Look, the offense still hasn’t been close to Super Bowl sharp, but somehow this team finds a way to win games. When you are the reigning champs and you stay undefeated, you stay number one in the NFL rankings.
2. Buffalo Bills
Look folks, we talk about all the big-name QBs, but in reality in 2025 the difference here is the Bills have QB Josh Allen and the rest of the league doesn’t. He is by far the best QB right now in the NFL. The defense isn’t elite, but they play an easy schedule and should stay fresher than many of the other top teams who will play beat-up football games week in and week out.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Now do I think in a month they are still here this high? Likely not top three, but top 10 is highly attainable if nobody gets hurt that’s a key player. QB Jones is playing relaxed and each week you can sense he’s not even remotely looking over his shoulder for a possible hook. The defense has always been pretty good, and when you punt only twice in three games, well folks, your offense is clicking on all cylinders. Past stud RB Taylor looks to finally be back to fully healthy and with the nice mix of run/pass you can’t load the box to simply stop him.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
So far most would place them ahead of the Colts, but since Herbert has been sacked double digits and turned the ball over four times, I can’t do it. The Chargers though are one of the five best-coached teams and will be in top-five range most of this season.
5. Green Bay Packers
Last week I wrote I was a bit worried about the Packers offense, and then they went out and got stifled by a hidden gem Browns defense. But their offense worries me zero. The defense just wreaks havoc on opposing QBs as they have the most underrated DC (Hafley) in the league. The schemes he is calling are near magical, and they get pressure in so many different ways. This team will rarely be down more than one score.
6. Washington Commanders
No QB Daniels? No problemo, folks. Since this is my favorite team, it’s a team I know inside and out. Backup Mariota is no slouch—he can pass with precision and he can also use his legs. The hidden gem though is their seventh-round pick RB Croskey-Merritt who is looking like he’s going to be a star. He never gets tackled by the first tackler, and he sees the holes like a 10-year veteran RB. The OL isn’t perfect but has opened some huge holes. The defense is veteran, usually solid, but has given up some wide-open plays when the pass rush doesn’t get home.
7. Detroit Lions
The schedule makers gave them a really tough first week opponent on the road, which wasn’t helpful either. Coming in with a mostly all-new coaching staff (new OC and new DC), it wasn’t shocking they played a little off in week one loss to the Packers. But the past two weeks the offense proved it will definitely be top three in the NFL. The defense has been very good, especially rushing the passer and tackling.
8. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams really collapsed last week, missing two FGs and blowing a 19-point lead. But this team is loaded on defense and has a solid set of offensive star power in Stafford, Adams, and Nacua. This team is a “bet on” team most weeks.
9. San Francisco 49ers
This team is losing stars left and right, and eventually that’s going to rear its ugly head. But for now, (3-0) has to get you into the top 10. They play in maybe the hardest division, so losses like Nick Bosa will soon take a toll on the defense.
10. Denver Broncos
This team is still very good. I am not sold on QB Nix as he has never fared well against winning teams. The defense though is still top-10 caliber and the OL is solid, so those things usually make for a winning football team. But if Nix doesn’t improve against quality opponents, this team simply won’t live up to its gaudy preseason hype.
Bottom 5 NFL Teams
5. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers got that first big win last week to stop the skid. But the 30-0 score was one of the most deceiving I’ve ever watched. The offense simply is not good, and the defense isn’t strong enough to dominate anyone. I still see this as a six-win team.
4. Houston Texans
This one is shocking. I was suspicious that bringing in a whole new OL and trading away a stud LT would be a disaster—and it has been. Last year the OL was brutal, and Stroud has no time. Now he’s forcing plays. This team has a top-10 defense (I love this Texans defense), but wow, 0-3 puts them here.
3. New York Giants
When you have one of the three worst head coaches in the NFL, you’re going to lose a ton of games and close ones too. Daboll is never prepared, makes no adjustments, and still plays “not to lose.” The defense has talent but hasn’t played well. Tackling and missed assignments happen too often. Can Dart be the spark? He surely can’t be worse than Wilson.
2. New Orleans Saints
No shocker—they were likely bottom three all year. They played competitively the first two weeks before completely collapsing last week. It’s going to be a tough road under a new HC and young QBs. This isn’t a “bet on” team; it’s about finding pieces for the future while taking plenty of lumps.
1. Tennessee Titans (Dead Last)
It’s been tough sledding on both sides of the ball. Rookie QB has made some nice throws, but he cannot yet read defenses or adjust bad play calls. The team is committing nearly 100 yards in penalties per game and allowing 6.1 yards per play. That’s a recipe for losing. Improvement may come, since they play in the weakest division, but right now they are the league’s worst.
Gary Greene is one of Las Vegas’ most trusted voices in sports betting. With over 36 years of professional experience as a bettor, handicapper, and publisher of the Bluebook Betting Magazine, Greene has built a reputation as both an expert and an educator in the industry.
Over the course of his career, he has hosted more than 10,000 radio shows, appeared live from sportsbooks across Las Vegas casinos, and provided insight to bettors ranging from casual fans to seasoned sharps. Specializing in NFL, college football, and college basketball, Greene combines decades of handicapping knowledge with an engaging, straightforward style that makes the betting world easier to understand for everyone.
When fans hear from Gary Greene, they know they’re getting more than just picks—they’re getting perspective from a Vegas veteran who has lived and breathed the action for nearly four decades. Contact him @Garybetvegas
Luke Littler 8 – 5 Michael van Gerwen(best of 15 legs)
Reigning double world champion and world number one Luke Littler bounced back from his Bahrain setback to win the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters on the eve of his 19th birthday, rounding off a sensational day by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8–5 in a high-quality final.
Littler had to come from behind in a hard-fought quarter-final against Gian van Veen, before exacting revenge on Gerwyn Price in the semi-final, having lost to the Welshman at last week’s event in Bahrain.
‘The Nuke’ then started off like a bullet train against van Gerwen, racing into a 4–0 lead in a matter of minutes while averaging a remarkable 114. ‘Mighty Mike’, to his credit, raised his level to haul it back to 4–3, only to miss three darts at double 10 to draw level.
From there, Littler regained his edge, and despite pressure from the Dutchman, got over the line with a superb 11-darter to seal the victory.
Explosive darts action in a restrained atmosphere in Riyadh
If the sport is judged purely on the competition itself, then the crowd were treated to a spectacular showcase of darts at its very best. van Gerwen illustrated that range perfectly, averaging just 87 in a laboured quarter-final win over Stephen Bunting before lifting his level dramatically to post 100-plus averages in both his semi-final and final.
Then there was Littler, who had to produce his best to overcome three opponents in high-quality encounters, while surprise quarter-finalist Man Lok Leung impressed by pushing Nathan Aspinall all the way. From a purely sporting perspective, it was the kind of day any darts fan would happily lap up.
But Riyadh had never hosted a PDC event before, and it showed. Without the usual fancy dress, constant noise and crowd-led momentum that darts thrives on, the atmosphere was noticeably muted from start to finish.
Culturally, that is understandable and works well enough for many sports, but darts is different. The gap in understanding was evident when the crowd greeted an early sub-50 checkout with the same muted enthusiasm as a ton-plus finish later on, flattening moments that would normally lift the room.
The players would have felt it too. Darts players feed off the crowd in different ways, and there was little coming back at them to draw energy from. Most are media-trained to not criticise openly, although Nathan Aspinall did suggest that the crowd were still finding their way with the finer details of the sport, and some may even have been ringers.
As a first staging of the event, lessons will inevitably be learned and things may improve when darts returns to the Kingdom. One thing is certain – Saudi Arabia rarely loosens its grip once it has a sport in its grasp, and it is unlikely to be content in the long term with hosting a solitary, minor tournament while the game itself is still shaking off the afterglow of the World Championship.
But if the sport is to truly thrive here long term, a balance will need to be found between local traditions and the atmosphere that has long been part of what makes darts what it is.
Tune în Wednesday for a special show from Tampa Bay Downs
Let ‘em Run Special Wednesday Podcast LIVE from Tampa Bay Downs
Midweek racing brings fresh opportunity, sharper opinions, and real-time insight from the track. This Wednesday, Let ‘em Run takes the show on the road with live analysis straight from Tampa Bay Downs. With strong angles, value-driven plays, and boots on the ground, this special edition delivers the kind of edge horseplayers look for during the week.
Be sure to tune in on Wednesday at 12:30 PM EST for our special “Boots on the Ground” segment. John Kostin will be live from Tampa Bay Downs and joined by guest handicapper Wadie Khalaf. Together, they will break down the card with a sharp focus on the Late P5 and key spot plays, including the always-popular Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day. You can catch the show live on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Let’s take a closer look at a few races that stand out.
Tampa Bay Downs | Wednesday 1/21/26
Race 2 | 12:20 PM EST
This race offers a strong opinion with limited value, but there is still a way to make it pay. The #5 Uncashed sits at 2-1 on the morning line and owns a +10 BRISnet Prime Power advantage over the rest of the field. That edge pushes the projected win percentage to around 55%. He also profiles as the lone “E” type in the race, which strengthens the pace advantage. Trainer numbers support the play as well, with a 31% win rate when sending out runners who won last time out.
Since the price will likely drop, the value shifts to a double play. The suggested approach is a $50 double using 5 with 9 and 10 in Race 3. The outside posts win often in that race, and the odds should offer a better return.
Race 8 | 3:55 PM EST
This race sets up nicely for another BRISnet-based angle and should provide a fairer price at post time. The #1 Paynter’s Prodigy sits at 3-1 and checks several important boxes. He is an “E” type, owns the highest last-race speed figure, and also tops the field in early TimeformUS Pace.
The only other true speed appears to be #12 Chico Charlie at 6-1, but that runner draws a tough, ground-losing outside post. The price on the #1 may drift up, as jockey Wesley Ho remains capable but does not draw heavy public support. That scenario could create solid betting value.
All three of us will share insights and opinions on the full Late P5 during the live podcast. Be sure to tune in. Bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and as always, Let ‘em Run.
On January 10, 2026, Dalton Smith announced himself on the world stage with a stunning knockout victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship. Fighting in Brooklyn, New York, Smith delivered a fearless performance in his United States debut and dismantled one of the division’s most feared punchers.
Smith stopped the Puerto Rican powerhouse in the fifth round with a brutal sequence of chopping right hands. The finish capped a fight that evolved from a sharp, technical opening into an all-out war, with both men trading heavy shots. When the moment arrived, Smith imposed his will and closed the show against the 33-year-old champion.
Built for the Big Stage
Smith entered the fight with a growing reputation for knockout power, fast hands, and a proven chin. Against Matias, he matched intensity and confidence from the opening bell. As the rounds wore on, Smith controlled the exchanges and turned pressure into opportunity, becoming the first fighter to knock Matias out.
Matias arrived with a reputation as a destroyer, but Smith refused to retreat. He stood his ground, answered fire with fire, and changed the trajectory of the junior welterweight division.
Roots in Sheffield
Born February 8, 1997, in Sheffield, England, Smith grew up in a sports-driven household. Football came first, but boxing quickly took hold. His father, Grant Smith, and grandfather, Brian Smith, introduced him to the Steel City Gym around 2003, setting the foundation for his career.
Smith thrived as an amateur. He collected national titles, earned a medal at the 2014 European Youth Championships, and captured the ABA title in 2018. Those accomplishments marked him as one of Britain’s elite prospects.
The Professional Rise
Smith turned professional in 2019 after signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. He debuted in Nottingham against Luka Leskovic and earned a points win. Momentum followed fast. Seven straight victories, many by knockout, pushed him into the national spotlight.
In 2021, Smith captured the English title with a sixth-round stoppage of Lee Appleyard. He followed that by winning the WBC International Silver super lightweight title in 2022, forcing Ray Moylette’s corner to halt the fight in round ten. Eight months later, Smith claimed the British title with a devastating sixth-round finish against Sam O’Maison.
From Contender to Champion
Victories over Sam Maxwell and former WBC Silver champion Jose Zepeda elevated Smith into elite company. In 2025, wins over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain sealed his world title opportunity.
Smith entered the Matias fight undefeated at 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Matias stood at 23-2 with 22 knockouts. The collision delivered fireworks, and Smith emerged as the last man standing.
With the win, Dalton Smith became the fifth active British world champion, joining a growing list of elite names and signaling the arrival of a new force at 140 pounds.
Politics8 years ago