It was great to hear Dave Burns and John Gambadoro Friday afternoon on ArizonaSports 98.7 FM when they mentioned my story about the Arizona Cardinals potentially shocking the world this season.
Their discussion morphed into what they believed the Cardinals would have to do to "shock the world." Different thoughts were expressed, including not being one of the five worst teams in the league. In another, it was said the offense would shock the world if they ranked in the top 10.
To that end, I've always taken exception to the rankings as gospel mantra that usually takes place in a vacuum. By that I mean, ranking whatever number it is in yards or points, for example, is meaningless unless it takes into account the actual statistics for other teams in the rankings.
Last season, the Denver Broncos were 10th in total yards at 342.7 per game and 14th in points per game (23.6 average). The Baltimore Ravens were 16th (smack dab in the middle of the 32-team league) in yards at 332.2 per game and 11th in points (24.9 per game). The Kansas City Chiefs were 20th in yards (320.7 average) and 21st in points (21.3).
It's easy to see that the difference in yards per game between the Broncos and Ravens (seven ranking spots) was only 10.5 per game and 22.0 per game between the Broncos and Chiefs (11 spots).

#game #yards #points #World

After examining the Indianapolis Colts' final injury report of Week 1, where do the Baltimore Ravens stand health-wise entering this game?
On Friday afternoon, the Ravens ruled two players out -- defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) and linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee).
Game status at Colts pic.twitter.com/5qgFJw1YN3
Glenn Erby of Ravens Wire provided some insight into what Madubuike's absence could mean for this game:
"Madubuike's absence leaves Baltimore without its most disruptive interior pass rusher for a matchup," Erby wrote. "His ability to collapse the pocket and create penetration against the run would have been valuable against one of the NFL's most explosive running backs."

#erby

The Indianapolis Colts open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
To help us preview this matchup, Glenn Erby, the managing editor of Ravens Wire, answered a handful of our questions to provide some insights into this Baltimore team.
Ravens Wire: Minter has been organized, direct, and consistent since taking over. He brings energy without manufacturing it, and players have responded to his detailed but collaborative approach. He has also allowed his coordinators to establish their identities while remaining heavily involved with the defense. The biggest takeaway is that he appears comfortable leading the entire operation rather than simply functioning as a defensive-minded head coach. The regular season will present different challenges, but the transition from John Harbaugh has been smoother than many expected.
Ravens Wire: Baltimore's defensive front should be its biggest strength. The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to a group that could regain Nnamdi Madubuike while also featuring Calais Campbell, Travis Jones, and second-round pick Zion Young. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton give the defense elite talent behind that front. If Madubuike remains healthy, Baltimore should be able to stop the run without sacrificing its ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Ravens Wire: The interior offensive line is the primary concern. Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane at right guard. Gwyn has never started an NFL game, while Ioane will make his regular-season debut against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Ravens are also installing Declan Doyle's offense, so communication and protection errors could occur early. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can cover plenty of weaknesses, but Indianapolis has the personnel to test that inexperienced interior.

#Ravens

NFL action is on hiatus until Sunday, when Week 1 resumes with a hefty slate of games.
Here's how to watch, the 2026 NFL schedule, start times, and more.
There are no NFL games scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts: 1 p.m. ET | CBS | Paramount+ | Ravens TV | Colts TV | box score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals: 1 p.m. ET FOX | Bucs TV | Bengals TV | box score

#colts #games #week #baltimore

NFL pundit Skip Bayless believes the Baltimore Ravens' biggest concern may not be Lamar Jackson's talent, but whether the quarterback will fully buy into a dramatically younger coaching staff.
Baltimore opens 2026 with Jesse Minter in his first season as an NFL head coach and Declan Doyle taking over the offense. Doyle is the league's youngest offensive coordinator and will call plays for the first time after serving as Chicago's coordinator under Ben Johnson last season.
During a segment on the "Gridiron" podcast with Aqib Talib on Friday, Bayless said Jackson needs a significant season for the sake of his résumé, but the ****** yst quickly turned his concern toward the coaching staff around the Ravens quarterback.
"If Jesse Minter were the new defensive coordinator in Baltimore, I'd be with you," Bayless said. "But he's the new head coach. So you have a baby head coach trying to figure out how to run the whole show as well as the defense."
Bayless's stronger warning, however, involved Doyle.

#bayless #season

PORT ST. LUCIE – It was the proverbial what a difference a week makes, not only for Makai White but the entire Vero Beach High football team.
White nearly was perfect in his first full week as the Vero Beach starting quarterback, and all three phases contributed in the scoring in a 56-0 whitewash of St. Lucie West Centennial High in a Class 6A-District 8 game Friday, Sept. 11 at South County Regional Park.
Coming off a 38-6 setback to nationally ranked St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, Vero Beach turned the tides on the Eagles in the district opener for both teams.
Vero Beach exploded for 35 points in the first quarter and 49 in the first half.
Watch the best high school football games in Florida

#Football

South Africa and New Zealand conclude the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series with a last meeting in Baltimore in the United States.
The Springboks have secured at least a draw after winning the final match on home soil last weekend to take a 2-1 lead into this encounter.
Rassie Erasmus's side will be in no mood, though, to let the All Blacks square affairs, with a strong selection named by the world champions as they search for another statement performance.
Can New Zealand hit back in what should be an enjoyable occasion at the home of the Baltimore Ravens?
Here's everything you need to know:

#zealand #home #south

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride will play with a refined passion in 2026. With the 2025 season in his rearview mirror and the Los Angeles Chargers ahead, McBride is hoping that his passion and premier pass-catching can spark the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
The Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who moved on to a head coaching position with the Baltimore Ravens. Still, Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. is on the roster and his skillset poses a significant opposition for McBride. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur still has plans on making McBride the focus of the team offense and it'll come down to pure will to determine whether or not McBride can muscle up.
The Cardinals seem to have a competent offensive personnel group at the skills positions but time will tell how their offensive line fares in 2026. Play-action and the quick passing game are both strategies where LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett are likely to call on McBride's jersey number. McBride is quick and physical, plus his route running makes him a mismatch for most opposing linebackers and safeties.
Ultimately, if the Cardinals are to stand a chance on Sunday, they will rely on their passing attack to propel the offense and that'll mean that McBride must be exceptionally magnificent. The Chargers allowed just 19.8 points per game in 2025, but without the mastermind of Minter, McBride might locate a few breaches that can be exploited.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.

#play #passion #coordinator

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons will start Cooper Rush in place of injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in their season opener, they announced Friday.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Jack Strand will be the Falcons' second string quarterback for the matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
"He's a very competitive person, so disappointed," Stefanski told reporters, when asked about Tagovailoa. "But he's going to rally behind Coop and do everything he can to help Coop."
Rush took all of the Falcons' first-team offensive reps Thursday and continued to lead passing drills at Friday's practice session. The veteran quarterback threw for 303 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions, over four appearances last season for the Baltimore Ravens.
Rush completed 61.1% of his throws for 3,766 yards, 20 scores and 14 interceptions over the first 42 appearances of his NFL career. He started 16 times during that span.

#tagovailoa #pittsburgh #season #first

Ravens news: Is Zay Flowers playing in Week 1 vs. Colts? Here's the latest injury update appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Ravens appear set to have star wide receiver Zay Flowers available for their Week 1 road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Baltimore's latest injury report listed Flowers as a full participant in Friday's practice as he continues working through a hamstring injury. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver was limited Wednesday before returning as a full participant Thursday and Friday, a positive sign for his availability against Indianapolis.
Flowers' progress throughout the week puts him on track to play in the Ravens' season opener barring a setback.
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#week

Maxx Crosby trade rumors get new life as NFL season begins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders are coming up on their first game of the season, and they have elite defensive end Maxx Crosby ready to go. Of course, Crosby has been the source of tons of talk around the NFL during the offseason, after being traded to the Baltimore Ravens and then coming back to the Raiders after failing his physical.
When it comes to trade talk and rumors, Crosby is almost always at the top of that list. Earlier this week, The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reported that the Los Angeles Rams had "called and kept tabs" on Crosby during the offseason and were perhaps more interested in a trade than many knew.
Now that the season is starting, one reporter for the Dallas Morning News is bringing up the idea of a Crosby-to-Cowboys trade once again. They expressed interest in him during the offseason but didn't get a deal done. However, he's pouring cold water on the idea.
Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News thinks Jones could make a trade move this season but not that it will be Crosby.

#season #offseason #raiders #dallas

Even without the help of their left-handed ace starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, the Boston Red Sox have held their own. They are currently 80-67, third place in the American League East and comfortably in the second Wild Card spot.
It has been well documented at this point that the team struggled out of the gate. Before their late June series at Fenway Park versus the New York Yankees, they were 32-46 and had the worst record in the American League.
All of the damage since has been done without Crochet. He pitched last on April 25 at the Baltimore Orioles, before being put on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation and a lat strain.
MORE: Red Sox swap spots for Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez ahead of Royals weekend series
Mar 26, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

#crochet #american #cincinnati #credit

Baltimore Ravens LB Teddye Buchanan (knee) and DL Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) were limited in practice all week and have been ruled out for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. WR Devontez Walker (groin) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. DE Calais Campbell (rest) did not practice on Friday, Sept. 11, and no longer appears on the injury report. WR Zay Flowers (hamstring) practiced in full on Friday and is no longer listed on the injury report.
SOURCE: Baltimore Ravens social media
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore Ravens Week 1 injury report

#week #Ravens #practice #Friday

The Baltimore Ravens will begin the Jesse Minter era against an Indianapolis Colts team that scored 466 points and fielded a top-10 offense last season.
Here are five legitimate concerns entering Sunday's opener.
Taylor rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. Baltimore ranked 10th against the run, but its rebuilt defensive front must prove it can contain one of the league's most explosive backs.
Jovaughn Gwyn is scheduled to start at center, with rookie Vega Ioane at right guard. Their first **** ignment comes against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, and produced a 100.2 passer rating. Before his injury, he operated Shane Steichen's offense with timing and confidence.

#colts #here

During the first 30 years of the Baltimore Ravens' story, they and the Indianapolis Colts have met 18 times. That includes three postseason matchups, but Sunday's opener carries a different feel. The Ravens are entering a new era under head coach Jesse Minter, while the Colts hope to prove they can contend in the AFC after last season's disappointing finish.
Most of the attention this week has focused on Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, Baltimore's revamped coaching staff, and what to expect on offense and defense. All of that will certainly influence the outcome, but several less-discussed storylines could play an equally important role. Here are five worth monitoring in Week 1.
Fair or unfair, Rashod Bateman enters the season under a microscope. The veteran receiver is attempting to move forward after a difficult 2025 campaign and an offseason that generated headlines for reasons unrelated to football.
A strong opener would immediately help shift the conversation back toward his on-field value. A quiet performance, however, could reignite many of the same questions that followed him throughout the offseason. One game should not define a season, but Week 1 often shapes perception. Bateman doesn't need a 100-yard performance to make an impact. He needs to remind everyone why the Ravens still believe in him.
Ja'Kobi Lane spent much of the summer generating excitement, while Vega Ioane appears poised to play a meaningful role immediately. They are not the only rookies worth watching. Pass rusher Zion Young could find himself in situations where a single splash play changes the trajectory of his debut.

#worth

The Green Bay Packers have become the NFC's Baltimore Ravens under head coach Matt LaFleur. They've found a way to stack winning regular seasons around an electric quarterback. Then, they crumble into powder in the postseason.
LaFleur is 76-40-1 in Weeks 1-18 and 3-6 in win-or-go-home playoff games. Jordan Love has advanced beyond the Wild Card round only once. His most recent postseason start saw a 21-3 halftime lead become a 31-27 Chicago Bears victory.
That leaves plenty to prove in 2026 and a roster loaded with holes. Wideouts Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks have departed. Josh Jacobs is on the exempt list as the league sorts out the domestic violence charges against him. Micah Parsons will miss at least the first four weeks of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
This year's Packers look like a diminished version of the one that stalked the NFC North in years past. What comes next?
Several new additions will have larger roles for the Packers, including linebacker Zaire Franklin and second round rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse. None may be able to provide more peace of mind than Smack if he can live up to his draft status.

#packers #become #postseason

Matt Nagy makes major play-calling decision for first season with Giants appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Giants came to the conclusion at the end of last season that they needed new leadership if they were going to become a winning team. The decision was made to hire veteran head coach John Harbaugh to lead the team after he has been successful in his 18-year run with the Baltimore Ravens.
Harbaugh hired Matt Nagy to run his offense. The Giants have a pair of potential stars in quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Both have shown that they have the flash to excite fans and make big plays, but the key to their season will be establishing consistency.
Nagy will try to help them with his play calling. In order to do that, he will observe the team's offensive play from the coach's booth at the pressbox level so he can have a clear understanding of what the defense is trying to do to combat the offense. He will make sure Dart understands what he is seeing, and that will allow the quarterback to know where the strengths and weaknesses of the defense are.
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#nagy

Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers (hamstring) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 10. The Ravens only held a walkthrough Thursday, so this is an estimation.
SOURCE: BaltimoreRavens.com
Why It Matters: Flowers seems to be dealing with a minor injury and should be ready to play in the regular season opener. He should be among the team leaders in targets this week and will be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zay Flowers upgraded to full practice

#baltimore #source

In one of the first deviations from John Harbaugh's usual approach, the Baltimore Ravens did not hold a full practice Thursday, but their estimated injury report included an encouraging development ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers was listed as a full participant after being listed as a limited participant Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. The upgrade places him on track to play barring a setback during the remainder of the week.
Because Baltimore held a walkthrough, Thursday's participation levels projected how much work each player would handle during a traditional practice. Linebacker Teddye Buchanan was listed as a limited participant for the second consecutive day because of a knee injury. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was also listed as a limited participant again with a neck injury.
We held a walkthrough on Thursday; our report is a practice estimation. pic.twitter.com/ZUyydo6ZlW
Madubuike's availability will be particularly important against Jonathan Taylor and the Colts' powerful rushing attack. The defensive tackle missed the final 15 games of the 2025 season, making his progression one of Baltimore's most significant Week 1 storylines. Wide receiver Devontez Walker was listed as a limited participant for the second consecutive day with a groin injury. His status could affect Baltimore's receiving rotation and special teams plans.

#participant #limited #wide

The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for an Indianapolis Colts roster that underwent meaningful changes on both sides of the ball. Indianapolis retained Daniel Jones as its starting quarterback and added veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to a passing game featuring Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren. Allen gives Jones an experienced route runner who can create separation on third down and in the red zone. The Colts also reshaped portions of their offensive line. Tanor Bortolini is listed as the starting center, with Matt Goncalves at right guard and Jalen Travis at right tackle. Quenton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann provide continuity on the left side, but Baltimore can test the newer combinations with its rebuilt defensive front.
Indianapolis made its most significant defensive investment in the secondary. Sauce Gardner joins Charvarius Ward at cornerback, giving the Colts two accomplished players capable of challenging Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Baltimore's other receivers. Cam Bynum and rookie A.J. Haulcy are listed as the starting safeties.
Arden Key was added to a defensive line that already included DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Laiatu Latu. That group should present an immediate test for a Ravens offensive line breaking in new starters at center and right guard.
The Colts' roster is deeper and more experienced in several critical areas. Baltimore still has advantages with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but Indianapolis possesses enough talent to make Jesse Minter's debut uncomfortable if the Ravens fail to establish control early.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How the Indianapolis Colts changed during the 2026 offseason

#colts #defensive

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has never viewed leadership as something that should belong exclusively to the players wearing a captain's patch.
That philosophy dates back to his time with the Baltimore Ravens, where Harbaugh routinely used a player leadership council while also rotating game-day captains throughout the season.
The leadership council gave veteran players a direct voice in the operation of the team. Members were voted on by their teammates and met with Harbaugh to discuss everything from team issues to practice schedules. Harbaugh made it clear, however, that the council was not the only source of leadership inside the locker room.
"We feel like we've got leadership throughout the roster," Harbaugh said in 2022. "We want to honor that and recognize that -- that we're a team and that we have a team of leaders."
Game-day captains were handled differently. Rather than naming a permanent group for the season, Harbaugh selected captains on a week-to-week basis. The choices could change depending on circumstances, the opponent, or simply an opportunity to recognize a particular player's leadership.

#team #council #captains #season

The Baltimore Orioles (70-75) and the Cleveland Guardians (73-72) continue their three-game series tonight at Camden Yards. The Orioles opened the series last night with a 6-4 win to snap a six-game losing streak and pull them to within three games in the race with Cleveland for the final Wild Card spot.
Baltimore grabbed control early. Dylan Beavers delivered an RBI double in the second inning to score Samuel Basallo, giving the Orioles a 1-0 lead. In the third, the O's advantage increased to 4-0 thanks to a Coby Mayo solo homer followed by control issues for Cleveland's hurlers as evidenced by the fact they walked in a couple runs prior to the end of the inning. Mayo added a two-run blast in the sixth, extending the Orioles' lead to 6-1. On the mound, Trevor Rogers was excellent, working 7.1 innings, allowing just one earned run, six hits, and striking out six without a walk. The Guardians made things interesting in the ninth when Nathaniel Lowe blasted a three-run homer, but Baltimore closer Jordan Walker recorded the final out to preserve the win and arguably, Baltimore's season.
Tanner Bibee (5-15, 4.06 ERA) takes the ball for the Guardians tonight. His last outing came against the Blue Jays on September 3. As he has for much of the season, Bibee struggled, lasting only four innings while allowing five earned runs on four hits. Over his last five starts, Bibee has posted a 5.08 ERA. Brandon Young (9-3, 3.42 ERA) is expected to be on the mound for the O's. Young's most recent appearance came against Boston on September 3, when he worked 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Over his last five outings Young owns a 3.37 ERA.
Lets dive further into tonight's game and find a sweat or two.
We've got all the info and **** ysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

#game #Guardians

Ahead of the Indianapolis Colts' Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has revealed the team's plan at linebacker.
According to Jake Arthur of Roundtable Sports, Anarumo said that the Colts will probably go with Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies to start, although that could change during the week of practices.
Anarumo added that this is a position that will be rotated and the evaluation will be ongoing.
#colts DC Lou Anarumo said they'll probably roll first with Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies at linebacker, but they're going to keep evaluating all week. Linebacker will be a rotation that they'll always be evaluating.
Davis-Gaither being one of the starters does not come as a surprise. As this position was rotated heavily throughout training camp, Davis-Gaither seemed to become one of the constants at the position.

#linebacker #akeem #jaylon

How Orioles' September call-up can capitalize on Luis Robert Jr.'s injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Orioles are fading further away from the American League Wild Card race.
The AL East club is 4-6 in its last 10 games and needs a strong finish to overtake the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Guardians.
Losing outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the injured list won't help. Robert appeared in just three games with the Orioles following his waiver claim from the New York Mets.
He landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. To take his place, the Orioles promoted outfielder Heston Kjerstad from Triple-A Norfolk.

#robert #appeared #injured #september

How Orioles' Gunnar Henderson could land with Mets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Gunnar Henderson's time with the Baltimore Orioles may be running low.
With the Orioles on the outside of the postseason bracket, the Orioles could consider trading him this offseason or next summer.
Baltimore's front office showed that they aren't afraid to move fan favorites midseason, sending catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox at this year's trade deadline.
It does not appear likely that Henderson will re-sign with the Orioles when he becomes a free agent in 2029. However, his recent play may be tanking his trade value.

#henderson #source

The Baltimore Ravens have undergone significant changes entering the 2026 season, but elite talent, depth, and versatility remain central to their pursuit of a championship. Baltimore's veteran core will help Jesse Minter navigate his first season as a head coach. Some of those players, however, are also approaching crossroads because of age, injuries, salary considerations, or increased competition.
With the regular season approaching, here are five Ravens veterans entering pivotal seasons, along with one bonus candidate.
Bateman has repeatedly shown flashes of becoming a dependable playmaker, but injuries and inconsistent opportunities have prevented him from establishing himself as one of the NFL's most productive receivers.
The talent has never been the primary question. Bateman can create separation, stretch the field, and provide Lamar Jackson with a reliable target outside the numbers. What Baltimore needs now is consistent availability and production all season. Zay Flowers is firmly established as Jackson's leading receiver, while rookie Ja'Kobi Lane brings size and considerable upside to the position. Bateman must carve out a defined role within Declan Doyle's offense and capitalize on his opportunities. A productive season would strengthen Bateman's place within Baltimore's long-term plans. Another uneven campaign could force the Ravens to reevaluate the position.
Stanley remains one of the NFL's best left tackles when healthy, but age makes every season more significant.

#Ravens

Trevor Story's Blunt Message Helps Jarren Duran End Negative Spiral originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jarren Duran changed his appearance before changing the direction of his September. The Boston Red Sox outfielder cut his signature long hair during the team's weekend series in Baltimore, dyed it blond and then delivered one of his best offensive performances in months.
Duran went 2-for-4 with a home run and a double in Boston's 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at Fenway Park. His solo shot was his 20th home run of the season and helped the Red Sox extend their winning streak to five games.
The new look created plenty of attention. A direct message from Trevor Story might have been considerably more important.
Duran has openly acknowledged his frustration throughout a season that has not always matched his expectations. Story, whose locker has been located next to Duran's for years, eventually decided his teammate needed to hear a difficult truth.

#nesn

The NFL is notoriously difficult to predict and last season was no different.
Seven of the eight division winners were different from 2024, with two of the Super Bowl favourites missing out on the play-offs entirely - the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
Two outsiders then made it all the way to the big game, with the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots for their first NFL championship in 12 years.
So, who will be this season's surprise package? Who will be playing at Super Bowl 61 next February? And who will be the main men?
Here, the BBC's NFL experts make their picks for the 2026 season, which begins this week. Plus you can predict your Super Bowl winner at the bottom of this page.

#baltimore #Ravens #kansas #city

The Baltimore Ravens reconstructed their coaching staff and strengthened several areas of the roster after falling short of the postseason. Those changes created renewed optimism, but they also increased the pressure on several returning players.
Baltimore's established stars will drive the team's championship pursuit. The Ravens' ability to close the gap in the AFC, however, could be determined by younger contributors becoming more consistent in expanded roles.
Here are five Ravens who must improve in 2026.
Simpson possesses the athletic tools to become a productive three-down linebacker, but Baltimore needs greater consistency from him alongside Roquan Smith. He must diagnose plays faster, take cleaner pursuit angles, and become more dependable in coverage. Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV give the Ravens additional options, placing even more importance on Simpson converting his physical ability into reliable production.
Rosengarten has gained valuable experience at right tackle, but the Ravens need him to take another step as a pass protector. His ability to handle speed rushers without consistent ****** istance would give Declan Doyle greater freedom with formations and route combinations. Baltimore cannot allow pressure from the right side to disrupt Lamar Jackson or force the offense away from deeper-developing concepts.

#Ravens

The Washington Commanders enjoyed a long weekend before returning to Ashburn on Monday in preparation for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. That extra time off brought some good news for the Commanders ahead of Sunday's opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"Everybody participated today," Quinn said when asked about linebacker Odafe Oweh. "It was a walkthrough practice, so I'll get you an update on Wednesday, but it's a good sign that everybody's trending in the right direction. Full group out there today getting work in."
Oweh and fellow edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson were dealing with calf and knee injuries, respectively, late in training camp. Both missed some time, but Chaisson returned to practice last week. Some were concerned about whether Oweh would be ready for Week 1. Quinn's opening message on Monday would seem to indicate that the Commanders believe Oweh is trending toward playing against the Eagles.
Washington spent a ton of resources on improving the defense this offseason. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was the first move that the Commanders made. The biggest free-agent move Washington made was signing the 27-year-old Oweh. A first-round pick of the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, Baltimore traded him to the Chargers last October after he got off to a slow start. After the trade, Oweh was outstanding, finishing with 7.5 sacks in 12 games for Los Angeles. Oweh then sacked Patriots quarterback three times in January's AFC Wild Card game.
Most of Washington's projected defense will be on the field next Sunday. Cornerback Trey Amos was placed on injured reserve last week, but everyone else is on track to play. Obviously, the Commanders will also be without star left tackle Laremy Tunsil (torn triceps) and defensive lineman Johnny Newton (torn pec), who were also placed on IR.

#Commanders #week #washington #time