I remember scoffing at the folks saying silly things like “I’m not even sure I’ll watch this one” when Championship Sunday was over.

Sure, we were left with another year of the Chiefs and a rematch from just two years ago, but it’s the Big Game! In fact, I was downright angry at anyone saying this and was close to calling them names on Twitter. It’s still the Super Bowl; you can’t downplay that, surely?!

I’m a little worried they were right. (it takes a big man to admit this, please applaud)

Here we are on Tuesday of the week leading up, and honestly, I’m not as pumped as usual. This one lacks the juice for some reason. I’ve spent more time on PGA, TGL, LIV, and reading a book about an insider trading scandal than on football this week.

I don’t even hate the Chiefs! I don’t buy the rigged refs theories. Hell, I can even deal with the Eagles fans. I don’t really hate any teams, for very long at least. It usually tops out at a general annoyance with a fan base once a year or so (looking at you, Detroit).

I think I’m really going to have to buckle down and throw myself at the props for the rest of the week to build my own hype up and get me jacked up for this one. I’m going to just have to go full BALCO and create my own juice. I will not let this week slip away and regret it when there’s no football for six months.

I do have a few props thus far, and I guess I’m behind a bit and maybe missed some good prices, but with a podcast tomorrow night and some open time on Thursday, it feels like it’s time to really dive in and add to the portfolio.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll send some shorter newsletters with some angles I like for the game. With thousands of props between the legal operators, the sweepstakes books, and our friends in Costa Rica, I’m sure I’ll find something with value.

As of right now (not to spoil any media I do this week), I like the Eagles to win the game with their defense and the game to feature more field goals than touchdowns. Speaking of defense…

Mock Draft 2.0: What Did We Learn in Mobile?

While I’m working on adding more liability to my Sunday, I’ve also spent some time reading up on the Senior Bowl, the rumors surrounding players, and anything else I can glean from the draft season insiders.

After putting together as much as I could on team needs, GM tendencies, and positional value, I’ve taken a second swing at mock drafting (see my first one of the year here). With the season over soon, I’ll probably try to update this once a week.

1. Tennessee - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

This is becoming a popular one, and I'm willing to accept that this is what they mean by "generational talent". There are some rumors of the Titans getting offers from other organizations to acquire this pick (likely for a QB), so maybe they still get Carter, but further down the board.

2. Cleveland - Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

I have no idea what the plan is for this team. The QB contract is a mess; the best player wants out, and I'm not sure they know what the path forward is. Fix two positions at once?

3. NY Giants - Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Most agree that the quarterback class is weak but that Ward should be the top one taken. This slots in nicely with a huge need for a team that's honestly not THAT far away from relevancy. Plus, the coach and GM are on thin ice, and you don't save your job by taking a defensive tackle.

4. New England - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Lots of needs in New England, but given the quick growth seen by Maye, it'd be very fun to see him with an actual high-end offensive weapon. They Pats would need to be aggressive in free agency to help with the offensive line if they go this route.

5. Jacksonville - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

It's a tough team to sort out, given the new GM/Head Coach combo, but Graham seems like a can't-miss kind of piece for a defense that has holes all over it.

……read the whole 1st round mock here: