During the kick-off of the 2023 NFL season, Jared Goff led his underdog Detroit Lions to a shocking victory against none other than the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, on the road no less. The Lions haven't exactly been regulars in the playoffs lately,  they've only made it there a measly three times since the turn of the millennium.

But against all odds, they pulled off the most epic upset against Patrick Mahomes and his dynasty-status-approaching Chiefs. And they have since built on that earth-shattering victory, improving to a record of 6-2 after nine game weeks. We're smack bang in the middle of the 2023 NFL season so it's time to buckle up and assess the current standings while playing the crystal ball game. Who's going to reign supreme in their divisions two months down the line? Let's find out!

NFC East - Philadelphia Eagles

The NFC East is a supercharged division. Just last season, a whopping three out of the four teams made it to the playoffs, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants wowing everyone. But this year, oh boy, the Giants have capitulated, and their performances? Not so impressive anymore.

The MetLife Stadium team is currently struggling with a measly 2-7 record. To put things in perspective, only the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers have fared worse in the entire league. On the other hand, the Eagles and the Cowboys continue to soar, the former currently leads the division with eight wins and just one loss. The latter meanwhile is trailing behind with three fewer wins but having played one less game.

The Cowboys are making strides to reclaim their powerhouse status, but let's be real, they've still got a way to go before catching up to the Eagles. With Jalen Hurts at the helm, the Lincoln Financial Field crew has a QB who can single-handedly snatch victories. The reigning NFC Champions will go toe-to-toe with the Buffalo Bills and the Chiefs - the team that crushed their dreams at Super Bowl LVII in February - before the season is out, however. Despite these challenging games, we fully anticipate them to triumph over the hurdles and reign as champions of the NFC East for the second consecutive season.

NFC West - San Francisco 49ers

The 2023 season started with a bang for the San Francisco 49ers, kicking off the campaign with five straight victories. But as of late, it seems like their luck has taken a nosedive, as have their chances of success. Despite being the favorites for the Lombardi greatness not too long ago, three consecutive losses have prompted Super Bowl odds providers to push them all the way out to +525, only good for third in the pecking order.

But while they have been stumbling, their divisional foe, the Seattle Seahawks, have shown off their skills and announced their return as genuine contenders. They have gone about their business quietly, amassing an impressive record of 6-2 to claim the top spot in the NFC West. However, despite this, deep down, we can't help but believe that the Californians will find a way to reclaim their rightful position.

Brock Purdy, the once dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant," is proving to be quite the sensation as a quarterback, though he hasn't quite hit his stride just yet. And if that wasn't enough, McCaffrey's return to full fitness in just a few short weeks is eagerly anticipated. With these factors in play, it's safe to say that the 49ers possess enough prowess to reign supreme in their division once more.

NFC North - Detroit Lions

As we highlighted earlier, the Detroit Lions pulled off an absolute shocker in this year's opener, taking down the reigning champions on the road. But let's be real, maybe we shouldn't have been so surprised. They showed their party-pooping skills on the final day of last season by beating their arch-nemesis Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, crushing the hosts' dreams of making the playoffs.

This season, these guys have put together a whopping 6-2 record and have become a real force to reckon with in the NFC. When it comes to their division, they don't even break a sweat against the Packers or the Chicago Bears. The only thing that can potentially rain on their parade is the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately for them, their starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, took a tumble and that might just be the end of the line for their Super Bowl dreams.

The Lions are sitting pretty with the division in their paws. They've got a sweet schedule ahead, including not one, but two matchups against the lowly Bears. It wouldn't be a surprise if they gave the Eagles a run for their money and snag that top-seed spot in the conference by the end of the year.

NFC South - Atlanta Falcons

If we're talking about tough NFL divisions, it's safe to say that the NFC East takes the cake. But when it comes to the NFC South, well, let's just say it's not exactly top-tier. Out of the four teams in the division - the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers - only one can boast a winning record. That honor goes to the Louisiana outfit, but that record is still just 5-4 and is hardly eye-opening.

It looks like the second half of the season might get tough for everyone. But if we had to choose a winner, we'd go with the Falcons. They seem to have a slightly better schedule than the Saints.

The high-stakes world of online casinos in Canada is a thrilling arena, akin to the dynamic spectacle of WWE. In this comprehensive guide, we will draw parallels between the strategic planning and excitement of WWE and the world of online gaming. 

Our focus is to equip players with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this vibrant landscape, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and potentially lucrative online casino experience. Like a skilled WWE wrestler, a successful online casino player must be informed, strategic, and ready for action.

Understanding the Canadian Online Casino Landscape

Regulatory Framework

Navigating the Canadian online casino scene requires an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment. 

This section is akin to learning the rules of the WWE ring—knowing what's allowed and what's not. We will explore the legalities of online gambling in Canada, emphasizing the importance of playing at licensed and regulated sites. This knowledge is crucial for safe and legal online gaming, just as understanding the rules is essential for fair play in WWE.

• Canadian Gambling Laws: Familiarizing oneself with the legal landscape is paramount. Canada's gaming industry operates under stringent regulations, ensuring fair play and security. Each province has autonomy over gambling activities, so it's essential to understand the laws specific to one's location.
• Licensing and Oversight: Trusted online casinos in Canada are licensed by reputable bodies like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. These licenses guarantee that the casino adheres to strict operational standards, similar to how WWE wrestlers abide by the rules of the ring.

Game Selection Strategies

Choosing the right games in an online casino is as critical as a WWE wrestler selecting their signature moves. This section will delve into the strategies for selecting the most suitable games in Canadian online casinos. 

We'll discuss the importance of a diverse game portfolio and the role of top game providers in ensuring a high-quality gaming experience. Just as a wrestler's moves are pivotal to their success in the ring, the right game selection is key to achieving success in the virtual casino arena.

• Diverse Portfolio: The best online casinos boast a diverse game portfolio. From slot machines with themes ranging from classic fruits to WWE superstars, to table games like blackjack and roulette, there's a game for every style and strategy.
• Game Providers: Top-tier casinos partner with renowned game providers like Microgaming and NetEnt. These collaborations ensure high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and fair odds, akin to the production quality of a WWE match.

Winning Strategies and Tactics

Understanding Odds and Payouts

In this section, we discuss the importance of understanding odds and payouts in online casinos, drawing parallels to a WWE wrestler studying their opponent. 

Knowing the house edge and RTP (Return to Player) of games is vital for informed decision-making, much like a wrestler needs to know their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. We'll break down these concepts to help players choose games wisely and increase their chances of winning.

• House Edge: Just as a WWE wrestler studies their opponent, players must understand the house edge. Each game has a different edge, and knowing this can significantly influence your game choice and strategy.
• Payout Rates: Look for games with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages. A higher RTP means a better chance of winning in the long run.

Effective Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management in online casinos is akin to a wrestler planning their strategy for a match. 

This section will provide insights into setting realistic gaming budgets and employing wagering strategies that align with your financial limits. Just as a wrestler conserves energy and plans their moves, a smart player manages their bankroll to sustain longer play and maximize enjoyment.

• Setting Limits: Establish a budget for your gaming sessions, akin to a wrestler planning their moves. This prevents overspending and ensures a responsible gaming experience.
• Wagering Strategies: Implement wagering strategies that match your bankroll. For instance, if your budget is limited, opt for games with lower minimum bets.

Maximizing Bonuses and Promotions

Identifying Valuable Offers

In the world of online casino bonuses and promotions are the equivalent of a wrestler's special entrance or signature move—they can be game-changers. This section focuses on how to identify the most valuable offers, from welcome bonuses to loyalty programs. We will guide players on what to look for in these offers, how to compare them, and how to use them to their advantage, much like a wrestler uses their unique skills to gain an edge in the ring.

• Welcome Bonuses: Like a WWE debut, welcome bonuses can give you a significant advantage. Look for offers with generous match percentages and reasonable wagering requirements.
• Loyalty Programs: Regular players should take advantage of loyalty programs. These can offer benefits such as cashback, free spins, and exclusive promotions.

Terms and Conditions

Just as a WWE wrestler must be aware of the match rules, online casino players must understand the terms and conditions of bonuses and promotions. This section emphasizes the importance of reading the fine print, including wagering requirements and game restrictions. Understanding these details is crucial to maximizing bonus benefits and avoiding pitfalls.

Reading the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions of any bonus or promotion. Understanding the wagering requirements and game restrictions is crucial to maximize these offers, much like a wrestler needs to know the rules of the match.

Safe and Secure Gaming Experience

Security Measures

Ensuring a safe and secure gaming experience online is as crucial as maintaining safety in a WWE ring. 

This section will discuss the vital security measures that reputable online casinos implement, including data encryption and fair play certifications. We will guide players on how to verify these security measures, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment.

• Data Protection: Ensure the casino employs state-of-the-art encryption technology to protect personal and financial information, just as WWE ensures the safety of its wrestlers and audience.
• Fair Play Assurance: Look for casinos that are audited by independent bodies like eCOGRA. This ensures game fairness and integrity.

Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming is a cornerstone of a sustainable and enjoyable online casino experience, much like the discipline required in WWE. 

In this section, we'll explore tools and strategies to maintain control, such as setting limits and knowing when to seek help. Emphasizing the importance of balance and self-awareness, this section aims to promote a healthy approach to online gaming.

• Setting Limits: Responsible gaming tools allow you to set deposit, loss, and session time limits, promoting a healthy balance between gaming and other life activities.
• Seeking Help: If you feel you're losing control, utilize resources like helplines and self-exclusion programs. Remember, gaming should be entertaining, not a source of stress.

Conclusion

In summary, navigating the world of online casinos in Canada requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and discipline—qualities akin to those of a WWE wrestler. 

From understanding the regulatory landscape and selecting the right games to managing your bankroll and maximizing bonuses, each aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. With this guide, players are well-equipped to step into the virtual casino arena and strive for those ring-worthy wins.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022/23 revision of our top 50 Indiana Pacers.

As for all of our top 50 players in basketball we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Basketball Association.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Indiana again failed to make the playoffs but we have two new entrants and one elevation nevertheless.

As always, we present our top five, which was not affected by the last season:

1. Reggie Miller

2. Mel Daniels

3. George McGinnis

4. Roger Brown

5. Billy Knight

You can find the entire list here.

Myles Turner advanced two spots to #17.

The two new entries are Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell who debut at #47 and #50 respectively.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

After four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, T.J. McConnell signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2019, where he has been their back-up Point Guard ever since.

McConnell never had the makeup to be an elite player, as he is undersized and lacks great athleticism, but made up for it with strong decision making, solid pass distribution and a sound defensive game.  In a game in 2021, McConnell set the record with nine Steals in a Game and became to first player to come off the bench with a triple-double in Steals, Assists and Points.  McConnell finished first that season in Steals and Steals per Game.  Last season, McConnell had his first double-digit Points year (10.2) and was seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting on a team that went to the ECF,

McConnell is still with Indiana and though he is a bench player, can still move up significantly on this list.