The hottest Football Substack posts right now

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Input Volatility, Week 9

Stealing Signals • 259 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Game Recap Player Performance Strategy
  1. NFL games are improving in quality this season, with fewer boring games, which is great for viewers.
  2. Athletes often make unexpected mistakes in the heat of the moment, like dropping the ball before scoring, which can be hard to understand.
  3. There are uncertain player performances and roles in upcoming games, making it tough to predict how they'll do, especially in teams with injuries.

Diontae and Zay, the Colts, and more Week 8 takes

Stealing Signals • 479 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy sports Team Analysis Player analysis Game Strategy
  1. Jonathan Taylor has returned to the field and looks strong, making him a solid trade target. He's a good player to consider for your fantasy team, especially if you think he can score big with increased receptions.
  2. The Browns face a tough schedule but David Njoku could thrive as their tight end. He may not have immediate big games, but he could become a reliable option in the coming weeks.
  3. Diontae Johnson's value might drop after joining the Ravens, so it might be smart to trade him for better options. His style of play may not fit well in Baltimore's offense, which could make him less useful for fantasy.

Stealing Signals, Week 8, Part 2

Stealing Signals • 579 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Fantasy Players Teams
  1. Writing a lot can be exhausting and stressful, especially when trying to make accurate predictions about players. It can lead to self-doubt and frustration when things don't go as planned.
  2. Analyzing players like the Denver Broncos can feel repetitive and tiresome when they don't perform well, but it’s still important to look for reasons why they might improve in the future.
  3. Finding unique insights in discussions about players like Cedric Tillman and Kyle Pitts is crucial, and it’s okay to admit uncertainty about their potential as the season progresses.

Stealing Signals, Week 8, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 679 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Statistics Analysis Game Recap Fantasy
  1. NFL scoring has improved this season, with teams averaging 22.7 points per game, up from the previous years where numbers were lower. This shift shows offenses taking more risks and being more productive.
  2. The tight end position has seen a resurgence, with many players starting to score well again. Guys like Kyle Pitts and George Kittle are performing better, and more TEs are averaging double-digit PPR points.
  3. Certain teams are now focusing more on their run game, which affects how much they pass. The Eagles, for example, have been running more, leading to fewer pass attempts for their key receivers, though that trend might not last.

So When Are We Allowed to Ask the Patrick Mahomes Question?

Freddie deBoer • 5321 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Athletes Statistics Media
  1. Patrick Mahomes has had a noticeable decline in his performance over the last two seasons, which is surprising for someone viewed as one of the best quarterbacks. People should be allowed to discuss this drop in stats and performance even if his team continues to win.
  2. Despite still being a good quarterback, his recent numbers do not match the elite standards he set earlier in his career, which raises questions about his current ability. His style of play has shifted from aggressive to more conservative, leading to fewer big plays.
  3. Sports media often avoids criticizing star players like Mahomes due to their past success and the team's winning record. However, if other quarterbacks experienced similar declines, they would likely face significant scrutiny, suggesting that it's time for a more honest conversation about Mahomes.
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Things Worth Remembering: ‘A Game Most Like Life’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4136 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Culture Events Leadership
  1. Vince Lombardi believed that football, like life, teaches important lessons about hard work, sacrifice, and respect. These values are essential in achieving our goals.
  2. The Free Press is evolving and will bring in new voices for its column 'Things Worth Remembering' as Douglas Murray steps back. This change reflects the ongoing journey of the publication.
  3. Super Bowl Sunday is a reminder of Lombardi's legacy, emphasizing the lessons learned through sports. His famous quote on winning reminds us of the competitive drive we all have.

Input Volatility, Week 8

Stealing Signals • 439 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Fantasy Football Statistics Player analysis Game Strategy
  1. In leagues with WR/TE slots, tight ends (TEs) lose their value significantly because they are often less productive than wide receivers (WRs). It’s better to draft WRs instead of focusing on TEs in these formats.
  2. Carrying multiple quarterbacks (QBs) or kickers in fantasy football is usually unnecessary. If your league allows many players at these positions, it’s smarter to use your bench for players with more potential, instead of holding onto backups.
  3. When building your fantasy team, prioritize players with upside and avoid 'roster-clogging' players who don't help you win. It’s important to have flexible bench spots to adapt to injuries or bye weeks.

Should you care about Dalvin Cook?

Stealing Signals • 259 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Fantasy Trends Players
  1. Dalvin Cook's lack of playing time makes him a risky fantasy add, but the team's decision to activate him shows they are considering him more seriously now. It might be worth adding him to see if he can show some useful performance.
  2. While many people are skeptical about older running backs like Cook, he still has potential based on his past performance and the current state of the Cowboys' backfield. He could surprise and take on a larger role if he performs well.
  3. Overall, adding Dalvin Cook could be a good gamble this week, but keep in mind that it may not pay off. If he doesn't perform, cutting him from your team won't be a hard decision.

How to Be Hated: A Patriots Fan’s Advice to Chiefs Nation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1525 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Athletes Teams Fan culture Sports History
  1. Winning consistently can make fans of a team less popular with others. Many people get tired of seeing the same team win all the time.
  2. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have had massive success lately, making them a target for other fans' frustration.
  3. People can feel a mix of admiration and annoyance towards successful teams, especially when they dominate the playoffs and Super Bowls.

Free post: DeAndre Hopkins trade, Pearsall vs. Jennings

Stealing Signals • 479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Players Trades Injuries
  1. DeAndre Hopkins is traded to the Chiefs, and while there are concerns about his health, he could still be a valuable player for the team, especially with their current WR depth issues.
  2. Rookie WR options like Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings have potential but come with risk; Jennings may offer a higher floor due to his established role in the offense.
  3. It's important to evaluate how new situations can impact players' fantasy value, as trade news and injuries can create opportunities for lesser-known players to step up.

Stealing Signals, Week 7, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 599 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football NFL Fantasy Game Strategy
  1. The NFL is in a really good place right now, with scoring on the rise and less negativity surrounding the product. Injuries are still a challenge, but overall, fans are enjoying the games more.
  2. Recent changes in player safety rules, like the expedited replay system, have improved the game without causing major disruptions. Players are adapting, particularly to new tackling rules that keep things safer.
  3. The trend of talent influencing outcomes is stronger than ever, as top performers are shining and leading their teams. This makes watching and predicting games more exciting for fans and analysts alike.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Media Athletes Performance Criticism
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

Input Volatility, Week 7

Stealing Signals • 479 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Game analysis Coaching
  1. It's hard to predict player performance in crowded backfields where multiple players are used. Sometimes it's better to avoid these players altogether if you're unsure.
  2. Having a few touches can create a low floor for players, but there's potential for upside too. Situational players can still be worth starting in certain circumstances.
  3. Uncertainty in player roles can lead to new opportunities. Sometimes taking a risk on lesser-known players can pay off in surprising ways.

Stealing Signals, Week 6, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 639 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Analysis Coaching Player Performance
  1. Rookie running backs can experience quick changes in their roles and performances. It's important to track their progress and be patient, as outcomes can shift unexpectedly.
  2. A focused viewing experience can lead to deeper understanding and insights about games. Watching one game at a time allows for better evaluation of player performances and strategies.
  3. Coaching decisions can significantly impact game outcomes. Poor choices, like punting in crucial moments, can waste opportunities and alter the flow of the game.

Stealing Signals, Week 6, Part 2

Stealing Signals • 519 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Trade Analysis
  1. Davante Adams has been traded to the New York Jets, which impacts Garrett Wilson's potential target share but might not decrease his overall value too much. Both players could still have significant roles in the Jets' offense.
  2. Brock Bowers is highlighted as a top tight end prospect, expected to perform well in the second half of the fantasy season, especially with favorable matchups in weeks 15-17.
  3. Amari Cooper's trade to the Bills is seen as a chance for him to have some big games, but he might not be as consistent as players on the Jets. His situation involves some uncertainty with the new team's chemistry.

Stealing Signals, Week 5, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 659 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Game Strategy Analysis Player Performance
  1. Football is more than just a physical game; it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Teams that focus on preparation tend to perform better because they understand the bigger picture.
  2. Coaches sometimes make poor decisions by focusing too much on small details instead of the overall goal of winning. It's important to stay aware of what really matters in the game.
  3. To maximize success, teams must balance being aggressive and playing smart. Making the right choices during key moments can greatly impact the outcome of games.

Could Liverpool Really Lose Mo Salah, TAA, *and* VVD After This Season?

No Grass in the Clouds • 99 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Contracts Analysis Performance
  1. Liverpool's best players, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, could leave after this season due to uncertain contract situations.
  2. The club has faced issues with its leadership and management, making it tough to handle player contracts effectively.
  3. Players may hesitate to sign long-term deals when they see instability in the club's management and direction.

Stealing Signals, Week 5, Part 2

Stealing Signals • 499 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Analytics Game analysis Player Performance
  1. Offensive football is evolving, with more exciting plays and downfield shots happening. Quarterbacks are becoming better at making big plays, which makes the game more enjoyable.
  2. In fantasy leagues, it's important to play for high-scoring potential rather than just trying to avoid losses. Playing safe can lead to missed opportunities and a loss, so always aim for the best possible plays.
  3. Analyzing football can be a complex task, and it's common for analysts to have blind spots. It's crucial to keep digging deep and not rely only on surface-level insights to make informed decisions.

Input Volatility, Week 5

Stealing Signals • 559 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Analysis Game Strategy
  1. The Falcons have shown potential in their passing game, with players like Kyle Pitts and Drake London stepping up. Despite some inconsistencies, their improved offense could lead to better performance in future games.
  2. Bijan Robinson is still in a good position despite recent struggles. His workload suggests he can bounce back and have strong games, especially as the team's offensive performance improves.
  3. Depth in fantasy football is crucial, particularly as bye weeks begin. Having strong options helps teams manage injuries and maintain competitiveness through tougher weeks.

TPRR check-in: Who has made strides earning volume so far?

Stealing Signals • 599 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Analytics Statistics Data Performance
  1. Routes data is really important for understanding how well players are performing. Different sources measure these routes in different ways, which can create confusion.
  2. The NFL has started providing its own routes data, which could help standardize how we analyze player performance. This might make comparisons easier and clearer moving forward.
  3. Stats like TPRR (Targets Per Route Run) help us understand player efficiency, but they need to be used alongside other context like player roles and QB performance for better insights.

Input Volatility, Week 5, Part 2

Stealing Signals • 519 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Fantasy Analysis Team Strategy
  1. Pay attention to the New England Patriots' running backs. Rhamondre Stevenson might not start, but he could still play, making him a risky start depending on his fumbles.
  2. When trading players like Breece Hall and Ken Walker, consider the long-term outlook. A good game from one player can quickly change their value, so timing and player reputation matter.
  3. Don't underestimate rookies like Keon Coleman. With injuries on the team, they might get more chances to shine, making them worth considering for your lineup.

Chiefs Fans Doing the "War Chant" After Beating the Worst Team in the League by Two is the Most Pathetic Thing I've Ever Seen From Any Fanbase

Freddie deBoer • 3712 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Football Fan culture Analytics Team Dynamics Media Coverage
  1. Chiefs fans celebrated a narrow win over a bad team with their war chant, which some see as embarrassing and inappropriate. It's not cool to act like you just beat a top team when you barely won against the worst one.
  2. There are concerns about the Chiefs' performance this season compared to past years. Their offensive play has slowed down, and some fans and analysts feel they aren't as dominant as before.
  3. Many Chiefs fans act like a lot of people hate them because they are successful. Instead, they should recognize their team's success and stop complaining about being disrespected, as they are now a winning franchise.

Nevermore

Secretum Secretorum • 454 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Athletes Games Teamwork Fan culture
  1. Sports can evoke strong emotions and create alternate realities in our minds. After a tough loss, it can be helpful to imagine a better outcome.
  2. There are words or ideas that can deeply affect us, either breaking us down or helping us heal. It's important to recognize both the harsh truths and the potential for recovery.
  3. In life, teamwork and understanding are crucial. Just like in sports, everyone plays a role, and being supportive can help everyone move forward together.

The YouTube Thumbnail for This Would Be "POCH OUT?!?!?! FRAUD WATCH???"

No Grass in the Clouds • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Analysis Statistics
  1. Pochettino's current U.S. team is not as strong as the teams he previously coached, with a much lower market value.
  2. Key players like Pulisic and McKennie didn't fully participate in recent games, impacting the team's performance.
  3. The expected outcome of the games against Panama and Mexico matched reality, showing that even a great coach can't win with limited resources.

The 2024 True Sack Rate (TSR): Week 7 Update

Trench Warfare • 79 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Statistics Player analysis Performance Metrics
  1. The True Sack Rate (TSR) is a system that evaluates sacks by defensive linemen based on how they earned those sacks. It breaks down sacks into categories, helping to better evaluate a player’s skill and performance.
  2. There are four types of sacks in the TSR, ranging from rare high-quality wins over elite blockers to more common 'cleanup' sacks that are less about skill. This helps to highlight which players are truly impactful in games.
  3. Currently, top players in the TSR have recorded impressive sack scores, showcasing their effectiveness this season. Studying their performance can give fans deeper insights into who stands out on the field.

The Endless, Perplexing Controversies Over (How We Talk About) Lamar Jackson

Freddie deBoer • 2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Media Performance Controversies Football
  1. Lamar Jackson is an outstanding quarterback, but he faces unique scrutiny compared to others, especially regarding his playoff performance. Many see criticism of his playoff games as unfair, considering he has had a strong regular season.
  2. The media often treats Jackson differently than other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, despite similar playoff records. This shows a possible double standard in how these players are discussed.
  3. Winning a Super Bowl is crucial for a quarterback's legacy, and both Jackson and Prescott need to prove themselves in the playoffs to be considered among the best. Fans and analysts should recognize this reality instead of making excuses.

True Pressure Rate (TPR): Week 6 Update

Trench Warfare • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Analytics Player evaluation Defense Statistics
  1. True Pressure Rate (TPR) is a new tool for evaluating pass-rushers that focuses on the quality of pressures, not just the amount. This helps to understand who the best defenders really are.
  2. Pressures are categorized into three quality levels: Rare High Quality, High Quality, and Low Quality. This classification provides deeper insight into a player's performance and effectiveness.
  3. The Pressure Quality Ratio (PQR) compares high-quality pressures to low-quality ones. This helps identify players who may not have a lot of pressures but are still working hard and making an impact.

The Bears

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports NFL Football Team Management Fan Experience
  1. The Bears' organization is struggling in many areas, including poor management and lack of direction. Fans feel frustrated as they haven't seen consistent success or a clear plan to improve.
  2. The game experience at Soldier Field is disappointing, with issues like bad food and long lines. Many fans prefer watching games at home rather than going to the stadium.
  3. The Bears have had a hard time finding the right coaches and building a solid team. Even though there are some good players, the overall performance is lacking, especially on the offensive line.

Super Bowl ticket prices are down 60% (but not for the reason you might think)

Huddle Up • 22 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Tickets Economics Events Fan culture
  1. Super Bowl ticket prices have dropped by 60%, with the cheapest tickets going for $2,600 this year. This is a significant decrease compared to last year's prices.
  2. Despite the NFL's growing popularity, some fans may be experiencing 'Chiefs fatigue' from the team reaching the Super Bowl three times in a row, leading to less interest.
  3. Other factors like the stadium's large capacity and concerns about safety after a recent attack nearby might also be influencing the ticket price drop.

Heartbreak and Heroes

JoeBlogs • 2319 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football Championship
  1. The Detroit Lions suffered a heartbreaking loss in a game against the 49ers after leading 24-7 at halftime.
  2. Dan Campbell made three key coaching decisions in the second half that impacted the outcome of the game.
  3. The author reflects on the emotional impact of the game, mentioning a young woman crying and expressing deep empathy for Lions fans.

Jürgen Klopp: A Liverpool Legend

Original Football • 818 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎾 Sports Football Legacy Community Leadership
  1. Jürgen Klopp transformed Liverpool from an average team to a European football powerhouse through his passion, unity, and attacking style of play.
  2. Klopp's legacy goes beyond trophies, as he deeply connected with fans, embraced Liverpool's culture, and championed important social causes.
  3. Klopp's mentorship and emphasis on values like resilience and humility have groomed future leaders within the Liverpool squad, leaving a lasting impact even after his departure.

Free Friday: Choose the Hall of Famer

JoeBlogs • 2044 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Football Baseball Basketball Hall of Fame Statistics
  1. The game 'Choose the Hall of Famer' challenges perceptions about player value based on stats and accomplishments.
  2. Comparison between players like Jim Plunkett and Joe Namath shows that stats alone may not dictate Hall of Fame worthiness.
  3. Analyzing players like Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds reveals how defensive contributions can impact Hall of Fame considerations.

Free Friday: Filling the Void

JoeBlogs • 2299 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football Baseball Athletes Coaching Writing
  1. Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are two legendary football coaches facing retirement and the question of finding happiness in the future.
  2. Coaching greats like Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno faced the difficulty of retiring from their passion.
  3. The writer discusses the disappearance of old writings and the upcoming decision about staying on Substack.

A Complicated Man

JoeBlogs • 3852 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The article discusses the influence of two superheroes from the author's Cleveland hometown: Superman and Jim Brown.
  2. Jim Brown, a significant figure in the author's life, passed away at age 87.
  3. Readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives on JoeBlogs.

How The Field At Caesars Superdome Is Being Prepared (And Tested) For Super Bowl LIX

Huddle Up • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Events Athletics Training
  1. The field at Caesars Superdome is being specially prepared and tested for Super Bowl LIX. This ensures that the players have a safe and reliable surface to play on.
  2. There was a lot of criticism about the field during the previous Super Bowl because players were slipping. This highlights the importance of having a good playing surface.
  3. Proper field maintenance is crucial to prevent issues like slipping and sliding, which can affect the game's outcome and players' safety.

WHY WE LOVE FOOTBALL Cover Reveal!

JoeBlogs • 1788 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Book 'WHY WE LOVE FOOTBALL' by joeblogs is a countdown of 100 greatest moments in football history
  2. Author is enthusiastic about sharing moments even for non-football fans
  3. Cover of the book reflects a dark and brooding tone compared to WHY WE LOVE BASEBALL cover