10 Active Wide Receivers Who Have Hall of Fame Potential
The wide receiver position in the NFL is one of the most important on the gridiron, as these players help convert passes into touchdowns. Having elite players in this position is a big boost to a team’s offense.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 wide receivers in the NFL today who look on course to finish their careers as Hall of Fame players.
10. Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks)
With over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, Tyler Lockett has consistently been one of the league’s best wide receivers. The Seattle Seahawks man often produces explosive plays down the field for his team.
9. Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills)
One of the reasons for the success the Buffalo Bills have has in recent seasons is down to the plays Stefon Diggs has made at WR. He is the player who attracts the most attention from the opponents' defense. Diggs will be doing all he can to help his team to Super Bowl success this season. As of January 20, the AFC East champions are +300 in the sports betting for the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LVII.
8. Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints)
Three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the league in 2019. He finished that year with 149 receptions and 1,725 receiving yards. Injuries have limited the number of games he has played in recent years, but when fit, he remains an elite WR.
7. Cooper Kupp (LA Rams)
Super Bowl winner Cooper Kupp was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. He was also named the Super Bowl MVP after a huge performance against the Cincinnati Bengals at Super Bowl LVI. The LA Rams player has scored over 6,000 receiving yards in the last six years in the NFL.
6. Odell Beckham Jr. (free agent)
Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made an immediate impact in the NFL in his opening year. He was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year after scoring 12 touchdowns for the New York Giants. Beckham Jr. moved to LA in 2021 to join the Rams and he helped them win the Super Bowl at their home stadium. He is set to attract a lot of interest in the offseason as a free agent.
5. Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns)
Amari Cooper has been a star quarterback at three different franchises now. The talented WR is currently with the Cleveland Browns, and they will be hoping he can help them with their rebuild project. The four-time Pro Bowler led his team in receiving yards in 2021, accumulating a total of 1,160 yards in his debut season in Ohio.
4. Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings)
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson led the league in receiving yards in 2022. He finished the regular season with 1,809 yards and 128 receptions. He played a big role in the Vikings’ impressive offense. Jefferson has put up big numbers in each of his three years in the league and there is likely to be a lot more to come from him.
3. A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles signed A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans last year and he has helped turn them into Super Bowl contenders. The new Eagles man put up career-best figures in 2022, with 1,496 receiving yards, 88 receptions, and 11 touchdowns. Philadelphia will be hoping he continues that form into the playoffs.
2. Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders)
After eight years of playing with Aaron Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers, Davante Adams opted to join the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. He proved he could have success with another franchise. Adams will be closing in on 10,000 career receiving yards in 2023. He is an exceptionally gifted catcher of the ball.
1. Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins)
Arguably the biggest trade before the 2022 season began came when the Miami Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. The explosive wide receiver has scored 63 receiving touchdowns in seven seasons in the NFL. His speed, low center of gravity, and ability to bring down the ball makes him one of the best of his generation at his position.
The above players will surely be in contention for many of the awards on offer at the 2023 NFL Honors in February in Arizona.
What are the most popular sports in the United States?
Ranking the Top 5 Sports in the United States
The United States being a sports-obsessed country surprises no one. Americans love their sports, especially if they get to drink and eat snacks while watching.
Grandstands are nearly always full for the popular professional leagues, while many elite colleges even sell out their arenas while playing games throughout the year.
With online sports betting also legalized in many parts of the country, the nation’s fascination with competitive sports is only likely to get more frenzied.
The love of sports in America has not changed much in the past few decades, but popular sports are slightly different. While dominant sports such as American football are here to stay, some sports have risen up the rankings and captured the hearts of Americans in recent years.
Below is our rundown of the top five sports in the United States.
1. American Football
No game has a deeper meaning in American culture than American football, which was invented and is mostly played in the United States. When you talk with any person on the street in any part of the USA, you can likely get them talking about their favorite football team if you steer the conversation in that direction.
The National Football League regularly has better TV viewership numbers compared to other sports on this list. This shows that even when Americans are not attending football games in person, they watch at home.
Aside from the professional league, college football is also a phenomenon in the United States. Colleges can regularly sell out huge stadiums of 30,000 or 40,000 people, while they even get TV viewership numbers in the millions for big games.
2. Baseball
Another sport that is huge in the United States is baseball. Slightly more popular around the world compared to American football, baseball is still predominantly seen as an American sport. Around half of all Americans have a favorite baseball team, even if all of them are not watching regularly.
One of the reasons why baseball has always remained so popular in America, even in an era of decreased attention spans, is because of its part in the country’s culture. Going to a baseball game is not about watching the sport, but about having a day out with friends or family at a wonderful stadium in a great part of your city.
College baseball is not on the same level as college football in terms of popularity, but ratings for MLB baseball games do compare with NFL football, depending on the time of the year and who is playing. Betting stats also show that similar numbers of wagers are placed on baseball games, as compared to American football matches.
3. Basketball
The sport of basketball is in an interesting position in the United States. There is huge money in the league, with the top players such as LeBron James making a fortune on and off the court.
Stadiums are usually full, and there is a lot of attention on college basketball as well. The issue for basketball is that despite having a lot of money in the sport and a great deal of popular cultural relevance, its TV ratings are not on par with football or baseball.
Around a quarter of Americans say they play basketball semi-regularly, but the issue is that most of them are not watching most weeks. One of the reasons that basketball may not get the TV ratings of other sports is that there are so many regular season and playoff games that it can feel overwhelming for fans.
4. Boxing
While MMA is clipping at the heels of boxing through its popular UFC league, the sport is still hugely popular in the United States. Top athletes of the past, such as Mohammed Ali, are national icons. Even modern stars, like Floyd Mayweather, are well-known and extremely successful because of the sport.
Boxing does have more of a niche audience, compared to the other sports on this list, but that audience is very passionate. Boxing fans not only know a great deal about the history of the sport, but they are willing to pay good money to watch their favorite boxers compete, both in person and on television.
5. Soccer
A surprise appearance on this list, soccer has risen in popularity in the United States in the past decade. While the beautiful game is legendary worldwide, it does not always get the same recognition or appreciation stateside.
That is changing with the latest generation of sports fans in America, with many now tuning in to watch European soccer leagues such as the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga. Competitions such as the men’s and women’s World Cup have also contributed to the sport’s increased presence in the United States.
With America set to be one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup, soccer may even grab a fourth spot on this list in a few years.
How to Bet on NFL Games at the Casino
Betting is a popular hobby that millions around the globe regularly practice. It’s adventurous and simply lets people enjoy sports more. Every new game is an exciting opportunity not only to cheer for your team but potentially win some money. One of the most popular sports globally is NFL. That’s why you’ll find the sports available on online casinos real money platforms. They are easily accessible from both desktop and mobile devices and offer a wide range of NFL betting features. In this article, we’ll answer the question of how to bet on NFL games at casino. Keep reading to learn a couple of valuable tips.
Pick the Right Platform
The starting step is finding the right platform for NFL betting. There are several things to take in mind. Luckily, you can explore them without even creating an account, which makes things simple. Take a look at the following:
- What’s the welcome bonus? - A good welcome bonus will help you get started with a bonus bet or a deposit match bonus that you could use. Compare bonuses offered by other brands and pick your best bet. Pay attention to playthrough requirements as these show how realistic is that you will withdraw winnings from bonus funds.
- What are the casino NFL odds? - This is a crucial thing when you take a look at the whole picture. Picking a platform with competitive odds will work well for you in the long run. You can potentially win more money if a brand is offering great NFL casino odds. Also, check whether there is any NFL casino sponsorship deal, as it might mean that the casino will offer boosted odds when that team is playing.
- What types of bets are available? - The bigger the range of available bets, the better. It only means that you have more chances to show off your knowledge and potentially make money.
- Are live streaming and betting available? - You can have it all in one platform. While you’ll find that many are offering live betting features, not many support live streaming. This is a great way to watch the game and place in-play bets while watching.
- Is the platform reputable? - Last but not least, you want a platform that will pay out your wins. So pick a reputable online casino that holds licensing from the relevant gambling authorities.
Now, let’s look at things to learn to increase your chances of winning the next bet.
Follow the Latest News
Keeping up with the latest news opens an opportunity for smarter bets. The more information you can gather, the better. This usually refers to any player injuries. If someone important is not able to play the next game for any reason, the team will not be as good as it usually is. That needs to be reflected in the bet you’re placing.
On the other hand, if a player is having some kind of challenges in his life off the pitch, there’s a chance that they might not be able to focus fully on the game. All these little things have a big role in betting. Experienced bettors are well aware of this, and that’s why you’ll find them reading about the lives of the players all the time. They are gathering more information to use when they’re betting next time.
Doing your research regularly will turn a bet into a winning one just because you were able to better predict an outcome.
Casino NFL Betting Types
As mentioned above, you want a platform that has all the popular bet types available. That way, you can combine different bets and establish strategies to increase your chances of winning. The most popular betting markets include:
- Point spreads - With a point spread, you’re placing one team at a disadvantage. So one team has to win against the other by a certain amount of points. If you score this type of bet, the reward is usually high.
- Moneyline - This is the simplest form of betting, you’re simply picking who’s going to be a winner.
- Total - This bet guesses whether the teams will score over or under the number of points proposed by the sportsbook.
- Parlay bet - Parlay bets combine multiple other bets and place them on a single bet slip. While it’s much harder to win, it’s really rewarding.
- Futures bet - This bet lets you guess the outcome of an important event in the future. For example, who’s going to win the Super Bowl, months before it happens.
- Prop bet - Prop bets are more custom, meaning that you can bet what a certain player will do in the game.
The key is to combine the knowledge gathered from the team’s previous games and news and make smarter assumptions when betting. These different bets will allow you to create a compelling strategy that might lead to a higher win chance.
5 Black Lesbians Who Are Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame Worthy
Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame is filled with exceptional artists and creatives who made their mark in the music industry. Being inducted into the hall of fame is no mean feat, especially if you are black and a lesbian. The black community has seen multiple artists make their way into the hall of fame thanks to their standout talents that made them hard to ignore. Being a lesbian in today’s world comes with multiple challenges, especially heavy criticism. Many lesbians struggle with coming out of the closet, yet some have already done so.
This article highlights a few notable black Rock’n’Roll artists who have made their mark in history.
1. Rosetta Tharpe
Tharpe will go down in history as arguably the most musically talented black guitar-playing heroines, and rightfully so. Springing from the deep musical traditions of the Pentecostal church, Rosetta Tharpe achieved milestones that no performer in her time did. With her amazing voice, Tharpe took Pentecostal music and presented it to the world. Her amazing soprano and unrivaled guitar-playing techniques made audiences go crazy whenever she performed. Tharpe’s guitar-playing ability was a level higher than most performers in the industry.
Tharpe is respected and loved by many, and for good reasons. Big-name artists like Elvis Presley, among others, have given testimonials on how much Tharpe was a major influence on their careers. While her success never went unnoticed, one thing few people knew was her dating life. On several occasions, she was rumored to be a black lesbian dating lover. At one point, fans even thought that she was dating another popular singer, Rosetta’s standout talents were officially acknowledged by the music industry when she officially became a Hall of Famer.
Regardless, you can still open any dating site for black lesbian dating and meet her true fans seeking someone like-minded there. The best part is that if you are a black lesbian yourself, you can open a dating site and use the topic of music and Rosetta, in particular, as an icebreaker. You’ll be surprised by how many black lesbians find her inspiring and therefore are always happy to meet someone who appreciates great music and outstanding black female heroines.
2. Ma Rainey
Being regarded as the mother of an entire music genre is no mean feat. Rainey’s impact on the music industry has been quite extensive. Gifted with a deep beautiful voice and notable stage presence, Rainey took over the music industry by storm. She was born in the early 20th century, back when segregation was at extreme levels.
Despite being black, Rainey seemingly drew large crowds of mixed races thanks to her standout talent. She was an inspiration to many singers, including Janis Joplin. Rainey also mentored many people who became stars, like Bessie Smith. She is a current Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer, and rightfully so. Some of her lyrics highlight her love for women, and one can only assume that she was a lesbian.
3. Janelle Monae
Janelle’s name might be a household name these days, but few people know what it took for her to make it in the music industry. Born to parents who wore a uniform to work day in and out, Monae has had an explosive impact on the music industry. She has released several exceptional albums and won multiple Grammy awards nominations. She’s also featured in several movies.
One of her biggest achievements is coming out in support of the lesbian community and women. Monae advocates for equality and has, on several occasions, come out to speak up against the harassment of women, particularly in workplaces. She has gone on record to state that she is pansexual. While she might not yet be inducted into the hall of fame, the path to achieving that milestone appears to be well-lit.
4. Dana Owens
Widely regarded as an icon by many female artists, Dana Owens, also known as Queen Latifah, embodies grit and awesomeness. She was born in March 1970 and has worn many hats over the years. Apart from being an actor, she is also a rapper, songwriter, and TV personality.
Dana Elaine Owens’ name ought to be engrained in the hall of fame because of the influence that she’s had in the world of entertainment. Not only is Dana a great poet and songwriter, but she’s also arguably the best female entertainer. Owens has reached genres of people from all around the world. She has many different albums that have sold millions of copies. Her songs have motivated people to pursue their passions and even spread awareness of numerous different cultures worldwide. Her work is exceptional and deserves to be recognized among the few top black entertainers.
5. Tracy Chapman
In 1964, an almost angelic-voiced Tracy Chapman was conceived. From an early age, she relished singing, and little did she know that music would change her entire future. Like most women on this list, Tracy had a tough upbringing that motivated her later in life decision to become a feminist.
Chapman has been an inspiration to successful and aspiring singers alike. For years, she’s worked as an activist and gone ahead to speak and perform for countless nonprofit organizations. While there’s so much Chapman has done, one thing she’s yet to do is to talk publicly about her private life. While there have been rumors that she’s a lesbian, there’s no record of her coming out and admitting to anything.
Conclusion
When it comes to sheer talent, the black community has many different top talents. Many talented and influential black artists have impacted their communities and the world. Besides Dana Owens, Sister Tharpe, and more on this list, several other lesbian female stars have been a shining light for many.
If I Had a Vote in the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame Election
Days from the January 24, 2023, announcement by the National Baseball Hall of Fame of candidates who may have been elected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), the burning question is not who those candidates, if any, will be. Instead, the burning question is: What morality are BBWAA voters going to legislate for the Hall of Saints this year?
For more than a decade, the controversy over performance-enhancing drugs (PED) has consumed discussion about who should or should not be elected to the Hall, capped by the late Hall of Famer Joe Morgan's now-infamous 2017 missive to voters about keeping the PED Penitents out of Cooperstown. But although the PED predicament remains—among the returning candidates on the 2023 BBWAA ballot are Manny Ramirez and Álex Rodriguez—voters are now finding other performance flaws in candidates to deny them entrance to the Hallowed Hall.
- baseball hall of fame
- 2023 bbwaa ballot
- bobby abreu
- mark buehrle
- todd helton
- torii hunter
- Andruw Jones
- Jeff Kent
- andy pettitte
- Manny Ramirez
- alex rodriguez
- Scott Rolen
- jimmy rollins
- Gary Sheffield
- Omar Vizquel
- Billy Wagner
- bronson arroyo
- carlos beltran
- matt cain
- ra dickey
- jacoby ellsbury
- andre ethier
- jj hardy
- john lackey
- mike napoli
- jhonny peralta
- francisco rodriguez
- huston street
- jered weaver
- jayson werth
Super Bowl betting: Who the bookies are backing ahead of the playoffs
season prepares to move into its playoff rounds. Results from the regular season are now in
the books, with the best-performing teams progressing to the next phase, leaving the rest
behind to mull over their shortcomings. A frantic few weeks lie ahead, but which teams will
make it through to the season-defining match?
Football fans can have their say on the winner of each fixture with pre-game and in-play
betting available at the top sportsbooks. Those looking for a bet that lasts a little longer can
look ahead and predict the eventual Super Bowl champion. The team, they believe, will go all
the way to the history books. There is plenty of value to be found, especially if you decent to
oppose the market leaders with a bet on a plucky underdog. But which team is worth backing,
and where will you find the best NFL gambling odds?
This article explains all, bringing football fans and sportsbook bettors onto the same page.
We present the current betting and how it relates to the form shown by the top teams in this
campaign. There are one or two surprises to be found and no lack of value. This year's Super
Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday 12th, February.
That means time is running out to grab your share of the free bets offered. Keep reading for
details on how to land a welcome bonus free bet on the NFL using your smartphone.
Kansas leads the way
According to bookmakers, Kansas City is now the most likely team to win the Super Bowl.
That's an important shift and something worth keeping in mind when preparing your
predictions, as the betting has changed since the regular season finished. Traders have altered
their views on the Super Bowl, moving from the Buffalo Bills to Kansas. But why did they
do that when Buffalo is still in the running?
Only recently, all the hype focused on the Bills, but the team has yet to live up to its billing.
Buffalo has done everything expected of them by fans so far this season, but there can be no
denying they have been less than impressive. The favorites huffed and puffed their way
through games at times and have yet to look anywhere near as impressive as their rivals in
Kansas. The stats of the two teams after the conclusion of the regular season tell the story of
why traders changed their minds.
Kansas topped the AFC West with their stats showing 14 wins and three defeats, with 496
points scored and 369 conceded. They finished clear of a chasing pack led by the Los
Angeles Chargers, who failed to land a glove on the Chiefs in one-way traffic despite putting
up a fight. Despite how impressive Kansas was in the regular season, there's more to come
from this side. They are yet to hit top gear, encouraging supporters as they prepare to follow
their side into the extended season.
Buffalo started the season as the team to beat, with traders picking them as their favorite at
every major sportsbook. So far, they have barely put a foot wrong and comfortably won the
AFC East, losing just three of their games. The Bills scored fewer points than Kansas with
455 but had a much better defense, conceding 286 points in the campaign. That sturdy
backline will be required in the later rounds and could be the difference between winning the
Super Bowl and watching as spectators.
Bonuses and promotions
The leading bookies offer all new players who sign up for an online betting account, make
their first deposit, and wager an attractive welcome bonus. Register today, and you'll qualify
for a free bet equal to your first deposit and wager. Ready to claim your share?
When joining a bookie to bet on the NFL or the winner of the Super Bowl, we advise reading
the terms and conditions on the app. Doing so will ensure you understand what's expected of
you as a customer and the options available when making a withdrawal.
The Hobbies of Professional Athletes
You’ve got to be pretty special to become a professional athlete. The percentage of athletes that make it to the big leagues is so small that only the best of the best make it through. So, it should perhaps come as no surprise that professional athletes aren’t just handy at their chosen sport, but are just generally talented people. Indeed, take a pro football player, and you’d probably find that they could more than hold their own in any other sport you dropped them into.
And it’s not just on the field that pro athletes perform well. Take a look at some of the hobbies that those famous faces engage in, and you’ll find that they’re more or less good at everything they attempt. Some people have all the luck. Don’t believe us? Let’s explore some common hobbies for professional athletes.
Making Music
There’s always been a big overlap between music and sports. The dressing rooms are alive with music, and many teams celebrate their victories with an anthem. Sometimes those worlds collide in a more direct way, such as when athletes get behind the microphone themselves and record a track or two. The late Kobe Bryant recorded a rap album back in 1999, while Shaquille O’Neal released four albums throughout the same decade. The boxer Manny Pacquiao also released many songs between 2006 and 2013.
Playing Games
You don’t become a pro athlete without being competitive. Sports stars live for competition. Alas, they normally only play one game a week, so what do they do when they’re not on the field? That’s right, they play different types of games. Play a few hands at the best poker sites, and you might just end up playing against an athlete that you normally see on television. Neymar, Boris Becker, and Michael Phelps are all known to be huge poker players.
There are also plenty of athletic video gamers, too. Cam Newton, Paul George, and Eric Berry all say they’re obsessed with video games, especially sporting video games.
The Fashion World
Take a look at many sports stars when they head to a restaurant, and you’ll notice that most of them have a pretty particular fashion sense. They like to stand out. And some athletes are so interested in the fashion world that they even launch their own clothing lines. Some of the biggest sports stars in the world, including Serena Williams, David Beckham, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo, have created clothing. Who knew that people who are awesome at sports could also live another life as fashion designers? Talent knows no limits!
Traveling the World
Many people love traveling, but not everyone has the time or money to do it. Sports stars usually travel for work purposes when they have to play across the country (or even internationally, during the Olympics), and some athletes even travel for leisure. Floyd Mayweather, LeBron James, Ronda Rousey, and Tom Brady have all expressed a passion for exploring the world. You can only imagine how awesome it must be to travel with their bank balances, too.
NFL Teams That Have Yet to Win a Superbowl
The Super Bowl is the most prestigious event in American football, and every year teams from across the NFL compete for the championship title. However, while some teams have been incredibly successful over the years, a few still have yet to experience victory at this level. From small-market franchises to traditional powerhouses, here's a look at some of the NFL teams that have yet to win a Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings
Despite four trips to the Super Bowl in the 1970s, Minnesota's Vikings have yet to earn a championship title. They faced off against Kansas City Chiefs in 1970, Miami Dolphins in 1974, Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975, and Oakland Raiders in 1977, all ending with defeat for the squad. In 2018 they were just one game away from making it back again but unfortunately succumbed 38-7 against Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to claim the victory that year.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills experienced a streak of unprecedented dominance from 1990 to 1993, reaching the Super Bowl for four consecutive seasons. Regrettably, their expedition ended in anguish every time - starting with a narrow 20-19 loss against the Giants and then a 37-24 defeat by Washington, followed by back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. The team has not returned since that era but last year made it as far as an AFC Championship game, only to fall again under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals
With three Super Bowl appearances, the Bengals have their sights set on lifting a Lombardi Trophy. Unfortunately, they twice encountered defeat in 1981 and 1988 against San Francisco but were also unfortunate to succumb by a mere 3 points to Los Angeles 23-20 in 2022. But, surely, this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey for Cincinnati, and we eagerly await what's next!
Atlanta Falcons
After 18 years of absence, the Falcons returned to the Super Bowl for a second time in 2017, only to be defeated after an epic comeback from New England. Atlanta had been leading 28-3 in the third quarter before their opponents managed to triumph 34-28 during overtime and secure a historic victory. In 1999, the Broncos were similarly successful as they blew out the Falcons with an impressive 34-19. In addition, according to Super Bowl betting odds, the Atlanta Falcons remain one of the teams most likely to feature in a Super Bowl game.
Carolina Panthers
In 2003, the Panthers came close to claiming their first Super Bowl victory but were ultimately denied by a last-second field goal from Adam Vinatieri that gave the Patriots a 32-29 win. Unfortunately, history repeated itself in 2015 when Denver's defense shut down Carolina's offense and won 24-10 - marking two heartbreaking losses for the franchise during its tenure at the big game.
Arizona Cardinals
In their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009, the Cardinals almost clinched a Lombardi Trophy; unfortunately, they fell to the Steelers 27-23. Despite multiple playoff appearances since then and even making it to the NFC Championship game in 2015, Arizona is still diligently striving for its much sought-after first Super Bowl victory.
Tennessee Titans
In its inaugural year as the Tennessee Titans, the squad made a dramatic run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999, only to be thwarted by an agonizingly close 23-16 loss to the Rams. Kevin Dyson's last-second dive for a touchdown proved too little too late, and though they have since reached nine playoff appearances, with two conference championship berths along their way - a return trip to the Big Game has yet eluded them.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the Chargers, led by Philip Rivers as their franchise quarterback, never made it to a Super Bowl during his time with them, they could still make history in 1995. Stan Humphries was at the helm of that team and guided them all the way to face off against the 49ers in an epic battle for football supremacy - only to be beaten soundly with a scoreline reading 49-26. Unfortunately, since then, Los Angeles has only been able to reach one AFC Conference Championship game.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been deprived of a Super Bowl appearance since the game's inception in 1967. With five conference championship appearances before 1990, they've only made the playoffs three times post-1990 and encountered an abysmal 17-year streak without reaching that level from 2003-2019.
Detroit Lions
Unfortunately, the Detroit Lions are still seeking their first Super Bowl appearance and have had limited success in playoff games. Through 13 postseason appearances since 1991, they have only made it to one conference championship game. Even more disheartening is that despite eight tries since 1992, the team has yet to win a single playoff game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite reaching the conference championship three times in their history, the Jacksonville Jaguars have never quite made it to a Super Bowl. From 2008-2016 was an especially dry spell for them, and when they finally returned to playoff contention in 2017, only be beaten by defending champions New England Patriots 24-20. Since then, Jacksonville has been unable to make playoffs, making fans wonder if this will ever change.
Houston Texans
In two decades as a franchise, the Houston Texans have yet to secure a Super Bowl title or even appear at one - despite making six playoff appearances in their history. Even more dismal is that none of these postseason berths resulted in advancing past the divisional round. To make matters worse, during the first eight seasons since inception, not once did they qualify for playoffs!
4 Vacation Destinations for Sports Fans
Barriers exist between most countries; culture, language, politics, and other blockages create walls that are challenging to climb. But one universal element every nation has in common is sports – and sports break those barriers. Whether participating or watching, sport is a language in itself that appeals to the social, competitive side of humans – and it’s an excellent way to understand, get to know, and enjoy the company of anyone from any country around the world.
Sports becomes an incredible experience when combined with a love of traveling; many people explore other lands and cultures through their passion for their game. With that in mind, these destinations with penchants for sports are perfect itinerary items for sporting fanatics.
United Kingdom
England is famed worldwide for its soccer scene. Across the land, local, national, and even international matches take place like regular clockwork. Plus, the crowds are phenomenal; it’s not uncommon for stadiums to sell out, with fans showing up for games in numbers over 40,000.
Furthermore, cricket is another contender that English folks across the pond go nuts for, as is tennis, especially in the season when London becomes the center of the world’s attention each June – when the iconic Wimbledon championship starts. Among other unmissable sporting events in the UK are Epsom Downs and Ascot horse races (along with the Grand National, too), which turn into highly sophisticated formalwear events and sporting shows. However, when it comes to getting rough and dirty, the rugby league is unmissable – especially when Wales is playing; the team’s camaraderie is second to none.
North America
North America is famed globally for many things – but a robust roster of sports is probably one of the biggest. Some destinations are renowned for one or two particular sports (like the UK and its buzzing soccer culture). All across the United States and Canada, though, all sports are rife – right from kids in elementary school taking part in extra-curricular clubs to college sports teams – and, of course, the major leagues at the professional level.
People go wild in the US and Canada for football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and even crazier and more dangerous sports like NASCAR. In fact, many Americans and Canadians make their sport of choice their entire reason for a vacation. Take ice hockey, for example; fans often book tailored NHL travel packages designed to get them in on the hockey action, attend matches, and enjoy a trip away. Many travel operators also offer the same services for fans of other sports and leagues, from the NBA to the NFL.
Japan
Think “baseball”, and the USA immediately springs to mind. Granted, the game was birthed in New York – but the Japanese seem to be the biggest baseball fans in the world. In big cities like Tokyo, tourists can enjoy a unique blend of western and Japanese sporting culture, with sumo wrestling and martial arts representing one flavor and the country’s passion for baseball another.
Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil is the ultimate place for soccer lovers who can’t get enough gorgeous beaches and sports culture simultaneously. Specifically, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are two top spots for soccer fans; the latter’s home team draws in crowds of over 70,000 at the Macaranã stadium – an atmosphere discerning soccer enthusiasts do not want to miss.
If that’s a little too exciting, sampling the fun street soccer with the locals in Sao Paulo affords an authentic insight into Brazil’s soccer culture at the grassroots level.
Is the AFC filled to the brim with Hall of Fame quarterbacks?
The Hall of Fame promises to be a crowded place for quarterbacks in the AFC in 20 years if the current crop of players continue to astound and develop. The 2022 season has highlighted the rise of brilliant young quarterbacks, so much so that Patrick Mahomes, at the age of 27, is the elder statesman of the group. The Kansas City Chiefs player has already put forward an impressive resume for his Hall of Fame credentials. He's already won one Super Bowl and reached another in the first five years of his career.
The Chiefs are once again backed as one of the leading contenders in the odds to win the Super Bowl. A second Vince Lombardi Trophy would all but ensure that Mahomes will be donning a yellow jacket at the end of his career. However, there will be intense competition along the way due to the quality of quarterbacks and teams in the AFC Conference alone. That will make Canton, Ohio a crowded place should they all opt to retire at the same time. It will also make for an enthralling 20 years of AFC action, bringing back memories of the conference when it was at its best, a time when Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger and others battled it out to reach the Super Bowl.
The new era looks even more exciting.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes has almost punched his ticket to Canton and, if he opted to retire tomorrow, there would be few doubters that would deny him a place in the Hall of Fame. He has been electric on the field since replacing Alex Smith in his sophomore season. Mahomes appears to be all set to win his second MVP after a brilliant 2022 season in which he propelled the Chiefs to the number one seed, notably without Tyreek Hill.
That was a major challenge for Mahomes, but he passed with flying colors, connecting with his new wideouts. With Travis Kelce closer to the end of his career than the start, he will have to continue to develop players around him. Mahomes will now aim to reach his third Super Bowl to banish memories of his side’s defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 campaign.
Josh Allen
Allen and Mahomes played out a thrilling Divisional Round matchup last season. Mahomes’ brilliance in the final 13 seconds tied the game before the Buffalo Bills were beaten in overtime to deny them a second-straight AFC Championship appearance. Allen has been incredible once again this season, displaying maturity and leadership as well as having every throw in the book. He alone will give the Bills a fighting chance in the AFC every year.
Even after Tom Brady's exit, it was not easy to dethrone the New England Patriots at the top of the AFC East. But Allen and Buffalo are now kings of the East and will now look to transfer that dominance to the AFC. He and his team just need to raise their levels in the big games, because only then can Allen be considered one of the greats.
Joe Burrow
Burrow well and truly announced his arrival lasts season with a brilliant run to knock off the Chiefs away at the AFC Championship Game. The Bengals were not quite ready to win the Super Bowl, narrowly losing out to the Los Angeles Rams. However, Burrow and his team are a confident bunch and, with Joe Cool as quarterback, will be contenders every year.
Burrow has earned comparisons to Brady when it comes to his demeanor on the field. He always seems to make clutch throws with pinpoint accuracy when it matters the most. Burrow doesn’t have the wow plays of Mahomes and Allen, but he's downright clinical when required. If the Bengals can keep him upright and injury-free, Cincinnati will be a perennial Super Bowl contender.
Burrow has the personality and drive to win multiple crowns. Although he'd be doing very well to ever match Brady, he is certainly capable of winning one or two.
Trevor Lawrence
In the early stages of the 2022 seasons there were fears that Lawrence was trending towards being a bust. He endured a miserable rookie campaign, which was entirely the fault of former head coach Urban Meyer, who failed to last the term with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Doug Pederson’s arrival promised stability and the chance for Lawrence to develop. It didn’t appear to go that way after a poor performance in a loss to the Denver Broncos.
But from then on Lawrence flicked the switch and was sensational down the stretch, guiding his team to seven victories in nine games. The Jags won the AFC South for the first time since 2017 and it could well be the start of an era of dominance. Lawrence’s performances were made all the more impressive considering the lack of talent around him. If the Jags get him some top-tier receivers, he will flourish in Florida.
Justin Herbert
Herbert is the other quarterback in the AFC West that has all the tools, but has not quite put it all together yet. He won Rookie of the Year ahead of Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, but he has not been able to take the next step yet, despite making the post-season for the first time in 2022. The Los Angeles Chargers have always had a string of bad luck and bad decision-making that has held them back. They cannot afford to let that happen to Herbert as it did his predecessor Rivers.
Herbert has all the talent in the world and skills to match Mahomes, Allen and Burrow. He just needs to settle in with a composed coach that will allow him to thrive in the big moments. Herbert could be the answer to the Chargers’ longstanding playoff woes.
Tua and Lamar
Lamar Jackson could have been on the same trajectory as the other quarterbacks, but injuries and a lack of post-season form has stalled his progress. Renowned for his running ability, he has developed as a passer, making him a dual-threat quarterback. Until he can resolve his injury woes once and for all, he and the Baltimore Ravens are going nowhere.
It’s the same story for Tua and the Miami Dolphins. After two poor seasons, head coach Mike McDaniel appeared to unlock Tua's potential. Tua connected with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to devastating effect to propel Miami towards the number one seed in the AFC. However, he sustained two concussions over the course of the season, the second one ruling him out of the final three games of the campaign. That is a huge concern for the Dolphins moving forward, and could end a bright career.
