Macca

It's the only league in world sport where ... It's entirely possible to come from nowhere in a short space of time (1-3 years) and contend. It's also possible to stay at the top indefinitely (New England) You get it wrong with poor decisions you stay down (Cleveland) In any given year any division can and does flip/flop (except it seems the AFC East!) It's absolutely a 'no-excuse' league ... every team gets injuries and if a major injury hurts your club, that's often on the club in question. No plan B - fail. The Pats have shown every other club how to go about it. I follow a stack of different sports Dappa and the NFL is the frontrunner in terms of maintaining interest throughout the season and in the playyoffs. It's miles ahead in fact.

Great post @Dappa Dan - you've just about covered every possible permutation. We can't say "It's a good problem to have" because Wentz may well not be fit and firing until next season is well under way. But if you win your first Super Bowl who cares? ... just party for a year. I'm still dining out on the Packers win in 2010/11. It feels like yesterday. Even the win in '96/'97 is something I regularly savour. There's 32 teams ... even just winning once is a damn hard thing to do.

It would be fantastic if 'Enable' were to come to our shores and you never know, it could happen in the future D77. Maybe the Autumn rather than the Spring because of the crossover of the seasons in both hemispheres (targeting the Australia Cup, The BMW & The Queen Elizabeth Stakes?) It probably won't be this year though as we would have already heard about it. I thought of an idea that might keep kicking the thread along ... we each pick 1 horse for the upcoming weekend as our top pick/will win/moral/will at least run a place/sure thing. We then have the choice of combining the picks in a multi if we so wish. Or, if there are enough picks by enough people, one can pick the eyes out of it. Multi's can be put on which can include different meetings at fixed odds - that's at the TAB anyway. As an example, I would have nominated 'Cordero' in the Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm today (it won - just!) In the end, I didn't put a trifecta on in the race because I couldn't find the right combo - but I did like the winner. Because I do trifectas a lot I often find myself with the above dilemma. There is nothing else this weekend that is jumping out at me but others here would probably have a fancied runner I'm sure. Even 3 or 4 favourites can still add up to a sizeable combined odds (e.g. 3 x 4 x 3 x 2 = 72) Place only on occasions? ... sometimes that is the better way. There's a few here that may just mainly read the thread that could join in if they so wish. At the moment it's like '3-Way Turf Talk' (haha) but we could do with 3 or 4 more regulars. Anyway, it's just a thought.

I've only really looked (closely) at race 8 but I like your 2 choices Wadda ... I've included both in a multiple trifecta. As for race 6 ... after a quick glance I like the the 5, 4 & 1 in that order. You've got it covered (hopefully) with your 5 choices of 1, 3, 4, 5 & 7. Good luck! Just another note on Winx ... if the horse does travel overseas the connections might want to avoid a confrontation with 'Enable' ... it won horse of the year last year as a 3yo filly. Won 5 Group 1's including the 'Arc' - it's more of a 2000m - 2400m horse but it looks like it would probably brain them at 1600m as well. The acceleration it shows at the end of it's races is a sight to behold. Here's 'Enable' winning the 'Arc' but the video will probably link to it's other successes last year - the commentary is great for all sorts of reasons too ...

There's been a number of changes for the European Nations with regards to competitive matches - including a brand new biennial competition. 'Friendlies' will be largely a thing of the past although there may still be room for the odd friendly. The following link explains it all but you may have to read the article 2 or 3 times to take it all in - it's a little complicated. My initial reaction is that it's a terrific initiative but there may be some teething problems and/or the odd flaw might be exposed. Read more here ... UEFA Nations League explained: How new format could aid Euro 2020 qualification

There's often an ulterior motive in posting up the links to the feature races that I might have a bet on D77 ... rather than searching out the races again I can simply go to the 'land racing thread and click on the links. Problem solved in a jiffy. I really do like the fields in both of those Sha Tin G1 races ... had a bit of luck a ways back with a number of the runners engaged. There's a few Aussie jockeys involved as well. The Stewards Cup especially is a real International affair.

Watched the first 2 episodes of 'Ozark' and I'm well and truly hooked - thanks for the recommendation. It's filling the 'Breaking Bad' void. A UK made show which is outstanding (IMO) is Maigret ... Rowan Atkinson is excellent as the quietly spoken, understated French Chief Inspector. He's every bit as good as the late Robin Williams in playing a dramatic role. There's been 4 telemovies made and released so far and all are very very good (especially the last one - 'Maigret in Montmartre')

Money back (again!) ... which is often the case in the group races Wadda. But not always I miss a lot more on 2-5-5 but it's a much smaller outlay for a decent percentage. 3-6-6 has to include a couple of roughies to make the exercise worthwhile. And 'Ace High' is definitely one to look out for following it's Derby success. Before that won over 2000m & 1800m in the lead up to the classic. Was chatting to a mate about how we might bet in the Winx races ... In Australia have Winx to win one-out in a First 4 ... then 3-6-6 (2nd, 3rd & 4th) or 2-5-5 (2nd, 3rd & 4th) So it's 1-3-6-6 or 1-2-5-5. The pools will be huge so the right combo can still pay a fair bit. If or when Winx races In Europe go the traditional multiple trifecta (3-6-6 or 2-5-5) ... in other words, include Winx to win but also include 1 or 2 horses that might beat it. Again, the pools will be big and a lot might just have Winx as the winner only. It should always be remembered that Winx not only always wins (here) but it runs great times as well - all at WFA level. You could also load up on the quinella/exacta - Winx/Ace High. Anyway, there's a few feature races in Oz to look out for over the weekend (to keep the interest up) Friday 26th Warwick Farm Race 6 Australia Day Cup 2400m (LR) Friday 26th Moonee Valley Race 4 Australia Stakes 1200m (G2) Saturday 27th Caulfield Race 7 John Dillon Stakes 1400m (LR) Saturday 27th Rosehill Race 7 Carrington Stakes 1400m (LR) And there's 2 big Group 1's at Sha Tin on Sunday that are worth a bit of a look ... I'll be definitely having a look! Sunday 28th Sha Tin Race 7 The Centenary Sprint Cup 1200m (G1) Sunday 28th Sha Tin Race 8 The Stewards Cup 1600m (G1) Finally, here's last year's Queen Anne Stakes from Royal Ascot (Winx is being earmarked to start her European campaign with this race) ... you've just gotta love the 1600m long straight!

I didn't say it was a good system ... but it was a system nonetheless (think the Demons/Neeld/Schwab etc) Most QB's need excellent systems - even Brady, Brees & Rodgers need at least good support systems. The thing that stands out about Belichick is that he gives Brady an excellent support system. With McCarthy, he puts the onus on Rodgers too much (running game often poor, OL often average) Brady is playing in his 8th SB where as Rodgers & Brees have 1 appearance each. The difference is the coaching & a great system. But if a team is continually in the playoffs like Green Bay often is, people often assume that the coaching is first rate. The Packers more often than not make the playoffs because of Rodgers. And the back-up QB's to Rodgers are often hopeless ... therefore, there is no plan B. Sean Payton has changed the way he coaches - he's built a strong running game to support Brees. Their defense needs to get better but it has also improved. He may have changed out of necessity because of Brees' age.

Reckon you're right ... and their coach (Pederson) is right on top of things when considering the highlighted bit. Maybe that Rams system works 'later on' for QB's - Keenum, Foles and Goff have all blossomed away from Fisher. If Bradford could stay healthy there's another.

Money talks ... if Foles plays well in a winning SB team the offers will come thick & fast. And the Eagles won't be able to match it. Any NFL player is always looking for the big pay day ... the Eagles will have to pay Wentz big money to keep him. And they wouldn't be able to pay good money to Wentz & Foles. The above is all based on Foles doing well in a winning SB but that was the original question.

Here's a few podcasts with the discussion focusing on the 2 Championship games and the prospects of the Pats & Eagles in the Super Bowl ... Bill Simmons/Cousin Sal - The Hand of Brady with Special Guest Tony Romo (Ep. 317) NFL Live - The NFL Live crew reacts to Championship Sunday and talks the future of Case Keenum and Blake Bortles. Bill Barnwell - Super Bowl LII Set: 1/22/18 ... Bill talks to Mike Reiss about the Patriots' comeback win over the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game and then to Kevin Seifert about a tough loss for the Vikings to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

Let's assume for a minute that the Eagles win and Foles wins the MVP (QB's that excel in a winning SB often win the MVP) There's no way he ends up as a back-up anywhere after that which means he'd have to be out of the Philadelphia organisation soon after (Wentz would take up the starting role instead) Now, I'm not sure the above will happen but it could happen. Ryan Clark posed the question on 'Golic & Wingo' last night. Cast your mind back a month and it's hard to envisage this sort of conversation happening this week (re Foles) But there's no denying that the bloke played a tremendous game against the Vikes - even his long throws were accurate and game-clinching. He looks a completely different player. Anyway, it seems that we have seen a number of stand-in QB's winning a Super Bowl before Gorg - read more here ... 9 teams that won the Super Bowl with a backup quarterback

Has a SB winning QB (who has played well) ever ended up at another team the following year?

Ha! Well the Eagles will be going back to Wentz no matter what you'd reckon (?)

Hey @Dappa Dan What happens to Foles if he plays well in a SB victory?

From ESPN.com (the Pats are 5.5 favourites) ... Guide to Super Bowl LII: Predictions, X factors, more for Eagles-Patriots

We haven't really seen the best of the Pats yet ... they're often at their very best against the best - in big games. 1 more year of the Jags in the playoffs might have seen them win today ... but there again, the Pats always seem to 'lift' according to needs. One things for sure, if the Eagles do prevail, you will have beaten a great team in the process. I previously made a case for the Eagles winning 1 or 2 playoff games because of the 1 seed and home field advantage but I now believe you can win because of Foles. If he brings today's form you are right in it. The rest of the personnel that you have is more than ample. Gronc could have a big bearing of course ... and Brady, Belichick, their OL, Defense, Amendola, Cooks and a running game that can be great on command. The Eagles will have to bring their very best with no fumbles/interceptions/dropped punts etc. Philadelphia need to play like they've been to the big stage before. In recent times we've seen other teams come from nowhere and rise to the occasion (Ravens, Saints, Packers, Seahawks)

Being in the NFC we only get to play the good AFC teams once every 4 years ... have you got the Jags next year? If so you'll also get the Titans, Colts & Texans. Agree on that pass interference call ... upon viewing it a number of times the DE overdid the shepherding/pushing. That fumble should have been allowed to be returned though. Delay of game was unforgivable against a team like the Pats.

I've watched the incident a number of times Clint and I believe that when Myles Jack finally gained complete control of the ball he wasn't touched when he was on the ground ... he should have been free to run downfield after getting to his feet but the whistle intervened. A bad call. Another absolutely vital turn of events was the delay of game by the Jags late in the 2nd period - snap the ball a split second earlier and the Jags may have increased their 17-3 lead at the half. Instead of that happening, the Pats get the ball back, Gronc cops a helmet to helmet (15 yard penalty) and then the Pats get a 'Questionable' pass interference call their way and before you know it, it's a 17-10 half time score. It's not only a game of inches but also a game of milliseconds. I was listened to the game on Jacksonville radio and they were going absolutely ballistic. You've got to get the 1 seed in this sport - it's obviously not entirely essential but home field allows for home town decisions. And to get to the 1 seed a team normally needs a top-rate QB. I reckon Bortles did reasonably well, all things considered.

The regular season tipping comp winner makes a move ... Leaderboard in the Comp (post-season) 7 - Clintosaurus, Macca 6 - Go the Biff 4 - Dappa Dan 3 - JV7, Gorgoroth 3 points up for grabs for the Super Bowl and up to 4 people can still win (either outright or shared) Podium spots are still open for all participants. My heart never rules my head with the horses but with team tipping comps I'm often the opposite. I don't particularly like tipping and then barracking for teams that I despise!

Tough luck today Clint .. a good thing beaten by the sounds of it Good on him! And well done on getting to the SB ... hope you win!

Foles must have played some sort of game! Radio only here

Ha ha ha! A 15 yard penalty doesn't ever seem to be a big enough deterrent for what can be quite a deliberate, violent act. All things considered. The latest with Brady is that he cut his hand at Wednesday practice. And because it's the Pats it becomes a larger-than-life story. Regardless, the Jags are the kings at sacking the QB so Brady will almost certainly cop some late hits.

The Jags may have had it in mind to go at Brady hard anyway ... it's always an option. There might be nothing much wrong with his hand but he'll almost certainly get tested and feel the heat.