SBNation.com: All Posts by David Fucillohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2024-02-14T10:08:04-05:00https://www.sbnation.com/authors/david-fucillo/rss2024-02-14T10:08:04-05:002024-02-14T10:08:04-05:00The NFL’s playoff rules are close to perfect, and we need them in the regular season
<figure>
<img alt="Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs look onto the coin toss before overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T6O7G9F3AkVrblpHrrWV8DfPVVg=/0x0:5720x3813/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73138763/2007039537.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Super Bowl overtime discourse is missing a key point.</p> <p id="eMnLvn">We are now three days removed from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> 58, and the discourse remains focused on what the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> did and did not do in the overtime period against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. The debate is heated over <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2024/2/13/24071844/kyle-shanahan-overtime-decision-super-bowl-2024-49ers-vs-chiefs-kick-or-receive-two-point-conversion">Kyle Shanahan’s decision</a> and both <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2024/2/13/24071739/why-san-francisco-49ers-hc-kyle-shanahan-reasoning-for-receiving-in-overtime-was-flawed-brock-purdy">whether or not it was flawed</a> and the fact that the 49ers players <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2024/2/12/24070470/49ers-didnt-know-super-bowl-overtime-rules-were-different-than-regular-season-and-it-cost-them?_gl=1*yzihkg*">might have known entirely what was going on</a>.</p>
<p id="dkn1vW">That debate will rage all offseason and probably early into the 2024-25 season. And yet, that might not actually be the most important thing that comes out of the wild finish to Super Bowl 58. The NFL might have stumbled across a near perfect overtime system and somehow most people are not talking about that.</p>
<p id="pEdkd7">The NFL has struggled with overtime rules for years. Sudden death meant you absolutely had to receive the ball to start the extra frame. The league switched systems in 2010 to try and balance it out a bit more. If a team kicked a field goal on the first drive of overtime, the other team got the ball. If any other kind of score happened (touchdown or safety), the game was over. The league <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2010/3/23/2314466/overtime-reform-has-come-nfl-owners-vote-to-change-sudden-death-rules">implemented this rule for the playoffs starting in 2010</a> and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/3/28/2908425/nfl-overtime-rule-change-playoffs-regular-season">the regular season in 2012</a>.</p>
<p id="X2PhXp">In 2022, the league made the <a href="https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-overtime-rules/">latest change to the playoffs</a>, but not the regular season. The new rule gives each team at least one possession in overtime, even if the first team scores a touchdown on the first drive. Additionally, if the first team scores and the second team is still on their own first drive when the first overtime period ends, they continue it in the second overtime period like it’s a new “second quarter” of the playoff game.</p>
<p id="s71Co4">There is considerable debate about whether or not the 49ers were correct in receiving the ball. Whatever your view, the fact that there are strong reasons for both sides of the debate is evidence this is a good idea. Even better evidence? The analytics back this up that it’s nearly a coin flip which decision is better.</p>
<p id="7srILJ">In March 2022, ESPN analyst Brian Burke <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266423872471045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1509266423872471045%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=about%3Asrcdoc">put together a thread of tweets</a> breaking down the win probability for electing to kick vs. receive the opening kickoff of overtime. You can read the full thread below, but the tl;dr is that the team receiving the first possession wins 50.29% of the time if we assume the second team doesn’t go for 2 if they match a touchdown. If we assume the second team will go for 2 on a tying touchdown, the first team’s win probability is 50.19%.</p>
<p id="QDB5Gs">Super Bowl 58 was the first playoff game to go into overtime since the new rules were implemented in 2022. While one can make an argument for both kicking and receiving, it’s also fair to note that you might choose one strategy for facing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes and the opposite strategy for facing a quarterback like Zach Wilson. My colleague Kyle Thele used a poker analogy in a Slack conversation about this topic, stating, Shanahan played the cards and not the person. Analytically it made sense, but with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes on the opposite sideline, can you really just go with the numbers and hope for the best?</p>
<p id="azJixr">The biggest question in my mind now is not whether Shanahan was right, but how soon will we see this new system implemented in the regular season? If it follows the 2010/2012 changes, we could see it voted on in the league meetings later this spring. There has been no real discussion about it, likely in part because it had never been seen in real game action. Now that we’ve seen what can happen with it in the highest of stakes, maybe we see the NFL get things right and add these rules for the regular season.</p>
<aside id="CJ3qLW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"NFL Betting Odds & Lines | DraftKings Sportsbook","url":"https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/nfl"}]}'></div></aside><p id="3oQRWH">The NFL struggles with a lot of things, whether it be using humans on the sideline to manually check the goal-to-go yardage or refusing to implement instant replay across bigger penalties. But they somehow have managed to figure out arguably the best system they will develop for resolving a game in overtime. There is a discussion to be had about the rule extending playing time, but overtime is not a frequent occurrence, and it’s already extended when the first team scores a field goal.</p>
<p id="YpHWJJ">It’s time for the NFL to extend this into the regular season and put the concerns around overtime to bed.</p>
<div id="DVeb1y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I simulated the NFL's new rules for postseason OT. Are they fair? Would a team prefer possession first or second? Should the team with possession second kick an XP or go for 2?...</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266423872471045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="6MaWwU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes, these rules are fair. This is the fairest of any of the overtime rules we've seen. The team with 1st possession wins 50.29% of the time, assuming the team with 2nd possession doesn't go for 2 if they match a TD. And yes, that precision is needed because...</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266425608912902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="rdqdkH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If the team with 2nd possession goes for 2 subsequent to matching a TD, the team with 1st possession wins 50.19% of the time. Very slight difference. <br><br>Bottom line, based on these results, you'd want 1st possession and you'd want to go for 2 on a 2nd possession TD. But the...</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266427089506304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<aside id="px64ES"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bet on the NFL at DraftKings Sportsbook","url":"https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/nfl"}]}'></div></aside><div id="OlhGr1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">...differences are so slight it would take eons of seasons to actually observe the advantage. I ran 120k sims for each strategy.<br><br>Some thoughts...</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266428502892553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="Wo5qmj">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There are countervailing advantages for each team. The 1st possession team will have 1 extra drive any time there are an odd number of possessions.<br><br>The 2nd possession team has a second-mover advantage in that it knows what is needed to survive on its initial drive. And...</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266430155448323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="VlvDU0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">...it can mitigate the 1st possession team's first-mover advantage by going for 2, but this effect is tiny.</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266431770345478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="WjuTmY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The sim isn't perfect, but it does a very good job of matching actual game win probabilities. And it's especially useful for questions like this where this is no empirical examples on which to train a model.</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266433125015560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="dQE0mP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There might be enough bias in the sim that these results are wrong, but the error would be so slight and we're so close to the point of indifference, it might just be smart to go with the wind and let the opponent decide on possession.</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509266434463043589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="cvmyko">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lastly, I'm not claiming this settles the question. It's just one preliminary model. FWIW, the same model gives the old sudden death rules a 57% advantage to 1st possession. And it gives a 53% adv under the last OT rule. If anything it might be underselling 1st-poss a tiny bit.</p>— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/bburkeESPN/status/1509275522647445507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2024/2/14/24072644/super-bowl-overtime-controversy-rules-kick-or-receive-analytics-playoffs-regular-seasonDavid Fucillo2022-05-02T20:24:57-04:002022-05-02T20:24:57-04:00Tracking all UDFA rumors through SB Nation team communities
<figure>
<img alt="Quarterback Carson Strong #12 of the Nevada Wolf Pack drops back against linebacker Cody Fletcher #55 of the Kansas State Wildcats, during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bJcDAI1lJ-U4XHWXPWwbBIF-aS4=/0x0:5400x3600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70817456/1341577157.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Will the next Kurt Warner emerge this offseason? Probably not, but we’ll see some talent shine amongst this year’s undrafted free agents.</p> <p id="GTWgRT">The 2022 NFL Draft has officially come to an end, but the roster-building process is far from complete. Following the seventh rounds of the draft, chaos ensues as undrafted free agency is officially underway.</p>
<p id="SnitlV">Any player eligible for the draft that did not get selected in the 262 picks can now sign with any team. While draft picks get four year contracts, UDFAs are eligible to sign a three-year contract. They get to free agency a year sooner than draft picks, but it is worth noting that free agency after three seasons of service time is restricted, vs. the unrestricted free agency after four seasons.</p>
<p id="BUT9v3">The rest of Saturday and into the coming week will be chaotic as players and teams scramble to get deals done. The busiest stretch is Saturday, but plenty of players will be signing in advance of upcoming rookie minicamps. It’s difficult to track every signing out there, so we’re going to point you to the experts in the field.</p>
<p id="tKj8w8">Each of SB Nation’s 32 team sites will be tracking all the rumors we’ll read about. Signings will be announced, but nothing is official until pen is put to paper and the team announces the deal. We’ll update this list with the official announcements from the teams, but in the meantime, check out each of our team sites to catch up on the latest rumors for your favorite team.</p>
<h2 id="xadgtA">NFC East</h2>
<p id="sdhGPK"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/30/23050860/2022-nfl-draft-ny-giants-udfa-undrafted-free-agent-tracker-news-rumors">Big Blue View</a></p>
<p id="OTDoQC"><a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2022/4/30/23050774/undrafted-free-agent-signings-tracker-nfl-draft-2022-news-rumors-players-udfa-eagles-rookies-updates">Bleeding Green Nation</a></p>
<p id="Y96j4h"><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2022/4/30/23050312/dallas-cowboys-2022-undrafted-free-agency-tracker-every-name-and-rumor-you-need-to-know">Blogging The Boys</a></p>
<p id="F120hI"><a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/2022/4/30/23041323/nfl-draft-2022-undrafted-free-agents-udfa-tracker-signings-washington-rumors">Hogs Haven</a></p>
<h2 id="kjUF0U">NFC North</h2>
<p id="POMeUQ"><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/nfl-draft-2022-packers/2022/4/30/23051045/packers-2022-undrafted-free-agency-tracker-nfl-draft">Acme Packing Company</a></p>
<p id="mwk7Pk"><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2022/4/30/23050295/minnesota-vikings-undrafted-free-agency-tracker-2022-nfl-draft-udfa">Daily Norseman</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="2YRYBN">Mike Brown</li>
<li id="g5mPOf">Thomas Hennigan</li>
<li id="LxY3gL">Bryant Koback</li>
<li id="wYMlgl">Zach McCloud</li>
<li id="lvDhMY">Josh Sokol</li>
<li id="tak5ya">Tyarise Stevenson</li>
<li id="VCADCY">Tré Turner</li>
<li id="yV3kVX">Luiji Vilain</li>
<li id="uupluM">Ryan Wright</li>
</ul>
<p id="ez8Yd9"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/4/30/23051101/2022-detroit-lions-udfa-tracker">Pride Of Detroit</a></p>
<p id="uuE99u"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2022/4/30/23044142/chicago-bears-2022-udfa-news-rumor-tracker-ryan-poles-matt-eberflus-undrafted-free-agent-nfl-draft">Windy City Gridiron</a></p>
<h2 id="wvCyrt">NFC South</h2>
<p id="XKCRFY"><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/2022/4/30/23050919/tampa-bay-buccaneers-undrafted-free-agent-tracker-2022-nfl-draft">Bucs Nation</a></p>
<p id="OAaXAs"><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2022/4/30/23041458/2022-new-orleans-saints-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Canal Street Chronicles</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="1Kq2Oa">DB DaMarcus Fields</li>
<li id="ItA4bD">DB Vincent Gray</li>
<li id="fwMaiy">DB Jack Koerner</li>
<li id="vFDZcg">S Smoke Monday</li>
<li id="88wdcC">LB Joel Dublanko</li>
<li id="rlQOhd">LB Isaiah Pryor</li>
<li id="DH0Pm9">LB Nephi Sewell</li>
<li id="Qh2MC0">OL Sage Doxtater</li>
<li id="ejheaI">OL Lewis Kidd</li>
<li id="5l3v4w">OL Derek Schweiger</li>
<li id="jijKh4">OL Eric Wilson</li>
<li id="GU2gWr">K John Parker Romo</li>
<li id="szUwBn">P Daniel Whelan</li>
<li id="8NMjWC">RB Abram Smith</li>
<li id="sMtFqg">TE Lucas Krull</li>
<li id="gNRHpk">WR Rashid Shaheed</li>
<li id="QIXovL">WR Dai’Jean Dixon</li>
</ul>
<p id="xs9Rmz"><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/2022/4/30/23050608/2022-nfl-undrafted-free-agents-carolina-panthers-tracker">Cat Scratch Reader</a></p>
<p id="6Em2hy"><a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/4/30/23041191/2022-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">The Falcoholic</a></p>
<h2 id="dYjiJo">NFC West</h2>
<p id="HmGk0c"><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2022/4/30/23050607/seattle-seahawks-2022-udfa-tracker-nfl-roster-news-updates">Field Gulls</a></p>
<p id="dTKvFP"><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/4/30/23051067/49ers-udfa-tracker-and-list-of-2022-draft-picks-49ers-sign-oklahoma-st-wr-tay-martin">Niners Nation</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="djdGVc">DL Kevin Atkins, Fresno State</li>
<li id="3s6YXt">LB Jeremiah Gemmel, North Carolina</li>
<li id="TzlcK9">S Tayler Hawkins, San Diego State</li>
<li id="0sms1y">DB Qwuantrezz Knight, UCLA</li>
<li id="ZcrC5x">WR Taysir Mack, Pittsburgh</li>
<li id="WzOGbW">WR Tay Martin, Oklahoma State</li>
<li id="udSzNX">RB Jordan Mason, Georgia Tech</li>
<li id="uCPGzP">LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Indiana</li>
<li id="aSh0bb">LB Segun Olubi, San Diego State</li>
<li id="a0tbFH">S Leon O’Neal Jr., Texas A&M</li>
<li id="FvWIyv">OL Jason Poe, Mercer</li>
<li id="AaeDy5">OL Sam Schlueter, Minnesota</li>
<li id="g9B4wE">TE Garrett Walston, North Carolina</li>
<li id="PV5loZ">OL Dohnovan West, Arizona State</li>
</ul>
<p id="MfhjD0"><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2022/5/1/23051825/2022-nfl-draft-arizona-cardinals-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Revenge of the Birds</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="I9RwF5">CB Darrell Baker Jr., Georgia Southern</li>
<li id="9HpEXs">WR Changa Hodge, Virginia Tech</li>
<li id="3wA0Wf">DL Manny Jones, Colorado State</li>
<li id="pTtJw6">S Kekaula Kaniho, Boise State</li>
<li id="Mkfn4S">WR Jontre Kirklin, LSU</li>
<li id="biYIsL">DL Will Miles, Central Michigan</li>
<li id="nD34Tp">WR JaVonta Payton, Tennessee</li>
<li id="mXVhqn">TE Chris Pierce Jr., Vanderbilt</li>
<li id="7576lJ">RB Ronnie Rivers, Fresno State</li>
<li id="mbTx4D">WR Stephon Robinson Jr., Northwestern</li>
<li id="tUaIbz">DL LaRon Stokes, Oklahoma</li>
<li id="AeWkIl">ILB Chandler Wooten, Auburn</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZWr8F7"><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2022/4/30/23051179/los-angeles-rams-2022-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Turf Show Times</a></p>
<h2 id="TKijUq">AFC East</h2>
<p id="heQZ0O"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2022/5/1/23051800/2022-nfl-draft-buffalo-bills-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Buffalo Rumblings</a></p>
<p id="03MUej"><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/2022/4/30/23051054/new-york-jets-2022-undrafted-free-agents-signings-news-and-updates">Gang Green Nation</a></p>
<p id="x09R5O"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/30/23050498/nfl-draft-2022-undrafted-free-agents-tracker-patriots-signings-news-rumors-analysis">Pats Pulpit</a></p>
<p id="cpohtJ"><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/4/30/23050309/2022-miami-dolphins-udfa-rumors-signings-nfl-draft">The Phinsider</a></p>
<h2 id="ViA6Uo">AFC North</h2>
<p id="euLZFr"><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2022/4/30/23050988/2022-baltimore-ravens-undrafted-free-agency-tracker-udfa-ravens-news-updates-signings">Baltimore Beatdown</a></p>
<p id="u1YLPM"><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2022/4/30/23051133/steelers-2022-undrafted-free-agent-tracker-all-the-signings-and-rumors-nfl-news-update-rumors-nfl">Behind the Steel Curtain</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="fMnatS">OT Jake Dixon</li>
<li id="E8OXV4">RB Mataeo Durant</li>
<li id="CfEZf0">DL Donovan Jeter</li>
<li id="fbxNQk">OLB Tyree Johnson</li>
<li id="tpTc2V">OLB T.D. Moultry</li>
<li id="rgaVKq">OG Chris Owens</li>
<li id="qjFzI7">CB Chris Steele</li>
<li id="XCBQqn">OT Jordan Tucker</li>
<li id="VsFOYb">RB Jaylen Warren</li>
<li id="20FrLM">CB Bryce Watts</li>
</ul>
<p id="irYsgU"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/4/30/23051012/bengals-undrafted-free-agent-tracker-2022-nfl-draft-udfa-agents-picks-results">Cincy Jungle</a></p>
<p id="SQn1WD"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2022/4/30/23050760/cleveland-browns-list-of-undrafted-free-agents-reportedly-signed">Dawgs By Nature</a></p>
<h2 id="CSg8iD">AFC South</h2>
<p id="BMr2oJ"><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/2022/4/30/23051080/2022-nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Battle Red Blog</a></p>
<p id="NosZ8I"><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2022/5/1/23051999/jaguars-udfa-tracker">Big Cat Country </a></p>
<p id="7oMpmh"><a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2022/4/30/23051307/2022-titans-undrafted-free-agent-tracker">Music City Miracles</a></p>
<p id="ixvyPC"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2022/4/30/23051171/colts-rookie-udfa-tracker-following-the-2022-nfl-draft">Stampede Blue</a></p>
<h2 id="l4guWA">AFC West</h2>
<p id="7cWryc"><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2022/4/30/23051062/tracking-the-chiefs-2022-undrafted-free-agent-signings">Arrowhead Pride</a></p>
<p id="8tgahI"><a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2022/4/30/23051060/undrafted-free-agent-tracker-nfl-chargers-2022">Bolts From The Blue</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="j67WvH">WR Trevon Bradford</li>
<li id="hR7umw">RB Leddie Brown</li>
<li id="84kPdO">TE Erik Krommenhoek</li>
<li id="teJBg9">S Raheem Layne</li>
<li id="AT2fhU">LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams</li>
<li id="KI1R2g">RB Kevin Marks Jr.</li>
<li id="JAp0mR">K James McCourt</li>
<li id="j63W9u">QB Brandon Peters</li>
<li id="1lJ7OT">CB Brandon Sebastian</li>
<li id="G01gkI">OLB Ty Shelby</li>
<li id="LdG2bW">TE Stone Smartt</li>
<li id="dD9yZE">S Skyler Thomas</li>
<li id="sc6xT6">OT Andrew Trainer</li>
<li id="WTdFXp">C Isaac Weaver</li>
</ul>
<p id="DVNavq"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/4/30/23051041/denver-broncos-udfa-tracker-undrafted-free-agent-signings-2022">Mile High Report</a></p>
<p id="XyfIp6"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2022/4/30/23043717/raiders-2022-undrafted-free-agent-signings">Silver And Black Pride</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2022/4/30/23051135/nfl-draft-udfa-signings-tracker-results-rumors-news-2022David Fucillo2022-04-30T19:03:23-04:002022-04-30T19:03:23-04:00Best available undrafted free agents following 2022 NFL Draft
<figure>
<img alt="National Squad quarterback Carson Strong of Nevada (12) drops back to pas in the second half against the American squad at Hancock Whitney Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vwHZ5XBuDMu3hOwUEr1xZDe23HQ=/0x0:3121x2081/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70816993/usa_today_17624540.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s a whole host of talent available after 262 draft picks. We take a look at the best available.</p> <p id="yJtDsE">The third and final day of the 2022 NFL Draft has officially come to a close. The seventh round wrapped with the San Francisco 49ers picking Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy at pick No. 262, also known as Mr. Irrelevant.</p>
<p id="oO4FoH">Now comes the chaos of undrafted free agency.</p>
<p id="mLKctr">In reality, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/4/28/15227862/undrafted-free-agents-nfl-2017-how-it-works">mad scramble</a> that is undrafted free agency begins before the draft is even over. Teams begin calling potential priority free agents during the third day of the draft to get on their radar in case they go undrafted. Once the draft ends, it’s every man for himself as players and teams scramble to get deals done. Sometimes a player will commit to multiple teams, and some of the people reporting signing news are not your traditional big name media personalities. It becomes absolute chaos.</p>
<p id="GrHOYD">Most UDFA signings will not last more than training camp, with some getting cut before we even get through mandatory minicamp in June. But, quality talent has emerged over the years and this year will be no exception.</p>
<aside id="LGjUW6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bet on NFL futures at DraftKings Sportsbook","url":"https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/py2n?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D303516874%26wpcid%3D184913%26wpcn%3DInarticle%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DNFLDraft&pcid=184913&pscn=NFLDraft&pcrn=Inarticle&psn=Vox"}]}'></div></aside><p id="vgB3hS">As for the players left, for now the most notable name is Nevada quarterback Carson Strong. We’ll see what the seventh round brings for the Wolfpack QB. This list comes from the original consensus big board <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2022/consensus-big-board-2022">NFL Mock Draft Database</a> put together. Offensive line is notable, but we’ve got a solid mix of options in the top ten best players still available. We’ll update this list as the seventh round wraps.</p>
<div id="7MEqu7"><div data-anthem-component="table:11167187"></div></div>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2022/4/30/23050948/nfl-draft-2022-best-players-available-undrafted-free-agents-udfas-day-3David Fucillo2022-04-30T13:23:43-04:002022-04-30T13:23:43-04:00Sauce Gardner has a sauce bottle chain ... that has sauce in it!
<figure>
<img alt="Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Sauce Gardner on the red carpet at the Fountains of Bellagio before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3aAYQp_W_Um1nK0ZrDHHox0HCNY=/0x0:5000x3333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70816019/usa_today_18169468.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I’m a sweet heat fan myself, but I can appreciate the diversity of sauces.</p> <p id="bB4H08">Newly minted <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner arrived in New Jersey over the weekend and he was still sporting the <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2022/4/28/23047224/nfl-draft-2022-ahmad-gardner-sauce-bottle-chain-picture-cincinnati-bearcats-prospect">sauce chain he wore to the 2022 NFL Draft</a> in Las Vegas on Thursday.</p>
<p id="SHe73W">Gardner had a chance to chat with Jets owner Woody Johnson after his arrival in New Jersey, and he offered up a little bit of a secret: his sauce chain holds his daily sauce of choice!</p>
<div id="3wGcJY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The inside scoop <a href="https://twitter.com/iamSauceGardner?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamSauceGardner</a> <a href="https://t.co/AkrvRU7Zqs">pic.twitter.com/AkrvRU7Zqs</a></p>— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) <a href="https://twitter.com/woodyjohnson4/status/1520387623121997824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="zlaiUK">Sauce told Johnson his sauce of choice will vary day-by-day. One day he’ll have BBQ sauce, another day it might be some Sweet Heat. He might have some Hot Sauce or Teriyaki if the mood strikes him.</p>
<p id="9k0GSC">I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of tasty sauces, and I like where Sauce’s head is at. The question now is if his choice of sauce might indicate his mood on a given day. How frequently will we see him show up at MetLife Stadium with a sauce that tells us a little about what we can expect that day.</p>
<p id="6aZ4mL">Hot sauce can be right in your face and aggressive, so maybe we’re looking at him getting physical with his opposing receiver. Sweet Heat is a little more subtle, so maybe he’s going to play a little more off-man that day. Meanwhile, BBQ is a sloppier sauce, so that could suggest he thinks the refs will let the cornerbacks get a little more physical with the receivers down the field.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2022/4/30/23050601/sauce-gardner-sauce-bottle-chain-video-sauces-bbq-sweet-heat-hot-sauce-teriyakiDavid Fucillo2022-04-29T23:34:26-04:002022-04-29T23:34:26-04:00The best available players after Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft
<figure>
<img alt="Sam Howell #QB07 of the North Carolina Tar Heels throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7RSSRc5tCCj5DaWZyxun54BnEi4=/0x0:4863x3242/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70813971/1391629667.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>These are the best players still available after the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Saturday will be a busy day.</p> <p id="ViNifU">The 2022 NFL Draft wrapped up day two on Friday with the second and third rounds officially in the books. The day opened with the Buccaneers drafting Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall at No. 33 overall, and closed with the 49ers selecting SMU wide receiver Danny Gray at No. 105 overall.</p>
<p id="TJglo4">The biggest news of the day was the struggle for quarterbacks. A day after the Steelers picked Kenny Pickett at No. 20 overall, we did not see another QB until the Falcons picked Desmond Ridder at No. 74. That was a surprise primarily because most everybody expected Malik Willis to go ahead of Ridder, if not be the first QB off the board. Instead, Willis went No. 86 overall to the Titans. Matt Corral was the last QB off the board on Friday, going to the Panthers at No. 94.</p>
<p id="3Zxj1Y">The draft is now headed into the day for the diehards. The final day of the draft is when we get into the nitty-gritty with only analysts knowing who most of the players are, and some not even all of them. We’ll get the usual tribute to sixth round pick Tom Brady as teams look for diamonds in the rough. And of course, we can’t forget Mr. Irrelevant at No. 262 to close out the 2022 NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="xc6iiA">There’s still plenty of talent on the board, and below we’ve updated a list of best players available. The list comes from the consensus big board rankings at <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2022/consensus-big-board-2022">NFL Mock Draft Database</a>. Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey is the top remaining player, and he’s followed by UNC quarterback Sam Howell.</p>
<p id="8IdCCI">Check out the BPA below, and find the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2022/4/28/23046769/nfl-draft-results-2022-pick-by-pick-tracker-live-updates-first-round">full results for the first three rounds here</a>. As always, you can bet on the rest of the draft at <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/py2n?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D303516874%26wpcid%3D184913%26wpcn%3DInarticle%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DNFLDraft&pcid=184913&pscn=NFLDraft&pcrn=Inarticle&psn=Vox">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. The fourth round opens the final day of the draft at 12 p.m. ET.</p>
<div id="M4czAb"><div data-anthem-component="table:11167187"></div></div>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2022/4/29/23049844/2022-nfl-draft-best-available-players-fourth-round-day-3-saturday-sam-howell-isaiah-spillerDavid Fucillo2019-10-18T12:00:00-04:002019-10-18T12:00:00-04:00The best and worst awards for the golden era of kids sports movies
<figure>
<img alt="A collage featuring scenes from the 90s movies The Mighty Ducks, Little Giants, and The Sandlot" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Zo9B35tsH5_hfKQgQFchIS5S5I0=/107x0:1957x1233/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65499170/90s_films.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The early 90s gave us classics like The Mighty Ducks, Little Giants, and The Sandlot. | Disney, WB, 20th Century Fox / SB Nation illustration</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>“Little Giants” closed out a two-year run unlike any other in kids sports movies. Here’s the best and worst from that time!</p> <p id="PxJuMi">It’s fitting that we’re celebrating the anniversary of <em>Little </em><em>Giants</em> this week. When it was released in October 1994, it marked the close of a golden era of kids sports movies. From 1992 to 1994, seven of these movies were released, and all are remembered fondly by anybody who was in middle or elementary school at the time. </p>
<p id="B9z6G3">The list of movies that came out over the course of 24 months is a murderers’ row of classics:</p>
<p id="ZpyFM1">October 2, 1992: <em>The Mighty Ducks</em><br>April 7, 1993: <em>The Sandlot</em><br>July 7, 1993: <em>Rookie of the Year</em><br>March 25, 1994: <em>D2: The Mighty Ducks</em><br>June 29, 1994: <em>Little Big League</em><br>July 15, 1994: <em>Angels</em><em> in the Outfield</em><br>October 14, 1994: <em>Little Giants</em></p>
<p id="rM6ZEu">Some will argue for inclusion of <em>The Big Green</em> in 1995 and <em>Air Bud</em> in 1997. I’m pretty sure nobody will argue for the third <em>Mighty Ducks</em> movie in 1996 or <em>Ladybugs</em> in early 1992. The first two are solid considerations, but I’ll stick with that tight 24-month period from October 1992 to October 1994.</p>
<p id="udmaie">With that in mind, I thought I’d offer up some entirely subjective awards for the best and worst aspects of these seven movies.</p>
<h1 id="18xhVu">The Franchise: <em>The Mighty Ducks</em>
</h1>
<p id="Cqb9ti">The only one of these to spawn a sequel, and of course the only one to spawn an actual sports franchise! The lead was noted Brat Packer Emilio Estevez, in his first big movie that allowed him to break out as an adult star. However, much like <em>Little Giants</em>, the kids were the key to building out the story. The movie followed the numerous tropes that come from a great sports movie:</p>
<p id="MtvKlO">1. Gordon Bombay provided the heroic redemption often required in these kinds of movies — although more on the realities of that later.</p>
<p id="waTeaA">2. Sports movies regularly involve underdogs overcoming long odds, and we saw this in both of the movies.* In the first, a pee-wee hockey team had to beat the superiorly talented team led by Bombay’s former coach. In the second, an all-star team of Ducks had to beat heavily favored Iceland in the Junior Goodwill Games. Both made for good storylines, even if I’m not sure how they decided on Iceland being the hockey power.</p>
<p id="YychxW">*D3 did happen, but a) it fell out of this time period, and b) it really wasn’t particularly good.</p>
<p id="UQdzu7">3. They put together fun climactic scenes. Regardless of what you think of the triple deke as a real hockey move, it made for a thrilling conclusion to the first movie. And considering how exciting a shootout can be, I would argue the close to the second movie exceeded that of the first one.</p>
<h1 id="xqtWfa">Best story: <em>Little Giants</em>
</h1>
<p id="IwDwk0">Every one of these movies features a great story arc. Some are a little more realistic, some are a little more fun, but they all provide a compelling story. And yet, it’s <em>Little Giants</em> that remains my favorite narrative.</p>
<p id="NhImC7">The David vs. Goliath story is a classic one, and they did it wonderfully in this one. There wasn’t just the pee-wee football teams, but you also had the big brother-little brother story with Ed O’Neill and Rick Moranis (superbly cast). O’Neill made his name as Al Bundy in <em>Married with Children</em>, but looking back, his Kevin O’Shea character seems like a precursor to his Jay Pritchett role in <em>Modern Family</em>. On the other hand, Moranis’ character history is summed up perfectly as Danny O’Shea, and it’s impossible not to root for him.</p>
<p id="CbLZUi">We also get what at the time was a bit of a forward-thinking storyline <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2019/10/16/20912061/icebox-little-giants-becky-oshea-football-cheerleader">with Becky “Icebox” O’Shea</a>, Danny’s daughter. She is the best football player, but she gets cut during Cowboys tryouts. So she rounds up a group of less talented kids and convinces her dad to coach them as the Giants. Later, we see Becky becoming a cheerleader thinking that’s how she can impress a boy, and then returning to play in the big game and shutting down the villainous Spike Hammersmith. The movie did an excellent job flipping a trope on its head.</p>
<h1 id="LJwmoD">Classic: <em>The Sandlot</em>
</h1>
<p id="DJjbpu">Baseball is fighting football for the heart of America, and so feelings on this movie might be changing. But as a kid growing up when this movie came out, it spoke to me. It’s about neighborhood kids playing baseball. The most popular kid in the neighborhood befriends the nerdy new kid, and they along, with a group of other kids, have adventures surrounding baseball. It’s just a perfect movie about baseball as a kid.</p>
<p id="typvsF">And of course, nobody will ever forget, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGaaW_eaOI8">You’re killing me, Smalls</a>!”</p>
<h1 id="Kka9Y5">Most unlikely scenario: <em>Little Big League, Rookie of the Year, Angels in the Outfield</em>
</h1>
<p id="SDqdSB">There’s plenty unrealistic in most Hollywood movies, but these three play on the fantastic — to entertaining effect. Which of these three is most fantastic?</p>
<ol>
<li id="9TJvqd">
<em><strong>Little Big League</strong></em>: A sports owner dies and leaves the team to his 12-year-old grandson. The grandson is a baseball nut who eventually fires the manager (played by Dennis Farina, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ry0g4W0_ZI">who does not drop a single f-bomb</a>, so you know it’s fantasy) and takes over in his role. The last-place team turns things around while regaining their joy for the game, before losing in a one-game playoff. Oh, and early ‘90s Ken Griffey, Jr. is kind of a villain in the movie.</li>
<li id="YPaLSi">
<em><strong>Rookie of the Year</strong></em>: A middle schooler breaks a bone in his upper arm and after healing, he can throw a 100-mph fastball. He signs with the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, and along the way, his mom’s boyfriend tries to trick her into getting him traded to the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>. </li>
<li id="qErfvR">
<em><strong>Angels in the Outfield</strong></em>: Actual angels help the then-Anaheim Angels get to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p id="5M1i5v">I would accept arguments for any of these three being the most absurd.</p>
<h1 id="CW2pH5">Worst hero: Gordon Bombay</h1>
<p id="IkuHJF">I get that movies need a redemption story, but man, c’mon! An arrogant lawyer gets <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2QmvhuqYY4">pulled over for a DUI</a>, and his punishment is community service that involves coaching a local pee-wee hockey team. When the team gets pummeled in its first game against Bombay’s old pee-wee coach, he decides to teach them how to dive and draw penalties.</p>
<p id="YRbsMr">In the sequel, Coach Bombay becomes enamored by the Hollywood life during the Junior Goodwill Games. When the team gets pummeled by Iceland because Bombay did not prepare the players well enough, he makes them do an excessive amount of sprints immediately after the game. He even goes on a date with the Iceland trainer the night before his team gets thumped in its first match with the hockey heavyweights!</p>
<p id="41GiKj">The guy repeatedly left his team hanging, so it’s hard to entirely buy the redemption angle when he was the one putting himself in that situation. And frankly, anybody who <a href="https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/bd9decfe-9851-4a95-bea2-cf7c284b0871">pitches the Air Bombay loafer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> when he should be preparing his team gets docked a whole lot of points.</p>
<h1 id="GrDa50">Best villain: Coach Reilly, <em>The Mighty Ducks</em>
</h1>
<p id="p51VK8">Reilly, played by Lane Smith, coached Gordon Bombay as a kid. Bombay lost his dad, and in the championship game he missed a penalty shot that cost his team. Coach Reilly expressed considerable disappointment in him. Considering Bombay was dealing the loss of his dad, that’s pretty incredible balls on Reilly.</p>
<p id="23yS25">Twenty years later, when Bombay takes over as coach of another team in the league, Reilly is STILL pissed about it snapping his championship streak. Naturally, Bombay’s team faces Reilly’s team in the championship game. Reilly orders one of his players to injure the star on the other team. We’re talking John Kreese from <em>Karate Kid-</em>type villain. </p>
<h1 id="5skAXc">Worst villain: Ken Griffey, Jr., <em>Little Big League</em>
</h1>
<p id="POuUbZ">You could argue there really wasn’t a full-on villain in <em>Little Big League</em>. Billy fired Dennis Farina, who was underrated in his role as the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> arrogant manager. Billy got a big head at times, so it was more about the transition he made. But the movie ended with Griffey snuffing out the Twins’ chances in the one-game playoff.</p>
<p id="LuzPsZ">The fact that early ‘90s Griffey, one of the most popular players in baseball history, was brought in as a villain still ruffles my feathers. I suppose one argument would be that since Billy’s Twins were going to lose, you wouldn’t want it happening to a complete dick. But did they also have to do Jr. dirty like they did on this phantom pickoff play?</p>
<div id="STkrm5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDEiVK5gKYo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="hQPP8K">Best cameo: <em>Little Giants</em> players visited by NFL players and John Madden</h1>
<p id="FV2oD1">John Madden, Emmitt Smith, Bruce Smith, Tim Brown, and Steve Emtman show up before the big game against the Cowboys. They’re headed to Canton for a banquet and get lost in Urbania. I have a lot of questions about this, but obviously we have to roll with the punches.</p>
<p id="UzA9ZM">Each of the players and Madden offer up lessons to get the players ready for the game:</p>
<ol>
<li id="60Qs2H">Steve Emtman gets Zolteck fired up and ready to run over the Cowboys.</li>
<li id="LbxTFr">Emmitt Smith inspires the kids to succeed even if they’re not the biggest or the fastest or the smartest.</li>
<li id="bKDNtT">John Madden works with Nubie to tweak the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2019/10/16/20908199/little-giants-annexation-of-puerto-rico-trick-plays-real-life">Annexation of Puerto Rico</a> play design.</li>
<li id="9YoERO">Bruce Smith offers lessons in intimidation.</li>
<li id="vIEz4V">For some reason, Tim Brown shows up and leaves, but doesn’t get his own scene with the kids. Maybe it’s part of the deleted scenes.</li>
</ol>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Little Giants picture of Tim Brown, Steve Emtman, Emmit Smith, and Bruce Smith" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f37pW_HX0e2UBu6ZRB7syYB63Vs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19296054/Screen_Shot_2019_10_17_at_12.21.05_PM.png">
</figure>
<h1 id="cImtWb">Best musical montage: “Runaround Sue,” <em>Little Big League</em>
</h1>
<p id="1c1I4c">Most team sports movies have a montage scene when things are going well. If I’m flipping through my TV and I hear “Runaround Sue,” I know it’s time to settle in for <em>Little Big League</em>.</p>
<div id="ipHpw3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZShTLOpQlTg?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="vaFqpj">Worst in-game tactician: Kevin O’Shea, <em>Little Giants</em>
</h1>
<p id="n1F5Mb">I appreciate that Kevin is the local hero and knows football, but he really was an awful coach. Christian D’Andrea went into great detail on <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2019/10/15/20908737/little-giants-comeback-cowboys-ed-oneill-kevin-oshea-coaching-breakdown">how bad a coach he was</a>, but simply put, his ego far exceeds his skill as a coach. How else do you recognize the opponent has predicted your play and still not call an audible from the sideline? It really was a matter of ego costing his team the victory.</p>
<h1 id="ruMHRE">Best coach: Mac Macnally, <em>Little Big League</em>
</h1>
<p id="WqqT0e">Pitching coach (and effective bench coach) Mac Macnally was the opposite of Kevin O’Shea when it came to ego. Shortly after 12-year-old Billy Heywood took over as owner of the Minnesota Twins, he fired manager George O’Farrell and with the help of his buddies decides he should take over. He takes the decision to Mac and the team’s general manager. He has Mac test him on situational baseball and offers a clear-cut answer and Mac acknowledges Billy is a superior baseball mind.</p>
<p id="8DxyVL">Either this is the greatest show of selflessness you can expect, or Mac lost his mind in agreeing to let a 12-year-old manage the Twins. Considering the team’s turnaround, I’ll give Mac credit. And of course, he got to take over as manager the next season after Billy stepped down after the one-game playoff loss to finish up middle school. Selfless <em>and</em> savvy!</p>
<div id="frxEuu"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hu5RC2wFfAw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="XLZD4y">Worst play in a climactic scene: Triple deke, The floater</h1>
<p id="RGgWTl">I get that there is a certain suspension of disbelief when it comes to movies. <em>The Mighty Ducks</em> and <em>Rookie of the Year</em> set up incredible tension for their climactic scenes, and I felt like they let us down in the end.</p>
<p id="r2cUqQ">In the original <em>Mighty Ducks</em> movie, the Ducks are facing the Hawks and it goes to a penalty shot for all the marbles. The youthful hero, Charlie (Joshua Jackson), is in the same position Coach Bombay was in 20 years earlier. Bombay’s big move that he taught to Charlie was the triple deke. It’s a move that I’m fairly certain would not amount to anything but a laughing goalie in real hockey. Naturally, Charlie succeeds with the move.</p>
<div id="hkPN0m"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IKxcDwLNN8k?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="fiQxs2">In <em>Rookie of the Year</em>, Henry Rowengartner and his 100-mph fastball are a key to the Cubs turning their season around. They face the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> in a one-game playoff for the division title and he comes on in relief for his mentor, Chet “Rocket” Steadman. After striking out six straight batters, he heads onto the field to start the ninth but slips on a baseball. He lands awkwardly, and when he gets up he can no longer throw the gas. He and the Cubs use trick plays to get the first two outs, but then faces his nemesis, “Heddo.” Henry strikes him out using a floater pitcher inspired by his mom, who was a standout softball pitcher back in the day. I appreciate the story arc, but for a finisher, really?</p>
<div id="JLh82x"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0CDsJCGcJcI?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="rNY1JB">Best climactic scene: The Annexation of Puerto Rico, <em>Little Giants</em>
</h1>
<p id="NbrzjS">Each of these movies involved some kind of suspense in the big climactic scene, but none offered the kind of realistic absurdity of the final play that <strong>spoiler alert</strong> won the game for the Little Giants. The play was effectively the fumblerooski and as noted in the movie — in a conversation between Nubie and John Madden — was cribbed from a similar play from Madden’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> XI victory over the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>.</p>
<p id="pWLII0">The Giants fell behind 21-0 after Becky spent the first half serving as a cheerleader. Danny gives the players an inspirational speech that results in them getting back into the game. As the Giants are coming back, Becky decides to dump the pompoms after Spike Hammersmith illegally spears Junior Floyd. She immediately impacts the game and the Giants are able to tie it up. The Cowboys move down to a goal to go situation, but Icebox stops Spike short of the goal line.</p>
<p id="VKj7iM">That leads to one of the truly great plays in movie sports history. Quarterback Junior Floyd takes the snap and immediately puts the ball down. He then starts a fake reverse, and as Spike tackles Icebox without the ball, Rudy Zoltek has picked it up and taken off down the field.</p>
<p id="xDWLQK">Naturally, the Cowboys track him down and he throws the ball up for grabs behind him and Junior catches it. The Cowboys get to him, and right before they tackle him, he tosses the ball to Jake Berman. The little guy manages to take it to the house for the game-winning touchdown.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HlCH7aXK8BFUqgjYWDtWqiak408=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19286948/annexation5.gif">
</figure>
<p id="AcQTen">I can rewatch this movie over and over, and that scene still gives me goosebumps.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2019/10/18/20913037/mighty-ducks-sandlot-little-giants-best-worst-kids-sports-moviesDavid Fucillo2019-08-14T10:00:02-04:002019-08-14T10:00:02-04:00Fantasy Football Sleeper-Bot Assistant
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s0ldP9AfXwsqOKRJSfSNiyEg4YM=/75x0:1925x1233/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65010766/FantasySleeper_Social.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Use this bot to help you find the sleepers hiding in your league’s draft. Find the sleeper and win the championship.</p> <p id="ugtdmg">The key to a fantasy football championship is finding sleepers in your league’s draft. Answer four questions using our Sleeper-Bot Assistant and it’ll do the analysis to give you a list of the best sleeper candidates for the four major positions.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/a/fantasy-football-sleepers-advice-2019David FucilloFrank Bi2019-07-03T10:21:42-04:002019-07-03T10:21:42-04:007 best bets for NFL-CFB win total comparisons
<figure>
<img alt="Raiders Las Vegas Stadium Site Under Construction" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jouqDsHauMMD7giSO44rgH8D-Gs=/0x0:4911x3274/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64665991/1085099458.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’ve got options for Patriots-Alabama, Browns-Ohio State, Raiders-UNLV, and more!</p> <p id="GZjSx2">July is a quiet month for football, and that applies to oddsmakers as well as regular fans. The folks at Las Vegas oddsmaker CG Technology has come up with a fun opportunity for both NFL and college football fans around the country.</p>
<p id="skzR6l">NFL and college football win totals have been developed over the offseason, and now CG is offering a cross-sport win total opportunity. They have picked pairs of teams based on either geographic similarity, or in the case of the Patriots and Alabama, the perception of them as the frontrunner for their given league.</p>
<p id="VVUsIS">Our writers took a look at the list and came up with their favorite bets. Betting on a team at -1/2 means you need that team to win one game more than the other team. Betting on a team at +1/2 means you only need the teams to finish with the same number of wins to win your bet.</p>
<h2 id="EPLmI0">David Fucillo: 49ers (-1/2) over Southern California</h2>
<p id="8jYLOJ">This is a fascinating comparison in light of the possibilities for both teams in 2019. The 49ers win total is sitting at 8 and the big question is what to make of Jimmy Garoppolo. He’s returning from a torn ACL, and has yet to start a full season in the NFL. Add in an overhauled defense, and the 49ers range of possible outcomes is significant.</p>
<p id="6vDk80">On the other side, USC is installed at 6.5 wins and they could an even larger range of potential outcomes. Bill Connelly <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2019/6/14/18650702/usc-football-2019-preview-schedule-roster">previewed USC heading into 2019</a>, and pointed to nine straight potential one-score games, including four straight to open the season. The Trojans’ season could be made or broken a month in.</p>
<p id="Yhms2P">I’m a big fat 49ers homer, so I’ll stick with the 49ers as the more likely candidate to rebound in 2019. <span>Graham Harrell</span> is a solid addition at OC for the Trojans, but I’m not seeing them hitting their ceiling this year.</p>
<h2 id="HSs8Jx">Christian D’Andrea: Raiders (-1 1/2) over UNLV</h2>
<p id="xcGvSt">The poor Rebels. Once the only game in town, they’re soon to be replaced by another 2000s-era doormat when the Raiders get to Las Vegas for their tentative 2020 debut. Everything about Oakland’s move southeast is meant to overshadow its collegiate counterpart.</p>
<p id="jn5Xa7">The Raiders will bring three league championships to town, along with a $2 billion state-of-the-art stadium and a $100 million head coach. The Rebels have three all-time bowl wins — two, according to the NCAA, actually — and will only get to leave the sun-baked confines of Sam Boyd Stadium thanks to the NFL’s nascent arrival. </p>
<p id="NTZFFg">While UNLV has made modest improvements to jump from the two-win realm and become a steady four- to five-win threat, Jon Gruden went out and gave his team 2019’s biggest overhaul. A hollowed-out four-win squad added players like <span>Antonio Brown</span>, <span>Trent Brown</span>, and LaMarcus Joyner in an attempt to load up on talent prior to the team’s upcoming move. Combine that with one of the league’s easier schedules (aside from four games against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> and <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>), and Oakland is set for a revival this fall.</p>
<p id="rsWDjP">UNLV, on the other hand, has a nearly nonexistent passing offense and one of college football’s worst defenses. While the Rebels will also benefit from a soft schedule, Bill C. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2019/4/16/18299019/unlv-football-2019-preview-schedule-roster">only sees them as favorites in four games this fall</a>. I’ll give Gruden the benefit of the doubt for a six-win season in 2019.</p>
<h2 id="fHYxDj">Adam Stites: Alabama (PK) over Patriots</h2>
<p id="NyrJOb">Rooting against Alabama or the Patriots is a waste of time. The evil empires of their respective domains just win, win, and win some more. Including bowl victories, Alabama has 11 consecutive double-digit win seasons. The Patriots’ streak of reaching at least 10 wins — albeit with a longer schedule — is at 16 years.</p>
<p id="vm8luV">The good news for the NFL is that eventually Father Time will slow <span>Tom Brady</span> down. That’s how it works for every other human, at least. He turns 42 in August and that’s well past the point any quarterback has played at a high level. Prior to Brady’s 29-touchdown 2018, no 41-year-old quarterback ever topped even 10 touchdown passes in a season.</p>
<p id="tqLmm2">There’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2019/2/7/18157817/alabama-saban-school-spending-program-recruiting">no end in sight for the Crimson Tide’s dominance</a>, though. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2019/2/13/18220970/recruiting-rankings-2019">Alabama had the No. 1 recruiting class this spring</a>, something they’ve had in eight of the last nine years. The best you can hope for is for Alabama to lose a couple games per season.</p>
<p id="nmOECD">The rub here is that the win totals do not count any bowl game or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">College Football Playoff</a> victories. So the maximum victories for Alabama on this prop is 12 wins. You can count on at least 10, probably 11, possibly even 12.</p>
<p id="Moy4FC">The Patriots won 11 games during the 2018 regular season — their lowest total since 2009 — but still finished as NFL champions. In the months since their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> victory, <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> retired, <span>Trey Flowers</span> and Trent <span>Brown</span> left in free agency, and Tom Brady — well — got older. They offset some of those losses by adding <span>Michael Bennett</span> in a trade and veteran free agents like <span>Austin Seferian-Jenkins</span>, <span>Jared Veldheer</span>, and <span>Demaryius Thomas</span>. </p>
<p id="gcDOP3">But getting 11 or more wins is going to be difficult. If Brady’s plays drops off even a little, Alabama should be able to top New England’s win total this year.</p>
<h2 id="qKVlWU">James Dator: Browns (+1/2) over Ohio State</h2>
<p id="yi7bZ7">I’m not going to tell you how to bet, because I am an atrocious bettor. I had a fake ID when I was 16 years old, went to the casino in Sydney on a regular basis, and didn’t learn a thing. What I do know, however, is what’s funny — and the fact we can have <em>any</em><em><strong> </strong></em>bet that puts Ohio State against the Browns and it carries a meager <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> line is the best thing I’ve heard this year.</p>
<p id="gBKldA">If you went back in time five years and told someone about this bet they would slap you — and you’d deserve to be slapped. That said, give me the Browns on this one. Partially because I love dumb things, and also because look, I actually think this could happen.</p>
<p id="sWNQiT">There’s no doubt the Browns would need to reach their upper ceiling for this to happen. They went 7-8-1 last year, while Ohio State was 13-1, but have you seen how garbage the 2019 Browns schedule is? </p>
<p id="KAVzLx">Out of division they play the AFC South, NFC West, and AFC East. Yes, there are a few good teams in that lot — but not exactly the most terrifying outside of the Patriots and <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>. I believe in the Browns, and that is the only time you’ll ever hear me utter the phrase “I believe in the Browns.” </p>
<h2 id="0kXHQu">Sarah Hardy: Ohio State (-1/2) over Browns</h2>
<p id="7hHQjA">I have nothing but respect for my colleague James Dator and I’m not saying that he’s wrong. But if you’re asking me to put my trust in either Ohio State football or the Cleveland Browns, I’m picking the Scarlet and Gray every time. </p>
<p id="rcZZxN">It’s alternate universe-level weird that Ohio State and the Browns are in similar situations entering the new season. A first-time head coach who made a name for himself in a short period of time last year. A roster dripping with high-potential, if still somewhat unproven, talent. A fanbase that’s hopeful but knows there are plenty of questions to answer.</p>
<p id="Rhyvsl">It’s even MORE bizarre that it’s the Browns who have a stable quarterback situation. Here’s what the top of Ohio State’s QB depth chart looked like last year: <span>Dwayne Haskins</span>, Tate (Tathan, if you’re nasty) Martell, <span>Matthew Baldwin</span>. </p>
<p id="ws3iUZ">None of those guys will be back in 2019. <span>Haskins</span> is in the NFL, and the other two transferred out. </p>
<p id="QQ4edG">Luckily for the Buckeyes, dual-threat quarterback <span>Justin Fields</span> decided to leave Georgia after his freshman year and was granted immediate eligibility. He’s now Ohio State’s highest-rated recruit ever and, barring injury, will be the starting quarterback even if it hasn’t been announced yet (I mean, c’mon). He’ll join an offense that has three-year starter <span>J.K. Dobbins</span> leading a deep running back group, veteran receivers like <span>K.J. Hill</span> and <span>Austin Mack</span>, and a freshman who can make catches like this:</p>
<div id="cijo30">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Team Scarlet strikes back‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/GarrettWilson_V?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarrettWilson_V</a> goes UP to pull down the TD pass from <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewb_12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@matthewb_12</a><br><br>All tied up at 7⃣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBucks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBucks</a> | <a href="https://t.co/He7w8aQLnY">https://t.co/He7w8aQLnY</a> <a href="https://t.co/HvwfGSN5YM">pic.twitter.com/HvwfGSN5YM</a></p>— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioStAthletics/status/1117106062551920646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="pqfDbD">The defense, despite its struggles last season that Haskins was mostly able to mask, was able to cut Greg Schiano loose this winter. It also returns <span>Chase Young</span> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/4/29/18520843/2020-nfl-mock-draft-tua-tagovailoa-justin-herbert-chase-young-grant-delpit">likely Ohio State’s next top-10 draft pick</a>) at pass rusher, has what should be a shutdown secondary with <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1126218480984965121">players like Jeff Okudah</a> and <span>Jordan Fuller</span> (Sinbad’s nephew!), and welcomes in top defensive end recruits Zach Harrison and Noah Potter.</p>
<p id="81Sz2q">Sure, Ohio State had to replace a coach who never lost more than two games in a season during his time in Columbus, and Ryan Day is still a bit of an unknown. It’s also Ohio State. The Buckeyes always reload with four- and five-star recruits who will one day be playing in the NFL. In the last 17 years, they’ve failed to reach double-digit wins only twice. And they get to play Rutgers every year.</p>
<p id="HCZsto"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/6/11/18660143/freddie-kitchens-cleveland-browns-head-coach-2019-season-expectations">The Browns are dealing with high expectations</a> for the first time in decades — longer than Ohio State’s players have been alive — and Freddie Kitchens will have his hands full keeping the drama at bay. It won’t be as easy as it might seem for the Browns to get to nine or more wins. They certainly can do it, but will they?</p>
<p id="jS2eyl">I want to believe in the Browns. Really, I do. I already believe in Ohio State, though.</p>
<h2 id="ewT0zS">Morgan Moriarty: Florida (1) over Jaguars</h2>
<p id="V14rYT">I have betted a total of like three times in my entire life, so I can’t say that I’m exactly a pro when it comes to this. In fact, I recently won 60 cents at a Pittsburgh casino, if that tells you anything you may need to know about my gambling abilities. </p>
<p id="Hr4Cd4">Give me Florida on this one because 1) As a UF alumnus (GO GATA) this is an extremely biased bet with my heart that I’m sure isn’t proper strategy, but YOLO. However, Florida’s got a real shot to make it to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/sec-championship-game">SEC Championship</a> Game this year, as long as it wins one between LSU and Auburn, and can finally beat Georgia. That should get them to at least 10 wins by the end of the regular season. Sure, <span>Feleipe Franks</span> (or <span>Emory Jones</span>?) has to get his shit together, but I feel cautiously optimistic about the QB position under Mullen in Year 2. </p>
<p id="uSSGIK">I’m aware of the hype that <span>Nick Foles</span> brings to Duval, but the Jags’ schedule doesn’t do them any favors. In 2019, Jax will face the Chiefs, Saints, and Chargers. Not to mention the Jags have some brutal road stretches, including three of four weeks away from home during Week 2 through Week 5, and consecutive road games during Week 15 and 16, facing Oakland and Atlanta, respectively. Don’t get me wrong, Jacksonville is in good shape for the future, but the schedule doesn’t do it any favors in 2019. </p>
<h3 id="Ub8RDS">Vijay Vemu: Michigan (-1/2) over Bears</h3>
<p id="G9plNh">There is optimism to be had for both the Chicago Bears and the <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/">Michigan Wolverines</a>. Last season, they used their stingy defenses as the backbone for their teams. Chicago, with <span>Khalil Mack</span>, had one of the top defense in the league while Michigan finished in the top 20 in the country in opponents points per game. Even though both had questions surrounding their quarterback play (I still believe in you, <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span>), their offenses did their part as well.</p>
<p id="A0BOH3">Heading into the 2019 season Chicago is expected to be competing for the NFC North title while Michigan is expected to be one of the top teams in the country. </p>
<p id="Qzl7CF">Chicago is facing a much tougher schedule this fall. Last season it took everyone by surprise and finished with a 12-4 record. This year might not be as easy. The Bears have to play the Rams, Chiefs, Chargers, and Saints this season along with four crucial division matchups against Minnesota and Green Bay. Chicago should be up to the task but given the chaotic nature of the sport, one or two bounces could go against Chicago, costing them some wins. </p>
<p id="I5COVk">The same can’t be said about the opponents Michigan will be facing. Their toughest games this season will be against Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State. Their first two games will be non-conferences ones against Middle Tennessee State and Army. Michigan is the cream of the crop in the Big Ten and they have massive expectations. They do get home field in both of their rivalry games (Ohio State, Michigan State) and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2019/2/11/18219163/2019-college-football-rankings-projections">project to have a top defense according to S&P+</a>. </p>
<p id="5OZL5z">It’s not often I’m negative against the Bears. But given Michigan’s schedule, they have a better chance of reaching 12 wins than Chicago. </p>
<h2 id="GO69Mr">NFL-CFB cross-sport win totals</h2>
<p id="WBMuz3"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>; 1½; UNLV<br><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>; PK; Alabama<br>Notre Dame; PK; <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a><br>Georgia; 2; <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a><br>Oregon; PK; <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a><br><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>; ½; Southern California<br><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>; PK; Penn State<br>Ohio State; ½; <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a><br>Michigan; ½; <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a><br>Texas; PK; <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a><br><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>; 1; Louisiana State<br>Florida; 1; <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2019/7/3/20677832/nfl-cfb-win-totals-2019-alabama-patriots-browns-ohio-stateDavid FucilloChristian D'AndreaAdam StitesJames DatorSarah HardyMorgan MoriartyVijay Vemu2019-07-01T10:01:00-04:002019-07-01T10:01:00-04:003 favorites and 1 sleeper in the 2019 Tour de France
<figure>
<img alt="Le Tour de France 2015 - Stage Twenty One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KXyOyEbTCHkAeBSlK6g5I53Hvf0=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64653118/482098348.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Injuries have created opportunities for a host of riders in France. We break down some favorites and a sleeper.</p> <p id="IGw3Bt">One of the most difficult sporting events in the world kicks off on Saturday, July 6 when the 2019 Tour de France gets underway in Belgium. It will wrap up 22 days later on the Champs-Élysées in Paris after a grinding challenge throughout France.</p>
<p id="AkMyaO">This year’s race features uncertainty following Chris Froome’s significant injury in mid-June and Tom Dumoulin’s absence due to a knee injury suffered at the Giro d’Italia. Froome, a four-time Tour champion, broke a leg, ribs, and an elbow <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/12/chris-froome-doubt-tour-de-france-crash-criterium-hospital-injured">during a pre-race ride of the fourth stage</a> of the Critérium du Dauphiné. He is expected to make a full recovery, but he will not be participating in this year’s Tour de France. Dumoulin tried to work his way back to compete in the Tour, but had <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france/tom-dumoulin-miss-2019-tour-de-france-428005">too many setbacks</a> to get ready in time.</p>
<aside id="SZAoUt"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Tour de France: A map and guide to the world’s most grueling sport","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/a/tour-de-france-map-preview"}]}'></div></aside><p id="Mb1xRO">Their departures open the door for several notable riders. The Westgate SuperBook released updated odds following Froome’s crash, and has updated them again heading into race week. SB Nation cycling enthusiast Louis Bien will be on hand for the Tour, and has provided a look at some key names to know this week. He breaks down three favorites and a sleeper to prepare you for the 2019 Tour de France.</p>
<h2 id="1qZZA0">Favorite: Geraint Thomas</h2>
<p id="ExLJB8">Thomas is the safest bet as the reining Tour winner and presumptive leader of Team Ineos (formerly Sky) following Froome’s withdrawal. Be careful about being too bull-ish on a 33-year-old who needed to a lot to go right last year, however. This Tour is being trumpeted as the “highest ever,” and if there’s a knock on Thomas it’s his ability to stay with uber-elite climbers. He’s a helluva racer, though, and two time trials should ensure he finishes near the podium, at the very least.</p>
<h2 id="MjOtOF">Next favorites: Egan Bernal and Jakob Fuglsang</h2>
<p id="Te92fw">If not Thomas (who crashed during the Tour de Suisse, and was forced to abandon just under three weeks before the Tour), then Bernal and Fuglsang should be considered the next favorites to win. Both are unproven at the Grand Tour level, however. Bernal, just 22, has the potential to be a Grand Tour force for years to come, and he’ll have Team Ineos’ might behind him. Fuglsang, meanwhile, is 34 and has never finished in the top 10 of a Grand Tour, but his win at the Criterium du Dauphiné, perhaps the Tour’s best predictor of success, suggests that he’s on the form of his life. In what might be a wide open Tour, these two have the hottest hands. </p>
<h2 id="YU82qa">Sleeper: Richie Porte</h2>
<p id="ERZcwC">Depending on the year, Porte is either wildly overvalued or undervalued. His story is always the same, however: if he stays on his bike, he’ll be a contender to win. That’s a big if. He entered the 2018 Tour among the favorites, and crashed out with a broken collarbone on Stage 9. That makes three DNFs in his last six Grand Tour attempts, including the last two Tours. He has burned a lot of trust any bettors had left in him, which perhaps makes him a tantalizing pick again ... if you can stand stress of watching him.</p>
<h2 id="mUiy4I">2019 Tour de France odds</h2>
<p id="CJewTF">Geraint Thomas: 9-4<br>Egan Bernal: 11-2<br>Jakob Fuglsang: 11-2<br>Adam Yates: 12-1<br>Richie Porte: 14-1<br>Nairo Quintana: 16-1<br>Thibaut Pinot: 18-1<br>Mikel Landa: 20-1<br>Steven Kruijswijk: 20-1<br>Enric Mas Nicolau: 25-1<br>Romain Bardet: 25-1<br>Vincenzo Nibali: 30-1<br>Rigoberto Uran: 30-1<br>Wouter Poels: 40-1<br>Emanuel Buchmann: 60-1<br>Daniel Martin: 80-1<br>Alejandro Valverde: 80-1<br>Rohan Dennis: 80-1<br>Tejay Van Garderen: 100-1<br>Fabio Aru: 150-1<br>George Bennett: 200-1<br>Julian Alaphilippe: 200-1<br>David Gaudu: 250-1<br>Wilco Kelderman: 250-1<br>Rafal Majka: 250-1</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2019/7/1/18744274/tour-de-france-2019-odds-favorites-sleepers-geraint-thomas-egan-bernal-jakob-fuglsangDavid FucilloLouis Bien2019-06-21T14:40:56-04:002019-06-21T14:40:56-04:00Why each NFC East team will go over and under their Vegas win total in 2019
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Philadelphia Eagles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1PsQLZdmfPeSfcrB_tSbRDuDcOs=/0x0:3416x2277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64042741/630768652.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Vegas win totals are set for the 2019 season. With teams through their offseason workout program, it’s time to consider where each team will land.</p> <p id="IAqr4d">The true NFL offseason is officially upon us. Mandatory minicamp has come to a close and players from all 32 teams have gone their separate ways. Most players will get some vacation time in while continuing to work out in preparation for the return to training camp in late July. Once training camp arrives, the road to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> 54 begins in earnest.</p>
<p id="zGuDmS">Each year, sports bettors are able to wager on where they think each team will finish up in the win column. Sportsbooks release a number for a team’s win total and you can bet over or under that number. If you land on the number, it’s a push, or tie.</p>
<aside id="xmQ2Vz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"10 best bets for over and under Vegas NFL win totals in 2019","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/6/21/18692126/nfl-win-totals-2019-over-under-seahawks-saints-raiders-panthers-colts"}]}'></div></aside><p id="f43ESq">Below are win totals for the four teams in the NFC West. The number in parenthesis is the juice on the over and the under. For example, if you bet the over on 10 wins for the Eagles, the payout is +105 (you bet $100 to win $105). If you bet the under, the payout is -120 (you bet $120 to win $100). That means the under is the favorite.</p>
<p id="TtzAI5">Sportsbooks are not predicting each team will win the number of games on the win total. Rather, they are setting a number so that they can get a similar amount of money on both sides of the wager. They do not want an extensive liability on one side or the other since then they would be relying on a specific outcome. With even money on both sides of a wager, the house will profit more often than not.</p>
<p id="ExACUB">Now that roster overhauls are mostly complete and teams have finished up spring workouts, we took a few minutes to chat with site managers from each SB Nation team blog. They offered reasons why their team could end up over the win total and why their team could end up under the win total. The sites pay close attention to their teams and have more insight than your average national reporter.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="vWXmGE"><div data-anthem-component="aside:6423163"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="iy2WxD">
<a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>: 10 (+105, -120) — <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Bleeding Green Nation</a>
</h2>
<p id="Z9AAfk"><strong>Why over</strong>: The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/super-bowl-2018-coverage">2018 Super Bowl</a> champions arguably have one of the best quarterback-head coach duos in the league with <span>Carson Wentz</span> and Doug Pederson. Wentz easily could’ve been NFL MVP in 2017 had he not torn his ACL late in the season. There’s reason to believe Wentz can have another great year now that he’ll have a full offseason to prepare for 2019. The addition of <span>DeSean Jackson</span> also gives Pederson’s offense a deep threat they’ve sorely lacked. Philly’s running back situation is significantly improved with <span>Jordan Howard</span> and Miles Sanders in the fold. An improved offense paired with an Eagles defense that features one of the league’s better pass rushing units should lead to success in 2019.</p>
<p id="RFZMG1"><strong>Why under</strong>: Wentz’s durability is an obvious concern. He played in all 16 games as a rookie but he tore his ACL in 2017 and then missed time due to a back fracture in 2018. If Wentz gets hurt again, the Eagles won’t have <span>Nick Foles</span> around to take over since he left for the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>. Nate Sudfeld is currently projected to be Wentz’s backup. Sudfeld’s shown flashes of promise but he’s largely untested with only 25 career pass attempts.</p>
<h2 id="8DPsFR">
<a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>: 9 (Even, -120) — <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Blogging The Boys</a>
</h2>
<p id="YNNeoE"><strong>Why over</strong>: A full season of <span>Amari Cooper</span> with a defensive line that added <span>Robert Quinn</span>, there’s all the reason in the world to believe that the Cowboys turn the second half of last season into the full thing in 2019.</p>
<p id="0U4LTy"><strong>Why under</strong>: The offense was and remains to be a question. A first-time offensive coordinator might not be the injection that pushes it over the edge. It’s all up to <span>Dak Prescott</span>.</p>
<h2 id="mAB2JV">Washington: 6.5 (+120, -140) — <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Hogs Haven</a>
</h2>
<p id="BvSk1F"><strong>Why over</strong>: <span>Derrius Guice</span> returns from his torn ACL, and the backfield of Guice, <span>Adrian Peterson</span>, <span>Chris Thompson</span>, and Bryce Love is a strong starting point — if the offensive line can hold up and improve from last year. They have questions at quarterback, but Dwayne Haskins comes with some intriguing upside. On defense, the loss of <span>Reuben Foster</span> stings, but even an overpaid <span>Landon Collins</span> is still a solid linebacker. Washington is not a playoff contender, but if a few things bounce their way, this is a team that can push for seven wins.</p>
<p id="bt6VzC"><strong>Why under</strong>: No Alex Smith, no <span>Reuben Foster</span>, and several notable free agent departures leave this team scrambling. They have struggled with injury woes, and Foster’s ACL/LCL tear has the year off to an inauspicious start. Dwayne Haskins will see playing time sooner rather than later this season, but the loss of <span>Jamison Crowder</span> hurts whomever is the starting signal caller. Haskins is intriguing over the long term, but for 2019, it could be a rough ride.</p>
<h2 id="ScQB5Y">
<a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>: 6 (+110, -130) — <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Big Blue View</a>
</h2>
<p id="zsd66r"><strong>Why over</strong>: They are right about <span>Eli Manning</span> and the offense. If Manning can still play at a high enough level, the offensive line really is better and the receivers make enough plays the Giants will be able to play good offense. Also, if they improve on defense. The Giants spent a lot of their draft capital to upgrade a defense that needed the help.</p>
<p id="AkVZuB"><strong>Why under</strong>: If the Giants are wrong about Manning, and he cannot continue playing at a high enough level. Further, the offense takes a big step backwards following the loss of wide receiver <span>Odell Beckham Jr.</span> The Giants averaged 25.5 points in four games without Beckham last year, and they believe with an improved offensive line and enough weapons on offense they will be fine spreading the ball around. Finally, if they are unable to build a better defense. Shurmur and Dave Gettleman believe they could have won more than five games last year had they been able to make key stops.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2019/6/20/18692729/nfl-win-totals-2019-predictions-over-under-eagles-cowboys-giants-washingtonDavid Fucillo