Week 16 Player Spotlight (2024)

The final playoff push was happening. Initiated by the Call It subreddit for the Titans, this weekend was an organized attempt across a couple sports bars in Nashville to help bring home a playoff spot for the franchise that would be picking close to number one in the draft the following spring. The Titan’s regular season record was depressing, their Call It number? Only about ten thousand points outside a playoff berth.

Ordinarily, Frank wouldn’t care too much about watching his team play this year. But with the Call It playoffs on the line, it put a whole new spin on the post season meaning something. When he arrived at the bar, he found it absolutely packed with like minded fans. A couple slightly inebriated guys came up to him, and drafted him into their private contest “just because”. It was like everyone there had known each other their entire lives. The place was buzzing.

Some guy with a microphone started to inform the crowd about the kick off button, and what broadcast to select and so forth. As the kickoff neared, the crowd chanted the countdown together, dozens of fingers hitting the sync button at the same time. It was show time.

Apparently, the organizers had done an in depth analytical study of Call It, and had figured out how to maximize the reward to risk ration for predictions depending on the situation on the field. The guy with the microphone was calling out the picks that everyone should choose, and most of them (by the sound of the cheering and grumbles) were following through. Frank likewise went with the flow, but occasionally altered his amount wagered.

A projector showed the current point totals, updating after every drive completion. The Titan’s were closing their 10,000 point deficit rapidly. Frank had amassed a healthy 2000 point total in his contest as the game neared the end. Only 500 points separated the Titan’s from the first wild card team. Frank decided it was only proper that he predict a game sealing interception- on his own team.

Titans > Interception > 2000

The man with the mic had given instructions for everyone to predict a field goal (which would have won it for the Titans). Everyone at the edge of their seats, as the Titan’s drove the field. A drop back, a throw, and a massive groan from the crowd as the ball sailed effortlessly into the hands of the defender. Frank stood up quickly, opened the app and checked. The board updated, and there were shouts of confusion as the Titans had claimed the final wild card spot.

Frank lifted his phone up, shouting the news of his success. The bar erupted in roars of approval. The Titans were going to the playoffs.