Most Valuable Intel (7/11/20): Rays Contenders, Paying RBs, and MORE!

Today’s hottest content in sports highlights key insights and takeways about the most popular discussions in sports, such as the best moments in every ballpark’s history and the projected range of success for all 32 NFL franchises. Here’s the Most Valuable Intel to know from the best articles in sports.

Why the Rays are for Real

FULL ARTICLE: Counting Reasons the Rays — Yes, the Rays — Will Win the World Series by David Schoenfield, ESPN

MOST VALUABLE INTEL: The Rays’ elite starting rotation and league-best bullpen makes them a serious WS contender

Following the train of educated guesses is ESPN’s David Schoenfield, who fully believes that the Tampa Bay Rays will win the 2020 World Series. While the Floridian franchise made the playoffs in 2019, their fourth-lowest payroll suggests that they don’t have the firepower to compete with league-leading Astros, Yankees, and Dodgers. However, it’s clear that the Rays have a robust pitching rotation that boasts a three-headed dragon of Charlie Morton, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow.

The club also seems to be heading in the right direction, literally, as their record has consistently improved over the last four campaigns. If their bullpen can continue to neutralize opposing lineups (lowest ERA in 2019), the developing lineup that features young stud Austin Meadows (.291 BA with 33 HRs last year) will be able to close out some close games this summer.

Every Ballpark's Best Moment

FULL ARTICLE: What Is the Most Memorable Moment at Every MLB Team’s Ballpark? by Jacob Shafer

HOT: Most Memorable Moment at Every MLB Ballpark by @Jacobshafer https://t.co/2Z4hrQVfHR
— Hottest Sports Content (@Sports_Hottest) July 9, 2020

MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Angels 2002 World Series Game 6 comeback was one for the ages

Even though the 2020 MLB season will be drastically different from what baseball fans are used to, numerous everlasting memories will certainly be made in an unprecedented year like this. With the league’s return just around the corner, Bleacher Report’s Jacob Shafer identifies the most memorable moments in the history of each active ballpark.

The Los Angeles Angels are currently one of the many underdogs heading into the 2020 campaign, still frantically searching for their first World Series title in nearly two decades. Now entering a season where every game matters even more so, fans should reminisce about Scott Spiezio’s 3-run HR in Game 6 of the 2002 World Series. The 1B clobbered a full-count offering from Giants RP Felix Rodriguez, closing the gap to 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh and inspiring both the team and fans to believe in the comeback. Los Angeles would not only go on to secure the Game 6 victory (6-5), but also the franchise’s first-ever World Series crown.

NFL's 32 Floors and Ceilings

FULL ARTICLE: Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Every NFL Team Ahead of the 2020 Season by Ben Linsey, Pro Football Focus

MOST VALUABLE INTEL: The Lions have one of the best rosters but one of the worst track records in the NFL

Experts can make their detailed predictions and in-depth projections, but it’s essentially a glorified guess as to how successful teams will be in this upcoming 2020 season. The Chiefs and 49ers are expected to cruise back into the postseason, however, the two could fall victim to uncontrollable factors such as unexpected coaching strategies and season-ending injuries. In an effort to represent the full range of possibilities for each NFL organization, PFF used countless simulation results to calculate the range (high and low) of win projection for the 2020 season.

Let’s start with the worst-case scenario; the 10th percentile outcome. The Detroit Lions are a prime example of a franchise that has failed to live up to expectations, but have made the right moves to surprise the league this winter. The team’s floor is ending the season at 5-11, assuming Stafford struggles during his return from injury. After losing CB Darius Slay in FA, the defense could also take a hit, ranking near the bottom of the league for a second straight year in pressure rate (29th in 2019) and PPG allowed (25th in 2019).

On the other side of the spectrum (90th percentile), the Lions’ ceiling is a 10-6 record. In this case, Stafford settles in as a top-10 passer and rookies CB Jeffrey Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift, and EDGE Julian Okwara all fill in the gaps, allowing Detroit to be a true worst-to-first candidate. This roster is fully capable of finishing the season at the top of the NFC North, but history says they’ll be closer to the cellar once again.

76ers Film Study

FULL ARTICLE: Film Study: How Joel Embiid Leads Philadelphia’s Rim Protection by John Schuhmann, NBA.com

HOT: Film Study on Joel Embiid’s Rim Protection by @johnschuhmann https://t.co/hUHw0j353q
— Hottest Sports Content (@Sports_Hottest) July 9, 2020

MOST VALUABLE INTEL: C Joel Embiid frustrates opponents by minimizing open looks in the restricted area

It is important to note that the 76ers are by no means a defensive powerhouse despite their individual defensive talent. As a team, Philadelphia ranks 18th in the league when it comes to opponent field goal percentage in the Restricted Area (64%) and 17th in the percentage of opponents shots that come in the Restricted Area (33%). When their starting center is on the floor, those numbers noticeably decrease to 61% and 28%, respectively. John Schuhmann of NBA.com breaks down how C Joel Embiid transforms the below-average defense into a havoc-wreaking force.

Embiid is among the best rim protectors in the league, as he effectively contests and prevents shots in the restricted area on a nightly basis. Dropping back into the paint when his man sets a ball screen, Embiid forces ball-handlers to either take the inefficient mid-range shot or meet him (and his athletic, 7’0 frame) at the rim. While the burly big-man is terrific at guarding the paint, his fellow perimeter defenders are constantly pressured to navigate through screens and attack the ball. The NBA’s resumption raises many questions, but one thing for certain is that players will continue to struggle in the paint when Embiid is patrolling the floor.

NFL's Biggest Mistakes of 2010s

FULL ARTICLE: Every NFL Team’s Biggest Mistake of the Past Decade by Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report

HOT: Every NFL Team’s Biggest Mistake of the Decade by @IDPSharks https://t.co/fOkeakjUUH
— Hottest Sports Content (@Sports_Hottest) July 9, 2020

MOST VALUABLE INTEL: Rams prove teams should never pay a RB top-market value

While uncontrollable factors on the football field will forever be part of the game, bad decisions from the front office are just as, or more common in the NFL. Some organizations may commit mistakes more often than others (cough cough Browns), but they can happen to anyone at any time during the season. Since 2010, every NFL organization has made at least one major miscalculation that would throw the franchise off course for an extended period of time.

Prior to their 2017 campaign, the Los Angeles Rams failed to record a winning season for 10 straight seasons. Since it would be difficult to pinpoint on specific problem that caused that trend, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport identifies the Todd Gurley extension of 2018 as their most regretful decision of the decade. The RB’s contract (4y/$60M) made him the highest-paid player at the position.

He may have gone on to rush for 1200+ yards and 17 TDs in his first year of the deal, but he was a below-average back by the conclusion of 2019 (just 3.8 YPC). The worst part of it all is that Gurley was released this past March, now playing for the Atlanta Falcons after being signed to $45 million in guarantees just a few years prior.