If I Had a Vote in the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame Election
Days from the January 24, 2023, announcement by the National Baseball Hall of Fame of candidates who may have been elected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), the burning question is not who those candidates, if any, will be. Instead, the burning question is: What morality are BBWAA voters going to legislate for the Hall of Saints this year?
For more than a decade, the controversy over performance-enhancing drugs (PED) has consumed discussion about who should or should not be elected to the Hall, capped by the late Hall of Famer Joe Morgan's now-infamous 2017 missive to voters about keeping the PED Penitents out of Cooperstown. But although the PED predicament remains—among the returning candidates on the 2023 BBWAA ballot are Manny Ramirez and Álex Rodriguez—voters are now finding other performance flaws in candidates to deny them entrance to the Hallowed Hall.
- baseball hall of fame
- 2023 bbwaa ballot
- bobby abreu
- mark buehrle
- todd helton
- torii hunter
- Andruw Jones
- Jeff Kent
- andy pettitte
- Manny Ramirez
- alex rodriguez
- Scott Rolen
- jimmy rollins
- Gary Sheffield
- Omar Vizquel
- Billy Wagner
- bronson arroyo
- carlos beltran
- matt cain
- ra dickey
- jacoby ellsbury
- andre ethier
- jj hardy
- john lackey
- mike napoli
- jhonny peralta
- francisco rodriguez
- huston street
- jered weaver
- jayson werth
Super Bowl betting: Who the bookies are backing ahead of the playoffs
season prepares to move into its playoff rounds. Results from the regular season are now in
the books, with the best-performing teams progressing to the next phase, leaving the rest
behind to mull over their shortcomings. A frantic few weeks lie ahead, but which teams will
make it through to the season-defining match?
Football fans can have their say on the winner of each fixture with pre-game and in-play
betting available at the top sportsbooks. Those looking for a bet that lasts a little longer can
look ahead and predict the eventual Super Bowl champion. The team, they believe, will go all
the way to the history books. There is plenty of value to be found, especially if you decent to
oppose the market leaders with a bet on a plucky underdog. But which team is worth backing,
and where will you find the best NFL gambling odds?
This article explains all, bringing football fans and sportsbook bettors onto the same page.
We present the current betting and how it relates to the form shown by the top teams in this
campaign. There are one or two surprises to be found and no lack of value. This year's Super
Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday 12th, February.
That means time is running out to grab your share of the free bets offered. Keep reading for
details on how to land a welcome bonus free bet on the NFL using your smartphone.
Kansas leads the way
According to bookmakers, Kansas City is now the most likely team to win the Super Bowl.
That's an important shift and something worth keeping in mind when preparing your
predictions, as the betting has changed since the regular season finished. Traders have altered
their views on the Super Bowl, moving from the Buffalo Bills to Kansas. But why did they
do that when Buffalo is still in the running?
Only recently, all the hype focused on the Bills, but the team has yet to live up to its billing.
Buffalo has done everything expected of them by fans so far this season, but there can be no
denying they have been less than impressive. The favorites huffed and puffed their way
through games at times and have yet to look anywhere near as impressive as their rivals in
Kansas. The stats of the two teams after the conclusion of the regular season tell the story of
why traders changed their minds.
Kansas topped the AFC West with their stats showing 14 wins and three defeats, with 496
points scored and 369 conceded. They finished clear of a chasing pack led by the Los
Angeles Chargers, who failed to land a glove on the Chiefs in one-way traffic despite putting
up a fight. Despite how impressive Kansas was in the regular season, there's more to come
from this side. They are yet to hit top gear, encouraging supporters as they prepare to follow
their side into the extended season.
Buffalo started the season as the team to beat, with traders picking them as their favorite at
every major sportsbook. So far, they have barely put a foot wrong and comfortably won the
AFC East, losing just three of their games. The Bills scored fewer points than Kansas with
455 but had a much better defense, conceding 286 points in the campaign. That sturdy
backline will be required in the later rounds and could be the difference between winning the
Super Bowl and watching as spectators.
Bonuses and promotions
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When joining a bookie to bet on the NFL or the winner of the Super Bowl, we advise reading
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you as a customer and the options available when making a withdrawal.
The Hobbies of Professional Athletes
You’ve got to be pretty special to become a professional athlete. The percentage of athletes that make it to the big leagues is so small that only the best of the best make it through. So, it should perhaps come as no surprise that professional athletes aren’t just handy at their chosen sport, but are just generally talented people. Indeed, take a pro football player, and you’d probably find that they could more than hold their own in any other sport you dropped them into.
And it’s not just on the field that pro athletes perform well. Take a look at some of the hobbies that those famous faces engage in, and you’ll find that they’re more or less good at everything they attempt. Some people have all the luck. Don’t believe us? Let’s explore some common hobbies for professional athletes.
Making Music
There’s always been a big overlap between music and sports. The dressing rooms are alive with music, and many teams celebrate their victories with an anthem. Sometimes those worlds collide in a more direct way, such as when athletes get behind the microphone themselves and record a track or two. The late Kobe Bryant recorded a rap album back in 1999, while Shaquille O’Neal released four albums throughout the same decade. The boxer Manny Pacquiao also released many songs between 2006 and 2013.
Playing Games
You don’t become a pro athlete without being competitive. Sports stars live for competition. Alas, they normally only play one game a week, so what do they do when they’re not on the field? That’s right, they play different types of games. Play a few hands at the best poker sites, and you might just end up playing against an athlete that you normally see on television. Neymar, Boris Becker, and Michael Phelps are all known to be huge poker players.
There are also plenty of athletic video gamers, too. Cam Newton, Paul George, and Eric Berry all say they’re obsessed with video games, especially sporting video games.
The Fashion World
Take a look at many sports stars when they head to a restaurant, and you’ll notice that most of them have a pretty particular fashion sense. They like to stand out. And some athletes are so interested in the fashion world that they even launch their own clothing lines. Some of the biggest sports stars in the world, including Serena Williams, David Beckham, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo, have created clothing. Who knew that people who are awesome at sports could also live another life as fashion designers? Talent knows no limits!
Traveling the World
Many people love traveling, but not everyone has the time or money to do it. Sports stars usually travel for work purposes when they have to play across the country (or even internationally, during the Olympics), and some athletes even travel for leisure. Floyd Mayweather, LeBron James, Ronda Rousey, and Tom Brady have all expressed a passion for exploring the world. You can only imagine how awesome it must be to travel with their bank balances, too.
NFL Teams That Have Yet to Win a Superbowl
The Super Bowl is the most prestigious event in American football, and every year teams from across the NFL compete for the championship title. However, while some teams have been incredibly successful over the years, a few still have yet to experience victory at this level. From small-market franchises to traditional powerhouses, here's a look at some of the NFL teams that have yet to win a Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings
Despite four trips to the Super Bowl in the 1970s, Minnesota's Vikings have yet to earn a championship title. They faced off against Kansas City Chiefs in 1970, Miami Dolphins in 1974, Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975, and Oakland Raiders in 1977, all ending with defeat for the squad. In 2018 they were just one game away from making it back again but unfortunately succumbed 38-7 against Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to claim the victory that year.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills experienced a streak of unprecedented dominance from 1990 to 1993, reaching the Super Bowl for four consecutive seasons. Regrettably, their expedition ended in anguish every time - starting with a narrow 20-19 loss against the Giants and then a 37-24 defeat by Washington, followed by back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. The team has not returned since that era but last year made it as far as an AFC Championship game, only to fall again under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals
With three Super Bowl appearances, the Bengals have their sights set on lifting a Lombardi Trophy. Unfortunately, they twice encountered defeat in 1981 and 1988 against San Francisco but were also unfortunate to succumb by a mere 3 points to Los Angeles 23-20 in 2022. But, surely, this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey for Cincinnati, and we eagerly await what's next!
Atlanta Falcons
After 18 years of absence, the Falcons returned to the Super Bowl for a second time in 2017, only to be defeated after an epic comeback from New England. Atlanta had been leading 28-3 in the third quarter before their opponents managed to triumph 34-28 during overtime and secure a historic victory. In 1999, the Broncos were similarly successful as they blew out the Falcons with an impressive 34-19. In addition, according to Super Bowl betting odds, the Atlanta Falcons remain one of the teams most likely to feature in a Super Bowl game.
Carolina Panthers
In 2003, the Panthers came close to claiming their first Super Bowl victory but were ultimately denied by a last-second field goal from Adam Vinatieri that gave the Patriots a 32-29 win. Unfortunately, history repeated itself in 2015 when Denver's defense shut down Carolina's offense and won 24-10 - marking two heartbreaking losses for the franchise during its tenure at the big game.
Arizona Cardinals
In their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009, the Cardinals almost clinched a Lombardi Trophy; unfortunately, they fell to the Steelers 27-23. Despite multiple playoff appearances since then and even making it to the NFC Championship game in 2015, Arizona is still diligently striving for its much sought-after first Super Bowl victory.
Tennessee Titans
In its inaugural year as the Tennessee Titans, the squad made a dramatic run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999, only to be thwarted by an agonizingly close 23-16 loss to the Rams. Kevin Dyson's last-second dive for a touchdown proved too little too late, and though they have since reached nine playoff appearances, with two conference championship berths along their way - a return trip to the Big Game has yet eluded them.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the Chargers, led by Philip Rivers as their franchise quarterback, never made it to a Super Bowl during his time with them, they could still make history in 1995. Stan Humphries was at the helm of that team and guided them all the way to face off against the 49ers in an epic battle for football supremacy - only to be beaten soundly with a scoreline reading 49-26. Unfortunately, since then, Los Angeles has only been able to reach one AFC Conference Championship game.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been deprived of a Super Bowl appearance since the game's inception in 1967. With five conference championship appearances before 1990, they've only made the playoffs three times post-1990 and encountered an abysmal 17-year streak without reaching that level from 2003-2019.
Detroit Lions
Unfortunately, the Detroit Lions are still seeking their first Super Bowl appearance and have had limited success in playoff games. Through 13 postseason appearances since 1991, they have only made it to one conference championship game. Even more disheartening is that despite eight tries since 1992, the team has yet to win a single playoff game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite reaching the conference championship three times in their history, the Jacksonville Jaguars have never quite made it to a Super Bowl. From 2008-2016 was an especially dry spell for them, and when they finally returned to playoff contention in 2017, only be beaten by defending champions New England Patriots 24-20. Since then, Jacksonville has been unable to make playoffs, making fans wonder if this will ever change.
Houston Texans
In two decades as a franchise, the Houston Texans have yet to secure a Super Bowl title or even appear at one - despite making six playoff appearances in their history. Even more dismal is that none of these postseason berths resulted in advancing past the divisional round. To make matters worse, during the first eight seasons since inception, not once did they qualify for playoffs!
4 Vacation Destinations for Sports Fans
Barriers exist between most countries; culture, language, politics, and other blockages create walls that are challenging to climb. But one universal element every nation has in common is sports – and sports break those barriers. Whether participating or watching, sport is a language in itself that appeals to the social, competitive side of humans – and it’s an excellent way to understand, get to know, and enjoy the company of anyone from any country around the world.
Sports becomes an incredible experience when combined with a love of traveling; many people explore other lands and cultures through their passion for their game. With that in mind, these destinations with penchants for sports are perfect itinerary items for sporting fanatics.
United Kingdom
England is famed worldwide for its soccer scene. Across the land, local, national, and even international matches take place like regular clockwork. Plus, the crowds are phenomenal; it’s not uncommon for stadiums to sell out, with fans showing up for games in numbers over 40,000.
Furthermore, cricket is another contender that English folks across the pond go nuts for, as is tennis, especially in the season when London becomes the center of the world’s attention each June – when the iconic Wimbledon championship starts. Among other unmissable sporting events in the UK are Epsom Downs and Ascot horse races (along with the Grand National, too), which turn into highly sophisticated formalwear events and sporting shows. However, when it comes to getting rough and dirty, the rugby league is unmissable – especially when Wales is playing; the team’s camaraderie is second to none.
North America
North America is famed globally for many things – but a robust roster of sports is probably one of the biggest. Some destinations are renowned for one or two particular sports (like the UK and its buzzing soccer culture). All across the United States and Canada, though, all sports are rife – right from kids in elementary school taking part in extra-curricular clubs to college sports teams – and, of course, the major leagues at the professional level.
People go wild in the US and Canada for football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and even crazier and more dangerous sports like NASCAR. In fact, many Americans and Canadians make their sport of choice their entire reason for a vacation. Take ice hockey, for example; fans often book tailored NHL travel packages designed to get them in on the hockey action, attend matches, and enjoy a trip away. Many travel operators also offer the same services for fans of other sports and leagues, from the NBA to the NFL.
Japan
Think “baseball”, and the USA immediately springs to mind. Granted, the game was birthed in New York – but the Japanese seem to be the biggest baseball fans in the world. In big cities like Tokyo, tourists can enjoy a unique blend of western and Japanese sporting culture, with sumo wrestling and martial arts representing one flavor and the country’s passion for baseball another.
Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil is the ultimate place for soccer lovers who can’t get enough gorgeous beaches and sports culture simultaneously. Specifically, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are two top spots for soccer fans; the latter’s home team draws in crowds of over 70,000 at the Macaranã stadium – an atmosphere discerning soccer enthusiasts do not want to miss.
If that’s a little too exciting, sampling the fun street soccer with the locals in Sao Paulo affords an authentic insight into Brazil’s soccer culture at the grassroots level.
Is the AFC filled to the brim with Hall of Fame quarterbacks?
The Hall of Fame promises to be a crowded place for quarterbacks in the AFC in 20 years if the current crop of players continue to astound and develop. The 2022 season has highlighted the rise of brilliant young quarterbacks, so much so that Patrick Mahomes, at the age of 27, is the elder statesman of the group. The Kansas City Chiefs player has already put forward an impressive resume for his Hall of Fame credentials. He's already won one Super Bowl and reached another in the first five years of his career.
The Chiefs are once again backed as one of the leading contenders in the odds to win the Super Bowl. A second Vince Lombardi Trophy would all but ensure that Mahomes will be donning a yellow jacket at the end of his career. However, there will be intense competition along the way due to the quality of quarterbacks and teams in the AFC Conference alone. That will make Canton, Ohio a crowded place should they all opt to retire at the same time. It will also make for an enthralling 20 years of AFC action, bringing back memories of the conference when it was at its best, a time when Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger and others battled it out to reach the Super Bowl.
The new era looks even more exciting.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes has almost punched his ticket to Canton and, if he opted to retire tomorrow, there would be few doubters that would deny him a place in the Hall of Fame. He has been electric on the field since replacing Alex Smith in his sophomore season. Mahomes appears to be all set to win his second MVP after a brilliant 2022 season in which he propelled the Chiefs to the number one seed, notably without Tyreek Hill.
That was a major challenge for Mahomes, but he passed with flying colors, connecting with his new wideouts. With Travis Kelce closer to the end of his career than the start, he will have to continue to develop players around him. Mahomes will now aim to reach his third Super Bowl to banish memories of his side’s defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 campaign.
Josh Allen
Allen and Mahomes played out a thrilling Divisional Round matchup last season. Mahomes’ brilliance in the final 13 seconds tied the game before the Buffalo Bills were beaten in overtime to deny them a second-straight AFC Championship appearance. Allen has been incredible once again this season, displaying maturity and leadership as well as having every throw in the book. He alone will give the Bills a fighting chance in the AFC every year.
Even after Tom Brady's exit, it was not easy to dethrone the New England Patriots at the top of the AFC East. But Allen and Buffalo are now kings of the East and will now look to transfer that dominance to the AFC. He and his team just need to raise their levels in the big games, because only then can Allen be considered one of the greats.
Joe Burrow
Burrow well and truly announced his arrival lasts season with a brilliant run to knock off the Chiefs away at the AFC Championship Game. The Bengals were not quite ready to win the Super Bowl, narrowly losing out to the Los Angeles Rams. However, Burrow and his team are a confident bunch and, with Joe Cool as quarterback, will be contenders every year.
Burrow has earned comparisons to Brady when it comes to his demeanor on the field. He always seems to make clutch throws with pinpoint accuracy when it matters the most. Burrow doesn’t have the wow plays of Mahomes and Allen, but he's downright clinical when required. If the Bengals can keep him upright and injury-free, Cincinnati will be a perennial Super Bowl contender.
Burrow has the personality and drive to win multiple crowns. Although he'd be doing very well to ever match Brady, he is certainly capable of winning one or two.
Trevor Lawrence
In the early stages of the 2022 seasons there were fears that Lawrence was trending towards being a bust. He endured a miserable rookie campaign, which was entirely the fault of former head coach Urban Meyer, who failed to last the term with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Doug Pederson’s arrival promised stability and the chance for Lawrence to develop. It didn’t appear to go that way after a poor performance in a loss to the Denver Broncos.
But from then on Lawrence flicked the switch and was sensational down the stretch, guiding his team to seven victories in nine games. The Jags won the AFC South for the first time since 2017 and it could well be the start of an era of dominance. Lawrence’s performances were made all the more impressive considering the lack of talent around him. If the Jags get him some top-tier receivers, he will flourish in Florida.
Justin Herbert
Herbert is the other quarterback in the AFC West that has all the tools, but has not quite put it all together yet. He won Rookie of the Year ahead of Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, but he has not been able to take the next step yet, despite making the post-season for the first time in 2022. The Los Angeles Chargers have always had a string of bad luck and bad decision-making that has held them back. They cannot afford to let that happen to Herbert as it did his predecessor Rivers.
Herbert has all the talent in the world and skills to match Mahomes, Allen and Burrow. He just needs to settle in with a composed coach that will allow him to thrive in the big moments. Herbert could be the answer to the Chargers’ longstanding playoff woes.
Tua and Lamar
Lamar Jackson could have been on the same trajectory as the other quarterbacks, but injuries and a lack of post-season form has stalled his progress. Renowned for his running ability, he has developed as a passer, making him a dual-threat quarterback. Until he can resolve his injury woes once and for all, he and the Baltimore Ravens are going nowhere.
It’s the same story for Tua and the Miami Dolphins. After two poor seasons, head coach Mike McDaniel appeared to unlock Tua's potential. Tua connected with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to devastating effect to propel Miami towards the number one seed in the AFC. However, he sustained two concussions over the course of the season, the second one ruling him out of the final three games of the campaign. That is a huge concern for the Dolphins moving forward, and could end a bright career.
Which Team Has The Best Odds of Winning March Madness 2023?
It's that time of year again. The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is right around the corner, and fans everywhere are wondering which team has the best shot at winning it all. We've got the latest March Madness odds, so read on to see who the experts pick to take home the title in 2023.
Houston
Houston basketball has had a strong season, and all eyes are on them to win the coveted March Madness 2023. With the best odds of victory at +600, it's clear why they are favored to win the tournament. While other teams certainly have excellent players and valuable experience, Houston has demonstrated impressive tenacity and unparalleled skills, which give them an edge in this competition—especially considering their deep understanding of team play.
Their strong defense makes them formidable to any opponent. So as Houston prepares for the big game and against the toughest competition, many experts agree that they have what it takes to take home another championship title for the city.
Kansas
The Kansas basketball team looks like one of the strongest contenders for the championship title this year, with superior odds currently standing at +750. Led by experienced veterans and emerging stars, the team has far exceeded expectations and boasts a roster that gives other teams plenty to worry about.
Team chemistry is clearly on display in every game, and the Kansas statistical powerhouses have consistently outperformed opponents. With such strong form, it's no surprise that fans already anticipate a victory for their beloved team. The stakes are high, and we can only wait in anticipation to see if the championship title will end up coming home to Kansas this season.
Purdue
The Purdue Boilermakers have had some impressive performances so far this season and are quickly emerging as potential contenders to watch. Despite being one of the longest shots on the betting boards with +1200 odds, they boast a solid roster and have already upset several top-tier opponents within the Big Ten Conference.
As they gain confidence and sharpen their skills throughout the remainder of regular season play, don’t be surprised if you start hearing more about the Purdue Boilermakers closer to tip-off!
Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats are certainly making some waves this season, and with their impressive record so far, they’re right up there amongst the top contenders. With odds of +1300 to win the championship this season, they come in at fourth place - a testament to the team’s competitiveness and determination across all positions.
While the competition is tough, this squad has already gone up against some of the nation's most formidable opponents and emerged victorious, so it wouldn’t be too surprising if they continue to make a splash in conference play. Time will tell if these hard-working Cats have what it takes to make a serious run for the title.
Connecticut
Connecticut has a real chance to go all the way at this year’s competition, with odds of +1400 for them to take home the title. Considering its track record, Connecticut stands out as one of the most promising contenders for this championship.
Famous for its impressive lineup of experienced players, a strong coaching staff, and an emphasis on both skill development and team spirit, it's not hard to see why they are in the running. While they will undoubtedly face stiff competition in 2023, Connecticut is certainly one squad you should watch closely throughout their journey.
The Most Shocking NFL Upsets in History
The Most Shocking NFL Upsets in History
Whether you're a football fan or not, we can all agree that the National Football League (NFL) is a huge part of our culture. The Super Bowl has become like a National Holiday. Every year, we look forward to watching the game and seeing who will emerge victorious, even if we have yet to learn much about either team.
Every year, NFL happens, and as always, it had some twists and turns along the way. Of course, the most remarkable games in NFL history resulted in shocking upsets, and we've listed the greatest ones here.
The Dallas Cowboys vs. the San Francisco 49ers (2022)
The playoff rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys goes back a long way. Currently, NFL odds have America's Cowboys as the favorites every season, and their 8.51 million fans agree. However, on January 16, 2022, despite a fierce comeback attempt by the Cowboys (11-7), the San Francisco 49ers (11-7) prevailed 23-17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. With their victory, the 49ers became the first road team to advance in the playoffs.
Prescott completes a 20-yard gain on a quarterback sneak in 0:14 seconds, moving the ball to the 49ers' 25-yard line. They need more time as they try to form a lineup. The umpire must touch the ball. He takes out for the middle of the field and promptly loses possession of the ball. The 49ers win by a 23-17 after the center gets the ball to Prescott just as time expires.
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Indianapolis Colts (2005)
In the 2005 AFC Divisional Playoff, the Steelers led the Indianapolis Colts 21-3 in the last quarter. However, the Colts came out strong in the final 15 minutes of the game.
Over 10 minutes, they earned 15 points, cutting the deficit to three points at 21-18 with 4:24 on the clock. The next drive resulted in no points for the Steelers and increased pressure on the defense to hold back Peyton Manning and the Colts' high-scoring attack.
The Steelers appeared to be cruising to an easy AFC Championship Game berth with 1:20 remaining and possession at the two-yard line. However, it was not the case. After receiving the handoff from the two, Jerome Bettis was sacked by Gary Brackett, and the offense recovered the ball. Nick Harper snatched it up and sprinted while the Steelers' sideline gazed in stunned awe. What was a fairly easy finale to the game quickly became a nightmare. All hope seemed lost until Ben Roethlisberger performed what would be forever named "The Tackle." At the Colts' 42-yard line, Roethlisberger made the crucial shoestring tackle on Harper, preventing what seemed like it would have been an easy touchdown.
With 1:01 remaining and the ball on their 42-yard line, the Colts appeared to be in command. Starting at the Steelers' 28-yard line, Manning completed passes of 22 and 8 yards to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, respectively. Next, kicker Mike Vanderjagt stepped up to make the 46-yard field goal.
The Steelers used a timeout to try to calm him down, but the kick sailed wide. What happened after it is legend or legend itself. The Pittsburgh Steelers prevailed and advanced to the AFC Championship Game, ultimately defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.
The New England Patriots vs. the New York Jets (2011)
Any game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots will garner wide attention. There is more at stake here than a simple border battle between two regions that cannot stand the sight of each other. You can't find a better football rivalry than this.
In 2011, however, the Patriots finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, good enough to secure the AFC's top playoff spot. When the Patriots and Jets last met during the regular season, the Patriots won by a score of 45 to 3. New York won the divisional round game 28-14 thanks to a 20-yard touchdown run from Shonn Greene and five sacks of Tom Brady.
After a drought of more than 40 years, the Jets nearly made it to the Super Bowl before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.
The Miami Dolphins vs. the New England Patriots (2008)
The 2008 Super Bowl champions are the New York Giants. They won the Super Bowl and defeated one of the best teams in history. The final result was 17–14 in favor of the Giants over the Patriots. They were able to pull out the victory thanks to Eli Manning's incredible play in the fourth quarter. He had two touchdown passes in the fourth (both of which gave his team the lead), no interceptions, and completed 9 of 14 passes.
Ultimately, the Patriots' loss came down to them being outperformed. This was demonstrated when Eli escaped a collapsed pocket, and David Tyree intercepted a pass intended for New England safety Rodney Harrison. New England's offensive momentum sometimes picked up, but the Giants' defense eventually stifled the Patriots.
Final Thoughts
Sports fans adore the NFL playoffs for several reasons, including seeing underdogs upset favored teams like the ones we've highlighted here. The history of NFL upsets only proves that each season brings its unique set of unpredictable games, which makes the NFL so exciting to watch.
Are the UK gambling laws more Permissive than other Western Countries?
Different countries have varying gambling laws. For some, gambling is totally prohibited, while in others, bettors have different levels of freedom. In countries where gambling is permitted, the sector has thrived, while in those with stringent regulations, it has lagged. Kate Richardson, a sports betting expert who has been providing insights and tips and exploring different gambling markets, observes that even in countries where wagering is allowed, some aspects are not permitted.
not collide with the authority. In her scrutiny of the gambling laws and the list of online UK bookmakers, Kate observes that UK betting laws are relatively permissive compared to most western countries. She concludes that operators and punters find it easy to engage in gambling activities in the UK than in any other country in the Western sphere. In this article, we focus on UK gambling laws and compare them with regulations in other western countries.
The UK Gambling Commission
Kate Richardson observes that different forms of gambling have enjoyed massive popularity over the years in the United Kingdom. Any person who is over 18 years is eligible for gambling. However, one must gamble on a platform licensed by the gambling authority. The body that is charged with regulating and licensing all gambling activities is the UK Gambling Commission. The regulatory body was founded in 2007. The commission offers licenses to operators and advises the authorities on gambling-related matters. It works together with the police department to curb illegal gambling in the country.
In her review of UK gambling, Kate Richardson states that the commission is not only about licensing and regulating; it also offers guidance to people and businesses interested in offering gambling in the country. It does this by providing the interested parties with information to help establish a successful establishment. She has been instrumental to the sports betting fraternity in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. Her insights and tips on sports betting have helped beginners and established bettors. To access her profile and some of the articles she has written on sports betting, click here.
Operators find the UK market easy to penetrate compared to other jurisdictions in Europe and the whole of the western sphere. Analysts observe that the licensing process in the UK is straightforward while also listing the transparency that characterizes the market and the policies and standards that guarantee the player protection.
Any company ready to adhere to the set rules and regulations in the United Kingdom will find it easy to establish its base in the market. For this reason, analysts view the United Kingdom gambling market as welcoming and its laws more permissive than other western countries such as Germany, Australia, Austria, France, Japan, the USA, and Canada, among others. For instance, compared with Austria, UK gambling laws are quite permissive.
Although gambling is allowed in Austria, authorities have stringent online and land-based gambling regulations. For a player looking to wager in such a market, it is advisable to familiarize themself with all the laws governing gambling in the country. Through this, a player can decide on what to venture into, as each gambling platform has its benefits.
France
Like most countries in the western sphere, all forms of gambling in France are highly regulated. For players looking to play in brick-and-mortar platforms, most forms of gambling are available. Online operators are also allowed to offer the same, with the exception of casino games. Generally, France is a gambling-friendly nation, but operators and players are burdened by taxes on their winnings.
- Spain has the Spanish Gambling Act, which regulates all gaming activities in the country. The law stipulates that only regional players can play on licensed platforms.
- Italy, which is home to Baccarat, has a gambling law that regulates sports betting, lotteries, and other games of chance.
- New Zealand does not allow any gambling and betting activities unless they are established in accordance with the NZ Gambling Act 2003. Gambling activities are classified into levels 1-4. Remote gambling remains prohibited in the country.
- The current laws in Canada prohibit all forms of gaming, with the exception of the provincial government, which is allowed to conduct and manage gambling in their jurisdictions.
- Germany only passed a law allowing for partial liberalization of gambling in 2021. The law allows private operators to offer gambling services but to the extent of the licensing and regulatory standards.
- In the United States of America, gambling largely remains legal per federal law, but each state has its own rules and standards.
Although the United Kingdom has similar laws where operators are guided on how to conduct their business, the country has the most permissive gambling regulations.
Bright Spots for a Bears Team Building towards Contending
Entering the very late bye of Week 14, the Chicago Bears sported a humbling 3-10 record. The .231 percentage had Chicago ranked as the lowest team in the NFC, on par with the Denver Broncos, and only below the 1-11 Houston Texans. It’s not great company for a team with a good share of high-quality talents.
Regardless, this was never meant to be the season that the Bears surged towards the playoffs, as the CBS Sports preseason predictions suggest. In the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers were meant to be the top contender, but the Minnesota Vikings bulked up and the Detroit Lions are starting to realize the quality of the players at the team’s disposal.
Even if three wins were to be the final count for the Bears this season, it hasn’t been all bad. The 270 points for coming out of the bye was seven better than the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers, which is always nice. With five games lost by seven or fewer points, some by less than a field goal, the Bears certainly showed up more than the record would suggest.
There have been bright spots dotted around the 2022 season for Chicago, even if the season will end with the 17th game. Importantly, there’s good reason to be optimistic next season, especially once a high draft pick is secured.
Injuries and working out the receiver room
While the Chicago Bears have been able to stay mostly healthy overall, little irritating injuries have popped up at inconvenient times. Justin Fields missing one, Khalil Herbert going down just as he looked set to almost take the backfield for his own, and the double knockout of Bears defensive backs Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker for two games all contributed to a somewhat stop-start feeling around the Bears this season.
Overall, though, the good take is that most key players and up-and-coming stars have been able to play the majority of the games. That said, this makes the receiving space that much more baffling. Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet have become the main targets for Fields, sharing 111 targets over 13 games, but behind them, it’s anyone’s guess with Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, and Chase Claypool seemingly the frontrunners of the other six or so candidates, but is largely ineffective.
Ground game gathering speed
If there’s been one outright shining light for the ’22 Bears, it’s been the run game. Perhaps the only frustrating element has been that Herbert hasn’t been allowed to take full command just yet. David Montgomery hit 641 yards and a 4.0 average through 12 starts. Herbert, in one start and ten games, collected 643 yards and a 6.0 average. To Montgomery’s credit, he’s picked up in the passing game, collecting 25 of 30 targets for a 9.8 average.
Of course, the star of the show has been Fields. Yahoo reports that Fields is hitting the highest yards per carry mark in a single season of any player at 125 carries coming into the bye. Accompanying this, a historic average of 7.1 yards per carry, as well as a franchise-record 67-yard stomp to score a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.
However, one of the reasons why the receiving corps has been relatively hit-or-miss has been Fields getting hurried – which has also encouraged his absurd rushing figures. At the start of the season, the Bears’ O-line ranked nearly dead last, but legend Olin Kreutz sees flashes of potential from Teven Jenkins, perhaps even enough to one day earn him a Pro Bowl nod.
It’s been very slow going as far as a football season goes, but the starting set of Jenkins, Riley Reiff, Sam Mustipher, Cody Whitehair, and Braxton Jones has undoubtedly improved a great deal throughout the season. The number of pressures put on Fields has waned as the games have ticked along, and space is being made for the ground game to flourish.
Tanking for an opportunistic draft day
With four games to go, the Bears were tasked with facing the two leading Super Bowl contenders – the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles – and then their divisional leaders. First to come, the Detroit Lions, somehow knocking around the wild card contention. Then, the leaders, the Vikings. Earlier in the season, the Bears lost by a single point to the Lions, and by seven to Minnesota.
So, it won’t come as a surprise that even the platform with the highest rating among all Illinois sports betting outlets was fairly undecided on the Bears even getting one more win. Also offering a $1,000 risk-free bet, the 9.6-rated BetMGM had the bears at -200 to get over 3.5 wins this season and +165 to remain on three. For the Bears, staying under that three-win mark wouldn’t be the worst thing.
As it stands, Chicago would likely get the second overall pick – even higher than when the team landed linebacker Chuck Howley. Naturally, the first-overall Texans would take the top quarterback, leaving the Bears with a potential star pass rusher, Will Anderson. However, with bolstering protection for Fields surely the priority, and the offensive lineman going mid-round in most mock drafts, perhaps a trade for even more value could come in.
All-in-all, 2022 is going to go down as a building season, and there’s been plenty to have Bears fans optimistic for the future.
