Back to close out the first week of the year with lots to uncover on all of the latest and greatest in the world of sports. On deck:
(2:50) We've just about reached the final hurdle of the NFL season. Week 18 begins on Saturday as teams are looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs. I'll keep you up to date on who's set, who controls their destiny, who needs help, anything and everything that you need to know about what to expect this upcoming weekend. I'll get into a few of the major storylines (Ravens resting Lamar Jackson, AFC/NFC South division up for grabs, Bills win or go home in Miami?) as we wrap up this sprint of the past four months and gear up for a highly anticipated postseason.
(24:32) The National Championship in college football is set. Michigan slayed the semifinal beast in eking out a win against Alabama, while Washington hung on at the end to beat Texas. I'll review both games and have an early look at the title game on Monday night. I'm a few days late, but I'll spend two minutes on the embarrassment that Florida State put forth in the Orange Bowl loss vs. Georgia.
(36:44) Are the Oklahoma City Thunder ready to take that next step and be a contender in the West? Even if they're a year or two early? What about the Lakers? They're going in the opposite direction as they've lost 8 of 10 and have been relatively healthy this year. At 17-18, are there any concerns about the short and maybe long term future of this team? I'll check on whatever else is happening throughout the Association as we get closer to the midway point of the season.
(47:07) Maple Leafs sniper, Auston Matthews is having an MVP caliber year as he scored his 30th goal in 35 games with the OT winner last night in Anaheim. Is he the frontrunner as the league's best player to date? I'll take a trip around the ice as I'll peek at who's been hot (Oilers, Hurricanes & Kraken) and who's not (Wild) at this juncture.
(51:36) The power is still down on the MLB Hot Stove as we’re waiting for some of the game’s best players (i.e. Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, etc.) to sign on the dotted line. The Red Sox inking pitcher Lucas Giolito for two years doesn’t cut it.
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.
