Displaying items by tag: football

The first half of the 2025 NFL season has been defined by competitive balance, with 13 teams holding at least five wins and nearly two-thirds of games decided by one score or less. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has elevated the Patriots back into AFC East contention, though executives still view Buffalo as the slight favorite thanks to its offensive consistency and team defense. 

Out west, Seattle has emerged as a legitimate NFC force under Mike Macdonald’s defensive leadership and Sam Darnold’s efficient play, with analysts predicting the Seahawks’ first division title since 2020. 

The AFC West remains dominated by Kansas City, but the Broncos and Chargers are both seen as credible threats capable of challenging the Chiefs’ dynasty. In the NFC North, Detroit’s physical offense and improved defense give them a narrow edge over Green Bay’s young, high-upside roster led by Jordan Love. 

Finsum: Don’t write off the Ravens or Texans just yet, both possess the talent and leadership to rebound and make playoff pushes in the second half.

The 2025 NFL season is nearly here, and ESPN has released its final offseason Power Rankings, weighing holdouts, injuries, and breakout performances ahead of Week 1. 

• The Philadelphia Eagles top the list at No. 1, with new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo under pressure to keep the team’s high-powered offense running smoothly after last year’s Super Bowl win. 
• The Kansas City Chiefs come in at No. 2, where wide receiver Rashee Rice faces expectations to prove he can be the go-to option alongside veteran Travis Kelce. 
• Ranked third, the Buffalo Bills are counting on Joey Bosa to stay healthy and anchor the pass rush after signing a one-year deal. 
• The Baltimore Ravens take the fourth spot, with tight end Mark Andrews needing to bounce back in a contract year after an uneven 2024 season. 

Finsum: Overall, the rankings highlight both team depth and the individuals most under the microscope as the new season kicks off.

October 12, 2024, is set to be a landmark day for college football, potentially one of the best single-day lineups in the sport’s history. While the playoffs still draw some of the most eyeballs, these matchups are offering a supreme experience to those watching through the television and on the tailgate. 

Major matchups include No. 2 Ohio State facing No. 3 Oregon, No. 6 Ole Miss battling No. 13 LSU, and No. 8 Penn State taking on No. 23 USC. These high-stakes games fall right in the heart of conference play, with playoff implications hanging in the balance. Along with Florida vs. Tennessee and the Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma, this day will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the season. 

Star players and top programs will clash in what could be season-defining battles, making October 12 a must-watch for fans.

Finsum: While the NFL might dominate popularity and ratings, the mystique around these college football days is unparalleled. 

The 2024 NFL season is already in full swing, but it’s the growing emphasis on international games that is catching people’s eye. The season kicked off internationally in São Paulo on Sept. 6, when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers week one. 

On Oct. 6, the NFL returns to London with the Minnesota Vikings playing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the only NFL-specific stadium outside the U.S. The following week, the Chicago Bears meet the Jacksonville Jaguars, also at Tottenham. London's Wembley Stadium will then host the Jaguars and New England Patriots on Oct. 20, with the Jaguars playing two consecutive U.K. games. 

Germany’s Allianz Arena in Munich will feature the Carolina Panthers versus the New York Giants on Nov. 10, continuing the league's commitment to German fans. In recent years, the NFL has pushed to broaden its reach overseas, with growing interest and potential for more games in new markets beyond these established locations.

Finsum: This coupled with the NFL pathway program begs the question as to whether the NFL is going to have a team located in Europe in the coming years.