2012 NFL Quarterback Rankings

*CR= Current Rating
*FR= Future Rating




The Top 20 Quarterbacks in the NFL- Present
20 
Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders

     Campbell is very underrated. Before he got injured this year, he was very vital to the Raiders success. Unfortunately for him, the guy just never seems to catch a break.
CR: 85 


19 
Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs 

     Cassel regressed this year, but I think we can contribute that to the many injuries the Chiefs had to their best players. Cassel still is capable of throwing for 300 yards at any time and he is capable of being the same pro bowl player he was last year.
CR: 85


18 
Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders

     Palmer is explosive and he adds points to the Raiders offense, but he turns the ball over way too much to be considered a good quarterback.
CR: 86


17 
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals 

     For a rookie, Dalton is outstanding. He should continue to get more and more dynamic as he progresses. He will be a good quarterback for a long time. 
CR: 86 


16 
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

     Fitzpatrick was showing signs of being a top 10 quarterback earlier this year, but with the loss of Fred Jackson, Fitzpatrick quickly declined. He is still capable of tearing up any defense, but he lacks consistency.
CR: 88


15 
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

     Cutler isn't as prolific as he once was in Denver, but he still has a huge impact on Chicago's success or failures. 
CR: 88


14 
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles 

     The Michael Vick bandwagon has cooled big time and this is due to his high turnover rate and his inability to consistently have big games like he did last year.
CR: 90


13 
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens 

      I'd take Flacco in big game situations over a lot of other quarterbacks ranked ahead of him. The problem is that Flacco is not very consistent and is very reliant on his stellar Baltimore defense. If you put Flacco on a team like the Browns or the Buccaneers, I don't even think Flacco is mentioned in the top 20. 
CR: 91


12
Matt Schaub, Houston Texans 

     Schaub's injury was a killer to the Texans this year, but he is still a pro bowl level quarterback when he is at his best. 
CR: 91 


11 
Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

     Rivers might be the most inconsistent quarterback in the NFL. The games where he looks as good as anyone in the league and the ones where he is just another quarterback throwing three interceptions are far and few between. 
CR: 92


10 
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers 

     You can't say enough about Cam Newton. He is only a rookie and he surely might become the best in the NFL at one point. 
CR: 93


9 
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons 

     The knock I have on Matt Ryan is that he doesn't perform as well in big games; playoff games, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, you name it. Nonetheless, he still is young and he is very consistent, something you don't see out of many quarterbacks. 
CR: 93


8 
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

     Stafford's 36 touchdowns, 4,518 yards and EPA (Expected Points Added) of 121.8 cannot be overlooked. Stafford is very prolific and as long as he stays healthy, he will be one of the NFL's premier playmakers for a long time. 
CR: 93


7 
Eli Manning, New York Giants 

     Manning hasn't ever been as prolific and important to the Giants as he has been this year. It is clear the Manning also isn't afraid of the moment, something that is very important in a quarterback. 
CR: 94


6 
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys 

     People don't give Romo enough credit. If you take away a couple of botched field goals and a couple of late leads blown by the defense, the Cowboys could be 11-4 and we wouldn't even be talking about an NFC East championship game or how Romo was snubbed for the Pro Bowl. 
CR: 95


5 
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers 

     There might not be another quarterback you want in a cold January playoff game where you need to keep the play alive for two extra seconds so you can get that first down to extend the drive than Ben Roethlisberger. The dude is tough as nails. 
CR: 95


4 
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

     I know Manning is injured, but you still have to account that as well as the four guys ahead of him have played this year, Manning has done that year in and year out for a solid decade. Do not underestimate one of the greatest to ever play this game. 
CR: 98


3
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints 

     I hate to have to put Brees third, but he isn't quite as important to the Saints as Tom Brady is to the Patriots and he isn't quite as perfect as Aaron Rodgers has been over the past 12 months. That being said, I'd still like my chances with the game on the line and Brees under center. 
CR: 99


2 
Tom Brady, New England Patriots

     There isn't a player in the game right now that is more important to his teams success than Brady. If Brady has a bad day, the Patriots lose. Even if Brady is a little bit off of his game, the Patriots are in grave danger of losing. Fortunately for Brady and the Patriots, he hasn't been off of his game often. 
CR: 99


1 
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers 

     No other quarterback is playing as clean of a season as Aaron Rodgers. His 45 touchdowns and 6 interceptions is ridiculous and more importantly, he has been the most efficient quarterback this year, with a success rate of 56.7%. 
CR: 99


The Top 20 Quarterbacks for the Future (3-8 Years from Now)

Mark Sanchez

20
Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
FR: 91


19
Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
FR: 92


18
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
FR: 92


17
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Tony Romo

FR: 92


16
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
FR: 92


15
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
FR: 93


14
Landry Jones, *Oklahoma Sooners
FR: 93

Sam Bradford

13
Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
FR: 93



12
Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chragers
FR: 93


11
Robert Griffin III, *Baylor Bears

Matt Barkley

FR: 94


10
Matt Barkley, *USC Trojans
FR: 94


9
Eli Manning, New York Giants
FR: 94

Andrew Luck

8
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
FR: 95


7 
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
FR: 96

6 
Andrew Luck, *Stanford Cardinal 
FR: 97 


5 
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals 
FR: 97


4 
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
FR: 98

Aaron Rodgers

3 
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
FR: 98


2 
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
FR: 99

1 
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
FR: 99

5 NFL Franchises on the Decline

Honorable Mention- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- The Buccaneers did nothing to improve themselves in the offseason, which is why the subsequently had a very disappointing 2011 campaign. They are not in great shape as they head into the future.


5 Jacksonville Jaguars 
     The selection of Blaine Gabbert sets them back big time. They now must decide how much time they want to allocate to Gabbert or if they just want to go ahead and move on after one year. Either way, they are set back financially and in most areas on the football field.

4 Minnesota Vikings 
     The Vikings defense, with the exception of Jared Allen, is in a steady decline. Most of their offensive line is changing, their receiving core is pretty weak and just when Christian Ponder and the Vikings offense was starting to make some progress, Adrian Peterson tears his ACL. The Vikings are in clear rebuilding mode. 


3 New York Jets
     The Jets are old in a few areas including on the defensive side of the ball. They are not quite the same defensive unit they were the past two years and who knows how Mark Sanchez is going to progress in the next year or two.

2 San Diego Chargers 
     The Chargers are nowhere near the same team they were when they were a perennial playoff team. Phillip Rivers is declining, the defense isn't formidable and Antonio Gates, the lone mainstay from the Chargers "glory days" is getting older.

1 Indianapolis Colts 
      Whether or not Peyton Manning returns, the Colts have problems everywhere you look, running back, receivers, offensive line, defensive line, you name it. The Colts will need a couple of years to become the contender they once were. 

5 NFL Franchises at Their Peak

Honorable Mention- Green Bay Packers- I won't say they have peaked, but it is hard to improve on 15-1 seasons right?

5 Chicago Bears
     The Bears stars on defense, Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs are all in the prime of their careers. The Bears best chance at a Super Bowl might have been last year when they appeared in the NFC Championship. They will get Jay Cutler and Matt Forte back in 2012, but there isn't a whole lot of time for the Bears.

4 New York Giants 
     The Giants are very similar to the Bears in the sense that their star players aren't getting any younger, with the exception of Jason Pierre-Paul and Victor Cruz. Eli Manning is in his prime, Justin Tuck is in his prime, Ahmad Bradhsaw is in his prime; if the Giants are going to win, it's going to be within the next three years.


3 New England Patriots
     How many years does Tom Brady have left? Same thing goes for guys like Wes Welker and Vince Wilfork. The Patriots are young in many areas, but the players that make them go are in their prime. The Patriots time is now.

2 Pittsburgh Steelers 

Drew Brees, NO

     The Steelers don't necessarily have the youth in place, but they have a lot of guys in the prime of their careers. Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger only have so many years left and right now is the time to win for the Steelers.

1 New Orleans Saints 
     Drew Brees and the Saints are in no better position to win than now. Brees is healthy and in his prime, the receivers are in synch with Brees and the line protects Brees better than any other quarterback.

5 NFL Franchises on the Rise

Honorable Mention: Washington Redskins- Mike Shanahan is slowly building a contender in Washington, they are just a piece or two away from competing in the NFC East.


5 Buffalo Bills 
     What, the Bills? The same Bills that started off 5-2 and are now 6-9? Yes, those Bills. Think about it. They were 4-12 in 2010 and they made strides in 2011. If Fred Jackson doesn't get injured, the Bills would've played more like a 9-6 team than a 6-9 team. Not only that, but the defense is young and improving. Add in another draft pick or two and the Bills should be in the wild card hunt next season and a contender in the near future.

4 Denver Broncos
     The defense is young, the offensive line is steady and they have some solid pieces in the offensive skill positions. The only big question is whether Tim Tebow is the quarterback of the future. Either way, the Broncos play in a usually weak division and if their rate of improvement continues at this pace, they will be a division winner year in and year out with their stellar young defense led by Von Miller.

3 Houston Texans 

Cam Newton, CAR

     The Texans broke through this year even with a ton of injuries all over the field. They are just beginning to take shape. No matter how they fare in the playoffs this year, that is without Matt Schaub and Mario Williams. The offense and defense are both two of the best in the NFL and they're also young. The Texans are a Super Bowl contender as early as next year.

2 Carolina Panthers 
     The Panthers struck gold when they selected Cam Newton this year. So the Carolina offense is pretty much set for the next decade, but they now must rebuild their defense. It might take some time, but with Cam Newton, the Panthers are not an easy W on any given Sunday for even the best in the NFL. If their defense can improve quicker than expected, the Panthers will be a contender for the next decade. 


1 Cincinnati Bengals 
     The Bengals had the best draft out of any team in 2011 when they selected A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. I see the Bengals being just like the Lions, but they are in fact on a quicker pace than the Lions as to making the playoffs. The Bengals have everything in place, a young and potentially electric offense in the future and a stingy defense that can compete with the hard nosed defenses in the AFC North. The Bengals will be an experienced, playoff savvy team for the next 8 years at least. 

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol- Review

     A week ago, I was surprised to see on websites like Rotten Tomatoes that Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was at a 93% fresh. I was going to see this movie anyway because overall, the holiday movie selection is a bit weak, but I went in with higher expectations for a franchise that hasn't done a whole lot for me compared to other action franchises and movies.

     Overall, I liked the movie. The things that made Ghost Protocol work were most of the settings, the gadgets, most of the action scenes and of course, Paula Patton and the rest of the cast. The movie was at its best when it was in Dubai in the middle of the movie. At that time, it had the two best scenes, the scene where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) was literally walking on the tallest building on Earth and the other scene being the chase where Hunt hunts down Hendricks only to see him get away. All the Dubai scenes were great because at that time it not only had the best action scenes, but it was establishing the plot better than any other time in the movie.
     In the beginning, it seemed like the plot was going to be how Hunt and IMF prove their innocent. But it never really seemed like they were being hunted. After IMF, I think, was blamed for the bombing of the Kremlin, the mission was to get their hands on the codes to set off nuclear reactors so a terrorist extremist won't lead Russia and the US among other countries into nuclear warfare. At the same time this would clear their names because it would prove they didn't steal the codes and the reactors from the Kremlin. As the movie went on, it seemed like the whole "proving their innocence" went out the window. So that was one problem with the movie. The other problem was how the movie didn't really introduce us to its villains. I can't remember one of the main villains talking or anything, it was like they were strangers.
     But besides those two problems, I loved the gadgets and the cars. That BMW Hunt had in Mumbai was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. For me though, the highlight of the whole movie was seeing Paula Patton in that teal dress in Mumbai.
Overall Rating: B+

Predictions for the Next 10 Winter Classic Sites

2012- New York Rangers v.s. Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park
     Well I was right on the money with this one.


2013- Minnesota Wild v.s. Detroit Red Wings at Comerica Park
Why Detroit? It is known that Detroit is in talks to host a winter classic one of these next two years, but here is why I think it will be next year. Detroit is a very good team that is certainly one of the NHL's marquee teams, but who knows when they will start to decline. While they are still prominent, they need to get the game in Hockeytown USA as soon as possible. 
Why Minnesota? The Wild have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL and Minnesota is crazy about their hockey. Assuming the Wild sustain their play, they will make the playoffs and should be a higher seed, which means it is likely that they have a deep playoff run. Given the Wild's success and the fact that Minnesota craves their hockey, the Wild would be a great matchup for the Red Wings in the Winter Classic. 
Other Possible Teams: St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins
Why Comerica Park? The other rumored option besides Comerica is the Big House. Here's why I hate the idea of having the Winter Classic at the Big House. I understand it is a historic venue, but the sightlines look terrible and there isn't really much of a panoramic view. A game at Comerica would show off the Detroit skyline, something the Big House could not do. 


2014- Toronto Maple Leafs v.s. New York Rangers at MetLife Stadium
Why New York? The Rangers are one of the most prominent franchises in the NHL and I'll make a prediction that by the time the 2014 Classic rolls around, the Rangers will have appeared or even won a Stanley Cup. So it makes sense to have a contending Rangers team host their first Winter Classic. 
Why Toronto? Canada can easily make a case to have one of their teams appear or even host a Winter Classic and since Toronto should be a marquee team, they would be perfect to play the Rangers in an original six matchup. 
Other Possible Teams: New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks
Why MetLife Stadium? It's too bad Yankee Stadium has a bowl game during this time, because the game would certainly have went there. But MetLife Stadium is one of the nicer football stadiums around now and I think it is a slightly better venue than Citi Field. 


2015- Tampa Bay Lightning v.s. Washington Capitals at Nationals Park
Why Washington? Alex Ovechkin is the face of the NHL and it makes perfect sense to have the Capitals host a Winter Classic in our nations capital. 
Why Tampa Bay? Steven Stamkos is another one of the NHL's biggest stars and given his electric play, as long as Tampa Bay is a playoff caliber team, it makes sense to have Stamkos and the Lightning take part in a Winter Classic.
Other Possible Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks
Why Nationals Park? Nationals Park has a beautiful panorama of the Capitol Building among other highlights of D.C. I also think its a prettier site than having the game at cavernous FedEx Field. 


2016- Edmonton Oilers v.s. Chicago Blackhawks at Soldier Field
Why Chicago? They haven't appeared in Winter Classic since 2009 and it makes sense for this game to be at Soldier Field because it will show beautiful images of Chicago along with a classic waterfront setting for the game. The Blackhawks will also be prominent because they are an original six team that features stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
Why Edmonton? Ever hear of the Nuge? Or Taylor Hall? Or any of the other young guns the Oilers have? Well, by 2016, the Oilers will be a perennial Stanley Cup contender that will provide a great matchup for the Blackhawks.
Other Possible Teams: St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens
Why Soldier Field? Like I said earlier, its a perfect setting on the water front and we've also already seen the game at Wrigley Field. 


2017- Boston Bruins v.s. New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium
Why New York? They're an original six team, they most likely will remain a prominent franchise and they play in the biggest market in the NHL. 
Why Boston? Come on, it's Bruins/Rangers, what's better than that.
Why Yankee Stadium? It's obviously one of the most famous stadiums in the world. I'm banking on that stupid bowl game not being there by the time 2017 rolls around.


2018- Montreal Canadiens v.s. Boston Bruins at Fenway Park
Why Boston? Given their youth they currently have, they should still be a marquee team even this far into the future. I understand that this would be the second consecutive appearance in the Winter Classic, but why not, they deserve it. 
Why Montreal? This is hockey's best rivalry, there isn't another choice. 
Why Fenway Park? It's an iconic stadium and it was a success the first time. 


2019- Los Angeles Kings v.s. Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field
Why Colorado? Colorado should be good again by the time the next decade rolls around. 
Why Los Angeles? It's a big market and they should hopefully remain prominent. 
Why Coors Field? I chose Coors instead of Invesco because I believe it provides better sightlines and better views of Denver. It also has plenty of seats, so profit shouldn't be a problem. 


2020- New York Islanders v.s. Pittsburgh Penguins at PNC Park
Why Pittsburgh? It would be nearly a decade since the last time they hosted this event. Not only that, this could be the last time stars like Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin play in such a big event. 
Why New York? I'm banking that they will have a ton of stars that the NHL has to market them in the Winter Classic. 
Why PNC Park? It might be the most beautiful ballpark in baseball, so it has to host a Winter Classic sooner or later. 

2021- Dallas Stars v.s. Minnesota Wild at Target Field 
Why Minnesota? They play in a state that loves hockey, they have to host it sometime. 
Why Dallas? It would be a great matchup since the Stars once played in Minnesota. 
Why Target Field? Like PNC Park, Target Field shows off the Minnesota skyline and it would make it a great place to host the Classic.


2022- Montreal Canadiens v.s. Toronto Maple Leafs at Some Cool New Stadium in Toronto
Why Toronto? It's the Maple Leafs!
Why Montreal? It's the Canadiens!
Why Some New Stadium? The NHL would love to have a game in Canada, but there aren't any reasonable locations. So I'm assuming ten years from now there will be a beautiful new outdoor stadium in Toronto to host the Winter Classic. 

Best Moments in Seinfeld History

Car Reservation

The Chicken Roaster

The Rickshaw Tryouts

Kramer in the car-pool

The Telemarketer

Kramer sees the Baby- The Hamptons

The Soup-Nazi

Kramer Gets Fired

And if I missed any, here is a collection of the best Seinfeld moments

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2012

Honorable Mentions: The Hobbit, The Great Gatsby, World War Z, Total Recall, The Expendables 2, The Bourne Legacy 


5 Prometheus (June)
      Boy does this look good. This looks like a more serious and cooler version of Avatar and it will certainly be a sci-fi flick I will see. 


4 The Amazing Spider-Man (July) 
      I don't like the looks of this movie, but there is no doubt that I will be one of many people seeing this reincarnation of Spider-Man. 


3 Skyfall (November) 
     James Bond is back ladies and gentleman. Add in Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and some good looking Bond girls and it looks like we're going to have a solid entry into the Bond franchise. 


2 The Avengers (May)
     After many Marvel movies just leading up to this, this has to be number two because it has been talked about for so long. 


1 The Dark Knight Rises (July)
     This is hands down the most anticipated movie of 2012. After the success of The Dark Knight, this could very easily be as good if not better. 

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer

     Probably one of the best trailers I have ever seen. You cannot begin to describe my excitement for this movie.

2011-12 NBA Predictions

Eastern Conference
Atlantic 

1 New York Knicks

Outlook: The Knicks are ready to become serious contenders. The addition of Tyson Chandler will solidify the Knicks against teams who have dominant big men. The rest of the NBA is also ready to see just how dynamic the duo of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire can, and will be. The Knicks are poised to potentially make a serious run into May this year.

Record: 41-25

2 Philadelphia 76ers

Outlook: Do I smell a changing of the guard in the East? Evan Turner is ready to burst onto the scene and become the next star in Philly, Jrue Holliday is ready to crack the top half of point guards in the NBA and Andre Iguodala is ready to take the 76ers to a second straight playoff appearance. The big question for the Sixers is whether Elton Brand or Spencer Hawes steps up to give the 76ers a true post presence to contend in the East.

Record: 37-29

3 Boston Celtics 

Outlook: If the Celtics are healthy and Rondo is happy, sure the Celtics can win the division and be a contender in the East. Here's the problem. It is clear that Doc Rivers wants no part of Rajon Rondo, meaning that Rondo will be miserable for the entire season unless he is traded. A disgruntled Rondo, an aging core of super stars that will not be able to bring it night in and night out in such a condensed season and not much youth to build around means the rebuilding starts now for Boston.

Record: 35-31

4 New Jersey Nets

Outlook: Deron Williams will keep the Nets competitive for most of this season but it will take a few role players at least to make the Nets into a playoff team. I expect the Nets to acquire Dwight Howard eventually and we'll see whether or not Howard is a Net by midseason. If the Nets can acquire Howard, they could sneak into the playoffs very easily. If not, they are headed for another 24 win season.

Record: 24-42 

5 Toronto Raptors

Outlook: The Raptors are clearly rebuilding and it would take a miracle to turn this team around and into a playoff team. The Raptors will take a few baby steps towards improvement this year but are very far away.

Record: 19-47

Central

1 Chicago Bulls 

Record: 49-17

2 Indiana Pacers

Record: 37-29

3 Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 29-37

4 Detroit Pistons

Record: 21-45

5 Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 20-46

Southeast

1 Miami Heat

Record: 56-10

2 Atlanta Hawks

Record: 39-27

3 Washington Wizards

Record: 29-37

4 Orlando Magic

Record: 27-39

5 Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 11-55

Playoffs

1 Miami Heat

2 Chicago Bulls  

3 New York Knicks

4 Atlanta Hawks 

5 Philadelphia 76ers

6 Indiana Pacers 

7 Boston Celtics 

8 Milwaukee Bucks      

9 Washington Wizards

10 Orlando Magic

11 New Jersey Nets

12 Detroit Pistons

13 Cleveland Cavaliers

14 Toronto Raptors

15 Charlotte Bobcats

Eastern Quarters

1)Miami over 8)Milwaukee 4-0 - The Bucks don't stand a chance against the Heat in this first round matchup. 

2)Chicago over 7)Boston 4-2 - Darren Collison sparks the Celtics and keeps the big three in it for a little while, but too much defense and Derrick Rose allow the Bulls to move on. 

6)Indiana over 3)New York 4-3 - In a playoff clash for the ages, an upstart Pacers team defeats the star studded Knicks team to send the Knicks faithful home with another crushing blow. 

4)Atlanta over 5)Philadelphia 4-2 - The 76ers put together a nice effort, but too much experience is the difference as the Hawks advance to the second round once again. 

Eastern Semis

1)Miami over 4)Atlanta 4-1 - Miami, once again, breezes through another round of the playoffs in dominating fashion. 

2)Chicago over 6)Indiana 4-3 - The Pacers will be this years Grizzlies, and they will send the young Bulls team to a seventh game. But like last year, Chicago gets it done in those late game situations.

Eastern Finals

1)Miami over 2)Chicago 4-1 - Chicago, for the second year in a row falls to the mighty Heat, with Miami outscoring the Bulls enough so Derrick Rose can't keep up

Eastern Champion: Miami Heat

Western Conference

Southwest Division

1 Dallas Mavericks

Record: 48-18

2 Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 40-26

3 San Antonio Spurs

Record: 38-28

4 Houston Rockets 

Record: 36-30

5 New Orleans Hornets

Record: 34-32

Northwest Division

1 Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 54-12

2 Portland Trailblazers

Record: 40-26

3 Denver Nuggets

Record: 31-35

4 Utah Jazz

Record: 28-38

5 Minnesota Timberwolves

Record: 25-41

Pacific Division

1 Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 45-21

2 Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 40-26

3 Golden State Warriors

Record: 31-35

4 Sacramento Kings 

Record: 23-43

5 Phoenix Suns

Record: 16-50

Playoffs

1 Oklahoma City Thunder

2 Dallas Mavericks 

3 Los Angeles Clippers 

4 Portland Trailblazers 

5 Los Angeles Lakers

6 Memphis Grizzlies

7 San Antonio Spurs 

8 Houston Rockets               

9 New Orleans Hornets

10 Golden State Warriors

11 Denver Nuggets 

12 Utah Jazz

13 Minnesota Timberwolves

14 Sacramento Kings

15 Phoenix Suns

Western Quarters

1)Oklahoma City over 8)Houston 4-2 - Pau Gasol and the Rockets give the Thunder a run for a little while, but Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook prove to be too much as the Thunder advance. 

2)Dallas over 7)San Antonio 4-2 - Manu Ginobili keeps the Spurs around but the Dirk Nowitzki of last spring comes alive to eliminate the Spurs

6)Memphis over 3)Los Angeles 4-2 - Blake Griffin and Chris Paul can't keep up with the all around talent of the Grizzlies as the Grizzlies advance to the second round for the second year in a row

5)Los Angeles over 4)Portland 4-3 - Portland's first round misery continues as Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard are just enough to put the Lakers into the second round

Western Semis

5)Los Angeles over 1)Oklahoma City 4-2 - Kobe Bryant the executioner comes alive in this series as he shows Kevin Durant who's boss as the Lakers advance to the conference finals

2)Dallas over 6)Memphis 4-2 - Memphis comes awfully close once again, but the deep Mavericks have just enough to get by the Grizzlies in six

Western Finals

5)Los Angeles over 2)Dallas 4-2 - In an epic playoff series, the Lakers win with their defense led by Dwight Howard as they end Dallas' quest to win two years in a row

Western Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals

Miami Heat over Los Angeles Lakers 4-3

     The dream team Heat claim their first title behind extraordinary play by Steve Nash, clutch shot making by Dwyane Wade and just enough from LeBron James to escape against Kobe Bryant who gives what could be his last hurrah. The Heat find a way to contain Dwight Howard just enough to scrape by in seven games.

Finals MVP: Dwyane Wade