2016 College Football Week 10: Picks

Here are my picks for week ten of the 2016 College Football season.

Tuesday, November 1st
Bowling Green (1-7; 0-4) at Northern Illinois (2-6; 2-2)- 8:00, ESPNU
Pick: Northern Illinois


(23) Western Michigan (8-0; 4-0) at Ball State (4-4; 1-3)- 8:00, ESPN2: This could be a trap game for the Broncos, but I think they'll remain unbeaten here.
Pick: Western Michigan

Wednesday, November 2nd
Toledo (6-2; 3-1) at Akron (5-4; 3-2)- 7:30, ESPN2: This is a sneaky good MAC game. Give me the Rockets on the road.
Pick: Toledo

Thursday, November 3rd
Buffalo (2-6; 1-3) at Ohio (6-3; 4-1)- 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Ohio

(14) Oklahoma (6-2; 5-0) at Iowa State (1-7; 0-5)- 7:30, ESPN
Pick: Oklahoma

Arkansas State (3-4; 3-0) at Georgia State (2-6; 1-3)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Arkansas State

UCLA (3-5; 1-4) at (15) Colorado (6-2; 4-1)- 9:00, FS1: Even with a healthy Josh Rosen, I cannot see the Bruins pulling the upset in Boulder against a very good Buffaloes team.
Pick: Colorado

Friday, November 4th
Central Michigan (5-3; 2-3) at Miami (OH) (3-6; 3-2)- 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Central Michigan

Temple (6-3; 4-1) at Connecticut (3-6; 1-5)- 7:00, ESPN2: Is this a trap game for the Owls? I say no.
Pick: Temple

San Jose State (3-6; 2-3) at (24) Boise State (7-1; 3-1)- 10:15, ESPN2
Pick: Boise State

Saturday, November 5th
Navy (5-2; 4-1) vs Notre Dame (3-5)- 11:30, CBS: This game will be played in Jacksonville. Give me the Midshipmen to pull it out with their prolific offense.
Pick: Navy

Air Force (5-3; 2-3) at Army (5-3)- 12:00, CBSSN: This should be a fun, high scoring game. Give me the Falcons to take it on the road.
Pick: Air Force

Georgia Southern (4-4; 3-2) at Ole Miss (3-5; 1-4)- 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Ole Miss

(4) Texas A&M (7-1; 4-1) at Mississippi State (3-5; 1-3)- 12:00, SECN: This could be a trap game for the Aggies, but I think they get the job done here in Starkville.
Pick: Texas A&M

Vanderbilt (4-4; 1-3) at (9) Auburn (6-2; 4-1)- 12:00, ESPN: Don't sleep on the Commodores D, but the Tigers should still win this one.
Pick: Auburn

(7) Louisville (7-1; 5-1) at Boston College (4-4; 1-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: Could this be a trap game for the Cardinals? Don't be surprised if this is a close one.
Pick: Louisville

Texas (4-4; 2-3) at Texas Tech (4-4; 2-3)- 12:00, FS1: Patrick Mahomes should have a field day against the Longhorns D. Give me the Red Raiders.
Pick: Texas Tech

Indiana (4-4; 2-3) at Rutgers (2-6; 0-5)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Indiana

Michigan State (2-6; 0-5) at Illinois (2-6; 1-4)- 12:00, ESPNEWS
Pick: Michigan State

(8) Wisconsin (6-2; 3-2) at Northwestern (4-4; 3-2)- 12:00, ABC: This should be a good one in Evanston. The Wildcats will keep it close, but the Badgers will get it done.
Pick: Wisconsin

Georgia Tech (5-3; 2-3) at (21) North Carolina (6-2; 4-1)- 12:30, ACCN
Pick: North Carolina

Pittsburgh (5-3; 2-2) at Miami (FL) (4-4; 1-3)- 12:30, ACCN: Neither of these teams have played great, but give me James Conner and the Panthers to hand the Canes their fifth straight loss.
Pick: Pittsburgh

UTSA (4-4; 3-2) at Middle Tennessee (6-2; 3-1)- 2:30, ESPN3
Pick: Middle Tennessee

Virginia (2-6; 1-3) at Wake Forest (5-3; 2-2)- 3:00, ACCN
Pick: Wake Forest

Maryland (5-3; 2-3) at (3) Michigan (8-0; 5-0)- 3:30, ESPN
Pick: Michigan

Purdue (3-5; 1-4) at Minnesota (6-2; 3-2)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Minnesota

Texas State (2-5; 0-4) at Appalachian State (6-2; 4-0)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Appalachian State

(18) Oklahoma State (6-2; 4-1) at Kansas State (5-3; 3-2)- 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: I'm tempted to take the Wildcats here at home, but it's hard to ignore how well Mason Rudolph and the Cowboys are playing.
Pick: Oklahoma State

Syracuse (4-4; 2-2) at (2) Clemson (8-0; 5-0)- 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: Can Dino Baber's squad hang around with DeShaun Watson and the Tigers? It's possible, but the Tigers should win this one big.
Pick: Clemson

(19) Virginia Tech (6-2; 4-1) at Duke (3-5; 0-4)- 3:30, ESPNU
Pick: Virginia Tech

Florida Atlantic (1-7; 0-4) at Rice (1-7; 0-5)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Rice

Charlotte (3-5; 2-2) at Southern Miss (5-3; 3-1)- 3:30
Pick: Southern Miss

Oregon State (2-6; 1-4) at Stanford (5-3; 3-3)- 3:30, FS1
Pick: Stanford

TCU (4-4; 2-3) at (17) Baylor (6-1; 3-1)- 3:30, FOX: This should be a fun shootout, but give me the Bears at home.
Pick: Baylor

Fresno State (1-8; 0-5) at Colorado State (4-4; 2-2)- 3:30
Pick: Colorado State

BYU (4-4) at Cincinnati (4-4; 1-4)- 3:30, CBSSN: This should be a fun shootout, but give me the Cougars to pull it out on the road.
Pick: BYU

Massachusetts (2-7) at Troy (6-1; 4-0)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Troy

(11) Florida (6-1; 4-1) at Arkansas (5-3; 1-3)- 3:30, CBS: This should be an interesting game in Fayetteville. Give me the Razorbacks to pull off the upset.
Pick: Arkansas

Missouri (2-6; 0-4) at South Carolina (4-4; 2-4)- 4:00, SECN: Is this a letdown for the Gamecocks? I don't see it here.
Pick: South Carolina

Tennessee Tech (3-5; 3-3) at Tennessee (5-3; 2-3)- 4:00, SECN
Pick: Tennessee

Arizona (2-6; 0-5) at (25) Washington State (6-2; 5-0)- 4:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Washington State

Memphis (5-3; 2-2) at SMU (4-4; 2-2)- 4:00, ESPNEWS: The Mustangs have been better than expected this season, but I still like the Tigers here on the road.
Pick: Memphis

Idaho (4-4; 2-4) at Louisiana-Lafayette (3-4; 2-4)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: Idaho

South Alabama (4-4; 1-4) at Louisiana-Monroe (2-6; 1-3)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Alabama

Tulane (3-5; 0-4) at UCF (4-4; 2-2)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: UCF

FIU (3-6; 3-2) at Western Kentucky (6-3; 4-1)- 5:30
Pick: Western Kentucky

Louisiana Tech (6-3; 4-1) at North Texas (4-4; 2-2)- 5:30, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Marshall (2-6; 1-3) at Old Dominion (5-3; 3-1)- 7:00
Pick: Old Dominion

(22) Florida State (5-3; 1-3) at NC State (4-4; 1-3)- 7:00, ESPNU: Is this a letdown game for the Seminoles? Possibly, but not likely.
Pick: Florida State

Hawaii (4-5; 3-2) at San Diego State (7-1; 4-0)- 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: San Diego State

Oregon (3-5; 1-4) at USC (5-3; 4-2)- 7:00, ESPN: Expect a lot of points in this one, but Sam Darnold will be the difference yet again.
Pick: USC

Kansas (1-7; 0-5) at (20) West Virginia (6-1; 3-1)- 7:00, ESPN2
Pick: West Virginia

Iowa (5-3; 3-2) at (12) Penn State (6-2; 4-1)- 7:30, BTN: This is a really good game. Give me the Lions at home.
Pick: Penn State

Georgia (4-4; 2-4) at Kentucky (5-3; 4-2)- 7:30, SECN: The Bulldogs are favored here, but they won't win this one in Lexington.
Pick: Kentucky

(1) Alabama (8-0; 5-0) at (13) LSU (5-2; 3-1)- 8:00, CBS: This is definitely the biggest and best game of the weekend. ESPN's College GameDay will be on hand for it. I want to pick the upset here, but I jugs can't bet against Nick Saban's team in a big spot because it came back and bit me twice already this season.
Pick: Alabama

Houston Baptist (2-5; 1-4) at UTEP (2-6; 1-4)- 8:00
Pick: UTEP

East Carolina (3-5; 1-3)- at Tulsa (6-2; 3-1)- 8:00, ESPNEWS
Pick: Tulsa

(10) Nebraska (7-1; 4-1) at (6) Ohio State (7-1; 4-1)- 8:00, ABC: This should be a fun one in Columbus. The Corn Huskers (even in a loss at Camp Randall) showed me a lot last week and I believe they'll hang around with the Buckeyes, but will come up short again.
Pick: Ohio State

Nevada (3-5; 1-3) at New Mexico (5-3; 3-1)- 10:15, ESPNU
Pick: New Mexico

Utah State (3-5; 1-4) at Wyoming (6-2; 4-0)- 10:15, ESPN2
Pick: Wyoming

(5) Washington (8-0; 5-0) at California (4-4; 2-3)- 10:30, ESPN: This should be a very fun Pac-12 after dark game. I do believe the Bears can keep it close, but Jake Browning is a awesome and he'll be the difference in this one.
Pick: Washington

2016 College Football Week 10: National TV Schedule

Here is the National TV schedule for week ten of the 2016 College Football season.

11/1- Bowling Green at Northern Illinois; 8:00, ESPNU: Eamon McAnaney & John Congemi
11/1- (23) Western Michigan at Ball State; 8:00, ESPN2: Dave LaMont, Ray Bentley, Quint Kessenich
11/2- Toledo at Akron; 7:30, ESPN2: Roy Philpott, Rocky Boiman, Cole Cubelic
11/3- Buffalo at Ohio; 6:00, CBSSN: Dwayne Ballen, Ben Leber, TBD
11/3- (14) Oklahoma at Iowa State; 7:30, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Jesse Palmer, Allison Williams
11/3- Arkansas State at Georgia State; 7:30, ESPNU: Eric Clemons & Jay Walker
11/3- UCLA at (15) Colorado; 9:00, FS1: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Jenny Taft
11/4- Central Michigan at Miami (OH); 6:00, CBSSN: John Sadak, Randy Cross, Sheehan Stanwick Burch
11/4- Temple at Connecticut; 7:00, ESPN2: Adam Amin, Mack Brown, Molly McGrath
11/4- San Jose State at (24) Boise State; 10:15, ESPN2: Dave LaMont & Ray Bentley
11/5- Navy vs Notre Dame (Jacksonville); 11:30, CBS: Carter Blackburn, Adam Archuleta, Jenny Dell
11/5- Air Force at Army; 12:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely, Jill Savage
11/5- Georgia Southern at Ole Miss; 12:00, ESPNU: Eamon McAnaney & John Congemi
11/5- (4) Texas A&M at Mississippi State; 12:00, SECN: Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Olivia Harlan
11/5- Vanderbilt at (9) Auburn; 12:00, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
11/5- (7) Louisville at Boston College; 12:00, ESPN2: Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Paul Carcaterra
11/5- Texas at Texas Tech; 12:00, FS1: Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Bruce Feldman
11/5- Indiana at Rutgers; 12:00, BTN: Wayne Randazzo & J Leman
11/5- Michigan State at Illinois; 12:00, ESPNEWS: Mike Couzens & Dan Hawkins
11/5- (8) Wisconsin at Northwestern; 12:00, ABC: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
11/5- Georgia Tech at (21) North Carolina; 12:30, ACCN: Tom Werme, Dave Archer, Roddy Jones
11/5- Pittsburgh at Miami (FL); 12:30, ACCN: Evan Lepler, Takeo Spikes, Amanda Kuhl
11/5- UTSA at Middle Tennessee; 2:30, ESPN3: Jake Rose, Alex Myers, Paige Patton
11/5- Virginia at Wake Forest; 3:00, ACCN: Wes Durham, James Bates, Jenn Hildreth
11/5- Maryland at (3) Michigan; 3:30, ESPN: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
11/5- Purdue at Minnesota; 3:30, BTN: Cory Provus, Glen Mason, Allison Hayes
11/5- Texas State at Appalachian State; 3:30, ESPN3: Dave Weekley & John Gregory
11/5- (18) Oklahoma State at Kansas State; 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: Allen Bestwick, Mike Bellotti, Kris Budden
11/5- Syracuse at (2) Clemson; 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
11/5- (19) Virginia Tech at Duke; 3:30, ESPNU: Clay Matvick & Dusty Dvoracek
11/5- Florida Atlantic at Rice; 3:30, ESPN3: Brett Dolan, ND Kalu
11/5- Charlotte at Southern Miss; 3:30, ASN: Ron Thulin & Keith Moreland
11/5- Oregon State at Stanford; 3:30, FS1: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, A.J. Hawk
11/5- TCU at (17) Baylor; 3:30, FOX: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Shannon Spake
11/5- Fresno State at Colorado State; 3:30, Root Sports: Drew Goodman, Sherdrick Bonner, Brad Thompson
11/5- BYU at Cincinnati; 3:30, CBSSN: Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous, Melanie Collins
11/5- Massachusetts at Troy; 3:30, ESPN3: Matt Stewart & Tom O'Brien
11/5- Florida at Arkansas; 3:30, CBS: Brad Nessler, Aaron Taylor, John Schriffen
11/5- Missouri at South Carolina; 4:00, SECN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Cole Cubelic
11/5- Tennessee Tech at Tennessee; 4:00, SECN: Taylor Zarzour, Jordan Rodgers, Dawn Davenport
11/5- Arizona at (25) Washington State; 4:00, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
11/5- Memphis at SMU; 4:00, ESPNEWS: Mike Corey & Rene Ingoglia
11/5- Idaho at Louisiana-Lafayette; 5:00, ESPN3: Trey Bender & Chad Brown
11/5- South Alabama at Louisiana-Monroe; 5:00, ESPN3: Jim Barbar & Clint Stoerner
11/5- Tulane at UCF; 5:00, ESPN3: Chris Hassell & Forrest Conoly
11/5- FIU at Western Kentucky; 5:30, beIN: Matt Martucci, Brett Romberg, Jordan Daigle
11/5- Louisiana Tech at North Texas; 5:30, ESPN3: Doug Anderson & LaDarrin McLane
11/5- Marshall at Old Dominion; 7:00, ASN: Dave Armstrong & Rich Baldinger
11/5- (22) Florida State at NC State; 7:00, ESPNU: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Kevin Weidl
11/5- Hawaii at San Diego State; 7:00, CBSSN: Rich Waltz, Eric Davis, Cassie McKinney
11/5- Oregon at USC; 7:00, ESPN: Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
11/5- Kansas at (20) West Virginia; 7:00, ESPN2: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman
11/5- Iowa at (12) Penn State; 7:30, BTN: Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
11/5- Georgia at Kentucky; 7:30, SECN: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Kayla Hartung
11/5- (1) Alabama at (13) LSU; 8:00, CBS: Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce
11/5- Houston Baptist at UTEP; 8:00, CUSA.tv: Jon Teicher, Bernie Ricono, Jeff Limberg
11/5- East Carolina at Tulsa; 8:00, ESPNEWS: Shawn Kenney & Watson Brown
11/5- (10) Nebraska at (6) Ohio State; 8:00, ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Samantha Ponder
11/5- Nevada at New Mexico; 10:15, ESPNU: Roy Philpott & Brian Kinchen
11/5- Utah State at Wyoming; 10:15, ESPN2: Mark Neely, Pete Najarian, Alex Corddry
11/5- (5) Washington at California; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

2016 College Football Week 9: Bowl Projections

Here are my bowl projections for week nine of the 2016 College Football season.

College Football Playoff Projections
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 3:00 or 7:00, ESPN: (1) Alabama vs (4) Washington
BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 3:00 or 7:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Louisville

New Years Six Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 8:00, ESPN: Clemson vs Tennessee
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 1:00, ESPN: Boise State vs Wisconsin
Rose Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 5:00, ESPN: Michigan vs Utah
All-State Sugar Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 8:30, ESPN: Oklahoma vs Texas A&M

Rest of the Bowl Schedule
Gidlan New Mexico Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: UTEP vs New Mexico
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 3:30, ABC: San Diego State vs Stanford
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Arkansas State
AutoNation Cure Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 5:30, CBSSN: Tulsa vs Troy
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Georgia Southern
Miami Beach Bowl- December 19th, 2016; 2:30, ESPN: UCF vs Akron
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl- December 20th, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Houston vs North Texas
San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl- December 21st, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: BYU vs Wyoming
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl- December 22nd, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Toledo vs Air Force
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl- December 23rd, 2016; 1:00, ESPN: Central Michigan vs Louisiana Tech
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl- December 23rd, 2016; 4:30, ESPN: Navy vs Colorado State
Dollar General Bowl- December 23rd, 8:00, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Appalachian State
Hawaii Bowl- December 24th, 2016; 8:00, ESPN: Western Kentucky vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 11:00AM, ESPN: South Florida vs Syracuse
Quick Lane Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 2:30, ESPN: Georgia Tech vs Maryland
Camping World Independence Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 5:00, ESPN2: Wake Forest vs Cincinnati
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 12:00, ESPN: Ball State vs Middle Tennessee
Military Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 3:30, ESPN: Temple vs North Carolina State
Holiday Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Washington State
Cactus Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 10:15, ESPN: Kansas State vs Arizona State
New Era Pinstripe Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: North Carolina vs Minnesota
Russell Athletic Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Florida State vs Baylor
Foster Farms Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 8:30, FOX: Indiana vs Colorado
AdvoCare 1000 Texas Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Florida
Birmingham Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: Memphis vs South Alabama
Belk Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Ole Miss
Valero Alamo Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: West Virginia vs USC
AutoZone Liberty Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 12:00, ESPN: TCU vs Arkansas
Hyundai Sun Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 1:00, CBS: Miami (FL) vs California
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl- December 30th, 2016; TBD, CBSSN: Idaho vs Old Dominion
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 3:30, ESPN: Kentucky vs Northwestern
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 11:00AM, ABC: Nebraska vs Auburn
TaxSlayer Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 11:00AM, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Georgia
Outback Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 1:00, ABC: Penn State vs LSU

2016 NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are my picks for week eight of the 2016 NFL season.

Thursday, October 27th
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-4)- 8:25, NFLN: This is an awful game for a Thursday nighter. Jacksonville is coming off a home loss against the Oakland Raiders. Tennessee is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Indianapolis Colts. I like the Titans here at home and expect DeMarco Murray to have a big game.
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Jacksonville 17.

Sunday, October 30th
Washington Redskins (4-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)- 9:30, FOX: For the second straight week, the NFL sends two teams to play in London. Washington is coming off a disappointing road loss in Detroit against the Lions. Cincinnati is coming off a much needed divisional home win over the Cleveland Browns. This was a tough call, but give me Andy Dalton and the Bengals to get back to the .500 mark.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Washington 24.

Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-4)- 1:00, CBS: Kansas City is coming off a home win over the New Orleans Saints. Indianapolis is coming off a huge divisional road win in Tennessee against the Titans. The Chiefs are the more superior team here and I'll take their defensive line to dominate a poor Colts offensive line.
Prediction: Kansas City 27, Indianapolis 20.

Oakland Raiders (5-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)- 1:00, CBS: Oakland is coming off a big road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Tampa is coming off a road win in Santa Clara against the Niners. The Raiders have been great on the road this season and that will continue here in Tampa as Derek Carr will have a big game.
Prediction: Oakland 30, Tampa Bay 20.

Seattle Seahawks (4-1-1) vs New Orleans Saints (2-4)- 1:00, FOX: Seattle is coming off a rare tie in Glendale against the Cardinals, which actually might help them down the road for a possible division title. New Orleans is coming off a tough road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Seahawks need to get their offense going and they should against a bad Saints defense and I think they will.
Prediction: Seattle 27, New Orleans 21.

Detroit Lions (4-3) vs Houston Texans (4-3)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a nice home win over the Washington Redskins. Houston is coming off a bad Monday night road loss in Denver against the Broncos. This was another tough call, but the Texans are a decent home team and I don't love the Lions defense so give me Brock Osweiler to bounce back here and lead the Texans to a win.
Prediction: Houston 26, Detroit 20.

New York Jets (2-5) vs Cleveland Browns (0-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a home win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland is coming off a divisional road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. I'm tempted to pick the Browns here, but their on their fourth string quarterback due to all the injuries. Geno Smith is out for the season with a torn ACL and Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter again and he actually was OK against the Ravens. Give me the Jets here on the road.
Prediction: NY Jets 23, Cleveland 16.

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) vs Carolina Panthers (1-5)- 1:00, FOX: What is the rematch of the NFC Championship game really now is the battle of the NFL's two most disappointing teams thus far. Arizona is coming off a rare tie on Sunday night at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Carolina is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they lost a road divisional game in New Orleans against the Saints in which their defense was awful. I like the Cardinals offense to get going here against an awful Panthers defense.
Prediction: Arizona 30, Carolina 23.

New England Patriots (6-1) vs Buffalo Bills (4-3)- 1:00, CBS: This is certainly the best early-afternoon game on the slate. New England is coming off a great road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, despite Ben Rothlisberger being injured. Buffalo is coming off a bad road divisional loss in Miami against the Dolphins in what was clearly a trap/look ahead game for the Bills. Rex Ryan has has success against the Pats in the past, but I don't see them getting the season sweep here, although it will be a close one.
Prediction: New England 27, Buffalo 26.

San Diego Chargers (3-4) vs Denver Broncos (5-2)- 4:05, CBS: San Diego is coming off a great overtime road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. Denver is coming off a dominant Monday night home win over the Houston Texans. Phillip Rivers tends to have success against the Broncos, but I don't see it here as I believe the Broncos defense will lead the way again.
Prediction: Denver 26, San Diego 24.

Green Bay Packers (4-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-3)- 4:25, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a huge Thursday night divisional home win against the Chicago Bears. Atlanta is coming off a heartbreaking overtime home loss against the San Diego Chargers. Aaron Rodgers showed signs of life against the Bears, so against a defense that also isn't great in the Falcons, I'm taking the Pack here on the road.
Prediction: Green Bay 30, Atlanta 27.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (5-1)- 8:30, NBC: What a game we have here between these division rivals. Philadelphia is coming off a huge home win against the previously unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. Dallas is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won at Lambeau against the Packers. This will be a great game, but give me the Cowboys, who I believe are the better team.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Philadelphia 23.

Monday, October 31st
Minnesota Vikings (5-1) vs Chicago Bears (1-6)- 8:30, ESPN: Minnesota is coming off a bad road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Chicago is coming off a divisional road loss in Lambeau against the Packers in which Brian Hoyer broke his arm during the game. Jay Cutler returns this week, but the Vikings are poised to bounce back after Mike Zimmer called out his team and they are also my lock of the week on Halloween night.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Chicago 16.

2016 College Football Week 9: Picks

Here are my picks for week nine of the 2016 College Football season.

Thursday, October 27th
(25) Virginia Tech (5-2; 3-1) at Pittsburgh (5-2; 2-1)- 7:00, ESPN: This should be a fun ACC Coastal matchup that could go a long way in determining who will go to the ACC title game. Give me James Conner and the Panthers to pull it out at home.
Pick: Pittsburgh

Akron (5-3; 3-1) at Buffalo (1-6; 0-3)- 7:30, ESPN3
Pick: Akron

Ohio (5-3; 3-1) at Toledo (6-1; 3-0)- 7:30, CBSSN
Pick: Toledo

Appalachian State (5-2; 3-0) at Georgia Southern (4-3; 3-1)- 7:30, ESPNU: This game could very well decide the Sun Belt winner. Give me the Eagles at home.
Pick: Georgia Southern

California (4-3; 2-2) at USC (4-3; 3-2)- 10:30, ESPN: Here's a fun Pac-12 after dark game for you. There will be a ton of points, but give me Sam Darnold and the Trojans here at home.
Pick: USC

Friday, October 28th
(22) Navy (5-1; 4-0) at South Florida (6-2; 3-1)- 7:00, ESPN2: This is one of the more of the underrated games of the weekend in what could be an AAC title game preview. Give me the Bulls at home in a close one.
Pick: South Florida

San Diego State (6-1; 3-0) at Utah State (3-4; 1-3)- 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: San Diego State

Air Force (4-3; 1-3) at Fresno State (1-7; 0-4)- 10:30, ESPN2
Pick: Air Force

Saturday, October 29th
10/29- Kent State (2-6; 1-3) at Central Michigan (5-3; 2-2)- 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Central Michigan

UCF (4-3; 2-1) at Houston (6-2; 3-2)- 12:00, ESPNU: The Knights have been decent this season, so the Cougars better be ready. This will be a closer game than the experts think.
Pick: Houston

Connecticut (3-5; 1-4) at East Carolina (2-5; 0-4)- 12:00, ESPNEWS
Pick: East Carolina

Duke (3-4; 0-3) at Georgia Tech (4-3; 1-3)- 12:00, ACCN
Pick: Georgia Tech

(5) Louisville (6-1; 4-1) at Virginia (2-5; 1-2)- 12:00, ABC/ESPN2
Pick: Louisville

Kentucky (4-3; 3-2) at Missouri (2-5; 0-3)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Kentucky

Wagner (4-3; 2-1) at Massachusetts (1-7)- 12:00, ESPN3
Pick: Massachusetts

Kansas State (4-3; 2-2) at Iowa State (1-6; 0-4) 12:00, FS1
Pick: Kansas State

(10) West Virginia (6-0; 3-0) at Oklahoma State (5-2; 3-1)- 12:00, FOX: This was the toughest game of the week to pick. The Mountaineers are just rolling offensively and defensively and I believe they'll slow down Mason Rudolph and the Cowboys in Stillwater.
Pick: West Virginia

Minnesota (5-2; 2-2) at Illinois (2-5; 1-3)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Minnesota

(2) Michigan (7-0; 4-0) at Michigan State (2-5; 0-4)- 12:00, ESPN: This is a rematch of the famous game ending muffed punt return for touchdown. Well, the Wolverines should and will get big time revenge in East Lansing and it certainly helps that Sparty is having a down season.
Pick: Michigan

(24) Penn State (5-2; 3-1) at Purdue (3-4; 1-3)- 12:00, ABC/ESPN2: This game screams let down for the Nittany Lions. I'm tempted to pick the upset here, but I won't. This game will be closer than the experts think.
Pick: Purdue

Boston College (3-4; 0-4) at North Carolina State (4-3; 1-2)- 12:30, ACCN
Pick: North Carolina State

Cincinnati (4-3; 1-3) at Temple (5-3; 3-1)- 3:30, CBSSN: This is a sneaky good AAC East game. The Bearcats are somewhat down this season and the Owls have a lot of momentum going their way right now. Give me the Owls at home.
Pick: Temple

Western Kentucky (5-3; 3-1) at Florida Atlantic (1-6; 0-3)- 3:30
Pick: Western Kentucky

(14) Florida (5-1; 3-1) vs Georgia (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, CBS: This game will be played in Jacksonville. I'm going to roll with the Gators and their terrific defense and it helps that they have a home field advantage here.
Pick: Florida

(8) Baylor (6-0; 3-0) at Texas (3-4; 1-3)- 3:30, ABC: This should be a very interesting game. Something tells me that the Longhorn players will get up for this one at home and they'll pull off the upset.
Pick: Texas

Army (4-3) at Wake Forest (5-2; 2-2)- 3:30, ACCN
Pick: Wake Forest

Miami (FL) (4-3; 1-3) at Notre Dame (2-5)- 3:30, NBC: Both teams are desperate for a win, but I like Brad Kaaya and the Canes to pull it out in South Bend.
Pick: Miami (FL)

Samford (5-1; 3-1) at Mississippi State (2-5; 1-3)- 3:30, SECN
Pick: Mississippi State

(4) Washington (7-0; 4-0) at (17) Utah (7-1; 4-1)- 3:30, FS1: This should be a fun game as ESPN's College GameDay will be on hand for it. This was another tough game to pick, but give me Jake Browning and the Huskies on the road.
Pick: Washington

Miami (OH) (2-6; 2-2) at Eastern Michigan (5-3; 2-2)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Eastern Michigan

Maryland (5-2; 2-2) at Indiana (3-4; 1-3)- 3:30, ESPNU: This is a big one in the Big-10. Give me the Hoosiers at home.
Pick: Indiana

Texas Tech (3-4; 1-3) at TCU (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, ESPN2: This should be an interesting one in the Big-12. Give me Kenny Hill and the Horn Frogs to bounce back from their awful loss in Monrgantown and win at home.
Pick: TCU

Northwestern (4-3; 3-1) at (6) Ohio State (6-1; 3-1)- 3:30, ESPN: The Wildcats turned their season around after a rough start, but give me JT Barrett and the Buckeyes to bounce back from their loss in State College and win at home.
Pick: Ohio State

SMU (3-4; 1-2) at Tulane (3-4; 0-3)- 4:00, ESPNEWS: This screams letdown for the Mustangs after their upset of Houston. Give me the Green Wave at home.
Pick: Tulane

Georgia State (2-5; 1-2) at South Alabama (3-4; 0-3)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Alabama

Arizona State (5-3; 2-3) at Oregon (2-5; 0-4)- 5:00, Pac-12N: The Ducks are just a mess defensively, but so are the Sun Devils. I'm going to go with the Ducks to snap their long losing skid at home.
Pick: Oregon

(13) Boise State (7-0; 3-0) at Wyoming (5-2; 3-0) 7:00, CBSSN: The Cowboys are decent this season and this could be danger for the Broncos. Give me the Broncos to remain unbeaten but it will be closer than the experts think.
Pick: Boise State

Rice (1-6; 0-4) at Louisiana Tech (5-3; 3-1)- 7:00
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Marshall (2-5; 1-2) at Southern Miss (4-3; 2-1)- 7:00
Pick: Southern Miss

North Texas (4-3; 2-1) at UTSA (3-4; 2-2)- 7:00
Pick: UTSA

Middle Tennessee (5-2; 2-1) at FIU (3-5; 3-1)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: FIU

Louisiana-Monroe (2-4; 1-2) at Arkansas State (2-4; 2-0)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Arkansas State

Kansas (1-6; 0-4) at (16) Oklahoma (5-2; 4-0)- 7:00, FS1
Pick: Oklahoma

(7) Nebraska (7-0; 4-0) at (11) Wisconsin (5-2; 2-2)- 7:00, ESPN: This is a huge game in the Big-10 West and what could likely decide who goes to the Big-10 Championship game. Give me the Huskies at home in a close one.
Pick: Wisconsin

(15) Auburn (5-2; 3-1) at Ole Miss (3-4; 1-3)- 7:15, SECN: This should be a very interesting game. The Rebels are better than their record indicates, but I really love the Tigers in this game led by their defense.
Pick: Auburn

(18) Tennessee (5-2; 2-2) at South Carolina (3-4; 1-4)- 7:15, ESPN2: This should be an interesting one as well. The Vols had their bye a week ago and they'll be ready to go here and they'll get a win in Columbia.
Pick: Tennessee

New Mexico State (2-5; 1-3) at (9) Texas A&M (6-1; 4-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Texas A&M

Old Dominion (4-3; 2-1) at UTEP (2-5; 1-3)- 8:00
Pick: Old Dominion

Tulsa (5-2; 2-1) at Memphis (5-2; 2-1)- 8:00, ESPNEWS: This is a sneaky good game here. Give me the Tigers to bounce back from their loss to Navy here at home.
Pick: Memphis

(3) Clemson (7-0; 4-0) at (12) Florida State (5-2; 2-2)- 8:00, ABC: This should be a fun one in Tallahassee although it isn't as big as we thought it would be back in the beginning of the year. The Tigers have been in close games and had some close calls all season, but give me the Noles to pull off the upset here at home.
Pick: Florida State

UNLV (3-5; 2-2) at San Jose State (2-6; 1-3)- 10:30, CBSSN
Pick: San Jose State

Washington State (5-2; 4-0) at Oregon State (2-5; 1-3)- 10:45, ESPN2: Don't be surprised if the a Beavers keep it close because it's in Corvallis.
Pick: Washington State

Stanford (4-3; 2-3) at Arizona (2-5; 0-4)- 11:00, FS1: The Wildcats will keep it close, but Christian McCaffrey will be the difference here.
Pick: Stanford

New Mexico (4-3; 2-1) at Hawaii (4-4; 3-1)- 11:59: This is a sneaky good game believe it or not. Give me the Rainbow Warriors to win at home.
Pick: Hawaii

2016 College Football Week 9: National TV Schedule

Here is the National TV schedule for week nine of the 2016 College Football season with announcers (if necessary).

10/27- (25) Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Jesse Palmer, Laura Rutledge
10/27- Akron at Buffalo; 7:30, ESPN3: Ben Wagner, Ryan Cavanaugh, Amy Audibert
10/27- Ohio at Toledo; 7:30, CBSSN: Jason Horowitz, Ben Leber, John Schriffen
10/27- Appalachian State at Georgia Southern; 7:30, ESPNU: Dave LaMont & Rocky Boiman
10/27- California at USC; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
10/28- (22) Navy at South Florida; 7:00, ESPN2: Adam Amin, Mack Brown, Molly McGrath
10/28- San Diego State at Utah State; 8:00, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell
10/28- Air Force at Fresno State; 10:30, ESPN2: Mark Neely & Ray Bentley
10/29- Kent State at Central Michigan; 12:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely, John Schriffen
10/29- UCF at Houston; 12:00, ESPNU: Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Dawn Davenport
10/29- Connecticut at East Carolina; 12:00, ESPNEWS: Mike Couzens & Dan Hawkins
10/29- Duke at Georgia Tech; 12:00, ACCN: Wes Durham, Ray Farmer, Jenn Hildreth
10/29- (5) Louisville at Virginia; 12:00, ABC/ESPN2: Allen Bestwick, Mike Bellotti, Kris Budden
10/29- Kentucky at Missouri; 12:00, SECN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Cole Cubelic
10/29- Wagner at Massachusetts; 12:00, ESPN3: John Rook & Pete Brock
10/29- Kansas State at Iowa State; 12:00, FSN: Mark Followill, Ben Leber, Lesley McCaslin
10/29- (10) West Virginia at Oklahoma State; 12:00, FOX: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Jenny Taft
10/29- Minnesota at Illinois; 12:00, BTN: Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
10/29- (2) Michigan at Michigan State; 12:00, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
10/29- (24) Penn State at Purdue; 12:00, ABC/ESPN2: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman
10/29- Boston College at NC State; 12:30, ACCN: Tom Werme, Dave Archer, Roddy Jones
10/29- Cincinnati at Temple; 3:30, CBSSN: Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous, Melanie Collins
10/29- Western Kentucky at Florida Atlantic; 3:30, ASN: Mike Gleason & Doug Chapman
10/29- (14) Florida vs Georgia (Jacksonville); 3:30, CBS: Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce
10/29- (8) Baylor at Texas; 3:30, ABC: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
10/29- Army at Wake Forest; 3:30, ACCN: James Bates, Takeo Spikes, Kelsey Wingert
10/29- Miami (FL) at Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC: Dan Hicks, Doug Flutie, Kathryn Tappen
10/29- Samford at Mississippi State; 3:30, SECN: Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Olivia Harlan
10/29- (4) Washington at (17) Utah; 3:30, FS1: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Shannon Spake
10/29- Miami (OH) at Eastern Michigan; 3:30, ESPN3: Jeff McCarragher & Michael Young
10/29- Maryland at Indiana; 3:30, ESPNU: Eamon McAnaney & John Congemi
10/29- Texas Tech at TCU; 3:30, ESPN2: Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Paul Carcaterra
10/29- Northwestern at (6) Ohio State; 3:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
10/29- SMU at Tulane; 4:00, ESPNEWS: Dave LaMont & Brian Kinchen
10/29- Georgia State at South Alabama; 5:00, ESPN3: Matt Stewart & Doug Graber
10/29- Arizona State at Oregon; 5:00, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
10/29- (13) Boise State at Wyoming; 7:00, CBSSN: Rich Waltz, Adam Archuleta, Cassie McKinney
10/29- Rice at Louisiana Tech; 7:00, Campus Inn:
10/29- Marshall at Southern Miss; 7:00, ASN: Ron Thulin & Keith Moreland
10/29- North Texas at UTSA; 7:00, KMYS: Don Harris, Chuck Miketinac, Hector Ledesma
10/29- Middle Tennessee at FIU; 7:00, ESPN3: Ryan Rose & Wes Carroll
10/29- Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas State; 7:00, ESPN3: Shawn Kenney & Forrest Conoly
10/29- Kansas at (16) Oklahoma; 7:00, FS1: Brian Custer & Petros Papadakis
10/29- (7) Nebraska at (11) Wisconsin; 7:00, ESPN: Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
10/29- (15) Auburn at Ole Miss; 7:15, SECN: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Kaylee Hartung
10/29- (18) Tennessee at South Carolina; 7:15, ESPN2: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
10/29- New Mexico State at (9) Texas A&M; 7:30, ESPNU: Anish Shroff & Ahmad Brooks
10/29- Old Dominion at UTEP; 8:00, CUSA.tv: Jon Teicher, Bernie Ricono, Jeff Limberg
10/29- Tulsa at Memphis; 8:00, ESPNEWS: Mike Corey & Rene Ingoglia
10/29- (3) Clemson at (12) Florida State; 8:00, ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Samantha Ponder
10/29- UNLV at San Jose State; 10:30, CBSSN: Dwayne Ballen, Randy Cross, Taylor Rooks
10/29- Washington State at Oregon State; 10:45, ESPN2: Clay Matvick, Dusty Dvoracek, Alex Corddry
10/29- Stanford at Arizona; 11:00, FS1: Tim Brando & Spencer Tillman
10/29- New Mexico at Hawaii; 11:59, OC Sports: Robert Kekaula, Rich Miano, Scott Robbs

2016 MLB Postseason: World Series Prediction

Here is my prediction for the 2016 World Series.

(N1) Chicago Cubs vs (A2) Cleveland Indians: This series is going to be very fascinated by all angles. Both teams are trying to slay the dragon after long championship droughts. One of them will be broken and the other one will have to wait. The Cubs faced some adversity against the Los Angeles Dodgers as they won the NLCS in six games. The Indians have been terrific all playoffs long and it took them five games to close out the Toronto Blue Jays. Both teams have hot offenses coming into the Fall Classic and the storyline from an offensive standpoint is the Cubs young slugger Kyle Schwarber will make his return after tearing his ACL in the first week of the season. Both teams starting pitching have been terrific of late too and the big storyline here from a starting pitching standpoint is that Danny Salzar will make his return to the Indians rotation after suffering an elbow injury. Both teams bullpens have been outstanding as well and the funky storyline here is that both teams best relievers in Chicago's Aroldis Chapman and Cleveland's Andrew Miller were teammates on the New York Yankees before they were both traded to their respective current teams. With all the fun surrounding this series, give me the better overall team and that is the Cubs, who will finally break their long championship drought as I predicted before the season. I'm sure the Windy City will be blasting this tune as soon as the final out is recorded.

Prediction: Cubs in six games

World Series MVP: Kris Bryant

2016-17 NBA National TV Schedule

Here is the National TV Schedule for the 2016-17 NBA season.

10/25- Knicks vs Cavaliers; 7:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
10/25- Spurs vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
10/26- Thunder vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
10/26- Rockets vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, J.A. Adande
10/27- Celtics vs Bulls; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Kristen Ledlow
10/27- Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
10/28- Cavaliers vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
10/28- Warriors vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
11/2- Bulls vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
11/2- Thunder vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, J.A. Adande
11/3- Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello, Kristen Ledlow
11/3- Thunder vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
11/4- Knicks vs Bulls; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/4- Warriors vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doug Collins, JA Adande
11/9- Nets vs Knicks; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Jeff Van Gundy
11/9- Rockets vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen & Hubie Brown
11/10- Bulls vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley, David Aldridge
11/10- Lakers vs Kings; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Brent Barry, Ros Gold-Onwude
11/16- Warriors vs Raptors; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
11/16- Grizzlies vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Mark Jackson
11/17- 76ers vs Timberwolves; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
11/17- Bulls vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
11/18- Warriors vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
11/18- Clippers vs Kings; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Mark Jackson
11/23- Spurs vs Hornets; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Doug Collins
11/23- Timberwolves vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Jeff Van Gundy
12/1- Clippers vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
12/1- Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
12/2- Cavaliers vs Bulls; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/2- Rockets vs Nuggets; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Doug Collins
12/7- Cavaliers vs Knicks; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
12/7- Warriors vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, JA Adande
12/8- Timberwolves vs Raptors; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Kristen Ledlow
12/8- Spurs vs Bulls; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
12/9- Rockets vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Jeff Van Gundy
12/9- Suns vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Mark Jackson
12/13- Timberwolves vs Bulls; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
12/13- Thunder vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Jon Barry
12/14- Pacers vs Heat; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen & Mark Jackson
12/14- Celtics vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, JA Adande
12/15- Bulls vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Reggie Miller, Dennis Scott
12/15- Knicks vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
12/16- Lakers vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/16- Mavericks vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Doug Collins
12/22- Lakers vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Shaquille O’Neal, Ros Gold-Onwude
12/22- Spurs vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Allie LaForce
12/25- Celtics vs Knicks; 12:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doug Collins, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/25- Warriors vs Cavaliers; 2:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
12/25- Bulls vs Spurs; 5:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
12/25- Timberwolves vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin & Doris Burke
12/25- Clippers vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, J.A. Adande
12/29- Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
12/29- Mavericks vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Ros Gold-Onwude
1/4- Bulls vs Cavaliers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/4- Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
1/5- Thunder vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, David Aldridge
1/5- Lakers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dennis Scott
1/6- Knicks vs Bucks; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Doug Collins
1/6- Grizzlies vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
1/11- Grizzlies vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen & Doug Collins
1/11- Cavaliers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, JA Adande
1/12- Bulls vs Knicks; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
1/12- Pistons vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
1/13- Celtics vs Hawks; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen & Jeff Van Gundy
1/13- Pistons vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doris Burke
1/15- Bulls vs Grizzlies; 9:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doug Collins, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/16- Cavaliers vs Warriors; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber,  Kristen Ledlow
1/16- Thunder vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
1/18- Bucks vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doris Burke
1/18- Thunder vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, J.A. Adande
1/19- Wizards vs Knicks; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rebecca Haarlow
1/19- Timberwolves vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
1/20- Warriors vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
1/20- Pacers vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Jon Barry
1/21- Spurs vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
1/23- Knicks vs Pacers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Lewis Johnson
1/25- Warriors vs Hornets; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/25- Lakers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doris Burke
1/26- Mavericks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Brent Barry, David Aldridge
1/26- Lakers vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Dennis Scott
1/27- Rockets vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & P.J. Carlesimo
1/28- Clippers vs Warriors; 10:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Israel Gutierrez 
1/29- Thunder vs Cavaliers; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Steve Javie, Doris Burke
1/30- Pistons vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Kevin McHale, Kristen Ledlow
1/30- Grizzlies vs Suns; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Brent Barry, Reggie Miller, Jaime Maggio
2/1- Timberwolves vs Cavaliers; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doug Collins, JA Adande
2/1- Bulls vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/2- Hawks vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
2/2- Warriors vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Lewis Johnson
2/3- Lakers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Hubie Brown
2/3- Mavericks vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doris Burke
2/4- Cavaliers vs Knicks; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
2/5- Clippers vs Celtics; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Steve Javie, Israel Gutierrez
2/6- Cavaliers vs Wizards; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Grant Hill, Lewis Johnson
2/6- Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Greg Anthony, Dennis Scott
2/8- Clippers vs Knicks; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jon Barry, Doris Burke
2/8- Bulls vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Tom Rinaldi
2/9- Cavaliers vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
2/9- Celtics vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello, Lewis Johnson
2/10- Pacers vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Hubie Brown
2/10- Bulls vs Suns; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doug Collins
2/11- Warriors vs Thunder; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
2/12- Spurs vs Knicks; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Steve Javie, Israel Gutierrez
2/13- Thunder vs Wizards; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
2/13- Hawks vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
2/15- Pacers vs Cavaliers; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Bill Walton, Dick Vitale
2/15- Knicks vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy, Dan Dakich, Adam Schefter
2/16- Celtics vs Bulls; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
2/23- Knicks vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
2/23- Clippers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
2/24- Celtics vs Raptors; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Doug Collins
2/24- Spurs vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & PJ Carlesimo
2/25- Bulls vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Steve Javie, Lisa Salters
2/27- Bucks vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
2/27- Pacers vs Rockets; 9:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Lisa Leslie
3/1- Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/1- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, JA Adande
3/2- Warriors vs Bulls; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
3/2- Thunder vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
3/3- Cavaliers vs Hawks; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/3- Spurs vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doug Collins
3/4- Clippers vs Bulls; 8:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
3/5- Warriors vs Knicks; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Israel Gutierrez
3/5- Thunder vs Mavericks; 8:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doug Collins
3/6- Pacers vs Hornets; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Dennis Scott
3/6- Celtics vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Lisa Leslie
3/8- Pistons vs Pacers; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doug Collins
3/8- Celtics vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, JA Adande
3/9- Spurs vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
3/9- Lakers vs Suns; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Ros-Gold Owunde
3/11- Warriors vs Spurs; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/12- Bulls vs Celtics; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
3/12- Cavaliers vs Rockets; 9:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Doug Collins
3/13- Hawks vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
3/13- Lakers vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Derek Fisher, Shaquille O’Neal, Lisa Leslie
3/15- Trail Blazers vs Spurs; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Hubie Brown
3/15- Bucks vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins & Tom Rinaldi
3/18- Cavaliers vs Clippers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/20- Warriors vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
3/20- Knicks vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Shaquille O’Neal, Derek Fisher, Lisa Leslie
3/21- Bulls vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones & Hubie Brown
3/21- Spurs vs Timberwolves; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch & Doug Collins
3/22- Hawks vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Adam Schefter
3/22- Knicks vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen & Jeff Van Gundy
3/26- Thunder vs Rockets; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Steve Javie, Lisa Salters
3/27- Cavaliers vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
3/27- Pelicans vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Derek Fisher, Lisa Leslie
3/29- Warriors vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/30- Cavaliers vs Bulls; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Lewis Johnson
3/30- Rockets vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello, David Aldridge
3/31- Spurs vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/31- Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doug Collins, JA Adande
4/2- Celtics vs Knicks; 1:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/2- Jazz vs Spurs; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Steve Javie, Israel Gutierrez
4/4- Bucks vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doug Collins, Cassidy Hubbarth
4/4- Timberwolves vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, J.A. Adande
4/5- Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
4/5- Mavericks vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, J.A. Adande
4/6- Celtics vs Hawks; 8:00, TNT:
4/6- Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT:
4/8- Clippers vs Spurs; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/10- Wizards vs Pistons; 8:00, TNT
4/10- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT
4/12- Hawks vs Pacers; 8:00, ESPN
4/12- Pelicans vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN

2016-17 NBA Awards Predictions

Here are my award predictions for the 2016-17 NBA Season.

MVP: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder: Westbrook is my choice here because I believe he'll be super motivated after the departure of Kevin Durant. You'll see a galore of triple-doubles and he'll carry his team to 50 wins.
Runner up: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs: It's plain and simple. Leonard is the leagues best defender and he can guard all positions and he'll win this award for a third straight season.
Runner up: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers: Crawford is someone that has been so valuable to the Clippers the last few seasons off the bench. I believe he'll win this award for the third time in four years.
Runner up: Andre Igoudala, Golden State Warriors

Most Improved Player: Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves: Wiggins has so much talent and I believe this will be the year he puts it all together. It also will help that Tom Thibodeau is his coach and that there is a transcendent talent on his team in Karl-Anthony Towns.
Runner up: Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

Rookie of the Year: Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers: The easy choice would have been Ben Simmons had he not broken his foot. But, I'm going to roll with Ingram, who has a chance to be special. I believe he'll be awesome for Luke Walton and the Lakers.
Runner up: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves: Thibodeau has inherited a team that's clearly going to be among the leagues best within the next few years. He'll make a humongous impact and will get his team to the playoffs in his first season in Minnesota.
Runner up: Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

Executive of the Year: Bob Myers, Golden State Warriors: Myers added Kevin Durant to the leagues best team and he'll get credit for that. He also added Zaza Pachullia, who will be a fine replacement for Andrew Bogut and David West, who will be a key bench player for them.
Runner up: Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics

2016-17 NBA Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2016-17 NBA season.

Eastern Conference
The reigning NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers enter the season as the clear favorites to go back to the NBA Finals for the third straight year. LeBron James will be motivated and will be an MVP candidate yet again and Kyrie Irving has finally made the leap to stardom and Kevin Love looks like he's finally fit in with the team. The 2-4 seeds in the East will be a battle between a few teams that are very good. The Toronto Raptors brought basically brought back everyone (except Bismack Byombo) from the team that pushed the Cavs to a sixth game of the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Boston Celtics are going to be a very good team in Brad Steven's fourth year as head coach and they added Al Horford and lottery pick Jaylen Brown to go with their core of Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart. The Indiana Pacers will be improved with the additions of Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young to go with Paul George, who will be an MVP candidate this season. The final four playoff spots will be a huge dogfight between everyone else in the conference expect for the bottom two teams. The New York Knicks should be improved thanks to the additions of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee, and Brandon Jennings to go with Carmelo Anthony and budding star Kristaps Porzingis. It is key for them if Rose and Noah to stay healthy for the season, though. The Atlanta Hawks are interesting team as they lost Al Horford and replaced him with Dwight Howard and traded away Jeff Teague and now Dennis Shroeder will be the starting point guard. Paul Milsap's name being in trade rumors could affect the team, but we will see about that. The Detroit Pistons are a very interesting team as well in Stan Van Gundy's third season as coach. Reggie Jackson is out to start the season due to a knee injury. Kentavious Cladwell-Pope has improved his game over the last few seasons as well as Andre Drummond. The Chicago Bulls pretty much cleaned house last summer after trading Derrick Rose away and letting go of Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. Robin Lopez was acquired in the Rose trade and Rajon Rondo and Dwayne Wade were signed in free agency. The chemistry should be interesting with Rondo, Wade, and Jimmy Butler in Fred Hoiberg's second season as coach. The Washington Wizards are coming off a disappointing season as they fired Randy Wittman and replaced him with Scott Brooks. John Wall and Bradley Beal are a fun backcourt duo to watch and team expects Otto Porter to make the leap. The Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs a year ago and they look poised for a step back thanks to the free agent departures of Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson, and Courtney Lee. Nic Batum re-signed with the team in free agency but it should be interesting to see if he has the same type of year as last year and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is back from a shoulder injury. The Milwaukee Bucks were a huge disappointment last season after many experts thought they would be a 4 or 5 seed in the East last year. Khris Middleton is out for the season with a torn hamstring. Giannis Antetokounmpo is supposedly playing point guard now so that should be interesting and the team also added Matthew Dellavedova in free agency. The Miami Heat had a tough offseason after losing Dwayne Wade in free agency and Chris Bosh due to a blood clot. They did add guys like Derrick Williams and Dion Waiters to pair up with Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside. This team could either surprise everyone and make the playoffs or tank. Erik Spoelstra has work to cut out for him this season. The Orlando Magic had a somewhat interesting offseason. Frank Vogel is now the head coach and the team traded away Victor Oladipo and their lottery pick for Serge Ibaka and also signed Bismack Byombo in free agency. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Ben Simmons first overall in the draft, but he broke his foot and is out for three months. Joel Embiid is finally on the court and he'll be a Rookie of the Year candidate. I'm interested to see if they trade either Nerlens Noel or Jhalil Okafor due to their crowded front court. Dario Saric is finally over from overseas and it should be interesting to see how he does. The Brooklyn Nets look like the worst team in the league. They have no first round pick this year thanks to the disastrous trade they made with the Celtics in 2013. Brook Lopez is still on the team and he could very well be traded this season. The team signed Jeremy Lin and Luis Scola this summer and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back from injury.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (55-27)
2. Toronto Raptors (53-29)
3. Boston Celtics (50-32)
4. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
5. New York Knicks (45-37)
6. Atlanta Hawks (45-37)
7. Detroit Pistons (44-38)
8. Chicago Bulls (42-40)
9. Washington Wizards (41-41)
10. Charlotte Hornets (39-43)
11. Milwaukee Bucks (36-46)
12. Miami Heat (35-47)
13. Orlando Magic (33-49)
14. Philadelphia 76ers (23-59)
15. Brooklyn Nets (20-62)

Western Conference
The reigning Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors enter the season as the team to beat due to the fact they signed Kevin Durant this summer to pair up with their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to form a super team. The San Antonio Spurs begin life without Tim Duncan as they signed Pau Gasol to replace him as he'll join Kawahi Leonard, Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Danny Green to form a formidable starting five. The Los Angeles Clippers should be very good yet again as they have their core of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and D'Andre Jordan and added some quality bench pieces as well. The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite losing Kevin Durant this summer, will still be very good thanks to Russell Westbrook still being around as he'll be an MVP candidate this season. I didn't mind trading away Serge Ibaka for Victor Oladipo and lottery pick Domontas Sabonis, either. The Portland Trail Blazers were a surprise playoff team a year ago and they should be better this season as well with that great backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCullom. I didn't mind the Evan Turner signing for them and he'll provide good minutes for them. The Houston Rockets are trying to rebound from a disastrous season from a year ago under new hard coach Mike D'Antoni. James Harden will be in the MVP discussion and the team got rid of Dwight Howard and signed Eric Gordon, Nene, and Ryan Andersen in free agency. This will be a fun offense to watch, but their defense will not be very good. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be one of the leagues most improved teams thanks to the hiring of Tom Thibodeau. Karl-Anthony Towns will make a massive leap into the leagues elite and Andrew Wiggins should have a breakthrough season as well. The Utah Jazz are a sexy pick this season to make a massive jump as well. The team will miss Gordon Hayward the first few weeks with a broken finger, but Dante Exum is back from a torn ACL and George Hill will fit nicely with this young core. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert will be a tough rim protecting duo to score on as well. The Memphis Grizzlies are a team that has many injury risks with Marc Gasol coming off a foot injury and newcomer Chandler Parsons has a history of injuries. The team did re-sign Mike Conley this summer as well. The Dallas Mavericks overachieved a year ago with guys like Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews. Dirk Nowitzki is still around and the team also signed Harrison Barnes and traded for Andrew Bogut this summer. The Sacramento Kings are an interesting team this season as they lost Rajon Rondo and signed Aaron Afflalo this summer. If things go south, don't be surprised if DeMarcus Cousins's name pops up in trade rumors. The New Orleans Pelicans were thought to be a playoff lock last season, but they had a ton of injuries a year ago. Anthony Davis (when healthy) is one of the leagues best players. The team lost Eric Gordon and Ryan Andersen in free agency and gambled on guys like Lance Stephenson and Langston Galloway. The Denver Nuggets should be an improved team in Mike Malone's second season as coach. Emmanuel Mudiay showed flashes in his rookie season at the point and the front-court duo of Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic will be fun to watch. Don't be surprised if Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari, and Kenneth Faried are trade bait this season. The Los Angeles Lakers begin life without Kobe Bryant as they enter a new era. Luke Walton is the new head coach and lottery pick Brandon Ingram joins a nice young core of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. The Phoenix Suns have some nice pieces on their team, but they look like the cellar dweller in the West. Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight should be trade bait so they can give more playing time to Devin Booker, who was great last season as a rookie. Tyson Chandler should also be trade bait this season as they should play Alex Len more often.

1. Golden State Warriors (67-15)
2. San Antonio Spurs (60-22)
3. Los Angeles Clippers (57-25)
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (49-33)
6. Houston Rockets (47-35)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-36)
8. Utah Jazz (44-38)
9. Memphis Grizzlies (42-40)
10. Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
11. Sacramento Kings (33-49)
12. New Orleans Pelicans (32-50)
13. Denver Nuggets (30-52)
14. Los Angeles Lakers (27-55)
15. Phoenix Suns (25-57)

- 2016 NBA Playoffs
Quarterfinals
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E8) Chicago Bulls: A LeBron James vs Dwayne Wade would be fun, but let's be clear. The Cavs are the better team and will sweep right by the new-look Bulls.
Prediction: Cavaliers in four games

(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (E7) Detroit Pistons: This should be a very interesting series here. The Raptors have the edge here due to the fact that their depth is better than the Pistons.
Prediction: Raptors in six games

(E3) Boston Celtics vs (E6) Atlanta Hawks: Here's a rematch from last seasons Quarterfinals. Give me the Celtics here as Al Horford will be motivated to play his former team.
Prediction: Celtics in five games

(E4) Indiana Pacers vs (E5) New York Knicks: This should be an interesting series with star power in Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. The Pacers are the more superior team so give me them to advance here.
Prediction: Pacers in seven games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W8) Utah Jazz: Here we have the leagues best team against an up-and-coming team. Give me the best over the less experienced.
Prediction: Warriors in four games

(W2) San Antonio Spurs vs (W7) Minnesota Timberwolves: Here we have a matchup of a pre-annual contender against another up-and-coming team. This series also features two of the leagues best coaches as well. Give me the Spurs in what should be a fun series.
Prediction: Spurs in five games

(W3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (W6) Houston Rockets: Here we have a rematch of the 2015 Semis when the Clippers famously blew a 3-1 series lead. Give me the Clips to get revenge on the Rockets in what should be a fun series.
Prediction: Clippers in seven games

(W4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (W5) Portland Trail Blazers: This should be an interesting series between these two division foes. Russell Westbrook vs Damian Lillard will be the headline, but Westbrook's team is the better team.
Prediction: Thunder in seven games

Semifinals
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E4) Indiana Pacers: This should be a somewhat interesting series. Paul George will be motivated to play LeBron, but LeBron is still the best player on the planet as the Cavs will go to the Eastern Conference Finals yet again.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games

(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (E3) Boston Celtics: This should be a great series between these division rivals. I like the Celtics here to pull this off and go to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012.
Prediction: Celtics in seven games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W4) Oklahoma City Thunder: This will easily be the best series in the Western Conference Playoffs as Kevin Durant will play against his former team. Durant and Russell Westbrook will both be motivated, but Durant will get the better of his former team in what should be a fun series.
Prediction: Warriors in six games

(W2) San Antonio Spurs vs (W3) Los Angeles Clippers: Here's a rematch from the great series from the 2015 Quarterfinals. Give me Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs to get revenge here to get to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth time in six years.
Prediction: Spurs in seven games

Conference Finals
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E3) Boston Celtics: This should be a very fun series to watch. The Celts will steal a few games, but the Cavaliers will be back in the NBA Finals for the third straight year.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W2) San Antonio Spurs: This is what most people thought the Western Conference Finals was going to be last season. The Spurs are thought as the team that can give the Dubs the most trouble, but give me the Dubs to set up another NBA Finals rematch with the Cavs.
Prediction: Warriors in six games

NBA Finals
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (E1) Cleveland Cavaliers: This should be an outstanding NBA Finals yet again as this series would have classic written all over it with all the star power here. Give me the better team and that is the Warriors.
Prediction: Warriors in seven games

2016 College Football Week 8: Bowl Projections

Here are my bowl projections for week eight of the 2016 College Football season.

College Football Playoff Projections
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 3:00 or 7:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Washington
BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 3:00 or 7:00, ESPN: (1) Alabama vs (4) Clemson

New Years Six Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 8:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Tennessee
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 1:00, ESPN: Boise State vs Michigan
Rose Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 5:00, ESPN: Wisconsin vs Utah
All-State Sugar Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 8:30, ESPN: Oklahoma vs Texas A&M

Rest of the Bowl Schedule
Gidlan New Mexico Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: Old Dominion vs Nevada
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 3:30, ABC: San Diego State vs Arizona State
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Arkansas State
AutoNation Cure Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 5:30, CBSSN: Tulsa vs Troy
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl- December 17th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Appalachian State
Miami Beach Bowl- December 19th, 2016; 2:30, ESPN: Connecticut vs Akron
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl- December 20th, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Temple vs Marshall
San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl- December 21st, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: BYU vs Wyoming
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl- December 22nd, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Toledo vs New Mexico
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl- December 23rd, 2016; 1:00, ESPN: Central Michigan vs Louisiana Tech
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl- December 23rd, 2016; 4:30, ESPN: Navy vs Texas
Dollar General Bowl- December 23rd, 8:00, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Georgia Southern
Hawaii Bowl- December 24th, 2016; 8:00, ESPN: Western Kentucky vs Air Force
St. Petersburg Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 11:00AM, ESPN: Houston vs Georgia Tech
Quick Lane Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 2:30, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Boston College
Camping World Independence Bowl- December 26th, 2016; 5:00, ESPN2: Wake Forest vs Colorado State
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 12:00, ESPN: Army vs Middle Tennessee
Military Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 3:30, ESPN: Memphis vs North Carolina State
Holiday Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 7:00, ESPN: Indiana vs Washington State
Cactus Bowl- December 27th, 2016; 10:15, ESPN: Kansas State vs California
New Era Pinstripe Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: North Carolina vs Penn State
Russell Athletic Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Baylor
Foster Farms Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 8:30, FOX: Maryland vs Colorado
AdvoCare 1000 Texas Bowl- December 28th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: TCU vs LSU
Birmingham Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 2:00, ESPN: South Florida vs UCLA
Belk Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 5:30, ESPN: Arkansas vs Pittsburgh
Valero Alamo Bowl- December 29th, 2016; 9:00, ESPN: West Virginia vs USC
AutoZone Liberty Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 12:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss
Hyundai Sun Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 1:00, CBS: Miami (FL) vs Stanford
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl- December 30th, 2016; TBD, CBSSN: Idaho vs UTSA
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl- December 30th, 2016; 3:30, ESPN: Kentucky vs Minnesota
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 11:00AM, ABC: Nebraska vs Auburn
TaxSlayer Bowl- December 31st, 2016; 11:00AM, ESPN: Florida State vs Georgia
Outback Bowl- January 2nd, 2016; 1:00, ABC: Iowa vs Florida

2016 NFL Week 7 Picks

Here are my picks for week seven of the 2016 NFL season.

Thursday, October 20th
Chicago Bears (1-5) vs Green Bay Packers (3-2)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: Chicago is coming off a bad home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Green Bay is coming off a bad home loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Aaron Rodgers and his struggles have been the talk of the league recently, but I believe against this bad Bears team, we will see Vintage Rodgers. The Pack take this one.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Chicago 16.

Sunday, October 23rd
New York Giants (3-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-3)- 9:30, NFLN: Here we got another game in London. The Giants are coming off a big home win over the Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles is coming off a tough road loss in Detroit against the Lions in which their offense looked good and their defense did not. The Giants offense finally played upto hype in the second half of the Ravens game and that will continue against a surprisingly mediocre Rams defense.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, Los Angeles 19.

New Orleans Saints (2-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)- 1:00, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a big home win against the disappointing Carolina Panthers. Kansas City is coming off a huge road win in Oakland against the Raiders. The Saints defense is still bad and Alex Smith and the Chiefs will take a advantage of that.
Prediction: Kansas City 30, New Orleans 20.

Indianapolis Colts (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-3)- 1:00, FOX: Indianapolis is coming off a brutal Sunday night overtime road loss in Houston against the Texans. Tennessee is coming off a nice home win against the Cleveland Browns to get back to the .500 mark. I actually don't think the Titans are as bad as people are making out and led by the rejuvenated DeMarco Murray, the Titans will knock off Andrew Luck and the Colts.
Prediction: Tennessee 26, Indianapolis 24.

Minnesota Vikings (5-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)- 1:00, FOX: Minnesota is coming off their bye week and two weeks ago they pounded the Houston Texans at home. Philadelphia is coming off a brutal divisional road loss in Landover against the Redskins. The stout Vikings defense is going to make Carson Wentz look like a rookie here as they'll continue to play great. Don't forget Sam Bradford is going to have a chip on his shoulder here as he'll be back in Philadelphia for the first time since the trade.
Prediction: Minnesota 26, Philadelphia 17.

Cleveland Browns (0-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a road loss in Tennessee against the Titans. Cincinnati is coming off a brutal loss in Foxboro against the Patriots in Tom Brady's first home game post suspension. The pressure is on the Bengals to get back on track now, especially with Ben Rothlisberger hurt so they can possibly get back in the division hunt. I believe they'll get the job done and not only that, the Bengals are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Cincinnati 30, Cleveland 16.

Oakland Raiders (4-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)- 1:00, CBS: Oakland is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jacksonville is coming off a nice comeback road win in Chicago against the Bears. The Raiders have been great offensively, but their defense has been a complete flop. The Jags defense hasn't been that bad lately, but Derek Carr and that offense will prove to be too much for them to handle.
Prediction: Oakland 27, Jacksonville 20.

Buffalo Bills (4-2) vs Miami Dolphins (2-4)- 1:00, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a dominant home win over the San Francisco 49ers. Miami is coming off a nice home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bills look like one of the best teams in the league since after their 0-2 start and I believe they'll get the win against a team thats likely to have a letdown after a big win over one of the leagues best teams, despite Ben Rothlisberger getting hurt.
Prediction: Buffalo 27, Miami 17.

Baltimore Ravens (3-3) vs New York Jets (1-5)- 1:00, CBS: Baltimore is coming off a brutal road loss in East Rutherford against the Giants. The Jets are coming off an awful Monday night road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been benched in favor of Geno Smith, so it won't get better for the Jets as Joe Flacco and the Ravens snap their three-game losing streak.
Prediction: Baltimore 27, NY Jets 16.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-5)- 4:05, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won a Monday night divisional road game in Charlotte against the Panthers. San Francisco is coming off a dreadful road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. The Bucs were fortunate Cam Newton didn't play in the Monday night game, because I don't think their defense is good. Upset special, give me Colin Kaepernick and the Niners.
Prediction: San Francisco 24, Tampa Bay 20.

San Diego Chargers (2-4) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-2)- 4:25, CBS: San Diego is coming off a big Thursday night divisional home win over the reigning Super Bowl chamion Denver Broncos. Atlanta is coming off a brutal road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks in which the Falcons were robbed in due to a non-pass interference call that should have been called on Richard Sherman. I believe the Falcons bounce back here in which should be an entertaining game.
Prediction: Atalanta 34, San Diego 30.

New England Patriots (5-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)- 4:25, CBS: New England is coming off a big home win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Tom Brady's first home game since his suspension. Pittsburgh is coming off a terrible road loss in Miami against the Dolphins in which Ben Rothlisberger suffered a knee injury during the game and Landry Jones is now the starter for the next few weeks perhaps. If Rothlisberger were healthy I'd definitely pick the Steelers here. Not now, although LeVeon Bell and Antonio Brown should help keep the Steelers competitive and in the game.
Prediction: New England 26, Pittsburgh 20.

Seattle Seahawks (4-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-3)- 8:30, NBC: Seattle is coming off a great home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona is coming off a terrific Monday night home win against the Jets although Carson Palmer left the game with an injury that turned out not to be serious. This should be a great game, but give me Russell Wilson and the Seahawks to pull it out.
Prediction: Seattle 27, Arizona 23.

Monday October 24th
Houston Texans (4-2) vs Denver Broncos (4-2)- 8:30, ESPN: Houston is coming off a huge overtime Sunday night divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Denver is coming off a brutal Thursday night road loss in San Diego against the Chargers. Brock Osweiler will be back in Denver, but he's been awful on the road this season and the Broncos defense will dominate.
Prediction: Denver 27, Houston 19.