By Joe D'Amico
Posted 09/11/2009 at 03:52 PM

Each year I get people that ask me "Who will take it all?." I tell them that in a 16 game schedule, anything can happen. But yet, I am here explaining who the best teams are going to be. First and foremost, remember that in a long season like this, injuries will take a great team and make them just a good team. You must also take into consideration the strength of schedule. There were teams that had 8, 9, or 10 wins last season that will have a much tougher schedule this season. Don't forget that. Let's start with the AFC East. The Patriot's are by far the best team here. Buffalo and Miami are already finished. The Jet's are a good team, but not good enough to take it to the next level. Barring a significant injury or two, New England has this division. The AFC North has both Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The reigning Super Bowl Champions have a great team. I must say that their success will ride on the backs of their offense. Their defense is great and will always keep them in the game. But it is their offense that is at times stagnant. Willie Parker just isn't a great back to me. Their offensive line has given up more sacks in the past 3 seasons than anyone else. Can Ben Rothlisbereger keep taking a pounding? Time will tell. If not, the Raven's will be right there. Forget about Cincinnati and Cleveland. The AFC South will be between the Colt's and Titan's. We will have to see how much Manning will miss Harrison. I know the Titan's lost a squeaker to the Steeler's last night, but believe me, this team is great. Houston and Jacksonville are flat. The AFC West belongs to the Charger's. You can take the other three teams, put them together and still won't be able to make a solid team. In the NFC East, I feel has the most interesting possibilities. The Giant's should be the team to beat. But Dallas is strong and Philly is just as good. The Redskin's are overrated. Even with the $100 million dollar Albert Haynesworth, they just don't stack up. The NFC North is home to the NFL's other overrated team in Chicago. Jay Cutler is not the answer to the Bears' prayers. They still have a horrible coach with a lot of holes on both sides of the ball. Cutler had good receivers in Denver and was still an interception-throwing machine. What will he do in Chicago? Detroit is already making golf tee-times for December. This division will be a slug-fest between Green Bay and Minneota. The NFC South holds the two best middle-of-the-road teams in the league in New Orleans and Atlanta. I love these two teams. You can certainly get good lines on them for most of the season. This division can go between them and Carolina. Throw out Tampa bay. The NFC West goes to the Arizona Cardinal's. Hands down, they are the team to beat. There are your divisional winners. Now, people aske me what about betting props. I don't like tying up my money for 6 months. If you come to Las Vegas and want to bet your local team for $10, then knock yourself out. But as a rule, I like my money where it belongs...In my pocket. Listen sportsfans, make sure you check out my big NFL WINNERS each week right here on Vegas Insider. This will be my best season yet. Thank you, Joe D'Amico

FULL STORY

By Joseph D'Amico
Posted 04/17/2009 at 03:04 PM

This was a glorious season for the National Basketball Association. There weren't as many off-the-court issues as we have seen in the recent past. The best players in the league are all playoff bound. Ron Atrest didn't hit any fans. The ratings are up, and with the sky-rocketing of prices in the Major Leagues, the NBA is the fans favorite league. The playoff picture is what we were expecting. Some teams backed in and some plowed in on a 18-wheeler. In the West, you can cross off the bottom 5 teams. New Orleans and Dallas just don't have the horses. But in the first round, I can see the Mav's upsetting the favored Spur's. Injuries to Ginobili and age will be a problem to the one-time dynasty. Utah can't win on the road and Houston has fallen lately. This leaves a very game Portland team that will get thru to the second round. It also leaves A very solid Denver squad. They will surprise alot of people. But when it comes down to it, as long as Kobe Bryant is healthy, the Laker's will be the last team standing in the West. The East is a little tighter of a conference. Chicago, Detroit, and Philly may show some heart but are no match for Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando. The Atlanta/ Miami series will be the most exciting. Both are playing well, both have superstars, and both can win at home. This will be the series to watch. I do see Orlando prevailing. The top two teams are Boston and Cleveland. The Celtic's will most likely be without Kevin Garnett which will make them vulnerable in the later rounds. This leaves the leagues winningest team, the Cleveland Cavalier's. King James and company are the best team in the East. They play physical and with LeBron leading the way, they believe that they can win. If it comes down to Cleveland and Los Angeles for the NBA Title, although the Cav's get homecourt, I believe the coaching of Phil Jackson along with the bench of L.A....oh yeah and also with having the best player on the planet will give the Laker's their sought-after Title. Make sure to take advantage of my NBA Playoff Package. You receive all my releases for one low price. If not, then jump on my back for each individual game. I will get you to the winners circle. Good Luck and Thank You. Joe D'Amico

FULL STORY