2017 NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are my picks for week eight of the 2017 NFL season.

Thursday, October 26th
Miami Dolphins (4-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-4)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: Miami is coming off a come from behind divisional home win over the New York Jets in which Jay Cutler got hurt in and Matt Moore led the comeback. Baltimore is coming off a road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. The Ravens offense is a mess right now and sans injuries to some of their key receivers in Jeremy Maclin, Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman, and running back Terrance West. Moore isn't actually a bad backup and he'll lead the Dolphins to their fourth straight wins against a depleted Raven team.
Prediction: Miami 23, Baltimore 16.

Sunday, October 29th
Minnesota Vikings (5-2) vs Cleveland Browns (0-7)- (London); 9:30, NFLN: Minnesota is coming off a home win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland is coming off an overtime home loss against the Tennessee Titans. I don't care who's starting at quarterback for the Browns, the Vikings are a decent all around team and they'll get a comfortable win here going into their bye week.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Cleveland 10.

Oakland Raiders (3-4) vs Buffalo Bills (4-2)- 1:00, CBS: Oakland is coming off a huge Thursday night divisional home win over the Kansas City Chiefs to perhaps save their season. Buffalo is coming off a home win over the disappointing Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Derek Carr is back in form
after suffering the back fracture and he'll lead the Raiders to a close win over an overachieving Bills team.
Prediction: Oakland 24, Buffalo 20.

Indianapolis Colts (2-5) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)- 1:00, CBS: Indianapolis is coming off an awful shutout divisional home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cincinnati is coming off a tough divisional road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Colts offense is not good without Andrew Luck what so ever although Jacoby Brissett isn't that awful so give me the Bengals to have a field day against the bad Colts defense.
Prediction: Cincinnati 30, Indianapolis 10.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) vs New England Patriots (5-2)- 1:00, CBS: Los Angeles is coming off a divisional home win over the Denver Broncos. New England is coming off a Sunday night home win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Chargers have won three straight games and they deserve credit for it, but the Pats are just better and they'll get the win.
Prediction: New England 31, Los Angeles 21.

Chicago Bears (3-4) vs New Orleans Saints (4-2)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a home win over the Carolina Panthers in which they scored 17 points and the two touchdowns were on defense and not on offense. New Orleans is coming off a road win at Lambeau against the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers. The Saints have been on a roll of late on both side of the ball and they'll win their fifth in a row here.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Chicago 17.

Atlanta Falcons (3-3) vs New York Jets (3-4)- 1:00, CBS: Atlanta is coming off a rough Sunday night road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. New York is coming off a tough road loss in Miami against the Dolphins in which they had a two touchdown lead in. The Falcons need this game more than anything because their season could spiral if they lose this game.
Prediction: Atlanta 30, New York 20.

San Francisco 49ers (0-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a blowout home loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia is coming off a big Monday night divisional home win over the Washington Redskins. The Eagles are just on a roll right now and because of that and the fact the Niners are one of the worst teams in football, the Eagles are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Philadelphia 34, San Francisco 13.

Carolina Panthers (4-3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina is coming off a dismal road loss in Chicago against the Bears. Tampa Bay is coming off a road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. The loser of this games season might spiral badly and I think the team that is in danger here is the Bucs because I just feel the Panthers are the better team and will rebound from their poor showing in Chicago and plus I do not think Jameis Winston is 100% healthy.
Prediction: Carolina 20, Tampa Bay 17.

Houston Texans (3-3) vs Seattle Seahawks (4-2)- 4:05, CBS: Houston is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won convincingly over the Cleveland Browns. Seattle is coming off a road win in East Rutherford against the Giants. I believe this will be a close game and I like the Seahawks to pull it out thanks to the Twelfth Man.
Prediction: Seattle 23, Houston 20.

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) vs Washington Redskins (4-3)- 4:25, FOX: This should be a fun game to watch. Dallas is coming off a much needed road win in Santa Clara against the winless Niners. Washington is coming off a tough Monday night divisional road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Most of these NFC East contests are close and competitive and I believe this will be both of that and I like the Cowboys here to get above .500 and get a nice road win.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Washington 23.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) vs Detroit Lions (3-3)- 8:30, NBC: Pittsburgh is coming off a nice divisional home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit is coming off their bye and two weeks ago they lost in New Orleans against the Saints. The Steelers have looked like themselves the last few weeks and I believe that continues here on the road in primetime.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, Detroit 23.

Monday, October 30th
Denver Broncos (3-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)- 8:30, ESPN: Denver is coming off a shutout divisional road loss in Los Angeles against the Chargers. Kansas City is coming off a Thursday night divisional road loss in Oakland against the Raiders. The Broncos have not been the same team the last few weeks and I like the Chiefs to rebound here at home in primetime.
Prediction: Kansas City 27, Denver 16.

2017 College Football Week 9: Picks

Here are my picks for week nine of the 2017 College Football season.

Thursday, October 26th
Eastern Michigan (2-5; 0-3) at Northern Illinois (5-2; 3-0)- 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: Northern Illinois

Toledo (6-1; 3-0) at Ball State (2-5; 0-3)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo

South Alabama (3-4; 2-1) at Georgia State (3-3; 2-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Georgia State

(20) Stanford (5-2; 4-1) at Oregon State (1-6; 0-4)- 9:00, ESPN: The Beavers will keep this closer than the experts think, but too much Bryce Love will lead the Cardinal to a road win.
Pick: Stanford

Friday, October 27th
Tulane (3-4; 1-2) at (24) Memphis (6-1; 3-1)- 8:00, CBSSN: The Green Wave are improved, but Riley Ferguson will lead the Tigers to another big win.
Pick: Memphis

Florida State (2-4; 2-3) at Boston College (4-4; 2-3)- 8:00, ESPN: The Eagles are coming off two impressive road wins at Louisville and at Virginia and I believe they'll make it three in a row here at home against a depleted Seminoles team.
Pick: Boston College

Tulsa (2-6; 1-3) at SMU (5-2; 2-1)- 9:00, ESPN2
Pick: SMU

Saturday, October 28th
Buffalo (3-5; 1-3) at Akron (4-4; 3-1)- 11:30, CBSSN
Pick: Akron

(5) Wisconsin (7-0; 4-0) at Illinois (2-5; 0-4)- 12:00, ESPN
Pick: Wisconsin

(8) Miami (6-0; 4-0) at North Carolina (1-7; 0-5)- 12:00, ESPN2
Pick: Miami

(11) Oklahoma State (6-1; 3-1) at (22) West Virginia (5-2; 3-1)- 12:00, ABC: This is a big game in the Big-12. This should be a fun and entertaining game and I like Will Grier and the Mountaineers to pull this one out at home in a close one.
Pick: West Virginia

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

Arkansas (2-5; 0-4) at Ole Miss (3-4; 1-3)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Ole Miss

Texas (3-4; 2-2) at Baylor (0-7; 0-4)- 12:00, ESPNU: I have a funny feeling that the Bears (finally) get their first win of the season here.
Pick: Baylor

Louisville (5-3; 2-3) at Wake Forest (4-3; 1-3)- 12:20, ACCN
Pick: Louisville

Virginia (5-2; 2-1) at Pittsburgh (3-5; 1-3)- 12:30, ACCN
Pick: Virginia

California (4-4; 1-4) at Colorado (4-4; 1-4)- 2:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Colorado

FIU (4-2; 2-1) at Marshall (6-1; 3-0)- 2:30
Pick: Marshall

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

Air Force (3-4; 2-2) at Colorado State (6-2; 4-0)- 3:00, CBSSN
Pick: Colorado State

San Jose State (1-7; 0-4) at BYU (1-7)- 3:00, ESPN3
Pick: BYU

(2) Penn State (7-0; 4-0) at (6) Ohio State (6-1; 4-0)- 3:30, FOX: Here is the game of the week. ESPN's College GameDay will be on site for this one and the winner of this game is likely heading to the Big-10 Championship game. I really like Saquon Barkley and this Nittany Lions team to find a way to win a close one against a very good Buckeyes team.
Pick: Penn State

(3) Georgia (7-0; 4-0) vs Florida (3-3; 3-2) (Jacksonville); 3:30, CBS: The Gators have dipped quite a bit of late, but I believe they'll keep it close for a bit against a very good Bulldogs team.
Pick: Georgia

(4) TCU (7-0; 4-0) at (25) Iowa State (5-2; 3-1)- 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: This should be an interesting game. The Cyclones have been the Big 12's biggest surprise so far, but I don't think they'll beat the Horned Frogs, who look like the most complete team in the conference.
Pick: TCU

(14) NC State (6-1; 4-0) at (9) Notre Dame (6-1)- 3:30, NBC: Here's yet another College Football Playoff elimination game featuring the Irish. The Wolf Pack have been playing great lately, but I just feel the Irish are just better and Brandon Wimbush nix Josh Adams will continue their Heisman pushes with another big game en route to another big win for the Irish.
Pick: Notre Dame

UCLA (4-3; 2-2) at (12) Washington (6-1; 3-1)- 3:30, ABC/ESPN2: This will be a much closer game than people think because of Josh Rosen, but Jake Browning will throw all over the Bruin defense en route to a big win for the Huskies.
Pick: Washington

(16) Michigan State (6-1; 4-0) at Northwestern (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, ESPN: This is a tough game to pick because the Spartans are playing very well right now and the Wildcats are typically good at home and give ranked teams fits. That said, I like the Purple Cats to get it done at home considering that Sparty has the Nittany Lions looming next week.
Pick: Northwestern

Georgia Southern (0-6; 0-2) at Troy (5-2; 2-1)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Troy

Appalachian State (5-2; 3-0) at Massachusetts (1-7)- 3:30
Pick: Appalachian State

Louisiana Tech (3-4; 1-2) at Rice (1-6; 1-2)- 3:30
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Indiana (3-4; 0-4) at Maryland (3-4; 1-3)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Indiana

Houston (4-3; 2-2) at South Florida (7-0; 4-0)- 3:45, ESPNU
Pick: South Florida

Vanderbilt (3-4; 0-4) at South Carolina (5-2; 3-2)- 4:00, SECN
Pick: South Carolina

FAU (4-3; 3-0) at WKU (5-2; 3-1)- 4:30
Pick: WKU

Austin Peay (5-3; 4-1) at UCF (6-0; 4-0)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: UCF

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

Utah (4-3; 1-3) at Oregon (4-4; 1-4)- 5:45, Pac-12N
Pick: Utah

Texas State (1-6; 0-3) at Coastal Carolina (1-6; 0-4)- 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: Coastal Carolina

Missouri (2-5; 0-4) at Connecticut (3-4; 2-3)- 6:30, CBSSN
Pick: Missouri

Old Dominion (2-5; 0-3) at North Texas (4-3; 3-1)- 6:30, ESPN3
Pick: North Texas

Minnesota (4-3; 1-3) at Iowa (4-3; 1-3)- 6:30, FS1
Pick: Iowa

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

Mississippi State (5-2; 2-2) at Texas A&M (5-2; 3-1)- 7:15, ESPN: This should be a fun game between two solid SEC West teams. The Aggies have been the better team of late and I like them here at home.
Pick: Texas A&M

Duke (4-4; 1-4) at (13) Virginia Tech (6-1; 2-1)- 7:20, ACCN
Pick: Virginia Tech

New Mexico (3-4; 1-3) at Wyoming (4-3; 2-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Wyoming

Tennessee (3-4; 0-4) at Kentucky (5-2; 2-2)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Kentucky

Nebraska (3-4; 2-2) at Purdue (3-4; 1-3)- 7:30, BTN
Pick: Purdue

Georgia Tech (4-2; 3-1) at (7) Clemson (6-1; 4-1)- 8:00, ABC/ESPN2: The Yellow Jackets are an underrated team so the Tigers better be ready for this one and Kelly Bryant should be able to go this week which helps the Tigers.
Pick: Clemson

Texas Tech (4-3; 1-3) at (10) Oklahoma (6-1; 3-1)- 8:00, ABC/ESPN2
Pick: Oklahoma

UTSA (4-2; 1-2) at UTEP (0-7; 0-3)- 8:00
Pick: UTSA

Arkansas State (4-2; 3-0) at New Mexico State (3-4; 1-2)- 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: New Mexico State

(15) Washington State (7-1; 4-1) at Arizona (5-2; 3-1)- 9:30, Pac-12N: This should be a fun game in Tuscon. The Wildcats have been one of the surprise teams in the Pac-12 this season and I believe that continues here with a win that should put them in the College Football Playoff rankings next week.
Pick: Arizona

UNLV (2-5; 1-3) at Fresno State (5-2; 4-0)- 10:00
Pick: Fresno State

Boise State (5-2; 3-0) at Utah State (4-4; 2-2)- 10:00, CBSSN
Pick: Boise State

(21) USC (6-2; 4-1) at Arizona State (4-3; 3-1)- 10:45, ESPN: This is a fascinating game. I like the Trojans to bounce back here and win a close one over a decent Sun Devils team.
Pick: USC

San Diego State (6-2; 2-2) at Hawaii (3-4; 1-3)- 11:15, ESPN2
Pick: San Diego State

2017 College Football Week 9: National TV Schedule

Here is the national TV schedule for week nine of the 2017 College Football season.

10/26- Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois; 7:00
10/26- Toledo at Ball State; 7:00, ESPN3
10/26- South Alabama at Georgia State; 7:30, ESPNU
10/26- (20) Stanford at Oregon State; 9:00, ESPN
10/27- Tulane at (24) Memphis; 8:00, CBSSN
10/27- Florida State at Boston College; 8:00, ESPN
10/27- Tulsa at SMU; 9:00, ESPN2
10/28- Buffalo at Akron; 11:30, CBSSN
10/28- (5) Wisconsin at Illinois; 12:00
10/28- (8) Miami at North Carolina; 12:00, ESPN
10/28- (11) Oklahoma State at (22) West Virginia; 12:00, ABC
10/28- Rutgers at Michigan; 12:00, BTN
10/28- Arkansas at Ole Miss; 12:00, SECN
10/28- Texas at Baylor; 12:00
10/28- Louisville at Wake Forest; 12:20, ACCN
10/28- Virginia at Pittsburgh; 12:30, ACCN
10/28- California at Colorado; 2:00, Pac-12N
10/28- FIU at Marshall; 2:30
10/28- Kansas State at Kansas; 3:00, FS1
10/28- Air Force at Colorado State; 3:00, CBSSN
10/28- San Jose State at BYU; 3:00, ESPN3
10/28- (2) Penn State at (6) Ohio State; 3:30, FOX
*10/28- (3) Georgia vs Florida; 3:30, CBS
10/28- (4) TCU at (25) Iowa State; 3:30, ABC/ESPN2
10/28- (14) NC State at (9) Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC
10/28- UCLA at (12) Washington; 3:30, ABC/ESPN2
10/28- (16) Michigan State at Northwestern; 3:30
10/28- Georgia Southern at Troy; 3:30, ESPN3
10/28- Appalachian State at Massachusetts; 3:30
10/28- Louisiana Tech at Rice; 3:30
10/28- Indiana at Maryland; 3:30, BTN
10/28- Houston at South Florida; 3:45, ESPNU
10/28- Vanderbilt at South Carolina; 4:00, SECN
10/28- FAU at WKU; 4:30
10/28- Austin Peay at UCF; 5:00, ESPN3
10/28- Louisiana-Monroe at Idaho; 5:00, ESPN3
10/28- Utah at Oregon; 5:45
10/28- Texas State at Coastal Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3
10/28- Missouri at Connecticut; 6:30, CBSSN
10/28- Old Dominion at North Texas; 6:30, ESPN3
10/28- Minnesota at Iowa; 6:30
10/28- UAB at Southern Miss; 7:00
10/28- Mississippi State at Texas A&M; 7:15, ESPN
10/28- Duke at (13) Virginia Tech; 7:20, ACCN
10/28- New Mexico at Wyoming; 7:30, ESPNU
10/28- Tennessee at Kentucky; 7:30, SECN
10/28- (15) Washington State at Arizona; 9:30
10/28- Nebraska at Purdue; 7:30
10/28- Georgia Tech at (7) Clemson; 8:00, ABC/ESPN2
10/28- Texas Tech at (10) Oklahoma; 8:00, ABC/ESPN2
10/28- UTSA at UTEP; 8:00
10/28- Arkansas State at New Mexico State; 8:00, ESPN3
10/28- UNLV at Fresno State; 10:00
10/28- Boise State at Utah State; 10:00, CBSSN
10/28- (21) USC at Arizona State; 10:45, ESPN

10/28- San Diego State at Hawaii; 11:15, ESPN2

2017 World Series Prediction

Here is my prediction for the 2017 World Series.

(A2) Houston Astros vs (N1) Los Angeles Dodgers: There was a point in this season when most people thought this was going to be the matchup. And than the Indians went on an incredible run and the Dodgers had an awful September and than people through an Indians/Cubs rematch was a possibility, but nope, we have these two great teams. The Astros are coming off a tremendous seven game series win over the upstart New York Yankees. The Dodgers are coming off an impressive five game series win over the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs. The Astros have a very good offense led by AL MVP favorite Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer. The Yankees pitching did a tremendous job shutting down the Astros offense in the previous round although the Astros offense came alive in the final two games. The Dodgers offense is really good too led by NL Rookie of the Year favorite Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and Corey Seager, who is returning from a back injury. Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander lead the way for the Astros rotation and the likes of Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers Jr must step up like they did in Game 7. Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, Rich Hill, and Alex Wood lead the way for the Dodgers great rotation. The Astros bullpen was problematic against the Yankees and guys like Ken Giles, Chris Divenski, Brad Peacock, and Will Harris have to step up. Don't rule out McCullers or one of the other starters coming out of the pen later on in the series if necessary. The Dodgers bullpen is very good led by Kenley Jansen, Tony Cingrani, Tony Watson, Ross Stripling, Josh Fields, and converted starter Kenta Maeda. That said, the Dodgers are flat out all around the better team and will win their first World Series since 1988.

Prediction: Dogders in six games

World Series MVP: Clayton Kershaw

2017 NFL Week 7 Picks

Here are my picks for week seven of the 2017 NFL season.

Thursday, October 19th
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) vs Oakland Raiders (2-4)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: This is a huge divisional game. Kansas City is coming off their first loss of the season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Oakland is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders must win this game or else they're in big trouble so give me the Silver and Black at home.
Prediction: Oakland 27, Kansas City 23.

Sunday, October 22nd
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) vs Buffalo Bills (3-2)- 1:00, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off a road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals in which Jameis Winston hurt his shoulder in. Buffalo is coming
off their bye and two weeks ago they lost in Cincinnati against the Bengals. This should be an entertaining game and I like the Bills here at home.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Tampa Bay 20.

Carolina Panthers (4-2) vs Chicago Bears (2-4)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina coming off a disappointing Thursday night home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Chicago is coming off a nice overtime win in Baltimore against the Ravens. Don't rule out the Bears keeping this one close, but I like the Panthers to bounce back here on the road.
Prediction: Carolina 26, Chicago 16.

Tennessee Titans (3-3) vs Cleveland Browns (0-6)- 1:00, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a much needed Monday night divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Cleveland is coming off a disastrous road loss in Houston against the Texans. DeShone Kizer is back as the Browns starter after Kevin Hogan started the last game, but it doesn't matter. The Titans are the better team and will win this game comfortably.
Prediction: Tennessee 27, Cleveland 13

New Orleans Saints (3-2) vs Green Bay Packers (4-2)- 1:00, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. Green Bay is coming off a divisional road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings in which Aaron Rodgers broke is collarbone in and is possibly out for the season. With Rodgers out, the Saints will take full advantage and get a rare win in Lambeau.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Green Bay 19.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (2-4)- 1:00, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Indianapolis is coming off a Monday night divisional road loss in Nashville against the Titans. This was a tough call, but give me the Jags to win a low scoring, close one one on the road, but I don't feel good about it because of Blake Bortles (cough).
Prediction: Jacksonville 16, Indianapolis 13.

Arizona Cardinals (3-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (4-2)- 1:00, FOX (London): Arizona is coming off a much needed home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Los Angeles is coming off a nice road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. This should be a fun game in London, but I like this Rams team a lot and I believe they'll win a close one here.
Prediction: Los Angeles 26, Arizona 20.

New York Jets (3-3) vs Miami Dolphins (3-2)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a tough divisional home loss against the New England Patriots in which there were some questionable calls from the refs in. Miami is coming off a great road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. I like the Dolphins here at home against a Jets team that is better than anyone could have expected.
Prediction: Miami 24, NY Jets 16.

Baltimore Ravens (3-3) vs Minnesota Vikings (4-2)- 1:00, CBS: Baltimore is coming off a brutal overtime home loss against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota is coming off a big home win over the Green Bay Packers in which Aaron Rodgers hurt his collarbone in. The Vikings defense sans no Rodgers for most of last weeks game is very good and they should keep a not-so good Raven offense in check.
Prediction: Minnesota 23, Baltimore 16.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)- 1:00, CBS: Cincinnati is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won a home game against the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh is coming off a big time road win in Kansas City to knock off the Chiefs, who were the lone unbeaten team left. I believe this will be a much closer game than people expect and I like the Steelers in a close one.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 17.

Dallas Cowboys (2-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (0-6)- 4:05, FOX: Dallas is coming off their bye and two weeks ago they lost a heartbreaker at home against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. San Francisco is coming off a loss in Landover against the Redskins. The 49ers have lost close games all season and expect that again against a Cowboy team that is desperate.
Prediction: Dallas 30, San Francisco 23.

Denver Broncos (3-2) vs Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)- 4:25, CBS: Denver is coming off a dismal Sunday night home loss against the previously winless New York Giants. Los Angeles is coming off a nice divisional road win against the Oakland Raiders. You know what? I like the Chargers to win their third straight here against a banged up Trevor Semian and a Bronco team that lost a ton of guys to injury a week ago.
Prediction: Los Angeles 26, Denver 20.

Seattle Seahawks (3-2) vs New York Giants (1-5)- 4:25, CBS: Seattle is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they beat the Rams on the road. New York is coming off their first win of the season on Sunday night in Denver against the Broncos. The Giants will keep this close, but I like the Seahawks here on the road.
Prediction: Seattle 24, New York 20.

Atlanta Falcons (3-2) vs New England Patriots (4-2)- 8:30, NBC: Here we have an epic Super Bowl rematch. Atlanta is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Miami Dolphins. New England is coming off a divisional road win in East Rutherford against the New York Jets. Both teams aren't great defensively so expect a fun and high scoring game and I'm taking Tom Brady and the Pats because they are the healthier team right now.
Prediction: New England 34, Atlanta 27.

Monday, October 23rd

Washington Redskins (4-2) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-1)- 8:30, ESPN: I don't think anyone circled this game for one that could determine first place in the NFC East right now but here we are. Washington is coming off a home win over the winless San Francisco 49ers. Philadelphia is coming off a big Thursday night road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Eagles are rolling right now so give me them to win their fifth straight game.
Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Washington 26.

2017 College Football Week 8: Picks

Here are my picks for week 8 of the 2017 College Football season.

Thursday, October 19th
Louisiana-Lafayette (3-3; 2-1) at Arkansas State (3-2; 3-0)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Arkansas State

(25) Memphis (5-1; 2-1) at Houston (4-2; 2-1)- 8:00, ESPN: This should be a fun and interesting game. The Cougars are actually favored in the game, but I like the Tigers in a close one.
Pick: Memphis

Friday, October 20th
WKU (4-2; 2-1) at Old Dominion (2-4; 0-2)- 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: WKU

Marshall (5-1; 2-0) at Middle Tennessee (3-4; 1-2)- 7:00, ESPN2
Pick: Marshall

Air Force (2-4; 1-2) at Nevada (1-6; 1-2)- 9:30, CBSSN
Pick: Air Force

Colorado State (5-2; 3-0) at New Mexico (3-3; 1-2)- 10:15, ESPN2
Pick: New Mexico

Saturday, October 21st
Maryland (3-3; 1-2) at (5) Wisconsin (6-0; 3-0)- 12:00, FOX
Pick: Wisconsin

(10) Oklahoma State (5-1; 2-1) at Texas (3-3; 2-1)- 12:00, ABC: The Longhorns will hang around in this one, but the Cowboys will find a way.
Pick: Oklahoma State

Tulsa (2-5; 1-2) at Connecticut (2-4; 1-3)- 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Tulsa

Akron (4-3; 3-0) at Toledo (5-1; 2-0)- 12:00, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo

Iowa (4-2; 1-2) at Northwestern (3-3; 1-2)- 12:00, ESPN2
Pick: Northwestern

Purdue (3-3; 1-2) at Rutgers (2-4; 1-2)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Purdue

Louisville (4-3; 1-3) at Florida State (2-3; 2-2)- 12:00, ESPN: This game would have been more enticing if it would be played in week one and now both of these teams are unranked. I like the Seminoles here at home.
Pick: Florida State

Idaho (2-4; 1-2) at Missouri (1-5; 0-4)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Missouri

Iowa State (4-2; 2-1) at Texas Tech (4-2; 1-2)- 12:00, FS1: This will be offense galore and the winner of this game will likely go to a bowl game. Give me the Red Raiders at home.
Pick: Texas Tech

Temple (3-4; 1-3) at Army (5-2)- 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Army

Pittsburgh (2-5; 0-3) at Duke (4-3; 1-3)- 12:20, ESPN3
Pick: Duke

Boston College (3-4; 1-3) at Virginia (5-1; 2-0)- 12:30, ACCN: As I mentioned last week, the Cavs are the biggest surprise in the ACC and perhaps of College Football so far and they'll at least become bowl eligible with a win here.
Pick: Virginia

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

Kent State (2-5; 1-2) at Ohio (5-2; 2-1)- 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Ohio

Northern Illinois (4-2; 2-0) at Bowling Green (1-6; 1-2)- 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Northern Illinois

Western Michigan (4-3; 2-1) at Eastern Michigan (2-4; 0-2)- 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Western Michigan

Buffalo (3-4; 1-2) at Miami-Ohio (2-5; 1-2)- 2:30, ESPN3
Pick: Miami-Ohio

Central Michigan (3-4; 1-2) at Ball State (2-4; 0-2)- 3:00, ESPN3
Pick: Ball State

Tennessee (3-3; 0-3) at (1) Alabama (7-0; 4-0)- 3:30, CBS: Butch Jones's seat will only get warmer. Roll Tide.
Pick: Alabama

Syracuse (4-3; 2-1) at (8) Miami (5-0; 3-0) 3:30, ESPN: I like the Canes big here because the Orange are bound for a big letdown after the big upset win over the Clemson Tigers.
Pick: Miami

North Carolina (1-6; 0-4) at (14) Virginia Tech (5-1; 1-1)- 3:30, ESPN2
Pick: Virginia Tech

Indiana (3-3; 0-3) at (18) Michigan State (5-1; 3-0)- 3:30, ABC
Pick: Michigan State

(20) UCF (5-0; 3-0) at Navy (5-1; 3-1)- 3:30, CBSSN: This should be a fun and high scoring affair and you know what? I like the Midshipmen here to pull off a big upset over a ranked conference opponent yet again.
Pick: Navy

Arizona State (3-3; 2-1) at Utah (4-2; 1-2)- 3:30, FS1
Pick: Utah

Coastal Carolina (1-5; 0-3) at Appalachian State (4-2; 3-0)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Appalachian State

Georgia Southern (0-5; 0-2) at Massachusetts (0-6)- 3:30
Pick: Massachusetts

Illinois (2-4; 0-3) at Minnesota (3-3; 0-3)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Minnesota

(9) Oklahoma (5-1; 2-1) at Kansas State (3-3; 1-2)- 4:00, FOX: The Wildcats will linger in this game, but the Sooners and Baker Mayfield will find a way to pull it out late.
Pick: Oklahoma

Oregon (4-3; 1-3) at UCLA (3-3; 1-2)- 4:00, Pac-12N: This game would have been more compelling a month ago when both teams were unbeaten and ranked. I like Josh Rosen and the Bruins here at home.
Pick: UCLA

Kentucky (5-1; 2-1) at Mississippi State (4-2; 1-2) 4:00, SECN: This is a sneaky good game and I like Nick Fitzgerald and the Bulldogs at home in a close one.
Pick: Mississippi State

SMU (4-2; 1-1) at Cincinnati (2-5; 0-3)- 4:00, ESPNU
Pick: SMU

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

North Texas (4-2; 2-0) at FAU (3-3; 2-0)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: FAU

Utah State (3-4; 1-2) at UNLV (2-4; 1-2)- 6:00
Pick: UNLV

UAB (4-2; 2-1) at Charlotte (0-7; 0-3)- 6:30
Pick: UAB

(16) South Florida (6-0; 3-0) at Tulane (3-3; 1-1)- 7:00, ESPN2: The Green Wave will hang around, but the Bulls will pull away late.
Pick: South Florida

Southern Miss (4-2; 2-1) at Louisiana Tech (3-3; 1-1)- 7:00
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Rice (1-5; 1-1) at UTSA (3-2; 0-2)- 7:00
Pick: UTSA

BYU (1-6) at East Carolina (1-6; 1-3)- 7:00
Pick: BYU

(24) LSU (5-2; 2-1) at Ole Miss (3-3; 1-2)- 7:15, ESPN: The Rebels will hang around, but the Tigers should pull it out.
Pick: LSU

(19) Michigan (5-1; 3-0) at (2) Penn State (6-0; 3-0)- 7:30, ABC: This is certainly one of the best and biggest game of the weekend. The Wolverines will hang around despite quarterback questions, but Saquon Barkley will lead the Nittany Lions here.
Pick: Penn State

(11) USC (6-1; 4-1) at (13) Notre Dame (5-1)- 7:30, NBC: This is another huge game with playoff implications for sure. This has classic written all over it and I like Brandon Wimbush, who will be back from injury this week to lead the Irish to their biggest win of the season.
Pick: Notre Dame

(21) Auburn (5-2; 3-1) at Arkansas (2-4; 0-3)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Auburn

Wake Forest (4-2; 1-2) at Georgia Tech (3-2; 2-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Georgia Tech

Kansas (1-5; 0-3) at (4) TCU (6-0; 3-0)- 8:00, FOX
Pick: TCU

(23) West Virginia (4-2; 2-1)- at Baylor (0-6; 0-3)- 8:00, FS2
Pick: West Virginia

Arizona (4-2; 2-1) at California (4-3; 1-3)- 8:00, Pac-12N
Pick: California

Wyoming (4-2; 2-0) at Boise State (4-2; 2-0)- 10:15, ESPN2
Pick: Boise State

Fresno State (4-2; 3-0) at San Diego State (6-1; 2-1)- 10:30, CBSSN
Pick: San Diego State

Colorado (4-3; 1-3) at (15) Washington State (6-1; 3-1)- 10:45, ESPN
Pick: Washington State

2017 College Football Week 8: National TV Schedule

Here is the national TV schedule for week eight of the 2017 College Football season.

10/19- Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State; 7:30, ESPNU
10/19- (25) Memphis at Houston; 8:00, ESPN
10/20- WKU at Old Dominion; 6:00, CBSSN
10/20- Marshall at Middle Tennessee; 7:00, ESPN2
10/20- Air Force at Nevada; 9:30, CBSSN
10/20- Colorado State at New Mexico; 10:15, ESPN2
10/21- Maryland at (5) Wisconsin; 12:00, FOX
10/21- (10) Oklahoma State at Texas; 12:00, ABC
10/21- Tulsa at Connecticut; 12:00, ESPNU
10/21- Akron at Toledo; 12:00, ESPN3
10/21- Iowa at Northwestern; 12:00, ESPN2
10/21- Purdue at Rutgers; 12:00, BTN
10/21- Louisville at Florida State; 12:00, ESPN
10/21- Idaho at Missouri; 12:00, SECN
10/21- Iowa State at Texas Tech; 12:00, FS1
10/21- Temple at Army; 12:00, CBSSN
10/21- Pittsburgh at Duke; 12:20, ESPN3
10/21- Boston College at Virginia; 12:30, ACCN
10/21- Troy at Georgia State; 2:00, ESPN3
10/21- Kent State at Ohio; 2:00, ESPN3
10/21- Northern Illinois at Bowling Green; 2:00, ESPN3
10/21- Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan; 2:00, ESPN3
10/21- Buffalo at Miami-Ohio; 2:30, ESPN3
10/21- Central Michigan at Ball State; 3:00, ESPN3
10/21- Tennessee at (1) Alabama; 3:30, CBS
10/21- Syracuse at (8) Miami; 3:30, ESPN
10/21- North Carolina at (14) Virginia Tech; 3:30, ESPN2
10/21- Indiana at (18) Michigan State; 3:30, ABC
10/21- (20) UCF at Navy; 3:30, CBSSN
10/21- Arizona State at Utah; 3:30, FS1
10/21- Coastal Carolina at Appalachian State; 3:30, ESPN3
10/21- Georgia Southern at Massachusetts; 3:30
10/21- Illinois at Minnesota; 3:30, BTN
10/21- (9) Oklahoma at Kansas State; 4:00, FOX
10/21- Oregon at UCLA; 4:00, Pac-12N
10/21- Kentucky at Mississippi State; 4:00, SECN
10/21- SMU at Cincinnati; 4:00, ESPNU
10/21- Louisiana-Monroe at South Alabama; 5:00, ESPN3
10/21- North Texas at FAU; 5:00, ESPN3
10/21- Utah State at UNLV; 6:00
10/21- UAB at Charlotte; 6:30
10/21- (16) South Florida at Tulane; 7:00, ESPN2
10/21- Southern Miss at Louisiana Tech; 7:00
10/21- Rice at UTSA; 7:00
10/21- BYU at East Carolina; 7:00
10/21- (24) LSU at Ole Miss; 7:15, ESPN
10/21- (19) Michigan at (2) Penn State; 7:30, ABC
10/21- (11) USC at (13) Notre Dame; 7:30, NBC
10/21- (21) Auburn at Arkansas; 7:30, SECN
10/21- Wake Forest at Georgia Tech; 7:30, ESPNU
10/21- Kansas at (4) TCU; 8:00, FOX
10/21- (23) West Virginia at Baylor; 8:00, FS2
10/21- Arizona at California; 8:00, Pac-12N
10/21- Wyoming at Boise State; 10:15, ESPN2
10/21- Fresno State at San Diego State; 10:30, CBSSN

10/21- Colorado at (15) Washington State; 10:45, ESPN

2017-18 NBA National TV Schedule

Here is the National TV Schedule for the 2017-18 NBA season.

10/17- Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
10/17- Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
10/18- 76ers vs Wizards; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
10/18- Timberwolves vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, Cassidy Hubbarth
10/19- Knicks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
10/19- Clippers vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
10/20- Cavaliers vs Bucks; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
10/20- Warriors vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
10/25- Spurs vs Heat; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy
10/25- Wizards vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
10/26- Celtics vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
10/26- Pelicans vs Kings; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
11/1- Rockets vs Knicks; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/1- Mavericks vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson
11/2- Warriors vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
11/2- Lakers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
11/3- Cavaliers vs Wizards; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
11/3- Celtics vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Marc Kestecher, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
11/8- Lakers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
11/8- Timberwolves vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/9- Cavaliers vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Grant Hill, David Aldridge
11/9- Thunder vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Ros Gold-Onwude
11/10- Spurs vs Bucks; 9:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy
11/15- Cavaliers vs Hornets; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/15- 76ers vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson
11/16- Warriors vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Roslyn Gold-Onwude
11/16- Rockets vs Suns; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
11/17- Thunder vs Spurs; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke
11/17- Pelicans vs Nuggets; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown
11/22- Warriors vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/22- Lakers vs Kings; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
11/28- Nuggets vs Jazz; 10:00, ESPN: Marc Kestecher, Doris Burke
12/6- Warriors vs Hornets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Doris Burke
12/6- Timberwolves vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson
12/7- Lakers vs 76ers, 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
12/7- Rockets vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
12/8- Warriors vs Pistons; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/8- Celtics vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy
12/12- Lakers vs Knicks; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson
12/12- 76ers vs Timberwolves; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy
12/13- Thunder vs Pacers, 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/13- Hornets vs Rockets; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown
12/14- Lakers vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
12/14- Mavericks vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Allie LaForce
12/15- Thunder vs 76ers; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
12/15- Spurs vs Rockets; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
12/21- Celtics vs Knicks; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Ros Gold-Onwude
12/21- Spurs vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
12/22- Clippers vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy
12/22- Lakers vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
12/25- 76ers vs Knicks; 12:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Kara Lawson, Lisa Salters
12/25- Cavaliers vs Warriors; 3:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Israel Gutierrez
12/25- Wizards vs Celtics; 5:30, ABC: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jeff Goodman
12/25- Rockets vs Thunder; 8:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/25- Timberwolves vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Kristen Ledlow
12/28- Rockets vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
12/28- 76ers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dennis Scott
1/3- Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
1/3- Thunder vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/4- Warriors vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
1/4- Thunder vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
1/5- Timberwolves vs Celtics; 7:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy
1/5- Wizards vs Grizzlies; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown
1/10- Thunder vs Timberwolves; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Doris Burke
1/10- Clippers vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Israel Gutierrez
1/11- Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
1/11- Spurs vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Greg Anthony, Ros Gold-Onwude
1/12- Warriors vs Bucks; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/12- Rockets vs Suns; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson
1/14- Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves; 9:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown
1/15- Lakers vs Grizzlies; 5:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, Ros Gold-Onwude
1/15- Warriors vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
1/15- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
1/17- Lakers vs Thunder; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy
1/17- Nuggets vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson
1/18- 76ers vs Celtics; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kevin McHale, Kristen Ledlow
1/18- Timberwolves vs Rockets; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
1/19- Wizards vs Pistons; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
1/19- Knicks vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry
1/20- Thunder vs Cavaliers; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
1/20- Warriors vs Rockets; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
1/23- Cavaliers vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
1/23- Celtics vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler
1/24- Rockets vs Mavericks; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy
1/24- Celtics vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/25- Wizards vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
1/25- Timberwolves vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
1/26- Rockets vs Pelicans; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown
1/27- Celtics vs Warriors; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
1/28- 76ers vs Thunder; 6:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/30- Cavaliers vs Pistons; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Dennis Scott
1/30- Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler
1/31- Knicks vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke
1/31- Mavericks vs Suns; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry
2/1- Rockets vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
2/1- Thunder vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
2/2- Heat vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke
2/2- Warriors vs Kings; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, P.J. Carlesimo, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/3- Rockets vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
2/4- Lakers vs Thunder; 2:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Doris Burke
2/6- Wizards vs 76ers; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler
2/6- Thunder vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Reggie Miller, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
2/7- Timberwolves vs Cavaliers; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/7- Spurs vs Suns; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
2/8- Celtics vs Wizards; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
2/8- Thunder vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
2/9- Clippers vs Pistons; 7:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jon Barry
2/9- Timberwolves vs Bulls; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/10- Spurs vs Warriors; 8:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
2/11- Cavaliers vs Celtics; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
2/13- Cavaliers vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler
2/13- Spurs vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Richard Hamilton, Dennis Scott
2/14- Clippers vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Mark Jackson, Dick Vitale, Lisa Salters
2/14- Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Bill Walton, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/15- Lakers vs Timberwolves; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
2/22- Wizards vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
2/22- Clippers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
2/23- Timberwolves vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/23- Mavericks vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Mark Jackson
2/24- Thunder vs Warriors; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Steve Javie, Lisa Salters
2/25- Spurs vs Cavaliers; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
2/25- 76ers vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/27- Wizards vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler
2/27- Clippers vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Rip Hamilton, Dennis Scott
2/28- Warriors vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/28- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Israel Gutierrez
3/1- 76ers vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
3/1- Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
3/2- Raptors vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/2- Timberwolves vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
3/3- Celtics vs Rockets; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/4- 76ers vs Bucks; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
3/6- Rockets vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Brent Barry, Derek Fisher, Nate Robinson, Dennis Scott
3/6- Pelicans vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler
3/7- Raptors vs Pistons; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown
3/7- Cavaliers vs Nuggets; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Chauncey Billups, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/8- Celtics vs Timberwolves; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce 
3/8- Spurs vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Ros Gold-Onwude
3/10- Spurs vs Thunder; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/11- Warriors vs Timberwolves; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
3/11- Cavaliers vs Lakers; 9:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Chauncey Billups, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/12- Spurs vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Israel Gutierrez
3/12- Heat vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, P.J. Carlesimo
3/14- Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/14- Lakers vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
3/19- Bucks vs Cavaliers; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
3/19- Warriors vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke
3/20- Thunder vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Kevin McHale, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler
3/20- Rockets vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Derek Fisher, Nate Robinson, Dennis Scott
3/21- Raptors vs Cavaliers; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
3/21- Wizards vs Spurs; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy
3/27- Cavaliers vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Greg Anthony, Richard Hamilton, Kevin McHale, Caron Butler
3/27- Bucks vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Brent Barry, Nate Robinson, Derek Fisher, Dennis Scott
3/28- Thunder vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
3/28- Bucks vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
3/29- Pelicans vs Cavaliers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Adam Schefter
3/29- Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Lisa Salters
4/1- Spurs vs Rockets; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke

2017-18 NBA Awards Predictions

Here are my award predictions for the 2017-18 NBA season.

MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron is still the best player in the league and he'll be motivated this season. Kyrie Irving was traded for Isaiah Thomas, who will miss the first few months of the season recovering from hip surgery and because of that, LeBron will carry the Cavs most of the way.
Runner up: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Defensive Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs: Leonard is arguably the best two-way player in the game right now and I almost picked him for the MVP. Leonard is a two-time winner of this award so why not pick him to win a third time?
Runner up: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers: Williams won this award a few seasons ago and I believe he'll win it again on a team that I feel will be better than people think. Williams is better than Jamal Crawford at this point and Crawford isn't even on the Clippers anymore and Williams will swing a bunch a games.
Runner up: Tristian Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Improved Player: Otto Porter Jr, Washington Wizards: Porter has shown flashes in the past and this is the year I believe he breaks out this season on a team that I think will be a top 3 seed in the East. Having John Wall as your point guard certainly helps your cause.
Runner up: Gary Harris, Denver Nuggets

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers: Simmons is the pick here and he would have been the easy pick last season if he didn't break his foot. He'll lead this Sixers team perhaps to the playoffs this season along with Joel Embiid and he'll show why he was the number one overall pick in 2016.
Runner up: Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

Coach of the Year: Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers: I picked the 76ers to make the playoffs and Brown deserves the credit. Brown made those awful Sixers teams the last few seasons play hard and that's perhaps why he still has a job right now.
Runner up: Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

Executive of the Year: Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder: Presti is the easy choice here simply because he pulled off big trades for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony without giving up much. Patrick Patterson was another good acquisition for this team as well.
Runner up: Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics

2017-18 NBA Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2017-18 NBA season.

Eastern Conference
The conference's best two teams made a huge trade over the summer headlined by the swapping of point guards with Kyrie Irving going to the Boston Cetlics and Isaiah Thomas going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Along with Irving, Gordon Hayward, and rookie Jayson Tatum join Al Horford on a revamped Celtics team that should be one of the best offensive teams in the league. Thomas will be out the first few months of the season due to the hip injury he suffered in the playoffs, but LeBron James is still the best player in the league and he should carry the team along with Kevin Love. The team got Jay Crowder in the Irving trade and he will help them as well and Dwayne Wade isn't the guy he was with the Heat, but he should help them too. The Washington Wizards are looking to build off their Semifinals appearance from a season ago in which they lost in seven game to the Celtics. John Wall and Bradley Beal are one of the best backcourt duos in the league and Otto Porter Jr is one of the more improved players in the league and their front court isn't bad either with Marcin Gortat and Markeiff Morris. The Milwaukee Bucks are a team on the rise led by MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jabari Parker is out recovering a torn ACL and he'll be back around the All-Star break, but guys like reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton need to step up. The Toronto Raptors have been one of the better East teams the past few seasons and that should be the case again this year. Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka were re-signed this summer and DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valenciunas are still around too. The Miami Heat should have made the playoffs last season but a slow start doomed them. Hassan Whiteside is one of the better centers in the league and Goran Dragic is still around as well. Guys like Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, and Dion Waiters were big contributors to the Heat's late season push a year ago and Justice Winslow is coming off a torn labrum and it should be interesting to see how Winslow looks. The Charlotte Hornets are looking to make the playoffs after missing out last season. Dwight Howard is on this team now, but he's past his prime. Kemba Walker is underrated at his position and Nic Batum is a solid two-way player when healthy. Rookie Malik Monk will make a bigger impact than people think and he could be a steal. The Philadelphia 76ers are a team most people think will make the biggest win total improvement from a season ago and I believe that will be the case. Rookies Ben Simmons (who missed all of last season due to injury) and Markelle Fultz join Joel Embiid to form a core that (when all healthy) should be really good. JJ Reddick was a nice free-agent signing as well and Robert Covington has improved his game over the last few seasons. The Detroit Pistons are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing a season ago. Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond are still around as the key cogs on this team and Avery Bradley is an upgrade on the wing. The bottom six teams in this conference are and should all be tanking this season. The Indiana Pacers traded away Paul George and now will rely on Myles Turner to be the guy. Victor Oladipo and Domontas Sabonis come over in the George trade and their nice players but not worth the value of George. Thad Young and free agent acquisition Darren Collison are possible trade candidates. The Orlando Magic made some offseason moves to try to improve their team such as signing Jonathon Simmons and Arron Afflalo and drafting Jonathan Isaac. The main core remains intact with Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, and Evan Fournier. The Brooklyn Nets made some moves to try to improve their team such as trading for guys who needed a change of scenery such as D'Angelo Russell, DeMarre Carroll, and Allen Crabbe. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Isaiah Whitehead, Sean Kilpatrick, and Caris LaVert showed promise a season ago and they should all make impacts. The New York Knicks traded Carmelo Anthony away and fired Phil Jackson this past summer. The Knicks are now Kristaps Porzingis's team and he should make the All-Star team this season assuming he stays healthy. Doug McDermott and Enes Kanter come over in the Melo trade and they'll provide offense. Tim Hardaway Jr is a nice player, but was massively overpaid by the Knicks this past summer. Guys like Courtney Lee, Kyle O'Quinn, and Kanter will be used as trade bait. The Atlanta Hawks are going to be bad as well after trading Dwight Howard away and losing Paul Milsap in free agency. Dennis Schroeder is a nice player and was thought to be the Hawks point guard of the future, but he might be trade bait. Guys like Ersan İlyasova and Kent Bazemore will be trade bait too. The Chicago Bulls might be the worst team in the league this season after trading away Jimmy Butler. Kris Dunn and Zach LeVine come over in the Butler trade and they also got a lottery pick in Lauri Markkanen and that wasn't enough for Butler. They do have some other nice young players in Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine, and Cameron Payne. Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday will be trade bait.

1. Boston Celtics (55-27)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (54-28)
3. Washington Wizards (50-32)
4. Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
5. Toronto Raptors (47-35)
6. Miami Heat (46-36)
7. Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
8. Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)
9. Detroit Pistons (39-43)
10. Indiana Pacers (30-52)
11. Orlando Magic (28-54)
12. Brooklyn Nets (27-55)
13. New York Knicks (27-55)
14. Atlanta Hawks (25-57)
15. Chicago Bulls (20-62)

Western Conference
Despite some improvements from other Western Conference contenders, the Golden State Warriors are heavy favorites to repeat as NBA champions. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry re-signed with team and Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are still around. The Oklahoma City Thunder added Carmelo Anthony and Paul George to go with Russell Westbrook to form a Big Three. Patrick Patterson was a sneaky addition for the Thunder and Steven Adams is a solid big man. The Houston Rockets acquired Chris Paul to join James Harden to form a fordable backcourt. Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza will have their good offensive nights and Clint Capela is capable of putting up double-doubles. The San Antonio Spurs core is aging, but they are still a force in the West. Kawhi Leonard is an MVP candidate and is tremendous on both ends of the floor. Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili are the aging guys, so it's remain to be seen if they have enough left in the tank. Guys like LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Danny Green, and Patty Mills need to step up. The Los Angeles Clippers will take a step back after trading away Chris Paul, but they'll still be a playoff team because Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are still around and they are a deeper team now with the return they got back for Paul. Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, were the players in the return for the Paul trade and they'll have an impact on the Clippers this season. Austin Rivers, Miloš Teodosić, and Danilo Gallinari will also have impacts this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be one of the leagues most improved teams this season thanks to the trade acquisition of Jimmy Butler to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Taj Gibson and Jeff Teague were added in the offseason as well and they'll both start for the Wolves. The Portland Trail Blazers should still be a playoff team led by the dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The team played better after trading for Jusuf Nurkic last season and now they get a whole season with Nurkic. Guys like Evan Turner, Mo Harkless, and Al-Farouq Aminu will have to be contributors too. The Denver Nuggets should be an improved team this season after the free agent signing of Paul Milsap. Milsap joins Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, and Juan Hernangomez to form a nice core. The Utah Jazz lost Gordon Hayward this summer, but this team isn't bad. Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, and Rodney Hood are a nice core to build around and Donovan Mitchell is a sleeper for Rookie of the Year. The New Orleans Pelicans have a chance to be good thanks to their dominant frontcourt of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins and if it doesn't work out, Cousins will be trade bait. Jrue Holliday was re-signed in the offseason as well and the team signed Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen in free agency. The Memphis Grizzlies may be heading for a rebuild after losing Zach Randolph and Tony Allen in free agency. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are still around, but they could very well be trade bait if things get bad for the Grizzlies. The Dallas Mavericks are a team that's starting to begin a rebuild although Dirk Nowitzki is around. Dennis Smith Jr will be a Rookie of the Year candidate. Guys like Wesley Matthews and Harrison Barnes will help, but could very well be trade bait. The Los Angeles Lakers will be improved, but the win total may not show it. Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma will be Rookie of the Year candidates and Ball has a chance to be special. Ball and Kuzma will join Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr to form a nice core. The Sacramento Kings are a weird team with a mix of young guys and veterans. Lottery pick De'Aaron Fox joins Buddy Hield, Skal Labissiere, and Willie Cauley-Stein to form a nice core. George Hill and Zach Randolph are among the veterans the team brought in. The Phoenix Suns look like the worst team in the West. Devin Booker leads the way for the Suns young core and lottery pick Josh Jackson looks to make an immediate impact. Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss look to improve in their respective second seasons. Veterans like Tyson Chandler and Eric Bledsoe will be trade bait.

1. Golden State Warriors (65-17)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (58-24)
3. Houston Rockets (57-25)
4. San Antonio Spurs (55-27)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (48-34)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (47-35)
7. Portland Trail Blazers (46-36)
8. Denver Nuggets (45-37)
9. Utah Jazz (43-39)
10. New Orleans Pelicans (39-43)
11. Memphis Grizzlies (37-45)
12. Dallas Mavericks (33-49)
13. Los Angeles Lakers (30-52)
14. Sacramento Kings (27-55)
15. Phoenix Suns (24-58)

2018 NBA Playoffs
- Quarterfinals
(E1) Boston Celtics vs (E8) Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers will be making their first playoff appearance since 2012, but the revamped Celtics will sweep the upstart 76ers.
Prediction: Celtics in four games

(E2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E7) Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets aren't a bad team when healthy, but the Cavs will be healthier this time around with Isaiah Thomas back and will pull off a sweep.
Prediction: Cavaliers in four games

(E3) Washington Wizards vs (E6) Miami Heat: This will be a fun series, but the dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal will lead the way.
Prediction: Wizards in six games

(E4) Milwaukee Bucks vs (E5) Toronto Raptors: A rematch from the first round series from last season, but Giannis Antetokounmpo will lift the Bucks to the second round.
Prediction: Bucks in seven games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W8) Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are an improved team, but the Dubs offense will be too much for them to overcome.
Prediction: Warriors in four games

(W2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (W7) Portland Trail Blazers: This should be a fun series, but the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony will be too much for the Blazers to handle.
Prediction: Thunder in five games

(W3) Houston Rockets vs (W6) Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves are a fun and up and coming team, but the Rockets are just better led by the duo of James Harden and Chris Paul.
Prediction: Rockets in five games

(W4) San Antonio Spurs vs (W5) Los Angeles Clippers: Despite losing Chris Paul, the Clippers will make a series out of this, but Kawhi Leonard will carry the Spurs here.
Prediction: Spurs in six games

- Semifinals
(E1) Boston Celtics vs (E4) Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo will keep the Bucks lurking here, but the Celtics are the better team.
Prediction: Celtics in six games

(E2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E3) Washington Wizards: This should be a fun series to watch, but LeBron James will lift the Cavs back to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W4) San Antonio Spurs: A rematch of last seasons Western Conference Finals will end in the same outcome, except I see Kawhi Leonard healthy and at least carrying the Spurs to one win in the series.
Prediction: Warriors in five games

(W2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (W3) Houston Rockets: This series should be absolutely epic. Stars galore and this screams seven game classic! Give me the new look Thunder with the home court advantage.
Prediction: Thunder in seven games

- Conference Finals
(E1) Boston Celtics vs (E2) Cleveland Cavaliers: A rematch of last seasons Eastern Conference Finals, except it will be a better series than last time with the revamped Celtics roster. The Cavs are a deeper team than the Celtics and that will show here as the Cavs go to their fourth straight finals.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games

(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W2) Oklahoma City Thunder: This should be an epic series as well with the revamped Thunder team going against the best team in the league. Kevin Durant will be motivated to play his former team and he'll lead the way for the Dubs to face the Cavs for the fourth straight season.
Prediction: Warriors in six games

- NBA Finals
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (E2) Cleveland Cavaliers: The fourth straight season of this matchup. The Cavs are a deeper team than a season ago, but the Dubs core is just too good and will repeat as NBA champions.
Prediction: Warriors in six games

2017 MLB Postseason: League Championship Series Predictions

Here are my predictions for the League Championship Series's in the 2017 MLB postseason.

American League Championship Series
(WC1) New York Yankees vs (2) Houston Astros: This should be a fun series. The Yankees are coming off an epic five-game series win over the heavily favored Cleveland Indians. The Astros are coming off a four-game series win over the Boston Red Sox. Both teams can rake offensively and the Yankees got away with a struggling Aaron Judge in the previous round, but I don't think they can afford that in this round. Gary Sanchez also struggled in the previous round, but they did get contributions from the likes of Didi Gregorius, Greg Bird, and Brett Gardner. The Astros are loaded offensively with the likes of AL MVP favorite Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Alex Bregman. The Yankees starting pitching was excellent in the previous round led by the quartette of Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, CC Sabathia, and Sonny Gray. The Astros have two studs in their rotation in Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, but after that is a drop off with Charlie Morton and either Lance McCullers Jr or Brad Peacock. The Yankees bullpen is the best in the game with Aroldis Chapman, David Robertson, Chad Green, and Tommy Kahnle leading the way. The Astros bullpen has guys like Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson, Chris Divenski, and Will Harris, but it's not as good as the Yankees. That said, give me the Yankees to reach the Fall Classic for the first time since 2009 because of their pitching depth with both their bullpen and the rotation and I'm also banking on Judge and Sanchez to be better than they were against the Indians.
Prediction: Yankees in six games.
ALCS MVP: Aroldis Chapman

National League Championship Series
(3) Chicago Cubs vs (1) Los Angeles Dodgers: This rematch of last seasons NLCS is very fascinating. The Cubs are coming off an epic five-game series win over the Washington Nationals. The Dodgers are coming off an impressive three-game sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs have guys that can rake like reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Wilson Contreras. The Dodgers can rake as well led by NL Rookie of the Year favorite Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Justin Turner. The Cubs starting pitching was solid in the previous series led by Jose Quintana, Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, and Kyle Hendricks. The Dodgers have great starting pitching as well led by Clayton Kreshaw, Rich Hill, Yu Darvish, and Hyun-jin Ryu. The Cubs bullpen isn't as good as it was last season but it has guys like Wade Davis, Brian Duensing, and Hector Rendon that can get big outs. The Dodgers bullpen is pretty good led by Kenley Jansen, Brandon Morrow, and Tony Cingrani. Kenta Maeda has been moved to the 'pen for the postseason and has got some big outs for them against the Diamondbacks. This was a tough call, but give me the Dodgers to finally come through and reach the World Series for the first time in thirty years.
Prediction: Dodgers in six games
NLCS MVP: Clayton Kershaw

2017 NFL Week 6 Picks

Here are my picks for week five of the 2017 NFL season. (I apologize for the non-explanations and score predictions from last week due to the fact I was super busy last week).

Thursday, October 12th
Philadelphia Eagles (4-1) vs Carolina Panthers (4-1)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: The best game of the week six slate is a Thursday night game (for once). The Eagles are coming off a home win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers are coming off an impressive road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Eagles are missing some key players this week, so give me Cam Newton and the Panthers to pull it off at home.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Philadelphia 20.

Sunday, October 15th
Miami Dolphins (2-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (3-1)- 1:00, CBS: Miami is coming off a home win over the Marcus Mariota-less Tennessee Titans. Atlanta is coming off their bye and toe weeks ago they lost at home against the Buffalo Bills in which Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Coming off a bye, I do not see the Falcons losing again at home against a bad team.
Prediction: Atlanta 34, Miami 17.

Chicago Bears (1-4) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-2)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a Monday Night divisional home loss against the Minnesota Vikings which it was Mitch Trubisky's NFL debut. Baltimore is coming off a road win in Oakland against the Derek Carr-less Raiders. The Ravens defense leads the way here as Trubisky is in for a rude awakening.
Prediction: Baltimore 20, Chicago 10.

Cleveland Browns (0-5) vs Houston Texans (2-3)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a home loss against the very surprising New York Jets. Houston is coming off a tough home loss against the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans are much better than their 2-3 mark and they'll win big here and they're my lock of the week.
Prediction: Houston 37, Cleveland 10.

Green Bay Packers (4-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (3-2)- 1:00, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a great road win in Arlington against the Cowboys. Minnesota is coming off a Monday Night divisional road win in Chicago against the Bears. Despite Case Keenum starting and Stefon Diggs being hurt, I think the Vikings have a better chance to win this game than given credit for, but still, it's hard to pick against Aaron Rodgers right now.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 20.

Detroit Lions (3-2) vs New Orleans Saints (2-2)- 1:00, CBS: Detroit is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won in London against the Miami Dolphins. Expect a high scoring shootout, and give me Drew Brees and the Saints to come out victorious.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Detroit 31.

New England Patriots (3-2) vs New York Jets (3-2)- 1:00, CBS: I'd never thought if ever say these words "Patriots/Jets is going to be a battle for first place in the AFC East in week 6". But hey, here we are. New England is coming off a Thursday night road win in Tampa against the Bucs in a game they should have lost because Nick Folk missed a ton of field goals. New York is coming off a road win in Cleveland against the Browns. I don't believe the Jets are for real because the teams quarterbacks they've beaten were Jay Cutler, Blake Bortles, and the duo of DeShone Kizer and Kevin Hogan. Here comes Tom Brady who's ready to give the Jets, easily the leagues biggest surprise, a rude awakening of reality.
Prediction: New England 38, New York 20.

San Francisco 49ers (0-5) vs Washington Redskins (2-2)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off an overtime road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. Washington is coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they lost a tough game on a Monday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs. I like the Redskins coming off a bye here to keep the Niners winless.
Prediction: Washington 34, San Francisco 16.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2) vs Arizona Cardinals (2-3)- 4:05, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off a Thursday night home loss against the New England Patriots in which Nick Folk single handily cost them the game by missing a few field goals. Arizona is coming off a disastrous road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. The Cards have been a mess most of the season and both of their wins came in overtime against bad teams in the Colts and 49ers, so I like the Bucs here to get the road win.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 23, Arizona 20.

Los Angeles Rams (3-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)- 4:05, FOX: Nobody thought both of these teams would be 3-2 but here we are. Los Angeles is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville is coming off a very impressive road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. Both teams are 3-2 due to the success of their young running backs in Todd Gurley for the Rams and Leonard Fournette for the Jags, but the Jags are 3-2 inspite of Blake Bortles and the Rams are 3-2 a lot to do with Jared Goff's improvement, so give me Goff and the Rams to get the road win.
Prediction: Los Angeles 20, Jacksonville 16.

Los Angeles Chargers (1-4) vs Oakland Raiders (2-3)- 4:25, CBS: Los Angeles is coming off their first win of the season in East Rutherford against the still winless Giants. Oakland is coming off a home loss against the Baltimore Ravens and that was solely due to the fact Derek Carr was injured. Carr is back now and he'll lead them to a much needed win against a Chargers team that is better than their 1-4 mark.
Prediction: Oakland 27, Los Angeles 23.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) vs Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)- 4:25, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars thanks to five (!!!) interceptions thrown by Ben Rothlisberger including two pick sixes. Kansas City is coming off an impressive Sunday night road win in Houston against the Texans. The Chiefs are the best team in football right now and that will continue against a Steeler team that doesn't really look right.
Prediction: Kansas City 33, Pittsburgh 20.

New York Giants (0-5) vs Denver Broncos (3-1)- 8:30, NBC: This game should have been flexed out of primetime as soon as Odell Beckham Jr was carted off the field on Sunday afternoon. That said, the Giants are coming off another close home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in which Beckham broke his ankle in. The Broncos are coming off a bye and two weeks ago, they beat the Oakland Raiders at home and Derek Carr got hurt in that game. The Giants are dealing with so much turmoil that I don't have time to write about and that with the Beckham injury screams Broncos win big.
Prediction: Denver 30, New York 10.

Monday, October 16th
Indianapolis Colts (2-3) vs Tennessee Titans (2-3)- 8:30, ESPN: ESPN probably was thinking Andrew Luck vs Marcus Mariota for this game, but it looks like Jacoby Brissett vs Mariota. The Colts are coming off an overtime home win over the winless San Francisco 49ers. The Titans are coming off a road loss in Miami against the Dolphins, but they didn't have Mariota due to injury. With Mariota coming back, give me the Titans at home.
Prediction: Tennessee 26, Indianapolis 16.

2017 College Football Week 7: Picks

Here are my picks for week 7 of the 2017 College Football season.

Wednesday, October 11th

South Alabama (1-4; 0-1) at Troy (4-1; 1-0)- 8:00, ESPN2
Pick: Troy

Thursday, October 12th
Texas State (1-5; 0-2) at Louisiana-Lafayette (2-3; 1-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette

Friday, October 13th
(2) Clemson (6-0; 4-0) at Syracuse (3-3; 1-1)- 7:00, ESPN
Pick: Clemson

(8) Washington State (6-0; 3-0) at California (3-3; 0-3)- 10:30, ESPN: This has all the makings of an upset.... I just can't do it though. Give me the Cougars in a closer game than the experts think.
Pick: Washington State

Saturday, October 14th
(6) TCU (5-0; 2-0) at Kansas State (3-2; 1-1)- 12:00, FS1: If Jesse Ertz were playing, I'd pick the upset. Give me the Horned Frogs to remain unbeaten.
Pick: TCU

(17) Michigan (4-1; 1-1) at Indiana (3-2; 0-2)- 12:00, ABC
Pick: Michigan

(20) North Carolina State (5-1; 3-0) at Pittsburgh (2-4; 0-2)- 12:00, ACCN
Pick: North Carolina State

(24) Texas Tech (4-1; 1-1) at West Virginia (3-2; 1-1)- 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: West Virginia

Florida State (1-3; 1-2) at Duke (4-2; 1-2)- 12:00, ESPN2
Pick: Florida State

Rutgers (1-4; 0-2) at Illinois (2-3; 0-2)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Illinois

Eastern Michigan (2-3; 0-2) at Army (4-2)- 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Army

BYU (1-5) at Mississippi State (3-2; 1-2)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Mississippi State

South Carolina (4-2; 2-2)- at Tennessee (3-2; 0-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Vols are a mess and I like the Cocks to go and win in Knoxville.
Pick: South Carolina

Kansas (1-4; 0-2) at Iowa State (3-2; 1-1)- 12:00, FS1: Kinda wish the Cyclones were playing anybody else other than the Jayhawks and make a case for a let down loss after a huge win in Norman. But instead, I'll take the Cyclones in a game where I believe the Jayhawks hang around for a half.
Pick: Iowa State

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

Boston College (2-4; 0-3) at Louisville (4-2; 1-2)- 12:20, ACCN
Pick: Louisville

UNLV (2-3; 1-1) at Air Force (1-4; 0-2)- 2:00
Pick: Air Force

Old Dominion (2-3; 0-1) at Marshall (4-1; 1-0)- 2:30, ESPN3
Pick: Marshall

Purdue (3-2; 1-1) at (7) Wisconsin (5-0; 2-0)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Wisconsin

(10) Auburn (5-1; 3-0) at LSU (4-2; 1-1)- 3:30, CBS: The LSU Tigers deserve credit for winning at The Swamp last week, but I think they're in for a rude awakening here against a very good Auburn Tigers team.
Pick: Auburn

Georgia Tech (3-1; 2-0) at (11) Miami (4-0; 2-0)- 3:30, ABC
Pick: Miami

(12) Oklahoma (4-1; 1-1) vs Texas (3-2; 2-0)- (Dallas); 3:30, ESPN: The Longhorns are arguably better than their record, but I like Baker Mayfield and the Sooners to rebound from that horrendous loss against the Iowa State Cyclones.
Pick: Oklahoma

Baylor (0-5; 0-2) at (14) Oklahoma State (4-1; 1-1)- 3:30, FS1
Pick: Oklahoma State

Virginia (4-1; 1-0) at North Carolina (1-5; 0-3)- 3:30, ACCN: The Cavs are perhaps the biggest surprise in the ACC and among the biggest surprises in college football and I think their success continues here.
Pick: Virginia

Northwestern (2-3; 0-2) at Maryland (3-2; 1-1)- 3:30, ESPN2
Pick: Northwestern

Vanderbilt (3-3; 0-3) at Ole Miss (2-3; 0-3)- 3:30, SECN
Pick: Ole Miss

Akron (3-3; 2-0) at Western Michigan (4-2; 2-0)- 3:30, CBSSN
Pick: Western Michigan

Miami-Ohio (2-4; 1-1) at Kent State (1-5; 0-2)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Miami-Ohio

Northern Illinois (3-2; 1-1) at Buffalo (3-3; 1-1)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Buffalo

Ohio (4-2; 1-1) at Bowling Green (1-5; 1-1)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Ohio

Toledo (4-1; 1-0) at Central Michigan (3-3; 1-1)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo

(25) Navy (5-0; 3-0) at Memphis (4-1; 1-1)- 3:45, ESPNU
Pick: Memphis

Houston (4-1; 2-0) at Tulsa (1-5; 0-2)- 4:00, ESPNEWS
Pick: Houston

Colorado (3-3; 0-3) at Oregon State (1-5; 0-3)- 4:00
Pick: Colorado

Charlotte (0-6; 0-2) at Western Kentucky (3-2; 1-1)- 4:30
Pick: Western Kentucky

Wyoming (3-2; 1-0) at Utah State (3-3; 1-1)- 4:30
Pick: Utah State

Georgia State (2-2; 1-0) at Louisiana-Monroe (3-2; 3-0)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana-Monroe

Appalachian State (3-2; 2-0) at Idaho (2-3; 1-1)- 5:00, ESPN3
Pick: Appalachian State

New Mexico State (2-4; 0-2) at Georgia Southern (0-4; 0-1)- 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: New Mexico State

Middle Tennessee (3-3; 1-1) at UAB (3-2; 1-1)- 6:30
Pick: UAB

East Carolina (1-5; 1-2) at (22) UCF (4-0; 2-0)- 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: UCF

UTSA (3-1; 0-1) at North Texas (3-2; 2-0)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: UTSA

UTEP (0-6; 0-2) at Southern Miss (3-2; 1-1)- 7:00
Pick: Southern Miss

Tulane (3-2; 1-1) at FIU (3-2; 2-1)- 7:00
Pick: Tulane

Texas A&M (4-2; 2-1) at Florida (3-2; 3-1)- 7:00, ESPN2: This should be a low scoring, hard fought game, but give me the Gators at home.
Pick: Florida

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

Arkansas (2-3; 0-2) at (1) Alabama (6-0; 3-0)- 7:15, ESPN
Pick: Alabama

Missouri (1-4; 0-3) at (4) Georgia (6-0; 3-0)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Georgia

(9) Ohio State (5-1; 3-0) at Nebraska (3-3; 2-1)- 7:30, BTN
Pick: Ohio State

Cincinnati (2-4; 0-2) at (18) South Florida (5-0; 2-0)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: South Florida

Utah (4-1; 1-1) at (13) USC (5-1; 3-1)- 8:00, ABC: The Utes aren't a bad team, but expect the Trojans to pull away late here.
Pick: USC

(21) Michigan State (4-1; 2-0) at Minnesota (3-2; 0-2)- 8:00, BTN: You'd think this game screams letdown for Sparty after the big win in Ann Arbor, but I'll say the Spartans win..... barely.
Pick: Michigan State

UCLA (3-2; 1-1) at Arizona (3-2; 1-1)- 9:00, Pac-12N: Josh Rosen is the difference here as the Bruins win in Tuscon.
Pick: UCLA

New Mexico (3-2; 1-1) at Fresno State (3-2; 2-0)- 10:00
Pick: New Mexico

Nevada (1-5; 1-1) at Colorado State (4-2; 2-0)- 10:15, ESPN2
Pick: Colorado State

Boise State (3-2; 1-0) at (19) San Diego State (6-0; 2-0)- 10:30, CBSSN: The Broncos aren't the same team as in years past and right now the best team in the MWC is the Aztecs, who will win this game and make a statement and prove that ranking.
Pick: San Diego State

(5) Washington (6-0; 3-0) at Arizona State (2-3; 1-1)- 10:45, ESPN: The Aztecs pulled an upset over the Oregon Ducks earlier in the season, but this Huskies team is better than the Ducks, especially defensively.
Pick: Washington

Oregon (4-2; 1-2) at Stanford (4-2; 3-1)- 11:00, FS1: These two teams always seem to play close games and I believe that will be the case again and Bryce Love will be the difference here for the Cardinal yet again.
Pick: Stanford

San Jose State (1-6; 0-3) at Hawaii (2-4; 0-3)- 11:59
Pick: Hawaii