Neil Payne, sports analytics writer and creator of a leading sports Substack, discusses playoff parity, coaching impact, home-field advantage, and how analytics can — and can’t — explain who ultimately wins in today’s NFL and college football postseason. Cade, Eric, Shane, and Adi also analyze hockey plus-minus limitations, Grand Slam betting dominance, Baseball Hall of Fame probabilities, and how NIL deals and the transfer portal are transforming competitive balance in college football.
Moneyball
When Analytics Meet Chaos in Football Playoffs
Veteran sports analyst examines playoff randomness, team quality versus results, and what recent NFL and college football games reveal about how champions are crowned.
January 14, 2026
• 1 hr 11 min listen
Listen to the podcast.
Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Comments
New This Week
Podcast
Brands and Identity in the Age of Social Media
Wharton marketing professor examines how brands must adapt to evolving consumer identities shaped by technology, social media, and generational change.
Podcast
Athletic Brewing’s Senior Director of Marketing, Rosalie Kennedy
Rosalie Kennedy on building Athletic Brewing into a cultural brand at the center of changing drinking habits.
Podcast
Host’s Cut: Reflections on Season Five
Host Matthew Bidwell recaps season five of ‘Where AI Works.’
