Underdogs and lovable losers. That’s sports in a nutshell right now.
The Washington Capitals accomplished something pretty big last week. In case you missed Alexander Ovechkin drinking from the Stanley Cup all weekend, the Capitals are champions, ending a 43-year title drought.
It’s been a common theme in sports over the past two years. The Cronulla Sharks and Western Bulldogs got us started in 2016, followed by the Chicago Cubs, ending their historic 108-year World Series drought.
2017 was much the same – Richmond’s glory run ended a 37-year premiership drought, while the Houston Astros won their first pennant in their 55-year history. Rounding things out, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl success earlier in February marked not only the end of 56-years without a Lombardi Trophy, but also one of the most exciting underdog stories of the last decade.
So… who’s next in line?
With some pretty miserable cities still begging for championship glory, here’s a look at who we’re waiting on.
AFL
Melbourne Demons
The last time the Demons hoisted a premiership was in 1964, smack bang in the middle of the Vietnam War. Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize that year, and these things were also pretty popular…
It’s ironic, because trolling is exactly what the Demons have been doing to their fanbase. Holding the longest active premiership drought in the AFL, Melbourne last played finals way back in 2006, a game they lost by 24-points to Fremantle.
Melbourne’s young list has been stellar this season, though, ranking first in the league in marks inside-50 and goal accuracy. The Dees have won eight from 11 so far, and in a rather unpredictable season week-to-week, Melbourne to win the premiership at $6.50 isn’t such a bad idea.
St. Kilda
There was some talk of Top 8 hopes for the Saints to start the season, but that has since gone by the wayside. Through 12 rounds, St. Kilda have been woeful, winning just one game and drawing another. This was supposed to be a team capable of a few surprises, but so far the only one has been ranking second last in goal accuracy.
Tim Membrey’s shocking miss in front of goal back in May says it all, but so does Alan Richardson’s coaching record. With just 34 wins in the 101 games he’s coached, winning a premiership probably isn’t the top priority on St. Kilda’s to-do list right now.
EPL
Newcastle United
It’s been quite literally up and down for the Toon Army since their last piece of hardware. Having last won a major title in 1969, Newcastle have been in and out of the Premier League in recent decades.
The days of Alan Shearer are a fond memory for tyne side, but there is promise ahead if owner Mike Ashley decides he actually wants to spend some money during the transfer window. Newcastle successfully beat the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea last season, with all three victories coming at home. If Newcastle finally received a big name striker before August, it would go a long way to ensuring this team is competitive for the future.
Tottenham Hotspur
It’s been a long time in between drinks for the Spurs. Last winning the league in 1961, Tottenham’s last big success came in the FA Cup during the 1990/91 season, followed by a League Cup win during 2008.
Nothing is impossible in the Premier League, but the odds say it’s pretty close. The Spurs sit at $12.00 to win the title, and although Harry Kane is in a league of his own, not everyone is confident he can be a one man-wrecking crew…
MLB
Cleveland Indians
If you thought you had it tough as a Dees fan, try 1948. That’s how long it’s been since the Indians won a World Series pennant.
Currently holding the longest title drought in North American sports history (70-years), the Indians came this close to finally earning a ring back in 2016…
That call from announcer Matt Vasgersian was iconic, but what transpired following the home run in that classic Game 7 was nothing but heartache. Determined to end their 108-year World Series drought, the Cubs came back in extra innings to win 8-7.
The story so far for Cleveland is another trip to the postseason. Fortunate enough to play in a weak American League Central division, Cleveland remains one of the the Top 10 run scoring teams in the Majors.
NBA
Philadelphia 76ers
Is LeBron really leaving The Land? If so, a move to Philadelphia might just be the final piece to end the Sixers’ 35-year championship drought.
We saw a fairly inexperienced Philly side take the court during this year’s playoffs, only to meet their match against the Boston Celtics in the Semi-Conference Finals. It was a quiet exit on a brilliant season for rookie Ben Simmons, but it’s clear the Sixers are on the right path to remaining a contender in the East for years to come.
Currently at $9.00 odds to win the championship behind the Celtics, Cavs and Warriors, keep an eye on this market. If ‘The King’ does indeed make a visit to Philly, that number might just shrink.
NFL
Cleveland Browns
Super Bowl’s = 0.
0-16 seasons = 1.
The Browns haven’t had a winning season since 2007. Since then, they’ve changed quarterbacks 27 times and changed head coaches five times. This team has been the butt-end of jokes for the last two decades, but is there finally light at the end of the tunnel?
It’s too early to talk Super Bowl, but Cleveland is on the way up. The signing of stars like running back Carlos Hyde and wide receiver Jarvis Landy looks like a step in the right direction, and for once, the Browns look like they’ve set themselves up for the future by drafting quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
We’ve felt confident about this team before, but a Wild Card trip to the playoffs wouldn’t surprise.
Detroit Lions
Plenty of history, but nothing to show for it. The Lions are yet to win their first Lombardi Trophy, and the window is closing with ageing quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
The past and present list of names for the Lions almost makes you wonder why Detroit has been so unsuccessful. From the likes of Barry Sanders all the way down to Calvin Johnson, there’s been plenty of greatness on this team, but a tough NFC North division puts the Lions at long $51 odds to snap their 60-year title-less run this year.
Minnesota Vikings
It kinda felt like the Vikings’ year, for all of about an hour. That’s how long it took the Philadelphia Eagles to dismantle Minnesota in the NFC Championship game, a match the future Super Bowl champions won 38-7.
As far as misery goes, this team really likes to punch you in the nuts. The Vikings thought they were a Super Bowl shoo-in following Stefon Diggs’ miracle catch during the playoffs last year, but alas, the whole ’58-years without a Super Bowl title’ thing still lives on.
Never fear, though, this is still the number one team in the NFL that could and should end their drought next. At $12.00 odds to win the Super Bowl ahead of the coming season, the offseason signing of star quarterback Kirk Cousins back in March gifts guys like Diggs a bona fide passer capable of making big plays down field.
NHL
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Capitals’ 43-year drought was something, but it’s nothing on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now 51-years without a Stanley Cup, the city of Toronto is one of the craziest hockey towns in the world, and unfortunately one of the most tortured.
Toronto had its chance this season, but once again fell short to the Boston Bruins in a Game 7 – the second time that has happened in the last six years. It’s fair to say the Leafs have some bad luck, or better yet, a curse.
Having not won a Cup since 1967, the curse of Jim Pappin has become a very real thing. Pappin scored the game-winning goal in the Leafs’ 3-1 win over the Canadiens back in ’67, and since then, well it’s been misery.