Tag: NFL

NFL: Four underdogs who could cause an upset this season

The NFL preseason is finally back underway, with the Las Vegas Raiders beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-11 in the annual Hall of Fame Game to get new head coach Josh McDaniels’ tenure off to a winning start, and excitement is quickly growing for the regular season —which starts with the Vince Lombardi Trophy holders the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Buffalo Bills at the SoFiStadium on September 9th.

While those two franchises are good options to win the Super Bowl if you’re looking for something of value to spend your Betfair welcome offer bet 10 get 30 on, there are several sides that could cause upsets this season. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at four franchises who might surprise a few in the 2022 campaign — not by necessarily winning Super Bowl LVII, but by exceeding expectations. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Speaking of the Raiders, they make our underdog list. Despite bringing in McDaniels from the New England Patriots, where he served as offensive coordinator since 2012, and one of the best wide receivers in the sport Devante Adams, the Raiders are tipped to finish bottom of the AFC West. 

The Vegas-based franchise finished second to their rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, to make the playoffs last season, and although both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos have both improved this offseason as well, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raiders up there behind the Chiefs again this year. 

Minnesota Vikings

After two years of missing the playoffs, finishing 7-9 and 8-9, the Minnesota Vikings could be one of the most improved franchises going into this season. Mike Zimmer was fired after eight years as the Vikings’ head coach and former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell has come in in his place.

With a good offensive line that includes quarterback Kirk Cousins and WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and some much-needed improvements to a defense that ranked 30th last year, the Vikings look to be on the up and are being backed as second favorites in the NFC North. 

 

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins sent shockwaves through the NFL when they made the pre-draft trade for Tyreek Hill —giving the Chiefs first-, second- and fourth-round picks in the 2022 draft and fourth– and sixth-round picks in next year’s for one of the best wide receivers in the game.

It’s a big gamble to give away so many picks, but Hill offers such a threat to the Dolphins’ previously poor offensive line and he could help improve the promising Tua Tagovailoa as he goes into his third year. New head coach Mike McDaniel is arguably another risky move by the Dolphins, but they could grab second over the Patriots in the AFC East.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Another franchise that reached the playoffs last season, the Philadelphia Eagles finished second to the Dallas Cowboys (9-8) before losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-15 in the Wild Card playoffs. 

The NFC East is looking like one of the worst divisions this coming season and an Eagles side on the rise could take full advantage. Jalen Hurts, going into his third year, appears to be improving season-on-season and with the arrival of A.J. Brown alongside DeVonta Smith, the 24-year-old has two good targets. 

 

How to Enjoy Sports Even During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of aspects of people’s lives, including the enjoyment of sports. Restrictions were implemented, such as the limitation on contact sports, fewer audiences for live games, and even cancellation of scheduled games. 

Good thing that there are still available ways to enjoy sports even during this pandemic. You can play non-contact sports, watch live streaming online or through the TV, or participate in online sports betting. 

 

Importance of sports during the pandemic

Sports unite people, no matter the age, gender, and social status. It also is an important factor in social and economic development. It empowers the children, individuals, and communities. It also contributes to education, health, and social inclusion. 

However, with the declaration that COVID-19 is a pandemic, the sports world went spiraling down. It started with the suspension of games following the confirmation of positive athletes and staff, postponing upcoming sports events to hinder the spread of the virus. 

Good thing that normal life is starting to resume these days.The mental and physical health of the people should still be thought about. Regulations were put in place to make sure that the health of the people is not jeopardized while also making sure that people can still enjoy sports despite the pandemic. People are still encouraged to stay at home. If people still want to play sports or exercise, they can do so but for a limited time only. 

Aside from playing sports during the pandemic, athletes also play an important role in using their platforms to help others. For one, they can spread awareness and information on the importance of hygiene and health. Second, they can be a vehicle for donations to help those affected by the pandemic. Third, they can become an inspiration to people and be a platform for change. 

 

Play non-contact sports

If you’re the type of person that cannot stay still without sweating it out through sports or workouts, then you can play non-contact sports. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends a limitation of 10 people for team sports. These sports include volleyball, basketball, and softball. 

However, this does not mean that you cannot play sports anymore. If you want to play, make sure that you follow the guidelines set by the CDC. First, you should adhere to physical distancing for at least 6 feet. Second, wear masks. Third, mind your respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene. Fourth, maintain a healthy environment with your co-players.  

 

Live streaming

With COVID-19 restrictions slowly loosened, sports leagues are starting to do live events and live streaming. The UFC made its first live event in May 2020. NASCAR returned also in May after a 2-month hiatus. Germany and Spain’s soccer also returned to live events. 

The return of live events and live streaming decreased the TV viewership of sports events. With everything going digital and online, people are now watching live games and events on online streaming sites. Sports news is also now easily accessible online, perfect for those whose sporting calendars are busy and crowded. 

 

Online sports betting

Not everyone who likes sports wants to play, others participate in online sports betting. The excitement and predictions are what make betting fun for bettors. Online sports betting has been around for quite some time now. However, it boomed during the pandemic due to people staying in their homes instead of making bets in the field. 

There are many sports where you can make a bet online. These sports are the following:

 

1. Horse racing

A lot of horse racing tracks put on hold their racers, while others continued without any spectators. The upcoming races you can bet on are the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and Kentucky Derby.

 

2. Mixed Martial Arts

The Ultimate Fighting Championship shortly put on hold their games because of the pandemic. However, there are already scheduled games for people to enjoy. UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis and UFC 259 are confirmed to be happening. 

 

3. Football 

The NFL has previously canceled its preseason last year. However, the 102nd season has already resumed. The length of the season is contingent, depending on the effects of the pandemic. Betting for the NFL is still ongoing. 

The NCAA is also happening this March 2021. There is a planned single-elimination tournament and will conclude in Indiana due to the pandemic and the cancellation of the tournament last year.

Online sports betting is simple. First, you look for a website to bet on, depending on the type of bet you want. Second, you make an account. Third, deposit on your account through credit card, debit card, or any way you can deposit on your account. Fourth, research on who you want to bet on. Lastly, make your bet and hope for the best.

 

Final Words

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of the lives of people, including sports. Although there might be restrictions to working out and playing sports, you can still enjoy sports even during the pandemic. You can play non-contact sports, watch live streaming online or through the TV, or participate in online sports betting.

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About The Author

Belinda is a 42-year-old married mother of three who lives in Naples, Florida. While staying at home to raise her children, she began to write articles and blogs for various outlets. She was raised in a strict, Christian home, but has since found more peace with a more spiritual approach to life and health. A strong believer in natural and alternative medicine, energy healing, and total wellness, she stumbled on the health benefits of orgasm quite by accident. Since then, she has often written pieces that help inform others about the benefits she discovered. Belinda also enjoys taking care of her home and family, and often jokes that she is a bit of a Stepford wife… with a wild side. In her free time, she loves to spend time at the beach with her family, host parties and BBQ’s, and work outside in one of her many flower gardens.
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