January 3, 2021 Results:

What we got right:

College Basketball:

#25 Ohio State at #21 Minnesota - Game was a lot less competitive than we thought it would be, but the result came the way we expected. The Gophers dominated the Buckeyes 77-60, holding them to 31% shooting from the field. This Minnesota defense is legit, and they are a threat to win the Big Ten.

#5 Houston at SMU - Houston bounced back nicely from their first loss of the season, dominating the Mustangs throughout. The Cougars had a 45-32 edge in rebounding and made nine more free throws than their counterpart. Point of fact, we picked the difference exactly in this game, just were a little high on both teams scores.

NBA:

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis - This was a two point game after three quarters and then the Lakers turned on the jets. Los Angeles outscored Memphis 31-19 in the fourth quarter in winning 108-94. Another game we got the point differential correct, just were high on both teams. Lebron James led six Lakers in double figures in this game. What he is doing in year 18 in the league is unbelievable.

Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix - The Suns almost had a nice comeback after trailing by 31 points early in the game. They just couldn’t get over the mountaintop as Paul George and the Clippers held on for the 112-107 win. George scored 39 points in helping the good Clippers show up.NFL:

NFL:

Baltimore at Cincinnati - The Ravens are the team that no one in the AFC wants to see come playoff time. They have won five in a row, culminating with at 38-3 win over the Bengals to help them secure the five seed in the playoffs. The play the Titans in a rematch of last years Divisional round and are looking to exact some revenge after being eliminated by Tennessee last year. The Bengals end the year at 4-11-1 and can’t wait for Joe Burrow to get back on the field.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland - So close to nailing the score! We predicted a 23-21 win by the Browns and they won 24-22. Congratulations to Cleveland for making the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Their reward? A rematch with the Steelers, this time with Ben Roethlisberger playing. Don’t expect the Browns to last long in the playoffs, but making it is a major step forward for their team.

New York Jets at New England - After a 28-14 loss to the Patriots, the Jets couldn’t wait to fire their coach. Adam Gase is gone after two years and a 9-23 record. The Jets have the #2 pick in the draft and it will be interesting if they go with a quarterback to replace Sam Darnold or a lineman to protect him. The Patriots season is over at 7-9, the first losing season for them this century.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay - The Buccaneers are the NFC’s version of the Ravens, the team that no one wants to see in the playoffs. Hats off to Tom Brady, who is still slinging it at 43 years old. Tampa Bay matches up against Washington next week, while the Falcons are still looking to see who will be their head coach in 2021.

Green Bay at Chicago - The Packers and Bears both had everything to play for in this one, and it is no surprise that an Aaron Rodgers led team got the win. With that victory, Green Bay secures the #1 seed in the NFC. Chicago got the help they needed with the Rams beating the Cardinals, and they snuck into the playoffs at 8-8. Their reward is a trip to the Big Easy to play the Saints on Sunday.

Las Vegas at Denver - Picked the Broncos to win, but they did cover the spread so it is a win. The Raiders scored with 24 seconds left in the game and went for the win instead of trying to force overtime. After a successful two point conversion, the Raiders got the win in their finale for the first time in ten seasons. Both teams now look towards the draft, with Denver possibly looking for a new quarterback after Drew Lock struggled in his second season.

What we got wrong:

College Basketball:

#19 Northwestern at #16 Michigan - Thought this game would be closer. Michigan dominated from the opening tip, and at one point had a 29 point lead over the Wildcats. Northwestern is still a good team, but when you allow 12 three pointers like they did against the Wolverines, wins are hard to come by. The Big Ten is going to be a dog fight this year, so don’t expect too many blowouts like the one we had here.

NBA:

Boston at Detroit - Boston secured a 122-120 win, not enough to cover the spread or really feel all that great. A split in back to back games against the Pistons, with a win by only two points, will get the Boston media wondering when Kemba Walker is going to return. The team needs Jayson Tatum and Jaylon Brown to keep playing the way they have been, while having guys like Marcus Smart and Tristian Thompson improve, and they need it fast.

Washington at Brooklyn - I really don’t know what to make of the Nets. They really are the Eastern Conference Clippers. This game was a tight affair throughout, but Brooklyn couldn’t get the last shot to fall in losing 123-122. Bradly Beal and the Wizards have now won two in a row after an 0-5 start, a good sign that even though they aren’t as talented as many teams in the East, they are playing hard.

Denver at Minnesota - Things are turning south in a hurry for the Timberwolves. They need Karl Anthony-Towns back in the worst way. Minnesota was ahead by two points going into the fourth quarter, but were outscored 41-25 in the last frame. The Nuggets needed this win and got it behind their two stars. Jamal Murray scored 36 points and Nikola Jokic had a triple double in the 124-109 win.

Utah at San Antonio - The Jazz outscored the Spurs by 45 points behind the three point line, knocking down 21 threes in the 130-109 victory. Six players made multiple three pointers for Utah, while the starters for San Antonio combined only made one. San Antonio needs more shooting if they are going to go anywhere, otherwise a second straight season without a playoff berth seems likely.

Dallas at Chicago - In every sport their is a team that we just can’t figure out. In the NBA that team is the Bulls. Even without Luca Doncic not playing for the Mavericks, they shouldn’t be losing to the Bulls. Chicago did what they needed to do to win the game, but their a lot of questions in Dallas about the supporting cast surrounding Doncic. None of them were answered here.

Portland at Golden State - Sometimes you just have to tip your cap and say well done. That is what Portland had to do after Steph Curry dropped 62 on them yesterday. Curry made eight three pointers and went 18-19 from the free throw line in the 137-122 win over the Blazers. Lillard and McCollum combined for 60 points against the Warriors, but were outscored by Steph himself.

NFL:

Miami at Buffalo - The Dolphins needed a win at Buffalo to assure themselves of a playoff berth. Josh Allen only played in the first half. Despite all of that the Bills ripped the Dolphins 56-26, earning the #2 seed in the AFC and knocking Miami out of the playoffs. Miami had a good season in going 10-6, but this will surely leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Minnesota at Detroit - This was a wildly entertaining game from start to finish. Even though neither team had a chance at the postseason, the Vikings and Lions both played all their starters. Kirk Cousins continued his mastery over Detroit, throwing for 405 yards and three touchdowns, while Matt Stafford got three touchdowns of his own for Detroit. Now both teams look to improve through the draft, and seeing the two other teams in the Division make the playoffs can’t sit well with these franchises.

Dallas at New York Giants - This game ended up not mattering because the Washington Football Team won on Sunday night, and it seemed like the Cowboys knew that was going to happen. The leading rusher in the game for Dallas was Andy Dalton with 48 yards. This season is mercifully over for these two teams, but they both know with just a couple of tweaks they can win a terrible division in 2021.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis - The spread on this game was 15. The Colts won by 14. Indianapolis got in the playoffs by virtue of Buffalo beating Miami, and now the Colts head to Buffalo to thank them personally. Bills Colts is the first game of the playoffs, and the first game usually has some craziness to it. Meanwhile Jacksonville can now start making Trevor Lawrence jerseys, as the owner of the #1 pick.

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City - The Chiefs rested the majority of their starters against the Chargers and it showed. The Chargers dominated from the beginning, winning 38-21. Justin Herbert finished off his amazing rookie year by throwing for 302 yards and three touchdowns. The Chargers have their answer at quarterback, now the question is will they keep their head coach? The Chiefs secured the #1 seed in the AFC last week and now wait to see who they play in the Divisional round.

Arizona at Los Angeles Rams - Both of these teams were playing for their playoff lives, and it came down to John Wolford vs Chris Streveler. Kyler Murray was injured in the first quarter for the Cardinals, and their season was over soon after that. The Rams now head to Seattle for a third game against the Seahawks. If Jared Goff plays it will be a fascinating game. If he doesn’t pencil in the Seahawks for the second round.

Seattle at San Francisco - The Seahawks never play a normal game. They were down 16-6 early in the fourth quarter, rallied to take a 26-16 lead, and watched as the Niners scored a touchdown with 23 seconds left to cover the spread. After wins by the Saints and Packers, the Seahawks secured the #3 seed in the NFC and their reward is a rematch with Division rival Los Angeles. San Francisco heads to the offseason with questions about who will be their starting quarterback in 2021.

New Orleans at Carolina - Apparently the Saints didn’t need any running backs. Converted Wide Receiver Ty Montgomery had 18 carries for 105 yards as New Orleans locked up the #2 seed in the NFC. Drew Brees struggled in the playoffs, and now gets to face a Chicago Bears team that has a very good pass rush. Carolina hopes they can get Christian McCaffery healthy for 2021, and it looks like they found their quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater.

Tennessee at Houston - This game was a lot closer than anyone expected. Deshaun Watson has a lot of pride, and it showed in this game. Unfortunately for the Texans, Sam Sloman’s game winning field goal hit off the upright and bounced in, sending the Titans to the AFC South crown. Also, congratulations to Derrick Henry for surpassing 2,000 yards rushing in 2020. Quite an accomplishment.

Washington at Philadelphia - The drama continues for Philadelphia. They were in the game when Jalen Hurts was benched for Nate Sudfield. Giants players went on twitter and complained that the Eagles were tanking. It is comical that a 6-10 Giants team is crying foul because the Eagles chose to get better draft position. Washington makes the playoffs at 7-9 and matches up with Tom Brady and Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round. Their playoff run will be short lived.