawks are flying high after this victory, which should be in a very mild weather game. The offense has their best game of the year against a defeated Jaguar defense, and they perhaps clinch a playoff spot in this game.
Week 15: Vs. Los Angeles Rams - Loss, 27-18 (10-4)
A week after the offense has one of their best game, the defense has one of their worst and the Rams continue to be able to beat the Hawks at least once a year. I expect the Rams to have a better 2nd half than first so they may be playing some really good football at this point.
Week 16: At Dallas Cowboys - Win, 28-24 (11-4)
A game that will almost assuredly have playoff implications, the Hawks and Boys will go back and forth, but in the end the Hawks come out on top thanks to the more experienced roster and a line that will be much improved by season's end. This game could potentially be the one that costs the Cowboys a shot at the NFC East division title.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Win, 20-6
Hard to say if this game will mean anything to either team. But I would be willing to bet money that Carson Palmer will not be playing in this game (either due to injury, struggles, or simply wanting to give another QB experience). Even if Russell and some of the starters sit, I see a victory here.
Well, that's how the Hawks go 12-4. 7-1 on the road and 5-3 at home, which is unusual but not impossible. Now for the Seahawks leaders and team awards (that aren't obvious):
Rushing Yards: Rawls (2nd is RW)
Rushing TD: Lacy
Receptions: Baldwin
Receiving Yards: Baldwin
Receiving TD: Graham
Sacks: Clark
Tackles: Wagner
Interceptions: Thomas
Team MVP: Wilson
Team unsung hero: Wilhoite
Team Rookie of the Year: Pocic
Now for the playoff predictions to see how the Hawks (and the rest of the NFL's playoff teams) do:
Wild Cards
AFC: Bengals at Steelers - Steelers win
A rematch of the game two years ago the Bengals blew. But the Steelers have too much talent and will be at home, again.
Texans at Titans - Titans win
The Texans have done decently in the playoffs recently... at home. This game will be on the road however, by virtue of a tiebreaker, and the Titans win by a narrow margin.
NFC: Buccaneers at Giants - Giants win
Experience will win out as Eli and co. put away the young Bucs. Also, they will want to avoid losing in the wild card round two years in a row.
Falcons at Packers - Packers win
A rematch of last year's NFC Championship game this time takes place in the wild card round. I don't see the Falcons offense doing much in the Green Bay cold.
Divisional Round:
AFC: Steelers at Raiders - Raiders win
Still haven't had a road team win in the playoffs. Should be a very close and exciting game between two teams with some of the best fanbases. The Steelers have experience but perhaps may lack the drive that will get the Raiders to the next level.
Titans at Patriots - Patriots win
Doesn't it seem like every year the Patriots get an easy matchup in the divisional round? Last year it was the Osweiler-led Texans, and a few years back it was the Tebow-lead Broncos. Well, that pattern continues as the Pats get the Titans and Mariota in his first playoff run. Should be an easy win for the Pats.
NFC: Packers at Panthers - Packers win
Finally, a road team wins. The Panthers defense won't be able to stop Aaron Rodgers, just like the Cowboys defense couldn't stop him last year.
Giants at Seahawks - Giants win
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks lost in the Divisional Round at home. Must have been in the 90's or 80's. But it is bound to happen. The Hawks always play tough in the playoffs but I feel the home field advantage is starting to wear off.
Conference Championships:
AFC: Raiders at Patriots - Patriots Win
Hard to imagine the Patriots not making it to the Super Bowl if they get the number one seed. And Derek Carr and the Raiders should be proud if they get to the AFC Championship game; it means they took a step forward.
NFC: Giants at Packers - Packers Win
A rematch of last year's wild card game. Again, cold weather, and again, the Pack move on.
Super Bowl LII: Patriots vs. Packers- Patriots win, 30-27
I have wanted this Super Bowl matchup for so long... and I predict it finally happens. It would be a showdown for the ages. I predict the Packers to get a last second or minute TD to make it 28-27 (still in favor of the Pats) and on the PAT it is blocked and returned for 2 pts. A few last second heaves from Aaron Rodgers are incomplete and the Patriots win yet again, solidifying Belichick and Brady as the two best in history.
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