Opta Analyst US
@optaanalystus.optajoe.com
Data-driven sports storytelling. The account for @OptaAnalyst's U.S. coverage.
https://www.theanalyst.com
https://www.theanalyst.com
Reposted by Opta Analyst US
Eight blocked punts for these guys the past two years. No other P4 team has more than five
The Indiana Hoosiers' national title on the gridiron seemingly came out of nowhere. But @alexkirshner.com has the 19 numbers that put the program's rise in some perspective.
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
The 19 Numbers That Explain National Champion Indiana's Rise on the Football Field | Opta Analyst
Traditionally a basketball school, Indiana's rise on the gridiron was indeed shocking, but these 19 numbers should explain a lot about how they got here.
theanalyst.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Eight blocked punts for these guys the past two years. No other P4 team has more than five
2026 is @ryanfagan.bsky.social's 10th Hall of Fame ballot and the decision on who to vote for hasn't gotten any easier. Here he breaks down the nine players he voted for and the ones that fell just short.
theanalyst.com/articles/base...
theanalyst.com/articles/base...
Baseball Hall of Fame 2026: Ryan Fagan's BBWAA Ballot | Opta Analyst
Opta Analyst's Ryan Fagan has been a Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2016. He breaks down the ballot he submitted this year.
theanalyst.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:34 PM
2026 is @ryanfagan.bsky.social's 10th Hall of Fame ballot and the decision on who to vote for hasn't gotten any easier. Here he breaks down the nine players he voted for and the ones that fell just short.
theanalyst.com/articles/base...
theanalyst.com/articles/base...
The Indiana Hoosiers' national title on the gridiron seemingly came out of nowhere. But @alexkirshner.com has the 19 numbers that put the program's rise in some perspective.
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
The 19 Numbers That Explain National Champion Indiana's Rise on the Football Field | Opta Analyst
Traditionally a basketball school, Indiana's rise on the gridiron was indeed shocking, but these 19 numbers should explain a lot about how they got here.
theanalyst.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:02 PM
The Indiana Hoosiers' national title on the gridiron seemingly came out of nowhere. But @alexkirshner.com has the 19 numbers that put the program's rise in some perspective.
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
theanalyst.com/articles/numb...
Reposted by Opta Analyst US
1. Miami is going to get some sacks
2. Indiana will not sack Carson Beck once
And other specific predictions here
2. Indiana will not sack Carson Beck once
And other specific predictions here
The Miami-Indiana showdown should be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
Indiana vs. Miami Predictions: Seven Things That Will Happen in the CFP National Championship Game | Opta Analyst
Miami vs. Indiana should be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season. Here are seven things that will happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:08 PM
1. Miami is going to get some sacks
2. Indiana will not sack Carson Beck once
And other specific predictions here
2. Indiana will not sack Carson Beck once
And other specific predictions here
With most teams right around the halfway point of the season, we’ve called on the Opta supercomputer to project its playoff teams, play-in teams and those who will be heading home at the season’s end.
Where is your team projected to finish?
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
Where is your team projected to finish?
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
NBA Playoff Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Projects the Postseason Bracket | Opta Analyst
With most teams right around the halfway point of the season, we’re revealing the supercomputer's projected playoff teams and more.
theanalyst.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:21 PM
With most teams right around the halfway point of the season, we’ve called on the Opta supercomputer to project its playoff teams, play-in teams and those who will be heading home at the season’s end.
Where is your team projected to finish?
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
Where is your team projected to finish?
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
There are four games spread across two days featuring eight teams looking to move one step closer to the Super Bowl.
We've broken down the one big question for each, and reveal the Opta Supercomputer's win probabilities for the NFL divisional round.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
We've broken down the one big question for each, and reveal the Opta Supercomputer's win probabilities for the NFL divisional round.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
NFL Playoff Predictions: Which Teams Have the Advantage in the Divisional Round? | Opta Analyst
There are four games featuring eight teams looking to move one step closer to the Super Bowl. We look at the one question for each matchup.
theanalyst.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:30 PM
There are four games spread across two days featuring eight teams looking to move one step closer to the Super Bowl.
We've broken down the one big question for each, and reveal the Opta Supercomputer's win probabilities for the NFL divisional round.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
We've broken down the one big question for each, and reveal the Opta Supercomputer's win probabilities for the NFL divisional round.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
The Miami-Indiana showdown should be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
Indiana vs. Miami Predictions: Seven Things That Will Happen in the CFP National Championship Game | Opta Analyst
Miami vs. Indiana should be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season. Here are seven things that will happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:50 PM
The Miami-Indiana showdown should be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
And @alexkirshner.com has seven things that will (or won't) happen in the CFP national championship.
theanalyst.com/articles/indi...
There's been a lot of talk again this week about "Bear Weather." But instead of just assuming the Bears will have an advantage in the freezing cold on Sunday night, we dug into into our historical weather data to find what's real and what's a myth.
theanalyst.com/articles/bear...
theanalyst.com/articles/bear...
Bear Weather: What's Real and What's a Myth Heading Into Chicago's Icy Showdown With the Rams | Opta Analyst
What does "Bear Weather" mean for an NFL divisional game that's expected to be played in extreme cold against the Rams?
theanalyst.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:50 PM
There's been a lot of talk again this week about "Bear Weather." But instead of just assuming the Bears will have an advantage in the freezing cold on Sunday night, we dug into into our historical weather data to find what's real and what's a myth.
theanalyst.com/articles/bear...
theanalyst.com/articles/bear...
The Kyle Tucker rumors are heating up, with the Mets reportedly offering a whopping $50 million per year.
Earlier, @zcrizer.bsky.social broke down how much Tucker is worth and the future of players like him in free agency.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
Earlier, @zcrizer.bsky.social broke down how much Tucker is worth and the future of players like him in free agency.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
MLB Free Agency: How Much is Kyle Tucker Worth? | Opta Analyst
Tucker's free agency may be a referendum not on his talents, but on how much best available is worth when MVP candidates are no longer hitting the market.
theanalyst.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The Kyle Tucker rumors are heating up, with the Mets reportedly offering a whopping $50 million per year.
Earlier, @zcrizer.bsky.social broke down how much Tucker is worth and the future of players like him in free agency.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
Earlier, @zcrizer.bsky.social broke down how much Tucker is worth and the future of players like him in free agency.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
The wild-card round made one thing clear: there is no single blueprint for being clutch.
Four of the six games were decided in the final three minutes, guided by QBs who led sensational, go-ahead touchdown drives in completely different ways.
theanalyst.com/articles/most...
Four of the six games were decided in the final three minutes, guided by QBs who led sensational, go-ahead touchdown drives in completely different ways.
theanalyst.com/articles/most...
How the Most Clutch QBs of the Divisional Playoffs Are Doing It Completely Different Ways | Opta Analyst
The wild-card round made one thing clear: there is no single blueprint for being clutch. The only part that really matters is winning.
theanalyst.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:58 PM
The wild-card round made one thing clear: there is no single blueprint for being clutch.
Four of the six games were decided in the final three minutes, guided by QBs who led sensational, go-ahead touchdown drives in completely different ways.
theanalyst.com/articles/most...
Four of the six games were decided in the final three minutes, guided by QBs who led sensational, go-ahead touchdown drives in completely different ways.
theanalyst.com/articles/most...
UConn won the women’s basketball national title last season. But it’s the 2025-26 season’s dominance that looks a lot like the Huskies dynasties of yesteryear.
theanalyst.com/articles/ucon...
theanalyst.com/articles/ucon...
Is UConn Starting Another Women's College Basketball Dynasty? | Opta Analyst
UConn won the national title last season. But it's this year's dominance that looks a lot like the Huskies dynasties of yesteryear.
theanalyst.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:33 PM
UConn won the women’s basketball national title last season. But it’s the 2025-26 season’s dominance that looks a lot like the Huskies dynasties of yesteryear.
theanalyst.com/articles/ucon...
theanalyst.com/articles/ucon...
While there’s plenty of season left, the possibility exists that we may be witnessing one of the greatest teams in NHL history.
Yep, it's been quite the first half for the Avalanche, but where do they rank among the best teams of the past 25 years?
theanalyst.com/articles/best...
Yep, it's been quite the first half for the Avalanche, but where do they rank among the best teams of the past 25 years?
theanalyst.com/articles/best...
The Best NHL Teams of the Past 25 Years: Where Do the Avs Rank? | Opta Analyst
While there’s plenty of season left, the possibility exists that we may be witnessing one of the greatest teams in NHL history.
theanalyst.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:25 PM
While there’s plenty of season left, the possibility exists that we may be witnessing one of the greatest teams in NHL history.
Yep, it's been quite the first half for the Avalanche, but where do they rank among the best teams of the past 25 years?
theanalyst.com/articles/best...
Yep, it's been quite the first half for the Avalanche, but where do they rank among the best teams of the past 25 years?
theanalyst.com/articles/best...
The 2026 NBA Draft class is starting to crystallize with three freshmen in contention to be the No. 1 pick.
The last time there were three No. 1-pick contenders was 2022. @donniebuckets.bsky.social on why this year’s trio can be even better.
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
The last time there were three No. 1-pick contenders was 2022. @donniebuckets.bsky.social on why this year’s trio can be even better.
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
NBA Draft 2026: A Trio of Differently Styled Freshmen Lead the Way | Opta Analyst
Three elite freshmen could top the NBA Draft. Here's how they've begun their college careers and what to watch for the rest of the season.
theanalyst.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:26 PM
The 2026 NBA Draft class is starting to crystallize with three freshmen in contention to be the No. 1 pick.
The last time there were three No. 1-pick contenders was 2022. @donniebuckets.bsky.social on why this year’s trio can be even better.
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
The last time there were three No. 1-pick contenders was 2022. @donniebuckets.bsky.social on why this year’s trio can be even better.
theanalyst.com/articles/nba-...
Though our supercomputer has its projections, it’s hard to predict anything after what we witnessed at the end of the regular season.
We're doing it anyway, providing one big question and our model’s win probabilities for all six NFL playoff games.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
We're doing it anyway, providing one big question and our model’s win probabilities for all six NFL playoff games.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
NFL Playoff Predictions: Who Will Advance Out of Super Wild Card Weekend? | Opta Analyst
We provide one big question to track and reveal our model’s NFL playoff predictions for all six games of Super Wild Card Weekend.
theanalyst.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Though our supercomputer has its projections, it’s hard to predict anything after what we witnessed at the end of the regular season.
We're doing it anyway, providing one big question and our model’s win probabilities for all six NFL playoff games.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
We're doing it anyway, providing one big question and our model’s win probabilities for all six NFL playoff games.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
The first CFP semifinal is hours away, and the game-defining key for Miami will be trying to get Trinidad Chambliss on the ground.
@alexkirshner.com sifts through both Playoff games, including the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
@alexkirshner.com sifts through both Playoff games, including the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
CFP Predictions: Our Guide to the College Football Playoff Semifinals | Opta Analyst
The CFP semifinals are fast approaching. Here are the key matchups that will decide which teams move on to the national championship game.
theanalyst.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:50 PM
The first CFP semifinal is hours away, and the game-defining key for Miami will be trying to get Trinidad Chambliss on the ground.
@alexkirshner.com sifts through both Playoff games, including the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
@alexkirshner.com sifts through both Playoff games, including the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
Trae Young is on his way out of Atlanta. We break down the top landing spots for the Hawks point guard.
theanalyst.com/articles/trae...
theanalyst.com/articles/trae...
Trae Trade: Ranking the Top Five Landing Spots for Trae Young | Opta Analyst
Trae Young is on his way out of Atlanta. Which teams are in the best position to trade for the Hawks point guard?
theanalyst.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Trae Young is on his way out of Atlanta. We break down the top landing spots for the Hawks point guard.
theanalyst.com/articles/trae...
theanalyst.com/articles/trae...
The CFP semifinals have different shapes. There's Miami-Ole Miss and Indiana-Oregon, both with a trip to the national championship game on the line.
@alexkirshner.com breaks them down while revealing the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
@alexkirshner.com breaks them down while revealing the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
CFP Predictions: Our Guide to the College Football Playoff Semifinals | Opta Analyst
The CFP semifinals are fast approaching. Here are the key matchups that will decide which teams move on to the national championship game.
theanalyst.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:39 PM
The CFP semifinals have different shapes. There's Miami-Ole Miss and Indiana-Oregon, both with a trip to the national championship game on the line.
@alexkirshner.com breaks them down while revealing the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
@alexkirshner.com breaks them down while revealing the Opta supercomputer’s win probabilities for each.
theanalyst.com/articles/cfp-...
Reposted by Opta Analyst US
Maybe a lukewarm market reflects that Kyle Tucker isn’t a generational talent.
But, for @optaanalystus.optajoe.com, I explain why he might be the last young impact bat available for years. theanalyst.com/articles/mlb...
But, for @optaanalystus.optajoe.com, I explain why he might be the last young impact bat available for years. theanalyst.com/articles/mlb...
MLB Free Agency: How Much is Kyle Tucker Worth? | Opta Analyst
Tucker's free agency may be a referendum not on his talents, but on how much best available is worth when MVP candidates are no longer hitting the market.
theanalyst.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Maybe a lukewarm market reflects that Kyle Tucker isn’t a generational talent.
But, for @optaanalystus.optajoe.com, I explain why he might be the last young impact bat available for years. theanalyst.com/articles/mlb...
But, for @optaanalystus.optajoe.com, I explain why he might be the last young impact bat available for years. theanalyst.com/articles/mlb...
Every team in the 2025 NFL playoffs has lost in different ways, and each has vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the postseason.
@tylergreenawalt.bsky.social identifies the one main Achilles Heel each team has heading into the postseason.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
@tylergreenawalt.bsky.social identifies the one main Achilles Heel each team has heading into the postseason.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
NFL Playoffs: The One Thing That Could Derail Every Team in the Field | Opta Analyst
All of the playoff teams have lost in different ways, and each has vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the postseason.
theanalyst.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Every team in the 2025 NFL playoffs has lost in different ways, and each has vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the postseason.
@tylergreenawalt.bsky.social identifies the one main Achilles Heel each team has heading into the postseason.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
@tylergreenawalt.bsky.social identifies the one main Achilles Heel each team has heading into the postseason.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
After a recent run of record-shattering bidding wars, Kyle Tucker's free agency may be a referendum not on his talents, but on how much "best available" is worth when superstars aren't available.
@zcrizer.bsky.social takes a closer look at the current FA market.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
@zcrizer.bsky.social takes a closer look at the current FA market.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
MLB Free Agency: How Much is Kyle Tucker Worth? | Opta Analyst
Tucker's free agency may be a referendum not on his talents, but on how much best available is worth when MVP candidates are no longer hitting the market.
theanalyst.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
After a recent run of record-shattering bidding wars, Kyle Tucker's free agency may be a referendum not on his talents, but on how much "best available" is worth when superstars aren't available.
@zcrizer.bsky.social takes a closer look at the current FA market.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
@zcrizer.bsky.social takes a closer look at the current FA market.
theanalyst.com/articles/mlb-...
The Falcons lost five games by six points or fewer, and a late four-game win streak was too little, too late.
Their shortcomings have cost Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot their jobs. But where do they rank among the NFL's biggest underachievers?
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
Their shortcomings have cost Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot their jobs. But where do they rank among the NFL's biggest underachievers?
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
Who Were the Biggest Overachievers and Underachievers of the 2025 NFL Season? | Opta Analyst
Some teams with seemingly a ton of talent closed out disappointing campaign, while several others are surprisingly on their way to the playoffs.
theanalyst.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:37 PM
The Falcons lost five games by six points or fewer, and a late four-game win streak was too little, too late.
Their shortcomings have cost Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot their jobs. But where do they rank among the NFL's biggest underachievers?
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
Their shortcomings have cost Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot their jobs. But where do they rank among the NFL's biggest underachievers?
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
Aaron Rodgers connected with Calvin Austin on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 55 seconds remaining, and Tyler Loop missed a field goal attempt inside 50 yards for the first time all season as time expired, allowing the Steelers to escape with the win and AFC North title.
January 5, 2026 at 4:45 AM
Aaron Rodgers connected with Calvin Austin on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 55 seconds remaining, and Tyler Loop missed a field goal attempt inside 50 yards for the first time all season as time expired, allowing the Steelers to escape with the win and AFC North title.
Week 18 marked the end of a wild season. Some teams with a lot of talent closed out disappointing campaigns, while others surprisingly punch their tickets to the playoffs.
With the help of our team ratings, we break down the top teams in each category.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
With the help of our team ratings, we break down the top teams in each category.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
NFL Week 18: Who Were the Biggest Overachievers and Underachievers of 2025? | Opta Analyst
Some teams with seemingly a ton of talent closed out disappointing campaign, while several others are surprisingly on their way to the playoffs.
theanalyst.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Week 18 marked the end of a wild season. Some teams with a lot of talent closed out disappointing campaigns, while others surprisingly punch their tickets to the playoffs.
With the help of our team ratings, we break down the top teams in each category.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
With the help of our team ratings, we break down the top teams in each category.
theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-...
The Jets became the first team in NFL history not to record an interception for an entire season. No other team has gone more than 10 games without a pick to start the season since at least 1950.
January 5, 2026 at 12:19 AM
The Jets became the first team in NFL history not to record an interception for an entire season. No other team has gone more than 10 games without a pick to start the season since at least 1950.
Myles Garrett stands alone with 23.0 sacks, the most in a season since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
January 4, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Myles Garrett stands alone with 23.0 sacks, the most in a season since sacks became an official stat in 1982.