NFL Week 14 Predictions
Brett Malamud’s Picks
Dallas over Chicago
St. Louis over Washington
NY Giants over Tennessee
New Orleans over Carolina
Minnesota over NY Jets
Miami over Baltimore
Houston over Jacksonville
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Indianapolis over Cleveland
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh
Denver over Buffalo
Arizona over Kansas City
Seattle over Philadelphia
San Francisco over Oakland
New England over San Diego
Green Bay over Atlanta
Alex Horowitz’s Picks
Dallas over Chicago
St. Louis over Washington
Tennessee over NY Giants
New Orleans over Carolina
Minnesota over NY Jets
Miami over Baltimore
Houston over Jacksonville
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Cleveland over Indianapolis
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh
Buffalo over Denver
Kansas City over Arizona
Philadelphia over Seattle
San Francisco over Oakland
New England over San Diego
Green Bay over Atlanta
Thunder Up
By Alex Horowitz
For the first time since Russell Westbrook’s rookie season, the Oklahoma City have stumbled out of the gate. Currently sitting at 5-13 and 3rd place in the Northwest Division, the Thunder have much reason for optimism; their sights are set on an NBA championship this season.
Why would a team with such a poor record have such a lofty goal? Having two of the league’s most talented players in reigning MVP Kevin Durant and the aforementioned Westbrook certainly helps. Unfortunately for OKC, both stars have missed the majority of this young season. Westbrook did not make his debut until last week versus the Knicks, while Durant played his first minutes in Tuesday’s loss in the Big Easy.
It may already be a month into the season, but then again, it is ONLY a month into the season. The Thunder have plenty of time to get their act together and will climb their way atop the Western Conference standings at ease. As usual, the conference is stacked with contenders such as Memphis, Houston, San Antonio, and Portland, but among those clubs, only the Spurs have more playoff experience than this young Thunder team.
Yes, even though OKC has been among the league’s elite since 2010, they are still a relatively young group of players. Their average age of 25.8 years is ninth youngest in the association. But don’t let that fool you; the Thunder are a team with a veteran-like attitude. They will not fret over a difficult start to the season, because they understand it’s a process, a grind, and that many more months of regular season play are yet to be played. When asked about turning around the team’s season around, Durant oozed with confidence
“We’ve got a great locker room, we’ve got a great team, we’ve got a great group of guys. No doubt,” Durant said. “We’ve really got to put on our hard hat every game and grind ’em out, (via Royce Young, NBA writer for ESPN.com).
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will have to lead if OKC wants to win a championship (Via AP)
Westbrook added onto Durant’s optimistic attitude, understanding the reality of where the Thunder current stand in relation to the remaining length of the season.
“How many games we got left? Sixty-something?” Westbrook said. “How many games we out of eighth place? Five, six? Not worried” (via Royce Young).
A tough start and a bad stroke of luck has doomed the Thunder to start their seventh season in the Sooner State. But backed by the leadership of its star players, the team appears to be in good hands. Larger goals lie ahead as they aim to win their first championship since their Seattle days, while a healthy starting lineup will attempt to reestablish the chemistry they’ve flawlessly executed throughout the past several years.
Lil Wayne once featured in his song “Kobe Bryant” that no one was starving for a world championship more than Kobe. Today, that title now falls on Kevin Durant. In Oklahoma City, it’s finally #ThunderUp time again.
Alex Horowitz is a senior at Briarcliff High School and is an aspiring sports writer. As a lifelong sports fan, he has rooted for the New York Knicks, New York Mets, and Detroit Lions. You can follow him on Twitter @alexhorowitz3
Johnny Who? Browns Should Stick with Hoyer at Quarterback
By Alex Horowitz
He has never started a professional football game. He has thrown nine total pass attempts, only one of which was a touchdown. And yet when Johnny Manziel entered the game for the Cleveland Browns last Sunday, you would’ve thought he was the second coming of Peyton Manning, based on the reaction of football fans around the nation. “Johnny Football” is more so known for his off-the-field life rather than his football skill, but nowadays that is what captivates people; it’s like the whole Tim Tebow mania from 2011.
Sure, he was a Heisman award winner at Texas A&M, but even two years later he still is one of the more popular players in the National Football League. In this age of Twitter and other types of social media, our society has become fascinated with his “fun” lifestyle, for lack of a better term. While he parties frequently and has been arrested on multiple occasions, this should not impact his talent as a quarterback in the least; the hype has already been bought into though. Cleveland is strongly considering starting Manziel next Sunday versus Indianapolis, but they would be incredibly foolish to do so. Simply put, Manziel has not learned the ropes yet to succeed in this brutal league.
Normally, a young quarterback would need to prove himself over a fairly long period of time in order to win the starting job. In the case of Manziel, what has he done to boost his on-field resume? A 10-yard rushing touchdown started a comeback effort last week, but ultimately the Browns fell short. However, this literally was his only positive play of the season. The majority of his time has been spent on the sideline, learning the ropes from the coaching staff and incumbent starter Brian Hoyer. That’s not to say this experience is not beneficial, because there definitely is value in learning from a seasoned veteran. But the mental side is only half the battle. Having the ability to hit open receivers and escape pressure is an entire challenge in an itself, and one that Manziel is not ready for at this current time- no matter what the media or anyone else makes you believe.
The Manziel Hoyer controversy has Cleveland on the edge of its seat (Via AP)
Brian Hoyer certainly is not one of the top quarterbacks in today’s game. His 46.67 total quarterback rating this season ranks 28th among all qualified quarterbacks. Only a handful of signal callers are worse than him in that regard. He has not had much to work with though. His leading receiver, Josh Gordon, was suspended for the first ten weeks, and Cleveland’s running backs have posted the fifth-worst yards-per-carry average league wide. These excuses aside, Hoyer has led the Browns to a 7-5 start, which is the most important statistic of them all. His team is in the thick of the AFC playoff race, something even the most optimistic of fans would have been skeptical of months ago.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This will be a tough concept for Browns fans to accept, but unless they want to be heartbroken yet again, Johnny Manziel must continue to remain the backup quarterback. If the team decides otherwise, then another chapter of disappointment will be added to Cleveland sports lore. Unlike “The Drive”, “The Shot”, or “The Fumble”, this curse will be much more straightforward.
“Johnny Football”
Alex Horowitz is a senior at Briarcliff High School and is an aspiring sports writer. As a lifelong sports fan, he has rooted for the New York Knicks, New York Mets, and Detroit Lions. You can follow him on Twitter @alexhorowitz3
Studs and Duds: NFL Week 13
By Brett Malamud
Here’s week 13’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans
Fitzpatrick had a great day on Sunday, throwing six touchdowns and 358 yards in Houston’s rout of the Titans.
Dud: Cleveland Quarterbacks
Down in the fourth quarter, the Browns brought Johnny Manziel into replace Brian Hoyer. Manziel rushed for a touchdown and in doing so, sparked some controversy in Cleveland. After announcing that Hoyer will start this weekend against the Colts, be sure that Johnny Football fans will be outraged for no good reason at a team that still has a winning record.
Stud: DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Hauling in most of Fitzpatrick’s throws was DeAndre Hopkins, who had 238 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: Jets antics
The Jets are in a bad place right now. It was reported last week that head coach Rex Ryan was forced by the “higher ups” in the Jets organization to start Geno Smith at quarterback on Monday night against the Dolphins. Then the antics continued when the Jets announced the entire offense on the PA system, but didn’t announce Geno Smith. The speculation is that the Jets tried to avoid fans booing Smith.
Rex Ryan was forced to start Geno Smith this week. (Via AP)
Stud: Tre Mason, St. Louis Rams
Mason was great on the ground and in the air. He finished with 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Mason also added 47 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
Dud: Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Romo didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but did throw two interceptions. He also threw for just 199 yards.
Stud: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Brees hit nine different receivers in route to his 257 yards, five touchdown passing performance.
Dud: Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
Kaepernick couldn’t handle the Seattle defense. He threw for just 121 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw a pair of interceptions in the 49ers Thanksgiving loss to the Seahawks.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Despite Rough Start, Knicks Future Looks Promising
By Alex Horowitz
For the first time ever, Phil Jackson is at the helm of a losing team.
Entering December 1, the Knicks stand at a dismal 4-14 record and are 9.5 games out of the first in the division. Despite my overly optimistic feeling entering this season, this is simply not the Knicks year at all. One would think that a team with a star in Carmelo Anthony would lead his team to a decent record, especially when surrounded by players with enormous potential and leadership like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jose Calderon, respectively. Not these Knicks, though. Even after acquiring Calderon from Dallas, a new point guard has not changed the team’s fortunes. Their offense ranks 23rd in the league, while the defense is even worse at 26th. But could this have all been a part of Jackson’s long-term plan for success?
Can Phil Jackson turn it around for the Knicks this summer? (Via USA Today)
Fast-forward ahead six months. It is right before the NBA draft and the Knicks have a first round selection. Yes, you read that correctly. Even though it seems as if the Knicks trade their prized first round selection each year, the NBA luckily prevents such foolishness from occurring on a yearly basis; teams are unable to trade away a first round pick in consecutive drafts. With a first round pick in their arsenal, the Knicks will have a shot at drafting Duke’s Jahlil Okafor or Kentucky’s Karl Towns, among other top prospects. The catch is, though, that they’ll need to be bad in order to have a chance at grabbing one of those guys- and really bad, at that. Okay, maybe not 76ers bad. But nonetheless, bad enough to be at the top of the lottery.
So, let’s theoretically say that Okafor comes to New York. Already a huge improvement over Samuel Dalembert. Jackson won’t be done just yet, however. It has long been known that the Knicks will heavily pursue Marc Gasol, who is one of the top available big men in the 2015 free agent class. His brother Pau played with Derek Fisher and was coached by Phil, so he’d be key in convincing Marc to come to Manhattan. The Knicks will have ample cap space too, so a max deal is definitely in the realm of possibility. Let’s go with 4 years / $85 million. Let’s also assume that they fill out the remainder of their roster through low key and minimum salary contracts. Here’s what the 2015-16 opening night starting lineup could look like:
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Iman Shumpert
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Jahlil Okafor
C: Marc Gasol
Playoff caliber? No doubt.
Championship contender? For sure.
Realistic? Maybe. Obviously I’m banking on a ton of good stuff to turn in the Knicks favor, but hey, it’s the Knicks; they’ve been without a championship since 1973- they need some good luck for once. Knowing the capabilities of the Zen Master, this dream scenario may be anything but a dream come this summer.
During a lost season, it’s tough to find positives to look forward. And, quite frankly, I hate to root for my favorite team to tank. But I see what the Knicks’ plan is leading towards. It’s a process, and not one for the hasty minded fan, but if all goes according to plan, the end results will be basketball paradise.
For the first time ever, Phil Jackson is at the helm of a losing team. Hopefully it’s his last.
Alex Horowitz is a senior at Briarcliff High School and is an aspiring sports writer. As a lifelong sports fan, he has rooted for the New York Knicks, New York Mets, and Detroit Lions. You can follow him on Twitter @alexhorowitz3
Sox Open Their Wallets, Sign Hanley and Panda
By Brett Malamud
The Red Sox broke the bank on Monday when multiple news outlets reported that the team came to terms with shortstop Hanley Ramirez on a four-year, $88 million deal with a fifth year option for an additional $22 million. Ramirez now heads back to the team that drafted him, before Boston traded him and four other players to the Marlins for a three player package highlighted by pitcher Josh Beckett.
The Red Sox inked a pair of left side infielders (Via AP)
Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the 30-year-old Ramirez would be the Red Sox’s backup plan, had they failed to sign third baseman Pablo Sandoval. However, Monday afternoon brought an important announcement from Sandoval’s agent.
The man they call the Kung Fu Panda is expected to ink a deal with the Red Sox worth at least $90 million over five years. Sandoval’s agent informed the San Francisco Giants that the switch hitting slugger had chosen to play for Boston. Sandoval was believed to have been choosing between San Francisco, Boston, and the San Diego Padres.
Ramirez isn’t expected to play shortstop for Boston due to the presence of the 22-year-old Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox wouldn’t replace Bogaerts, would they? It would be more likely to see Sandoval at third and Ramirez in the outfield. With six other potential outfielders, the signing could lead to the Red Sox dealing one of their current outfielders in a trade. Many will speculate that the odd man out will be the recently acquired outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, simply because of his value. Cespedes will be a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, so he seems like a likely candidate. At the end of the day, the Red Sox improved and that’s what matters most to the fans of Boston. They’re sure to make some noise this season.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week 12 Predictions
By Brett Malamud
-FINAL: Chiefs 20 (7-4) at Raiders 24 (5-4), Thursday
-Browns (6-4) at Falcons (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Browns will beat the league’s worst defense this week. Verdict: Browns
-Titans (2-8) at Eagles (7-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Looking forward to watching Mark Sanchez here. I think that he’ll play well and that the Eagles will win the game. Verdict: Eagles
-Lions (7-3) at Patriots (8-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This will be a great game. However, I think that Brady takes down the league’s top defense. Verdict: Patriots
-Packers (7-3) at Vikings (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The rivalry continues. I don’t see any way that the Packers lose here. Verdict: Packers
-Jaguars (1-9) at Colts (6-4), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This one could be ugly. Luck is going to take over the game in route to a Colts victory. Verdict: Colts
-Bengals (6-3-1) at Texans (5-5), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
I’m going based on my gut. I think that the Texans pull a win out this week. Verdict: Texans
-Buccaneers (2-8) at Bears (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Bucs should be a factor in this one. Verdict: Bears
-Cardinals (9-1) at Seahawks (6-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
This is my game of the week. The Cardinals will have a rough time. I think that the 12th man comes through this week. Verdict: Seahawks
The 12th Man should be a factor this week
-Rams (4-6) at Chargers (6-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
This should be close, but not too close. Chargers will coast to the victory. Verdict: Chargers
-Redskins (3-7) at 49ers (6-4), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
The Niners should manhandle them. Verdict: 49ers
-Dolphins (6-4) at Broncos (7-3), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
The Dolphins have been good, but not great. Peyton and co. will take care of them. Verdict: Broncos
-Cowboys (7-3) at Giants (3-7), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
This could be a great game. I don’t think that it will be though, and expect the cowboys to get out to an early lead and not look back. Verdict: Cowboys
-Jets (2-8) at Bills (5-5), Monday @ 7:00 PM EST
This game got moved to Detroit, an indoor facility. I think that the Jets run game takes advantage of that and grinds out for the upset. Verdict: Jets
-Ravens (6-4) at Saints (4-6), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
I’m going to take the high powered Saints offense in this one. Currently they rank 2nd among the league. Verdict: Saints
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Studs and Duds: NFL Week 11
By Brett Malamud
After an interesting week, here’s week 11’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Jonas Gray, New England Patriots
It always seems that the Patriots have a running back that comes out of nowhere. Gray was another example of that. He finished the day with 38 carries for 199 yards and four touchdowns.
Jonas Gray had a huge week 11 (via AP)
Dud: Eli Manning, New York Giants
Five interceptions will definitely land you on this list.
Stud: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has become the top wide receiver in Tampa Bay. He had a huge day, hauling in seven catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: Ben Tate, Cleveland Browns
Tate was waived on Tuesday after rushing for minus-9 yards on just two carries.
Stud: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles was great against the Seattle Seahawks. He had 20 carries for 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: Denver Broncos
Denver couldn’t get anything going and took a rough loss to the St. Louis Rams.
Stud: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger struggled a bit, but Bell picked up the pieces. The Steelers running back had 33 carries for 204 yards and a touchdown.
Stud: Green Bay Packers D/ST
The Packers brought back a punt return, an interception, and a fumble all for touchdowns. Green Bay ended up forcing four turnovers against the red hot Philadelphia Eagles.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week 11 Predictions
By Brett Malamud
This week has a lot of great matchups, especially in the later games. Here’s my week 11 predictions:
BYES: Ravens, Cowboys, Jaguars, Jets
-Bills 09 (5-4) at Dolphins 22 (5-4), FINAL on Thursday
The Dolphins took a big win that propelled them into second place in the AFC East.
-Vikings (4-5) at Bears (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Bears defense can make or break this game. I think that the Vikings will come out strong and take the victory. Verdict: Vikings
-Texans (4-5) at Browns (6-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Good matchup here as the Texans head into Cleveland. The Browns are riding a three game winning streak and show no signs of stopping here. I think they’ll take this one in a close game. Verdict: Browns
-Falcons (3-6) at Panthers (3-6-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Panthers have not been able to get it together. Cam Newton has thrown one touchdown pass since week seven. I think that he’ll edge out Atlanta here though Verdict: Falcons
-Bengals (5-3-1) at Saints (4-5), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
I’m taking New Orleans, no question. I think that this one could turn ugly if Drew Brees is himself. Verdict: Saints
-Buccaneers (1-8) at Redskins (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Bucs enter week 11 with the 29th ranked offense and defense. They will probably lose this one on the road. Verdict: Redskins
-Broncos (7-2) at Rams (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Broncos should win this one easily. Look for Peyton Manning to have another great game. Verdict: Broncos
-49ers (5-4) at Giants (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Giants have won their last two matchups with the 49ers, the first of the two coming in the NFC Championship game a few years ago. However, I’m going to go with the 49ers on the road. I think that the Giants will make it a good game though and will stay close throughout. Verdict: 49ers
-Seahawks (6-3) at Chiefs (6-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This game will be a battle of defenses. I think Russell Wilson takes over and that Marshawn Lynch runs in a pair of touchdowns. Verdict: Seahawks
-Raiders (0-9) at Chargers (5-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
I expect the winless Raiders to stay winless this week. I just can’t see them taking down San Diego on the road. Verdict: Chargers
-Lions (7-2) at Cardinals (8-1), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
Another fantastic matchup here puts Calvin Johnson and the Lions against the Cardinals secondary. I think that Megatron wins here and has a huge game. Don’t doubt Larry Fitzgerald. Even with the Carson Palmer injury, Fitzgerald could have a good game. Verdict: Lions
-Eagles (7-2) at Packers (6-3), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
Rodgers takes on…Sanchez? A big game here sees one of the league’s top QB’s taking on the former butt-fumbler. Sanchez was good last week though. I just cannot see how he pulls one out in Lambeau though. Verdict: Packers
Mark Sanchez hopes to continue the Eagles winning ways this week in Green Bay (Via USA Today)
-Patriots (7-2) at Colts (6-3), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
Luck vs Brady. Now there’s a good matchup. The two QB’s will duel on national television in Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts have the top ranked offense at the moment. I see that trend continuing this week as they take down the mighty Patriots. Verdict: Colts
-Steelers (6-4) at Titans (2-7), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
A strange Monday Night Football matchup sees the Steelers’ 4th ranked offense going head to head with the Titans’ 31st ranked offense. This game shouldn’t be close as long as Big Ben keeps his composure. I’m taking Pittsburgh. Verdict: Steelers
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Studs and Duds: NFL Week Ten
By Brett Malamud
I was pretty impressed in many of this week’s performances. Of course, with great success from your team comes great failure from your opponent. Here’s week ten’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Beast mode is an understatement as Lynch was phenomenal against the Giants. He had 21 carries for 140 yards and four touchdowns. His fantasy owners must have been happy as he scored 40 points this week in ESPN standard leagues.
Marshawn Lynch had a huge week against the Giants, rushing for four touchdowns (Via Getty)
Dud: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton was awful on Thursday Night Football. He completed 10-of-33 passes and finished the night with just 86 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He’ll try to refocus for next week’s him matchup against the Saints.
Stud: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers torched the Chicago Bears on national television Sunday night. He threw six touchdowns, with all six coming in the first half. He was pulled in the third quarter.
Dud: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brown’s numbers dropped off this week. He caught eight passes for 74 yards, which isn’t really that bad. Well why is he on the duds list then? Oh, that’s right. Brown had two lost fumbles, giving him just three fantasy points for the day in ESPN standard leagues
Stud: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Were you expecting anything else? Manning threw five touchdown passes in the Broncos’ rout of the Oakland Raiders.
Dud: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Newton, who hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass since week 7, finally threw one to kelvin Benjamin for a score. The only problem? The Panthers were so far out of reach that the game didn’t matter anymore. Newton threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in a very shaky performance in week 10. He’ll return to Carolina to face a favorable matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in week 11.
Stud: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
After two straight games that had Bryant with less than 35 yards receiving, Dez came alive on Sunday in London. Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bryant hauled in six catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll head into the bye week this week.
Stud: New York Jets
Finally! The Jets took it to the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers and came away with a 20-13 win for just their second win of the season. They’ll have a bye in week 11.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
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