Footballoutsiders Review Guide: Everything You Need to Know (With FAQ)
Are you passionate about breaking down football, not just watching the games but truly understanding the strategy, stats, and trends that make each snap matter? Or maybe you’ve heard about Football Outsiders and their legendary DVOA rankings but now can’t figure out what’s going on with the site? I get it—it’s frustrating when your go-to resource suddenly vanishes.
If you’ve been digging around for answers about what happened to Football Outsiders, what’s still available, and what opportunities exist for that next-level football analysis, you’re in the right place. Let’s cut through the confusion together. This guide is here to make it all clear.
Why are Football Outsiders fans frustrated or confused?
Football Outsiders was the kind of site that made you feel like you were a step ahead—whether you were dissecting games with friends, prepping your fantasy football lineups, or placing smarter bets. It wasn’t just about raw stats; they interpreted the game from a totally unique perspective. And then, it was gone. Poof!
Fans have been scratching their heads, wondering:
What happened? Why did a site with such a big following go dark?
Where can I find DVOA stats and other insights now? This data was groundbreaking for anyone who took football analysis seriously.
Are there alternatives? You don’t want to be left holding the bag if this kind of info gives you an edge, right?
I mean, let’s face it—if you’ve ever leaned on Football Outsiders’ unique analytics to figure out where your team might be headed or wanted to get smarter for fantasy drafts or betting strategies, this is a tough loss. And with all the unverified information flying around online about what’s next for the site’s tools, platforms, and resources, it can feel impossible to get the answers you’re looking for. But don’t worry—I’ll make sense of it all.
What you’ll get from this guide: answers and alternatives
Whether you’re a seasoned user who’s followed Football Outsiders since its early days or someone just hearing about it now and wondering if it could help your football fandom or bets, this guide is your one-stop resource.
I’ll break down Football Outsiders’ past, its big shutdown in 2023, and how to navigate this shift if you relied on it regularly.
Confused about stats like DVOA? Don’t worry—I’ll keep things simple and useful.
You’ll also find out where to turn now that things have changed—including some great alternatives.
The football world is still full of opportunities to up your game with smart analysis. And guess what? Some of the best tools and tips for staying ahead are just around the corner—so don’t stop here. Wondering why Football Outsiders became such a beloved giant in the first place? Keep reading, and I’ll show you…
What was Footballoutsiders, and why was it so popular?
You ever come across something so good that it makes everything else feel average? That’s exactly what Football Outsiders was for football stats lovers. It wasn’t just another place to get numbers or basic analysis—it was like unlocking a secret level in a video game. Let’s jump into what made it so irresistible.
A breakdown of Football Outsiders’ unique approach
If you’ve been around football long enough, you’ve probably heard people argue over which team’s defense is better or which player is a “game-changer.” What made Football Outsiders incredible was its ability to settle those arguments—or least give you tools to look smarter in them.
Their crown jewel? DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). It sounds fancy, but here’s what it really boils down to: DVOA didn’t just tell you if a team was good. It told you why they were good—and how they stacked up against the competition, play by play, situation by situation. It threw context into the mix, something traditional stats couldn’t do.
Team A had great yardage stats? Cool—but DVOA could show if their big numbers came against the league’s worst defenses, giving you the real story.
Player B had a “monster game”? DVOA looked at whether that performance was actually above or below what the average player would’ve done in the same situation.
It was football analytics, but in a way that made sense and helped you see the game differently. Bettors started using DVOA to spot hidden edges. Fantasy football fans leaned on it to better understand player potential. Regular fans? They just ate it up because it broke down the sport like never before.
As one user once put it: “Thanks to Football Outsiders, I don’t just watch football anymore—I feel like I see it through X-ray glasses.”
How it stood out from similar sites
Look, there are other football stat platforms out there, but Football Outsiders wasn’t like the typical “yards per game” or “points allowed” number-crunching machines. What really set it apart was how it tied stats to impact. It didn’t just dump data on you—it told a story.
For example:
They analyzed why a 4th-and-1 play-call by the Ravens worked against a specific defensive front. Suddenly, you learned more in one article than in hours of post-game chat on TV.
Remember that crazy Chiefs-Bills playoff game in 2022? Football Outsiders’ stats could pinpoint which calls flipped the game, based on absolute efficiency, not just big plays.
Whether you were a fan dissecting plays at home or someone working on NFL props, their insight honestly felt like cheating—it was that good.
Why its closure in 2023 became the talk of the town
And then… it vanished. Out of nowhere, in 2023, Football Outsiders shut down. It was like some sports bar you’ve been hanging at for years suddenly locking its doors with no warning. People turned to forums, Twitter, Reddit—you name it—asking, “What happened?!” and “Where can I get my DVOA fix now?”
The truth? Ownership changes and operational struggles were likely to blame. While it’s still painful for die-hard fans, there’s a silver lining: some of their most valuable tools didn’t go poof. Instead, their DVOA engine found a new home at FTN Fantasy, keeping that legacy alive for all of us stat-heads.
But what really happened behind the scenes? And where does all of this leave those old Football Outsiders fans (and bettors) who relied so heavily on their tools? I’ve got answers for that coming up next—you won’t want to miss it.
What happened to Football Outsiders in 2023?
By now, you’ve probably noticed the buzz—or the confusion—surrounding Football Outsiders shutting down in 2023. Let me break it down for you, because if you’ve been relying on their unique insights for years, you’re bound to have some questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got solid answers.
The shutdown and where DVOA lives now
First things first: when Football Outsiders went offline, people panicked about what would happen to their groundbreaking stats, especially the famous DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). But here’s the good news—these advanced stats didn’t just vanish. They found a new home at FTN Fantasy.
If you’re into football analytics, this shift is something you’ll want to know about. FTN Fantasy stepped in to carry the torch, ensuring DVOA and other advanced metrics are still accessible. Whether you’re betting or just a stats nerd, this move keeps you in the game. You might need a subscription to access their tools, but for those who want an edge, it’s probably worth it.
“When Football Outsiders shut down, it felt like losing a key player in overtime. But knowing DVOA survived gave us fans a reason to cheer again.”
Reasons behind the shutdown
Now, you might be wondering: why did all this happen in the first place? The reasons aren’t crystal clear, but from what’s been said, financial struggles and operational challenges played a huge role. Change in ownership? Budget cuts? It could’ve been a mix of these things. Either way, it left fans stunned—and, honestly, frustrated.
Think about it: this was a site that football enthusiasts and serious bettors trusted for years. Losing it overnight felt like losing a playbook mid-game. Suddenly, the rhythm was thrown off. If you relied on their season-long updates, you probably felt that pain too.
Historical archives are still available
Here’s where there’s a silver lining: the past isn’t completely gone. Historical data, including DVOA rankings that stretch back to 1979, is still out there for fans to access. Want to see how teams stacked up decades ago? Want to compare legendary seasons from different eras? That treasure trove of info hasn’t disappeared—it’s just not housed under Football Outsiders anymore.
A little insider tip: if you’ve got old bookmarks or know their original URLs, you might still find some gems floating around online. Many users have reported success by digging through archive-based websites or even forums where hardcore fans have preserved some of the original content.
Alright, but here’s the question we all care about: with these changes, who’s going to benefit the most from what’s left of Football Outsiders-style intel? That’s where it gets interesting—
Who can benefit from Football Outsiders-style insights?
Let’s cut to the chase—Football Outsiders wasn’t just for the hardcore football geeks. Their unique stats and analysis, like the world-famous DVOA, offered real, tangible value for a bunch of different people. Whether you’re trying to bet smarter, dominate your fantasy league, or just enjoy football on a deeper level, these insights are for you.
Bettors who want an edge
Think about this: NFL betting isn’t just about knowing which team is better—it’s about understanding why they’re better and where the opportunities lie. That’s where tools like DVOA come in. For example, DVOA doesn’t just rank an offense or defense; it adjusts for context, like the quality of opponents they’ve faced.
Let’s say Team A’s defense looks strong statistically, but DVOA reveals they’ve only been up against bottom-tier offenses. Knowing that can stop you from making a costly bet based on misleading averages. DVOA and similar insights are goldmines for bettors who crave more than the basics. As a bettor myself, I know how crucial this edge can be—it’s the difference between staying ahead of the bookies or burning through your bankroll.
Fantasy football enthusiasts who want a leg up on opponents
If you’re into fantasy football, you know the frustration of picking a player who looks like a star on paper but flops in reality. That’s where advanced stats like DVOA can completely reshape your draft strategy or weekly lineup decisions.
For instance, imagine two running backs with the same yardage. One is generating most of their yards against weak teams—hello, garbage time stats—while the other is tearing apart top defenses. DVOA can help you see the difference between a paper tiger and a real fantasy stud.
In 2023, with fantasy leagues more competitive than ever, these types of tools aren’t just helpful; they’re basically a requirement if you want to stand out. Using advanced insights can make you that guy in your league who always seems to know something others don’t. And let’s be real—that feels amazing, doesn’t it?
Hardcore football fans who enjoy advanced stats
Are you the type of fan who loves watching film, breaking down plays, and understanding why a team truly won or lost—beyond the highlight reel? Then you’re exactly the kind of person who gets the most out of Football Outsiders-style numbers.
Stats like DVOA give what I call the “aha moments” for a football nerd. They let you see hidden patterns—like why certain offenses flopped in key games or how defenses secretly dominated without flashy turnovers or sacks. Let’s be honest: regular stats just don’t paint the whole picture. You’re not here for surface-level insights; you’re here for brilliance.
“Not everyone will appreciate the beauty of advanced football stats, but for those who do—it’s pure art.” – Unknown
And honestly, if that’s you, welcome to the club. It’s more than just numbers. It’s about being the smartest guy in the room when the game comes up at the bar—or, honestly, just impressing yourself with how much you already know.
So whether you’re trying to win money, dominate your fantasy league, or just soak up the game like a true football sage, these tools are for you. Now, you’re probably wondering—aren’t there other sites offering similar stats and insights? Where else can you get that Football Outsiders-level brilliance? Stay locked in because the next part is where things get really interesting.
Aren’t there other football analysis sites out there?
Losing Football Outsiders hurts—there’s no denying that. But guess what? You’re not completely out of the game when it comes to finding sharp football analysis. There are some amazing alternatives, and if you’re serious about getting those insights, you just need to know where to look. Let me guide you through a few that are absolutely worth your time.
Exploring alternatives like NFLsavant.com
If you’re a fan of stats-heavy analysis, NFLsavant.com should already be on your radar. Why? Because it’s perfect for anyone who loves hard data. This site focuses on advanced NFL stats, breaking down things like play-by-play data and even heat maps for player positioning. The visual tools here are amazing.
Ever wondered about trends like how a QB’s average passing depth changes from quarter to quarter? NFLsavant can show you patterns like that in a way that’s easy to grasp. It’s smaller-scale compared to Football Outsiders, but hey, sometimes less fluff means more focus on what really matters—hard numbers.
FTN Fantasy’s role in continuing Football Outsiders’ legacy
Here’s the good news for those of us who still live and breathe DVOA: FTN Fantasy now carries the torch. Yep, the famous metrics created by Football Outsiders didn’t just disappear into the ether. FTN Fantasy is where you can find those tools, plus more resources for bettors and fantasy players.
Now, I won’t lie to you—its full package is behind a subscription, but if you want the kind of edge that lets you predict those fourth-quarter game-changing plays, it’s worth the investment. Imagine being the person in your fantasy league who always spots breakout players before anyone else. FTN Fantasy makes it possible. It’s like the secret weapon Football Outsiders left behind for us.
Other noteworthy resources to consider
Still hungry for more? Don’t worry, the world of football analytics doesn’t begin and end with just these two sites. Here are a couple of other giants you’ll want to keep an eye on:
Pro Football Focus (PFF): Known for its player grades and in-depth scouting reports. Fancy knowing how a wide receiver fares against man-to-man coverage? PFF has that.
Sharp Football Analysis: Created by Warren Sharp, this site is a powerhouse for matchup breakdowns and analytics-driven game previews. Love handicapping games? This is your jam.
Each of these platforms offers something unique. Whether you’re into tracking player efficiency or deep team analytics for your bets, they’ve got you covered.
“It hurts to lose what we love, but sometimes the best replacements push us to learn even more.”
Missing Football Outsiders doesn’t mean the game is over. You’ve got options, and the next step is figuring out how to make the best use of them. If you’re wondering how to get your hands on that famous DVOA and everything else you’re missing, keep reading—I’ll show you exactly where and how to access it all.
How can you access Football Outsiders’ tools in 2023 and beyond?
Missing Football Outsiders doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck. If you’re someone who loved their in-depth stats and unique tools, there are still ways to access what you need and keep your football analysis strong. Let’s break it down.
Navigating FTN Fantasy for DVOA stats
If you’re hunting for DVOA, the good news is it hasn’t disappeared. FTN Fantasy is now the home for those famous efficiency rankings, but—and here’s the kicker—you’ll likely need a subscription. FTN Fantasy has inherited much of the technical expertise and data Football Outsiders once held, so it’s now your go-to for the advanced analytics you used to rely on.
Here’s how you can use it:
Sign up for their subscription plan to unlock access to team efficiency scores, player stats, and analysis.
Check out their tools for in-season breakdowns, a huge plus if you’re into betting or fantasy leagues.
Don’t just stop at DVOA—FTN offers other helpful resources as well, making it a solid one-stop shop for advanced analytics.
While it’s frustrating that access might not be free anymore, think of it as an investment. The kind of insight you get—particularly for bettors—is often worth its weight in gold.
Where to find historical archives
Are you a stats geek looking for past DVOA rankings to settle debates or simply satisfy your curiosity? You’re in luck—Football Outsiders’ historical archives didn’t vanish entirely. Many of their older rankings (some going back to 1979!) can still be found online. A few tips to get your hands on them:
Google old Football Outsiders links and use archive services like Wayback Machine to locate specific content.
Visit FTN Fantasy as they may also provide access to legacy content for subscribers.
Browse football-centric forums and Reddit threads where fans often share resources and links to useful archived material.
For history buffs or anyone betting with a long-term perspective, these archives are a treasure trove of information, letting you analyze trends over decades.
Setting up alerts for updates
Staying in the loop is essential if you want to keep accessing cutting-edge football analysis. There’s nothing worse than missing out, especially when new tools or updates are released. Here’s what you can do:
Follow platforms like FTN Fantasy and Pro Football Focus on Twitter or sign up for their newsletters.
Consider using Google Alerts to track specific terms like “DVOA updates” or “Football Outsiders tools.”
Join online communities or forums focused on NFL analytics—sometimes, the best tips come from fellow fans who spot updates early.
An alert or quick email can make the difference between snagging the latest insights or falling behind, whether for betting, fantasy, or just staying ahead of the competition.
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
And that’s exactly what we’re talking about: being prepared so you can seize every nugget of football info out there.
That raises an important question, though: why even bother going through all this effort for advanced stats like DVOA? What makes them so essential in a world already packed with numbers and rankings? Hold tight—I’ll explain everything next.
Why Tracking Advanced Stats Is Still Worth It
Let’s face it—football is about way more than touchdowns and highlights. The beauty of the game lies in all those tiny moments that don’t show up in the box score, and that’s where advanced stats come in. If you were a fan of tools like DVOA back when Football Outsiders was around, you already know how much of a difference advanced analysis makes. But even now, when things have shifted to platforms like FTN Fantasy, these stats remain an absolute game-changer. Let me show you why.
The Difference Advanced Stats Make in Understanding Football
Think about it for a second. If a team wins a game by 14 points, does that automatically mean they played better? Not always. Advanced stats like DVOA throw away the noise and dig into what really happened on the field. For example, they account for things like:
The strength of the opponent (beating a powerhouse isn’t the same as crushing a weak squad).
Game situations (garbage time numbers aren’t weighted the same as clutch plays).
Efficiency (not just how many yards were gained, but how key those yards were).
It’s the kind of insight that reveals why a dominant team may not show up in traditional stats—or why an underdog is sharper than they seem. If you ignore this data, you’re stuck relying only on surface-level numbers. And trust me, you don’t want to be the person arguing “team with the most rushing yards always wins” at a party!
“Statistics are like a bikini: what they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.” — Aaron Levenstein
Why Bettors and Fans Alike Benefit from These Insights
Let me make this clear—whether you’re placing bets, managing a fantasy team, or just someone who loves debating football over hot wings, advanced stats are your secret weapon. Here’s how they help:
Spotting trends before the public catches on: Ever watched a team consistently outplay their opponents but somehow not get the wins? DVOA and similar metrics often spot these teams early, letting you capitalize before others figure it out.
Predicting more accurate outcomes: The public loves high-yard, flashy offenses, but advanced stats might show a defense-first team is stealing wins through efficiency. It can change the way you look at spreads and moneylines.
Beating recency bias: Got fooled by last week’s blowout? Advanced metrics smooth out those short-term flukes so you’re betting or judging teams based on sustained performance.
Think of it like this: In a sandstorm of raw stats, advanced metrics give you a clear map. Can you bet without it? Sure. But why would you when it’s like squinting in the dark when the flashlight is right there?
But here’s the thing—these numbers aren’t just for bettors. Fans love them too because they translate the chaos on the field into something you can actually talk about. Wondering why your team keeps losing close games? Advanced stats probably have the answer.
Still not sure? Here’s a thought: What’s the best way to apply these tools for the upcoming season or your next wager? Don’t worry—I’ll break it all down in the next section, plus answer some common questions like where you can grab these tools and how to stay ahead of the game.
FAQs about Footballoutsiders
Got questions? I’ve seen a lot of buzz around what’s going on with Football Outsiders, so I’ve gathered some of the most common questions fans are asking. Let’s clear things up once and for all!
What happened to Football Outsiders?
Football Outsiders officially shut down in 2023. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what happened to those famous stats like DVOA, don’t worry – they didn’t disappear. The good news is that FTN Fantasy picked up where Football Outsiders left off. So, while the platform itself is gone, its most valuable tools are alive and kickin’ over there.
What other sites offer similar insights?
If you’re searching for replacement resources, you’re not out of luck. Besides FTN Fantasy, which now holds the torch for those advanced stats like DVOA, here are a few others worth checking out:
NFLsavant.com: Pure heaven for number lovers with loads of advanced NFL stats.
Pro Football Focus (PFF): Known for player grades and deep insights important for hardcore analysis or betting.
Sharp Football Analysis: Great for strategies and breaking down games from angles other sites might not focus on.
Each of these brings something unique to the table. If you’re a data nerd or football strategy junkie, exploring multiple options can really help fill the Football Outsiders-shaped hole in your stats game.
Can I still access its older content?
All is not lost when it comes to past Football Outsiders content. The historical archives for DVOA rankings and other analysis dating back to 1979 are still floating around online. They haven’t vanished completely—you just need to know where to look. Try exploring links like FTN Fantasy or even third-party archive tools for a blast from the stats past. If you’ve got a favorite historical game or season, those numbers can still help relive it, at least analytically.
You may even find gems in public forums or niche football communities hoarding old articles and data files. It’s like treasure hunting, except you’re geekin’ out over yards per play instead of gold coins.
But let me ask you this—what’s the one Football Outsiders feature you really wish had stuck around? Is it something you can still find elsewhere, or has it evolved onto something even better? Stick around for the next section, where we’ll look at how to keep the spirit of advanced football analysis alive and what lies ahead for fans like you!
Wrapping it all up: What you need to know about Football Outsiders
When Football Outsiders first burst onto the scene, it completely changed the way fans, bettors, and analysts looked at the NFL. Advanced metrics like DVOA and deep performance analysis gave us a clearer picture of what was really happening on the field. Even though the website is no longer around, its influence is still all over the game today. In short: Football Outsiders was a game-changer, and its impact isn’t going anywhere.
The site’s legacy and where it stands now
Even though the site itself called it a day in 2023, Football Outsiders’ legacy is alive and well. The torch has been passed to platforms like FTN Fantasy, which now hosts DVOA and other tools that fans loved. For historical buffs, the good news is that archives and older data haven’t disappeared—you can still dig into them if you’re into reliving football from years past.
The bottom line? While Football Outsiders as we knew it is gone, its work and influence continue to shape how savvy fans and bettors approach the game. It’s no exaggeration to say they set the gold standard for advanced football stats.
Alternatives to explore
Missing Football Outsiders doesn’t mean you’re stuck without options. Platforms like NFLsavant.com, FTN Fantasy, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) are still at your service with incredible insights and tools. Each of these sites focuses on giving football enthusiasts an edge, whether it’s through player analytics, play-by-play breakdowns, or predictions for upcoming games.
For example, FTN Fantasy took over DVOA and many other advanced metrics, so if that’s what you’re looking for, add them to your arsenal. Meanwhile, PFF is known for its player grades, and Sharp Football Analysis is a great pick for trendspotters. Depending on what you’re looking for—whether it’s player-based numbers, team efficiency tools, or betting insights—you can mix and match these resources to find what works best for you.
Final thoughts: Why advanced analysis still matters
Here’s the deal: football isn’t just about touchdowns and highlights. If you really want to understand the game—or get an edge in betting or fantasy football—advanced stats are where it’s at. Football Outsiders was proof of this. Their numbers and insights showed us how to spot patterns, measure consistency, and separate good teams from great ones. And even though they’ve shut down, that doesn’t mean this approach has lost its relevance.
Whether you’re trying to pick the winning team in a close game or analyze a player’s value on your fantasy roster, advanced stats can give you the clarity you need. As a bettor myself, I can’t count how many times these kinds of insights have helped me make smarter predictions. For instance, understanding how DVOA measures a team’s true efficiency in different situations can completely change how you think about a matchup. Seriously, the difference between relying on surface stats and using advanced metrics is like night and day.
The legacy of Football Outsiders is one of forward-thinking and next-level analysis. And while the site is gone, its tools and mindset live on through other platforms. So don’t stop exploring, don’t stop learning, and keep making smart moves—on the field, in your fantasy league, and at the betting window. After all, football is a game of inches, and advanced analysis might just be the edge you’ve been looking for.
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