The hottest Playoffs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Sports Topics

The Buffalo Bills Are a Mess, But Sean McDermott's Firing Was Totally Justifiable

Freddie deBoer • 2382 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Sean McDermott rebuilt the Bills and earned respect, but his defenses repeatedly collapsed in playoff games, so firing him was justifiable.
  2. The team's biggest problems have been poor roster construction—especially at wide receiver and in getting an impact pass rusher—which are primarily the GM's responsibility and have crippled postseason chances.
  3. Fans and local media have reason to be angry about how the firing and front office handling were conducted, but meaningful change was necessary to try to get past the team’s playoff ceiling.

What the Bills Mafia Teaches Us About Resilience

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 180 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Fans stay fiercely loyal despite decades of heartbreak, and their love of football and life keeps them going.
  2. The team has reached high levels—MVPs and playoff wins—yet keeps falling short of the ultimate prize, showing that resilience matters as much as trophies.
  3. Painful, public setbacks like controversial losses and coaching changes are part of the journey, but the community keeps coming together and finding pride in perseverance.

SBSQ #28b: Maye vs. Stafford and Yelp vs. Google

Silver Bulletin • 212 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Advanced metrics give Drake Maye the edge for MVP because they count all QB plays (passes, sacks, scrambles) and show he leads in QBERT, EPA, and net yards per dropback; his mobility and rushing production offset Stafford’s better raw passing and TD totals.
  2. Google ratings are generally higher and easier to leave while Yelp is stricter and skews toward foodie, urban reviewers, so scores can differ; when picking restaurants, prioritize the number of reviews over the average, check the menu to match your tastes, and don’t oversearch for perfection.
  3. The College Football Playoff selection is broken because the committee mixes inconsistent goals (picking the most ‘deserving’ teams vs. the objectively ‘best’ teams) and applies criteria unevenly; they should clarify their objective, include more diverse and data-savvy members, or use a transparent algorithm.

So, who’s going to win the Super Bowl?

Silver Bulletin • 280 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. This NFL season was unusually chaotic, with most preseason co-favorites failing to make the playoffs and standings flipping because of close-game variance and injuries.
  2. A new predictive model that updates through the season and accounts for quarterback play, injuries, weather, home-field and rest gives refined playoff odds and currently rates Seattle as the likeliest Super Bowl contender, though no team has anywhere near a 50% chance.
  3. Turnover margins are often driven by luck and are less reliable for prediction than efficiency stats like yards per play or sacks, while injuries can meaningfully reduce a team’s rating and playoff prospects.
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Party Switch. Sorry Dad.

Matt’s Five Points • 299 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. The Washington Capitals made an amazing comeback to reach the playoffs after a rough season. It shows that things can turn around quickly in sports.
  2. Watching sports changes as you get older. What used to be a huge emotional rollercoaster now feels more relaxed, except for hockey, which still brings out intense feelings.
  3. Switching favorite teams is a strange experience for fans. It happened unexpectedly, and it feels odd to cheer against a team you once loved, especially after sharing so many memories with family.

The Buffalo Bills have a decision to make

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 511 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  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 playoff dominance of Patrick Mahomes

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 432 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  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.

There should be 2 NBA seasons every year

Good Morning It's Basketball • 805 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. The idea of having 2 NBA seasons in a year could increase the stakes and excitement of the regular season and playoffs.
  2. Shortening the seasons without eliminating games could be achieved by creating 2 separate seasons within a year.
  3. Having 2 NBA seasons annually would allow for a compressed schedule, potential trade deadlines, and more off-season opportunities.

The tournament is set

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 471 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  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.

The Spirit of Jonathan Owens

Go Long with Tyler Dunne • 432 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  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.

What is the standard for NBA disappointment?

Good Morning It's Basketball • 491 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Teams like Portland, Washington, and San Antonio are not expected to do well and are aiming for high draft picks.
  2. Teams like Charlotte, Detroit, Brooklyn, and Utah would be disappointing if they weren't in the race for a play-in spot in the second half of the season.
  3. Teams like Toronto, Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Oklahoma City need to go beyond the first round of the playoffs to have a successful season.

Re-tiering the NBA

Good Morning It's Basketball • 471 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Consider 8 teams as top contenders in the NBA.
  2. Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns are in Tier 1 of contenders.
  3. Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cleveland Cavaliers are also strong contenders.

Stray Thoughts... - We love pitching and defence!

THE BATFLIP • 393 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Brandon Belt emphasizes the importance of fan support for the Blue Jays during important games.
  2. Jordan Romano, the Blue Jay's closer, is facing challenges with performance and command issues recently.
  3. The playoff picture for the Blue Jays remains open with different scenarios and possibilities based on upcoming games and results.

Still Basking in the Glow

Knicks Film School • 833 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. New York Knicks are feeling good after a recent win, indicating hope for their future performance.
  2. Key game statistics include Cleveland's success in defending against three-pointers and offensive rebounding by New York.
  3. Player performances, such as Randle's physicality, Quickley's potential for a strong game, and Brunson's decisive plays, greatly influence game outcomes.

Playoff Baseball is the Best Baseball

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Playoff baseball is exciting because of the high stakes. The games feel different and more intense than regular season games.
  2. Anyone can play baseball, no matter their size or background. It’s a sport that allows for dreams and opportunities.
  3. Baseball is deeply rooted in American culture, offering strategy and unpredictability without time limits, making it unique.

One Last Look Back...

Knicks Film School • 753 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. The Knicks dominated the playoff series despite poor shooting by excelling in rebounding, turnovers, and free throws.
  2. Immanuel Quickley stood out in the series finale with strong defense and key points in the clutch moments.
  3. Julius Randle's impact and performance will be crucial for the Knicks against Miami Heat in the upcoming games.

On the Brink

Knicks Film School • 714 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. The New York Knicks are down 3-1 in the series because they lack experience.
  2. Miami Heat has elevated their play in the playoffs, showcasing traits of an experienced team.
  3. Playoff failures are common for young NBA teams, and it's a learning experience for the Knicks.

Depth Charge

Knicks Film School • 674 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Depth has been crucial for New York in the playoff series.
  2. Jalen Brunson finished 3rd in the Most Improved Player voting.
  3. Knicks' depth has allowed them to take advantage of opponents' lineup weaknesses.

Let the Real Games Begin

Knicks Film School • 694 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. The Knicks are heading into the postseason with a pair of losses and uncertainties about Julius Randle's availability.
  2. Luka Doncic may want out of the Mavericks, and Kyrie Irving skipped his exit meeting, adding to the drama in Big D.
  3. Donovan Mitchell's pull-up 3-point shooting will be a key factor in the upcoming series between the Knicks and the Cavs.

“There's nothing I can do about it.”

The Better Letter • 157 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Playoffs
  1. Baseball analytics have revolutionized the sport, but interpreting data on human behavior is complex.
  2. Clutch hitting in baseball is a controversial topic with no solid evidence of its existence as a repeatable skill.
  3. Combining traditional scouting with statistical analysis in sports management is often more effective than choosing one over the other.