Football Pressure, Baseball Drama, and a Championship on the Line
- Isaiah Carpenter
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
By Isaiah Carpenter, HatTrick Sports
Another week of sports delivered no shortage of chaos, strong opinions, and moments that make fans argue nonstop. From NFL playoff twists to major MLB headlines and a national championship matchup nobody saw coming, this week reminded us how fast narratives can change. Let’s break down everything that mattered.
NFL Playoffs: Chaos Early, Pressure Everywhere
The NFL playoff picture continues to flip on its head. Some games felt finished by halftime and still found ways to turn dramatic. The Rams vs. Panthers matchup was one of the wildest so far, with Carolina nearly pulling off another comeback after already beating the Rams earlier this season. Green Bay blowing a 21–3 third-quarter lead against Chicago was another shocker — a win there would’ve set up a matchup with Seattle. Looking at the bracket as a whole, the path is opening up, and Seattle feels like a team built for this moment.
What’s Next for John Harbaugh?
After coaching the Ravens since 2008, John Harbaugh’s run came to an end following a playoff miss that came down to a rookie kicker. It’s strange seeing a coach with his résumé suddenly available, but several teams are already in position to make a move. Miami and the Giants stand out as the most realistic fits — both need leadership, structure, and someone who’s been through deep playoff runs before.
Final 2025 NFL Pick’em Results
The final Pick’em record for the 2025 season wrapped up at 164–78, good for a .678 win percentage. Not perfect, but solid considering how unpredictable this season became. With injuries, late-season collapses, and surprise contenders, staying near 68% is something to build on heading into next year. This winning percentage is better than 24 teams in the NFL this season
Rob Manfred and the In-Season Tournament Idea
Rob Manfred floating the idea of an MLB in-season tournament just doesn’t land. There’s no real demand for it, and baseball already struggles with pacing and fan engagement during the regular season. Instead of forcing new formats, the league would be better off focusing on expansion and letting Manfred’s term end naturally in 2029. The NBA’s version hasn’t exactly caught fire either — and baseball copying it won’t fix anything.
Alex Bregman to the Cubs
Alex Bregman signing a 5-year, $175 million deal with Chicago was one of the biggest moves of the offseason. He opted out of a $40 million player option with Boston to secure long-term money at $35 million per year, along with a full no-trade clause. Whether you like him or not, it’s a massive commitment and a clear signal that the Cubs are serious about competing now.
Jose Ramirez Chooses Loyalty
Jose Ramirez finally explained why he stayed in Cleveland on a 7-year, $141 million deal, even with bigger offers on the table. He understood the market, talked directly with the front office, and chose stability for his family and loyalty to the city that embraced him from day one. This is the kind of commitment fans always say they want — and rarely get.
Max Kepler Suspended
Free agent outfielder Max Kepler was suspended 80 games after testing positive for PEDs. The suspension significantly hurts his value, and if he doesn’t sign before the season, those games will still count. Kepler hit .216/.300/.391 with 18 HR and 52 RBI in 127 games last season, and he won’t be eligible for the 2026 postseason.
MLB Farm Systems: Overrated?
MLB executives voted the Dodgers as the top farm system, earning 20% of the vote. It’s surprising considering their reputation for spending big, but it raises a bigger question — how valuable is a “great” farm system really? Many prospects never pan out. Trading young talent for proven stars often feels like the safer move when the goal is winning now.
Top 5 QB Seasons of All Time (QBR)
Tom Brady (2007, Patriots) – 87.0
Peyton Manning (2006, Colts) – 86.4
Aaron Rodgers (2011, Packers) – 83.8
Lamar Jackson (2019, Ravens) – 83.0
Drew Brees (2011, Saints) – 82.3
National Championship: Miami vs. Indiana
Nobody expected this matchup. Miami wasn’t even supposed to make the playoff, and Indiana — once one of the worst programs in college football — has completely turned things around. The championship will be played January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium, with standing-room tickets pushing $10,000. Indiana should be heavily favored, but Miami’s run alone makes this game must-watch.
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With the postseason picture coming into focus across sports, the margins are getting thinner and the stakes higher. College football is down to its final matchup, the NFL playoffs are underway, and MLB decisions now will shape seasons months from now. The next few weeks should bring clarity, controversy, and moments that actually matter — exactly when sports are at their best.
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