PORT JEFF, NY – Happy Friday. Yay. Let’s jump into our topics: Red Storm Resurgence, NFL Divisional Round Predictions
Red Storm Resurgence
It’s been a while since I’ve covered them, but at 15-3 and 6-1 in the Big East, the Johnnies deserve our attention. Following a win over longtime rival Georgetown, 63-58, on Tuesday, the team is off to their best conference start since 1986. There is a myriad of reasons why team is firing on all cylinders, but the simplest one is their defense. Coming into the season, defense made a point of emphasis by targeting and acquiring transfers Arron Scott from North Texas and Devion Smith from Utah. Both have been known as linchpins on the defensive side of the ball and have transformed that aspect the game. Another reason for the team’s continued success is their tenacity on the boards RJ Luis and Zuby Ejiofor, two players who were with the team last year, have taken a quantum leap and have each become elite players at their respective positions. Ejiofor leads the country in offensive rebounds and has established himself as one of the best big men in the country. The Johnnies travel to Jersey on Saturday to face Seton Hall at the Rock.
NFL Divisional Round Predictions
Last week, my predictions were not very good, but we will keep trying. We will start with the defending champion Chiefs who play Houston Texans. This is an intriguing matchup as KC starters have not played in almost three weeks, but as long as Mahomes there, I don’t see a way for the Texans to win this game. My prediction is the Chiefs will win 28-17.
Lions vs. Commanders: Speaking of teams that were on bye, the Detroit Lions return to action and will be even healthier with the return of star running back David Montgomery from a knee injury. The number one seed Lions will face rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Last week, the Commanders went into Tampa Bay shocked the NFC South champion Buccaneers. As much as I like Daniels, going into Detroit is a different challenge. I predict the Lions will win 38-20.
Eagles vs Rams
Of all the games this weekend, I couldn’t decide on a definitive winner. Both of these teams have the talent and pedigree to make a Super Bowl run, but each also leaves a little bit to be desired. There are some concerns have for the Eagles: Is Jalen Hurts 100%? Can they just win by running the ball? This Rams defense is one of the better young cores in football and shut down Angry Ward’s high-flying Vikings last week. There is a case to be made for both teams to win this game. My gut says the Eagles will win in a very close 20-17 last-second field goal.
I have saved the best for last…
The Ravens travel to Buffalo to face the Bills. Lamar Jackson versus Josh Allen— not much more needs to be said. This is one of those games where you’ll probably remember where you were when you watched it. I have not come to a prediction that I feel is strong enough for this one. The one thing I do feel confident about is the points; I think both offenses will light up the scoreboard and give us fans a game to remember.
