2017 NFL Predictions

Katelin Marshall, Cleveland Browns & NFL Writer (@KatelinKnowsCLE)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Giants / Packers / Buccaneers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Raiders vs. Packers, winner: Raiders
Browns Record: 5-11

Randy Groce, Cleveland Cavaliers & NBA Writer (@ImissWiggins)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Vikings / Panthers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Raiders vs. Seahawks, winner: Seahawks
Browns Record: 6-10

Jaison Roberts, Pittsburgh Steelers Writer (@Kratoslives)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Texans / Chiefs
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Buccaneers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Steelers vs. Seahawks, winner: Steelers
Browns Record: 4-12

Pat Luhta, MLB Writer & NCAA Football Writer (@PLuhta)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Buccaneers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Packers vs. Raiders, winner: Packers
Browns Record: 4-12

Pat Tregoning, NCAA Basketball Writer (@PatNShaker)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Falcons / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Patriots vs. Packers, winner: Patriots
Browns Record: 5-11

Brandon Albright, Wrestling Writer (@B_Rock1978)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Texans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Falcons / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Patriots vs. Packers, winner: Patriots
Browns Record: 6-10

Jason Disantis, Ohio State Writer, UFC Writer (@JasonInCLE)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Eagles / Packers / Panthers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Patriots vs. Packers, winner: Patriots
Browns Record: 5-11

Cliff Gulley, NBA Writer (@CLG2282)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Texans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Panthers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Patriots vs. Cowboys, winner: Patriots
Browns Record: 5-11

Chris Lulovics, Blue Jackets & NFL Writer (@CLulovics)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Cowboys / Packers / Falcons / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Cowboys vs. Steelers, winner: Cowboys
Browns Record: 4-12

Raven Williams, Editor, Entertainment Writer, Host (@nevaRWilliams)
AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Titans / Raiders
NFC Division Winners: Giants / Packers / Buccaneers / Seahawks
Super Bowl 52: Patriots vs. Giants, winner: Giants
Browns Record: 7-9

On TV This Week 2/5/17 - 2/11/17

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

SUNDAY 2/5

NFL
Super Bowl 51: Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots (FOX, 6:30)
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Puppy Bowl XIII (Animal Planet, 8pm)
Blacks Sails (Starz, 9pm)
24: Legacy (FOX, 10:30pm)








MONDAY 2/6

NBA
Cavaliers @ Wizards (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Spurs @ Grizzlies (TNT, 9:30pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Louisville @ Virginia (ESPN, 7pm)
WOMENS: Louisville @ Notre Dame (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Kansas @ Kansas State (ESPN, 9pm)
WOMENS: UCLA @ Stanford (ESPN 2, 9pm)

NHL
Blues @ Flyers (NBC Sports, 7pm)
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24: Legacy (FOX, 8pm)
APB (FOX, 9pm)



TUESDAY 2/7

NBA
Magic @ Rockets (NBA TV, 8pm)

NHL
Blue Jackets @ Red Wings (FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
Kings @ Lightning (NBC Sports, 7:30pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
LSU @ Kentucky (ESPN, 7pm)
Florida @ Georgia (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Georgetown @ Villanova (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)

Michigan State @ Michigan (ESPN, 9pm)
Iowa State @ Texas (ESPN 2, 9pm)
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The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions (MTV, 9pm)
Tosh.0 (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Detroiters (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)



WEDNESDAY 2/8

NBA
Cavaliers @ Pacers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Clippers @ Knicks (ESPN, 8pm)
Bulls @ Warriors (ESPN, 10:30pm)

NHL
Blackhawks @ Wild (NBC Sports, 8pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
DePaul @ Xavier (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)
Rutgers @ Ohio State (Big Ten, 7pm)
North Carolina State @ Florida State (ESPN, 2, 7pm)

West Virginia @ Oklahoma (ESPN 2, 9pm)
UCF @ Cincinnati (ESPNU, 9pm)
Stanford @ Arizona (FOX Sports 1, 11pm)
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Madiba, Part 2 (BET, 8pm)
The Quad, PREMIERE (BET, 10pm)
Code Black, FINALE (CBS, 10pm)
Legion, PREMIERE (FX, 10pm)



THURSDAY 2/9

NBA
Cavaliers @ Thunder (TNT, 8pm)
Celtics @ Trail Blazers (TNT, 10:30pm)

NHL
Canucks @ Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Islanders @ Flyers (NBC Sports, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Purdue @ Indiana (ESPN 2, 7pm)
North Carolina @ Duke (ESPN, 8pm)
SMU @ Temple (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Oregon @ UCLA (ESPN, 10pm)
Washington @ Colorado (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
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MasterChef Junior Edition, PREMIERE (FOX, 8pm)
The History of Comedy, PREMIERE (CNN, 10pm)
Lip Sync Battle: DeAndre Jordan vs. Sarah Hyland (Spike, 10pm)
Impractical Jokers (truTV, 10pm)
Ghosts In The Hood, FINALE (We TV, 10pm)



FRIDAY 2/10

NBA
Pacers @ Wizards (ESPN, 8pm)
Bulls @ Suns (ESPN, 10:30pm)

NHL
Lightning @ Wild (NBC Sports, 8pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Akron @ Eastern Michigan (ESPNU, 7pm)
Dayton @ Rhode Island (ESPN 2, 7pm)
---
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (ABC, 8pm)
The First 48: Deadly Dealings (A&E, 8pm)
Reign (The CW, 9pm)
Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don't Shoot (Showtime, 9pm)



SATURDAY 2/11

NBA
Nuggets @ Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
Warriors @ Thunder (ABC, 8:30pm)

NHL
Sharks @ Flyers (NHL, 1pm)
Red Wings @ Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 5pm)
Blues @ Canadiens (NHL, 7pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Marquette @ Georgetown (FOX, 12pm)
Kansas State @ West Virginia (ESPN, 12pm)
Texas A&M @ Florida (ESPN 2, 12pm)
Kentucky @ Alabama (CBS, 1pm)
Kansas @ Texas Tech (ESPN, 2pm)
Miami @ Louisville (ESPN 2, 2pm)
TCU @ Baylor (ESPNU, 2pm)
Creighton @ DePaul (FOX Sports 1, 2pm)
Villanova @ Xavier (FOX, 2:30pm)

Ohio State @ Maryland (ESPN, 4pm)
Texas @ Oklahoma State (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Washington @ Utah (FOX Sports 1, 4:30pm)
Florida State @ Notre Dame (ESPN, 6pm)
Oklahoma @ Iowa State (ESPN 2, 6pm)
South Carolina @ Mississippi State (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Gonzaga @ Saint Mary's (ESPN, 8:15pm)
California @ Arizona (ESPN 2, 10pm)

GOLF
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Third Round (CBS, 3pm)

MMA & BOXING
UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie- Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)

SOCCER
English Premiere League: Liverpool FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur FC (NBC, 12:30pm)

OTHER SPORTS
FIS Alpine Skiing: Men's Downhill World Championships (NBC, 2:30pm)
Track and Field: Millrose Games (NBC, 4pm)
---
Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin, Ed Sheeran (NBC, 11:30pm)

NFL Championship Weekend Recap: The Super Bowl Is Set

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


NFC Championship Game: Atlanta Falcons 44 Green Bay Packers 21

The Falcons clinch the NFC Championship for the second time in team history. The first was in 1998-1999 season when they defeated the Vikings 30-27.

This game was over at half time when the Falcons had a 24-0 lead. The Falcons completely dominated the Packers. Matt Ryan threw for 392 yards and five total touchdowns (four through the air and one on the ground). Julio Jones caught nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons' offense scored on 7/9 of their drives (six touchdowns). In total they completely dominated the Packers. The Falcons out-gained the Packers 493-367, won the time of possession 33:39-26:21, and converted 10/13 third down attempts compared to the Packers who only went 4/10.

The Packers shot themselves in the foot early in this game. After giving up a touchdown to start the game, the Packers drove down field and ended up missing a 41-yard field goal. In their next drive (down 10-0), the Packers ended up fumbling the ball while in the redzone. Aaron Rodgers had a really good game, throwing for 287 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. But Rodgers felt pressure constantly, getting hit seven times (two sacks) and having seven of his passes deflected.

It seemed liked the Packers ran out of gas. They had multiple wideouts playing hurt, they suffered two offensive linemen injuries, and a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. But the Falcons took advantage of it and good for them. With this game Matt Ryan solidifies himself as one of the elite quarterback in this league.









AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17

Another blowout in these playoffs which results in New England winning the AFC championship for the 9th time in team history (7th with Brady at QB). The Patriots seemed to be in control on offense from the first snap. They drove down the field on the first drive of the game, and if not for a drop on 3rd and 1 the Patriots were deemed to get a touchdown. The score of the first half was a bit misleading 17-9 Patriots. The Steelers had problems getting to Tom Brady which resulted in numerous breakdowns in their coverage.

Brady picked the Steelers apart, throwing for 384 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Hogan caught nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns and Julian Edelman caught eight passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. It was total domination on offense for the Patriots. And on defense they forced two turnovers and held the Steelers offense to only 368 total yards.

The Steelers offense struggled after the first quarter when Le'Veon Bell exited the game with a hamstring injury and wasn't able to return. The Steelers had to rely on their passing offense. Big Ben threw for 314 yards on 31/47 attempts and their leading receivers were Antonio Brown with seven catches for 77 yards, Eli Rodgers with seven catches for 66 yards and Deangelo Williams also had seven catches but only for 51 yards. The Steelers only averaged 6.7 yards per passing attempt compared to the Patriots who averaged 9.1 yards per passing attempt.

The Patriots show once again they are the class of the AFC and the NFL. This is the seventh time Brady and Belichick will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Both are arguably the greatest player/coach in NFL history and the best duo in league history.

Super Bowl LI is going to be an awesome matchup. Its really not just two great team matching up but two of the NFL's top quarterbacks and two of the best offensive play callers in the game. So naturally this Super Bowl is going to be a low scoring game, right? Whether it is or isn't this game should be entertaining or lets hope it is because the playoffs leading up to it really hasn't been.

TV Tonight 2.7

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Super Bowl 50 Kickoff Show (CBS, 6pm)
Super Bowl 50: Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos (CBS, 6:30pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Utah @ Oregon (ESPN 2, 4pm)

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Shameless (Showtime, 9pm)
Keeping Up With The Kardashians (E!, 9pm)

Billions (Showtime, 10pm)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert; Tina Fey, Margot Robbie (CBS, 10pm)

TV Tonight 2.1

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Super Bowl XLIX Pregame (NBC, 1pm-6pm)
Super Bowl XLIX (NBC, 6pm)

====

Shameless (Showtime, 9pm)
Downton Abbey (PBS, 9pm)

House of Lies (Showtime, 10pm)
The Blacklist (NBC, Approx. 10:15pm)
Episodes (Showtime, 10:30pm)

Mike Tyson Mysteries (Cartoon Network, 11:30pm)

TripleThreatCLE.com Predicts Super Bowl XLIX #SBXLIX #SB49

We all know that the Super Bowl is basically a celebration of commercials and halftime shows with a somewhat entertaining football game in the middle.  But between the deflated ball jokes and the many "I'm only here so I won't get fined" t-shirts, this should actually be a great game between the great Tom Brady for the Patriots and Richard Sherman for Seattle.  My prediction is that Katie Perry will throw in some type of deflated ball joke during her performance, the commercials will be extremely disappointing once again and the Patriots will win the game within the circus 34-24. - Mark West (@MarkW2112)

I'm going with the most violent team to win this year's Super Bowl. With that said I'm going 28 to 21 Seahawks. Patriots won't be able to deflate them. - Jaison Roberts (@Kratoslives)

When you give Hoodie and Tom Brady two weeks to figure out how to stop your best offensive weapon and throw darts between your defense, your chances are slim to none to win. Seattle will have to avoid turning the ball over and play a perfect game to beat the Patriots. Patriots 31- Seahawks 17.
- Chris Lee (@cleeverizon)

I'm going with the Seahawks. Will not have two awful games in a row. LOB will be ready. And they are not being bet on by the public. So, Seahawks 31-Pats 24. If you like to bet like me, take the Hawks as a pick 'em and I like the over. - Patrick Kocon (@CTown_WUJU)

Seahawks vs Patriots should be a good game. But past "good games" have been lackluster. I see the Patriots edging out the Seahawks possibly by a new hero kicker as time expires. Patriots 34 - Seahawks 31
- Chris Lulovics (@CLulovics)

I think it's going to come down to which quarterback wants it most. Tom Brady was dominate (flat balls or not) in the AFC Championship game. Russell Wilson played like Johnny Manziel did in his debut start, in the NFC Championship game, until the last four minutes. If Brady comes out dominate in the Super Bowl and Wilson goes flat, I highly doubt Wilson can dig himself out again. My prediction Pats 27 Seahawks 14. I gave my prediction, so I didn't get fined. - Brandon Albright (@B_Rock1978)

I keep trying to find reasons to pick the Seahawks because the Pats have annoyed the hell out of me the last two weeks but if you have to try and find reasons, they're not really there. Although I don't like how many people are picking the Patriots for such a close line, it's tough to pick against a HOF coach and QB. Patriots 24-Hawks 20. - Jason Disantis (@jddiantis)

After all is said and done, the snacks are devoured and Katy Perry is done jiggling, I think it'll be a close, competitive back and forth game until the man of the week, Marshawn Lynch, breaks out for a big play to seal the victory for the Seahawks. Russell Wilson will have two touchdowns, while Tom Brady will connect to Rob Gronkowski on two TD's of their own.
Seahawks 28 - Patriots 24 - Chris Williams (@nevaRWilliams)

3 Rivers Rundown 1.29.15: Super Bowl Week With John Jones

By @Kratoslives

Hello folks, I have a special treat for you.

I managed to get an interview with John Jones. Who is John Jones? He is a Super Bowl champion born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio who I became friends with. I know, how the hell does a "Ratbird" and Steelers fan become friends? Well truthfully, I don't know but it worked so here is the interview.

Jaison Roberts: John, what was it like preparing for the Super Bowl?

John Jones: "It was different for me because the week after the wild card game, I tore up my ankle in practice. I took a hit from Ray Lewis, which required surgery and put me on IR."

JR: Was there any special treatment for you?
JJ: "Yeah, none. I was still required to be in meetings and all team functions. In short, HELL NO!"

JR: What was the team meeting about the night before the game?
JJ: "Believe it or not, it was real relaxed, but they showed a clip from "Fight Club". The one where the guy kills everyone in the restaurant but one guy. He tells the guy that tomorrow will be the best day of his life. Which turned out to be the message to us, relax because tomorrow will be the greatest day in our lives."

JR: So was there ever any doubt about the game?
JJ: "Truthfully no. We knew we were going to win because we had the greatest D ever."

JR: So what was Brian Billick's half time speech about?
JJ: "I don't know."

JR: What do you mean you don't know?
JJ: "I don't know because I stayed out to watch Mary J. Blige perform. She was the half time show."

JR: Jones, man you're stupid. (Laughter) I can't believe you did that.
JJ: "Hey."

So there you have it Cleveland, the John Jones interview. I promise to bring you more from him. Maybe we'll be able to get his training camp story out of him in a later date.

The Raven Report 10.10.14

By @neveRWilliams

-Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and the Indianapolis Colts went down to Houston and pulled out a 33-28 win against the Texans. Luck finished with 370 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, with 223 of those yards going to receiver T.Y. Hilton and his 1 TD. Texans running back Arian Foster gained 109 yards on 20 carries and 2 touchdowns. Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't have a bad statistical night, going 15/23 for 212 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. Houston defensive end J.J. Watt had a fumble recovery and scored his 3 touchdown of the season. The Colts had a 24-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, but Watt's fumble return TD in the 4th quarter cut the Colts lead to the 33-28 score. Houston had two chances to come back and take the lead, but a fumble by WR Andre Johnson and another by Fitzpatrick nixed that in the last five minutes. The Colts improved their record to 4-2, while the Texans pulled even at 3-3. Next week's Thursday night game will be the New York Jets heading up to Foxboro, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots.

-University of Georgia star running back Todd Gurley was suspended by the school indefinitely on Thursday. The suspension is pending an investigation in the alleged NCAA violation of Gurley being given money for his autographs, memorabilia and use of his own likeness. A source told ESPN's Darren Rovell that Gurley would seek $8-$25 per signature. Authentication company James Spence Authentication as authenticated at least 500 signed items with Gurley's signature including mini-helmets, jerseys, photos and cleats. Personally, I still think it's ridiculous and silly that the NCAA and schools can make LITERALLY BILLIONS of dollars on these kids, but then turn around an scream out violation because one of them signs their name, gets an extra taco, another plate of pasta or uses a water hose to wash a car. All of which are true stories that the NCAA seen as violations.

Last weekend against Vanderbilt, Gurley rushed for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. He will likely be replaced by freshman Nick Chubb. In 2010, Georgia receiver and current Cincinnati Bengal AJ Green was suspended 4 games for selling his own Independence Bowl jersey. Todd Gurley is currently ranked 9th on Mel Kiper's NFL draft board.

-Speaking of silliness, the NFL decided to fine San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick $10,000 for wearing pink Beats by Dre headphones around his neck at a press conference. The NFL has an exclusive agreement with Bose, while Kaepernick has an endorsement deal with Beats By Dre. Ridiculous.

-The American League Championship Series opens tonight with Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles hosting James Shields and the Kansas City Royals. Back in April, would anyone have pick these two teams to be the final two of the American League? But as they say, that's why you play the games. Both teams are the epitome of a "miracle run" or a "team of destiny".

-The Blue Jackets opened up the 2014-2015 NHL season against the Buffalo Sabres with a 3-1 victory. The first period ended 0-0 but the Jackets outshot the Sabres 12-7. Both goaltenders were on their game making amazing saves. The second period was a little bit different with Jack Skille(1) opening up the scoring with his first of the year with assists from Jarod Boll(1) and Michael Chaput(1). Buffalo tied it up a minute later with a goal from Zemgus Girgensons (1). Shots for both teams in the second were the same as the first 12-7 making it 24-14 through two periods. The third period just like the first two periods as both teams playing a tight close checking game. Cam Atkinson (1) scored on the power play half way through the period to give the Jackets a 2-1 lead with assists going to Ryan Johansen (1) and Nick Foligno (1). Joining the scoring party was Artem Anisimov (1) with assists to Scott Hartnell (1) and rookie Alexander Wennberg (1). The rookies showed poise and promise while the veterans did the brunt work in the win. Sergei Bobrovsky (1-0) was his usual brick wall self stopping 22 out of 23 shots while Buffalos Jhonas Enroth (0-1) stopped 37 out of 40 with both goalies making highlight real saves. The Blue Jackets (1-0 2 points) have their home opener and play this Saturday October 11 against the New York Rangers at 7pm.

-Pop music and pop culture superstar Katy Perry will be the Super Bowl XLIX halftime performer. The game will be held February 1 in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. Other artists who were in contention were Rihanna and Coldplay. Adding Perry should be a major draw for the NFL. Last year's Super Bowl that had the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos with Bruno Mars at halftime, brought in over 111 million viewers.

-Opening in theaters today is the action horror film "Dracula Untold", legal drama "The Judge" starring Robert Downey Jr. and Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner's family comedy "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". All 3 films should have pretty decent opening numbers, but will anyone of them overcome Ben Affleck's "Gone Girl" which pulled in $37.5 million last week? Not so sure about that one.

-The uber popular zombie action drama "The Walking Dead" starts it's 5th season this Sunday on AMC at 9pm.

-Lastly, I'd like to announce that plans are moving forward to bring TripleThreatCLE.com to internet radio and podcast outlets. Please, stay posted for more on that news coming soon.

Leadoff with Lee 5.21.14

-The shot heard 'round the world happened for the 3rd time in 4 years for the Cavs last night. With only a 1.7% of landing the number one pick in this years NBA draft...BOOM went the dynamite! Now who do the Cavs select? Jabari Parker? Andrew Wiggins? Sign and Trade for Kevin Love? Cleveland has a loaded weapon and is ready to pull the trigger on a big name player. But who will be the next Cavs head coach? Can Cleveland sign Kyrie Irving to a extension? Let the rumors fly and only time will tell.

-The bats of the Indians came alive last night, beating the Detroit Tigers 6-2. Trevor Bauer recorded his first win of the season with 6 innings pitched, giving up 7 hits, 2 runs and 5 strikeouts. Nick Swisher, Asdrubal Cabrera and Michael Bourn each recorded 2 hits. Right fielder David Young went yard in the 7th. The Indians will finish the series against Detroit today, with the game starting at 12:05.

-Minnesota has been awarded the 2018 Super Bowl by NFL owners. The Vikings new home is will open in 2016. The total cost of the stadium is $975 million dollars. The stat that gets me is that the stadium will seat 65,400 people but is expandable to seat 72,000. Expandable stadiums? Wow!

-Lawyers representing a group of over 600 retired NFL players are seeking a class action lawsuit, claiming the NFL provided them with narcotics and painkillers. The lawsuit states the league administered the drugs illegally without prescriptions and without warning players of the side effects. Notable players are from 1986 Bears team Jim McMahon and Hall of Famer Richard Dent.

-With the NFL owners meetings going on, playoff expansion is on the table. Playoff expansion is expected to happen in the 2015 season. Under the current postseason format, 12 of the NFL's 32 teams make the postseason. The proposal will increase to have 14 teams make the playoffs. This expansion will need to be voted on by owners and seek approval by the NFLPA. I do think this will pass with flying colors. More money for the league, more money for the extra 2 teams who make the playoffs, which means extra money for those owners. And I'm sure those players from those extra 2 teams that make the playoffs want a ring.

-The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 87-83 to tie the series 1-1. Lebron James scored 22 points for the Heat and Dwayne Wade had a team high of 23. All five of the Pacers starters scored in double digits, with Lance Stephenson scoring a game high of 25 points. The Pacers only scored 16 points in the second quarter. Even though this game was tight throughout, the Heat outscored the Pacers 25-20. And Lebron James came through in the clutch, scoring 12 of his 22 in the final quarter. The series heads to Miami with Game 3 starting on Saturday.