Pro Football History.com Blog

The new NFL season is right around the corner and anticipation as to what we may see in the upcoming term is already palpable. The campaign will officially get underway on September 7th when the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs take on an underdog Detroit Lions side that prevented the Green Bay Packers from reaching the playoffs last season with a stunning final-day victory at Lambeau Field. While Andy Reid’s Super Bowl holders will be heavy favorites when they welcome their visitors to Arrowhead Stadium, the Lions have shown that they are prone to shock the public, and they will be no pushovers.

Ahead of the new season, there are already plenty of interesting subplots. Future hall-of-famer Aaron Rodgers has left the Packers after 17 years, choosing to wind down his career with the New York Jets and hoping to restore them to contender status once more. Last season's strugglers the Houston Texans stole the show in the recent NFL Draft, and they will be hoping their new quarterback C. J. Stroud and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. - drafted second and third overall - can lead them into a prosperous future.

One of the most commonly used words in the glossary of football terms is ‘favorite’, and it will come as no surprise that the reigning champion Chiefs have been made the +600 favorite to retain the Lombardi next February. They have lifted the trophy twice in the last five seasons, and with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, it's clear to see why. He has stepped into the breach left by Tom Brady and secured his status as the finest QB on the planet in recent years, but could he be set for a record-breaking season next year?

The 2023 season marks a decade since Peyton Manning set the record for most passing yards made in a season. He threw 5,477 for the Denver Broncos back in 2013, but is that long-standing record set to be shattered next term? And if it does indeed fall, will one of these two superstars be the man responsible?

Patrick Mahomes

Ever since Patrick Mahomes was drafted as the tenth overall pick back in 2017, he has transformed the Kansas City Chiefs’ fortunes. Prior to his arrival at Arrowhead Stadium, the Missouri-based outfit had won just one playoff game in 24 years. Fast forward to 2023 and the Chiefs are approaching dynasty status, reaching at least the AFC Conference Championship game in each of the last five seasons.

Throughout the course of the last five years, the former Texas Tech standout has had several impressive seasons. He has twice thrown for more than 5,000 yards, firstly in 2018 and secondly, last season, where he came within 227 yards of breaking Manning’s record. In both of those campaigns however, he finished the season with a Super Bowl ring and the Lombardi in tow, and he will tell you that that is more important than any personal records he may or may not break.

Josh Allen

It seems that all the Buffalo Bills have known over the years is heartache. They remain the only team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls however, as we all remember, they went on to lose all four. The maiden Lombardi remains elusive at Highmark Stadium, but ever since Josh Allen came to the New York state-based franchise, the future has looked bright.

The 27-year-old was drafted seventh overall back in 2018, and he has proven worthy of his quarterback role on one of the league’s most famed teams. He is yet to post a 5,000 throwing-yard season however, he does have a 4,500-yard campaign under his belt. And if the Bills can head deeper into the postseason, he may well stand a chance of breaking Manning’s record.

Prior to Allen’s drafting, the Bills had reached the postseason just once this millennium. That came in 2017 when they went on to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard round. During Allen’s maiden campaign with the team, they would miss the postseason however, from 2019 onwards, they have reached the playoffs every year.

Last year, they were the favorites for the Lombardi all season long. They headed into the playoffs with a record that would have matched the AFC top-seed Chiefs had they managed to complete all their fixtures, something they were unable to do due to DeAndre Hamlin’s horror injury. Regardless, had they reached the Conference Championship game, the NFL confirmed that the fixture would take place at a neutral venue.

However, Joe Burrow and his Cincinnati Bengals had something to say about that. With the league’s organizers already selling tickets to the proposed neutral venue showdown, Jackpot Joey inspired his side to a stunning 27-10 victory at Highmark Stadium in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, crushing any hopes of a mouth-watering Chiefs-Bengals battle. This season, Allen will be hoping to put that defeat behind him, and if he does, he may well find himself on course for a record-breaking season in the process.

June 5th, 2023

By Oliver Vaughn

In a startling turn of events, the Detroit Lions have surged ahead as the predicted victors of the NFC North this year, according to recent NFL information. This is largely credited to their exceptional performance in 2022 and an impressive offseason, positioning them as the team to beat. This shift represents a significant change in the NFC North, a division that has seen the Lions in the underdog role for many years.

The Detroit Lions Rise:

The Lions' transition to frontrunners in the NFL’s NFC has been facilitated by a mix of their strategic maneuvers and the declining fortunes of their division rivals. The team has significantly improved, with additions that enhance their roster's strength. This change is not only hypothetical - the improvements are tangible and have increased the team's chances of securing the division title.

Concurrently, their division rivals have been grappling with challenges that have affected their competitiveness. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, have suffered a huge loss with the departure of Aaron Rodgers. This has considerably weakened their roster, casting doubt on their ability to pose a serious challenge this season.

The Minnesota Vikings, another key competitor, are also going through a period of transition. They've lost several top players during this offseason, which could impact their performance in the upcoming season. Furthermore, there is uncertainty surrounding star player Dalvin Cook, whose presence in the upcoming season is still unclear. The Vikings had a remarkable season last year, but it seems they may face a tougher road ahead.

Chicago Bears' Promising Offseason:

Despite the amusement often directed toward the Chicago Bears, they have managed to pull off a rather solid offseason. They initially raised eyebrows by investing heavily in two linebackers during the free agency period. However, they made a prudent move by trading away the first overall pick, consequently acquiring substantial draft capital for the future. Although the Bears' performance in the previous year might not inspire much confidence, their offseason moves have laid a foundation that could potentially improve their standings in the division.

Projections for the NFC North:

Given the current circumstances, there is an expectation that the Lions will claim the division title for the first time since 1993. Their stars have aligned, creating an ideal situation for them to seize this opportunity. Anything short of a victory this year could be considered a massive letdown, considering the advantageous position they find themselves in.

The Bears, though not the most likely contenders, could come in second in the division. This prediction is less about the Bears' strength and more about the Packers' and Vikings' decline. For the Bears to make significant progress, their quarterback, Justin Fields, would need to make a substantial leap forward. It's plausible that they could secure seven or eight wins and finish second in the division.

The Minnesota Vikings could possibly end up in the third position. Their recent loss of Za'Darius Smith to the Browns and the overall changes to their roster make them less of a threat this season. It wouldn't be surprising if they even ended up at the bottom of the division this year.

In contrast, the Green Bay Packers remain the division's greatest enigma. With Rodgers gone, it's Jordan Love's time to prove his mettle. His performance could significantly impact the team's standing, but it remains unpredictable how he will adjust to his new role.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFC North division presents an intriguing scenario. The Lions, once underdogs, are now leading the pack, while former powerhouses are struggling. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of the NFL, where fortunes can change dramatically from one season to the next. As the Lions aim to capitalize on their favorable position, the Bears, Vikings, and Packers will have to navigate their challenges to stay competitive. This upcoming season promises to be a captivating display of resilience, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of changing odds.

Read our other division predictions:

Chiefs Continued Dominance: Predictions for the AFC West

Sustained Success of the Bills: AFC East’s 2023 Frontrunner

NFC South Rankings: Analyzing the Division's Teams and Outlook

May 11th, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently on everyone's minds as they emerged victorious from the Super Bowl. Many presumed that losing out on Tyreek Hill, their top wide receiver, last offseason would have hurt their offense, but they came back with the top ranked offense in 2022. Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes paved the way for the Chiefs' victory in the Super Bowl as he completed 21 of 27 passes and three touchdowns.

With the NFL draft behind us, speculation for Super Bowl 2024 has already begun. While any team can feel optimistic on their chances for the upcoming season, the odds are not in most team’s favor. While the odds are a great tool for analyzing a team's performance, they're also an incredible tool to manage your bets for the biggest football game on Earth.

It’s not surprising for prominent online betting sites to provide odds of big sports event in much advance. According to the American Gaming Association, over 50.4 million people placed their bets on the teams participating in the gargantuan football event. With over $16 billion estimated to have been wagered, that number will only grow larger by the next Super Bowl. If the bets are placed correctly, players can enjoy the dynamic betting experience and walk away with a lot of rewards.

Kansas City Chiefs: Current Super Bowl Favorites

While the betting odds are subject to a lot of factors, the Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason as the team with the best odds. Winning one Super Bowl is incredibly difficult - repeating is near insurmountable. The Chiefs are hoping to be the first team since the Patriots in the early 00’s to repeat as champions, and only the ninth team ever to accomplish the task.

In the Chiefs way stand the San Francisco 49ers, assuming they can keep a QB healthy for the entire season. Brock Purdy is expected to be ready for training camp in a few months, but he will still have a competition between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.

With the New York Jets quiring the former MVP and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, they are a dark horse candidate to win this season.. Needless to say, the Chiefs road ahead to claim the third Super Bowl in the Andy Reid era is not an easy one. Despite the competition, they remain a favorite for bettors and rightfully so.

The betting action next year is sure to be even more lively, and not to mention the recent betting legalization has drastically driven up the public interest in the sport. American Gaming Association also noted “bettors are evenly split on the outcome of the game with 44 percent each planning to bet on the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.” This says a lot about the NFL’s current state.

Conclusion

If the Chiefs’ rookie class can contribute for the team and replace starters who departed in free agency, it will certainly help the Chiefs repeat as champions. The team invested heavily during the draft in the offensive line, pass rush, and pass defense. Their contributions will be key to keep the team in championship status.

By Oliver Vaughn

May 9th, 2023

The NFL offseason is in full swing, and sports fans and gamblers alike are already looking forward to the upcoming 2023-24 season. Legal online sportsbooks have already released odds for the NFL Rookie of the Year awards winners, and bettors are already placing their bets on the early favorites.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current favorites for both the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, how to bet on them, and a brief history of past winners.

2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year Favorites

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is the early favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award at +300. Robinson was selected eighth overall by the Falcons and is expected to see a hefty workload in his first season.

Following him in the odds are Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (+475), Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (+650), Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (+700), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (+850), among others.

2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Favorites

Houston Texans linebacker Will Anderson is the early favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award at +350. Anderson was selected third overall by the Texans, and he is expected to be a major contributor to their defense in his first season.

Following Anderson in the odds are Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tyree Wilson (+800), Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (+800), and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (+900), among others.

How to Bet on the NFL Rookies of the Year

If you’re new to sports betting, placing an NFL moneyline bet on the NFL Rookie of the Year awards is a simple way to get started. After the NFL draft, sportsbooks release the odds for both Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, and bettors can place their bets on the player they think will win.

The wager requires a long-term perspective, as it won’t settle until the award is announced. For example, a $100 winning NFL moneyline bet on a player at odds of +800 would bring back a profit of $800, while a winning $100 NFL moneyline bet at +300 would return $300 in profit.

Who Were the Top Picks at the Most Recent NFL Draft?

While a high draft pick is not a requirement for winning the Rookie of the Year award, it certainly increases a player’s chances. Here are the top 10 picks from the 2023 NFL draft, along with their positions, teams, colleges, and opening odds for the award:

● Bryce Young, quarterback, Carolina Panthers, Alabama (+475)

● CJ Stroud, quarterback, Houston Texans, Ohio State (+700)

● Will Anderson, edge, Houston Texans, Alabama (+350)

● Anthony Richardson, quarterback, Indianapolis Colts, Florida (+1200)

● Devon Witherspoon, cornerback, Seattle Seahawks, Illinois (+900)

● Paris Johnson, offensive tackle, Arizona Cardinals, NA

● Tyree Wilson, edge, Las Vegas Raiders, Texas Tech (+800)

● Bijan Robinson, running back, Atlanta Falcons, Texas (+300)

● Jalen Carter, defensive tackle, Philadelphia Eagles, Georgia (+800)

● Darnell Wright, offensive tackle, Chicago Bears, NA

Recent NFL Rookie of the Year Winners

If we reflect on the past decade of NFL Rookie of the Year honorees, we can see that there have been many well-known and high-impact players. Notable Offensive Rookie of the Year recipients in recent years includes Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver for the New York Jets, Ja'Marr Chase, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Justin Herbert, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Similarly, prominent Defensive Rookie of the Year awardees in recent years include Micah Parsons, a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, Chase Young, a defensive end for the Washington Commanders, and Nick Bosa, a defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.

Conclusion

The NFL Rookie of the Year award is always a highly anticipated honor in the football world. With betting odds available on both the offensive and defensive sides, fans and bettors alike can get in on the action and predict who will take home the award in the upcoming season.

As the offseason progresses and we get closer to the start of the 2023-24 NFL season, it will be interesting to see how the odds shift and which players emerge as front-runners for the award.

April 25th, 2023

Coaching plays a pivotal role in the success of football teams, although it remains a daunting task to excel in. Often, teams switch coaches in pursuit of the ideal individual who can harness their potential. In this article, we present the unparalleled achievements of the top 10 professionals. Read on to learn an answer to the question: "Who are the top winningest coaches in NFL history?"

1. Don Shula

You might be asking yourself: "Who is the coach who has the most career wins and coached the only NFL perfect season?" Don Shula secured the title of the league's all-time leader on November 14, 1993. His record-breaking achievement still stands strong nearly 30 years later, with a grand total of 347 victories as the head coach of the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins until his retirement in 1995. Shula's impressive career also boasts several accomplishments, such as leading the Dolphins to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, taking six trips to the Super Bowl as a head coach, and guiding the 1972 Dolphins to an undefeated season - a unique feat in the NFL's history.

2. Bill Belichick

It is highly likely that Bill Belichick will hold the top spot for coaching wins upon his retirement. With six Super Bowl victories, nine appearances, and 31 playoff victories, he has surpassed all other coaches in these accomplishments. Although most of his success was attained with the New England Patriots, he had only one winning season with the Cleveland Browns. Furthermore, as the Giants' defensive coordinator, Belichick won two Super Bowls and nearly achieved a perfect season with the Patriots in 2007, only to be thwarted by Coughlin's Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

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3. George Halas

Are you wondering: "What NFL coach has been with his team the longest?" Halas boasts the unique achievement of clinching an NFL title in four decades. From his first NFL triumph in 1921 to his last championship in 1963, Halas expertly adapted to the constantly-evolving professional football landscape. As a player from 1920-29, he secured eight NFL titles. Halas is lauded as the first coach to institute daily practice sessions with film study of the opposing team. Under his leadership, the Bears established a team newspaper and became the first team to broadcast their games on the radio.

4. Tom Landry

He led the Cowboys to become known as "America's Team." During his tenure from 1970-1978 as the former Giants defensive coordinator coaching Dallas, they won five Super Bowls, including three within four seasons, and were crowned champions in 1972 and 1978. His accomplishments are unparalleled with an NFL record of 20 consecutive winning seasons.

5. Andy Reid

Being considered one of the NFL winningest coaches, Andy Reid faced mistreatment and undervaluation for years. Despite winning a Super Bowl as an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers, he struggled to achieve postseason success with other teams. Although he was not able to secure a Super Bowl victory during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, his reputation as a leader of powerful and dynamic offensive teams remained unshaken. He subsequently solidified his position as the creative force behind the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive prowess. The deserved recognition for his achievements has finally come with his Super Bowl LIV triumph.

6. Curly Lambeau

If you're familiar with football, you may have come across the name Lambeau Field. But did you know that the stadium was named after Earl 'Curly' Lambeau, the legendary head coach of the Green Bay Packers? Lambeau was a true triple threat, excelling as a player and coach. He dominated on the field as a quarterback, wide receiver, and halfback, while simultaneously calling the shots as a coach. Under his leadership, the Packers secured six championships.

7. Paul Brown

No other coach in the NFL has won as many championships as Brown, the co-founder and coach of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Over the course of his 25-year career, Brown brought about a revamp of the way football was played. He was instrumental in breaking the color barrier in football, is said to be the inventor of the facemask, and is lauded as the first coach to utilize game film to scout his opponents, employ a team of assistants on a full-time basis, and call plays from the sidelines.

8. Chuck Noll

This coach and his legendary "Steel Curtain" defense reigned supreme in the NFL for almost twenty years. During his tenure as head coach of the Steelers, the team achieved eight consecutive playoff appearances (1972-1979), clinched seven division titles, and secured four Super Bowl championships within six years. Noll's postseason wins total six and, impressively, he remains undefeated in the Super Bowl, making him one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time.

9. Marty Schottenheimer

As the NFL coach with most wins, he stands out among coaches for his exceptional football intelligence. However, he is also arguably one of the most unfortunate head coaches in history. Despite achieving over 200 wins, none of his teams were able to secure an NFL Championship or Super Bowl victory - with his only championship coming in the United Football League. Unfortunately, Schottenheimer's teams consistently performed well during the regular season, only to falter in the playoffs. This is evidenced by his disappointing 6-13 postseason record.

10. Dan Reeves

He is a distinguished individual who achieved success both as a player and a coach in the NFL. Throughout his impressive career spanning nearly 40 years, he served as head coach for the Cowboys, Broncos, Giants, and Falcons, garnering immense respect and admiration from the football community. He earned the distinction of being the youngest coach in NFL history after learning from and absorbing the wisdom of his mentor, Tom Landry.

These ten football coaches have made an extraordinary impact on the NFL and are widely regarded as some of the greatest coaches of all time. Despite the ever-changing landscape of football, these coaches' emphasis on teamwork, dedication, and hard work remains at the core of the game's essence. It is this timeless combination that continues to keep NFL games exhilarating.

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