James Dudko, Author at Franchise Sports

How the Cleveland Browns can beat the Kansas City Chiefs

January 16, 2021 James Dudko 1

Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have powered the Cleveland Browns into the playoffs and a shock road win over bitter rival the Pittsburgh Steelers. The same one-two punch in the running game is the key to the Browns producing an even bigger upset against defending Super Bowl champion the Kansas City Chiefs.

Three things the Packers must do to avoid embarrassment against the Rams

January 15, 2021 James Dudko 1

Aaron Rodgers knows the embarrassment of being the top seed in the NFC playoffs and fluffing his lines. It happened to the 15-1 Green Bay Packers following the 2011 NFL season, when the New York Giants left Lambeau Field with a 37-20 victory, en route to a second Super Bowl title in four years.

Three things the Bears must do to stand a chance against the Saints

January 9, 2021 James Dudko 1

Stopping Alvin Kamara and disappointing Mitchell Trubisky. That's how the Chicago Bears can upset the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs on Sunday.

Three things the Indianapolis Colts must do to beat the Buffalo Bills

January 8, 2021 James Dudko 3

Frank Reich is a hero in Buffalo, but the man who led the greatest comeback in postseason history has his work cut out trying to prevent his former team from advancing in the AFC playoffs.

Ravens, Browns prove the running game still matters in the NFL

December 16, 2020 James Dudko 2

The running game is supposed to be a mere afterthought in the NFL in the 21st century. It's a thing of the past, just a way to kill the clock.

Sean McVay showed everyone how to beat a Bill Belichick defense

December 12, 2020 James Dudko 3

Bill Belichick's defenses can be beaten, and it's easier than you think. Sean McVay showed everybody how to do it when his Los Angeles Rams thumped Belichick's New England Patriots 24-3 on Thursday to begin Week 14.

It’s time to call Alex Smith one of the great NFL Quarterbacks

December 8, 2020 James Dudko 1

Alex Smith is a great quarterback. He's not merely a game-manager, nor simply a heart-warming and miraculous comeback story.

Forget Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce is the best tight end in NFL History

December 7, 2020 James Dudko 1

Travis Kelce dealt with the nickname "Baby Gronk" for years. It was a backhanded compliment that let Kelce know he was good, but he wasn't Rob Gronkowski good.

Antonio Gibson vs Cowboys on Thanksgiving

Washington’s Antonio Gibson has to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

November 27, 2020 James Dudko 1

This year may have produced an even better third-round find for the Burgundy and Gold. Antonio Gibson was the 66th player taken back in April, and he's already looking like a lock to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Bruce Arians has made Tom Brady too easy to beat

November 24, 2020 James Dudko 0

Bruce Arians was the best head coach in the NFL when he turned the Arizona Cardinals into a regular contender. He made innovative use of weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson and gave a new lease of life to a veteran quarterback, Carson Palmer.

Mike McCarthy has finally figured out how to use Ezekiel Elliott

November 23, 2020 James Dudko 0

Mike McCarthy needed 10 games, but he's finally figured out how to use Ezekiel Elliott. Just give him the damn ball.

It’s time to give Kirk Cousins some props

November 17, 2020 James Dudko 0

Kirk Cousins has always been an easy target. Maybe it's his penchant for interceptions. Or his gif-inspiring post-match celebrations. Perhaps it's the then-record $84 million over three years the Minnesota Vikings handed him in 2018.

Washington should start worrying about Chase Young

November 16, 2020 James Dudko 5

Chase Young was supposed to be the first building block of a new era for the Washington Football Team. Ron Rivera took one look at Young wrecking offenses for Ohio State and saw Julius Peppers mark II.

Arizona on the charge: How the Cardinals have become contenders

October 26, 2020 James Dudko 0

Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are legitimate contenders in the NFL in 2020. It's not just talk anymore. Not after Murray and Cards outlasted Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in Week 7.

Three keys for Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams on MNF

October 24, 2020 James Dudko 0

Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears' defense have already shut down some useful offenses en route to a surprising 5-1 start this season. They stopped Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 before stifling Teddy Bridgewater and the Carolina Panthers last week.