Super Bowl 51 Recap

28-3…I still can’t get over it. At the half, the Patriots had a statistical 4 percent chance to come back and win. And somehow they did – that is why I love sports. I said it in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, you just can’t rule out Brady & Belichick. But the big question that everyone has is… did the Patriots win this game, or did the Falcons blow it? 

Some questionable decisions were made when the Falcons were leading the charge in the 4th quarter. Specifically, why did they continue to throw it? Matt Ryan dropping back to throw the ball and getting sacked ultimately pushed him out of field goal range. Whereas if they chose to run the ball, like you’re supposed to when you’re leading by that amount, then they wouldn’t have continuously turned it over. It seems that ‘not running’ has delivered the Patriots their last 2 championship titles – Tom Brady is one lucky man but I guess you gotta be good to be lucky.

Brady comes out of this with his NFL Record breaking 5th Super Bowl title. So whatever your thoughts are on the guy, it’s hard to not respect him as the best ever. He truly had an MVP performance in this game: 466 yards and 2 touchdowns. All without his best receiver (Gronk). The scary part is, despite his age he doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. He once joked about playing until he’s 50, and I’m suddenly thinking that wasn’t entirely a joke. 

I’m not a Pats fan per se, but what we are watching right now is a full on sports dynasty; One that will go down in history. So if I can look back on this moment in time and say that I watched the best quarterback ever, and probably the best coach ever, win super bowl after super bowl… then I’m good with that. I’m ready to see another one… so… Lets Go Pats!

2017 NFL Fantasy Draft 'Lookaheadge'

It’s never too early to look ahead to next season, especially if this fantasy season has been a bust for you. Well, for me it has and that’s why I’m planning ahead for next year. Here’s how it breaks down:

BELL (PIT) – The best running back in the game, who makes a ton of catches as well, hopefully not facing a suspension this season. He’s my number 1 overall pick.

BROWN (PIT) – Enter scene the best wide receiver in the game – who also happens to be on Pittsburgh. Brown is a stud who should go #1 or #2 in most drafts.

ZEKE ELLIOTT (DAL) – A sleeper no longer, Zeke Elliott is one of the best players in the game, playing with the best O-line in the game. Some may choose him over Bell, but he doesn’t catch as much.

DAVID JOHNSON (ARI) – the guy has over 600 yards receiving already – he may finish the season close to 1,000. Oh yah and he can run too. 

JULIO JONES (ATL) – It’s tough to put him above ODB but I just trust Matt Ryan over Eli Manning –either way you can’t go wrong.

ODELL BECKHAM JR (NYG) – Getting a player of this skill level at #6 is pretty amazing. You should be thrilled to end up with the #5 or #6 pick in your pool.

DEMARCO MURRAY (TEN) – He’s back, and no longer will fall into the later rounds. He looks like the D-Mar of old, and on an emerging Titans squad.

AMARI COOPER (OAK) – With Derek Carr becoming one of the elite QB’s in the game, getting his favourite target is essential.

DEANDRE HOPKINS (HOU) – If only he had a quarterback to throw to him, then he would be a top 5 pick.

MIKE EVANS (TB) – Wide Receivers are going fast and furious, and you can’t go wrong going with arguably the most underrated one in the league.

AARON RODGERS (GB) –I hate going with Quarterbacks so early, but you may as well reach for the best fantasy one in the league.

ROB GRONKOWSKI (NE) – If he’s healthy, he is the biggest game changer in the game.

JAY AJAYI (MIA) – the day of Jay has arrived. He should be a 2nd round pick you should be comfortable picking.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) – Even without Peyton Manning, the dude still can catch.

TODD GURLEY (LA) – Last year he was a top 5 pick. He’ll drop a bit this year but he should rebound a bit.

JORDAN HOWARD (CHI) -  A full season as the number 1 guy in Chicago should give him 2nd round status without a doubt.

DREW BREES (NO) – Time to go with another QB, and it’s a toss up between Brees or….

TOM BRADY (NE) – No more deflategate issues that he has to deal with. He should be a monster with a full preseason and training camp this time around.

JORDY NELSON (GB) – Rodgers favourite target…and with Randall Cobb’s rapid regression, there’s no questioning this pick.

LAMAR MILLER (HOU) – He should explode next year. He got off to a slow start, unable to find the endzone – but next year should be a fresh start.

 

Super Bowl 51 Preview

It’s one of the most anticipated Super Bowls in recent memory, and for good reason. The Best Offence against the Best Defence is a matchup the seldom happens but when it does, it never disappoints…except when it does (see Seahawks vs Broncos Super Bowl). The Falcons lead the NFL with 33.8 points per game, while the Patriots have allowed the fewest: 15.6 points per game. 

This is a tough matchup; Every time I lean one way, I pull back the other way. This is Tom Brady’s 7th Super Bowl appearance, he knows what it takes to win….on the other hand, he’s missing his best weapon: Gronk. 

The Falcons have the best Offence in the league…but defence wins championships. Belichick is the best Coach, arguably ever….but he tends to cheat and who knows that he has up his sleeve this game. Julio Jones is the best player playing in this game…and he tends to disappear sometimes.I truly am torn on this decision… my heart says Atlanta, but my mind says never bet against Brady and Belichick. 

At the end of the day, what I’m really thinking is that after all that deflategate crap… Tom Brady is motivated and inspired. He’s determined to win the 5th title and receive the Lombardi trophy from Goodell in quite possibly the most awkward exchange ever. 

And for that reason I’m taking PATRIOTS (-3) over the FALCONS in Super Bowl 51.

NFL Championship Round

Both these games are pretty difficult to predict...but I’m looking forward to them both. The Ideal matchup here is Packers vs Patriots but truthfully, any combination of the 4 below teams would be amazing – can’t wait for the Super Bowl. 

PACKERS +4.5 over FALCONS

Nelson is back for the Pack. They are riding a high after last week’s crazy win against the Cowboys. And Aaron Rodgers looks hungry for his 2nd ring. Both these teams have lackluster defence so it should be a shootout, but I see Green Bay coming out on top. They’re relatively healthy and are facing a relatively playoff untested Falcons squad…I just can’t bet against Green Bay. 

PATRIOTS -4.5 over STEELERS

“I’m drunk, I’m stupid, I’m a Pats fan.” Those were the words of a drunk, stupid Pats fan who pulled the fire alarm at 3 in the morning at the hotel the Steelers were staying at, the morning of their game. The Steelers were lucky to get past KC and looked pretty terrible. Tom Brady looked rather human himself in last week’s game as well. So the question really is, who is going to rebound? Who is hungrier? The Steelers have more weapons, but the Patriots have Brady and Belichick. It ultimately comes down to the best running back and wide receiver in the game vs the best quarterback and coach in the game. And with that comparison, I will go with the coach and QB. Patriots are winning this game and then the super bowl – mark it down.

NFL Divisional Round

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Ok, last week was a little too easy… I expect this week should be tougher. No way Vegas will let us keep taking their money. But that won’t stop us from trying.

FALCONS -4.0 over SEAHAWKS

This should be an interesting battle: Offence vs Defence. The Falcons averaged 33.8 points per game during the regular season, while the Hawks allowed an average of 18.3. This is usually where I say, Defence beats Offence, or the playoffs are different than the regular season. But I am not going to bet against Matt Ryan right now… I think this is his breakout postseason.

PATRIOTS -15.0 over TEXANS

So it’s obvious the Pats are going to win here…just question is just by how much. The Texans have only beaten the Patriots once in their history and have never won a game in Foxborough. It’s a lot of points and I’m not feeling overly confident but Belichick never backs down – I think the Pats should run the table. 

COWBOYS -4.5 over PACKERS

The Packers have scored 30 or more points in each of their past 5 games…but they are without Jordy Nelson for this one. The Cowboys have too many weapons and I can’t wait to see their rookies step up in the playoffs. This will be a great game. 

STEELERS -1.5 over CHIEFS

The Steelers have won 8 straight games and also destroyed the Chiefs 43-14 back in week 4. I think this line is very generous and the Steelers should do pretty well against KC, despite their defence being one of the best in the league. Look for Antonio to rake it in. 

NFL Wild Card Round

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This is it – the playoffs are finally here! I am beyond excited – let’s kick things off right away…

TEXANS -3.5 over RAIDERS

The Texans finished the season with the second best passing defence in the league, allowing 201.6 yards per game. Throw in the fact that Derek Carr, who was playing like an MVP Candidate all year for Oakland, is out… the Raiders don’t stand a chance unfortunately. 

SEAHAKWS -8.0 over LIONS

The Lions have lost 8 straight playoff games and have never beaten the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Simply put, the Hawks have been in this position so many times over the last few years and the Lions are doomed to be an abysmal franchise. Matt Stafford can’t carry them any further than he already has.

STEELERS -10.5 over DOLPHINS

This one is a mismatch. The Steelers have won 7 straight games in a row and are 6-2 at home. The trend should continue after this game.

PACKERS -5.5 over GIANTS

The Giants have allowed 10 points or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games…so one would think I would be leaning New York…but Aaron Rodgers just dials it up to a new level in the playoffs. Other than Brady there’s no one I trust more. I gotta lean with the pack.

Kat's Corner: Week 17

RAVENS +1.0 over BENGALS

The Bengals don’t really have much to play for in this final week, and with several injuries hampering them I still don’t think they can win this game – despite being the home team.

TITANS -3.0 over TEXANS

Marcus Mariota left last week’s game with a broken fibula, but people don’t seem to remember how poorly he was playing up until that point. Since the Titans bye week, Mariota has looked like a different, more timid player – relying on his Running Backs 35+ times a game. They’ll continue the same approach, and I’ll take Demarco Murray vs Houston any day. 

BUCS -5.0 over PANTHERS

Even without Doug Martin, I trust Tampa’s defence more than I trust Carolina’s. Not too mention the fact that the Panthers only threw up 16 points in what was supposed to be a shootout at home against the Falcons. 

COLTS -4.5 over JAGS

This pick is more challenging then it looks, as it’s a divisional game in the last week of the season – with the Jaguars coming off a win. I still think the Colts have more talent and will come through with a victory with the home crowd behind them. 

PATRIOTS -9.5 over DOLPHINS

Anytime I can get the Patriots under double digits against almost anyone, I’m going to go with them. 

VIKINGS -5.5 over BEARS

Both of these teams have strongly underperformed this year, which should set up for a disappointing meeting as well. It’s a coin flip, and I’ll usually defer to the home team.

BILLS -3.5 over JETS

The Bills will be playing for a new coach…and a new/old quarterback. I like them to bounce back this week, especially against a horrible Jets team.

EAGLES -3.5 over COWBOYS

There’s no reason for the Cowboys to try in this game, or for their regulars to play. With that very little motivation, plus the fact the Eagles are a decent team at home (5-2), I’ll take Philly in this one.

STEELERS -6.0 over BROWNS

This is a very generous spread for the Browns – despite the fact that they’re coming off their first win of the season. The Steelers should destroy them.

FALCONS -7.0 over SAINTS

With Julio back in the lineup it’s hard for me to not pick the Falcons – especially against a poor defence like New Orleans. 

REDSKINS -7.0 over GIANTS

Kirk Cousins puts up huge numbers week after week, and I don’t see that stopping this week. The Redskins have some weapons that should not be ignored.

CARDINALS -6.0 over RAMS

The Rams are 1-6 at home and can’t buy a win. Cards should get the easy win here.

BRONCOS -1.5 over RAIDERS

I’d probably swing the other way if Derek Carr was playing but unfortunately it looks like his season is done. Denver defence can be mean at home and that’s ultimately the deciding factor for me. 

CHIEFS -6.0 over CHARGERS

The Chargers lost against the Browns… they don’t deserve my pick…ever.

SEAHAWKS -9.5 over 49ERS

Doug Baldwin looks like he’s trending upwards again, and the 49ers are garbage anyway. There’s a lot of points on the table here but I like Seattle to cover the spread.

PACKERS -3.5 over LIONS

Jordy Nelson has been a beast of late, I like the Packers to take this despite being 3-4 on the road this season. 

Kat's Corner: Week 16

BILLS -4.0 over DOLPHINS

The Bills need to win out in order to have a chance at making the playoffs so you would think that a desperate team at home has this game on lockdown.

JETS +16.5 over PATRIOTS

I know the Jets are awful and the Patriots are….well, the Patriots. But wow, 16.5 is a lot of points… 

TITANS -5.5 over JAGUARS

The run-happy titans should have no problem against the weak secondary of Jacksonville. Tennessee has a lot of weapons and should be primed to take this game, despite being on the road.

PACKERS -7.0 over VIKINGS

A divisional game that used to mean something, but the Vikings have plummeted in the 2nd half of the season, looking like a hopeless squad. Meanwhile the Packers are trending upwards, making for an easy win. 

CHARGERS -7.0 over BROWNS

The Browns are still winless, and I just can’t bet on them until they show me otherwise.

RAIDERS -3.5 over COLTS

I definitely do not trust the Colts defence on the road – particularly against an explosive offensive like the Raiders.

SAINTS -3.0 over BUCS

The Bucs last defeated the Saints not long ago on December 11th, so New Orleans will be looking for revenge. 

RAMS -4.5 over 49ers

Both of these teams are just horrible so I’ll flip a coin and go with the Home team with the slightly better record.

CARDINALS +8.0 over SEAHAWKS

I just don’t trust Seattle enough to give them over a touchdown in points. David Johnson is somehow quietly having an MVP season and no one is talking about him. He should put an end to that in this game. 

TEXANS -2.0 over BENGALS

The Texans are 6-1 at home this season, and with the late breaking news of AJ Green getting shut down for the season, I don’t like Cincy’s chances. I rank the Bengals as my number 1 bust this season.

STEELERS -6.0 over RAVENS

The 3 B’s are healthy and buzzing right now and could very well be the best QB-RB-WR combo in the game. And that is why I’m rolling with Steeltown. 

CHIEFS -3.0 over BRONCOS

The Chiefs should roll over Denver in order to keep their AFC West Title hopes alive. Tyreek Hill has blossomed into the most exciting player in the game and needs to be utilized more. If KC follows that plan, they should win easily. 

COWBOYS -6.5 over LIONS

The Cowboys have come out and said they are playing this game to win so it doesn’t sound like any of the regulars will get any rest. Which means the Cowboys should slaughter the lions without much trouble.

Dark Side Picks 2017