An interactive, analytical and hopefully entertaining look at the world of sports and all things otherwise
I had fully intended to write a post about the departure of Steven Stamkos. I dated it in July of 2024, shortly after he’d been traded to the Nashville Predators. I shelved it, not only because it hurt but because Continue reading The unfortunate inevitability of sports →
Have you ever been out to dinner and the server waiting on you is just going through the motions? Have you ever gone grocery shopping and the cashier checking you out barely manages to smile and otherwise fails to notice Continue reading Our newfound obsession with tanking and why it’s time to get over it →
Source College basketball isn’t only about skill and ability. Guts and heart also take center stage. The closing four minutes can seem like an eternity in a game that’s only run for thirty-six minutes and forty-four seconds. A missed box-out Continue reading Clutch Closers: NCAAB Heroes in Late-Game Props →
Podcasts are the wave of the future. I heard that on a podcast somewhere. Yours truly has dabbled in different multimedia outlets over my illustrious career, from social to radio sit-ins to even being credited in Emmy Award-winning documentaries. Despite Continue reading SportsChump joins The Weekly Roundup podcast →
“Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man, tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can. And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand, That I was born a ramblin’ man.” -Allman Brothers, Ramblin’ Man, 1973 Continue reading James Harden’s Last Stand? →
I love movies, not necessarily old movies though. My affinity for film starts around the year I was born, anything released in the late sixties and beyond, beginning with what they called the “New Hollywood” which, I suppose still makes Continue reading Booze On Film, Vol. 1: Roadhouse Drambuie →
Source There is a lot of excitement building for Super Bowl LX. This isn’t just about crowning a team. Instead, the match will likely play out like a quiet war, where coaches call plays, players make split-second choices, and every Continue reading Patriots Key Matchups Driving Super Bowl LX Prop Bets →
Chuck Klosterman’s recently published Football is not for you, and he’ll be the first to admit it. As he clearly states in his introduction, his latest project, brilliant as always, is intended for people in the future. Football does its Continue reading Shedeur Sanders Pro Bowler, Bill Belichick Second Ballot, Chuck Klosterman right →
“I don’t think about it all that much,” replied Sam Darnold to a sideline reporter, moments after leading his Seahawks to an AFC Championship and Super Bowl berth. The question, worded only slightly differently than the same one he has Continue reading The inspirationally unpetty Sam Darnold →
Football seasons are so odd. They hold a character all their own, complete with lingering blasts from the past, a solid middle ground, and an unanticipated, perhaps even premature evolution. These ingredients remain the perfect recipe for ever-expanding ratings. 2025 Continue reading The NFL and the burden of expectation →
“He’s better at this than I’ve ever been at anything in my life. He’s better at this than you’ll ever be, at anything. My son has a gift.” Joe Mantegna in “Searching for Bobby Fischer” “I think about it every Continue reading NFL’s pursuit for parity reaches new heights; Fans can’t get enough →
Source Right now, the playoff road feels a little less bumpy for Seattle and Denver. Both teams earn first-round byes after finishing on top of their conferences, and that’s no small thing. Fewer games mean fewer chances for chaos, bad Continue reading The Super Bowl Matchups That Could Swing Betting Action →
An entire nation of sports fans had just watched a captivating football game, one of the best of this long season. The winner would play for a national title; the loser would go home. Miami versus Ole Miss, two teams Continue reading Miami wins; Herbstreit responsible? →
We wake up every fall Sunday morning and go about our business. Football is inevitably a part of it. We place our wagers, set our fantasy lineups, and plan where to watch the day’s games. We either head out to Continue reading Book Review: Every Day is Sunday by Ken Belson →
Let’s talk about information. After all, information is the most important factor, or at least should be, when it comes to placing wagers. It’s difficult for Kevin and I or anyone for that matter, to place wagers well ahead of Continue reading Week 18 College/NFL Picks: The Grand Finale →
Two weeks left in the regular season. If you’re lucky, you’re plotting the demise of a good friend in your fantasy Super Bowl. I happen to be in such a position. Our fantasy teams aren’t the only ones striving for Continue reading Week 17 College/NFL Picks: Dave Bradley Stands up →
Our NFL season is coming to an end. Booooooo!!! Which means the playoffs are finally starting to take shape. Yaaaaay!!! Ten teams are vying for seven playoff spots in the NFC, nine are still alive in the AFC. All we’re Continue reading Week 16 College/NFL Picks: The Barber Slices and Dices →
What a barnburner of Thursday night game we witnessed! What made it even more exciting is that I cashed TWO separate bets on both the Rams AND Seahawks to win when, of course, only the Seahawks did. How does this Continue reading Tales from the Hard Rock, Vol. 7: Rams, Seahawks, Comebacks and Daring Lessons in Live Wagering →
The NFL has achieved perfection in its chase for parity. Quickly, off the top of your head, name one dominant team, one you’re assured will make a solid run through the post-season. You can’t do it, can you. The NFL Continue reading Week 15 College/NFL Picks: Searching for Bobby Kady →
Let’s look at trends, for what is gambling other than the constant push and pull to determine whether to gamble with trends, or against them. A good friend recently reminded me of the time, years ago, when we popped into Continue reading Week 14 College/NFL Picks: Back where Brother Bill Belongs →
Source As we approach the 2025/26 playoffs, the 2025 NFL futures market is already running hot. Bettors and analysts are drawing lines in the turf, trying to forecast which franchises have that mix of roster balance, health, and hunger Continue reading NFL Futures 2025: Analyzing Which Teams Are Gaining Odds Momentum →
I went to the racetrack with some friends last week for opening day. 100th season for the Tampa Bay Downs. It was quite the spectacle, hundreds of us dolled up, celebrating horsey season, cashing winners or crumpling tickets, all of Continue reading Week 13 College/NFL Picks: The Storms, they are a Risin’ →
Before getting to this week’s edition of fruitlessly picking games against the spread, I thought I’d kick things off with a little history lesson. According to the internet, the origins of the phrase “back to the drawing board” can be Continue reading Week 12 College and NFL Pick ‘Em: Darrell Hardens our Hearts →
We’re at the point of the NFL season where we ask ourselves, “Can you believe it’s already Week 11?” If you haven’t asked a friend that lately, you’re clearly not as obsessed as you should be about football and should Continue reading Week 11 College/NFL Pick ‘Em: D Gets Heavy →
There are very few authors whose releases I count down the days for. Chuck Klostermann is one of them. Shea Serrano is undeniably the other. I’ve been familiar with Serrano’s work for a while now, his trilogy on basketball, hip-hop Continue reading Book Review: “Expensive Basketball” by Shea Serrano →