NFC North Review and Investigation of NFL Sunday Ticket Lawsuit

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You know it’s a slow time in the NFL when you watch an average NBA draft. But luckily we all made it back to the NFL. Today’s update:

Sunday ticket a lawsuit
NFC North announcement

NFL Sunday Ticket Lawsuit: What Happened.

Could an upcoming court battle lower the cost of your NFL Sunday ticket? Perhaps, but we have a long way to go.

Nine years passed before Sunday Ticket subscribers saw their case in court. Jury deliberations began yesterday in a $7 billion class-action lawsuit. Here’s what you need to know:

The lawsuit blames the NFL and its network partners (such as CBS and Fox) for violating antitrust laws for selling Sunday Ticket at an inflated price.

Evidence shown that Fox and CBS wanted the league to charge additional prices for Sunday tickets (to minimize the impact on broadcast networks), and the league rejected ESPN’s consumer-friendly proposal to lower the price – currently $350 on YouTube TV – to $70 per season. So yes, there is an argument here.

You could be part of a massive class action lawsuit. More than 2.4 million individual subscribers and 48,000 businesses who purchased the package between June 17, 2011 and February 7, 2023 are included, unless they explicitly opt out. If they win, the NFL will owe $21 billion in damages because federal antitrust law allows damages to be three times the amount.

The case comes more than 60 years after the NFL lost a similar antitrust lawsuit when then-commissioner Pete Rozelle convinced teams to pool their broadcast rights and sign league-wide contracts with national networks. Months later, Rozelle lobbied Congress to allow leagues to pool their rights.

Current suit NFL website:

The league protests that Sunday Ticket – which grosses each team about $62.5 million a year – falls under the antitrust exception to the bill pushed by Rozelle. However, plaintiffs argue that the exception covers only over-the-air broadcasts, not pay television (i.e., DirecTV).

Can the league lose? Yes. However, the NFL did not agree to the settlement, probably for two reasons: (1) they think they can win and (2) they do need win. A loss would limit the league’s right to make exclusive deals on behalf of all 32 teams, one of the reasons its annual media rights are worth more than $10 billion a year.

Current suit fan page:

Whats with us? After a year in which 93 of the 100 most-watched shows on TV were NFL games, Nielsen says we’ll all still be watching them, regardless of the lawsuit. But that could change How we are watching.

If the NFL loses, YouTube’s costly Sunday ticket and the league’s hold on broadcast rights could end up changing. But first: appeals! More details of the case here.

2024 NFL Team Previews: NFC North

After a decade of dominating the division, the Packers turned things around by sending Aaron Rodgers to retreat after the cave. Now I see a division that is young and hungry, with a ton of potential. And a lot less ayahuasca.

Yes, today we will cover the NFC North.

Lions Preview (12-5 in 2023)

The big question: Can they stop the pass?

They allowed just 91.1 rushing yards per game (second best), but allowing 257 passing yards per game (second best) wasn’t enough. To address this issue, Detroit revamped its CB room, adding Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson while drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the first two rounds. Minicamp reports are here promising.

Position to watch: Head coach.

“I want the whole enchilada,” Dan Campbell said when asked what he wanted from the season. That’s another reason why he’s my favorite coach in the league and why I’ve watched the “Dan Campbell’s best moments” montage over and over again.

Fantasy dream: WR Jameson Williams.

Last year, Detroit finished third in passing yards. The main deep threat Josh Reynolds is now in Denver, so Williams – who wins over the middle AND Downfield during minicamp – he’s a WR2. Can he fulfill the potential the Lions saw when selecting him with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 draft? He’s Jake Ciely’s No. 1 escapee.

Better than 2023? Yes.

They’ve improved on their last remaining weakness, and if these cornerbacks perform, I think this team’s Super Bowl aspirations should come true. If my Bengals don’t win Lombardi, I hope we see Campbell holding it.

Last read: He thinks about all 45 of Detroit’s offensive players.

Preview Packers (9-8 in 2023)

The big question: Was Jordan Love’s second half a fluke?

NO. The Packers got the QB series Again. In his first season as a starter, the current 25-year-old had more yards, a higher completion percentage and a higher TD to INT ratio than the first starting seasons of former Packer greats Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers. As of Week 11, Love led the league in QB rating and passing yards. A major expansion may be coming soon.

Position to pay attention to: Security.

While their run defense left much to be desired (Green Bay allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game), safety was an obvious offseason target. They added four new defensemen, giving former big man Xavier McKinney a four-year contract and signing three more, including second-round pick Javon Bullard.

Fantasy Dream: WR Dontayvion Wicks.

Two very predictable stats convinced me of his impending breakthrough: Last season, his 2.04 yards per route trailed only Puka Nacua and Tank Dell among other rookies, and his first downs on the route ranked Davante Adams 18th among all players, according to TruMedia . For 2024, fantasy directors are selecting him around 60th among WRs.

Better than 2023?

Here I am, rewriting this paragraph for the sixth time uncertain if Green Bay’s 6-2 regular season record was correct. The NFL’s youngest team lost to the 6-11 Giants and narrowly beat the 1-15 Panthers before impressing in the playoffs. So if AthleteVic Tafur takes over 9.5 wins, that’s enough for me.

Recently read: The Packers will name Ed Polic as the next franchise president.

Vikings Preview (7-10 in 2023)

The big question: How long will it take for JJ McCarthy?

I don’t expect Sam Darnold to have a career revival, even though he looked great in minicamp. His career passer rating (78.3) ranks 80th since he was drafted in 2018. And when you have the 10th pick in line, the temptation can be overwhelming.

Position to watch: Running back.

Alexander Mattison’s experiment last year ended with him taking 2022 fifth-round draft pick Ty Chandler. They then snatched Aaron Jones from the hands of the rival Packers. According to Alec Lewis, the 29-year-old looks “motivated and hungry to stay with his former team.” Last year, he was dominant in his final five games with 116.8 rushing yards per game.

Fancy back: TE TJ Hockenson.

I know social media documents I think he could miss half the season. But listen to me. Despite missing two and a half games last year, he finished fourth among fantasy TEs. Even Hockenson’s half season (plus an average backup) is better than Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson, who is currently drafted early. Until Hock returns, take a backup with potential like New England’s Hunter Henry.

Better than 2023?

NO. The Vikings (+750 to win the league, per BetMGM) are not expected to pose a threat, but if Darnold or McCarthy can fill the Kirk Cousins-sized void, they could surprise. Despite this, the team dropped one class.

Recently read: There are 10 free agent options left for the Vikings.

Bear Preview (7-10 in 2023)

The big question: is Caleb Williams one?

The most important rookie in Bears history joins a QB-ready team with the league’s best trio of WRs Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, pass-catching RB D’Andre Swift and TE Cole Kmet. Will this combination be enough to give the Bears their first 4,000-yard passer?

Position to watch: Pass.

In the first eight games of 2023, the Bears have allowed just 10 sacks . After acquiring DE Montez Sweat, they had 20 sacks in nine games and their defense finished as one of the top units. But their 2.2 sacks per game against Sweat Still would have finished 27th overall for the season. As Eberflus admitted, they could use another boost.

Fantasy dream: WR Rome Odunze.

Typically drafted after about 40 other fantasy WRs, Odunze is a legitimate deep offensive threat who is expected to push the ball down the field. And if Keenan Allen doesn’t make it in time (the 32-year-old has missed 11 games over the last two years), Odunze’s early relationship with Williams could pay dividends. He is already aiming for the Puka Nacua record.

Better than 2023?

Hmm. They weren’t as bad as their record suggests, starting last season 1-5 and finishing 6-5. But adding a generational perspective gives the Bears an advantage. The league’s easiest schedule through the first 10 weeks doesn’t hurt either.

Last read: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen among the next Bears in line for new contracts.

Jacob’s choice

I wonder how Brandon Aiyuk’s contract negotiations play? Randy Mueller breaks down talks between WR and 49ers. (Athlete)

Deep analysis of Ben Johnson’s plan, creator of Detroit’s dominant offense, by former NFL QB Josh McCown. (Youtube)

Where does Caleb Williams’ supporting cast rank? All 16 AFC quarterback situations graded by play callers, offensive lines, pass catchers and running backs. (Football athletics show)

Reflection | Winding up | Full-time | The first tire | Until Saturday

(Photo: Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)