All articles tagged with #analytics
NBA commissioner Adam Silver says tanking has worsened due to modern analytics and misaligned incentives, calling for fresh thinking to address teams blatantly losing to gain better draft position; the league fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for resting star players in late games, and questions remain about whether the draft system truly targets the teams most in need of improvement.
After a rough 9–5 start and a shaky SEC opener, Florida has surged by leaning into size, physicality and elite offensive rebounding to create extra possessions, turning imperfect shooting into consistent wins and positioning the Gators for a potential repeat as national champions behind key contributions from Chinyelu, Condon and Haugh and improved turnover control.
Canada should start Logan Thompson over Jordan Binnington at the Olympics because Thompson’s elite goaltending numbers far exceed Binnington’s decline, and choosing Binnington would significantly reduce Canada’s gold odds and complicate its knockout path, making the opener a high-leverage decision.
A growing analytics-driven trend pushes teams to go for it on fourth down in opponent territory, with NFL teams converting about 57% and attempting 34% of such plays in 2025—the highest rate this century. The pattern is illustrated by the Broncos’ playoff gamble, the Patriots’ success, and Indiana’s national title via a fourth-down conversion. While analytics argue it increases win probability, critics like Mike Martz warn the emphasis on numbers can erode football’s human element.
AI is moving into rodeo with real-time computer vision from Palantir, Nvidia, and TWG AI, deployed by Teton Ridge to track rider and animal movements (kicks, spins, speed) and translate performances into actionable metrics for scores, training, and fan engagement. The goal is to supplement judging with data rather than replace it, marking a cultural shift as a tradition-bound sport embraces analytics and potentially broadens sponsorship and broadcast opportunities while sparking debate about preserving cowboy lore.
An ESPN-insider report portrays Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as never fully accepted within the organization due to his non-traditional, analytics-driven background, with whispers of power struggles with head coach Kevin O’Connell contributing to a disappointing tenure and his eventual firing.
The Cleveland Browns are pursuing a coaching candidate search that emphasizes data-driven methods, including essays, homework assignments, and personality tests, alongside traditional interviews. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero described the process as unusually rigorous, a approach that could appeal to highly analytical candidates but may deter others who prioritize traditional coaching fits. Reports suggest some interested coaches, like Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter, have withdrawn, underscoring concerns that this method may undermine finding the best on-field leader and reflect a legacy of DiPodesta-era strategies at odds with practical hiring outcomes.
The Steelers’ head-coach search is being conducted methodically, with early interviews of Scheelhaase and Shula and plans for in-person interviews during the Super Bowl bye week as they weigh McVay-tree candidates and others; the Penguins rely on extensive internal analytics for player development and opponent scouting, with some players questioning the public data and Evgeni Malkin possibly moving back to center; the Pirates are chasing offensive upgrades at third base, weighing free agents like Suarez against trades for prospects (Baty, Vientos) while navigating other roster moves and PiratesFest logistics.
Washington traded MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers for five prospects (Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Abimelec Ortiz, Yeremy Cabrera), a package viewed by rivals as heavy on surplus value and quantity with Rosario set for Tommy John surgery. Rangers gain immediate upside while Washington pursues long-term control. The deal is contrasted with the Brewers’ Peralta-to-Mets move and ongoing Peralta interest, highlighting differing rebuild vs. win-now strategies. Also, Max Scherzer said he’s healthy and ready to sign with the right opportunity; local-TV uncertainty lingers for nine teams, slowing some free-agent pursuits (notably Reds and Angels), while Aaron Sanchez shone in the Dominican Winter League. The article underscores how analytics, health, and TV-rights dynamics are shaping this offseason.
The piece argues Stefanski’s value isn’t captured by his win-loss record alone: he built a strong, analytics-informed offense around a punishing run game in Cleveland, developed quarterbacks under challenging circumstances, and adapted to disruptive roster moves. Those strengths—leadership, scheme versatility, and a proven ability to maximize talent—make him a promising fit for the Falcons beyond just the numbers on the board.
FTN's DVOA-based analysis predicts the NFL Divisional Round outcomes, highlighting edges for the Broncos over the Bills, Seahawks over the 49ers (with Sam Darnold’s oblique injury to watch), Texans over the Patriots, and Rams over the Bears, while noting Seattle's offense against San Francisco and Houston/LA as favorable matchups; the piece continues the 'Analytics Predicts' series after a 4-2 showing in the previous round.
Austin Mock’s NFL Projection Model uses play-by-play data to estimate each team’s expected points and derives divisional-round spreads and totals that closely match BetMGM lines (within about a half-point on spreads and a point on totals). The article notes Bills as 1-point underdogs at Denver, three home teams favored, and the Rams as the only road favorite, highlighting how the model mirrors sportsbook expectations.
ESPN is launching 'MNF Playbook with Next Gen Stats' on Dec. 22, an analytics-driven NFL telecast featuring real-time data, advanced metrics, and AI insights, aimed at avid fans, with commentary from former NFL players and analysts, available on ESPN2 and the ESPN App during the final weeks of the NFL season and playoffs.
The New York Giants chose to kick a field goal instead of going for a touchdown in a critical fourth-and-goal situation, a decision influenced by conventional wisdom and analytics, but it ultimately contributed to their loss as their defense faltered in the final minutes. The article debates whether Daboll's conservative approach was correct or if an aggressive play for the touchdown would have been better.
OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas browser can mimic human clicks on ads, potentially draining ad budgets and corrupting analytics data, which poses risks for digital marketing and calls for new detection standards.