Sports
Celebrate the Best and Brightest Local Student Athletes at the Inaugural Unsung Heroes Awards
The Presidential Inauguration will be held in Washington DC January 21 on Martin Luther King Jr Day. The reelection and swearing in of America’s first African-American president 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation signifies a major step forward for our country.
In commemoration of the United States’ perseverance and unity, the official theme for the inauguration is “Faith in America’s Future.” For those in Southern California unable to attend the festivities in our nation’s capital, there is an event on Sunday, January 20 that encapsulates the theme of “Faith in America’s Future.”
Thanks to Jeffrey Coprich and the Inner City Youth Foundation, the best local student athletes will be honored at the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Inaugural Unsung Heroes Awards “An Evening of Champions” to be held at Celebrity Centre’s Garden Pavilion in Hollywood.
Award recipients will be recognized for their exceptional performance in the classroom, on the field and within the community.
Media coverage for the event will be provided by www.collegelevelathletes.com. Founded by former UC Davis wide receiver and kick returner Aaron Plunkett, CLA serves to empower the next generation of student athletes by providing a platform to gain exposure. Student athletes can create a free recruiting profile that provides coaches and recruiters better insight to their talent. CLA is dedicated to helping any athlete interested in competing at the college level.
You can follow CLA on Twitter at twitter.com/SportsRecruits or check out their Facebook page: facebook.com/sports.recruit.
Several of the student athletes to be honored are committed to big time college football programs. With quality young people like these, faith in the future is simple.
If you’re in the Hollywood area Sunday night, come on down to Garden Pavilion to the Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony and celebrate student athletes every American can be proud of.
Jan 17th
NFL Divisional Picks
At Denver -9 Baltimore
Manning steamrolls at home.
Pick: Broncos -9
At San Francisco -3 Green Bay
Green Bay gets revenge.
Pick: Packers +3
At Atlanta -2.5 Seattle
Seattle confirms Atlanta’s playoff weakness.
Pick: Seahawks +2.5
At New England -9.5 Houston
Brady makes sure the Texans play from behind.
Pick: Pats -9.5
Jan 12th
NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks
At Houston -4.5 Cincinnati
It’s strange to think that Andy Dalton has more playoff experience than Matt Schaub, but it’s true. Schaub’s set to make his first postseason start, and his team has dropped three of the last four games. The Bengals, on the other hand, are coming in pretty hot. I think both of these teams are not likely to make a deep run, but I like the Bengals to come in to Houston and put up a damn good fight.
Pick: Bengals +4.5
At Green Bay -7.5 Minnesota
I want to believe that the Minnesota magic will continue, but I think it stops here. The Packers are healthy, humbled and ready to put a stop to all this Vikings madness. Everyone knows AP’s carrying the load, but I think this time, it won’t be enough.
Pick: Packers -7.5
At Baltimore -7 Indianapolis
I’m a big fan of momentum going into the playoffs. Teams can’t just turn it on at will. You gotta be riding on something positive to sustain success in the postseason. The Ravens have lost four of their last five games. The Colts have won nine of their eleven games. The links between these two franchises run deep, but the momentum is all on Indy’s side.
Pick: Colts +7
Seattle -3 At Washington
Two sensational rookie QBs duke it out for the chance to advance. If this game was in Seattle, the Seahawks would be favored by multiple scores. It’d be an easy call. But the Skins get home field advantage, and they’re gonna need it. The Seahawks are riding a five-game win streak and that includes a three week stretch where they absolutely crushed people, beating the Cardinals, Bills and Niners by a combined 150-30. One thing to consider though, is the only quality opponent that Seattle has beaten on the road is the Bears. And that was in overtime. Seattle’s road victories include wins at Arizona, Carolina, Buffalo and Chicago. This is easily the toughest road challenge they’ve had all season. If Seattle can get over this hurdle, they’ll make some noise. I think the Skins, winners of seven straight, can feed off the home crowd and stay in it.
Pick: Skins +3
Last Week: 10-6
Season 132-114-5
Last Season: 140-120-12
Jan 5th
Week 17 NFL Picks
It’s the last week of the regular season, folks. It’s been an interesting year. Young QBs have injected hope in sad, sorry franchises. The playoff-bound teams of the AFC look similar to the group that went last year, with the Colts being the only new addition. There’s been considerably more turnover in the NFC, with the final slot still TBD.
Fantasy football is over, but there’s still time to make a few more bets or look to bet on the Super Bowl online. On to the picks.
At Buffalo -3.5 NY Jets
Sanchez gets the call and no one can be happy about that. On the flipside, Ryan Fitzpatrick is fielding questions on whether this will be his final NFL start. Both QBs could be destined for clipboard duty soon.
Pick: Bills -3.5
At New England -10 Miami
The Pats put forth a sorry effort last week. Look for them to end the year with a convincing W.
Pick: Pats -10
At Cincinnati -2.5 Baltimore
This game changes nothing about the AFC Playoff picture. I think the crowd in Cincy will fire the Bengals to victory.
Pick: Bengals -2.5
At Pittsburgh -10 Cleveland
Everyone who can make plays for the Browns will not be making plays on Sunday. Thad Lewis gets the nod under center, with Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy out. Trent Richardson is sitting too. This is a meaningless game for both teams, but you’d think the Steelers would show some pride and close out the season at home against what amounts to a second-string team.
Pick: Steelers -10
Houston-6.5 At Indianapolis
This game means more to Houston than it does to Indy, but I don’t think that’s going to dictate how things will unfold. The Texans have never won in Indy, and they’ll be up against a raucous crowd, a playoff-like atmosphere and the return of Chuck Pagano. I like the Colts to ride into the playoffs with some inertia.
Pick: Colts +6.5
At Tennessee -4 Jacksonville
The Titans are coming off a serious drubbing. The Jags are a two win team riding a four game losing streak. There doesn’t seem to be anything compelling here, but I think the home team with the better record gets the benefit of the doubt.
Pick: Titans -4
At NY Giants -7.5 Philadelphia
The Giants need all kinds of help to get to the postseason. It all starts with a win against Michael Vick, who’s basically treating this game like a job interview. New York needs a win plus a Dallas loss or tie, plus a Chicago loss and a Minnesota loss to get in the tourney. It doesn’t look good. Still, I think the G-men show up for the first time in weeks.
Pick: Giants -6.5
At Washington -3 Dallas
A win for Dallas clinches the NFC East. Same thing is true for the Skins. This is really a playoff game for both teams. The Skins can still sneak if they lose, provided that the Bears and Vikings both lose as well, but this is a win and in situation. As awesome as Romo and Dez Bryant has been these past few weeks, I like the Skins’ chances better. RGIII is healthier and ready to will this team to the postseason.
Pick: Skins -3
Chicago - 3 At Detroit
The Lions can spoil things for the floundering Bears. The Bears need a win and a Vikings loss to get through. It all starts in the Motor City though. The Lions are going to come out chucking the football, trying to get Megatron over the 2,000 yard mark. The Bears haven’t exactly been lighting up scoreboards these past few weeks. I say they finally get it together and put up some points.
Pick: Bears -3
Green Bay -3 At Minnesota
It’s hard not to love the Vikings. They’ve been on such a roll of upsets. And I know the Packers are already locked in to the playoffs, but I still think they’re a much better team. Still, there’s something about the Vikings at home. They’re 6-1 at home this season and oone more win gets them in.
Pick: Vikings +3
At Atlanta -3 Tampa Bay
The Bucs have lost five in a row and Atlanta’s not resting any starters.
Pick: Falcons -3
At New Orleans -5 Carolina
Up and down year ends on a high note for the Saints.
Pick: Saints -5
At Denver-16 Kansas City
The Chiefs are the lowest scoring team in the NFL. The Broncos are second only to the Pats in the points department. The Broncos are locked in to their playoff slot, but Peyton Manning knows all too well what happens when you let up off the gas to close out the regular season. Broncos roll.
Pick: Broncos -16
At San Diego -8 Oakland
This one’s for Norv!
Pick: Chargers -8
At San Francisco -16.5 Arizona
Brian Hoyer makes his first NFL start. It could be his last. Aldon Smith has 19.5 sacks on the year. He’s within striking distance of Michael Strahan’s sham sack record and you know he’s going to be gunning for Hoyer all day. Six players from San Francisco’s defense are heading to the Pro Bowl. Six! Arizona’s looking at a painful end to a painful season.
Pick: 49ers -16.5
At Seattle -10.5 St. Louis
The Seahawks look like the team most likely to do damage in the playoffs. At home, they’re lights out. Look for them to go 8-0 on the year in Seattle.
Pick: Seahawks -10.5
Last Week: 11-5
Season 122-108-5
Last Season: 140-120-12
Dec 29th
Week 16 NFL Picks
At Green Bay -10.5 Tennessee
Packers cover the big spread. Titans prep for next year.
Pick: Packers -10.5
At Carolina -9 Oakland
Oakland doesn’t have the Chiefs to kick around last week. Panthers roll.
Pick: Panthers -9
At Miami -5 Buffalo
Miami is technically is technically still in the playoff hunt. That’ll end on Sunday, but Fins will still win.
Pick: Fins -5
At Pittsburgh -3 Cincinnati
Crazy playoff implications here. The Steelers are in if they beat the Bengals and Browns. The Bengals just need to get a W in Pittsburgh. AJ Green is going to give that banged up secondary problems, but if the Steelers can minimize miracle turnovers, they should take this.
Pick: Steelers -3
New England -14 At Jacksonville
Talk of Tebow coming to town next season is going to do nothing to soften this beat down.
Pick: Pats -14
Indianapolis -5 At Kansas City
Colts are playoff bound. Chiefs are ready to clean house.
Pick: Colts -5
At Dallas -3 New Orleans
I like the Saints as spoilers. There’s a lot of pride left on a good team that had a tough year.
Pick: Saints +3
Washington -5.5 At Philadelphia
RG3 is back. Philly’s done.
Pick: Redskins -5.5
At Tampa Bay -3 St. Louis
Both teams got shellacked last week. Going with Fisher over Schiano here.
Pick: Rams +3
NY Giants -2 At Baltimore
Baltimore is sliding a bit. The Giants haven’t looked that sharp either. Giants bounce back.
Pick: Giants -2
At Houston -7.5 Minnesota
I keep picking against the Vikings and they keep winning. You’d think the Texans could cover, but with AP playing like a man possessed, who knows.
Pick: Texans -7.5
At Denver -11 Cleveland
Manning train rolls through Cleveland.
Pick: Broncos -11
Chicago -7 At Arizona
The Cards won last week! The Bears have lost three straight. Chicago shows up for Lovie.
Pick: Bears -7
At Seattle -2 San Francisco
Niners are coming off a huge win, but Seattle just dominates at home.
Pick: Seahawks -2
At NY Jets -2.5 San Diego
Change to the QB spot took way too long for the Jets. Same goes with the regime in San Diego.
Pick: Jets -2.5
Last Week: 8-8
Season 111-103-5
Last Season: 140-120-12
Dec 23rd
Week 16 Saturday Night Football Pick
Atlanta -3.5 At Detroit
The Lions have been a pretty big disappointment this season. With another losing season secured, the only thing left to play for is personal accomplishments. Megatron is closing in on Jerry Rice’s single season record for receiving yards and he’s likely going to get it. Outside of Stafford feeding his big receiver early and often, there’s nothing else to the Lions can offer here. I’m not sold on Atlanta’s chances to do damage in the playoffs, but they should be able to cover here.
Pick: Falcons -3.5
Dec 22nd
Week 15 NFL Picks
Green Bay -3 At Chicago
Bears are floundering. Injuries piling up. Packers aren’t all that healthy either, but they are a better team.
Pick: Packers -3
At Atlanta -1 NY Giants
Can the Falcons prove they deserve the top seed? Or will the Giants come in to town with their late-season mojo.
Pick: Giants +1
At New Orleans -3.5 Tampa Bay
Rough season almost over for the Saints. Only playing for pride now, they should cover at home.
Pick: Saints -3.5
At St. Louis -2.5 Minnesota
AP is a monster, but the Vikings need to support him a little.
Pick: Rams -2.5
At Cleveland -4 Washington
Cousins look good last week, but the Browns just love covering spreads these days.
Pick: Browns -4
At Miami -7.5 Jacksonville
Spread feels a bit high for this game, but I guess you got to go with Miami
Pick: Dolphins -7.5
Denver -3 At Baltimore
The Ravens will have a hard time getting Rice going against the Broncos run defense. Baltimore plays better at home, but I feel like Denver has hit a bit of a playoff-ready stride.
Pick: Broncos -3
At Houston -10.5 Indianapolis Luck might not win but he should help Indy cover.
Pick: Colts +10.5
At San Diego -3 Carolina
Win one more for Norv? Seems more likely than play hard to save Ron.
Pick: Chargers -3
Seattle -4.5 At Buffalo
Not a slam dunk home game, but Seattle’s up to the road challenge.
Pick: Seahawks -4.5
Detroit -6 At Arizona
Lions should crush the rudderless Cards.
Pick: Lions -6
Pittsburgh -1.5 At Dallas
Pittsburgh puts it together on the road and keeps pace with Cincy.
Pick: Steelers -1.5
At Oakland -4.5 Kansas City
Someone’s got to win this game and it’s going to be the Raiders.
Pick: Raiders -4.5
At New England -4 San Francisco
The better conference makes a statement.
Pick: Pats -4
Last Week: 10-5-1
Season 103-95-5
Last Season: 140-120-12
Dec 16th
Week 15 Thursday Night Football Pick
Cincinnati-5 At Philadelphia
The Eagles shocked the world by playing inspired football for one week. But it’s all too little too late. The Bengals have something to play for. They lost to Dallas so they’re still below the Steelers for that last AFC wild card spot. Andy Reid’s a goner, and even if the Eagles came out hot and motivated to win one for the Walrus, it’s just not gonna happen.
Pick: Bengals -5
Last Week: 10-5-1
Season 103-95-5
Last Season: 140-120-12
Dec 13th
Week 14 NFL Picks
At Washington -2.5 Baltimore
The Skins have momentum and last week, the Ravens showed that they’re not exactly unstoppable.
Pick: Skins -2.5
At Cleveland -7 Kansas City
Tragedy fueled an inspired victory for the Chiefs. I don’t think they can maintain that level of emotional intensity for another week, on the road.
Pick: Browns -7
At Pittsburgh -8 San Diego
The Chargers could be in house cleaning mode while the Steelers could be playoff bound if they keep winning. Big Ben’s return prompts a big win in Pittsburgh.
Pick: Steelers -8
At Indianapolis -5.5 Tennessee
These Colts could make some noise in the playoffs.
Pick: Colts -5.5
NY Jets -3 At Jacksonville
The Jags got beat up pretty bad last week. A big game from Montell Owens likely won’t be enough to put the Jags over the top in a sloppy game.
Pick: Jets -3
Chicago -3 At Minnesota
AP is putting together an incredible season. The Bears are coming off a tough loss and their defense needs to get healthy. This game could be close for awhile, but the Bears should pull away.
Pick: Bears -3
Atlanta -3.5 At Carolina
The division rivalry that wasn’t. The Falcons are just better.
Pick: Falcons -3.5
At Tampa Bay -7.5 Philadelphia
This season just can’t end soon enough for the Eagles.
Pick: Bucs -7.5
At Buffalo -3 St. Louis
The Bills showed a spark last week, but the Rams are riding high as well. I like St. Louis a bit better in this situation.
Pick: Rams +3
At Cincinnati -3.5 Dallas
You don’t bet against tragedy. There’s just too many examples of tragic circumstances translating into inspired play.
Pick: Cowboys +3.5
At San Francisco -11 Miami
I feel like the spread is too high for this new look Niners team. They’ll probably cover though while playing such an inferior team at home.
Pick: Niners -11
At NY Giants -5 New Orleans
As much as I want to pick the Saints again, the Giants just have more to play for. They have to win now to keep this playoff hope thing going.
Pick: Giants -5
At Seattle -10 Arizona
This Cards team needs a new something. QB, head coach, something. Seattle is winless in their division, but undefeated at home.
Pick: Seahawks -10
At Green Bay -7 Detroit
This just isn’t Detroit’s year.
Pick: Packers -7
At New England -3.5 Houston
Game of the week right here. In primetime no less. Edge goes to the Pats.
Pick: Pats -3.5
Last Week: 8-8
Season 93-90-4
Last Season: 140-120-12
Dec 9th
Week 14 Thursday Night Football Pick
Denver -10 At Oakland
This game could get ugly real quick. Sure the Raiders have a historical knack for surprising the world and knocking off superior opponents at home, but with Peyton coming to down firing on all cylinders an upset is a near impossibility. The Raiders get DMC back, but the Broncos shut that guy down earlier this season. Manning completed 80 percent of his passes in the last matchup. Pick Denver with confidence.
Pick: Broncos -10
Dec 6th
