NFL 2010 Predictions. NFC.

NFC East:

1. Dallas Cowboys 12-4
A pretty good defense and an outstanding offense should be the key to winning this division.

2. Philadelphia Eagles 9-7
Their defense (which crumbled at the end of last season) won't be as good and Kevin Kolb will have to adjust and get acclimated with the offense. I'm also not sold on Lesean McCoy. No playoffs.

3. Washington Redskins 8-8
Mcnabb improves things and the defense should be decent, but this team has a ways to go.

4. New York Giants 7-9
This may surprise you that I'm putting a team that's only 2 years removed from being Super Bowl champs in last place, but there is reasoning behind it. This team is coming off a year which the defense collapsed and the running game was almost non-existent. I don't see signs of improvement when you sign Buffalo's old defense coordinator as your new one...



NFC West:

1. San Francisco 49ers 11-5
This team is coming off a year where 2 close losses kept them from winning the division. They had best defense based on points allowed and only lost only one divisional game. Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree will have better chemistry and Frank Gore will be good as always.

2. Arizona Cardinals 10-6
Matt Leinert has been sitting behind a legend for the past 3 years. Good things typically happen when a quarterback sits behind a Hall of Famer. (Matt Hasselbeck, Aaron Rodgers) So I think the offense will still be intact and the defense will still be decent.

3. Seattle Seahawks 8-8
There will be a huge improvement with a new coach and new staff. Okung and Thomas will improve both sides of the ball and Seattle will compete this year, it's a process to get back to the top and they're on their way.

4. St. Louis Rams 0-16?
I don't know what to say, I really don't. Bradford might be good... maybe.



NFC North:

1. Minnesota Vikings 13-3
13-3 only happens if Favre comes back, if not, the Vikings will still make the playoffs, but won't be as good.

2. Green Bay Packers 11-5
Defense will be good, Rodgers will be brilliant, and the Pack will make the playoffs. If Favre doesn't come back, the Vikings and Packers will switch places when it comes to divisional placing.

3. Chicago Bears 7-9
I have no love for the Bears, they're probably the team I hate the most after the Steelers, but I do have non-biased reasoning to put them here. Cutler will still throw more interceptions, Mike Martz might or might not make the offense better, and Julius Peppers is just getting older. I just don't see it.

4. Detroit Lions 4-12
Their offense might be exciting at times and will improve with Jahvid Best, there's still so much work to be done with this team, it's unreal.



NFC South:

1. New Orleans Saints 10-6
The Saints will be tested more by Carolina and Atlanta, but will still come out on top.

2. Carolina Panthers 9-7
Matt Moore will be good with Steve Smith the running game will be good with Stewart and Williams. This should be an exciting team, but not a playoff team.

3. Atlanta Falcons 8-8
This should be a decent team with a decent running game and a young improving quarterback. Still don't think this is a playoff team.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10
Josh Freeman will improve and Cadillac Williams should have a good year, but this team won't be too good.


1. Minnesota Vikings 13-3

2. Dallas Cowboys 12-4

3. San Francisco 49ers 11-5

4. New Orleans Saints 10-6

5. Green Bay Packers 11-5

6. Arizona Cardinals 10-6

NFL Draft Thoughts

The NFL Draft was this past weekend; players rose (Tim Tebow) and fell (Jimmy Clausen & Colt McCoy). Many experts say certain teams drafted busts, and certain teams drafted superstars, but nobody will really know until a few years from now.


The Seahawks were considered the winners of the draft, as they drafted Russel Okung out of Oklahoma State, who many thought was the top offensive tackle in the draft, and Earl Thomas out of Texas, who many thought was the top safety in this year's draft. Both of these players fill a major area of need on the team. Okung has the job of replacing O-Line legend, Walter Jones, and Earl Thomas brings a much needed play maker to one of the worst secondary's in the NFL.

The Seahawks also added to their Wide Receiver and Running Back depth, by drafting Golden Tate out of Notre Dame, and trading for LenDale White and Leon Washington.

LenDale White is a bruising running back that breaks through line with muscle and power. That's something the Seahawks were missing last year after the bone head decision to cut TJ Ducket for Edgerrin James. I Love Edge, but he was a total non-factor last season.

Leon Washington is an almost risky move because of his knee injury from last season and nobody knows if he'll be ready for the beginning of next season. Regardless of when he comes back, Washington brings a versatile back that run on third down and makes plays on special teams.

Pete Carroll looks like he knows what he's doing, I think he's setting up the Seahawks for success for a long time.

NFL Schedule Thoughts

So the 2010 NFL Schedule came out yesterday and I'm not too happy with how the NFL scheduled the Prime Time games. There is obvious East Coast Bias, as there are only 8 West Coast team appearances (10 if you count Arizona's 2 games on National TV) The other 8 appearances are all by San Diego and San Francisco. Really?

The Jets get 4 Prime Time games this year. Which some would understand because they almost made it to the Super Bowl last year. The Steelers get 5 Prime Time games this year and honestly, who will want to watch Carolina vs. Pittsburgh? Make no sense to me, that's just East Coast Bias. You see it in college football and now you see it in the NFL.

The Seahawks, however, get no Prime Time games, while the Kansas City Chiefs get on MNF Opening Night? You would think that more people would rather see Pete Carrol's return to the NFL over the lowly Chiefs. I don't mean to complain, but don't you see some bias here?

Oh well, I'm done now, I'm not really surprised, but I'm still not happy about it.

Anyways, the Draft is tomorrow; I hope Carrol gets an offensive tackle and C.J. Spiller if he's available.

Expect another post after the draft!

NBA Playoff Predictions

The NBA Playoffs start this weekend and I'm pretty excited about them. Here are my predictions:

Western Conference

1. LA Lakers vs. 8. OKC Thunder

I'm most excited about this series. I want to see how the youth and athleticism of the Thunder matches up with the experience of the Lakers, but I think the Lakers win in 7.

2. Dallas Mavericks vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

The Mavs lead the season series with the Spurs 3-1. Even though Duncan and Ginobili sat the last game against the Mavs. This will be an exciting series and I think the Spurs win in 7.

3. Phoenix Suns vs. 6. Portland Trail Blazers

The winner of this series is kind of a no brainer. Nash and Stoudemire are on fire and the Blazer's Brandon Roy is out. Suns in 5.

4. Denver Nuggets vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Home court is going to mean a lot in this series. This series features 2 of the 7 teams with a single digit loss record at home. Neither team is all the good on the road, so I think this series will also go to 7 games in favor of Denver.

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Chicago Bulls

The season series between these 2 teams is tied at 2-2. You would think that would be an indicator that this series might be close, but in all fairness, Lebron sat out the last game. Cavs in 5.

2. Orlando Magic vs. 7. Charlotte Bobcats

The Magic lead the season series 3-1 and are one of the favorites to reach the NBA finals. They have the best Center in the country (maybe the world) Dwight Howard. This team is better than last year; no longer are they one dimensional. Magic for the sweep!

3. Atlanta Hawks vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks

The Hawks beat the Bucks twice this season by a total of 12 points, so you can tell this series might be close. The Bucks did lose Andrew Bogut to injury, so that could be the difference. Atlanta in 6.

4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Miami Heat

The Celtics swept the Heat this season, winning by an average of 6 points. One thing I do notice is that the Celtics are fading and fading fast. Another thing I noticed is that the Heat are surging. I want to see the match up between KG and Beasley. Heat in 6.

MLB Predictions

American League

AL West Winner: Seattle Mariners (It's their year to shine, I'm not worried about the slow start)

AL East Winner: New York Yankees (It's the Yankees, would you pick against them?)

AL Central Winner: Minnesota Twins (I'm not picking against Mauer and the rest of that Twins offense, even if their closer is out for the year)

AL Wildcard Winner: Los Angeles Angels (I think the Rays, Chi-Sox, and Red Sox will all compete for the wild card, but the Angels come out on top)

American League Championship:

Yankees over Twins.

National League

NL West Winner: San Francisco Giants (The Giants almost won this division last year, their pitching and improved offense should replace the Dodgers as division champs)

NL East Winner: Philadelphia Phillies (The Phillies are hitting the ball and Halladay is already on fire, they shouldn't have a problem winning this division)

NL Central Winner: St. Louis Cardinals (Good pitching, good offense, and some dude named Albert Pujols. I think the Cards will win this one)

NL Wildcard Winner: Atlanta Braves (Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and Milwaukee will compete, but Atlanta looks great)

National League Championship:

Cardinals over Giants.

World Series:

Yankees over Cardinals.

Random Post.

First off, I want to apologize for my lack posts the past 2 weeks. I decided to take full advantage of my spring break and not do anything school related. Be sure to expect a lot more posts over the next few weeks. Sports are getting a little more interesting now, with baseball's opening week, the NBA and NHL playoffs starting later this week, and the MLS season starting; I'll have a lot more to write about.

Here's what to expect later this week.

1. My MLB regular season/playoff predictions.

2. My NBA playoff predictions. This is bound to be one of the craziest NBA playoffs in the Western Conference and I'm excited!

Next week I'll write about the NFL draft and how I think the Seahawks should pick and I'll give my thoughts about it afterwords.

This will be a crazy April for me. Pray for me!

Sweet 16 & Elite 8 Thoughts/Final 4 Predictions

This has been the craziest tournament I have ever witnessed by a mile. The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 were no exception.

Needless to say, I'm disappointed that my hometown Huskies lost, but they had a good run and they have been the best representative of Seattle sports the past couple years. I was 4 for 8 out of my Sweet 16 picks and 3 for 4 in my Elite 8 picks. Not too bad if you ask me, but all the games were close, which made it more exciting.

My Final 4 picks:

1. Duke vs. 2. West Virginia

I picked WVU to go to the National Championship Game and they haven't failed me yet, but Duke poses a big challenge for them. Both coaches are well experienced and both have talented teams. I still have WVU winning, but don't be surprised if I'm wrong, I wouldn't be.

5. Michigan State vs. 5. Butler

Two teams I didn't pick to go very far, but I'm impressed regardless. MSU lived up to their #2 preseason ranking by going to the Final 4 and Butler proved that their 23 game winning streak (Now 24) wasn't a fluke. I honestly don't know who I'll pick to win this game, but I'll try. Eeney, meeny, miney, moe. Michigan State. :)

I'll be back in a week to write my Championship game prediction. Until then, Enjoy the games!

NCAA Tourney: Second Round

The second round had a few good upsets, Saint Mary's over NOVA, UW over New Mexico, Cornell over Wisconsin, and Northern Iowa over KANSAS?!?!?! Needless to say my bracket is completely shot; mainly because I had I Kansas winning the whole thing! Oh well, upsets happen. In this post I'll tell you who I think will do well in the Sweet 16 and what I expect to happen.



Needless to say, don't take my word for it. :)



10. Saint Mary's vs. 3. Baylor



Saint Mary's has arguably the best big man in the tournament in Omar Samhan. Their offense runs through him and he's rebounding machine. I haven't watched Baylor enough to really have an opinion about them. You might say, "They're a 3 seed, they must be good." False; you haven't been watching this tournament if you said that. I'll be sure to watch this game. Saint Mary's might surprise some people.



1. Duke vs. 4. Purdue



Purdue might have had Duke's seed if Robbie Hummel didn't get hurt, they're still a good team, but they're a different team without him. Duke is just too complete of a team compared to a shorthanded Purdue team. I expect Singler and Scheyer to shine in this game.



2. West Virginia vs. 11. Washington



The Huskies are obviously the most underseeded team in the tournament and they've shown it. They play faster than everybody, they shoot the 3 better than anybody, and they have a good shot against West Virginia. Desean Butler on WVU is one of the most solid players in the tournament. This may be the most nail biting game in the Sweet 16. Buckle up!



1. Kentucky vs. 12. Cornell



I honestly think that John Wall and Demarcus Cousins will dominate this game like they have in many games this year. Cornell has many weapons to use and I'm sure they plan on using them, but I think Kentucky is just to strong.


9. Northern Iowa vs. 5. Michigan State


I honestly think that there is no stopping Northen Iowa at this point, especially since they beat Kansas. MSU has a great chance at losing this game without their best player Kalin Lucas. They have the experience from being in the Final Four last year and they have a great coach in Tom Izzo. I just think that UNI is to motivated to lose this game, any loss after the Kansas upset would be a huge let down.


6. Tennessee vs. 2. Ohio State


I haven't watched these teams enough to pick who will win. I do know that Tennessee beat Kentucky 1 out of 3 times this season and they also beat Kansas. I know that Ohio State won the Big Ten and almost earned a 1 seed in the tournament. I also know that they have one of the best players in the country in Evan Turner. This will be one heck of a game.


1. Syracuse vs. 5. Butler


I have Syracuse in the Final Four, even though their Big Man Arinze Onuaku is probably out for the rest of the tournament. I just think they are superior to Butler. I also think that Butler one their last game due to questionable calls by the officials.


2. Kansas State vs. 6. Xavier


I think that Kansas St. has two of the best guards in the country with Jacob Pullen and Dennis Clemente. But I wonder where their head is when they play in big games. They have been beaten convincingly by Kansas 3 times this year and I hope for their sake they don't go into this game overconfident because Kansas is out.

NCAA Tourney: Round 1

The first day of the NCAA Tournament was hands down the best day of basketball I've ever seen in my nearly 18 years of life. Upsets + buzzer-beaters + overtimes = Simply amazing. In my bracket, I went 23 for 32. I'll tell you what I didn't see coming and what I was pleasantly surprised by.

What I didn't see coming:

1. Notre Dame losing to Old Dominion (Which by the way, is a very depressing name for a University) It's a give in that that are going to be upsets in the Tourney, but Notre Dame was thought to be one of the tougher teams out there and nobody really knows about Old Dominion, seeing how they're a mid-major.

2. Georgetown getting destroyed by Ohio. Seriously????

3. Vanderbilt losing to low seed Murray St. by a buzzer-beater. Vandy played 1 Seed Kentucky close during the regular season, I thought that experience would translate better to the Tourney with some wins.



What I was pleasantly surprised by:

Two Pac-10 teams winning in the first round. I wasn't surprised so much by Washington winning over Marquette, but I thought Cal was overseeded and that they would lose to what I thought was a more experienced Louisville team. Did I mention they both beat a Big East team?

Second round starts today! I hope there's gonna be more drama!

Seahawks Needs & Draft

After going post less for a bout a week and a half, I figured it was time to post a new post. (Redundant, I know)

I got the idea to write about the Seahawks needs after they franchised their kicker Olindo Mare yesterday. http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Seahawks-Place-Franchise-Tag-on-Mare/41091c1a-f5a7-4b71-b3d5-d641eb3a28f4

(Picture from Seahawks.com)

Are they really going to franchise their kicker and let go one of our best offensive weapons in Nate Burleson? I hope Carrol and this new GM know what they're doing, if we're going to let anybody go, it should be Deion Branch. He's been nothing but a bust here. If the Hawks can get Burleson off the market, great! We need him, TJ Houshmandzadeh is great, but we need more receivers here ASAP.

Yeah, I know Mare only missed two field goals all year (Two field goals that cost us a game I might add), but kickers come and go, and are easy to find. If there's one thing NFL doesn't have a shortage of, it's kickers.

You could say that it's a good financial move for the Hawks, seeing how they only have to pay Mare $2.814 million compared to the $9 million they would owe Burleson.

So in a way it makes sense, but I still don't like it.

They also could've franchised Cory Redding to keep our defensive line more intact, but rumor has it that Carrol likes him and wants to keep him. So I'm not worried.

Now onto the draft.

The Hawks have a lot need in different areas, the mains areas people are talking about is the O-line, DE, RB, and QB. When it comes to the O-line, I'm hearing the name Russel Okung from Oklahoma State. For DE, I'm hearing about Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech. (Although the Hawks can fill that hole by signing Julius Peppers) I've heard rumors about Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen being drafted by the Hawks too. And name that comes up the most is C.J. Spiller at RB. His kick returning abilities add to his versatility, even though he wasn't nation leading rusher in college.

Regardless of what your opinion is, the Hawks need help on the O-line now! People want to blame Hasselbeck for our offensive troubles, but I'll blame the people who's job is to protect the QB and quite frankly, they're not doing their job. So a new O-linemen would be ideal, worry about everything else later.

NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (41-11)

It looks like the addition of Shaq is working. Now that the Cavs have the best record in the NBA and have swept the defending champion Lakers, these guys are the favorite to win it.

2. Denver Nuggets (34-17)

Like the Cavaliers, the Nuggets have beaten the Lakers twice this season and will go for the sweep Feb. 28th on ABC.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (39-13)

Don't get me wrong, the Lakers are still contenders to win it all, Denver just has their number right now.

4. Utah Jazz (31-18)

I haven't watched Utah enough to really get a great feel for their game, but a season sweep of the Spurs and a recent win over 2nd ranked Denver, they look like contenders to me.

5. Orlando Magic (34-17)

The Magic are sort of in the same spot they were last year, kind of hovering around 2nd in the Eastern Conference with Boston just behind them, still contenders, but they have to work Vince Carter into their system a little better.

6. Atlanta Hawks (32-17)

The Hawks swept the Celtics this season, winning by an average of 8.5 points a game. Even though they have the same over all record, this is kind of a no brainer.

7. Boston Celtics (32-17)

The Celtics are starting to look like a Eastern Conference version of the San Antonio Spurs. An old defensive team that has a hard time keeping up with the younger teams in the league. Don't be surprised if they trade for some youth before the trade deadline.

8. Dallas Mavericks (31-19)

The Mavs started out strong and look like almost a lock to win thier division, unless the Spurs find some life.

9. San Antonio Spurs (29-20)

Like I mentioned a couple paragraphs ago, the Spurs look like an old defensive team that has a tough time against younger and faster teams. The Richard Jefferson trade just isn't working out at all. I think it might be a good idea to make a trade for Monta Ellis.

10. Phoenix Suns (31-21)

A solid team looking to build for the future. Not contenders, but they can make things interesting.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (29-21)

It makes me sick to hear how good these guys are doing when I know this team was stolen from Seattle. These guys will be contenders in the next couple years.

12. Portland Trailblazers (30-23)

I bet these guys wished they drafted Kevin Durant when they had the chance. These guys are solid, very good offensively. I only like them because of Brandon Roy(Former Husky). I also think it might be time for a jersey/name change. I just think Portland Blazers has a better ring to it and their jerseys are just boring.

13. Toronto Raptors (28-23)

There are only two words to describe why they are any good at all. CHRIS BOSH.

14. Houston Rockets (27-23)

No superstar to really lead the team. Yao Ming's hurt and Tracy Mcgrady is trade bait and isn't even playing. If they were playing, this team would be in the top five in the Western Conference at least.

15. New Orleans Hornets (27-24)

I had these guys going to the playoffs before they fired Byron Scott(bad idea) and Chris Paul got hurt. Not to say they don't have a chance, but without Paul, they'll probably end up being a sub .500 team.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (26-24)

A young, fast team that can keep the contenders on their toes, but lack some maturity. They'll get maturity within the next couple years.

17. Chicago Bulls (24-25)

There seems to be a spark missing from last years playoff series with the Celtics. They just seem to have a easy going vibe sometimes. They probably just figure that they'll make the playoffs anyway.

18. Charlotte Bobcats (24-25)

Another example of a young team that's not quite there yet when it comes to title contention.

19. Miami Heat (24-27)

The Heat and the fans in Miami better enjoy Dwayne Wade as best they can. Because he's gone after this season.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (23-26)

Right behind the Heat for playoff contention, Brandon Jennings is going to be a superstar.

21. Los Angeles Clippers (21-29)

I think they would be in the playoffs if Blake Griffin was playing, they're already doing much better than season's 17 win disaster.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (19-31)

These guys had another slow start like last year. Allen Iverson adds a little spark. Don't be surprised if these guys go on a win streak and somehow make the playoffs.

23. New York Knicks (19-31)

David Lee and Nate Robinson are a couple of the few bright spots on this team. I honestly don't think Mike D'antoni has the right personel to run his "run and gun" system in New York.

24. Indiana Pacers (18-33)

Other than Danny Granger, I have no hope for this team.

25. Detroit Pistons (17-32)

I can't believe how much this team has tanked. It just show's how much Chauncy Billups really does for a team. That was probably the worst trade in NBA history.

26. Washington Wizards (17-32)

They weren't very good when Gilbert Arenas was playing, his suspension just makes things worse.

27. Sacramento Kings (16-34)

I remember when this was one of the funnest teams to watch. The memories of Weber, Bibby, Turkoglu, and Stojakovic are all but dead.

28. Golden State Warriors (13-36)

Monta Ellis is this team's best player, they would probably be doing as bad as the Nets if it weren't for him.29. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-38)

This team is obviously pretty bad, but they have provided a couple of exciting upsets over Dallas, Denver, and Utah.30. New Jersey Nets (4-46)

I actually feel bad for this team, I thought this team was going to make the playoffs, not have the worst record in the league.

Super Bowl XLIV & NFL Season Thoughts

Congrats to the New Orleans Saints on their Super Bowl win! It was well deserved as they outplayed the highly favorited Indianapolis Colts. I'm sure they're still partying it up on Bourbon Street, this is the best that's happened to this city in long time. I have never cheered more for any other team except my hometown Seahawks. (Now it's their turn)

As for the Colts, you can tell that the long term effect of Tony Dungy is still there, a very classy team with a class act quarterback and coach. And don't worry Peyton, you'll get another ring before you're done.





As for my thoughts on the season, it's dissapointing at best. My Seahawks played well below expectations and fired their head coach Jim Mora. (I would've given him one more year, but Pete Carrol is definately a step in the right direction) The Seahawks played bi-polar at best, on both sides of the ball. You blow out the Jacksonville Jaguars 41-0 and then get blown out by Minnesota and Green Bay. Whether it was an effort issue or a coaching issue, they have no excuses for next year.





Now comes the long 7 month wait til next season, but 7 months isn't that long, just ask Conan O'Brien. :)

My Senior Project/Super Bowl Pick

Hello Everyone! I'm writing this blog for my Senior culminating project for my high school.

This blog will be written about sports. I've always liked the idea of being a sports writer and I hope you like my work. You'll hear my take on certain issues in sports; like football, basketball, and baseball. You'll hear my predictions for big games, season previews and reviews, and power rankings. (Which are based on record and opinion)






So let's get started!

My pick for the Super Bowl: Indianapolis Colts

This pick is based on my opinion that the Colts are best team in the NFL. Even though I don't really care for this team since Tony Dungy retired, this team seems poised for another championship. Even though the stats don't show it, this team can run the ball and play good defense when they need to. I do think the Jets would've beaten them in the AFC Championship game, but they just fell apart.

I do prefer the Saints over the Colts, but I have this sick feeling I get before every Super Bowl. Ever since Super Bowl XXXVI, when the Rams lost to the Patriots by a last second field goal. Every team I wanted to win ends up losing. (Rams, Raiders, Panthers, Eagles, Seahawks, Bears, Patriots, and Cardinals) So sorry Saints, I guess you're cursed. I do have an emotional attachment to the city of New Orleans though, I've been there twice help people there with clean-up and rebuilding the city after Hurricane Katrina and I do know how much the people love their football team. A Super Bowl win would bring a lot of hope to the city, they don't have much else down there. So I do hope the Saints win, in fact I'll be rooting for them and cheering for them if they win.

So best of luck Saints! I hope you win.

Joel Dinius