I’m typically known as a fence rider, someone who’s going to look at both sides of an argument; I ease into a debate with a helmet and mouthpiece. Rarely do I step too far out on the limb for the purposes of sensation or sizzle. I once predicted that the Denver Nuggets would beat the Seattle Supersonics in the first round of the NBA playoffs (look it up, it’s been documented), but that’s truly my only claim to fame when it comes wild and crazy called shots.
But that was in 1994; I’ve been on a dry spell. I said the Broncos would blow out the Seahawks in Super Bowl 48. I said the Rockies would be in the 2008 World Series; I may or may not have said Manny Corpas would be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Well, I visited it this summer and he was neither visiting nor displayed (oops).
Point being , I’ve got to get back on track. Why not start today? It’s Friday, it’s time to get loose. In this installment of “Bold Predictions” I’m stepping off the fence for your reading pleasure, and, hopefully, so I can be right on something wild and wacky.
First up… Peyton will have a big day, finally.
No. 3 – 300+ 100+ 100+
Those numbers look weird to you? They do to me. That’s because we haven’t seen them too often in a Broncos box score of late. Peyton can’t toss for 300 (something he did falling out of bed in 2013), and Pro Bowl wideouts Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders aren’t reaching the century mark on any kid of regular basis.
But check this stat out: The duo of Thomas and Sanders have combined to be the top-producing wide receivers in the NFL through Week 5. Combined, they’ve got 72 catches and 834 yards. The next closest pair is Julio Jones and Devonte Freeman in Atlanta (67 combined catches through Week 5). Cleveland has a suspect secondary, and the Denver O is likely sick and tired of hearing how terrible it is.
Time for some big numbers. The Sheriff will throw for 300-plus, while both (yes both) Thomas and Sanders will have monster days with 100-plus each. Mark it down.
Next up… The baseball gods will be punitive.
No. 2 – Swept, Eh?
We’ll have to wait a bit a bit to see how this one plays out, but hear this, Toronto: Please avoid putting a deposit down on your Game 6 tickets for the ALCS – it ain’t happenin’ anyway. That’s right, you’re getting swept by the Royals. Karma has a funny way of working things out, particularly in baseball.
The good people of Kansas City have patiently and graciously waited for their chance to stand atop the baseball world since 1985. After losing a heartbreaker in Game 7 of the World Series last year, they gave their team a standing ovation. You Can-knuckleheads? You threw crap on the field and caused a scene for far too much of my Wednesday. Sure, you had reason to be upset, but that’s not how to handle it.
The Baseball gods were watching, and as a result, it will be four-and-out for your Jays.
And finally… A controversy will start brewing at Pepsi Center.
No. 1 – Goaltender Controversy
To begin, the Colorado Avalanche are about to go on a tear. Simply put, they’re a better team than what they’ve showed of late.
Semyon Varlamov is said to be fully healthy again for the first time in a while, but he’s been shaky to start the 2015 campaign. He was chased from Wednesday’s loss against Boston and has allowed five goals now twice in three games.
Patrick Roy is making a change in goal tonight – which will be a good thing in the short term – but after his team rattles off three straight (which they will), there will be trouble in Big D.
Get ready to pick a side, Varly or Berra… Russia or Sweden.
One of them needs to carry the weight as Avs goalie.