What-If: Kevin Durant went to LA?

Ah, the Lakers. A team which has had legends in every era play for it. Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and so many others wore the colors of Los Angeles night in and night out. However, with Kobe Bryant retiring, who will be the Next Great Laker?

Well, Kevin Durant is a free agent this offseason. What if? What if Kevin Durant took his talents to Hollywood and competed for the Lakers?

Well, as you can see in the image above, according to ESPN's NBA Trade Machine, the Lakers would win a whopping 13 more games with the addition of Durant to the roster. The scoring superstar and former MVP would really improve the team in LA.

Now this is a What-If scenario, so we are allowed to make assumptions. What if, with the addition of a superstar like Durant, the Lakers are able to attract more players? What if they attracted young center Hassan Whiteside? 

Well, they would probably win 12 more games, according to the NBA Trade Machine. 

Also, the 2016 NBA Draft is coming up soon. So that means the Lakers have a good chance at either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, both college stars who are both ready to play at the NBA level, which should increase the Lakers' wins by 5. 

Another young star of the Lakers we're forgetting about is D'Angelo Russell. Magic Johnson will reportedly train Russell this offseason, which should boost the Lakers as well.

Now imagine, a young D'Angelo Russell tapping into his potential, the explosive Ben Simmons, the defensive-minded Whiteside, and the future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant on the floor as a team, backed up by young stars like Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr, truly bringing back Los Angeles as a contender.

Yes, you can argue that Durant wants to win now and would never go to LA, you can say that there's no guarantee that Simmons or Ingram would be stars in the league, and that Whiteside wouldn't come to the Lakers. But this is just a what-if, just an interesting scenario to think about.

Statistical Breakdown: 95-96 Bulls vs. 15-16 Warriors

In case you haven't been paying attention to the NBA, sports in general, or, well, anything, the Golden State Warriors are taking over the Internet. Every sports article is about reigning MVP Stephen Curry, or how good the Warriors have been playing this season, or whether they're going to break the 95-96 Bulls record of 72 wins in a season.

Woah, hold on there.

Did I say the 95-96 Bulls? The Michael Jordan Bulls? Yeah.

People have been comparing Stephen Curry to MJ and the Warriors to the Bulls this whole season. However, let's have a closer look. (All stats are powered by http://www.basketball-reference.com/)

Scoring

Let's begin by looking at the scoring stats.

The Golden State Warriors have been scoring 115 points a game, while the Bulls scored 105 a game.

The Warriors have a field goal percentage of 48.7%, while the Bulls had a percentage of 47.8%.

The centerpiece of the Warriors, Stephen Curry, averages 29.8 points a game this season, while Michael Jordan had 30.4 points a game.

The Warriors have a strength of schedule of -0.48, while the Bulls had a strength of schedule of -0.44.

The Warriors have a 3-point field goal percentage of 41.6%, while the Bulls had one of 40.3%.

These stats tell us that both teams went through nearly equally hard schedules, and both had almost equal results, with the Warriors doing better, by just a little.

Rebounding

The Warriors are averaging 45.6 rebounds a game, and the Bulls averaged 44.6 rebounds a game.

However, the Bulls had 15.2 offensive rebounds a game, compared to the Warriors, who have 9.8 offensive boards a game.

When it came to defensive rebounding, the Bulls averaged 29.4 a game, while the Warriors averaged 35.8 a game.

Dennis Rodman, the Bulls's best rebounder, averaged 16.4 rebounds a game, while the Warriors Draymond Green averaged 9.5 a game.

Looking at the rebounding numbers, the Bulls seem to be a more aggressive team centered around a few players. In contrast, the Warriors players all contributed a little, and were more well-rounded on offensive and defensive rebounds.

Passing

When it comes to assists, the Warriors have averaged 28.9 assists a game, while the Bulls averaged 24.8 a game.

The Bulls's best player when it came to assists, Scottie Pippen, averaged 5.9 assists a game in contrast to the Warriors's Draymond Green, who has averaged 7.4 assists a game.

The passing stats show us how the Warriors are a team more focused on moving the ball to create quality shots, while the Bulls were a team more focused around a scoring centerpiece, Michael Jordan.

Defense

In the 1995-96 season, the Bulls averaged 9.1 steals a game, while the Warriors have averaged 8.3 a game.

The Bulls averaged 4.2 blocks a game, while the Warriors average 6.0 a game.

The Bulls held their opponents to 92.9 points a game, while the Warriors' opponents have averaged 104.1 points a game.

One of the Bulls' best defenders, Michael Jordan, averaged 2.2 steals and 0.5 blocks a game. Draymond Green,  one of the Warriors' best defenders, has averaged 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks a game.

The Bulls were a tough defense which contested their opponents inside and on the perimeter, while the Warriors are skilled interior defenders.

Who's Better?

Looking at all of the statistics, the Bulls are a team which have players who play special roles within the team. For example, Rodman is the star rebounder, Jordan is the star scorer, and Pippen is a playmaker for the team. The Warriors, in contrast, seem to be more well-rounded, with each player being able to play defense, or hit a three when they get a ball.

However, comparing the two teams cannot be measured by stats. We cannot say who would win in a game or a 7-game series based on statistics, or anything for that matter. The teams played in different eras, had different opponents, different playing styles. The only true way to determine a winner would be if the two teams decided to play each other. And that, for now, is impossible.

Predicting the AFC Wild Card Round: AJ McCarron and Spencer Ware the X-Factors?

The playoffs begin tomorrow, and with some unexpected upsets in Week 17, our playoff picture is complete. Who is going to win tomorrow and continue their quest for a ring? Let's find out.

AFC Wild Card Round

1.Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers got lucky to get here, with Buffalo winning it to put them into the playoff picture. Can they make some noise? Yes, they can.

If you look at the Bengals passing defense, they're giving up 250 yards a game. And the Steelers have the third most passing yards in the league, with almost 300 a game. Granted, Roethlisberger has thrown 4 interceptions against the Bengals this season. However, Antonio Brown had 43 catches for 524 yards in his last 4 games, with 187 in his last game. The Steelers' pass offense has a lot of momentum going into this game.

If you look at the Steelers passing defense, they're giving up nearly 300 yards a game. The Bengals' pass offense is averaging 250 yards a game. However, Andy Dalton is out. The biggest question of this game is whether AJ Mccarron can deliver. If Andy Dalton, the Red Rifle, hasn't won a playoff game in his career, I don't see McCarron doing too much better. McCarron has shown a great passer rating, and has a 6:2 touchdown to interception ratio, but the rookie from Alabama with no playoff experience and only 4 games outplaying Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, one of the best duos in the league? I don't think so.

The Steelers and Bengals are both top 10 run defenses, and top 16 run offenses. The running game looks even, except for one thing: the Steelers don't have DeAngelo Williams. So they will have to rely on who? Fitzgerald Toussaint? The guy who ran the ball 12 times for 24 yards? Oh. The Bengals have an advantage here, but this will still be a close game.

I think if the Steelers can pressure AJ Mccarron and force him to make a few bad throws, just like they forced him to throw 2 interceptions a few weeks ago, they take this game. I'm calling the Steelers led by the explosive Antonio Brown.

Final: Steelers 24, Bengals 21

2.Kansas City Chiefs vs Houston Tesans

Kansas City hasn't won a playoff game since they had a former 49ers quarterback and they played Houston. Oh wait.

If you look at the Texans passing defense, they're only giving up 210 yards a game. However, against the Chiefs, they gave up 243 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the Texans 10-game win streak, Alex Smith has thrown 14 touchdowns. Alex Smith isn't an elite quarterback, and the Texans are a good pass defense, but I think this Chiefs offense can do a little damage over the air.

The Chiefs are only giving up 230 yards a game, and the Texans are only getting 230 yards a game. The Texans pass offense mainly consists of DeAndre Hopkins, who will be guarded by Marcus Peters. Marcus Peters is already one of the better cornerbacks in the league, so this is a key matchup. However, other than Marcus Peters defending Hopkins, the Chiefs are one of the top 10 teams when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. I think the Chiefs will stop the Texans' pass offense, or at least limit it.

The Texans running attack will probably be led by Alfred Blue or Chris Polk. When Blue is given more than 20 carries, he is averaging 100 yards. However, the Chiefs are a top ten running defense, so I don't see the Texans having a huge game on the ground.

The Chiefs running attack will feature Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. West has only had one 100-yard game this season, and he's playing a top 10 run defense. Ware, however, has made the most of every carry and has been producing, on a little more than 400 yards on 70 carries. Based on this, if Ware had as many carries as Chris Johnson did when he broke the rushing record, Ware would break the rushing record Chris Johnson set.

Overall, this game is pretty even, but the Chiefs have a little advantage on both sides of the ball. Also, the Chiefs have a lot of momentum going into this game with their 10-game win streak. I think the Chiefs take this one.

Final: Chiefs 17, Texans 13

NFL Predictions #2: Osweiler Rising

Week 11 is over, and we saw huge wins such as the Panthers' defense showing up to take down the Cowboys, and Brock Osweiler leading the Broncos to a victory in the absence of Peyton Manning, over the Patriots.

Let's get right to our predictions (using the current standings):

AFC

1. New England Patriots
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Denver Broncos
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Kansas Chiefs
6. Houston Texans

NFC

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Washington Redskins
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Seattle Seahawks

AFC Wild Card Round

1.Denver Broncos vs Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler had a big win against Brady, proving how effective he can be should Peyton Manning be hurt. The Texans also had a good game, granted they had an easy match up, but still performed well. Denver boasts the best passing defense in the league, proving themselves against Tom Brady and the Patriots' elite passing attack. The Texans rely on the passing attack for a majority of their yardage, so the Broncos show a clear advantage here. The Broncos are a top 10 run defense, while the Texans are a bottom 5 rushing offense, so the Texans should find a hard time getting anything going. The Broncos' running back C.J. Anderson proved himself by having a decent game and putting the Patriots away with a huge touchdown in overtime, and Osweiler stepped in to take charge of the passing attack in the absence of Peyton Manning. The Broncos easily win here.

Final: Broncos 31, Texans 21

2.Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City's running backs are playing very well, as Spencer Ware had a big day against the Bills, and Alex Smith had a good game against the Bills. The Chiefs are on a 5 game win streak, and their offense is rolling right now. Meanwhile, the Colts are a bottom 10 defense in the league, giving up nearly 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards a game. However, the Colts are finding success with backup quarterback Matt Hasselback, who hasn't lost a game this season. The Colts are averaging nearly 250 yards through the air and 100 on the ground every game. So these two offenses are playing well, meaning the key to this game is defense. The Colts are a bottom 10 defense, while the Chiefs are a top 10 defense on the run. Matt Hasselback is undefeated, and Luck is averaging two touchdowns a game at home. Yes, Luck has thrown interceptions, but the Chiefs have only gotten 3 interceptions this whole season. Luck or Hasselback, the Colts win here. 

Final: Colts 27, Chiefs 21

 NFC Wild Card Round

1.Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are back in the playoff picture, and they're here for good. Russell Wilson threw 5 touchdowns against a struggling Steelers defense to get the win. Even if Minnesota is a top 10 passing defense, the Seahawks have the best rushing attack in the league. Rawls or Lynch or Jackson, their running game is strong, and the Vikings are giving up 110 yards on the ground every game. The Vikings' passing game will be shut down, as the Seahawks boast one of the best passing defenses in the league, and the Vikings are one of the worst offenses over the air. The Vikings' only weapon is Adrian Peterson, who destroyed the Falcons, a good rushing defense. Peterson will carry the load for the Vikings, but it won't be enough as the Seahawks are playing well on both sides of the ball. 12th man or no 12th man, the Seahawks win.

Final: Seahawks 38, Vikings 31

2.Washington Redskins vs Green Bay Packers
The Redskins have a losing record, and they're in the playoffs. It just goes to show how bad the NFC East is. But anyways, the Packers are 1-4 in the past 5 weeks, and the only game they won out of those 5, was a game where Eddie Lacy had over 20 carries. Aaron Rodgers has only thrown one interception on the road this whole year, but the Packers are in the bottom 10 of the league in passing yards, while the Redskins are in the top 10 in not allowing passing yards on defense. Kirk Cousins has thrown 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions at home this season, and the Packers are giving up 250 yards a game over the air. The Redskins have only lost once at home all season, which was also the beginning of the season and the only home game where Cousins threw an interception. The Packers must heavily rely on Eddie Lacy, who can do a lot for them, considering this Redskins' defense is one of the worst in the league on the ground. This game will be close, but I'm calling the upset and the Redskins win. 
Final: Redskins 17, Packers 13

AFC Divisional Round

1.Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals

This Bengals' offense led by the Dalton is rolling, especially over the air. The Bengals won't be able to get anything going on the ground against this Broncos' defense which is elite at stopping the run, not even allowing 90 yards a game. The Broncos have also limited teams to less than 200 yards over the air. They held Tom Brady, the best quarterback in the league, to 280 yards, and they won. The Bengals' defense isn't a horrible one either, but the Broncos are elite. Osweiler came in for Manning and took down the Patriots. The Broncos' running backs are finally stepping up, with C.J. Anderson scoring that game winning touchdown at the end. Osweiler has proven that he can take the reigns to the Broncos' offense and lead them to a win, defeating a Patriots defense that isn't much worse than the Bengals' defense. In the Bengals' two losses on the season, they lost to Houston and Arizona, two of the top 10 passing defenses in the league. Imagine how the Broncos' defense will play. I'm taking the Broncos and their elite defense and potent offense.

Final: Broncos 28, Bengals 17

2.New England Patriots vs Indianapolis Colts

The Patriots were handed their first loss of the season. This was against an elite Broncos' defense. They held Tom Brady to less than 300 yards, which isn't the best, but against Tom Brady, isn't too bad. The Patriots offense is seemingly unstoppable over the air, no matter who he was to catch his passes. The Colts are also a bottom 10 passing defense, giving up 20 touchdowns on the season. Brady will pick apart their defense. Matt Hasselback is undefeated this season, but so were the Patriots. The Colts' offense is a decent one over the air, and should be able to get things going against a mediocre Patriots defense. The Patriots are still undefeated at Foxborough, and I don't see that changing, especially playing this Colts defense.
Final: Patriots 28, Colts 21

NFC Divisional Round

1.Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks

The Panthers are the only undefeated team in the NFL. The Panthers aren't an elite passing offense, and the Seahawks are a pretty good passing defense. Both of these games will be played on the ground, with the Panthers and the Seahawks both rushing for over 130 yards per game. However, both of these run defenses are allowing less than 100 yards a game. The Panthers previously played the Seahawks this year and won, at Seattle. The Panthers' defense has 18 interceptions, 4 returned for touchdowns, 14 forced fumbles, with 1 returned for a touchdown. The Panthers are undefeatable. If the Seahawks couldn't beat them at Seattle, there's no way they can win at Carolina.

Final: Panthers 13, Seahawks 6

2.Washington Redskins vs Arizona Cardinals

Kirk Cousins is a pretty good quarterback, but the Cardinals are a strong team. Cousins has thrown 8 interceptions in 5 away games this season, and the Cardinals have 14 interceptions on the season. Carson Palmer has scored a touchdown in every game this season. Carson Palmer is averaging a Quarterback Rating of 108 in home games this season. The Redskins' defense is mediocre, while the Cardinals offense is explosive. The Cardinals are playing well, and their pass and run offense are both in the top 10 in the league. Kirk Cousins has exceeded expectations, but he hasn't faced much of a challenge yet, and the Cardinals are on a 5-game win streak, and this time, Cousins will not pull off the upset.

Final: Cardinals 31, Redskins 14

AFC Championship

1.New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are an elite defense. There's no doubt about that. The Patriots are an elite offense. No doubt about that either. The Patriots will not be able to get anything going on the ground, and they'll have to rely on their passing game. The Patriots are plagued by injury, with most of Brady's wide receivers out. Amendola and Edelman will probably be back by January, but the Broncos' defense is holding quarterbacks to less than 200 yards a game, a very high level. The Patriots' offense will be shut down by the Broncos' defense. Osweiler showed how effective he can be against a Patriots defense which is giving up 250 yards a game. C.J. Anderson has shown potential, and he had a breakout game beating the Patriots, in my opinion. If C.J. Anderson had more carries, his production could increase largely. Defense wins championships, and the Broncos are one hell of a defense.

Final: Broncos 24, Patriots 12

 NFC Championship

1.Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals

Carson Palmer had an average game against a 49ers defense, which isn't an elite defense. The Panthers' defense is elite and will stop Carson Palmer. Their defense has 18 interceptions this season, and Palmer has thrown 9 interceptions this whole season. I said this about the Patriots and I was wrong, but the Panthers will finish their undefeated season. The Panthers have 5 defensive touchdowns, which is unbelievable. Cam Newton has 6 rushing touchdowns this season, more than some running backs. The Panthers' defense is unstoppable, with their rushing offense with more than 140 yards per game. The Cardinals are good, but the Panthers are great.

Final: Panthers 24, Cardinals 21

Super Bowl

1.Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers

This is a battle of elite defenses. The Broncos have an elite defense, allowing less than 90 rushing yards a game. The Panthers have 140 yards a game on the ground, so this match up will be even. The Panthers passing offense isn't the best, and the Broncos' passing defense is elite, so the Panthers will find a hard time scoring in general. I've repeated this several times, but the Panthers have 18 interceptions. Without Manning, Osweiler will have to play this Panthers' defense. Osweiler has a hot hand going into this game, but when was the last time we saw a quarterback pick up mid-season and take his team to the Super Bowl? Colin Kaepernick! Osweiler is a decent quarterback, but "decent" doesn't win Super Bowls. His quarterback rating is pretty good for someone coming in mid-season and beating the Patriots, but the Patriots aren't a defense with 4 interceptions returned for touchdowns. As for the run defense, the Panthers also allow less than 90 rushing yards a game, and the Broncos aren't too good on the run either. Even if Manning comes back, he won't be effective. He threw 17 interceptions before he got injured, almost as many interceptions as the Panthers have on the season! The Panthers have 20 more total yards per game on offense, 6 more rushing touchdowns total, almost 600 more yards on the ground total, and 8 more passing touchdowns total this season. The Panthers are unstoppable.

Final: Panthers 27, Broncos 17

NFL Predictions #1: Thanksgiving Day Edition

We are in the second half of the season, and its Thanksgiving time, which means our first playoff predictions of the season!

Let's get right to it (using the current standings):

AFC

1. New England Patriots
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Denver Broncos
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Kansas City Chiefs

NFC   

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. New York Giants
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Atlanta Falcons

AFC Wild Card Round 

1.Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs

An AFC West match up here, but it won't be a thriller. With the Broncos in the bottom 10 offense in rushing yards in the league, and the Chiefs a top 10 defense in allowing rushing yards, the Broncos will rely heavily on the passing game. The Chiefs will find a hard time with the Broncos boasting the best pass defense in the league and a top 10 run defense in the league. With the Denver pass offense and the Chiefs pass defense both being average, this game will come down to defense. And in that battle, Denver wins. If Peyton Manning can establish a strong pass attack early, the Broncos get an easy win. If not, I think their defense will be strong enough to shut down the Chiefs.

 Final: Broncos 24, Chiefs 10

2.Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers

These teams are both average, but the Steelers have a slight advantage. With the Colts defense giving up nearly 300 passing yards a game, and Antonio Brown averaging over 100 yards every game, the Steelers can win. This game's outcome really depends on Ben Roethlisberger's condition. But with Roethlisberger playing now, the Steelers have a big advantage in their passing game. Also, DeAngelo Williams is averaging over 100 yards every game he has 20 or more carries, and the Colts are giving up over 100 yards a game on the run. Even if the Colts offense gets rolling, the Steelers are a top 10 run defense. The key to this game will be a ferocious passing attack on both sides, but the Steelers have a key advantage on the ground.

Final: Steelers 31, Colts 24

NFC Wild Card Round

1.Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons

The Vikings' best player on offense is Adrian Peterson, and the Falcons are giving up the least rushing yards per game in the league. With Devonta Freeman, who is the outspoken MVP of my fantasy team, playing like he is, scoring touchdowns on several red zone opportunities, being faced with a Vikings defense which has only given up 5 rushing touchdowns this season, this match up is even. The Falcons are a top 10 passing offense, but the Vikings are a top 10 passing defense. The match up is very even, but Matt Ryan has one playoff win in his career, which is still one more than Teddy Bridgewater. This game can go either way, based on if Julio Jones can have a huge game, or if Adrian Peterson can have a huge game. But right now, I'm taking the Vikings to beat the Falcons, just because Adrian Peterson is averaging nearly 100 yards and a touchdown in every home game this season, and because Devonta Freeman hasn't scored a touchdown in the past 4 weeks.

Final: Vikings 24, Falcons 21

2.New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers

The Packers are a hot passing offense, and the Giants are a very poor passing defense. The Packers are scoring many touchdowns every game over the air, and the Giants are giving these touchdowns up. Aaron Rodgers has only thrown one interception on the road this season, and he's thrown 10 touchdowns in contrast. Eli is a clutch postseason performer who's having a lot of success with throwing the ball to Odell Beckham, playing an average Packers defense which, however, is averaging an interception every game. The key to this game is the Packers run game, one of the top 10 running offenses in the game. Eddie Lacy is averaging almost 100 yards every game he's gotten 15 or more carries, and if the Packers utilize him enough, this will be a good win for them.

Final: Packers 28, Giants 21

AFC Divisional Round 

1.Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' hot start has come to an end, and may not prevail in this match up against arguably the best defense in the league. With Brock Osweiler stepping in, and Manning struggling, and Andy Dalton averaging 2 touchdowns every home game, the Bengals may have a slight edge in this game. The Bengals can win this game with the Broncos having to rely heavily on the pass, and the Bengals defense having 11 interceptions throughout the season, I think Andy Dalton sneaks by to advance to the AFC Championship.

Final: Bengals 21, Broncos 13

2.New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Patriots are undefeated. They have the best passing attack in the league, a huge advantage over the Steelers' below average pass defense. The Steelers' rushing attack will also be stopped by the Patriots. The Patriots are just too good right now, and I think they're too much for a young defense and an offense led by an injury prone Ben Roethlisberger to handle right now.

Final: Patriots 31, Steelers 17

NFC Divisional Round

1.Carolina Panthers vs Minnesota Vikings
Look, the Panthers are undefeated. Their defense leads the league with 18 interceptions. Their defense is also the second best team when it comes to sacks, with 33 total. Their defense is in the top 10 in allowing passing touchdowns, and also in allowing passing yards. Their run defense is also the second best when it comes to allow rushing yards. The Vikings will find a hard time getting anything going on offense, and on defense, they are one of the better defenses in the league, but Cam Newton is averaging 250 yards and 3 touchdowns every home game. The Panthers are in the conversation for the best team in the NFL right now, and they haven't shown many signs of slowing down.
Final: Panthers 38, Vikings 17

2.Arizona Cardinals vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers were having some offensive troubles, but now that Eddie Lacy is back, they're looking great. The Cardinals defense is in the top 10 in allowing passing yards and in the top 5 in the league in interceptions. However, Rodgers only has one interception in all of his road games combined this season, and in contrast, he has 10 touchdowns. The Cardinals defense against the Packers offense will be a tough match up for both sides, but the Cardinals pass offense will be strong. Carson Palmer is averaging 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in every home game this season, and hasn't shown many signs of slowing down. The Packers' run defense is also giving up nearly a touchdown and 100 yards every game. Chris Johnson can use this to be a key player for the Cardinals. The Packers will find a hard time getting the offense going, and the Cardinals have a strong offense right now.
Final: Cardinals 28, Packers 20

AFC Championship

1.New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals

The Patriots are undefeated, as mentioned. Their offense is rolling with or without Julian Edelman, and Brady has found a way to win every single game. He's averaging 300 yards and 3 touchdowns every home game this season. Brady doesn't lose. The young Andy Dalton can carry his team to so many wins. Both of these teams will have to rely on their passing attacks, since both have mediocre run games. The Bengals are giving up around 250 yards and a touchdown a game to quarterbacks this season. However, the Patriots are also giving up very similar stats. The key to this game is Tom Brady. He's a winner. Four Super Bowl wins and 3 Super Bowl MVPs. He's not going to lose to the Red Rifle. He's going to complete his undefeated season.

Final: Patriots 27, Bengals 21

NFC Championship

1.Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals

Like I said earlier, Cam Newton at home is unstoppable. 250 yards and 3 touchdowns every home game. Granted, the Cardinals have a good defense, but Cam Newton is just better. Even if Cam Newton has a bad day, his defense is unbelievable. They're averaging nearly 2 interceptions every game, and Palmer is averaging an interception in every road game this season. The Panthers are just better than the Cardinals at offense, at defense, and at special teams. Young Cam Newton is taking his team to the Super Bowl this season.

Final: Panthers 24, Cardinals 13

Super Bowl

1.New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers

What did you expect? The Giants to get here by some miracle? Not this time. The two undefeated teams will clash each other in the Super Bowl.

Cam Newton's pass offense against the Patriots defense? Newton will dominate. The Patriots are in the bottom half of the league when it comes to giving up passing yards, while Newton will capitalize off of that. Newton will use his advantage here to help the Panthers gain some point.

Tom Brady's pass offense against the Panthers defense? The Panthers will dominate. Arguably the best defense in the league, the Panthers will hold Brady to as little as possible.

The Panthers are better on paper, but there's one thing about the Patriots.

Brady has only lost to one quarterback in the Super Bowl: Eli Manning. Brady will use his Super Bowl experience and his clutch skills to lead his team to the win. The Patriots are a clutch team, from Brady to Malcolm Butler, they find a way to show up big time. 

But then again, the Panthers aren't the Seahawks and will know better than to pass it inside the 10 yard line. Cam Newton is a dual threat quarterback, his defense is playing amazingly, and you know what?

Defense wins championships.

Final: Panthers 31, Patriots 24

 

 

   

Predicting the NBA Finals #1

It's only been a month since the NBA season began, and so far, you can already see a picture of the NBA Finals. From Chef Curry and the Warriors' hot start to the 76ers' 0-13 start, the NBA hasn't been too surprising. Here's our picks for the NBA Playoffs, using the current NBA standings. It's my first of 8 NBA Finals Predictions, coming at you now.

Western Conference 
1.Golden State Warriors
2.San Antonio Spurs
3.Dallas Mavericks
4.Phoenix Suns
5.Memphis Grizzlies
6.Oklahoma City Thunder
7.Utah Jazz
8.Los Angeles Clippers

Eastern Conference
1.Cleveland Cavaliers
2.Chicago Bulls
3.Atlanta Hawks
4.Miami Heat
5.Indiana Pacers
6.Detroit Pistons
7.Boston Celtics
8.Toronto Raptors

Western Conference Quarterfinals

1.Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers

Some say it's the greatest rivalry in the NBA right now. However, this may not be the case. The Clippers can compete with the Warriors, except until the fourth quarter. Stephen Curry, the reigning MVP, has been playing amazing lately. The Clippers cannot close out at home or at Oracle. The Warriors have won twice in their two match ups, and the way Stephen Curry played in the playoffs last year and the way he's been playing so far this year, the Clippers don't stand much of a chance.

Pick: Warriors (4-1)

2.San Antonio Spurs vs Utah Jazz

So far, the Jazz's biggest highlight has been Rudy Gobert being dunked on by Demar Derozan. The Spurs have been playing well, with LaMarcus Aldridge averaging around 15 points and 10 rebounds a game. Other than being dunked on, Rudy Gobert has been playing pretty well, averaging around 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game. However, the Spurs' amazing coaching staff, beautiful ball movement, and the historic Big 3 as well as Kawhi Leonard are just too much to stop.

Pick: Spurs (4-2)

3.Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Westbrook and Durant are two of the most amazing scorers in the NBA. However, The Mavericks have been playing exceptionally well, looking like they want to deliver another Larry O'Brien trophy to Dirk before he retires. Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews, and Dirk are consistently helping the Mavericks win games. The Mavericks are playing at a high level, too high for the Thunder to stop.
Pick: Mavericks (4-2)

4.Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies
With the Suns' young backcourt of Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe playing at very high levels, the Suns look like a sleeper in the playoffs. Marc Gasol is playing pretty well, recently netting a triple double. Mike Conley, an underrated point guard, is putting up good numbers as well, averaging around 15 points and 7 assists a game. I think the Suns take the win in this series, but by a small margin
Pick: Suns (4-3)

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

1.Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors

LeBron James is averaging 27 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds a game, a chance for a triple double every time he steps out onto the court. LeBron, as usual, looks like an MVP candidate. The Toronto Raptors' young backcourt of Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan is looking great, both of the players averaging over 20 points a game. However, Kyrie will come back strong, and even without him, the Cavaliers have arguably the best player in the world with a mustache on their team. 

Pick: Cavaliers (4-3)

2.Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics

With Isaiah Thomas playing well, averaging around 20 points and 6 assists a game, the Celtics are a decent team. However, the Bulls are beyond decent. Even with Derrick Rose injured, the Bulls are playing great. Jimmy Butler has stepped up to take the reigns in Chicago, leading the team to several wins, averaging 21 points a game. The Bulls are a great defensive team, and should be able to close out the Celtics.

Pick: Bulls (4-1)

3.Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons

Andre Drummond is playing at an insane level right now, averaging 19 points and 18 rebounds a game, being the Pistons' best player right now. The Hawks' young point guard Dennis Schroder is playing well, and he's  a big reason the Hawks are doing well right now. However, The Motor City and their prized young center look like a threat in the playoffs.

Pick: Pistons (4-3)

4.Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers
A few years ago, this rivalry was intense, when LeBron James was on the Heat. However, now, the Miami Heat have former Finals MVP Dwyane Wade and young star Hassan Whiteside to lead their team. The Indiana Pacers have newly acquired Monta Ellis and a returning Paul George to lead their team. This matchup is even, but the way Paul George has been playing, averaging 25 points and 8 rebounds a game, this Pacers team looks to have a slight edge.
Pick: Pacers (4-3)

Western Conference Semifinals

1.Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns

The Warriors are on pace to have one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. The Suns are playing great basketball, but the Warriors are on a level. Stephen Curry, the reigning MVP and leading MVP candidate, is averaging 33 points a game. With Stephen Curry playing like that, no other team in the NBA stands much of a chance. Bledsoe is good, but Curry is great.

Pick: Warriors (4-1)

2.San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

The San Antonio Spurs won the title the season before last, and are always contenders. The Mavericks have been playing on a high level as well, but the Spurs' team has more experience and just more talent with young stars like Kawhi Leonard, to dominant players like LaMarcus Aldridge, to the legendary Big 3, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili.

Pick: Spurs (4-1)

Eastern Conference Semifinals

1.Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers

LeBron James and the Cavaliers made it to the NBA Finals last season, and didn't face too many difficult match ups in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers bring Paul George and Monta Ellis, a dominant scoring attack. The Cavaliers bring Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, two of the best in the league. LeBron just has too much experience and too much talent to lose.

Pick: Cavaliers (4-0)

2.Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons

The Bulls are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA and have the talented Jimmy Butler to lead their team. When Derrick Rose is healthy, which is rare nowadays, he is dominant. The Detroit Pistons and their talented young team featuring the league leader in rebounding, Andre Drummond, have a chance against this Bulls team. Making my boldest prediction so far, I think that the Pistons are a talented team with a chance at the title.

Pick: Pistons (4-2)

Western Conference Finals

1.Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs

This is a great match up. The young Warriors team with superstar Stephen Curry facing off against the likes of Tony Parker and the Spurs. Curry has shown his clutch skill, hitting game winner after game winner in so many contests. The Spurs have more talent at the big man positions, with LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan to lead the team. However, the Warriors' explosive backcourt also dominates the Spurs'. The way the Warriors are playing right now, no team can stop them. However, the Spurs will come close.

Pick: Warriors (4-2)

Eastern Conference Finals

1.Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are young and talented, but the Cavaliers are great. LeBron brings a prominent scorer to the team, Kyrie brings a young point guard, and J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert bring two key players to the Cavaliers. Drummond has been playing well, but not nearly as well as the Cavaliers play in the Finals. If necessary, LeBron can carry any team to a win.

Pick: Cavaliers (4-2)

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

  

Game 1 @ Golden State

In this game, I think the Cavaliers' advantage at the big man position with Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson make it difficult for the Warriors to stop them. Stephen Curry scores more than 20 points, but so does Kyrie. The Cavaliers take a key victory at Oracle Arena.

Pick: Cavaliers

Game 2 @ Golden State

After the Cavaliers win, I think the Warriors come back with a 30+ point performance by each of the Splash Brothers. LeBron rallies to score 25, but it isn't enough to pick up the win at Oracle Arena. The Warriors tie the series.

Pick: Warriors

Game 3 @ Cleveland

The Warriors, coming off a win and big performance by the Splash Brothers, have another great game with Curry scoring 30 and Klay scoring 20. Kyrie and LeBron combine to score 40, but it isn't enough as the Warriors take the key win at Quicken Loans Arena.

Pick: Warriors

Game 4 @ Cleveland

After picking up a victory at Quicken Loans Arena again, the Warriors are on fire and have a lot of momentum going into the game. LeBron scores 30, while Curry and Klay combine to score 50 points. The Warriors win by a large margin, and take a big 2-game lead in the series.

Pick: Warriors

Game 5 @ Golden State

The Cavaliers step up when they need to, and the Big 3 of Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and LeBron James combine to score 60 points. The Splash Brothers combine to score 40, and the Cavaliers pick up a huge win to force a Game 6.

Pick: Cavaliers

Game 6 @ Cleveland

The Warriors need another win to close the series, however the Cavaliers are not losing again. Kyrie scores a huge 40 points to blow out the Warriors in Cleveland to force a Game 7.

Pick: Cavaliers

Game 7 @ Golden State

The Cavaliers have momentum going into the game, but Curry is focused and determined to net the win. The Warriors pick up the victory to win the NBA Finals and defeat the Cavaliers, with the Splash Brothers combine to score 40 points in the victory.

Pick: Warriors

Finals MVP: Stephen Curry

As of right now, the Warriors are undefeated and don't look like they're going to lose. The Cavaliers look like the dominant Eastern Conference team bound to reach the NBA Finals, but the Warriors are just unstoppable. With Curry putting up insane numbers, I pick the Warriors to win the NBA Finals as of right now. As the season goes on, I will update my picks, so look out for another prediction post in a few weeks!

 

 

Console Talk #1: If Apple Made a Gaming Console

Apple is a huge corporation that produces many devices that people of any age can use. These include smartphones, music players, tablets, laptops, desktops, and TVs. An application that all of these products have is iTunes, a library of TV shows, movies, and songs that you can purchase and watch or listen to at any time. Most of Apple's products also have the App Store, which allows users to purchase additional applications, from games to fitness apps to social networking apps.

After knowing all these things, one may wonder:

Is there even one device that Apple can't produce successfully?

Well, there was.

The Apple Bandai Pippin.

This console wasn't exactly a huge hit, it couldn't compete with the other consoles in its time. If you want a huge explanation of why it didn't succeed, you could find it somewhere else.

I'm just gonna say this: It wasn't fun.

The Apple Bandai Pippin was released a while ago, which makes me wonder:

What would happen if Apple made a gaming console today?

Today's world of gaming consoles includes the Wii, the Xbox 360, and the PlayStation 3. These consoles have even more popular successors, or the Wii U, the Xbox One, and the PlayStation 4.

Today's consoles allow you to do more than just play video games. They allow to use applications such as Netflix and YouTube, or search engines such as Google and Bing.

Now, imagine if Apple made a gaming console today.

• Being able to use iTunes straight from your gaming console, playing any song or TV show or movie you've purchased onto your TV.
• Being able to access your iPhone or iPod or iPad's messages without having to look away from your TV.
• Using the App Store to play games like Angry Birds or Cut the Rope on your TV 

Most important of all, having all of these features and being able to play games like Call of Duty or Madden like usual.

If Apple made a console, it could end up amazing and a huge hit.

Or, it could end up like the Apple Bandai Pippin.

In the end, at least we can always count on Apple for our phones and music.