Rather than “bold” let’s go with “scary” predictions this week. As you know, it’s Halloween, so it seems most appropriate.
Besides candy treats and the miraculous and tricky transformation of normally conservative women turning into creatures of the night, this is one treat of a sports weekend; the trick is getting these predictions right (it’s too easy…I can’t help myself).
The docket is full, and the stakes are high, so here are my devilishly bold (aka, scary) predictions…
Royals Sweep
Despite my unabashed fandom for the Kansas City Royals, I’m not necessarily even hoping for this. I mean, if this series could be the best of 27, I’d be okay with that. This Fall Classic is truly classic. Two great teams, loads of fantastic pitchers and hitters that could scare any of them. But, here’s the thing. You can’t lose in a 14-inning, clear the bullpens thriller, then lose again – making it two losses against your best two hurlers – and then feel good about getting back into the Series. The Mets just took a major blow to the gut, and I’m not sure they can bounce back, even in New York. Let’s put it this way, if the Royals win Game 3 tonight, bring in the Fat Lady for Game 4.
Nuggets Whip Minny
I know, I know. This isn’t looking so bold right about now, is it? Well, if I’d have said that prior to Wednesday, you’d have said, “Geez, Ottewill, that’s pretty bold.” Win? Oh, sure, maybe. But blow out the Timberwolves on Friday? That is correct. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this team strikes me as a unit with something to prove. That’s a dangerous thing in the NBA, because when the best athletes on the planet put their minds to something, they’re fully capable of doing it. Minnesota comes in 1-0, playing at altitude, while the Nuggets are thirsty to prove that Houston was no fluke. Plus, a ravenous crowd on-hand at Pepsi Center will energize the whole gosh-darn place. Vegas says Nuggets by four, but I say we’d better make it fourteen… Nuggets cruise to 2-0, and I never liked Kevin Garnett much anyway.
300. 100. 100.
Look familiar? That’s what I predicted prior to the Broncos’ ugly win in Cleveland. As in 300-yards passing and 100-yards receiving for both wideouts. Well, I was 10 yards off from being boldly correct. Manning had 290, while both Thomas and Sanders passed the century mark. Not bad, but if I was really sharp, I’d have also predicted a 100-yard rush (which Ronnie Hillman was). But against the Packers? Why not? Did you know that Manning has more passing yards per game on the season than the great Aaron Rodgers? Yep, 254 compared to Rodgers’ 249. And to think the sky isn’t falling in Green Bay? But back to being bold. The Broncos will win, and Manning will dazzle the doubters with 300-plus. One of the receivers will have 100-plus, and Hillman will entrench himself as The Man, rumbling for 100 of his own.
Mark it down people, and stop giving kids baked goods and apples when they’re trick or treating. Happy Halloweekend.