NFL
While the Saints and the Vikings both dropped games this week, I'd caution anyone from over-reacting. Maybe this will start a pattern of losses, but more likely both of teams will finish with 13+ wins, hardly something to scoff at. As such unless some other team can demonstrate the consistency the Saints and Vikings have demonstrated I have to predict that they will meet in the NFC Championship Game.
I think the Chargers might be the toughest team to judge for the playoffs. On paper they seem to have everything you could want. A nearly unstoppable offense headed by a Pro Bowl QB. A defense with quality CBs and better than average pass rush. Most importantly they seem to be red hot going into the end of the year. On the other hand...Norv Turner. Let me repeat Norv Turner. So where will the Chargers end up? I'm going with bowing out in the AFC Championship game but I'm incrediably uncertain...
NBA
The oddest and grossest injury report of the year might go to Dirk Nowitzki who was out with teeth fragments in his elbow.
It's pretty easy to predict that Tyreke Evans will be rookie of the year. Only two other people are averaging 20-5-5 this year (Lebron and Wayde) which puts Evans in elite company as a rookie. My other prediction is that the Atlanta Hawks will be a top 3 team in the East (i.e. finish with a better record than out the previously thought of super teams). The Hawks have taken their game to another level with Joe Johnson putting up superstar numbers and Joe Smith finally becoming effecient.
College Basketball
With the College Football season nearly finished, it is almost time to embrace college basketball. I've already noted Kentucky, Syracuse, and Kansas as elite teams. I still haven't watched Purdue but there's no reason not to believe if they stay healthy, they are Final 4 material. Let me add another - Texas. After watching the deep and physical Longhorn team control UNC - it's hard not to add Texas to the list. They are stocked with upperclassmen and freshmen who bring both outside shooting and strong rebounding. Since this is a predicting MMBSD...I will say this will be one of the widest open tournaments on record.
Alice Goodwin
Will still be hot in 2010
