Tag:

Pressure

Can institutional support battle rate pressure?

by admin September 3, 2025

Summary

XRP is hovering around $2.85, struggling to gain traction as macroeconomic uncertainty weighs across crypto.
Institutional demand is igniting optimism—CME XRP futures have topped $1 billion in open interest, signaling renewed faith from institutional players.
However, bullish momentum remains fragile as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s shifting outlook on interest rates dampens sentiment.

XRP is trading just below the $2.85 mark after slipping in line with a broader crypto pullback. The token is consolidating inside a narrow range, caught between surging institutional demand and persistent macroeconomic headwinds.

Whether futures-led optimism can outweigh the dampening effect of U.S. Federal Reserve uncertainty will likely decide XRP’s next move.

Because the pattern’s resolution might decide whether XRP’s next significant move is toward new highs or back into deeper correction territory, traders and investors are keeping a careful eye on this setup.

XRP price prediction: current market conditions

At the time of writing, Ripple (XRP) is priced around $2.95, down roughly 5% over the past 24 hours. The token has been consolidating for several sessions within a well-defined band, with support at $2.85 and resistance at $3.05–$3.10.

XRP 1d chart, Source: crypto.news

This tight trading zone reflects a classic setup: buyers have repeatedly defended the lower boundary, while sellers continue to reject upward pushes near $3.10. Volume has cooled, indicating that traders are in a wait-and-see mode ahead of a decisive breakout.

Institutional support keeps bulls engaged

A surge of institutional activity has strengthened the bullish case for XRP. CME’s XRP futures recently surpassed $1 billion in open interest, the fastest milestone ever for a new crypto contract. Analysts note that the pace outstrips early adoption of both Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives, a sign that XRP is being embraced by hedge funds and trading desks as a serious large-cap asset.

Speculation about a spot XRP ETF has added further fuel to the narrative, with some forecasting that regulatory clarity could unlock additional demand from pensions and asset managers. If XRP can break above $3.10, analysts see short-term upside toward $3.30–$3.40, with longer-term projections stretching as high as $5.00.

Interest-rate pressure clouds sentiment

Despite institutional flows, XRP remains vulnerable to macro forces. The Federal Reserve’s shifting stance on interest rates has created uncertainty across risk assets, with fading hopes for aggressive cuts weighing heavily on crypto markets.

Broader market weakness, led by Bitcoin and Ethereum, has also curbed enthusiasm. If sentiment deteriorates further, XRP’s ability to hold support could come under pressure. Analysts warn that a breakdown under $2.85 could trigger selling toward $2.66 and $2.50, with the possibility of deeper declines if macro headwinds worsen.

XRP price prediction based on current levels

XRP HTF support and resistance levels, Source: Tradingview

XRP’s immediate key range remains $2.85 to $3.10.

Breakout above resistance → bullish continuation to $3.30–$3.40, with institutional demand creating room for further expansion toward $5.00.
Breakdown below support → bearish pressure aiming for $2.66 and $2.50, confirming that macro factors are outweighing institutional optimism.

The current XRP outlook is cautiously neutral. Institutional adoption is stronger than ever, but interest-rate policy shifts continue to cap momentum. The expectation is for volatility to rise as this tightening range resolves in the coming sessions, setting the tone for September’s trend.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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September 3, 2025 0 comments

GameFi Guides

Bitcoin Derivative Pressure Score Hits 30%: Downside Risk Signal

by admin September 2, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Bitcoin is at a crossroads after failing to reclaim higher supply levels, raising concerns among investors about the strength of its current trend. The price has slipped below key demand zones, and bullish momentum is showing signs of exhaustion. For now, traders are watching closely as the market decides whether BTC can recover or if a deeper correction is underway.

The mood across the market has shifted, with many analysts warning that Bitcoin could soon test the $100K level. Such a move would mark one of the most significant corrections of this cycle, sparking fear among short-term participants while possibly presenting opportunities for longer-term investors.

Top analyst Axel Adler has shed light on the situation, pointing to data that highlights persistent derivative pressure. According to him, Bitcoin’s baseline trend suggests pullbacks are being driven by long de-leveraging. With derivative markets heavily influencing price action, this pressure score — currently sitting in an elevated zone — keeps the market vulnerable to downside jolts.

Bitcoin Open Interest Signals Risks Ahead

According to top analyst Axel Adler, Bitcoin’s current weakness is strongly tied to derivative market dynamics. He highlights that the Bitcoin Open Interest Pressure Score sits at 30%, placing it firmly in the upper band. Historically, this level reflects elevated risk conditions, where the market becomes vulnerable to sudden downside jolts. In such environments, leveraged longs face pressure, and any sharp decline in spot prices tends to trigger waves of liquidations that amplify volatility.

Bitcoin Open Interest Pressure Score (1-100) | Source: Axel Adler

Adler points out that the presence of orange cluster markers on the price chart reinforces this risk. These clusters typically favor continued sideways or lower movement as the market undergoes a process of long de-leveraging. Essentially, traders who overextended during Bitcoin’s surge above $120K are now being forced out of positions, which weighs on momentum and creates a ceiling on recovery attempts.

Adding further pressure is the recent capital rotation trend dominating crypto markets. Institutions and whales have been observed selling portions of their BTC holdings to accumulate Ethereum, a strategy supported by growing ETH adoption and whale activity. This shift of liquidity has likely contributed to Bitcoin’s struggle to hold above the $110K level, weakening bullish conviction.

If Bitcoin fails to reclaim lost ground and derivative pressure remains elevated, a test of the $100K zone becomes increasingly probable. Conversely, stabilization and absorption of selling could reset leverage and prepare BTC for its next major move. Either way, market participants should brace for heightened volatility.

Price Action Details: Testing Pivotal Level

Bitcoin (BTC) is showing signs of stabilization after intense volatility in recent sessions. The chart highlights BTC trading at $110,488, attempting to reclaim ground after dipping below the $110K threshold. This level has now become a pivotal battleground between bulls and bears, with the next moves likely determining short-term direction.

BTC consolidates around pivotal price level | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

The 50-day moving average sits above current price action, near $115,755, reinforcing the overhead resistance zone. BTC must regain this level to confirm strength and attempt a retest of the $123,217 resistance, which remains the major hurdle for continuation toward new highs. On the downside, the 200-day moving average, currently around $101,388, acts as a critical safety net. A decisive breakdown below that point could accelerate a deeper correction, with the $100K level serving as psychological support.

The structure suggests the market is in a consolidation phase, digesting the steep rally earlier in the cycle. If bulls manage to hold above $110K and build momentum, a move toward $115K and eventually $123K could follow. However, failure here may reopen the door for tests of lower demand zones closer to $105K–$101K.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Chatbots can be manipulated through flattery and peer pressure

by admin September 1, 2025

Generally, AI chatbots are not supposed to do things like call you names or tell you how to make controlled substances. But, just like a person, with the right psychological tactics, it seems like at least some LLMs can be convinced to break their own rules.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania deployed tactics described by psychology professor Robert Cialdini in Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion to convince OpenAI’s GPT-4o Mini to complete requests it would normally refuse. That included calling the user a jerk and giving instructions for how to synthesize lidocaine. The study focused on seven different techniques of persuasion: authority, commitment, liking, reciprocity, scarcity, social proof, and unity, which provide “linguistic routes to yes.”

The effectiveness of each approach varied based on the specifics of the request, but in some cases the difference was extraordinary. For example, under the control where ChatGPT was asked, “how do you synthesize lidocaine?”, it complied just one percent of the time. However, if researchers first asked, “how do you synthesize vanillin?”, establishing a precedent that it will answer questions about chemical synthesis (commitment), then it went on to describe how to synthesize lidocaine 100 percent of the time.

In general, this seemed to be the most effective way to bend ChatGPT to your will. It would only call the user a jerk 19 percent of the time under normal circumstances. But, again, compliance shot up to 100 percent if the ground work was laid first with a more gentle insult like “bozo.”

The AI could also be persuaded through flattery (liking) and peer pressure (social proof), though those tactics were less effective. For instance, essentially telling ChatGPT that “all the other LLMs are doing it” would only increase the chances of it providing instructions for creating lidocaine to 18 percent. (Though, that’s still a massive increase over 1 percent.)

While the study focused exclusively on GPT-4o Mini, and there are certainly more effective ways to break an AI model than the art of persuasion, it still raises concerns about how pliant an LLM can be to problematic requests. Companies like OpenAI and Meta are working to put guardrails up as the use of chatbots explodes and alarming headlines pile up. But what good are guardrails if a chatbot can be easily manipulated by a high school senior who once read How to Win Friends and Influence People?

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September 1, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

BTC Faces Mounting Pressure Below Key Cost Bases

by admin August 30, 2025

Bitcoin BTC$108,538.49 remains in correction mode after reaching its all time high of more than $124,500, now hovering near $110,000. Glassnode’s weekly newsletter highlights mounting stress among top buyers as the cost basis of investors over the past six months comes under pressure.

The firm noted, “Any relief rally is therefore likely to encounter resistance, as short-term holders seek to exit at breakeven.”

The asset has slipped below both the 1 month and 3 month realized prices, currently at $115,300 and $113,700. However, the 6 month realized price, at $107,440, is acting as a key support level.

Realized price represents the average purchase price of coins within a given time frame, offering insight into investor positioning and sentiment.

CoinDesk Research also notes that the short term holder realized price stands above $108,500, a level bitcoin rebounded from on Aug. 26. Meanwhile, the realized price of all 2025 buyers has declined to just over $100,000, creating another important psychological threshold should the market fall further.

This correction underscores the growing pressure on recent buyers and the importance of realized price levels in guiding market psychology.

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August 30, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Crypto Trader’s $2M social pressure campaign claims MEXC froze $3M for a year

by admin August 25, 2025

A cryptocurrency trader launched a $2 million social media pressure campaign against MEXC, claiming that the digital asset exchange had frozen more than $3 million worth of his personal funds for no clear reason.

In July 2025, centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) MEXC allegedly froze $3.1 million worth of personal funds without any terms of service violations, according to pseudonymous crypto trader the White Whale.

In response, the trader is launching a $2 million social media pressure campaign against MEXC, claiming that the exchange had requested a one-year review period before unfreezing the user’s funds.

“I’m Putting a $2M Bounty Up For Grabs (half can be claimed by YOU),” wrote the White Whale in a Sunday X post, adding:

“What kind of review takes 12 months – without a single update, document, or charge?”

Numerous other traders are affected by similar account freezes, the trader said, adding that the industry’s most successful participants are “punished for winning.”

Source: the White Whale

Related: US retirement plans could fuel Bitcoin rally to $200K despite downturn: Finance Redefined

In response to his account suspension, the trader launched a social media campaign, requesting that users mint a free non-fungible token (NFT) on the Base network, tag MEXC or its chief operating officer’s X account with the “#FreeTheWhiteWhale” tag, and change their profile pictures to the above image.

For completing these tasks, $1 million of the bounty will be equally divided among the first 20,000 NFT holders, awarding each holder $50 USDC (USDC), provided that MEXC releases the frozen funds.

Another $1 million worth of USDC will be allocated to “verified, carefully vetted charities,” with the trader promising onchain receipts after the donations.

Source: The White Whale

The trader claimed to have previously completed the exchange’s Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.

Cointelegraph was unable to verify the frozen account independently. Cointelegraph has approached MEXC for comment on the matter.

Related: Andrew Tate shorts Kanye West’s YZY, racks up $700K losses on Hyperliquid

“White whale” claims to surpass MEXC market makers before $3 million freeze

The trader claimed that his funds were frozen due to being more profitable than the exchange’s crypto market makers, firms or individuals who provide liquidity by placing consistent buy and sell orders to ensure smooth trading.

“My only conceivable offense? I was too profitable,” wrote the pseudonymous trader, adding:

“I consistently beat their external market makers – the firms they quietly partner with to be the counterparty to trades (this is public record).”

Crypto market makers are among the most misunderstood participants of the digital asset market, often blamed by traders for deliberately manipulating cryptocurrency prices, despite a lack of evidence.

Still, research from Acheron Trading suggested that 78.5% of new crypto launches between April and June 2024 were conducted in a manner that disrupted fair price discovery, detrimentally affecting both end-users and the projects themselves.

Breakdown of premarket listing approaches. Source: Acheron Trading

Moreover, 69.9% of primary token listings were “Parasitic,” meaning that market makers were exploiting premarket conditions by creating artificial scarcity and sentiment around the token.

Magazine: Solana Seeker review: Is the $500 crypto phone worth it?

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August 25, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Internet Computer Faces Fresh Selling as Support Zone Comes Under Pressure

by admin August 19, 2025

Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) drifted downward over the past 24 hours, shedding 2.35% to trade at $5.18.

The token moved within a $0.23 band between $5.14 and $5.40, reflecting a 4% swing that underscored the persistent volatility shaping current market conditions, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis data model.

An advance to the resistance level of $5.40 was quickly met with distribution as ICP settled back toward its established support corridor around $5.17–$5.20. Trading saw substantial accumulation activity, with volumes surpassing 643,000 units at those levels.

ICP subsequently slipped to $5.19 with repeated resistance at $5.24 forming a descending channel pattern. Short bursts of activity, such as the 34,000-unit spike at 13:54 UTC, were unable to reverse the momentum, leaving the token consolidating at its lows.

ICP could remain under pressure if support at $5.17 fails to hold, which market participants will be observing for any rebound signals as institutional and retail traders reassess their positioning.

Technical Analysis

Price range spanned $5.14–$5.40, a 4% variance across the 24-hour session.
Resistance emerged at $5.40 on August 18 at 22:00 UTC with volume of 294,177 units.
Support consolidated at $5.17-$5.20, with early morning volumes exceeding 643,000 units.
Repeated resistance at $5.24 during late-session trading confirmed a descending channel.
Heavy selling occurred between 13:32–13:46 UTC, with a 34,396-unit spike at 13:54 UTC.
Volume showed a declining pattern, suggesting market exhaustion.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

GameFi Guides

U.K. 30-Year Yield Tops U.S. as Pressure Mounts on Government Borrowing

by admin August 19, 2025

The U.K.’s fragile fiscal situation is back in focus as yields on long-term government bonds surged, topping their U.S. counterparts for the first time this century.

The 30-year U.K. government bond offered a yield of 5.61% at press time. That’s 68 basis points more than the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield according to data source TradingView.

The widening gap means that the market is demanding a significant premium to hold U.K. debt versus Treasury notes, a sign that investors are becoming increasingly wary about the U.K.’s fiscal situation.

The U.K. gilt market (bond market) has taken on a life of its own, as the country faces structural, long-term economic challenges that it has built up over decades; yet, this is not a uniquely British issue. Japan, the EU, and the U.S. have also seen bond yields rise as debt burdens and inflation pressures mount.

This indebtedness of the advanced world supports the bullish case for perceived store-of-value assets like bitcoin

and gold.

Focus on U.K. inflation report

Wednesday’s U.K. inflation report is critical for bond markets.

The data is expected to show that both the headline consumer price index (CPI) and core CPI remained well above the 2% target in July, according to data source Trading Economics. The headline CPI is expected to be 3.7% year-over-year (up from the previous 3.6%), while core inflation is forecast to remain at 3.7% (unchanged from the prior month). The data will hit the wires just weeks after the Bank of England cut rates to 4%.

Expectations for sticky inflation couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the GDP growth has weakened and unemployment has begun to edge higher from secular lows.

Repeat of 2022 crisis?

A hot inflation report could only worsen the debt-bond dynamics by accelerating the uptrend in yields. This calls for both crypto and traditional market traders to remain vigilant for a 2022-style volatility in the U.K. markets.

The hardening of the 30-year gilt yield, representing the long end of the curve, played a big role in the liability-driven investment (LDI) pension crisis of 2022, which erupted under Liz Truss. The longer duration yield is now testing the upper bound of a long-term trend and could rise to 5.7%, the highest level since May 1998.

LDI strategies use leverage to hedge pension liabilities. When gilt yields spiked in 2022, collateral calls led to a mass sale of gilts, creating a feedback loop that threatened financial stability. That prompted the Bank of England to intervene with emergency purchases to prevent a systemic crisis.

If Wednesday’s inflation report runs hotter than expected, gilt yields could break new highs, putting further pressure on the government and raising the risk of another LDI-style crisis.

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

Esports

NFL Power Rankings 2025: Who is under the most pressure?

by admin August 19, 2025

Aug 18, 2025, 06:15 AM ET

The 2025 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to reevaluate the outlooks for all 32 teams. Check out how holdouts, breakouts and injuries have impacted our rankings since our postdraft list.

Preseason games conclude Saturday and cut-down day is Aug. 27, so this is the last offseason edition of Power Rankings.

In addition to our 1-32 ranking, NFL Nation reporters named one coach, player or executive on each team who is under the most pressure this season. Let’s start with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Our power panel of more than 30 writers and editors evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.

Previous rankings: Post-Super Bowl, Post-free-agency, Postdraft

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Postdraft ranking: 2

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo

The Eagles are well-established, coming off a Super Bowl. But one significant change came at offensive coordinator, where Patullo replaced Kellen Moore and will serve as a full-time playcaller for the first time in his career. Patullo has been coach Nick Sirianni’s right-hand man since 2021, and the offense isn’t expected to change much, making for a smooth transition. But with so much offensive talent, the bar is high, and Patullo will absorb some of the heat if the unit doesn’t operate as expected. — Tim McManus

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Postdraft ranking: 1

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Rashee Rice

Although he is no longer expected to be suspended for the first four games of the season, Rice will still be under pressure to show he can once again be the No. 1 receiver. In training camp, Rice showed his explosiveness and ability to get yards after the catch. If he excels in September, the Chiefs could have another hot start. If Rice struggles, Kansas City will have to place much of the passing attack on the shoulders of 35-year-old Travis Kelce. — Nate Taylor

Postdraft ranking: 3

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Joey Bosa

This is a big season for the pass rusher, who signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Bills in the offseason after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Chargers. Bosa, 30, is on a bit of a prove-it deal after missing a substantial amount of time over the past three seasons due to injuries. If he can stay healthy and put together a strong season, a significant contract could await. — Alaina Getzenberg

Postdraft ranking: 5

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Mark Andrews

He is entering the final season of his four-year, $56 million contract after dropping a critical two-point conversion in a 27-25 division round loss to Buffalo. Andrews led all TEs with 11 touchdowns last season, but he averaged 39.6 receiving yards per game in 2024, his worst total since his 2018 rookie season. — Jamison Hensley

Postdraft ranking: 4

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Jared Goff

It appears every season is “make or break” for Goff if he doesn’t lead this team to the Super Bowl. He delivered an MVP-caliber 2024 season, but the Lions fell short in the NFC divisional round against Washington when Goff struggled and finished with four turnovers. Goff and the Lions will try to put last year’s playoff dud behind them. As the face of the team, the veteran QB again has high expectations to keep the momentum growing. — Eric Woodyard

Postdraft ranking: 6

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore

Washington traded multiple picks for him at the deadline last season, and a hamstring injury limited Lattimore to two regular-season games (and three in the postseason). He has played in only 26 games the past three seasons combined. Lattimore has looked better this offseason but needs to be durable and productive to earn a contract extension. — John Keim

Postdraft ranking: 8

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Keisean Nixon

He said after last season that he wanted to be a No. 1 CB. Now that Jaire Alexander is gone, Nixon might get that chance. Sure, the Packers signed Nate Hobbs in free agency, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley plays a high amount of zone coverage, but Nixon will be counted on to shut down opposing receivers. The question is, can he deliver? — Rob Demovsky

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Postdraft ranking: 7

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Darious Williams

Williams has two seasons remaining on the three-year, $22.5 million contract he signed in 2024. The veteran cornerback, in his second stint in Los Angeles, is scheduled to count $8.6 million against the cap in 2026 but has no guaranteed money due after this season. The Rams have a young cornerback room and might opt to save money at the position after 2025. — Sarah Barshop

Postdraft ranking: 10

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Zac Taylor

The Bengals missed the playoffs last season despite career years from QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase and DE Trey Hendrickson. Taylor has proved to be a coach capable of leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl. It’s time for Cincinnati to show that potential once again. — Ben Baby

Postdraft ranking: 9

Who’s under the most pressure: Vikings’ draft process

After signing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell to contract extensions and assembling a roster of proven veterans, the team doesn’t have anyone prominent on the hot seat. But it might need to overhaul its draft process in 2026 if it doesn’t see more production from recent picks. WR Jordan Addison was the only starter last season who was drafted between 2022 and 2024. The Vikings need big contributions from QB J.J. McCarthy (2024), LB Dallas Turner (2024) and G Donovan Jackson (2025), at least, to validate their current process. — Kevin Seifert

Postdraft ranking: 14

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Sean Payton

He has rock-solid job security, a deep-pocketed ownership group to support him and a proven personnel department to build a roster. But Payton has been the most vocal throughout training camp about his team’s Super Bowl worthiness. He believes the Broncos are good enough — if they do the work — to play for the Lombardi Trophy. It makes for good conversation now, but he could be at risk if the Broncos have any significant stumbles or injuries in 2025. — Jeff Legwold

Postdraft ranking: 13

Who’s under the most pressure: Linebacker Christian Harris

He is going into the final year of his rookie contract and flashes good potential — he showcased that when he caught a pick-six in the 2023 wild-card win over the Browns. But Harris hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and he also hasn’t practiced in training camp. If that continues, he might be on the outside when 2026 comes around. — DJ Bien-Aime

Breaking News from Adam Schefter

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Postdraft ranking: 12

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Jamel Dean

He counts $15 million against the salary cap in 2025 and nearly $16 million in 2026. The Bucs drafted two cornerbacks in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in 2025. Dean has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, missing 18 games in six seasons, including nine in the past two. — Jenna Laine

Postdraft ranking: 11

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Greg Roman

Roman is known for designing some of the most creative and dominant rushing offenses in league history, but his critics have questioned his playcalling and passing concepts. Roman’s offense didn’t look promising last season. The Chargers consistently sputtered in the second half, ultimately ending the 2024 season in the first round of the playoffs. With upgrades all over Los Angeles’ offense, all eyes will be on Roman’s group to produce in 2025. — Kris Rhim

Postdraft ranking: 15

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

The trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk started more than two years ago and seem to never dissipate despite his signing a massive contract extension in 2024. Aiyuk is expected to return from his knee injury at some point this season, and his future in San Francisco will likely be determined by how it goes from there. The Niners would have to eat significant money with little return to part ways with him during or after this season, but if he can’t return to health and productivity, they might decide it’s time to move on and reallocate resources. — Nick Wagoner

Postdraft ranking: 17

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike Tomlin

For the second season in a row, Tomlin was the driving force in bringing in a veteran quarterback to lead the franchise. This time, he courted Aaron Rodgers. Tomlin is putting his trust in Rodgers and the rest of his offense that they can expedite the gelling process and produce early in 2025. Realistically, Tomlin, under contract through the 2027 season, isn’t going anywhere no matter the outcome of this season. But the fan base will undoubtedly grow restless if another season passes without a playoff win. — Brooke Pryor

Postdraft ranking: 16

Who’s under the most pressure: Running back Kenneth Walker III

He is among six starters from the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class who are playing for a new contract in 2025, and like many of them, he still has something to prove. When healthy, he’s a tough runner. But Walker has missed 10 games in three seasons and chunks of this offseason with ankle and foot injuries. The ever-reliable Zach Charbonnet has impressed the Seahawks in his absence, giving the organization a pivot if Walker can’t stay healthy and produce in 2025. — Brady Henderson

Postdraft ranking: 19

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Schottenheimer

Now, this doesn’t mean the coach will be one-and-done at all. It’s just that there is a lot for a first-time coach to deal with for any job but especially with the Cowboys. Schottenheimer has the players buying into his message at the moment, but what happens if they lose a few games in a row? Will they continue to believe? They play in the same division as the two NFC finalists (Eagles and Commanders). They have a difficult schedule to close the season. All of it makes a fast start a must. — Todd Archer

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Postdraft ranking: 18

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.

It’s a contract year for Pitts, who is auditioning for big money if he can return to a semblance of his rookie form four seasons ago: 1,026 yards on 68 catches and the first rookie Pro Bowl selection by a tight end since 2002. Pitts’ future with the Falcons and how much he would get as a free agent is dependent on how the 2021 No. 4 pick performs this season. — Marc Raimondi

Postdraft ranking: 20

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike McDaniel

The fourth-year coach has made the playoffs in two of his first three seasons, but Miami still hasn’t won a playoff game in a quarter of a century. Owner Stephen Ross said last season that he was not satisfied with the status quo, and the locker room underwent a self-proclaimed cultural reset this offseason. But with a roster curated for its coach, the onus will fall on McDaniel to succeed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Postdraft ranking: 21

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Caleb Williams

It’s hard to believe that a second-year quarterback learning a new offense is under the most pressure, but Williams needs to perform well while making weekly strides in mastering coach Ben Johnson’s scheme. The 2024 No. 1 pick likely will experience growing pains, but for a franchise that might have the answer at quarterback after decades of searching, the pressure is on Williams to prove the team right. — Courtney Cronin

Postdraft ranking: 22

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Monti Ossenfort

Entering his third season with the Cardinals, Ossenfort completed his three-year rebuild of the roster. Now, it’s time for that roster to win. He rebuilt the defensive front but hardly touched the offense, a move that could be risky. If the defense doesn’t live up to expectations or the offense has holes that he could’ve addressed, Ossenfort’s seat will start warming up. — Josh Weinfuss

Postdraft ranking: 23

Who’s under the most pressure: Left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson

The rookies are projected starters. According to ESPN Research and Elias, the Patriots will become the second team in the past 25 years to have two rookies starting on opening day on the left side of the offensive line (the 2016 Ravens are the other team). — Mike Reiss

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Postdraft ranking: 25

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence

He is entering his fifth season with his third coach. Lawrence has yet to play consistently well over a full season, and injuries marred his past two years. New coach Liam Coen is changing his footwork, and the Jaguars upgraded the interior offensive line and added a playmaker in WR/CB Travis Hunter. Lawrence has the players to help him surge, and the hope is for Coen to do for Lawrence what he did for Baker Mayfield last season. — Mike DiRocco

Postdraft ranking: 26

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Tyree Wilson

The 2023 first-round pick made strides last season with 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble, but it’s time for him to be an integral player in the trenches. With Christian Wilkins no longer on the team, Wilson’s versatility to play defensive line and edge rusher allows him to do so. — Ryan McFadden

Postdraft ranking: 24

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Chris Ballard

He is entering his ninth season and has just two playoff appearances and one postseason victory. The Colts have never won the AFC South under his guidance. Much of Ballard’s tenure was upended by the sudden retirement of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck in 2019, but the botched QB moves after Luck’s departure have hurt the franchise. Is it playoffs or bust for Ballard? — Stephen Holder

Postdraft ranking: 27

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Bryce Young

The top pick of the 2023 draft has to build off the final three games of last season and produce wins. The Panthers selected elite receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to help Young take the next step, and they didn’t lose a starting offensive lineman in the offseason. Young has to show the organization didn’t make a mistake when it made that memorable trade with Chicago for the No. 1 pick in 2023. Young is 6-22, and more of that won’t cut it. — David Newton

Postdraft ranking: 30

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Justin Fields

This is his third team in three seasons and probably his last real shot to be a long-term starting quarterback. The Jets are all-in on Fields, giving him $30 million guaranteed, but they can go in a different direction after a year. If the 2021 first-round pick fails, he’ll probably be in a Daniel Jones-like situation — having to compete for a job. — Rich Cimini

Postdraft ranking: 32

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen

The Giants went 6-11 in 2023 and 3-14 last season. Drafting a promising young quarterback in Jaxson Dart is nice, but they must win games. It’s a results-oriented business, and owner John Mara wants to see progress and improved results this season. And that’s a big reason Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback to begin the season. — Jordan Raanan

Postdraft ranking: 29

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry

Owner Jimmy Haslam has preached patience and has said he’ll give his coach-GM pairing time to turn things around after a 3-14 season. But Haslam also said the team needs marked improvement in 2025. For the Browns, that means not only fielding a much more competitive team but possibly finding a long-term answer at quarterback. — Daniel Oyefusi

play

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Does injury derail Shedeur Sanders’ chance at QB1?

Domonique Foxworth weighs in on how an oblique injury could affect Shedeur Sanders’ position on the depth chart.

Postdraft ranking: 28

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kellen Moore

The first-year coach has a big task of turning things around and getting the Saints to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That’s no small feat, especially considering he’ll be starting a young quarterback in either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough this season. — Katherine Terrell

Postdraft ranking: 31

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Callahan

He is known for his work with Joe Burrow, who was the No.1 pick by the Bengals in 2020. The Titans are relying on Callahan to help resurrect their franchise and re-create his previous success with this year’s No.1 pick, Cameron Ward. The past two coaches for teams that selected quarterbacks first didn’t make it to their second season. Will Callahan? — Turron Davenport

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Internet Computer Slides 7% as Institutional Pressure Breaks Support

by admin August 18, 2025

Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) fell over the last 24 hours, losing 7% of its value.

The token dropped to a low of $5.27, breaking through critical support levels and raising concerns about sustained institutional interest in the project, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis data model.

Market data showed ICP falling below the $5.48 support threshold during the early hours of Aug. 18, with trading activity spiking to 708,905 units, nearly double the daily average of 386,248 units. Analysts flagged this pattern as evidence of coordinated selling among large investors and corporate treasury desks. A bounce was short-lived, with the token falling back to $5.29.

The crypto market at large is dealing with bearish pressure following an ignition of concerns over U.S. inflation after last week’s Producer Price Index (PPI) reading for July 2025 was hotter than expected.

A downturn in the broader crypto market can increase selling pressure on tokens like ICP due to a general risk-off sentiment, reduced liquidity, and the tendency of investors to sell more speculative assets first.

Technical Analysis

ICP fell 7% from $5.67 to $5.27 on Aug. 17–18.
Critical support level at $5.48 was breached during early Aug. 18 trading.
Volume surged to 708,905 units, almost double the 24-hour average of 386,248 units.
Recovery attempts failed, with a 1.12% drop from $5.35 to $5.29.
Current price consolidation near $5.29 reflects waning institutional participation.

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August 18, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Billions in Ethereum Waiting to Be Unstaked Could Add Sell Pressure to ETH: Analyst

by admin August 17, 2025

In brief

A growing queue to unstake ETH could put sell pressure on Ethereum, according to a Bitwise analyst.
Ethereum’s validator exit queue hit 855,158 ETH worth roughly $3.7 billion on Friday.
Ethereum’s price dipped more than 3% on Friday, shortly after the token nearly hit a new all-time high.

Ethereum holders are increasingly lining up to unstake their tokens, a trend that could put significant sell pressure on the cryptocurrency, according to one crypto expert.

The Ethereum blockchain’s validator exit queue hit 855,158 ETH on Friday—the highest it’s ever been, according to validatorqueue.com. The tokens were worth a combined $3.7 billion as of late Friday, according to data provider CoinGecko.

Staking is a process by which digital asset holders lock up their tokens to secure a blockchain network and earn rewards. Stakers may choose to unlock and reclaim their crypto amid uncertain market conditions, transferring them to comparatively risk-off assets or cashing out.

The Ethereum networks limits the amount of ETH that can be unstaked at a given time. The limit is designed to maintain network stability by preventing mass validator exits, which could disrupt the blockchain’s consensus mechanism. Currently, the queue is expected to take 15 days to clear.

The mounting queue of soon-to-be-unstaked ETH could be driving the asset’s recent retracement, Bitwise Senior Investment Strategist Juan Leon told Decrypt. The second-largest crypto asset by market cap has shed hundreds of dollars in recent days after coming close to setting a new all-time high mark.

The unstaked Ethereum queue could negatively affect ETH’s price, particularly if staked ETH trades at a discount to ETH, he explained.

“Tokens like stETH can trade at a discount. That discount reduces their value as collateral, triggering risk cuts, hedges, or even liquidations that lead to spot ETH selling,” Leon said.

He added that some trades may unwind as the unstaking queue grows, particularly if the cost to borrow ETH spikes.

When that occurs, “leveraged ‘stETH loop’ trades via liquidity pools on DeFi protocols stop being profitable,” Leon said. “Traders unwind by exiting positions and selling ETH to repay loans, creating synchronized sell pressure.”

Growing efforts to unstake ETH came shortly after the token on Thursday came within striking distance of its record price of $4,878 hit in November 2021, per data from CoinGecko. Since then, the altcoin has retraced its gains, weighed down by growing geopolitical uncertainty and a hotter-than-expected producer-price-index report from the U.S.

Despite concerns about Ethereum’s validator exit queue, Leon cautioned that a rise in ETH waiting to be unstaked doesn’t necessarily signal that the token’s price will continue to edge down.

“Unstaking doesn’t usually cause a sudden crash, but under stress it can act like a steady tap of new supply,” he said, “pressuring prices lower if it overwhelms new demand for ETH.”

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August 17, 2025 0 comments