By Marc Lawrence — It was a whirlwind season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs went on a steady climb on the NFL.com rankings board, winning their final eight games of the season and reaching the No. 1 spot for the first time following their dominant Super Bowl win. Tampa was a team that rose as high as No. 3 in the rankings back in Weeks 8 and 9, before dropping as low as No. 12 after Week 14. Then came the ferocious close to the regular season and a barnstorming playoff run. This was a team that peaked twice, including when it mattered most. With the 2020 season now in the rearview mirror, the great experiment of bringing Tom Brady to Tampa was officially a historic success. What happened to the New Orleans Saints was another story in what was likely Drew Brees‘ final stab at the brass ring. For more of a review on the season rankings of every team click here. |
Trending Today |
Sources say the Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer planning to play Andre Drummond as they work to trade the two-time All-Star center before the NBA’s March 25 deadline. The Cavs are moving to make Jarrett Allen the franchise’s long-term starting center and believe it’s unfair to Drummond to limit his minutes as the organization transitions to Allen. The 27-year-old Drummond has averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds this season in 25 starts. A handful of teams are interested in the 7-footer, the league’s top rebounder. 22-year-old Allen has played well in 15 games with the Cavs, averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff recently moved Allen into the starting lineup. |
Grinding Out The Profits |
From the Playbook Basketball Newsletter: Not long ago, Oklahoma was one of the hottest teams in the land, riding a 5-0 SUATS into a Feb. 1 meeting with Texas Tech at Lubbock. The Sooners also edged Texas, 80-79, in Austin three weeks ago – a loss that sent Bevo into a 3-game tailspin – so payback time has arrived. While the rematch shifts to Norman, we have no problem backing a Longhorns squad that’s gone 6-1 ATS the last seven games when taking points in this series. In addition, Texas head coach Shaka Smart contributes to the cause with his 28-18 SUATS record when playing with same-season loss revenge, including 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS from a bitter 1-point loss. Factor in an Oklahoma team that’s burned money to the tune of 9-23 ATS against foes seeking same-season loss revenge and we’ll be lookin’ to hook ’em in the Noble Center tonight. |