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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 best wines for fall are those with structure, depth, and versatility, offering comfort and pairing well with seasonal foods as cooler weather sets in. Fuller reds like pinot noir, cabernet franc, and GSM blends provide earthy, peppery, and spiced notes that complement hearty meals, while structured rosés such as Tavel, pinot noir rosé, and Spanish garnacha rosado hold up well against richer fare. 

Affordable bottles—including Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel, Cline Viognier, Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier—deliver character without breaking the budget.

Proper service enhances the experience: reds show best when poured at 55–65°F depending on body, and glassware shapes can amplify aroma and texture. Oak-aged wines with hints of spice or vanilla mirror autumn cooking, while clean, thoughtful pours reinforce the season’s slower, more intentional dining pace. 

Finsm: Fall wines bring together flavor, mood, and ritual, turning every meal into an expression of the season.

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.

Fall is an ideal season to visit U.S. national parks, with thinner crowds, cheaper lodging, and stunning foliage making for a perfect adventure. 

Parks like Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and Acadia each offer unique fall experiences, from the vibrant colors of deciduous forests to cooler hiking weather and scenic drives. In the Smokies, trails like Alum Cave and drives through Cade’s Cove come alive with color, while Zion’s cottonwoods turn golden beneath towering red rock cliffs. 

Acadia shines with coastal sunrises, colorful hikes like the Bubble Trail, and charming downtime in Bar Harbor. Fall travel also opens up opportunities for budget-friendly accommodations, fewer lines at popular spots, and unique perspectives like helicopter tours or bike rides through canyons. 

Finsum: Whether you’re chasing peak colors or quieter trails, these national parks showcase autumn at its very best.

There’s something uniquely magical about playing golf in the fall, when the crisp air and vibrant foliage transform each round into a sensory celebration. 

• At The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Vermont, brilliant reds, golds, and ambers create a postcard-perfect setting against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. 

• In Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Jack Frost National Golf Club combines dramatic elevation changes with fiery autumn leaves for unforgettable panoramic views. 

• Arcadia Bluffs in Michigan pairs Lake Michigan’s sweeping shores with a kaleidoscope of colors that makes every fairway feel like an artist’s canvas. 

• Farther south, Linville Golf Club in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains offers golfers a spectacular blend of mountain terrain and rich fall hues, turning each hole into a living painting.

•  Finally, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club near Portland, Oregon, wraps players in misty mornings and a colorful tapestry of evergreens and deciduous trees, creating an almost mystical experience. 

Finsum: Together, these destinations prove that fall golf is more than a game—it’s a journey into nature’s most beautiful season.