Who Claims the Final NFL Playoff Spots?

                                                                                                                                By: Adamo Marinelli

December 30, 2020

     Entering week 17, only seven of the 14 playoff spots have been locked up. The week 17 slate of games has a lot of playoff implications. Several teams are still fighting for a chance to lock up their division and others are simply trying to secure a postseason berth. 

     I will go over every single game and discuss the scenarios for each team to get into the playoffs and/or win their division. I will also predict who will win their division, which teams will clinch playoff spots and the seeding in both conferences. 

Vikings at Lions: No playoff implications, both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. 

Falcons at Buccaneers: The Falcons have been eliminated. The Buccaneers have already clinched a playoff spot but cannot win the division: the Saints have the tiebreaker over the Bucs.

Jets at Patriots: No playoff implications, both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. With the Jets’ second win this season over the Browns, the Jaguars have clinched the first overall pick.

Dolphins at Bills: The Bills have already won the AFC East, and the Dolphins control their own destiny for the playoffs: win and they’re in.

Steelers at Browns: The Steelers have already clinched the AFC North. Ben Roethlisberger has been given the week off. If the Browns win, they will clinch a playoff spot. 

Cowboys at Giants: No-one has won the NFC East yet. If the Cowboys win and the Washington Football Team loses to the Eagles, the Cowboys will win the division. The Giants have beat Washington both times, so if they win and the Football Team loses to the Eagles, the Giants win the division.

Ravens at Bengals: The Bengals have been eliminated from the playoffs. The Ravens simply need a win over the Bengals or a Browns loss to the Steelers to get a wildcard spot.

Jaguars at Colts: The Jaguars have clinched the first overall pick and have been eliminated from the playoffs for a while now. The AFC South is still up for grabs with the Colts and Titans both falling to 10-5 in week 16. The Titans have the tiebreaker over the Colts so the Colts need to win and the Titans to lose to win the division or they need to win and have either the Dolphins, Browns, or Ravens to lose to clinch a wild card spot.

Titans at Texans: The Texans have been eliminated for a few weeks now. The Titans just have to win in week 17 to clinch the AFC South and a playoff spot as they have the tiebreaker over the Colts.

Cardinals at Rams: The Rams simply have to win to clinch a playoff berth. However, that task is considerably harder with Jared Goff missing the game with a broken thumb. The Bears hold the seventh seed with their week seven win over the Cardinals. The Cardinals need to win and have the Bears lose to the Packers to get in. If the Bears win, Arizona is out.

Saints at Panthers: The Panthers are eliminated from the playoffs. The Saints have already won the NFC South. If the Saints win, and the Packers and Seahawks lose, the Saints can clinch the number one seed.

Packers at Bears: The Packers have won the NFC North and can clinch the number one seed if they beat Chicago or if Seattle loses to San Fransisco. The Bears can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a Cardinals loss. 

Chiefs at Chargers: No playoff implications here. The Chargers have been eliminated from the playoffs already. The Chiefs have won another AFC West title and locked up the AFC’s first seed with an ugly win over the Falcons. 

Seahawks at 49ers: The 49ers have already been eliminated from the playoffs. The Seahawks have won the NFC West with a week 16 win over the Rams and can clinch the number one seed in the NFC with a win and a loss from the Packers and Saints.

Raiders at Broncos: No playoff implications, both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. 

Football Team at Eagles: The Eagles were eliminated with a blowout loss to the Cowboys. The Football team has the tiebreaker over the Cowboys so with a win and a Cowboys loss, they will win the lackluster NFC East and earn a playoff berth.

---------------------------

My AFC Standings Predictions

1. Chiefs, 14-2

2. Bills, 12-4 (loss to Dolphins, tiebreaker over Steelers)

3. Steelers, 12-4 

4. Titans, 11-5 (both teams win in week 17, but Titans have the tiebreaker over Colts)

5. Colts, 11-5

6. Dolphins, 11-5 (win over Bills)

7. Browns, 11-5 (win over Steelers)

Notable eliminations: Ravens (Browns beat Steelers, so Ravens do not get in)

My NFC Standings Predictions

1. Packers, 12-4 (despite loss to Bears, Packers have the tiebreaker over Saints)

2. Saints, 12-4 

3. Seahawks, 12-4 (they win, and Packers lose, but Saints win, they don’t get #1 seed)

4. Washington, 7-9 (beat Eagles, Cowboys lose Giants)

5. Buccaneers, 11-5

6. Rams, 10-6 (they beat Arizona, got in)

7. Bears, 9-7 (a win against the Packers and an Arizona loss clinched a playoff spot)

Notable eliminations: Cardinals (they lost to Rams, Bears won final two games and have the tiebreaker over the Cardinals)

In a wild year, we can only expect a wild end to the season and a wild but entertaining postseason.

Here are my playoff predictions:

My Super Bowl Winner: Packers

Super Bowl Matchup: Packers vs Bills

AFC Finalsist: Chiefs

NFC Finalist: Buccaneers

How will the Toronto Raptors do this season?

By: Adamo Marinelli

Dec. 24, 2020

    The Toronto Raptors have built a team with a reputation for excellent defense, transition play, and outstanding bench depth with head coach Nick Nurse. 

     Nurse is a talented coach with experience in the G-League and in Europe in addition to his tenure as an assistant coach and head coach in the NBA. 

     The Raptors were always a team that flew under everybody’s radar. For the first half of this decade, they struggled to reach the playoffs. From 2014 until 2018, they were eliminated in early rounds. They struggled especially against Lebron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. It wasn’t until 2018-19, when they won their first NBA championship. That is when they started getting the recognition they deserved for Masai Ujiri’s effort to build this team’s core and Nurse’s effort to coach this team into a group of resilient hard workers. 

       This year, the Raptors have a competitive team and have moderate expectations this season. They may not be a championship contender anymore, but they have a lot of talent and can still be a top 4/5 team in the Eastern Conference and can even make it to the second round of the playoffs. 

     In the last three seasons, they finished first, second, and second in the East. Last season, after the Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard, they were predicted by many to miss the playoffs or to barely make the playoffs. The Raptors finished 53-19, second in the East, and were bested by the Celtics in their title defense. If history tells us anything, the Raptors can exceed expectations and have proven doubters wrong time and time again. 

     Despite this talent, there are always some analysts who still doubting the Raptors, especially in American media. 

     Notable losses in free agency include Marc Gasol who signed with the Lakers and Serge Ibaka who signed with the Clippers. 

     Both losses were significant, but Gasol is 35 years old, nearing the end of his career. His play was declining rapidly in his last year with Toronto. 

     Ibaka was a prolific scorer in the paint and a great defensive presence around the rim, who blocks shots and gets rebounds. Last season, Ibaka really improved his shooting, especially from beyond the arc. 

     The Raptors who had no centers left on their roster, splurged by offering Aaron Baynes a 2 year, $14 million deal. Baynes has talent. He averaged 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds last season for the Pheonix Suns. He can take on a heavy workload and can defend in the paint, rebound well, and is an effective shooter, even from downtown. The Raptors can let him go next summer if they need to free up cap space for their long-term plan.

     They even brought in forward De’Andre Bembry to a two-year, $3.7 million contract for depth off the bench. 

     Despite having their plans fall through to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo, they were able to resign several key pieces of their young core. 

     In addition to bringing back Pascal Siakam on a four year, $130 million deal, they also resigned Fred Van Vleet to a four year, $85 million deal and they just resigned O.G Anunoby to a four year, $72 million deal.

     They also brought back Canadian Chris Boucher who is a crucial piece of the youth the Raptors are developing along with Matt Thomas, Terrence Davis, Patrick McCaw, etc.

     We haven’t seen a lot from the Raptors’ 2021 draft class because of the limited preseason games and short training camp but Raptors' fans have every right to be excited for the two rookies. In the limited action he did get, Malachi Flynn could create plays with his excellent passing skills, shoot effectively, and defend well in space, even against bigger guys. It makes sense, as Flynn considered to be a solid pick for the Raptors with no glaring weaknesses and is someone who can contribute right away. Jalen Harris’s strengths are athleticism and creating off the dribble but his defense and playmaking can improve. 

      The most important part of a team’s long term success is consistency. With their young core players like Siakam, Van Vleet and Anunoby resigned, the rookies and younger players developing under veteran leadership like Lowry and Baynes can focus on playing winning basketball. This team has the potential to make some noise this season.

      It is an unusual season, as the Raptors are playing in Tampa Bay due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but if the Raptors stick to their gameplan consisting of a strong, physical defense that causes turnovers, a fast-paced offense that can move the ball and take advantage of turnovers, they can match well with a lot of teams. 

     In terms of a record, I can see the Raptors winning 48 of 72 games this season. In terms of seeding in the Eastern Conference, I believe the Celtics, Heat, Nets, and Bucks will win 58, 56, 55, and 52 games, respectively, and therefore the Raptors will finish 5th place in the East and would play the Bucks in the fourth round of the playoffs. 

     Without a doubt, this season will be different, but it will be an exciting season to watch nonetheless. 

     Happy Holidays, everyone!

Broncos’ depleted secondary faces a huge uphill battle against an explosive Bills’ offense

By: Adamo Marinelli

Dec. 19, 2020

     The Denver Broncos (5-8) are six-point underdogs against the Buffalo Bills (10-3), who are riding a three-game win streak and can clinch their first AFC East title since 1995. The total points for this game is set at 49 points. 

     The Denver Broncos have only three healthy cornerbacks ahead of today’s game: Will Parks, De’Vante Bausby, and Michael Ojemudia, a rookie out of Iowa. 

     Bills’ QB Josh Allen has developed into an elite talent in the third year of his career and is considered to be in the MVP race this season. My MVP is Aaron Rodgers but Allen has been excellent this year.

     On top of that, the Bills have one of the best receiving cores in the league, led by Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Cole Beasly. In addition, rookie Gabriel Davis is having an outstanding rookie season, and Dawson Knox, their tight end has been reliable all year.

     With A.J. Bouye suspended and injuries to Bryce Callahan, Duke Dawson, Essang Bassey, and Kevin Tolliver II, the Broncos will need to play a lot of nickel and dime defenses and will need a lot of help from their safeties to contain a red-hot target in Diggs who recorded 10 catches for 130 yards and one TD in their week 14 win over the Steelers. 

     I’d suspect a lot of zone schemes, but with Allen being an extremely mobile QB, the Broncos need to bring a lot of pressure to help out the secondary and force the ball out of Allen’s hands quickly. 

     However, the Broncos would need to blitz at least five or six guys if they want to apply adequate pressure to Allen, meaning that would leave man to man matchups in the secondary. The Broncos do have some veterans in their secondary, like all-pro safety Justin Simmons, but it also has a lot of youth and inexperience. Man coverage could be an advantage for the Bills. 

     Another one of Allen’s strengths - in addition to his strong arm and scrambling ability is his ability to throw crossbody and/or across the field. He has the ability to lead everyone to one side and then throw the ball across the field to an open target. This is something the Broncos’ coaching staff will have to prepare for. They will also have to contain Allen and not let him run wild.

     On the other side of the ball, Drew Lock and the offense had their best game of the season. Lock completed 21/27 passes for 280 yards, four TDs, and zero INTs, for a rating of 149.5, the third-highest single-game rating in team history. Drew Lock will need to have another flawless game and the Broncos’ offensive line needs to win their matchups against a gritty, tough Bills defensive line if they want a chance to win.

    Like the Broncos, the Bills’ defense is significantly better against the pass than against the run. Both teams have played well against the pass all season long; the Bills do have the better secondary though, especially with all the Broncos’ injuries. Both teams have struggled against the run as of late, so it should be a good game for the running backs on both teams. Whatever team finds success with the run, their pass game will open up. The Broncos need to run the ball with Gordon and Lindsay a lot today to open up play action, which Lock excels at. 

     Another thing for the Broncos, their kicker Brandon McManus, who has been having an incredible year was ruled out of this game after being in close contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19. I don’t know how efficient Taylor Russolino, their replacement kicker will be, so I expect Vic Fangio and Pat Shurmur to elect to go for it more on short fourth downs in Bills’ territory today. 

     This will be an exciting game to watch, no matter who wins.

Expectations for Team Canada at the World Juniors

                                                                                                                                 By: Adamo Marinelli Dec. 19, 2020

     Team Canada - captained by Kirby Dach, a center on the Chicago Blackhawks - appears to be one of the most talented teams on paper in advance of the tournament in Edmonton, Alberta.

     Six members of Canada’s Gold Medal team in 2020 have returned in 2021 for a chance to repeat as World Champions. 

     Team Canada’s roster was finalized yesterday and is loaded with talent at every position, boasting a total of 20 first-round picks from the last two draft classes. In addition, their coaching staff is extremely well renowned.

     According to an article on Sporting News by Jackie Spiegel, Team Canada are the heavy favourites to repeat as champions for the first time since they won four consecutive titles from 2005 to 2009. 

     Team Canada has a chance to win the Gold medal on home soil for the first time since they won in 2015, with Montreal and Toronto hosting the tournament.

     Team Canada is ranked by many analysts to have more talent on their roster than the other powerhouse teams like Russia, United States, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. 

     According to several oddsmakers, Canada is the heavy favourite to win Group A at -225 odds. Finland is their only real competition at +250 odds, Germany and Switzerland are both tied with +2500 odds to win their group and Slovakia is a big underdog with +4000 odds.

     Group B is significantly the tougher division to win, with Russia, the United States, and Sweden being the powerhouses atop of this group, each country with excellent rosters filled with talent and depth and great coaching staff. Russia is the favourite to win this group with +135 odds, the United States has +225 odds to win the group and Sweden has +300 odds to win the group. The Czech Republic and Austria remain huge under-dogs. 

     Both Team Canada and Team Russia are projected to win their groups and are both projected with the highest odds to finish in the top three best teams in the entire tournament; Canada has -500 odds to do so and Russia has -225 odds. 

     If Team Canada and Team Russia were to meet in the 2021 Gold Medal game, it would make for some interesting betting odds and some exhilarating hockey to watch on T.V. 

     Canada is the slight favourite to win the Gold Medal over Russia if they were to meet in the Gold Medal game. Canada has +160 odds to win the Gold Medal, Russia has +275 odds. The United States has the next best odds to win it all at +425 according to Draft Kings.

     Regardless of how each team looks on paper and what the odds say, it is going to be an amazing tournament when it starts on Christmas day. As team practices continue to get underway, all teams have their sights set on one goal - winning the Gold Medal. 

COVID-19 Updates:

     On December 18th, eight German players and two Swedish staff members tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Canadian Press. 

     The IIHF says all eight Germans will remain in self-isolation until Christmas Eve on Thursday. 

     The two Swedish staff will self isolate until Monday if they are deemed no longer a threat to spread the virus. 

The Best Fantasy Football Athletes in 2020 by Position

Half PPR - After Week 14

QB:

1.  Kyler Murray, AZ, 336.44 pts (3231 pass yds, 23 TDs, 10 INTs)

2.  Patrick Mahomes, KC, 333.72 pts (4208 pass yds, 33 TDs, 5 INTs)

3.  Russell Wilson, SEA, 321.70 pts (3685 pass yds, 36 TDs, 12 INTs)

4.  Aaron Rodgers, GB, 317.30 pts (3685 pass yds, 39 TDs, 4 INTs)

5.  Josh Allen, BUF, 315.34 pts (3641 pass yds, 28 TDs, 9 INTs)

Kyler Murray has been electric for the most part this season, using his arms and his legs. With the help of weapons around him, he is keeping the Cardinals in the playoff race.

Patrick Mahomes’ skill mixed with the plethora of the Chiefs’ offensive weapons has proved to be one of the deadliest offenses in the league and has led to their 12-1 record.

Russell Wilson started the season on record pace; it looked like he would surpass Peyton Manning’s record. Despite slowing down since he’s keeping Seattle in their division race.

Aaron Rodgers has become the fastest QB to pass for 400 TDs. His talent and the guys around him make this offense the best in the league. He is in the MVP race with Mahomes. 

Josh Allen has officially proved his haters wrong. He is having a terrific season, wreaking havoc on defenses with his arms and legs and his Bills lead the AFC East with a 10-3 record.

 

WR:

1.  Tyreek Hill, KC, 262.50 pts (77 rec, 1158 yds, 14 TDs)

2.  Davante Adams, GB, 241.90 pts (91 rec, 1144 yds, 14 TDs)

3.  D.K. Metcalfe, SEA, 210.50 pts (69 rec, 1180 yds, 10 TDs)

4.  Stefon Diggs, BUF, 196.80 pts (100 rec, 1167 yds, 5 TDs)

5.  Keenan Allen, LA, 193.00 pts (99 rec, 975 yds, 8 TDs)

Tyreek Hill showed again this season why he is one of the best and fastest receivers in the NFL. He is electrifying each time he touches the ball and is a nightmare for defenses. 

Davante Adams is on pace to have the best year of his career this season. He is a speedy receiver, with good hands. He is a deep threat and a monster in the red-zone. 

D.K. Metcalfe is showing the league why he was a first-round talent. He has been of the best and most reliable receivers this year. He is already drawing comparisons to Megatron.

Stefon Diggs has been a delightful surprise this year. He came to Buffalo with a goal to succeed and he has sure done that. He is an excellent route runner and is always open for Allen.

Keenan Allen has consistently been there for Justin Herbert, two of the bright spots on an otherwise lackluster Chargers team that has underperformed several times this year.

RB:

1.  Dalvin Cook, MIN, 275.90 pts (1352 rush yds, 14 TDs)

2.  Alvin Kamara, NO, 264.70 pts (723 rush yds, 10 TDs)

3.  Derrick Henry, TEN, 254.60 pts (1532 rush yds, 14 TDs)

4.  James Robinson, JAX, 213.10 pts (1035 rush yds, 7 TDs)

5.  Aaron Jones, GB, 183.80 pts (823 rush yds, 7 TDs)

Dalvin Cook has been a scoring machine this season and has consistently been overachieving both in the run and passing game. Their offense runs through Cook. 

Alvin Kamara has stepped up this season, especially in Drew Brees’ absence. He has been effective running in the red zone and has been very involved in the Saints’ passing game.

Derrick Henry is on pace to win another NFL rushing title. He has eight games over 100 rush yards and two with over 200 yards. He is a strong runner, and elusive, and difficult to tackle. 

James Robinson has been the only bright spot of an otherwise very inconsistent and lackluster Jaguars offense. He always finds gaps to run through and is good in pass block.

Aaron Jones has been explosive for the Packers’ run game, he is a strong runner in the open field, elusive, a red-zone threat, and really opens up the passing game for the Packers. 

TE:

1.  Travis Kelce, KC, 222.16 pts (90 rec, 1250 yds, 9 TDs)

2.  Darren Waller, LV, 163.70 pts (84 rec, 817 yds, 7 TDs)

3.  T.J. Hockenson, DET, 132.70 pts (58 rec, 657 yds, 6 TDs)

4.  Robert Tonyan, GB, 130.30 pts (46 rec, 533 yds, 9 TDs)

5.  Mike Gesicki, MIA, 118.20 pts (44 rec, 602 yds, 6 TDs)

Travis Kelce has shown this year why he is the best tight end in the league. His route running, size, strength, and ability to catch in traffic and break tackles in phenomenal. 

Darren Waller has been excellent for the Raiders this year. He has excelled in a young offense. He is speedy, dangerous in the open field. He can break tackles and rack up YAC. 

T.J.  Hockenson is a great route runner, he has big hands and can catch very well even in traffic. He is a good pass and run blocker and has been a blessing to this offense.

Robert Tonyan is having the best year of his career. His reps increased when Davante Adams and Allen Lazard missed time to injury. He is a deep threat and a red zone threat. 

Mike Gesicki has benefitted from a rejuvenated and youthful Dolphins’ offense with Tua Tagovailoa at QB. He has been a reliable target and has been rewarded in Miami. 

Teams with the most skill players:

GB – 4 (QB, WR, RB, TE)

KC – 3 (QB, WR, TE)

SEA – 2 (QB, WR)

BUF – 2 (QB, WR)

MIN – 1 (RB)

TEN – 1 (RB)

NO – 1 (RB)

AZ – 1 (QB)

LV – 1 (TE)

DET – 1 (TE)

MIA – 1 (TE)

JAX – 1 (RB)

LA – 1 (WR)