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# XN Sports

Fantasy Sports, Opinion, Daily Fantasy advice and more.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://xnsports.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Fenway Park Green Monster: Everything You Need to Know](https://xnsports.com/2024/06/02/fenway-park-green-monster-everything-you-need-to-know/) - Discover the history and impact of the Fenway Park Green Monster, a beloved feature of Boston Red Sox's home stadium since 1912.
- [The Best Bikes for Big Guys: Top Choices on Amazon [2025]](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/11/the-best-bikes-for-big-guys-top-choices-in-2023/) - Discover the ultimate list of the best bikes for big guys, from fat tire to road and electric bikes, tailored for larger riders.
- [The XN Hockey Hub](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/13/the-xn-hockey-hub/) - Everything you need to know about hockey, from rules to gear reviews. Join the XN Hockey Hub community today!
- [An Analysis of the Top 3 Gardening Soil Brands](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/07/an-analysis-of-the-top-3-gardening-soil-brands/) - When it comes to gardening success, the soil is the foundation. Choosing the right soil is crucial for your plant’s growth and health. In this article, we delve into an in-depth comparison of the top three gardening soil brands to help you make an informed decision. Let's explore each brand’s unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.
- [Boston Red Sox History: Interactive Visual Timeline](https://xnsports.com/2026/02/22/boston-red-sox-history-interactive-visual-timeline/) - Explore the Boston Red Sox's history with our interactive spiral data visualization. Track wins, ERA, and World Series titles from 1901 to 2023 at XN Sports.
- [What Is Slew Footing In Hockey: Full Definition & Video Examples](https://xnsports.com/2024/01/31/what-is-slew-footing-in-hockey-full-definition-video-examples/) - What Is Slew Footing In Hockey? A Slew foot is a term that refers to a dangerous hockey play. It involves a player using their leg to knock an opponent's legs out from under them.
- [NFL Sundays in Missouri: Prop Trends Worth Watching This Season](https://xnsports.com/2025/12/10/nfl-sundays-in-missouri-prop-trends-worth-watching-this-season/) - Gameday in the Show-Me State carries a distinct rhythm. Morning reports hit fast, betting lines adjust around weather and injury cues, and the roar from that iconic bowl in Kansas City can feel like its own variable. For fans tracking prop markets, player stats, game scripts, and micro-matches understanding how local dynamics influence lines is
- [Best TVs for Sports in 2025: The Ultimate Viewing Guide](https://xnsports.com/2025/05/15/best-tvs-for-sports/) - We looked at dozens of the latest TV models available on Amazon to bring you the definitive guide to the best TVs for sports available today.
- [Best Wireless Headphones for Running: Waterproof, Sweatproof & Long Battery Life Options](https://xnsports.com/2025/06/24/best-wireless-headphones-running-waterproof-sweatproof/) - Best Wireless Headphones for Running: Waterproof, Sweatproof & Long Battery Life Options Shop Amazon Now As an Amazon Affiliate we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Picture this: You’re 8 miles into your long run, completely in the zone, when your wireless headphones die. Or worse – they fall out during your sprint intervals because
- [Essential PPE for Spraying Pesticides: Complete Safety Guide for Professionals & Homeowners](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/03/essential-ppe-for-spraying-pesticides-worker-protection-and-safety/) - Complete guide to essential PPE for pesticide spraying. Learn safety requirements, equipment recommendations, and WPS compliance for professionals.
- [How Much is a Golf Cart? A Guide to Golf Cart Costs [2024]](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/18/how-much-is-a-golf-cart-a-guide-to-golf-cart-costs-2024/) - How much is a golf cart? If you're asking that question and are thinking about purchasing a golf cart, read our guide today with latest prices.
- [Find The Bag Policy For Every MLB Stadium](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/21/find-the-bag-policy-for-every-mlb-stadium/) - View the bag policies for all MLB stadiums in one place. Learn what you can bring to the game and ensure a hassle-free entry to your favorite baseball ballpark.
- [What is an Albatross in Golf? The Super Rare Score Explained!](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/12/what-is-an-albatross-in-golf-the-super-rare-score-explained/) - What is an Albatross in Golf? Delve into the rare and revered world of golf's albatross score, a moment of glory in golf history.
- [John Cena Movies List: From The Ring To The Big Screen](https://xnsports.com/2024/02/01/john-cena-movies-list-from-the-ring-to-the-big-screen/) - Welcome to our John Cena movies list! John Cena's transition from a WWE superstar to a movie star has seen him feature in a variety of movie roles.
- [Can Hockey End In A Tie? NHL Overtime Shootout Rules & More](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/08/can-hockey-end-in-a-tie-nhl-overtime-shootout-rules/) - Can hockey end in a tie? Learn about hockey endings and whether games can end in a tie. Find out NHL, NCAA, and IIHF overtime rules and shootout formats.
- [How Much is Parking at Dodger Stadium? [2025]](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/28/how-much-is-parking-at-dodger-stadium-2024/) - 2024 Dodger Stadium parking costs, options, and game day tips for Los Angeles Dodgers fans. Plan your visit and navigate entrances smoothly with our guide.
- [Kobe Bryant: The Worst Team He's Ever Played On](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/16/kobe-bryant-worst-team-played/) - Learn about the struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers season, with a roster that might be the worst Kobe Bryant has ever been a part of.
- [Current Amazon Promo Codes For Sports](https://xnsports.com/2025/01/30/current-amazon-promo-codes-for-sports/) - Amazon Sports Promo Codes & Discounts - February 2025 Save 50.0% on select products from HOWHAI with promo code 50FP93B5, through 2/2 while supplies last. Portable Pickleball Net with Wheels – 50% Off with Promo Code Deal Details Price: $69.99 (originally $79.99) Save 50% with promo code 50FP93B5 Valid Through: February 2, while supplies last
- [Where Do The Florida Panthers Play Hockey? Parking Tips [2025]](https://xnsports.com/2024/06/03/where-do-the-florida-panthers-play-hockey-parking-tips-2024/) - Where do the Florida Panthers Play Hockey? Plan your visit to Amerant Bank Arena for a Florida Panthers game with tips on arrival, seating, and food options.
- [Sports Betting For Beginners: The Ultimate Guide](https://xnsports.com/2024/12/20/sports-betting-for-beginners-the-ultimate-guide/) - Sports Betting 101: A Beginner’s Guide - Explore key terms, common odds formats, different bet types, and smart betting strategies.
- [Murph's Musings: St. Louis Looks Selfish; Bergevin Steals The Show And Snow Somehow Still Has A Job](https://xnsports.com/2014/03/06/murphs-musings-st-louis-looks-selfish-bergevin-steals-show-snow-somehow-still-job/) - In a busy NHL trade deadline St. Louis, Snow and Bergevin caught the headlines.
- [The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddles](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/01/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-lightweight-pickleball-paddles/) - Find the best lightweight pickleball paddles for your game. Explore top picks, key factors to consider, and tips for choosing the best paddle.
- [Dimensions Of A Hockey Net: How Big Is The Official Size?](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/04/dimensions-of-a-hockey-net-how-big-is-the-official-size/) - Discover the official NHL dimensions for hockey nets and how they impact gameplay. Learn about base depth, goal frame, and net materials.
- [A Thank You Note To The Boston Red Sox](https://xnsports.com/2015/05/06/a-thank-you-note-to-the-boston-red-sox/) - XN editor Tom Fitzgerald thanks the Boston Red Sox for helping him find his soul again.
- [Diana Taurasi - NCAA Women's Basketball Player Profile](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/30/diana-taurasi-ncaa-womens-basketball-player-profile/) - Learn the greatness of Diana Taurasi's college career, highlighted by her unique basketball talent, team success, and recognition as one of NCAA's best players.
- [A Guide to the Best Cushioned Basketball Shoes [2024]](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/04/a-guide-to-the-best-cushioned-basketball-shoes-2024/) - Discover the top picks for best cushioned basketball shoes from Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and Puma to elevate your game on the court.
- [Angry Dad Smashes Rink Glass at a Little Kid Hockey Game](https://xnsports.com/2015/01/25/angry-dad-smashes-rink-glass-little-kid-hockey-game/) - Outrageous incident at youth hockey game as dad smashes glass in anger over officiating, resulting in team forfeit and son's expulsion.
- [Hunter "Big Rig" Smith Accidentally Wipes Out Kid With Brutal Clothesline](https://xnsports.com/2014/12/05/little-kid-invited-team-skate-gets-absolutely-wiped-brutal-clothesline/) - Hunter "Big Rig" Smith accidentally collides with a young fan during a pre-game skate, creating a mix of concern and humor.
- [Hockey Player Nearly Decapitates Himself with Own Stick, Tries to Play It Cool](https://xnsports.com/2015/01/14/hockey-player-nearly-decapitates-stick-tries-play-cool/) - Unforgettable exit: Alpena Flyers defenseman nearly decapitates himself with own stick. Read about Mitchell Skiba's shocking incident on the ice.
- [March Madness: Top-10 Buzzer-Beaters](https://xnsports.com/2015/03/12/march-madness-top-10-tournament-buzzer-beaters/) - Discover the top buzzer-beaters in March Madness history with XN Sports. Learn NCAA Basketball tournament history!
- [March Madness: Top-10 Single Game Performances In NCAA Tournament History](https://xnsports.com/2015/03/18/march-madness-top-10-single-game-performances-ncaa-tournament-history/) - The top single-game performances in NCAA Tournament history, from Austin Carr's 61 points to Christian Laettner's perfect game-winner. March Madness History!
- [The Best Hockey Stick Brand On Amazon: Popular Choices In 2024](https://xnsports.com/2024/04/22/the-best-hockey-stick-brand-on-amazon-popular-choices-in-2024/) - Find the best hockey stick brand on Amazon with brands like Franklin and STX. We organized the best hockey sticks on Amazon for you!
- [What is a Forecheck in Hockey? Forechecking Explained](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/11/what-is-a-forecheck-in-hockey-forechecking-explained/) - Hockey is a game of speed, skill, and strategy. One strategy teams use to gain an advantage in a hockey game is the forecheck. But what is forechecking, and how does it impact the game? This post will dive into the art of the forecheck in hockey, exploring its importance and how ice hockey teams
- [March Madness: Top 10 NCAA Tournament Players of All Time](https://xnsports.com/2015/03/17/march-madness-top-10-ncaa-tournament-players-time/) - Discover the top 10 best NCAA Tournament players of all time, from Grant Hill to Lew Alcindor, who have left their mark in college basketball history.
- [XN Sports Fantasy Football Hub](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/15/xn-sports-fantasy-football-hub/) - Fantasy Football Insight from CD Carter, Rich Hribar, Sal Stefanile, on XN Sports. 2QB fantasy football and draft strategy.
- [PPE Replacement Guidelines for Pesticide Handlers](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/18/ppe-replacement-guidelines-for-pesticide-handlers/) - Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), ensuring the safety and effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) for pesticide handlers involves strict replacement guidelines. Here’s what you need to know: Respirators Filtering Facepiece Respirators, Filters, Cartridges, or Canisters When to Replace: When breathing resistance becomes excessive. If the filter is damaged or torn. As specified by
- [Respiratory Protection for Pesticide Applicators](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/18/respiratory-protection-for-pesticide-applicators/) - Why Respiratory Protection Matters Pesticide applicators face serious health risks from inhaling harmful chemicals. Using the right respiratory protection is crucial. This guide will help you understand the types of respirators and how to use them effectively. Types of Respirators Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs) Function: Filters out contaminants from the air. Use: Ideal for environments with enough oxygen but polluted air. Examples:
- [Pesticide Industry News Weekly: Top Stories and Insights](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/17/pesticide-industry-news-weekly-top-stories-and-insights/) - Welcome to this week's roundup of the latest news and updates in the world of pesticides. Staying informed is crucial for pesticide handlers, and this week we bring you important developments, including a major recall of Yogi Tea bags due to pesticide residue, the innovative creation of a sticky pesticide designed to protect beneficial insects,
- [PPE for Pesticide Applicators: Respirators](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/16/ppe-for-pesticide-applicators-respirators/) - When working with pesticides, safeguarding your respiratory health is paramount. Browse our curated list of PPE for Pesticide Applicators -- Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) , helping you make informed decisions to ensure your safety. Top 5 Pesticide Respirators On Amazon - PPE for Pesticide Applicators Newly Released Respirators PPE for Pesticide Applicators: Respiratory Protection When
- [4 Simple Tips That Will Help With Your Fantasy Football Draft](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/31/tips-help-fantasy-football-draft/) - For beginners: Learn how to build a winning fantasy football team with valuable insights on drafting strategies, player evaluation, and league customization.
- [Last Minute 2-QB Fantasy Football Draft Strategy](https://xnsports.com/2014/08/30/last-minute-2-qb-fantasy-football-draft-prep/) - Sal Stefanile breaks down the three strategies for drafting quarterbacks in 2-QB fantasy football leagues and who you can expect to land on your roster.
- [Late Round QB Draft Strategy in 2-QB Fantasy Football Leagues Part 1](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/12/late-qb-draft-strategy-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues-part-1/) - Fantasy football draft strategy: Find out why drafting RBs early makes sense in a 2-QB league fantasy football league;
- [Point Break Guide to Trading in 2-QB Fantasy Football Leagues](https://xnsports.com/2014/11/06/point-break-guide-trading-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues/) - Learn how to navigate trading in 2-QB fantasy football leagues using the wisdom of Patrick Swayze's films like Point Break and Road House.
- [Barry Zito and Possibly the Worst Pitch of the Year](https://xnsports.com/2012/09/01/barry-zito-possibly-worst-pitch-year/) - Barry Zito's August was unremarkable to say the least. He was lucky to go 2-1 over his six starts as opponents hit .315 against him. Zito posted a bloated-Elvis, dead on the toilet, ERA of 6.46. But none of that really matters. Not when Zito gave us this gem: Thank you, Mr. Zito, we needed
- [C.D. Carter Opens the Discussion on Fantasy Football Addiction](https://xnsports.com/2012/11/27/c-d-carter-opens-discussion-fantasy-football-addiction/) - Uncover the hidden world of fantasy football addiction through C.D. Carter's eye-opening perspective in his recent New York Times publication.
- [The Elite Quarterback Sponge Effect: Is It Real?](https://xnsports.com/2015/03/29/the-elite-quarterback-sponge-effect-is-it-real/) - Uncover the secret to maximizing fantasy points by drafting receivers connected to the NFL's most productive quarterbacks.
- [High Anxiety: Fantasy Football and Your Personality Type](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/13/high-anxiety-fantasy-football-personality-type/) - Explore the relationship between anxiety, stress hormones, and performance in fantasy football playoffs.
- [Poker Lessons, Applied to Fantasy Football: Deception](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/20/poker-lessons-applied-fantasy-football-deception/) - In the cutthroat world of fantasy football, deception is as crucial as a well-timed pass or a game-saving tackle. "Poker Lessons, Applied to Fantasy Football: Deception," dives into the murky waters of strategy, drawing parallels between the poker table and the fantasy football league. The catalyst for this exploration is a personal anecdote involving the
- [Fantasy Football: Do Big Wide Receivers Need Elite Quarterbacks?](https://xnsports.com/2015/03/21/fantasy-football-do-big-wide-receivers-need-elite-quarterbacks/) - Learn why prioritizing larger wideouts in fantasy football can offer a margin for error, despite the success of small receivers with elite quarterback support.
- [Perception Isn't Reality in the Fantasy Playoffs](https://xnsports.com/2012/12/14/fantasy-football-playoffs-strategy-perception-reality/) - Our perceptions, during these waning weeks of the fantasy football season, are so often frozen in time, like an insect trapped in the confines of prehistoric amber, unchanged, static, fixed in time. These trappings are everywhere in fantasy football, most pointedly in the way we think of NFL defenses, and which teams should be exploited
- [Top 250 Overall 2-QB Fantasy Football Redraft Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/23/top-250-overall-2-qb-fantasy-football-redraft-rankings/) - Top 250 Overall rankings list for redraft 2-QB fantasy football leagues.
- [Fantasy Hockey: Advanced Statistics Glossary and Utility](https://xnsports.com/2014/10/15/fantasy-hockey-advanced-statistics-glossary-utility/) - Get insights into the significance of CorsiFor and FenwickFor percentages in hockey analytics. Learn how to interpret and utilize these stats effectively.
- [2-QB Fantasy Football Auction Strategies](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/17/2-qb-fantasy-football-auction-strategies/) - During the fantasy football off-season I've been getting questions regarding draft strategies in 2-QB dynasty leagues and 2-QB auction drafts. Neither format is one I've had much experience with during my 2-QB playing days, but they both intrigued me enough that I decided to do some research and learn more about the world of 2-QB
- [GIF: Colombia Goal Celebration The Best of 2014 World Cup](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/15/gif-colombia-goal-celebration-best-2014-world-cup/) - There are great goals and there are great post-goal celebrations. Facing off against Greece, Colombia had both.
- [AI-Powered Fantasy Sports Team Name Generator](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/28/fantasy-team-name-generator/) - Fantasy Team Name Generator powered by ChatGPT. Elevate Your Fantasy Sports Game with XN Sports AI fantasy team name-generator!
- [Inside the HD Hudson 38500 JD9-C Heavy-Duty Spray Gun](https://xnsports.com/2024/05/03/jd9-spray-gun-review/) - When it comes to pest control, having the right tools can make all the difference. The HD Hudson 38500 JD9-C Heavy-Duty Spray Gun is a tool that many professionals swear by due to its reliability and versatility. In this review, we’ll delve deep into why this spray gun might just be the must-have tool for
- [What is PIM in Hockey? Understanding Penalty Infraction Minutes](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/26/what-is-pim-in-hockey-understanding-penalty-infraction-minutes/) - What is PIM in hockey? Find out why Penalty Infraction Minutes (PIM) in hockey can be both a positive and negative stat in hockey.
- [Best Golf Club Sets: Complete Amazon Guide 2024](https://xnsports.com/2024/01/30/best-golf-club-sets-complete-amazon-guide-2024/) - Discover the best golf club sets on Amazon. Find the ideal clubs for every golfer, from top-tier Callaway sets to the Young Gun ZAAP ACE for juniors.
- [The Road House Guide to Trading in 2-QB Fantasy Football Leagues](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/05/road-house-guide-trading-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues/) - Learn how to navigate 2-QB league trade talks with wisdom from the Patrick Swayze classic, Road House.
- [Trading Places: A Look at Trading in 2-QB Fantasy Football Leagues](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/29/trading-places-trading-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues-2/) - Sal Stefanile looks to test out Steve Gallo's Zero QB Theorem for the rest of the season by trading away all of his quarterback depth.
- [How Long Is A Hockey Game? A Complete Beginner's Guide](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/20/how-long-is-a-hockey-game-a-complete-beginners-guide/) - How long is a hockey game? Discover the average duration of a hockey game, including periods and intermissions. Learn how overtime rules can extend the game.
- [How To Craft The Ultimate Easter Basket: Sports Edition](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/05/how-to-craft-the-ultimate-easter-basket-sports-edition/) - Looking for Easter basket ideas for sports enthusiasts? Fill it with sports equipment, fitness accessories, team apparel, and sports-themed Easter eggs.
- [What is a Point in Hockey? A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners](https://xnsports.com/2023/11/30/what-is-a-point-in-hockey-a-comprehensive-guide-for-beginners/) - What is a point in hockey? We have a user-friendly guide that breaks it all down for you. We may earn a small commission from links in this article Key Takeaways Player Points In hockey, a 'point' for a player means they have either scored a goal or assisted in scoring a goal. The sum
- [Can You Compost Shrimp Shells? A Guide to Nutrient-Rich Soil Enhancement](https://xnsports.com/2024/03/02/can-you-compost-shrimp-shells/) - You might have wondered about the leftover shrimp shells if you've ever enjoyed a great steamed shrimp dinner. Instead of tossing them in the garbage bin, consider the eco-friendly option of composting. This post explores whether shrimp shells can be composted, how to do it, and the benefits they bring to your garden soil. What
- [Best Golf Balls: What Brands To Buy On Amazon [2024]](https://xnsports.com/2024/02/29/best-golf-balls-what-brands-to-buy-on-amazon-2024/) - Find the best golf balls for your game with our comprehensive guide. From soft balls to distance balls, we cover it all. Titleist, Taylormade, and more.
- [32 Slam-Dunk Basketball Gift Ideas for Every Fan and Player](https://xnsports.com/2024/02/26/32-slam-dunk-basketball-gift-ideas-for-every-fan-and-player/) - With our comprehensive list of basketball gift ideas, finding the perfect gift for the basketball lover in your life doesn’t have to be a challenge.
- [How Much Can a Gorilla Deadlift? Gorilla vs. Bear Showdown](https://xnsports.com/2024/01/10/how-much-can-a-gorilla-deadlift-gorilla-vs-bear-showdown/) - How much can a gorilla deadlift? How much can a bear deadlift? Learn this and who holds the world deadlifting record on XN Sports.
- [Ice Hockey Positions Explained: An Essential Guide [2024]](https://xnsports.com/2024/02/21/ice-hockey-positions-explained-an-essential-guide-2024/) - Discover the different ice hockey positions and their roles on the ice in this essential guide. Perfect for beginners and fans just getting into hockey!
- [Best 90s Sports Movies: A Look At Our Top Ranked Films](https://xnsports.com/2024/01/29/best-90s-sports-movies-a-look-at-our-top-ranked-films/) - Relive the excitement and heart of the '90s with our look at the best 90s sports movies. From classics like 'Space Jam' to underdog stories like 'Rudy.'
- [Daily Fantasy Golf: RBC Heritage Week Picks](https://xnsports.com/2015/04/15/daily-fantasy-golf-rbc-heritage-week-picks/) - Josh Gross lists his top daily fantasy golf picks and value plays for use on DraftKings.
- [Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum Trade Rumor Indicates Salary Dump](https://xnsports.com/2014/01/01/pau-gasol-andrew-bynum-trade-rumor-indicates-salary-dump/) - If the Lakers were to trade for Bynum it would strictly be for salary cap purposes.
- [Fantasy Hockey Four For The Road (7/29)](https://xnsports.com/2014/07/29/fantasy-hockey-four-road-729/) - Chris Wassel breaks down his fantasy hockey quick hits on the San Jose Sharks, Ondrej Pavalec, Martin Brodeur, and more.
- [GIF: Team USA Settles For Tie In Heartbreaker Vs. Portugal](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/23/gif-team-usa-settles-tie-heartbreaker-vs-portugal/) - A goal in the final minute of stoppage time shocked everyone and helped Portugal get the 2-2 draw.
- [NHL Playoffs: Kings Come Back From Two Goals Down To Go Two Games Up](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/08/nhl-playoffs-kings-come-back-two-goals-go-two-games/) - The Los Angeles Kings beat the New York Rangers to go up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals.
- [Fantasy Hockey Three Stars -- Kings Take Game 1!](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/05/fantasy-hockey-three-stars-kings-take-game-1/) - That fantasy hockey landscape saw a few twists from Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final as Kyle Clifford of all people had a multiple-point night.
- [NHL Playoffs: Rask Self-Critical Following Game 1 Loss To Canadiens](https://xnsports.com/2014/05/02/nhl-playoffs-rask-self-critical-following-game-1-loss-canadiens/) - Tuukka Rask took the blame for Boston's double OT loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
- [Week 1 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Purely Premature Pickups](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/01/week-1-fantasy-baseball-waiver-wire-purely-premature-pickups/) - The first week of fantasy baseball is one of the most stressful. There are no real numbers to go on except last season and spring training. With the wealth of minor leaguers breaking into the show, you don't even have last season to go on. Regardless, the first week still counts as much as the
- [Week 22 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper Stock Market: Walker, Torres, Eaton](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/29/week-22-fantasy-baseball-sleeper-stock-market-walker-torres-eaton/) - Another week, another top Mariners pitching prospect getting the call to the Bigs. This week it's #5 top prospect in the league, Taijuan Walker. Seattle has a ton of good looking pitcher in the minors yet they've had a tough time bringing up their top guys all season. Brandon Maurer won a job out of
- [Fantasy Hockey Sleepers for Week 11 (Apr 1-7)](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/31/fantasy-hockey-sleepers-week-11-apr-1-7/) - Each fantasy season is full of injuries and players that just don’t meet your expectations. Being able to adjust on the fly and find studs on your league’s waiver wire is critical in a short season. Here are five players owned in less than 30% of Yahoo leagues who can help your team: Curtis Glencross (23%): Glencross
- [Dallas Stars 2013-14 Season Preview](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/28/dallas-stars-2013-14-season-preview/) - The 2013-14 Dallas Stars will be sporting a new look in more ways than one this season, and that's welcome news in Texas after the team finished dead last in the Pacific Division in April. In addition to launching some much improved uniforms, the Stars brought GM Jim Nill and head coach Lindy Ruff down
- [Week 20 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Wright as Rain](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/11/week-20-fantasy-basketball-waiver-wire-wright-rain/) - With the fantasy playoffs approaching quickly, it's time to focus on improving specific stat categories you have been lacking in all season rather than just finding the best players out there. A weakness in rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, or threes is usually all the difference – especially if you've spent your season investing heavily in
- [Canelo Alvarez Shows He's Superstar-Ready In Win Over Lara](https://xnsports.com/2014/07/16/canelo-alvarez-shows-hes-superstar-ready-win-lara/) - With boxing stalwarts Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao's inevitable retirement from the sport looming, boxing will need a new face, a new star. The era of Canelo has begun.
- [Adam Jones To Fans Who Run On Field: "You Look Like A Jackass"](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/09/adam-jones-fans-run-field-look-like-jackass/) - Adam Jones had some choice words for two fans who ran onto the field during Tuesday's games.
- [2014 Winter Olympics:  Putin On The Ritz … Not Quite](https://xnsports.com/2014/02/07/2014-winter-olympics-putin-ritz-quite/) - From the onset, interested bystanders have watched from a distance as President Putin repeatedly tripped on his own feet en route to where we are today.
- [Canelo Alvarez Gets Ready for His Biggest Test](https://xnsports.com/2014/01/29/saul-canelo-alvarez-gets-ready-biggest-test/) - After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Canelo Alvarez has redemption on his mind as he gets set to face Alfredo Angulo.
- [Trends for Fantasy Football Keeper Tight Ends](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/08/trends-fantasy-football-keeper-tight-ends/) - Everything is different now, even more than yesterday. Fewer sure bets remain at the tight end position than did six months ago. The apparent tight end renaissance we had enjoyed may have come to a close. But maybe it just turned a page, opening the door for more fresh blood. You should buy a lottery
- [NHL: Bruins Without Zdeno Chara for Four to Six Weeks](https://xnsports.com/2014/10/24/nhl-bruins-without-zdeno-chara-four-six-weeks/) - Michael Clifford breaks down what the Chara injury means for the Boston Bruins.
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey DFS Value Update - April 25](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/25/daily-fantasy-hockey-dfs-value-update-april-25/) - Michael Clifford breaks down every matchup of the night to find the top daily fantasy hockey value plays.
- [Open Letter to Major League Baseball](https://xnsports.com/2015/02/16/open-letter-major-league-baseball/) - XN Sports' Tomas Laverty pens an open letter to Major League Baseball detailing his hopes/gripes for the upcoming season.
- [NHL Playoffs: 'Hawks Even Series, Jackets Comeback Again](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/24/nhl-playoffs-hawks-even-series-jackets-comeback/) - Columbus continues to give Pittsburgh trouble as they tied the series 2-2.
- [Meet The MLB All-Stars: National League Starters](https://xnsports.com/2014/07/07/meet-mlb-stars-national-league-starters/) - XN Sports breaks down the National League starting lineup for the 2014 MLB All Star Game.
- [Fantasy Baseball Injury Replacements Rundown and Potential Fantasy Impact](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/15/fantasy-baseball-injury-replacements-rundown-potential-fantasy-impact/) - There are countless new starters thanks to a vicious string of injuries and Igor Derysh identifies which players are worth targeting and which ones to avoid.
- [NHL Playoffs: Chicago Unravels, Colorado Soars, Columbus Makes History](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/20/nhl-playoffs-chicago-unravels-colorado-soars-blue-jackets-make-history/) - Chicago is not playing their brand of hockey giving up 13 powerplays in two games while the Blue Jackets earned their first ever playoff win.
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey DFS Value Update - March 22](https://xnsports.com/2014/03/22/daily-fantasy-hockey-dfs-value-update-march-22/) - Michael Clifford focuses on value when constructing his optimal daily fantasy lineup.
- [Fantasy Baseball Rest-of-Season Projections: Hot August, Cool September?](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/30/fantasy-baseball-rest-of-season-projections-hot-august-cool-september/) - The hot summer months can have a significant impact on fantasy baseball production and this August has seen many a bat come alive in the fifth month of the season. At this point in the year, it's pointless to look at the entire season's production to predict what a player will do in the final
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey DFS Value Update - February 4](https://xnsports.com/2014/02/04/daily-fantasy-hockey-dfs-value-update-february-4/) - Michael Clifford breaks down every game in the NHL in search of the best daily fantasy hockey value.
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup for July 31](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/31/daily-fantasy-baseball-lineup-july-31/) - At the start of the new week, I decided I was going to change my strategy in building my Star Fantasy Leagues daily fantasy baseball lineup. Rather than trying to focus much of my budget on offense and using value plays for pitching, I decided to go after high-strikeout pitchers, no matter the cost. And
- [People Have Free Reign To Hate The Miami Heat](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/04/people-have-free-reign-to-hate-the-miami-heat/) - The Miami Heat have become one of the most hated teams in America. Bogar Alonso looks at who actually hates them and why.
- [Boos Aside, Robinson Cano is Sorely Missed in the Yankee Lineup](https://xnsports.com/2014/06/03/boos-aside-robinson-cano-sorely-missed-yankee-lineup/) - A chorus off boos masked Yankee fans lamenting what could have been had the Bombers kept Robinson Cano.
- [Jim Schwartz Out As Detroit Lions Coach](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/30/jim-schwartz-fired-detroit-lions/) - 'Black Monday' just became a lot darker for Jim Schwartz, with ESPN.com reporting the Detroit Lions have parted ways with their coach of the last five seasons. Despite winning six of their first nine games and leading the NFC North in the early going, the Lions imploded down the stretch, dropping six of their last
- [Redskins: Benching Robert Griffin III Will Do More Harm Than Good](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/16/redskins-benching-robert-griffin-iii-will-harm-good/) - Benching Robert Griffin III didn't just send the wrong message to the fans and players, it could hurt the Washington Redskins for seasons to come.
- [The Life and Death of a Vintage Cardinals Fan](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/19/life-death-vintage-cardinals-fan/) - The Cards won five World Series in his lifetime, while falling short in the Fall Classic another five times. That’s a team resume fans in the majority of baseball towns would covet. Except Rygelski. He was a perfectionist.
- [Overpay Me: An MLB Story](https://xnsports.com/2015/02/24/overpay-mlb-story/) - MLB players are grossly overpaid, and it's only going to get grosser.
- [ALDS Matchup Preview: Tigers Face Uphill Battle in Oakland](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/28/alds-matchup-preview-tigers-oakland/) - I'm skipping the numbers today, and going right to the heart of things: the Tigers may be in for a surprise in Oakland, and if I weren't concerned about upsetting my local readers, Id go ahead and say the Tigers don't stand a chance.
- [As Boston Continues to Hurt, the Bruins Can Help the City Heal Tonight](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/17/boston-continues-hurt-bruins-city-heal-tonight/) - In the grand scheme of things, sports mean nothing. They are games. If your team wins the Super Bowl or goes winless, it doesn’t change what’s happening in the real world. And after the events of Monday at the Boston Marathon, the games have taken a backseat to the realities of life. But, as meaningless
- [ALCS Game 2: Yankee Stadium Boo-Birds & Umpire Jeff Nelson](https://xnsports.com/2012/10/14/yankees-stadium-boo-birds-jerks-day/) - Most of you reading this have watched a lot of baseball. Perhaps you've been a fan of the game for a few years, a decade, or maybe several decades. You've seen a lot of bad baseball and you've seen a lot of good baseball. You've cheered, jeered, howled and booed at the TV screen or
- [Fantasy Football: Trust or Bust Week 10](https://xnsports.com/2013/11/06/fantasy-football-trust-bust-week-10/) - Rich Hribar lists the players you should start and players you should bench in your fantasy football leagues.
- [Week 6 Trade Targets for Keeper Fantasy Football](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/07/week-6-trade-targets-keeper-fantasy-football/) - Dave Major lists potential trade targets for your fantasy teams including a great chance to snag Tom Brady.
- [Fantasy Hockey: Final Average Draft Position Report](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/24/fantasy-hockey-final-draft-report/) - The fantasy hockey draft season is upon us, and Michael Clifford has been tracking ADPs of certain players. This is how situations have been shaking out.
- [Four For the Road: Antti Niemi and His Millions?](https://xnsports.com/2014/08/10/four-road-antti-niemi-millions/) - Antti Niemi will drive your fantasy hockey team absolutely insane and yet every year you almost have to own him but does he deserve the big money?
- [NFL Draft Rumors: 'All Indications' Are Rams Will Pass On Sammy Watkins](https://xnsports.com/2014/05/04/nfl-draft-rumors-indications-rams-will-pass-sammy-watkins/) - Fans hoping for a Tavon Austin-Sammy Watkins tandem should turn away as the St. Louis Rams have decided not to target the Clemson wideout at No. 2.
- [NBA Week 8 Injury Report: The Broken Brook Blues In Brooklyn](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/17/nba-week-8-injury-report-broken-brook-blues-brooklyn/) - Bogar Alonso breaks down the latest injuries in the NBA.
- [NBA Rumors: Derrick Rose Return Could be Imminent](https://xnsports.com/2014/02/28/nba-rumors-derrick-rose-return-imminent/) - Despite being ruled out for the season in December, Bulls guard Derrick Rose is inching closer to a return.
- [Fantasy Football Week 13: Streaming Tight End Options](https://xnsports.com/2013/11/27/fantasy-football-week-12-streaming-tight-options/) - C.D. Carter likes Coby Fleener and others as potential tight end streaming options in your fantasy leagues.
- [Complacent Cowboys Stuck in Neutral](https://xnsports.com/2013/11/24/complacent-cowboys-stuck-neutral/) - Their renowned moniker as "America's Team" has attracted many disputers as the Cowboys have continued to sink into a pit of self-aware mediocrity.
- [Fantasy Hockey Sleepers for Week 6 (Nov 4-10)](https://xnsports.com/2013/11/06/fantasy-hockey-sleepers-week-6-nov-4-10/) - Martin Hanzal and Robin Lehner are week 6's top fantasy hockey sleepers.
- [Sacramento Kings Sell Away Their Future To DeMarcus Cousins](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/28/sacramento-kings-sell-future-demarcus-cousins/) - In today’s NBA market, highly questionable defense, shaky shot selection, a mediocre showing of advanced stats, and the emotional baggage of a three-year-old gets you $62 million
- [2013 MLB Trade Deadline: Starting Pitchers at a Premium](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/27/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-starting-pitchers-premium/) - July is often a time when playoff contenders stock up on available talent from baseball’s ‘have-nots.’ Position players and relievers are traded with great regularity, but the thing on the minds of most general managers is starting pitching. This year, their job has been made difficult because the trade market is thin and lacks true
- [Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Just What The City Of Chicago Needs?](https://xnsports.com/2014/07/03/derrick-rose-carmelo-anthony-just-city-chicago-needs/) - For a team more snake-bitten than perhaps all the league’s other 29 teams combined over the last two seasons, has Lady Luck finally cast her light on the Windy City?
- [Fantasy Baseball Rest-of-Season Projections: Playoff Power Leaders](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/06/fantasy-baseball-rest-of-season-projections-playoff-power-leaders/) - We've seen power outages late in the season plenty of times before and while Davis is as good a bet as any I'm not certain he can match the power production we saw in the first five months of the season.
- [Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Monday - Wilson Ramos Returns](https://xnsports.com/2014/04/28/fantasy-baseball-waiver-wire-monday-wilson-ramos-returns/) - Savvy fantasy baseball owners should jump Wilson Ramos while they still have a shot.
- [NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks, Rajon Rondo Rumors Starting to Swirl](https://xnsports.com/2014/02/08/nba-trade-rumors-new-york-knicks-rajon-rondo-rumors/) - According to USA Today Sports, the Knicks could be on the verge of making a blockbuster-type deal.
- [NHL Team of the Week - October 19-25](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/27/nhl-team-week-october-19-25/) - Chris Blanchard pieces together the XN Sports team of the week including Frans Nielsen and Alexandar Ovechkin.
- [2013 MLB Trade Deadline: With Yasiel Puig’s Emergence, Will Dodgers Trade an Outfielder?](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/06/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-yasiel-puigs-emergence-dodgers-trade-outfielder/) - The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to have a very good problem on their hands. With Carl Crawford activated from the disabled list on Friday, the team now has four quality outfielders due in part to the emergence of rookie phenom Yasiel Puig. Now the Dodgers need to figure out if they want to keep
- [Los Angeles Lakers 2013-14 Preview](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/22/los-angeles-lakers-2013-14-preview/) - Full breakdown of the Los Angeles Lakers offseason moves, draft choices, depth chart, strengths, and weaknesses heading into the 2013-14 season.
- [Fantasy Pickings Of #NBArank: 141-160](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/21/fantasy-basketball-pickings-of-nbarank-141-160/) - Bogar Alonso looks for fantasy relevant players using ESPN's #NBArank.
- [NHL Draft Drama: Seth Jones Falls To Nashville, Devils Deal for Corey Schneider](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/30/nhl-draft-drama-seth-jones-falls-nashville-devils-deal-corey-schneider/) - The NHL Draft began as expected on Sunday with the Colorado Avalanche selecting Nathan MacKinnon from the Halifax Mooseheads, but the day was far from short on surprises. Though big names Kris Letang and Tyler Seguin were not dealt, the drama started early. Consensus top defenseman Seth Jones was the focus of attention at the
- [Fantasy Baseball Rest-of-Season Projections: Second Half Drop-Off Candidates – Pitchers](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/21/fantasy-baseball-rest-of-season-projections-drop-off-candidates-pitchers/) - Every single year, it happens without fail. For one reason or another, countless players have wildly different second-halves despite the only thing being different is the date. While second-half slumps are difficult to predict, there are some players that have a much higher chance of seeing their fantasy value plummet after the halfway point. Last
- [Week 9 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Wacha Wacha](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/27/week-9-fantasy-baseball-waiver-wire-nick-franklin-michael-wacha/) - Top prospects are often hit-and-miss, especially when they first get called up. Especially pitching prospects. At the same time, there are systems in the Majors that are built purely on the strength of their pitcher development. Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Oakland all come to mind. So when you see a top prospect coming
- [2013 MLB Trade Deadline: With Ricky Nolasco Trade, Matt Garza Moves Into Spotlight](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/08/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-ricky-nolasco-trade-matt-garza-moves-spotlight/) - Following a slew of MLB Trade rumors, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally landed pitcher Ricky Nolasco over the weekend. Nolasco was secured for the price of three young pitchers – potential starter Angel Sanchez and two relievers, Steve Ames and Josh Wall. He’s not a great player, but Nolasco was one of the most sought
- [The Fantasy Baseball All-Patriotic Points League Team: Outfield](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/05/fantasy-baseball-all-patriotic-points-league-team-outfield/) - The day after July 4th can be a very difficult one. Other than the day after the Super Bowl, going back to work after Independence Day can be a very difficult ordeal as people are fighting hangovers, indigestion, and a poor night of sleep (I've never heard so many people complain about fireworks going off after
- [The Fantasy Baseball All-Patriotic Points League Team: Infield](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/04/fantasy-baseball-all-patriotic-points-league-team-infield/) - As explained on my "All-Patriotic" Pitching Staff piece, I will be compiling a list of the best, fantasy points league players in the first half of the season. The next piece will focus on the outfield. This article focuses on the best infielders of the first half of the MLB season. The Rules: The best players at every
- [2013 NBA Finals: Keys to Victory for the Heat, Spurs](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/05/2013-nba-finals-keys-victory-heat-spurs-2/) - After starting with 16 playoff teams, we’re now down to two. You can make a strong case for both the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs to walk away with the NBA title. With that said, here are a few keys to victory for each team. Miami Heat Effectiveness of Dwyane Wade: Forget LeBron James
- [5 Under-The-Radar Point Guards Playing Good Ball](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/22/5-under-the-radar-point-guards-playing-good-ball/) - The game’s biggest stars tend to make the most noise through their transcendent play, off-court remarks, or the behind-the-doors string pulling of their corporate sponsors (maybe more on that another day). But there’s usually a lower subset of players who do their job well and without much fanfare—almost like a silent majority—that don’t get their
- [NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers win Game 2 over Heat, 97-93](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/25/nba-eastern-conference-finals-pacers-win-game-2-heat-97-93/) - The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals continued on Friday and we witnessed another close game. This time, though, it was the Indiana Pacers that came away with a victory. Here’s the recap from last night’s contest. Indiana wins Game 2 on the road over Miami In Game 1, the Indiana Pacers played well enough to win
- [Arizona Diamondbacks 2013 Preview](https://xnsports.com/2012/12/26/arizona-diamondbacks-2013-preview/) - Despite a busy offseason last year, the Diamondbacks fell from first in the NL West with 94 wins in 2011 to 13 games back of first with just 81 wins. They are in the midst of another busy offseason and are still likely to move Justin Upton or Jason Kubel. With plenty of reshuffling going
- [Fantasy Title Week: Caution's Last Stand](https://xnsports.com/2012/12/21/fantasy-title-week-cautions-stand/) - If your fantasy squad is still alive and fighting for that make-believe crown this weekend, it’s time to toss a bag over Caution’s head and beat him with chains and sledgehammers. This is no time for Caution. This is fantasy championship week. Don’t mistake this for treaties on why you should make a bunch of
- [Pittsburgh Penguins 2013-14 Season Preview](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/18/pittsburgh-penguins-2013-14-season-preview/) - The Pittsburgh Penguins looked like a juggernaut in 2013, at least until they were swept by the Boston Bruins in embarrassing fashion.
- [Avoid the Thanksgiving Day Massacre](https://xnsports.com/2012/11/22/thursday-night-fantasy-football/) - I’ve been there – you’re going into Turkey Day, locked in the heat of a lethal fake football playoff battle with your buddy or coworker or college friend who snuck his way into your keeper league and has proven a genuine douche bag over the first 11 weeks of the NFL season. You’re ready to
- [32 Questions in 32 Days: Jacksonville Jaguars](https://xnsports.com/2013/09/09/32-questions-in-32-days-maurice-jones-drew/) - As we get into the NFL season, XN Sports will be bringing you 32 questions in 32 days. Each day, we’ll feature one of the most important questions for a different NFL team. Today’s feature team and question? Jacksonville Jaguars: Can Maurice Jones-Drew bounce back? The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the NFL’s worst
- [Week 8 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Grand-al Time](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/20/week-8-fantasy-baseball-waiver-wire-grand-al-time/) - Give it a couple of months and suddenly all of the overhyped top prospects everyone overbid on in their respective drafts are finally relevant. This week, we will see the return of Jurickson Profar, Jake Odorizzi, Tyler Cloyd, Yasmani Grandal, and maybe even Adam Eaton. Give it a couple of weeks and we will once
- [Fantasy Baseball Rest-of-Season Projections: Fernan-done](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/03/fantasy-baseball-rest-of-season-forecast-fernan-done/) - Baseball is above all a game of averages. Players who hit 10 home runs a year rarely have a 30 home run season. The ones that do are rare outliers who prove that no rule is applicable 100% of the time. In fantasy baseball, I'll take an 80-85% chance that a player will do exactly
- [Week 5 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Cold, Hard Cashner](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/29/week-5-fantasy-baseball-waiver-wire-pickups-cold-hard-cashner/) - With just about a month in the books, we are seeing more and more younger guys come into their own and become viable fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups. There's nothing I love more than a player who is building on stellar numbers in the minors (as opposed to a player who has the skills, but
- [Tigers Owner Mike Ilitch and the Pizza Fund](https://xnsports.com/2012/11/14/tigers-owner-mike-ilitch-pizza-fund/) - For those of you unfamiliar with Mike Ilitch – here's the 83 year-old father of Little Caesar's Pizza, philanthropist of Detroit, owner of the Red Wings, former minor-leaguer and well-known Michigan magnate of the last couple of decades. He has made a lot of money from all of that pizza, and won the hearts of
- [My Swim with Great White Sharks - An XN Sports Special](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/24/my-swim-great-white-sharks/) - Tony Consiglio recounts his journey swimming with great white sharks.
- [Detroit Tigers: The Peralta - Iglesias Dilemma of 2014](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/07/detroit-tigers-jhonny-peralta-suspension-jose-iglesias/) - Jhonny Peralta's 50-game suspension is good for baseball. Bud Selig, as much as the XN Sports staff has enjoyed ribbing him over the past year, has got this one right. Bud appears to be nipping it in the bud. With the wake of the thirteen suspensions now slowly smoothing out, questions begin to arise as
- [32 Questions in 32 Days: Baltimore Ravens](https://xnsports.com/2013/08/07/32-questions-32-days-baltimore-ravens/) - As we count down to the NFL season, Sports Jerks will be bringing you 32 questions in 32 days. Each day, we’ll feature one of the most important questions for a different NFL team heading into the opening weekend of the league. Today’s feature team and question? The Baltimore Ravens – How will the losses
- [Fantasy Baseball Draft Preparation – Closers](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/09/fantasy-baseball-draft-preparation-strategy-closers/) - By Jeff Boggis “The Sultan of Stats” For Fantasy Sports Empires Introduction Whether you are a fantasy baseball league expert or new to this game, everyone seems to have a different strategy when it comes to drafting closers. Some league managers, who may have been burned in previous years, may jump the gun and grab
- [How to Work the Waiver Wire in 2-QB Fantasy Football Leagues Part 1](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/02/work-waiver-wire-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues-part-1/) - When playing in a 2-QB fantasy football league you have to look at the league you play in differently in every aspect. Your draft rankings, draft strategy and waiver wire strategy will all be different from how they would normally be like in a league where you start only one quarterback. Last season when Week
- [Week 10 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper Stock Market: Living in Cin](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/06/week-10-fantasy-baseball-sleeper-stock-market-tony-cingrani/) - With Yasiel Puig, Anthony Rendon, Tyler Skaggs, and Chris Archer all being called up this week, the league continues the 2013 trend of getting younger. Much younger. In many cases, as with Puig and Rendon, teams are more open to calling up guys with less than 100 minor league games under their belt and no
- [Kansas City Royals 2013 Preview](https://xnsports.com/2013/02/28/kansas-city-royals-2013-preview/) - The Royals have long been in the basement of the AL Central but with the Indians and Twins playing so poorly the Royals have actually jumped from a perennial fifth-place team to fourth-place in 2011 and third-place in 2012. Their 72 wins is their second-best win total in the last nine seasons and the team's
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup for May 31](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/31/daily-fantasy-baseball-lineup-31/) - After trying my new strategy of spending big on starting pitching for the first time on Wednesday in a Star Fantasy Leagues daily league, I’m happy with its potential. It’s just a matter of picking the right pitchers and getting some decent production from my lineup, too. Tonight, I feel very good about my starters
- [Stanley Cup Finals: Chicago Blackhawks Hang On For 3-1 Game 5 Win](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/23/stanley-cup-finals-chicago-blackhawks-hang-3-1-game-5-win/) - For the second time in four years, the Chicago Blackhawks will have the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup in a Game 6 on the road. To reach the brink of glory, the Blackhawks had to endure a furious third period onslaught from a wounded Bruins team that lashed out with all of its strength.
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Picks - March 19](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/19/daily-fantasy-hockey-picks-march-19/) - We had some success at FanDuel and DraftKings last night. One of our FanDuel lineups scored 32.90 points and made it in the money in a $300 Mon Double Up. My first attempt at a Drafkings lineup scored 38.2 fantasy points and placed ninth in the one tournament I entered. If we got anything from
- [Stanley Cup Finals: Blackhawks Steal Game 1 From Bruins in Triple OT](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/13/stanley-cup-finals-blackhawks-steal-game-1-bruins-triple-ot/) - The first three periods of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals were so much fun that the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins decided to play three more. The Bruins put themselves in position to win throughout the marathon battle, but a twice deflected Chicago shot in the third extra session finally stumped Tuukka Rask to send
- [The Stat-Studded Hornets](https://xnsports.com/2012/12/30/stat-studded-new-orleans-hornets/) - With the third worst record in the league, the New Orleans Hornets are surprisingly chock-full of Fantasy talent. They probably won’t be making the playoffs anytime soon, unless Anthony Davis morphs into the second coming of Bill Russell, but there’s enough nuggets buried under the rubble of a 7-23 record to deserve some digging into.
- [2013 NBA Playoffs Daily Recap: Golden State Evens Series With San Antonio](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/12/2013-nba-playoffs-daily-recap-golden-state-evens-series-san-antonio/) - Sunday’s NBA Playoff action only featured a single tilt. But it was a good game as the Golden State Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs in overtime to tie their series 2-2. Here’s the full game recap. Golden State evens series with San Antonio after 97-87 overtime win The Golden State Warriors desperately needed a
- [World Baseball Classic: Mexico and Canada Brawl in Round One Action](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/09/brawl-mexico-canada-world-baseball-classic-fight/) - Mexico and Canada Brawl during the World Baseball Classic.
- [Boston Marathon Bombing: Bridging Daily Diversions and Reality](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-bombing/) - At certain points, the real world butts into our daily sports lives. It shakes us from our diversion and makes us ask real questions, and come up with some very tough answers. Today, that happened, when the bombs went off at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon.
- [Fantasy Football: 2013 PPR Wide Receivers Tiers and Projections](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/19/fantasy-football-2013-ppr-wide-receivers-tiers-projections/) - *Accumulative points are not the basis of these rankings. Week to week consistency combined with uncertainty and anticipation of changes, for better or worse, were applied to the order of the tiers. Too often at this time of the summer, we are guilty of looking forward and back at the upcoming season and prior season’s stats in their entirety. Tier 1
- [Matt Forte: The Trestman FPPRR Effect](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/10/fantasy-football-matt-forte-trestman-fpprr-effect/) - Matt Forte's pass-catching prospects have been the subject of much fantasy football discussion this offseason. It's high time we run him through the FPPRR Machine. FPPRR is made possible through Pro Football Focus's compilation of route running data from 2008-2012. Chicago Bears fans have had to endure a litany of poor play calling over the past decade
- [Fantasy Baseball: Who to Draft in Round One if You Don’t Have a Top Three Pick](https://xnsports.com/2013/02/22/fantasy-baseball-draft-dont-top-pick/) - By Jeff Boggis “The Sultan of Stats” of Fantasy Sports Empires Most fantasy baseball league experts have either Mike Trout, Ryan Braun, and Miguel Cabrera (in some order) going off the boards as the first three picks selected in 2013 fantasy baseball league drafts. From picks 4-12, there is no real consensus of the draft
- [FanDuel Daily Fantasy Hockey Picks - Friday 2/1](https://xnsports.com/2013/02/01/daily-fantasy-hockey-picks/) - I'm back again, somewhat riding a nice little wave of non-failure. Zack Kassian has been my personal FanDuel hero and has kept these picks respectable. Again, I looked at "important minutes" when crafting the following team. Power play ice time is my tie breaker when I'm down to two players at any given position. LW:
- [Braves Add to Impressive Outfield, Add Justin Upton](https://xnsports.com/2013/01/26/braves-add-impressive-outfield-add-justin-upton/) - In one fell swoop, the Atlanta Braves put an end to years of trade rumors, reunited a pair of brothers, and assembled one of the best outfields in all of Major League Baseball. Earlier this week, the Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a seven-player deal to send Justin Upton and Chris Johnson to Atlanta.
- [MLB Trade Deadline: Pirates’ Recent Struggles Won't Force Major Trade](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/13/mlb-trade-deadline-pirates-struggles-force-major-trade/) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have been the surprise of the season in baseball’s first half this year. With a miserable 20 consecutive losing seasons under their belt, the Pirates currently hold the longest streak of sub .500 futility—a record in major North American sports. At 54-36 heading into this weekend, they have a chance to finally
- [2013 Stanley Cup Finals: How Chicago and Boston Win Their Games](https://xnsports.com/2013/06/20/2013-stanley-cup-finals-chicago-boston-win-games/) - The Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks have not failed in the expectation that the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals would be a clash of titans. The first four games have featured three overtime games (one triple overtime), two games with seven or more goals, two games with five goals combined, big hits, touch-passing plays and everything
- [Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Kyle Gibson](https://xnsports.com/2013/05/29/fantasy-baseball-sleeper-kyle-gibson/) - With Vance Worley being sent down, the Twins continue to reshuffle their rotation and bring in young arms. Kyle Gibson seemed to be a no-brainer to be called up but was passed over Friday for Samuel Deduno and for P.J. Walters on Saturday. With both on the iffy side, Gibson will undoubtedly get the next
- [NHL Trade Deadline: Bergeron and Clowe - Not Big Names But Possibly A Big Fantasy Impact](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/03/nhl-trade-deadline-bergeron-clowe-big-names-possibly-big-fantasy-impact/) - Two names that aren’t future hall-of-famers that found a new home before the NHL trade deadline are Marc-André Bergeron and Ryane Clowe. For simplicity’s sake, I’m going to go over these one at a time. Marc-André Bergeron Adam Hall goes back to Tampa Bay for the second time in his career (and season) along with
- [Jay Bouwmeester Traded To St. Louis: The Fantasy Impact](https://xnsports.com/2013/04/02/nhl-trade-deadline-jay-bouwmeester-traded-to-st-louis-the-fantasy-impact/) - With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and by fast approaching I mean tomorrow, teams of all nature (contenders, pretenders, sellers) are doing their due diligence in the trade market. We’ve already seen a couple big names change area codes and the next domino to fall was once-highly touted defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester. He was sent
- [Fantasy Football Keeper Watch: Running Backs to Consider for 2013 and Beyond](https://xnsports.com/2012/12/21/fantasy-football-keeper-watch-running-backs-2013/) - 2013 is coming fast. In redraft leagues, it’s never too soon to begin preparing your upcoming big board. And if you play in a keeper league, the time may be now to start positioning yourself for some strong up-and-comers. Let’s go over some potential RB targets for your long-term plans. The New York Giants still
- [2013 MLB Spring Training Stats Leaders: March 13](https://xnsports.com/2013/03/13/2013-mlb-spring-training-stats-leaders-march-13/) - UPDATE: MLB Spring Training Stats Leaders: March 20 While a lot of the top names in baseball are getting their spring reps at the World Baseball Classic, a lot of the younger guys have used the opportunity to show off their tools in spring training. From Aaron Hicks to Julio Teheran, the young guns are earning
- [Top 5 Biggest Troublemakers in the NBA](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/18/top-5-biggest-troublemakers-nba/) - Basketball enjoys global popularity, captivating players, managers, and a vast audience. Understanding its nuances can enhance your experience, but it's important to recognize another dimension of the sport. The rise of professional and college basketball leagues in the USA has skyrocketed the fame of basketball players. Dealing with fame varies among individuals, with some managing
- [How To Get Rid Of Noseeums In Yard & How To Repel Them!](https://xnsports.com/2024/01/02/how-to-get-rid-of-noseeums-in-yard/) - Everyone savors a peaceful time outdoors, especially in the yard. But this serene routine can be abruptly disrupted by pesky insects like the no-see-ums. Despite their small size, these tiny pests can pack a painful bite, turning your outdoor spaces from an oasis into a battlefield. If you're in the grips of a no-see-um problem,
- [Fantasy Football: 2013 WR Review - The Target Multiplier](https://xnsports.com/2014/02/04/fantasy-football-2013-wr-review-target-multiplier/) - Rich Hribar breaks down the most and least efficient wide receivers of the 2013 fantasy football season using the Target Multiplier.
- [Houston Astros Mascot and Security Guard Square Off in Epic Dance Showdown](https://xnsports.com/2015/04/11/houston-astros-mascot-and-security-guard-square-off-in-epic-dance-showdown/) - Houston Astros Mascot Orbit has an epic showdown with a security guard. Who wins?
- [The Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers for Tackling Your Yard in 2024](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/16/best-lightweight-lawn-mowers/) - Using The best lightweight lawn mowers to maintain a top-tier lawn can be a pleasure, especially if you choose the right one for you. A lightweight lawn mower is perhaps one of the most valuable pieces of equipment for anyone with a small yard or a medium-sized yard. If you're searching for the best lightweight
- [Poker Lessons, Applied to Fantasy Football: Learning to Lose](https://xnsports.com/2013/02/24/poker-lessons-applied-fantasy-football-learning-lose/) - We may earn a small commission from links in this article You’re going to lose. It’s what happens after the losing that counts. It’s a brutally important truth in any competition with luck baked into its innards, and it’s one you should accept, especially in fantasy football, and especially if you value your mental health.
- [Hurling: The Greatest Sport You Never Heard Of](https://xnsports.com/2014/10/15/hurling-greatest-sport-youve-never-heard/) - Tomas Laverty argues the Irish have a game we should all be jealous of, and it's called Hurling.
- [How to Get Rid of Garter Snakes in Your Garden: An Animal and Environmentally-Friendly Guide](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/13/how-to-get-rid-of-garter-snakes-in-your-garden/) - If you are here we assume you're experiencing a garter snake infestation and want to know how to get rid of garter snakes in your garden. You've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best way to get rid of garter snakes – all without harming them or the
- [Gear Up for the 2024 Call of Duty League - Your Ultimate Guide to the CDL Season](https://xnsports.com/2023/12/12/gear-up-for-the-2024-call-of-duty-league-your-ultimate-guide-to-the-cdl-season/) - Embark on an electrifying journey into the virtual battlefield with the start of the 2024 Call of Duty League. With revamped teams, a surge of adrenaline-fueled matchups, and thrilling in-person events, there's no better time for fantasy sports enthusiasts and gamers alike to dive into the action. Discover what lies ahead in the new season
- [Does Baking Soda Kill Ants? Natural Ant Control Solutions Unveiled](https://xnsports.com/2023/11/30/does-baking-soda-kill/) - Whether you're dealing with tiny sugar ants in your kitchen or encountering an invasion of carpenter ants, an ant infestation can be a nuisance and disruption in any home. You may have heard about the use of baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, as a natural remedy against these tiny creatures. But does baking
- [At This Velocity: Five MLB Pitchers That Lost Zip on Fastball](https://xnsports.com/2013/07/10/velocity-mlb-pitchers-lost-zip-fastball/) - Bill Petti of fangraphs.com recently released his monthly Velocity Decline Trends for the month of June. He compiled a sizable list of starting and relief pitchers that have lost at least one mph on their fastball since June of 2012. Petti explains: "pitchers who experience at least a one mph drop in their four-seam fastball velocity in a month
- [Black Friday Store Sales: Can't-Miss Deals for Sports Fans [2023]](https://xnsports.com/2023/11/22/black-friday-store-sales-cant-miss-deals-for-sports-fans-2023/) - Discover the best Black Friday Store deals of 2023 for sports enthusiasts. Our guide covers top offers on gear and equipment, spotlighting unbeatable sales!
- [How to Winterize Your Lawn: A Complete Guide](https://xnsports.com/2023/10/30/how-to-winterize-your-lawn-a-complete-guide/) - As the winter season approaches, it's crucial to prepare your lawn for the cold months ahead. Winterizing your lawn ensures that it remains healthy and vibrant come springtime. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the essential steps to winterize your lawn effectively. From lawn care and fertilization to protecting your plants and grass
- [Common Winter Lawn Diseases: Identification and Prevention](https://xnsports.com/2023/10/30/common-winter-lawn-diseases-identification-and-prevention/) - As the winter season settles in, our lawns face a different set of challenges compared to the warmer months. While the grass may appear dormant, it is still susceptible to various diseases that can thrive in cold, wet conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the common winter lawn diseases, how to identify them, and
- [Best Clothes For Sailing: Ultimate Guide [2023]](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/08/best-clothes-for-sailing/) - Quick LinksFactors to Consider When Choosing Sailing ClothesMaterials and Features to Look for in Sailing ClothingEssential Clothing Items for SailingChoosing The Best Footwear For Sailing Brands and Stores that Offer the Best Clothes For SailingSailing Clothing Maintenance and Care Tips We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Sailing is a fantastic
- [Cool Season Grasses: Bringing Life to Your Lawn](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/30/cool-season-grasses/) - A well-maintained lawn can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. It can serve as a beautiful green carpet for your landscape, a playground for your children, or a serene relaxing spot. However, maintaining a lush, green lawn throughout the year can be challenging, especially in regions with harsh winters. This is where cool
- [Best Black Mulch Landscaping Ideas: Tips For Your Yard](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/29/best-black-mulch-landscaping-ideas-tips-for-your-yard/) - This article will delve deep into black mulch landscaping ideas, offering insights, tips, and inspiration for your next gardening project. Landscaping can be more than just a hobby; it can be an art form. For homeowners and garden enthusiasts, the exterior design of a property is a reflection of personal style and a testament to
- [Will Deer Eat Salvias Plants? Top Tips For A Deer-Resistant Yard](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/25/will-deer-eat-salvias-plants-deer-resistant-yard/) - Part of my job is spraying deer repellent and setting up mechanical ways to keep deer out of people's yards. Today, we'll look at deer-repellent tips and natural deer repellents, and answer the question: will deer eat salvias plants? We may earn a small commission through affiliate links in this article. Introduction: The Quest for
- [The Benefits of Gardening as a Relaxing Hobby for Men Over 45](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/23/the-benefits-of-gardening-men-over-45/) - Though I spend most of my day working in other people's yards, it's nice enjoy the benefits of gardening as a personal relaxing hobby, especially for someone my age (mid-40s). Gardening is often seen as a universal hobby, transcending age, gender, and background. However, for men over 45, it holds a special allure. As the
- [The Ultimate Guide to Winter Pruning: When and How to Trim Your Plants](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/17/winter-pruning/) - Today, we're talking about winter pruning. It's a big topic, so let's jump right in: Winter Pruning Quick Guide Why Prune in Winter? Plants are dormant, reducing stress; clear visibility for precise cuts; fewer active pests and diseases. Best Time: Late winter, right before spring growth. Avoid extreme cold days. Ideal Plants: Summer and fall
- [Fall Lawn Care Guide: Essential Steps for a Lush Spring Garden](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/07/fall-lawn-care-guide/) - As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and the air turns crisp, many homeowners begin to think about preparing their homes for the colder months ahead. However, amidst the pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, it's easy to forget that our lawns also need some special attention during this time. Fall lawn care is about
- [All About Rake Uses: Not Just for Leaves](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/07/rake-uses/) - While rakes are commonly associated with leaf collection, rake uses extend far beyond that one task. Let's delve into the many functions of a rake and its important role in garden upkeep. Note: We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this post. 1. Give Your Lawn Some TLC Over time, lawns can
- [Review: Greenworks 80V 16" Cordless Battery String Trimmer & 730 CFM Leaf Blower Combo Kit](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/05/greenworks-80v-leaf-blower-review/) - Table of contentsIntroductionUnboxing and First ImpressionsPerformance and EfficiencyBattery and ChargerEnvironmental ImpactConclusion Introduction After my delightful experience with Greenworks' dethatcher, I was eager to try out more of their products. Enter the Greenworks 80V 16" Cordless Battery String Trimmer & 730 CFM Leaf Blower Combo Kit. A mouthful to say, but does it live up to
- [Lunar Gardening: A Sedona-Inspired Journey to Planting by the Moon's Phases](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/03/lunar-gardening-a-sedona-inspired-journey-to-planting-by-the-moons-phases/) - A recent trip to the landscapes of Sedona opened my eyes to a world beyond the tangible. The red rocks, the vortexes, and the ancient civilizations that once tread its soil led me down a path of openness and curiosity. In this spiritual place, I stumbled upon the age-old practice of lunar gardening. With its
- [Moon Gardening & Lunar Gardening: An Introduction](https://xnsports.com/2023/09/03/moon-gardening-lunar-gardening-an-introduction/) - In the vast tapestry of gardening techniques, there lies a practice as ancient as time itself, deeply rooted in folklore, tradition, and the rhythms of the cosmos: Moon Gardening. This method, also known as lunar gardening, is not just a whimsical concept but a harmonious alignment of planting activities with the moon's phases. For centuries,
- [Dethatchers: Best Lawn Dethatcher for Small Lawns [2023]](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/29/dethatchers-best-lawn-dethatcher-for-small-lawns/) - Lawn care is an essential aspect of home improvement. A healthy lawn not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provides a space for relaxation and play. However, maintaining a healthy lawn requires regular lawn maintenance, including the crucial process of dethatching. In today's post, I want to delve deep into the
- [How to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Lawn Without Chemicals](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/29/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-in-your-lawn-without-chemicals/) - If you are searching for "how to get of weeds in your lawn without chemicals," there's good news. It's entirely possible to tackle your lawn weed problem without harsh chemicals. It's always nice to keep it eco-friendly, and some of the best ways to control weeds in your lawn and garden beds is by using
- [How to Get Rid of Burweed Stickers in Yard: Tips For Control](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/24/how-to-get-rid-of-burweed-stickers-in-yard-tips-for-control/) - Dealing with painful burweed stickers in your yard? The most effective way to eliminate them is by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late winter or early spring, followed by a post-emergent herbicide in early fall. For a natural approach, solutions like white vinegar or corn gluten meal can also help combat these pesky invaders. Note:
- [Household Items That Kill Bed Bugs: Effective Remedies​](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/14/household-items-that-kill-bed-bugs-effective-remedies/) - Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are a menace no one wants to deal with. These tiny pests feed on the blood of humans, leaving behind itchy bites. If you've ever woken up with a line of bites in a straight line, you might be dealing with a bed bug problem. But don't fret! Several
- [71 Best Backyard Desert Landscaping Ideas on a Budget](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/10/71-best-backyard-desert-landscaping-ideas-on-a-budget/) - When designing backyard desert landscaping ideas on a budget, the best way to optimize your outdoor space is to embrace the desert aesthetic. It's all about using the local climate to your advantage, and with a little creativity, you can transform your arid yard into a beautiful yard teeming with plant life unique to desert
- [How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In Yard For Party: The Eco-Friendly Way](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/10/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-in-yard-for-party-eco-friendly/) - Outdoor parties are a great way to celebrate special events, but the presence of mosquitoes can turn a joyful occasion into an itchy nightmare. Mosquito bites can be more than just an annoyance; they can also carry health risks like West Nile virus and yellow fever. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to keep your
- [A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a DIY Stepping Stone Pathway for Your Desert Garden](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/08/diy-stepping-stone-pathway-desert-garden/) - Landscaping your outdoor space involves more than just selecting the right plants – it's about creating a harmonious flow that invites exploration. One of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating a stepping-stone pathway. Not only does this element add a touch of charm to your landscape, but it also provides a practical
- [Create a Stunning Dry Stream Bed: DIY Guide](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/08/dry-stream-bed/) - Creating a visually pleasing and functional landscape element, such as a River Rock Dry Stream Bed, in your desert garden can dramatically enhance its appeal. More than just an aesthetic upgrade, a well-constructed dry stream bed effectively addresses garden drainage issues, fitting neatly into the principles of xeriscaping. To help you bring this unique feature
- [A Step-by-Step Guide to Xeriscaping: Creating a Beautiful Desert Garden with Drought-Tolerant Plants](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/08/xeriscaping/) - The beauty of xeriscaping lies in its practicality. Not only does it create stunning landscapes, but it is also environmentally friendly, conserving water by using drought-tolerant plants. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through creating a xeriscaped garden featuring plants like the Blue Elf Aloe, Desert Spoon, and Fountain Grass. Ready to make a garden
- [The Best Fertilizer For Junipers: What To Buy Today](https://xnsports.com/2023/08/02/the-best-fertilizer-for-junipers/) - Junipers are evergreen shrubs often admired for their strong growth and beautiful foliage color. They are common in North America and parts of the Northern Hemisphere. But to bring out the best in your juniper plants, you must understand the best fertilizer for Junipers, soil type, and care practices. We may earn a small commission
- [How Long Does It Take a Tick to Become Engorged?](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/30/how-long-does-it-take-a-tick-to-become-engorged/) - Ticks can be a real concern for those spending time in wooded areas, tall grass, or leaf litter. Understanding the lifecycle and behavior of these small arachnids is essential for disease control and peace of mind. Let's dive into some common questions about ticks, like "How long does it take a tick to become engorged?"
- [How To Get Rid Of Lovebugs in Yard: Cheap & Effective Ways](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/29/how-to-get-rid-of-lovebugs-in-yard/) - If you live in the Southeastern United States or Central America, you're probably all too familiar with the topic of our post today: lovebugs. No, they're not some romantic insect out of a fairy tale, but quite the nuisance, especially during the late spring and summer, which marks the peak of love bug season. Read
- [Best Fertilizer For Clover And When To Fertilize [2024]](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/26/best-fertilizer-for-clover/) - Clover lawns and plots are seeing a resurgence. Their ability to thrive in poor soil and drought conditions while fixing their own nitrogen makes them a versatile, eco-friendly lawn alternative. However, knowing when and how to fertilize your clover is crucial for its best performance. The Best Clover Fertilizers on the Market The best clover
- [Ryobi vs. Greenworks Pressure Washer: Best Of 2023](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/25/ryobi-vs-greenworks-pressure-washer/) - This article provides a detailed comparison between Ryobi and Greenworks pressure washers, focusing on their features, performance, and user experiences. After examining various factors, including power, ease of use, and price, we have identified the Greenworks 2700 PSI 2.3 GPM pressure washer as our top pick for 2023. While both brands offer high-quality products, the
- [Soil Mites vs. Root Aphids: How to Identify and Control](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/24/soil-mites-vs-root-aphids/) - In the world of horticulture, understanding the tiny creatures that inhabit your garden can make a significant difference in the success of your plants. Two common dwellers you may encounter are soil mites vs. root aphids. But how can you tell these tiny bugs apart and deal with them effectively? Good news: This guide will
- [How To Get Rid Of Grass Carrying Wasps: Easy Tips](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/23/how-to-get-rid-of-grass-carrying-wasps/) - Whether you're a homeowner, gardener, or simply a nature enthusiast, getting to know the insects in your environment can be a fascinating endeavor. One such creature you might encounter is the grass-carrying wasp. Grass-carrying wasps (Isodontia mexicana), a common species of solitary wasps found across North America, display fascinating behaviors and play important roles in
- [Does Citronella Repel Flies? Natural Ways To Keep Insects Away](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/20/does-citronella-repel-flies/) - Introduction: The Buzz about Citronella Does the scent of citronella repel flies? If you're dealing with an infestation of pesky flies or merely exploring ways to prevent them from annoying you, you're in the right place. In this essential guide, we'll examine if citronella, often used in natural insect repellents, can help keep flies at
- [Mulching Blades Vs. High Lift: A Detailed Comparison](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/16/mulching-blades-vs-high-lift-a-detailed-comparison/) - This post compares mulching blades vs. high lift blades, two common options for lawn mowing. High-lift blades are designed to handle tall and wet grass due to their increased airflow, making clean cuts and efficiently bagging or side-discharging clippings. On the other hand, mulching blades cut grass into smaller pieces, turning them into natural fertilizer. Other options, such as low-lift and medium-lift
- [How Long Does It Take For Grass Seed to Grow?](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/13/how-long-does-it-take-for-grass-seed-to-grow/) - Discovering "how long does it take for grass seed to grow?" involves understanding numerous factors such as seed type, soil conditions, and weather patterns. This comprehensive guide helps homeowners navigate through the intricacies of grass seed germination, maintenance for new lawns, and best practices to ensure a lush, green yard. We may earn commissions through
- [How  Long  Does  It Take For Granular  Fertilizer To Dissolve?](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/12/how-long-does-it-take-for-granular-fertilizer-to-dissolve/) - This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of granular fertilizers and answers "how long does it take for granular fertilizer to dissolve?" This guide focuses on fertilizer dissolution rates in various conditions. It provides a deep understanding of the different types of granular fertilizers, the factors influencing their dissolution, and how to best use them
- [How to Get Rid of Mosquito Larvae in Pool: Easy Tips](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/06/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquito-larvae-in-pool-easy-tips/) - This comprehensive guide outlines how to effectively eliminate mosquito larvae from home swimming pools to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for these disease-carrying pests. Having a swimming pool at home is a luxury, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae, the stage
- [Why Is My Mulch Turning White? What It Means and How to Fix It](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/05/why-is-my-mulch-turning-white-what-it-means-and-how-to-fix-it/) - This article demystifies the common gardener's concern of white discoloration in mulch, explaining it as typically a result of harmless fungal growths crucial in the decomposition process that enriches the soil. It also offers practical solutions for managing excessive or potentially harmful fungal activity, including turning the mulch regularly, adjusting watering habits, and choosing antifungal
- [Worx Nitro WG751.3 vs Greenworks 60V 25" Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/02/worx-nitro-wg751-3-vs-60v-25-cordless-battery-self-propelled-lawn-mower-the-u/) - We may earn a commission from links in this article. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Lawn Championship of the world! We have an epic showdown between two powerhouses of lawn care. The grassy arena will witness an exciting clash between the Worx Nitro WG751.3 40V Power Share PRO 4.0Ah 20" Cordless Push Lawn Mower
- [How to Propagate Raindrop Peperomia: Easy Tips](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/02/how-to-propagate-raindrop-peperomia-easy-tips/) - We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article Jump To: 1. Peperomia Raindrop vs Pilea Peperomioides 2. Propagation Steps: Soil vs. Water There's good news for all plant enthusiasts: learning how to propagate raindrop peperomia, also known by its common name Coin-Leaf Peperomia or scientifically as Peperomia Polybotrya, is surprisingly straightforward.
- [Side Discharge Vs. Mulch Lawn Mower: Which Is Better?](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/01/side-discharge-vs-mulch-lawn-mower-which-is-better/) - Choosing the right mower for your lawn care needs can be complicated. With the variety of options available, the main difference that stumps most homeowners is the choice between side discharge vs. mulch lawn mowers. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these two mower types, helping you select the best option
- [Best Mulch For Japanese Maple Trees: Tips & Care](https://xnsports.com/2023/07/01/best-mulch-for-japanese-maple-trees-tips-care/) - Note: We may earn a small commission from links in this article. Knowing the best mulch for Japanese Maples Trees, care, and a keen understanding of their needs is crucial to keeping these trees healthy. Japanese maple trees are a beloved part of many landscapes, offering brilliant reds, bright oranges, and various colors throughout the
- [5 Best Pickleball Brands 2023: Top Tested Paddles & Gear](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/24/5-best-pickleball-brands-2023-top-tested-paddles-gear/) - We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Jump To: 1. Best Picklebrands and Their Top Paddles 2. When Should I Replace My Pickleball Paddle? In the fascinating world of sports, pickleball is a rising star, so you may wonder what the best pickleball brands are in 2023. Born on Bainbridge
- [Shade Tolerant Sod: Best Grass For Shady Areas](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/23/shade-tolerant-sod-best-grass-for-shady-areas/) - When it comes to maintaining a healthy lawn, proper grass selection plays a crucial role. It's particularly important when dealing with shady areas under tree canopies or large trees with limited hours of direct sunlight. So, how do you choose the best shade-tolerant sod? The answer lies in understanding the shade tolerance of different grass
- [Is Clay Soil Acidic or Alkaline? How To Know and Improve pH](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/17/is-clay-soil-acidic-or-alkaline-how-to-know-and-improve-ph/) - We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. The answer you're looking for: Clay soil is typically alkaline due to the presence of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. However, pH can vary. Is Clay Soil Acidic or Alkaline?Clay soil is typically alkaline! Every gardener knows that the secret to a thriving
- [How To Get Rid Of Deer Poop In Your Yard: A Garden Guide](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/16/how-to-get-rid-of-deer-poop-in-your-yard-a-garden-guide/) - Note: we may earn a small commission from links on this page Deer, widespread across North America - from the deciduous forests of New England to the grasslands of the Midwest, frequently interact with human-inhabited areas, leading to a range of ecological implications. Their voracious feeding habits, including garden plants and apple orchards, can impact
- [Wondercide Reviews: Exploring Wondercide Indoor Pest Control - Is It Safe and Effective?](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/10/wondercide-reviews-exploring-wondercide-indoor-pest-control-is-it-safe-and-effective/) - Note: We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Wondercide Indoor Pest Control has become a go-to solution for those seeking an effective and natural alternative to traditional pest control methods. With its plant-based formula, Wondercide offers a safe option for pest management indoors. In this review, we will dive into
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- [Father's Day Special: 5 Must-Have Lawn Care Items to Surprise Dad](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/08/fathers-day-lawn-care-items-gifts/) - Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by showing appreciation for the green thumbs in our lives? If your dad, husband, or father figure is passionate about lawn care and gardening, we have the perfect gift ideas for him. Today we're happy to share five lawn care items
- [The Best Time to Fertilize Rhododendrons and Natural Fertilizer Options](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/05/the-best-time-to-fertilize-rhododendrons-and-natural-fertilizer-options/) - This article provides guidelines on fertilizing rhododendrons, highlighting the optimal time for fertilization in early spring. It examines the use of Miracle-Gro for these acid-loving plants, recommends using used coffee grounds in moderation to enhance soil fertility, and suggests natural fertilizers such as fish emulsion, composted manure, and seaweed extract. It also explores the benefits
- [Spring Lawn Care in Alabama](https://xnsports.com/2023/06/02/spring-lawn-care-in-alabama/) - When it comes to spring lawn care in Alabama, it's an important time to rejuvenate your lawn after the winter and set it up for healthy growth throughout the year. Here are some essential tasks and tips for spring lawn care in Alabama: Clean up and Prepare Start by removing debris, fallen leaves, and winter
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- [The Top 5 Fly Repellents: Effective Solutions for a Fly-Free Home](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/30/top-5-fly-repellents-effective-solutions-for-a-fly-free-home/) - Flies can be a persistent nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Fortunately, various fly repellents on the market can help you keep these pesky insects at bay. This article will explore the top 5 fly repellents that offer effective and reliable solutions for creating a fly-free environment. Say goodbye to bothersome flies and enjoy a
- [Search Lawn Care Products](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/29/adsample/)
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- [Grub Control: Best Timing for Effective Lawn Protection](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/25/when-to-apply-grub-control/) - When maintaining a healthy and grub-free lawn, timing is crucial. Many homeowners wonder about the best time to apply grub control products, such as GrubEx, to ensure maximum effectiveness. In this article, we will answer common questions about the timing of grub control treatments, helping protect your lawn from these damaging pests. What is the
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- [Decorative Garden Ornaments for Patios: The Perfect Father's Day Gift for Summer 2023](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/21/fathers-day-gift-summer-2023-decorative-garden-ornaments/) - Choosing the Perfect Garden Ornament for Your Dad The key to selecting the perfect garden ornament is to consider your dad's style and the current aesthetic of his garden or patio. Does he lean towards traditional decor or prefer something more modern? Perhaps he enjoys whimsical or quirky elements. Considering these factors will help you
- [Bogs Gardening Boots: The Perfect Footwear for Your Gardening Needs](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/21/bogs-gardening-boots-the-perfect-footwear-for-your-gardening-needs/) - Welcome to our review of Bogs gardening boots, the go-to choice for avid gardeners seeking comfort, protection, and style. In this post, we'll explore Bogs boots' outstanding features and benefits, making them an essential companion for all your gardening endeavors. Overview of Bogs Gardening Boots When it comes to gardening footwear, Bogs is a trusted
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- [When Should Scotts Turf Builder Be Applied?](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/12/when-should-scotts-turf-builder-be-applied-guide/) - When it comes to lawn care, timing is everything. For those who've chosen to use Scotts Turf Builder, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "When should Scotts Turf Builder be applied?" In this article, we will provide a thorough guide to help answer this question, ensuring your lawn gets the nourishment it needs
- [The Connection Between Gardening and Mental Health: A Science-Backed Exploration](https://xnsports.com/2023/05/04/gardening-mental-health-science-backed/) - Gardening is often praised for its therapeutic qualities, and scientific research confirms the positive impact of this seemingly simple activity on mental health. In this article, we'll explore the science-backed mental health benefits of gardening, from stress reduction to increased life satisfaction. Stress Reduction Engaging in gardening has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the
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- [Top 5 Gardening Tools for the Summer of 2023: Essentials for Every Gardener](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/23/top-5-gardening-tools-summer-2023/) - We may earn a small commission from links in this article. As the summer of 2023 approaches, it's time to gear up with the essential gardening tools to help you maintain a thriving garden. With the right tools, you can simplify your gardening tasks and enjoy a lush, vibrant outdoor space. This article will explore
- [A Comprehensive Guide to Espoma Organic Plant-tone All-Purpose Plant Food: Boost Your Garden Naturally](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/20/a-comprehensive-guide-to-espoma-organic-plant-tone-all-purpose-plant-food-boost-your-garden-naturally/) - Organic fertilizers are increasingly popular among gardeners seeking eco-friendly and chemical-free plant solutions. Espoma Organic Plant-tone All-Purpose Plant Food is a top-selling organic fertilizer on Amazon, trusted by thousands of gardeners for its effectiveness and natural ingredients. In this in-depth guide, we will explore the features, benefits, and application tips for Espoma Organic Plant-tone. As
- [Top 5 Tick Control Products for a Safe and Tick-Free Yard](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/20/top-5-tick-control-products-for-a-safe-and-tick-free-yard/) - Ticks pose a significant risk to our families and pets, as they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To help you maintain a tick-free yard, we have compiled a list of the top 5 tick control products. These solutions are designed to eliminate and repel ticks, ensuring your outdoor
- [Top 3 Lawn Care Products: A Quick Comparison for Healthy, Vibrant Lawns](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/20/top-3-lawn-care-products-a-comprehensive-comparison-for-healthy-vibrant-lawns/) - Today we compare Safer Brand Ring Lawn Restore Fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Soil Improver, and Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food. A well-maintained lawn boosts your home's curb appeal and provides a welcoming space for relaxation and outdoor activities. With so many lawn care products on the market, choosing the
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- [3 All Natural Mosquito Control Options](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/19/elementor-142/) - My Experience as a Worcester Homeowner Trying Out 3 Organic Mosquito Repellents for the Yard Links in this article may be Amazon Associates Links Living in Worcester, Massachusetts, I’ve encountered numerous mosquitoes in my backyard. With my family and I enjoying the outdoors during the warmer months, I was on the lookout for an effective,
- [Top 3 Natural Mosquito Repellents: A Comprehensive Comparison for Massachusetts Homeowners](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/17/top-3-natural-mosquito-repellents-a-comprehensive-comparison-for-massachusetts-homeowners/) - Natural mosquito repellents can provide a safer, chemical-free alternative to traditional insecticides. In this article, we'll compare the top 3 natural mosquito repellents available on Amazon, discussing their ingredients, effectiveness, and price points to help you make an informed decision for your Massachusetts home. Links in this article are Amazon Associate links Murphy's Naturals Lemon
- [Enjoy Your Outdoors with Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/17/product-review-cutter-backyard-bug-control-spray-concentrate/) - Cutter BackyardBug Control Spray Concentrate: Long-Lasting Mosquito Control for Your Massachusetts Lawn Introduction: Take back your backyard with Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate, an easy-to-use solution for long-lasting mosquito control. In this review, we’ll discuss this popular insecticide’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your
- [Top 3 Mosquito Traps: A Comprehensive Comparison for Massachusetts Homeowners](https://xnsports.com/2023/04/17/blog-post-title/) - Note: The following article contains Amazon Affiliate links. Mosquitoes can be a major headache for homeowners in Massachusetts. Finding the right mosquito trap can help you enjoy your outdoor space without constantly swatting at these pesky insects. In this article, we'll compare the top 3 mosquito traps available on Amazon, discussing their features, effectiveness, and
- [Is Watching College Basketball Exciting?](https://xnsports.com/2023/01/11/is-watching-college-basketball-exciting/) - Is Watching College Basketball Exciting? College basketball is more popular than you think. Most game attendances range between 16,000 and 18,000 fans. On top of this, popular streaming networks – such as ESPN+ and YouTube TV – regularly broadcast college basketball games throughout the season due to high demand. Make no doubt about it; college
- [2013: The Year Of The Backup Quarterback](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/12/2013-year-backup-quarterback/) - The sheer volume of quarterbacks sidelined by sustaining injuries in 2013 has been somewhat staggering.
- [Week 6 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/10/11/week-6-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - Get ready. Last week, I wrote about how important it is to tread water when things get rough. We did so, again. But, "rough" waters aren't made from results. They're made from the shifts in trends. Subtle at first. Then violent. There's a shift happening. We're about to see it. In fact, it usually happens
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- [Football’s Most Renowned Teams that Send the Fans Crazy](https://xnsports.com/2021/02/18/footballs-most-renowned-teams-that-send-the-fans-crazy/) - It is customary for football fans to support their local teams. However, besides the general support the fan pool offers their squad, some outstanding teams have managed to gain fans around the world. They’ve done so with their wicked gameplay, stellar players, and a history that can make anyone jealous. So, let’s have a look
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- [Horse Racings Wealthiest Events Worldwide](https://xnsports.com/2020/05/11/horse-racings-wealthiest-events-worldwide/) - Horse racing has a rich history, being one of the oldest sports and managing to maintain its popularity throughout that time up until the present day. Annual events attract the attention of not only avid racing fans but even those who may otherwise show no interest in the races but attend for the culture and
- [Week 15 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/12/15/week-15-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - Over the past few weeks, I have mentioned that spreads are getting incredibly close to what we are seeing reflected in the final scores of games. It makes sense. We now have three-quarters of a year's worth of data at our fingertips, and it can be concluded that, in a head-to-head game, the Vikings are
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- [Week 12 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/11/24/week-12-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - I have to be fair. If I point to an average record in a difficult week as a 'win,' then I must point to good record in an 'easy' week as a 'breakeven.' Such is the task laid out before us. We aim to win, and I frequently comment that staying afloat in weeks where
- [Week 9 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/11/01/week-9-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - Every week is a new opportunity when it comes to picking games against the spread. Last week, there were so many inflated spreads due to lopsided matchups that we only needed competitive efforts from a handful of teams in order to benefit. Unfortunately, they missed. But, the reality is that they didn't miss by much.
- [Week 7 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/10/20/week-7-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - Maybe my own words came back to haunt me. Last week, I touched on the likelihood of a major shift coming, and how it would wipe out those not prepared. As "prepared" as we were, we still weren't immune. But, as always, these weeks are inherent with the game we're playing. The good news -
- [How legal betting states will contribute to revenue growth across major US sports](https://xnsports.com/2019/10/18/how-legal-betting-states-will-contribute-to-revenue-growth-across-major-us-sports/) - Betting in the US has a complex history – and it’s not always been accepted, or even legal, to bet in this country. However, betting online on NFL in New Jerseyand elsewhere may well be about to become a lot easier thanks to the changes to the law around betting. It’s also likely to get easier
- [The XN Sports family would like to express our deep sorrow in the sudden passing of Kwame Beard](https://xnsports.com/2019/10/12/the-xn-sports-family-would-like-to-express-our-deep-sorrow-in-the-sudden-passing-kwame-beard/) - The XN Sports family would like to express our deep sorrow in the sudden passing of Q, Kwame Beard -- our early developer, systems administrator, and friend. His spirit was indomitable.
- [Week 5 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/10/06/week-5-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - What a week. I can't tell if it should be considered 'eerie' or a self-fulfilling prophecy. Either way, it was critical. And it's more critical that everyone understands why it's so critical. Last week's introduction focused wholly on approaching picks carefully after big wins. The key was that, when we regress - because we will
- [Will Gambling Have As Big An Impact On The NFL As It Has On The EPL?](https://xnsports.com/2019/09/26/will-gambling-have-as-big-an-impact-on-the-nfl-as-it-has-on-the-epl/) - Gambling plays a big part in the EPL – it provides sponsorship money that is spent by clubs on new players, giving fans something to get excited by. The NFL has recently opened its doors to gambling, but will it have as big an impact on it as we’ve seen in sport’s richest league? The
- [Week 3 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/09/21/week-3-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - What a start to the season it has been. Week 1 was all about preseason expectations coming to light - it always is. Week 2 was all about overreactions from Week 1 - it always is. Week 3 is all about... everything. Through the 16 games detailed below, I kept finding certain trends cited and
- [Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/09/14/week-2-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-3/) - I know I constantly write about how much I love Opening Day. I do. But it's Week 2 that always has my heart. I always write about perception, reality, and the disconnect between the two. Can we ever have a more severe disconnect than people making snap decisions after just one week of football? No.
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- [Once Upon a Tarantino Fairy Tale](https://xnsports.com/2019/08/22/once-upon-a-tarantino-fairy-tale/) - In this episode of the podcast, Felipe shares his thoughts on the new Quentin Tarantino film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as co-host Katie joins in to discuss Tarantino's idea of a Hollywood fairy tale, the Sharon Tate murder, and how Disney has turned traditional fairy tales into a more sterile version for a
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- [Lost Shows (iFrame Test)](https://xnsports.com/2019/06/30/lost-shows-iframe-test/) - I am testing the iFrame for an incomplete game I've been working on with my kids.
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- [Fantasy Baseball 2019: Introducing the Kansas City Royals of Queens New York](https://xnsports.com/2019/05/10/fantasy-baseball-2019-introducing-the-kansas-city-royals-of-queens-new-york/) - Felipe and Sean are back and continuing their winning ways in the Baseball Life fantasy league as the latter owner is optimistic that his struggling players are finally showing signs of turning things around while the former still believes that his team has not played to their full potential yet. Topics of discussion include, but
- [Avengers Endgame Of Thrones](https://xnsports.com/2019/05/02/avengers-endgame-of-thrones/) - DISCLAIMER: IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE LATEST GAME OF THRONES ... OR 'AVENGERS: ENDGAME' DO NOT LISTEN. SPOILERS AHEAD. This week on the podcast, Felipe changes gears a bit when he brings in guest, fiction writer Katie Roman onto the show to talk Avengers, Game of Thrones, and the WWE. In the first portion of
- [Fantasy Baseball 2019: What Can Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong](https://xnsports.com/2019/04/24/fantasy-baseball-2019-what-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong/) - This week, Felipe is joined by fellow fantasy baseball owner Sean Flannery as they discuss a wide array of topics, mostly focusing on their 11-by-11 fantasy baseball league. The show kicks off with discussions about Jacob deGrom's health and if his recent injury scare was worth worrying about or not. Speaking of injuries, minutes into
- [Fantasy Baseball 2019: April Showers and Struggles](https://xnsports.com/2019/04/17/fantasy-baseball-2019-april-showers-and-struggles/) - In this week's episode of the podcast, Felipe talks about his fantasy baseball keeper team and all the problems he's suffered through despite getting off to a 3-0 start. All of this coming on the heels of acquiring catcher Gary Sanchez via trade, Felipe's #1 catcher coming into the 2019 season. Topics of discussion include: Jacob deGrom
- [2019 Fantasy Baseball Post Draft Talk](https://xnsports.com/2019/03/27/2019-fantasy-baseball-post-draft-talk/) - Recorded March 20 In this episode of the podcast, Felipe and Mario reunite to talk about their strategies at certain positions coming into the Baseball Life Fantasy Baseball League. The league is a 12-team, 30-player, head-to-head categories' league. In this episode, much of the focus was given to the catchers as this is a two-catcher
- [Best Traits You Can Wear To Bet Profitably In The 2019 Kentucky Derby](https://xnsports.com/2019/04/11/best-traits-you-can-wear-to-bet-profitably-in-the-2019-kentucky-derby/) - Sports betting is fun, challenging, and most importantly a rewarding way of making the most out of sports entertainment. Aside from the fact that you are going to witness an action-packed show, sports betting is one of the main reasons why a lot of sports fans are looking forward to each sport betting games all
- [Gambling and the NHL](https://xnsports.com/2019/03/14/gambling-and-the-nhl/) - Sports organizations don’t always agree, but there was one subject upon which, until recently, it was possible to find unanimous agreement: gambling. For decades, the position of all the major sports leagues in the US was that gambling represented an existential threat to the integrity of sports. Strict anti-gambling rules were enforced in all of
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 14 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/08/dfs-plays-nfl-week-14-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - For the majority of the season, our job has been to identify which games will have a particular flow that we can exploit. However, now that we are approaching the final quarter of the season, we can also look to which teams will accelerate their playoff chances with big performances. This, in turn, translates to
- [NFL Picks: 2018 Divisional Round Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/01/12/nfl-picks-2018-divisional-round-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - The Divisional Round of the playoffs has arrived. It's time to rejoice. For a football fan, this is it. This is the big weekend of the postseason. Of course, the actual champion won't be crowned for weeks, and we are months removed from the fanfare that is Opening Day. But, with the last surviving four
- [Five Great Sports Bets You Can Make in 2019](https://xnsports.com/2019/01/09/five-great-sports-bets-you-can-make-in-2019/) - Sports betting isn’t always easy. Sure, you can set your watch by teams like Golden State Warriors, safe in the knowledge that they will be in the mix, but there are many instances, like with the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles, when a team rips up for the form book and defies preseason predictions. In light of
- [Post-Hyper Super Bowl Sleeper Snoozefest](https://xnsports.com/2019/02/08/post-hyper-super-bowl-sleeper-snoozefest/) - In this week's episode of the podcast, Felipe discusses a wide array of topics: --PREVIEW SEGMENT-- 1. The double standard between the NFL and MLB when it comes to pace of play and players using PEDs. 2. Ryan Pace redemption story in draft Mitch Trubisky. 3. The terrible weather the Midwest of the country has
- [NFL Picks: 2018 Wild Card Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2019/01/04/nfl-picks-2018-wild-card-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It's no secret that I spend much of my days looking at the spreads for football games and, while I always try to explain that they are not an indication of what should or will happen, it is fun to see so many small numbers for a weekend of action. Because, even if none prove
- [The Stabled Instability of the Chicago Bulls](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/31/the-stabled-instability-of-the-chicago-bulls/) - In this episode of the podcast, we talked about the aftermath of the Chicago Bulls firing head coach Fred Hoiberg. Introduction The Rise and Fall of Derrick Rose: why Rose failing to overcome injuries and obstacles doomed the team to the current path that they're in right now as this would create a power grab
- [Week 17 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/28/week-17-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - It's here. And it is quite the wild one. Week 17 is never welcomed with open arms. It is dreaded. It brings both the end of the regular season and nothing but uncertainty. It is far more difficult to project than Opening Day, and it is often what decides both playoff berths and office pools.
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 16 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/22/dfs-plays-nfl-week-16-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - With the unknown looming in Week 17 in terms of teams either resting or playing their stars, this might be the final week of the regular season in which we can pinpoint talent and value without too many question marks. Of course, there are some games that remain less predictable than we would like but,
- [Week 16 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/20/week-16-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - We've reached the end. Technically, not the end of the regular season, but the end of the competitive portion of the regular season. Because, when next week arrives, we may not have a clue as to which team will even show up on the field. Therefore, it is critical to make up as much ground
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 15 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/15/dfs-plays-nfl-week-15-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - With two games on Saturday, our breakdown of Sunday's action is slightly shorter than it has been in the past. Thankfully, teams that are trying to position themselves for the playoffs will provide enough fantasy upside for us to target. Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy Sports game-by-game analysis columns are driven by expected game flow. Based
- [Week 15 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/14/week-15-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - It's always fun when we have a big week. It's not because the record grows or we move up the standings - although these are nice benefits - but that we are reminded that the system works. That trends are real and, even if they have been less fruitful than in the past, they remain
- [Week 14 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/06/week-14-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - As expected, we saw the final push begin for a few teams in Week 13 - both good and bad. The Cowboys, Broncos, and Seahawks continued to make strides in crowded races, and were given some help by the Redskins, Colts, and Panthers all losing. This carries nicely into Week 14, as it leads to
- [Three NHL Teams To Watch Out For In The Second Half Of The Season](https://xnsports.com/2017/02/22/three-nhl-teams-watch-second-half-season/) - The NHL recently had its All-Star game, which means that we are officially into the second half of the 2016-17 season. With just under 30 games left in the season, it is time for every team to step up their game before it is too late. The teams that can finish with a strong second
- [Week 13 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/12/02/week-13-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - We normally like to break up the season into four different 'quarters.' But we would be doing a disservice if we don't take note of a clear separation between last week and what lies ahead of us. Because there are no more bye weeks and no more multi-game Thursdays. With the exception of a few
- [Baseball Life: A November to Remember](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/27/baseball-life-a-november-to-remember/) - In this episode of the podcast, Felipe (twitter, @pathological_h8) discusses some of the major storylines of the 2018 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before he dives in to the Fall Classic, he discusses some of the topics of discussion the Baseball Life Facebook group which include, but not
- [Five Reasons Why The Patriots are Finally Getting It Together](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/07/five-reasons-why-the-patriots-are-finally-getting-it-together/) - It’s been a mixed start to the 2018 campaign for the Patriots but recent wins against the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts indicate their season is back on track. Here are five clues that the Pats are still playoff bound and have what it takes to win the Super Bowl again. Pats Top AFC EAST
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 12 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/24/dfs-plays-nfl-week-12-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - Even though we only have two teams on a bye, this week, the three games on Thanksgiving leave us with another light schedule for Sunday and Monday. If we are looking for patterns about the overall state of the games, this week sets up more similarly to Week 10 than Week 11. That is, we
- [Week 12 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/22/week-12-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - There is no better place to start this column than by giving thanks. Thanks to you readers for the opportunity to write about my football picks. Thanks for positive results. And thanks for the gift that is football and how it helps us all form this bond. Seriously. Because you could not have watched last
- [Bears vs. Lions Thanksgiving Turkey Day Free Play Odds](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/21/bears-vs-lions-thanksgiving-turkey-day-free-play-odds/) - Our friends at MyBookie have created some great infographics for the Detroit Lions as they prepare for their Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Chicago Bears. Chicago goes on the road (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS) to face a Lions team looking to string together consecutive wins. The Bears are in first place in the NFC North
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 11 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/16/dfs-plays-nfl-week-11-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - Week 11 is going to be fantastic, one way or another. Unlike last week's schedule of lopsided games - that turned out to produce only a few close contests - Week 11 is filled with outstanding games. And, where this might lead to a lower fantasy appeal, we actually have relatively clear game flow projections
- [Week 11 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/14/week-11-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - Much better. I wrote about it. I talked about it. And now we can see the results of it. After a horribly losing week, the only way to proceed is to continue along the same path as if nothing happened. Because it is the small weekly wins that will outweigh the losses, even if the
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 10 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/09/dfs-plays-nfl-week-10-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - With no game in London and only four teams on byes, we have one of our biggest slates in weeks. More importantly, we have a large number of lopsided matchups that play well into attempting to project game flow. Making Week 10 even sweeter, we have a few 'revenge games' to target, as well. Sporfolio’s
- [Week 10 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/08/week-10-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - Well, that was ugly. What are the odds, too? Right after I led last week's article with praising the league and how consistently profitable it had been, we go out and deliver one of the worst weeks on record. It's almost too coincidental. Because it is too coincidental. I write about the popular teams almost
- [2018 NFL Half-Season Playoff Picture](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/02/2018-nfl-half-season-playoff-picture/) - Plenty of surprises have emerged in an NFL which features greater parity than ever. Nonetheless, superpowers still exist. At the halfway point of the regular season, juggernauts like the Patriots, Rams, Chiefs and Saints stand out as favorites to compete in the 2019 Super Bowl. The unbeaten Rams are the current kings of odds on
- [Week 9 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/01/week-9-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - We have to be thoroughly pleased with what we've seen from the National Football League, this year. There have been excellent matchups that have not disappointed - think New England and Kansas City in Primetime a few weeks ago and the Packers and Rams, last week - and drama in the storylines - such as
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 8 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/11/01/dfs-plays-nfl-week-8-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - As good as some matchups appear to be on paper in terms of purely competitive football, we also have a decent amount of potentially lopsided games. Thankfully, this split allows us to find targets from either option, especially when seeking members of the passing attack, as the heavy underdogs tend to shine in this area.
- [Week 8 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/25/week-8-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - Can you believe it? We are almost halfway through the 2018 NFL season. Halfway through one of the most fun years we have had. Halfway through another season in which this column would rank in the top-three of experts against-the-spread at NFLPickwatch. And halfway through a season in which we just had our first losing
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 7 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/19/dfs-plays-nfl-week-7-dfs-game-by-game-analysis-2/) - We officially have the smallest slate of games to address, this season, with four teams on a bye week and two playing the early morning game in London - thus knocking them out of most daily fantasy contests. We do, however, see a decent split between the main slate and the Primetime games, where talent
- [Week 7 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/18/week-7-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - Over the past few weeks, we have been looking for direction. Either the underdogs to keep winning or the reversal to occur. It hasn't happened, but we have been careful to remain profitable through the uncertainty. Part of this comes from recognizing 'traps,' while the other part is scaling back how aggressive we can be.
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 6 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/12/dfs-plays-nfl-week-6-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - Week 6 might have some of the best matchups we have seen in the National Football League, to date, but this type of competitive schedule doesn't always work well for crafting fantasy lineups. We are probably in line for a series of close games, which usually plays well for the more reliable stars in the
- [Week 6 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/11/week-6-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - My goal is to prove myself wrong. I've now said it in multiple conversations, and I write it every so often when it applies. When I can find a way to convince myself that my own pick is going to lose, I can put myself - and my readers - in a position to win.
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 5 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/06/dfs-plays-nfl-week-5-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - Whether it's fantasy or real-world implications, Week 5 is littered with excellent matchups. Thankfully, we have a near-full slate ahead of us, so even if we decide to shy away from some games because of how close the two teams are, there are plenty of other options to be had elsewhere. Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy
- [Week 5 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/10/03/week-5-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - The 2018 NFL season continues to deliver. And it's not because of the recent stretch of wins. I will often write about the "current wave" of a given season, where underdogs or favorites might be in the middle of a hot streak. We are always careful to not ride these waves for too long, as
- [Week 4 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/27/week-4-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - We're playing the long game. Week 3 was outstanding. Not only did we go 11-5 against-the-spread, but hit every confidence pick except one - and that was already behind us by Friday morning. It was beautiful. It was comforting. It was misleading. At the end of the day, I am fully aware that my win-loss
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 3 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/22/dfs-plays-nfl-week-3-dfs-game-by-game-analysis-2/) - If there's one thing we love when trying to assemble a fantasy lineup, it's a clear motivation by a team to use a specific player. In Week 3, we have desperation on-hand for a number of teams trying to salvage their season. Which means we have players who will be asked to carry their team.
- [Week 3 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/19/week-3-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - The first few weeks of any season tell us a lot about what to expect over the coming months. Certainly, things can change, but we have little snippets of possible previews. The irony is that we argued against this sort of rapid reaction to the first week of the season. If we do the math,
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 2 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/15/dfs-plays-nfl-week-2-dfs-game-by-game-analysis-2/) - If it's easy for the casual football fan to overreact to the results of Opening Day, then we must be careful to not do the same. After all, the fantasy football community might be a little more savvy than the typical fan, and we cannot fall into the traps that sixty minutes of game action
- [Podcast: Returning from the DL](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/14/podcast-returning-from-the-dl/) - We are back once again to talk sports on the XN Sports Podcast. Host Felipe Melecio talks about how he spent his summer, announces the winner of the Fantasy Baseball Podcast League, and gives some fantasy football advice. Other topics include: --Updates for future podcast episodes --The importance of diet and exercise --Visiting the baseball
- [Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/12/week-2-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - Opening Day is a personal holiday for obvious reasons. I can't sleep the night before the first full Sunday of games, and I am usually pacing by the time pregame shows are airing. But, despite the excitement that a new season brings, there is one week of the schedule that is always my favorite: Week
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 1 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/07/dfs-plays-nfl-week-1-dfs-game-by-game-analysis-2/) - Football is back! Which means that daily fantasy football is back! For those of us who love to have a little extra rooting interest in each game, Opening Week is a holiday. With the exception of the Thursday night game, we have 30 teams playing in 15 games, and two on Monday night - allowing
- [Week 1 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/09/05/week-1-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread-2/) - It's here! It's finally here! I feel like a holiday just arrived. Or a gift. Or a package from Amazon for which I did not pay shipping - not directly, anyway. Football season is finally back, and I am bursting with excitement. Gone are the preseason debates. The position battles. The meaningless games. Everything from
- [The Most Dominant Teams in Sports Right Now](https://xnsports.com/2018/08/23/the-most-dominant-teams-in-sports-right-now/) - Sheer dominance is what solidifies great teams in the history books. Posting a season where spectators and opponents simply say that they are unbeatable is one of the greatest achievements in sport. Over the last year, some very strong teams have emerged, some of which can be put down as truly dominant teams. So, we’re
- [TNT Roulette's Victory Helps Celebrate 70 Years of Greyhounds at Daytona Beach](https://xnsports.com/2018/07/26/tnt-roulettes-victory-helps-celebrate-70-years-of-greyhounds-at-daytona-beach/) - The 2018 staging of the Dave Wood Memorial was a race to remember for connections of TNT Roulette who rallied late to secure victory at Daytona Beach and landed the $20,000 prize purse in the process. It was a momentous Saturday evening at the track with the Florida venue celebrating 70 years of greyhound racing
- [Drafting The Most Consistent Fantasy Football Players](https://xnsports.com/2018/07/19/drafting-the-most-consistent-fantasy-football-players/) - As training camps begin to open across the NFL we can start to take one eye off of baseball and turn half of our fantasy-obsessed brains towards fantasy football drafts. A great way to break the ice on your 2018 fantasy football summer reading is to check out the work done by casino.ca on the
- [Most Attractive Premier League Players](https://xnsports.com/2018/06/13/most-attractive-premier-league-players/) - As the Premier League competition heats up for 2018-19 between some of the biggest clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United – so are their rosters. With quite a few players who could double as supermodels, and would have supporters swiping right if their photos popped up on Tinder, English soccer is now
- [4 Players Tipped to Shine at The World Cup](https://xnsports.com/2018/06/05/4-players-tipped-to-shine-at-the-world-cup/) - The World Cup is just days away. We thought we’d take a look at a few unlikely stars, likely to do well in Russia this summer. For the purposes of this article we’re going to overlook some of the biggest stars and delve a little deeper and see if we can uncover some hidden gems
- [Ball is Life: On the Edge of the NBA Finals](https://xnsports.com/2018/05/26/ball-is-life-on-the-edge-of-the-nba-finals/) - With the Conference Finals nearing their end, Felipe brings in guest Jason Coldiron, author of the book Saving Sacramento: A Story of Fans, Sports & Politics (telling the story about how the capital city of California was able to to keep the Sacramento Kings in town)and the guys talk about a wide array of topics
- [Champions League Final Preview: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool](https://xnsports.com/2018/05/25/champions-league-final-preview-real-madrid-vs-liverpool/) - The Champions League comes to its thrilling conclusion this Saturday as Real Madrid faces Liverpool in the final in Kiev. Kickoff is set for 19:45 local time in the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium. Twice-defending champions, Real Madrid entered this competition with a "championship or bust" attitude. With a third-place finish in La Liga, Zinedine Zidane is amazingly
- [World Cup: Sochi is a Summer and Winter Tourist Attraction](https://xnsports.com/2018/05/17/world-cup-sochi-is-a-summer-and-winter-tourist-attraction/) - World Cup fans are looking forward to the upcoming events this summer in Sochi. People from all over the world are anticipating the time when they will gather for the sports events as well as enjoying the multiple tourist attractions that will be available. Merchants in the area will be gearing up as the prospects
- [Three Dark Horse Teams to Succeed at World Cup 2018](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/25/three-dark-horse-teams-to-succeed-at-world-cup-2018/) - Few sports events can match the drama of the FIFA World Cup. The Finals in Russia (14th June-15th July) will be the 21st edition of football’s biggest showcase. Of course, there are always some things you can back on at a World Cup. For example, Germany always do well – they have at least reached
- [The “Fantastic Four” Quarterbacks of the 2018 NFL Draft](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/24/the-fantastic-four-quarterbacks-of-the-2018-nfl-draft/) - While there will be hundreds of collegiate prospects who will hear their name called during the 2018 NFL Draft, most people are affixed to the names of just four of them. Specifically, those names are of the top four top quarterback prospects, and where they’ll start their NFL careers. So let’s take a closer look
- [Only Five Real Favorites To Win In Russia](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/16/only-five-real-favorites-to-win-in-russia/) - With the 2018 World Cup only a couple of months away, it's now the time to assess the chances of the teams who made it through qualifying. This tournament is going to be missing a few big-name teams, most notably Italy and Holland, both of whom are experts at making an impact on the competition.
- [Wrestling Life: 2018 Wrestlemania Aftermath](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/17/wrestling-life-2018-wrestlemania-aftermath/) - In a rare, Triple Threat Match, Felipe Melecio, Randy Hammond, and Jake Schwartz collide worlds and butt heads and discuss the highs and lows of the 2018 Wrestlemania weekend, including NXT Takeover, Wrestlemania, Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live. The guys also discuss what they think will happen in the foreseeable future in the wrestling
- [Liverpool: Champions League semifinalist?](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/10/liverpool-champions-league-semifinalist/) - A week ago, everyone was picking Manchester City to cruise past Liverpool to the Champions League semifinals. The Reds would put up a fight in Anfield and probably get a few goals, but a 3-0 win was not on anyone's minds. Then the unthinkable happened. First, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored from outside the box. Mohamed Salah and
- [Wrestling Life: 2018 Wrestlemania Preview](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/07/67468/) - Randy Hammond returns to the podcast to help preview Wrestlemania along with host Felipe Melecio as they try to make sense on why the card is being booked the way it is as the second biggest wrestling spectacle (behind Wrestle Kingdom)of the year embarks on the city of New Orleans! The majority of the show
- [Manchester City Cruising To The Double](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/02/manchester-city-cruising-to-the-double/) - Leroy Sané opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling poured it on as Manchester City waltzed to a 3-1 victory over Everton on Saturday, their 27th premier league win. The win was also their fifth straight and added to their insurmountable 16 point lead over city rivals Manchester United.
- [2018 MLB Preview and Fantasy Baseball Recap](https://xnsports.com/2018/04/01/fantasy-baseball-mlb-preview-recap/) - Mario and Felipe return and preview the upcoming Major League Baseball season as they answer some looming questions on this episode of the podcast. The guys discuss the New York Yankees' chances of winning their division, while they also share what they are excited about the upcoming season. Giancarlo Stanton, what are the chances of
- [Manchester United is cementing its runner-up status](https://xnsports.com/2018/03/14/manchester-united-is-cementing-its-runner-up-status/) - Marcus Rashford slotted home two goals in the first 24 minutes and Manchester United worked through the Liverpool defense for a 2-1 win. United are now undefeated in nine straight league matches against Liverpool, winning six and drawing three. The Reds have not won the Northwest Derby since March 2014 despite finishing above Manchester United
- [Which Teams Will Win Europe’s Top Soccer Leagues?](https://xnsports.com/2018/03/13/which-teams-will-win-europes-top-soccer-leagues/) - To fans of European soccer, the arrival of spring means that it will soon be trophy time. All of Europe’s top soccer leagues are entering the final quarter and the battle to win the prestigious domestic crowns in England, Italy, Germany, and Spain is heating up. Soccer fans who follow the European action will be
- [March Madness: Here's A Dark Horse Final Four Pick From Each Region](https://xnsports.com/2018/03/13/march-madness-heres-a-dark-horse-final-four-pick-from-each-region/) - A 7-seed and even higher has always made it to the final four since 2013 and we are likely to see a repeat of this in 2018. With the printable 2018 March Madness Bracketnow available, lets take a look at the top sleepers from different regions. West Region - Number 4 Gonzaga The Zags are
- [Is The Fan Controlled Football League The Future of Fantasy Sports?](https://xnsports.com/2018/03/05/fan-controlled-football-league-fantasy-sports/) - There is little doubt that the digital revolution has transformed the way we consume professional and fantasy sports. In the age of the smartphone, fandom never sleeps. Yet professional sports leagues across the globe remain remarkably similar to their pre-social media selves. Little has fundamentally changed in their approach to ownership, management, and production, even
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/21/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/21/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-62117/) - Anthony Rizzo continues his on-base streak with another home run from the lead off position. Since taking over the 1 spot in the line up Rizzo has yet to get out. He has 3 home runs, a double, two singles, and a walk. Rizzo ties Richie Asburn as the only Cub to reach safely as
- [Simeone's "not to lose" strategy continues to doom Atletico Madrid](https://xnsports.com/2018/03/07/simeones-not-lose-strategy-continues-doom-atletico-madrid/) - Lionel Messi hit a 26th-minute free kick and the Barcelona defense held on for a 1-0 win on Saturday. The victory opened up an eight-point gap to Atletico Madrid, all but deciding the title. Even if Atleti had won, keeping a slightly better pace than Barcelona over the next 11 fixtures would be a tough
- [Move over Man City, Real Madrid are the real Champions League favorites](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/21/move-man-city-real-madrid-real-champions-league-favorites/) - The first legs of all eight champions league ties are in the books. Manchester City holds the title of betting favorite, with 18/5 odds to win the competition. They hold this position by a pretty wide margin over Barcelona whose odds are 5/1. After one 4-0 and two 5-0 shutouts, why is there such an
- [Back to basics for Atlético Madrid](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/14/back-basics-atletico-madrid/) - Antoine Griezmann scored a first minute goal and the Atlético Madrid defense held on for their 21st clean sheet in all competitions. The win was Atleti's third straight this season and narrowed the gap to Barcelona to just seven points with 15 matches remaining. Just two weeks ago, the margin was 11 points. Barcelona had
- [Napoli vs. Juventus: The title race no one is talking about](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/12/napoli-vs-juventus-the-title-race-no-one-is-talking-about/) - Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are running away with the big three soccer leagues, leading by 16, seven, and 18 points, respectively. Therefore, soccer fans yearning for a title race in their weekend view must look a little further afield. They don't have to look much farther than Serie A. Juventus, who have won
- [Will The Cavaliers' Trade Deadline Overhaul Win Them The East?](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/08/will-cavaliers-trade-deadline-overhaul-win-east/) - In one of the biggest midseason roster overhauls ever, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded away Dwayne Wade, Channing Frye, Isaiah Thomas, Iman Shumpert, Jae Crowder, and Derrick Rose. They received Rodney Hood, George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance, Jr. It is no doubt that these trades make Cleveland younger. Three of the four players they
- [Raptors' Chemistry Makes Them The Team To Beat In The East](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/07/raptors-chemistry-makes-team-beat-east/) - Kyle Lowry scored 23 points, C.J. Miles added 20 off the bench, and the Toronto Raptors trounced the Boston Celtics 111-91 on Tuesday. The win, which involved five double figure scorers, is the third straight for Toronto. They are now positioned just one game behind their East rivals and could be poised for a championship
- [Conte's Transfer Mishaps Have Chelsea Battling For Fourth](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/06/contes-transfer-mishaps-chelsea-battling-fourth/) - Roberto Pereyra scored a 91st minute goal and 11th-place Watford completed a 4-1 route of Chelsea, their second straight three-goal loss. The previous loss came to ninth-place Bournemouth, leaving Chelsea in fourth place. They now hold just a one-point lead over city rivals Tottenham. After that, there's just a five-point drop to Arsenal for last
- [Premier League Transfer Deadline Day Heats Up An Already Hot Race For 3rd](https://xnsports.com/2018/02/01/premier-league-transfer-deadline-day-heats-already-hot-race-3rd/) - Premier League clubs spent 150 million pounds on Wednesday, breaking the 2011 record for money spent on the deadline day for January transfers. When the dust had cleared, all three top London clubs had new attacking players. The teams up north, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, have topped the table so far this season.
- [Marcelino, Not Pochettino Is The Answer At Real Madrid](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/26/marcelino-not-pochettino-answer-real-madrid/) - Gabriel Pires knocked in a 55th-minute goal and Real Madrid exited the Copa del Rey early for the third straight season. Sitting at 13th in the table, Leganés are now the lowest ranked side remaining in Spain´s oldest competition. While Real Madrid´s fans rightly care the most about the Champions League, the goal at the
- [Ball Distribution The Key To Thunder Winning Streak](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/26/ball-distribution-key-thunder-winning-streak/) - Russell Westbrook made a layup with 3.3 seconds left and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth straight, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 109-108. The win lifts the Thunder to fifth in the West, just 2.5 games out of hosting a playoff series. 2017-18 has been a hot and cold season for Oklahoma City. They have
- [Saturday's Convincing Win Closes Gap From Houston To Golden State](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/24/saturdays-convincing-win-closes-fap-houston-golden-state/) - Chris Paul scored 33 points and James Harden hit a clutch three with 1:10 on the clock. The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season, with a convincing 114-108 scoreline. The win was part of a stretch in which Houston has now won six of seven, closing the gap
- [Could Ernesto Valverde Lead Barcelona To The Treble?](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/22/ernesto-valverde-barcelona-treble/) - After city rivals Espanyol dealt Barcelona their first loss since the Spanish Supercup, everyone waited with baited breath to see how they might respond. Ivan Rakitic scored early and Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez added two goals each as the Blaugrana silenced their critics and trounced Real Betis 5-0 for their 17th La Liga win.
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Conference Championship Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/17/nfl-picks-2017-conference-championship-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It is always interesting how one season spills into the next. Last year, the chalk in any given fractal had success. The favorite - both for the playoffs and the game, itself - won the Super Bowl. The 'easy' teams to pick covered nearly every week. They also dominated the season. Instantly, 2017 was different.
- [Are The Boston Celtics NBA Title Contenders?](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/18/boston-celtics-nba-title-contenders/) - Anthony Davis scored 45 points and collected 16 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics' seven-game win streak came to a screeching halt on Tuesday night. It took overtime and the New Orleans Pelicans' best effort, but they dealt Boston their 11th loss of the season and first in 2018. After a loss like that in which
- [What's Wrong With The Cavs (And Can It Be Fixed)?](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/16/whats-wrong-cavs-can-fixed/) - Kevin Durant scored 32, Stephen Curry added 23 and the Warriors 6-0 run 3 minutes into the 4th quarter dealt the Cleveland Cavaliers' their fourth straight loss this season. It was also the fifth dropped game in six and ninth in twelve for a 25-17 Cleveland team. They now sit third in the East, 7.5
- [Is Liverpool The Next Man Up In The Premier League?](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/15/liverpool-next-man-premier-league/) - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino combined for two goals and Liverpool barely held on to defeat Manchester City on Sunday, moving them up to a tie for third in the table (ahead of Chelsea on goal differential). I wrote about Manchester United's rise on Friday, but after defeating Manchester City, Liverpool, not title-defenders Chelsea, could be
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Divisional Round Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/12/nfl-picks-2017-divisional-round-picks-point-spread/) - The National Football League certainly has its share of surprises on a given week. For the opening round of the 2017 playoffs, it was not that Tennessee erased an 18-point deficit at halftime and won in Kansas City. Nor was it the perennial losers from Jacksonville advancing to the second round. It was that, in
- [Can Lingard, Pogba and Defense Help Man U Gain Separation?](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/12/can-lingard-pogba-defense-help-man-u-gain-separation/) - After three draws during the holiday period, Man U have started to turn their luck and skill around with back to back 2-0 wins vs. Everton in the League and at Derby in the FA Cup. 25 year-old forward Jesse Lingard has been the star forward lately, collecting goals in both games, while Paul Pogba
- [DFS Plays: NFL Divisional Round DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/12/dfs-plays-nfl-divisional-round-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - We have reached the final weekend of the 2017 season in which more than two games will be played. At Sporfolio, we tend to enjoy small slates for tournaments, and this is the last of such. But, we love four-game sets because we can focus our attention on a concentrated area and still have eight teams from
- [Super Bowl Futures : Biggest Super Bowl Point Spread Upsets](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/09/super-bowl-futures-biggest-super-bowl-point-spread-upsets/) - Three Biggest Point Spread Upsets In Super Bowl History During the 1980s and 1990s, the Super Bowl was considered one of the least exciting and most predictable sports championships. This trend peaked in the mid-90s, when the average Super Bowl spread rose to 13.5 between 1994 and 1998. This trend shifted in Super Bowl XXXII,
- [Wrestling Life: 2017 Wrestling Awards](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/08/67181/) - Jake Schwartz and Felipe Melecio say their final goodbyes to the Year in Wrestling that was 2017. The guys share the favorite moments and wrestlers as they hand out hardware for the best of the best in wrestling in 2017. Awards include: --Best Wrestler --Best Performer --Best Entrace --Best Feud --Best Storyline --Moment of the
- [DFS Plays: NFL Wild Card DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/05/dfs-plays-nfl-wild-card-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - The NFL postseason always gives a platform for players to shine, whether as stars carrying their respective teams or unsuspecting heroes emerging. In the Wild Card round, specifically, we have an array of teams in action, as the options range from division winners to 9-7 squads who clinched playoff berths just one week ago. Of
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Wild Card Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2018/01/04/nfl-picks-2017-wild-card-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - If sports have shown us anything over-the-years, it is that the playoffs - in which an entire season is on-the-line - rarely disappoint. Even when the matchups appear to be one-sided, we are almost always treated to a show at one point-or-another. This is especially true for the Wild Card round of the 2017 playoffs, as
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 17 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/29/dfs-plays-nfl-week-17-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - This week's against-the-spread picks noted how wild Week 17 tends to be with the amount of teams potentially resting their players, but it is amplified further when we approach this slate of games from a fantasy perspective. Thankfully, all 16 games are being played on Sunday, leaving more-than-enough matchups to provide value. Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 17 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/29/nfl-picks-2017-week-17-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - There is a fairly common belief that Week 1 of any given season is the most difficult to predict. Wrong. While it is true that we don't entirely know what to expect from a team before we have seen it in meaningful action we do, at least, know the intention. We know every single team
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 16 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/21/nfl-picks-2017-week-16-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - One week from now, we will be tearing our hair out trying to determine which teams will play their starters and which will be looking to see some youth on the field. Motivation will drive nearly every decision, but we won't exactly know which team is properly motivated. Unfortunately, with so many playoff races concluding before
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 15 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/15/dfs-plays-nfl-week-14-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - We are approaching the last four regular season games for each team and, as a result, the gameplans for each offense are relatively stable. This leads to a more predictable game flow, allowing us to target fewer players and eliminate risk wherever possible. Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy Sports game-by-game analysis columns are driven by expected game
- [The Men Up North - Fantasy Football Week 15](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/15/fantasy-football-week-15-men-up-north/) - In this week's episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, the guys talk about possible quarterback replacements with Josh McCown and Carson Wentz out for the season. As it turns out, there are plenty of replacements out there and the guys provide words of encouragement and optimism for owners who had the misfortune of
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 15 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/13/nfl-picks-2017-week-15-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Just one week ago, the introduction to my NFL picks against the point spread column focused on how long it has taken to reach the point where playoff clinching scenarios must be considered when assessing games. Now, they are littered throughout this article. As football fans, we should be grateful for how Week 14 unfolded.
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 14 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/08/nfl-picks-2017-week-14-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Each football season carries its own individual story. We try to uncover it with each passing week when making our NFL picks against the point spread. 2017, in particular, had been incredibly reliant on trends - to our benefit - until the last few weeks. But, at one point in the year, we can start
- [The Men Up North - Fantasy Football Week 14](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/06/men-up-north-fantasy-football-week-14/) - In this week's episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, the guys kickoff the show by comparing and contrasting the differences between playing in a few league versus a pay league and come away with a surprising, yet obvious conclusion. The conversation switched over to discussing the very "controversial" Monday Night Football game between
- [Listen to The Men Up North - NFL Week 13 Fantasy Football Playoffs](https://xnsports.com/2017/12/01/men-north-nfl-week-13-fantasy-football-playoffs/) - In this week's episode of The Men Up North Podcast, Matt and Felipe discuss some of the current news in the world of football, real and fantasy. The guys kickoff the show by talking about the news involving NFL and the players agreeing to donate $100 million on social justice issues and the underlying motives involved in
- [Wrestling Life: NXT Takeover Suvivor Series Aftermath](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/30/wrestling-life-nxt-takeover-suvivor-series-aftermath/) - Felipe and Jake come back with another episode of the Wrestling Life Podcast. The guys talk about their reactions to the big WWE events in Houston with Takeover and Suvivor Series and discuss why NXT continues to be the superior brand of wrestling over the WWE's main brand of Raw and Smackdown. In the second
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 13 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/29/nfl-picks-2017-week-13-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It had to end somewhere. The streak of non-losing weeks in our picks against the point spread had reached mid-November but, alas, in Weeks 11 and 12, the numbers finally caught up. Not just to us, however. And therein lies the value. For starters, the back-to-back losing weeks only cost us seven games in the
- [Fittest NFL Players](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/27/fittest-nfl-players/) - The NFL has seen its fair share of extremely fit athletes. These are players who have played through injuries, have soldiered on when the going got tough and were real mean machines on game day. And while some players prefer the tactical aspect of the game and don't like to spend a lot of time
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 12 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/22/nfl-picks-2017-week-12-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Time tends to move a bit faster when things are going well. For the past eleven weeks, I had been so consumed with working toward the goal of getting these picks to their level of success from 2014 and 2015 that the season, itself, has blown right past my eyes. It wasn't until now, in
- [Summerslam Bash at the Beach with Jake and Felipe](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/18/summerslam-bash-beach-jake-felipe/) - For Episode 3 of the Wrestling Show Podcast, Jake and Felipe discuss the following topics, dude: --Jake becomes a "believer" of Lucha Underground --Vince McMahon finding inspiration in odd places --Celebrating Hulk Hogan's birthday, brother --20 Years of DX and NWO --Summerslam 2017 Preview Follow Jake Schwartz's podcast, STALL TALK: youtu.be/tt8Kc_61lQQ Follow us on Twitter:
- [The Men Up North - Fantasy Football Sleepers, Tiers, and Tears](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/15/men-north-fantasy-football-sleepers-tiers-tears/) - In this episode of our podcast, Matt and Felipe discuss sleepers and deep sleepers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. The guys also perform their second mock draft of the season. Follow Felipe on Twitter: @pathological_h8 Follow XN Sports on Twitter: @XNSports Be sure to visit our website: xnsports.tempurl.host Email the show
- [Summer PunishSlam Fallout 2017](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/25/summer-punishslam-fallout-2017/) - In this episode of the Wrestling Show with Jake and Felipe, we discuss the fallout of the SummerSlam Pay-Per-View and look ahead to the No Mercy PPV in September. Follow Jake Schwartz's podcast, STALL TALK: youtu.be/tt8Kc_61lQQ Follow us on Twitter: @pathological_h8 @XNSports Email the show at pathologicalhate@gmail.com Featured Image Credit: By 3bulletproof16 at en.wikipedia (Transferred
- [The Men Up North - Weekly Sports Update](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/20/men-north-weekly-sports-update/) - On this epsidoe of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, the guys do a quick rundown on Week 2 of Football (both real and fantasy), talk a little baseball, and finish the show discussing the very controversial sport of boxing. · NFL RUNDOWN: 0:00—34:00 · BASEBALL TALK: 34:00—56:40 o Fun with FanGraphs’ Playoff Odds o
- [The Men Up North: Fantasy Football Opportunities](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/13/the-men-up-north-fantasy-football-opportunities/) - In this episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, the guys talk about possible waiver wire help at running back, wide receiver, and tight end as injuries, inconsistent play, and bye weeks have fantasy football owners scrambling for help, especially owners who own Ezekiel Elliott or had owned any New York football teams' running
- [The Men Up North NFL Fantasy Week 7 by XN Sports](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/19/men-north-nfl-fantasy-week-7-xn-sports/) - On this week's episode of The Men Up North Podcast, the guys talk about possible replacements at quarterback, as Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck, and Jameis Winston are plagued with injuries and Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford are on bye weeks. We also discuss the list of names that might still be available at running back, wide
- [The Men Up North - NFL Fantasy Week 9](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/01/men-north-nfl-fantasy-week-9/) - In this episode, the guys recap every game of Week Eight of the NFL as they looked for any trends or breakout performances. They also looked ahead to Week Nine Featured Image Credit: By ShoneBK (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [The Men Up North - Fantasy Football Week 11](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/18/fantasy-football-week-11-quaterbacks/) - In this week's episode of The Men Up North Podcast, Matt and Felipe talk about possible fantasy football options at the quarterback position with Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, Josh McCown, and Tyrod Taylor not being available this week for a variety of reasons. Another week and another injury plagued fantasy football roster. The bye's are
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 11 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/19/dfs-plays-nfl-week-11-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - Over the last few weeks, a handful of teams had their respective byes, leaving an odd assortment of talent left for the taking. In Week 11, we have some of the better teams in action, but a lot of the fantasy fireworks came from players who competed on Thursday Night Football, as well as some
- [Wrestling Show: No Mercy for Impact!](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/21/wrestling-show-no-mercy/) - In this episode of the Wrestling Show, Jake and Felipe preview the upcoming No Mercy PPV event. Plus the guys try to catch up on the biggest wrestling news of the last two weeks and spent time trying to make Impact Wrestling great again! Follow Jake's podcast, Stall Talk, on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gIQXklwr30lCTci8tx6iA Read More: Week
- [Wrestling Life: The Beast Goes Underground](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/28/wrestling-life-beast-underground/) - In this episode of our wrestling podcast, Jake Schwartz from the Stall Talk Podcast comes in and helps review the No Mercy Pay Per View as the guys try to figure out what this all means for business. The show also previews the much anticipated Ultima Lucha 3 from the Lucha Underground promotion on the
- [Wrestling Life: And the 2017 Nominees Are ...](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/05/wrestling-life-and-the-2017-nominees-are/) - In this week's episode of the Wrestling Life Podcast, Jake and Felipe talk about all their favorite wrestlers and moments of the year so far as they narrow down their nominations for their end-of-year, 2017 Wrestling Awards Show. The guys talk about everything from Best Champion, Best Gimmick, Best Prop, Best Tag Team, Best Stable,
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 9 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/02/nfl-picks-2017-week-9-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - We did it! We have reached the midpoint of the 2017 NFL season. But, more specifically for this column, we have reached the midpoint of our 'Rebound Season.' At the time of this writing, these picks sit atop the leaderboard at NFLPickwatch.com - there appears to be a few picks missing, but the winning percentage is
- [Like a Phoenix Ignition, The NBA is Back!](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/25/like-phoenix-ignition-nba-back/) - In this week's episode of the XN Sports Podcast, we bring in special guest, Donny Rodriguez. Donny used to be the Chicago Bulls beat writer for various local sports websites and is currently part of the Chicago Second City comedy group as he brings in a unique perspective on the game of basketball. This week,
- [Woooo! Ric Flair Documentary Aftermath](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/14/woooo-ric-flair-documentary-aftermath/) - In this episode of the podcast, Felipe brings back a blast from the past as former podcast partner, EJ Fulbright makes his return to share his thoughts on the Ric Flair ESPN 30 for 30 documentary. @pathological_h8 @XNSports Email the show: pathologicalhate@gmail.com Photo Credit: By Matt Brink from Nashville (Ric Flair and the 4 Horsemen)
- [Wrestling Life: Ultima Lucha Tres Forever](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/18/wrestling-life-ultima-lucha-tres-forever/) - You can email us at pathologicalhate@gmail.com and share your thoughts, questions, comments, and inquiries on the show. In this week's episode of the Wrestling Life Podcast, Jake and Felipe kick off the show by celebrating what would have been Randy "Macho Man" Savage's birthday. They also discuss some key news and notes of interest in
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 11 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/16/nfl-picks-2017-week-11-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - What a difference a year makes. It's not just the standings - although it is nice to be back atop the leaderboards over at NFLPickwatch for the third time in four years - but the overall flow of the season, itself. A team rises suddenly, plays well, then sinks back down to the depths. And
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 10 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/10/nfl-picks-2017-week-10-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Sometimes I actively seek a given theme for a week. Other times, it finds me. The undeniable common thread that presents itself throughout Week 10 is the redirection of a team's path. Simply put, is it more likely to continue sinking - or rising - or is a temporary speed bump ahead? Thankfully, most of
- [2017 World Series Recapitulation](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/06/2017-world-series-recapitulation/) - In this episode of the podcast, Vince Mercandetti from the Stall Talk Podcast joins us to review the memorable 2017 World Series as we relive the best moments, biggest controversies, and most glaring takeaways from one of the best series in Major League Baseball history. Check out the Stall Talk Podcast: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gIQXklwr30lCTci8tx6iA Email
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 9 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/11/04/dfs-plays-nfl-week-9-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - Week 9 includes another 13-game slate of action, but it is peppered with 'traps' throughout. This offers the opportunity to 'buy-low' on 'sneaky' teams who have the potential to surprise. And, with no early game in London and Thursday already behind us, we get 12 games from which to choose. Sporfolio’s NFL Daily Fantasy Sports
- [NFL Picks: 2017 Week 8 Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/27/week-8-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - What has made the 2017 season one of the best in terms of picks against the point spread is not necessarily the adherence to trends that were so blatantly ignored last year, but the storylines that appear on a weekly basis. For each set of games, we can find an accurate, common theme. In Week
- [NFL Fantasy Football Week 8 Podcast](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/27/nfl-fantasy-football-week-8-podcast/) - The season is on the back 9 and you need help. Well the Men Up North have all the answers for all your questions. The guys also sneak in a little world series updates here and there! Photo Credit: By Kelly Bailey [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 7 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/20/dfs-plays-nfl-week-7-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - We have one of the largest NFL DFS slates of the past few weeks ahead of us, as there are only two teams on a bye week and the London game is late enough to be included in the main tournaments. Therefore, 14 games give us more-than-enough options to find top plays for our lineups
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 6 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/19/dfs-plays-nfl-week-6-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - As mentioned in our weekly nfl picks against the point spread column, there is a handful of games with extremely large spreads. Whenever this happens, we can usually pinpoint an expected gameflow, as the underdog will likely be trailing for most of the game and need to throw in order to compete, while the favorite
- [Week 7 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/18/week-7-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - If there is one singular trend that I follow when making NFL picks against the point spread on a weekly basis, it is the collective overreaction to games that went in our favor, but against the general expectations from a previous week. It makes sense. There was a certain level of faith placed in a
- [Week 3 NFL DFS Winners and Losers Are In Line With Betting Markets](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/25/week-3-nfl-dfs-winners-losers-line-betting-markets/) - One thing that many fantasy players might not realize is that many of the very same data sets we use to find value in the fantasy realm are used to find value in the sports betting realm. In fact, the data analyzed by a typical fantasy player tends to be much more than that of
- [Week 6 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/12/week-6-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - As we have come to learn over recent weeks in our NFL picks against the point spread, there is still a fair amount of ‘reactionary spreads,’ in which the number is chasing a team that it consistently has missed. Of course, as the season progresses, the spreads will balance out. We aim to identify these
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 5 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/06/dfs-plays-nfl-week-5-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - Now one-quarter into the season, we have reached our first scheduled set of bye weeks - of course, Tampa Bay and Miami were forced into a makeshift bye week on Opening Day due to Hurricane Irma - and, as a result, we only have 13 games to assess. Thankfully, there are some fantastic matchups - as
- [Week 5 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/10/05/week-5-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Isn't it amazing? I was prepared to write about how quickly the first quarter of the season has gone, already. How a new year of football and NFL picks against the point spread brought a new year of opportunities. How everything started balancing out. How the 'rebound' is unfolding. How the ball, once again, is
- [American Pharoah Wins Kentucky Derby](https://xnsports.com/2015/05/02/american-pharoah-wins-kentucky-derby/) - American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza and trained by Bob Baffert, won the 141st Kentucky Derby. It was Baffert's 4th Derby win and Espinoza's 2nd straight.
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 4 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/29/dfs-plays-nfl-week-4-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - Week 3 was the perfect example as to why we use our picks against-the-spread as a major factor in determining the expected game flow for each matchup. Nearly every popular player struggled mightily for the majority of DFS lineups, but our plays actually produced nicely, as we leaned on a few heavy underdogs performing well
- [Week 4 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/28/week-4-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It's happening. It's as if the chips we have pocketed are finally getting turned in, and results are improving steadily for our nfl picks against the point spread. It's exciting. It's rewarding. It's also extremely dangerous. We have now turned in back-to-back-to-back winning weeks against-the-spread to start the year and, as a result, we are
- [Week 4 NFL Schedule, Odds and Network Listings](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/26/week-4-nfl-schedule-odds-network-listings/) - After a week three of the NFL season where the dominating storyline was Donald Trump's divisive statements and the reaction of players protesting his statements it will be interesting to see if week four of the NFL season gets back to the game itself. I suppose this depends on Trump as he does not seem
- [Week 3 Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit, Avoid](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/24/week-3-fantasy-football-match-ups-to-exploit-avoid/) - Week 3 of the fantasy football season is upon us! By now we are starting to get an idea about which of our preseason predictions might be panning out, and which ones might be duds. Legarrette Blount doesn’t appear able to spark a running game in Philadelphia, but Kareem Hunt might be a David Johnson
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 3 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/23/dfs-plays-nfl-week-3-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - With Thursday Night Football already behind us - and an entertaining one, at that - and an early Sunday morning game in London, we have 14 games ahead of us for a busy DFS Sunday - and Monday Night. As usual, with such a large slate, it is relatively easy to find matchups that set up
- [What a Difference Some Mumbo-Jumbo Can Make](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/22/difference-mumbo-jumbo-can-make/) - Hi Everyone, Tomas Laverty here from XN Sports. I'm just writing to let you know that the site should run a lot smoother from here on out. We changed our code language to reflect, well, the date, which is 2017. Suffice it to say, we've been living in the past for a while. Such is
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 3](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/21/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-3-2/) - 2017 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Read More: Week 3 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread Week 3 NFL Schedule
- [Week 3 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/20/week-3-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It should have ended in Week 2. It didn't. Let's be thankful. There is nothing more important in determining NFL picks against the point spread than perception, and overreactions are the typical driving force. Normally, they fizzle out after a second game. Not this year. Not yet. So much momentum was gained in 2016 by
- [Packers Dealing with Significant Injuries after Falcons Game](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/20/packers-dealing-significant-injuries-falcons-game/) - The Green Bay Packers were hoping to use Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons as a test to prove how good they are this season. Unfortunately, the Packers showed they still aren’t as good as the Falcons as they got humiliated in Atlanta’s home opener. Things went from bad to worse for the Packers as
- [Fantasy Football Help: Week 3 Edition](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/20/fantasy-football-help-week-3-edition/) - Randy Hammond (Twitter: @RandyTHJ) joins us this week to discuss some possible available options to help your fantasy football team. We take a look at some of the open competitions from a few teams as we try to figure out which players are more likely to get more opportunities and chances to succeed. Follow us
- [Week 3 NFL Schedule, Dates, Times and Network Listings](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/19/week-3-nfl-schedule-dates-times-network-listings/) - The week 3 NFL Schedule begins with a Thursday night matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams get a 49ers team that has scored just 12 points over their first two games -- and we're seeing a close opening betting line of -3 for the Rams. The New England
- [Week 2 Fantasy Football Player Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/17/week-2-fantasy-football-player-rankings/) - 2017 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Read More: Week 2 NFL Picks Against The Spread Week 2 Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit, Avoid Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/14/week-2-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Let's not be fooled. Week 1 is always one of my favorites for NFL picks against the point spread. There is literally an entire offseason to prepare for it, and most of the picks are made for me by the time I sit down to type out the explanations - they are directly related to the
- [Week 2 Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit, Avoid](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/17/week-2-matchups-fantasy-football-to-exploit-avoid/) - Fantasy Football returned in spectacular fashion last week and, as usual, the NFL landscape was not short on surprises. As if Kansas City’s lopsided victory in Foxborough wasn’t enough, we saw offense as a whole take a back seat as defenses dominated Week 1. Some of my picks last week did well — Zach Ertz,
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 2 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/16/dfs-plays-nfl-week-2-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - The second week of the NFL DFS season is naturally littered with 'bounceback' candidates galore, as each team tries to re-establish itself after only sixty minutes of play were used to define it. Thankfully, we did get some clarity about the top targets for a few teams, as well as witness the emergence of some
- [Fantasy Football Running Back Discussion](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/14/fantasy-football-running-backs/) - Mario Mergola joins us once again to talk fantasy football draft strategy. The guys also discuss the psychological aspects of drafts and how personalities might influence the way we select players. Also, we discuss the dynamic running back situations that are prevalent among certain teams, especially with the Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati
- [Week 2 NFL Schedule, Dates, Times and Network Listings](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/13/week-2-nfl-schedule-times-network-listings/) - After a week one in the NFL where fans saw sub par quarterback play throughout the league we get a potential rebound game in our Week 2 NFL Schedule with a great Drews Brees vs. Tom Brady matchup. Both teams will look to rebound from a disappointing week one to even their records to 1-1. Sunday
- [Week 1 Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit, Avoid](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/10/week-1-matchups-exploit-avoid/) - Andy Reid was faced with a difficult choice. The Chiefs were trailing 7-0 in Foxborough and a rowdy Gillette Stadium crowd was letting him have it. After seeing Tom Brady and Co. carve up the Kansas City defense on the first drive of the game, the Chiefs handed the ball to rookie running back Kareem
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 1 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/09/dfs-plays-nfl-week-1-dfs-game-by-game-analysis/) - As it does every year, Week 1 features a heavy list of teams about to shift perceptions of the football-watching community. This plays perfectly into the hands of daily fantasy football players, since salaries will need to catch up with the players' actual outputs. Now is the perfect time to buy-in - before the pop.
- [Fantasy Football 2017 Draft Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/07/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-1/) - 2017 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings ADP - Average Draft Position Read More: Week One NFL Picks Against the Point Spread Featured Image Credit: (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Fantasy Football: Value Picks For Last-Minute Drafts](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/06/value-picks-for-last-minute-drafts/) - They say good things come to those who wait. We’re just days away from the start of 2017 NFL season, with the Kansas City Chiefs squaring off in Foxborough with the Patriots on Thursday night. If you’ve waited this long to hold your fantasy football draft you’ve avoided drafting players like Julian Edelman, Cameron Meredith
- [The Men Up North: 2017 Fantasy Football League](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/07/men-north-2017-fantasy-football-league/) - In this episode of The Men Up North Podcast, the guys answer listener email questions in the first half of the show. In the second half of the show, they discuss their fantasy football draft that was held during Labor Day weekend. E-mail us at pathologicalhate@gmail.com. Read More: Week 1 NFL Picks Against The Point
- [Week 1 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/09/07/week-1-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Let's do it! This NFL picks against the point spread column has been far too long in the making, and it has some big shoes to fill - inflated by expectations. With that, it is the article with which I have the most anticipation to write. The one that will probably type itself faster than
- [Saving Baseball on the Radio: The Detroit Tigers' Dan Dickerson & Jim Price](https://xnsports.com/2015/08/22/dan-dickerson-and-jim-price/) - Detroit Tigers radio broadcasters Dan Dickerson and Jim Price keep a dying art alive.
- [What Happened to the 2013 Detroit Tigers?](https://xnsports.com/2013/10/20/happened-2013-detroit-tigers/) - The 2013 Detroit Tigers' season ended on Saturday night with a 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the ALCS. XN Sports' Tom Laverty fleshes out the Tigers weaknesses which came to haunt them in the playoffs.
- [All Night Long Wrestling Talk With Jake and Felipe](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/15/night-long-wrestling-talk-jake-felipe/) - In this episode of our wrestling podcast, Stall Talk's Jake Schwartz joins XN Sports contributor Felipe Melecio and talk some good ole-fashion rasslin. Be sure to follow us at the following platforms: --Follow Felipe on Twitter: @pathological_h8 --Follow XN Sports on Twitter: @XNSports --Listen to Jake's Stall Talk's podcast: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWfUAbG_lI&t=83s --Email us at pathologicalhate@gmail.com Topics
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 8/10/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/10/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-81017/) - We might as well keep it going. The picks had already been on fire lately - as noted in previous articles, over 58% accuracy for most of the time since the spreadsheet's final tweak at the end of June - but, they kicked into another gear these past two days. Two DFS articles, four games'
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 8/8/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/08/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-8817/) - I’m stepping back up to the plate as a pinch hitter for Colin today – flu-like symptoms (kidding, but he actually is sick) – to see if we can’t put together some winning DFS lineups. As always, I’ll be basing my decisions off my pitcher breakdown spreadsheet, which has been on an absolute tear since its
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 8/2/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/02/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-8217/) - The DraftKings gods are out to get me. I found a way to get both Sale and Scherzer into my lineup yesterday. You would think this wouldn't allow me to take anyone good, but I still had players like Morrison, Betts, Bogaerts, and Baez in my lineup. Not the best players this year but players
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 8/1/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/08/01/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-8117/) - MLB Trade Deadline has now passed and some big moves were made by contenders. The day was slow and then the Yankees made a splash picking up Sonny Gray, and didn't cost them that much. This looked to be the biggest move of the day, but at the very end the Dodgers acquired Yu Darvish.
- [2017 NFL Fantasy Football Mock Draft 1.0](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/31/2017-nfl-fantasy-football-mock-draft-1-0/) - In this episode of The Men Up North Podcast, we talk Fantasy Football and participate in our first mock draft as Felipe attempts to draft a championship-caliber squad from the #5 draft slot while Matt advises who to pick and who to avoid. Be sure to follow Felipe on Twitter: @pathological_h8 Follow XN Sports: @@XNSports
- [XN Sports Wrestling Podcast with Jake and Felipe](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/31/xn-sports-wrestling-podcast-jake-felipe/) - In this episode of the XN Sports Wrestling Podcast, Jake Schwartz from the Stall Talk Podcast joins Felipe as they randomly talk about topics from all over the wrestling universe, from the WWE, to Lucha Underground, across space and time. You can listen to Jake's podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWfUAbG_lI&t=78s Be sure to follow Felipe on
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/31/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/31/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-73117/) - Deadline Day in the MLB which will make lineups interesting. Make sure the player you take won't be on the move today. Sonny Gray is starting against the Giants, although a great play today it might not be the smartest as he could be on the move and scratched from the start. It's plays like
- [Fantasy Football: Overvaluing Rookie Runners](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/28/fantasy-football-overvaluing-rookie-runners/) - Do the thirty running backs that have been selected make the 2017 NFL Draft especially deep? Well, seeing as a third of the selected running backs are expected to have an immediate and drastic impact on fantasy football, this is definitely one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, at least for the running back
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/28/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/28/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72817/) - The Washington Nationals had a day yesterday. They had 8 home runs before the 4th inning and at one point they hit 4 in a row, popped out then hit another making it 5 home runs in 6 batters. Scherzer picked up his 12th win as he struck out 9 in 6 innings of work.
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/27/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/27/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72717/) - A beat down from Miami, a game where I loved Yu Darvish to actually play well, he decided to tank his trade value. Darvish went 3.2 innings allowing 9 hits and 10 earned. Texas didn't play badly as they scored 10 runs but it was nothing to match Miami's 22 runs. Devers the 3rd baseman
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/25/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/25/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72517/) - Another day in the MLB with not too many stories coming out of the league. Bellinger hit a clutch home run to help the Dodgers get back on their winning track. Stanton continues his home run hitting ways as he is putting up a record setting July and now has 7 multi home run games
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/24/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/24/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72417/) - A lot of news around the league last night from big time pitchers. Starting with the good news, Kluber had a massive game as he struck out 14 to help the Indians complete the sweep. Kluber has been huge since he came back from the DL, and could put some pressure on Sale for the
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/21/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/21/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72117/) - Not many stories coming out of the MLB last night as there was a small slate of games. The Dodgers finally lost as the Braves ended their win streak at 11. Other than that there are just trade rumors where Sonny Gray is going to land. While watching T.V. yesterday I also heard that Justin
- [The Men Up North - Yankees And White Sox Trade](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/20/men-north-yankees-white-sox-trade/) - Photo Credit: Keith Allison/C.C 2.0
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/20/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/20/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-72017/) - A big night for Colorado Rockies as they pounded the Padres 18-4. Arenado had a monster night where he went 5-6 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs. His 3 home runs came in three straight at bats which is remarkable. If the Rockies are able to make the playoffs, Arenado will be in the
- [Reds Pitcher Luis Castillo is Worth a Spot on your Fantasy Team](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/19/reds-pitcher-luis-castillo-worth-spot-fantasy-team/) - A lot of fantasy baseball fans are skeptical about taking untested pitchers because they fear the young pitchers will get exposed in the majors and cost them valuable fantasy points they would have had if they picked a veteran player instead. Unfortunately for those guys, that isn’t always the case. If you want to bet
- [The Men Up North - AL Mid-Season Review](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/19/men-north-al-mid-season-review/) - On this episode of THE MEN UP NORTH sports podcast, the guys review the first half of baseball and preview the second half of baseball as they make predictions for the rest of the season. Featured Image Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr C.C 2.0
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/19/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/19/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-71917/) - Trade winds are circling in the Bronx as the Yankees landed Todd Frazier and two arms from the White Sox bullpen. The Yankees are giving up Blake Rutherford who was their 1st pick in 2016 and the No-3 ranked prospect in their system. It seems like a lot to give up since Frazier has an
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/18/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/18/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-71817/) - Not many stories coming out of the league last night. Strasburg has a monster game as expected, Stanton mashed two home runs nothing too crazy there. Harvey and Thor are both throwing for the first time since their injuries.The Mets are 10 games back and it might be too little too late. They will have
- [The Men Up North - NL Mid Season Review by XN Sports](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/17/men-north-nl-mid-season-review-xn-sports/)
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/14/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/14/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-71417/) - The second half of the season gets underway after a nice All-Star Break. The MLB is lucky the Home Run Derby was a success because the All-Star game itself was extremely boring. We are kicking this second half the right way with Free Line Up Friday. Click here to find out who gets my midseason
- [Should Cubs Consider Making Trades Before Deadline?](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/12/cubs-consider-making-trades-deadline/) - The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title in over 100 years last season, breaking the longest championship drought in baseball. This year, the Cubs were expected to repeat as champs and had the MLB lines for the season. However, things haven’t gone quite as planned for the Cubs who find themselves looking up
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/7/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/07/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-7717/) - Chris Sale set the record for the Boston Red Sox for the most double digit strikeout games before the All-Star Break. Only Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson had more that Sale does. However after missing his target a couple of times Sale gave up two long balls that ended up forcing him to get the
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/6/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/06/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-7617/) - What if I told you Alex Wood picked up a win, Aaron Judge hit a home run, and the Phillies lost a game? You would say it was just another night in the MLB-which is absolutely correct. Not many stories coming out of the league except that Morrison and Sanchez are arguing who should be
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 7/5/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/07/05/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-7517/) - A lot of action occurred last night around the league on Independence Day. Kershaw and Price looked like the stars that they are, Judge hit a laser of a home run, and the Astros put up a ton of runs. Nothing too surprising there, but what has to be the most surprising, or disappointing thing
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/30/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/30/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-63017/) - Before we take a look back at last night and get into Free Line Up Friday, I want everyone to take a look at my team from last night. I put in a nice .25 Cent team hoping to win a couple of dollars to play for free today. I was just outside the money
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/29/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/29/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-62917/) - You never know what you are missing in life until it is gone. Let me tell you, don't take your internet for granted. I am one to say, "I can live without my smart phone" or " I don't need internet". Well my internet has been down since Sunday and trust me, you can't live
- [2017 MLB All-Star Campaign Season: Left Field and Right Field](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/29/2017-mlb-star-campaign-season-left-field-right-field/) - We end our campaigning of the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as we focus on the corner outfield positions. TERMS TO KNOW We will be using Felipe’s Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings (or FUBAR for short–a ranking system that utilizes advanced stats almost exclusively). Here’s what we’ve done so far: First and Third Base Catchers and Center
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/28/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/28/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-62817/) - Our main MLB DFS writer, Colin, has been without the internet for the past few days - a horrible fate in this day-and-age - so I'm stepping in to cover for him on this busy Wednesday. As usual, I will be using my pitcher breakdown spreadsheet to make my DFS decisions, so let's get right to it! (I'm
- [2017 MLB All-Star Campaign Season: Second Base and Shortstop](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/28/2017-mlb-star-campaign-season-second-base-shortstop/) - Time is running out on the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game fan vote. We are here to help you decide (assuming you are indeed undecided) which players to vote for. We focused on middle infield today. TERMS TO KNOW We will be using Felipe’s Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings (or FUBAR for short–a ranking system that
- [2017 MLB All-Star Campaign Season: First and Third Base](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/27/2017-mlb-star-campaign-season-first-third-base/) - We're getting closer to the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star deadline as we try to help you decide on those last-minute ballots. TERMS TO KNOW We will be using Felipe’s Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings (or FUBAR for short–a ranking system that utilizes advanced stats almost exclusively). We've already ranked the pitchers. We've also ranked the catchers
- [2017 MLB All-Star Campaign Season: Catchers and Center Fielders](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/23/2017-mlb-star-campaign-season-catchers-center-fielders/) - We continue our statistical breakdown of every position as we get ready for the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. We previously ranked the pitchers and now we focus on catchers and center fielders. TERMS TO KNOW We will be using Felipe’s Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings (or FUBAR for short–a ranking system that utilizes advanced stats
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/22/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/22/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-62217/) - Max Scherzer goes 8 innings, allows two hits, two runs - none were earned - and he picked up the loss. He struck out 11 and is now 1 behind Sale for the league lead. This is a tough pill to swallow as Scherzer has to get that win. Whether it's manufacturing small ball, stealing
- [2017 MLB All-Star Campaign Season: The Pitchers](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/22/2017-mlb-star-campaign-season-pitchers/) - We are officially past the first day of summer and All-Star voting is heating up in the American League and the National League. Voting ends on June 29th. We start our annual look at All-Star campaigning season with pitchers. Yes, we are aware pitchers aren't voted upon as they are selected by the managers and coaches. Regardless,
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/20/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/20/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-62017/) - Not too many stories coming out of the league last night. Kershaw picked up another win and had 10 strikeouts, however he let up 6 runs which is very un-Kershaw like. The Miami Marlins had a major comeback and beat the Nationals after they were down early. A grand slam tied the game and they
- [Conor McGregor Match Against Floyd Mayweather will be an Uphill Battle](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/16/conor-mcgregor-match-floyd-mayweather-will-uphill-battle/) - Will Conor McGregor be the one to finally put a stop to Floyd Mayweather’s dominance? That is definitely a difficult ask and the official Mayweather vs McGregor betting odds bear that out. After all, how many sports stars have come before Conor, each of them looking to dethrone Floyd but ultimately failing? Canelo Alvarez probably
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/16/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/16/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-61617/) - Chris Sale took the Phillies into the 8th inning, allowed 4 hits, 1 run, and struck out 10. Sale picked up the loss in this one as the Red Sox gave him absolutely nothing. The game was on the line and Sandoval struck out on 3 pitches on what were all atrocious swings. That's a
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/15/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/15/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-61517/) - Anthony Rizzo has made Cubs history as he is the first player to ever hit leadoff home runs in his first to starts in the 1 hole. He took Harvey deep off of the first pitch of the game and it looked like the Mets were in for a long day. They were able to
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/14/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/14/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-61417/) - A breakout night for the Twins as they hung 20 on the Mariners. The Twins did that on an astounding 28 hits which is a franchise record. The Twins aren't a great team so stacking a lot of their players would be a move only Twin fans would probably do. Golden Corral is going to
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/13/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/13/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-61317/) - The MLB Draft took place last night as teams load up on high school talent that we won't see on the big league diamond for another 5 years. Other than that there weren't many stories coming out of the league. Huge shout out to Jameson Tallion who picked up the win in his first game
- [Orioles Try to Close the Gap Against AL East Leading Yankees](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/09/orioles-try-close-gap-al-east-leading-yankees/) - The Baltimore Orioles will try to close the distance between them and the AL East leading New York Yankees when they face off in a three game series this weekend. A series that also has some intrigue in the MLB betting world. Coming into the season, the Orioles were one of the favorites to win
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/9/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/09/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6917/) - Not too many stories coming out of the MLB last night. Keuchel is headed back to the DL which will be a tough break for the Astros. If he wasn't injured this season he could be 13-0 right now. The Yankees proved how good they were this week by taking the series from the Red
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/8/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/08/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6817/) - The Kershaw-Strasburg game was exactly what we expected. Kershaw came out on top and picked up the win moving to 8-2 on the season. The Rockies are looking strong this year however I think the Dodgers and Nationals will be in the NLCS this year. The Red Sox got dominated by the Yankees last night
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/7/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/07/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6717/) - Scooter Gennet not only has an awesome name but he had him self a night-seriously Scooter is a top 5 name in the world. As you already know, Scooter had 5 hits last night, 4 were home runs and he had 10 runs batted in. He put up 71 points in Draft Kings. My entire
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/6/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/06/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6617/) - The Houston Astros are on fire. Eyeing their 12th win in a row the team is now 40-16! They are playing out of their minds and look to be the favorite in the AL this year. Yet I still think the Astros are underrated. They don't get the hype the Yankees or Red Sox do
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/5/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/05/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6517/) - We had an exciting weekend in baseball. The headline comes from Albert Pujols as he hit a grand slam for his 600th home run. However the Pujols news wasn't as loud as we've seen past home run milestone such as Bonds and A-Rod. I'm not sure if it's the NBA and NHL finals taking away
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/2/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/02/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6217/) - Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot, but Gary Sanchez does. The young Yankee catcher hit two long balls last night in Toronto as he begins to find his groove after coming back from injury. The Yankees won big over the Blue Jays in a game I thought the Blue Jays would score more.
- [Fantasy Football Writers Wanted!](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/02/fantasy-football-writers-wanted/) - XN Sports is looking to increase its readership and by that doing that we are looking for your help. We are looking for talented minds. You don't have to have a background in journalism, we are looking for writers to be creative and inventive with their analysis. XN Sports has been around the block and
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 6/1/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/06/01/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-6117/) - June is here and Mr. Met has gone rogue. Last night a video surfaced of him giving a fan the middle finger. All the Met supporters were saying "he doesn't have a middle finger" but you know what his intentions were when he did that. The Mets have enough to deal with, and now they
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/31/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/31/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-53117/) - Pujols watch is now on, as he is 1 home run away from hitting number 600. Playing for the L.A. Angels is where careers go to die, however Pujols is putting them on the map. Let's be honest, as soon as Pujols he went there he wasn't the star that he was. Vlad Guerrero was
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/30/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/30/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-53017/) - We have our first real brawl of the MLB season. Pretty Boy Bryce Harper charged the mound after being hit by a pitch. Apparently Harper was hit by the pitch because of a home run he hit in 2014. Harper charged the mound and may have had the worst helmet toss of all time. Also
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/26/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/26/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52617/) - It's Memorial Day Weekend, which in my mind is the start of summer, which also is the the true start of baseball. This is the time of the year where trade rumors start to begin and teams start to pull away in the standings. One player that should be on the move is Jeff Samardzija.
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/25/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/25/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52517/) - The streak is over, Chris Sale failed to strike out double digit batters last night. He was able to pick up the win as the Red Sox put up 9 runs, despite not having a home run. This has to feel like a good series for Boston as they now look to sweep the team
- [Fantasy Baseball Analytics : Ultimate Zone Rating](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/25/fantasy-baseball-analytics-uzr/) - Fantasy baseball analytics: What in the world is Ultimate Zone Rating? Defense wins championships. Always has. Always will. This is not a cliche, it is fact, in all team sports. A hockey team that can’t keep the puck out of its own net will not succeed long-term. Likewise for a football team that can’t stop
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/24/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/24/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52417/) - What a performance by Clayton Kershaw last night. He went 9 innings striking out 10 and only allowed 1 run. Unfortunately Kershaw was unable to pick up the win because Lynn also pitched lights out. The game went 13 innings and there was 7 total hits in the game. That had to be one of
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/23/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/23/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52317/) - Not too many stories coming out of the league last night. As we know, Trout is having a monster year to the point where it's being asked if teams should walk him with bases loaded. At this point in the season, I would have to agree and walking Trout with the bases loaded isn't a
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/22/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/22/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52217/) - ALL RISE, Court is now is session. If you haven't seen it by now go and watch the play Aaron Judge made last night. The kid can do it all, he is Superman. Some how he is making acrobatic plays in the outfield while he is bigger than New England Patriots Tight End, Rob Gronkowski.
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/20/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/20/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-52017/) - I'm back... huge shoutout to Mario for stepping in for me while I was gone. I haven't watched a lot of baseball over the last two days, but coming back I can see nothing has changed. Chris Sale is a freak that can't get any run support from the guys behind him. The most earned
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/19/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/19/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51917/) - I'm back in the batter's box one more time before he returns to action tomorrow and, like yesterday, I will be basing my picks on the results of my pitcher breakdown spreadsheet - which, I'm proud to say, nailed Sam Gaviglio as a huge bargain play. In addition, the spreadsheet houses my baseball picks, which
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/11/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/11/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51117/) - Sunday is the day all Boston fans should have marked on their calendars. David Price is making his first rehab start in Triple A. Price coming back will be huge for Boston, as they trail the Yanks and O's in the standings. Price was dealing with a shoulder injury and anything from shoulder injuries to
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/18/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/18/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-for-51817/) - I'll be pinch-hitting today for Colin and, really, returning to my former role - I wrote the MLB DFS columns here on XN Sports, last year. This year, I have been honing my pitcher breakdown spreadsheet - just released on Monday - which I use as the foundation of my daily fantasy baseball lineups. Every
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/15/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/15/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51517/) - Not many headlines coming from the league last night, so we will take a quick look at Chris Sale's start from two nights ago. I didn't write about it yesterday because Jeter had the day, but Sale had another double digit strike out game. He now has 85 strike outs in 8 games this year
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/17/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/17/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51717/) - I'm not even going to waste your time with a recap from last night. Madden got his 1000th win, and that's the headline. Wednesday is where the stars align on the mound. There are so many good pitchers taking us into the day, I'm licking my chops looking at them. Buckle up, enter multiple teams, here
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/16/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/16/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51617/) - DraftKings has introduced a new mode called "Arcade Mode". It is a unique game mode that I don't hate. In arcade mode you pick only 1 pitcher and 5 hitters. The hitters can be any position, 5 outfielders, or 5 catchers what ever you want to do. However you can't stack players you can only
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/12/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/12/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51217/) - We almost got to see our first no-hitter of the season last night, as Greinke destroyed the Pirates. They finally broke through with their only hit of the game which was a home run. Poor Gerrit Cole lost again as he got no run support and pitched very well. Look for him to maybe be
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/10/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/10/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-51017/) - The Harvey Saga continues in Queens as his relationship with the Mets spirals out of control. Met fans are sick of him because he hasn't backed up his actions over the past year. Ever since the World Series where he couldn't close the door on the Royals he hasn't been the same pitcher. After not
- [NFL Draft Recap Show](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/10/nfl-draft-recap-show/) - Matt and Randy break down the NFL draft and give their thoughts on who were the big winners and who lost. From topics of the Chicago Bears moving up one spot and giving up some of their picks to the New York Giants ignoring their offensive line. They will break it down to give you
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/9/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/09/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5917/) - The New York Yankees continue to win. After last night's victory, they now have the best win percentage in baseball. This makes me sick: the Yankees weren't suppose to be good this year. They have done it without two key components in Bird and Sanchez, too. The Yankees are rumored to land Bryce Harper when he
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/8/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/08/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5817/) - The Sunday Night Baseball game went 18 innings last night as the Cubs and Yankees battled it out. Chapman blew a save last night as he drilled Anthony Rizzo in the wrist and walked in the tying run. This sparked a major debate all over twitter on who is a better closer, Chapman or Wade
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/5/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/05/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5517/) - Bryce Harper left yesterday's game to avoid a precautionary injury to his groin. He is now listed as day to day, which is okay because the Nationals have depth. However, if Harper wants to make the most money possible when he's a free agent he can't be coming off an injury. It will be important
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/4/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/04/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5417/) - Well, it happened in Boston, Gausman hit Bogaerts with a pitch and he was tossed making Baltimore have to go to their bullpen early. I don't think Gausman meant to hit Bogaerts, it was just a curveball that got away. However, both teams knew what they were coming into and he got tossed. Aaron
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/3/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/03/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5317/) - What a night in Boston, there were a ton of stories we can look at. The game started with a standing ovation for Adam Jones. However after that Sale took the show over. He fanned the first five batters on his way to another game with double digit strike outs. In the first inning Sale
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/2/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/02/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5217/) - Now that the first month of the season is over, it is time to start casting your votes for the All-Star team. I always thought the MLB allows the voting to start way too early, but it's their way to drum up attention for the game. Also, the fact that this game determines who gets
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 5/1/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/05/01/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-5117/) - Pennants can't be won in the first month, but they can be lost. The first month of the season is over and there are some teams that look to be in deep water. The Mets seem to be finished as the news came out today that Thor has a torn Lat Muscle. On top of
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/29/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/29/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42917/) - The ball was flying in Yankee Stadium last night, as Manny Machado hit the longest home run of the season - 470 feet. Judge had another home run that had the fastest exit velocity of the season. However the real excitement came when the Yankees scored 3 in the 9th to tie and then won
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/28/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/28/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42817/) - The Met fans are hitting the panic button. Syndergaard got scratched due to a tired arm and Cespedes goes down with another hamstring injury. These aren't season-ending injuries but hamstring injuries could be nagging and take a while to fully heal. Syndergaard with a tired arm already would scare me a little bit. The Mets
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/27/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/27/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42717/) - Happy birthday Aaron Judge! The 6-foot-8 monster celebrated his 25th birthday in style on Tuesday night. He had a home run and made a catch jumping into the stands. There wasn't a lot of other news around the league last night so we will dip into the minors. Tim Tebow has racked up 9 hits
- [An Argument for Montréal Keeping Alex Galchenyuk](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/27/an-argument-for-montreal-keeping-alex-galchenyuk/) - It was a tough year for Alex Galchenyuk. Following up a first-time 30-goal campaign was never going to be easy, but with Phillip Danault not yet proven, Tomas Plekanec on the downside of his career, and a lack of other clear top center options, the Habs needed him to at least come close to repeating
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/26/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/26/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-for-42617/) - Big news coming out of Miami last night, as it looks like Derek Jeter will become the new team owner. He and Governor Jeb Bush won an auction for the Marlins, and the final step is that they have to be approved by 75% of the other owners. We had some big action on the
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/25/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/25/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-for-42517/) - If you're a baseball fan, chances are you love the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, no matter what team you root for. In the past, those games were amazing, from Sheffield hitting moonshots off Wakefield over the monster, David Ortiz dismantling Mariano in the '04 playoffs, or the Yankee
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/24/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/24/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42417/) - Yesterday we had some great games around the league. The best headline came from Pittsburgh as Ivan Nova let up his first walk of the 2017 season. Of course the walk came against the Yankees' pitcher who was in his first career at-bat. Aside from that, Nova went 7 strong innings, helping the Pirates prevail in
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/23/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/23/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42317/) - Yesterday the Nationals picked up their 6th win in a row as they beat the Mets. Bryce Harper is having an unreal season, proving he deserves the biggest contract in MLB history this offseason. The O's beat the Red Sox, taking Wright out of the game by the 3rd inning. The back end of Boston's
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/20/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/20/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-42017/) - We had some big scores in the DFS world on Wednesday. Bryce Harper had a monster night putting up 46 points. Harper has always been incredible, but this year he is on a different level. Kershaw and Vargas both had stellar nights on the mound. At $5300 I hope you had Vargas, as he was
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/19/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/19/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41917/) - Last night, there were a ton of headlines in the baseball world. Starling Marte from the Pirates was suspended for 80 games for PED use. The Pirates were already struggling this year and this does not help their cause. The Yankees finally lost at home as the White Sox topped them 4-1. In my eyes,
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/18/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/18/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41817/) - Last night, the Yankees won again, picking up their 8th consecutive victory. That is very impressive considering how young they are and the lack of pitching. They are hitting the ball well, especially at home - where they haven't lost. Boston took down the Rays, where their closer had one less strike out than their
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/17/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/17/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41717/) - NBA and NHL Playoffs have started which means baseball starts to take a backseat in mainstream the world of sports. However it's Patriots Day, which means Boston and Tampa Bay took the field at 11 A.M. today. Below are the plays from the remaining games on Monday night: Low-Scoring Play Milwaukee Brewers @ Chicago Cubs
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/15/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/15/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41517/) - The weekend is here and every team is in action. Porcello was the wrong play last night as the Rays stuck it to him. Kansas City showed some strong offense against the Angels. We have some big pitchers on the mound tonight that could put up some major points. Low-Scoring Play Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/14/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/14/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41417/) - Rise and shine it’s free lineup Friday! Last night we had some great games. I spent my night watching a AA game at the Trenton Thunder playing the Portland Sea Dogs. It’s not a MLB game but it felt good to be back at a ball park. Cespedes went yard for the Mets again and
- [DFS Plays: NFL Conference Championship DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/19/dfs-plays-nfl-conference-daily-fantasy-football/) - Sunday features our last multi-game slate of the 2016 NFL season and, with it, our final game-by-game analysis for months. Thankfully, there appears to be no shortage of offensive firepower on teams who appear to have taken their muscle building supplements between the four teams in play. Of course, this requires taking a risk when selecting
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/13/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/13/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41317/) - It's travel day across MLB, so we don't have a full slate, but we'll take any baseball we can get. Looking back to yesterday, New York is heating up. The Yankees have been sticking it to the Rays all week, and Cespedes has put the Mets on his back and ran through the Phillies. Last
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/12/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/12/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41217/) - Tuesday was a great day around the league. Cespedes was the play last night as he went deep three times as the Mets blew out the Phillies. Murphy showed up to play leading the Nationals to another victory as they are now 4-1 at home. Bryce Harper didn’t have a lot of opportunities as he
- [2017 Week 2 Fantasy Baseball Help: The Injuries!](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/12/2017-week-2-fantasy-baseball-help-injuries/) - Sporfolio owner Mario Mergola (follow him on Twitter: @MarioMergola and @sporfolio), joins Felipe (@pathological_h8) on XN SPORTS Podcast (@XNSports) once again to help your fantasy baseball team overcome the current slew of injuries that have occurred to very key ball players in this young baseball season. Topics discussed in this episode: --Chris Young vs Brock
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/11/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/11/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41117/) - With another day in the books, more headlines emerge. Chris Sale had another great outing, however, the lack of run support by Boston lead Sale to pick up his first loss on the season. Will Myers had a terrific night at the plate. He legged out a triple in the 8th inning to become the second Padre ever to hit for the
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/10/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/10/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-41017/) - Another day, another chance to win in your MLB DFS tournaments. There are 10 games happening over the course of Monday, with some great pitchers taking the mound. The Chicago Cubs finally get to play in front of their fans and celebrate the accomplishments from last year. What Theo Epstein has done in Boston and
- [Would You Rather Have LeBron or Curry Going Into the Playoffs?](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/09/lebron-curry-lebron-curry-mvp/) - About three years ago, if you were to ask any NBA savant who they’d rather have between Stephen Curry and LeBron James, you’re question would be met with blank stares, exasperated grumbles or elementary school-octave laughs. Fast forward to now, in 2017, and that’s not the case. Yes, LeBron is better. He’s 32 years old
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/9/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/09/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-4917/) - We have reached the end of the first full week of baseball, and we have our first full Sunday slate of action. Some highlights from Saturday include a 17-run outburst by the Phillies - 12 in the first inning - losses by both Kershaw and Bumgarner, and another impressive performance by the Rays. Let's get right back
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/8/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/08/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-4817/) - The MLB season is now a week old, and pitchers are getting their second starts. We should start to get a better idea of how these pitchers are looking the second time around. Today should be a great day as both Kershaw and Bumgarner are on the hill. Almost impossible to afford together in a
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/7/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/07/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-4717/) - We have a full slate of games taking us into the weekend. Hopefully you jumped on the Puig Train early this year. His price has rose on DraftKings after hitting two home runs last night. Puig was asked how he felt about everything that happened with the Dodgers so far in his career. His response
- [XN Sports Podcast Reviews Wrestlemania 33](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/07/xn-sports-podcast-reviews-wrestlemania-33/) - Randy Hammond (Twitter: rthammondjr@gmail.com) joins Felipe Melecio (Twitter: @pathological_h8) once again to review Wrestlemania Sunshine (33), Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live as they try to figure which direction the WWE will be heading in with the upcoming "Superstar Shakeup." The guys kick off the show by criticizing Triple H defending the terrible booking job
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/6/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/06/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-4617/) - The highlight of last night occurred at Fenway Park. Chris Sale was the most hyped up pitcher in Boston since Pedro arrived, and man did he deliver. He didn't pick up the win as they went into extra's but it was an impressive start. We have 13 games on tap for Thursday, April 5th. Teams
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/5/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/05/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-for-4517/) - Opening weeks continues with every team in action on Wednesday. There will be a lot of different options when making your roster. Almost every team has pitched their ace already so #2 and #3 starters will take the hill. Last night we saw Jake Arrieta and Justin Verlander have strong outings. The Yankees lineup looked
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/4/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/04/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-for-4417/) - Day two is in the books and now everyone now has a game under their belts. The New York Mets and L.A. Dodgers had the strongest performance of their opening days. Lucas Duda drove in a couple of runs for the Mets which is a good sign, seeing as he missed a large portion of last season.
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/3/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/03/daily-fantasy-baseball-plays-4317/) - Day one is over and it was great to see the ballparks filled again. Sunday had excitement all around it, which was highlighted by Madison Bumgarner. Although the Giants lost, Bumgarner made history by being the only pitcher to hit two home runs on opening day, and he now leads the league in both strike
- [Daily Fantasy Baseball Plays for 4/2/17](https://xnsports.com/2017/04/02/mlb-dfs-plays-4217/) - Foul lines are being chalked and hot dogs are being prepared, which can only mean one thing: Opening Day is here! We are in for a great season, with three games slated for Sunday, April 2nd. New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals
- [XN Sports Podcast: Wrestlemania 33 Preview](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/27/66272/) - "Everything I know about life I learned from Wrestling." Randy Hammond (Twitter: @RandyTHJ) returns to join Felipe Melecio (@pathological_h8) in this week's episode of the podcast as they preview Wrestlemania 33. Other topics of discussion: --Hardy Boys vs Usos at Wrestlemania for tag team titles? --Finn Balor needs a new gimmick? --Ring of Honor (ROH)
- [Baseball Picks & Predictions : Expert Baseball Picks](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/19/baseball-picks-predictions-expert-baseball-picks/) - World Series Predictions David Ortiz’s decorated 20-year career is slowly winding down, but Big Papi may get the chance to leave the majors in style this fall. The 40-year-old, who at the beginning of the season announced that the 2016 campaign would be his last, is having a career year and is one of the
- [Murph's Musings: Blame The Referees For Embellishment, Not Just NHL Players](https://xnsports.com/2014/05/26/murphs-musings-blame-referees-embellishment-just-nhl-players/) - The Montreal Canadiens have gotten a lot of heat for embellishment but the real blame lies on the shoulders of the referees.
- [Will The Safety Lights Ever Go On For The NHL?](https://xnsports.com/2013/12/26/will-safety-lights-ever-go-nhl/) - If the NHL doesn’t do something to slow the game down soon, it will be the speed of the game -- not fighting -- that gives the modern NHL it’s first casualty on the ice.
- [Murph's Musings: The Boston Marathon and Memories from 2013](https://xnsports.com/2014/01/02/murphs-musings-boston-marathon-memories-2013/) - James Murphy recounts some of the biggest stories he covered in 2013.
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings: Outfield](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/12/2017-fantasy-baseball-player-rankings-outfield/) - EXP–Consensus Expert Rankings per Fantasy Pros ADP–Average Draft Position per Fantasy Pros CON–Expert plus ADP rankings divided by two. DYN–Dynasty/Keeper rankings per Fantasy Pros Red–Age concern/warning Blue–Possibly Overrated/Overvalued Green–Possibly Underrated/Undervalued Orange–Value raised Dynasty/Keeper leagues Sign Up For Sporfolio to Get Mario Mergola's MLB DFS Strategy Advice and Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks Read More: 2017 Fantasy
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball Random Draft Questions](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/11/2017-fantasy-baseball-random-draft-questions/) - Mario joins Felipe on this episode of the podcast to talk fantasy baseball as the guys discuss their favorite positions to draft early and the positions they are willing to wait in later rounds. Mario makes a big announcement that his first book on Fantasy Baseball will be available on Amazon very soon. The guys
- [The Future of Drones in Sports](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/11/future-drones-sports/) - Recently, Intel's drones made a huge appearance on a big time stage. During the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon used Intel's Asc Tec Neo drone to assist him in performing one of his dunks. This was an historic moment, as it was the first time that a drone has been used
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings: Catcher](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/10/2017-fantasy-baseball-player-rankings-catcher/) - Felipe Melecio offers his 2017 fantasy baseball player rankings for catchers to help daily fantasy baseball owners prepare for the 2017 fantasy baseball draft.
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings: Shortstop](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/08/2017-fantasy-baseball-player-rankings-shortstop/) - Felipe Melecio ranks MLB shortstops in his player ranking series to help fantasy baseball owners prepare for their 2017 fantasy baseball drafts.
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball: Second Base Player Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/07/2017-fantasy-baseball-second-base-player-rankings/) - EXP--Consensus Expert Rankings per Fantasy Pros ADP--Average Draft Position per Fantasy Pros CON--Expert plus ADP rankings divided by two. DYN--Dynasty/Keeper rankings per Fantasy Pros Red--Age concern/warning Blue--Possibly Overrated/Overvalued Green--Possibly Underrated/Undervalued Orange--Value raised Dynasty/Keeper leagues Sign Up For Sporfolio for season-long daily fantasy baseball picks and strategy advice
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball: First Base Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2017/03/06/2017-fantasy-baseball-first-base-rankings/) - On this episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, Matt and Felipe talk first base rankings for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. Email us at pathologicalhate@gmail.com Featured Image Credit: Tyler Bolken / Flickr. C.C 2.0
- [2017 Fantasy Baseball: Third Base Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2017/02/23/2017-fantasy-baseball-third-base-rankings/) - Mario Mergola joins Felipe Melecio to break down third base rankings for the 2017 MLB fantasy baseball season. Follow Mario on Twitter @MarioMergola Follow Felipe on Twitter @pathological_h8 Email at pathologicalhate@gmail.com Featured Image Credit: By MBDChicago on Flickr [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Jaromir Jagr Enters NHL History with 1,900 Points](https://xnsports.com/2017/02/17/jaromir-jagr-enters-nhl-history-1900-points/) - Jaromir Jagr has become the second player ever to score 1,900 points in the NHL. What’s even greater is that his achievement happened on the day he turned 45, which makes him one of the oldest players to ever laced his NHL skates. Too bad SBAT's Sky super 6 tips doesn’t include hockey. Currently Jaromir
- [NHL All-Stars are Announced](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/11/nhl-all-stars-are-announced/) - On Tuesday, the NHL announced the rosters for the 2017 NHL All-Star game. The contest (and skills competition before it) will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 29th, and the rosters certainly have lots of star power fit for Hollywood. As fans will well be aware, the NHL All-Star game
- [NHL 2016-2017 Season: Division-by-Division](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/20/nhl-2016-2017-season-division-division/) - http://cinesport.xnsports.tempurl.host/embed/xnsports-national-sports/marian-hossa-scores-500th-nhl-goal/#titles=on;nolink=on;autostart=off; We're a week into the 2016-17 NHL season. Time to make some much too early predictions based on what we've seen so far. Here's a division by division breakdown. Metropolitan The Metropolitan was the only division to have four teams with at least 100 points. It also had the Stanley Cup winner and the
- [2017 NBA Progress Report: MVP and Title Contention Race](https://xnsports.com/2017/02/03/2017-nba-progress-report-mvp-title-contention-race/) - The Reverend Robert joins Felipe in discussing the NBA MVP race as we nominate 11 candidates for the award. We also discuss the possibility of any other teams in the Eastern Conference that can legitimately defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs. Likewise, we discuss the potential that a Western Conference team can dethrone
- [Three Strange Super Bowl 51 Prop Bets](https://xnsports.com/2017/02/01/three-strange-super-bowl-51-prop-bets/) - It's that time of year again. No, not just the two weeks of Super Bowl analysis we must endure until we forget there's an actual game to play. Of course we'll have the traditional bets like we can get with Super Bowl betting offers with Betstars, but it's that great time of year we get to
- [How To Pick A Super Bowl Winner: Five Key Predictors](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/31/pick-super-bowl-winner-five-key-predictors/) - The Super Bowl is the biggest sports betting event in North America, creating incredible volumes of shifting cash on an annual basis. Office pools, bar bets, grudge wagers, Vegas action and sportsbook activity all spike, as casual and hardcore football line up to prove their ability to pick a winner. Since the 1980s, NFL bettors
- [Super Bowl 51 Primer](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/26/super-bowl-51-primer/) - A review of the Championship Week and a primer for the Super Bowl. Listen to the guys talk about Chris Hogan running wild on you brother! By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [The Craziest Gambling Stories In Sports](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/25/craziest-gambling-stories-sports/) - If following your favorite football, baseball or basketball team wasn’t exhilarating enough, take a look at how these sports stars made some crazy gambles on their careers with some insane sports bets and wild poker sessions! Charles Barkley This dominating power forward certainly made an impression on the basketball court during his time with the
- [2017 Royal Rumble Preview](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/24/2017-royal-rumble-preview/) - Special guest Michael Clifford takes a break from his fantasy hockey endeavors to talk about some good ole fashioned Rasslin with host Felipe Melecio. The guys talk about their memories on how they got into the sport, when they stopped watching, and when they watched again. They also reminisce about World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as
- [Podacst: A look at the 2017 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/20/2017-baseball-hall-of-fame/) - Felipe Melecio brings in guest and XN SPORTS podcast pioneer, Mario Mergola and they talk about the inductions into the baseball Hall of Fame of Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Bagwell, and Tim Raines. They guys also talk about the players who did not make the cut and try to figure out why the committee did not
- [NFL Championship Week and NFL Draft Preview](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/19/nfl-championship-week-nfl-draft-preview/) - The guys give advice on championship weekend in the NFL and who you should look at to win the big games. What position do you need to win? Well take a listen and they will break it down. Photo Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr CC 2.0
- [Conference Championship NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/19/conference-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - The finish line is in sight. Four teams, three games, and two weekends of play to decide one champion. By now, we have weeded out the weak. The Texans and injury-riddled Dolphins and Raiders are eliminated. The Cowboys' defense and Giants' offense led to exits in each team's first game. And the Seahawks and Chiefs
- [Baseball Hall of Fame Talk: First and Third Basemen](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/10/baseball-hall-of-fame/) - Felipe and Robert talk about the baseball Hall of Fame in terms of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) to establish a new way of looking at the greatest baseball players (since 1946) and establish a new, virtual hall of fame, which attempts to look at players as objectively as possible. In this episode, they focus on
- [DFS Plays: NFL Divisional Round DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/12/dfs-plays-nfl-divisional-daily-fantasy-football/) - The final four-game slate of NFL action is upon us and, unlike last week, we actually have a somewhat competitive set of matchups. After four games decided by no fewer than 13 points - all by the home teams, too - we can assume that most of the weaker teams were weeded out in the
- [Divisional Round NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/12/divisional-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - The Divisional Round of the postseason is largely considered one of the best weekends of the year. All four of the top seeds from the league will be back in action, and there are more games played on Saturday and Sunday than the remaining schedule of the playoffs, combined. More matchups should bring more competitive
- [Wrestling Awards 2016](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/07/wwe-wrestling-awards-2016/) - The Men Up North bring you the very first installment of their 2016 Wrestling Awards. They cover all the promotions and give insightful and wonderful awards. Someone will receive a wonderfully broken award. Featured Image Credit: By Simon from United Kingdom [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [DFS Plays: NFL Wild Card Round DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/06/dfs-plays-nfl-wild-card-daily-fantasy-football/) - The 2016 NFL postseason begins with eight teams over the course of two days for the first time in a two-week span. The matchups have been set, players rested, and schedule shuffled accordingly. Despite this weekend featuring our smallest slate of games, this season, the set of teams that have survived 16 battles, to date, often
- [Wild Card Round NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/05/wild-card-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Playoff seeding and positioning is always a funny, tricky ordeal. Like many areas of life, it changes with a different viewpoint. What looks appealing from one side might be exactly what the other wants, as well. Naturally, one will be wrong. The entire AFC playoff field was set prior to New Year's Day's full schedule
- [Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17](https://xnsports.com/2017/01/01/fantasy-football-rankings-week-17/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By original: Mike Morbeckderivative: Diddykong1130 (Aaron Rodgers) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 17 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/31/dfs-plays-nfl-week-17-daily-fantasy-football/) - "Will they play?" Undoubtedly, this will be the question most asked throughout Week 17. Unfortunately, not only will we never get a straight answer regarding the gameplan of coaches entering a regular season finale, we also cannot even trust the information we are given. Last year, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians went on record stating
- [Week 17 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/29/week-17-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - 32 teams. Sixteen games. Seventeen weeks of football all comes to an end on the start of a new calendar year. The 2016 NFL season has been anything but smooth, and it is poetic for the final week of the regular season to be rocky from start-to-finish. As always, the last set of games carries
- [How To Manage Multiple Sports Bets](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/23/manage-multiple-sports-bets/) - Whether you’re new to sports betting or you’ve been taking part in it for years, you may want to take it to the next level by placing multiple bets at once. It could be that you want to bet on different sports or maybe you want to stick to one sport but place multiple bets.
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 16 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/23/dfs-plays-nfl-week-16-daily-fantasy-football/) - A nearly-full slate of Sunday games shifts to Saturday to avoid playing too many games on Christmas Day, and we are left with a quick turnaround between Thursday Night Football and twelve more games of NFL action. The odd schedule also allows for an abnormally high amount of contest start times from daily fantasy websites,
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 16](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/22/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-16-3/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Read More: Week 16 NFL Picks Against The Point Spread Featured Image Credit: By Kelly Bailey [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 16 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/22/week-16-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - The 2016 NFL regular season only has two more weeks remaining, but the final set of games played during this calendar year ends now. While we all like to count our statistics on a season-by-season basis, we are somewhat alone in this endeavor. The industry of picking games against the spread - namely, those who
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 15 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/17/dfs-plays-nfl-week-15-daily-fantasy-football/) - After a combined four teams play on Thursday and Saturday night, we are set up for another 14-game breakdown between Sunday and Monday. Thankfully, there is a nice split between matchups that should be tightly contested and those that are poised for a blowout. Of course, fantasy options present themselves in nearly every contest, but
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 15](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/16/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-15-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Photo Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr CC 2.0
- [NFL Week 15 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/15/nfl-week-15-dfs-plays-draftkings/) - Cash Game Plays ($5000)Blake Bortles @ HOU Notice anything different about the other Qbs on DraftKings that cost $5k? None of them average 19.3 fantasy points. Yes, Bortles turns the ball over, but that doesn't hurt his fantasy production too much. He is always playing from behind and is averaging 40 pass attempts per game
- [Week 15 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/15/week-15-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - It is only fitting for one of the wackiest NFL seasons in recent memory to conclude with a few wacky scheduling quirks - and, by extension, oddities against the spread. After this week, a full 'Sunday' schedule of games will be played on Saturday - Christmas Eve - followed by the new standard of division-only
- [Who's Trending in the NHL So Far This Season](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/13/whos-trending-nhl-far-season/) - With most teams are around a third of the way through their 2016-17 campaigns, there have been a few surprises this season and a few teams that have kept up their play in a 'business as usual' manner. The Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers are the two point leaders in this relatively young season.
- [NFL Week 14 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/10/nfl-week-14-dfs-plays-draftkings/) - Cash Game Plays Drew Brees @ TB Although Brees is typically a better option at home he still is a great bet for 300 yards and a few TDs vs the Bucs secondary allowing the 7th most fantasy points vs Qbs. He is the best QB in the shootout of the week. David Johnson @
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 14 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/10/dfs-plays-nfl-week-14-daily-fantasy-football/) - In what feels like an instant, we are into the final quarter of the 2016 season. The temperature has dropped, the stakes have risen, and the matchups for this weekend's action are conveniently excellent. At least, for the football fan. Not so much for the fantasy football owner. As a combination of weather and matchups,
- [The Men Up North - White Sox Trade Bonanza](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/08/men-north-white-sox-trade-bonanza/) - The Men Up North discuss the beginning of the Chicago White Sox massive rebuilding effort. They also explain how they absolutely robbed the Washington Nationals in the Adam Eaton trade and grade the Chris Sale deal that shipped him up to the Boston Red Sox. Contact The Men Up North at pathologicalhate@gmail.com. Twitter: Felipe-- @pathological_h8
- [Week 14 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/08/week-14-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Finally. Finally, a move was made. And finally, we have a week set up for excitement. We began last week's column with the notion that a relatively random set of outcomes had been featured recently and mentioned that this lack of a developing trend placed the state of picks on proverbial thin ice. In Week 13,
- [Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 14](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/08/fantasy-football-rankings-week-14/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Picks: December 5](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/05/daily-fantasy-hockey-picks-december-5/) - Welcome to the Monday morning edition of the Daily Fantasy Hockey Morning Coffee. We have a small four-game slate to go through for our DFS needs tonight: Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals Florida Panthers @ Boston Bruins Arizona Coyotes @ Columbus Blue Jackets Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins I want to start with the Boston
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 13 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/04/dfs-plays-nfl-week-13-daily-fantasy-football/) - As we approach the final quarter of the 2016 NFL season, we can better assess the true direction of most teams. More importantly, we now have a solid grasp on the style of offense that each squad would like to utilize and can make reasonable projections for whether-or-not it fits into a specific matchup. Week
- [NFL Week 13 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/04/nfl-week-13-dfs-plays-draftkings/) - Cash Game Plays ($6300)Russell Wilson vs CAR I understand it may be hard to go back to the well after Wilson sunk your GPP teams last week, especially having the confidence to play him in cash, but this spot is too good and he is far too cheap. If he was in a good spot
- [MLB Trade Rumor Podcast: The White Sox and Chris Sale](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/01/mlb-trade-rumor-podcast-white-sox-chris-sale/) - In this episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, we discuss the Chris Sale trade rumors that have been swirling out of the Windy City. We also praise the Chicago White Sox for finally letting General Manager Rick Hahn build the ball club in his vision. We also discuss the woefully bad Chicago Bears
- [Week 13 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/12/01/week-13-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Now, it gets tricky. Despite our best statistical week against the spread of the season - based on differing websites, this ranged anywhere from 10-5-1 to 12-4 - Week 12 surprisingly did little to establish a trend or direction. Indeed, the Patriots and Cowboys - two of the 'easiest' teams to pick, generally - finally
- [FanDuel Daily Fantasy Hockey Picks: 11/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/29/fanduel-daily-fantasy-hockey-picks/) - Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the daily fantasy hockey morning coffee. Tonight we have a big 12 game slate to work with, so we have plenty of options to fill out our rosters. Sporfolio is extending their Cyber Monday sale, and today's NHL DFS column will be "unlocked" and free to all readers in its
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Picks: 11/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/28/daily-fantasy-hockey-picks-112816/) - Welcome to a new week of the daily fantasy hockey morning coffee. We only have a two-game slate to work with tonight, so ownership will once again be compressed. As part of our Cyber Monday sale on Sporfolio, today’s NHL DFS column will be “unlocked” and free to all readers in its entirety. In addition,
- [NFL Week 12 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/27/nfl-week-12-dfs-plays-draftkings/) - This article will cover the main slate. Cash Game Plays ($6100) Derek Carr vs CAR | -3 OAK, 49.5 If I told you the raiders would be favored vs the panthers a year ago you would think im an idiot, but the world turns and here we are. Carr is far too cheap for what
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 12 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/26/dfs-plays-nfl-week-12-daily-fantasy-football/) - With three games already played – on Thanksgiving – to kick off Week 12, we are presented with a slightly smaller slate of games, despite no teams on bye weeks. There does appear to exist a common thread throughout the matchups, as we could be in store for a high number of close games and
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 12](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/24/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-12-4/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings
- [Week 12 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/23/week-12-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - This is just impossible. There are bad weeks. There are bad months. But it is maddening to see that an entire season just refuses to play by the rules. This is nothing new, as we have basically written this same introduction a number of times over the past few months, but it is bordering on
- [2016 Cy Young and Pitchers' Recap](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/21/2016-cy-young-pitchers-recap/) - Felipe and Robert recap the Cy Young Award winners and other starting and relief pitchers who left a mark in the 2016 baseball season. Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version)UCinternational (Crop) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 11 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/18/dfs-plays-nfl-week-11-daily-fantasy-football/) - Not every week of the NFL season brings an underlying storyline, but Sunday's is undeniable - revenge. Indeed, the teams are not necessarily enacting revenge on their opponents, but rather release their frustration on the unwitting franchise unlucky enough to be on the receiving end. Specifically, a few of the best fantasy options of the
- [Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 11](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/17/fantasy-football-rankings-week-11/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Feataured Image Credit: By Pantherfan11 [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [NFL Week 11 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/16/nfl-week-11-dfs-plays-for-draftkings/) - ($Price on DK) Player Name vs Opponent | Spread, Game Total Cash Game Plays ($5,800)Kirk Cousins vs GB | -2.5 WAS, 50.5 Cousins has shown an ok floor at 13.3 fantasy points being his worst score on the season and has averaged 19.9. In a projected shootout with a high game total vs a funnel
- [Week 11 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/16/week-11-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - There it is. In one fell swoop, the rug was pulled from under the feet of the entire football-watching world. Only, unlike previous weeks, there were more feet standing on the rug. More feet to be tripped. Coincidence? Of course not. For the entire season, we have preached about the false positives that the 2016
- [Could Casino & Bingo Make an Appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/14/casino-bingo-make-appearance-2020-tokyo-olympic-games/) - A key element to becoming an Olympic sport in 2016 is to be recognized by the International Federation who have anti-doping procedures administered for that particular game or sport. These regulations don’t appear to have discouraged Mecca Bingo from arguing the case for bingo to be declared an Olympic sport to the International Olympic Committee
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 10 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/12/dfs-plays-nfl-week-10-daily-fantasy-football/) - Despite 26 teams in action on Sunday and Monday in Week 10, only two division games remain after Thursday night's contest. The lack of familiarity between opponents forces an extra level of consideration when breaking down each game, but it likely also contributed to universally smaller spreads and, thus, a higher expectation of potentially closer
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 10](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/10/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-10-4/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 10 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/09/week-10-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - We are reaching the point of no return. It is make-or-break time. Entering Week 9, the Falcons, Cowboys, Saints, and Chargers were arguably the easiest teams to target for potential wins - given their matchups and recent history. All four teams won and covered their spreads. There were no letdowns. Not one. Easy picks. Easy
- [NFL Week 10 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/09/nfl-week-10-dfs-plays-for-draftkings/) - It's Monday night. The sounds of an unexpectedly entertaining Bills vs. Seattle game is drubbed out by my thoughts. I scribble my musings on an electric screen with the keyboard as the vessel. I discern the low-end quarterback landscape is a lifeless, unfruitful, infertile land. As I finger my way through the swath of high-end
- [The Men Up North Podcast: Chicago Cubs End The Drought](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/08/men-north-podcast-chicago-cubs-end-drought/) - The Chicago Cubs finally have ended 108 years of not winning the World Series. Felipe tells all of us how special and important this moment is for all of Chicago and himself. Matt gives the outsiders perspective while listening to Felipe retell the story all Cub fans have dreamed of for their entire lives. Also
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 9 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/05/dfs-plays-nfl-week-9-daily-fantasy-football/) - We have now eclipsed the midpoint of the 2016 NFL season and can begin our journey through the second half. As the scales tilt towards the back-end of the schedule, we also see a less balanced slate of games than we received, last week. There are a handful of potentially one-sided contests, which sets up
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 9](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/03/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-9-4/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Kelly Bailey [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 9 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/03/week-9-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - Believe it or not, it began as expected. The tide slowly - and subtly - began to shift. As noted in last week's introduction, the 2016 season has been incredibly odd, but not because of wild swings of action or random bouts of luck - although they have also been present - but for the
- [NFL Week 9 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/11/03/nfl-week-9-dfs-plays-for-draftkings/) - Week 8 was the antithesis of the chalk board drowned season we have been enjoying thus far. One of the highest owned cash plays at running back, Spencer Ware, was injured early in the game, changing the slate completely. In addition, noteable chalk plays like Jimmy Graham, DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones, and T.Y. Hilton(injury) severely
- [Chicago survives Game 5 against the Indians](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/31/chicago-survives-game-5-indians/) - Sunday night was a blast for the generations of Cubs’ fans since they finally got a reason to celebrate the first win of their favorite team in the World Series at Wrigley Field since 1945. Chicago Cubs have finally picked up an exciting 3-2 victory over Indians, forcing Game six of the Series in Cleveland
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 8 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/29/dfs-plays-nfl-week-8-daily-fantasy-football/) - With six teams on bye weeks and an early-morning Sunday game in London, we have one of the lightest slates of the year in Week 8. Only eleven games - ten if you partake in DraftKing's Millionaire Maker tournament - are featured in this week's column. As was our belief in Week 7, there are
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 8](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/27/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-8-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Read More: DraftKings DFS Plays Week 8 NFL Picks Against The Point Spread
- [Week 8 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/27/week-8-nfl-picks-against-the-point-spread/) - We are about to reach a tipping point. It may not happen this week, precisely, but it's coming. Nearly halfway into the season, we have repeatedly looked back on trends that have produced winners in the past and find that they are flat-out under-performing. Through countless bouts of assessment and re-assessment and re-re-assessment, we continue to
- [Infographic: If The Chicago Cubs Win It All ...](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/26/65840/) - 1908 was a long time ago. It’s been nearly 108 years since the Chicago Cubs last won the World Series. Yet here there are only 4 wins away from ending over a century long curse. If this is the year that the Chicago Cubs finally win the World Series, it will incite one of the
- [NFL Week 8 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/26/nfl-week-8-dfs-plays-for-draftkings/) - ($Price) Player name vs Opponent | Spread, Game Total Cash Game Plays ($5700) Jameis Winston vs OAK | -1.5 TB, 50 Famous Jameis is at home, vs the leagues worst secondary, with a high game and team total. He is averaging 19.5 fantasy points per game and opens up salary to spend up at other
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Morning Coffee: 10/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/25/daily-fantasy-hockey-picks-10-25-16/) - Tonight’s daily fantasy hockey tournaments feature an eleven-game slate with some teams we can easily target and pick on. It also gives us a chance to embrace some of the risk we have mentioned in previous DFS hockey morning coffee pieces. The three games I am most interested in tonight are: Calgary Flames @ St.
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Morning Coffee: 10/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/24/daily-fantasy-hockey-morning-coffee-102416/) - The weekend grouping of daily fantasy hockey tournaments was an interesting one, especially the Saturday night slate. Dallas was a massive favorite against Columbus with an over/under of 6. Guess how many players the $10,000 winner of FanDuel's $3 NHL Breakaway tournament had from this game? Zero. Dallas would go on to be shut out by
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 7 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/23/dfs-plays-nfl-week-7-daily-fantasy-football/) - Despite an early morning game removing one from the slate, Week 7 is packed with interesting matchups. Unfortunately, many of such games afford better opportunities for the entertainment angle, with a handful yielded excellent fantasy options. In addition, there are a large number of high upside plays, as offenses appear ready to break out after
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 7](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/20/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-7-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Read More: Week Daily Fantasy Football Picks Read More: Week 7 NFL Picks Against The Point Spread Featured Image Credit:By original: Mike Morbeckderivative: Diddykong1130 (Aaron Rodgers) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 7 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/20/week-7-nfl-picks-against-point-spread/) - The improbable continues to transition to reality. Over the last three weeks, we have watched plays upon which we normally rely fail, and last-minute weights tip the scales. We don't look to make excuses for these losses but, instead, learn from them. To anybody who has asked, we have provided the same reply: the areas that have burned us
- [NFL Week 7 DFS Plays for DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/19/nfl-week-7-dfs-plays-for-draftkings/) - Yep... Yep. It's week 7. I checked about 12 times because I am in disbelief at how fast the daily fantasy football season is flying by. It was just preseason and we were rostering random guys like John Crockett and Bryce Petty. Current O'Reillys employees and bus boys were catching touchdowns which had us asking
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 6 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/15/dfs-plays-nfl-week-6-daily-fantasy-football/) - A nearly-full slate of games with only two teams on bye weeks leaves 14 matchups to be dissected for Sunday. Unlike last week, we are not necessarily in a position where teams are ready to rebound and catch opponents off-guard. Instead, Week 6 appears to be more matchup-driven than the rest. In another contrast from Week
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 6](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/13/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-6-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 6 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/12/week-6-nfl-picks-against-point-spread/) - We pick ourselves up and dive right back into the action. After our worst week of the season for picks against the point spread, we are fully prepared to get back on the field and right some wrongs. We aren't the only ones to be doing so. Week 6 does not necessarily provide the platform
- [NFL Week 6 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/12/nfl-week-6-dfs-plays-fanduel-draftkings/) - Week 5 felt really good. It was one of those weeks I was working on my daily fantasy football cash game lineup right up until lock and I made a few critical last minute decisions that were the proper calls and led to a strong week 5 performance. I had made ten cash lineups I
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 5 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/08/dfs-plays-nfl-week-5-daily-fantasy-football/) - Now that almost every team has played one-quarter of its season, we can begin to trust the statistics a bit more for our daily fantasy football plays. The Vikings' defense is as good as their numbers show, while the Panthers are still a liability through the air. As always, the matchups are reviewed against the expected
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 5](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/06/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-5-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Read More: NFL Week 5 Picks Against The Point SpreadNFL picks against the point spread Featured Image Credit: Mike Morbeckderivative: Diddykong1130 (Aaron Rodgers) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 5 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/05/week-5-nfl-picks-against-point-spread/) - Not quite. After proclaiming in our Week 4 NFL Picks against the point spread column that underdogs had become over-extended and favorites were about to reclaim some of the glory, the shift occurred. Only in the wrong places. Eight favorites did cover the spread - including all three night games for the first time, this
- [NFL Week 5 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/10/05/nfl-week-5-dfs-plays-for-fanduel-and-draftkings/) - In week 4 I was on all the right guys, but I didn't put together the strongest NFL DFS lineup that I could have. I made a late change in my cash game team that made me lose a bit of money instead of profiting handily. It was too bad, but I learned, which is
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 4 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/30/dfs-plays-nfl-week-4-daily-fantasy-football/) - Week 3 provided some of the best upside DFS plays of the young season, as typically-great fantasy offenses - i.e. Pittsburgh, Carolina, Arizona - fell apart. We were careful to avoid them and place our daily fantasy assets elsewhere. One week later, we now have the opportunity to flip sides and buy. An elevated amount of
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 4](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/29/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-4-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Kelly Bailey [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 4 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/29/week-4-nfl-picks-against-point-spread/) - We love trends, and two appear to be developing in front of our eyes for our week 4 NFL picks against the point spread. Now three full weeks into the 2016 National Football League season, a handful of teams, as usual, have begun to separate from the pack. Not in the sense of running away
- [Can the Minnesota Vikings defy the odds to reach the Super Bowl?](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/28/can-minnesota-vikings-defy-odds-reach-super-bowl/) - Injuries are a part and parcel of sport but the Minnesota Vikings have been hit hard in the early stages of the new NFL season. Mike Zimmer’s men lost star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a campaign-ending injury in preseason before Adrian Peterson was put on the injured reserve list after suffering a serious knee injury
- [NFL Week 4 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/28/nfl-week-4-dfs-plays-for-fanduel-and-draftkings/) - How does it move so fast? After this week 4 we will be almost 1 quarter through the daily fantasy football season, unless you’re a degenerate like me who may even find his way into some playoff DFS. Who's kidding, I will. I had a decent week in which I was able to profit, even
- [Coming to Terms with the Passing of Jose Fernandez](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/26/coming-terms-passing-jose-fernandez/) - Live for any length of time and tragedy is sure to follow. This is just a fact of life. Usually, though, there is a natural order of things. First, it is grandparents, or great-grandparents, or a friend’s grandparents, then parents or a friend’s parents, and so on. This natural order helps, in a way. It
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 3 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/23/dfs-plays-nfl-week-3-daily-fantasy-football/) - One of the focal points of Week 3’s NFL picks column was the misalignment between a team’s record and its actual on-field play. The theme is enhanced when carrying it into fantasy football analysis, as the league’s respective rankings fail to consider each team’s strength of opponent. Baltimore has, statistically, an incredible defense. That is, until we
- [Fantasy Football Rankings Week 3](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/23/fantasy-football-rankings-week-3-2/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Pantherfan11 [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Week 3 NFL Picks Against the Point Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/21/week-3-nfl-picks-against-point-spread/) - Each week, we look for opportunities to buy or sell teams based on misaligned NFL point spreads. Until each team completes more games, however, the task remains challenging. That is, if we only focus on the records of the teams competing head-to-head. [Sign Up For Sporfolio To Get More NFL Picks Against The Point Spread]
- [NFL Week 3 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/21/nfl-week-3-dfs-plays-for-fanduel-and-draftkings/) - Boom! Week 2 was a great week for me with a lot of my calls coming through. Jacob Tamme went off, who I touted on twitter and FanVice Live and the NO vs NYG game hit the under, as I saw it as a less optimal fantasy game in general than the field. We are
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 2](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/15/fantasy-football-player-rankings-week-2-2/) - Featured Image Credit: By original: Mike Morbeckderivative: Diddykong1130 (Aaron Rodgers) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [The Leftorium: Best Left-Handed Hitters vs Southpaws](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/16/leftorium-best-left-handed-hitters-vs-southpaws/) - In this episode, we talked about the best left-handed hitters vs left-handed pitching of the 2016 Major League Baseball season and why it's important to highlight these baseball players in a world where platoon systems appear to be the popular trend. We also took a look at hitters who have posted the highest Opposite Field
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 2 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/16/dfs-plays-nfl-week-2-daily-fantasy-football/) - Still only sixty minutes into the 2016 season, our Week 2 NFL DFS plays are forced to rely on a combination of last year's statistics - and game plan - and conclusions drawn from Opening Week. Thankfully, most coaches maintained their respective style of play, allowing the games to proceed generally as expected. Sporfolio's NFL
- [2016 World Cup of Hockey: Schedule and Storylines](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/15/2016-world-cup-hockey-schedule-storylines/) - Featured Image Credit: By Lisa Gansky (Flickr: IMG_3214) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Infographic provided to XN Sports by Tucker Hockey
- [Week 2 NFL Picks Against the Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/14/week-2-nfl-picks-against-the-spread/) - The first two weeks of any National Football League season follow a surprisingly consistent trend when making NFL picks against the point spread. The year opens with question marks strewn throughout each game and franchise and, after sixty minutes of football are completed, immediate answers are given. The answers are, of course, wrong. By comparison to
- [NFL Week 2 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/13/nfl-week-2-dfs-plays-for-fanduel-and-draftkings/) - What a week! We saw a ton of 1 point games and comeback victories all wrapped up in some fantasy goodness! I hope you had as great a week 1 as I did. I faded Dak Prescott in all formats and said he would score less than 10 fantasy points on FanVice Live and almost
- [DFS Plays: NFL Week 1 DFS Game-by-Game Analysis](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/10/dfs-plays-nfl-week-1-dfs-game-game-analysis/) - Without a foundation laid, DFS plays for Week 1 of the NFL season rely heavily on last year's gameplans carrying over into 2016. Specifically, we frequently cite a quarterback's 'go-to guy' as the player that received the bulk of targets, last year. Without any discernible changes in quarterback-wide-receiver relationships, we will assume season-to-season continuity. Sporfolio's
- [Week 1 NFL Picks Against The Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/08/week-1-nfl-picks-spread/) - We just couldn't get there any faster. With all the research that went into our season-long predictions for the AFC and NFC, our NFL week 1 picks against the spread article could not get here fast enough. Thankfully, we would not have wanted to rush it. After what felt like an endless offseason of shuffling -
- [Fantasy Football: Week 1 Player Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/08/fantasy-football-week-1-player-rankings/) - 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ - Expert Consensus Rankings Featured Image Credit: By Pantherfan11 [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [NFL Week 1 DFS Plays for FanDuel and DraftKings](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/06/nfl-week-1-dfs-plays-for-fanduel-and-draftkings/) - Ahh Week 1!! It's back! I am sure you are as excited as me to get back to the best time of the year, the daily fantasy football season! This is also the most profitable time for me in terms of DFS, although I have had fantastic NASCAR, MLB, NBA, and PGA DFS seasons as
- [Week 1 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/07/week-1-fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups/) - Looking for some fantasy football week one depth? Check out who Wade thinks you should grab from your week one fantasy football waiver wire.
- [XN Sports Top 25 College Football Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2014/09/03/xn-sports-top-25-college-football-poll/) - XN Sports ranks the top 25 teams in college football with familiar names still on top.
- [NFL Fantasy Football Draft Targets and Values Round by Round](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/30/nfl-fantasy-football-draft-targets-values-round-round/) - These will be targets that should be attainable, per their ADP(average draft position), in each round, that I believe are undervalued. You will see wide receivers and running backs through the first 9 rounds because I draft quarterbacks and tight ends late, as I suggest you do. The players are in the order I would
- [2016 Fantasy Football: Deep Sleeper Wide Receivers](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/05/2016-fantasy-football-deep-sleeper-wide-receivers/) - Felipe Melecio hosts this fantasy football preview with guest Randy Hammond as they break down deep sleeper wide receivers who are going under the radar in fantasy football leagues, but can still provide value for your team(s). Questions regarding your fantasy football team(s)? Contact us at pathologicalhate@gmail.com Featured Image Credit: By User eschipul on Flickr
- [If You Think Odell Beckham’s Catch Was Insane, Watch What He Does in Practice](https://xnsports.com/2014/12/02/think-odell-beckhams-catch-insane-watch-practice/) - Odell Beckham doesn't always kick field goals, but when he does he nails them with style points.
- [Week 1 NFL DFS Sleepers](https://xnsports.com/2016/09/05/week-1-nfl-dfs-sleepers/) - With Week 1 of the NFL finally here, find out which daily fantasy football sleepers we are looking to target this week!
- [Fantasy Football: Has The Zero RB Theory Gone Too Far?](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/31/fantasy-football-zero-rb-theory-gone-far/) - Wade Bergeron lets us know what he thinks about the "0 RB theory" and his strategy for this year's draft! Featured Image Credit: By Joe Bielawa [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [NASCAR DFS: Michigan International Speedway](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/27/nascar-dfs-michigan-international-speedway/) - Race Track: Michigan International Speedway Length: 2 mile Laps: 200 Type: D shaped Tri oval We're back this week with another exciting race after a great showing at Bristol. I had Harvick as a must play in my article last week in cash games, and he ended up winning! Hopefully that was a strategy you
- [DraftKings Analysis for UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Condit](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/26/draftkings-analysis-ufc-fight-night-maia-vs-condit/) - This analysis covers the DraftKings slate for UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Condit. There are a lot of great contests going on over there, so head over and load up on your GPPs and cash games! This is sure to be an exciting card with a lot of close fights and a ton of KOS/TKOs.
- [School Session: The Other Baseball Team in Chicago and Dallas Keuchel](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/25/school-session-baseball-team-chicago-dallas-keuchel/) - School is in session! The Reverend Robert Holliday and Felipe Melecio talk about the other baseball team in Chicago, the White Sox as they try to figure out what they should do with ace pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana. The guys also discuss the development of struggling lefty, Carlos Rodon and how he compares
- [The Men Up North Season: Dog Days of Baseball and Early Worm NBA Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/24/men-north-season-dog-days-baseball-early-worm-nba-predictions/) - In this episode of The Men Up North Sports Podcast, we run down all six MLB divisions and predict the winners by season's end. We also gauge the National and American League MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Awards' Race. We also discussed the Shelby Miller for Dansby Swanson trade involving the Arizona
- [The Men Up North Season: 2016 Fantasy Football Preview--Running Backs](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/22/men-north-season-2016-fantasy-football-preview-running-backs/) - Need help choosing your fantasy football running backs? Well never fear, Felipe and Matt are here to guide you to a championship by picking the right running back for your team!!! We also talked strategy on possible scenarios when drafting suspended player, Le'Veon Bell. All this and more on the Men Up North Sports Podcast!
- [DraftKings: Picks for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/20/draftkings-picks-bass-pro-shops-nra-night-race-bristol/) - NASCAR Racetrack: Bristol Surface: Concrete Lap Length: .53 miles Turns: 4 Itttts Bristol! One of the most unpredictable places for racing, providing very high variance for NASCAR DFS is back! This article will be focused on the Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race slate on DraftKings on 8/20/16. Head over there and load up
- [DFS UFC 202 Analysis: Diaz vs. McGregor 2](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/19/dfs-ufc-202-analysis-diaz-vs-mcgregor-2/) - This article will cover UFC 202: Diaz vs McGregor 2. This is going to be a great card, complete with one of the most controversial and exciting UFC main events in a long time. It is a great slate for cash games and GPPs so load up over on DraftKings. I watch the tape and
- [The Men Up North Sports Podcast Season 2 Premier: CatchUp Week](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/16/men-north-sports-podcast-season-2-premier-catchup-week/) - Matt tries to catch Felipe up on what happened during the sad events that caused him to go to Mexico. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Felipe and his family. Felipe toughs it through a podcast featuring a cast of characters never mentioned before by the Men Up North. Tim Tebow? Yes. Han Solo
- [Week 19 Fantasy Baseball Podcast](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/16/week-19-fantasy-baseball-podcast/) - Nick Rodriguez and special guest, Adam Wagner breakdown their top waiver wire pickups, buy-high/ sell-low candidates, MLB news and the guy they would build their MLB franchise around! Read more at http://fantasywire.libsyn.com/week-19-fantasybaseball-podcast#ZJeIWv3zVD6ELL5c.99 http://traffic.libsyn.com/fantasywire/Week_19-_81616_8.29_AM.mp3 Photo Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr C.C.2.0
- [Team USA: Basketball Gods Lacking Miracles](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/12/team-usa-basketball-gods-lacking-miracles/) - The United States of America national basketball team so far has been doing pretty well in the Olympics: they‘ve won three out of the three matches that they‘ve had so far, promptly demolishing China and Venezuela and managing a more difficult victory against Australia. Now they’ve got two more European opponents to play until the
- [DraftKings UFC Analysis for Rodriguez vs Caceres](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/05/draftkings-mma-analysis-rodriguez-vs-caceres/) - This analysis will be for the DraftKings slate covering the UFC event Rodriguez vs Caceres. There are a ton of great GPPs including a $25K Takedown, a $14K Haymaker, and a $300 entry fee Rumble in Gotham qualifier. There are also a plethora of satellites, qualifiers, and cash games. Head over to DraftKings.com, join up,
- [Terrelle Pryor Impressing Browns Coaches At Training Camp](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/04/terrelle-pryor-impressing-browns-coaches-training-camp/) - Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who has bounced around the league since he was selected in the supplemental draft by the Oakland Raiders in 2011, has been impressing the Cleveland Browns coaches with his receiving skills during training camp. After an offseason that saw the team part ways with a lot of veterans, the
- [Aaron Rodgers Won't Get A Lot Of Playing Time In Preseason](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/04/aaron-rodgers-wont-get-lot-playing-time-preseason/) - NFL fans that were hoping to see a lot of Aaron Rodgers during the preseason will be a little disappointed because the two-time league MVP will have a reduced workload during the preseason. The Packers are one of the NFL expert picks to make it out of the NFC, and the team will take every
- [Fantasy Baseball Week 18 Podcast](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/02/fantasy-baseball-mlb-trade-deadline-podcast/) - Nick Rodriguez (@NRodriguezDFS) and special guest, Genson Valdez (@jobu_dfs) , breakdown trades that occurred before the deadline and how they impact your fantasy team. They also talk buy-high/sell-low candidates, waiver wire pickups and baseball movies! http://traffic.libsyn.com/fantasywire/Week_18_Episode_3.mp3 Featured Image Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr C.C 2.0
- [Brandon Marshall - Do I Seriously Have To Write This Article Again?](https://xnsports.com/2016/08/02/brandon-marshall-seriously-write-article/) - The publicity of Brandon Marshall's emotional issues have once again left him being undervalued. I grabbed him in every draft I did last year in the 5th round which was ridiculous. His ADP is now hovering around the the late 2nd and early 3rd, which is actually still a value. These are Brandon Marshall's fantasy
- [Fantasy Football: Flexible Drafting, Zero RB, and General Strategy](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/29/draft-using-zero-rb-strategy/) - Lately one style of selecting players has become supremely popular in fantasy football drafts across America, and that is the Zero RB strategy. While it is a viable approach, one should not have any specific concrete rules to drafting their fantasy football teams. Drafting a quality season long team is all about value and drafting
- [Hall of Fame Class of 2016 is Enshrined](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/29/hall-fame-class-2016-enshrined/) - Pennant races are heating up and the trade deadline approaches as the 2016 baseball season rolls into the dog days of summer. This time of year also means that baseball pauses for a moment to recognize the greatness that was in the past by inducting its newest members into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From his
- [Fantasy Football: You're Drafting the Wrong Allen in Jacksonville](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/27/fantasy-football-youre-drafting-wrong-allen-jacksonville/) - The Jacksonville Jaguars passed on 65.02% of their plays last season, 2nd most in the league. Despite their perception, and possible reality, as an inept team in terms of actually winning games, they are a team that provides plenty of fantasy goodness, especially in the receiving department. This is evident as they supported two of
- [Fantasy Baseball Week 17 Podcast](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/26/fantasy-baseball-week-17-podcast/) - Nick Rodriguez (@NRodriguezDFS) and special guest, Wade Bergeron (@dads500) , talk waiver wire pickups, MLB news , trade rumors and buy-high/ sell-low candidates in this weeks fantasy baseball podcast! http://traffic.libsyn.com/fantasywire/Project_2_-_72616_1.07_AM.mp3 Photo Credit: Arturo Pardavila III, Flickr, C.C. 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/apardavila/26332345931
- [The Fallen Rose Part 2](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/23/fallen-rose-part-2/) - This is part 2 of the Derrick Rose Saga. The irony of a superstar with the last name of Rose getting hurt at the Rose Garden in Portland. The hope and the promise all come to a screeching halt when a superstar and his advisors make all the decisions. Rose had every excuse to not
- [Generational Bridge: Baseball's Bygone Era](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/18/generational-bridge-baseballs-bygone-era/) - This week, Felipe Melecio and the Reverend Robert Holliday continue their discussion about baseball's Hall of Fame. --Happy Birthday Don Kessinger and Lou Boudreau --So long Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak --A quick look back at the 1966 Baseball Season which had the Baltimore Orioles winning the world series and Frank Robinson was the MVP
- [Jeremy Langford, The Apple of My Eye](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/13/jeremy-langford-apple-eye/) - Jeremy Langford was big for me last year. I went on KGSO 1410 radio in Kansas and the West Coast Recess, NGSC internet product, and touted him extremely hard for DFS week 9 and was able to help some listeners cash big that were unaware of the high pedigree prospect who danced his way to
- [The Preacher and The Pardoner: The 2016 Chicago Cubs' First Half](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/12/preacher-pardoner-2016-chicago-cubs-first-half/) - Old School vs New School clash as XN Sports contributor Felipe Melecio has a conversation with The Reverend Robert Holliday as they attempt to explain the first half of the Chicago Cubs' season and look over a select few players. The former will use stats for his evaluations, while the latter uses the "eye test"
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/10/mlb-dfs-plays-71016/) - With the All-Star Break beginning at the conclusion of Sunday's games, the upcoming slate of action acts as the end of the metaphorical first half of the 2016 season. Fittingly, one of our favorite targets - Madison Bumgarner - has the honors of closing out the weekend. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/09/mlb-dfs-plays-7916/) - After Friday's showcase of 'aces,' Saturday provides significantly fewer pitchers to target. However, with games spread out through the afternoon and night, options are still plentiful. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these numbers for calculation. To help
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/08/mlb-dfs-plays-7816/) - There is no shortage of pitching on Friday, as 'top aces' highlight a full night slate. In addition, some of the best pitchers in the game will be throwing in perceived 'one-sided' contests, where caution should be used before diving in completely. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against
- [A Historical At Why Derrick Rose Was Traded To The New York Knicks](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/08/65388/) - What happens when you look back on an unfilled prophecy? This is our story of the promise, the hype, the prophecy and ultimately the failure of Derrick Rose. Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA (Derrick Rose) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/07/mlb-dfs-plays-7716/) - A smaller slate begins with a pair of afternoon contests highlighted by Tyler Glasnow's Major League Baseball debut. Elsewhere, runs are expected to be in abundance throughout the league, although one game stands above the rest for projected offense. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another –
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/06/mlb-dfs-plays-7616/) - All thirty teams are in action on Wednesday, with a fairly even split between afternoon and night contests. The earliest game of the day might not be included in every daily fantasy sports website, but there are a number of options for slates to play on Wednesday. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/05/mlb-dfs-plays-7516/) - With at least 82 games played for each team, we have officially reached the halfway point of the 2016 season. All thirty teams will be in action in the encore of Independence Day, concluding with one of the best pitching matchups of the past few weeks. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/04/mlb-dfs-plays-7416/) - Independence Day's baseball festivities begin with an exceptionally early afternoon contest that likely will not be included in most daily fantasy baseball slates. Afterwards, the rest of the league is in action almost entirely in the afternoon, with an unusually small four-game night slate. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/03/mlb-dfs-plays-7316/) - A regular Sunday schedule is upon us as nearly every team plays in the afternoon with the lone night game standing as the exception. A handful of top pitching options toe the rubber as well, although some of the best values can be found in the matchups driven more by hitters' regressions than pitchers' statistics.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/2/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/02/mlb-dfs-plays-7216/) - Saturday includes baseball throughout the day, with an unorthodox set of start times ranging through the night. Most importantly, some 'top aces' will be in action in a stark contrast from Friday's set of games. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 7/1/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/07/01/mlb-dfs-plays-7116/) - The weekend begins with a relatively early Friday afternoon contest - typically, the Cubs host an afternoon game on Friday one hour later - followed by a standalone early evening game, then the rest of the league. An injury to Clayton Kershaw forces the Dodgers' 'ace' to miss his start, likely elevating the prices for
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/30/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/30/mlb-dfs-plays-63016/) - Thursday begins with three afternoon contests followed by an eight-game night slate. The must-watch player of the day is clearly Madison Bumgarner, not only for his expectations as a pitcher, but the Giants' plan for him at the plate. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/29/mlb-dfs-plays-62916/) - All thirty teams are in action on Wednesday, with an excellent split between afternoon and night games. There are even a few top pitching options scattered throughout the slates, ready to produce a busy set of daily fantasy baseball tournaments. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another –
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/28/mlb-dfs-plays-62816/) - A full night of baseball is ahead, highlighted by the Major League debut of Lucas Giolito. After Monday's somewhat shaky crop of pitchers, Giolito is only one of many valid arms to throw on Tuesday night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/27/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/27/mlb-dfs-plays-62716/) - Eleven games open a new week of baseball, although the lone afternoon contest will likely not be included in all daily fantasy baseball slates. The top story of Monday is easily Noah Syndergaard's return to the mound, as he left his last start due to a potential issue with his elbow. Currently, we are using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/26/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/26/mlb-dfs-plays-62616/) - Another week of baseball concludes with top pitching arms in abundance. The night officially ends with Clayton Kershaw squaring off against a rookie making his first career start in Major League Baseball. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/25/mlb-dfs-plays-62516/) - Sixteen games will be played throughout Saturday with a double-header likely causing confusion for all-day slates. Madison Bumgarner stands as the headliner of the day, but a packed schedule yields opportunities everywhere. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/24/mlb-dfs-plays-62416/) - A full slate of baseball returns with a complete night schedule to begin the weekend. Highlighted by Max Scherzer, the pitching class includes valid options at nearly every price level, allowing for hitters to become the priority in select matchups. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/23/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/23/mlb-dfs-plays-62316/) - A nine-game day of baseball features a relatively even split between day and night contests, beginning with an early afternoon tilt. Prices are shifted heavily towards hitters on Thursday, as few teams will send their respective 'ace' to the mound. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another –
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/22/mlb-dfs-plays-62216/) - All thirty teams are in action on Wednesday, scattered throughout the afternoon and concluding with a decent night slate. The movement of Noah Syndergaard's start from Tuesday to Wednesday pairs him with Jake Arrieta as the two outlier - in price - pitchers of the day. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/21/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/21/mlb-dfs-picks-62116/) - A full night of baseball features the return of Jose Fernandez and Noah Syndergaard's sub-2.00 ERA. In addition, a few strikeout pitchers have excellent matchups, setting up for some high-upside plays. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these
- [Byron Buxton: MLB Analytics Versus the Traditional Scout](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/20/byron-buxton/) - There is a shift within baseball. Not one where a disproportionate number of fielders slide from one of the infield to another, but in the undeniable growth of analytics and the subsequent decline of the 'traditional' scout. It is accepted that no singular number or statistic defines a player. Baseball is, by nature, built upon error.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/20/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/20/mlb-dfs-plays-62016/) - One afternoon and one late-night game bookend a relatively light slate of baseball to begin the week. It is, however, highlighted by a few of the game's best pitchers, two of which will face one another to close out the night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/19/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/19/mlb-dfs-plays-61916/) - Father's Day features the typical Sunday schedule of all afternoon games followed by a primetime nightcap. Pitching options are relatively limited, although the upper tier for Sunday is crowded without any discernable discounts. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/18/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/18/mlb-dfs-plays-61816/) - In addition to the full day of baseball, Saturday features a pair of storylines on the mound. Cincinnati will be calling up Cody Reed to make the start for the Reds in Houston, while the Angles will unveil Tim Lincecum in his first start in nearly one calendar year. Currently, we are using xFIP and
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/17/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/17/mlb-dfs-plays-61716/) - The usual lone Friday afternoon game precedes a full night slate. Conveniently enough, Jake Arrieta is listed as the starting pitcher for said afternoon game, and can be used in all-day slates or avoided by sticking to only the games played at night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/16/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/16/mlb-dfs-plays-61616/) - A lighter slate of games begins with an early afternoon contest and continues through a somewhat staggered schedule. Most notably, prices for pitchers are down across the board after Wednesday's gluttony of 'aces.' Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/15/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/15/mlb-dfs-plays-61516/) - Pitchers highlight a full day of baseball, as many 'top aces' take the mound on Wednesday. Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard, Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, and Stephen Strasburg are all scheduled to start, and deserve consideration even if one is not included in a write-up below. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/14/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/14/mlb-dfs-plays-61416/) - A lone early afternoon contests prevents a completely full night slate, but the rest of the league will be in action on Tuesday evening. Thankfully, there are a few top pitching options scattered throughout a busy set of games. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against
- [MLB DFS Picks for 6/13/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/13/mlb-dfs-picks-61316/) - A light schedule to start the baseball week leaves a limited amount of options on the mound. In addition, the pitcher throwing on Monday with easily the highest strikeout rate faces the highest-scoring offense of the day. Regardless, there are a select few plays that stand above the rest, and should allow for a nice
- [MLB DFS Plays For 6/12/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/12/mlb-dfs-plays-61216/) - With the amount of top arms that have taken the mound throughout the course of the weekend, Sunday is a relatively thin. In fact, most of the highest-priced pitchers are listed at the top of their respective daily fantasy websites' lists due more to the matchup than personal talent. Regardless, as the entire league fills
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/12/mlb-dfs-plays-61116/) - Saturday begins with an exceptionally early afternoon game that is likely not included in most daily fantasy baseball slates. Afterwards, the rest of the league splits almost perfectly throughout the remainder of the night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/10/mlb-dfs-plays-61016/) - A weekend of baseball begins with a handful of 'top aces' on Friday night. Prices for pitching are through the roof, but, due to the quantity of quality arms, missing on one is not an option. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/09/mlb-dfs-plays-6916/) - A smaller slate on Thursday that includes an afternoon and early evening game greatly reduces the number of options for the night's main slate. Specifically, the projected high-scoring game in Colorado is out of the equation, but the crop of pitchers is so relatively weak that viable hitters exist in most games. Currently, we are
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/08/mlb-dfs-plays-6816/) - A full day of baseball is divided neatly throughout the day, as almost every hour will include some action. Storylines are equally abundant, as Wednesday includes the Major League Baseball debut of Pittsburgh's Jameson Taillon, as well as James Shields' first start with the Chicago White Sox. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/07/mlb-dfs-plays-6716/) - A packed day of baseball includes sixteen games thanks to a rainout on Monday night. The Mets and Pirates will start the day in the late afternoon, but check which of the two matchups are included in each daily fantasy website's slate. Conveniently, with either Steven Matz or Jacob deGrom ineligible for a given contest - due
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/06/mlb-dfs-plays-6616/) - A new week begins with bats dominating the day, as runs appear to be plentiful on Monday night. The small slate mixed with the lack of top pitching options adds pressure to selecting the right hitters, but there are a handful of teams ready to explode. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/05/mlb-dfs-plays-6516/) - Sunday closes the week of baseball with a rare two-game night schedule. Of course, the entire league will be in action, with a few top pitchers highlighting the day. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these numbers for
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/04/mlb-dfs-plays-6416/) - Saturday's full schedule of baseball begins relatively late, with only one early afternoon game - and it brings a threat of rain, at that. The headliner of the night is, as always, Clayton Kershaw, as he puts his league-leading 1.56 ERA on the line against the Braves. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/03/mlb-dfs-plays-6316/) - After Thursday night's run barrage by nearly every team, Friday appears to yield more of the same. More importantly, of the few top pitchers throwing - arguably, there may only be one - the head-to-head matchups are rather poor, yielding more one-sided affairs than usual. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare
- [MLB DFS: Matt Dulcan's All the $$$ Stack of the Day](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/01/matt-dulcans-stack-day/) - This is a stack that will carry the multi home run upside needed to give you a shot to take down a GPP, and will typically not be the chalk offensive team of the day. The Victims: Lefty Adam Morgan and the Philadelphia Bullpen Adam Morgan is the exact type of pitcher that we like
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/2/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/02/mlb-dfs-plays-6216/) - A slightly smaller slate of games provides a somewhat imbalanced split between the afternoon and night contests. Specifically, most of the highest-priced - and, arguably, best - pitchers will be throwing in the afternoon, with the night full of risk on the mound. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s
- [MLB DFS Plays for 6/1/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/06/01/mlb-dfs-plays-6116/) - Three afternoon and one early evening game precede an otherwise full night slate, highlighted by two top 'aces' pitching to strikeout-happy offenses. With a game in Colorado and the Cubs coming off a home shutout, runs should be plentiful on Wednesday night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/31/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/31/mlb-dfs-plays-53116/) - A trio of oddly-scheduled afternoon games prevents a full slate at night, but all thirty teams will be in action again on Tuesday. Unfortunately for the sake of matchups, some of the best pitchers of the day are not necessarily in ideal situations, but there are, at least, enough options to find a path to success.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/30/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/30/mlb-dfs-plays-53016/) - In the world of baseball, Memorial Day is considered a milestone. The season is no longer 'young,' and teams are beginning to position themselves for a run through the 'dog days' of summer. Officially beginning this stretch is a full, thirty-team slate of games on Monday. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/29/mlb-dfs-plays-52916/) - Memorial Day Weekend does little to mess with the typical Sunday schedule, as all teams except the Dodgers and Mets will play in the afternoon. With Clayton Kershaw on the mound and a game in Colorado this afternoon, prices are elevated, however, they exist on separate slates. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/28/mlb-dfs-plays-52816/) - Saturday brings another full day of baseball, highlighted by the return of Texas' Yu Darvish, a potential pitcher's duel in New York, and Madison Bumgarner throwing in Colorado. In addition to the storylines, there are more than enough options to fill Saturady's contests. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/27/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/27/mlb-dfs-plays-52716/) - Friday's full slate begins with a single afternoon game and the remaining 28 teams following at night. There will certainly be enough pitching options to consider, but the must-watch player of the day - regardless of fantasy implications - is Julio Urias in his first career Major League Baseball start. Currently, we are using xFIP
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/26/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/26/mlb-dfs-plays-52616/) - With only half of the league's teams in action, Thursday features one of the lightest slates of the week. There are still a few afternoon matchups - making multiple daily fantasy slates a possibility - but there is a noticeable split where pitchers should dominate the day games and hitters thrive at night. Currently, we
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/25/mlb-dfs-plays-52516/) - A full slate of games fills Wednesday with a nearly perfect split between the afternoon and night contests. The scale tends to lean towards pitchers in the day games, with hitters potentially owning the night. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/24/mlb-dfs-plays-52416/) - Monday’s article included some changes to how we present our picks for the day. Please read Monday’s introduction for a full understanding. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these numbers for calculation. To help with some calculations, we
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/23/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/24/mlb-dfs-plays-52316/) - With one-quarter of the 2016 Major League Baseball season - and, with it, the daily fantasy baseball season - behind us, we will be revising the structure of this column. The general path taken to identify some of the top players of the day began with identifying the games that are projected to be higher
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/22/mlb-dfs-plays-52216/) - Another week draws to a close with all thirty teams in action. In addition to the series conclusions, Sunday also brings a few 'top' aces with both lopsided and head-to-head matchups. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/21/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/21/mlb-dfs-plays-52116/) - Saturday features the typical full slate of games, but rain is threatening a few contests. For those that will play without a hitch, some of the perceived better pitching matchups carry a slightly elevated level of risk. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/18/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/18/mlb-dfs-plays-51816/) - Afternoon baseball returns to start a 16-game day on Wednesday. With the high number of 'aces' throwing on Tuesday, the follow-up appears to be much more forgiving for hitters. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We aren’t using these numbers for calculation.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/20/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/20/mlb-dfs-plays-52016/) - A full night of baseball is ahead, with a few 'aces' toeing the rubber. Thankfully, there will be no shortage of options, as there are more than a few top matchups for both pitchers and hitters on Friday. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/19/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/19/mlb-dfs-plays-51916/) - Thursday's lighter slate of games - beginning in the early afternoon - features the conclusion of most series with a few new matchups sprinkled in. Oddly enough, many of the best pitchers of the day will be facing off against one another, limiting their win potential but allowing hitters to thrive in other games. Currently,
- [Baseball Vortex: Joey Votto, Stephen Strasburg, and Adam Eaton](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/18/baseball-vortex-joey-votto-stephen-strasburg-adam-eaton/) - The following are quick summaries of a few charts I posted and retweeted on Twitter recently. LEADING OFF The motivation for the following chart came from a discussion about Joey Votto, the polarizing first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. Polarizing because many people will agree that he has a unique talent, but does not alway deliver
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/17/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/17/mlb-dfs-plays-51716/) - Another early evening game prevents a perfectly full night slate, but the remaining 28 teams will all be included in most 'main' slates. More importantly, 'aces' are everywhere on Tuesday night, with an especially noteworthy head-to-head matchup between the Mets and Nationals. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/16/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/16/mlb-dfs-plays-51616/) - While nine games are on the schedule for Monday, only eight will likely fill most daily fantasy slates. In addition, with the lack of 'aces' throwing, choosing pitchers will carry more risk than usual. [Play Daily Fantasy Baseball On FanDuel Tonight To Win A Trip To The Playboy Mansion] Currently, we are using xFIP and
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/15/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/15/mlb-dfs-plays-51516/) - The final day of the week brings its usual afternoon-heavy slate of games, concluding with the standalone nationally televised primetime event. Without too many top 'aces' taking the mound, hitting options are rather abundant, but more for team targets than specific players. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/14/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/14/mlb-dfs-plays-51416/) - Another doubleheader yields sixteen games throughout Saturday, with at least one being left off an all-day slate. Surprisingly, only a handful of games are during the early afternoon, with a somewhat large night slate. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters. We
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/13/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/13/mlb-dfs-plays-51316/) - After the typical Friday afternoon contest at Wrigley Field, the rest of the league helps fill a night slate of fourteen games. Unfortunately, there might be some weather concerns leading into the night, but enough options exist to find values elsewhere. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/12/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/12/mlb-dfs-plays-51216/) - After Wednesday's packed schedule - sixteen games throughout the afternoon and night - Thursday cuts the slate in half with only eight. Thankfully, there is a pitcher that stands well above the rest - unfortunately, in price, as well as expected performance - leaving fewer decisions to be made. Currently, we are using xFIP and
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/11/mlb-dfs-plays-51116/) - Another sixteen-game day is upon us thanks to a doubleheader, although, this time, the early game will be counted in most daily fantasy sports' websites. There will be no shortage of slates, however, as there are games throughout Wednesday. [On FantasyDraft 25% of entries win in all guaranteed contests. Sign up now! ] Currently, we are
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/10/mlb-dfs-plays-51016/) - A full slate of baseball games is ahead of us on Tuesday night, although another day of risky weather arrives, as well. After two rainouts on Monday, a few pitchers gain an extra day of rest, and some positive matchups shift into Tuesday. [On FantasyDraft, 25% of entries win in all guaranteed contests. Sign up
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/09/mlb-dfs-plays-5916/) - Monday's thirteen-game slate will provide a night filled with baseball, including a fantasy-worthy game in Colorado. Thankfully, some of the best pitching options of the days are rather contrarian, thus suppressing their price and allowing more high-priced hitters to be purchased. [Don’t worry about daily fantasy sharks with FantasyDraft. 20-entry max, everyone’s got a shot.]
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/08/mlb-dfs-plays-5816/) - Mother's Day closes out another week of baseball with hot streaks - both individually and teams, as a whole - leading the way. In addition, a relatively small number of few top-flight pitchers are slated to start, moving the usual hitters to the front of the line. [Play The $4,000 Home Run Tournament On FantasyDraft Today!] Currently,
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/07/mlb-dfs-plays-5716/) - Buckle up and prepare for sixteen games on Saturday, thanks to a rainout on Saturday night. Only the second contest between the Orioles and Athletics should be included in most all-day slates, but be sure to check the proper pitching matchups ahead of time. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/06/mlb-dfs-plays-5616/) - In a stark contrast with Thursday, Friday is bursting with pitching options. Unfortunately, some of the best are slated to go head-to-head with one another, somewhat limiting the upside. Thankfully, there are more than a few viable pitchers to throw in Friday's packed slate. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/05/mlb-dfs-plays-5516/) - Despite Thursday generally serving as 'getaway day,' nearly the entire slate of games will be played at night. Thankfully, there is one standalone pitching option that separates himself from the pack, leaving hitters available throughout the remaining games. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/04/mlb-dfs-plays-5416/) - All thirty clubs are in action again on Wednesday, with the games neatly dispersed over the course of the day. Oddly enough, there are a handful of talented pitchers throwing, but their matchups are not necessarily outstanding. Unfortunately, the hitters are equally suppressed, with the exception of a few lineups that should breakout. Currently, we are
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/03/mlb-dfs-plays-5316/) - While all thirty teams will be in action on Tuesday night, the Tigers and Indians might be left out of most slates. Like Monday, there are enough one-sided matchups to find solid buying opportunities and, as it turns out, many of the same plays from the previous day carry over into Tuesday. [Win A Trip
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/2/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/02/mlb-dfs-plays-5216/) - Another week of baseball begins with a ten-game slate, all of which will be played at night. The new week brings a new set of series, which should be welcomed by a handful of players that are experiencing their first miniature slumps of the season. Thankfully, this presents a buying opportunity. Currently, we are using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 5/1/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/05/01/mlb-dfs-plays-5116/) - There will be no shortage of strikeout pitchers on Sunday, as some fantastic matchups are in the works. Staff 'aces' are throwing against weaker offenses, and high-strikeout arms will meet - miss - high-strikeout bats. Unfortunately, weather appears bound to play a factor in Sunday's games. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/30/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/30/mlb-dfs-plays-43016/) - The overwhelming theme of Saturday's group of games is the familiar positions in which each pitcher finds himself. The same players that have been fighting to rebound remain on watch to finally break through, while some of the weaker pitchers are lucky to be placed in a favorable matchup, yet again. Unfortunately, this leads to uncertainty
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/29/mlb-dfs-plays-42916/) - Friday begins with a single afternoon game loaded with fantasy impact, followed by the rest of the league at night. One of the most noteworthy storylines of the day is the continuation of the early trend for the 2016 season - that is, two more top pitching prospects will be making their Major League debuts. Currently,
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/28/mlb-dfs-plays-42816/) - Thursday features the lightest slate of games this week, with eight matchups split neatly in half between the afternoon and night slates. Interestingly enough, there are both high-scoring environments - Colorado and Chicago are hosting games - yet solid pitching matchups, making roster construction a bit more difficult than usual. Currently, we are using xFIP
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/17/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/27/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-41716/) - Point Guard Shaun Livingston (DK $4700, $4400, 14.2 USG) I would think this maybe the last time you're going to be able to roster Livingston under 5K over the next couple of weeks while Curry recovers from his strained MCL, so jump on it while you still can. Livingston has been playing great this series.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/27/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/27/mlb-dfs-plays-42716/) - Outside of one late-afternoon game, Wednesday includes another loaded night of baseball. The headliner of the day - outside of fantasy baseball purposes - is Jake Arrieta, returning to the mound after pitching his second career no-hitter. Following closely behind Arrieta's encore is the first career start of Minnesota's Jose Berrios, one of the best
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/26/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/26/mlb-dfs-plays-42616/) - Another set of only night games is on Tuesday's schedule, with all thirty teams in action. There will also be no shortage of pitching options, as many teams will be throwing their 'ace' against offenses that should be contained. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/25/mlb-dfs-plays-42516/) - Nearly the entire league is back in action on Monday, with the entire slate of games taking place at night. Simply based on matchups, there are an abnormal amount of pitching options to use, with a slimmer pool of hitters to target. This works out well for roster construction. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/25/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-42516/) - Point Guard Devin Harris (DK $3300, FD $3500, 17.9 USG) With Deron Williams out and J.J. Barea still battling a groin injury, Raymond Felton is going to be the one that's busy but Harris should continue playing minutes in the mid 20's. I don't think it's necessary to go this cheap at PG with Jeremy
- [A Totally (Not) Scientific Look At NBA Players In Song Lyrics](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/25/totally-not-scientific-look-nba-players-song-lyrics/) - A Totally (Not) Scientific Look at NBA Players in Song Lyrics - An Infographic by the Team at Vivid Seats, your premier online source for NBA tickets.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/24/mlb-dfs-plays-42416/) - Another week of baseball concludes on Sunday, and there are actually quite a few matchups that tend to lean in one direction or another. In addition, we should see the return of Jacob deGrom to the mound, as well as the debut of Atlanta's Aaron Blair one day after the Rays unveiled Blake Snell. Currently,
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/23/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/23/mlb-dfs-plays-42316/) - As always, Saturday features all thirty teams in action, although the early read is that the matchups tend to favor the hitters, since many teams are approaching the back-end of their rotations. There are also a handful of relative unknowns throwing Saturday, including the debut of Blake Snell for the Tampa Bay Rays. Currently, we
- [Daily Fantasy Baskeball: Cheap Advice 4/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/22/daily-fantasy-baskeball-cheap-advice-42216/) - Point Guard Patty Mills (DK $3500, FD $3600, 19.7 USG) The game's in Memphis now. Doesn't matter. The Spurs are gonna continue to smash the Grizz with ease. And with the blowout, comes value off the bench. Mills has provided us just that over game's one 1 and 2. In 19 minutes, he's averaging 24.25
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/22/mlb-dfs-plays-42216/) - All thirty teams are in action on Friday night, providing a massive pool of players for any combination of slates. Unfortunately, there are some weather concerns, so the number of options might slowly shrink before the night is over. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another –
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/21/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/21/mlb-dfs-plays-42116/) - Thursday is commonly known as 'getaway day' throughout the league, as many teams are playing afternoon contests in anticipation of travel. Often, this presents some nice buying opportunities for pitchers, and the early slate contains no shortage of top arms. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/20/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/20/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-42016/) - Point Guard Matthew Dellavedova (DK $3000, FD $3500, 15.9 USG) This is my first playoff piece and trust me when I type this, this column in not meant for the playoffs. A lot of value that comes in the regular season doesn't translate as well to the playoffs. Rotations get shortened, starters play longer, stars
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/20/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/20/mlb-dfs-plays-42016/) - Wednesday brings another full day of baseball, including a few afternoon games that can stand alone as an early slate. In addition, Tuesday's breakdown included targeting left-handed hitters against Julio Teheran. With Teheran being pushed back to start on Wednesday, the same logic applies. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s
- [MLB: A Tale of Two Cardinals](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/19/a-tale-of-two-cardinals/) - The following are a couple of observations on a list of position players who have recently been surging on the waiver wire charts and other players who I'm "scouting" in fantasy leagues. A lot of these players have ownership rates below 70 percent at CBS Sports. It's early on in the season and there are many players
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/19/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/19/mlb-dfs-plays-41916/) - The entire league takes the field on Tuesday, with only two teams playing in the afternoon. This makes for a loaded night slate - although the Indians and Mariners start an hour earlier than usual, possibly requiring the use of an 'all-day' lineup to get some of their players in. Currently, we are using xFIP
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/18/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/18/mlb-dfs-plays-41816/) - With most of the festivities of the past few weeks behind us, Monday includes the typical off-day for many teams. After the extremely early day game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays - which, by the time this post is live, might have already started - the rest of the teams play at night. Currently,
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/17/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/17/mlb-dfs-plays-41716/) - UPDATE: The Texas/Baltimore game has been postponed Sunday brings another full slate of games to end the week, with all but two teams playing in the afternoon. As proven last week, be sure to check the weather reports since most games happen to lock at the same time. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/16/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/16/mlb-dfs-plays-41616/) - A full day of games on Saturday fit nicely into two separate slates. The morning games include both excellent pitching options and a team worth stacking, while the nightcap features a few studs on the mound. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another – especially against opposite-handed hitters.
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/15/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/15/mlb-dfs-plays-41516/) - Friday includes a full slate of games with only a single afternoon contest. Throughout the night, the common thread of each game is how strikingly even many of the matchups appear. From Bumgarner and Kershaw - again - to Zack Greinke and James Shields, balance is found everywhere. In addition, where the scale appears to be tilted,
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/14/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/14/mlb-dfs-plays-41416/) - Thursday's games start a bit earlier than usual, and there are more than enough games to warrant both early and late slate competitions. As it turns out, many of the better pitchers will appear in the first half of the day, while hitters get the edge, at night. With that, there are certainly opportunities to
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/13/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/13/mlb-dfs-plays-41316/) - Wednesday brings a full slate of games, including the return of early contests. The increased number of games naturally comes with more options, but Wednesday's pitchers actually bring an inherent level of risk. Despite the quantity of arms that could be used, the quality of their matchups are somewhat lacking. As a result, we will
- [NHL Western Conference Playoff Primer](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/12/nhl-western-conference-playoff-primer-dfs/) - You can find the Eastern Conference Playoff Primer here. After a long, exciting NHL season, we have finally reached the pinnacle of the hockey season, playoff time, where every game matters, intensity increases tenfold, and margin for error ceases to exist. Conventional wisdom might tell you that “defense wins championships” or “the refs swallow their whistles”
- [NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Primer](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/13/nhl-eastern-conference-playoff-primer-dfs/) - You can find the Western Conference Playoff Primer here. After a long, exciting NHL season, we have finally reached the pinnacle of the hockey season, playoff time, where every game matters, intensity increases tenfold, and margin for error ceases to exist. Conventional wisdom might tell you that “defense wins championships” or “the refs swallow their whistles”
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/12/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/12/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-41216/) - Only two more days of regular season DFS in the NBA and even though I'm quite sad, I'm actually a bit relieved as well. These last 2 weeks have been brutal with all the news of players resting out of nowhere and random injuries forcing late scratches. Trust me when I tell you, the playoffs
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/12/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/12/mlb-dfs-plays-41216/) - Tuesday brings a heavy slate of games in the evening, highlighted by the must-watch matchup between Jose Fernandez and Noah Syndergaard. Unfortunately for fantasy purposes, two of the three highest strikeout pitchers will be featured in the same game, but there are a number of options elsewhere. They just won't come at a discount. Currently,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/11/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3/) - Point Guard Ramon Sessions (DK $4600, FD $4200, 24.3 USG w/ Wall out) The Wizards have been eliminated from playoff contention, meaning we've likely seen the last of John Wall for the remainder of the season. Remember, there's going to be lots of this going on over the next 3 days so if you don't
- [MLB DFS Game Theory for 4/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/11/mlb-dfs-game-theory-41116/) - In this article I’m going to look at the slate as a whole from a game theory perspective, rather than try to figure out which hitters have exactly the best matchup. Both are important, but there are a lot of resources out there that analyze matchups, but few that approach DFS from the perspective of
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/11/mlb-dfs-plays-41116/) - Another set of rainouts wreaked havoc on Sunday's slate - most notably the final game of the week between the Yankees and Tigers - but we finally have a foundation of statistics to use for each team. With a slightly smaller slate on Monday and a new set of matchups, we begin the second week
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/10/mlb-dfs-plays-41016/) - Two rainouts from Saturday will push a few pitchers into Sunday starts. As it turns out, there were targets from these games in Saturday's article, so be sure to check the write-ups of players like Bryce Harper and Justin Bour. Currently, we are using xFIP and wOBA simply to compare one pitcher’s performance against another –
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/09/mlb-dfs-plays-4916/) - Saturday includes the first completely filled slate of the season, as all thirty teams will be in action throughout the course of the day. The full slate is highlighted by the always entertaining duel between Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw - although fantasy owners may be disappointed that only one could win. Currently, we are
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/08/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-4816/) - Point Guard Ramon Sessions (DK $3700, FD $4100, 21.8 USG) As this season winds down, it's becoming increasingly difficult to give you some cash viable advice with so much value popping up hour by hour. As of writing this, John Wall is listed as doubtful against the Pistons (WAS maybe giving up on the season)
- [FanDuel NBA DFS: This Season vs Opponent Production of Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/8/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/08/fanduel-nba-dfs-season-vs-opponent-production-ceiling-value-plays-4816-slate/) - MIA @ ORL - 207 | ORL -1 Aaron Gordon has been ruled out(concussion). Ceiling: ($8.6K)Hassan Whiteside This Season vs Opp. Avg.: 2 games, 35.9 Fpts in 33.3 Mins Whiteside underperformed in an incredible mathup vs the Bulls, but enters an equally good matchup here, and is one of the top Ceiling plays on the
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/08/mlb-dfs-plays-4816/) - The first Friday of the 2016 season brings the biggest selection to date, as all but two teams are scheduled to play. In addition, some of the "aces" of their respective pitching staffs return to the mound for their second start. Oddly enough, the amount of overall options only yields a few can't-miss pitchers, which
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/07/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-4716/) - Point Guard Seth Curry (DK $3900, FD $4200, 16.7 USG) The Kings are resting pretty much their entire team again making Curry a fantastic value play. I'm locking him into every one of my lineups to be honest with you in this matchup against the Wolves. He's recorded at least 27 DKPTS in 4 out
- [2016 National League Too Early, Stupid Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/07/2016-national-league-early-stupid-predictions/) - As mentioned in our American League predictions, we understand how silly predictions can be, but they can be a lot of fun. The Houston Astros are patiently waiting for their opponent in the World Series, so let's go get them one. Disclaimer: before I share my prophecies, I have decided to create a stipulation for
- [FanDuel NBA DFS: This Season vs Opponent Production of Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/7/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/07/fanduel-nba-dfs-season-vs-opponent-production-ceiling-value-plays-4716-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I like to see
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/07/mlb-dfs-plays-4716/) - Break out the bats. With a lighter schedule of games and most of the 'aces' of each staff already behind us, Thursday's matchups heavily favor the hitters. Simply put, teams that tend to strike out a lot - at least, they did in 2015 - are facing relative 'contact pitchers' while the pitcher throwing Thursday
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/06/cheap-advice-4616/) - Point Guard Jeremy Lin (DK $4100, FD $4200, 22.3 USG) How Lin was only 20% owned in cash last night is beyond me. He was listed as the starter well before the Hornets game started and delivered just as you'd expect. He scored 39 DKPTS in 40 minutes playing in a tough matchup against the
- [FanDuel NBA DFS: This Season vs Opponent Production of Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/6/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/06/fanduel-nba-dfs-season-vs-opponent-production-ceiling-value-plays-4616-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I like to see
- [Moneyball's Finest: The Kansas City Royals](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/06/moneyballs-finest-kansas-city-royals/) - The Major League Baseball season is underway and the baseball word is still buzzing from the seemingly improbable ascent of the Kansas City Royals as they captured the championship defeating the New York Mets in October of 2015. For "old-school" fans of the game, it was a victory for "traditionalists" who still think baseball should
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/06/mlb-dfs-plays-4616/) - Another day of Opening Week games brings another early slate ripe with potential. For Wednesday, the Blue Jays will be the 'Storyline Play of the Day,' as they became the first team in history to lose a game via an overturned call featuring a now illegal slide at second base. If any team is eager
- [2016 American League Too Early, Stupid Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/06/2016-american-league-early-stupid-predictions/) - On Monday, on a baseball message board, I had asked the masses to share with us any last-minute predictions for the 2016 Major League Baseball season. To my surprise, one of the folks had proclaimed that it was "too early" to make predictions; even though the season was about to start for the majority of
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 4/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/05/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-4516/) - Point Guard Tim Frazier (DK $4200, FD $5000, 21.6 USG) Frazier continues to be underpriced on DK, but I can understand going a different route on FD now that he's reached the 5K range. I wrote about him last week and he continues to provide value for us. I still don't think he's a good
- [FanDuel NBA DFS: This Season vs Opponent Production of Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/3/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/05/fanduel-nba-dfs-season-vs-opponent-production-ceiling-value-plays-4316-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I like to see how
- [4/5 Daily Fantasy NHL: News Worth Knowing](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/05/45-daily-fantasy-nhl-news-worth-knowing/) - Welcome to the latest installment of News Worth Knowing, where we cover the new names in the league, and continue to monitor injury situations. With the NCAA and Canadian Junior Hockey seasons coming to a close, we are in the midst of several prospect call-ups, and some are making an immediate impact. I will also
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/05/mlb-dfs-plays-4516/) - Two rainouts from Monday will carry over into an early Tuesday slate, as the Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, and Indians will all get early afternoon starts. The morning slate is now full of pitching options, while the night games include a pair of teams attempting to bounce back from Opening Day shutouts. Currently, we are using
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/04/mlb-dfs-plays-4416/) - Monday's earliest game - Astros at Yankees - has already been postponed due to rain, lowering the number of games down to twelve for the full slate. Thankfully, the pitcher's pool is loaded, regardless, as each team will send its relative 'ace' to the mount. Of course, this weakens hitters across the board. Currently, we are
- [MLB DFS Game Theory for 4/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/04/mlb-dfs-game-theory-for-4416/) - The first real day of the DFS MLB season is upon us and I'm extremely excited. In this article I'm going to look at the slate as a whole from a game theory perspective, rather than try to figure out which hitters have exactly the best matchup. Both are important, but there are a lot of
- [FanDuel NBA DFS: This Season vs Opponent Production of Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/2/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/03/64260/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [MLB DFS Plays for 4/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/03/mlb-dfs-plays-for-4316/) - Sunday's three-game Opening Day slate offers only six pitchers from which to choose and two slots to fill. In their respective matchups, a look at each pitcher's xFIP over the last three seasons suggests that Adam Wainwright, Marcus Stroman, and Matt Harvey have the advantage against their opposing counterpart. Harvey's separation is not only the
- [A Beginner's Guide For Daily Fantasy Baseball](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/02/a-beginners-guide-for-daily-fantasy-baseball/) - Dear Daily Fantasy Baseball Beginner, When I was approached by Tom Fitzgerald here at XNSports to do this beginner's guide to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) for the upcoming baseball season, I kinda thought he was crazy. I'm no heavy volume player. After thinking about it though it could be my casual approach towards the game
- [2016 MLB Full Season Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/02/2016-mlb-full-season-predictions/) - From the World Champion Royals to the upstart Astros, much of the success for teams in 2015 stemmed from one of two features: a stellar bullpen or an influx of young talent. Prior to the 2015 season, there were a handful of teams that fit the bill of potential breakouts. The Mets entered the year
- [FanDuel NBA DFS Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/2/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/02/64211/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [2016 MLB Buying Opportunities](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/02/2016-mlb-buying-opportunities/) - Minnesota Twins - O/U 78.5 - Projected 88-74, AL Central Division Winner The Minnesota Twins may be often overlooked in what some are considering a crowded AL Central, but they have quietly been assembling one of the league's best crop of young talent. This year's version of the 2015 Cubs, the Twins will likely feature
- [2016 MLB Selling Opportunities](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/02/2016-mlb-selling-opportunities/) - New York Mets - O/U 89.5 - Projected 83-79, No Playoff Berth When the Mets cruised to a division title by mid-September, many were caught off-guard. After all, New York's pitching staff was highly-touted by those who follow the Minor League systems, but had yet to make an impact on the Major League level. Those
- [2016 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/01/2016-fantasy-baseball-player-rankings/) - Although it may not manifest itself in the first few dozen names listed, there is a clear distinction between fantasy expectations for players in 2016 when compared to last year. Mainly, 2015 was so filled with rookie contributions that veterans were often bumped from the upper tiers of preseason rankings. The best part about the
- [FanDuel NBA DFS Ceiling and Value Plays for the 4/1/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/04/01/fanduel-nba-dfs-value-plays/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [3/29 Daily Fantasy NHL: News Worth Knowing](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/29/329-daily-fantasy-nhl-news-worth-knowing/) - With the season coming to a close in the next couple weeks, I am going to switch things up just a tad. Due to a myriad of factors, chief among them being a reluctance to regurgitate the same facts and figures to the readers who have heard these things multiple times throughout the season, I
- [Daily Fantasy Basketabll: Cheap Advice 3/31/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/31/daily-fantasy-basketabll-cheap-advice-33116/) - Point Guard Tim Frazier (DK $4000, FD $4000, 22.5 USG) I gotta be honest with y'all, it's becoming increasingly difficult to write these columns this time of year with how much changes in the NBA this late in the season (injuries, players resting). I can write this and get it out to you about an
- [3/31 Daily Fantasy NHL: News Worth Knowing](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/31/331-daily-fantasy-nhl-news-worth-knowing/) - Welcome to the latest installment of News Worth Knowing, where we cover the new names in the league, and continue to monitor injury situations. With the NCAA and Canadian Junior Hockey seasons coming to a close, we are in the midst of several prospect call-ups, and some are making an immediate impact. I will also
- [Thoughts On The 3/31/16 FanDuel NBA DFS Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/31/last-times-production-vs-opponent-thoughts-33116-fan-duel-dfs-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/30/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/30/cheap-advice-33016/) - Point Guard Jose Calderon (DK $4100, FD $4400, 12.6 USG) Never the sexiest play but with PG being so meh tonight, Calderon is definitely someone to consider, given the matchup against the Mavs. Over the last 3 weeks, the Mavs have given up the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing PG's. Usually, that kinda stuff doesn't
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/29/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-32916/) - Point Guard Shane Larkin (DK $3800, FD $3700, 17.9 USG) Larkin has been starting as of late and the price has yet to catch up to the news. Playing 29 minutes a game over the last 3 he's started, he's averaging 28 DKPTS and now gets a decent matchup against ORL, who have given up the 10th
- [Thoughts on FanDuel's NBA DFS 3/29/16 Slate: DVP and Value Plays](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/29/fanduel-nba-dfs-advice/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: 3/28/16 Cheap Advice](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/28/daily-fantasy-basketball-32816-cheap-advice/) - Point Guard Darren Collison (DK $5000, FD $5500, 19.1 USG) The Kings are going to be the most popular source of value on the night, with Rondo, Cousins, Gay and Bellineli all being ruled out so early. Whenever Rondo sits, Collison becomes near must play territory. But now with pretty much everyone sitting, he is
- [DvP Last Week vs Opponent and This Season vs Opponent Avg. Fantasy Points of Ceiling and Value Plays with Thoughts for the Fan Duel NBA DFS 3/28/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/28/dvp-last-week-vs-opponent-season-vs-opponent-avg-fantasy-points-ceiling-value-plays-thoughts-fan-duel-nba-dfs-32816-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [DvP Last Week vs Opponent and This Season vs Opponent Avg. Fantasy Points of Ceiling and Value Plays with Thoughts for the Fan Duel NBA DFS 3/27/16 Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/27/dvp-last-week-vs-opponent-season-vs-opponent-avg-fantasy-points-thoughts-fan-duel-nba-dfs-32716-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [DvP vs Opponent and Production in Games this Year Vs Opponent of the top Ceiling and Value Plays with thoughts for the 3/26/16 Fan Duel NBA DFS Slate](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/26/dvp-vs-opponent-production-games-year-vs-opponent-top-ceiling-value-plays-thoughts-32616-fan-duel-nba-dfs-slate/) - When I construct my fantasy lineups, throughout the DFS sports, two common things end up being my baseline for the path my roster takes. The top value plays and the highest ceiling superstar studs. In this article, I will attempt to attack these two prevalent fantasy focus points in NBA DFS. I will list the
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/24/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-32416/) - Point Guard Jose Calderon (DK $3500, FD $3800, 15.4 USG) I'm likely avoiding this route myself but with a small 5 game slate, these are the kinds of names that show up when looking for value. Luckily for us, these two teams met just last night and will do it all over again in NY
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/23/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/23/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-32316/) - Point Guard J.J. Barea (DK $3600, FD $3700, 22.8 USG) With Chandler Parsons out for the season, the Mavs are going to be forced into playing a lot of 3 guard lineups moving forward, especially tonight. The Blazers will gladly matchup with them in that regard. Having said that, Barea should see close to 25
- [3/22 Daily Fantasy NHL: News Worth Knowing](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/22/322-daily-fantasy-nhl-news-worth-knowing/) - With the season coming to a close in the next couple weeks, I am going to switch things up just a tad. Due to a myriad of factors, chief among them being a reluctance to regurgitate the same facts and figures to the readers who have heard these things multiple times throughout the season, I
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/22/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-32216/) - Point Guard Ray McCallum (DK $3200, FD $3700, 19.9 USG) I'm not going to be one of the Jeremy Lin point chasers tonight, even though he is a fine punt by all means, but I prefer a starting point guard going up against the Lakers for the same price any day of the week. You're
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/21/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/21/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-32116/) - Point Guard George Hill (DK $4800, FD $5500, 16.0 USG) This is more of a DK play because $4800 is just too cheap for a starting point guard who's actually kinda good and facing the Sixers. He's surprisingly been cheaper this past week but even at this price, it's time to jump on it. He just
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/18/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/18/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-31816/) - Point Guard Tim Frazier (DK $3400, FD $3500, 17.8 USG) A little bit of revenge narrative and low cost makes Frazier one of the best values on the slate this Friday night. In his first game with New Orleans, Frazier played a total of 27 minutes for 33.3 DKPTS (14 points, 9 assists) against the
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/16/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/16/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-31616/) - Point Guard Brandon Jennings (DK $3700, FD $3500, 23.8 USG) With Elfrid Payton questionable again tonight and Vuc being out, Brandon Jennings is in play for the second straight day. He drew the start ahead of C.J. Watson and performed well enough to hopefully earn Skiles trust. Playing 27 minutes against the Nuggets, Jennings recorded
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/15/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/15/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-31516/) - Point Guard Jerryd Bayless (DK $4700, FD $4600, 16.8 USG) We're witnessing some pretty awesome stuff in MIL with what the Greek Freak is doing. It's reminiscent of Westbrook without KD or Joakim Noah when he was the focal point of the Bulls offense a couple years back. Those guys were pretty much asked to do
- [3/15 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/15/315-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 15th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/14/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/14/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-31416/) - Point Guard Ray McCallum (DK $3000, FD $4100, 18.3 USG w/ MEM) If there was ever proof that DraftKings pricing algorithm is based on player popularity, this is it. Ray McCallum has just been added to the player pool for the first time as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. Because no one has been able to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/10/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-31016/) - Point Guard D.J. Augustin (DK $3800, FD $4000, 22.1 USG) This is the matchup of the night for fantasy purposes. It's the highest over/under (214) with a decent spread (DEN -7.5), so a game stack is in play. One of the cheapest ways to get exposure here is Augustin. He's played 20 min or more
- [3/10 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/10/310-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 10th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/09/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3916/) - Point Guard Shelvin Mack (DK $4300, FD $3900, 22.9 USG) This whole Jazz team gets a pace bump tonight going up against the Warriors. I believe they're all a bit underpriced because of this. I don't know what the hell is wrong with FanDuel, to keep Mack's price this low now for so long but
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/08/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3816/) - Point Guard Patty Mills (DK $4000, FD $4200, 19.2 USG) If you've been playing DFS this past week, you know how fortunate we are to get news this early. Spurs will be resting their original big 3 tonight against the Timberwolves (Manu, Duncan and Parker). When those three are out, here are the top 5
- [3/8 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/08/38-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 8th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/07/cheap-advice-3716/) - Point Guard Norris Cole (DK $5000, FD $5100, 21.6 USG), Toney Douglas (DK $3200, FD $3500, 17.5 USG) This is the contest that offers the most fantasy goodness on the night. As of now, I have 4 or 5 guys from this game in a majority of my lineups. The story to monitor closely is the availability
- [3/7 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/07/37-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 7th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [3/5 DraftKings NHL Main Slate: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/05/35-draftkings-nhl-main-slate-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 5th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/04/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3416/) - Point Guard Jerryd Bayless (DK $4600, FD $4300, 17.5 USG) There are so many ways you could go at PG tonight. The position is absolutely stacked and loaded at every tier. At under 5K, you could take a look at Donald Sloan, Dennis Schroder, Isaiah Canaan or DJ Augustin. I can't hate on any of
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/03/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3316/) - Point Guard Patty Mills (DK $3700, FD $4000, 19.2 USG) We have ourselves an awkward 4 game slate for this Thursday night. 2 games are highly attractive and the other 2 are incredibly ugly. The two games we'll want to target (SAC/DAL & OKC/GS) are going to feature the most expensive players on the night
- [3/3 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/03/33-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-the-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 3rd across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/2/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/02/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3216/) - Point Guard Patrick Beverley (DK $4500, FD $4800, 15.7 USG) With the buyout of Ty Lawson, the Rockets have firmly put their fate in Patrick Beverley's hands. Jason Terry can not play significant minutes at his age. In the Rocket's last game against Milwaukee, Beverley played the second most minutes he's played all year (37:50).
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 3/1/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/01/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-3116/) - Point Guard Dennis Schroder (DK $5000, FD $5000, 27.7 USG) What I would do first before going this cheap at PG is seriously consider the middle tier options. If after then, you still don't feel comfortable with your roster, Schroder should provide us some salary relief and likely low ownership with how he's performed over
- [3/1 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/03/01/31-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on March 1st across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/29/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/29/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22916/) - Point Guard D.J. Augustine (DK $3500, FD $3700, 20.7 USG) D.J. logged 36 minutes in Denver's last game against the Mavericks and is somehow still priced ridiculously low. I'm amazed that DK hasn't pushed him over the 4K range by now with Shelvin Mack priced at $4600. I mean, just look at his production since
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/26/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/26/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22616/) - Point Guard Mario Chalmers (DK $4300, FD $4600, 22.6 USG) It was just two days ago when these teams met in Memphis that I had suggested a plethora of Memphis value plays. Most of them failed to come through for us and I'm sorry for that but the reasoning was spot on and I don't
- [2/25 Daily Fantasy Hockey: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/25/225-daily-fantasy-hockey-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 25th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/25/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22516/) - Point Guard Ronnie Price (DK $3600, FD $3700, 13.7 USG) Phil Pressey (DK $3400, FD $3600, 17.1 USG) You could really roll out either one of these guys tonight if you're looking to save some salary. They're basically splitting time down the middle and both have a wonderful matchup against the Nets, who are 27th
- [MLB: Who Wins The AL East Pitchers' Duel?](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/25/who-wins-the-al-east-pitchers-duel/) - With big names like David Price and Aroldis Chapman coming into the division (or in Price's case staying there), the American League East's pitching has become an interesting thing to look at for the coming season. Indeed there's so much talent in rotations and bullpens alike that it looks like the arms will decide what's
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/24/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/24/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22416/) - Point Guard Mario Chalmers (DK $4300, FD $4800, 22.8 USG) - You're going to notice a trend to today's column and it wasn't an accident. I'll try not to overdue it but Memphis is full of value tonight. We'll start with Rio. So the Grizzlies traded away Courtney Lee, lost Marc Gasol for the year
- [2/24 Daily Fantasy Hockey: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/24/224-daily-fantasy-hockey-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 24th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/23/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/23/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22316/) - Point Guard Shelvin Mack (DK $3600, FD $3700, 24.7 USG) - Funny how things work out, huh? The Jazz were one of many teams that were linked to Jeff Teague before the trade deadline. They ended up settling for his backup's backup, Shelvin Mack. It seemed at the time like a move that wouldn't shift much
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/22/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-22216/) - Point Guard D'Angelo Russell (DK $4500, FD $4900, 23.4 USG) - I generally don't target point guards facing the Bucks but now that Russell has been named the starter for the rest of the season, you have to consider him. Keep in mind that this still is Byron Scott and the Lakers. He could easily
- [Triple Threat Match: Jon Lester vs Sonny Gray vs Michael Pineda](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/21/triple-threat-match-jon-lester-vs-sonny-gray-vs-michael-pineda/) - As mentioned in my last article about starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Carlos Carrasco, a lot of controversy ensued when I released my FUBAR rankings (a.k.a. Felipe’s Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings–a look at baseball from exclusively a sabermtrics’ point-of-view) for the top starting pitchers in Major League Baseball: Guess I forgot to share this here. #Top25 starting
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/19/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/19/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-21916/) - Point Guard Jeremy Lin (DK $4900, FD $4900, 22.1 USG) - The Hornets will be very short-handed tonight. With MKG out for the year, they traded for Courtney Lee, who will not be with the team against the Bucks, meaning Lin should draw the start at SG for them. We've seen Lin have some really nice
- [2/19 Draftkings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/19/219-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 19th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Pitching Showdown: Zack Greinke vs Carlos Carrasco](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/19/pitching-showdown-zack-greinke-vs-carlos-carrasco/) - Controversy ran rampant the day I released my 2015 FUBAR rankings (a.k.a. Felipe's Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings--a look at baseball from exclusively a sabermtrics' point-of-view) for the top starting pitchers in Major League Baseball: Guess I forgot to share this here. #Top25 starting pitchers of 2015, per #sabermetrics#pitcherscatchersreportpic.twitter.com/RSKCCWPdUi — Felipe M (@pathological_h8) February 18, 2016
- [2/18 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/18/218-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 16th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/18/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/18/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-21816/) - Point Guard Tony Parker (DK $4800, FD $5000, 21.1 USG) - The withdrawals were real. You don't know what you got till it's gone, which is why I'm so happy to be writing about NBA DFS again. After a weeklong All-Star break, the NBA returns tonight with a horrid 3 game slate but hey, beggers
- [2/16 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/16/216-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 16th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [2/15 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/15/215-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 15th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [2015 MLB Almanac: The Best of the Best](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/15/2015-mlb-almanac-best-best/) - With only days away from pitchers and catchers reporting, we take a final look at the 2015 Major League Baseball season as we list the best of the best of last year. FUBAR FUBAR stands for Felipe's Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings and it combines the following criteria to come up with what it believes to be
- [2/12 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/12/212-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 12th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Bastketball: Cheap Advice 2/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/11/daily-fantasy-bastketball-cheap-advice-21116/) - Point Guard Toney Douglas (DK $3000, FD $3500, 17.9 USG) - The final day of NBA DFS before the All Star break leaves a lot to be desired as we only have 2 games to work with. We're going to have to scrape near the bottom of the barrel to find any value with such limited
- [2/11 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/11/211-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 11th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/10/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/10/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-21016/) - Point Guard Patrick Beverley (DK $5000, FD $4600, 15.6 USG) - While this slate looks much better than last night as a whole, PG is still a a struggle to find value. You could try out the Raul Neto thing again since the matchup against NO is perfect but after last night, he'll be very
- [The Men Up North Sports Podcast Episode 15--Super Bowl 50 Post-Game](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/10/the-men-up-north-sports-podcast-episode-15-super-bowl-50-post-game/) - In a football-heavy episode of The Men Up North Sports' Podcast, Felipe Melecio and Matthew Bushnell discuss their reactions to Super Bowl 50 and discuss a wide array of topics: --Super Bowl 50 post game reactions --State of the NFL quarterbacks --The importance of post-game press conference --The 2011 NFL Draft: Best Draft Class ever?
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/9/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/09/cheap-advice-2916/) - Point Guard Raul Neto (DK $3600, FD $3800, 16.9 USG) - There's 1 game to love and the rest to hate. That's the kinda column this is gonna be. Stack as many Warriors as you can fit and patch up the rest as the day goes on. The first patch is likely to be Raul
- [2/9 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/09/29-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 9th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Cam Newton and the Panthers Swallowed by Unexpected Adversity](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/09/cam-newton-panthers-swallowed-unexpected-adversity/) - Winning a football game is not easy. Until Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers had lost a total of one game since the start of 2015 and two since Week 14 of the 2014 season. Collectively, the team emitted the aura of confidence that goes with perennial winners. The Panthers would take the field, play a
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/8/17](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/08/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-2817/) - Point Guard Donald Sloan (DK $4400, FD $4300, 16.0 USG) - I think the right way to go about roster construction today is to start with the middle tier options at PG. I love guys like Derrick Rose, Emmanuel Mudiay, George Hill, Ricky Rubio and Kyrie Irving. All in great spots and reasonably priced so I
- [2/8 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/08/28-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 8th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Super Thoughts: Super Bowl 50 Random Reactions](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/08/super-thoughts-super-bowl-50-random-reactions/) - Super Bowl 50 came in like a monsoon and finished like a drizzle. The game was good, but it could have been better as the Denver Broncos dominated the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Here are some random thoughts about the event from Sunday. Commercials were once again underwhelming, but anything produced for this year is a
- [Super Bowl 50 Prop Bets: Ready Your Stopwatches](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/07/super-bowl-50-prop-bets-ready-stopwatches/) - Not again. While Sunday's main event will officially close out the 2015 National Football League season, there is a level of nervous anticipation that builds. Each passing hour brings me closer to my opportunity for redemption. One year ago, my fingers danced upon the keyboard with giddy excitement as I laid out the prop bets for
- [NFL Picks: Super Bowl 50 Prediction](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/04/nfl-picks-super-bowl-50-prediction/) - If the National Football League proves anything year in and year out, it is that one team will almost certainly break every trend. In 2015, said team was clearly the Carolina Panthers. A proverbial thorn in the side of this column week after week, karma dictated that the Panthers would be playing in the final game
- [2/4 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/04/24-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 4th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/04/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-2416/) - Point Guard Patrick Beverley (DK $4900, FD $4800, 15.6 USG) - Since returning from injury (ankle), Beverley has averaged 31 minutes over his last 6 games and been playing very well. His salary is starting to creep up to his production but still underpriced. With averages of 26.58 DKPTS (.87 FPPM) in that span, he
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/29/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12816-2/) - Point Guard Jerian Grant (DK $3100, FD $3800, 19.0 USG) - You'll notice a theme for the column today. If the dominoes fall like we'd expect and hope, you're going to want to load up on Knicks players to be able to afford as many stars from the Rockets/Thunder game as you can. Last night,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/3/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/03/dfs-basketball-cheap-advice-2316/) - Point Guard J.J. Barea (DK $4800, FD $3900, 23.1 USG) - With Deron Williams and Devin Harris being ruled out tonight, Barea should start and see 30+ minutes against the Heat. While the matchup is not optimal, the price is. In the 8 games the Mavs have played without Deron Williams this year, Barea has
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 2/2/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/02/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-2216/) - Point Guard Cory Joseph (DK $3900, FD, $3900, 16.3 USG) - I rarely enjoy rostering Cory Joseph. Every time I watch the Raptors play and he's in the game, he kind of just stands around watching DeRozan and Lowry do all the work. But because of the lack of value at PG under 5K tonight,
- [2/2 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/02/02/22-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on February 2nd across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [The Men Up North Podcast: Super Bowl 50 Preview](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/30/super-bowl-50-preview/) - THE MEN UP NORTH SPORTS PODCAST: The guys recap the AFC and NFC Championship games and preview the Super Bowl between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. They also talked about Pete Rose's career from strictly a statistical standpoint and the major issues that plague the Baseball Hall of Fame. 0:00-0:36--Super Bowl 50 talk 0:36-1:20:00--Pete
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/28/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/28/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12816/) - Point Guard Cory Joseph (DK $3600, FD $3700, 16.2 USG) Jerian Grant (DK $3100, FD $3800, 18.7 USG) - You're going to want to keep tabs on injuries throughout the day because as of now, Kyle Lowry and Jose Calderon are both questionable. These 2 are the ones that excite me most because if both
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/27/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/27/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12716/) - Point Guard Trey Burke (DK $4400, $4700, 24.9 USG) - Raul Neto (concussion) has been ruled out for tonight's game against the Hornets, which should earn Burke the start and give him all the minutes he can handle. The only healthy PG the Jazz have on the roster besides Burke is newly signed Erick Green.
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/26/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/26/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12616/) - Poing Guard Beno Udrih (DK $4000, FD $3800, 14.3 USG) - If you're playing on FanDuel, I'd prefer options like Archie Goodwin (see below) or Donald Sloan but on DK, Udrih is the only guy at PG I'd consider under 5K. Honestly, PG is a position I'd recommend paying up for tonight with guys like
- [NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/26](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/26/nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-126/) - GPP thoughts for 1/26 Slate: Tonight’s slate features 9 games, with all but one having pretty established favorites The underdogs tonight are not attractive to me for DFS purposes. The story to watch for tonight is the goaltending situation for Colorado. Varlamov is not with the team so Roman Will was recalled from the AHL.
- [1/26 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/26/126-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on January 26th across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [Pete Rose: A Statistical Overview](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/26/pete-rose-statistical-overview/) - A lot of discussions about Pete Rose took place last month as people were anticipating a lift of the lifetime ban the former big league legend succumbed to when it was discovered he had gambled in baseball games. For those fully aware of baseball history, that is the biggest sin a player/manager can commit. As
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/25/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/25/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12516/) - Point Guard Beno Udrih (DK $4000, FD $3800, 14.1 USG) - Doesn't it feel good to not be tempted to roster Tyler Johnson? The Heat are still banged up but Udrih has said he intends to play tonight against Chicago after a 4 game absence due to a neck injury. He's the one guy that's
- [US Women’s National Soccer Team Olympic Roster Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/23/womens-olympic-roster-soccer/) - Unlike the World Cup roster of twenty-three players, the Olympic roster is capped at only eighteen players. Taking into account the slew of player retirements since the USWNT won the World Cup in 2015, the impressive new young player pool, and coach Jill Ellis’s often unpredictable decisions, here is our best guess of who will
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/22/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/22/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12216/) - Point Guard Ray McCallum (DK $3000, FD $3600, 13.7 USG) - We had written up Patty Mills yesterday morning assuming he would draw the start for Tony Parker. Pop went Pop on us and inserted Ray McCallum instead. At the end of the day, both Mills and McCallum aren't high usage guys who will go
- [1/22 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/22/122-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players in action on January 22nd across the industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game,
- [NFL Conference Championship Picks Against the Spread](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/22/nfl-conference-championship-picks-spread/) - As quickly as chaos entered the arena of play, it left. All four road teams won their Wild Card round games. All four subsequent lost in the Divisional round. With that, no team that opened the postseason two weeks ago will take the field on Sunday. While injuries temporarily derailed both AFC participants at various
- [Daily Fantasy Football: Stats and Info You Need to Know](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/22/daily-fantasy-football-stats-and-info-you-need-to-know/) - Our friends at RotoQL provided us with the following infographic to help you prepare contest-winning lineups for Championship weekend on DraftKings and FanDuel:
- [NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/21](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/21/nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-121/) - GPP thoughts for 1/21 Slate: Tonight’s 10 game slate is not my favorite slate. The one matchup that jumps off the page is Toronto. If feels like the Leafs are underpriced and will be under owned. My night will go as far as Toronto will take me as I will have a Leaf’s stack in 100%
- [1/21 Daily Fantasy NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/21/121-daily-fantasy-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key NHL players in action on January 21st across the daily fantasy industry, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/21/15](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/21/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12115-2/) - Point Guard Patty Mills (DK $3500, FD $3500, 17.8 USG) - Every time Tony Parker sits, we roster Mills and he ends up disappointing us. It's not a comfortable feeling but Mills will be going up against a Suns team that gives up the second most fantasy points to point guards. This game will likely be
- [The Men Up North NFC Championship Week Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/21/men-north-nfc-championship-week-predictions/) - Due to scheduling conflicts, The Men Up North Sports' Podcast will not air this week. However, Matt Bushnell and Felipe Melecio did have a conversation about the upcoming AFC and NFC Championship games. Here is how they broke things down beginning with the National Football Conference. Felipe: Well, it's the moment we've been waiting for; after
- [The Men Up North AFC Championship Week Predictions](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/21/men-north-afc-championship-week-predictions/) - Due to scheduling conflicts, The Men Up North Sports' Podcast will not air this week. However, Matt Bushnell and Felipe Melecio did have a conversation about the upcoming AFC and NFC Championship games. Here is how they broke things down beginning with the American Football Conference. Felipe: So we last left off talking about the NFC
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/20/15](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/20/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-12015/) - Point Guard D'Andelo Russell (DK $4900, FD $5100, 23.4 USG) - Russell is a guy that is hard to roster because of his role off the bench and the unpredictability of the rotation but he's seen 30 min in two out of his last 4 games and I think a lot of that has to do
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/19/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/19/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-11916/) - Point Guard Norris Cole (DK $3800, FD $4100, 21.2 USG) - I don't get why Draft Kings lowered Cole's salary the day after starting for an injured Tyreke Evans. This pick really hinges on Evans' availability for tonight (currently questionable) but if he's ruled out, Cole and Jrue Holiday instantly becomes top value plays tonight.
- [NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/19](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/19/nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-119/) - GPP thoughts for 1/19 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate features eight games and is favorable for GPPs. I will look to fade Washington who faces Columbus on the road. I have a feeling that in order to take down a GPP you will need to fade Washington or Tampa Bay and I have a hard time
- [1/19 Daily Fantasy Hockey: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/19/119-daily-fantasy-hockey-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/19 NHL DraftKings Daily Fantasy Hockey slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a
- [1/18 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/18/118-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/18 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/15/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/15/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-11516/) - Player salaries are taken from DraftKings Point Guard Beno Udrih ($3300, 14.3 USG) - Remind yourself that recency bias can you kill you in DFS and remind yourself that Emmanuel Mudiay is no Chris Paul on defense. I understand that Beno is not the kind of players that will fill up the stat sheet but
- [NFL Divisional Round Against the Spread Picks](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/15/nfl-divisional-round-spread-picks/) - While the numbers behind Wild Card weekend hinted at a potentially historic result, the fact that it actually came to fruition is somewhat surprising. Entering the week, all four road teams were, at one point, the favorite in their respective game -- although the Packers and Redskins continued to flip sides with most websites naming
- [The Men Up North: Chapter 13](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/15/men-up-north-podcast/) - T 00:00--30:00--Baseball talk--Felipe's Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings are broken down by Felipe as he answers Matt's random questions. 30:00--52:00--A TALE OF TWO TEAMS: The Chicago Blackhawks are on fire; the Chicago Bulls are in complete disarray. 52:00--1:21:25--The guys preview the upcoming NFL playoffs. Featured Image Credit: By Lisa Gansky from New York, NY, USA (IMG_7562)
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/14/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/14/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-11416/) - Point Guard Aaron Brooks ($4500, 23.7 USG) - Let's just go ahead and assume Derrick Rose is out tonight. He's currently listed as questionable but the Bulls will likely play it safe against a team like the Sixers and playing 4 games in 5 nights. Let's just also assume the Bulls start Hinrich in Rose's place. That
- [DFS: NFL Divisional Round Contest Winning Plays](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/14/daily-fantasy-football-divisional-round/) - In short weeks like this, we have to attack the slate differently. As Fast Eddie Fear said that really stuck with me, you have to let go of traditional rules on these small player pools. For example, on Thanksgiving, my favorite two wide receiver options were Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. On a typical week,
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/13/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/13/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-11316/) - Point Guard Beno Udrih ($3100, 14.2 USG) - Goran Dragic has been ruled out for the rest of Miami's road trip. No one knows exactly who's going to draw the start for him but I'd be shocked if it wasn't Beno. Tyler Johnson plays both guard spots and will likely backup Udrih and Wade whenever
- [1/13 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/13/113-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/13 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/12/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/12/cheap-advice-11216/) - Point Guard D'Angelo Russell ($4800, 23.2 USG) - This is the game of the night. I believe there's still no spread here as everyone is awaiting word on Anthony Davis' status but trust me, it's the game to target. It'll likely be the game I stack in cash. By now, you know the story. Lakers and
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/12](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/12/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-122/) - GPP thoughts for 1/12 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate features eight game with some very interesting match-ups. I am interested in the ownership levels of St. Louis players tonight. While I see Tarasenko being highly owned in all formats and Fabbri high in cash games, I think Fabbri and Lehtera will be overlooked in large GPPs. There
- [NHL: Seth Jones Traded for Ryan Johansen; Jordan Weal's Depth Problem](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/12/nhl-seth-jones-traded-for-ryan-johansen-jordan-weals-depth-problem/) - It was an incredibly slow start to the NHL season with regard to the trade market. From October 7th through December 13th, there was exactly one trade in the NHL, and it was goaltender Kevin Poulin going from Tampa Bay to Calgary for future considerations. There are a number of reasons why, including salary cap
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/11/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/11/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-11116/) - Point Guard Donald Sloan ($3700, 15.8 USG) - Let me just go on record and say this is likely the worst and toughest slate of the year to figure out. There's only one attractive game to target and that would be the Bulls/Wizards game (206.5 over under, 8 points spread). Anyways, let's start with Sloan.
- [2015 MLB Almanac: All-Offensive Team](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/11/2015-mlb-almanac-offensive-team/) - We're saying our final farewells to the 2015 Major League Baseball season. We already named our All-Plutonium Defensive Team so now we will highlight the very best offensive players of last season. FUBAR Once again, we will utilize Felipe's Ultimate Baseball Advanced Rankings (or FUBAR for short) to rank these players. Seven offensive stats were used
- [1/11 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/11/111-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/11 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/8/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/08/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-1816/) - Point Guard Mario Chalmers ($4600, 24.3 USG) - Rio drew the start on Wednesday for an injured Mike Conley and paid huge dividends to anyone who rostered him (52 DKPTS in 39 minutes). Well, not only is Conley out today but Courtney Lee likely is as well. Chalmers is the chalkiest of value plays tonight.
- [NHL DFS: Stack The Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/08/nhl-dfs-stack-the-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/8 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/7/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/07/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-1716/) - Point Guard Jason Terry ($3300, 14.3 USG) - Ty Lawson sat out on Monday against the same team the Rockets will be up against tonight (UTA). Filling in for Lawson, Jason Terry played 31 minutes. Today, Lawson was suspended by the NBA (DUI) for three games, meaning Terry should continue seeing minutes backing up an
- [1/7 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/07/17-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/7 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [NFL Wild Card Round Against the Spread Picks](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/08/nfl-wild-card-round-spread-picks/) - The 2015 season's Wild Card weekend features an abnormal set of circumstances -- at least, regarding the spreads and expectations. All four road teams are now the favorites in their respective games -- three opened as favorites, with Green Bay's spread moving over the course of the week -- and many would argue the best four teams
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/7](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/07/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-17/) - GPP thoughts for 1/7 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate features 7 games and sets up great for GPPs. With the one most obvious play (Dallas) having questions with their recent line changes, the goals can come from anywhere and if you can figure out where they will come from you will be in good shape. This
- [DFS: Wild Card Weekend Contest-Winning Plays](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/07/wild-card-weekend-contest-winning-plays/) - The season has come to an end. Fortunately, for us degenerates, there are two more weeks with four game slates. Only play tournaments these weeks. Good Luck! James Jones @ WAS Jones has had 9, 11, and 13 targets in the last three games. Mike McCarthy reclaiming play calling duties seems to be a huge
- [The Men Up North-Volume 12--State of Baseball Hall of Fame and NFL Playoffs](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/07/the-men-up-north-volume-12-state-of-baseball-hall-of-fame-and-nfl-playoffs/) - 0:00--Hall of Fame Talk, Cheating and General State of Baseball 27:30--Chicago White Sox and Cubs' talk; Todd Frazier and Jason Heyward are acquired 47:00--NFL Playoffs, teams moving to Los Angeles, the reputation of the L.A. sports' scene. 1:04:00--Chicago Bulls are in the middle of the Jimmy Butler era 1:13:00--State of the NBA, Warriors and Spurs'
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/6/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/06/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-1616/) - Point Guard Patty Mills ($4100, 18.5 USG) - Tony Parker and LaMarcus Aldridge have both been ruled out for tonight's game against the Jazz meaning Mills is likely to start again. His results on Monday against MIL were underwhelming but he still exceeded value with 19.8 DKPTS. The game against UTAH will be very low
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/5/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/05/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-1516/) - Point Guard Jose Calderon ($4200, 12.2 USG) - Calderon comes into this 4 game slate as the best and maybe safest point guard value under 5K. The Knicks have played the Hawks twice over the last 5 games so we have ourselves a nice reference point as to what to expect from the 10 year
- [Infographic: DFS Stats and Insights You Need to Know](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/05/infographic-dfs-stats-and-insights-you-need-to-know/) - rotoQL is an all-in-one DFS toolkit to make lineup building seamless and more enjoyable. Sign up for FREE today Infographic used with permission by rotoql.com
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 1/5](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/05/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-15/) - GPP thoughts for 1/5 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate on Draftings features eight games with four of the games featuring road favorites. Two teams are in really good spots for stacking (Philadelphia & Nashville) and case can be made for Minnesota. For me this slate plays more for cash games and satellites. Never be afraid to
- [1/5 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/05/15-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 1/5 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 1/4/16](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/04/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-1416/) - Point Guard Shane Larkin ($4400, 17.6 USG) - The position is stacked with value tonight and it's up to you to figure out witch 2 you like best (to pair with Westbrook, obviously). Mario Chalmers likely becomes the guy I'm on most if Mike Conley is out (illness). But you have Shaun Livingston with Curry
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings Week 17](https://xnsports.com/2016/01/03/fantasy-football-player-rankings/) - Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros Featured Image Credit: By SteelCityHobbies (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/31/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/31/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-123115/) - Point Guard Shaun Livingston ($3800, 13.1 USG) - I'm going back to the well on this one despite underwhelming results last night (only scored 15.3 DKPTS starting in place of Curry). Curry is expected to sit this one out again and as mentioned yesterday, Livingston isn't a high usage player and doesn't have much of
- [NFL Week 17 Picks Against the Spread](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/31/nfl-week-17-picks-spread/) - It finally happened. And we missed it. After weeks of preparing for underdogs to take over, Week 16 delivered. 11-5 against the spread, underdogs regained their edge over favorites, owning the week. Unfortunately, the right underdogs -- at least, the ones we picked -- were not as successful. Week 17 not brings two problems to the
- [Daily Football Football: Week 17 DraftKings Cheat Code](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/30/daily-football-football-week-17-draftkings-cheat-code/) - Week 17 represents a giant weekend for daily fantasy sports. 90-percent of redraft leagues have already crowned their champions as of week 16, yet magically, there is one more full slate of games left on the NFL calendar. DFS fills this action void nicely. For newbies, week 17 is the perfect week to dip a
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/30/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/30/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-123015/) - Point Guard Shaun Livingston ($3500, 13.0 USG) - If you've ever played Bingo, you're familiar with the "Free Space". Well, this would be just that with Curry (calf) likely sitting and Barbosa (shoulder) also out tonight against the Mavericks. Livingston isn't a high usage player by any means, as his USG% jumps from 13 to
- [DFS: NFL Week 17 Contest-Winning Plays](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/30/dfs-nfl-week-17-contest-winning-plays/) - Don't play NFL DFS this week. Now that that's said and you've responded with screw you this is my last chance to get my fantasy fix, let's continue. NFL DFS is fun. That's why I started playing it. I still play for fun, but it has evolved into much more, being a viable income on
- [2015 NFL Power Rankings Week 17](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/30/2015-nfl-power-rankings-week-17/) - We have reached the end. With only one week remaining in the 2015 season, the shuffling will finally cease. For the last time, thirty-two teams take the stage. In the NFC, the six combatants are already decided, with only their matchups and locations up for grabs. In the AFC, the Jets and Steelers will fight over
- [12/29 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/29/1229-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/29 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/29/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/29/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-122915/) - Point Guard Matthew Dellavedova ($4800, 15.1 USG) - This night is absolutely brutal in terms of value plays so I'd suggest staying away from cash games and trying out a few GPP's instead. Kyrie Irving has already been ruled out for tonight's game against the Nuggets so Dellavedova should see a bit more playing time in
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 12/29](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/29/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-1229/) - GPP thoughts for 12/29 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate on Draftings comprises of 10 games with a couple of matchups jumping off the page. Dallas is in a great spot but their high salaries and projected ownership will give you something to think about. There are other teams in good spots as well but this slate
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/28/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/28/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-122815/) - Point Guard Ish Smith ($4800, 26.1 USG) - At first glance, this would be very weird recommending any Sixers against the Jazz. The Jazz aren't as much of a defensive powerhouse without Gobert anchoring the defense and if anything, defending point guards was always one thing they were mediocre at. Ranking 17th in DvP, The
- [12/28 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/28/1228-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/28 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [12/26 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/26/1226-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/26 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings Week 16](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/25/fantasy-football-player-rankings-16/) - Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsFeatured Image Credit: By Kelly Bailey [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
- [NFL Week 16 Picks Against the Spread](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/24/nfl-week-16-picks-spread/) - Two weeks left. With the final weekend of the regular season lurking around the corner -- and, with it, a full slate of only divisional matchups -- Week 16 tends to get overlooked. In a normal year, the pairings of the following week will steal the spotlight, using Week 16 as nothing more than an appetizer.
- [2015 NFL Power Rankings Week 16](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/23/2015-nfl-power-rankings-week-16/) - In a season that features two divisions led by a team with seven losses, the landscape of the playoff picture is actually clearer than usual with two weeks remaining. Entering Week 16, the NFC Wild Card race is basically decided, with the Falcons clinging to hopes of a miracle as the last team that could threaten
- [Daily Football Football: Week 16 DraftKings Cheat Code](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/23/daily-football-football-week-16-draftkings-cheat-code/) - Bad beats were a recurring theme in week 15. Some teams lost by a fraction of a point, because Javorius Allen fumbled while others were betrayed by star players in dream match-ups like Calvin Johnson. Fairly or not, if you were eliminated from contention in your home fantasy league, I have good news. DraftKings is hosting
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/23/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/23/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-122315/) - Point Guard J.J. Barea ($3600, 23.3 USG) - If Deron Williams and Devin Harris (both are questionable with hamstring issues) are unable to play tonight, J.J. Barea could see close to 30 minutes in a fantastic matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. If you can afford Felton, I'd much prefer that route but Barea shouldn't be
- [Daily Fantasy Football: Contest-Winning Plays](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/23/63256/) - Wow week 16, we're already here. It's been great guys. Lets finish this season on a high note with more profit. This is the last viable week of fantasy for sane people as I mentioned here before, but we still need to worry about motivation for some teams. There are a lot of juicy team
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/22/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/22/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-122215/) - Point Guard Beno Udrih ($3000, 14.7 USG) - This could be our "Tim Frazier" of the day. As of now, Goran Dragic is questionable with a hand injury. With Tyler Johnson already being ruled out, Beno could be in line for all the minutes he could handle if Dragic is ruled out as well. At
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 12/22](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/22/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-1222/) - GPP thoughts for 12/22 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate features 10 games each of which the home team is favored. In addition seven of the teams will be playing on consecutive nights. I will be building most of my lineups with a core of players from the home teams with the only possible exception being Ottawa
- [2015 MLB Almanac: Mark Melancon Saves the Day](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/22/2015-mlb-almanac-mark-melancon-saves-day/) - A lot of controversy was generated when I released my top 25 relief pitchers' rankings back in November. Many Anaheim Angels' fans were asking about the whereabouts of team closer, Huston Street. Others were wondering how Kansas City Royals' darling Kelvin Herrera stacked up against the elite closers of the game. But probably the biggest outcry came
- [12/22 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/22/1222-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/22 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 12/21:](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/21/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-1221/) - GPP thoughts for 12/21 DraftKings Slate: Tonight’s slate is a great slate to try multiple lineups in GPPs. With three of the eight games featuring road favorites there are multiple opportunities to find and exploit value. Also with no extreme favorites on the slate Vegas is telling us that the games should be competitive, so
- [12/21 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/21/1221-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/21 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [2015 MLB Almanac: All-Defensive Team](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/20/2015-mlb-almanac-defensive-team/) - Way back on November 11, 2015, baseball announced their Gold Glove winners, for the best defensive baseball players of the 2015 campaign. The award is always mired in controversy and when it the voters are perceived to use offensive stats when selecting these awards. So we take a look back at the 2015, best defensive
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/18/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/18/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-121815/) - Point Guard J.J. Barea ($3400, 23.8 USG) - Man, I really was hoping Jrue Holiday was priced under 5K again but just barely missed the threshold. Heads up, I'm gonna be stacking the living hell outta that Suns/Pelicans game. Quite honestly, not many choices stand out here at all. All the attractive cheaper guys are all
- [Daily Fantasy Football: Week 15 Shootouts](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/18/nfl-week-15-shootouts/) - Matt Dulcan looks at daily fantasy football player ownership percentages to help you make informed decisions when constructing your DFS lineups.
- [12/18 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/18/1218-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/18 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Fantasy Football Player Rankings Week 15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/fantasy-football-rankings-week-15/) - Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros Featured Image Credit: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Tom Brady) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Enter the $1M NFL Play-Action contest on DraftKings for a shot to win the $100,000 top prize. This contest is FREE with your first deposit!
- [Infographic: DFS Stats and Insights You Need to Know](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/63191/) - Infographic used with permission of RotoQL. Founded by Max Dalury, RotoQL is an all-in-one DFS platform that makes lineup building super seamless.
- [12/17 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/1217-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/17 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/17/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-121715/) - Point Guard Jeremy Lin ($4200, 22.1 USG) - The pickings are slim this Thursday with only 3 slated games so we're not going to love many of these values, but there are still some we can exploit. Let's start with Jeremy Lin. Lin has already been playing a major role for the Hornets, being the
- [NFL Week 15 Picks Against the Spread](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/nfl-week-15-picks-spread/) - With three weeks remaining in the 2015 National Football League season, there is a distinct split between the hunters and the hunted -- those who are chasing and those who are trying to hold off the pack. From division leaders to people picking games against the spread to those who set the lines, everyone either has
- [Daily Fantasy Hockey Advice and Value Picks – 12/17](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/daily-fantasy-hockey-advice-value-picks-1217/) - Each day throughout the NHL season I am going to be recommending players to target in your DFS lineups with the focus on tournament lineups (with DraftKings prices). I will try to avoid posting the obvious plays on a given night — for example Tyler Seguin is an automatic play for me every day he
- [Daily Fantasy Football: DraftKings Week 15 Cheat Code](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/17/daily-fantasy-football-draftkings-week-15/) - Week 15 is one of the most popular weeks for daily fantasy sports as the redraft and dynasty leaguers who were eliminated from the playoffs look to DFS to make Sunday football more interesting. DraftKings is hosting a $5M Millionaire Maker Tournament: - $5 million prize pool - $1 million first place prize - Only
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/16/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/16/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-121615/) - Point Guard Jrue Holiday ($4700, 26.8 USG) - Another Holiday to get excited about in December! Ok, that was a bit cheesy but hear me out. By no means do I love targeting players against the Utah Jazz. They slow the game down more than any team in the league and are superb defensively with
- [12/16 DraftKings NHL: Stack the Deck](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/16/1216-draftkings-nhl-stack-deck/) - Welcome to Stack the Deck, where we focus on the key players on the 12/16 NHL DraftKings slate, and determine whether they should be played with a teammate, or ridden individually. Stacking is a common tactic in NHL, with linemates and power play units staying relatively stable throughout the course of a game, and to
- [Daily Fantasy Football: NFL Week 15 Contest-Winning Plays](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/16/daily-fantasy-sports-nfl-week-15-contest-winning-plays/) - Vanilla Chalk(Cash Games) ($7,300)Alshon Jeffery @ MIN - Over/Under: 43 Team Total: 19 Spread: 5 We have been targeting number one wide receivers all season against Minnesota due to the second year decline of play by Viking top corner Xavier Rhodes. Their defense creates a funnel in the passing game with the other corners far
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/15/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/15/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-121515/) - Point Guard Jameer Nelson ($4500, 17.4 USG), Darren Collison ($4900, 21.0 USG) - Don't even think twice for cash games. Use Nelson and Collison and continue onto the rest of your roster construction. Rajon Rondo is serving his one game suspension tonight against the Rockets and Emmanuel Mudiay is out once again with his ankle
- [DraftKings NHL GPP Thoughts, Stacks and Cheap Defenseman 12/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/15/draftkings-nhl-gpp-thoughts-stacks-cheap-defenseman-1215/) - GPP thoughts for 12/15 DraftKings Slate: This slate feature eleven games however there are only three games I really like and one of those teams will be the chalk of the night. With eleven games the goals can come from anywhere and having no real strong opinions on the majority of the games I will
- [2015 NFL Power Rankings Week 15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/15/2015-nfl-power-rankings-week-15/) - We have now reached the time of year where numbers throughout the National Football League begin to shrink. The amount of teams still in postseason contention dwindles on a weekly basis, as does the distance between playoff hopefuls. For the outliers, only the wins and losses increase to abnormal levels. [Enter the $1M NFL Play-Action tournament on
- [Daily Fantasy Basketball: Cheap Advice 12/14/15](https://xnsports.com/2015/12/14/daily-fantasy-basketball-cheap-advice-121415/) - Point Guard Jameer Nelson ($4200, 17.2 USG) - This is turning out to be one of my favorite slates of the year and Nelson is one of the reasons why. So many injuries have popped up over the weekend, allowing us to find value early, rather than later. Emmanuel Mudiay left Sunday's game against Minnesota

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