Game Theory

Thinking Football #0: Maximizing Travis Hunter

A pre-draft pilot for a new football newsletter

Apr 24 • 

Alex Varghese

31

2

March 2025

Betting on Culture: Dan Campbell's Dynasty Blueprint

On the tangible benefits of culture, the Ravens' defense as a case study, and how the Lions' new hires could set them up long term.

Mar 4 • 

Alex Varghese

14

3

January 2025

Beck's South Beach Showcase

Why Carson Beck went to Miami, why it might work, and how the 12-team playoff improves the chances for "showcase schools"

Jan 27 • 

Alex Varghese

16

2

The Purdy Problem

On building a contender, the NFL's Quarterback Arms Race, and why the 49ers are uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo

Jan 10 • 

Alex Varghese

31

22

October 2024

From Pre to Present: The Rise of U.S. Distance Running

On the U.S.'s mission to catch East Africa, the man that led them, and the motives behind the company footing the bill.

Oct 29, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

16

August 2024

Great Expectations: Pochettino’s Mission Impossible

On U.S. ambitions, U.S. reality, and why no manager can bring them together

Aug 29, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

24

13

July 2024

Control: Pep Guardiola's War on Randomness

How Pep became the world's best manager by rooting out the unpredictable, and why he's started to invite it back

Jul 2, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

30

10

May 2024

Limits: How the MLB Can Save its Pitchers

Verlander and Scherzer's "qualified start" can fix the league's injury problem, and perhaps its product too.

May 30, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

31

14

Like Mike: Comparing The Clark Effect to the Jordan Effect

And why the WNBA's new star will transform the league

May 14, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

27

3

April 2024

Hip-Drop Populism: Why the NFLPA is Opposing a Player Safety Rule

On the benefits of a hip-drop ban, the power of the fans, and the players union's new PR strategy

Apr 30, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

16

8

BONUS: Interviewing Two of Football Substack's Finest on Quarterbacks

Football Film Room's Nick Kehoe and Chief in the North's Seth Keysor on sitting quarterbacks, key traits for prospects, and the scaffolding needed for…

Apr 17, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

7

1

Saviors: How to Find a Franchise Quarterback

On the quarterback-savior cycle, why teams can't beat the draft, and why development sometimes beats evaluation in the NFL.

Apr 8, 2024 • 

Alex Varghese

23

15