News
The dawn of a new year can bring many new things - and for those of you reading this - a new blog. I've kicked this idea around for a few years, and in 2018, I'm taking the plunge. Having worked in the sports television world for a dozen years I am constantly asked, "What do you think will happen in this game?" or "How do you think this will play out?" If these questions ever cross your mind - here's your destination.
"Greg's Best Guess" is simply that - I'll pick select games or topics from the world of sports and let you know how the future will play out. At least that's the plan.
We're entering the most critical part of the NFL season, so let's start there. Here is how I see the wild card round playing out:
AFC
Tennessee at Kansas City
Prediction: Kansas City 24-14
Greg's Take: Kansas City's midseason swoon is behind them and I think a weak Tennessee secondary will allow Alex Smith to have a pretty good day finding WR Tyreek Hill & TE Travis Kelce for a pair of TDs.
Buffalo at Jacksonville
Prediction: Jacksonville 24-10
Greg's Take: Welcome back to the postseason, Buffalo. It's going to be a short stay. Bills fans may be living like it's 1999, but the Jags defense will stifle the Bills for four quarters - especially if LeSean McCoy is not 100%.
NFC
Atlanta at LA Rams
Prediction: LA Rams 28-24
Greg's Take: I think this is the hardest game to pick of the wild card weekend. Both teams have outstanding offenses led by terrific multi-dimensional RBs. I'll take the Rams in a close one with home field advantage.
Carolina at New Orleans
Prediction: New Orleans 31-20
Greg's Take: They say it's hard to beat a team 3 times in one season, but I think that's exactly how it plays out in the Big Easy. Carolina is Cam Newton without much else and that's not enough in the playoffs. The Panthers D is good, but they haven't slowed down the Saints offense in either game this season - and it's not about to happen in the Dome.
Bonus Pick #1
FCS Championship - North Dakota State vs. James Madison
Prediction: James Madison 24-20
Greg's Take: It all comes down to injuries. Whether or not the Bison get back all the guys they're hoping for - I don't think there's any chance any of them plays at or near 100%. JMU will find enough ways to expose those weaknesses, and while NDSU will hang tough as they always do, the Dukes come out on top.
Bonus Pick #2
FBS Championship - Alabama vs. Georgia
Prediction: Georgia 27-24
Greg's Take: I'll admit I'm going more with my heart than with my head on this one. My mind says do not pick against Nick Saban and that Alabama defense, but after watching the resolve of Georgia in that epic Rose Bowl, I feel this Bulldogs squad may just be a team of destiny. Playing in front of a bi-partisan Georgia crowd won't hurt either. The magic from Pasadena finds its way to Atlanta and Georgia will hang on for the victory.