In a recent episode of *Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich*, Fox Sports betting analyst Chris “The Bear” Fallica dropped by to talk about the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. The conversation wandered into college football too, especially how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are shaking things up.
Fallica’s take brings a fresh perspective on both the NFL playoffs and the shifting world of college football.
Bo Nix’s Absence and Its Impact on the Broncos
The Denver Broncos are in a tough spot heading into the AFC Championship against the Patriots. With quarterback Bo Nix out, the Patriots have jumped to 5.5-point road favorites.
Fallica thinks that’s a bit of an overreaction. He suggests that Nix’s absence might not be as big a deal as everyone’s making it out to be.
Evaluating Bo Nix’s Performance
Bo Nix has been a bit of a lightning rod all season. Critics say he can’t throw consistently and has held the Broncos back at times.
But Fallica points out that Nix has come through in the clutch, especially in the fourth quarter. Sure, he’s got his flaws, but he’s helped Denver win—he’s just not the whole story.
Patriots’ Postseason Performance
Fallica takes a closer look at the Patriots’ playoff run too. Their wins have often come when the other team’s offense just couldn’t get it together.
They’ve shown some grit, but it’s not like they’ve steamrolled anyone. That matters when weighing how much Nix’s absence will hurt Denver.
College Football: Embracing NIL
Switching over to college football, Fallica and Dakich dig into how NIL deals are changing the game. They point out that Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Miami’s Mario Cristobal are handling it well—they’re not complaining, they’re adapting.
A lot of coaches and programs, though, are dragging their feet. That resistance isn’t doing them any favors.
The Future of College Football
Fallica stresses that adapting to the NIL era is crucial. If you fight it, you’re just going to get left behind.
Getting on board with NIL deals can really boost a team’s roster and give them a shot at more wins. Forward-thinking programs are the ones that are going to make it.
The Pitfalls of Resistance
Teams that push back against NIL changes aren’t just missing out—they’re making things harder for themselves. Fallica says that battling these changes in court or trying to block players from leaving just slows progress.
Honestly, it seems like rolling with the punches is the only way to survive in this new college football world.
Conclusion
Chris Fallica brings a sharp eye to both the NFL playoffs and the shifting landscape of college football. The Broncos are getting ready to take on the Patriots, and they’re doing it without Bo Nix.
Fallica seems to think Denver might not be in as much trouble as oddsmakers believe. It’s a take that makes you wonder if the lines are off, or if something else is brewing behind the scenes.
He also dives into NIL deals, pointing out how crucial it is for programs to keep up with the times. College football’s changing fast, and not everyone seems ready for it.
If you’re curious for more of Fallica’s thoughts, the full article’s over at OutKick. Worth a read if you ask me.
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