Well 2024, it was a interesting! It was a wild and woolly year, one that had both joy, sadness, and well misery all rolled into ball, and, you known what — sports-wise — we wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
From the Mets riding a the wave of Grimace and OMG all the way to the NLCS, to the Yankees return to the Fall Classic for the first time in 15 years, and of course the New York Liberty winning their first ever WNBA Finals title, there was a lot to smile about in 2024.
Then there are the Jets and Giants. Woof.
So without any delay, let’s get this 2025 party started and make some BOLD, and I mean BOLD predictions for the New Year!
KNICKS AGAIN ONLY REACH EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI'S
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at TD Garden on October 22, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Knicks have been rolling of late. Winners of eight straight heading into 2025 the Knicks are right in the thick of the battle for the top seed in the East. Still getting past a juggernaut like the Boston Celtics will be asking a lot out of these Knicks. Sure adding Karl-Anthony Towns has brought some instant offense and great rebounding to New York, but can the Knicks as a unit slow down Jayson Tatum in a big spot? That remains to be seen. So here’s to another trip to the postseason, and another second round exit, this time in seven games to the Celtics.PETER LAVIOLETTE AND CHRIS DRURY DISMISSED BY RANGERS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Peter Laviolette of the New York Rangers leaves the podium after speaking with the media prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2024 in New York City.
A year ago the New York Rangers looked like a team destined for Stanley Cup glory. Yet this year things have not worked out. Trades, injuries, and poor play have resulted in a disappointing 16-19-1 season thus far. There has been plenty of unrest, a lot of ire directed at GM Chris Drury, as was pointed out by Jacob Trouba after he was traded to Anaheim, a trade that basically signaled the end of the road for this Rangers squad.
Drury likely isn’t long for this job heading into 2025. There are reports that a social media staffer for the Rangers was fired for having diner with one of the players, and a lot of fingers are pointing back at the GM.
Eventually, whether its fair or not, Head Coach Peter Laviolette will likely face the axe too. The Rangers are an aging team that needs a rebuild.
DEVILS MAKE IT TO EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 17: Ryan Graves #33 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the third period against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center on December 17, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. The Panthers won 4-2.
Meanwhile the New Jersey Devils are one of the hottest teams in hockey at 24-12-3. A team that has been building toward this kind of run the past few years, it feels like it is coming together. The Devils lead the East in points (51) and regulation wins (24). Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes have dominated on the ice all year. Don’t be shocked to see the Devils make a run through the playoffs only to meet the defending champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals with a chance to get back to the Cup Finals for the first time in 13 years. Florida takes it in six games, and will face Las Vegas, again, in the Finals.
Both Rutgers Men and Women Make it to the NCAA Tournament
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights takes a shot while being defended by Philip Byriel #43 of the Princeton Tigers during the second half at Prudential Center on December 21, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.
From Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey leading the men, and Destiny Adams powering the ladies, Rutgers will be well represented in the NCAA’s this March, as both teams find a way into the tournament. How far they will go is anyone’s guess, but considering the tremendous starts both Rutgers basketball teams have had this year, if they can win enough games in conference, it will be a fun spring.
We predict the Rutgers’ men will make it into the First Four and win that game to advance into the Round of 64 as an 11 seed. The women will make the tournament as a 10 seed.
PETE ALONSO SIGNS WITH THE METS
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 03: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates after hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game Three of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 03, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
It’s mid to late January and finally, after months of waiting Pete Alonso finally signs on the dotted line with the Mets. There were reports he rejected offers of seven-years $158 million last off-season, and there were rumblings about a three-year $90 million offer this off-season. Both sides have to come to a middle at some point soon. Alonso is losing suitors and the Mets are going to anger their impatient fans. How’s four years at $140 million with a fifth year option at $35 million? That would make Alonso one of the highest paid first baseman in baseball.
YANKEES SIGN ALEX BREGMAN
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros runs to first base after hitting a single against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
In a stunning heel turn move right out of the WWE, Alex Bregman spurns the Red Sox offers for the Yankees who swoop in with a lucrative offer to play third base. Once a Yankees villain with the Houston Astros, Bregman becomes the final piece in a monster off-season for Brian Cashman.
METS FALL SHORT IN WILD CARD
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 20: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets falls to the ground after taking a foul ball off his foot during the 8th inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Even with Juan Soto hitting between Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, there is something just amiss about the 2025 Mets. They just can’t capture that magic that carried them in 2024. Despite their best efforts, 2025 churns out an 88 win season, as the lack of quality starting pitching really comes back to bite them. The Mets make it to the wild card series against the Chicago Cubs, and lose in three games at Wrigley Field.
YANKEES WIN 2025 WORLD SERIES
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 19: The New York Yankees celebrate after beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in 10 innings to win Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Yeah, sure the Dodgers have all the firepower in the world, and will be favorites to repeat once again, but alas, they will face short of their goal of a Hollywood sequel, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. Meanwhile the Yankees outlast a game Detroit Tigers team in the ALCS to return to the fall classic. It’s a re-match of the 2009 World Series, and the Yankees last World Series title. And like in ’09 the Yankees find a way to get it done.
Anthony Volpe has his Derek Jeter moment with a game winning homer in Game 4 to even up the series. From there Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Alex Bregman bash with the sticks as Gerrit Cole and Max Fried dominate on the hill in Games 5 and 6.
JETS PICK ARTHUR SMITH AS HEAD COACH
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
After an exhaustive search, the Jets finally get a head coach and GM in place, granted it may not happen until very late January. The Woody Johnson meddling story plus Aaron Rodgers drama proves fatal for New York as most candidates opt for other jobs, or just say ‘thanks, but no thanks.’ Gang Green’s choice comes down to Steelers O.C. Arthur Smith, or a reunion with Rex Ryan. The Jets opt for the younger coach in Smith. Some fans who want Rex back blast the move, others are more patient. Regardless it doesn’t stop Jets Twitter from comparing Smith to ex-Jets coach Adam Gase during his introductory press conference.
AARON RODGERS ANNOUNCES RETIRMENT & COMEBACK
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets reacts after being sacked and fumbling the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Shortly after the Jets announce Arthur Smith as HC of the NYJ, Aaron Rodgers announces on the Pat McAfee Show that he is planning to retire from football. Two months later with everyone filling out their brackets for March Madness, Rodgers posts on Instagram, “Never say Never.” The world goes nuts. Is he coming back? What will the Jets do? Do they trade him? Do they keep him? Rodgers finally goes on Pat McAfee a week before the NFL Draft announcing his plans to return in 2025, but is working with the Jets on a trade or release. Rodgers gets his wish, gets dealt to the 49ers. The Jets sign Jamies Winston to be their quarterback.
GIANTS RUN IT BACK WITH DABOLL AND SCHOEN
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants looks on against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
A day after the Giants get thumped by the Eagles in Week 18, the Giants offer no announcement on “Black Monday” regarding the status of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Finally nearly a week goes by before owner John Mara announces that both men will return despite a 3-14 season in 2024. Giants fans everywhere have a conniption fit.
GIANTS DRAFT CAM WARD
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Cam Ward #1 of the Miami Hurricanes runs the ball during the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, New York.
Congrats Giants fans, you get your quarterback. Big Blue selects Miami’s Cam Ward with the third overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft. Ward begins the season on the bench behind veteran Drew Lock who comes back on a two-year deal. Ward eventually gets his shot to lead the Giants in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, and starts every game the rest of the way.
AND FINALLY - LIONS OVER BILLS in SUPER BOWL 59
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions shakes hands with Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills after the Bills 48-42at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
And finally, before anything takes place for the 2025 NFL season, we have to finish off the 2024 season. The Lions and Bills have felt like they are on a collision course for some time now. Even their match-up a few weeks ago was a wild one that the Bills won 48-42. Expect the Lions to outlast the Vikings or Packers in an epic NFC title game, and the Bills to edge out the Ravens (that’s right the Ravens are gonna beat the Chiefs in the divisional playoffs), to capture the AFC crown.
The Lions and Bills head to New Orleans with a lot of hype. In one corner is a team that has never been to the Big Game in Detroit. The other was there four times in the 90s and lost all four times.
The Bills jump out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but Jared Goff and company storm back to tie the game mid-way through the second quarter. We head into halftime tied at 17.
Finally, the Lions pull away on a pick-six of Josh Allen as the Lions win the Big Game 38-24.
