In Toronto, Pascal Siakam became a star.

The native of Cameroon came of age in his third NBA season, winning the Most Improved Player of the Year in 2019, all while helping the Raptors win their first NBA Championship.  He later went to two All-Star Games as a Raptor, but it was clear Toronto needed to rebuild, and he was traded to the Pacers during the 2023-24 Season.

The Power Forward continued to score often, and in the year-and-a-half he has played for Indiana, he has maintained a 20-plus PPG, added a third All-Star, and was crucial in Indiana’s NBA Finals appearance in 2025.  Entering this season, Siakam has a lot on his plate, as Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year, and he no longer has Myles Turner.  Nevertheless, Siakam has a lot of good basketball in him, though he might have to carry a bigger load than expected.

Sports betting rewards patience and punishes impulse. New bettors often lose money because they treat wagering as entertainment rather than a practice that requires structure. The gap between consistent winners and everyone else comes down to method. Industry data from Esports Insider shows only 2% to 3% of sports bettors remain profitable on an annual basis. That number should tell you something about how most people approach this.

Earning money from sports betting is possible. It requires specific habits, a willingness to track your activity, and an acceptance that small edges compound over time. This article covers the practices that separate losing bettors from those who build their bankrolls steadily.

Start With a Fixed Bankroll

Your bankroll is the total amount you allocate to betting. This number should be money you can lose without affecting your rent, bills, or savings. Covers.com suggests anywhere from $200 to $500 as a reasonable starting point for beginners.

Once you set this amount, divide it into units. A unit represents a standard bet size. Sports Betting Dime recommends keeping each bet between 1% and 5% of your total bankroll. Conservative bettors stick closer to 1% or 2%. With a $1,000 bankroll and a 2% unit size, each unit equals $20.

Flat betting means wagering the same unit on every bet regardless of confidence level. This approach protects you from large swings. Professional Gambler notes that flat betting at 2% produces long-term profitability more reliably than progressive systems that promise faster gains.

Free Money Before You Risk Your Own

Most sportsbooks offer sign-up promotions that give you betting capital without touching your bankroll. DraftKings pays $200 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins. BetMGM returns up to $1,500 in bonus bets on a losing first wager. Caesars gives new users 20 profit boosts at 100% after a $1 bet. Fanatics spreads its offer across 10 days, returning up to $2,000 in FanCash on losses. These deals vary by state and change frequently.

Tracking and comparing these offers takes time. Tools exist to help. BetStamp aggregates odds across books and flags value. OddsJam scans millions of lines for discrepancies. Bettors also find updated bonus codes on sites like Sportsbookreview. Stacking a few of these promotions in your first weeks can extend your bankroll by hundreds of dollars before you place a single bet with your own cash.

Why Line Shopping Matters

Different sportsbooks post different odds on the same event. A team might be -110 at one book and -105 at another. That difference seems small on a single bet. Over hundreds of wagers, it determines if you profit or lose.

OddsJam scans odds from hundreds of sportsbooks in real time. Rotowire considers it the gold standard of betting tools in 2025. BetStamp functions similarly and offers a free option. Think of these tools like flight comparison sites. You tell the software what you want to bet, and it shows you the best available price.

Bettors who use multiple sportsbooks and compare lines before placing wagers keep more of their money. Opening accounts at 3 to 5 books takes time upfront but pays off with better odds on nearly every bet.

Positive Expected Value Explained

Expected value measures the average outcome of a bet over many repetitions. A positive expected value bet has a higher probability of winning than the odds suggest. OddsShopper defines this as the foundation of profitable long-term betting.

Standard odds at -110 require you to win 52.4% of your bets to break even. If you find a bet where you believe your win probability exceeds the implied odds, you have positive expected value.

Value discrepancies appear when sportsbooks misprice odds. This happens due to public betting pressure, limited data on lesser-known events, or inefficiencies in markets like player props. Outlier notes that smaller leagues and niche markets tend to have softer lines because books allocate fewer resources to pricing them accurately.

Pick a Lane and Stay There

Trying to bet on every sport spreads your attention too thin. Dimers recommends specializing in sports you know well. Deep familiarity with a league or team allows you to spot mispricings that casual bettors miss.

OddsShopper suggests focusing on specific conferences in college basketball rather than tracking hundreds of teams. NFL preseason offers another opportunity. Limits are lower, but lines can be soft because public information is scarce. Bettors who research these windows find edges that generalists overlook.

Caan Berry points out that bookmakers concentrate their resources on major sports. Niche events often have odds set on limited information. Sigma World adds that books are less likely to adjust these lines after opening, giving informed bettors time to find value.

Mistakes That Drain Your Bankroll

Sports Betting Dime warns against betting while drinking. Alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibition. Bettors have lost entire bankrolls in single sessions because they wagered under the influence.

Chasing losses is another common error. Skrill describes this as trying to recoup money by making larger or riskier bets. The response to a losing streak should be a break, not a bigger wager.

Multi-leg parlays attract beginners because the potential payouts look impressive. SportsCapping explains that the sportsbook edge compounds with each additional leg. A 6-team parlay is far harder to hit than the payout suggests. If you want to parlay, keep it to 2 or 3 legs.

GrandPrix247 emphasizes the importance of having a budget before you start. Betting randomly without tracking your activity leads to losing your funds faster than you expect.

Keeping Records

Every bet you place should be logged. Record the date, sport, bet type, odds, stake, and outcome. Over time, this data reveals patterns. You might find that you profit on NFL totals but lose on NBA spreads. You might discover your live bets underperform compared to pregame wagers.

Adjust your approach based on what the records show, not on how you feel about recent results. Macau Sporting Club advises treating your bankroll like a business budget. Decisions should follow data, not emotion.

Conclusion

Profitable sports betting requires discipline more than luck. Set a bankroll you can afford to lose. Bet in small, consistent units. Claim sign-up bonuses to extend your capital. Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks. Focus on markets where you have an information edge. Avoid alcohol, emotional betting, and high-leg parlays.

The 97% of bettors who lose money each year skip these steps. They bet impulsively, chase losses, and spread themselves across too many sports. The 3% who profit treat wagering as a structured practice with rules they follow every time. The choice between those groups comes down to habits, and habits start with the next bet you place.

1987 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project Class.

Here we are!  Again!!

If you have been following our Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project, you know we have asked the question: What if the PFHOF had begun in January 1946?

After soliciting and obtaining a passionate group of football fans and historians, we sent out a ballot for a Preliminary Vote, in which each voter selected 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 names for the Senior Pool. We then asked the group to vote for their 15 Finalists in the Modern Era and 3 in the Senior Category. The final stage was to vote for their five Modern Era inductee and one Senior inductee.

This is the result of the 42nd official class. 

Below are the final results of this project based on 35 votes.

Remember that we have reverted back to the top five candidates entering the Hall in the Modern Era

This is for the “Modern Era”

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1987:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1987.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1987.

About the 1987 Inductees:

Joe Greene, DT, PIT 1969-81: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Playing his college ball at North Texas, the Steelers drafted Joe Greene with the number 4 pick, and he was the player around whom the Steel Curtain was built.  You can take it a step further and say that everything changed when Greene and Head Coach Chuck Noll arrived in 1969, as, despite the Steelers' longevity, they had never won a Championship. 

The Steelers had no winning culture, and Greene had said in past interviews that he was not happy to have been drafted by Pittsburgh.  The wins did not come in his rookie year, as Pittsburgh had only one "W," but Greene was a bright spot, named to the Pro Bowl and the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Steelers acquired more talent through the draft, and by 1972, they assembled one of the most dominating defensive lines ever.  The Steel Curtain had arrived, and they were now Super Bowl contenders.  Greene won the 1972 Defensive Player of the Year Award, and two years later, he did so again, but it was a far more special year for Mean Joe.

The Steelers lived up to their promise by winning the Super Bowl that year, and they did so again the season after.  The Steelers' defense remained the most vaunted unit in football, and with Greene as their leader, they won two more Super Bowls before the decade closed out.  

Injuries compiled on the Defensive Tackle, and he retired after the 1981 season with 78.5 "unofficial tackles" and 10 Pro Bowl Selections.  Greene led by example, often without saying a word, and it is not without merit to say that, if it were not for Greene, the Steelers wouldn't be the Steelers. 

Greene entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot, and 30 years later was named to the Steelers Hall of Honor.  Greene is also one of two legendary Steelers whose numbers have been retired.

Alan Page, DT, MIN 1967-78 & CHI 1978-81: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

Alan Page was a National Champion and Consensus All-American at Notre Dame and achieved a level of collegiate success that places him in the top 1%.  He breached the same level as an NFL Player.

The Minnesota Vikings chose Page with the 15^th Overall Pick in 1967, and the Defensive Tackle began a nine-year run of Pro Bowls as a sophomore.  Page became the heart of the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” Defense and their top pass rusher.  Leading his team to four Super Bowl appearances, Page was a six-time First Team All-Pro, and in 1971, he made history as the first defensive player to win the MVP.  He also led the NFL in Approximate Value three years in a row (1969-71).

Page would close his career with three-and-a-half seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Mick Tingelhoff, C, MIN 1962-78.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Undrafted in 1962 from Nebraska, Tingelhoff took over as the Vikings' starting center and never missed a game in 240 contests, starting every one.  The former Cornhusker began a six-year streak of Pro Bowls in 1964, with five of them earning him a First Team All-Pro Selection.  With Tingelhoff anchoring the Vikings' line, Minnesota won ten Division Titles and made it to four Super Bowls

Minnesota retired his number 53 and named him to their Ring of Honor.

Gene Upshaw, G, OAK, 1967-81.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

One of the greatest Offensive Guards in Football history, Gene Upshaw, was the first player in football history to appear in Super Bowls in three different decades.

A First Round Pick from Texas A&M in 1967, Upshaw immediately became the Raiders' starting Left Guard, and he remained so until he retired after the 1981 Season.  Upshaw was a dominating presence in the Raiders’ Offensive Line, starting a whopping 207 Games, and for a decade-plus in the conversation for the NFL’s best blocker.  The Raiders went to three Super Bowls with Upshaw, winning two (XI & XV), and the lineman won five First Team All-Pro honors.

Nick Buoniconti, TE, DET 1968-77.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 6th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Very few Linebackers owned Nick Buoniconti’s combination of intensity, instinct, and football I-Q, and it was all completed in an undersized 5-foot-11, 220 Pound package.

Drafted by the Boston Patriots in the 13th round of the 1962 AFL draft. During his seven seasons with the Patriots, he quickly became a star, earning six AFL All-Star selections and recording 24 interceptions. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1969, where he became the captain and emotional leader of the legendary "No-Name Defense." Buoniconti anchored the Dolphins' defense during their dominant run, which included three consecutive Super Bowl appearances and the NFL's only perfect 17-0 season in 1972. He retired in 1976 as an eight-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Super Bowl champion.

George Allen, Coach, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1971-77.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1987 on his 8th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

George Allen was a transformative NFL head coach best known for his ability to immediately turn struggling franchises into contenders through his "The Future Is Now" philosophy, which prioritized trading draft picks for experienced veterans. Over a 12-season head coaching career with the Los Angeles Rams (1966–1970) and Washington Redskins (1971–1977), Allen never suffered a losing season, compiling a formidable regular-season record of 116–47–5. His intense, detail-oriented approach—which included a defensive background and pioneering emphasis on special teams—led Washington to an appearance in Super Bowl VI.

The NHL schedule continues to heat up, and fans across the U.S. are already circling some of the most anticipated showdowns of the week. 

With intense rivalries, rising young talent, and playoff implications constantly shifting, the league delivers constant excitement. 

For sports bettors, these moments offer an even sharper edge: the chance to capitalize on momentum, matchup trends, and standout player performance. 

As key NHL matchups take center stage, the spotlight naturally shifts to the athletes driving the action, particularly those poised for strong statistical nights.

This article explores the biggest upcoming games and the top players trending for prop opportunities, helping fans and bettors stay ahead of the curve.

Key Matchups That Move The Needle

Two of the week’s key NHL matchups draw particular attention, beginning with the Chicago Blackhawks traveling to face the St. Louis Blues. 

This heated divisional rivalry always delivers, and St. Louis aims to leverage home-ice advantage at the Enterprise Center. 

The Blackhawks rely heavily on their young superstar to generate offense, while the Blues look to their physical style and disciplined structure to control the pace. 

With both teams fighting to climb their standings tiers, this game offers strong opportunities for bettors exploring NHL player props tied to shots, goals, and points.

Later in the evening, fans turn to Salt Lake City for Seattle Kraken vs. Utah Mammoth. These two newer franchises continue building their competitive identities, and their fast, energetic play offers bettors multiple angles for evaluating offensive production and time-on-ice trends.

Connor Bedard: Rising Star in High-Impact Situations

Connor Bedard emerges as one of the most compelling young talents in the league, and his performances consistently push him to the top of trending player discussions. 

In key NHL matchups, especially divisional clashes like his game against the Blues, Bedard thrives under pressure. His ability to generate high shot volume, create scoring lanes, and carry offensive possessions makes him a prime target for shots-on-goal and points props.

Bedard plays with confidence beyond his age, using quick acceleration and elite puck handling to challenge opponents every shift. 

Sports bettors gravitate toward Bedard because his usage remains high, even in tough defensive matchups. Chicago leans on him to drive play, and he responds with multi-point potential on any given night. 

As he continues developing, Bedard remains one of the most reliable young stars for performance-based betting.

Jason Robertson: A Consistent Goal-Scoring Threat

Jason Robertson remains one of the most dependable offensive players in the league, especially when Dallas enters key NHL matchups against fast-paced or defensively vulnerable teams. 

His hybrid playstyle, equal parts precision, patience, and physical awareness, makes him a top choice for bettors targeting goal or shots props. Robertson excels at finding soft spots in coverage, positioning himself for high-danger scoring opportunities, and finishing accurately.

Fans who dive into Dallas-related research and analysis will have noticed that the team frequently generates intense offensive pressure. Robertson makes his contribution through steady puck possession and quality chances. 

His chemistry with top-line teammates further enhances his production, creating opportunities in both 5-on-5 and power-play situations. 

When evaluating NHL player props, Robertson deserves immediate consideration due to his consistent deployment and proven scoring instincts. His performance trends suggest he remains a top-tier option for bettors seeking reliability and elite finishing ability.

Wyatt Johnston: An Emerging Force 

Wyatt Johnston continues to rise as one of Dallas’s most intriguing young forwards, and his growing role makes him a compelling option in key NHL matchups. 

Skating alongside established stars elevates Johnston’s opportunities, allowing him to generate steady shot volume and dangerous scoring chances. His confidence with the puck and willingness to attack the slot are why he frequently appears in trending prop discussions.

Bettors appreciate Johnston’s consistency and upward trajectory. He produces in multiple areas, shots, goals, and sometimes assists, because his hockey IQ allows him to scan plays and stay involved in transition. 

Johnston’s ability to drive play complements Dallas’s high-tempo style, making him a valuable asset for those examining NHL player props tied to scoring or offensive contribution. His development continues to accelerate, putting him firmly on every bettor’s radar.

Mathew Barzal: Playmaking Engine

Mathew Barzal stands out as one of the league’s premier playmakers, making him a go-to option in key NHL matchups where New York needs dynamic offense. His exceptional speed, creativity, and puck-distribution skills allow him to influence both scoring chances and game flow. 

Bettors often target Barzal for assist props, point totals, and occasionally shots-on-goal when he enters a stretch of elevated ice time.

Barzal thrives in uptempo environments where he can exploit defensive gaps and force opponents into mistakes. His ability to break through neutral-zone pressure and generate controlled entries creates consistent opportunities for linemates. 

This reliability makes him one of the strongest options for performance-based wagering. When New York faces tight, competitive opponents, Barzal’s involvement increases, further elevating his prop value and making him a must-watch player.

Mikko Rantanen: Power Forward With Elite Scoring Potential

Mikko Rantanen continues to establish himself as one of the most complete offensive threats in the NHL. His blend of size, strength, and scoring touch makes him a dominant force in key NHL matchups where physicality and net-front presence matter. 

Bettors frequently look to Rantanen for goal props, point totals, and shot-on-goal opportunities, given his consistent involvement in high-danger scoring situations.

Whether controlling the puck down low or firing from the circles, Rantanen impacts every shift. His chemistry with top-tier teammates elevates his scoring ceiling, and his heavy power-play usage increases his reliability for wagering purposes. 

When focusing on NHL player props, Rantanen stands out not only for his ability to produce but also for his consistency across all competitive environments. His elite skill set continues to drive Colorado’s offensive success.

Prop Betting Value Dominates the NHL’s Biggest Matchups

The week’s schedule offers NHL fans a mix of rivalry intensity, emerging superstars, and evolving franchise identities. 

For bettors, these key NHL matchups present ideal conditions for analyzing performance trends, player roles, and high-impact moments. 

From Bedard’s breakout potential to Rantanen’s powerhouse presence, the league’s top talents consistently deliver strong opportunities for prop wagers.

As the season unfolds, staying informed about player trends and matchup dynamics remains the best strategy for maximizing value. 

Whether you’re watching for entertainment or exploring the betting landscape, these spotlighted games and trending players offer compelling storylines worth following.

Content reflects information available as of 2025/12/01; subject to change.