It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As if the Holidays, college finals, work, weather and traveling home were not enough to handle in December, the sporting world has a lot to offer. 

With the NFL regular season coming to an end, many teams will be fighting for a playoff spot in the next four weeks. The NFC has some incredible battles in every division.

• The NFC East could be decided on Dec. 14th when the Cowboys visit the Eagles.
• The NFC West has three potential playoff teams, but the crucial matchup will come on Sunday night football between the Cardinals and Seahawks on December 21st. 
• The Lions could make an attempt to steal the NFC North from the Packers if they win their last four games, including their final game at Lambeau Field.
• The NFC South is so bad that any team could still take the division at 8-8. Keep an eye on this.

The AFC is just as exciting. 

• The Patriots are trying to lock up the number 1 seed in the playoffs, but they need to worry about beating the Dolphins and Bills to win the division first. 
• The Broncos are in a similar position as the Patriots. The AFC West is giving Peyton Manning a run for his money. 
• The AFC North is the closest division in the NFL. The Bengals lead the division at 8-3-1, but every other team is 7-5 and ready to take over. Also keep an eye on Johnny Manziel. 
• The Colts appear to have won the AFC South, but they have one more game against JJ Watt's Texans, who look to complicate things. 

While NFL teams are fighting for playoff spots, there is a chance you could be fighting for a championship this week. Fantasy Football playoffs have just begun and its crunch time. The last 13 weeks and the offseason have all led up to this moment. Make sure to read up on your team and don't tinker too much. I wish everyone the best of (Andrew) Luck in the playoffs. I'll keep everyone updated on my rough path from the 6th seed to being crowned champion. 

The NBA gave fans a great start to December with the Cavaliers at the Knicks. Everyone was anticipating a fun match between LeBron and Carmelo, but it was Kyrie Irving's 37 point performance that helped the Cavaliers win. Maybe this will be the game that starts the Cavaliers on a much anticipated win streak. 

Let's not forget who the real MVP in the NBA is. Kevin Durant returned from a six week injury vacation. He dropped 27 points in his first game of the season, but it wasn't enough to help the struggling OKC Thunder get the win. 

Speaking of struggling teams, the Philadelphia 76ers will not go winless this season. The 76ers traveled to frozen tundra in Minnesota and left with their first win. Thaddeus Young had 6 rebounds and 16 points for the Timberwolves in his first game against his former team. 

The NHL has been just as exciting to watch as the other two sports. Martin Brodeur returned to the crease for the first time this season. The only difference is he is wearing blue and not red. Brodeur looked pretty good for a 42 year old who hasn't played since April. Unfortunately his debut was spoiled by a loss. 

The Ottawa Senators had their retirement ceremony for the great Daniel Alfredsson. More on that can be found here Alfie Heads Home and Heads Out.

Minnesota also got some exciting news when Gary Bettman said the NHL will deliver on their promise of having an outdoor game in Minnesota. 

Minnesota just hosted the 2014 MLB All-Star game and have been awarded the 2018 Super Bowl and the 2019 NCAA Mens Basketball final four. The only thing the State of Hockey needed was a Winter Classic. 

December didn't forget about baseball. While this is the least exciting sport to watch in the middle of the winter, considering there are no games, MLB free agency is something else. Here is a list of playes who have signed major deals: 

• Giancarlo Stanton
• Hanley Rameriez 
• Pablo Sandoval 
• Nelson Cruz 
• Torii Hunter
• Yasmany Thomas

While the fielders/hitters were the first to find new homes, it looks like December will be the month of the pitchers. Jon Lester was expected to return to Boston after spending a few months in Oakland, but it appears the Dodgers, Cubs, and Giants aren't going to make it an easy decision. As teams run out of options, expect Max Scherzer and James Shield to sign shortly after Lester does.

December truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Happy Holidays and enjoy everything the world of sports has to offer!