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 5, 2023 | College Football

Five CFB games to watch: An epic 'Red River Rivalry' is nightmare for Big 12 commish

A massive "Red River Rivalry." The top non-QB Heisman contenders meet in Georgia. Jimbo Fisher vs. Nick Saban. There are plenty of great storylines in Week 6. Here are five games to watch.

October 4, 2023 | Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays blow their season with absurd pitching decision

The Blue Jays have an entire season to wonder what if. As in, what if manager John Schneider didn't pull starter Jose Berrios after 47 pitches and five strikeouts in a scoreless game?

October 4, 2023 | MLB

Watch: Two home runs have Texas Rangers on door of ALWC sweep of Tampa Bay Rays

The Texas Rangers are on the verge of moving on to the ALDS, thanks in part to a pair of early home runs in Game 2 of their ALWC series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

October 4, 2023 | NFL

'TNF' preview: OMG! Bears-Commanders surely will be frightening

The NFL is getting into the Halloween spirit weeks early with "Thursday Night Football," a ghastly game between the Chicago Bears (0-4) and Washington Commanders (2-2). Whatever you do, don't watch this one with the lights off.

October 4, 2023 | NFL

NFC South Week 5 predictions: Saints-Patriots could get ugly

Carolina seeks its first win. Atlanta and New Orleans try to keep pace with the Bucs, who are on a bye. After a 3-0 Week 4, here are predictions for Week 5.

October 3, 2023 | NFL

Aaron Rodgers issues lame jab at Travis Kelce

A man paid by a Johnson & Johnson heir is bothered by another man repping Pfizer. That's the only takeaway from Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' incredibly lame jab at Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

October 3, 2023 | NFL

New York Giants are largest underdog in Week 5

If Giants fans thought Monday night was bleak, wait for Week 5. New York (1-3) is the biggest underdog this weekend as it travels to Miami (3-1). Per Oddschecker, the Dolphins are a 10.5-point favorite.

October 2, 2023 | New York Giants

The New York Giants can kiss their season goodbye

Daniel Jones got sacked a bunch on Monday night. In Seattle's 24-3 drubbing, New York's season was sacked, too.

October 2, 2023 | MLB

MLB playoff preview: Five storylines to watch

The MLB postseason is finally here. These are some of the biggest storylines for the 2023 playoffs, including Baltimore's remarkable resurgence, Miami's stunning run, and Atlanta's mission to solidify itself as the best in the league.

October 2, 2023 | MLB

MLB playoff preview: Five players to watch

With the MLB postseason beginning on Tuesday, here's a look at five of the most important players to watch as 12 teams vie to be the last one standing.

October 1, 2023 | NFL

Controversial holding penalty aids Chiefs against resilient Zach Wilson, Jets

On a night full of stars, none drew more attention than Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Until the refs got involved.

October 1, 2023 | Chicago Bears

Bears' baffling decision comes back to haunt them against Broncos

It's nearing time for the Bears to clean house. Head coach Matt Eberflus made a horrendous coaching decision late in the fourth quarter of Chicago's 31-28 implosion against the Broncos.

October 1, 2023 | Atlanta Falcons

Desmond Ridder playing himself out of starting role in Atlanta

Patience is running thin for Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder.

October 1, 2023 | Buffalo Bills

Watch: Damar Hamlin in huddle as Bills take field in Week 4

Damar Hamlin won the Comeback Player of the Year on Sunday. Hamlin is active in Week 4 for the first time since going into cardiac arrest on "Monday Night Football" on Jan.

October 1, 2023 | NBA

Adding Jrue Holiday should make Celtics the favorite in Eastern Conference

After winning the Jrue Holiday sweepstakes, Boston is firmly set on winning the Eastern Conference. The Celtics traded disgruntled guard Malcolm Brogdon,

October 1, 2023 | Cleveland Browns

Cleveland rookie QB gets nod in Week 4 against Ravens

Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will get his first career start after Deshaun Watson (shoulder) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

October 1, 2023 | New Orleans Saints

Saints get miraculous Derek Carr update ahead of Sunday's game

After sustaining an injury that appeared likely to sideline him for weeks, Saints quarterback Derek Carr will start in a huge NFC South game against Tampa Bay in Week 4.

September 30, 2023 | College Football

Winners and losers from Week 5 of the college football season

Kentuck running back Ray Davis and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers were among the biggest stars in Week 5, while USC's defense and UAB head coach Trent Dilfer's temperament need work. Here are the winners and losers from Week 5 of the college football season.