NHL OFFSEASON WINNERS AND LOSERS SO FAR (BY TEAM)

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Here we are in the middle of August and because of the New CBA there will be Hockey played in just over a month (first preseason slate 9/19, regular season starts 9/29). There are still some really good free agents on the market, and we’re waiting to see if there will be more trades on the horizon, but for now here are some of my favorite and least favorite offseasons so far. 

FAVORITE

  1. WASHINGTON CAPITALS : The Caps made a statement this offseason and have gone all in. The development of their young talent allowed them to make significant moves. Adding Jordan Kyrou and Alex Tuch gives them some more speed on the wings. Boone Jenner provides leadership and has no problem being physical. Oh and they brought back some guy named Ovechkin, who I hear is good at scoring goals, but with the depth the Caps have they don’t have to rely on him. 

   2)SAN JOSE SHARKS – People can complain all they want about the Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse contracts, but with the cap rising the Sharks did what they had to to get more physical. They also added forward Mason Marchment to give them some size up front. Now, while the Sharks added some beef, they also extended the face of their franchise Macklin Celebrini to a five year contract (starts next season) that will make him the highest paid player in the NHL.  The Sharks should compete for a top three spot in the Pacific Division. 

3) FLORIDA PANTHERS – I could’ve put the Panthers on here just for the fact that they should be healthy to start next season. But the additions of Brady Tkachuk and Radko Gudas adds even more physicality to the team. We’ll see what they get out of Jacob Markstrom in goal, but we do know Bill Zito wouldn’t be afraid to go after something if it’s available.  

4) NASHVILLE PREDATORS – A few summers ago the Preds made massive splashes with the additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Since then the Preds have missed the playoffs and were kind of directionless. Bringing Chris Mcfarland from the Avs has given them direction. Mcfarland went to his old stomping grounds and brought in Ross Colton and Jack Drury via trade and signed Alex Kerfoot. The Preds also took advantage of the Dallas Stars’ cap situation and were able to acquire Mavirik Bourque. The Preds got deeper this summer and maybe enough for them to get back to the playoffs.

5) UTAH MAMMOTH –  The Mammoth gave the Golden Knights a run for their money in the playoffs. There’s a young, exciting team in Utah and they had quite the summer adding Vincent Trocheck from the Rangers and Anders Lee from the Islanders. Both give a lot of playoff experience, and in the case of Trocheck some help on the Penalty Kill. They also added Goalie Sebastian Cossa, who at  23 could be their goalie of the future.

HM : NEW YORK RANGERS –  Yes, I still think there’s work for Chris Drury to do (finding another top six player would be nice) but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had a good offseason. He added Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas and signed him to a reasonable contract. At 25 years old Dorofeyev also fits the Rangers long term plans. The Rangers also acquired a second defensive pair with Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, and they added depth scoring with Oliver Bjorkstrand. If Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox stay healthy the Rangers can compete for a Wild Card. 

LEAST FAVORITE

  1. LA KINGS – I know why LeBron left LA, he confused Crypto.com Arena for a retirement home, because the LA Kings got older this summer. The Kings brought in Mats Zuccarello (38), Corey Perry (41), and Erik Haula (35). They also were able to retain Scott Laughton, I’m not sure what the Kings will look like this year, but this could backfire on Ken Holland. 
  1. DETROIT RED WINGS – Remember above where I said we’re waiting on a few things, well the status of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is one of those things. So there’s good news and bad news with that Detroit, the good is he is right now a member of your team, the bad news is you play in the Atlantic Division, which saw a lot of teams in front of you get better. Viktor Arvidsson was the big addition, but if the Wings struggle near the trade deadline, whoever the GM is might have a lot of choices on a lot of players. 
  1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS : If you’re trading the fourth overall pick, you’d better be getting a stud. The Blackhawks traded the fourth pick to the Sabres for Bowen Byram. Byram is 25 and posted a career high 42 points last season. But he’s never been relied as a true number one defenseman. If Byram can become Chicago’s Cale Makar it changes things, but there’s still questions. Kyle Davidson also tried to take pressure off himself by bringing back future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane. Kane is still a very productive player, but this feels more like nostalgia than trying to win now. 
  1. SEATTLE KRAKEN – This is more because of circumstance than anything, the Kraken were the fifth lowest scoring team in the NHL last season at 2.73 goals per game. And yes they tried to fix it with trades, they were in on Jordan Kyrou and Jason Robertson, and even Artemi Panarin at the trade deadline last year, but none of them are going to Seattle. There’s also been some rumors about the Kraken trading Shane Wright, the fourth overall pick from 2022. 
  1. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – This one is all based on circumstances. The rumors of trading Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, hit the airwaves and now it feels inevitable that at some point they will. Adam Fantilli is a RFA, who they’re still trying to re-sign, Kirill Marchenko trade chatter is heating up. Oh and their captain Boone Jenner left in free agency to a divisional foe. How will they respond after their coach called them out late in the season?

HM : ANAHEIM DUCKS : Good news Leo Carlsson is back, bad news you should’ve taken care of it sooner because of the Flyers offer sheet, you now have to trade someone away to get Cutter Gauthier signed. I also don’t love the AJ Greer contract, even though they needed the toughness after losing Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba.

DALLAS COWBOYS 2027

BY MARK HALPERN

      Well, here we are another year of Cowboy’s football is getting ready to begin a little more than a month from now. There were a ton of questions from last year that not only had analysts scratching their heads but the fans as well. The Cowboys last year were pathetic last year and it was more on the Defense than anything. However, there were times when the offense would sputter out of the gate and with the Defense we put out on the field the opponent would go up by two Touchdowns before we even knew what happened and at that point it became no contest. Last year we saw the Cowboys trade FUTURE HOF Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two 1st round picks and Kenny Clark. The trade right now looks good for the Cowboys for a few reasons. The first being Parsons tore his ACL and missed time last season and will miss at least the first four games this season. The other reason is Dallas turned those two picks into major pieces (that will be explained later) that this team desperately needed. Dallas also lost the Cornerback Tre’von Diggs to another knee injury and ended up being released due to the fact the Cowboys weren’t getting the news they hoped about his return to the field from a mysterious injury that also transpired that cost him a few games. With the loss of Diggs and Daron Bland, the secondary was overmatched each game allowing record points being given up. The Cowboys did end up with some bright spots (not all was bad.) They re-signed Javonte Williams after an impressive 1000-yard season and record number of TDs for him last season. Dallas used their franchise tag (with no surprise) George Pickens who had a career year in yards and td’s under Dak Prescott. With Pickens and Lamb on the outside it reminds me of Irvin and Harper back in the 90’s. Ferguson will man the Tight End position for the third consecutive year and is getting better. The offensive line learned one thing. We need a new offensive line to properly protect Dak Prescott so the Cowboys can have a successful year lets take a look into what challenges we face.

   Obviously the Dallas Cowboys will play their divisional opponents. The Giants (who they open opening night against,) The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. These games will explain themselves as when they play always a great game. If I say I have any worry about any NFC East team the Eagles give me some what of an acid stomach but, the other two should be better but they don’t age well. 

    The first real challenge for the Cowboys will be week three game against the Ravens. Lamar Jackson is one of the best Quarterbacks in the game. He has a compliment of weapons including Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. If the Cowboys defense is truly better, we will see here.

The Cowboys will then visit Houston (not sure that’s a real road game) and Tampa which can go either way. Then a game with NFC perennial playoff team in the Green Bay Packers. This could be the game Parsons returns from injury and again if the Cowboys defense has gotten better then then Parsons might not be as much trouble as he could. The Cowboys will meet the Titians and the Colts before their traditional day matchup on Thanksgiving. The Colts were one of last years biggest surprises until Daniel Jones went down and injuries began to pile on. I expect to see a revived Colts team I think I will remember the Titans movie more so than the game. The Cowboys have a three game road trip that includes the Seahawks, The Rams and then Jacksonville. That’s a three game stretch against teams who all made the playoffs last season.  Luckily for the Cowboys they’ll have their bye right before the trip. This is a hard Cowboys Schedule for this year the key will be to get off to a fast start because they are not going to concede a game or two in the second half of the season.

    When looking at a team there are key factors that will make this season successful. First protecting Dak Prescott so the Offensive Line has to be first because no protection no season. Ja’vonte Williams proved why he got his contract now he has to be better than last year. That’s a lot to ask of a young guy who really got his first chance in proving himself. If he can be 200 yards better, which would put him at 1,400 for the season, that will go a long way to helping for a few more opportunities to score. The Secondary is the youngest it has been since the 92-93 season. Daron Bland and Cobie Durant will be R&L Cornerbacks with Veterans Malik Hooker and Jalen Tompson but, the big piece is Nickel Back Caleb Downs. Downs, the Cowboys first round draft pick will be getting his feet wet early as he is a huge focus this season. In camp he has been matched up with George Pickens. What better WR duo could help teach a young pivotal piece of the secondary? 

    The Eagles are the only threat to the Cowboys in not making the playoffs as it is between them for the Division. The NFC this season is loaded, and I am not sure how many wins will get you a Wild Card spot. I expect the Cowboys to challenge for the NFC East crown but also can be a playoff spoiler to a lot of first place teams.

SENGA YES OR SENGA NO

BY MARK HALPERN

     Kodai Senga, who went 12-7 his first year got Met fans excited. But it’s been downhill ever since. Whether it’s injury or just bad pitching, Senga has not replicated his rookie season. He also hasn’t adjusted to MLB, and pitching every fifth day or every sixth day, as he did in Japan. So, there are two sides to every coin and right now it is clearly the side of failure. However, the Mets didn’t trade him (no offense I don’t think he was ever brought up) so the question became what to do?

     The first question you need to ask is his starting days behind him? Yes, I don’t believe that Senga should be a starter again. We have seen Senga now regulated to the Bullpen and he has had a few shots out of it as a long reliever with the results being the same. If we were to go back and analyze every game, he pitched his first inning is usually his best, 2nd-5th is where he usually falls apart. So, the fact he failed at being a long reliever surprising not really. Over the last week we have seen Senga now come out towards the end of the game either as a setup pitcher or as a closer. We have seen Starting Pitchers who had lost their ability to go deep into games turned into closers and that’s Kerry Wood of the Cubs and John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves. Both had huge success and were able to extend their careers by 3-5 years each. The question becomes is Senga willing to accept this role. Well, while he is under contract with the Mets, it’s the Mets way or he just won’t pitch. The second option makes no sense because one day he will be a free agent and most teams won’t pay for someone who hasn’t preformed. Senga has to embrace this chance because it very could be his last not as a Met but in the MLB as a whole. 

     As I said Senga is at his best in the first inning. His velocity is at it’s best (just as with any starting pitcher) as he hit triple digits on his first pitch against the Braves. but all of his pitches are crisp and on target. Is this the answer to solve all problems with Senga no but, if can tackle a few of the major internal problems with his pitching and with the fact that Devin Williams (Mets current closer) now on the IL this gives the Mets a chance to see if Senga can adapt to the role before the end of the season. If he’s successful than that’s one piece off the Mets offseason needs.

THE DUGOUTS BREAKERS

BY MARK HALPERN

    For over 40 years now I have been buying, selling and trading all different types of sports and non-sports cards. I truly focus on the big four : MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL Over the last few years we have seen the surge of MLS cards, partly because of the World Cup but, Soccer has gained so much popularity over the last decade that the want for more is definitely there. Now Nascar, F1, WWE and UFC are beginning to gain popularity and with new licenses will definitely challenge for a good part of this hobby.

    There are so many ways to collect/buy cards these days but, I am here to talk about the companies that make the Dugout (my company) still noticeable after all this time. Breakers make it somewhat easy for you to try and collect your team or your player through different kinds of breaks. One thing you have to realize is that buying from breakers is the same as buying from your local LCS just you get to specify what you want to get and if your fast enough to comment for your team or player then kudos but, remember there are most likely a lot of people waiting to claim the same thing you are so timing is key. This article is dedicated to the companies below that I am still with to this day.

TOP NOTCH SPORTS CLUB

   Top Notch was the first breaking company I ever joined. I had been watching for some time and I liked Anthony’s demeanor and personality so kept watching until I was ready. I have been breaking with Anthony for almost 10 years now and have built a close business relationship and friendship with Anthony and has been featured many times on the network for amazing pulls and we will feature some of them at the end of each company we use. Along with Anthony is Justin Valentini and they together make a great breaking duo. Justin has been featuring more of the autograph memorabilia side of the breaks and the it gives the company a well-rounded breaking team. John Selbuski is the man in charge of sorting, shipping and with his team get all of our eBay consignments up and done very quickly. Here are a few of the hits they have landed us over the past year.

HAT TRICK BREAKS

     Hat Trick Breaks LLC chief breaker is Joe Knapp. Joe breaks anything his customers will pay for. This goes for older product to current product. Joe has been an amazing friend and business partner. Joe is a Super Dad. When Joe is not pulling The Dug Out of major pulls, he is securing autograph signings with some of today’s up incoming stars and celebrity signings as well. Joe also while doing all of this is coaching his sons ball team that travels all over. Joe like the other breakers I will mention have had a close friendship with me and during the time I was in the hospital dealing with yet another surgery on my back and wasn’t even buying would check in with a DM to see how was doing and also offering help if needed it. Mind you none of these breakers have ever met face to face and treated me as family. Joe has pulled me some big singles but what hangs in my bedroom is two of my most prized collectibles. 

RBI BREAKS

  RBI Breaks is run by Mark Mariano. I was recommended to Mark by Anthony Loparo from Top Notch. Mark has to be one of the most patient breakers ever. While Mark likes to do basic hobby cases, Mark also dabbles in Retail side of cases and opening these for a break takes longer than a random hobby case. Retail cases are more boxes and packs per case with much higher odds-on inserts, retail breaks give you the same chance at getting regular base and same rookies in the more expensive hobby packs at a more affordable price. Mark is the master because I just watched him do 4 cases of a retail product that took over 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES and then he has to sort it all and when the sorting is done time to throw up another 5000 card break to sort. We all tip our cap to Mark.  Mark has been featured just like the two companies above me but, Mark has pulled me something that no other breaker has. While getting a 1/1 these days on a card is much easier then when they were first featured back in the end of 90’s. However, Mark pulled me a 1/1 for the ages. A SUPERFRACTOR 1/1 ON CARD AUTO OF FRANSICO LINDOR. (I believe that was what the article was called.)  https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2026/04/30/a-1-1-for-the-ages/ 

Card Breakers are everywhere from your local LCS to Facebook/YouTube and now Fanatics live which is an application for only Trading Card Breakers as breaking has become of the biggest part of the hobby that is collected today. It’s never to late to start and you may remember having cards when you were a kid just to have your mother or father throw them out when you moved away to your own spot. Breaking can be an expensive hobby but, in today’s market I think each breaker wants to be able to sell all products at affordable prices but, when you pay X amount you have to make a profit or what’s the point. Breakers don’t set the prices the Hobby does buy the prices they have to pay. 

LAND OF TWO EXTREMES

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and all everyone is talking about is the Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring back to back CY Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is bad for the game and how it might cause a lockout for 2027. But something else caught my eye on Monday during the deadline. Since it’s inception the third wild card spot has been good for the game, it allows more teams to feel that they have a chance to make the playoffs. 

The Miami Marlins entered Monday 1.5 games out of the third wild card spot, and after taking three out of four from the Mets, the Marlins sold off pieces. They traded Catcher Liam Hicks to their in state rival Tampa Bay Rays. Hicks was hitting .282 with 14 homers and a team leading 62 RBI’S. Hicks still has two years of arbitration left, before becoming a free agent. 

Now, if Hicks was like Skubal an impending free agent I would understand the move, even if it’s to get a look at a younger player, but he leads the team in RBI’S and you’re in the race. The Marlins are not the only team to sell in a weird spot, the Tigers also sold pitcher Casey Mize, the Orioles traded Adley Rutschman. The Marlins have the second lowest payroll in the sport, yet 1.5 games out they got rid of one of their better hitters. 

Tarik Skubal met with the media for the first time as a Dodger on Monday, and said “ Every team  could trade for me. I don’t sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they’ve done. It’s a winning organization, I don’t sympathize with people that are complaining because the Dodgers do the right thing.” Skubal is correct on both counts. Yes, any team could’ve traded for him and yes the Dodgers are doing whatever it takes to win, and didn’t do anything illegal.  All they did was find the loophole of deferred money and have used it to their advantage. 

Now, do I like the fact the Dodgers got Skubal? No, but they’re showing us they’re trying to be the first National League team to win thee consecutive World Series. Now for smaller market teams trading for Skubal would be as a rental and they’d lose him as a free agent in the Winter, look at what the Brewers did in 2008 with CC Sabathia. But I don’t love what the Marlins did either. We can scream and yell about the Dodgers, but small market teams can’t do that and do the same thing the Marlins did, you have to show you want to win. I’m not sure what’s on the horizon when it comes to Baseball, but I’ll say this if the Dodgers find a way to win a third consecutive World Series and they re-sign Skubal it might be a long time before we see Baseball, thanks Rob Manfred.

STARTING TO THINK

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Saturday the Mets honored the 40 year anniversary of their 1986 World Series Championship. For the franchise it was their second and last championship. The 2026 Mets had championship aspirations and well have failed miserably. But watching the ceremony got me thinking about how close or far away this team could be to being a contender. And with the trade deadline looming on Monday, the Mets can make a 2027 statement before the Winter. 

There were a lot of takeaways from the ceremony about the 86 team, about being together and how close knit they were. And while parts of the team were homegrown (Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, etc…) they also made two massive trades : Keith Hernandez (who should be in the Hall of fame) and Gary Carter (who should have his jersey retired). The Mets that year had a sensational pitching staff led by Doc Gooden. Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, and Bobby Ojeda had a combined 3.16 ERA. Throughout the history of the Mets franchise they’ve always done a good job in developing Starting pitching. 

Fast forward to 2026 ( and into 27) I think the Mets have three fifths of a rotation (yes they’ll need more for depth purposes) but right now Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton could all be in the rotation. The Mets added Freddy Peralta to be the ace of the staff, and it’s failed and he is certain to be dealt by Monday, so will Clay Holmes, who was the best starter for the team until his injury. 

Yes, the Mets are sellers, but they should also consider a long term buyer. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN reported teams are calling the Mariners about starting pitcher George Kirby, meanwhile others are reporting Hunter Greene of the Reds is also available. These are two guys David Stearns should absolutely be all over. Greene is under contract through 2030 at a very reasonable salary, now I am not sure why the Reds would dump Greene a former second overall pick, but he’s still just 27 years old. For the Mariners they have a lot of pitching and Kirby is 28 years old and the Mariners need offense. 

Now there are reports the only untouchables for the Mets are Juan Soto, Carson Benge, Francisco Lindor, AJ Ewing, Nolan McLean, and Christian Scott. I think the Mets catchers should be off the table too, but that’s just me. David Stearns wants run prevention and the Mets stink at preventing runs, so why not add a starting pitcher who has over eight K/9( Kirby :8.6, Greene 11.2).  The Mets have six players they won’t move, Stearns should call on both. As mentioned earlier Greene is signed through 2030 and Kirby is still arbitration eligible. 

There are people who would like for the Mets to sign Tarik Skubal and while that’d be nice it’s definitely not a guaranteed thing. Yes, the Peralta deal didn’t work out, but you call on one of these guys, who fits the Mets young staff, the Mets could have one of the best rotations in Baseball in 2027.

MLB PLAYERS BUY THEIR OWN CARDS

BY MARK HALPERN

     As most of you who follow the network and my podcast the 1/1 known I have been a sport card trader for the past 36 years. Started when I was 12 and built a great small business that I still have but done on much lighter scale. I used to attend a lot of trading card shows a year from New York to California as a buyer and dealer. I participated in over 10 major conventions and anyone who had a bad comment on how I did business (meaning the ones who I wouldn’t make a deal with) you have to just ignore it. 

   One of the greatest moments of my life was at the 2004 East Coast National and I sold a 1/1 of Ivan Rodriguez to a celebrity ( I did not receive permission to use his name) He was a major celebrity. One of my greatest moments was selling to a non-common buyer that I was used to.

   Once the Sport Card game went to breaking online, the first company I was with was Top Notch Sports Club which is owned by Anthony Loparo. Anthony had made a post (Name of player will not be named) about a certain card that has sold on eBay and it just so happens the owner of the card is the actual Player. I collect the player my self and I reached out to Anthony and asked him “Is the first time that you have seen this?” Anthony replied “It happens way more often than you think.” I find this to be not just cool but to be the business that help untie this card with the player has to be one of the better stories that could be floating around the Card World today.

https://topnotchsportsclub.com/

WHAT A STAND UP GUY

BY MARK HALPERN

     Last week I reported on the horrific car accident that involved 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and you can go read this article here ( https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2026/07/27/get-well-kyle/)  the other day the great 49er coach spoke to the media and did something that he didn’t have to do and should set an example to every driver. After reading the accident report he went on live media with reporters stating that the accident was NOT the result of the other driver. He admitted that while in his Tesla and not going more than 25MPH, his cell phone slid off his lap and he reached down and just after he grabbed it and sat up he was greeted by his air bag and visor which caused the 40 stitches. 

    Honesty in this world with everything going on honesty isn’t something people rely on. People today are saying one thing but, do something different. Kyle Shanahan was being given special treatment he believed and changed the rhetoric and will fully be taking care of the people involved in the accident through his insurance and I am sure a couple of 49er tickets would help too. It just goes to show you that in this world today there are 100% honest and good people.

QUARTERBACKS UNDER PRESSURE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

It’s the end of July which means one thing Training camp is upon us. Every fanbase is excited for their favorite team to get going. Here are my top ten Quarterbacks with something to prove this season. Sidenote ( Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are not on this list, they’re only pressure is to get to or win the SuperBowl.) The ones on this list are under pressure to win and elevate themselves to that level for the most part.

  1. CJ STROUD – TEXANS – Stroud had a sensational rookie season, and the last two seasons have been okay. His touchdowns have dropped the last two seasons. And he was awful in the playoff loss to the Pats. With how good the Texans defense is, Stroud can’t be the guy holding them back, otherwise the Texans might be looking elsewhere for a Quarterback. 
  1. JUSTIN HERBERT  CHARGERS – Unlike Stroud, Herbert has a long term contract and is the face of the Chargers. In last year’s playoff loss at the Pats, Herbert was down his two starting tackles. Now in Mike Mcdaniel’s offense Herbert should flourish, to a point where not only the Chargers should win a playoff game, they can be a real Super Bowl threat. Then the media can do what they love to do and that’s throw Herbert in the same conversation as Allen, Burrow, Jackson, and Mahomes. 
  1. BO NIX – BRONCOS – Nix didn’t play in the AFC title game due to injury, but he was solid last season for the Broncos. Nix was top ten in yards and touchdowns last season, but he doesn’t have to be the savior with how good the Bronco defense is. But the addition of Jaylen Waddle puts added pressure on Nix and the Broncos, who want to take that next step. 
  1. CALEB WILLIAMS – BEARS – Williams was fun to watch last season, his first under Ben Johnson. He spread the wealth around, and he still has a ton of weapons minus DJ Moore. But Williams was so spectacular he landed the Madden cover, so there’s some lofty goals in Chicago. 
  1. DAK PRESCOTT – COWBOYS – This is all about one thing, getting over the hump. Dak was in the top five in yards, touchdowns and QBR. Dak also has a plethora of weapons with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. At 33 how much longer can Dak play at this high level?
  1. BAKER MAYFIELD  – BUCS – The Bucs collapsed at the end of the season. Part of that was Baker got hurt and tried to play through it. The Bucs lost four of their last five games and Baker threw at least one interception in each game. He won’t have old reliable Mike Evans to help him, so Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka need to have good years. Other reason this is a big year for Baker, he’ll be a free agent after the season, so if he plays well he can cash in. 
  2. KYLER MURRAY – VIKINGS – Kyler basically went to the place all free agent Quarterbacks want to go. He goes to a team that has an outstanding coach, defense and offensive scheme. He gets one of the best receiving tandems in the game with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Kyler needs to prove the Vikings right if he wants to be the long term solution. 
  1. TUA TAGOVAILOA/MICHAEL PENIX – FALCONS – Here’s the thing both of these guys have pressure on them, Penix to prove he’s not a bust and Tua to prove he can still play at a high level. The NFC South is actually winnable, but these are two guys who need to stay healthy throughout camp and it’s a QB battle worth watching. But either way they have so much talent on that offense, they need to prove themselves. 
  1. PATRICK MAHOMES – CHIEFS – Yeah, I know what I said at the top. Mahomes isn’t under pressure to win, what I want to see from Mahomes is how he handles coming off the ACL surgery. This is his first major surgery in the NFL, and if you think about it most of his injuries have had to deal with his legs. Luckily for him the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker to take some pressure off. 
  2.  TREVOR LAWRENCE – JAGS – 2025 was the best season of Lawrence’s career. He was in the top ten in yards and touchdowns. He led the Jags to the playoffs, where he went toe to toe with Josh Allen. Can Lawrence do it again, and this time without Travis Etienne, who had been his running back since college.

GET OVER IT

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Do you remember the episode of “Family Guy” where Peter joined the news team for his segment “What Really Grinds My Gears”?  December 8th 2024, 596 days ago that’s a day that has haunted the state of New York Sports. It was the day Juan Soto and the Mets agreed to his 15 year 765 million dollar contract, and there are people who can’t get over it. 

For the first time ever the Mets outbid the Yankees for a player both teams coveted, especially after what Soto did in his one season in the Bronx. Now, Soto’s time in Queens has not been great, the Mets missed the playoffs last season and will miss again this year and that is definitely not the fault of Soto. As a Met has a slash line of .270/.400/.530 with 64 homers and 157 RBI’S. It’s not Soto’s fault the Mets are where they are, that’s on David Stearns, who really needs a good trade deadline. 

Soto, is a generational player, he is one of the faces of the sport, but yet people on Social Media or the media as a whole want to talk about if he made a mistake leaving the Bronx for Queens. So this is what “Grinds My Gears” Soto obviously was sold on whatever the vision Steve Cohen and Stearns have mapped out. And let’s be honest most of what has happened has not worked out in the Mets favor, but 600 days later we’re still talking about if it was a mistake? I know The Yankees have their shills in the media and Yankee fans are not used to losing out on free agents, but people need to get over this. Michael Kay on his program Monday claimed Soto has “wasted two prime years” The guy will be 28 years old in October, so he is just entering his prime. 

This notion that leaving the Bronx for Queens being a mistake needs to be looked at like this, the media and Yankee fans are not used to losing out on star players, especially to the Mets. And while the Mets are the biggest disappointment in the sport, the Yankee fan feels it’s cool to flex their muscle at being better than the Mets. But at the end of the day Juan Soto is the King Of Queens.