AFC Midseason Recap and Predictions (3 of 4)
By Dan Lagnado
In part one of the midseason recap and predictions, the AFC East was covered and in part two of the midseason recap and predictions, the AFC West was covered. Next we will head over to the AFC North:
Division Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are the only team above .500 in a division that includes two perennial defensive powerhouses, the defending Super Bowl champions…and the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals have made the most of their first two draft picks this season, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard. Both have given an already powerful offense a boost. Andy Dalton has thrown for 16 touchdowns, 12 of those to AJ Green and Marvin Jones. Geno Atkins and the NFL’s leading tackler Vontaze Burfict lead the NFL’s fifth ranked defense (of all teams in the AFC North, who guessed the Bengals would have the top ranked defense?) This defense will have to deal with the loss of Rey Maualuga who was injured against the Jets. Currently sitting at 6-2 with a three game lead on the division, despite a tough schedule the Bengals seem poised to run away with this division.
Andy Dalton and the Bengals will try to win the AFC North this season (Via USA Today Sports)
8.5 months ago, the Baltimore Ravens were on top of the football world. And then everything changed. Ray Lewis and Matt Birk retired. Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams, Bernard Pollard and Danell Ellerbe left either by free agency or were released. So far these losses have been hard to overcome. The Ravens are 3-4 and are only 1/2 game ahead of the Browns for second place. Joe Flacco, who signed a big contract extension after his Super Bowl MVP, hasn’t quite played up to the money with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. Ray Rice is averaging less than three yards per carry and has struggled to stay healthy. Torrey Smith is the clear offensive leader but his teammates haven’t stayed healthy. Jacoby Jones has been injured and missed five games causing the Ravens to turn to rookie receiver Marlon Brown. Terrell Suggs and new addition Elvis Dumervil have combined for 13 sacks to provide most of the defensive highlights. While still possible for the Ravens to make a late season run, it will hardly be easy. Baltimore has a tough schedule going forward including two games against the first place Bengals.
The Cleveland Browns are having one of the most bizarre seasons that anyone has ever seen. The Browns were looking for even better seasons from their big second year players Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. As it turns out Weeden would start only two games (both losses) before being benched in favor of Brian Hoyer. Hoyer would go 3-0 in his starts before going down for the season with injury. The Browns then went back to Weeden, who would lose two more games before being benched again, this time for Jason Campbell. Richardson also only lasted two games before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts for draft picks. The Browns have actually performed better without last year’s high draft picks, going 3-1 in games not started by Weeden and 3-3 without Richardson. The main bright spots have been Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon, who have accounted for nine receiving touchdowns. Defensive back Joe Haden has played proven to be one of the best year-in-year-out and rookie Barkevious Mingo has impressed in his rookie year with four sacks in his early career. While Cleveland is not going to threaten for a playoff birth terribly soon, the roots of a good team are in place.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are feeling the effects of time. This is hardly the same team that won two Super Bowls in the past decade. Instead, the Steelers sit in last place with a disappointing record of 2-5. Ben Roethlisberger has been inconsistent with eight TDs and seven INTs. The loss of Mike Wallace has had an impact on the offense though Antonio Brown has emerged as an offensive threat this season. The Steelers have also gotten decent play from their rookie running back Le’Veon Bell. Lamarr Woodley leads the team in sacks with five, however the rest of the team has only five total sacks as well. Perennial Pro-Bowler Troy Polamalu is also having a decent season. However, the bad certainly outweighs the good for this team. Many of the games have been close thanks to the defense, but the offense has not had the necessary firepower to win more games. With five tough games still on the schedule, it may be just about time for fans of the Terrible Towel to start looking towards 2014.
In the AFC North, look for the Bengals led by Andy Dalton and AJ Green to win the division, while the Ravens will try to fight through a tough schedule to get within striking distance of a Wild Card spot. It’s not an easy road for the defending champs but if anyone can conquer the adversity and make it the postseason, it’s the Ravens.
Overrated to Underdogs: Analysis of New York Knicks Offseason Acquisitions
By Zachary Pokorny
It amazes me how drastically things can change within six months. After putting up a 56 win season; becoming Atlantic Division Champion for the first time since 1994; and finishing second in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks, once thought to be overrated garbage, are now projected by many to finish outside the top four in the east for the 2013-2014 NBA season, even after they made many roster improvements.
Metta World Peace headlines the Knicks offseason acquisitions (Via New York Daily News)
Now let me remind you why the Knicks always receive so much criticism: it’s because they play in New York. When you play in the city that never sleeps, there are critics looking to take shots at every moment. These critics range from the opinionated Charles Barkley, all the way to every bandwagon Nets fan possible.
However, any basic student of the great game of basketball should be able to note the improvements the Knicks have made with each new acquisition. Currently, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a work in progress after being obtained through the draft, but retaining Pablo Prigioni, Kenyon Martin, and reigning Sixth Man of the Year JR Smith were all very solid moves. However, the moves made through free agency and trade will be crucial to any success the Knicks will have. Let’s analyze these players:
First off, the Knicks got Beno Udrih at a very inexpensive price. He is a high basketball IQ point guard who can be a proven asset in the near future. He will be a much more durable option than Jason Kidd was last season, although he does not have Kidd’s marksmanship from behind the arc. He may not be the guard they were looking for at first, but he is certainly no downgrade, having averaged four more points and three more assists than Kidd in the same playing time. I look forward to seeing what he has to offer this season.
Next, we have the controversial trade for Italian big man Andrea Bargnani. While they gave up next to nothing player-wise, the picks given up were a big question mark in this deal. However, the Knicks received a player who could fit perfectly into Coach Woodson’s system. He will be able to help space the floor for Carmelo and has the ability to snipe down jumpers with ease. Although his defense and rebounding abilities are mediocre at best, a fresh start is exactly what Bargnani needs to rejuvenate his career. If he can produce anywhere near as well as the Knicks last Italian stallion, fans should be very content with this deal.
Finally, we come to my favorite acquisition: Ron “Metta World Peace” Artest. MWP is a character, to say the least. However, he brings this team something they’ve lacked since Tyson Chandler joined the team: grit and toughness. He is a scrappy player who is as catalytic on the defensive end as he is dynamic in personality. Signing MWP was the most important move this offseason purely because he changes the culture of the team. His toughness is contagious, which is evident in his role on the Lakers 2010 championship team. Although he is older, he will hopefully play a similar role for the 2012-2013 New York Knicks
These moves were not groundbreaking, however they will be pivotal in any future success this team has. This team definitely has the potential to prove the nonbelievers like the “Round Mound of Rebound” to be as wrong as my math homework from last night. I believe the Knicks will be a 50 win team and will place third in the conference, ahead of Chicago and Brooklyn. These new-look Knicks have a lot to prove, but they have the potential to shine bright. I can’t wait to watch as the rest of the season progresses.
AFC Midseason Recap and Predictions (2 of 4)
By Dan Lagnado
In part one of the midseason recap and predictions, the AFC East was covered. Now we will move on to the AFC West:
Division winner: Denver Broncos
This prediction may seem controversial given the current standings of the division. The battle for the top spot really is a two horse race at this point. The Broncos and the Chiefs seem poised to battle it out until the end. However, I give the edge to Denver for reasons to be explained later in this article.
The Broncos have far and away the NFL’s best offense: first in points scored, first in total yards per game and first in passing yards per game all thanks to MVP candidate Peyton Manning. This is a team that made the AFC Championship last season and has come back even better, with even more weapons both offensively and defensively. In addition to Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, Manning now has Wes Welker and rookie tight end Julius Thomas. The defense gained Shaun Phillips to help the pass rush along with Von Miller, who recently returned from suspension. This has helped the defense compile 22 sacks on the year. The Broncos currently have a 7-1 record heading into their bye week.
Peyton Manning hopes to walk off as a Super Bowl champion at the end of the season. (Via US Presswire)
The Kansas City Chiefs on the other hand boast a very powerful defense. They rank first in the NFL in points allowed, fifth in total yards allowed and fourth in pass yards allowed. They are arguably the biggest surprise team of this season after coming off a two win year. With a new quarterback in Alex Smith and a new coach in Andy Reid, the Chiefs now sit in first place at 8-0. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali have 20 sacks combined along with five forced fumbles. Smith, Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe lead the offense. Smith has continued his consistent play from last season with nine touchdown passes and only four interceptions. However, despite the undefeated start, this is a team with some flaws. Their last two games, against disappointing Browns and Texans teams, were won by only a combined six points. Jason Campbell and Case Keenum nearly led their teams to giving KC their first loss. How can we expect them to keep Peyton Manning in check two times in the next four weeks if Campbell and Keenum give this defense trouble? That said, look for KC to easily lock up a Wild Card birth and a potential third matchup with Denver in the postseason.
The San Diego Chargers have comeback from a disappointing season with a very impressive first seven games. Their 4-3 record would be good enough for better than third place in almost all other divisions. Yet, because of the two powerhouses at the top, that’s where they find themselves. Quarterback Phillip Rivers is an early Comeback Player of the Year candidate and has thrown for 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions after a 2012 season that saw him account for 30 total turnovers. Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates have reestablished the connection that they have had for many years and Gates leads the team in receiving yards. The defense, though allowing yards, is still sixth in the NFL in points allowed. If the Chargers continue their strong play, they can find themselves in a position for a Wild Card position as well.
The Oakland Raiders have seen quite a bit of disappointment in the past few seasons. Though they currently sit in last place with a sub-.500 record (3-4), there are many reasons to have high hopes for the future. One of these reasons is Terrelle Pryor. In his first season starting, Pryor has shown that he is capable of being a dual threat quarterback and can lead this team to many wins as he matures. Pryor is supported by a corps of young, fast wide receivers including Denarius Moore and Rod Streater. If the Raiders can manage to get Darren McFadden running in the way that he did last year, look for them to be competitive in the second half of the season, and potentially play spoiler for other teams’ playoff chances.
The AFC West has emerged this season as potentially the best in the AFC. Both the Chiefs and Broncos seem primed for a playoff run, with the chance of being joined by the Chargers. The two upcoming matchups between Kansas City and Denver might prove to be the key to the tight race for first place and San Diego’s consistency will be key for their Wild Card push. It’s important not to count out Oakland as Terrelle Pryor continues to develop as a quarterback who can win with his arm or his legs.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
By Josh Wicker
Even though the season is just starting, the NBA still has many surprises and uncertainties. Fantasy owners are still unsure if players’ performances are the real deal or just a fluke. Here are some must adds for the Fantasy Basketball 2013-14 season:
Standard League Finds:
Michael Carter Williams (78.8% owned in ESPN Leagues)- Almost a quadruple double in his first career game. That was an incredible performance and if he is still available in your league, he is a must add. He is on a team that has potential but lack depth at the point guard position. It appears that the 76ers are giving him a main role with the team and as a result, fantasy owners should take notice.
Michael Carter-Williams enters his first season with high expectations, after a breakout debut game (Via Philly Sports Live)
Deandre Jordan (58.2%)- I cannot understand how he was not taken in most leagues as a mid to late round pick. He provides points, rebounds and blocks on a very good Clippers team. He is also getting a very high amount of minutes and of course, you cannot forget about the lobs. Even though Doc Rivers does not like the term, Lob City still exists and Jordan is one of the two main beneficiaries.
Reggie Jackson (46.8%)- KD can not do everything for the Thunder. He needs a Russell Westbrook to soften the load. But, since Westbrook is injured, the Thunder are looking at Jackson as a solid starter at the point. He might even play at the shooting guard position when Westbrook gets back. He can provide steals, points and assists and should be picked up.
Miles Plumlee (8%)- Since Marcin Gortat was traded to the Wizards, a spot has opened up at center,and it seems like Plumlee has got a good grasp on it. He performed very well (18 points, 15 rebounds) and the only competition is with unproven rookie Alex Len. The Suns organization plans on giving Plumlee a lot of playing time and fantasy owners need to capitalize on this.
Taj Gibson (3.16%)- He is clearly the first big man off the bench for the Chicago Bulls. The only reason that he is not starting is because the Bulls are very deep with big men. However, they have one of the better front courts in the league. He provides solid rebounding and points for the Bulls and also can for your fantasy team.
Deeper League Finds:
This section contains players who are owned in less than 2% of ESPN leagues, but can be high reward or should be owned by more people in larger sized leagues.
Andrew Nicholson (1.6%)- Even though he is not playing many minutes, Nicholson is still providing 30+ minute like stats. He is currently one of the first off the bench for the Magic, but could easily become a starter because of his stellar play.
Randy Foye (0.6%)- When you get this far down in percent owned, normally all of the players are backups. But Foye is the starting shooting guard for the Nuggets alongside Ty Lawson and will provide points and three pointers. He is a scoring threat and can even add a couple of rebounds.
Boris Diaw (0.4%)- One of my personal favorite players, Diaw will
normally be brought in for defense, but can also pass extremely well and nail the occasional three. He currently plays about 20-25 minutes a game but that can increase because of the old age of the Spurs. He is a scrappy player who will fight for rebounds and is a good add in deep 16 or more team leagues.
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