Mr. Armchair’s 2012 Baseball Wrap-up –

The 2012 baseball regular season is finally over and another 162 are in the books.  We saw historic feats such as the first triple-crown winner (leader in AVG., HRs., and RBI’s) in Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera and we saw numbers put up by a rookie that are unheard of out the next big-thing in Angels OF Mike Trout.  We saw epic comebacks and collapses (I’m looking at you, Professor), big-time trades that didn’t pan out (I’m laughing at you, Dodgers), and unlikely teams making playoff runs.  I think we can all agree that the 2012 season will be one to remember.  Let’s take a moment to recap and look back at my predictions. 

Quick World Series recap –

My Giants, that’s right, MY GIANTS, won the 2012 World Series!!!  Greatest team in all the land!!!  Here’s is a link to my World Series preview, (http://mrarmchair.blogspot.com/2012/10/mr-armchairs-2012-world-series-preview.html) basically outlining exactly what happened in the Giants demolishing of the Detroit Tigers, sweeping them in four games. 

Ok, coming back down from my high horse.  The Giants came into the World Series on a roll and with tons of mo, while the Tigers had to sit and wait, and the long layoff truly had an effect on them.  The Tigers came out flat in Game 1 of the series, and as I predicted, the Giants were able to get to Justin Verlander, knocking him out of the game in the 4^th inning.  That right there is all you need to know about this series.  The Giants were able to keep the Tigers bats calm and when the game got into the later innings, the Giants dominating bullpen closed the door on any attempted comeback or rally the Tigers’ offense tried to make.  The Giants yet again proved that great pitching and defense will trump any offense.  And that is why the Giants will again be wearing the World Series Champion patch on their jerseys next season. 

NL East –

Phillies (Prediction: 95-67, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 81-81) – 3^rd place

Recap:  I think it’s safe to say that we all missed on the Phillies this season.  Injuries killed this team pre-season and during the season.  Chase Utley and Ryan Howard started the season with long stints on the DL, and it continued during the season with ace SP Roy Halladay.  They got into a deep-whole early into the season, causing them to fire-sale their team and cut salary by trading off veteran pieces like CF Shane Victorino and RF Hunter Pence.  It even took former SP Cliff Lee till July 4^th to win his first game.

Braves (Prediction: 90-72, Playoffs – WC) (Result: 94-68) – 2^nd place, Playoffs – Wildcard

Recap:  Like I said at the beginning of the season, this team is solid.  Always has been since I was a kid, and probably always will be.  There’s something to be said for a well-run organization.  As predicted, OF Jason Heyward returned backed to his ROY form by hitting .270 and leading the club in HRs with 27, and pending free-agent OF Michael Bourne is a stub, batting .274 with 42 SB.  But pitching is where it’s at with the Braves, as SP Kris Medlen and Closer Craig Kimbrel will anchor this staff for years. 

Nationals (Prediction: 87-78) (Result: 98-64, Playoffs – DW) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division winner

Recap:  Everyone knew that the Nats were going to be better, maybe even push for a wildcard playoff spot, possibly win the division; but I find it hard to believe that anyone picked them to win nearly 100 games and finish with the best overall record in baseball.  And the thing is, this is just the beginning, as the Nats are one of the youngest teams in baseball.  They have three aces in potential 2012 CY Young winner Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and of course, Mr. Innings Limit himself, Stephen Strasburg.

Marlins (Prediction: 84-78) (Result: 69-93) – 5^th place

Recap:  This team was clearly a disappointment, especially following the free-spending offseason they had and opening a new ballpark.  After going all-in and pushing in their chips for Albert Pujols, and losing, we knew it would not be easy for the Marlins to make the playoffs.  But we expected them to at least be competitive and challenge for a spot.  The one positive to come from having a season like this was trading highly-priced third basemen Hanley Ramirez at the deadline to save future cap-space.

Mets (Prediction: 75-87) (Result: 74-88) – 4^th place

Recap:  I said at the beginning that this team won’t be as bad as everyone thinks they may be, and I think that holds true.  There are a lot of positives with the Mets:  3B David Wright was David Wright, batting .306 and belting 21 HRs with 93 RBIs, 1B Ike Davis established himself as the next Adam Dunn, batting .227 yet hammering 32 HRs, and SP R.A. Dickey won 20 games, with 230 K’s and a 2.73 ERA, and potentially a CY Young.  SP Jonathon Niese and 2B Daniel Murphy are two players who are on the rise.

NL Central –

Cardinals (Prediction: 89-73, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 88-74) – 2^nd place, Playoffs – Wildcard

Recap:  I predicted that the Cards wouldn’t have that far of a fall from their win total of 2011 (90 wins) when they won the World Series, despite losing their franchises best player, 1B Albert Pujols, and that’s what exactly happened.  The Cards were still a very good team this season, having great seasons from OF Matt Holliday (.295, 27 HRs, 102 RBIs), OF free agent pick-up Carlos Beltran (.269, 32 HRs, 97 RBIs), and also getting an MVP type season out of C Yadier Molina (.315, 22 HRs, 76 RBIs).

Reds (Prediction: 87-75) (Result: 97-65) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division winner

Recap:  It’s a pretty remarkable season that the Reds had in 2012.  I’m still trying to figure how the Reds finished the season with 97 wins despite going nearly 2 months without stud 1B Joey Votto.  2012 proved to be Closer Aroldis Chapman coming out party, flashing his 100 MPH fastball on hitters, finishing the year with 38 SVs, 1.51 ERA, and .81 WHIP.  We also finally got to see what OF Jay Bruce can bring to the table, finishing the year with 34 HRs and 99 RBIs.  And don’t forget about 2B Brandon Phillips. 

Brewers (Prediction: 85-77) (Result: 83-79) – 3^rd place

Recap:  Here’s another team that I was right on with in my prediction.  We knew that they would be able to compete for a playoff spot, and they respectively did, but in the end they would eventually run out of gas at the finish line.  While missing the playoffs is a bummer, Brewers fans can at least find solace in the fact that OF Ryan Braun, last year’s MVP, can somewhat put to rest his PED scandal and any allegations that PED’s influenced his MVP award.  Dude proved that he is still a monster (.319, 41 HRs, 112 RBIs). 

Pirates (Prediction: 75-87) (Result: 79-83) – 4^th place

Recap:  For a long time into the season, it looked like the Pirates were going to do the unthinkable and actually make the playoffs.  Then they somehow remembered that they were the Pirates and fizzled at the out.  They didn’t even manage to finish above .500, keeping their long run of finishing the regular season below .500 intact.  At least for the Pirates their future is very bright with star players like CF Andrew McCutchen and minor league SP prospects Gerritt Cole and Jamison Taillon.

Cubs (Prediction: 69-93) (Result: 61-101) – 5^th place

Recap:  Well, we all knew that this would be a rough year for the Cubs and that it would be a rebuilding year, and I wanted to give Theo and the Cubs the benefit of the doubt and not predict them to lose 100 games, but I guess I was wrong.  This team was worse than I thought.  And the thing is; there is not much here to get excited about going forward for the next 2-3 years.  SS Starlin Castro is a stub and 1B Anthony Rizzo and SP Jeff Samardzija will be good; but other than that, there isn’t much here now.

Astros (Prediction: 59-104) (Result: 55-107) – 6^th place

Recap:  We all knew the Astros were going to be bad, but my God.  They are about to make all 4 AL West teams very happy, as the Astros will now be playing their games in that division.  If the Cubs are about 2-3 years away for being a .500 team, the Astros are about 5-6 years away.  But I shouldn’t be talking too bad about them, as I would hate to diminish the Matt Cain perfect game against these guys.  So, the Astros are a great team with great hitters and are on the come to make a strong playoff push J. 

NL West –

Giants (Prediction: 91-71, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 94-68) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division winner

Recap:  Do I know my team, or do I know my team??!!  Off by three games!!!  It was a great season for my Giants.  We had the return of our star C and presumably MVP winner, Buster Posey, and our workhorse, SP Matt Cain, was a viable CY Young candidate for much of the season and threw a perfect game.  Yes we had our little bumps in the road – little PED scandal here, former two-winner CY Young winner not living up to expectations there – but all in all, you can’t complain about this 2012 season.

Diamondbacks (Prediction: 89-73, Playoffs – WC) (Result: 81-81) – 3^rd place

Recap:  This season was a big step back for the Diamondbacks in my opinion.  They had letdown seasons from two of their main pieces from last year’s playoff run in OF Justin Upton and SP Ian Kennedy.  It got so bad for Upton that the Diamondbacks contemplated trading the once thought of MVP potential player.  They also made, what turned out to be, one of the worst trades in baseball last offseason by sending SP Jarrod Parker and RP Ryan Cook to the Oakland A’s for SP Trevor Cahill. 

Dodgers (Prediction: 81-81) (Result: 86-76) – 2^nd place

Recap:  I know the Dodgers spend $246 million in acquiring players during the playoff push, and I personally have been making fun of the Dodgers for doing so and falling short of making it; but objectively speaking, this season was a big success for the Dodgers.  They got what all Dodgers fans have dreams of for the last few years; new ownership and deep pockets.  And judging by the $246 million they spend on their playoff push, the new owners aren’t afraid to spend. 

Rockies (Prediction: 74-88) (Result: 64-98) – 5^th place

Recap:  This season couldn’t have gone worse for the Rockies.  They lose their best player in stud SS Troy Tulowitzki, and their starting pitching was so young and bad that they had to put every SP on a 75 pitch-limit in order to preserve their arms for next season.  Not actually a receipt for success.  With Tulo and Cargo coming back next season, the emergence of infielder Jordan Pacheco (.309 with 32 2Bs), and hopefully them unleashing their young SP, I presume the Rockies will be more competitive.

Padres (Prediction: 67-95) (Result: 76-86) – 4^th place

Recap:  The Padres started to come alive toward the end of the season and actually put together a little playoff push to excite the fans down in SD.  They got a killer season from 3B Chase Headley, who finished the season with a .286 AVG, 31 HRs, and 115 RBIs, and may finish just outside of the MVP voting.  The injury to SP Cory Lueke really hindered their SP staff, but if he can return next season and replicate the type of potential season he was on this year, the Padres could be scaring some folks. 

AL East –

Yankees (Prediction: 96-66, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 95-67) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division winner

Recap:  This was just another season of the Yankees being the Yankees.  They lose their key acquisition in SP Michael Pineda at the beginning of the season, and then lose MLB’s all-time saves leader in Mo Rivera for the season early on, and yet they still find a way to win 95 games.  They even exhumed SP Andy Pettitte from the living dead to pitch half-a-season for them.  And SS Derek Jeter, my God, .316 AVG with 32 2Bs and 15 HRs??  Is this guy any more like a fine Cabernet? 

Rays (Prediction: 94-68, Playoffs – WC) (Result: 90-72) – 3^rd place

Recap:  How this team can lose 3B Evan Longoria for half-a –season and still win 90 games and be in the playoff hunt in the final of the season is just amazing and a true testament to how good their SP is.  SP David Price had yet another CY Young type season with 20 wins, 223 K’s, and an ERA of 2.56.  He different established himself as a top-5 starting pitcher in the AL, if not MLB.  With a healthy Longoria, there is no reason why the Rays can’t be in the playoff hunt again next season. 

Red Sox (Prediction: 91-71) (Result: 69-93) – 5^th place

Recap:  We knew that there would be somewhat of a set-back for the Bo Sox after losing Terry Francona and Theo Epstein, but everyone thought they would at least remain competitive.  Man, were we wrong.  This was maybe the biggest meltdown in baseball they we have seen in our generation.  From the circus that was their Manager, Bobby Valentine, to the shipping out of virtually all of their high-price, big-name star players and free agent signings, it will be interesting to see how they will look come 2013. 

Blue Jays (Prediction: 87-75) (Result: 73-89) – 4^th place

Recap:  Coming into the season, I really liked their young prospects in 3B Brett Lawrie and C J.P. Arenciba, and they didn’t disappoint, with Lawrie finishing the year with a .273 AVG and 26 doubles and Arenciba with 18 HRs.  They went the better part of the second half of the season without their best player, OF Jose Bautista, which led to them falling out of the playoff hunt.  Edwin Encarnacion finally lived up to his long-anticipated hype, finishing the year with a .280 AVG, 42 HRs, and 110 RBIs.

Orioles (Prediction: 68-94) (Result: 93-69) – 2^nd place, Playoffs – Wildcard

Recap:  So I got this prediction right, just had the numbers reversed.  Man, who saw this coming?  I wrote coming into the season that I expect the Orioles to be competitive, but to finish 2^nd in the division, a game behind the Yankees for the division title?  You would have thought I was on crack if I had actually picked them to finish where they did.  They got outstanding seasons from CF Adam Jones (.287 AVG, 32 HRs, and 82 RBIs) and C Matt Wieters (.249 AVG, 23 HRs, and 83 RBIs), as well as timing pitching.

AL Central –

Tigers (Prediction: 104-58, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 88-74) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division Winner

Recap:  I guess Miguel Cabrera, plus Prince Fielder, plus Justin Verlander, doesn’t equal 104 wins like I thought.  But I have to ask, is this regular season a disappointment?  With all of their talent, they were in a fight with the White Sox for the division till the bitter end.  You could make the argument that 88 wins is a bit of a let-down.  Of course, I guess having the first triple-crown winner in 45 years and MVP (Miguel Cabrera) and a potential World Series title makes everything look better.

Twins (Prediction: 83-79) (Result: 66-96) – 5^th place

Recap:  For the Twins, it was their pitching that let them down this season.  As a whole, the Twins finished 28^th in ERA (4.77), 29^th in QS (62), 24^th in WHIP (1.39), and 29^th in BAA (.274).  They’re offense really wasn’t all that bad.  They had good seasons out of their star C Joe Mauer (.319 AVG, 10 HRs, 85 RBIs) and OFs Josh Willingham (.260 AVG, 35 HRs, 110 RBIs), Denard Span (.283 AVG, 17 SBs), and Ben Revere (.294 AVG, 40 SBs).  If they can find some pitching, the Twins could return to form in 2013.      

Royals (Prediction: 81-81) (Result: 72-90) – 3^rd place

Recap:  When you think a team has taken a step forward coming off the previous season, they normally end up disappointment the following season and take two steps back.  That’s the Royals.  A lot of people expected a much better season out of the Royals than they produced.  They’re pitching didn’t live up to expectations and they star 1B, Eric Hosmer, was a huge disappointment.  Many thought that Hosmer would finish this season in the MVP conversation.  Batting .232 with 14 HRs isn’t going to cut it.

White Sox (Prediction: 74-88) (Result: 85-77) – 2^nd place

Recap:  The White Sox did well this season under first-time manager, Robin Ventura.  They were leading this division for much of the second half of the season, only to be over-taken by the Tigers.  They learned a lot about themselves.  They found an ace in SP Chris Sale (17-8 record, with 192 Ks and a 3.05 ERA), and are still getting decent production from veterans Adam Dunn (41 HRs, 96 RBI), Paul Konerko (.298 AVG, 26 HRs) and Alex Rios (.304 AVG, 25 HRs, 91 RBI).  There should be much of a let-down. 

Indians (Prediction: 72-90) (Result: 68-94) – 4^th place

Recap:  This team was in the playoff hunt for about a minute.  Literally, I think the Indians where actually in the playoff hunt for about 17 minutes.  This was a total rebuilding, development year for the Indians young prospects, and they should be happy with the results.  They have a future 2B in Jason Kipnis (14 HRs, 76 RBI, 31 SBs) and OF in Michael Brantley (.288 AVG, 37 2B).  Next up on the plate of development for the Indians will be there pitching, so expect another down year from them come 2013. 

AL West –

Angels (Prediction: 101-61, Playoffs – DW) (Result: 89-73) – 3^rd place

Recap:  Well, I guess you can’t buy a World Series right after all.  After spending $254 million on Albert Pujols and $77 million on C.J. Wilson this offseason, I thought for sure that the Angels would win the AL West division.  But this Angels team never seemed to get on the same page with one another.  What is even scarier is that it could have been worse if not for the play of future HOF outfielder Mike Trout.  For those who missed out on seeing Mickey Mantle play, I think we are witnessing the second coming.   

Rangers (Prediction: 98-64, Playoffs – WC) (Result: 93-69) – 2^nd place, Playoffs – Wildcard

Recap:  We got to witness one of the most epic collapses in MLB history this season with the Texas Rangers.  They went from sure AL West division winners to finishing the season as the second wildcard team and then getting bounced out in that one-game playoff; all within a span of a month.  EPIC COLLAPSE!!!!!!  To be honest, I thought before the season that they would still make the playoffs, but this team had major holes in their starting rotation, and it proved to be their downfall. 

Mariners (Prediction: 71-91) (Result: 75-87) – 4^th place

Recap:  I thought this team could be competitive with the young hitters they were playing and some decent pitching.  Well, they didn’t get much hitting, finishing 30^th in batting average and on-base percentage, but their pitching showed up this season.  They finished 10^th in ERA, 7^th in WHIP, and 9^th in BAA.  I expect young hitters like Jesus Montero, Dustin Ackley, and Kyle Seager to only improve and as long as the Mariners keep running King Felix to the mount every 5^th day, they should be competitive.

A’s (Prediction: 65-97) (Result: 94-68) – 1^st place, Playoffs – Division Winner

Recap:  This one cost me a dinner.  I give them much credit for having an outstanding season.  They did what I thought they weren’t going to do and they called up all of their highly-regarded pitching prospects, and none of them bombed out.  They all met expectation levels, and probably surpassed them.  Frankly, this team way overachieved, which is not a bad thing.  I also didn’t think that Yoenis Cespedes would have the type of season he did as well.  I’ll admit, eating crow for dinner tonight.

World Series:

Prediction:  Tigers over Phillies.

Result:  Giants over Tigers.

Recap:  Well, I got at least one team right.  And it’s fitting that the team I got wrong happened to be the team that I die-hard root for.  All I will say is this; I picked the Phillies in an effort to not come off as being a homer for the Giants and I truly thought that they were the one team that could be better than the Giants this season.  In reality, I should have picked the Giants.  I shouldn’t have been afraid to go with my heart, and now, after winning 2 of the last 3 World Series, I know the Giants will always be in the World Series hunt.  So from now on, I’m going Chris Berman and will have the Giants in the World Series from here on out.  I smell a dynasty brewing in San Francisco.  And it’s going to be awesome!!!

Baseball Awards –                    

AL MVP –

Prediction:  Miguel Cabrera, 1B Tigers

Result:  Miguel Cabrera, 1B Tigers

NL MVP –

Prediction:  Joey Votto, 1B Reds

Results:  Buster Posey, C Giants

AL CY Young –

Prediction:  Dan Haren, SP Angels

Result:  David Price, SP Rays

NL CY Young –

Prediction:  Cole Hamel, SP Phillies

Result:  R.A. Dickey, SP Mets

AL Rookie of the Year –

Prediction:  Yu Darvish, SP Rangers

Result:  Mike Trout, OF Angels

NL Rookie of the Year –

Prediction:  Bryce Harper, OF Nationals

Result:  Bryce Harper, OF Nationals

AL Manager of the Year –

Prediction:  Jim Leyland, Tigers

Result:  Bob Melvin, A’s

NL Manager of the Year –

Prediction:  Davey Johnson, Nationals

Result:  Davey Johnson, Nationals

Mr. Armchair Speaking!!!

Mr. Armchair’s 2012 NBA Preview –

I’m not going to lie, with the SF Giants on their historic postseason run and winning the World Series, and the NFL in full stretch; I have no time to fully devote myself to the NBA right now.  To be quite honest, I enjoyed the NBA a whole lot more last year when the season started on Christmas Day and was shortened to 60-some odd games.  So I’m going to keep this very brief.  Frankly, the NFL rules until February.  So until March, the NBA will be on sparingly in my household.  After that, then I’ll start to devote my full attention to the NBA.     

Western Conference –

1.  Los Angeles Lakers – Their starting lineup is Steve Nash at PG, Metta World Peace at SF, Pau Gasol at PF, Dwight Howard at C, and of course Kobe Bryant at SG.  You could call up the Bakersfield Jam to fill out the rest of the roster and the Lakers would still win 62 games.  Ok, maybe a stretch, but not really.  If Dwight can stay healthy and Nash can continue to shoot at the clip he does, this team will be scary good.

2.  Oklahoma City Thunder – Yes they just traded away James Harden to the Houston Rockets, but I actually think they will still be a contender and challenge the Lakers.  They are taking sort of the “moneyball” approach in that to replace the production lost by moving Harden; they are replacing it with Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb.  Plus they got two future first-round picks from teams that will be in the lottery.  Good trade.    

3.  Los Angeles Clippers – Anytime you can run the best PG in the game onto the court, I like your chances of winning.  CP3 is incredible and when healthy, is without a doubt the best PG in the NBA.  This team also has a lot of depth to it with the additions of Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, and Jamal Crawford.  I just hope I don’t get bombarded with highlights of Blake Griffin throwing the ball toward the inside of the rim.

4.  Denver Nuggets – I still continue to like what the Denver Nuggets are doing.  I love the addition of Andre Iguodala and pairing him with Ty Lawson is just pure genius.  Those two are going to be running guys up and down the court that there won’t be enough oxygen masks to go around.  And with the development of Kenneth Faried, the Nugget could be a dark horse to win the Western Conference.  

5.  San Antonio Spurs – I think by the tail end of this season, we will actually see Tim Duncan going up the floor in a wheelchair.  The Spurs will be lucky if they get 50 games out of Manu Ginobili, and I question how much they can truly rely on Boris Diaw, Tiago Splitter and DeJuan Blair to help carry your front court load.  The future is somewhat bright, as Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are developing nicely.   

6.  Memphis Grizzlies – I’m not quite ready to put this team in the upper echelon of teams in the Western Conference.  They may surpass the Spurs, but they aren’t finishing ahead of the Nuggets.  Mike Conley, Jr. is still a wildcard for me at PG and they don’t have a lot of depth on the bench. But with a front court of Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol, they will get a playoff spot in the West.

7.  Utah Jazz – The Jazz are just one of those teams that are fundamentality sound and aren’t going to wow you.  They are good, but not great.  They are going to have trouble at the guard position with Mo Williams and Gordon Hayward as their starters, but with a front court rotation of Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, Derrick Favors, and Enes Kanter, I like their chances of making the playoffs.   

8.  Dallas Mavericks – Dallas Mavericks Fans (I’m staring at you, Professor); the only reason I have you here in the 8^th spot is out of respect for Dirk.  I could have very easily put the T-Wolves or, dare I say, the Warriors, here in this spot.  I think Dirk muscles through his injury and gives you guys 60+ games.  That and I like the new backcourt of Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo.   

9. – 15. – The Minnesota T-Wolves have one of the elite players in the NBA in Kevin Love, but he is out for a month, along with their stud PG (Ricky Rubio).  The Golden State Warriors won’t stay healthy, mainly Steph Curry and Andrew Bogut.  The Houston Rockets have Kevin McHale as their coach and Jeremy Lin as their PG, enough said.  Homer bias here, but I think my Sacramento Kings will be competitive this season and finish with over 35 wins.  The Portland Trail Blazers are in full-blown rebuild mode.  The New Orleans Hornets are about two-three years away from making some real noise.  And I can’t name one good player currently playing for the Phoenix Suns.      

Eastern Conference –

1.  Miami Heat – You have the Big Three plus Ray Allen.  There are no excuses for the Heat to not finish with the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and make another NBA Finals.  LeBron James is the best player on the planet and is finally starting to take this team away from D-Wade, which is a good thing.  And of course Bosh will be Bosh and give you 18 and 9, and be an All-Star by association. 

2.  Boston Celtics – This is the only team in the Eastern Conference that I can see giving the Heat a run for the title.  This team not only got younger, but better.  I like addition of Jason Terry to come off the bench and rookies Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo will be instant contributors as well.  And like Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, I can’t bring myself to count out a Doc Rivers led team.   

3. – 15. – Honestly, does anyone care about the rest of the teams in the Eastern Conference after the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics?  You can very easily see the 5^th or 6^th seed in the Western Conference finish with a better record than the 3^rd seed in the Eastern Conference, and you could also see teams in the West not make the playoffs but would be a 6^th seed in the East.  The Indiana Pacers are good and will compete hard with Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger, but they aren’t the Celtics or the Heat.  The New York Knicks have Carmelo Anthony and a team average age over 35, need I say more.  The Chicago Bulls may have to deal with the reality of playing this season without Derrick Rose, and that’s a shame.  I’m tired of drinking the Atlanta Hawks Kool-Aid every year, thinking they will accomplish anything.  The Brooklyn Nets have a new arena, but it is in Brooklyn (J/K, actually Brooklyn is getting better as a neighborhood).  Good luck to the Philadelphia 76ers in dealing with Andrew Bynum this season.  Between Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, I don’t think anyone else on the Milwaukee Bucks will be able to take a jump shot, nor do I think you want them too.  I actually kind of like the Detroit Pistons and think they can be a dark horse team to fight for one of the last playoff spots.  The same could actually be said for the Euro All-Star team Toronto Raptors as well, after looking at their roster.  Will this be the year that John Wall finally lives up to the hype that followed him out of college and to the Washington Wizards?  I don’t think so.  If anything, at least John Wall isn’t Kyrie Irving and playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  I think it’s a joke what the Orlando Magic did this offseason with Dwight Howard and how they basically gave him away to the Lakers.  How they still have any season-ticket holders is beyond me.  And how anyone even attends Charlotte Bobcats games is beyond me as well. 

                 

Eastern Conference Champions:  Miami Heat over Boston Celtics

Western Conference Champions:  Los Angeles Lakers over Oklahoma City Thunder   

NBA Finals:  Los Angeles Lakers over Miami Heat

Summary:  Arguably the two best teams in the NBA square off in the NBA Finals.  I think the Lakers starting five as a whole will just be too dominate and imposing on the Heat’s big three.  I would say Lakers in 6 games.     

MVP:  Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Coach of the Year:  George Karl, Denver Nuggets

Rookie of the Year:  Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets

Mr. Armchair Speaking!!!

Mr. Armchair’s 2012 World Series Preview – Why can’t it happen again?

There is nothing like it.  The joy, jubilation, and pure excitement that you feel when your team makes the World Series.  It can’t be put into words.  It’s a feeling that only intensifies x10 when your team actually wins the World Series; but still, just making the big show is thrilling enough for one person.  It’s a feeling I love, and never gets old.  For the 2^nd time in three years, my San Francisco Giants are going to the World Series, as that complete a remarkable, historic run through the playoffs, winning 6 elimination games.  It started with the Giants falling 0-2 to the Cincinnati Reds, and then winning three straight in Cincy to close out the NLDS.  Then came the mighty defeating World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals; who took a commanding lead and got ahead of the Giants 3 games to 1 in the NLCS.  Lightening couldn’t strike twice, could it?  Well, it does.  The Giants continued their incredible streak and won the next 3 games to shut the door on the Cardinals in seven games, landing the Giants back in the World Series.  With their backs to the wall, the Giants seem to only get stronger and more resilient.  As a fan, it was maddening to watch; yet felt so sweet and glorious when the outcome fell in our favor. 

With all that being said, the Giants are running into a team that is also playing great ball in their own right.  The Detroit Tigers got hit in the mouth by a very good Oakland A’s team, but their ace and World Series Game 1 starter Justin Verlander punched them back and landed the knock-out blow that ended a remarkable A’s season.  Next up was the New York Yankees; who sat in the corner of the ring and wetted themselves as the Tigers breezed through the Yankees in four games to make the World Series.  Their starting pitching was fantastic in that series, with all four starters having a combined ERA under 1.00.  Watching the Tigers play the Yankees in the ALCS, you would think that they would be unbeatable and whoever goes up against them from the National League would be toast.  They feature the reigning AL CY Young winner and MVP in SP Justin Verlander. They feature what will probably be this year’s AL MVP in 3B Miguel Cabrera, who all he did this season was win the Triple-Crown, something that hasn’t been done in 45 years.  They have speed, power, starting pitching.  They can’t be touched, right.  WRONG!!!   

Keys to the Series –

Justin Verlander – Yes, he is a beast.  Yes, he should probably be the CY Young award winner again this season.  Yes, he has been unhittable this postseason.  Yes, he dates Kate Upton.  But the Giants have been here before.  In 2010, when the Giants won the World Series against the Texas Rangers, all of the pundits in the baseball world and the majority of the nation thought that the Giants would run into a buzz saw by the name of AL CY Young award winner, Cliff Lee.  He was thought to be unhittable, and the Giants were going to have to face him twice in the World Series.  What happened?  The Giants tagged him for seven runs in Game 1 of the World Series, and then tagged him again for another 3 runs in a World Series clinching Game 5.  The Giants had done the unthinkable, beating Cliff Lee twice.  The same thing was said in the NLCS series for the Giants against the Philadelphia Phillies and their ace, Roy Halladay.  All the Giants did in that series was tag Halladay for 4 runs in Game 1 of the NLCS, winning that game and setting the tone for the series.  For the Giants to win in six games, they will need to beat Verlander, or a Verlander-started game, at least once.  Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland has already said that Verlander is only starting Game 1 and Game 5.  The Giants best chance of getting to Verlander would be Game 1.  The Tigers have been on a long layoff of 6 days and the Giants are still riding high and playing with a lot of emotion from their epic Game 7 win over the Cardinals.  They are hot, motivated, and riding a streak.  If they can get to Verlander in Game 1, it sets up really nicely for the Giants for the rest of the series. 

Austin Jackson and Omar Infante or Quintin Berry – Most likely, Austin Jackson and either Omar Infante or Quintin Berry will be the one-two in the Tigers’ batting order.  If the Giants can keep the one-two of the batting order off the base paths, it will force the Tigers’ power bats of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder to bat with no runners on base, making their at-bats a lot less stressful for the Giants pitchers.  Solo home runs are a lot easier to recover from then two or three run bombs.  If the Giants can’t keep Jackson, Infante or Berry off the bases, it could be short outings for the starting pitchers.  Also, especially with Jackson and Berry who have plenty of speed, these guys are base stealing threats and the Giants pitchers are horrible at holding runs on at first.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Tigers be aggressive if one of these guys get on base and try to steal.     

Hunter Pence – For much of the postseason, Pence has been a non-factor at the plate, batting under .200 in the Cardinals series.  But in Game 7 against the Cardinals, he came through big-time with two hits, the first being a bases-loaded clearing double.  The second hit was a solid contact single to right field.  The point here is that hopefully this gives Pence confidence at the plate and if he can establish himself early in this series, it will force the Tigers to pitch to Buster Posey, something the Cardinals had the luxury of not doing; which in turn caused Posey to swing at a lot of balls out of the strike zone in order to try and get hits, lowering his batting average.  If Pence can provide protection for Posey, the Tigers will have no choice but to pitch to Buster, and hopefully that will get his bat going as well. 

Brandon Belt, Gregor Blanco, and Brandon Crawford – The Giants don’t win the NLCS against the Cardinals unless they get production from the bottom of their lineup.  Brandon Belt hit .304 with 1 HR, Brandon Crawford hit .217 but he was second on the Giants in RBIs with 5, and Gregor Blanco hit .182 but drew 6 walks, leading the Giants in that category.  They had timely hits at the plate, and also provided the Giants with excellent defense as well.  If the Giants can they get this same kind of production out of these three guys, I think the Giants can live with that.  Also, winning in the postseason is all about matchups.  These three guys are all left-handed batters, which should bode well against an all right-handed starting pitching staff for the Tigers.  If the Giants can win these three matchups, I don’t see how they don’t put up at least 5-6 runs a game, and with their solid bullpen pitching, all take my chances.   

The DH – The Giants have home-field advantage, thank you Melky Cabrera.  This means that the Tigers will have to bat their pitching in games played in San Francisco, and I’m guessing Verlander and Game 2 starter Doug Fister haven’t picked up a bat and took serious swing with it since college ball.  It provides an easy out for the Giants pitchers and I suspect that if the 7^th place hitter in the batting order somehow gets on base with two outs, whoever is batting 8^th will either be intentionally walked or won’t see a pitch 3 feet close to the strike zone.  It also plays into effect with the Tigers defensive alignment.  The Tigers this postseason have been putting Delmon Young, the ALCS MVP and major defensive liability, at the DH spot and have been playing an outfield of either Andy Dirk or Quintin Berry in left, Austin Jackson in center, and Avisail Garcia in right.  For the Tigers to keep Young in the batting order in games played in SF, they will need to put him in left, which only weakens their defense.  In 2010, the Rangers had the same problem with All-Star DH Vladimir Guerrero.  In Game 1 of the Series, the Rangers put Vlad in right field, and that experiment blow up in their face, as he misplayed fly balls all night and committed two errors.  He was eventually replaced for defensive purposes in Game 1, and didn't even start Game 2.  The Tigers might have the same problem with Delmon Young.           

Prediction –

You may, or probably are, going to think this is a homer pick, but I don’t care.  I’m a fan first, and I’m picking my Giants to beat the Tigers in six games.  GIANTS IN 6, BABY!!!  I think the Giants get to Verlander and win a game he starts.  I think the Giants pitching will keep Jackson, Infante or Berry off the base paths.  I think Hunter Pence builds off his incredible Game 7 and starts hitting.  I think the Giants see the same level of production out of the bottom of their lineup that they have been seeing this postseason.  And I think the DH becomes a problem for the Tigers, having to play Delmon Young in the field and having their starting pitchers hit. 

So there it is.  Regardless, it should be a great World Series and fun to watch.  I’ll be rooting hard for my Giants to pull it out, and the champagne shower will be ready.  You have to ask yourself, why can’t it happen again?

Mr. Armchair Speaking!!! 

Mr. Armchair’s 2012 NFL Preview –

All I have to say is, FINALLY!!!  We have the NFL back!!!  And even without a shortened training camp and preseason at that.  The only lockup fans may have to worry about is the one going on with the NFL Officials, and to a certain extent, fans should care about this.  As demonstrated during the preseason, the replacement officials have shown that they are not equip or capable of officiating an NFL game.  Never have I been so appreciative of the NFL officials until I watched these replacement officials officiate a preseason game.  And all this for what, a 401K pension plan and better benefits that when broken down would cost NFL owners pennies on the dollars, maybe even less.  It’s a ridiculous lockout that is occurring and NFL Commissioner Roger GODdell needs to end it.  The health of the players and the play on the field are at jeopardy and it won’t go unnoticed. 

So with that, I’ll keep the opening paragraph short since this is a lengthy post and I’ll get you to Mr. Armchair’s 2012 NFL Preview. 

NFC East –

New York Giants – 10-6

Analysis:  For the most part, the New York Giants remain intact and are returning the core of their 2011 Super Bowl Championship team.  They’ve added speed on offense with rookie RB David Wilson and WR Reuben Randle, Eli Manning is still the QB, WR’s Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are still pass-catching machines, and the defensive is still a monster.  As long as this defense keeps running out Justin Tuck, Jason-Pierre Paul, and Osi Umenyiora on that stout D-Line, it will be hard to score against the Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles – 9-7

Analysis:  The Eagles were a major disappointment last season.  Coming into the season with much hype, the season quickly spiraled down as QB Michael Vick went down to injury and the defense failed to live up to expectations.  If anything positive came from last season, it was that RB LeSean McCoy truly established himself as an elite RB.  But the season will once again hinge on the health of Vick and the defense.  The additions of LB DeMerco Ryan and rookie DT Fletcher Cox will help out with that cause.        

Dallas Cowboys – 6-10

Analysis:  The Cowboys are going to suck!!!  They are a team in shambles and have a brutal schedule.  Along with an already tough conference schedule, their non-divisional schedule consists of the Seahawks, Bucs, Bears, Ravens, Panthers, Falcons, Browns, Bengals, Steelers, and Saints.  Besides the Bucs and the Browns, the Cowboys could very easily lose all those games.  They can’t stay healthy, and Mr. JJ is more concerned with paying babysitters than winning games.  Good luck this year, Professor!!! 

Washington Redskins – 5-11

Analysis:  I may have the Redskins record at 5-11, but it’s going to be a competitive 5-11.  They will go through some growing pains this year with rookie QB Robert Griffin III, but he has all the makings to be a dynamic QB in the NFL.  Their RB situation is a mess, as Head coach Mike Shannanhan can’t seem to just pick a guy and stick with him.  The defense has some building-block, especially at the LB position with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.  They are about a year or two away from being a really good team.         

 

NFC North –

Green Bay Packers – 11-5

Analysis:  This offense is still the most prolific in the NFL.  Aaron Rodger has clearly separated himself as the best QB in the NFL and he has no shortage of weapons at his disposal.  WR’s Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are two of the most sure-handed WR’s in the game and watch out for the emergence of WR Randall Cobb.  The defense struggled last season, but the Packers filled most of those needs through the draft, spending their first 6 picks on defensive players.  They are definitely an early Super Bowl favorite.    

Detroit Lions – 10-6

Analysis:  Last season I uttered a phrase that I thought I would never say, “The Detroit Lions will make the playoffs.”  After making the playoffs last season, I can confidently say that the Detroit Lions are now a playoff team.  They are here to stay, and stay for a while.  QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson are the best QB-WR duo in the league and I think the emergence of WR Titus Young and TE Brandon Pettigrew will help take some of the pressure off of Calvin Johnson to do it all.     

Chicago Bears – 9-7

Analysis:  While I do think that the Bears will be a better team this year and last year, I’m not sure if I completely buy the Bears as a playoff team.  While I like reuniting WR Brandon Marshall with his once QB Jay Culter; and the addition of RB Michael Bush will help keep RB Matt Forte healthier this season by taking some of the workload off of Forte’s shoulders, I don’t believe in the play-calling of new OC Mike Tice.  He’s a ground-and-pound play caller and I’m not sure how he will utilize his weapons.   

Minnesota Vikings – 5-11

Analysis:  Like the Redskins, I think the Vikings will play better than their record will indicate.  The Vikings will be a competitive 5-11.  This team is still very young so a playoff run is a year or two away.  They do have some explosive weapons on offense.  If QB Christian Ponder can build off last season and get the ball to WR Percy Harvin and hand the ball off to RB Adrian Peterson, the Vikings will be in every game.  Rookie LT Matt Kalil will help anchor a rebuilding O-line, so keeping Ponder upright may be a challenge.  

NFC South –

Atlanta Falcons – 11-5

Analysis:  The Atlanta Falcons are all in this year, again.  But this year, I think QB Matt Ryan needs to prove that he is a big-time QB.  He puts up nice regular season numbers, but in big games and in the playoffs, he wilts.  And with two stud WR’s in Roddy White and Julio Jones, an aging RB in Michael Turner and aging TE in Tony Gonzalez, and a suspect O-line, there is no time like the present for Ryan to prove he is an upper-tier QB.  If the Falcons don’t have a strong showing this season, when will they?           

New Orleans Saints – 10-6

Analysis:  The Saints have been through a lot this offseason as we all know, but I don’t think the bounty scandal will have as big of an impact of the Saints as people may think.  I just don’t think this Saints team is as good as previous teams and I think the Saints will struggle to get to 10 wins.  I know that sounds weird, but trust me.  Their play on the field won’t be the same.  They also have a brutal stretch where they go at Green Bay, home San Diego, at Tampa, at Denver, home Philly, home Atlanta.     

Carolina Panthers – 9-7

Analysis:  I was never more wrong on any prediction last season than I was about the Carolina Panthers and starting QB and ROY, QB Cam Newton.  Cam was unbelievable last season, having the greatest rookie QB season in NFL history.  He passed for over 4,000 yards, rushed for over 700 yards, and had 35 total TD’s with 14 of those being rushing TD’s.  I really, really want to put the Panthers in the playoffs this year and I think they could surprise some people and make it, but I just can’t.  Not this year. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 5-11

Analysis:  Man was I wrong on the Buccaneers.  I thought they had a nice young core and would make a strong push to make the playoffs.  They ended up finishing last season with a 4-12 record, practically quitting the final games of the season.  With a new Head Coach in Greg Schiano from the college ranked, an awesome incoming draft class, and a couple of big-time free agent pick-ups in OG Carl Nicks and WR Vincent Jackson, the Bucs should see some signs of forward movement this season.              

NFC West –

San Francisco 49ers – 11-5

Analysis:  As a proud 49ers fan, I was never so happy to be so wrong.  I had the 49ers winning 6 games last season, and all they did was go 13-3, win the division, win an epic playoff game against the Saints, and come a punt return fumble away from making the Super Bowl, possibly winning it.  The 49ers won’t win 13 games this season simply because the schedule is much tougher, but the team overall is better with the free agent pick-ups and the dominating defense from last season returns all pieces intact.      

Seattle Seahawks – 8-8

Analysis:  Is it just me, or I’m I the only one who seems to remember that newly appointed starting QB Russell Wilson is a rookie?  People are jumping on the bandwagon after 3 good preseason games against second stringers and beer delivery men.  If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that Wilson was the #1 pick overall and the second coming of Elway, not Andrew Luck.  I think Wilson is showing signs that he can play, but the Seahawks will be improved because their defense is stellar. 

St. Louis Rams – 5-11

Analysis:  I gave the Rams a three-game bump over last season simply because they have a healthy QB in Sam Bradford and a Head Coach with a proven track record in Jeff Fisher.  Now who exactly Bradford throws the ball too is a different story, but WR’s are a dime-a-dozen in the NFL and someone will emerge as a target.  I still think RB Steven Jackson has something left in the tank and Fisher will make sure to get all that’s left out of him.  The defense is young, but building blocks are there. 

Arizona Cardinals – 3-13

Analysis:  Matt Barkley should start looking at property in Scottsdale.  How can I pick a team to win more than 3 games with John Skelton starting at QB?  Besides WR Larry Fitzgerald, who we all agree is a future HOF’er and can catch passes from anyone throwing the ball to him; the Cardinals next best offensive player may be on defense in CB Patrick Peterson.  Peterson is the Cards punt returner and last season proved that he should not be taken lightly, returning 4 punt returns for TD’s.      

AFC East –

New England – 13-3

Analysis:  The rich only get richer.  After making the Super Bowl, the Patriots only went out and were able to pick up WR Brandon Lloyd via free agency.  Adding Lloyd to an offense that already features WR Wes Welker and TE’s Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, gives QB Tom Brady the viable deep-threat the Patriots missed last season.  This offense has the potential to post crazy-like 2007 numbers, when Brady threw for 50 TD’s and the Pats finished the year undefeated.  They are crazy good.       

Buffalo Bills – 10-6

Analysis:  Every year I try to make one bold prediction when picking playoff teams.  Last year, it was the Detroit Lions.  This year, the Buffalo Bills will make the playoffs this season.  They were on track to do so last season, but starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick went down with a rib injury and was never the same.  I like their defense this season with the addition of DE Mario Williams, and I think WR Steve Johnson can by a dynamic player in the NFL.  Also, I love the RB combo of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.  

New York Jets – 7-9

Analysis:  This team is a mess; and because of it, will not make the playoffs and put a lot of people’s jobs in jeopardy.  It wouldn’t surprise me one bite to see the Jets go through a major overhaul next offseason; front office, coaches, and players.  They are just not talented.  Frankly, don’t be surprise to see #15 underneath Center after the Jets go 3-5 into their bye week and panic.  Their defense will definitely keep them in games; I’m just not convinced they are going to be able to score points for them.      

Miami Dolphins – 3-13

Analysis:  Thank God for Lauren Tannehill (Ryan Tannehill’s wife), or otherwise we would have any reason to watch HBO’s Hardknocks.  They Dolphins are in complete rebuilding mode as this offseason they traded away their two most talented players in WR Brandon Marshall and CB Vonte Davis for draft picks.  I know new Head Coach Joe Philbin is regarded as an offensive genius, but even he won’t be able to get this offense to score more than two touchdowns a game.  Keep showing Lauren Tannehill.    

AFC North –

Baltimore Ravens – 10-6

Analysis:  This is a make or break year for starting QB Joe Flacco.  Entering free agency after the season, the Ravens need to know whether or not they can truly win with him.  I know he’s taken them to the playoffs and they came a missed chip-shot FG away from the Super Bowl last season, but the Ravens have always relied on their stout defense to get them places and as that defense gets older and stalwarts like ILB Ray Lewis get closer to retirement, more of the pressure to win will be on Flacco.

Pittsburgh Steelers – 10-6

Analysis:  I have the Steelers going 10-6, but I don’t feel too good about it and I can easily see the Steelers going more like 8-8 and missing the playoffs.  I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt here because I do believe that Head Coach Mike Tomlin can coach these guys up and have them perform at a playoff caliber level.  Their O-line is still a mess, especially now with the injury to stud rookie OG David DeCastro, and will have a hard time keeping QB Ben Roethlisberger upright.  Cautiously optimistic!      

Cincinnati Bengals – 9-7

Analysis:  The Bengals were just as surprising of a team as the 49ers were in terms of surpassing expectations.  The Bengals shocked the world and finished last season with a 9-7 record and a playoff appearance.  They have been a team that has drafted well the past couple of season and now they are starting to see the fruits of their labor pay off.  Starting QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green look to build off of great rookie seasons.  The book is out of them now, so it’s up to them to step up their play.   

Cleveland Browns – 2-14

Analysis:  This team is going to be bad!!!  After spending one of their two first-round pick last draft to take starting QB Brandon Weeden, they may need to spend the #1 overall pick they’re likely to get this season on QB Matt Barkley.  They did great to get RB Trent Richardson with their other first-round pick, but with a mediocre O-line and shaky QB play by Weeden, defenses are going to stack the box and Richardson will have no room to run.  Expect a lot of 25 carries for 70 yards games out of him.    

AFC South –

Houston Texans – 11-5

Analysis:  The Houston Texans finally made the playoffs!!!  And they did so with their third-string QB unless.  They go into this season with likely the best defense in the AFC Conference.  I worry about their offense though.  Starting QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson both missed a substantial amount of time last season.  I also think we are down-playing the importance of them losing OT Eric Winston.  If the offense can stay healthy, they can really make some noise this season and be an elite team.

Tennessee Titans – 7-9

Analysis:  Despite CJ2k not living up to his self-imposed expectations and barely finishing the season well enough to claim the title of CJ1K, the Titans finished last season with a record of 9-7 and in the playoff hunt.  I have the Titans losing two more games than last season.  The reason being is that last season’s rookie QB Jake Locker is finally getting the keys to the car and their schedule is harder as well, having to play the Patriots, Chargers, Lions, Steelers, Bills, Bears, Jets, Packers, and division foe Texans twice.     

Indianapolis Colts – 4-12

Analysis:  Last season, I gave the Colts two different records, 9-7 or 2-14.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the latter prevailed.  Winners of the “Suck of Luck” campaign, a massive overhaul took place in Indy from the top on down.  Everyone is expecting big things this season from starting QB Andrew Luck, and from what we’ve seen this preseason, he looks to be the real deal.  We must remember he is still a rookie and the team is very limited on talent.  Let’s taper expectations.      

Jacksonville Jaguars – 4-12

Analysis:  Like two other teams in their division, the Jaguars are handing over the reigns of the team to a new starting QB.  Last season’s rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will be the starter, and he has targets to throw too in rookie WR Justin Blackmon and free agent pick-up WR Laurent Robinson.  However, the holdout of star RB Maurice Jones-Drew will definitely be a hindrance to the Jags offense.  He has rushed for over 1,300 rushing yards the past three seasons.  For Gabbert’s sake, get MJD signed now!!!

AFC West –

Denver Broncos – 10-6

Analysis:  This offseason, the Broncos made what is probably going to go down as the biggest free agent signing in NFL history when they signed starting QB Peyton Manning.  After spending 14 HOF seasons with the Colts and coming back from a season-ending neck injury, Manning will dawn the orange and blue, and quiet possible may have the most talented group of players he’s ever played with surrounding him.  The Broncos also return a very good defense that kept them in a lot of games last season. 

San Diego Chargers – 8-8

Analysis:  After a disappointing last season, there is no coach in the NFL more in need of a winning season than Norv Turner.  His reigns as the Head Coach of the Chargers will most likely come to an end if he posts another 8-8 record this season.  Much of the success the Chargers hope to have this season will depend on the health of two key players:  star TE Antonio Gates and star RB Ryan Matthews.  Having Matthews start the season on the injury list with a broken clavicle isn’t helping this cause.   

Kansas City Chiefs – 6-10

Analysis:  This team was decimated with injuries last season, losing starting RB Jamaal Charles, starting TE Tony Moeaki, and starting SS Eric Berry; all major contributors to the team the season before.  While they are all coming back, it doesn’t help the fact that the Chief play a brutal schedule, with non-conference games against the Falcons, Bills, Saints, Ravens, Bucs, Steelers, Bengals, and Panthers.  They’ll need starting QB Matt Cassel to shine this season, or they may be QB hunt come next draft.            

 Oakland Raiders – 5-11

Analysis:  It seems like the Raiders have been in rebuilding mode for the last 10 years.  The Raiders are in the first year of what is a “new” 3-year rebuilding process.  This may sound mean or disingenuous, but now that legendary owner Al Davis has pasted, it looks likes the Raiders are heading in the right direction in their rebuilding process.  New GM Reggie McKenzie seems to be making all the right moves and undoing all the wrong ones that were made by the previous administration.  Patience Raiders fans!           

Awards

MVP – Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots

Offensive Player of the Year – Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions

Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Willis, LB San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Andrew Luck, QB Indianapolis Colts

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Luke Kuechly, LB Carolina Panthers

Head Coach of the Year – Chan Gailey, Buffalo Bills

Playoff Teams

NFC – Giants, Packers, Lions (WC), Falcons, Saints (WC), 49ers

AFC – Patriots, Bills (WC), Ravens, Steelers (WC), Texans, Broncos

Championship Games

NFC – 49ers over Packers

AFC – Patriots over Texans

Super Bowl

49ers over Patriots