All posts by Wayne Cavadi

NFL

The Wayniac Nation NFL Power Rankings: Divisional Round

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And then there were eight.

Despite the world over complaining about the Brock Osweiler and Connor Cook matchup in the first game of this year’s NFL Playoffs, none of the three remaining games on the weekend were all that competitive. There were no upsets as all four home teams advanced, setting up this coming weekend’s Divisional Round.

For four teams, the season came to an end. They are locked in slots nine through twelve as we inch closer to our final Power Rankings of the season.

So how does the Top 12 look this week?

Divisional Playoff Rankings are one click ahead.

NCAA

The NCAA National Championship: quick thoughts

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I woke up this morning and still couldn’t believe what I watched. It was riveting, exciting and arguably the single best college football championship game of my lifetime. It’s at least up there, but man, what a game.

It took 59:59 for the victor to be decided (minus the three-hour referee conference on deciding how to play out the final second, but how about those now legendary guns on Referee McBiceps). At the end of the day, Hunter Renfrow saw his draft stock soar up the charts, as early rumors were Deshaun Watson had a Cleveland Browns jersey awaiting him in his locker after the game (DISCLAIMER: that’s fake news people, I made it up. Please don’t quote me on the Intraweb).

A few last quick hits on college football 2016-17.

NFL

The Houston Texans: three takeaways from Wild Card Weekend

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Yesterday’s intriguing battle between two third-string quarterbacks ended in the Houston Texans favor. For the second consecutive week, Brock Osweiler looked good (that’s not a typo) en route to the Texans third playoff victory in the history of the franchise.

What can we, as Texans fans, walk away with from this victory?

Click here for the 3 biggest takeaways from the Wild Card win.

Basbeall, MLB

The Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones Hall of Fame argument: There is none

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Every year, as the Hall of Fame inductions roll around, the Chipper Jones debate begins. Perhaps it is heightened living in the Atlanta area as I do, but each and every year as Larry Wayne Jones inches closer to possible enshrinement, the debate arises.

Is Chipper Jones a Hall of Famer?

Continue reading for my thoughts on Chipper Jones.

NFL

The NFL M(atty Ice)VP: time for the Atlanta Falcons to get some love

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(For the second time this season, our fantasy guru better known as Saucy T has left his confines of fantasy football analysis to drop some quarterback knowledge on us. Last time, we argued if the Cowboys should stick with Dak or turn the keys to the car over to Romo. This time, he looks at the three-horse MVP race consisting of three quarterbacks.

I specifically asked Tim to write this piece as a Falcons fan. To see the debate through a Falcons fans eyes really presses the issue, because the numbers speak for themselves. So without further ado…)

THE 2017 NFL MVP RACE

Tim Mason | Fantasy Football/ NFL analyst

As a Falcons fan, this season has been a pleasant surprise. The Falcons have surpassed my optimistic expectations, and the biggest reason why is the MVP-level play of their quarterback, Matt Ryan. For me he should be the clear cut winner of this year’s award, and the stats back it up.

Keep reading for more on Matt Ryan’s MVP campaign.

Basbeall, MLB

MLB Hall of Fame: my IBWAA votes

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Last year, I shared my Internet Baseball Writer’s Association of America votes for our Hall of Fame election. For those unaware of what the IBWAA is, it is a way for internet writers to be part of a bigger whole, as they work towards the BBWAA without the grueling — and arguably outdated — requirements to become a member. It is basically an alliance of writers joined together to discuss and promote our one common interest: baseball.

And then we vote. Last season, the vote saw Edgar Martinez and Ken Griffey, Jr. get the required 75 percent to be elected into the IBWAA Hall. If you remember, I voted for many of the Steroid Era players, simply because it’s a part of the game that everyone else profited off of — including the writers who won’t vote for these villains of the game — and they should get to enjoy the honor of being forever remembered. I fell short last year on seeing some of the guys I wanted in, but it didn’t stop me from voting for them again.

Continue reading MLB Hall of Fame: my IBWAA votes →

Uncategorized

The Wayniac Nation NFL Power Rankings: Playoff style

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Well, here we are. It’s hard to believe but the NFL Playoffs are upon us. Twelve teams are left playing, all with the same goal. Which teams have the best shot?

The beauty of the playoffs is that anything can happen. Although with some of the quarterbacks in this postseason, it seems like some teams face an impossible challenge.

Remember, we switch formats this week moving forward. The past five weeks we have given you each conference’s Power 5 and one Honorable Mention. This week, and for the rest of the season, we give you the Top 12, playoff teams only.

So, how did they fall?

Wildcard Playoff Rankings are one click ahead.

NFL

The Wayniac Nation NFL Power Rankings: The Dak Attack keeps rolling

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It is official. For the first time since the 2003 Super Bowl that saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rise victorious over the Oakland Raiders, neither team from the last Super Bowl is returning to the playoffs. That means this January, there will be no dabbing, and Gary Kubiak will be in his rightful place… not on the football field.

Not much has changed in the AFC, but the rise of the Packers has certainly continued to shake up the NFC. The AFC Power Rankings were relatively easy this week with all six teams already locked in for the postseason. The NFC, however, still has some work to be done, with two playoff spots and a division winner still at large.

Remember, our Power Rankings break down the best five-ish teams per conference until the playoffs start, in which it becomes a comprehensive NFL Power Rankings.

Who made the cut this week?

Keep reading for the latest NFL Power Rankings of the season

Basbeall, MLB

The Cincinnati Reds and Jesse Winker: it’s time

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Guessing on minor league prospects is often times no easier than projecting the weather. You see this big front moving in, one that has all the characteristics of blowing up into something huge, and then, after issuing tons of alerts, it drizzles and nothing comes of it.

The past two seasons in particular, it seems a lot of major league teams have taken chances on some of their prospect forecasts. The big leagues have been over run with a bevy of youthful talent of late, as prospects have been sped through farm systems seemingly faster than ever. That’s why it seems so odd that we are still waiting on the arrival of Jesse Winker.

Keep reading for more on Winker.

NFL

The Wayniac Nation NFL Power Rankings: A shakeup in the NFC

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The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers are grooving. So much so that they may have changed the landscape of the entire NFC playoff race. The AFC only has one big change… but it is seeing the reigning Super Bowl champions fall out of the top six.

Remember, our Power Rankings break down the best five-ish teams per conference until the playoffs start, in which it becomes a comprehensive NFL Power Rankings.

Who made the cut this week?

Keep reading for the latest NFL Power Rankings of the season