Empire... State Your Mind
By Matthew Felico
Empire... State Your MindDec 30, 2020
ESYM Episode 16: Cinderella or Contender?
Matt, Chris and Nick discuss the Super Bowl that turned out to be a one-sided affair. Brady and the Bucs take care of business at home. While Mahomes and the Chiefs were unable to score a touchdown. Do you blame this loss on Mahomes or injuries and drops?
A lot of unrelated questions raised in this episode: Who won the Stafford trade, Rams or Lions? Looking forward, are the Bucs prime to make another run with Brady? Has an NBA team won a championship with only won star player? Would you rather be a Cinderella or Contender?
ESYM Episode 15: The League's In Their Hands
Matt, Chris and Nick discuss some recent MLB news in the tri-state area. Yankees continue to make some moves as they compete with the Mets for offseason relevancy.
The Sabres, Devils and Islanders are battling for the 4th seed in the East Division. As the Rangers are just trying to get out of the basement. Although they consistently have a lead, each and every time they blow it in regulation. Thus, getting no points and stacking L’s.
In the NBA, all eyes are on Brooklyn’s Big 3 experiment while they find their chemistry. Luckily for them, most people won’t be graded them until the postseason. Celtics split their last 4 games and finally have Tatum back in the lineup. Again though, we always come back to the same question…Can they make it out of the East? Potential matchups against the Bucks, Heat, 76ers and Nets.
This leads to an interesting tangent; Durant was Robin to Steph Curry’s Batman? Also, last second shot, Curry or Harden?
Knicks upset the Warriors in Golden State but have a let down vs. the Kings. Then, dig themselves a hole in Portland early and fail on their late surge back. However, one bright spot, Quickley scores 21 of his 31 points in the 4th quarter.
Off topic question: Can your team control it’s own destiny or is it up to the players now?
ESYM Episode 14: Super Bowl in Tompa Bay
ESYM Episode 13: Nets Harden Championship Hopes
Matt, Chris and Nick discuss James Harden coming to the Nets. Harden loses about 50lbs. and has one hell of a debut game with a 30+ point triple double. However, Kyrie Irving was not on the court. How will Harden and Kyrie mesh? Meanwhile, the Knicks go from a 5 game skid to winning a back to back. Although they lack stars, the Knicks continue to play hard.
The lack of stars in MSG brings up a few tangents. Were the trio of Garnett, Pierce and Allen on the same level as the trio of LeBron, Wade and Bosh? How would you rank the players 1-6?
Then, we travel east towards the harbor and to the Garden where the Celtics get smacked by the Knicks. Having said that, the Celtics were playing without Tatum and still waiting for Kemba to return from injury. Can the Celtics make it through the gauntlet of the East?
The NHL is back in action. Thus far, the Devils have been the surprise of the East bringing the Bruins to OT twice and stealing a win with 1.7 seconds left on the clock. Then, you have the Sabres who have collected some talent in the offseason. With higher expectations than usual, they drop the first 2 games to the Caps.
In a shortened Covid season with a new playoff system, it is pivotal for every team to get off to a fast start. It seems the Rangers never received the memo as they get shutout in game 1, 4-0 vs. the Islanders. In game 2, the script was flipped as the Rangers get a shutout of their own 5-0 vs. the same Islanders team.
Let It Ride on Championship weekend:
Matt:
Packers -3.5 (Packers ML)
Bills +3 (Bills ML)
Chris:
Bucs +3.5 (Bucs ML)
Bills +3 (Bills ML)
Nick:
Bucs +3.5 (Bucs ML)
Chiefs -3 (Chiefs ML)
Facebook Live for Bills @ Chiefs?
ESYM Episode 12: Brian is Cash...man
Matt, Chris and Nick address the fact that Brian Cashman must be listening. In addition to resigning DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees sign Corey Kluber. Did Uncle Steven force the Yanks hand? As the New York baseball teams make big moves, the Red Sox stay put and hope to rebuild as Chaim Bloom did many times in Tampa. While Chris and Nick discuss recent baseball history, Matt offers to sell his fanship for a price of course.
Then the gang gets right into the NFL Divisional Round. It seems the bye week served the Packers well, as Rodgers passes for almost 300 yards and the Packers backfield adds an additional 180+ yards on the ground. Aaron Rodgers gets his wish as the Super Bowl runs through Lambeau.
After that, we get into the game we live streamed on Facebook. For those of you who joined, Thank you!!! The wagons were circled in Buffalo once again. The Bills defense and the wind stifles Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense holding them to only 3 points. While the Bills D gets a touchdown of their own. Chris feels vindicated that Lamar, although a great playmaker, is not a great QB. There’s only one person who had a worse game, debatably the best kicker in the NFL, Justin Tucker.
Although the Browns kept trying to give the game away, they are given the opportunity of a lifetime. Mahomes gets knocked out of the game in the 3rd quarter, the Browns pull within 5 points and get the ball back with 8:00 left in the game. One 1st down later and a punt, they never see the ball again. On 3rd and 14, Henne runs for 13 yards to make it a 4th and 1. The Chiefs elect to go for it, convert and ice the game. Now, will Mahomes be back in time for the AFC Championship game?
The game Roger was waiting for but apparently did not attend. Brady vs. Brees, a heavyweight matchup turned into a 1st round knockout. Brees looked all but washed up as Brady made timely throws and limited his mistakes. For the first time in his career, Brady will be advancing to the NFC Championship game. While the Saints have big questions to answer this offseason. Does Brees retire? If so, who replaces him?
Overall, unlike the Wildcard round, the gang is on a heater with their Divisional picks:
Matt: 7/8
Chris 6/8
Nick 4/8
ESYM Episode 11: Divisional Round
Matt, Chris and Nick “Let It Ride” in the NFL Divisional Round:
Matt:
Packers -7
Bills -2
Browns +10 (Browns ML)
Bucs +3 (Bucs ML)
Chris:
Rams +7 (Rams ML)
Bills -2
Browns +10 (Chiefs ML)
Bucs +3 (Bucs ML)
Nick:
Rams +7 (Packers ML)
Ravens +2 (Ravens ML)
Chiefs -10
Bucs +3 (Bucs ML)
While 8 NFL teams continue to pursue their championship aspirations, the College Football Champion has been crowned…Roll Tide. Alabama rolls (pun intended) Ohio State 52-24 and raises some questions about Justin Fields. Will Fields still be the 2nd QB taken off the board? Also, Mac Jones and Devonta Smith stock continues to rise.
Also, now that it seems like Smith is out of reach for the Giants, how will they address their need at WR through the draft or Free Agency?
The Deshaun Watson sweepstakes have begun and the first bidding seems to be the Dolphins. What team is the best fit for him?
Shout out Ed Raso!!!
ESYM Episode 10: L-L-L-Lindor to The Mets
Matt, Chris and Nick start the podcast in song and discuss (believe it or not) the MLB first. On the heels of Lindor being traded to the Mets, again, Nick has a few choice words for the Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman. Is Cashman’s back against the wall to not only sign DJ but another free agent as well?
Then, we bounce it quickly to the NBA. The Celtics’ games have been postponed this week due to Covid. The Knicks have gone from a 3 game win streak to a 3 game skid. As the Nets continue their run at .500. Durant and Irving have missed 4 of 11 games and the Nets are 4-4 when at least one of them is on the court. Conclusion, possible live stream for the Knicks @ Celtics game Sunday, 1:00 pm ET.
NFL Wildcard weekend was a doozy consisting of some great games, duds and upsets. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson each get their first playoff win, earning the right to play each other. Both Allen and Jackson were 1st round picks back in 2018. Meanwhile, in Seattle, the dream of another title is over for Russell Wilson. The Rams defense stifled Wilson and Metcalf. Which brings up a great tangent, is Donald the best defensive player in the league? Then, the matchup Roger has been waiting for is now set, Brady vs. Brees. While Brady looked electric vs. the Washington “R” words, Brees and the Saints were mostly carried by their defense. After the Bears/Saints lay an egg on Nickelodeon. The Browns shock the world on Sunday Night football going up 28-0 in the first quarter. However, every viewer thought the Browns were going to pull a Browns and blow this game. Yet, the Browns closed the door on JuJu and the Steelers. With that win, Cleveland has earned the right to make their way to Arrowhead. Although it was a tough Saturday for the gang, there was a bit of redemption Sunday.
In prompt to running back discussion and early 2000s NFL memories.
ESYM Episode 9: The Jets Land on Fields?
Were we accurate on the NFL seeding predictions? Then, we Let It Ride with our bets for this weekend:
Matt:
Bill -6.5
Rams +4.5 (Seahawks win)
Bucs -8.5
Ravens -3.5
Saints -9.5
Steelers -4.5
Chris:
Bills -6.5
Seahawks -4.5
Bucs -8.5
Titans +3.5 (Titans win)
Bears +9.5 (Saints win)
Browns +4.5 (Browns win)
Nick:
Bills -6.5
Rams +4.5 (Seahawks win)
Bucs -8.5
Ravens -3.5
Saints -9.5
Steelers -4.5
Side Note: Are the Knicks legit?
ESYM Episode 8: Sunday Bloody Sunday
After the tears are wiped away, Matt, Chris and Nick discuss the Giants' future needs and schedule. Meanwhile, although their playoff fate was never in doubt, the Bills put up 56 points vs. a Dolphins team fighting for their playoff lives. Josh Allen continues to bolster his case for league MVP, as he helps the Buffalo Bills not only circle the wagon, but also their spot as the 2nd seed in the AFC.
ESYM Episode 7: Damn Giants... So You're Telling Me There's a Chance
Nick joins the gang once again to discuss week 16 of the NFL season. With back-to-back wins, the Jets have officially lost their chance to draft Trevor Lawrence with the #1 overall pick. As the Jets have found their groove, the Giants have lost any swagger they gained from their win over the Seahawks. They have dropped their last 3 games and have fallen to 5-10. However, with a win and a Washington loss in week 17, the Giants would be crowned as the NFC LEast champions. Meanwhile, the Bills continue to roll as Josh Allen makes a strong case for league MVP. Additionally, the guys go over the NFL playoff picture and predict what 14 teams will make it into the big dance.
The NBA season is officially a week in and the Knicks have not looked like a complete dumpster fire. In fact, they beat the Bucks (#1 seed in the East last year) by 20 points. Are they starting to build towards the future? While the Nets are looking to be a title contender this year… 4 games in and load management has begun, Durant and Kyrie spectate during game 4 of the season. To the Northeast of Brooklyn, you have the Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum taking an ill-advised 3 at the buzzer in a 1 point game. Although all three teams share the same record, 2-2, each fanbase has a different perspective on being .500.
Cashman has officially been put on notice by Nick, as he questions the decisions being made to win in 2021. Will his demands be heard and will DJ be signed?
Thoughts and Prayers go out to Lundy!! Get well soon!!!
ESYM Episode 6: The Christmas Wolfpack Edition (feat. Nick)
Matt and Chris are joined on Christmas Day by none other than Nick, a member of the Wolfpack, to discuss week 15 of the NFL season. The Jets decide to mortgage the future and win a game vs. the LA Rams as they fall to the #2 overall pick. As we approach the last two weeks of the season, who will tank harder? The Giants decide that 3 points just aren't enough on the first drive of the game, so on 4th and 5 Joe Judge decides to call a fake where the punter plays QB and the Center plays the number 1 receiver. Even though the Giants' record is now 5-9, they still remain in the hunt for an NFC LEast title. In the words of Limp Bizkit, the Bills keep Rollin' all the way to an AFC East Championship and the #2 seed in the AFC.
The Nets looked unstoppable with Durant and Kyrie on the floor opening day, but how long can they each remain injury free? The Celtics win a nail biter in their opener thanks to a miss free throw by the Greek Freak. The Knicks pick up an L vs. the Pacers yet Barrett looks promising.
All this and more discusses with the Christmas spirit and dawg mentality. Go Dawgs!
Off The Rails & Let It Ride - #5
Off The Rails
Has Chris already given up on the Giant’s QB, Head Coach and GM?
Let It Ride
Matt and CM have a relatively flat week, in market terms, while Chris flops in his debut.
Matt: Chargers +3.5, Packers -8.5, Bucs -5.5, Dolphins -2, Rams -16.5, Cards -6.5
Parlay (+241) : Seahawks ML, Dolphins ML, Bucs ML
Matty Moneylines: Chargers ML, Bears ML
CM: Chargers +3.5, Bills -6.5, Dolphins -2.5, Chiefs -3, Steelers -11.5
CM College Special Parlay: Oklahoma ML, Coastal Carolina ML, LSU ML, Clemson ML, Texas A&M ML, Ohio State ML, USC ML
Chris (No $$$ on these bets): Raiders -3.5, Packers -8.5, Bucs -5.5, Dolphins -2, Jets +16.5, Bills -6.5
ESYM Episode 5: Josh Allen Still Pushing Big Bills
Matt and Chris review week 14 of the NFL season through a New York lens. Jamal Adams gets the last laugh as the Jets' tank continues. The likelihood of getting the 1st pick increases while the Jets fall to 0-13. Meanwhile, the Giants lay an egg in Daniel Jones' return from injury. Should Jones have started with a hampered hammy? Last but not least, New York's true team circled the wagons once again. The Bills solidify themselves as a true contender after beating the Steelers 26-15.
It's the most wonderful time of the year and the NBA preseason starts right on cue. Both the Knicks and Nets win their debut, even though each team's expectations are strikingly different. Durant and Irving return to the court for the first time as teammates, but who is steering the ship in Brooklyn? Outside of the tri-state area, Giannis proves his loyalty to Milwaukee and gets paid in the process, 5 year $228M.
As Matt and Chris mentioned on their previous podcast, the NHL season will begin on January 13, 2021. Most teams will report to camp by the end of the year and begin their preparation for the 56 game season. Due to Covid-19, the divisions will realign to limit travel as much as possible.
On the MLB front, not much to be discussed. However, there is still a little dash at the end of the episode.
Off The Rails & Let It Ride - #4
Off The Rails
Chris: NFC East > NFC West?
Matt: Getty is a good GM?
Let It Ride
Matt is on a heater while CM is still seeking redemption…will this be the week?
Matt:
Patriots +6
Texans -1.5
Seahawks -13.5
Packers/Lions Over 55
Bills -1.5
Matty Moneylines: (No money on these bets)
Giants ML
Washington ML
CM:
Chiefs -7
Cards -2.5
Bucs -6.5
Saints -7
Steelers +2.5
Chris: (No money on these bets)
Rams -6
Texans -1.5
Jets +13.5
Packers/Lions Under 55
Bills -1.5
Chiefs -7
Vikings +6.5
Saints -7
ESYM Episode 4: The R Word Strikes Back
Matt and Chris recap week 13 of the NFL for the New York teams. Jets emphatically put the league on notice that the tank is still on. While the Giants and Bills take care of business on the West Coast. However, the Giants celebration was cut short by the Washington Football Team winning an upset of their own.
Additionally, the guys discuss a few big moves in the NBA, the NHL setting to start and a few big free agents left to sign in the MLB.
Let It Ride - #3
Matty Moneylines has become Matty Ice because his bets are as cold as ice. Chris puts his reputation on the line and although CM was hot on Thanksgiving, who does he blame for the mortgage bet going bust?
Of course, we still have picks for week 13 including a Matty Moneyline and possible parlays.
ESYM Episode 3: Atop The NFC LEast
As we get closer to wrapping up the NFL's regular season, Matt and Chris discuss how the New York teams are stacking up. The Jets remain winless, Bills fall to the 4th seed and the Giants are now leading the NFC East but at what cost... Additionally, the guys talk a little bit of NBA as the Christmas Day schedule is released. While the NHL is still unsure there is going to be a season.
Off The Rails: The Mount Rushmore of Overrated Edition
Matt and Chris list One overrated player from each of the Four major US leagues: NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. Do you agree?
Off The Rails & Let It Ride - #2
Thanksgiving Day Special
Matt and Chris discuss their wildly off the rail opinions regarding New York QBs, one is crazier than the other. During Let It Ride, Matty Moneylines continues his degeneracy as CM's bets make their first appearance. Not only for all (3) thanksgiving day games, but also a Sunday mortgage bet.
ESYM Episode 2: The Tale of Two Cities... Three Teams
Matt and Chris discuss the current status of the New York Giants, New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills. Even though the Giants and Bills were on a bye week, many impactful games were played to determine their playoff hopes and seeding. Meanwhile, the Jets continue to burn bright like the dumpster fire they have become. However, the Jaguars are not far behind as they both try to claim the pick that will be Trevor Lawrence.
Additionally, there is a dash of NBA and NHL talk.
Off The Rails & Let It Ride - #1
Matt and Chris discuss wildly off the rail opinions regarding New York sports. As well as feeding into Matt's new found level of degeneracy in sports gambling. Additionally, Matt recalls his sports gambling mantra "Go Dawgs".
ESYM Episode 1: Allegiance, Who's Side Are You On?
Matt and Chris discuss their team allegiances as well as their view on the current state of New York Sports. With nothing but straight facts (sort of).