The world of sports has recently seen some unfamiliar faces hoist championship trophies. The Los Angeles Kings won their franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2012, then won again two years later 2014. The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in franchise history just two years ago, and came about two yards shy of defending their title last season. In a few weeks, the Carolina Panthers, led by MVP hopeful quarterback Cam Newton, will seek their first Lombardi Trophy.
With all this change in the power rankings of all four major American sports, there must be some winning cities and losing cities. Let’s break down three cities on the rise and three that are falling fast.
TRENDING UP
3. Kansas City, Missouri
Now, Kansas City only has two major sports teams. However, as of late, that duo has been dynamic enough to propel them onto this list.
The Royals won their first World Series since 1985 last season, just one year removed from a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Despite being a relatively small market in the salary cap-free MLB, the Royals have established themselves as a baseball powerhouse over the past two seasons.
This season, the Chiefs went on an improbable 11-game win streak — after losing star running back Jamaal Charles — en route to their first postseason victory in 22 years. When Andy Reid took over in 2013, the Chiefs were coming off a franchise-worst 2-14 season. Reid immediately turned the team around, leading them to an 11-5 season in 2013. He is 32-19 in his first three seasons, including the playoffs.
2. Chicago, Illinois
The current Blackhawks dynasty is one of the best in league history, and it doesn’t seem like it’s over. No matter what players he has on the roster and no matter what important players leave the team due to salary cap troubles, Joel Quenneville finds ways to win big.
With hitters like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo and Javy Baez, and pitchers like Jon Lester, John Lackey and Jake Arrieta, the Cubs are onto something special. If kept together, this could be the team to break the “Curse of the Billy Goat” and bring the Cubs their first World Series in over 100 years. It may not be this season, but it’s not far away.
The Bulls are up-and-down, but with names like Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, they’ll find their way to the playoffs. They aren’t on anybody’s radar to win, or even make the Finals, but they’re still a top-five Eastern Conference team. The Chicago Bears, however, need work.
1. The Bay Area, California
Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors got off to the hottest start in NBA history this season. Many people doubted the team’s true ability, even after winning the NBA Finals last year, because they had beaten a deeply injured Cavaliers team. However, nobody is questioning the Warriors now. After blowing out three top-five teams in the past two weeks, there is no doubt that the Warriors are the team to beat in the NBA.
The San Francisco Giants have won three of the last six World Series Championships, and after missing the postseason last year, are poised to win again. Adding Johnny Cueto to a starting rotation already featuring Madison Bumgarner and Matt Cain will be lethal to hitters around the league.
The Oakland Raiders have made great strides in recent years. Oakland has hit home runs in recent drafts, as proven by their representation at this year’s Pro Bowl. Derek Carr, Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack are all on this year’s Pro Bowl roster. Oakland has not made the playoffs since 2002, when it was defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. But, considering the current state of the team, they may not be far away from getting back to the postseason.
TRENDING DOWN
3. Cleveland, Ohio
Not even LeBron James’ Cavaliers can save Cleveland from the downward trending list. The Cavs most recently signed Kevin Love to a max contract and have Kyrie Irving locked down for four more years as well. LeBron is signed for next season and no further. While he will likely stay in Ohio, he broke the hearts of Cleveland fans before, and he can do it again.
The Cleveland Browns have epitomized failure in the National Football League over the past 25 years. During that span, they’ve posted a record above .500 just three times. Despite expectations of being better than the year before, their efforts have always been futile. While the Browns have failed, the Cleveland Indians have epitomized mediocrity in the MLB, making the postseason just twice since 2002.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
The Falcons red-hot 5-0 start to the 2015 season, fueled by sensational performances from running back Devonta Freeman and ever-reliable receiver Julio Jones, was probably the best thing to happen to Atlanta sports since the Braves won the World Series in 1995. However, four of those five wins came against the teams of the NFC East — a division that, as we would later find out, was awfully easy to beat.
The Braves have a solid roster put together, all things considered. But in a division with the Washington Nationals and New York Mets, it doesn’t look like the Braves are going anywhere anytime soon.
The Hawks saw great success last year, pounding eastern conference opponents that weren’t the Cavaliers into the dust. Despite a 60-22 record and a top seed for the playoffs, they were unable to ink any big name free agents this off-season, proving that they won’t be winning big any time soon.
The Thrashers left and became the Winnipeg Jets. And for the record — the Jets are in dead last in the Central division.
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a sad, sad place for sports. It usually is, but this fact rings especially true right now.
The Eagles tried and failed the Chip Kelly project. ESPN dubbed Kelly’s replacement, Doug Pederson, the worst coaching hire in the NFL. Chip took over after an insulting 4-12 season, and changes needed to be made. With that being said, many of his personnel decisions will be questioned for years to come.
The Flyers made the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. While the Flyers currently have a gold mine of talent in the minor leagues, they are easily still three years removed from a legitimate Cup run.
The Philadelphia Phillies lost 99 games last year. Just eight years ago, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino were household names. Now, the Phils look lost at sea, and might be even worse this upcoming year than the last.
The 76ers are dreadful. They’ve been in rebuild mode for three years now. 2013-14 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter Williams was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for more draft picks. Joel Embiid may never play a game in the NBA. While Ish Smith has turned the Sixers into an almost respectable team this year, the Sixers are several years away from the postseason.
