The hottest Football Substack posts right now

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QBERT NFL Quarterback Ratings

Silver Bulletin • 364 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The QBERT system ranks NFL quarterbacks based on many performance factors, not just traditional stats. It looks at things like rushing yards and how well they handle pressure.
  2. Ratings are adjusted for different conditions, like the strength of the opposing team and the weather, making it fairer across the board.
  3. Along with current ratings, QBERT provides future projections for quarterbacks, taking into account their recent performances, age, and experience.

Preseason Sunday: I'm Shorting Travis Hunter's Two-Way Ambitions

Freddie deBoer • 1268 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Travis Hunter's talent as a two-way player is exciting, but it's very rare for someone to succeed at both offense and defense in the NFL. Most players focus on one position to excel.
  2. Having a versatile player can be valuable for a team, allowing them to save money on contracts and be flexible in game strategies. However, it’s tough to actually make it work in practice.
  3. The demands of the NFL are intense, with players needing to absorb a lot of complex strategies and plays for their positions. It's unrealistic to expect one player to master both offensive and defensive tasks effectively.

Football Ultra's: The Fans Igniting the Atmosphere

Original Football • 479 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Ultras are the most ardent football supporters, shaping the atmosphere with intense dedication and coordinated displays.
  2. Ultra culture originated in Italy in the 1960s but spread across Europe and Latin America, adapting to local traditions and footballing styles.
  3. Chants, choreographies, and pyrotechnics are key elements of Ultra culture, creating a passionate and intimidating atmosphere in stadiums.

Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football
  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.

Preseason Sunday: I'm Afraid That Justin Fields is Not a Very Good Quarterback

Freddie deBoer • 1206 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Justin Fields might not be a good quarterback after evaluating his performance over 50 games. Many fans still hold hope for him because of his past potential.
  2. Fields has struggled with passing yards, averaging only 155.6 yards per game, which is quite low for an NFL starter. Elite quarterbacks usually get much more yards in fewer games.
  3. Even with his talent, Fields' inefficiency in throwing the ball makes it hard for his team to be competitive in a league that relies heavily on passing.
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The Enshittification of Manchester United

Grace on Football • 1159 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The Glazers' ownership of Manchester United has led to mismanagement on and off the pitch, creating a downward trajectory for the club.
  2. The concept of 'enshittification' can be seen in how tech platforms first cater to users, then prioritize business customers over users, and eventually focus on extracting maximum value for themselves before declining.
  3. Manchester United's shift towards prioritizing commercial success over sporting success has negatively affected the club's growth and standing, leading to concerns about the future of the team.

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
  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.

The NFL has entered the Scorigami Era

Silver Bulletin • 334 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The NFL is scoring more points than ever, leading to strange final scores that were rare before. Think of scores now being like high school locker combinations rather than traditional ones.
  2. New strategies for 4th down plays are changing how teams approach scoring. Teams are going for it more often, which is helping them build longer drives and creative scoring.
  3. Kicking has become easier with new rules, allowing for higher accuracy and longer field goals. Fans are seeing kickers make amazing plays that impact the game's outcome.

Jude Bellingham: A Star With the World at His Feet

Original Football • 439 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Jude Bellingham is a young football star known for his talent, humility, and maturity, making him both a formidable player and a commendable individual.
  2. Bellingham stands out for his dedication, fearlessness in making mistakes, and understanding of what's truly important, showing a relentless pursuit of greatness and a love for the game.
  3. He embodies a balance of humility and confidence, displays maturity beyond his years, and has a good support system, setting him apart as an exceptional talent with integrity and unwavering determination.

A view from the Pinnacle

networked • 143 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Pinnacle has long been the sharpest football bookmaker, so using its odds as a baseline lets bettors spot expected-value edges by taking better prices at softer bookies.
  2. Since about 2023, Pinnacle’s closing odds have become less reliable and produced lower-than-expected returns, which could be down to randomness, arbitrage-driven moves, or a decline in their model accuracy.
  3. Prediction markets offer low house take and no bans so they attract sharps, but limited liquidity and wider spreads create an effective vig and stake limits, meaning Pinnacle’s deep liquidity and high limits still keep it relevant.

Project Mbappe & PSGs European Headache

Original Football • 339 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Kylian Mbappe's departure from PSG highlights the club's struggle to achieve Champions League success despite domestic victories.
  2. PSG's significant financial investments in star players like Neymar and Messi underscore the challenge in winning the Champions League.
  3. Winning the Champions League is incredibly difficult due to the fierce competition, unpredictability of knockout matches, and the need to balance domestic and European commitments.

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

Freddie deBoer • 2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports 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.

Bayer Leverkusen's Fairy Tale Season

Original Football • 279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Bayer Leverkusen had a remarkable season with 49 consecutive games undefeated, solid teamwork, and late dramatic goals.
  2. Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen's coach, played a pivotal role with his tactical brilliance, leadership, and experience.
  3. Leverkusen's success is attributed to resilient players, Alonso's positive influence, and the team's strong unity.

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
  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.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

Grace on Football • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.

Real Rooney Rule Has Never Been Tried!

House of Strauss • 28 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Football
  1. NFL media and insiders are again focused on racial representation after this hiring cycle produced no Black head coaches.
  2. Critics say the Rooney Rule and the league’s racial-bureaucracy approach are flawed and haven’t been truly tested, so the NFL should rethink how it handles race in hiring.
  3. Race labels are messy—cases like Mike McDaniel show that official definitions don’t match public perception, which makes the whole system feel arbitrary.

Can new look Chelsea actually succeed?

Grace on Football • 982 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Chelsea has undergone a significant squad overhaul with new signings and a new manager.
  2. There are concerns about Chelsea's financial compliance with UEFA's rules and the long-term sustainability of the club's investments.
  3. The success of Chelsea's revamped team depends on the performance and development of young players in a stable environment.

The Buffalo Bills have a decision to make

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 511 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The Buffalo Bills need to decide whether to build around their head coach or go all-in on their quarterback, Josh Allen.
  2. The team's offensive strategy needs to revolve around maximizing Josh Allen's talents as a quarterback to reach their full potential.
  3. The Bills have to prioritize making strategic decisions to support Josh Allen if they aim to succeed in the long run, potentially even considering coaching changes.

The 2024 Auburn Football Roster Tracker

The Auburn Observer • 550 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The 2024 Auburn Football Roster Tracker is regularly updated to cover all roster movements, including draft declarations, transfers, and recruitments.
  2. The tracker is not an official scholarship count but provides an overview of the state of the units and ongoing changes.
  3. Recruitment information listed is thanks to the work of recruiting writers from various platforms, encouraging readers to subscribe for deeper insights.

The Sunderland Vortex

Grace on Football • 845 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The creation of the Premier League led to financial risks and rewards in English football.
  2. The 'Sunderland Vortex' traps teams in making short-term decisions to avoid relegation, sacrificing long-term planning.
  3. Clubs without significant wealth in the Premier League are at risk of being caught in the 'Sunderland Vortex' and facing relegation.

The playoff dominance of Patrick Mahomes

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 432 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Patrick Mahomes has shown playoff dominance and is making historical impacts like Michael Jordan.
  2. Mahomes' performance in clutch moments proves his competitiveness and unique skills.
  3. The Kansas City Chiefs' success in the playoffs is attributed to Mahomes' exceptional play and team resilience.

The tournament is set

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 471 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The tournament matchups are set with various intriguing games.
  2. Teams like Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers are facing high expectations and challenges.
  3. Injuries, team dynamics, and past performances will play crucial roles in determining the outcomes of the games.

Stealing Signals, Week 1, Part 1

Stealing Signals • 959 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Jaguars and Colts had fun playing with good coaches in a game with exciting plays.
  2. Ridley looked like a legit No. 1 with strong performance after layoff.
  3. Calvin Ridley, Travis Etienne, and Elijah Moore had positive signs for their roles.

Bravo, Green Bay

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 746 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Aaron Rodgers is leaving the Green Bay Packers after 15 seasons.
  2. The Packers are transitioning to Jordan Love, making a move focused on the team's long-term success.
  3. The franchise's decision to prioritize the future over sentimental attachment sets a strong foundation for the team.

The Spirit of Jonathan Owens

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 432 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Jonathan Owens has overcome adversity and self-doubt to succeed in the NFL and make a significant impact on the Green Bay Packers.
  2. His relationship with Simone Biles is based on genuine connection and mutual support, transcending celebrity status.
  3. Owens emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, staying resilient, and supporting teammates, inspiring others with his journey.

It's Jordan Love Time

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 687 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Jordan Love is ready to start as the Green Bay Packers quarterback.
  2. Love impressed in a game against the Eagles, showing calmness and confidence.
  3. The Packers organization may be ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers and start Jordan Love.

Money League 2022/23

The Swiss Ramble • 334 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The top 20 revenue-generating football clubs reported record earnings for the 2022/23 season.
  2. Commercial revenue surpassed broadcasting revenue as the most significant income stream for the clubs.
  3. English clubs saw a decrease in rankings within the Money League, with only one club in the top four places.

An entertaining end

Purple Insider • 373 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The Vikings lost to the Lions in a game that stood out with Justin Jefferson's performance.
  2. The post mentions an entertaining end to the game.
  3. Subscription options are available for further reading with a 7-day trial.

Friday mailbag: Quarterback ideas abound

Purple Insider • 353 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Attributes to look for in a rookie quarterback include production, arm talent, toughness, leadership skills, and athleticism.
  2. When considering changes to the coaching staff, focus may be on positions like running backs coach based on past performances.
  3. Signing a veteran quarterback can still lead a team to a Super Bowl, as proven by recent veteran QBs who competed in the Super Bowl.

Aubserver Mailbag 154: What type of impact will Derrick Nix have on the offense?

The Auburn Observer • 334 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. The new Auburn football offensive coordinator, Derrick Nix, brings experience and a strong track record as a recruiter from his time at Ole Miss.
  2. Nix's impact is expected to boost the running game and potentially help improve the team's passing game efficiency in the 2024 season.
  3. Auburn's offensive coaching staff for 2024, now with Nix on board, is showing promise under head coach Hugh Freeze's leadership.

Attacking 12 pers. Pistol from a Tilt Front

MatchQuarters • 353 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football
  1. Defenses in football tend to adjust to offensive trends over time.
  2. As offenses shift towards bigger packages, defenses must react by getting lighter and adjusting their strategies.
  3. The use of spread formations in college football emphasizes getting elite athletes in open space and has led to defensive innovations like the 3-Safety system.