Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

October 31, 2023 | NFL

Winners, losers from NFL trade deadline

With Tuesday's NFL trade deadline in the rearview, here are the biggest winners and losers.

October 31, 2023 | Chicago Bears

Bears may have repeated last year's mistake with Montez Sweat trade

For the second year in a row, the Bears traded a valuable second-round pick for a player it hopes can fill a void on their roster. Like last year, Chicago's 2023 deadline trade for Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat could return to haunt it.

October 31, 2023 | NFL

Top five NFL MVP candidates at the midway point

With the NFL season at the midpoint, a former NFL MVP has stepped to the front of the line for league MVP. Here are the leading MVP candidates through Week 8.

October 31, 2023 | NBA

76ers and Clippers are both losers in James Harden trade

It makes sense that the 76ers and Clippers waited until everyone was asleep to complete the trade that sent James Harden to Los Angeles and a box of misfit toys to Philadelphia.

October 30, 2023 | NBA

Grizzlies rough start continues with fourth consecutive loss

Beale Street is singing the blues. The Grizzlies lost 125-110 to the Mavericks on Monday, dropping their record to 0-4. That's their worst start under head coach Taylor Jenkins and the franchise's first 0-4 start since 2004-05.

October 30, 2023 | NFL

'MNF' takeaways: Lions rookies, Maxx Crosby shine in Detroit win

The Lions got back on track Monday night against the Raiders. Here are the main takeaways from their 26-14 win. Lions are a contender because of their defense The Lions offense lifted the team from the bottom rung of the NFL ladder to respectability last season.

October 30, 2023 | NFL

Games the NFL should flex into 'Sunday Night Football' in Week 10

Allow us to make an appeal to the NFL: No one wants to see the Jets and Raiders in primetime in Week 10, including fans of both franchises.

October 29, 2023 | San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy isn't the only problem for the 49ers

San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy has taken a lot of flak during the team's losing streak. If only it were that simple.

October 29, 2023 | New Orleans Saints

Saints show why they have highest ceiling in NFC South with Week 8 win

When assessing the landscape of the NFC South, the Saints (4-4) may finally be ready to take hold of the division they were expected to win in the preseason.

October 28, 2023 | College Football

Winners and losers from Week 9 of the college football season

Kansas pulled off a stunner, making it one of the day's biggest winners. Meanwhile, Clemson turned in another clunker, relegating it to the loser bracket.

October 28, 2023 | Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma's stunning loss to Kansas could keep Big 12 out of CFP

And then there were none. Associated Press No. 6 Oklahoma lost to Kansas 38-33 in Week 9, leaving no unbeaten teams in the Big 12.

October 28, 2023 | Florida State Seminoles

Florida State makes case for inclusion in first CFP top four with dominant Week 9 win

Florida State should be ranked in the top four of the first College Football Playoff rankings this Tuesday.

October 28, 2023 | San Francisco 49ers

49ers announce shocking Brock Purdy update ahead of Week 8

There has been a stunning turn of events with the Brock Purdy situation.

October 28, 2023 | NFL

Insider reveals update on Davante Adams, Patrick Surtain II and others ahead of trade deadline

The NFL trade deadline could pass by with a whimper, according to a report by The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Potential targets including Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams are expected to remain with their teams.

October 28, 2023 | College Football

Watch: Pick-six gives Kansas early lead against No. 6 Oklahoma

It's been 26 years since Kansas beat Oklahoma, but an early defensive play by the Jayhawks gave the program a first-quarter lead. Junior cornerback Ra'Mello Dotson intercepted a pass from Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel and returned it 37 yards for the first touchdown of the game.

October 28, 2023 | NBA

What to watch for in the NBA on Saturday

The first Saturday of the NBA season features seven games, including Zion Williamson playing in New Orleans for the first time since December 2022.

October 26, 2023 | Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard makes history in dominant Bucks debut

Dame Time came to Milwaukee on Thursday as Damian Lillard stole the show in his Bucks debut.

October 26, 2023 | San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama's debut a ratings hit for ESPN

The Spurs didn't win Victor Wembanyama's debut, but the NBA did.

October 26, 2023 | NFL

Bold deals top NFL contenders should make ahead of trade deadline

With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. ET, the top contenders have a chance to separate themselves from the field. Here's a move each of the top five contenders should make.

October 26, 2023 | College Football

Five CFB games to watch: Oregon, Utah square off in 'elimination game'

The Pac-12 takes center stage again this week. Meanwhile, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. looks to solidify his Heisman campaign, and Oklahoma and Georgia take on a pair of hungry underdogs who would love nothing more than to throw a wrench into their seasons.