Each Friday I will post a handful of the best games of the upcoming weekend (could be more or less, just depends on what is on) and give a few reasons why I am interested in the games – some will be obvious, others may not. Games will include everything from College Football, to the English Premier League, to the NHL.
National Basketball Association:
- Friday Jan. 14th
Dallas Mavericks (26-11) @ San Antonio Spurs (33-6) (AT&T Center – San Antonio, TX) 8:00 PM ET – ESPN
The Mavs head to San Antonio to take on the best team in the league but could be without Dirk Nowitzki who has been dealing with a knee injury. The Spurs have quietly been taking care of business and have a 4.5 game lead in the West (honestly – did you know the Spurs were the best team in the league? I didn’t and you sure wouldn’t know from watching Sports Center). I’ll be watching to see just how good the Spurs look with an aging – but apparently still good – Tim Duncan and the rest of the crew.
National Football League:
- Saturday Jan. 15th
Baltimore Ravens (12-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) (Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA) 4:30 PM ET – CBS
Photo via zimbio.com
The Ravens and Steelers don’t particularly like each other and I wouldn’t expect anything but a hard-hitting, close game. They split the season series with each team winning at home and Big Ben having his nose broken on December 5th. Both teams have dominant, physical defenses and explosive players on the offensive side of the ball – this should be good.
Green Bay Packers (10-6) @ Atlanta Falcons (13-3) (Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA) 8:00 PM ET – FOX
After beating the Eagles last week, the Packers head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons who quietly finished the regular season with the best record in the NFC. Atlanta won the regular season match-up with a last second game winning field goal 20-17. Matt Ryan will definitely be challenged by Clay Matthews and the Packers defense even in the Georgia Dome. Green Bay comes in playing well having won three “must-win” games in a row. Don’t be surprised if the Packers upset the Falcons at home.
- Sunday Jan. 16th
Seattle Seahawks (7-9) @ Chicago Bears (11-5) (Soldier Field – Chicago, IL) 1:00 PM ET – FOX
Not only did the Seahawks squeak into the playoffs with a losing record but they also upset the defending Super Bowl Champions last weekend to play another week. Playing at Soldier Field typically isn’t easy but the Seahawks harassed Jay Cutler sacking him six times and went on to win 23-20 back in October. If Seattle can protect Matt Hasselbeck they should have another chance to upset the Bears at home.
New York Jets (11-5) @ New England Patriots (14-2) (Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA) 4:30 PM ET – CBS
Photo via jimrome.com
Similar to the Steelers – Ravens rivalry, these teams simply don’t like each other. The teams split the season series with the Jets winning in week 2 and the Patriots killing the Jets 45-3 in early December. Players on both teams have been talking trash through the media and of course Rex says “it’s personal.” The Jets will need a solid performance on both sides of the ball to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots in Foxborough.
English Premier League
- Sunday Jan. 16th
Manchester United (12-8-0 – 44 pts) @ Tottenham (10-6-5 – 36 pts) (White Hart Lane – London, England) 11:10 AM ET – Fox Soccer Channel
United are still unbeaten in EPL play and currently lead the league but most of their draws have come on the road. Gareth Bale and the Spurs should at least have a chance at a point but should play for the 3 points and press the Red Devils late in the second half since they’ve given up several late goals this season. Keep an eye on Wayne Rooney who looks to be getting back in-form after struggling through and after the World Cup.
What games will you be watching this weekend?
