Category Archives: NFL

Ravens-Steelers matchup has different feel, but same passion

One of the most heated rivalries in the NFL exists in the AFC North, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Players on both teams have treated fans to plenty of trash talk, bone-jarring hits and entertaining moments on the field, with the fans bringing just as much passion as well — before, during and after games.

And even though Sunday’s Week 17 showdown sees the Ravens in a position where they have absolutely nothing to play for, don’t expect them to just lay down and die. The Ravens will be sitting virtually all their skill-position stars on offense, as well as MVP frontrunner quarterback Lamar Jackson, with offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Marshal Yanda out of action as well. 

But the Ravens, while they’ve clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs, and have the comfort of knowing the road goes through Baltimore, have the ultimate opportunity on their hands. They’re in a position to end the Steelers’ season, without making the playoffs, and even though they’ll be playing their backups, don’t think for a minute that they won’t relish the opportunity to do so. Sports Betting Odds barely even have the Steelers as a favorite, as they’re laying only two points in Sunday’s game, according to Sports Betting Odds

That’s likely because the Steelers will be starting Devlin “Duck” Hodges under center on Sunday, and given how bad he played against the Jets, it figures that the Ravens defense could give him fits. Hodges looks to be better suited to be a duck-caller, rather than a signal-caller, as his indecisiveness, as well as turnovers, have doomed the offense when he’s under center. Hodges has been so bad that the Steelers could even play major first-round bust Paxton Lynch, who has ended up on the team’s roster, and could even see some action on Sunday, given that the Ravens have nothing to lose, and the Steelers have everything to game. A loss would see them having been eliminated from playoff contention in the second consecutive season, and would make head coach Mike Tomlin’s seat extremely hot heading into 2020. That’s no way to approach the offseason, and the Steelers will likely need their stout defense to lead the way on Sunday, forcing some negative plays and turnovers to help out the stagnant offense with some short fields, and maybe even a touchdown as well. Expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out battle between these two division rivals. 

Patriots on track to earn playoff bye for 10th straight year

It’s a well-known fact that the Patriots have established a dynasty, with quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick having won six Super Bowls since the turn of the century.

The two have won so much that it’s hard to remember a season in which the Patriots didn’t win the AFC East. They, in fact, have won the division title the last 11 seasons. Not only that, if the Patriots beat the Dolphins in Week 17 on Sunday, they’ll have clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC Playoffs, and will have a first-round bye for the last 10 years. This veteran team is one of the oldest in the NFL, and given all the injuries they’ve racked up this year, they could certainly use the extra rest. Not only that, the additional week of preparation would be huge for Belichick and his coaching staff, as they’re known for being among the best in creating gameplans to attack their opposition on both sides of the ball, which past results clearly show. That, and the extra rest for guys like wide receiver Julian Edelman, running back Sony Michel, and 42-year-old quarterback Tom Brady would certainly be welcomed.

And the Patriots do seem to be on track to do exactly that, as a matchup against the Dolphins in Gillette Stadium on Sunday figures to be fairly easy task, given what the team has accomplished over the past two decades. The Patriots are currently listed as 16.5-point favorites by sportsbooks, as far as the NFL Odds go, so don;t expect a letdown spot by Brady and Co., especially coming off one of their best performances of the season, a thrilling 24-17 win over the Buffalo Bills.

The Dolphins, however, will not just lay down and die, especially not with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Miami beat New England in December last season, although that game was in South Beach, pulling off an incredible feat with a series of laterals at the end of the contest. The Patriots put slewfooted Rob Gronkowski in for Devin McCourty at safety, and paid for it, as the Dolphins seemingly did the impossible in scoring a walkoff touchdown, known as the Miami Miracle. And on Sunday, expect Fitzpatrick to have nothing to lose, so he’ll look to sling it all over the field. Unfortunately for them, interceptions are more likely than touchdowns, and the Patriots defense should be able to create enough negative plays to win — again. 

Catch a 49er’s Game at Levi’s Stadium!

There is nothing better than a road trip to catch a professional football game. This is especially true if you are a San Francisco 49ers fan. The coming season, featuring a full year of their star-in-the-making QB Jimmy Garoppolo, is filled with hope for big things to come for the Bay Area team. But you don’t need to be a 49ers fan to enjoy going to see the team compete. Especially if they are playing at Santa Clara, California’s Levi’s Stadium

Santa Clara, as well as Fremont, Mountain View, and Palo Alto form what has now been dubbed Silicon Valley. The bustling region is located near the San Francisco Bay Area. Aside from football, it is also full of other attractions to see and experience, so feel free to make it a weekend trip or longer.

Levi’s Stadium

Levi’s Stadium is the 49ers’ home stadium. This modern stadium was built in 2012 and officially opened two years later and can host 68,500 fans. It saw its biggest attendance in 2015 when it hosted 76,976 guests for an event that, surprisingly, was not a football game. (It was WrestleMania 31.)

In terms of facilities, the stadium is fitted with all the essentials to cater to football fans. It has a wide range of concessions comprised of different food and beverages. They offer fan favorites, including barbeque, tacos, nachos, fries, pizza, popcorn, and alcoholic beverages. 

Fans who need special arrangements will also find that the stadium caters to guests with disabilities. It offers closed captioning for those who are hearing impaired and reserved seating for people in wheelchairs, and courtesy buses and golf carts from its parking lots. 

Going to the stadium is also not an issue given that it is served by all major transportation options in Santa Clara, California, which includes the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses, Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains and Caltrain. 

Other Things to Do in Santa Clara, CA

Football may be the main reason you are heading to this part of California, however, Silicon Valley offers more than that. Given it is the tech hub of America, there are definitely a lot of things to do, see, and taste in this part of the state.

If you are also a geek, you’ll be glad to discover more about technology and tech companies’ history at the following attractions:

  • Intel Museum 
  • Tech Museum of Innovation
  • Computer History Museum

Wineries are also abundant in the area. Some of the best vineyards in the world call Silicon Valley their home, which includes:

  • Cinnabar Winery 
  • Mindego Ridge
  • Kings Mountain Vineyards
  • Chaine d’Or 

A football fan can never get too much football. Santa Clara, being the home of the 49ers, and its surrounding areas also allows you to discover more about your favorite team and the history of football. These attractions are a must visit for any 49ers or football fan:

  • 49ers Museum Presented by Sony 
  • San Francisco 49ers SAP Training Center 

Places to Stay

No vacation will be complete without a great accommodation. The great thing is that the Silicon Valley area offers a wide range of choices when it comes to hotels. The Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley is one of the most recommended hotels in Fremont CA. Its location makes it a great accommodation as it is within a short distance from the Great America theme park, Mineta San Jose International Airport, and Fremont BART Station. Its casual rooms offer amenities that include free Wi-Fi, living areas with pull-out sofas, minifridges, and tea and coffee makers.

Fairmont San Jose is a luxury hotel in downtown San Jose. This spacious, modern hotel boasts gorgeous views, well-appointed rooms, and a fun rooftop pool and gazebo experience that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day at Levi’s Stadium. The Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley, located at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, is another good choice. 

5 NFL Breakout Candidates for 2019

For some NFL players, the 2019 season will be a chance at redemption after a not-so-good 2018. Many of those players didn’t perform at the level they’re capable of, but changes in the offseason have set them up to have a breakout year in 2019. These players could be great bargains if you are playing daily fantasy. You could also consider wagering on their team this coming NFL season. If you’re interested in betting on football Leia Mais here to learn about the special bonuses you can earn for placing a bet.

Here are five breakout candidates for the 2019 season.

1. Sam Darnold Darnold’s rookie season was a forgettable one with 15 interceptions to just 17 touchdown passes, but the former third overall pick showed flashes that would suggest the Jets have a franchise quarterback on their hands. Now that Darnold will be coached by quarterback whisperer Adam Gase, there’s a good chance we see a better version of the USC product in 2019. And having Le’Veon Bell in the backfield shouldn’t hurt either.

2. Kerryon Johnson Johnson might have had a chance at a 1,000-yard rushing season if a knee injury didn’t cut his rookie campaign short by six games. He finished 2018 with 641 yards for the Lions before going on injured reserve. But with former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell joining Detroit’s coaching staff in the offseason, Johnson should be in line to get a heavy workload next season.

The Seahawks ran the ball a ton last season, and the reason behind the Lions’ decision to hire Bevell was that he could bring that same offensive mindset to Detroit. Johnson might not get all of the carries in 2019, but he should see a good chunk of them based on what he did last season.

3. Chris Godwin With DeSean Jackson returning to Philadelphia for the 2019 season, the No. 2 receiver job in Tampa Bay will likely go to Godwin, who impressed as a sophomore despite playing behind Jackson and Mike Evans. The Penn State product had 59 catches for 842 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and it’s possible those numbers could be even better in 2019 as the second option for the Buccaneers.

4. Jaire Alexander Having started 11 of the 13 games he played in as a rookie, Alexander’s first year with the Packers was a success by most standards, but the former first-round pick isn’t going to settle for just good. He told reporters that he sees himself making the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team in 2019. And as one of the projected starters in Green Bay’s secondary next season, Alexander will have every opportunity to reach his goals.

5. Marcus Davenport As one of the top 15 picks in the draft a year ago, there was a lot of hype that Davenport could provide New Orleans with some much-needed pass-rushing opposite Cameron Jordan. But to the surprise of a lot of people, Davenport didn’t even come close to meeting those high expectations. He was unable to crack the starting lineup for the Saints, and he finished with just 4.5 sacks in 13 games played. But with Davenport projected to start opposite Jordan in 2019 after losing Alex Okafor in free agency, the hope is that the former first-round pick can finally flip the switch.

5 NFL Teams to Watch in 2018

The new NFL season kicks off in March, and it’s already shaping up to be just as exciting as the last. With teams across the United States ready to do battle next month, they’ve all got decisions to make in terms of draft picks and whether they try to rebuild their sides to compete with the top. Which teams have a chance of bettering their achievements next year but, more importantly, which teams can really compete with the best to give them a chance of battling in the Super Bowl next year? Let’s have a look at some of the sides that could be the surprise packages.

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Seahawks

The Seahawks had a torrid 2017 and missed out on the playoffs for the first time in more than 7 years. Nothing went right for them on and off the field and so we look at 2018 as a fresh, new start for the Seahawks to build on their past achievements. The Seahawks have plenty of decisions to make before that happens, though. They’ll not only need to rebuild their roster to keep within their financial budgets, but they might be forced to get rid of some of their top earners, because they’re going to cost more than $30 million to retain. Will the Seahawks have an unforgettable 2018 or will it be much like last season which they’d rather forget? Look at Toals.com to see their chances in this upcoming season.

Vikings

The Vikings had an unexpected good season thanks to Case Keenum and his 67.6% pass success rate, and along with his 22 touchdowns. The Vikings also have several decisions to make to ensure they can replicate their successes last season. Do they stick with Keenum in the hope he can build on his achievements last year? Or will they take a risk and offload him because they don’t think he has the quality to do it again? They might want to offer him a short deal to see what he can do and whether he’s consistent, and then a long deal once he’s proved his worth. Either way, the Vikings had an excellent season, although they were carried a bit through Keenum.

Broncos

John Elway wasn’t happy with his quarterback’s efforts last season and he knows too well he needs another to get the touchdowns the Broncos need to compete with the top. However, what the Broncos do have is a good defensive line-up, and if they can get a class transfer in terms of a quarterback before the new season kicks off in March, they are a team with a chance of getting somewhere next season.

The likes of the Pittsburgh’s and Raiders all have some trimming down to do if they are to compete next year, but they also have a chance of doing something special next season. The Broncos, Seahawks and Vikings all have the quality to progress this year, but they have multiple decisions to make in their rosters, and they need to decide on whether it’s viable to keep what they have or be out with the old and in with the new.

Week 2 NFL Highlights

Week 2 of the NFL is officially in the books. After a less than stellar opening weekend, the NFL fared much better in its second week. The games were more competitive and exciting with a few close finishes. Anyone who thought that the NFL had peaked and couldn’t put a good product on the field simply wasn’t patient enough. Teams are still in the process of figuring out who they are and what they do well. It’s what makes the games so unpredictable and why it’s a good idea to have help with your DraftKings Picks. With one game under their belts, several teams fared much better in Week 2 than they did in Week 1.

Here are some of the highlights from Week 2:

New England Patriots 36, New Orleans Saints 20

The king is not dead. The New England Patriots bounced back from an embarrassing loss on opening night and absolutely throttled the Saints on the road. Tom Brady had his best statistical 1st quarter ever in his illustrious career, putting the Patriots firmly in the lead and never looking back. For anyone hoping that the Pats would struggle in 2017, it’s time to think again. Tom Brady isn’t going anywhere.

Miami Dolphins 19, Los Angeles Chargers 17

The Chargers returned to their original home of Los Angeles for the first time in Week 2. After spending decades in San Diego, the Chargers just didn’t seem quite at home. This was most notable at the end of the game where after blowing a sizable lead, the Chargers had the opportunity to win the game on a last-second field goal. The attempt didn’t make it through the uprights and the homecoming celebration became quite the letdown.

Denver Broncos 42, Dallas Cowboys 17

This game was a complete smackdown from start to finish. Riding high off their win over the Giants, the Cowboys seemed poised to once again take the lead in the NFC East and perhaps even the entire conference. However, the Broncos had other plans for them that day. Perhaps the most telling moment was when cornerback Aqib Talib pick-sixed Dak Prescott, taking the interception from one end zone to the next and all but sealing the victory for Denver.

Atlanta Falcons 34, Green Bay Packers 23

It was a much anticipated rematch of the NFC Championship on Sunday Night when the Falcons hosted the Packers. Unfortunately for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the game was very much a repeat of the title game. While the Falcons didn’t run out to a massive lead like they did in January, they walked away the victors nevertheless. It just goes to show that you can’t count out Atlanta. At 2-0 they’re bouncing back from their Super Bowl loss quite nicely.

The Patriots Stumble on Opening Night in Foxboro

The NFL season kicked off on Thursday night with a prime time matchup between the defending champion New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Patriots were highly-favored in this contest with a money line of -9 at many online betting sites like Netticasino-Suomi. After an off-season where the already strong Patriots stacked up at many important skill positions, it seemed like the team was destined to route Kansas City and many people wagered heavily on the game.

It was a much anticipated night in Foxboro, Mass for several reasons.  Many bettors had wagered heavily on this game.  The over/under for the matchup was set at 59 according to bonuskod maria casino and other online sports betting sites.  But sports betting wasn’t the only reason for fans to be excited. First and foremost, the night kicked off with the unveiling of the team’s fifth championship banner.  The Patriots constructed a new display area in Gillette Stadium with the specific purpose of showing off their championship banners.  When the stadium was originally under construction, the Patriots had never won a Super Bowl.  No one anticpated the team winning a single Lombardi Trophy, let alone five.  Now after all of their success over the past 16 season, the team needed to create room for all the banners.  The new area in the back of the endzone has room for at least three other banners, so the team should be all set there for at least the immediate future.  The second reason for anticipation was the return of Commissioner Roger Goodell to Foxboro for the first time since handing down a four-game suspension to Tom Brady for “Deflategate”.  The commissioner received a round of healthy boos from the Foxboro faithful, who were more than willing to let the commissioner know exactly how they felt about his authoritarian antics over the past two years.

Once the pregame ceremonies and booing were out of the way, the Patriots took the field and put on a lackluster performance against Kansas City.  After a strong start in which Tom Brady led the team on a touchdown drive, things quickly deteriorated for the Patriots.  They lead the game going into halftime and even into the 4th quarter before their defense truly gave way and let the Chiefs score three unanswered fourth quarter touchdowns.  The final score of 42-27 doesn’t tell the entire story as the game was close for the majority of the contest.  However, the fourth quarter was truly a disgrace for the Patriots.  Their defense had absolutely no answers for the Kansas City offense.  Making matters worse, Tom Brady was not able to muster any sort of momentum against the Chiefs’ defense.  With receiver Danny Amendola out with a concussion and Julian Edelman sidelined for the season with an ACL tear, the Patriots appeared absolutely anemic on offense.

It was a huge change from the monstrous 4th quarter that that Patriots used for their legendary Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.  I guess when everything’s said and done, you win some and you lose some.  Last Thursday night, was a losing effort all around for the Patriots.  There are many questions left unanswered regarding this team and time will tell if they’re able to bounce back with a strong effort in Week 2.  If they are, this game will only be a bump in the road to what many hope to be the team’s sixth Super Bowl season.

Will the Patriots turn to Jimmy Garoppolo this season?

The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the nation this past Thursday evening when they upset the defending champion New England Patriots. The Patriots were heavily favored going into the game, with the spread being -9 for New England at most online sports books like Bet365 Casino. The NFL’s opening night game is frequently won by the home team and the Patriots were 51-1 against AFC opponents at home since 2007. It seemed as if the Chiefs had no chance of winning, but Alex Smith and Andy Reid found a way to outfox Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at Foxboro.

Sometimes the unexpected occurs. For example, many people wagered on the Patriots using their betfair promo code during Super Bowl LI when the Patriots were down 28-3.  Those people won a ridiculous amount of money by making a smart sports wager. If we didn’t learn that lesson when the Patriots were down 28-3 against the Falcons in February, we certainly learned that lesson last Thursday night. When it comes to the unexpected, one can’t help but wonder how it pertains to the New England Patriots and backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This rising star is now spending his fourth year on the Patriots bench behind Tom Brady. However, there are strong indications that Garoppolo is the heir apparent to Brady’s throne. For starters, Garoppolo played lights out last season in place of Tom Brady, when Brady was forced to server a four-game suspension for “Deflategate”. Garoppolo’s strong performance undoubtedly increased his trade value, so it was shocking when Bill Belichick failed to deal Garoppolo to a quarterback needy team before the draft. Rumor has it that the Patriots turned down a huge offer from the Cleveland Browns which included the #12 overall pick. For the Patriots to turn down that type of offer for a backup quarterback speaks volumes about what Bill Belichick must think about Garoppolo.

If the Patriots are truly that high on Garoppolo, they will only be able to let him ride the bench for so much longer. His contract is up after this season, and while they are able to place the franchise tag on him to retain his services, doing so would have the Patriots commiting an astronomical amount of their salary cap to the quarterback position, which is the complete opposite of how Bill Belichick typically builds out his roster. At some point, the Patriots will be forced to decide between their legendary quarterback Tom Brady and the youngster Jimmy Garoppolo. As a huge Brady supporter myself, I am uneasy about the situation as youth tends to win all arguments in these types of situation. Brady is 40 years old and not getting any younger. The Patriots’ future is likley in Garoppolo’s hands. The question is when New England turns the keys over to their young backup. If the unexpected happens and the Patriots continue to struggle this season, it’s possible that the torch could be passed from Brady to Garoppolo as soon as the 2017 season.

What Was Your Favorite Super Bowl XLVII Commercial?

Okay folks, now that the Baltimore Ravens have won Super Bowl XLVII, what was your favorite Super Bowl XLVII commercial?

For me, it was the Budweiser – The Clydesdales: "Brotherhood". The Ram Trucks "Farmer" was a close second for me.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o2prAccclXs?rel=0

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ganYRWpXXew?list=PLjncHZSg0GNGJ7giMht26A0ou1aWGTkQl

Let us know in the comments which one was your favorite.

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