The Chicago Cubs have a strong starting pitching rotation entering the 2026 season. A lot of veteran pitchers for Chicago had a strong season, but can they follow that up in 2026? There is one outlet who ranked the starting pitching rotations around MLB, so where did the Cubs wind up?

The Chicago Cubs rank 12th in The Athletic’s starting pitching rankings

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden ranked all the starting pitching rotations ahead of the 2026 season. For the Cubs, they are 12th on this list. The team made an addition with the trade for Edward Cabrera in the offseason. However, the team is sandwiched between the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles. Below is what Bowden wrote regarding the Cubs’ starting rotation:

“The Cubs’ biggest offseason trade netted them Edward Cabrera, giving Chicago a well-balanced group of starters. Cade Horton was arguably the best pitcher in the National League from the end of July on last season, while Matthew Boyd was dominant for most of the season before fading a bit the last two months. Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon are solid mid-rotation starters.

“The key to this year’s staff could be the return of Justin Steele, who is rehabbing following elbow surgery. He always seems to be in the mix for the ERA title when healthy. I really like the upside of Horton and Cabrera, the stability of Boyd and the fact that Taillon and Imanaga can keep them in games.”

It appears that the lack of starting pitching depth is a concern for Bowden, as he only lists six starting pitchers on the roster. The team has Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon in the rotation. The only listed depth option is Justin Steele, who is still some ways away from returning to the mound. Chicago was best in baseball in starter WHIP (1.14) and BB/9 (2.26) in 2025, so they have great expectations going into 2026. It will be intriguing to see how the team’s starting pitching looks as the season begins.

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The Chicago Bears, after disappointing in the first three quarters of Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with the Green Bay Packers, broke out their comeback magic once again and scored 25 points against the Packers’ six in the fourth quarter to advance to the Divisional Round.

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Splitting the two head-to-head matchups they had during the regular season, the Bears ultimately got the last laugh when they won when it mattered the most, in the playoffs. Head coach Ben Johnson said after the game about the win, “This one meant something to us.”

“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said to NFL.com’s Michael Baca. “This one meant something to us.”

The Bears completed the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with their win (18 points) and will advance to their first Divisional Round game for the first time since 2010, where they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24.

Ben Johnson lives up to his promise of beating the Packers twice a year by celebrating in front of Matt LeFleur

Before getting emotional at the podium, Johnson made sure to show how excited he was living up to his promise to beat Matt LeFleur and the Packers twice a year, quickly shaking his hand and immediately running to embrace his players.

Time to celebrate Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/oVP58kcXEM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) January 11, 2026

The Chicago Bears will need to be on their game for the Divisional Round when they play either the Eagles or the Rams

Despite their fourth-quarter magic, the Bears will need to try to win the game against either the Eagles or the 49ers in the first three quarters. The Bears won their game against the Eagles in the regular season, going to Philadelphia in Week 13 and winning 24-15, while they didn’t play the Rams this season.

The Bears will face either leading MVP candidate quarterback Matthew Stafford (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) or one of the best defenses in the Eagles (13th, 314.2 yards), which could cause problems if they can’t game-plan well enough to counter the strengths of either team. With the Eagles and 49ers set to play Sunday at 4:25, the Bears will know soon who their next opponent will be.

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Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks score, play-by-play, chat & more

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The Chicago Bears are looking to avenge their 28-21 loss at the Green Bay Packers in Week 14 when the two teams play on Saturday night.

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Like in Week 14, Saturday’s game will determine if the Bears or Packers sit atop the NFC North with two games to go.

Chicago had a chance to keep the No. 1 seed in the NFC in Week 14, but Packers quarterback Jordan Love shrugged off an early interception to finish with 234 passing yard and three touchdowns. He had two pass players of 40+ yards.

Chicago Bears keeping tabs on Jordan Love

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Bears head coach Ben Johnson told the media this week that Love has the defense’s attention this week after his performance in the first matchup. Making Love a non-factor is near impossible, but Chicago wants to contain the damage he causes.

“He’s very difficult to get to,” Johnson said of Love, via the Bears. “He does a great job drifting away from the pressure. They do a great job in their protection scheme in terms of looking to keep the pocket clean. They do a lot of chips on the edges to slow down your edge rushers, so you’re looking for your interior to get a little push.

“But yet when you do that, he can still find a way to buy a little bit of time, and he has a knack with the speed he has at receiver to float that ball out there in front of them and throw them open. That’s what makes him a really dangerous player right now. He’s doing a really good job and playing at a really high level.”

The Bears defense is struggling to rush the passer this season, ranking 20th in the league before Week 16. Chicago defensive coordinator Dennis Allen might want to dial up some exotic pressure to contain Love on Saturday night.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a slow start to the MLB offseason. While they have made the move to sign free agent relief pitcher Phil Maton, no high-impact moves have been made.

Fans have started to grow a bit frustrated. After Dylan Cease went to the Toronto Blue Jays and the report came out that the Cubs had been involved but weren’t willing to pay enough, it felt like another offseason of late swings and misses. However, it still sounds like Jed Hoyer and company want to be aggressive.

Chicago has been linked to quite a few potential targets in free agency. A few of the names the Cubs have been connected to include Alex Bregman, Ranger Suarez, and Michael King. There are plenty of other names they could target as well.

While bringing in outside pieces is always a must, Chicago also has some players it could choose to extend. One of those players is none other than rising star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

During the 2025 MLB season, Crow-Armstrong finally started showing some of the elite potential that he possesses. He has turned into a fast-rising star in Major League Baseball.

Throughout the course of the year, the 23-year-old center fielder played in 157 games. He hit 31 home runs to go along with 95 RBI, while slashing .247/.287/.481.

Clearly, those numbers show areas that need to improve. Crow-Armstrong has to get on base at a higher level. His speed on the bases could be a massive help for the Cubs, but he needs to get there first.

Giving Crow-Armstrong an extension now would make a lot of sense. He’s obviously a big piece of the future and Chicago could get ahead of the game and lock him up to a long-term team-friendly contract. If he is able to come out and improve upon his numbers from 2025 in 2026, his price tag would skyrocket.

Of course, this is just an idea at this point in time. No reports have come out about the Cubs aggressively pursuing an extension with Crow-Armstrong. But, it would not be shocking if that is something Hoyer and the front office look into.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors and reports surrounding Chicago in the coming days and weeks. The Cubs are not terribly far away from being a serious World Series contender. Crow-Armstrong is a big part of that and making sure that he sticks around long-term would be a wise decision.

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Who’s Leading the Heisman Race in 2025

As of November 2025, sportsbooks and analysts largely agree: one quarterback leads — but there’s a cluster of elite contenders right behind him.

Here are the top five candidates with the best shot at winning, along with current odds to win the Heisman and what they bring to the table as you bet on NCAA awards.

2025 Top 5 Heisman Candidates & Their Odds

Rank	Player & School	Approx. Odds to Win (as of late Nov 2025)
1	Fernando Mendoza Heisman Odds (QB, Indiana)	~ –105 — sometimes listed as +100 or “favorite” on different books
2	Jeremiyah Love Heisman Odds (RB, Notre Dame)	+375 to +500 depending on sportsbook
3	Julian Sayin Heisman Odds (QB, Ohio State)	+360 to +550 depending on sportsbook and timing
4	Marcel Reed Heisman Odds (QB, Texas A&M)	+1100 to +1200 per recent odds boards
5	Diego Pavia Heisman Odds (QB, Vanderbilt)	+600 to +650 (though some sportsbooks list longer)

Where Could Norte Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Land? Top 2026 NFL “Fits” for Love

Here are several NFL teams that mock drafts and analysts frequently mention as potential landing spots for Love — along with why he makes sense there:

Team	Why It’s a Fit / What They Offer
Minnesota Vikings	Some analysts project Minnesota could take him in the mid‑first round (e.g., around pick 15) — a spot where teams looking to add explosiveness and youth at RB might pounce. PFSN
Washington Commanders	Given uncertainty at RB beyond this season (with current veterans nearing free agency), some mocks slot Love in the late 1st or early 2nd round for Washington as their eventual lead back. SI+1
Kansas City Chiefs	A few mock drafts suggest the Chiefs pick Love (e.g., in the mid‑first round)

What Could Affect Jeremiyah Love Draft Stock or Landing Spot

Here are some of the draft‑day variables that can impact where (and when) he goes:

• Positional value: Running back remains a debated position when it comes to first‑round capital. Some teams avoid spending top‑15 picks on RBs, which could push Love into early second round depending on the draft class depth and team philosophies

• Pass protection and size concerns: While Love brings speed and elusiveness, some scouting reports note that his pass‑protection and “ideal mass” may be slightly suboptimal for a feature back — a concern for NFL offensive coordinators

• Team drafting philosophy & fit: Landing spot depends heavily on team need and scheme. A zone‑heavy offense valuing speed and open‑field yardage (rather than power‑between‑tackles) likely boosts Love’s stock; more traditional, power‑run schemes might prefer a more bruiser‑type back.

Article updated at 7:10 PM CDT to reflect latest information

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The Chicago Cubs pruned their roster from thirty-two to thirty when they chose to non-tender catcher Reese McGuire and pitcher Eli Morgan at the deadline for tendering contracts on Friday.

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Having ten roster spots to fill on their 40-man roster is in line with what amounts to a bit of a rebuild this coming season as Chicago seeks to reconstruct almost their entire bullpen as well as add several depth pieces and, possibly, a high-end starting pitcher.

However, the moves made by other major league teams on Friday may have made the Cubs’ job of filling up their roster a bit easier.

Here are some areas of concern for the Cubs and some potential fits from the list of sixty-six players recently non-tendered.

Chicago Cubs’ need for a fourth outfielder

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The Cubs’ outfield is fully set at center field and left field, with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ taking those respective spots. In right field, Seiya Suzuki looks to be the replacement for outgoing free agent Kyle Tucker, with rookie Owen Cassie fighting for playing time there as well. But there’s a definite need for someone who can be the team’s full-time backup in the outfield.

Mike Tauchman, non-tendered by the White Sox, is a former Cub who hails from the Chicago area and became a well-liked figure among the Wrigley Field faithful for his tenacious play and clutch performance. Being let go by the Sox seems more a business dealing than commentary on his work. Although he’ll be 35 by opening day, the lefty Tauchman still has some life in him (he hit .263 last season, with 9 home runs in 335 at bats), as well as the ability to play all three outfield spots in a pinch.

Another outfield option could be Adolis Garcia, now-formerly of the Rangers. A one-time postseason hero for Texas, the 32-year-old has fallen on hard times, but he’s only two years removed from a 39-home run, 107 RBI, Gold Glove season. He’d be a pricier option than Tauchman (he made $9.2 million in 2025), but the upside is considerably bigger.

There are many reasons to be skeptical of a potential reunion with former Cub Christopher Morel, but there does remain a distant possibility of a positive outcome coming from the idea. With the Rays, Morel showed himself to be what he is– a hitter with high potential and extreme bat speed, whose inconsistency at the plate and inability to play defense, anywhere, has hurt his ability to be an every day player in the majors. Used primarily in left field and DH in Tampa Bay, Morel has also played third base and second base. At 26, there’s still the possibility of development, but gambling on Morel, at this point, would be all about having his right-handed power off the bench and the energy he brings to the clubhouse.

The search for utility

The Cubs love multi-purpose players and will have a special need for a utility infielder as a backup to Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Shaw this coming season. One of their rumored trade deadline targets just became available on Friday.

Ramon Urias, who was ultimately traded from the Orioles to the Astros at the deadline, can play third base, second base, first base, and a little shortstop. He also has some pop in his bat, with 11 home runs in each of the past two seasons in limited play off the bench. The 31-year-old has proven himself to be a sturdy, consistent bench player.

And, of course, pitching…

As stated above, the Cubs need to bring some pitchers aboard and need them to be capable of moving right into the major league roster.

A pair of former Cub bullpen arms, Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Effross, were just non-tendered by the Yankees, making room for the possibility of a patented Jed Hoyer reclamation project play. Leiter, especially, was a valuable asset before being traded to the Yankees in 2024.

Evan Phillips was a bullpen stud for the Dodgers from 2021 until the beginning of 2025 before undergoing Tommy John surgery this past May. He should be back sometime mid-2026 season and he’s the kind of pickup totally in character for the Cubs– one who would come at a bargain price and could be a legitimate asset by the dog days of a hopeful pennant race.

Alek Manoah looked to be on the path to elite-level starter status with the Blue Jays (he finished third in AL Cy Young voting in 2022) before suffering through injury and inconsistency the past two seasons. After nearly a full season on the shelf due to a torn UCL, Manoah made a handful of rehab starts with mixed results towards the end of 2025 before being designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Braves. He’s now a free agent and has enough success in his past to warrant a serious look.

All in all, there’s some talent to be had from the list of non-tendered players and the Cubs would be wise to at least consider all of the above for 2026 roster spots.

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The Chicago Bears won another thrilling last-minute contest on Sunday, as they score 14 points in the final four minutes of the game to beat the New York Giants by a score of 24-20. Chicago’s offense was led by quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for a touchdown and ran for the game-winning score with less than two minutes left. The victory marks the fourth time this year, and the fifth time in Williams’ last ten games he has led the Bears’ offense on a game-winning drive, confirming that the second-year star has become a very unique type of signal-caller.

Caleb Williams has become a win because of quarterback in the NFL

Since the final week of the 2024 season, five of Chicago’s seven wins have come due in part to Caleb Williams engineering a game-winning touchdown or field goal drive, scoring on his offense’s final possession in the games. Williams has led the Bears’ offense to scoring drives against the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, and now the New York Giants. Even more impressive about leading the comeback wins, is that Sunday’s comeback victory over the giants was the first time Chicago’s second-year signal-caller had recorded a come-from-behind win at home via offensive scores.

In his short year and a half career, Caleb Williams has begun to establish that he is the type of quarterback that a team wins because and that if a contest is close at the end, a team has high probability to pull out a victory. Very few NFL teams are fortunate to have a starting quarterback who allows his team to have a chance to win a game if it is within a certain number of points. The come from behind win over the Giants also marked the first time Williams led the Bears on a comeback from two score in the fourth quarter.

Throughout the 2025 season, Williams has led a different type of game-winning drive in the four games that Chicago has won in the final minute of the game. Against the Raiders in Week 4, the Bears’ quarterback dissected the opposing offense with several mid-level throws mixed with a few rushing plays, culminating with a D’Andre Swift three-yard touchdown run. One week later, Williams set up kicker Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal as time expired, by relying heavily on Chicago’s rushing offense, and wisely not audibling to a pass play or changing the specific run design pre-snap.

The last two weeks have seen Williams respond to immense adversity created and brought on by the Bears’ themselves, as the defense struggled in the team’s last two games. Against the Bengals, Chicago’s quarterback responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Colston Loveland with less than 30 seconds left in the game, right after their defense had blown a 14-point lead within one minute’s time.  Against the Giants, outside of Caleb Williams, the Bears’ passing offense struggled as the team’s pass-catchers recorded six dropped passes, resulting in the ten points through most of the game.

With the struggles of the pass-catchers, Williams leading the offense to back-to-back touchdown drives was even more impressive given the poor weather conditions. The cold, windy, and wet conditions played a role in the dropped passes, yet Caleb Williams managed to utilize his mobility to free up the most sure-handed receivers like Luther Burden or deciding to gain yards by scrambling. On the two offensive scoring drive, Chicago’s quarterback scrambled for a 29-yard gain and a 17-yard touchdown run to win the game, as he realized that his mobility would be the most reliable way to score, especially with the conditions that had hampered the offense earlier.

Caleb Williams’ clutch aura could have a huge mental benefit moving forward

Caleb Williams’ ability to demonstrate grace and collectiveness in adverse situations, especially when Chicago is in need of a game-winning drive, changes a multitude of aspects moving forward. Williams being reliable and capable of leading a game-winning drive regardless of the situation, provides an immense confidence boost to not just the offense, but to the defense too. A key example is Sunday’s contest against the Giants, as right after the offense scored to make the game 20-17, the Bears’ defense forced a three-and-out against New York’s offense, which included two sacks.

If the Bears’ team as a whole is provided confidence and hope that their second-year quarterback is always able to give them a chance to win a game, especially if it is close at the end, the confidence boost for everyone is significantly valuable. Williams being able to be that reliable takes pressure off of his fellow pass-catchers ensuring them that they could be difference makers without the focus solely being on them. Additionally, the defense will be motivated to play harder and more focused, as they know their effort won’t go unappreciated by Caleb Williams.

On the flipside, Caleb Williams ability to execute game-winning drives with confidence and ease could have a massive negative effect on opposing teams. Williams being able to score on Chicago’s offensive possession might cause opposing offenses to make mistakes feeling the need to throw the ball and score points instead of looking control the ball and clock by running the ball. Furthermore, opposing defenses could play scared with individual defenders making mental mistakes due to the sheer presence of the Bears’ quarterback and the potential of the signal-caller to take advantage of any mistakes made by the defense.

Williams’ comeback capabilities are what the Bears’ franchise and fanbase has yearned for decades, as they finally have a quarterback that can win in any situation, but more importantly always gives the team a chance to win. On multiple occasions in just his second season in the NFL, Caleb Williams has led multiple game-winning drives in a variety of different ways. If Chicago’s signal-caller keeps up this level of play, especially in crucial moments at the end of games, there will be a growing call for Most Valuable Player considerations.

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Ben Johnson has taken over as the head Coach for the Chicago Bears and inherited one of the most difficult offensive lineups in the league.  He was haunted by the mistake made with Caleb Williams, and sacked a record 68 times during the previous season, the third-worst total in league history.

The Bears responded aggressively, replacing their entire offensive line.  The goal of the change was to open up the space for Williams and focus on the run game.

Ben Johnson’s Offensive Blueprint & Why the OL Matters

Johnson had a clear offensive idea for the team: balance, timing, and multiplicity.  This approach leans on play-action sets, timing throws, and zone-based outside runs.  The strategy required the team to change the front five altogether.  According to the crypto betting sites, this lowered the odds for the Bears, as a shakeup that big usually hurts the team.

Johnson’s ideal offensive linemen must be smart, versatile, and rugged.  The team then aimed very high when it came to transfers and trades.  Experts such as CryptoManiaks have written about the betting market turning its attention to transfers rather than outcomes.

Who Are the New Additions?

The interior has been dramatically changed with a few new players joining the roster.  New players include:

Drew Dalman (Center, three-year, $42 million deal, $28 million guaranteed)

Dalman is probably the best center in the market.  This is evident in his statistics: he allowed just two sacks and 10 pressures in 9 games during the 2024 season, earning a PFF grade of 78.8.  Dalman is known for his athletic ability and snap-to-blocking consistency.  He’s also able to communicate on the line and help coordinate protections.  It’s also important that Dalman has a history of injuries that could keep him off the field.

Joe Thuney (Guard, acquired via trade + extension)

The Bears traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to Kansas City for Thuney.  He has had a pretty impressive resume, including multiple Pro Bowls, All-Pro honors, and a reputation as the best in the league at pass protection.  Chicago extended the contract to two years for $35 million.  However, some doubt that he’ll be able to produce such impressive results for long, since Thuney is in his 30s.

Jonah Jackson (Guard, trade from Rams)

Chicago sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to acquire Jackson.  The goal was for him to bring a mixture of run-blocking and pass-blocking competence.  Jackson and Johnson have a history together, as Johnson already coached him in Detroit, which will ease the process.  Jackson has also had injury issues, and that could be the biggest downside of this otherwise tactically smart transfer.

Coaching, Scheme Fit & the X-Factor

To further improve the offense, the Bears brought in Dan Roushar as an offensive line coach. Roushar is a veteran and one of the best in the league, and his job will be to turn these individually talented players into a cohesive team that plays to its strengths.

The goal should be for the linemen to be interchangeable and able to take on multiple blocking techniques.  The key to this is the communication between the players.  It’s also important to have in mind that there’s an “x factor” to it and that it could happen that two individually very talented players can’t really work together.

Indicators to Take Into Account

There are a few indicators to watch that will tell you how well the Johnsons’ vision is playing out.  These are publicly available, but not always easy to analyze.

•         Pressure rate/sack rate allowed – The goal should be for the new interior to halve the pressure rate and sack rate stats.
•         Run-blocking grades/yards before contact – The static shows that the line is opening holes, rather than just holding in place.
•         Third-down conversion & play-action efficiency – A simple metric showcasing how successful the scheme is.
•         Penalties, false starts, and communication breakdown – These early mistakes could point to a larger problem with the coach’s approach if caught in time.
•         Availability/snap counts – Injuries can mess up even the best of plans, so it’s important to keep track of them, especially with players at the end of their careers.

Potential Risks

There are also risks associated with the strategy Johnson has prepared.  These include:

•         The player’s age could be a problem, since most new players are nearing the end of their professional careers.
•         Cohesion and communication are the most difficult things to train, and the whole strategy relies on them.
•         The scheme is somewhat constraining.  If Johnson’s calls demand a blocking style, there could be mismatches between the players.

To Sum Up

The Bears have done all they can to improve their offensive line – they got a new coach, new players, and a better offensive strategy.  Now, it’s a matter of putting the idea into practice and seeing if it improves the poor record Ben Johnson has inherited.

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The Chicago Bears enter their Week 5 bye at the most opportune time, as the team has several key players recovering from injury paired with roster decisions coming at certain positions. One of the positions that the Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson will likely take a significant look at during the 15 days until the team’s next opponent in the Washington Commanders is the running back position. During the bye week fans and the media believe that general manager Ryan Poles could add to the running back position with a potential trade for an available halfback from a team that may be looking to add draft picks in exchange.

Raheem Mostert could be an under the radar name to solve Chicago’s running back dilemma

Despite Johnson’s offensive line exceling with run-blocking, the Bears’ two running backs in D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai have struggled to generate any productivity on the ground. With the only other halfback in Roschon Johnson yet to receive a rushing attempt this year, it is highly likely Poles trades for a ball-carrier. One under the radar trade option could be Raiders’ backup running back Raheem Mostert, who has had previous proven success as a ball-carrier over an 11-year career.

Although Mostert has bounced around the league and battled injuries, when he is healthy he is one of the league’s most productive running backs. Two years ago, Raheem Mostert led the league in rushing touchdowns with 18 and rushed for over 1,000 yards with the Miami Dolphins. In 2019, the ball-carrier was a key part in helping the San Francisco 49ers reach the Super Bowl, as he rushed for 772 yards and eight touchdowns despite not being a starter while also averaging over 5.6 yards per carry.

The Bears saw what Mostert still has left, as he recorded four rushing attempts for 62 yards against them during the team’s Week 4 contest against Las Vegas. Even more impressive was that the veteran had three carries for ten yards or more, including a 37-yard carry in the fourth quarter that help a Raiders’ score. Raheem Mostert’s 37-yard rush would be 17 yards longer than the longest run by any of the current Bears’ running backs, as Swift’s longest run this year is only 20 yards.

A running back capable of being able to break off runs for significant yardage is vital to Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme that is relies on a strong rushing offense to help set up a passing offense off of play-action designs. If someone line Mostert would be able to consistently generate impactful rushing attempts, it would strongly improve the Bears’ passing attack, as opposing defenses would be frozen by the fake handoff by quarterback Caleb Williams, enabling his pass-catchers have wider separation. Additionally, Raheem Mostert would be the ideal back due to his speed and power to maximize Johnson’s run-blockers who are doing their job, but the team’s running backs are making the most of the blocks being given to them.

Whether during his time in Miami under Mike McDaniel’s offense or in San Francisco with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, Raheem Mostert has been the most productive behind offensive lines that excel in run blocking. The key for Mostert is being able to explode into the second level of the defense due to his top-end balance of both power and speed. Unfortunately for the Bears and Ben Johnson, the team’s current group of running back in Swift, Monangai, and Johnson lack a quality balance of power and speed, as they either provide power or speed but not both.

The reason why potentially trading for Raheem Mostert could be beneficial for the Bears is due to the low-risk and low-cost in trying to acquire a veteran running back. Given Mostert’s injury history and current role as a backup in a deep Raiders’ backfield, Poles could acquire the back for a minimal cost compared to what it may cost to acquire another halfback via a trade. A potential trade with Las Vegas would like either cost Chicago a sixth or seventh round selection at most, which likely could be a selection for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Raheem Mostert’s low-cost trade value is just as important as his potential on field value

Trading for Raheem Mostert shouldn’t be Poles and the Bears first trade target at running back but should be there fail safe depending on how the trade market shapes out over the next week and a half. The teams that could be on the verge of trading their players away due to a poor record, include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and the Raiders. For Mostert, winless Las Vegas could easily look to part with the veteran running back due to rookie Ashton Jeanty’s breakout 138 yards rushing performance this past Sunday as it appears that Jeanty finally look ready to breakout, while they also have another veteran in Zahmir White.

Before potentially talking to the Raiders, Poles could look to speak with the Saints and veteran running back Alvin Kamara will likely be the most sought-after ball-carrier before the trade deadline at the end of October. Kamara is one of the league’s best all-purpose backs being highly productive carrying the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield. Raheem Mostert has a similar running-style as the Saint’s Pro Bowl running back but isn’t seen as a significant threat when it comes to catching the ball, as he has been only effective when target on screen passes.

When it comes to potentially trading for one of the running back from the Jets or Dolphins, there is a mix of injuries and cost that could sway Poles to lean toward Raheem Mostert more. The Jets had depth in their favor as they had Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, but Allen suffered a concerning knee injury on Monday night against Miami. With the Dolphins, a potential trade for De’Von Achane would likely cost Poles a mid-level draft selection if not more due to Achane’s young age and potential to be an explosive back, resulting in Mostert being a more cost friendly option.

The value that Raheem Mostert provides the Bears is that he is a cost effective and short-term solution at running back that can allow the team to finish the 2025 season and then trying address the issue long-term in the offseason. Regardless of if Poles and the front office trades for a ball-carrier over the next few weeks, they will likely utilize a high-end draft selection or the best free agent available to fill the void at running back. Trading for Mostert won’t be a shocking acquisition, but could be a stop-gap solution for a team that is in desperate need of production from the halfback position.

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The Chicago Bears are in the process of finalizing their regular season roster before Tuesday’s deadline, as there are questions on which players will make the team. One of the more concerning positions for the Bears, especially with head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive vision, is the running back position. Throughout the offseason, training camp, and the preseason, the running backs have been a concern due to a lack of meaningful additions and now questions pertaining to talent, along with injuries.

Ben Johnson will need to be creative when it comes to the rushing offense

As of right now, the running backs likely to make the final roster will be D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai, and Travis Homer, as other halfbacks such as Ian Wheeler and Royce Freeman have already been cut from the roster. The concern for Ben Johnson and installing his new offense is the need for quality ball-carries and the team’s top three backs either are currently injured or played very sparingly during the preseason. For Johnson, having effective and credible running backs for the rushing offense, is needed due to the passing offense’s reliance on play-action designs.

Even with Swift, Johnson, and Monangai healthy, there were still concerns with the rushing offense, as Chicago’s roster lacks a true universal ball-carrier for Ben Johnson’s new offensive scheme. With Swift, he is a reliable pass-catching back and really talented on outside rushing attempts while Roschon is a good in-between-the-tackles halfback yet lacks any speed to break a significant run. Although Monangai showed promised during the Bears’ preseason game against the Dolphins, he is a seventh-round rookie who is inexperienced and could struggle with adjusting to the NFL.

Without a credible rushing attempt from the running backs it could force Ben Johnson, especially at the start of the 2025 season, to have to get creative to legitimately move the ball on the ground. Although Johnson has a history of being creative when running the ball during his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, doing it with new offensive personnel could be vastly different.  Especially with how heavy the passing plays will need the rushing plays to help be set up, Chicago’s offense needs to have a healthy balance when running the ball to avoid having opposing defenses intensely game-planning on taking away the pass.

The creativity will come by the way of utilizing the wide receivers and Caleb Williams on untraditional running plays, which has already been seen by Ben Johnson. During the preseason, Johnson had top receiver, DJ Moore, lined up in the backfield and taking traditional handoffs in goal-line situations. In the team’s final preseason game against the Chiefs, Chicago’s head coach called a naked boot-leg run for Williams, which resulted in a gain of 18 yards and a first down.

During his time in Detroit, Ben Johnson developed a strong trait for relying on trick-plays, which included running the ball with wide receivers. If Swift, Johnson, or Monangai struggle with production or injuries, there is a good chance that fans and media see play designs where Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, or Moore are getting handoffs. Johnson will need to have a threat of a rushing attack to have any hope of his passing offense being ran to utmost efficiency.

Ben Johnson was not aided by Ryan Poles during the offseason when it came to adding adequate personnel

With a potential reliance on running the ball with the team’s starting quarterback and wide receivers, it will also emphasis general manager Ryan Poles’ failure this offseason to better equip Ben Johnson with the proper personnel. Heading into the 2025 offseason, there were legitimate concerns about the running back position for Poles, which fans and the media believed would be addressed with a prominent acquisition following the hiring of Johnson. Despite having several high round draft selections and a healthy amount of cap space, Monangai was the only offseason addition made to the team at the running back position.

Addressing the running back position appeared to be a desire of both Johnson and Poles during the 2025 NFL Draft, given the fact that they traded down immediately following selections where running backs were taken before Chicago was on the clock. In the second round after half back Trevyon Henderson was taken by the New England Patriots, the Bears selected Burden 39th and then traded the 41st pick to Buffalo instead of taking a ball-carrier. Chicago would trade back again in the fourth round when the Giants selected Cam Skattebo four spots beforehand.

When Ben Johnson was in Detroit, he was fortunate to have to running backs that were dual-threats and could be used in any type of run design as he had David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. During Johnson’s three and a half year tenure as offensive coordinator with the Lions, both Gibbs and Montgomery were able to rush for 1,000 yards individually. Despite seeing the need for a universal ball-carrier for his new head coach’s offensive scheme, Poles did little to address the concern this offseason.

With the 2025 regular season now two weeks away, the running back position and the rushing offense as a whole will be a lingering concern for Ben Johnson. The Bears’ new head coach will need to be innovative out of necessity when it comes to running the ball due to the current injuries and talent issues plaguing the halfback position. Although the issue may resolve itself as the regular season progresses with a back stepping up or a trade being made to bring another ball-carrier in, it will likely be up to Johnson to scheme Chicago’s running offense into an effective level of production.

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The NTT INDYCAR Series is concluding its season, as the teams and drivers gather in Milwaukee for the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, the second-to-last race of the season. Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing recently won his fourth INDYCAR SERIES championship, his third consecutive win (2023-2025).

Even though Palou has wrapped up the championship, he is still on the hunt to claim his tenth victory, with eight wins under his belt already. If Palou were to accomplish the feat, he would join IndyCar legends A.J. Foyt (10 wins in 1964) and AL Unser Sr. (10 wins in 1970).

Gaining pole position over Chicago native David Malukas will help give Palou a better chance of achieving his tenth victory.

Chicago native David Malukas loses out on pole position

The second-to-last race of the INDYCAR season should be an interesting one, as Palou will be out front of the pack, as he gave Malukas a run for his money. Malukas was the provisional pole winner until Palou started his two laps.

Palou got off to a great start, getting ahead of Malukas by one and a half car lengths, per Will Buxton of FOX. Palou securing the pole position snatched Malukas’ chances of getting his first-ever pole in his four-year career (59 starts).

“Unbelievable lap by @AlexPalou to start P1 Sunday!”

Unbelievable lap by @AlexPalou to start P1 Sunday! pic.twitter.com/1jrI5leAg5

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 23, 2025

Malukas is showing some growth in his NTT INDYCAR SERIES career, as he may be with a new team next season

Malukas, 24, ranks tenth in this season’s championship and has accumulated 287 points in 15 starts. Malukas also has two top-five finishes and four top-ten finishes this season.

Malukas, who is currently a driver for A.J. Foyt Racing, could be driving for Team Penske next season and taking Will Power’s seat, as there have been rumors that he would be on the move. These are rumors, and nothing has been made official.

The post NTT INDYCAR Series qualifying ends with an exciting finish by the 2025 champion appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls will have players get better in 2025-26, and they will also have some regress. It’s part of basketball. This year, one insider predicts, unsurprisingly, that Matas Buzelis will rise, while a veteran star is apparently primed to take a step back.

Chicago Bulls’ riser, faller revealed

It may not be at all surprising to find out that Matas Buzelis is a prime candidate for a leap forward. His rookie season was solid at times, but more usage and more experience should almost guarantee better results. That’s what Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes thinks, but with more confidence.

“This isn’t just a blind-faith bet on an obviously talented forward getting better in his second season. It’s also an acknowledgement that Matas Buzelis improved significantly during his rookie year,” he said. Buzelis was always athletic and aggressive, but he also got better after the All-Star break.

“his true shooting percentage jumped from 55.7 to 58.5 percent after the All-Star break. His assist rate also spiked, hinting at gains in the facilitation realm, and half of the 96 threes he canned on the year came in just 27 post-break contests,” Hughes revealed.

Should he keep that same level of performance from February, he’ll be significantly better in 2025-26. Who will be worse? Hughes believes Nikola Vucevic, for however long he’s on the team, is definitely going to be worse this season. All the signs point to regression soon.

“With his 35th birthday coming a few days into the 2025-26 season and an anomalously strong 40.2 three-point percentage due to come down, Nikola Vucevic is primed for regression,” he said. “To his credit, the veteran center has been a pillar of statistical consistency for over a decade. He’s averaged at least 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds in every season since 2013-14.”

However, with age rising, over 18 points and 10 rebounds is really difficult to predict in 2025-26, and Hughes believes he will eventually run into some health issues that prevent him from playing 70+ games every single year. That will make him worse, which is also not surprising given how good he’s been and how old the center is getting.

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The Chicago Bulls have a number of capable offensive players, but which one should get the last shot? According to one insider, Coby White should. He leads the team in fourth-quarter points, and he’s probably their best overall player on offense anyway. Billy Donovan should draw up plays for him when it matters most.

NBA insider suggests Coby White should take last shot for Chicago Bulls

Whenever the Chicago Bulls end up in a late-game situation in which they need a shot to tie or win the game, who should take it? This is a scenario the Bulls will probably be in plenty, since they’re a middling team that can beat the bad teams and has shown its ability to contend with contenders sometimes, too.

Per Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, it’s got to be Coby White. He averaged 5.5 points in the fourth quarter last season, which led the team and was 36th among all players in the NBA. “An argument could be made for Josh Giddey here given this shot, although the restricted free agent is still more of a pass-first player,” Swartz said.

He went on, “Coby White is not afraid of the moment or the opponent when the game is on the line, as Victor Wembanyama can attest to. White is also entering the final year of a team-friendly contract and could use a few more buzzer-beaters to boost his salary for next season.”

Generally speaking, the Bulls don’t have a ton of players who excel when the lights are brightest right now, anyway, Swartz argued. White also serves as one of the best free-throw shooters in the NBA (90.2%), so it would be fine if he got a shot off or got fouled.

The Bulls, unfortunately, don’t have a ton of elite offensive options. As mentioned, Giddey is pass-first, so defenses wouldn’t really fall for him getting the ball, even if he shot better from three last year. Matas Buzelis could get there, but he’s not there now after averaging less than nine points per game in 2024-25. For now, it’s White or bust in the Windy City.

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On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears saw tight end Cole Kmet go down with a concerning injury. In response, the Bears have now added another name to their tight end room.

Chicago has signed former Northwestern standout Thomas Gordon, via the school’s X, formerly Twitter account. There is no word yet on the financials or length of the contract.

BEAR. DOWN.

Thomas Gordon has signed with @ChicagoBears! pic.twitter.com/PqJfgucXbD

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) August 6, 2025

Gordon’s signing does not immediately mean Kmet is dealing with a long-term injury. If the tight end is going to miss time, the Bears will need bodies in camp to fill the role. Seeing as Gordon is an undrafted free agent, he could fill that job nicely.

However, if Kmet were to miss regular season time, Chicago has a built-in starter waiting. After being taking with the No. 10 overall pick, Colston Loveland was listed as a starter next to Kmet on the Bears’ initial depth chart. It’s fair to assume Loveland would simply step into a larger role.

As it stands, the Bears are still gathering information on Kmet’s injury and have yet to release an update. Chicago will now get a clear look at Gordon and see if he could fit in their tight end room.

Chicago Bears give Thomas Gordon an opportunity

Gordon spent six years at Northwestern, appearing in 54 games. He caught 54 passes overall for 529 yards and two touchdowns. But most of that production came in 2024, with career-highs in receptions (27) and yardage (252) alongside a touchdown.

On the surface, Gordon’s numbers don’t jump off the page. There’s a reason he was an undrafted free agent in the first place. He’ll get his first NFL opportunity in Chicago. However, it’ll be extremely difficult for Gordon to make the roster.

Kmet, injury or not, and Loveland are both locks to make the roster. As is seemingly Durham Smythe, who the Bears signed to a $2.5 million contract during the offseason. Then there are Stephen Carlson and Joel Wilson. Carlson played in just one game for the Bears in 2024 while Wilson has yet to see the field. Still, they have both been with Chicago all offseason and fully understand how things work under Johnson.

With Kmet sidelined, Gordon’s signing is certainly eye-opening. The Bears are hopeful his addition brings some extra training camp depth, rather than being a precursor to a long-term Kmet absence.

The post Chicago Bears sign tight end after Cole Kmet injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NHL hasn’t been as kind to Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard as was initially expected after a brilliant rookie season. Still, he had a pretty solid sophomore year in 2024-25 despite middling at best talent around him and lots of defensive attention. He is still a great pick in 2023, even with hindsight.

Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard goes under review

In 2023, picking Connor Bedard was an absolute no-brainer for the Chicago Blackhawks. He was tabbed, rightfully so, as a generational prospect. And while that draft class is still very young, it’s hard to pick anyone who went later who should’ve been picked over Bedard. Matvei Michkov and a select few others could come closest.

Nevertheless, Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report went back to analyze the past 15 first overall picks, most of which have been great selections. That is true of Bedard, even if he hasn’t quite matched up to his overall hype level.

“Cited by NHL scouts for his elite skills and attributes, Bedard drew comparisons to McDavid. He also made CHL history, becoming the first prospect to be the top scorer, top prospect, and player of the year. No wonder, then, he was considered a generational talent,” Richardson said.

Bedard wasted no time making an impact with the Blackhawks, winning the Calder Trophy all while leading his team and rookies with 61 points in 2023-24. That was while missing 14 games due to a broken jaw; otherwise, he would’ve had plenty more points.

He did take a step back in 2024-25, not progressing like he was expected to. 67 points is really good, but not when you had 61 in fewer games in 14 fewer games. “His production wasn’t at the level expected, partly because of the limited talent surrounding him,” Richardson said.

“Now 20, Bedard enters his third NHL season facing greater expectations with a still-rebuilding Chicago team. He’ll have to carry the load offensively while taking his game to a higher level. The young center has the potential to do that, and his efforts this season will determine how much his team improves,” the analyst concluded.

The Blackhawks have resolved to let this team work things out with the young players and prospects, so it might not be the breakout year for Bedard without much help on the offensive end.

The post NHL analyst reviews Chicago Blackhawks #1 overall pick favorably appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls seem to be having a bit of a staring contest right now, and one NBA insider is hopeful that the Bulls will not blink first. Giddey seems to want closer to $30 million, but reports suggest the Bulls are aiming closer to $20 million. It’s unclear when this saga will end.

Chicago Bulls shouldn’t back down against Josh Giddey, insider says

The simple fact that Josh Giddey remains unsigned by the Chicago Bulls right now is a good sign that Chicago learned from the Patrick Williams fiasco and is not going to try and outbid themselves for their own restricted free agent.

This is rarely ever kind to players, but it was kind to Williams. The opposite has been true for Giddey, who has seen no interest due to virtually no cap space for any other team to take him on. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale hopes that the Bulls take note of that.

“That is theoretically good news for the Chicago Bulls. Nobody is bursting onto the scene with a $30-million-per-year offer. They have all the leverage. Using it, within reason, is the smart business decision,” he argued. Gdidey is a good player, but no one seems to think he’s worth that much money. 

“Paying the 22-year-old an exorbitant price tag just because he’s a young and useful player you acquired for Alex Caruso is decidedly not the move,” Favale added. “Backing up the Brink’s truck now is akin to the Bulls negotiating against themselves. It’s also exactly what they did last summer when giving Patrick Williams a five-year deal, replete with a player option.”

Making the mistake with Williams could really haunt the Bulls for several years, so Favale is hoping for their sake that they don’t do the same with Giddey. Fortunately, there’s still time, and there is no indication that they’re going to “cave” to Giddey’s asking price.

The other side of this is that he somehow goes elsewhere, but the Bulls have all the leverage and control, so if they want him back, they’re almost undoubtedly going to get him. It’s just a matter of how much it’ll cost.

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While the Chicago Bears’ running back situation has been a major point of contention all offseason, the franchise’s only real addition was seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai. Training camp will prove if head coach Ben Johnson has enough firepower to work with.

In his final season as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Johnson helped the team finish sixth in rushing, averaging 146.4 yards per game. In turn, the Bears finished 25th, averaging 102 YPG. Johnson will have his work cut out for him, but a successful run game will be crucial for his offense to work at max capacity.

At this stage of free agency, there aren’t many premium running backs available. However, a new option has emerged that originally wasn’t even being considered. Former Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills standout Nyheim Hines is looking to make his return from his scary jet ski accident and is ready to come back to football, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Nearly two years to the date that he tore his ACL in a jet-ski accident, Nyheim Hines is looking for a chance to play in his first NFL game since 2022, when he returned two kicks for touchdowns in the same game for the Bills. Hines believes his knee finally is ready for a return… pic.twitter.com/kLKZ54t3AA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 7, 2025

How Nyheim Hines can help Chicago Bears 

Any potential Hines deal comes with a major asterisk. The running back hasn’t played in the NFL since 2022. He is coming back from a serious ACL injury and while he may say he is ready, NFL competition is an entirely different beast. The Bears or any team must be supremely confident that Hines’ medicals check out.

However, if the running back is truly healthy, he could be a force in Chicago’s passing game. He has caught 240 passes for 1,778 yards and eight touchdowns over his five-year NFL career. His best season came in 2020 with the Colts, where Hines tied his career-high in receptions (63) while setting new personal bests in yardage (482) and touchdowns (four).

Of course, that season came half a decade ago. Chicago can’t trust Hines to be an offensive dynamo on his own. However, his pass catching prowess matches up nicely with how Johnson runs his offense. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs caught 52 passes for 517 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. Obviously, Hines is not Gibbs. But it at least shows how Hines could fit into the offense.

The Bears either haven’t liked or haven’t been able to come to terms with any free agent running backs yet. Maybe Hines could be the playmaker Johnson and company are looking for.

Running back room review 

As it stands, D’Andre Swift is once again set to lead the running back room. His Chicago debut saw him run for 959 yards and six touchdowns on 253 carries. He received a career-high in touches, yet still averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. If Swift is going to retain his RB1, he needs to be much more efficient in Johnson’s scheme.

To his credit, Swift does carry a pass-catching background with him. He has caught 237 passes for 1,798 yards and eight touchdowns over his five-year career. Johnson could opt to use Swift in a multi-faceted role. However, he likely wants to throw numerous different looks at the defense.

When Swift doesn’t have the ball, Roschon Johnson is currently his directly backup. He matched Swift’s team-leading six touchdowns in 2024. However, Johnson was used in a pure goal line role, earning 55 total carries and 150 yards. He will need to prove to Johnson, the head coach, that he can be a versatile runner to earn a larger role.

Monangai has received plenty of buzz throughout the offseason, despite his draft standing. But for that same exact reason, it’ll be difficult for the running back to earn a large role as a rookie. Still, Johnson clearly sees something in the former Rutgers star.

If the Bears were to add Hines or any running back, their rushing attack plans would change drastically. But Johnson wants to at least see what he has on the roster before making any additions.

The post New Chicago Bears running back free agent option emerges amid injury return appeared first on ChiCitySports.

For those paying attention to the Chicago Bears, the potential rise of quarterback Caleb Williams has been well documented. But now the fantasy football community is starting realize just how valuable Williams can be.

Being a former No. 1 overall pick, no one is questioning Williams’ talent. However, his rookie season was widely overshadowed by No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels. Entering the 2025 campaign, Williams is still trying to prove Chicago made the correct quarterback decision.

But the Bears clearly believe in their franchise star. They’ve spent all offseason putting Williams in a place to succeed. Because of Chicago’s offensive re-tooling, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report argues that the quarterback is a must-have fantasy football target in 2025.

“Last year, the 23-year-old eclipsed 300 passing yards four times,” Davenport wrote. “Eleven of his 20 touchdown passes came over the final seven games of the season—a timeframe over which he threw just one interception.

“If you believe in Williams’ talent, he could be a massive bargain for fantasy managers at quarterback,” he concluded.

Finding your fantasy football quarterback 

When it comes to fantasy football, quarterback may be the toughest position to draft. It seems easy enough to take the best gunslingers in the league, but it all comes down to value.

As the rounds go on, the number of startable running backs and wide receivers start to dwindle. Most managers will prioritize those positions, as you want players who will put up guaranteed numbers weekly. It becomes much harder to find starting options each round.

But there will always be starting quarterbacks available, especially in a 10 or 12-man league. They may not all be Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but both of those players will cost you a high draft pick. Perhaps you put all your eggs into a top flight quarterback, but waiting on the position while adding numerous RB and WR1s would make your roster much more consistent.

In that case, a player like Williams could be the perfect fit. He certainly won’t cost the same as Mahomes or Burrow. If you’ve spent the early rounds loading your roster with potent skill position players, the quarterback offers a solid floor with major upside.

Chicago Bears build around Caleb Williams 

Ultimately, it’ll be up to Williams to prove why the Bears used the No. 1 overall pick on him. However, the franchise spent all offseason putting their quarterback in a place to succeed.

It all starts with new head coach Ben Johnson. He helped the Detroit Lions become one of the best offensive teams in the league during his time with the franchise. While it’ll take time, he is expected to bring the same level of offensive fireworks to the Windy City. Furthermore, Williams now has a mentor he can build off of for the foreseeable future.

Chicago didn’t stop there, adding three new faces to the interior of their offensive line. Guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, alongside center Drew Dalman should keep Williams upright in the pocket more often. In the pass game, he’ll have receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden to work with, alongside tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. If Williams is at the top of his game, it’ll be a difficult passing attack to match up with.

All of the pieces need to come to fruition, and fantasy football players may be nervous starting Williams in Week 1. But if Johnson and the Bears’ plan goes off as expected, the quarterback will be taking a massive step forward in 2025.

The post Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams’ fantasy football value reaching meteoric heights appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As the Chicago Bears look to build out their running back room, Nick Chubb of Cleveland Browns fame has been heavily linked to the franchise. Following the Browns’ latest announcement, the Chubb to Chicago buzz will only grow louder.

Both franchises foreshadowed a potential connection. The Bears left the draft with just seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai, leaving their need for a running back open. The Browns on the other hand selected both Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, to go alongside Jerome Ford who was already on the roster.

On Friday, Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry put the final nail in the Chubb return coffin. He confirmed that it is, “increasingly unlikely,” the Browns re-sign Chubb, via 92.3 The Fan, h/t Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.

#Browns GM Andrew Berry acknowledged today on @923TheFan that bringing back RB Nick Chubb is “increasingly unlikely” at this point in time. pic.twitter.com/TZvuz4sESG

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 9, 2025

Nick Chubb, Chicago Bears buzz grows louder

To be clear, the Bears aren’t the only team interested in Chubb. And that’s if they actually are interested, perhaps the team prefers JK Dobbins or another veteran. However, Chicago is one of the few NFL franchises with a clear need at running back. Chubb remains one of the best names available, making the fit easy to speculate on.

The only problem has been the running back’s injury issues. A serious MCL/ACL injury in 2023 limited him to just two games. Then when Chubb made his return in 2024, his season was ended after eight games due to a fractured foot. If the Bears are seriously going to pursue Chubb, they need to ensure that he is fully cleared medically and can ensure the rigors of a 17-game season.

But fans and analysts haven’t forgotten about the running back’s four-straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2019-2022. Over his entire seven year tenure with the Browns, Chubb ran for 6,843 yards and 51 touchdowns. He even added 128 receptions for 1,042 yards and five touchdowns.

Perhaps Chubb’s most impressive stat is his 5.1 yards per carry career average. The whole reason Chicago is in need of a running back is because of D’Andre Swift’s 3.8 YPC average in 2024. While the offensive line did him no favors, Swift must be more efficient with the ball to maintain his lead rushing role in Ben Johnson’s new offense.

To be fair, Chubb averaged just 3.3 yards during the 2024 season. But he has returning from injury and ended up suffering another one. If the Bears were to pursue the running back, they’d look at his injury seasons as outliers rather than the norm.

Chicago will certainly have competition in their Chubb pursuit. But with the Browns bowing out of the race, the path for the running back to sign with the Bears has become much clearer.

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Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is known for giving her opinions on many subjects. More recently, she’s been in the news for using her platform on social media and her podcast “Unapologetically Angel” to advocate for higher pay for female athletes in the WNBA.

On Sunday, the second-year power forward for the Sky expressed her belief on another issue that is dear to her heart. Reese was known for praying before her games when she was an athlete at LSU, and she once again broached the topic of religion.

Chicago Sky star praises Jesus on Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, she posted a message for Jesus.

“He (Jesus) is Risen,” Reese posted on X.. “Today like any other day is for you, Jesus Christ.”

He is Risen. Today like any other day is for you, Jesus Christ.

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 20, 2025

She reposted a verse from Matthew in the bible.

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” Matthew 28:6

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6

— nrh (@777NRH) April 20, 2025

Angel Reese prays a lot

Per an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2023, Reese told Zack Nagy that she prays continually throughout the day.

“I pray before every game, so that’s my time to get my prayer together by myself,” Reese said. “I pray in the morning when I wake up. I pray — I read my demotion every morning, then I pray with Auntie Chanté on staff, then I pray by myself and then I get one more going up before the game.

“This year has been something that I’ve been a lot closer to God, and I think that’s why I’m here right now in this position. A year ago — it’s crazy how my life changed in a year. I was back home by this time. So just being able to be in this moment, like Alexis (Morris) said, God did.”

Reese will have plenty of games to pray before and during the 2025 campaign. The Sky have 40 regular season games, and will begin their schedule on May 17 against the Indiana Fever.

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and NFL fans couldn’t be more excited. Teams like the Chicago Bears will be scouting up until the day of the draft, looking to add more talent to their roster. This will be the last ‘big’ moment for the league until training camp begins later this summer, so grab some popcorn and get ready for the suspense of draft day.

An element that brings lots of drama to the modern-day sports world is social media.

Platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become common for many, especially in professional and collegiate sports. Some take advantage of their popularity to make money with endorsements, speak their mind on podcasts, or, in some cases, lash out at fans or organizations.

Chicago Bears fans go into frenzy with trade speculation after T.J. Watt’s cryptic post

A few days ago, superstar defensive end/EDGE rusher T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers posted a cryptic Instagram story, causing fans across the league to speculate trade rumors. While these things can often get taken out of context, it’s certainly a storyline to keep an eye on going forward.

The Bears are looking at adding a pass rusher after another tough season when it came to rushing the quarterback. They’ve been meeting with multiple high-level EDGE rushers recently, but I can’t imagine a bigger name than Watt, who will turn 31 this October and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.

Mark Kaloby of the Pat McAfee show, who used to write for the Athletic, posted the photo in question on his X account. He also states that fans should keep an eye on this situation going forward for multiple reasons.

After talking to people, I'd keep an eye on this #Steelers T.J. Watt contract situation moving forward a little more closely. It doesn't appear that the IG picture (below) he posted yesterday was just by chance. I'd imagine an extension is still going to eventually get done, but… pic.twitter.com/OdPLn1H1jB

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 10, 2025

With Watt turning 31 later this year, the age concern should be there. However, Watt’s production hasn’t gone down in any capacity. Since coming into the league in 2017, Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, has made first-team All-Pro four times, and has a Defensive Player of the Year award in his trophy case. His play alone is a massive reason the Steelers have made the playoffs in recent years that they shouldn’t have.

The likelihood of Pittsburgh dealing their best player is still very low. Bears GM Ryan Poles has made multiple trades with the Steelers during his short tenure in Chicago, so the potential is there, as a relationship has already been made.

The Bears need to add a pass rusher. Whether that’s through the deep draft or a big-time trade like this, it needs to happen. Adding a guy like Watt could turn this team into an immediate playoff contender.

What would a trade package look like for T.J. Watt?

The Bears have been finessed by the Steelers before. Last year, they got Justin Fields for a measly late-round pick, and a couple of years prior, Chase Claypool was traded for a second-round pick, going down as one of the worst trades in Chicago history. A package for Watt would likely include some high-level picks, and maybe even a player.

I assume Watt doesn’t get moved before the NFL draft, which begins in 13 days. So, any pick involved in a move like this would probably be 2026 or 2027 selections. Chicago holds all of their picks for both of those drafts, so the capital will surely be there. The Bears may also just wait until next year, when and if Watt becomes a free agent, to make a big push toward the former DPOY.

T.J. Watt is from Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He played high school football at Pewaukee High School and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, so he may want to be closer to home. He’s certainly no stranger to cold weather. 

Another footnote about this situation is what happened to T.J.’s brother, J.J., when he left the Houston Texans back in 2021. No one expected him to sign to ever leave Houston like no one expects T.J. to leave Pittsburgh. If I were Ryan Poles, I’d be keeping a close eye on this and possibly making a call or two.

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The Chicago Bulls continue to play their best brand of basketball entering the month of April with their spot in the play-in tournament locked in. A slow start to the season had everyone across the league writing the team off and labeling them as sellers at the trade deadline. While the front office did move Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade, they were unable to find a trade partner for big man Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic has proven to be a great guy to keep around and has been a huge help for the team’s electric backcourt over the past month. The big man was a deadline acquisition during the 2020-21 season and has been a staple in the frontcourt ever since.

The former first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2011 put himself in elite company in Bulls history after Friday night’s victory against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Nikola Vucevic collected his 200th double-double for the Chicago Bulls

Vucevic’s 31 points and 12 rebounds against the Trail Blazers gave him his 200th double-double as a Bull, tying Scottie Pippen for the second-most in franchise history. Only big man Artis Gilmore has more than Pippen and Vucevic in his career. The former USC Trojan will certainly surpass Pippen before the regular season comes to a close and before the play-in tournament is in full swing.

Regardless of what Vucevic’s future holds in a Bulls uniform, him being with this company in the double-double department makes him a well-respected member of the franchise. Chicago didn’t get the playoff run they wanted with Vucevic and the rest of the core that they brought in ahead of the 2021-22 season, but there is still a way for him to leave a lasting impact on the organization. Whether it’s via a trade or helping the new young crop of guys on the roster, Vucevic certainly has value for the Bulls moving forward.

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The 2025 season has not started on the right foot for the Chicago Cubs as the team dropped both games in Tokyo against the Dodgers. Tuesday’s 4-1 loss saw them struggle to get anything going at the plate and a three-run fifth inning from the Dodgers that didn’t give Chicago a fighting chance to comeback.

The offensive output from the Cubs on Wednesday was much better than on Opening Day, but Los Angeles matched their energy and then some. Justin Steele faltered in his first start of the season as he gave up five runs on five hits in 4.0 innings tossed.

The 6-3 final score in game two wrapped up a rather disappointing trip, as the Cubs split their exhibition matchups prior to facing the Dodgers. Despite the poor outcomes, a few important things were learned about the early looks of the 2025 squad both on the mound and at the plate. One interesting factor to keep an eye one with the batting order when the team returns back home is if two infielders will swap places for next Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks.

Matt Shaw and Dansby Swanson could swap spots in the order

Matt Shaw collected his first big league hit on Wednesday in what should be the first of plenty as a professional. The rookie won the starting third baseman job out of Spring Training after it was made known that he would get the first crack at the spot. Shaw went 0-4 in his debut on Tuesday, but was still slotted in the five-hole for Wednesday’s contest.

Dansby Swanson collected a knock in each game against the Dodgers, as he doubled for the first time this season in the fifth inning on Wednesday. The two-bagger scored Shaw to close out the scoring from both teams. There is no doubt that Swanson is seeing the ball well against strong pitcher, and Jesse Rodgers of ESPN believes that manager Craig Counsell needs to switch the two in the lineup moving forward.

“Small thing but good time to wonder why a rookie is hitting ahead of a $177 million player who has 25 home run seasons on his resume,” Rodgers posted on X. Managers/execs often wave off batting order questions. ‘Put your best hitters up top, they say. Its simple.’ You do that for this exact scenario.”

Rodgers brings up a solid point that Swanson’s career resume speaks for itself, but Shaw’s potential to be a middle-of-the-order guy for years to come is worth noting too. It all comes down to what Counsell values more from the jump. If these results continue throughout the first couple of weeks and a change is not made, one could potentially argue that something would need to be different.

The Chicago Cubs offense is already looking like how they did last year

Tuesday’s offensive showing was similar to what Cubs fans saw in all of 2024. They did not execute with runners in scoring position as they posted a 1-7 mark when those chances were there. Kyle Tucker has not exactly looked comfortable at the plate throughout Spring Training and that carried over into the season opener.

Despite plating three runs on Wednesday, the Cubs fell behind 5-1 at one point and they simply did not have enough fire power to will their way back into the contest. The power bats need to be better and capitalizing with runners in scoring position is essential for this team to have any success in 2025. They can’t lean on the starting pitching as much as they did last season, otherwise they’ll hover around the 83-win mark for a third straight year.

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The Chicago Cubs dropped their season opener losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 4-1.

The Cubs will play tomorrow morning to hopefully split the series.

For the series, the Cubs elevated their top prospect, Matt Shaw, to the 40-man roster and brought him to Japan to make his Major League debut.

Chicago Cubs top prospect debuts in Japan

Shaw was added to the Cubs 40-man roster before the game, which led to right-handed reliever Keegan Thompson getting designated for assignment.

“@Cubs No. 1 prospect and @MLBPipeline‘s No. 19 overall prospect will make his MLB debut at the #TokyoSeries! He’s batting 5th and playing 3B.”

Welcome to the show, Matt Shaw!@Cubs No. 1 prospect and @MLBPipeline's No. 19 overall prospect will make his MLB debut at the #TokyoSeries! He's batting 5th and playing 3B. pic.twitter.com/ZfyvQFOJOg

— MLB (@MLB) March 18, 2025

Shaw went 0-4 at the plate but looked good in the field. Shaw did commit an error when he threw a ball away after making a fantastic stop, which allowed the runner to advance to second.

Shaw was given a great spot in the lineup for his debut with manager Craig Counsell entrusting him to hit fifth against Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

What we’ve been waiting for.

Watch on the Marquee Sports Network App. pic.twitter.com/ogbgmsD5vF

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 18, 2025

Shaws impressive spring

Shaw was impressive this spring, which helped land him being added to the travel roster to go to Japan. Subsequently, Shaw was added to the 40-man roster to make his Major League debut.

In six games Shaw had a .313/.421/.375 for an OPS of .796. Shaw also had one double and four RBIs while walking three times.

Shaw entered camp trying to prove he was the man to win the starting third base job, and numbers like this helped his case.

In the lineup tomorrow

Shaw should be in the lineup tomorrow against Roki Sasaki.

However, with Sasaki being right-handed, Counsell could go with Gage Workman since he’s left-handed.

This was a good start for Shaw to get a feel for what a real Major League Baseball season will be like.

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The Chicago Bears are evaluating all aspects of their defense as they prepare to undergo any Dennis Allen-led changes. One of the biggest differences in personnel will come in the middle of the field.

Chicago decided not to tender linebacker Jack Sanborn, making him a free agent. It didn’t take him long to sign a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The terms of the agreement have not yet been revealed.

Source: Free-agent linebacker Jack Sanborn plans to sign with the #Cowboys on a one-year deal.

Reunited with Matt Eberflus and Dave Borgonzi, who coached him for three years in Chicago on his way to 164 tackles, 14 for loss. pic.twitter.com/IgcKzB0fXr

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2025

With the Cowboys, Sanborn will be looking for a fresh start and a greater opportunity to prove himself. With former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus now being the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, he should have a strong idea om how to use Sanborn. While it isn’t the biggest signing of free agency, Eberflus and the Cowboys have gained a new chess piece as they retool their defense in their own right.

Jack Sanborn’s run with the Chicago Bears 

Sanborn was originally signed by Chicago as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite the uphill battle, the linebacker still managed to make the 53-man roster as a rookie and went on to play in 48 games for the Bears over three years.

He started six games as a rookie, making 64 tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hits over 14 games total. As a sophomore, Sanborn appeared in all 17 games and even made 10 starts. He racked up 65 tackles, a sack, two passes defended and even an interception.

Sanborn again appeared in all 17 games in 2024, but he only earned three starts. He made 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three passes defended. He ended his time with the Bears with 164 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five passes defended, a fumble recovery and his pick.

While he showed flashes at times, Jack Sanborn ultimately wasn’t a fit for Allen’s defense in 2025. Playing for the Cowboys, Sanborn will have an opportunity to play under a coach who could utilize his skillset.

State of Bears linebacking corps 

While Sanborn is no more, the Chicago Bears have a pair of top-flight linebackers in TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. As long as they’re on the roster, the pair will be the leaders of the linebacking corps.

Edwards just finished his second year with the Bears, putting up 129 tackles, a career-high four sacks, three passes defended, and a forced fumble. His biggest asset was his pass rush ability, as Edwards’ 67.5 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 39/189 linebackers. Chicago will be looking for Edwards to take on an even greater role in 2025 and continue being a force in the middle of the field.

Edmunds played in all 17 games for the first during his Bears tenure in 2024. The linebacker made 110 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and eight passes defended. Edmunds graded poorly across the board as he’ll need a true return to form in 2025. His best attribute was run defense, but he ranked just 106/189 with a 62.6 grade. Still, Edmunds plays a large role for Chicago’s defense. One of Allen’s top goals will be getting the linebacker back on track.

Beyond those two, the Bears have players such as Noah Sewell and Amen Ogbongbemiga. The latter is a core special teamer while the former is still trying to find his football in the NFL. Both could theoretically take a step up, but the Chicago Bears could be in the market for another linebacker after watching Jack Sanborn join the Cowboys.

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The Chicago Bears may suddenly be scrambling when it comes to the franchise’s plans at offensive guard as free agency nears.

After the Kansas City Chiefs decided to use the franchise tag to keep top guard Trey Smith from reaching free agency, the Bears likely needed to turn to their backup plans at the position.

It’s no secret that bolstering the offensive line is a top priority for general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears, especially after watching quarterback Caleb Williams go through the onslaught of 68 sacks as a rookie, and the impact that it had on the offense.

But, with Smith off the market, it might be a bit more difficult for Poles to find the solution in free agency.

Could the Chicago Bears also lose Teven Jenkins?

One contingency plan the Bears could pursue in free agency while maintaining some continuity up front would be a reunion with Teven Jenkins.

However, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz suggests that Jenkins could wind up an ideal fit for the Miami Dolphins, should he reach the open market.

“Practically every guard on the Miami roster is a free agent,” Schatz writes for ESPN. “Robert Jones, Isaiah Wynn, and Liam Eichenberg — so why not upgrade the position with a bright young talent like Jenkins? He is finally coming into this own at guard after starting off as a tackle and struggling with injuries early in his career. This is more of a bet on potential than production so far, as Jenkins had an average pass block win rate (92.0%) and a slightly below-average run block win rate (69.3%) this past season. But the soon-to-be 27-year-old has the talent to move men off the ball in the running game.”

The Bears can, of course, prevent Jenkins from hitting the open market, if they decide to make him a strong enough offer, and view him as a long-term solution at the position.

Chicago is projected to enter the offseason with upwards of $78.8 million in cap space, fourth most in the NFL. So, spending flexibility won’t be a concern when it comes to re-signing Jenkins or adding a veteran at the position in free agency.

However, with Smith off the market, the Bears’ options just got a bit slimmer and perhaps a bit more expensive, too.

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The Chicago Blackhawks’ struggles continued on Tuesday in their 2-1 loss on the road against the Utah Hockey Club. Prior to Thursday night’s game in Las Vegas, Chicago sits in last place in the Central division with 41 points and a 17-34-7 record. If the season ended today, the Blackhawks would finish in second-to-last place in the entire league and would have a guaranteed top-four pick in the draft.

Praying for ping pong balls to bounce their way has become a yearly tradition in the Blackhawks organization and it’s something the front office should not get comfortable with. It’s been two years since Chicago won the Connor Bedard lottery and many are hoping 2025 will be the last year that they are in serious consideration for winning the top draft choice.

Despite most of the organizations’ promising prospects playing at the amateur level right now, the future and buzz around the Blackhawks remains extremely bright. That doesn’t help things at the NHL level in the meantime, as the team is having trouble treading water with just over two months left in the regular season.

Seth Jones rips Chicago Blackhawks season after loss

A few key veterans for the Blackhawks have voiced their frustrations with the team’s poor performance this season. After Tuesday’s tough one-goal loss, alternate captain Seth Jones had some words to say on the team’s lack of progression throughout the campaign.

“We’re the exact same team right now as we were game 1. It’s pretty evident out there,” Jones said. We haven’t made any strides to be a better, more simple hockey team, and it shows.”

Even though this appears to be harsh from the team’s top defensemen, there is some truth to the statement. Only some of the veterans that general manager Kyle Davidson brought in via free agency this past offseason have been consistent contributors and select young players have taken a few steps forward.

Bedard’s goal-scoring drought in November was another frustrating stretch for the Blackhawks and their fans, as he is one of the few reasons that people will tune in most nights. Some more goal scoring help should be on the way for Bedard toward the end of this year and by the beginning of next season, but he’ll just have to manage with what is around him right now for the time being.

The Chicago Blackhawks have a decision to make with Seth Jones

With the trade deadline looming on March 7, the Blackhawks organization has a key decision to make with Jones. The veteran has five years remaining on his massive contract that pays him $9.5 million per season, but contending teams have shown interest in acquiring his services.

While there is more urgency from Jones’ camp to get a deal done, there are incentives for Chicago to want to get a deal done here as well. Even if they have to eat some of Jones’ salary moving forward, the front office would get even more cap relief that they can use in a huge free agency this summer. Also, it gives the the young blue liners within the organization a chance to get consistent NHL ice time to close out this season and beyond.

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The Chicago Sky continue to add pieces to their roster ahead of training camp. The Sky have a while before their first WNBA game of 2025 when they take on the Indiana Fever on May 17.

The Sky are looking to build around second-year rising star Angel Reese’s strengths in Tyler Marsh’s first year as the head coach.

The Chicago Sky signed Arella Guirantes

On Saturday, the Sky announced they signed Arella Guirantes, a guard who played a major role for Puerto Rico in the 2022 FIBA World Cup.

Via the Sky’s website:

“The Chicago Sky announced today that the team has signed guard Arella Guirantes to a training camp contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Guirantes, a 5-11 guard out of Rutgers, was drafted as the No. 22 overall pick by Los Angeles in the 2021 WNBA Draft. She appeared in 25 games in her rookie season with the Sparks, making two starts and scoring in 18 games. She signed with Seattle in 2023, appearing in nine games with the Storm.”

In 2022 she represented Puerto Rico in the 2022 FIBA World Cup, where she averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game in six games during the tournament. She tallied a near triple-double against Bosnia and Herzegovina with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Guirantes averages 1.3 points, .7 rebounds, and .3 assists in her WNBA career. At 27, the five-foot-11, 176-pound guard will look to earn her way onto the regular season roster this spring.

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The Chicago Cubs missed out on another premier free agent Wednesday evening when Alex Bregman officially agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox. Bregman’s free agency saga lasted until after teams began reporting to Spring Training and it was known that he would choose a team by the end of the week so he could report to camp on time.

Chicago’s final offer to the 30-year-old third baseman was an extremely fair one that fans can’t be too disappointed about based on its’ parameters. The deal submitted by Jed Hoyer was for four years and $120 million, a deal that is way out of the Cubs’ typical comfort zone.

Opt-outs would have been involved in the contract, but when the Red Sox offer blew Chicago’s out of the water, there wasn’t much that could have been done. Boston put an extra $10 million per season on the table for Bregman and took off a year as well. The former first round draft pick will be making $120 million for three years with opt-outs included after the first two years.

The Cubs will have to pivot on the free agent front yet again if they want to add another infielder for the 2025 season. Despite throwing a strong offer Bregman’s way, there were financial implications that prevented Chicago from fully giving everything they could in a final offer.

Financial restriction prevented Chicago Cubs from signing Bregman

Bruce Levine reported that Hoyer had multiple conversations with Tom Ricketts about the having the funds for Bregman and the results are pretty disappointing.

“Cubs Jed Hoyer said he had many, many emails and text with owner Tom Ricketts about money availability for Alex Bregman,” Levine reported. “Cubs will not defer money any longer on contract offers. The team is still paying Jason Heyward and Jon Lester on deferred deals.”

The Dodgers have become the kings of deferring money and while the rest of the baseball world thinks it is wrong, they seem to be doing alright as the defending champions. In order for Boston to secure Bregman, they had to defer money on their offer as well.

If the Cubs want to stay afloat as a big market team trying to compete in today’s game, they will have to get with the times or they will be left behind. Many are frustrated with the money deferred argument as well because the organization is only giving Lester $2 million a year until 2026 and Heyward $5 million a season until 2027.

No Alex Bregman means it’s Matt Shaw time for the Chicago Cubs

With Bregman off the table, it will likely be Matt Shaw as the Opening Day third baseman in Chicago this season. The 2023 first round draft choice has soared through the Cubs’ farm system and is well deserving of an opportunity to break camp with the big league club.

Shaw won the Brooks Wallace Award, which for the nation’s top shortstop in his final season of college baseball at Maryland. His defensive game has translated well to the hot corner since being draft by the Cubs and with Cam Smith on the move in the Kyle Tucker trade, it was made clear that it’s Shaw’s job for the long haul.

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As the Ben Johnson era continues for the Chicago Bears, one of the major questions all offseason will be what the first-year head coaches plan is to develop quarterback Caleb Williams. One of the worst-kept secrets across the football world right now is that the Bears hired Johnson in an effort to develop Williams, setting the stage for what will be one of the league’s most intriguing QB-HC dynamics.

After an impressive rookie season, expectations are high for Williams as he heads into year two. And with the recent hires that the franchise has made, bringing in J.T. Barrett and Declan Doyle, it’s clear that Johnson is doing everything he can to ensure the Bears finally get out of quarterback purgatory.

The Chicago Bears have important voices in the QB room

Since being named head coach, Johnson has hired a number of assistants, including Barrett and Doyle.

Johnson spent four years (2021-2024) with the Detroit Lions, overseeing the resurgence of Jared Goff, a player that many thought was simply acquired to be a bridge quarterback.

But the real value of hiring Doyle and Barrett to the staff will be that both bring different perspectives in the context of quarterback development.

Barrett, a former starting quarterback at Ohio State, and backup in the league was an assistant with the Lions for three seasons. The ability to see the game from a player’s point of view will be so critical for Williams’ mental development.

Doyle was the Denver Broncos tight ends coach from 2023-24 for two seasons under head coach Sean Payton, a role which allowed him to have a front-row seat to Bo Nix’s development. Williams’ counterpart, Nix quickly became one of the league’s hottest rookie quarterbacks, cementing his status as the future of the Broncos.

Finding a Balancing Act for Caleb Williams

As exciting as the possibility that Williams will have three voices in the room developing Williams is, Johnson, Doyle, and Barrett will also need to find a balance.

Too many voices in the room could also lead to a recipe for disaster, which the Bears need to be prepared for. Nothing is guaranteed in a league like the NFL and quite frankly, Johnson needs to ensure that there is a backup plan in place in the event that Williams’ development doesn’t go as planned.

But for now, the optimism remains as the Bears continue to look ahead to the 2025 offseason and the regular season, one in which the team has a legitimate chance to go from worst to first in a league where circumstances can change instantly.

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Recently Baseball America released their list of who they thought the top 100 prospects were and they had five Chicago Cubs prospects make their list.

The Cubs had two of their prospects’ insiders James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas fall just short of Baseball Americas list but didn’t miss it by much.

Recently, MLB.com and MLB Pipeline released their annual lists of their top 100 prospects, and the Cubs again have seven players on the top MLB list, with Matt Shaw again being the best among them.

Seven Chicago Cubs on MLB’s top 100 prospects list

Having so many valuable prospects not only add depth in case of injury but allows for so much flexibility If one of them doesn’t pan out fully then you have others to step up and take their place. Having seven on the list is impressive and destroys the narrative that the Cubs are bad at finding talent.

Shaw is set to compete and possibly win the starting third base job for the Cubs out of spring training. Shaw who is ranked by MLB as the No. 19 prospect in baseball has shown the capabilities to play third and has been studying films of great third basemen like Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado to help his game. Shaw will show the ability to put the bat on the ball by having his hit tool graded at 60/80 and having a career average in the minors of .303. 

The one thing that Shaw will have to work on with moving over to third is getting a stronger arm. Given he was drafted as a shortstop, Shaw certainly will have the range to get to hard grounders which should compensate for his weaker arm. However, for the balls to hit in the hole or down the line that is where Shaw will need a cannon like Arenado to get a speedy baserunner out quickly. 

The rest of the players on the list are pitcher Cade Horton at No. 52, outfielder Owen Caissie at No. 54, catcher Moises Ballesteros No. 69, infielder James Triantos No. 73, Kevin Alcantara No. 90, and infielder Jefferson Rojas No. 97. All of whom, except for Rojas, reached Triple-A last season with Alcantara being the only one to make his debut with the Cubs last season. 

Cade Horton 

The 23-year-old Horton was on track to make his debut with the Cubs last season before being derailed with a subscapular strain in his shoulder. A pitcher with a four-pitch mix, Horton has a plus fastball (60/80) and plus-plus slider (70/80) that figure to be his strikeout pitches. Horton also carries a solid curveball (50/80) and a below-average changeup in his arsenal with decent overall control (55/80). 

“Horton’s plus-plus mid-80s slider with two-plane depth was as effective as ever last season, producing a 49 percent chase rate and 50 percent swing-and-miss rate. His fastball dipped slightly when his shoulder began bothering him, but when healthy, he operates in the mid-90s and peaks at 98 mph with carry and run. He’ll use a low-80s curveball to give hitters a different look, while his upper-80s changeup has some fade and can miss bats, but he has trouble throwing it for strikes.”

Horton recently said he wanted a “seat on the plane” and has said he would even be open to being a reliever for the Cubs if that were what would get him there. The Cubs currently have an open spot in the rotation and Horton will figure to get a decent amount of looks this spring to see if he is worthy of taking that spot. 

Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara 

Both Caissie and Alcantara will start the year in the minor leagues without having an everyday spot in the outfield with them being blocked. Currently, Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki are all in the mix for the outfield with Alexander Canario being the fourth outfielder given he has more major league experience. 

Caissie has the potential to be a solid big-league outfielder possibly being a star one day with the potential to be a power bat in either of the corner outfield spots. Caissie’s best two tools are his power and his arm which both grade at 60/80 with being a decent fielder at 50/80. Spending all of last season at Triple-A where he hit .278/.375/.473 for an OPS of .848 Caissie said at Cubs Con that what he expects for this season is that he wants to win and do it with the boys. 

“We want to win. That’s the ultimate goal,” Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie said at the Cubs Convention earlier this month. “We want to bring a championship back to this city. And I want to do it with my boys. That’s all I want, is to win. And I feel like we have the core to do it.”

For Alcantara, he is in the same boat as Caissie as not having an everyday spot on the major league roster to get consistent at-bats. The 6-6 righty is tall for a centerfielder but provides plus defense due to his speed grading at 60/80 and his fielding grading the same. Alcantara was very productive for the Cubs last season during his climb from Double-A to the MLB having a slash line of .278/.353/.428 and an OPS of .781 and had one hit in his brief cup of coffee with the Cubs. 

James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas

Triantos has the ability to be a really productive major league once he is called up to the show and will be an elite bat-to-ball hitter. Last season Triantos had a .300 average with 133 hits in 115 games with also swiping 47 bags and only being caught 9 times. Given that Triantos is so versatile that could help get him to Wrigley faster given he has the ability to play second, third, and centerfield. 

Jefferson Rojas is the only one on this list who won’t be making his debut this year with MLB estimating that to happen in 2026. The 19-year-old shortstop has decent grades with his best being his arm grading at a 60/80. Spending his time a High-A last season where he hit .245/.310/.336 with an OPS of .646 in 96 games. Rojas will have to take the next step offensively to take the next step in his development. 

Moises Ballesteros 

Ballesteros has the potential to be the next Kyle Schwarber for the Cubs with Moises being on the same trajectory. Having a more elite bat that defense the Cubs have been kicking around the thought of moving Ballesteros off of catcher if he can’t show he can improve. The Cubs brought in veteran catcher Carlos Perez and Reese McGuire as depth options who could act as mentors for Ballesteros. Ballesteros could force his way onto the Cubs roster early this season if he shows out down in Triple-A and can show he is capable of handling a pitching staff. 

An exciting time to be a Cubs fan

Having all these exciting prospects coming down the pike should be a jolt of youthful energy to the Cubs clubhouse. 

With Shaw possibly going to be the Cubs starting third baseman come Opening Day potentially seeing him light up the Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers during the Japan Series has me already waiting to wake up early to see it. 

The Chicago Cubs have something special going on the potential for them to end their playoff drought is high, especially with all these top prospects.  

The post Chicago Cubs have seven players make MLB’s top 100 list appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have many top prospects who will figure to do some big things for them this season and in the future.

One of their top prospects James Triantos can be something special for the Chicago Cubs whenever they decide to call him up. Triantos is a valuable infielder who can play all the infield spots as well as a little bit of the outfield which adds a lot of value and depth to the Cubs roster.

Ranked as the Cubs’ No. 5 prospect and MLB’s No. 55 prospect James Triantos recently received recognition for how valuable he is.

The Chicago Cubs’ versatile prospect

The 21-year-old James Triantos was the Cubs second-round draft pick during the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. Recently MLB.com released their list of the best second base prospects in baseball and the young Triantos was named the fifth best second baseman.

When looking at the James Madison High School graduate’s grades the one tool that stands out for Triantos is his hit tool looking to be his best ability with grading at 60/80. With both his arm (55/80) and power (50/80) not being too far behind.

The 5’11” righty will look to turn out to be a solid contact hitter with consistently putting the bat on the ball. Having a similar build and game to that of current Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, Triantos appears to be on the same trajectory as him. Triantos’ 2024 season was solid with playing 115 games between Double and Triple-A. Logging 23 doubles, 6 triples, 7 HRs, 52 RBI, and 47 stolen bases, with a slash line of .300/.346/.427 for an OPS of .773.

What does 2025 have in store for James Triantos?

Given that the Cubs have needs at third base, possibly second base if Nico Hoerner isn’t ready for Opening Day, and possibly a fourth outfielder Triantos could make his way onto the Cubs roster this season. The Cubs currently have options in Vidal Bruján and Gage Workman who could compete for those jobs, but with how higly regarded Trianots is he could jump both of them on the depth chart if he shows out in Spring Training. FanGraphs projects Triantos to start his season down in Triple-A that way he isn’t riding the bench. However, if Triantos tears it up in the first month which he projects to do, the Cubs might be forced to bring him up.

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The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, with their latest loss coming against the Atlanta Hawks, after losing 110-94.

Sitting tenth in the Eastern Conference standings at 18-23, having rumors swirl that both of their stars maybe traded at next month’s trade deadline, the Bulls are slowly slipping out of playoff contention.

Head Coach Billy Donovan is none too pleased with how the Bulls have been playing, and he made his feelings known.

Are the Bulls playing down to their competition?

In the past three games, the Bulls have played three teams that could’ve helped catapult them up in the standings, especially with playing one of the worst teams in the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans. With how hot both Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have been lately offensively, this three-game losing streak should’ve been a three-game winning streak.

Head Coach Billy Donovan expressed his frustration with how he feels the Bulls have been playing and that he feels they aren’t living up to their full potential. Speaking quite candidly, Donavon made his point clear with saying:

“We’re good enough to do that against anybody. So, I don’t even look at it as playing up or playing down. If we don’t play to our potential, it really doesn’t make a difference who’s out there,” Donovan said before Wednesday’s game, per Scotty White of Clutch Points.

“We have to play to what we’ve tried to establish as our identity for most of the year, and for the most part, we’ve done a pretty good job. But certainly, the things that have hurt us at times have been the rebounding, which was a factor yesterday, and then also the turnovers. That was a problem as well. But we’ve got to be able to do better [with] some of the things that we have control over.”

With getting outplayed and being sloppy with the basketball, with having a total of 42 turnovers in that three-game span, it appears the Bulls aren’t living up to their potential as Donavon says. The Bulls were also neck and neck in in the rebounding department, grabbing 155 rebounds to their opponents combined 150 during that three-game span. 

Can the Chicago Bulls turn it around?

The answer to that question remains to be seen with the Bulls set to face the 9-28 Charlotte Hornets, with the Bulls having a win probability of 63%. As for the season, that ultimately will come down to if the Bulls end up trading both LaVine and Vucevic. Both have been speculated to be traded before next month’s trade dealing, with LaVine appearing to be a tougher piece to move given his contract.

If the Bulls can minimize the turnovers and get better on the offensive and defensive classes, they can have success. The Bulls will also need LaVine to get back to his scoring ways in order for them to have success with only scoring 15 points in the loss against the Hawks.

The post Chicago Bulls are going downhill fast and their head coach isn’t pleased appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls look to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks after losing to the second worst team in the NBA.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a devastating loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in which they were defeated by a score of 119-113. The Chicago Bulls will look to shake off that loss with having to have a quick turnaround with playing the 20-19 Atlanta Hawks tonight.

What to expect from the Hawks?

Even though the Chicago Bulls lost to the second worst team in the league they now have to quickly turn around and play the Atlanta Hawks who are just ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. Trae Young and his 20-19 Hawks are coming in looking to add another win to their column after defeating the Phoenix Suns 122-117. The Atalanta Hawks are 2-3 in their last five games with Trae Young averaging 22.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 12.1 assist (good for first in the NBA), and shooting 40.1% and 33.9% from both the field and behind the arc for the season. The Bulls will hopefully get back on track and put a win back on the board.

For the Chicago Bulls

The Bulls will have to have Zach LaVine be better than he was in the game against the Pelicans in which he had five turnovers. In LaVines last ten games he is averaging 35 minutes, with 38 points, 5.3 assist, 5.8 rebounds, with shooting over 50% from the field and behind the arc. The Bulls will need to have LaVine to limit the turnovers and score over 30+ points again if the Bulls can have success in the game.

Injury report

The injury report for the Bulls have both Adama Sango and Torrey Craig are out with a knee and leg injury with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu questionable with an eye and achilles. For the Hawks they have Larry Nance Jr. Jalen Johnson, and Cody Zeller all out for tonight’s game with Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic both questionable with Achilles and a knee respectively. Kobe Bufkin is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

If Trae Young does in fact play tonight it will be crucial for the Bulls to contain him and stop him from being the facilitator in order to have a chance to win.

The post The tipoff: the Chicago Bulls vs. the Atlanta Hawks a gritty Eastern Conference joust appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Grading the Chicago Bears 2024 rookie draft class after a disappointing season

The 2024 NFL season is over for the Chicago Bears, as their focus will now turn to finding a new head coach, and preparing for the draft. After a disappointing 5-12 campaign that featured an in-season firing, as well as a couple of embarrassing losses, this could be a make it or break it offseason for GM Ryan Poles.

Before the season began, many believed Poles and the rest of the Chicago Bears front office nailed their five selections in the 2024 NFL draft. They found what could finally be a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, and a legit big body wide receiver with loads of talent by the name of Rome Odunze.

The Bears also puzzled most of the football world when they selected punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round, especially with many other holes on the roster to fill. Taylor had a pretty solid rookie campaign, but he was on the field way too much for the teams’ liking.

Today, we’ll be grading all the selections made by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. This will mostly cover on-field performance, rather than where the player was selected, for example Taylor who was drafted much earlier than predicted. With only five selections made, two being high in the first round, this was a draft that needed to be done correctly.

Let’s dive right in.

The post Grading the entire Chicago Bears 2024 rookie draft class, post-regular season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs still need an Ace and adding this future star would give them just that.

The Chicago Cubs came into the offseason needing to fix three holes on their roster: adding a star, adding another starter, and fixing the bullpen. Two of those three things have been taken care of with the Chicago Cubs acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros and signing left-hander Caleb Thielbar to be a lefty option out of the bullpen.

However, the top prize other than Kyle Tucker the Chicago Cubs have had their sights on is signing Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki.

What adding Roki Sasaki would do for the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs still don’t have an Ace and being able to sign Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki would give the Cubs just that. Adding Roki Saski to pair with his compatriot Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele who by all measures looks to have a Cy Young season, would be a dominant 1-3.

Roki Sasaki in four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines was electric amassing a record for his career of 30-15 with an astounding low 2.02 ERA, while having a 11.4 career strikeout per nine rate, which allowed him to strikeout 524 batters in 414.2 innings pitched.

Sasaki for the 2024 NPB season was great as usual which is why he has a desire to come over to the Major Leagues and see if he can make it here just as his compatriots before him also did. Going 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts, in 111 innings pitched is the reason why Sasaki is being so sought after.

The Cubs have two Japanese stars of their own in Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki who give the Cubs and inside edge in signing Roki Sasaki. It will be key for the Cubs for Imanaga and Suzuki to develop strong relationships with Sasaki in order for the Cubs to land Sasaki.

Will Roki Sasaki be a Chicago Cub?

The 23-year-old Sasaki will officially be allowed to sign with Major League teams on January 15th. In competition along with the Cubs to acquire Roki Sasaki are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, both the New York Yankees and Mets, the San Francisco Giants, and finally the San Diego Padres.

So far, by all accounts all the trustworthy MLB insiders think that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are the two likely teams to land Sasaki. Given that the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best player in baseball in Shohei Ohtani and just signing last years phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto; as well as the San Diego Padres having Sasaki’s ideal in Yu Darvish the Cubs have their chances cut out for them.

With the Cubs recent acquisitions and finally acquiring a superstar which they lacked, adding Sasaki would give the Cubs two superstar players in Kyle Tucker and Roki Sasaki, with Shota Imanaga emerging as another potential superstar.

If the Cubs can sign Roki Sasaki they would officially win the offseason and be on of the best teams in the National League and possibly all of baseball. We shall find out soon who Roki Sasaki chooses to sign with, and hopefully when it happens he’ll be wearing the Cubs colors come next season.

The post The Chicago Cubs need this valuable star to have a postseason berth this season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for an AFC Wild Card showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, but at least one analyst suggests the legendary Super Bowl-winning head coach could be on the move this offseason.

Wednesday, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg suggested that one option general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears should keep on the table during the franchise’s head coaching search is a trade to pry Tomlin away from the Steelers.

“There’s no team in the NFL that needs a culture built like the Chicago Bears,” Greenberg said during an episode of ESPN’s Get Up morning show. “The Chicago Bears should offer anything it takes to see if the Steelers would be willing to trade them Mike Tomlin and then just hand the franchise to him.”

It is a radical suggestion, it’s difficult to imagine what it might take for the Steelers to actually consider trading Tomlin away, despite the fact that the franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016 nor appeared in a Super Bowl since 2008.

Would the Steelers actually trade Mike Tomlin to the Chicago Bears?

Certainly, the Steelers would be inclined to entertain an offer that includes multiple first-round picks for Tomlin, who has never had a losing season and is in the midst of guiding Pittsburgh to the postseason for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Maybe even a trade involving Caleb Williams (which the Bears would never do would fill a longstanding need for the Steelers at quarterback.

This is a fascinating scenario, but one that might prove difficult to pull off unless the Steelers believe that Tomlin has taken the franchise as far as he is capable. In that case, adding a culture-driver with Tomlin’s track record of consistently competing would be a home run for Poles and the Bears.

The post Chicago Bears urged to trade for legendary Super Bowl-winning head coach appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With the Chicago Cubs still looking to add another arm to their starting rotation, should they look to take a flier on this future Hall of Famer?

The Chicago Cubs have been on the hunt to find the last piece to finish their offseason puzzle with finding another starter for their rotation. So far that has not happened, but a move could be soon incoming according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic who says the Cubs will add another pitcher in the coming weeks. One of those pitchers the Chicago Cubs should be looking into signing is the future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer.

Max Scherzer

Max Scherzer was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first-round, eleventh overall in the 2006 June MLB Amateur Draft from the University of Missouri. Now 40-years-old Max Scherzer has carved out a remarkable 17-year-career in Major League Baseball in which he has put up Hall of Fame numbers with having a record of 216-112 with a 3.16 ERA, with having 3407 strikeouts (eleventh all time), in 2878 innings of work.

When on the field for the Texas Rangers in 2024, Scherzer showed that he was still capable of getting guys out with starting nine games where he had a record of 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA, 40 strikeouts, a 1.154 WHIP, in 43.1 innings of work. The problem for Scherzer in 2024 wasn’t that he couldn’t still perform but that he was not able to stay healthy like he has shown he is able to do during his career.

Coming into 2024 already banged up with having back surgery in the offseason prior to the 2024 season, as well as having a thumb issue that slowed down his rehab assignment, Scherzer also had his shoulder start acting up around August which forced the Rangers to shut Scherzer down forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Max Scherzer has said he wants to still pitch in 2025 telling the Dallas Morning News:

“When I’m out there, I’ve been able to compete, I look at things like my slider, which I went into the season wanting to fix, and it’s been really good. I still see myself as able to compete and win.”

Why should the Chicago Cubs take a chance on Max Scherzer?

With Scherzer still having the energy to pitch and looking to show that he can still bring it even at 40-years-old could him proving to be one of the players likely to have a bounce-back season in 2025. The Chicago Cubs should be able to land Max Scherzer on a one-year deal similar to the one that the Baltimore Orioles just gave out to another veteran right-hander Charlier Morton who signed for one-year $15 million. Given that he missed the better part of last season and health is a concern for Scherzer, maybe the Chicago Cubs could get Scherzer to sign a deal for somewhere in the range of $10-13 million for just the one year.

If for some reason or another the Cubs didn’t want to use Max Scherzer for the rotation if they signed him, he could figure to be an excellent weapon out of the bullpen. Granted he hasn’t worked out of the bullpen since his rookie year, but being he’s a veteran and has the stuff capable of doing it he could make the transition easily and find success there. Being that he is forty and this upcoming season possibly being his last, why not just go let him eat and unleash all he has left pairing him with future closer Porter Hodge.

Signing Max Scherzer to a one-year deal wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Cubs to do given their need for a starter and there being no such thing as a “bad one-year deal”. Scherzer can only add to the Chicago Cubs and not detract. And being that he has been there and done that with winning the 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals he would bring valuable experience to a mostly inexperienced team.

The post Should the Chicago Cubs take a chance on this former Cy Young award winner? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese looked back to her roots as she continued to praise and recognize the LSU Lady Tigers and her former teammates. Just recently, she expressed her admiration for Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow, who she had the chance to play with during her senior year.

In a post on X, Angel Reese gave praise to Aneesah’s skill in the game, particularly in getting rebounds one after another.

“Nees be snatching rebounds [so aggressively],” Reese posted on X. “Love that for her!”

nees be snatching rebounds so aggressive love that for her!

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) December 29, 2024

Reese is also known for getting lots of rebounds, from her days in college all the way to her rookie year in the WNBA.

In a mock draft for the 2025 season of the WNBA, Morrow is expected to be the third overall pick and get drafted by the Chicago Sky—which, if it happens, would make her and Reese teammates once more.

Reese and Morrow got to be teammates for the 2023-2024 college basketball season. It was Reese’s senior year and Morrow was a new transfer to LSU from DePaul University.

During her senior year, Angel Reese was the top rebounder in women’s basketball. At the time, she averaged 13.4 rebounds per game. Her overall stats also showed she has decent offensive powers as well, as she averaged 18.6 points per game and shot 47.1% from the field, and 72.6% from beyond the arc.

Aneesah Morrow, for the current 2024-2025 season, is also currently the top rebounder in college basketball. She is currently averaging 14 rebounds per game. Like Reese, Morrow is also doing great work on the offense side, as she is averaging 18.3 points per game.

Angel Reese Gets Support Over “Disrespectful” Comment From Podcast

WNBA star Angel Reese was recently the subject of one of the episodes of the Club 520 Podcast, which was hosted by former Atlanta Hawks player Jeff Teague. Emmy-nominated sports broadcaster Chris Williams came to the defense of Reese, calling out the former NBA player and his podcast team for the “blatant disrespect.”

“Teague has been talking nasty about the W riddled with misogyny ever since the 2024 WNBA season began. And it wasn’t just the blatant disrespect for Angel either,” Williamson said. “We peeped that trifling crap they said about Brittney Griner too. Talmbout, “yeah I wished her ass stayed in that Russian jail” cuz of that pool pic. [A] whole bunch of pathetic excuses for men.”

And it wasn’t just the blatant disrespect for Angel either. We peeped that trifling crap they said about Brittney Griner too. Talmbout, “yeah I wished her ass stayed in that Russian jail” cuz of that pool pic. Whole bunch of pathetic excuses for men.

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) December 29, 2024

Angle Reese is gearing up for Unrivaled and will play for the Rose Basketball Club, with head coach Nola Henry on the helm.

The post Angel Reese Praises LSU’s Aneesah Morrow’s Rebounding Instincts Vs Albany appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs appear to be showing interest in former Seattle Mariners utility-man Josh Rojas.

UPDATE: Utility-man Josh Rojas signed a one-year deal with crosstown rival the Chicago White Sox per Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

The Chicago Cubs are still looking to add more depth to their roster and have done so far this off season. The most recent depth addition came when the Chicago Cubs sent former top prospect Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in exchange for utility-man Vidal Bruján. Adding Vidal Bruján gives the Cubs so much needed depth for the roster with a team that needs someone with the ability to play everywhere given some of their injuries. With infielder Nico Hoerner expected to miss sometime in April Bruján can fill in over at second base until Hoerner’s return. The Cubs now appear to be showing interest in former Seattle Mariners third basemen Josh Rojas according to Mark Feinsand.

Josh Rojas

The 30-year-old Rojas had a down year with the Seattle Mariners last season which ultimately led to them not tendering him a contract for 2025 and making him a free agent. In 142 games for the Seattle Mariners last season Rojas had a total of 95 hits, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HRs, 31 RBI 10 stolen bases, for a .225/.304/.336 for an OPS and OPS+ of .641 and 91.

Rojas at the plate did show some promise with finishing in the 89th percentile for Chase percentage at 22% meaning he doesn’t chase out of the zone. As well as being in the 84th percentile for squaring the ball up. And for his defense Rojas measured in the 94th percentile for his range at third base.

What Rojas can bring to the Cubs

The Cubs already have most of their infield set with first base being occupied by Michael Busch, second to be Nico Hoerner’s job once he returns from the injured list, shortstop is lockdown by Dansby Swanson, that leaves third base (Rojas’s natural position) as being the last open spot. However, I used the word “open” very loosely because President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has definitively stated that number one overall prospect in the organization Matt Shaw will have the most reps at trying to win the starting job at third base. Hoyer who commented on Shaw’s ability to play third said:

“He can play second well, he can play third well,” Hoyer said of Shaw’s comfort defensively. “Right now, obviously, we’re going to give him a long look at third after we traded (Isaac) Paredes. Making room for young players is really important. He has to earn that job. I’m not going to gift him that job on a conference call in the middle of December, but certainly with what he’s done in the minor leagues since we’ve had him, he’s played really well.

“His arrow is really pointing up. I do think it’s important – just like we did last year with (Pete Crow-Armstrong) – you’ve got to give young players some runway and some ability to play.”

If signed by the Cubs Rojas would figure to look for a job on the Cubs bench for the 2025 season. As of now FanGraphs projects the Cubs bench for Opening Day to be a combination of Carson Kelly/Miguel Amaya (whoever isn’t catching on a particular day), Gage Workman who the Cubs acquired in this year’s Rule 5 Draft, newly acquired Vidal Bruján, and outfielder Alexander Canario. With Rojas’s ability to also be a utility-man as well as being a left-handed bat for off the bench he has a leg up over Canario who a right-handed bat off the bench is and only plays the outfield.

Josh Rojas currently holds what is called “Super Two” status in the Major Leagues. What that means according to MLB.com is:

Players typically must accrue three years of Major League service time — with one year of service time equaling 172 days on the 26-man roster or the Major League injured list — to become eligible for salary arbitration. Super Two is a designation that allows a select group of players to become eligible for arbitration before reaching three years of service time.

To qualify for the Super Two designation, players must rank in the top 22 percent, in terms of service time, among those who have amassed between two and three years in the Majors. The specific cutoff date varies on a year-to-year basis.

All this would mean for any team trying to sign Josh Rojas is that his “free agent’ clock is slightly behind than those players who came up and had a hole year service time under their belt.

According to Spotrac Rojas is projected to make a little over $9.7 million and according to Brad Wakai of Sports Illustrated Rojas is looking for:

“a two-year, roughly $19.4 million deal this winter.”

At that price and that length, I would stir clear if I were the Cubs who have shown so far this off season, they are not willing to spend a decent amount of money. Signing a player like Josh Rojas would require that the Cubs spend some money and for that amount even given his versatility which the Cubs could use, with the level of play he played at last season and with him figuring to move into a bench role, would be too expensive of a move for the Chicago Cubs to make.

The post Chicago Cubs Show Interest in Veteran Utility-Man appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese had been the subject of unfiltered and controversial comments from former Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague. Caitlin Clark and the whole WNBA were also the subject of explicit takes of Teague and his team. This did not sit well with other league pliers, including Las Vegas Aces guard Lexie Brown.

Brown, through her X account, expressed her views on the controversial takes thrown the way of Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and the whole WNBA. She calls it wrong, not only because women were the topic of the discussion but rather because the comments were foul, regardless of the gender of the target person.

“Wrong is wrong,” Brown said. “No matter what or who is being discussed. I’m glad people are finally seeing the unnecessary disrespect that women athletes face.”

“The most unsettling part is that I can’t even imagine what those conversations are like off-camera,” she added.

Jeff Teague, in one of the episodes of the Club 520 Podcast, made a remark that Caitlin Clark would be beaten easily by Bronny James, and would not even be able to score a point against the Lakers rookie. His co-host, Charleston White, made remarks about Angel Reese saying she should start an OnlyFans, “sell p****,” and dunk in lingerie.

Jeff Teague, Club 520 Called Out for “Blatant Disrespect” for Angel Reese, WNBA

Commentators, fellow players, and broadcasters alike called out the Club 520 Podcast group for their unfiltered comments towards women athletes, in particular Angel Reese, and their sexually explicit “suggestions.”

Emmy-nominated sportscaster Chris Williamson shared his thoughts on the matter through X, citing Teague’s history of misogynistic comments towards the WNBA even in the past.

“Teague has been talking nasty about the W riddled with misogyny ever since the 2024 WNBA season began. And it wasn’t just the blatant disrespect for Angel either,” Williamson said. “We peeped that trifling crap they said about Brittney Griner too. Talmbout, “yeah I wished her ass stayed in that Russian jail” cuz of that pool pic. [A] whole bunch of pathetic excuses for men.”

And it wasn’t just the blatant disrespect for Angel either. We peeped that trifling crap they said about Brittney Griner too. Talmbout, “yeah I wished her ass stayed in that Russian jail” cuz of that pool pic. Whole bunch of pathetic excuses for men.

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) December 29, 2024

Las Vegas Aces point guard Sydney Colson also expressed her disappointment to the group and their take on the WNBA.

“[Having] an ignorant a** sexist on and then actually dropping the episode and then wanting to collab with the W is craaazy work lmao,” said Colson.

Havin an ignorant ass sexist on and then actually dropping the episode and then wanting to collab with the W is craaazy work lmao https://t.co/7OLBq1Mq6i

— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) December 28, 2024

So far, neither Angel Reese nor Caitlin Clark have yet to comment on the controversial takes of Teague and his podcast team.

The post “Wrong Is Wrong”: Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark Disrespect Addressed By Lexie Brown Over Podcast Comments appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have come together for a trade which sends first basemen/outfielder Cody Bellinger to New York.

According to ESPNs Jeff Passan the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have finally come to an agreement on a trade which sends first basemen/outfielder Cody Bellinger and cash to New York in exchange for right-handed reliever Cody Poteet.

With an agreement already in place, but failing to come to an agreement on money, it was only a matter of time until this deal got done. Now however it finally seemed that the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs finally struck the right notes in order to get this deal done.

Some details to note of the deal, per Jack Curry of the YES Network the Cubs are sending the Yankees a total of $5 million, $2.5 million for this year and another $2.5 million for next year.

What are the Yankees getting?

Cody Bellinger who is 29-years-old decided earlier this year to opt into his $27.5M deal for this season and since then the Cubs has been trying trade him ever since picking it up. Bellinger had a solid enough season for the Cubs last season where he played in 130 games had hit 137 hits and a slash line of .266/.325/.426 a OPS and OPS+ .751 and 111 with 18 HRs and 78 RBI. Cody Bellinger will add value to the Yankees and potentially have some power come back with such a short porch in right field.

The Yankees were the team most in need of someone like Cody Bellinger since they lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets. The Yankees who now have Bellinger received an excellent consolation prize. With Bellinger’s acquisition the Yankees can now move Aaron Judge back to right field where he’s a way better defender. Per Bob Nightengale Bellinger was informed that he will in fact be playing in centerfield next season a spot he’s very familiar with and where he has gold glove potential. Bellinger as well will provide a solid bat for the Yankees lineup either batting behind or in front of Judge.

Bellinger was ultimately proving to be the odd man out on the Cubs roster especially with their recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker. A stacked outfield which features Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and now Kyle Tucker there was no spot out there for Bellinger to see enough playing time. As well with the emergence of first basemen Micheal Busch who now will get the everyday reps at first it was only logical for the Cubs to move on from Bellinger. Especially with him potentially making $52.5 million the next two seasons.

The Return

In the return back the Cubs are getting a solid arm for the bullpen which they needed. The now 30-year-old Poteet is a solid option for a potential backend of the bullpen arm. Joining the like of Eli Morgan who was acquired from the Guardians both Poteet and Morgan are great options for the 7th or 8th innings. With a career ERA of 3.80 in his three MLB season, Poteet seems like a very valuable pickup for the Cubs.

What can the Cubs do now with the Money Freed Up?

Now that the Cubs have found a taker for Cody Bellinger which now elevates them of his salary, they can now start to potentially target so more prominent names on the free agent market like a Corbin Burnes. With Burnes potentially looking at a contract of somewhere close to $200 million, the Cubs now have the available funds freed up in order to go out and get someone like him.

All in all this was a deal that the Cubs needed to make. Hamstrung by the contract it was only a matter of time before they ended up finding a suitable taker for someone of Bellinger’s talents. The potential is still there for Bellinger to get back to his MVP type form and be a star again. As I said prior with Yankee stadium having such a short porch out in right field the possibility of Bellinger getting up to and over 30 HRs in a season again is very high.

This was a win-win trade in the end for both teams. The Cubs get a bullpen arm they have been looking for as well as freeing them from Bellinger’s contract. For the Yankees they get their consolation prize in Cody Bellinger who can give them a solid bat in their lineup as well as gold glove level defense.

The post Breaking New York Yankees Acquire former MVP appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots and then Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is on the hot seat. And the rumors are already starting including the name Jon Gruden, sparking both excitement and concern among fans and bettors who frequent the Best Football Betting Sites and want to make the most out of their bets.

The Chicago Bears have reached a critical point following their recent lackluster performance against the New England Patriots. The possibility of a coaching change looms large, with Jon Gruden’s name emerging as a potential candidate to lead the team forward. Such a shift in leadership could have profound implications not only for team dynamics but also for fan engagement and betting strategies. 

Coaching Changes and Their Impact

A coaching change in the NFL can be transformative, often serving as a catalyst for revitalizing team performance. When a new coach takes charge, they bring fresh strategies, philosophies and energy that can significantly alter how a team plays on the field. This shift can lead to improved performance or, conversely, create challenges as players adjust to new expectations and playbooks. For fans and analysts alike, understanding the nuances of such transitions is crucial in predicting how these changes will manifest during game time.

For the Chicago Bears, bringing in someone like Jon Gruden could mean a complete overhaul of their current strategies. Known for his offensive acumen and leadership skills, Gruden’s presence could inject much-needed vigor into a team struggling to find its footing. However, it’s important to consider both potential upsides and challenges that come with such a change – the adaptability of current players to new tactics is key to ensuring any transition leads to success.

Implications for Fans

The impact of a coaching change extends beyond just the players on the field, it deeply influences fan experience and engagement. A new coach can reinvigorate fan enthusiasm by promising a fresh start and potential victories ahead. However, reactions can be mixed depending on individual fan perspectives regarding the chosen coach’s past performance and reputation. It is important for fans to stay informed about developments within the team to adjust their expectations accordingly.

Community support plays an integral role in how smoothly such transitions occur. Fan loyalty can provide much-needed morale boosts for players adapting to new leadership while also holding management accountable for their decisions. As discussions around potential candidates like Jon Gruden unfold, it’s essential for fans to voice their opinions through various platforms – ensuring that their perspectives are considered in shaping future team directions.

Impact on Betting Strategies

A coaching change can also have significant repercussions in the realm of sports betting. Betting odds often fluctuate based on public perception of how effective a new coach will be in turning around a team’s fortunes. For those who engage with betting platforms, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial in refining their betting strategies on the Best Football Betting Sites.

Adjustments made by bookmakers in response to coaching changes require bettors to stay agile in their approach, factoring in potential shifts in team performance when placing bets. Informed analysis of historical data related to previous coaching changes within teams similar to the Chicago Bears can offer valuable insights into possible outcomes under new leadership.

Historical Context

The Chicago Bears’ history is dotted with various coaching changes that have shaped its trajectory over decades. By examining past transitions, one can identify patterns that may indicate how current changes could play out. For instance, previous shifts have seen varying levels of success based on factors such as player adaptability and managerial support.

Reflecting on these past experiences allows both fans and analysts to draw lessons applicable today – offering guidance on what might be expected from another potential switch at this juncture. Historical context provides depth into understanding why certain decisions were made previously and how they might influence choices being contemplated now regarding Jon Gruden’s possible involvement with shaping future successes at Soldier Field.

The post What the Chicago Bears’ Coaching Strategy Means for Fans and Bettors on the Best Football Betting Sites appeared first on ChiCitySports.

How these up-and-coming Chicago Cubs prospects could have a major impact for the club this coming season.

The upcoming 2025 season is something to be optimistic about if you’re a Chicago Cubs fan. The reason being is these prospects are some names to keep an eye on to potentially break in with the club. They are C/1B Moises Ballesteros, SS/2B Matt Shaw, and 2B James Triantos.

Moisés Ballesteros

Ballesteros, who turns 21 on November 8th is the Chicago Cubs #4 prospect and for the MLB he’s ranked as the number 44/100. Currently, he is playing in the Arizona Fall League, where he has been tearing the cover off the ball. Ballesteros so far in the AFL is managing to slash a line of .423/.467/.731 in 30 plate appearances. Between Double and Triple A last season, Ballesteros in 124 games hit: .289/.354/.471, with 19hrs, 78 RBI, and 24 doubles.

With reports surfacing that the Chicago Cubs were in the market to make a trade for a catcher last season and having “the worst offensive production from the catcher position at one point in the season”, Ballesteros could be a welcome addition with his offensive upside. A pairing with Miguel Amaya who took the bulk of the catching duties last year is most likely the outcome for this coming season. That’s if Ballesteros can continue this offensive production and better perform on the defensive side which should lead to a spring training invitation.

James Triantos

The Chicago Cubs number 5 prospect and the MLBs number 55 prospect, James Triantos is set to break out with the club in 2025 according to rumors flying around the team. Other rumors have him as a trade piece to possible bring back a high-end starting pitcher or even a closer given the hitting and fielding prowess of current Chicago Cub Nico Hoerner, who has also garnered trade interest.

If Hoerner is traded this coming offseason it’s a sure thing Triantos gets a look at 2B this coming season. A well-deserved opportunity too for the 22-year-old who in 115 games at both Double and Triple A last year he slashed: .300/.346/.427/.773 with 7hrs, 52 RBI, 23 doubles, and 133 hits. It will be an interesting position battle for 2B this coming season between the longtime staple in Hoerner, who if is indeed trade could give way for the up-and-coming Triantos, we shall see on that front.

Matt Shaw

The 23-year-old Shaw, who is the Chicago Cubs top prospect and baseballs number 22 overall prospect has high expectations coming into this year. Like his counterparts Shaw also spent time in both Double and Triple A last season. In 121 games between the two levels Shaw hit: .284/.379/.488/.867 with 21hrs, 71 RBI, 4 triples, 19 doubles, and 126 hits.

As the current roster is constructed, Shaw is blocked at all the infield spots (minus 1B). With the Chicago Cubs trading for Issac Parades last season and him manning 3rd for this coming year. Dansby Swanson, who is signed until 2029 and who is also a finalist for his 3rd straight Gold Glove has the SS position firmly locked down. That just leaves 2B. If Nico Hoerner does indeed get traded, both Shaw and Triantos could be getting a lot of looks there to see who can prove to be the better everyday player.

Either way, Shaw will be most likely be a spring training invitee to see what he can bring to the table against veteran MLB pitching. If he ends up succeeding and putting up the numbers as he did in the regular season, the Chicago Cubs are going to have a good problem on their hands.

Whether we see all three of the names highlighted, or just one of them this year all, are going to be exciting to watch. If a guess was to be made as to who we’ll see this year, the best guess is most likely we’ll see all 3 names highlighted at some point or another this coming year. To make the roster on Opening Day, I would bet that Moisés Ballesteros will be there given the catching need and his high offensive upside as well as Matt Shaw being he’s the top prospect and the most polished of the three named.

The post These Chicago Cubs Prospects could potentially make an impact with the team in 2025 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ 2024 season has been a mixed bag, with notable highlights from key players on the offensive side. Several hitters have stepped up and led the charge, showcasing consistent performances and powering the Cubs’ lineup throughout the regular season. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the leading batters for the Cubs, examining their stats and contributions to the team’s efforts this year.

Ian Happ: A Steady Power Source for Chicago Cubs

One of the most consistent hitters for the Cubs in the 2024 MLB season has been Ian Happ. As a reliable offensive presence, Happ played 153 games, tallying 569 at-bats and racking up 138 hits. His 25 home runs were a driving force, leading him to a .441 slugging percentage and an OPS of .782. While his .243 batting average may not stand out, Happ’s power and ability to drive in runs made him a critical part of the Cubs’ lineup.

Happ’s 86 RBIs and 80 walks highlight his balance between power and patience at the plate, while his 13 stolen bases added a dynamic element to his overall performance. His ability to come through in clutch situations was a key factor in the Cubs’ offensive production this season.

Seiya Suzuki: A Well-Rounded Contributor

Seiya Suzuki had a stellar 2024, showcasing his combination of power and speed. Suzuki played 132 games, amassing 145 hits with a batting average of .283. His 21 home runs and 27 doubles contributed to his impressive .482 slugging percentage and .848 OPS. His 16 stolen bases further added to his value, making him a versatile threat both at the plate and on the basepaths.

For fans looking into Cubs season bets, Suzuki’s performance might provide a solid reason to back the team. His consistent contributions at the plate and in the field show helped the Cubs stay fairly competitive throughout the season.

Suzuki’s 73 RBIs and 63 walks were indicative of his all-around game, with his ability to make consistent contact, drive in runs, and reach base frequently. His well-rounded performance made him one of the Cubs’ most valuable contributors during the 2024 season.

Nico Hoerner: The Consistent Contact Hitter

Nico Hoerner remained a consistent contact hitter for the Chicago Cubs, finishing the 2024 season with a .273 batting average over 151 games. His ability to put the ball in play resulted in 159 hits, including 35 doubles and 7 home runs. While not a power hitter, Hoerner’s 31 stolen bases and 44 RBIs showcased his ability to impact the game with his speed and situational hitting.

His .335 on-base percentage and .708 OPS reflect his role as a table-setter, consistently getting on base and creating opportunities for the middle of the Cubs’ lineup to drive in runs.

Dansby Swanson: A Power Threat in the Middle

Dansby Swanson brought power and production to the Cubs’ infield with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs in 149 games. While his .242 batting average didn’t leap off the page, Swanson’s ability to deliver key hits, along with 27 doubles, added to his overall contributions. His .390 slugging percentage and .702 OPS are further evidence of his ability to generate extra-base hits, which were crucial in several of the Cubs’ victories.

Michael Busch: A Rising Star

One of the newer names contributing to the Chicago Cubs’ offense, Michael Busch, showed promise throughout the season. Busch played in 152 games, recording 123 hits with a .248 batting average. His 21 home runs and 28 doubles helped him achieve a .440 slugging percentage and a .775 OPS. With 65 RBIs and 63 walks, Busch demonstrated solid plate discipline and power, making him an emerging force in the Cubs’ lineup.

Conclusion

The Chicago Cubs saw several hitters shine during the 2024 season, with Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Busch leading the charge. Each of these players brought something unique to the table—whether it was Happ’s power, Suzuki’s well-rounded game, Hoerner’s consistency, Swanson’s run production, or Busch’s emerging power. Together, they formed the core of the Cubs’ offense and played a pivotal role in the team’s competitiveness this season.

The post A Look At The Stats: Leading Chicago Cubs Batters In The Concluded 2024 MLB Season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears’ defense had a dominant performance in their Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans. The unit wants to build on that success against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans this week.

The Chicago Bears‘ defense is on a mission in 2024. They want to show the NFL world that they deserve to be talked about as one of the best units in the league. For most of the 2023 season, it was an elite unit. However, a horrible first four weeks overshadowed that.

Yes, the arrival of Montez Sweat helped the defense. The unit was playing well before that, though. In the first four weeks of the season, the Bears gave up 34.2 points per game. In the four games following that and before Sweat arrived, they allowed 20.2 points per game.

Once Sweat arrived, though, the Chicago Bears defense took off. They allowed just 17.9 points per game. They forced 19 of their 28 turnovers in that period. Additionally, with Sweat leading the way, the Chicago Bears had 20 sacks. In the eight games without him, they recorded 10 sacks.

This season, the defense wanted to get off to a fast start. Doing so would go a long way to showing how great this defense is. Looking for greatness, they have to play well throughout the season.

Well, the Chicago Bears defense certainly got off to a roaring start in Week 1. They sacked Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis three times. Even more impressive, they consistently knocked him around. He was constantly on the ground, even when he was competing passes.

The defense wore Levis down as the game progressed. He got spooked a bit and was expecting a Chicago Bears defender to be on top of him. Then the pass rush forced him to make the worst decision of the game.

DeMarcus Walker was all over Levis and was about to register a sack. Levis panicked, however, and tried to flip the ball to one of his receivers. The flip was not strong enough to get to the receiver, though. Instead, it went into cornerback Tyrique Stevenson‘s hands. He took it in for the pick-six.

After the game, Stevenson had the quote of the day to describe the play.

If he’s going to make dumb decisions like that, we’re going to make him pay for it.

Levis had a shot to try to tie the game. However, his throw downfield was intercepted by Jaylon Johnson.

Stevenson had 4 tackles, 2 passes defended, and the pick-six for 43 yards. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. However, Johnson had himself a huge game. He had 3 tackles (2 for loss), 2 passes defended, and the interception that sealed the victory. He allowed one completion for -2 yards.

Johnson himself is on a mission to prove his worth. He was upset that he was not ranked among the top one hundred players in the NFL. He had a breakout season last year and the Chicago Bears rewarded him with a huge contract extension. Now he wants to show the league he is an elite player.

With the defensive line doing its job of pressuring the quarterback, this great Chicago Bears secondary can play elite ball. Last season the Bears led the league in interceptions and were fifth in total turnovers. Generating more turnovers will give the offense a lot of short fields to work with.

The secondary also does a great job of stopping the receivers after the catch. In Week 1, they allowed just 49 yards after catch. That ranked third in the league, behind the Titans by one yard, and the Miami Dolphins by nine yards.

It all starts up front. The defensive linemen have to constantly pressure the quarterback. That is what happened in Week 1. Sweat, Walker, Darrell Taylor and company want to show they are up to the task. Then there is Austin Booker.

Booker looks to be a future star. He had a great training camp and played well in the preseason games. However, he is still a bit raw. He had only 580 snaps in college. With the veterans playing so well on Sunday, he only saw six snaps on defense.

Booker will see more snaps as the season progresses. Adding him to the mix will just make the pass rush that much better.

Defense wants to build on its Week 1 success

Yes, the Chicago Bears’ pass rush did a great job. That is over with now. It was great to celebrate that for a while. Now they have to repeat that against the Houston Texans and the reigning Rookie of the Year, C.J. Stroud.

Stroud had a big game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. He completed 75 percent of his passes for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Texans came away with an exciting 29-27 road victory. They now go home and face the Chicago Bears. It is tagged as a battle between the reigning Rookie of the Year against the one who wants that title, Caleb Williams.

The difference could be found in the trenches. Both defenses are good. The key is what happens with each offensive line. The Texans allowed four sacks last week. While many talk about some of the pressure Williams felt, the line did well overall. There were some struggles by center Coleman Shelton and right guard Nate Davis, but the rest of the line performed well, giving up just two sacks.

The Chicago Bears’ pass rush did a great job in Week 1. However, some can dismiss that by saying Levis often makes big mistakes. Also, the Titans’ offensive line is not an elite unit. The Texans do not have a great offensive line themselves. If the Bears can penetrate Houston’s line and get to Stroud, it could open more eyes around the league.

The post Chicago Bears’ Dominant defense in Week 1 ignites excitement appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Danny Parkins is not sold on Justin Fields or Russell Wilson long-term for Pittsburgh Steelers

Former 670 The Score radio host Danny Parkins had a wild prediction regarding Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation in the premiere of his new morning tv show, Breakfast Ball on FS1. Parkins, along with co-hosts Craig Carton and Mark Schlereth, were discussing the Steelers’ quarterback competition between veteran Russell Wilson and former Chicago Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields. With Breakfast Ball debuting today, Parkins wasted no time in giving his strong take on one of the NFL’s most intriguing position battles going into the 2024 season.

“Justin Fields is better than Russell Wilson, but both of these guys have massive problems,” Parkins told Carton and Schlereth. “Neither one of these guys is the week one starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers one year from now.”

It’s an interesting take by Parkins, who is very familiar with Fields from his time in Chicago covering the Bears for 670 The Score. He has seen firsthand the struggles that Fields displayed in Chicago and how they are still present with his new team, the Steelers. Steelers fans won’t like Parkins’ outlook on Pittsburgh’s quarterback landscape, considering the recently failed Kenny Pickett experiment. However, given Fields’ lack of progression and Wilson’s apparent regression, Parkins may have a point.

"Justin Fields is better than Russell Wilson, but neither one of these guys is the Week 1 starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers a year from now."

— @DannyParkins pic.twitter.com/XBhiZeNgyS

— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) August 26, 2024

While Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin has stated that Russell Wilson has the upper hand to be their starting quarterback in 2024, he’s refused to go as far as officially naming Wilson the starter. Wilson sustained a calf injury early in training camp which caused him to miss some time, allowing Fields to garner some of the first-team reps in practice. While he’s impressed with some of his passes and his running ability, Fields still lacks pocket presence and takes too many sacks.

This was the book on Fields in Chicago as well. Fields is a tremendous athlete with all the physical skills you could ask for in a quarterback, but his ability to go through his progressions fluidly and quickly has been his downfall.

Wilson, on the other hand, is a more composed pocket passer who can use his legs when he needs to. He is the veteran presence at the position that Pittsburgh has lacked since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2022 season. However, after a remarkable career with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson struggled after being traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022. This ultimately culminated in the Broncos releasing Wilson amid rumors of conflict with Wilson and head coach Sean Payton.

Parkins has taken note, and he doesn’t think Wilson’s troubles are over after leaving Denver. “This is gonna get messy. Russ is weird and quirky and Justin Fields is cool and popular,” said Parkins. “People are going to be split in that locker room when both of them start to struggle.”

Chicago Bears would benefit from Justin Fields starting

Bears fans have paid attention to the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. Fields was a fan-favorite for many in Chicago, even amid his inconsistent play at quarterback. More importantly, if Fields plays 50% or more of the quarterback snaps for the Steelers this season, the conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that the Bears received from the Steelers in the Fields trade would become a fourth-round pick.

This is reason enough for Bears fans to hope that Fields acquires the starting quarterback job sometime early in the 2024 season. With just under two weeks remaining until the first Sunday of the NFL season, a decision should be coming any day now.

The post Former Chicago sports radio host’s shocking prediction about Justin Fields appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Almost exploding and coming up, online casinos now have almost completely replaced land-based versions. They offer ultimate convenience together with a highly diversified array of entertainment. Great casino games are available at home in Chicago and across the globe. In this article, we will discuss the history of online casinos, their peculiarities and how to avail yourself of your entire gaming experience. You can click here to learn more about how to enhance your online gaming experience.

The Rise of Online Casinos

Online casinos set off sometime in the mid-1990s during the advent of the Internet. This time, most of such websites were designed quite simply with ordinary games and minimal features. This was due to the fast pace of modern technology; thus, today, most online casinos are more advanced and sophisticated. Today, most feature high-quality graphics, realistic sound effects and many game selections to match most of the land-based casinos’ offers.

Such online gambling innovation, coupled with the mobile gaming revolution, the occurrence of live dealer games and the utilization of artificial intelligence, have exploded the online gambling market. It is possible from any device by practically whoever and from whatever place on Earth to gamble in real-time, interact with any functionality and receive a bespoke user experience.

Key Features of Online Casinos

One of the significant factors that has drawn so many people toward online casinos is that they never close. Online casinos are just a click away, so players can log on at their own time and be comfortable, unlike in the case of land-based casinos that close after hours. This gets interest from people with such tight schedules or those who like to play the best of their games indoors.

Online casinos also feature a long list of games in large and varied terms; it cater to all types of players who enjoy classic table games, including blackjack or roulette, modern video slots and live dealer games. Online casinos liaise with all major software developers to have a wide range of good quality games that provide collections so players can find what they prefer and enjoy.

Free Deposits and Fast Payouts

One significant advantage of online casinos is that they offer free deposits and process withdrawals quickly. Primarily, it is such a trait that attracts gamers looking forward to getting the best of gaming moments without much worry about fees in the way or perhaps when they have to wait. They support several payments, including credit or debit cards, e-wallets and bank transfers. Well-established online casinos make the process of transactions smooth and efficient.

Speed in payouts is the thing that keeps a player trusting and staying satisfied. Prompt and hassle-free cashouts at online casinos will uphold a good gambling atmosphere and allow the player to enjoy one’s favorite games even more.

Enhancing Your Gaming Experience

Some of the best practices for maximum enjoyment in casino play include choosing a renowned casino site and enabling online playing to find reviews. It is also essential to ensure these online casinos are licensed and regulated by reputable jurisdictions to ensure a safe and secure gaming environment.

Leverage bonuses and promotions to the fullest. Most casinos online will have a sign-up bonus for you, free spins and even some loyalty points just to get your foot in the door. That way, they add value to the game. Make sure to read through the fine print; some of the bonuses come with play-through requirements.

Understanding Game Mechanics and Strategies

Understanding the game mechanics and strategies will be the key to success in online casinos. There are different ways to approach different games. Some games require a lot of skill and strategy to be at the top of the table, while others mostly bank on a luck factor—for instance, games like blackjack and poker. Understand what rules and strategies are attached to your game of choice. There are hundreds of online resources for tutorials, forums and expert advice to develop your gaming skills. With a small investment of time dedicated to learning and practicing, you just might build that self-confidence in such games and come to enjoy gaming with far more pleasure than before.

Responsible Gaming

These online casinos might be fun, but you should also learn to enjoy them responsibly. Decide in advance how much you are willing to stake and don’t exceed your limit. Don’t chase losses and remember what you are in the casino for; it is for fun and not to try to get that jackpot. Most online casinos offer you several features or tools in gaming that assist in helping you to be in control while gaming, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options and time reminders. 

Responsible playing only ensures that the headache one is experiencing is only from the gambling. Again, the moment you realize that this playing might be a problem, the organization and resources for support will help you get the assistance and guidance you need.

The Future of Online Casinos

The world of online casinos is ever bright and continuous changes by leveraging technology should only enhance the experiences. Virtual and augmented realities are about to become the norm in how online players interact with games, making the gaming experience much more enthralling. Besides, integrating blockchain technology is expected to offer transparency and security within online gambling transactions. 

So, in this ever-evolving industry, players are bound to see and become a part of even more entertaining features, games and promotional offers. You will also be in the know about these innovations and the new technologies they bring, so keep enjoying the thrilling world of online casinos.

The post The Evolution and Excitement of Online Casinos appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The dismissal of Pedro Grifol as manager of the Chicago White Sox was announced last Thursday and has had a significant impact on the baseball industry. The announcement prompted a range of responses within the sport, underscoring the significance of the decision not only for the team but also for the future trajectory of the franchise.

Pedro Grifol, who was brought in with the goal of revitalizing a team in decline, leaves behind a legacy of unmet expectations and frustration. What impact will this change have on the White Sox? How will it affect the team for the remainder of the season? And what insights can we gain about the future of the organization?. 

Pedro Grifol’s dismissal rapidly became a key topic on social media, with fans, journalists, and former players offering their views. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale called the decision as “inevitable”:

“The White Sox make the inevitable decision: Grifol is out, interim will be named, permanent replacement after the season,” Nightengale said, reflecting the general feeling that Pedro Grifol’s days at the helm were numbered.

On the other hand, journalist Heidi Watney openly asked: “Who wants to take this challenge on?”

Among the more ironic comments, Carson Lampe noted that Pedro Grifol “is probably relieved to be relieved from his duties”. Not Gatti, for his part, stated: “Nothing about this season is Grifol’s fault” blaming directly the team’s management.

Pedro Grifol‘s public perception, which was initially positive, deteriorated as results failed to come. An 89-190 record in nearly two years at the helm of the team, including a catastrophic 2024 season with a 28-89 mark, caused the patience of fans and management to wear thin.

Social media amplified this disenchantment, making it clear that while Pedro Grifol was a dedicated professional, his leadership was not enough to turn around a team in decline.

Pedro Grifol’s successor: The organization has a new leadership structure

The White Sox have announced the appointment of Grady Sizemore as interim manager for the remainder of the season, following the departure of Pedro Grifol. Sizemore, renowned for his exceptional playing career in Major League Baseball, particularly with the Cleveland Indians, now confronts his inaugural experience as a manager.

His appointment represents a calculated risk by the front office, which anticipates that his experience on the field and his tenure in the team’s front office will provide a novel perspective for the team.

In 2017, Grady Sizemore started his tenure in both the front office and dugout as a special advisor to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ player development department. This role provided him with a comprehensive view of the player training and development process, which could prove invaluable in his new role as interim manager.

However, the transition from player to manager is not always straightforward, and Sizemore will need to demonstrate his ability to manage a team that has lost not only games, but also confidence and cohesion, in a relatively short period of time.

Sizemore’s appointment as interim manager indicates that the White Sox are restructuring. The team has stated that it will seek a permanent manager at the end of the season, which provides an opportunity to evaluate Sizemore’s performance in a leadership role.

While his appointment is temporary, his performance could influence future decisions regarding the permanent appointment.

The plan for the remainder of the season

Given the likelihood of the 2024 season being lost, the White Sox have few opportunities to achieve immediate results. However, the dismissal of Grifol and the appointment of Sizemore are not merely symbolic gestures. Management is seeking to infuse the team with new energy and assess the potential of younger players in the future.

The focus now is on talent development and evaluation, as well as building a solid foundation for next season. Players like Andrew Vaughn and Tim Anderson need to regain their form, and the new coaching staff will be tasked with maximizing their performance and potential.

Furthermore, the White Sox will be monitoring Sizemore and his staff closely to determine whether they can serve as a long-term solution or if external leadership will need to be sought at the end of the season. The search for a new manager has already begun, and while Sizemore has the opportunity to establish himself, the competition will be intense.

While the 2024 season may not yield a high number of wins, it will be pivotal in laying the foundation for the future of the franchise.

The post Pedro Grifol’s dismissal: the immediate and long-term effects appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On a day that will be etched in the hearts of Chicago Cubs fans, Pete Crow-Armstrong led his team to a convincing 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, proving that his mentality and talent are undeniable. After a rough patch, the young outfielder bounced back with two hits, including a double, to reaffirm his place on the team and become one of the protagonists of the battle at historic Wrigley Field.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s key performance against the Caridinals came less than 24 hours after he committed the losing error in the previous game. It proves that the young outfielder is made of good stuff and is able to put the bad things behind him quickly.

Crow-Armstrong had recently hit a rough patch in which he went 0-for-21 in the batter’s box, received crucial support from his teammates. Mike Tauchman, who also hit a home run in the game, gave him advice that proved to be key:

“Just do something.” 

That simple premise resonated with the young talent, who stressed the importance of having the support of veterans like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson.

“It’s important to have a positive attitude, especially when things don’t go your way,” Pete Crow-Armstrong said in an interview with The Athletic.

His ability to overcome adversity is a testament to his mental toughness and commitment to the team.

Defensively, Pete Crow-Armstrong has also proven to be an elite player. His focus on improving his offensive production will be crucial for the Cubs to reach their goals this season. While his wRC+ of 60 isn’t the most encouraging, Crow-Armstrong feels he’s on the verge of breaking through the barrier that’s limiting him.

“It’s reps and a better record on faceoffs,” the outfielder explained of his progress at the plate.

Pete Crow-Armstrong emphasized that facing familiar pitchers has been a positive experience, allowing him to execute his game plan and connect with the ball more effectively.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s promising future

Crow-Armstrong’s current hitting streak, which includes 10 hits in his last nine games, is a testament to his potential and the impact he can have on the team if he continues to develop.

“The ball has been hit to the middle of the infield a lot; that’s a good sign that you’re on time,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.

Confidence is returning, and so is the good performance

Pete Crow-Armstrong is proving that despite the odds, his dedication and hard work are paying off. With each game, he is getting more comfortable in the batter’s box and with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, he is ready to shine for the rest of the season.

The win over the Cardinals was not only a victory on the scoreboard, but also a step forward in the career of this rookie, who promises to continue to surprise Cubs fans.

Crow-Armstrong’s remarked the importance of understanding the process and adjustments needed to be successful at the plate. His focus on “productive outs” suggests that he is learning to value contact and swing decisions more than simply focusing on immediate results. This change in mindset allows him to play with more confidence and composure, which is essential to his development.

The post Pete Crow-Armstrong bounced back from horrible Saturday to shine in Cubs’ 6-2 win against Cardinals on Sunday appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Garrett Crochet has been the subject of media attention in recent weeks due to his statements and demands related to his contract and role with the Chicago White Sox. Crochet has demonstrated through the 2024 season an impressive performance on the mound. He has achieved a 6-8 record, a 3.23 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.006, demonstrating his effectiveness in dominating opposing hitters.

Additionally, Garrett Crochet ranks second in Major League Baseball with 160 strikeouts and only 26 bases on balls in 114⅓ innings pitched. This remarkable performance has made him a highly sought-after player, but it has also prompted concerns about his durability and injury risk.

Garrett Crochet’s history of injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2022, has been a significant factor in his current circumstances. Following a period of recovery during which he pitched just 12⅔ innings in 2023, Crochet has significantly reduced his previous workload. His recent success as a starter, as opposed to his previous role as a reliever, has prompted questions about his ability to maintain this level of performance without increasing the risk of further injury.

Furthermore, if he maintains his performances at the current level, the salary terms will also change. For the next two seasons, he is subject to the arbitration system before becoming eligible for free agency. Technically, he has no guaranteed salary for 2025, making Garrett Crochet a risky option.

What is Garrett Crochet’s request?

Garrett Crochet has made it clear that he has ambitious goals for the remainder of the 2024 season and his future in Major League Baseball. However, his specific demands have created a rift with the White Sox and have negatively impacted their trade market.

Crochet, who has demonstrated remarkable performance in his inaugural full season as a starting pitcher, has asserted his expectation of a contract extension as a prerequisite for pitching in the postseason and has declined the possibility of returning to the bullpen.

White Sox Management Statement

White Sox management, led by general manager Chris Getz, has expressed surprise and disappointment at the manner in which Crochet’s claims were publicly communicated.

“There had been a very good working relationship between Garrett and myself,” Getz said. “I was surprised and shocked at the way he went about it, given that I spoke to his agent the night before. That is not the strategy I would have selected, given my background as a former player. Despite the sincerity, authenticity, compassion, and career-consciousness of the dialogue, I believe there are more optimal strategies to pursue. I was also taken aback. I was taken aback.”

Getz has emphasized that previous communication with Garrett Crochet‘s camp had been transparent and collaborative, which made the public announcement of his demands particularly unexpected. He has further stated:

“We comprehend the rationale behind this decision. The manner in which we conveyed that information was, to be frank, somewhat uncomfortable. There might have been a more optimal way to proceed that would have achieved the desired outcome.”

The current situation has resulted in further discord between the player and the team, further complicating the negotiations.

Garrett Crochet, for his part, has stated the following:

“I don’t think whether a deal was reached or not depended on whether that was said or not…I think any team would look at the number of innings I pitched last year and find it reasonable, so ultimately I think it was the right decision.”

He further argued that his demands are logical given his circumstances.:

“Anyone can understand where I’m coming from in that sense,” Garrett Crochet said. “I think it may have seemed greedy to some, but those in the industry realize that it’s logical to have that line of thinking.”

Crochet has emphasized in his intentions to protect his career and secure his future, even if it means staying with the White Sox for the rest of the season. Although he has received criticism, especially from fans, Crochet maintains that his actions are justified.

White Sox plans

The post Garrett Crochet request: The contract extension and the reason for this demand appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The MLB trade market is abuzz with the recent acquisition of Isaac Paredes by the Chicago Cubs. This move, which took place on Sunday, has major implications for both teams and their fans in the race for the 2024 season. With a focus on the future, the Cubs decided to trade prospect Christopher Morel and two minor leaguers to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for the talented Mexican third baseman.

Currently batting .245, Isaac Paredes has had a remarkable season with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs in 101 games. Numbers that have led to him being invited to the 2024 All Star Game, his second consecutive appereance. Since making his debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2020, Paredes has proven himself to be a productive player and a valuable addition to the lineup. The Mexican-born young talent has shown versatility and offensive power, quickly becoming a favorite of baseball fans.

The Cubs, who are in the midst of a rebuilding process, see Isaac Paredes not only as a player who can contribute immediately, but also as a young talent who can be a key to their future. The Mexican’s arrival gives the team another opportunity to bolster its infield and add depth to its lineup.

Christopher Morel’s impact

On the other hand, Christopher Morel, the third baseman the Cubs sent to Tampa Bay, has had ups and downs in his performance. Despite hitting personal bests of 26 home runs and 70 RBIs last season, his performance in 2024 has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the news of the trade came as a surprise to Morel:

“He has provided Cubs fans with many memorable moments in the short time he’s been here. However, the decision to trade him reflects a focus on stabilizing the lineup and rebuilding the franchise.”

Isaac Paredes and the Cubs strategy

The transaction comes at a crucial time, right before the trade deadline. The Cubs are trying to strike a balance between immediate performance and building for the future. With Isaac Paredes’ arrival, Chicago hopes his offensive production and youth will help solidify the team’s foundation for years to come.

Isaac Paredes‘ arrival not only affects the Cubs’ lineup, but also resonates throughout the league’s ecosystem, especially with two minor leaguers involved in the change. The Cubs are demonstrating a clear intent to prioritize young talent while remaining competitive in the present.

The trade of Isaac Paredes to the Chicago Cubs symbolizes a strategic move that highlights the dynamic nature of MLB. As teams look to optimize their lineups and prepare for the future, transactions like this one offer exciting prospects for fans.

With Isaac Paredes in the mix, the Cubs bolster their hopes of building a competitive team for years to come, and fans will undoubtedly be watching the performance of their new third baseman in the next stage of the season. This move marks a new chapter for both Paredes and the Cubs as they prepare for a promising future in the league.

The post Isaac Paredes to shake things up for the Cubs (or so everyone expects) appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Is Cody Bellinger on the trade block for the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, 6-4 on Tuesday at Wrigley Field in the first game of a three-game series. The result was the Cubs’ second straight loss and seventh in their last ten games, a streak in which the North Siders have seen victories slip away and rumors of the departure of their top star, Cody Bellinger, grow.

In the midst of this intense speculation in the baseball world, the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are reportedly showing increasing interest in Chicago Cubs star player Cody Bellinger. Multiple sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Bellinger, a versatile 28-year-old outfielder, is the top target of the Yankees, who are looking to bolster their offense with Bellinger’s left-handed bat and ability to play first base.

This news comes at a crucial point in the 2024 season, with the Cubs fighting to stay in contention. After a disheartening stretch that has left the team with the third-worst record in the National League, Cubs management may be considering a shift to a selling posture as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Amid the shifting landscape, Cody Bellinger, who went 4-for-2 with a double and a walk last night, is emerging as one of the top trade assets on the market. The Yankees, who have previously shown interest in the player in both the 2023 season and the offseason, could see Bellinger as the perfect opportunity to strengthen their lineup and improve their chances in the pennant race.

Cody Bellinger’s contract

Cody Bellinger‘s contract, which includes a player option for 2025, could be a deciding factor in the negotiations. The Cubs superstar’s salary is $27.5 million this season, and the team that agrees to trade for him will take on approximately half of the remaining salary. While the financial risk is significant, Bellinger’s consistent performance at the plate keeps suitors interested.

With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, only time will tell if the Yankees and Cody Bellinger will finally seal the deal that has long eluded both sides. As talks continue and each team’s needs become clearer, anticipation is building for one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 season.

On the other hand, the Cubs are not in a comfortable position. While they weren’t originally willing to trade their star players, the season’s drift may force a change of course. With the team eight games below .500 and 12 games out of first place in their division, executives will need to carefully weigh the offer for Cody Bellinger, as his signing would involve a hefty payout through 2026 or, alternatively, could make him a luxury addition to an attractive lineup of title contenders.

The post Cody Bellinger poised to be traded by the Cubs – RUMORS appeared first on ChiCitySports.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and teamwork, members of the Chicago White Sox joined forces with the White Sox Volunteer Corps and the Roc Solid Foundation to construct three playground sets for children and families affected by cancer.

This initiative, part of the Sox Serve Week, saw 100 members of the Volunteer Corps come together at the ballpark for a high-impact event that brought joy and a sense of normalcy to young lives facing extraordinary challenges.

Among the players who took part in this noble cause were notable figures from the team, as is the case of catcher Korey Lee, infielder Danny Mendick, and infielder/outfielder Gavin Sheets. White Sox mascot Southpaw was also there.

The playgrounds, designed to be a beacon of hope and fun, were not just structures of play but symbols of resilience and support from the White Sox family. The event was a testament to the power of sports in uniting people for a common good, demonstrating that the impact of these athletes extends far beyond the baseball diamond.

Chicago White Sox Serve Week

This initiative is part of the Chicago White Sox Serve Week, designed to give back to the community.

The playground build event, held during the Sox Serve Week, is a highlight of the team’s annual fundraising efforts, which include a variety of philanthropic events aimed at supporting individuals and families most in need. The dedication of the Chicago White Sox to these causes reflects the ethos of sports as a force for good, bringing hope and happiness to those who need it most.

The post White Sox players build playground sets for children and families battling cancer appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caleb Williams tells Chicago Bears punter he will have a little work to do

Part of the reason why Caleb Williams was considered by many the best prospect in the draft and why the Chicago Bears drafted him at no.1 overall is because of his confidence. The Chicago Bears drafted a punter with the 122nd pick in the NFL draft. The new Chicago Bear punter Tory Taylor told reporters that Caleb Williams messaged him after he was chosen, saying he won’t be punting much.

Tory Taylor just told us that he's heard from Caleb Williams.

The QB texted him and said: "Hey you're not going to punt much here". #Bears

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) April 27, 2024

The former Heisman Trophy winner has been part of plenty of controversy over his career already. Whether it’s painting his nails or just the way he carries himself, Caleb Williams has been criticized almost as much as he’s been praised. But many respected analysts have even gone as far as comparing him to Patrick Mahomes. The constant controversy could be viewed as a testament to just how high his expectations are as a prospect.

Should Caleb William’s “red flags” be cause for concern?

The Media have often criticized Caleb Williams for having a sort of “character” issue. One former NFL Scout didn’t hold back when speaking on Caleb Williams crying with his mom after a loss.

“I hated it. Hated it. He would scare the s— out of me if I was working for a team. Raw emotion is great, but Caleb’s thing? That was ridiculous to me. That threw up major red flags. You just lost a game in the middle of your f—ing season, and it was like your third loss in the Pac-12, and you went hugging on mommy and crying in mommy’s arms? It just seems really freakin’ weak and nuts.

I personally believe the reason many have doubts is because he is very different from your typical face of the franchise NFL quarterback. He is very expressive and doesn’t cater to the media, and I think that scares some people. How he stays true to himself and remains confident despite the constant criticism should be viewed as exciting for Chicago Bears fans. With all this being said, Caleb William’s game tape speaks for itself. He should be viewed as a generational talent.

The post Caleb Williams sends wild message to fellow Chicago Bears draft pick they won’t need him much appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears showing interest in Tulane wide receiver

With the draft being less than one month away the Chicago Bears will be looking to add to an already bolstered roster after an active offseason. Including trading for San Diego Chargers star receiver Keenan Allen, and trading away their former first-round draft choice quarterback Justin Fields.

Since Caleb Williams has impressed the Chicago Bears front office, he is the landslide favorite to be selected first overall, and building around the USC Quarterback has been a high priority. A potential late-round wide receiver has become a potential target for the Chicago Bears. Senior Tulane wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson has already drawn attention from multiple teams.

During his time at Tulane, Jha’Quan Jackson showed exceptional athleticism and impressive speed. The biggest concerns are his route running ability and he relies on athleticism over technique as a route runner. But with his natural athleticism and maturity, he will be quickly moldable for the team that drafts him and may have a fairly quick impact in the NFL. 

The Chicago Bears will host Tulane WR Jha’Quan Jackson on a 30 visit, a source said.

Dynamic & explosive wideout has also received heavy interest from the Lions, Eagles and Cardinals, among others, during the pre-draft process.

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 2, 2024

While I think Jha’Quan Jackson would be a good addition to the Chicago Bears, their latest draft pick is in the fourth round, and I believe he is not worth reaching that far for. But if the Bears were to acquire a late-round pick, or trade back in the draft, Jha’Quan Jackson would be well worth a sixth, seventh, or possibly a late first-round pick.

The post Chicago Bears to host dynamic wide receiver ahead of 2024 NFL draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears made another signing, this time adding to the defense. They agreed to terms with safety Jonathan Owens.

The Chicago Bears made another signing on Tuesday. After signing two offensive players in running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, general manager Ryan Poles adds depth on defense. The team agreed to terms with safety Jonathan Owens.

Owens, who was an undrafted rookie who signed with the Houston Texans in 2019, played last season with the Green Bay Packers. He adds good depth to the secondary. In his career, he played in 48 games, starting 30 of them.

The Chicago Bears have Jaquan Brisker penciled in at strong safety and Kevin Byard as the free safety so Owens would be a dependable backup. He could play either safety position so he can be of great help. Additionally, Brisker has a history of missing not only full games but also parts of games so Owens can step in and play well.

Owens is the tough, hard-working player that the Chicago Bears regime covets. He worked from starting out as an undrafted rookie to becoming a starter. While he won’t be a starter in Chicago, he will see a lot of snaps.

Head coach Matt Eberflus is also calling the plays on defense. He likes to use players in different spots and use the reserves a lot to keep the starters fresh. Owens will be on the field a lot. He is a good tackler. In 2023, he missed only five tackles. Tackling has been a problem at times for the Chicago Bears defense. Owens will help improve that.

In 2023, Owens had 84 tackles, 3 passes defended, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, one sack, and one forced fumble last year. In his career, he has 227 tackles, 8 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), 2 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.

In addition to the good tackling that Owens brings, he also helps in stopping the run. He was one of the highest-rated run stoppers in the league in 2023. The Chicago Bears led the league against the run, so adding Owens helps them stay strong.

While Owens is the first defender to sign during the free agency negotiation period, he is actually the second defender signed by the Bears. Byard was signed before the period. He was released by the Philadelphia Eagles so once he cleared waivers he was available to sign before the free agency period began.

The Chicago Bears now have Byard and Brisker as starting safeties and Owens and Elijah Hicks as the reserves. With Jaylom Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback, the team has a very strong secondary. That is necessary since there are a lot of great passers in the NFL.

With Owens, the Chicago Bears also have their own celebrity couple. Owens is married to Simone Biles, considered one of the greatest gymnasts in Olympic history. She certainly supports her husband, showing up to as many games as she can. Now she gets to support him in Chicago, a big city.

She Tweeted her happiness at Owens’ move to Chicago.

pizza & hotdogs
F YEAH

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) March 12, 2024

CHICAGO HERE HE COMES

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) March 12, 2024

I’m so excited about not having a connecting flight to go & see my husband hahahahaaha

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) March 12, 2024

also I just love the city of Chicago

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) March 12, 2024

They may not have the star power of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift but Chicago will get to have a high-profile fan at the games. If the Chicago Bears start winning she could be just the first of many celebrities coming out to support them.

The post Chicago Bears add depth at the safety spot by signing Jonathan Owens appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Cooking your own meals in college has plenty of benefits. First and foremost, it’s relatively cheap. Cooking on your own will let you get in full control of your budget and save on pricey deliveries. Also, making your own meals will help you hone your cooking skills and food knowledge, which are crucial for living a healthy life. And of course, cooking yourself can help you eat healthier and more nutritious food, which is good both for your body and mind.

Unfortunately, most students rarely find time for cooking. Being busy with loads of homework assignments and papers, they often lack the time and energy for anything else. But if you are aiming for healthy eating, there are two ways to handle this challenge. First, you can find a trusted online paper writer service that you can ask, “Please, write my paper for me,” and delegate your assignments. This will help you save time without risking your grades.

Secondly, you can opt for simple yet nutritious meals that are easy to make. Read on, and we will give you a few recipes for a decent lunch that even a busy student can handle!

1. Avocado and Tuna Salad Wrap

You’ll need:

• Wraps of your choice
• Solid white tuna
• Avocado
• Mixed greens
• Scallions
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your taste

In a bowl, mix tuna, chopped scallion, and cut avocado. Add a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for a taste and mix. Put mixed greens on top of your wraps, add your tuna salad on top, and roll your wraps tightly.

This lunch is packed with fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, and other beneficial elements from tuna fish and avocado. It is a perfect quick lunch with a reasonable amount of calories for students who are bothered about their fitness.

1. Harissa Chicken and Farro Salad

You’ll need:

• Chicken breasts
• Sweet potato
• Red onion
• Quick-cooking farro
• Greek yogurt
• Feta cheese
• Arugula
• Cilantro leaves
• Harissa
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt, pepper, etc.

Before you start, preheat your oven to 450°F and cook farro according to the manufacturer’s directions. Put the sweet potato on a baking sheet, topping it with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it for 8 minutes.

In a bowl, whisk together harissa, greek yogurt, and lemon juice. When the marinade is all ready, put chicken into it and thoroughly toss to coat.

Distribute chicken among sweet potatoes, reduce the temperature to 425°F, and cook for 12-15 minutes, until chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and potatoes turn golden brown. Then, remove the potatoes and roast the chicken for another few minutes until it gets brownish.

In a large bowl, mix harissa, lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper, and onion. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then add cooked farro and mix. When serving, slice sweet potatoes on top of our salad, sprinkling with cilantro, arugula, and feta cheese. Slice your chicken and serve it next to the salad.

This recipe is also loaded with a good blend of protein, fat, fiber, and carbs. Yet, the biggest benefit of it is hidden in farro – a perfect source of iron, magnesium, and fiber, which are so crucial for the proper functioning of your brain and body.

1. Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

You’ll need:

• Whole-wheat couscous
• Chicken thighs
• Celery
• Carrot
• Honey-mustard dressing
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Hot sauce to taste

Cook couscous according to the manufacturer’s directions and roast chicken thighs. Peel and cut carrot, and chop celery. When all ingredients are ready, take a bowl (or a sealable container if you want to cook a meal for later) and put cooked couscous inside of it. Top couscous with sliced chicken, and top everything with honey-mustard dressing. Put carrot, celery, and blue cheese on top and sprinkle with more dressing.

When serving, top your meal with hot sauce.

This recipe allows you to experience the delicious taste of buffalo chicken with high containment of protein and fiber. It’s a perfect blend for healthy immunity.

1. Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad

You’ll need:

• Rotisserie chicken
• Celery
• Mayonnaise
• Black pepper

Before making a salad, chop celery and rotisserie chicken. In a bowl, combine chopped chicken and celery. Top with mayonnaise and pepper and mix well.

To give your salad even more flavor, consider replacing traditional mayonnaise with lemon-herb aioli or lemon-flavored mayonnaise. Additionally, experiment with adding dry or fresh herbs to make your salad more delicious.

This low-carb and high-protein salad is one of the fastest and easiest lunch ideas out there. It’s perfect for busy students who want to have a healthy and simple lunch. And you can refrigerate it for up to 4 days, which makes it a perfect pre-cooked lunch idea.

1. One-Pot Spaghetti

You’ll need:

• Spaghetti
• Assorted color cherry or grape tomatoes
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Red onion
• Parsley leaves
• Basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• White wine
• Grated parmesan

Peel 4 strips of zest from the lemon and thinly slice them. Then squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Place spaghetti in a large skillet so that they lie flat on the bottom. Add thinly sliced garlic, roughly chopped onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and cover everything with 4 cups of water, adding ½ cup of white wine. Bring it to a boil and cool for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Halve your tomatoes and fold them into the skillet. Continue to boil until spaghetti is al dente. In the end, stir in roughly chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest.

When serving, sprinkle your pasta with grated parmesan for more flavor.

Pasta is a perfect source of glucose – the key fuel for your muscles and brain. At the same time, it’s rich in folic acid, low in sodium, and free of cholesterol.

Conclusion

When you are a busy student, cooking your own meals can sound like a mission impossible. However, that’s not quite true. These days, students have access to a variety of auxiliary tools that make their daily lives simple. Namely, students can delegate their assignments to the best essay writing service to save up enough time for cooking healthy and nourishing food. Besides, it becomes even simpler after reading this guide.

The recipes we shared with you here are all packed with lots of proteins, fats, vitamins, and other crucial elements. They can become a healthy and nutritious lunch for you. And they all are incredibly easy to make. So don’t hesitate to give these recipes a try!

The post 5 Nourishing Lunches That Will Keep Students Satisfied appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The pursuit of academic success often leads students down a path of rigorous study routines and intense focus on coursework. While dedication to education is commendable, it raises a critical question about the balance between work and play. Many students struggle to find a middle ground where they can excel academically without sacrificing their well-being. This article aims to delve into the importance of study breaks, not as mere pauses in a student’s routine but as essential elements for optimal well-being and academic performance. We will explore how integrating regular breaks and leisure activities into a study schedule can significantly enhance a student’s mental health, concentration, and overall effectiveness in their educational endeavors.

Say Yes to Study Breaks

Study breaks are more than just a temporary respite from academic work; they are crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. Regularly scheduled breaks during study sessions have been shown to improve memory retention and concentration. These pauses allow the brain to rest, process information, and rejuvenate, leading to more productive study sessions. Scientific research supports the notion that periodic breaks can enhance cognitive performance and prevent burnout.

For students immersed in their academic work, whether it’s preparing for exams or striving to “write paper for me with the help of WritePaper,” taking deliberate breaks is essential. These intervals of rest can help in assimilating information more effectively and foster a healthier approach to learning. By stepping away from their desks, students can return to their work with renewed focus and a clearer mind, ultimately contributing to better academic outcomes.

Signs of Burnout and Overworking

Burnout and overworking are prevalent issues among students who neglect the balance between study and leisure. Symptoms of student burnout can include chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, feelings of frustration, and a general sense of inefficacy. When students push themselves too hard for extended periods, their academic performance can paradoxically suffer.

Overworking without adequate breaks can lead to diminished concentration, a decrease in the quality of work, and even adverse health effects such as stress-related illnesses. It’s crucial for students to recognize these signs early and take proactive steps to address them. Incorporating regular breaks and leisure activities into their routine is not just a luxury; it’s a necessary component of a sustainable and healthy approach to education. By acknowledging the need for balance and taking steps to achieve it, students can maintain their well-being while pursuing academic success.

Effective Study Break Activities

Choosing the right activities during study breaks can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Physical activities like a brisk walk, a quick workout, or yoga can invigorate the body and clear the mind. These activities promote blood circulation, which is vital for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function. On the other hand, mental relaxation techniques such as meditation, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby can provide a much-needed mental respite, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

It’s also beneficial to engage in activities completely unrelated to study to provide a mental shift. Reading for pleasure, playing a musical instrument, or even short social interactions can offer a refreshing change of pace. The key is to find activities that are enjoyable and provide a contrast to studying, allowing both the mind and body to recharge before returning to academic work.

Balancing Study and Leisure: Practical Tips

Creating a balanced study schedule requires thoughtful planning and self-awareness. One effective approach is to use a timer to structure study sessions with regular breaks, such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25-minute focused study periods followed by five-minute breaks. It’s important for students to set clear boundaries between study time and leisure time. Having a dedicated study space can help in mentally associating certain areas with work and others with relaxation.

Time management is crucial in maintaining this balance. Students should plan their week in advance, allocating time for both studies and leisure activities. This helps prevent overcommitting to academic work and ensures time for rest and relaxation. Avoiding procrastination is also key; by staying on top of their workload, students can enjoy their leisure time without the looming pressure of unfinished tasks.

Socialization vs. Downtime

Socializing and enjoying downtime are essential for emotional well-being and stress reduction. Spending time with friends and family, engaging in group activities, or simply having meaningful conversations can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. These activities can rejuvenate a student’s spirit and offer a different perspective, often leading to increased happiness and reduced feelings of isolation or stress.

However, it’s crucial to balance social activities with academic responsibilities. While socialization is important, it should not overshadow academic goals. Students should strive to find a healthy balance, ensuring that their social life supports, rather than detracts from, their academic performance. This balance is key to maintaining overall well-being and ensuring that both social and academic needs are met.

Long-Term Benefits of a Balanced Routine

Adopting a balanced routine that harmonizes study and leisure is not only beneficial in the short term but also sets the foundation for long-term well-being and success. Students who practice effective time management and self-care are more likely to develop resilience and coping mechanisms that are essential in their future professional lives. A balanced approach to work and play can lead to sustained academic performance without the risk of burnout, contributing to a more fulfilling and less stressful educational experience.

Moreover, these practices instill habits that are crucial in the workforce, such as the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The discipline and self-awareness gained from balancing study and leisure activities in college are invaluable skills that can enhance a student’s professional and personal life long after graduation.

Takeaway

The journey through academic life is not just about achieving excellence in studies but also about nurturing one’s well-being through a balanced lifestyle. Incorporating regular breaks and leisure activities into a study routine is as crucial as finding the best paper writing service for academic assistance. These breaks provide vital downtime, reduce stress, and ultimately contribute to more effective learning and personal growth. By recognizing the value of balancing work and play, students can enhance their overall well-being, ensuring they are not only academically successful but also happy and healthy in their college years and beyond. Embracing this balance is key to not just surviving but thriving in the demanding world of academia.

The post Study Breaks: Balancing Work and Play for Optimal Student Well-Being appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are listed as the ‘most likely’ move for free agent Cody Bellinger per an analyst

The Chicago Cubs biggest move thus far in the offseason has been adding Craig Counsell as manager to replace David Ross and steal from their division rival in Milwaukee. With a new manager in charge, fans were excited for a potentially big offseason.

But as we sit here on January 2nd and the calendar flipped to 2024, the Cubs haven’t made any big splashes and have instead watched other teams land big players. The good news for the Cubs is that there are still some targets left out there, most notably Cody Bellinger.

The utility man spent one year with the Cubs, playing for the franchise in 2023. As he sits in free agency, Cody Bellinger’s price tag appears to be very high and his agent Scott Boras hasn’t been shy about that either. With Bellinger still left unsigned, it feels like a reunion is the best option for both sides and MLB insider Jon Morosi believes that’s the case.

Here is what Morosi said on Tuesday about the Cody Bellinger situation:

“To me that’s the next logical move. Bellinger, all the options that exist for him right now, you could argue that Bellinger to the Blue Jays still makes some sense. I tend to think that Bellinger back to Chicago makes the most sense of all,” Morosi said. “If you’re a Cubs fan and were hoping for the offseason to move a certain way, where the Giants got Lee, the Yankees got Soto, the Jays brought back Kiermaier, all of these data points would suggest that Bellinger back to the Cubs have a lot of legs. I believe in the early days of 2024, I believe that is still the most likely destination for Cody Bellinger.”

Cody Bellinger decision has big impact

If you watched the Cubs last season, it was no secret that Bellinger had a big impact on the lineup offensively. He slashed .307/.356/.525 while hitting 29 home runs and driving in 97 RBI’s in 130 games for the Cubs.

Losing him this offseason without adding a replacement would be a big disappointment for the Cubs and would require others to step up and have bigger years to get that production back.

While there might be other options available, it’s apparent the Cubs are waiting on a Bellinger decision before pursuing other options as Bruce LeVine pointed out via Cubbies Crib just last week:

While speaking on 670 The Score during his Saturday morning show, “Inside the Clubhouse”, Bruce Levine angled the Cubs’ interest in Bellinger and Hoskins as an either-or. The belief is that the Cubs are prioritizing Bellinger over Hoskins and would only pivot to the former Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman in the event that they miss on bringing back the 2023 National League Comeback Player of the Year.

This is the first time that the Cubs’ interest in Bellinger and Hoskins has been spun in the sense of the team only pivoting to Hoskins in the event that they miss on Bellinger. With the belief being that the Cubs had a need for two impact hitters in the middle of their lineup, a theory that has been spun regarding the off-season was one that includes the signing of both free agents.

With over a month until Spring Training begins, the Cubs are going to need to find some options to fill this lineup out. I wouldn’t panic just yet about the decisions the Cubs have made but the decision on whether or not Cody Bellinger is back could be a pivotal one for the future of the franchise both this season and long-term.

The post Chicago Cubs named as ‘most likely’ move for Cody Bellinger appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is one of the biggest accolades a player in the NFL can win. In fact, the League even states it is the “most prestigious honor” available to a player.

For those who are unaware of what it recognizes, it takes a look at what players are doing in their communities away from the field and how they are trying to make a positive impact. It can come in a variety of different ways, although they are mostly charitable and often valuable.

Each team is permitted to put forward one player each season for the award, and fans can vote for who they believe is the most deserving. They can do this by voting on X (formerly Twitter) or going through the official NFL website. The winner will receive a $250,000 award that will go to the charity of their choice, while each nomination will receive a monetary contribution that they can give, too.

Who are the Walter Payton Man of the Year 2023 Nominees?

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Each of the 32 teams has already submitted their nominations for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and why they were selected. They are as follows…

1. Arizona Cardinals, Jonathan Ledbetter
2. Atlanta Falcons, Bradley Pinion
3. Baltimore Ravens, Roquan Smith
4. Buffalo Bills, Dion Dawkins
5. Carolina Panthers, Bradley Bozeman
6. Chicago Bears, Justin Jones
7. Cincinnati Bengals, Ted Karras
8. Cleveland Browns, Anthony Walker Jr.
9. Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence
10. Denver Broncos, Garett Bolles
11. Detroit Lions, Frank Ragnow
12. Green Bay Packers, De’Vondre Campbell
13. Houston Texans, Jon Weeks
14. Indianapolis Colts, Zaire Franklin
15. Jacksonville Jaguars, Dawuane Smoot
16. Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes
17. Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby
18. Los Angeles Chargers, Derwin James Jr.
19. Los Angeles Rams, Cooper Kupp
20. Miami Dolphins, Alec Ingold
21. Minnesota Vikings, Harrison Phillips
22. New England Patriots, Jonathan Jones
23. New Orleans Saints, Tyrann Mathieu
24. New York Giants, Saquon Barkley
25. New York Jets, Solomon Thomas
26. Philadelphia Eagles, Lane Johnson
27. Pittsburgh Steelers, Cameron Heyward
28. San Francisco 49ers, Arik Armstead
29. Seattle Seahawks, Bobby Wagner
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Antoine Winfield Jr.
31. Tennessee Titans, Jeffery Simmons
32. Washington Commanders, Terry McLaurin

Fans will be able to vote for their pick to win the award between December 5 and January 8, 2024. The winner will then be revealed at the NFL Honors Awards ceremony, which will be held on February 8, 2024.

Who will win the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award?

It is a very difficult thing to predict as it is entirely down to the fan vote, and they can vote as many times as they want on social media. This can make it very difficult to try and predict what may happen. It can also be very hard to try and foresee who may win, given that each of the 32 nominees selected has been doing impressive work in their communities, and one will not often be seen as being better than the other.

Those who resort to looking at the position of a player as an indicator of who will win the award may not get their answer, either. Unlike the MVP award, which typically goes to the quarterback, the Walter Payton award has been won by players on offense and defense.

Who won the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award?

The 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award was won by Dak Prescott, with the Dallas Cowboys quarterback being recognized for his various charitable interests outside of football.

He created the Faith Fight Finish (FFF) Foundation, which focuses on colon cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. At the same time, he also looked to try to improve social issues, including racism, improve police services, and be the co-chair for the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala.

Interestingly, Andrew Whitworth was the 2021 recipient of the award as he had a year to remember as the Los Angeles Rams were Super Bowl champions. If a feat like that were to happen again this year, then the latest NFL odds would suggest that Arik Armstead would need to win it as the San Francisco 49ers are the favorites to win.

Whoever is named the recipient of this year’s award will certainly be a worthy winner, but the communities that they have impacted and likely continue to do so for years to come by that individual will have already felt as though they have won with the support that they have been given.

The post NFL’s 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees: Who Will Win? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Report: Chicago Cubs to add John Mallee, hitting coach from 2016 WS team to David Ross’ staff

After a disastrous September, the Chicago Cubs are making moves on their coaching staff to try and build a winning foundation again. All told, it wasn’t a bad season for the Cubs, who improved vastly in many different ways last season, as they came just games away from making the postseason. With a solid free agency period, this organization could be on the right track again.

Well, it seems as if they are already making some solid moves early on, as yesterday they added a former member of the staff, John Mallee, per The Athletic. Mallee was the hitting coach the Cubs during their 2015-2017 run where they finally ended the curse of the Billy Goat by winning the World Series in 2016.

Sources: The Cubs are adding John Mallee, the hitting coach during their 2016 World Series run, to David Ross’ major-league staff next season. Story with @sahadevsharma https://t.co/lxEu0F3ieH

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) November 1, 2023

It’s still unclear what his role will necessarily be on David Ross’ staff, his addition to the team will be felt around the organization. The idea is to incorporate Mallee’s experience and expertise rather than replace a staff member, according to league sources. Mallee has a strong relationship with some of the current players as well, like Christopher Morel, who he worked with in AAA.

After Morel was sent down to the minors, his entire approach changed, and the proof was in the numbers shortly after. Hopefully Mallee can work with some of the other younger guys and improve their approach as well.

According to Cubs HQ, Mallee also has established relationships with Miguel Amaya, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Mervis, and Alexander Canario, who all will likely play big roles in 2024.

This is a smart move by the Chicago Cubs.

The post Chicago Cubs Adding Member of 2016 World Series Team to Current Staff (Report) appeared first on ChiCitySports.

September swoon continues as Cubs fall in 10 to Brewers

The 2023 Chicago Cubs are ready to hit the golf course or watch postseason baseball. It’s up to them to decide their fates in the next two days.

The Cubs moved another step closer to sitting on their living room couches watching the postseason Friday night after losing in 10 innings to the rival Milwuakee Brewers, 4-3, at American Family Field.

The loss left the North Siders at 82-78, a game and a half behind the hot Miami Marlins for the third and final wild card spot, meaning the magic number is at one for the Marlins to take that spot the Cubs were keeping warm for them throughout most of September.

The Marlins, who beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3, on Friday, still have a game to finish at Citi Field in New York against the Mets if they need to, but they own the tiebreaker over the Cubs by winning the regular-season series. The only way the Marlins would have to make that flight to New York on Monday is if they are trailing the Cubs in wins by one going to that game, which was 2-1 in the Marlins’ favor in the ninth inning.

The Cubs put themselves in this predicament by going 11-16 this month. The further dug their own grave in Friday’s loss after climbing back from a 3-0 deficit with two runs in the eighth, then the tying run in the ninth when Ian Happ drove the first pitch of the inning from Caleb Boushley over the right-center field fence.

In the bottom of the 10th, though, Carlos Santana lined a 1-1 pitch from losing hurler Jose Cuas (3-2) just inside the left-field line to chase home Blake Perkins, who started the inning on second base.

Boushley ended up getting the win, his first Major League victory.

Christopher Morel had two hits for the Cubs, who fell behind 3-0 in the fifth inning with Santana delivering the big blow, a two-run triple, his first of the year just inside the right-field line.

After showing no signs of life, the Cubs scored twice in the second, starting with Jeimer Candelario’s 22nd home run of the season. Yan Gomes drove in the other run of the eighth when his groundout to shortstop Willy Adames scored Morel.

The Cubs try to save their sinking postseason hopes another day by sending lefty Jordan Wicks (4-1) to the mound against Brewers starter Eric Lauer (4-5).

The post From A Distance: Cubs nearing their ugly end appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Justin Fields was going to be given every opportunity to succeed in Chicago but was never Ryan Poles choice.

Peter King is one of the top NFL columnists of the last 35 years and interviewed Ryan Poles prior to the NFL combine and shared a tidbit from Ryan Poles that speaks to the level of confidence Poles has in Justin Fields.

Also said that although he'd have all the chances he needs, Ryan Poles has never been convinced Justin Fields is their franchise quarterback.https://t.co/t7x173VxNa https://t.co/C99nm3yqt1

— The Parkins & Spiegel Show (@ParkinsSpiegel) September 26, 2023

The Chicago Bears are giving Fields every chance to succeed and thus far he has failed in spectacular fashion.  The statistics are all damning, 3-25 record as an NFL starter, over 100 sacks given up, 27 TDs to 25 INTs and 31 fumbles.

To squash the sacks are the fault of the offensive line debate, Fields 80-percent of those sacks have come with Justin Fields holding onto the ball longer than four seconds.  Four seconds is entirely way too long to be holding onto the ball.  As Tom Brady famously stated, a QB needs to get the ball out in 2.75 seconds or less, if he doesn’t every sack beyond that time is the fault of the QB.  Brady’s career mark for getting rid of the ball was 2.61 seconds.

Fields is nowhere near that and has the worst mark in the NFL since he arrived.  

Ryan Poles is now quietly letting it be known that Justin Fields is not his preference at QB, but who is stuck with for the time being.  Fields is in the third year of a five-year rookie deal and is probably in his last year in Chicago.

Now the question is are the Bears going to actually try and win this year or are they going to tank yet again?  The countdown clock to the Tyson Bagent debut seems to have started.

The post Justin Fields was never Ryan Poles’ preference at QB according to new report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Cubs held off Brewers’ celebration, while regaining third wild card spot

Not one, but two great things happened to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, and both were needed considering the direction the team was going in of late.

The first of those was with its 6-0 victory, the Cubs kept the Milwaukee Brewers from popping open champagne bottles to celebrate winning the National League Central title. But it was what the Brewers did for their NL Central rivals that was more exciting.

The Brewers blasted the Miami Marllins, 16-1, and by doing so, the Cubs regained tthe third National League Wild Card position by their lonesome with eight games left in the regualar season

In their own victory, Jameson Taillon gave the Cubs a much needed boost on the hill, allowing four hits in six innings with four walks and seven strikeouts. From there, relievers Drew Smyly and Hayden Wesneski closed the door on the struggling Rockies with three innings combined shutout work, allowing two hits total.

“The goal is always to not give up runs,” Taillon said, “but today especially, I was just in the mindset of, ‘Can’t let these guys score.’”

The offense was provided mainly in the middle of the scoring. Seiya Suzuki, who had a first-inning RBI single and was 3-forf-4 in the game with two runs scored, walloped a two-run home run in the fourth to make it 3-0. And in the sixth inning Jared Young delivered a two-run home run to make it 5-0. Dansby Swanson added a seventh-inning RBI single to close out the scoring.

While the Marlins were getting thumped in their own ballpark, the Cincinnati Reds were losing to the suddenly hot Pittsburgh Pirates, 7-5, to drop a game and a half behind the Cubs for the final wild card spot. The San Francisco Giants stayed three games behind the Cubs after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-1, and the San Diego Padres, four games back of the Cubs, continued to hang on by their fingernails after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2.

Game two of the three-game set is at 1:20 p.m as Marcus Stroman (10-8), coming back from a right rib cartilage fracture, returns to the mound for the Cubs to face Chris Flexen (1-8).

The post From A Distance: Two great things happen to Cubs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeimer Candelario and Jose Cuas before the MLB Trade Deadline on August 1st. Are there more deals in store for the Cubs?

Third baseman Jeimer Candelario was traded to Chicago Cubs from the Washington Nationals and relief pitcher José Cuas shortly after from the Kansas City Royals before the MLB Trade Deadline. The trades were finalized a few hours ago.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic broke the news for Candelario via Twitter earlier

Cubs acquire Jeimer Candelario from Nationals, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2023

The Chicago Cubs sent LHP DJ Herz and INF Kevin Made to the Nationals in the deal for Candelario. OF Nelson Velázquez was sent to the Royals as a one-for-one swap in the Cuas trade.

Cuas has appeared in 45 games, giving up 46 hits in 41.2 innings. Has a 4.54 ERA in his 2nd season in the big leagues. He may start at Triple-A Iowa. Unclear right now. https://t.co/75oydTjvE5

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 1, 2023

Jeimer Candelario

Candelario will return to the team after spending his first two seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 2016 to 2017. Candelario signed with the Cubs in 2010 as international free-agent from the Dominican Republic.

Candelario spent six seasons with the Detroit Tigers after being traded to the team as a part of the deal that sent Justin Wilson and Alex Avila to the Cubs. The twenty-nine year old big leaguer inked a one-year deal with the Nats this past offseason. This will be a needed upgrade at third base for the Cubs.

The eight-year veteran is slashing a .258/.342/.481 with 16 home-runs, 30 doubles, 53 RBI’s and an OPS+ of 128 this season for the Nationals. This will be a major upgrade from the Cubs platoon trio of Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni.

Candelario is a tremendous upgrade with the bat and slightly plus defender with a 0.5 dWAR on the season so far. Madrigal is a better overall fielder but is more naturally suited at shortstop or second base. Wisdom has had a touch more pop in his bat but is currently below the Mendoza line with the Cubs needing more consistent hitting at this position.

Jose Cuas

Cuas debuted for the Royals last year at age twenty-seven as a relief pitcher and pitched a moderately successful rookie year on a 4-2 record in 47 games with a 3.58 ERA in 2022. The second-year pitcher is having a rougher sophomore season posting a 4.54 ERA in 41.2 innings for the Royals but boasts an impressive 27.1 strikeout percentage.

Cuas spent around five seasons in the minors bouncing from official Major League affiliates along with three seasons for Independent league teams and stints in the Dominican Winter League. The Chicago Cubs must see something promising in Cuas to trade away Velazquez for him. Hopefully Cuas can provide some additional help in the bullpen.

The Cubs still have needs on their pitching staff and adding another significant bat to the lineup would certainly put them in a position to compete for the NL Central Division crown. The team only trails four games back from the Cincinnati Reds and three and a half from the Milwaukee Brewers.

The post TRADE: Chicago Cubs Bolster Team With Jeimer Candelario and Jose Cuas appeared first on ChiCitySports.

From the very beginning of the, 2023 Free Agency, the Chicago Blackhawks made it clear that they were going all for the 2024 season.

With the player acquisitions, the Chicago Blackhawks made during the first day of the 2023 NHL Free Agency, it was clear the team was headed in a positive direction that will define the 2024 season. Including, solidifying a top-six forward line to complement the defensive aspect of the team.

Who are the player acquisitions signed in the 2023 Free Agency and what it means for the Chicago Blackhawks?

Signing forward Ryan Donato, the team has become tougher and has brought in a good skater that will be able to elude defensive pressure from the opposing team. His ability to move the puck is a plus for the Blackhawks coaching staff, with an added cushion of solid penalty killing.

Josh Bailey is a talented top-six forward, who will be able to contribute at a diligent level with goals and playmaking abilities. His gameplay from the New York Islanders is not to be doubted because of the hard stick-work possession that the team plays with and should complement the Chicago Blackhawks lineup quite well.

Defenseman Corey Perry is a top-notch Stanley Cup-winning player, who knows how to defend the zone with stellar gameplay. His tenacity towards the opposing team’s players especially in the playoffs will give the Chicago Blackhawks added toughness and secure a high level of defensive game from the acquisitions made.

Are the Chicago Blackhawks ready for the post-season with the 2023 Free Agency signings thus far?

With this combination of forwards assembled for the 2023-2024 NHL Regular Season, it will ensure that the team is ready to come post-season and able to compete hard for the Stanley Cup. With the currently available roster, not to mention the draft picks assembled.

In my opinion, this team is ready to take the next step, with the one-year signings, all signs indicate that GM Kyle Davidson will be attempting to go all-in this upcoming season and make more moves accordingly and prep the team for the playoffs coming.

The post 2023 Free Agency player acquisitions by the Chicago Blackhawks going into 2024 Season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

A reflection of the 2023 NHL Draft Picks Selection from the Chicago Blackhawks.

From the very beginning of the, 2023 NHL Draft Picks Selection, the Chicago Blackhawks made it clear that they were going all in this year to take a run at the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup. With all the selections they made throughout rounds one -seven of the NHL Draft, it was evident they needed to toughen up the forward mark of the team.

Because, with plenty of talented defensemen, in the farm league. It meant that the team needed one quality goaltender that was picked in the second round, in the top-five selection, which should give the Blackhawks organization a bright outlook for the future.

Not to mention, a steady mainstream of forwards that will give the team plenty of options to work with, when handling the prospect pool. The team now is well-equipped for the future and can utilize the core of these prospects, when building a Stanley Cup-worthy team.

A review of the 2023 NHL Draft Picks by the Chicago Blackhawks.

 With the first pick going to Connor Bedard, the team is ready to build around a core of forwards that will impact the lineup’s ability to produce and give the team a boost in offense, with a good defensive background added to his resume.

The second pick in the first round, 19th overall was Oliver Moore. He will be joining his teammate, goalie Adam  Gajan that was picked in the second round, 35th overall. Moore is an incredibly talented skater who handles the puck like any forward and is agile toward defensive pressure from the opposing team.

Goaltender, Adam Gajan, has a huge presence in front of the net, with a very nifty gameplay attached to his resume. His legs are quick on the ice and can maneuver around the net at a quick pace in regard to goaltending. It is understood that he will need to work on his balance, but, should not take long to develop into a pro.

The Chicago Blackhawks also choose a right-handed-defenseman, later on, at the end of  the draft. With this, they can keep building for the future and possibly add more trades chips to their, already well-contained assets.

With the forward core, they will be evaluated thoroughly, with management observing how well they play together on-ice and other prospect’s from the past drafts. In order to determine which will be the biggest assets in gameplay and possibly looking to ship to other teams that may need them, in exchange for draft capital or players in the league.

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2023 NHL Draft Picks Reflection Note appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Teven Jenkins came into his own during the 2022 NFL season and is primed to become of one of the best offensive guards in the NFL, if he isn’t already.

After moving from offensive tackle to right guard second-year offensive lineman Teven Jenkins became the third highest graded guard in the NFL according to ProFootballFocus.  

…while Jenkins, despite nagging injuries, was the third-highest-graded guard in the NFL….Jenkins, however, graded out to an excellent 80.7 in 2022 at right guard for the Bears.

Talk about an underrated performance by the second-year player.  Jenkins’ key issue heading into the 2023 season won’t be his play but rather whether or not he can stay healthy as he shifts to left guard.  

Did you know? In 2022 RUN BLOCKING per PFF:

Offensive Line
#Bears ranked 5 of 32 teams

Tackles
BRAXTON JONES ranked 14 of 137

Guards
TEVEN JENKINS ranked 5 of 140
CODY WHITEHAIR & LUCAS PATRICK both ranked in Top 50
NATE DAVIS ranked 17 of 140 in Titans OL
https://t.co/6HebAActye pic.twitter.com/h0rn3FGt1f

— Kirsten Tanis (@kct2020) May 17, 2023

Teven Jenkins was at practice yesterday whereas newly signed offensive guard Nate Davis was not at practice.  Davis’ absence immediately calls Ryan Poles character evaluation of players into question.  Poles has emphasized bringing in players who love the game who are happy and excited to be at practice.  We’ll see if Davis returns to practice soon.

As of now Jenkins looks like he could be primed for a Pro Bowl caliber season where he sets himself up for a long term contract extension with the Bears. Teven Jenkins is eligible for an extension after the 2023 season.

The post Is Teven Jenkins the next best offensive guard in the NFL? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears fans react to the trade with the Eagles to move back a spot

The Chicago Bears have traded back with the Philadelphia Eagles, moving from nine to tenth overall and the fans are reacting to the news of getting another 4th round pick next season.

What a trade by the Bears. Ryan Poles does it again. Give me all the picks!

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 28, 2023

Picks pic.twitter.com/Q6elxAh2TI

— Steve Kuntz (@Steve_Kuntz_) April 28, 2023

As much as the Bears might have liked Carter, they clearly didn't love him. Going to be interesting with Philly having him and Jordan Davis who both have effort/conditioning questions

— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) April 28, 2023

Only beta males cry, Jalen Carter, bust

— Spready Roosevelt (@SprdyRoosevelt) April 28, 2023

Ryan Poles during this draft pic.twitter.com/ztLPrniJZX

— Shane Adams (@ShaneParlayFF) April 28, 2023

WHY DOES EVERYONE HELP THE EAGLES EVERY DRAFT?!

— David Turner (@DaveT1209) April 28, 2023

The post Chicago Bears fans twitter reacts to their trade and first round pick in 2023 NFL Draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The global gaming industry is worth a phenomenal $300 billion, and it’s only projected to continue increasing in value over the coming years. There are many contributing factors to the growth of the industry including the introduction of the internet, advancements in smartphone and console technology, and a reduced stigma surrounding serious gamers. Throughout this article, we discuss how the gaming industry is being transformed.

The Rise of Virtual Sport Events

Despite the way it sounds, eSports are tournaments involving any video game. However, there have been more traditional sporting events being aired as eSport tournaments. For example, there’s a global eSports series for FIFA 2023. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the F1 was broadcast as an eSport event, which only helped increase its popularity. 

Whether you enjoy placing bets on sporting events or eSports, you can explore these PA new casinos to find great welcome bonuses and extensive sportsbook provisions, accessible on almost all devices including smartphones, PCs, and tablets. 

Blockchain Gaming

Blockchain technology is still in its infancy, especially when it comes to applications in the real world. However, over the last few years, there’s been an increase in blockchain game releases. As well as this, player numbers have been growing enormously, which is clear if you look at the value of blockchain games as they go through funding rounds. 

The beauty of blockchain gaming is that in-game assets are owned by players through NFT technology, meaning money isn’t being thrown into a bottomless pit. Once a player has finished playing the game, they can easily sell their NFT assets on the open blockchain, which can bring them greater profits. As well as this, the majority of blockchain games reward players with native coins for interacting with the game, and these coins can be converted back into fiat currencies. 

Smarter Gaming Interactions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most talked about technology trends across all industries, and the gaming world is no different. In particular, AI has been introduced to make non-player characters (NPCs) and computer-controlled players much more realistic. 

The rise of AI in games has led to gamers searching for stunning games alongside excellent interactivity. Therefore, we’ve been bought to the next generation of gaming, which sees developers fulfilling this need. For example, we now have games that learn how players interact with it, and then adjust the difficulty and landscape accordingly. 

More Mobile Phone Uses

One of the central factors that have changed the gaming landscape over the last decade is the advancement of smartphone technology, with some of them capable of outperforming consoles. With the majority of the world’s population owning a smartphone, online gaming is at everyone’s fingertips, whether that’s playing Words with Friends or enjoying mobile versions of AAA games. 

VR Headsets

VR (virtual reality) has attracted more players to the online gaming world. For example, when it comes to online casinos, the power of VR allows players to become fully immersed in the environment by taking on the lens of an avatar. Essentially, without leaving the house, players can escape into different worlds and enjoy social interactions with other people. Essentially, we’ve reached the point of a watered-down version of the VR-reliant world dreamt up by Ernest Cline in his book Ready Player One.

Online gaming is in a constant state of evolution, as more people spend time online – largely thanks to how many access points there are. No matter what a person’s interests or budgets are today, there’s a gaming system and suitable game out there for them to enjoy. 

The post How the Online Gaming Industry Is Evolving appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have reached an agreement to sign running back D’Onta Foreman to a deal.

The Chicago Bears have made another under the radar one year deal, this time with former Carolina Panthers running back, D’Onta Foreman. ESPN’s Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) reported that it’s a one-year-deal worth at three million dollars.

Bears are signing former Panthers’ RB D’Onta Foreman to a 1-year, $3 million deal, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023

Foreman, 26, is now with his fourth team in six years, after posting a career best 914 rushing yards and five scores. After the Bears let David Montgomery walk in free agency they have now added two low priced running backs in Foreman and Travis Homer.

Adding a veteran back that can compliment Khalil Herbert is a solid get for the Bears for the next year but it also gives the team a good contingency plan in the case that Herbert were to get injured.

D'Onta Foreman is a waiver-wire gem

(via @Panthers)pic.twitter.com/MEnVpsE66N

— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) November 11, 2022

The post Bears add RB D’Onta Foreman to a 1-year-deal appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The National Football League (NFL) has been the pinnacle of American football ever since it was founded in 1920. Throughout its history, the NFL has always been at the forefront of innovation, adopting new technologies and strategies to improve the game and enhance the fan experience. From the introduction of instant replay in the 1980s to the use of GPS tracking and helmet sensors to improve player safety, technology has become an essential part of the sport. With the rise of analytics, the game has become even more data-driven, with coaches and front-office executives relying on advanced statistical analysis to make informed decisions.

Moreover, technology has also transformed the fan experience, allowing mobile ticketing, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Through social media, teams and players can connect with fans and share behind-the-scenes or other types of content, creating a more immersive and interactive fan experience. As technology continues to evolve, the NFL game is sure to continue to enhance in exciting ways.

In this article, we will explore some of the ways technology is changing the NFL game, from player safety to analytics and the fan experience.

Player Safety

One of the most significant changes that technology has brought to the NFL is increased player safety. In recent years, the NFL has invested heavily in new technology to help reduce the number of concussions and other injuries suffered by players. It includes the use of helmet sensors to track the impact of hits on players’ heads and new rules to protect players from dangerous hits.

The NFL has also implemented new technologies to help teams prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. For example, teams now use GPS tracking to monitor player movements during practice and games, allowing coaches to adjust training and play-calling to minimize the risk of injuries. 

Video Replay

Another area where technology has had a significant impact on the NFL game is video replay. The usage of instant replay has been a part of the NFL since the 1980s, but technology has made it more accurate and efficient. Today, every play is reviewed by a team of officials in the booth, who can use video replay to determine if a call on the field was correct.

Video replay has also had an impact on the NFL draft games. Teams now use video analysis to evaluate potential draft picks, looking at game footage to identify strengths and weaknesses. It has led to more informed draft decisions and has helped teams build stronger rosters.

Analytics

Teams now use advanced statistical analysis to evaluate players, plays, and game strategies. By analyzing vast amounts of data, teams can identify trends and patterns that were previously impossible to detect.

It has led to a new era of data-driven decision-making in the NFL. Coaches and front-office executives use analytics to make informed decisions about everything from play-calling to personnel decisions. Analytics has also transformed the way fans view the game, with advanced statistics and data visualizations helping to bring new insights and perspectives to the sport.

Fan Experience

Technology has also significantly impacted the fan experience. From mobile ticketing to virtual reality experiences, fans now have more ways than ever to engage with the sport they love. It includes the usage of augmented reality to enhance the in-stadium experience, allowing fans to see real-time stats and replays on their mobile devices.

The NFL has also embraced social media, with clubs and players utilizing sites such as Twitter and Instagram to engage with fans and offer behind-the-scenes videos. It has helped to create a more immersive and interactive fan experience, with fans feeling more connected to their favorite teams and players than ever before.

Conclusion:

Technology is changing the NFL game in exciting ways, from player safety to analytics and the fan experience. As the sport continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovations in the years to come. 

Whether it’s through the usage of new technologies or the continued evolution of existing ones, the future of the NFL game is sure to be shaped by technology in ways we can’t even imagine yet.

The post How Technology is Changing the NFL Game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Daron Payne should be available for the Chicago Bears in this upcoming free agency class

The Chicago Bears are going to be a big player this NFL offseason with a lot of salary cap to spend and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Chicago has a bunch of needs to fill and has the assets to do so, as they are expected to be very active.

And one player that would be a big upgrade and help fill a void is defensive tackle Daron Payne. The current Washington Commanders tackle is coming off a big year in 2022 and fits the three-technique mold the Bears are looking for on their defense.

The Commanders could franchise tag Payne and not let him test the open market, which would certainly be a disappointment for the Bears. However, one Commanders insider doesn’t believe that will happen and that Payne will hit the free agent market.

JP Finlay spoke on the topic during a segment he hosts on 106.7 The Fan Wednesday. Finlay and his co-host Brian Mitchell had fellow reporter Ben Standig on to talk about the Commanders. In the segment, Finlay believes Payne is as good as gone:

“They are not going to,” Finlay said. “Do you think they are going to?”

“I would say no,” Standig said. “Independent of what Daron Payne did this year, teams just don’t typically pay two defensive tackles that kind of money. They have already paid Jonathan Allen. Then you have the the Montez Sweat and Chase Young extensions looming over the next couple of years. . . You put that all together and you would think that on some level it would make more sense, as good as Payne was, to use some of that money to get a right tackle, a center or a guard or what ever.”

Interesting enough that two insiders don’t believe that the team will retain Payne. That certainly means something.

Of course, they could be wrong and Payne could find himself back with the Commanders but that seems like a long shot.

It’s not guaranteed the Chicago Bears will get Payne but at least their target should be on the free-agent market. And they have plenty of money to land him.

The post Commanders insider has good news about potential Chicago Bears free agent target appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Full Spectrum CBD is a type of hemp-derived cannabidiol oil that contains all the compounds naturally found in cannabis, including not only Cannabidiol but also small amounts of other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN as terpenes and flavonoids. This creates a “complete” product with natural synergistic effects, known as the entourage effect yielding a more therapeutic response than an isolate or concentrates. Unlike isolates and broad-spectrum products, Full spectrum cannabinoid extracts offer users the opportunity to experience the divine union between essential oils and cannabinoids.

Here’s Why Full-Spectrum CBD Is Gaining Popularity Among The Youth

1. It Is A Natural Remedy That Helps With Various Medical Conditions

In recent years, full-spectrum Cannabidiol has become increasingly popular among young people for its natural healing properties. Unlike typical medications and remedies, which are often loaded with chemicals and preservatives. 

This natural remedy contains many beneficial cannabinoids that work together to help the body heal from various conditions without the side effects typically associated with pharmaceutical treatments. 

From mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders to physical ailments such as inflammation, chronic pain, headaches, and joint stiffness – full spectrum CBD is an effective natural remedy worth considering when looking for relief. Its potent effects make it one of the most sought-after natural remedies available today.

2. It Has All The Benefits Of CBD, Plus The Added Benefits Of Other Cannabinoids And Terpenes

Full-spectrum CBD is becoming increasingly popular among young people due to its wide range of benefits and medical applications. This type of Cannabidiol provides all the therapeutic effects of natural hemp-based compounds, such as cannabidiol. 

In addition, Full spectrum CBD also contains other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that can improve the effectiveness of these compounds when taken together. Consequently, Full spectrum Cannabidiol has a higher potency than products containing only traditional Cannabidiol, making it an attractive option for those seeking relief from anxiety, pain, or other conditions. 

Studies have demonstrated that Full spectrum Cannabidiol has an array of potential medical uses that may make it more effective than traditional forms of cannabis and hemp-derived products.

3. The Youth Are Turning To It As A Way To Manage Anxiety, Depression, And Other Mental Health Issues

In recent years, more and more young people have been turning to full-spectrum CBD as a viable option for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and is legal in most places. 

It has been found to offer relief with its anti-anxiety properties as well as providing calming effects that can help manage depression, mood swings, and other mental health-related issues. Studies have shown that cannabidiol is an effective treatment for numerous psychological conditions due to its expansive range of therapeutic benefits. 

For those looking for a natural approach towards therapy, full spectrum Cannabidiol provides an intriguing solution to managing their mental health.

4. It Is Non-Addictive And Does Not Produce Psychoactive Effects

Full-spectrum CBD is rapidly becoming popular among the youth due to its non-addictive, non-psychoactive properties. This form of cannabinoid offers many non-intoxicating benefits as compared to marijuana with THC, which can produce psychoactive effects when used. 

Moreover, unlike other products in the market, full spectrum Cannabidiol includes all of the beneficial elements within the hemp plant for a complete cannabinoid profile. As a result, it works more efficiently by allowing more cannabinoids and terpenes to interact together than CBD isolate, which comprises only one component from within the hemp plant. 

With no hallucinogenic or addictive traits found in marijuana, this form of cannabinoid makes sense for those seeking health and wellness benefits without compromising safety.

5. Youth Are Using It To Improve Their Focus And Concentration

In recent years, cannabidiol has been gaining popularity among young people due to its purported ability to help them focus and concentrate. Referred to as “full-spectrum CBD,” it is a hemp-based product from the cannabis plant that contains a range of beneficial compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids, to provide an array of potential health benefits. 

Over time, researchers have discovered that full-spectrum Cannabidiol can positively affect attention and concentration by helping to regulate levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. That being said, it has become a popular solution for youth looking to improve their mental focus. Always make sure to save money while buying these products.

6. It Is Legal In All 50 States

As legal cannabis use is increasingly accepted in the US, full-spectrum CBD has become a popular option among millennials. Full-spectrum Cannabidiol has legal status in all 50 states, making it an accessible and viable alternative to other intoxicating substances. 

This legal advantage has raised its popularity among youth looking for natural treatments that can improve their mood, promote relaxation and reduce pain or inflammation. People are turning to plants like hemp as a reliable solution for their health needs without risking legal consequences beyond what is allowed by law. With more young people discovering the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, this trend is here to stay.

Effects Of Full Spectrum CBD

Cannabidiol is a natural plant extract believed to have therapeutic properties for different cognitive, physical, and psychological conditions. These products sourced from full-spectrum hemp can benefit users most because the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are present in their whole plant form. 

Full-spectrum products can create an “entourage effect,” which amplifies the effects of each component. Different studies conducted by researchers have shown that full-spectrum Cannabidiol is more advantageous than single isolated copies of individual components such as cannabidiol or terpenes. It also has more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, which may help improve certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. 

Additionally, full-spectrum CBD is believed to be helpful for anxiety and insomnia due to its positive impact on our endocannabinoid system, helping us maintain homeostasis and promoting mental clarity.

Factors To Ensure While Using Full Spectrum CBD

Just like CBD lollipops, when considering full-spectrum CBD, it is essential to remember that the differing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds all work synergistically to create “the entourage effect.” To ensure you are getting the most out of full-spectrum Cannabidiol, select a product with third-party testing to ensure its purity and potency. 

Additionally, read labels closely to determine if there are any potentially questionable ingredients, like artificial flavors or colors. Regular dosing with a consistent quality of full-spectrum CBD can keep your endocannabinoid system functioning optimally. It is also beneficial to note any personal side effects or impact on overall well-being after consuming full-spectrum Cannabidiol so that proper adjustments can be made based on individual needs.

The post Why Is Full Spectrum CBD Gaining Popularity Among The Youth? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Two-time All Star, Zach Lavine the Chicago Bulls appear not be best of buddies, per reports

News making the rounds in the windy city of Chicago suggests that all is not well between two-time All Star, Zach Lavine and the Bulls organization.

Amidst the windy city team’s 11-18 season, Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reported Tuesday that “multiple league sources and sources close to the organization say LaVine and the Bulls are not seeing eye to eye. Over the past few weeks, there’s been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine’s situation in Chicago.”

Inside the Chicago Bulls' concerning dynamics, the franchise and Zach LaVine not seeing eye-to-eye, and the organization's efforts to manage the on-court disconnect with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan — with @DarnellMayberry at @TheAthletic:https://t.co/k5dz1z00q8

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 20, 2022

Charania and Mayberry added the Bulls “have held multiple team meetings to try to work out their issues, and that has included one-on-one, face-to-face sit-downs” with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

Quite disturbing in the current season is Chicago’s -5.4 net rating when its two best players are on the court together. Both have yet to find chemistry together, making obvious the disconnect between the All Stars.

Zach LaVine is coming back from offseason knee surgery and hasn’t quite looked himself so far this season. He’s lost some of the explosiveness that once made him the NBA Dunk Contest cham. His points per game have also dipped to 21.8, the lowest of his career since 2017-18, and he’s shooting just 44.3% from the field, also the lowest in six seasons.

Moving forward, the direction of the Bulls looks clouded per the fact that they still owe the Orlando Magic a top-four protected first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. By potentially pivoting from competing for a playoff and Play-In Tournament spot into a full rebuild, the Bulls’ front office would risk still being out of the top four and thus giving Orlando its pick.

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Bears’ inactive list has a lot of offensive players on it

The Chicago Bears added a couple of pass catchers to their active roster Saturday. It hinted at who would be available for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears had several players doubtful or questionable for their Week 15 game. The Bears’ inactive list clarified the team’s plan for the game against the Eagles.

Chase Claypool’s status was known Friday afternoon. He had been ruled out. According to a statement by the Bears Sunday, wide receiver N’Keal Harry and tight end Trevon Wesco will be out against the Eagles. Offensive tackle Larry Borom is out as well.

Inactives for #PHIvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/X12sq736Qi

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 18, 2022

Bears’ inactive against the Eagles

• WR N’Keal Harry
• WR Chase Claypool
• QB Tim Boyle
• DB Justin Layne
• OL Ja’Tyre Carter
• OL Larry Borom
• TE Trevon Wesco

With Borom out, it’s assumed Alex Leatherwood and Riley Reiff will rotate Sunday. With his limited snap count, Leatherwood did well against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. But the Bears appear to be easing him into having more playing time for the Bears.

Riley Reiff and Alex Leatherwood will continue to rotate at right tackle on Sunday, Matt Eberflus says.

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) December 16, 2022

The post Breaking: Bears list QB, 2 WRs on inactive list against Eagles appeared first on ChiCitySports.

There are many reasons why soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Some say it’s because it’s a simple game that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Others believe that the excitement and unpredictability of the game make it so appealing to fans around the globe. No matter your reason, there’s no doubt that soccer is here to stay! In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why soccer has become so popular over the years.

The Concept of Soccer

Soccer is a sport that is played between two teams of eleven players each. It is a game that dates back centuries, and its popularity seems to only increase with time. So, what is it about soccer that makes it such a widely enjoyed activity? Why is soccer such a popular sport?

There are a few key reasons why soccer has become one of the most popular sports in the world. One reason is that it is a straightforward sport to learn and play. Unlike some other sports, there are not a lot of complicated rules or techniques to master to be successful at soccer. Anyone can pick up a soccer ball and start playing, making the sport accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

Another reason soccer is so popular is that it is a very versatile sport. It can be played indoors or outdoors, on grass or artificial turf, and in all types of weather conditions. Soccer can also be played competitively or recreational, making it a suitable activity for just about anyone.

Finally, soccer is a very affordable sport to get involved in. Compared to other sports, the equipment needed to play soccer is relatively inexpensive, and there are many opportunities to play the sport for free or at a low cost.

All of these factors contribute to why soccer is such a popular sport around the world. No matter where you are, it is easy to find someone playing soccer, and the sport has something to offer everyone.

What Is Soccer Betting and Why Has It Become Popular Among People?

Soccer betting is a form of gambling that involves placing a bet on the outcome of a soccer match. It is a popular activity among soccer fans, as it allows them to show their support for their team while also potentially winning some money.

There are many different ways to bet on soccer, including betting on the outcome of the entire match, betting on specific events within the match (such as a goal being scored), or betting on the performance of individual players.

The popularity of soccer betting has grown in recent years due partly to online gambling. It is now possible to bet on soccer matches from all over the world, making it more accessible to people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to do so.

There are many reasons why soccer betting is such a popular activity. For one, it is a relatively simple form of gambling, as there is no need to understand complex odds or betting systems. Additionally, soccer matches are often televised, which means that people can follow the progress of their bets and see how their team is performing. Finally, soccer betting can be a very social activity, as it is often done with friends or family members.

For example, betting on the 2022 world cup is popular among soccer fans. This has led to more people becoming more interested in this sport and increased the amount of money bet on soccer matches.

The popularity of soccer betting is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. This is because soccer is a sport that people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy, and it is also a sport that is easy to follow and understand.

How To Become a Good Soccer Player

To become a good soccer player, you need to have basic ball control skills, be in good physical shape, and understand the game. Although some people are born with natural talent, anyone can become a good soccer player if they’re willing to put in the hard work. Here’s how you can become a good soccer player:

Improve Your Ball Control Skills

One of the most important things you need to do as a soccer player is learn how to control the ball. This means being able to dribble, pass, and shoot with accuracy. You can improve your ball control skills by practicing at home or attending a soccer camp.

Get In Good Physical Shape

To be a good soccer player, you need to be physically fit. This means having good stamina, speed, and strength. You can improve your physical fitness by going to the gym, running, or playing other sports.

Understand the Game

Another critical aspect of becoming a good soccer player is understanding the game. This means knowing the rules, positions, and strategies. You can improve your understanding of the game by watching professional matches, reading books about soccer, or talking to experienced players.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a good soccer player. Just remember to keep practicing and have fun!

Bottom Line

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world because it is simple to play, can be played anywhere and by anyone, and is a low-cost sport. Soccer also promotes physical activity and social interaction, both of which are important for children and adults alike. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that soccer is such a popular sport!

The post Why Is Soccer Such a Popular Sport? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

There are only 66 days until the start of the NFL Playoffs and while you may think that we still have a good portion of the season left and things can change; typically that is not the case.

Since 2017, the 64 teams that would be in the playoffs at the beginning of Week 10; only 16 of those teams ended up not qualifying for the playoffs; which means that 75% of the teams that would make the playoffs today will be in the playoffs when they start on January 15, 2023. Here is a look at the current playoff picture in the NFL:

AFC

1st Seed: Buffalo Bills

Probability Rate of Making the NFL Playoffs: 95%
Key Games Remaining: Week 10 vs Vikings, Week 15 vs Dolphins and Week 17 at Bengals

The Bills had won five games in a row before losing to the Jets on Sunday. Despite the loss on Sunday, the team still has the highest point differential of any team in the league and ranked first in both offense and defense in the league. The Bills have won 13 of their last 17 games at home so getting a one seed would be very good for this team.

The Bills do have 1-8 record in one-score games since Week 1 of the 2021 season so that could be an issue in the playoffs. Quarterback Josh Allen is the odds on favorite to win NFL MVP but it appears that Allen appeared to hurt his elbow in the game vs the Jets and that is a situation that should be watched but other than that it looks like the road to the Super Bowl in the AFC will go through Orchard Park.

2nd Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 97%
Key Games Remaining: Week 11 at Chargers, Week 12 vs Rams, Week 13 at Bengals and Week 16 vs Seahawks

The Chiefs continue to be defined by the magic that quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes with his arm and how wide-open tight end Travis Kelce always seems to be. The Chiefs lead the league in points per game and have the best probability of making the playoffs in the AFC.
However, after the trade of Tyreek Hill this off season the replacements for Hill have struggled. If you take away the seven touchdown receptions for Kelce this year, the other wide receivers have a total of eight touchdowns. Can the Chiefs develop someone on the outside to take the pressure off Travis Kelce?

3rd Seed: Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 94%
Key Games Remaining: Week 15 at Browns and Week 18 at Bengals

The Ravens are poised to possible earn a higher seed because of their upcoming schedule. The Ravens only play two teams who are currently has an above .500 record for the rest of the season. The team needs to get healthy as both leading receiver tight end Mark Andrews has been in and out of the lineup and running back Gus Edwards missed their last game vs the Saints.

One of the areas of concern is the defense. The defense is ranked 28^th in passing yards allowed and has allowed the 6^th most first downs in the league. Will the defense come into form so that they can compete with the best teams in the AFC?

4th Seed: Tennessee Titans (5-3)

Probability Rate of Making the NFL Playoffs: 93%
Key Games Remaining: Week 12 vs Bengals, Week 13 at Eagles, Week 15 at Chargers and Week 17 vs Cowboys

The Titans have won five of the last six games however they have not been very dominant during their win streak. The average margin of victory in that win streak is 5.8 points. The team wins by running the ball with Derrick Henry who leads the league in rushing (again) and playing stingy defense which has been the formula for the Titans during the Mike Vrabel era.

The Titans are currently averaging 18.9 points per game which is 23^rd in the league. In the current playoff field, that would be the lowest point per game for any team in the AFC. Can the Titans get enough offense to make it far in the playoffs?

5^th Seed: New York Jets (6-3)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 58%
Key Games Remaining: Week 13 at Vikings, Week 14 at Bills, Week 17 at Seahawks and Week 18 at Dolphins

The Jets are trying to return back to the playoffs from the first time since 2010 which is the longest current playoff drought in the NFL. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has been outstanding this season with 7 sacks which is tied for first among defensive tackles. The Jets are also getting a great season from rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner who is only allowing a 54.2 passer rating.

One of the concerns is quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson has a QBR of 48 which would be the third lowest among possible quarterbacks in the playoff field. Wilson has only 4 touchdown passes, 5 interceptions and a completion percentage of 57.5%. Can the Jets make the playoffs despite the shaky quarterback play of Zach Wilson?

6^th Seed: Miami Dolphins (6-3)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 80%
Key Games Remaining: Week 13 at Niners, Week 14 at Chargers, Week 15 at Bills, and Week 18 vs Jets

Wide receiver Tyreke Hill has been the best the receiver in the league this year; Hill leads the league in receiving yards and is on pace to break Calvin Johnson single-season receiving record of 1,964 receiving yards. Currently, Tua Tagovailoa leads the league in quarterback rating and is currently 6-0 is games that he starts and finishes.

The Dolphins are atrocious in pass defense ranking 25^th in pass defense. The Dolphins have allowed over 300 yards passing in four out of nine games this year. Can this explosive offense cover for this defense that has an inability to get stops?

7^th Seed: Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 55%
Key Games Remaining: Week 10 at Niners, Week 11 vs Chiefs, Week 14 vs Dolphins, and Week 15 vs Titans

The Chargers have allowed the least amount of sacks in the league and have the second-fewest turnovers in the league. The Chargers also have the third best offense in the league and average over 350 yards per game. The Chargers offense has been gaining yards versus defenses and can score with the best of them.

The Chargers have some key contributors battling injuries. Wide Receiver Keenan Allen, wide receiver Mike Williams, cornerback J.C. Jackson, offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, kicker Dustin Hopkins and defensive lineman Joey Bosa were all week 1 starters who have missed more than three games this year because of injury. Bosa, Jackson, and Slater are currently all on injured reserve.
Can the Chargers overcome all their injuries and hold their position as the last team to make the playoffs in the AFC?

In the Hunt:

New England Patriots (5-4)
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

NFC

1^st Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (8-0)

Probability Rate of Making NFL Playoffs: 99%
Key Games Remaining: Week 13 vs Titans, Week 14 at Giants, Week 16 at Cowboys and Week 18 vs Giants

The Eagles are currently the only undefeated team in the NFL and have the best point differential in the NFC. Much like the Bills, the Eagles are doing it on both offense and defense. The Eagles rank 3^rd in offensive DVOA and 2^nd in defensive DVOA. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is a legitimate NFL MVP candidate and is in the top 5 in total touchdowns, yards per game, yards per attempt and quarterback rating.

The Eagles seemed to be ready for a deep playoff run but of their eight wins only two of those came against teams that are currently above .500. Will the Eagles and their third-year quarterback Jalen Hurts be ready for the bright lights of the playoffs?

2^nd Seed: Minnesota Vikings (7-1)

Probability Rate of Making NFL Playoffs:99%
Key Games Remaining: Week 10 at Bills, Week 11 at Cowboys, Week 12 vs Jets and Week 16 vs Giants

The Vikings have not gotten the publicity for their six-game win streak which is the second longest winning streak in the league behind the Eagles. The Vikings have been excellent in one score games; the Vikings are 5-0 in one score games this season which is a great improvement over their 6-8 record in one score games last season. The offense is in the top five in points scored in the fourth quarter and the defense is only allowing 4.6 points per game in the fourth quarter.

We will learn a lot about the Vikings during the month of November with games vs the Bills, Cowboys and Jets. Can the Vikings keep up the Eagles and maybe get the number one seed in the NFC?

3^rd Seed: Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

Probability of Making the NFL Playoffs: 84%
Key Games Remaining: Week 15 vs Niners, Week 16 at Chiefs and Week 17 vs Jets

The Seahawks were not expected to be in the position after trading away Russell Wilson this offseason and naming Geno Smith the starting quarterback. Coming into the season, Smith had a career record as a starting quarterback of 12-23 and the Seahawks were reportedly looking to trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo to be their starting quarterback. 

Smith has 15 touchdowns and 4 interceptions and has a quarterback rating of 107.2. Also, rooking running back Kenneth Walker II leads all rookies in rushing touchdowns and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Seattle only has a plus 11-point differential, and the defense has settled lately but has still given up the 5^th most points in the league. Can the Seahawks keep up this Cinderella season and make the playoffs?

4^th Seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)

Probability of Making the NFL Playoffs: 65%
Key Games Remaining: Week 10 vs Seahawks, Week 14 at Niners, Week 15 vs Bengals and Week 18 at Falcons

To say the Buccaneers have had a disappointing season would be an understatement. The team has lost games to the Steelers, Packers and Panthers this season who have a combined record of 7-19. One of the causes that has contributed to their 4-5 record is their offense which has not been explosive at all.

This season, they are averaging 18 points per game as compared to last season when they averaged 31 points per game. The team is last in rushing yards and has averaged 47 rushing yards the last three weeks.

However, the Bucs have the fifth easiest schedule going forward and in 2020 when they won the Super Bowl they had 7-5 record after week 12 and they won eight games in a row to win the championship. Can the Bucs find their stride?

5^th Seed: Dallas Cowboys (6-2)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 98%
Key Games Remaining: Week 11 at Vikings, Week 12 vs Giants, Week 16 vs Eagles and Week 17 at Titans

The Cowboys have done it with their 3^rd ranked defense and their timely offense to get to this record. Linebacker Micah Parsons is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year and is part of a Cowboys defensive unit that leads the league in sacks. While starting quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined with his thumb injury, the Cowboys established the running back duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to pace the offense and those two players have totaled 949 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.

The Cowboys are ranked 26^th in passing offense and have only gotten five receiving touchdowns from their wide receivers this season. There has been rumors of them signing free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr who is coming off an torn ACL. Can the Cowboys generate enough in their passing game to make a playoff run?

6^th Seed: New York Giants (6-2)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs:58%
Key Games Remaining: Week 12 at Cowboys, Week 14 vs Eagles, Week 16 at Vikings and Week 18 at Eagles

When you look at the Giants by the numbers, you are not impressed at all. Their point differential is only +6, their offensive DVOA is 14^th, the defensive DVOA is 24^th and their leading receiver has only 242 yards for the season. So how are the Giants 6-2?

First of all, in all of six of their wins they have trailed in the fourth quarter but then have found a way to comeback in those games. The other main reason is the bounce back season from Saquan Barkley. Barkley is currently third in the league is rushing yards, third in the league in rushing yards per game and most importantly has not missed a game this season after two injury plagued seasons.

The Giants have the third worst passing offense in the league and have only scored over 24 points once this season. Will the Giants late-game magic continue for the remainder of the season and the playoffs?

7^th Seed: San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

Probability to Make the NFL Playoffs: 77%
Key Games Remaining: Week 10 vs Chargers, Week 13 vs Dolphins, Week 14 vs Buccaneers, and Week 15 at Seahawks

In their last six games, the Niners are 3-3. In their last 3 wins, they have outscored their opponents 92-38. In their last 3 losses, they have been outscored 83-47 by their opponents. The Niners are a dangerous team because when you look at some of the names on their roster you know that they can play better and were a bad fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game from playing in the Super Bowl last year.

The defense has only given up more than 300 total yards twice this season and the offense should get a boost from the addition of running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers.

Six out of their last nine games this season are against teams who are currently below .500. Last season, the Niners were 4-5 after week 10 and then went 9-2 in their last eleven games before losing in that NFC Championship game. Are the Niners ready to be consistent and make a playoff run?

In the Hunt:

Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Washington Commanders (4-5)
Los Angeles Rams (3-5)

The post 2022 NFL Playoff Picture: Which team will make a run at the Lombardi Trophy this year? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Previewing the Chicago White Sox 2023 offseason, will they be rebuilding or retooling?

The 2022 season for the White Sox was just flat out disappointing. Between the play on the field to the coaching, the White Sox finished the year with a 81-81 record, missing the playoffs and 2nd in the AL Central. While it was an issue with coaching or just flat out disappointing play, the White Sox are headed for a crucial offseason where the question remains will they rebuild or retool.

As already announced, Pedro Grifol will be the new manager for the Chicago White Sox, closing the door on the LaRussa chapter in Chicago. A chapter that ended with the Sox missing the playoffs and LaRussa leaving the team before years end to focus on his health. Whether or not you give a manager too much credit for the team’s performance, LaRussa wasn’t the answer that the White Sox wanted.

Regarding the disappointing ’22 season, La Russa explained in a statement, “I was hired to provide positive, difference-making leadership and support. Our record is proof. I did not do my job.”

While management was subpar and the White Sox did address that with the Grifol hire, it’s time to look at the talent on the field. Below is a breakdown of the White Sox roster according to current contract status,

Taking a look at the talent on the field, the White Sox had very few good performances out of their roster. The breakout performance that starting pitcher Dylan Cease had in his 2022 campaign was one of the few bright spots in for the White Sox, posting a 2.20 ERA and 6.4 WAR, according to baseballreference.com.

Cease is under club control for the next three years which locks up a rotation spot, along with Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and potentially Garrett Crochet, barring any injuries. Giolito, had a pretty disappointing year from what was expected out of the ace but still posted serviceable numbers at 161 innings pitched, having a 0.4 WAR wasn’t ideal for the Sox but they are hoping for a bounce back year. As for Kopech, the hope is for him to have a full healthy season to eat up some innings.

Johnny Cueto was another bright spot for the Sox after signing him to a minor league deal, he is a free agent and depending on the price tag for his services the White Sox should try to get him back along with another arm to bolster the rotation, maybe a veteran short term pitcher that can eat up some innings, like a reunion with Jose Quintana or taking a gamble on Corey Kluber, the White Sox definitely have options there and with the players you currently have it would be an easy fix if they are smart about it.

Behind the plate, the White Sox are pretty much stuck with Yasmani Grandal and his franchise record contract of 18.5 Million. Unless he can bounce back from a bad 2022 in which he was one of the worst hitting catchers in the league, the White Sox could add a veteran catcher that can take some innings, either keep splitting time with Seby Zavala or sign a Jason Castro type player.

They can try to trade Grandal or hope he can bounce back to what he was in 2021 when he posted a 158 wRC+ but considering nagging injuries and age, it’ll be tough sell to call him the everyday backstop.

Moving over to the infield at first base, the White Sox decided to part ways with longtime first baseman Jose Abreu, opening the door for Gavin Sheets and Andrew Vaughn to get some playing time there. Whether the Sox stick with that combo remains to be seen but an upgrade there with a potential trade piece in Vaughn the Sox could look into free agency for a better defensive first baseman. Anthony Rizzo could be an option here, a great two way player that would fix some defensive woes for the Sox.

At second base there was a platoon of Leury Garcia and Josh Harrison in 2022, while Harrison played well signs are pointing that the Sox will decline the mutual option. This opens the door for maybe a slight upgrade in a position the White Sox haven’t had success in for the better part of a decade. Look for guys like Jean Segura to become available and maybe be an option for club.

The White Sox as expected exercised their club option for shortstop Tim Anderson. While Anderson is pretty much guaranteed to be the everyday starter, injuries are still a concern. Only playing in 79 games this past season the White Sox could use a solid backup, Elvis Andrus was a good pick up for the team mid season but he will most likely exit via free agency, a guy like Marwin Gonzalez would fit the mold for the White Sox as another utility piece that will bring a veteran presence to the team.

In a similar situation as the catcher position, the White Sox have Yoan Moncada as their current started at third base. Moncada has struggled with injuries and has been an offensive liability at the plate, even though at the end of the season he had a spark and was able to get his numbers to a respectable area the White Sox have no choice but to give him a chance. He may catch lightning in a bottle and shake off the struggles but time will tell how that will turn out.

The achilles heel in the defensive side of the ball for the 2022 Chicago White Sox was their outfield play. Having a lineup of Andrew Vaughn in left, Luis Robert in center and A.J. Pollock in right, was the worst defensive unit in baseball. Vaughn was not playing his natural position, Robert is a good defensive player but would constantly been plagued with nagging injuries and Pollock did not pan out to be the player that the Sox were needing.

Now it’s easy to say go sign Aaron Judge, spend the money but as fan base White Sox fans know that it’s just not going to happen, the White Sox don’t spend in free agent big fish or else Manny Machado would be on the roster. The solution could be simple, acquire a defensive minded center fielder like Kevin Kiermaier that can solidify that position for the White Sox and maybe move Robert to left field where the team can try to limit injuries by rotating him and Eloy Jimenez.

While the revolving door that is right field, there’s a rookie phenom named Oscar Colas that can be a potential solution there. Yoelquis Cespedes could also factor in but he hasn’t gone past Double-A to suggest that he could be called up anytime soon. Joc Pederson would be the expensive option but could give the White Sox a power bat that they need to replace the loss of Jose Abreu

While the offensive woes for the White Sox were obvious the team still has a good foundation that they can build on. The question remains as the same front office staff that assemble the current situation is still around can they fix what they broke, or will they simply start from scratch. Either way this offseason is going to be a crucial one for the Chicago White Sox.

The post Chicago White Sox 2023 offseason preview: Retooling or Rebuilding? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Defenseman, Seth Jones has expectedly been placed on IR by the Blackhawks, with Alec Regula recalled from the IceHogs.

The Chicago Blackhawks has placed Defenseman, Seth Jones on Injured Reserve retroactively to October 29 as he deals with thumb injury and recalled Alec Regula, in his place, from the Rockford IceHogs

Jones is expected to miss three to four weeks, meaning there may be a chance for Regula to get into a few more games. He was practicing as an extra today, but the 22-year-old already did play one with the Blackhawks before being sent down last month to make room for Jake McCabe’s return form IR.

Regula has two goals in four games for Rockford this season.

As expected, the Blackhawks have placed defenseman Seth Jones on IR with the right thumb injury that’s expected to sideline him for 3-4 weeks. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/2gozlbAW8i

— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) November 1, 2022

Losing Jones will be a blow, but Chicago was not expected to be competitive this season. But the team is proving to be competitive, so perhaps they can keep their head above water without the high-priced defenseman.

After an impressive start to the season, the Blackhawks have now lost their last three. Each of those games has been decided by just one goal (or a shootout), and head coach Luke Richardson has his lads playing hard.

Worthy of note is the sight of Petr Mrazek on the ice for the morning skate, Tuesday. He has been out with a groin issue.

The post Seth Jones placed on IR; Alec Regula Recalled appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns look to stay hot in the Sun Belt conference Football as they take on Southern Mississippi on Thursday night.

The ULL Ragin Cajuns head to Hattiesburg, Mississippi tonight to clash with Sun Belt Conference foe Southern Miss. Both teams are riding two game winnings streaks as Southern Miss downed Texas State last week 20-14 and ULL defeated Arkansas St. 38-18.

Let’s get into our betting preview for this key Sun Belt conference game on Thursday night.

ULL has gotten on track after a slow start and has covered 3 straight games including a 10 point outright road win over Marshall as a -10.5 point underdog. What has sparked this offensive turnaround for ULL has been the play of Fresno St. transfer Ben Woolridge at QB.

Since he has taken over at QB Woolridge has thrown 10 TD passes to only 1 INT and is no longer sharing snaps with former starter Chandler Fields. ULL also gets starting RB Chris Smith back tonight who has missed the last two games with injury. Smith has averaged over 6.1 yards per rush for his career at ULL.

Southern Miss has covered only one of their last 3 games and has turned the ball over 8 times during that span. Despite still winning some games, the offensive struggles have persisted since losing starting QB Ty Keyes in week 1.

I think that trend continues again tonight for Southern Miss, and I look for ULL to generate some turnovers against either backup QB for Southern Miss (Zach Wilcke or Jake Lang). The ULL defense is is tied for 3rd in the nation in INTs per game at 1.7, and also tied for fourth best turnover differential in the nation at +1.2 per game. Conversely, Southern Miss is ranked 128th out of 130 FBS teams in turnover differential at -1.5 per game.

Our play for this Sun Belt Showdown

I do see heavy public money coming in on  the ULL spread of -1.5, which concerns me a little bit, but I still think Ben Woolridge can stay hot and lead ULL to a road win tonight like he did against Marshall two weeks ago.  Ragin Cajuns on the money line tonight -115. 

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Notre Dame has had an incredible history of having elite college tight ends, where does Michael Mayer fair to the tight ends before him?

Many college football programs have been known as “insert position U,” for example, recently LSU and Alabama have been known as “DB U.” Notre Dame is without a doubt “tight end U.” Bringing forward elite tight ends like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet and now Michael Mayer.

Mayer is far and away the best tight end in college football right now, having the nickname “Baby Gronk” as a freshman, and he has lived up to that nickname so far. Mayer set Notre Dame freshman tight end records having 42 receptions and 450 yards. Then following this up with 71 catches for 840 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mayer was named a third team All-American as well. Mayer has been incredible in 2022 as well having 44 catches, 526 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 7 games!

TOUCHDOWN IRISH

It's Michael Mayer#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/lKZUBe3u8j

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 22, 2022

So where does Michael Mayer rank in the ND history books for tight ends? He is currently the Irish tight end leader in receptions with 157, passing Tyler Eifert earlier this year. Tyker Eifert is currently the leader for yards with 1,840, but Mayer is now at 1,816, good for second all time! It’s going to be pretty hard to argue that Mayer is not the best tight end in Notre Dame history after this year.

Last two seasons – FBS TE stat rankings for @MMayer1001

Receptions – 1st – 115
Yards – 1st – 1366
Yds/Game – 1st – 71.9
TDs – 3rd – 13

— Notre Dame Football PR Team (@NDFootballPR) October 25, 2022

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Chicago Bears passing woes desperately hurting the team

The Chicago bears through two weeks of play have the worst passing attack in the entire NFL and it’s not that close. Bears QB Justin Fields has just 191 passing yards through two games and serious concerns are starting to arise around the young QB. In the most previous offseason , Chicago Bears GM Ryan poles declined to add a game changing WR, something the Bears desperately needed and that decision is proving very costly to Chicago and the development of their promising QB.

Who in the receiver room has stood out so far for the Chicago Bears

well….frankly nobody. The Chicago Bears leading receiver through two weeks of play is Equanimeous St. Brown with a grand total of 57 yards on 3 catches. The Bears Wide receiver room doesn’t even have someone with over 7 targets let alone catches. Rams WR Cooper Kupp collected 7 receptions in 8 minutes in week 2 for more perspective on how bad the Bears receivers have been so far.

Other teams that made a move for an elite level WR are already seeing dividends

A whopping 11 wide receivers signed new deals this previous offseason worth at least $20 million. The Bears were not able to sign a single one of them.

Look at Tyreek Hill, the guy is one of the fastest athletes on the face of the planet was probably at one point viewed as untouchable during his time with the Chiefs. This past offseason, Kansas City sent Hill packing for Miami in return for 5 future draft picks. Who do you think initiated this trade?

If you guessed the Miami Dolphins you would be 100% correct. The Dolphins desperately needed to add an elite WR to the mix and to pair with their young budding QB. Through Two weeks the Dolphins are 2-0 and Hill leads the league in receiving yards after a monster game against the Ravens in week 2. A game that ended up being the best of Tua Tagovailoa’s young career.

Now let’s look take a look at former Titans WR and now Eagles WR AJ Brown. The Titans basically claimed this offseason that Brown did not fit into their plans going forward and that he was available Via trade. I find it especially shocking that the Bears did not bring Brown aboard because of what the Eagles gave up.

The Eagles traded a 1st and 3rd round pick to acquire the talented AJ Brown. Now while 1st round picks are extremely valuable, I think this is a situation in which the Bears should have jumped at the bit to acquire an established star in exchange for a potential star (1st round pick). Brown through two weeks of play is sixth in the league in receiving yards.

Quarterbacks Derek Carr, Jalen Hurts, and Tua Tagovailoa all had their respective teams add a top receiver in the offseason. They have combined for 12 touchdowns and each have recorded a game in which they threw for at least 300 yards. Their teams are also three of the best performing offenses through two weeks as well. Adding a star WR has also made other WR’s on the team better.

For example, Jaylen Waddle also had a monster game for the Dolphins along side Hill in week two. Eagles former 1st rounder Devonta Smith has had a nice start to the season along Aj Brown’s side. Not adding a star WR not only hurt the development of Justin Fields, but also the development of every WR on the Chicago Bears. It really is a simple concept, when your team has a top notch WR, other teams are going to do everything they can to limit said star WR which ultimately opens up looks for other receivers on the team.

What this means for the future of the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are most likely going to look back at this previous offseason with a sour taste in their mouths. All because they did not add a high level WR. Next offseason there is no prominent WR’s available via free agency due to all the trades and contract extensions shelled out this previous offseason. That especially stings due to the fact that the Bears are projected to have the most salary cap space.

Looks for the Bears to target their WR problem through next year’s draft or via trade in the offseason. Give Fields a true WR1 in the offseason and watch what happens from that point on.

The post Chicago Bears: Not going after an elite wide receiver is proving costly appeared first on ChiCitySports.

According to the Athletic, no expenses were spared in the attempt to persuade top QB Arch Manning and other recruits to join the Texas program.

After initially questioning the commitment to Texas, I now understand Arch Manning’s decision a little more. Top recruits undoubtedly have thousands of dollars spent on them during their recruitment, especially from some of these massive football schools.

However, Texas decided that they were going to set themselves apart from the group, which may have ultimately decided Manning’s final commitment.

The group of recruits, including Manning, went to III Forks, an upscale surf and turf restaurant in Austin, TX.  The recruits were treated to 46 7oz. lobsters, 24 bone-in ribeyes, 26 8oz. filets, and 17 New York strips. They also included some sea bass, chicken fried lobster, lobster mac and cheese, and more. After scrolling through III Forks twitter account, I think I’ll be throwing some steaks on the grill tonight. They probably wont be as good as the ones Manning and the other recruits were treated to, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

Celebrate Dad with a Boneless Ribeye for just $29. Sunday, June 19th only! Make your reservation: https://t.co/dXw9A8Mqfd pic.twitter.com/CQWCj5VvKj

— III Forks Austin (@3ForksAustin) June 6, 2022

The bill ended up costing Texas $36,900, to which they added a $6,000 tip (16%, tsk tsk Texas). The University then put the recruits, along with their families and some accompanying coaches and staff, into hotel rooms, running up $46,696 to the cost, bringing the total to $89,596.

This weekend trip arouses the question, will Manning be worth it? And if so, could he be a future replacement for Justin Fields if things keep going sideways at the QB position for the Bears?

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Chicago Bulls PG Lonzo Ball is expected to miss 4-6 weeks as he will undergo minor knee surgery.

Chicago Bulls fans have been waiting for the day that their starting PG Lonzo Ball is considered fully healthy. Unfortunately, Ball has been dealing with issues in his left knee since January. Since having his initial surgery, he has been dealing with discomfort and multiple setbacks throughout his rehab process.

It was recently announced that Lonzo Ball is expected to miss training camp and the beginning of the season. Ball is scheduled for another knee surgery, and his estimated return date has become even more unclear.

Lonzo Ball will undergo an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee next Wednesday, the Bulls just announced.

He’ll be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks

— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) September 21, 2022

Lonzo Ball is scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic abridement of his left knee. This type of surgery is meant to clean out pieces of broken cartilage and tissue to help ease discomfort. Hopefully, this surgery is the one that can put an end to Ball’s lengthy injury saga.

Ball will be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks. Thankfully, the Bulls increased their depth at point guard in the form of veteran Goran Dragic. The team’s depth at point guard will hopefully be enough for them to be a top team without Ball. The Chicago Bulls season opens up on October 19th. Until then, fans will be anxious for the return of their starting point guard.

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If the Chicago White Sox want to make the postseason, this a big week ahead for them

The Chicago White Sox are finally stringing wins together at just the right time. As of September 19th the White Sox find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture but within striking distance. The White Sox have a very legitimate chance to win the AL central and sneak into the playoffs, they are just three and a half games back of the 1st place Cleveland Guardians.

How the White Sox are doing it

In their last 10 games the Sox are 7-3 and they have won 5 out of their last 6 series. One of those series wins being against the Minnesota Twins whom are right on the heels of the Sox in the central. The White Sox also recently took a three game set from the Mariners on the road which was huge being that the Mariners hold the 1st wild card spot.

The White Sox also flexed their muscles in a makeup game against the Guardians swatting five homers showing them they mean business. Everything seems to be clicking at just the right time for the Sox. The stars are also shining bright on the southside. This little run the White Sox have put together has been fueled by performance from their stars. Dylan Cease, AL Cy Young candidate, practically no hit the Twins by taking a no hit bid into the 9th.

Eloy Jimenez has been electric as well. In the past 15 games Jimenez is hitting .357 with 6 bombs and an absurd .750 slugging percentage. The White Sox will continue to need all hands on deck as the season comes to a close and postseason tickets are being punched. Acting interim manager Miguel Cairo Echoed this message to the team after a game at home,

Are you in or are you out? If you’re out, let me know. If you’re in, let’s go for it.

The Road ahead

The Sox are in an intriguing position. They sit just three and a half games back of the Cleveland Guardians whom the White Sox play next kicking off a three game set at home on Tuesday night. This is the biggest and most important series of the year for the Sox and it is vital that they find a win to win this series at all costs. If the White Sox manage to take this series from the Guardians the road ahead is not much easier. After Cleveland the White Sox finish off their season series with the Tigers with a three game set then they play the Twins six more times and the Padres for three. If the White Sox aren’t careful they can find themselves at the end of the season sitting in third place on the outside looking in. However, the Sox have been heating up just at the right time, the offense is exploding and the pitching has been lights out, if they keep this up the Sox will clinch a postseason birth for the third season in a row, a feat the franchise has never accomplished.

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After an 0-1 start to his LSU career, Brian Kelly is already getting criticism for his late game loss to Florida State?

I know what you’re saying, “it’s only been one game, you can’t judge his LSU tenure just off of one game!” I understand what you’re saying, so I am just going to make generalizations here. Brian Kelly left Notre Dame on very poor terms and is probably public enemy #1 in South Bend, so people were in good spirits watching the end of the LSU v Florida State game Sunday night.

BLOCKED EXTRA POINT

Florida State survives after LSU’s 99-yard touchdown drive. WHAT. A. GAME.

pic.twitter.com/j7F2fUVSY5

— 247Sports (@247Sports) September 5, 2022

When I heard the news that Brian Kelly was leaving Notre Dame for LSU, I was not shocked. I honestly believe that LSU is a better job than Notre Dame. And Kelly has done everything a head coach can do except win a National Championship at ND. And if you want to win a National Championship, the SEC is definitely the place to go.

In Louisiana, the talent to recruit is going to be much better compared to the talent in Indiana. Not to mention the expectations that Notre Dame requires for its student athletes. At LSU, the academics is not a priority like it is at Notre Dame.

There are not many schools that could be considered “better jobs” than Notre Dame, in my opinion I believe that Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and possibly USC. You can argue Clemson, Oklahoma, Texas and Michigan as well.

Now let’s get to the worst thing that Brian Kelly has done to start his LSU career. Brian Kelly has made LSU “uncool,” over the last decade, LSU was known for how much swag they have and how they bring up some generational talent athletes. Guys like Joe Burrow, Odell Beckham Jr, and Justin Jefferson, these guys have a certain amount of swag that is once in a lifetime. Not to mention the 2019 LSU team possibly could have been the greatest college football team of all time.

Brian Kelly has come in and absolutely ruined this persona that LSU had been building this past decade. Adopting a fake southern accent and making weird videos with possible recruits are making LSU sort of the butt of every joke in college football.

Brian Kelly has no option but to bring the accent back pic.twitter.com/VvGfT3CSHq

— Matt Lively (@mattblively) September 5, 2022

Meanwhile in South Bend, Marcus Freeman is basically doing the complete opposite of Brian Kelly. Freeman is bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in college football in 2023 and 2024 and has been a “breath of fresh air” compared to Kelly in Baton Rouge.

The post Did Brian Kelly make a mistake leaving ND for LSU? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Watch Matt Salerno a fifth-year walk-on wide receiver from Notre Dame come up with an early candidate for catch of the year.

Notre Dame‘s fifth-year wide receiver Matt Salerno came up with the best catch of the day, and possibly a candidate for the future catch of the year with this gem.

MATT SALERNO CIRCUS CATCH pic.twitter.com/tRrG16Bpmf

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 4, 2022

The level of concentration exhibited here by Salerno to come down with this juggling catch is pretty incredible.  Salerno isn’t one of Notre Dame’s top players being a former walk-on but he came up with this clutch catch early in the game against #2 Ohio State.

The post Notre Dame’s Matt Salerno with juggling catch as he falls to the ground appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With the season starting this Saturday against No. 2 Ohio State, here are five Notre Dame players to watch this season.

Michael Mayer (Tight End)

Mayer is the best skills position player on the roster, and arguably the best player on the team. Mayer is also one of the top ranked tight ends in the country. Mayer had 71 receptions last year for 840 yards and 7 touch downs. A projected first round pick, Mayer is going to have to be even better this year for Notre Dame to be successful in 2022.

Tyler Buchner (Quarter Back)

The Sophomore quarter back from San Diego was named the starting quarter back earlier this off season against Drew Pyne. Buchner was used mostly as a runner when he was inserted into the offense last year, rarely throwing the ball. Throwing for 300 yards, 3 touch downs and 3 interceptions, Buchner will be asked to do a lot more in 2022. Head coach Marcus Freeman has spoken very highly about Buchner and hopefully he performs at a high level this season.

“Preparation is what matters and that’s what we can control between now and Saturday.”- @Marcus_Freeman1 #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/YnGtI4oesI

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 29, 2022

Jarret Patterson (Offensive Line)

Believe it or not, but Notre Dame has a first round talent on their offensive line. Senior Jarret Patterson has been one of the most consistent players on Notre Dame’s offense the last few years. With the return of offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, Patterson will follow up the former Notre Dame first round offensive lineman under Hiestand including Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, Zack Martin, and Ronnie Stanley.

Isaiah Foskey (Defensive Line)

The leader of the defense, Foskey had 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles last season. Another future first round pick in next year’s draft, Foskey is going to have a field day against teams in 2022. With head coach Marcus Freeman being a former defensive coach, you would expect the Fighting Irish defense to be a top ranked defense this season.

Marcus Freeman (Head Coach)

I understand that this is cheating, but nobody has more pressure on them this season than Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. With only one game under his belt as a head coach, Freeman is looking to make a splash in his first full year as Irish head coach.

ND Head Coach Marcus Freeman was not happy to hear that the Irish are a 17.5 underdog to Ohio State pic.twitter.com/Ov1bOPIiRO

— Fanatics Sportsbook | PB (@fanaticsbook_pb) August 29, 2022

After all of the drama of Brian Kelly leaving before the bowl game last year, the players definitely have the guy they wanted to be head coach.

The post 5 Notre Dame players to watch in 2022 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears still need wide receiver help and Tyler Johnson could be an option the Bears look at.

Tyler Johnson was considered to be the fifth wide receiver for the Tampa Bucs on a team that is loaded with WR talent.  Johnson is a surprise cut from the Bucs that could very well fit into the Chicago Bears’ WR needs.

Here's a big and surprising cut: Bucs are waiving receiver Tyler Johnson today.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2022

The Bears are currently working with Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown rookie Velus Jones Jr. and Isaiah Coulter while the rest of their roster is dealing with injuries. 

Johnson is a 6-1 205 WR who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.  Tyler Johnson has 48 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns in his career on 78 career targets.

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Equanimeous St. Brown needs to have a big game against the Browns on Saturday.  He’s made some noise in practice but has yet to make a catch through two games.

Equanimeous St. Brown is currently slated to be the second receiver behind Darnell Mooney headed into week one.  What we have yet to see from St. Brown is a big reception in any of the two preseason games to date.  With the announcement that the Bears starters are likely to play a full half of action, perhaps no player needs to show up and play well more than Equanimeous St. Brown.

St. Brown was signed as a free receiver from the Green Bay Packers on the advice of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy who was the passing game coordinator for the Packers a year ago.  Equanimeous St. Brown was cut by the Packers after last year’s Packers preseason games and came back later and played well enough to establish himself with the team.

That production in Green Bay has yet to show up in any way in Chicago.  Equanimeous St. Brown has made some consistent plays in practice, but it has yet to translate onto the field.  The plan should be to get St. Brown a few first-half targets so we can see for certain that he’s going to be a contributor on the team moving forward.

With the continued injury problems plaguing the Bears’ wide receiver core, perhaps no player needs to show up more than St. Brown.  Byron Pringle, N’Keal Harry have been out since the first week of practice of training camp.  While Velus Jones Jr. missed 10 practices and the first preseason game.  Now more than ever, Equaniemous St. Brown needs to earn his spot on the roster.

As it is, Ryan Poles has already stated the Bears will be scouring the waiver wire looking to add receiver talent before week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers.

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Tristan Thompson’s cheating scandal resurfaces with the expectation of a second child with ex-girlfriend Khloe Kardashian

Tristan Thompson of the Chicago Bulls is expecting a second child with ex-girlfriend Khloe Kardashian via a surrogate who had conceived the baby back in November before Tristan’s child with Maralee Nichols was born in December. Thompson, who was traded to the Bulls early this year, still has yet to meet the child says The Sun.

Scandals had surfaced in December about Thompson’s cheating, and People’s magazine states that the new child had already been conceived. From this, Thompson released a statement saying he regretted his previous actions and that he would take full responsibility for them.

According to CNN,  Khloe is happy about the child on the way. Her spokesperson requested that members of the media take to understand the request for Khloe and the family’s privacy. Even though the relationship of the couple has been plagued with struggles, the two have been cited as “acting as co-parents”.

News hitting our desk is that Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are expecting their second child together.
The Kardashians star, 38, and Chicago Bulls player, 31, are said to be expecting their second baby together via surrogate. pic.twitter.com/Ugn1HyEcQp

— PPP TV (@PPPTV_ke) July 14, 2022

Thompson has yet to make a statement about the new child on the way, and if he will be playing a role in the life of the child, however, there are a few statements circulating around the reunion of the couple.

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A look back at former Chicago Bears RB Neal Anderson and his time with the team

In this segment and future segments, I’ll be discussing former Chicago Bears players that were underrated, undervalued, and/or under-appreciated for their contributions to the team, either on a team scale, league scale, or both. First up, the man that had the difficult, nearly impossible task of following Bears legend Walter Payton: Neal Anderson.

Neal Anderson was the total package

How Anderson fell to the Bears at the bottom of the 1986 NFL Draft was nothing short of a miracle for the team, especially in an era when the league still focused on workhorse backs that would pound the ball with 20-25 carries per game. The University of Florida star had good size (5′ 11″, 210 lbs.) and blazing 4.4 speed. He could get you the tough yard on 3rd and short or burst to the outside for the long run. He also possessed reliable hands as a receiver out of the back field and was a superb blocker.

Emergence following Payton’s retirement

Payton was still a force in Anderson’s first year, thus the youngster did not receive many opportunities. That changed in the strike-shortened season of 1987 when the Bears put him and Payton in the backfield together. He rushed for 586 yards and 3 TDs as a fullback. Payton retired at season’s end and 1988 saw Anderson become the feature back. He responded with 1,106 yards on 249 carries with 12 TDs. He also added 39 receptions for 371 yards. That season saw him receive the first of four consecutive Pro Bowl berths.

League dominance 1988 to 1990

From 1988 to 1990, Anderson was among the best and most complete backs in the league. He had over 1,000 rushing in each season with a career high 1,275 yards in 1989. He added over 370 yards receiving in each of those seasons as well. His career was full of some amazing highlights.

Career decline and eventual retirement

While missing a bit of time in 1990, injuries caught up to him in 1991 as he missed three games and failed to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time since 1987. 1992 and 1993 saw him fail to reach his previous heights and he retired following the 1993 season

Neal Anderson’s legacy

Neal Anderson finished his career with 6,166 yards rushing, 51 TDs, and a solid 4.1 yards per carry average. Had injuries not hampered him and shortened his career, it’s no stretch that he could’ve eclipsed 10,000 yards and 100 TDs. Since his retirement, he has kept a relatively low profile, which has led to the old out-of-sight, out-of-mind adage when it comes to his popularity. Those of us that watched him play though, will never forget the game breaker he was and the solid player that was a worthy heir to his predecessor.

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In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Chicago Bulls are one of the most well-known franchises with a Chicago state affiliation. During the period from 1991 to 1998, the Chicago Bulls’ popularity skyrocketed due to their six NBA championships. The squad is most famous for being captained by Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, who dominated the NBA for over a decade. The triumphant tale of the Chicago Bulls in the NBA has been inspiring. Bettors can bet on incredible range of games by the Bulls.

The Presence of Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic signed with the Chicago Bulls in March of 2021 and immediately had a significant impact on the team’s pursuit of a spot in the play-in tournament. The European pays more attention to the team because he is present than they would have otherwise. Vuevi’s performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, who were the defending NBA champions, in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs on April 20 resulted in a 114–110 victory for his team. Vuevi’s stat line included 24 points and 13 rebounds. [112] The Bulls would end up losing to the Bucks in a best-of-five series. He has also done very well in other games, which has made the people of his continent proud of him and eager to see him compete for his side. It is anticipated that he will be one of the major scorers for the club. Vucevic is a willing passer who also poses a shooting threat. His proficiency in the pick and roll has been his most significant contributor to the Bulls’ success this season; he now leads the league in pick and roll efficiency.

The Legacy of Micheal Jordan

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls gave a whole new meaning to the concept of being a sports superstar, not only in the United States but all across the globe. The Chicago Bulls were the first team in the National Basketball Association to become a global phenomenon. This recognition came from all corners of the world. Michael Jordan, the standout guard for the Chicago Bulls, was largely responsible for all of this. It’s not that Jordan was the greatest defender or the top scorer on the team; rather, it’s that he was the best at everything he did, and that encompassed both offense and defense. It was easy for him to shoot the ball and drive in for an easy layup. He was able to make three-point shots consistently over the course of the game. He was an excellent facilitator when it came to sharing the ball. And if he wanted to, he could defend almost any position. Because Jordan was such a formidable opponent on defense, all of the players on the opposing side were required to always keep a close watch on his whereabouts on the court at all times. With Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen, with whom he had formed a deadly overpowering duo, Jordan went on to win six NBA championships with the Bulls, giving them their only championships ever. He did this alongside Scottie Pippen, who could easily play point as well and did a wonderful job of facilitating the ball.

Conclusion

The Chicago Bulls have already built a legacy that has made them famous in Europe even in the present age where teams like the Bucks and Lakers are in the limelight.

The post Why are the Bulls still so famous in Europe? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Wimbledon is perhaps the grandest of all celebrations for tennis lovers. Not surprisingly, people from war and wide schedule their English holidays to match the event dates. But you cannot expect to have a great time by just being here. An incredible experience at Wimbledon requires some planning and preparation because you have to beat the crowds only to be there at the right place at the right time. Think beyond the matches, as the event is much more than the game itself. Here are some actionable tips for first-timers who want their Wimbledon experience to be memorable. 

Know the traditions 

Wimbledon’s traditions are as important as actual tennis itself, so know them before you land here. Being a part of the Queue sounds daunting, but visitors love the idea of camping and forging friendships with like-minded people. Remember to relish Pimms and strawberries and cream while you are here because they are an integral part of the event. You can visit takeaway cafés, sit-down restaurants, or Champagne bars. Alternatively, bring your own supplies of food and wine if running on a tight budget. 

Dress code is important

Besides keeping up with the traditions of the event, be sure to dress right for the occasion. Although there isn’t an official dress code for visitors, think smart casual. Pay more attention to your outfit if visiting Centre Court and No 1 Court because you may appear on TV. Comfortable shoes are essential, so be sure to pack a pair or two. Remember other must-haves like a jumper, raincoat, umbrella, and sunglasses because the weather is often unpredictable.

Get your tickets on time

Getting your tickets is probably the most challenging part of the experience because you may not be able to get in through the public ballot. The struggle of Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Tickets is more daunting for international visitors because the overseas ballot has a limited number of tickets. Be ready to camp on the grounds to queue up for them. Luckily, you can buy debenture tickets online if you are willing to spend a bit. The spending is worthwhile because you get the benefits of access to fancy lounges and restaurants.

Follow the etiquette

As a first-timer, expect to be surprised by the kind of behavior you need to follow at Wimbledon. It is one of the most formal sporting events where spectators need to adhere to etiquette stringently. You have to maintain decorum once you are in the court. You cannot cheer in between rallies. Moving in and out is not permitted, and you can leave your seat only after the third game of a set or when players change sides. Be extra careful when bringing kids along, as you cannot leave them unsupervised or let them go slack with the etiquette.

Your first experience at Wimbledon can be the best one, provided you know the facts and follow the rules. These tips will enable you to have a great time at the event, even when traveling from another part of the world. 

The post Actionable Tips For First-Timers At Wimbledon appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Basketball is arguably the most famous sport in the world, that is why despite the ongoing threat of the pandemic, many fans and bettors alike look forward to the National Basketball Association or NBA Season 2022 Playoffs! Along with the plethora of teams fighting for glory this year are the mighty bulls of Chicago.

If you are looking to place a bet for the playoffs, look no further and wager on the Chicago Bulls. Beyond their massive fame, the Chicago Bulls are an accomplished team with several strengths to show off on the court. To further solidify the group as a reasonable pick, here are eight reasons why the Chicago Bulls is worth your bet in the playoffs:

DeRozan and LeVine Duo

A star duo with each other’s backs could be the decisive force to boost the team’s overall success—players with the most excellent skills who could work together and bring out the best in each other. NBA All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine may be that very duo today.

With a combined average of 52.7 points per game, DeRozan and Lavine are critical in getting the points up for the Bulls. The star shooters have incredible midrange and three-point shot delivery that promises a good and fruitful fight in the playoffs.

Versatility in The Lineup

As you determine the NBA odds for the playoffs, a team with many skills to offer is the best team to root for! Players that do not box themselves to their respective positions can quickly adapt to the course of the game—the Bulls are exactly as versatile.

Nikola Vucevic has been recognized for his significant contributions to the team’s average number of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Meanwhile, Coby White is just as adaptable for cycling through backcourt positions for the entire season. The well-roundedness of the Bulls is truly worth your bet!

Team Chemistry

Basketball is anything but a one-man sport. The group’s success relies on how the members complement each other’s abilities on the court. That is why players must carry no sense of entitlement or ego and instead aim to play off each other.

Firstly, the Bulls are spearheaded by the palpable chemistry of the DeRozan-Lavine duo. The team’s rhythm is also kept alive by constant communication and the members giving their best for each other at all times. When you have that, you have a formidable team. 

Donovan’s Coaching Style

A coach who sees his players beyond what they could give on the court is compassionate and empathic. The coaching-style of Billy Donovan, DeRozan himself said, has been a breath of fresh air for the Chicago Bulls. 

Beyond his basketball pedigree, the most important thing about Donovan is his authentic relationship with the team that extends outside of the court. He is not only a coach who instructs but also a friend who listens. He cares deeply about the well-being of the Bulls, which is why the team performs so well.

Youth and Experience

While it is preferred that players have more experience on the court, do not ever think of underestimating the energy younger guns contribute to the team! The present roster of the team is—age-wise—just the right mix to battle in the playoffs.

With relatively new careers, recruits such as Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosumnu have easily complemented veterans DeRozan, Lavine, and Vucevic. They can catch up and switch from great defense to offense despite the difference in experience.

Solid History on The Court

The Chicago Bulls have long proven that they are kings of the court by winning the third-most number of championships in the league. They have won all the NBA finals they have participated in and even emerged as back-to-back victors in 1996, ’97, and ’98! 

The team has also had fifty-six appearances in the All-Star Games, with Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan appearing fourteen times and winning MVP three times. Among the present roster for the 2022 playoffs, DeRozan and Lavine have graced the All-Star Games five and two times, respectively. Talk about promising players!

They Are Stronger Than Ever

Unfortunately, the last finals in 1998 have marked a decades-stretching drought for the Bulls. After the dynasty led by Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman ended, the team has seemingly lost its touch.

But this season, glory awaits the present roster. For the first time since their last 2017 playoffs, the team is a step forward to newfound success. A spot in the postseason has paved the way for the Bulls, and they will do whatever it takes to emerge as victors in the end.

Final Thoughts

Every ball is passed and shot in the blink of an eye. So while you take your picks to triumph in the awaited playoffs, consider these reasons as to why the Chicago Bulls is a team worthy of your bet and see the vision of a victory on the side of Chicago! 

The post 7 Reasons Why Chicago Bulls Is Worth Your Bet in The Playoffs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Exploring the online world of possibilities, you will get the chance to find out a great selection of things that you can do. One of the latest and at the same time the most popular segment is the world of online betting. The rise of this segment allows people from all over the world to easily access the biggest betting sites and explore all of the possibilities that will come their way. 

Having this in mind, there are so many things and little details that you need to pay attention to, especially if you are just now starting to explore the online betting aspect. So, in order to help you with all of this, we have managed to create this article that consists of all of the most important online betting elements that you need to know. Without any further ado, let’s dive right into today’s topic of discussion.

Start Simple – Establish Your Online Betting Approach

This is one of the most significate things that need to know about in order to successfully explore the world of online betting possibilities. Hence, why we start this article with this element. Having all of this in mind, in order for you to find you online betting approach, the first thing that you need to do is go online where you can find the best gambling websites here. This will allow you to explore all of the gambling sites that are available for you to explore and give you the chance to look through some of the most popular betting solutions.

In addition to all of this, you will get the chance to start the process of online betting with a simple but steady approach that will ultimately lead you to achieve your betting goals. 

Explore Your Betting Options

When dealing with this particular subject you will always have to consider your available options. This will give you the necessary overview of the options that exist so that you can see what works the best for you. In terms of online betting, you can explore all of the available betting sites that are mentioned above and select the ones that work for you the best.

Once you complete this, you will get the chance to further expand your reach and explore all of the possible options that you can further explore. There are so many segments and different sectors that you can explore before you settle on the main one that you would like to settle on.

The Bottom Line

In order to sum everything up, you will need to take this article and explore every element that we have covered so far. Take things slow and approach the subject of online betting in a rather steady manner. Research the online betting options constantly, establish your knowledge regarding this subject, find a betting site that works for you, and enjoy the whole process.

Find other elements within the online betting world and use them in order to suite your specific requirements.

The post Important Online Betting Elements That You Need to Know – How to Start With Online Betting? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Bored Chicago-based gamblers who are quarantined wouldn’t mind spending extra time searching for the best online casinos with amazing bonus offers. However, not everyone is a gambler, and being stuck in one place for a stipulated period may seem like a lifetime.

So what do non-gamblers do in this situation? There’s so much one can physically do for fun, which is why exploring online options seems like the best bet. If you’re quarantined in Chicago, and you’re wondering how you can have some fun online, then you’re reading the right article. Let’s dive in!

1. Shop From Some Of The Best Local Online Stores

Everyone loves shopping, as the thought of having new clothes or electronics is always exciting. But being on a covid 19 mandate makes it impossible to visit the store physically.

Thankfully, there are retailers in Chicago who have taken the e-commerce route and opened up their online shops. These shops sell most things you would need at home, including detergents, vacuum cleaners, beauty products, pesticides, and gardening tools.

Take a look around your home and see what’s missing, then browse the web for Chicago-based online stores that sell these items. 

You might even come across new products you didn’t know were available. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the budget for the extras, just buy what you can and window-shop the rest!

2. Play Online Casino Games

Source: Guardian.ng

Those on quarantine in Chicago can have some fun playing online casino games at the best online casinos that payout more than 96%. And what makes the experience even better is the fact that you have a chance of winning real money while you’re at it.

There are so many online casinos to count, and you can sign up with your preferred casino and begin playing.

Be careful though, as online gambling can be addictive, especially when you have all the time in the world to play. We advise that you develop tips and strategies to help you win more. 

3. Watch Movies And TV Series Online

There are several streaming platforms for you to check out while on quarantine. These platforms are packed with old and new TV series. You’ll also find new blockbusters for your viewing pleasure.

Luckily, you can find shows that are set in the city of Chicago, and while you can’t step outside, watching these shows will give you a feel of the Chi-town setting you are used to.

Examples of such shows include “The Chi” and “Perfect Strangers.” If you want to lean into a more romantic show, then you could also check out “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” which streams on Hulu. Netflix is another platform where you’ll find a lot of TV content.

4. Cook Chicago’s Best Meals

Source: nbcnews.com

Cooking is a physical activity, but who says you can’t improve the experience online?

You and your friends can simply pick any one of Chicago’s finest recipes, prepare it, and enjoy the meal via video chat.

You can actually make a game out of it, where the best-looking serving wins. Of course, your friends can’t taste your meal via video chat, neither can you taste theirs, so looks will have to do.

You can do this as often as possible until the quarantine is over. Luckily, Chicago has many local delicacies to choose from, including the Jibarito sandwich, rainbow cone, flaming saganaki, and the Italian beef sandwich.

5. Take A Virtual Tour Of The Art Institute Of Chicago

Art lovers would enjoy the experience of a virtual visit to the prestigious Art Institute Of Chicago. All you need to view the breathtaking masterpieces is your smartphone/laptop and an internet connection.

Here you will find popular art pieces that have been there for ages, also new additions. And if there’s a specific piece you are looking for, you can then use the search option to find it.

To make your experience more exciting, the Art Institute of Chicago also offers interactive tours. And this is the closest thing to being there physically.

Conclusion

Being quarantined could be boring, as there’s a limit to the fun things you can do. However, there are other ways you can entertain yourself online while you’re at it.

Try out our suggestions, and you’d be glad you did.

If you decide to go with the gambling route, make sure you do so responsibly so that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. Don’t fall victim to the tricks casinos use to make you gamble more than necessary. We trust this has been helpful. Enjoy!!

Author’s Bio James Collins

James Collins is a gambling enthusiast who has spent enough time around industry circles. He understands what entertainment entails and is dedicated to providing relevant information to those interested in enjoying maximum fun. 

These include tips on how to gamble responsibly and get the best possible online gambling experience!

The post How To Have Fun Online On Quarantine In Chicago appeared first on ChiCitySports.