2015 Playoff Predictions
Here are my 2015 Playoff Predictions.
Los Angeles and Minnesota are two cities who have teams who consistently make the playoffs in each of the major sports — football, basketball, baseball, hockey.
Some of these teams are known for struggling to make the postseason as well.
This year these teams, specifically in football and basketball, are in a rebirth and both teams in the sports.
Let me make my next bold prediction.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Timber wolves and Minnesota Vikings are all making the postseason this year.
Yes, I know the Raiders are in Oakland and not in L.A. however they use to be in L.A. and that is how they relate to this topic in the article.
I said they would win the AFC West and make the playoffs hence making the postseason.
These two cities are having a rebirth and making the playoffs even if it’s just a last seeded position they will make it.
In the football realm of these two cities and their teams, both teams are young players with seasoned veterans.
The Minnesota Vikings have running back Adrian Peterson back this year, along with a surging offense and a defense that is coming together.
Norv Turner is the offensive coordinator while George Edwards is the defensive coordinator.
Head Coach Mike Zimmer came over from the Bengals previously a defensive coordinator and he can mentor Edwards in playcalling.
The Vikings went 7-9 last year and were just shy of one of the NFC wildcard spots.
This year with the Lions and Bears doing horrid the Vikings can get the first wildcard and even challenge Green Bay to the NFC north title.
The Oakland Raiders have a veteran defense who have championship experience.
Also a young second year future QB and RB.
I said previously the Raiders would win their division and I am sticking to that.
With the Chiefs injured and Chargers doing mediocre it can happen.
The Raiders challenged the Broncos in the 1st divisional game and should have won that game.
Then beat the Chargers this past Sunday.
They have a greater chance of winning the division now, given they do have a tough schedule.
Having head coach Jack Del Rio is what helped me to stick to my pick.
He is the best fit as coach for the Raidera.
He took David Garrard and The Jaguars to the playoffs.
This is crazy to say; these two football teams will make the playoffs, yet have a great chance of winning their division.
Now onto the basketball realm of this article.
Yes you are reading this right I am saying the Lakers and Timberwolves will make the playoffs this year.
Call me crazy — but both teams rebuilt this off-season.
This year they will surge in the hard fought west conference.
With the new rule each team doesn’t have to win their division they just need to have a great overall record to make the postseason.
As we saw in the season opener game against each other, both teams did great.
The Timberwolves held on to win by one point.
It was a perfect start for both teams.
The Lakers are known for being in the playoffs.
Without Kobe last year they were okay, but struggled.
They had talent, drafted talent and now everyone is healthy.
Kobe is back.
The Timberwolves have had all the talent and have Garnett back this year.
Including the No. 1 draft pick Towns and the right coach.
Unfortunately their coach Flip Saunders passed away earlier in the week at age 60.
Both teams honored him in the opener.
This win is perfect for the team as a whole and as a city.
The death of of Flip is the motivation for this team.
As long as Kobe is smart and embraces his new role and teaches the young ones the Lakers will be good.
Everyone needs to stay healthy as well as Julius Randle.
They will have a far better season then last year.
They finally have a bench ,a decent center in Roy Hibbert and when he plays with passion is good.
The Timberwolves have a reason to win and go to the NBA finals.
I don’t see that happening but wouldn’t be shocked if they did.
With their motivation, The Big Ticket back home, and a young team great progress will be made.
The bottom line is that the rebirth if these four teams is happening this year.