Sportacular Sports January 9th Morning Recap

Wednesday, January 9th Headlines
(Recapping the headlines from Tuesday, January 8th)


RGIII to have knee surgery Wednesday
-Many rumors have circulated about the degree of Griffin's injury and the length of time he would be sitting out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen has reported that RG3 has indeed torn his ACL in addition to his LCL. The Redskins had confirmed a tear of the LCL but the MRI Tuesday confirmed the second. I do not completely understand the doctor behind everything but apparently Griffin is now in better shape. The professionals were saying Griffin could be done for up to 18 months. Now, he is rumored to be out 6-8 months barring any set backs. A little known fact is that RGIII actually had a similar injury in his career at Baylor. The knee that had been reconstructed through a patella like structure had been torn through and that will need to be repaired as well. When we are in this category, nothing seems like good news but for the Redskins (and Mike Shanahan), they are satisfied knowing they'll have their Quarterback for next season.

Rob Ryan fired as Defensive Coordinator in Dallas
-After spending only 2 seasons in Big D, Rob Ryan has been fired by the Cowboys. Ryan's defense allowed the most yards in Cowboy's history this year and ranked in the bottom 5 last year. Ryan believes that his defense struggled nightly because of injuries which may be true. Also, Ryan is not scared and is outspoken like his brother Rex, "I'll be out of work for like 5 minutes". Rob Ryan said this in response to his firing and does not fear he will be jobless for much longer.

Duke destroys Clemson 68-40
-Quinn Cook after shooting 0-11 Saturday against Wake Forest rebounded by scoring 27 points Tuesday night. The Tigers managed to only score 10 first half points. Ryan Kelly, who outscored Clemson 12-10 in the first half, sat in the 2nd with a right foot injury. Duke will remain Number 1 for now but plays 9 of its last 16 games on the road.

All ranked teams win, except for Georgetown.
-Teams like Missouri and Ohio State took care of business last night but it was the low scoring Hoyas who got crushed on Tuesday. Pittsburgh, on the road, won 73-45. The Hoyas dropped their second in a row in addition to only scoring 45 points. If you follow College Basketball you know the Hoyas don't score very often and unless it gets fixed, they will go no where in the Tournament.

Heat and Lakers both fall on the road
-The Heat have not been playing well as of late but more importantly what is wrong with the Lakers. I understand Dwight and Pau were both out last night but this team is going in the wrong direction. The Heat simply couldn't hit shots last night, falling 87-77. LeBron continued his 20+ point streak and is 85 points away from 20,000 career points. The Heat are fine, but for the Lake show who fell 125-112, I see trouble. Mike D'Antoni has been no help and allowing 125 points in a night is not getting the job done. The lakers struggle the most in two area, transition and production from the bench. The Lakers keep getting beat down the court for easy buckets. This makes them tired but their is no bench production when Kobe and Steve Nash take a seat. They need to find production from within because all the Laker's money is with KB and Dwight Howard. I'm scared for the Lakers.

NFL Week 17 Headlines

Week 17 Recap

Redskins clinch their first division title in 13 years, face Russel Wilson and the Seahwaks at FedEx Field next Sunday.
-RGIII only completed 50% of his passes Sunday night but his rookie counterpart, Alfred Morris, carried the team. Alfred Morris had 33 carries for. 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. That's a spectacular performance combined with another choke by Tony Romo. Given a chance to prove all the analysts wrong, Romo got the ball down a field goal with 4 minutes remaining on his own 15 yards line. After a 15 yard completion to tight end Jason Witten moved the Cowboys to the 30 yard line, linebacker Rob Jackson bluffed an outside blitz and flew out to the flat. Romo didn't see Jackson and threw up the worst interception of his career. Morris closed the game with his third TD of the game and face the streaking 'Hawks on Sunday.

Adrian Peterson falls 9 yards short of Eric Dickerson's record but Vikings clinch final Wild Card berth.
-With 24 seconds remaining the Packers and Vikings were tied at 34 apiece sitting at the Green Bay 37 yard line. AP was 35 yards away from the record and would need to bust a Touchdown run to hold the record. The only team in America that would have considered running the ball with one timeout, handed the ball off to Peterson who bust through the left side of the line giving everyone a glimmer of hope. Sprinting, stopping, and the juking right, everyone in America was screaming Go! Go! Peterson was finally dragged down at the 11 yard line, 9 yards short of the record. More importantly, AP had put the Vikings in position for a 29 yard Blair Walsh chip shot. I believe Peterson should be the MVP after leading a 3-13 team last season to the playoffs off of a reconstructive knee surgery. Peterson and the Vikes travel to face the same Packers next weekend in a 3-6 playoff matchup.

Houston blows home-field advantage and a bye as Denver and New Emgland sneak into the 1 and 2 spots.
-Sitting at 11-1, Houston dropped 3 out of their last 4 to fall into the 3 seed in the AFC. Instead of a first round bye and extra week of rest, Houston faces a pesky Cincinnati team this weekend. As Denver and New England snuck into the top spots, the AFC is lining up for a Manning vs. Brady matchup in the mountains on January 20th.

49ers slide into the 2 seed, setting up a rookie QB matchup between Robert Griffin 3rd and Russel Wilson.
-The Niners room care of business and defeated the Cardinals. With help from Minnesota, the Niners were able to jump into a first round bye. This set up an intriguing matchup between the two hottest NFC teams. The hype behind Griffin and the underdog story with Wilson should lead to an excellent game next weekend.

Colts dominate the Texans in Chuck Pagano's first game back from leukemia; face Pagano's old team in Baltimore Sunday.
- Written above this game was the game in which Houston choked away their bye but more importantly Chuck Pagano coached his first game since beating his battle with leukemia. The unbelievable underdog story travels to Baltimore to play the hurting Ravens. Everyone in America will be rooting for Luck, Pagano, Arians, and the Colts come Sunday in truly the best sports story this year.

Wild Card Matchups- All times ET
Bengals vs. Texans 4:30 on NBC
Vikings vs. Packers 8pm on NBC
Colts vs. Ravens 1pm on CBS
Seahawks vs. Redskins 4:30 on FOX

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

Headline:
The Dallas Cowboys travel to the nation's capital to face rookie sensation RGIII and company in an NFC East winner take all matchup.

Dallas Cowboys:
The most known statistic for this matchup is Tony Romo's lack of success in big time games. The muffed extra point in the playoffs and the two blowout losses in the same winner take all games makes the assessment very fair. As a cause of his troubles, many people are calling this game the "moment of truth" of Tony Romo's career. No one is really giving Dallas a chance but Dez Bryant and Miles Austin should be able to exploit the weaker Washington secondary. DeMarcus Ware will be suiting up sporting a shoulder brace and will be a major part of containing Robert Griffin. The key for Dallas is not stopping RGIII but rather containing him to give themselves a chance.

Washington Redskins:
The Washington Redskins have a chance to return to the postseason for the first time in 7 years. Very much so thanks to rookie Quaterback RGIII. One thing I noticed was that his hype has also picked up the others on the team and improved the play of his teammates. The positive attitude Griffin brings to Washington is a major key for their success. If the Redskins can play reasonably on defense they should have an excellent chance of winning this football game.

Prediction:
I really want to pick the upset in this game but until Romo proves himself I have to go with the home team. I'm rooting for Romo but RGIII will play the best game of his career and an Alfred Morris touchdown will seal the deal and send the 'Skins to the playoffs.

Final Score:
Washington-31 Dallas-21
Line:
Washington -3.0
Over/Under:
49.5

NFL Sunday Recap-Sportacular Sports

NFL Sunday Recap

Ravens clinch 2nd straight divisional title
-Baltimore rolled to a 33-14 victory securing a home playoff game. The Giants need a win against the Eagles and losses from Minnesota and Chicago to return to the postseason.

Cincinnati wins on a last second FG clinching a playoff birth
-The Bengals traveled to Pittsburgh where a late Interception and an ensuing FG pushed Cincy into the 6 spot and knocking Pittsburgh out of the playoffs.

Dallas falls to the Saints in OT while the Redskins tame the Eagles
-RgIII and company held the Eagles at the goal line as time expired to take lead of the division. The Cowboys recovered from a 14 point deficit in the 4th only to falter in overtime. Thanks to a Giants loss, the matchup next weekend still remains the NFC East Championship Game.

Calvin breaks the record on Saturday, AP still has a ways to go.
-Calvin Johnson shredded the Falcons for 225 yards on Saturday Night and remains only 108 yards away from the 2,000 mark. Adrian Peterson rushed for a mere 86 yards and would need 208 yards to break Eric Dickerson's record next week against the Packers.

Sportacular Sports- Who will win the NFC East?

Who will win the NFC East?

The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins control their destiny to becoming division champions while the New York Giants remain as the dark horse in the race. The Cowboys and Redskins both win the division by win ing today and then next weekend against each other. The Giants win with two wins and a loss by both the Skins and Boys.

Washington has the easiest road to the division playing the eagles and home against Dallas next week. How will RGIII play on an injured knee is a concern but I think the Redskins will be the surprise of the year clinch next week at home.

Tony Romo better win the division or it will be an extremely long offseason. The critics are out but Romo has put them to sleep on their recent winning streak. Will it continue against the Saints today, I think so but come next weekend I think the Redskins will be victorious.

The New York Giants definitely have a chance to win the division but I don't believe they will not do I believe they will make the playoffs. This seems like an off season for everyone including Eli Manning and their will be a new Super Bowl Champion this season.

Conclusion
The Redskins win the division and neither the Cowboys nor the Giants will make the playoffs.

Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Recap

Final Score: Falcons-19 Cowboys-13

While I anticipated a much higher scoring matchup, my prediction that Matt Ryan would improve his unbelievable home record was accurate. Besides a somewhat shocking drive where Tony Romo led the Cowboys straight down the field, the Cowboys offense was stagnant. Not much better was the Falcons offense. 

Atlanta moved the ball nicely but once nearing the endzone, the Falcons offense would stall. Atlanta only scored one TD on the ground by Michael Turner and Tony Romo didn't even turn the ball over. Meanwhile, the Cowboys still found themselves on the losing end pushing their record to 3-5. Atlanta remains unbeaten but only one game up on Chicago for the 1 seed in the NFC. Atlanta keeps on winning as does Chicago. 

The team who truly needs the number 1 seed is in fact the Falcons. Here are my reasons why.

Reason 1- Matt Ryan does not lose very often at home. With Matty Ice under the helm, Atlanta has only lost 6 total games in the Georgia Dome. Even though Atlanta did lose once at home in the playoffs, from their 24-2 defeat last year on the road to New York, it definitely shows they need to play in Atlanta when it comes playoff time. 

Reason 2- The other reason I believe Atlanta needs the home field advantage is the dome advantage they have. Chicago is a much better balanced team. The Bears can run the ball through Matt Forte, throw the ball to Brandon Marshall, and the Bears defense can put up points themselves. Unlike Chi-town, the Falcons rely heavily on their passing attack. While that is very effective, playing outside in the rain or swirling winds in Chicago, per say  would be very difficult for this Atlanta squad. 

If Atlanta can remain atop the NFC they will have an excellent chance of bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Atlanta.


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Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Preview

Sunday Night Football on NBC 
Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons

Let's lay down the facts for this game.

Cowboys 3-4

Falcons 7-0

Falcons are at home.

Matt Ryan is 25-4 at the Georgia Dome in his career.

Tony Romo throws a lot of interceptions.

Now that we have established the facts for this game, we are going to look at the line created by Vegas. 

Falcons -4

In my mind, I have no possible idea how the line can be a meer 4 points in Atlanta. Lets get this straight, it is the NFL and the phrase "any given Sunday" was created for a reason. So yes the Cowboys could defiantly win this game. But if you look back at Dalla's last two games you would say no way. 2 weeks ago Dallas traveled to Baltimore and almost took them down. If not for a blown field goal by Dan Bailey, they would have been victorious. The amazing thing is, is that Romo was almost perfect. Besides the Week 1 defeat of the Giants, it was his best game of the year yet resulting in a L. Next, you transition to the inconsistent Tony Romo who last week opened up the game at home with 3 consecutive interceptions. It is always a mystery which Tony Romo we will see. Hopefully the viewers will get the great Tony Romo setting up an excellent matchup tonight.

A pleasant surprise this season has been the excellent play of the Atlanta Falcons. Sitting as the NFL's only remaining unbeaten, the Falcons are led by home stud Matt Ryan. Matty Ice has been very productive this season with much help from his many capable targets. A little background really quick. Two winters ago the Atlanta Falcons basically traded their entire plethora of draft picks to acquire star WR Julio Jones from Alabama. While a bold move at the time, the move has quickly paid off. In addition to Jones, the Falcons find number 1 WR Roddy White along with 16 year veteran Tony Gonzalez. Out of the backfield, Michael Turner leads the rushing attack with change of pace back Jaquizz Rodgers complementing well. The defense has held its own and the Falcons are almost unbeatable at home. 

Prediction: Falcons-34 Cowboys-21

Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys have so much talent but for some reason never get the job done. The Atlanta Falcons have struggled in the playoffs but at home during the regular season Matt Ryan is almost automatic. Watch a close game in the first half but a Romo turnover will cost the 'Boys and Atlanta will pull away late.

Sportacular Sport's NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are Sportacular Sport's predictions and analysis for Week 8 of the NFL Season

So far this week I'm 0-1 because the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night. 

Bye Week Teams- Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals

(1-5) Carolina Panthers @ (5-1) Chicago Bears

After a strong defensive showing from the Bears on Monday Night, it seems no one can score against this defense. Allowing only 13 ppg the bears go up against a Cam Newton who cannot seem to escape the Sophomore slump. After a poor outing at home against a beat up Dallas team, I don't see this one being any close. While Cam contains big-play potential, I see Matt Forte having an excellent game and the Bears prevailing big. (With Jay Cutler though, how is anyone supposed to figure out this game)

Final Score- Bears-31- Panthers-17(I think the Panthers will score a garbage touchdown making it look closer than it really was)

(3-3) San Diego Chargers @ (1-6) Cleveland Browns

Philip Rivers just pulled off the biggest choke-job of his career and for him that's saying something. In wake of blowing a 24 pt lead two mondays ago, I think the Chargers rebound with a tight win. The Browns might be without first round pick Trent Richardson and even if he suits up he's struggling with a rib injury. The Browns always have a knack for keeping games close, especially at Paul Brown Stadium. Their average margin of defeat is just over 7 points a game meaning their always in it till the end. Rivers plays well enough to get the victory.

Final Score- Chargers-24-Browns-20

(4-3) Seattle Seahawks @ (2-4) Detroit Lions

A surprising 4-3 Seattle team led by rookie QB Russel Wilson, travels to Detroit, Michigan to face a disappointing Lions team. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Lions look like the 2008 0-16 Detroit team. Not really, but they are very disappointing based off the potential entering the season. A 5,000 yard passer (Matthew Stafford) and the NFL's best receiver (Calvin Johnson). On the other hand, Marshawn Lynch keeps running over players and the Seahawks keep squeaking out wins. I've been very discouraged by the play of the Lions and very satisfied with the performance of the Hawks. In a surprise, I think the Seahawks sneak into Detroit and steals a win.

Final Score- Seahawks-23-Detroit-21

(1-5) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (4-3) Green Bay Packers

Maurice Jones- Drew and maybe Blaine Gabbert are going to be out for this game. If both are playing, I still don't see this one being any close. Green Bay is at home and Rodgers has found his game again. The Jags, on the other hand, just blew a game to the Raiders last Sunday and don't have much going for them. Their past two top draft picks have been Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Neither have produced and having the 28th ranked defense won't help much. I predict this one being a blowout. Final Score-Packers 38-Jaguars-13

(3-3) Indianapolis Colts @ (3-4) Tennessee Titans

An inspired Colts team travels to Nashville to face a streaking Titans squad. Having won two in a row with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans have beaten the Steelers at home and then traveled to Buffalo and won in a high scoring affair. The Colts also are playing well themselves after beating the Packers and Browns in two out of their last three. I anticipate this game to be very close and very well played. Chris Johnson appears to be playing well and Kenny Britt when healthy can be very effective. While RGIII seems to be running away with the ROY, Andrew Luck has been very good as well. The one aspect that I think could take Tennessee over the top would be their special teams. Therefore, in a very tight one I believe with the home crowd the Titans will be victorious.

Final Score- Titans-31-Colts-27

(4-3) New England Patriots "@" (3-4) St. Louis Rams

The reason for the quotations is because this game is taking place in London, England. After heartbreaking losses to the Ravens and Seahawks and a very close game against the Jets, it is very hard to tell which Patriot team we will see in England this weekend. I anticipate a team led by 3 time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady making a major statement. If the Patriots lose this game though, this could be the beginning of the end of the Brady dynasty. The St. Louis Rams are showing signs of an up and coming team. Playing in the NFC West is a tough task nowadays as the Rams are in last with a decent 3-4 record. St. Louis has been playing well but they're do for a stinker and the Patriots are going to be angry this weekend.

Final Score- Patriots 42-Rams-17

(3-3) Miami Dolphins @ (3-4) New York Jets

Just like the Rams, the Dolphins look like an up and coming team with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. Reggie Bush can be effective and the breakout player of the year so far is WR Brian Hartline. Coming off a bye week, I expect the Dolphins to jump out to a quick lead and quiet Fireman Ed. Even though NY has lost the best CB (Darrelle Revis) in the league and their top WR (Santoni Holmes), the Jets can still play good defense. Shonn Greene leads the ground and pound attack although he is inconsistent. A late comeback by Mark Sanchez and our first sighting of a Tim Tebow TD leads the Jets to a close win at home.

Final Score-Jets-23-Dolphins-20

(6-0) Atlanta Falcons @ (3-3) Philadelphia Eagles

The last undefeated team in the NFL travels to a highly talented yet underperforming Eagles team on Sunday @ 1pm. Matty Ice has lived up to his nickname in winning late in games. The Falcons haven't been overly dominant but that's irrelevant because they're finding ways to win. The Eagles however led by Mike "turnover" Vick have one of the most talented teams in the NFL yet cannot perform likewise. Lesean Mccoy has been O.K. and the combo of the Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been alright as well. However, I see a strong defensive effort from the Eagles on Sunday as they play up to their potential. Eagles eliminate the final undefeated and win by enough where Mike Vick won't have the chance to blow the game.

Final Score-Eagles-27-Falcons-17

(3-4) Washington Redskins @ (3-3) Pittsburgh Steelers

RGIII has almost locked up ROY and we are only heading into week 8 of the NFL season. His unbelievable play on 4th and 11 last week almost helped the Redskins knock off the defending champs on the road. If it weren't for a 77 yard breakdown in the secondary courtesy of Victor Cruz, the Redskins would have a chance to have a winning record heading into the 2nd half of the season. While the 'Skins look like they have a bright future, the Steelers show up with a different team every week. Big Ben has a 14-1 record at home against NFC opponents but those were teams filled with DPOY's like healthy Troy Polamalus and James Harrisons. In the upset of the week, watch as that record becomes 14-2. 

Final Score-Redskins-23-Steelers-21

(2-4) Oakland Raiders @ (1-5) Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams came into the season with much upside and have not delivered much. Besides KC's dream season a few years ago, the Chargers and Broncos look like they still control the AFC West. Oakland led by turnover prone Carson Palmer and injury ridden Darren McFadden and Darius Heyward-Bey have yet to click. After a come from behind against the...Jags... Oakland doesn't have much besides two all pro kickers. The Chiefs though have the talent in Jamal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel has been injured but even before that the Chiefs didn't look very good. Bowe doesn't want to be there and the Chiefs cheer when their QB gets hurt. This looks like the worst game of the week. I guess I'll take the Chiefs because they are at home but besides that there is nothing doing here.

Final Score-Chiefs-31-Raiders-23

(5-2) New York Giants @ (3-3) Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are playing like defending champions and no one can touch Eli in the 4th. The Cowboys have way too much talent to be just 3-3. Granted they should've beaten the Ravens, the Cowboys have a dynamic duo at WR, a pro-bowl Qb, and a solid RB. The Cowboys defeated the Giants in the opening of the NFL season but are extremely inconsistent. The Giants usually go through a mid season slump and what greater time to start right about now.

Final Score-Cowboys-26-Giants-17

(2-4) New Orleans Saints @ (3-3) Denver Broncos

The Saints have won 2 in a row behind excellent performances by Drew Brees. The Denver Broncos are also riding a small winning streak and are coming off their bye. Give a rested Peyton Manning an extra week to prepare for a horrible defense and watch a thrashing. The Saints can put up points themselves but it won't be enough on Sunday Night. Expect an extremely exciting game resulting in a Broncos's win.

Final Score-Broncos-41-Saints-31