2 days ago
Slowly but surely the secret is coming out that Michael Penix Jr. has officially arrived as a franchise quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons' starter has been exceptional since returning to the lineup in Week 3, racking up nine touchdown passes to go with just one interception.
Penix is fresh off his best game of the season, totaling three scores and no turnovers against a top-five San Francisco 49ers defense.
That should have gotten Penix a huge ****** p in the weekly NFL.com quarterback rankings, but he only saw a modest gain of one spot, coming in at No. 12. That puts him in-between two former league MVPs, one spot below Patrick Mahomes and one above Matt Stafford.
"Michael Penix Jr. looks very comfortable and decisive in Kevin Stefanski's offense, freely spreading the ball among his many talented targets at a rate I haven't seen from him previously in his NFL career. Penix's contributions were especially important in a game in which Bijan Robinson fell short of breaking things open on the ground, and a reason to take the Falcons seriously going forward."
While the small gain is a little disappointing, keep in mind that Penix wasn't even listed in most quarterback rankings going into the season. Instead, it was Tua Tagovailoa representing the Falcons, usually somewhere between Nos. 30 and 32 among projected starters.
#quarterback
Penix is fresh off his best game of the season, totaling three scores and no turnovers against a top-five San Francisco 49ers defense.
That should have gotten Penix a huge ****** p in the weekly NFL.com quarterback rankings, but he only saw a modest gain of one spot, coming in at No. 12. That puts him in-between two former league MVPs, one spot below Patrick Mahomes and one above Matt Stafford.
"Michael Penix Jr. looks very comfortable and decisive in Kevin Stefanski's offense, freely spreading the ball among his many talented targets at a rate I haven't seen from him previously in his NFL career. Penix's contributions were especially important in a game in which Bijan Robinson fell short of breaking things open on the ground, and a reason to take the Falcons seriously going forward."
While the small gain is a little disappointing, keep in mind that Penix wasn't even listed in most quarterback rankings going into the season. Instead, it was Tua Tagovailoa representing the Falcons, usually somewhere between Nos. 30 and 32 among projected starters.
#quarterback
2 days ago
The New York Yankees entered the offseason facing familiar questions about their offensive identity after another frustrating end to their season. Despite the talent in their lineup, the Yankees were swept by the division rival Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, leaving the franchise to confront concerns about its execution, approach and ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.
The team's reliance on superstar slugger Aaron Judge was laid bare, as the offense struggled to produce while he was sidelined by an injury. And its failure to execute fundamental defensive and baserunning plays has come under fire as well, particularly after the Rays and World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers succeeded with such a different style.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi articulated many of the criticisms surrounding the Yankees shortly after their season ended.
"Joe Girardi isn't blaming Aaron Boone for the Yankees' shortcomings, but believes a deeper-rooted culture issue might have contributed to the team being swept in the ALDS," Mark Suleymanov wrote for the New York Post. "Girardi cited Austin Wells' baserunning blunder in Game 1 and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s disastrous throw in an error-filled Game 2 as examples of the team's fundamental failures — and the concerning response to those mistakes."
And with the Yankees under fire for a power-heavy offense and poor fundamentals, one of their most intriguing infield prospects has spoken out about the kind of change he'd like to see in the sport.
#series #division
The team's reliance on superstar slugger Aaron Judge was laid bare, as the offense struggled to produce while he was sidelined by an injury. And its failure to execute fundamental defensive and baserunning plays has come under fire as well, particularly after the Rays and World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers succeeded with such a different style.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi articulated many of the criticisms surrounding the Yankees shortly after their season ended.
"Joe Girardi isn't blaming Aaron Boone for the Yankees' shortcomings, but believes a deeper-rooted culture issue might have contributed to the team being swept in the ALDS," Mark Suleymanov wrote for the New York Post. "Girardi cited Austin Wells' baserunning blunder in Game 1 and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s disastrous throw in an error-filled Game 2 as examples of the team's fundamental failures — and the concerning response to those mistakes."
And with the Yankees under fire for a power-heavy offense and poor fundamentals, one of their most intriguing infield prospects has spoken out about the kind of change he'd like to see in the sport.
#series #division
2 days ago
CLEVELAND — Jose Ramirez rescued the Guardians in the American League Division Series with a tremendous three-game run to lift Cleveland to the ALCS, but with their playoff journey coming to an end all the focus turns to an injury that hamstrung him for the second half of the season.
Ramirez underwent hamate bone surgery in mid-June and returned to the lineup July 22, but he was struggling to be as productive while playing through the left wrist/hand issue. It can often be difficult for hitters to fully return to form in the aftermath of a hamate bone surgery.
His season numbers had already been a bit down from his career averages, but after the procedure he hit just .229 with a .598 OPS over the final 53 games, a stretch that included only two home runs, as his power seemed to be sapped.
It was painfully clear Ramirez was playing while hurt and the procedure was having a negative impact. It was also unlikely he'd do further damage, and the Guardians appreciated anything the star third baseman might be able to give them. A one-handed Ramirez is still a better sight in the everyday lineup than calling someone off the bench, especially as he insisted to play every day.
"I mean, obviously, it took a toll on him," said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who also reiterated his commitment to Cleveland while some rumors about the Seattle Mariners had stated to run rampant. "He was out there giving us everything he had. He wasn't playing at 100 percent, but that never changed his demeanor or the way he went about his business. And I think that just speaks to who he is as a person and a baseball player.
#surgery
Ramirez underwent hamate bone surgery in mid-June and returned to the lineup July 22, but he was struggling to be as productive while playing through the left wrist/hand issue. It can often be difficult for hitters to fully return to form in the aftermath of a hamate bone surgery.
His season numbers had already been a bit down from his career averages, but after the procedure he hit just .229 with a .598 OPS over the final 53 games, a stretch that included only two home runs, as his power seemed to be sapped.
It was painfully clear Ramirez was playing while hurt and the procedure was having a negative impact. It was also unlikely he'd do further damage, and the Guardians appreciated anything the star third baseman might be able to give them. A one-handed Ramirez is still a better sight in the everyday lineup than calling someone off the bench, especially as he insisted to play every day.
"I mean, obviously, it took a toll on him," said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who also reiterated his commitment to Cleveland while some rumors about the Seattle Mariners had stated to run rampant. "He was out there giving us everything he had. He wasn't playing at 100 percent, but that never changed his demeanor or the way he went about his business. And I think that just speaks to who he is as a person and a baseball player.
#surgery
2 days ago
The Chargers return to the field this Sunday for their Week 8 matchup against the Rams.
Los Angeles had a bye in Week 7 and will look to get their first win of the season this Sunday.
The Chargers are huge road underdogs in this matchup; however, they will take on the hobbled Rams without their best player.
Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on Wednesday that edge rusher Myles Garrett will not practice this week. With that being the case, Garrett will be out for the seventh consecutive game.
Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after Week 1 and has been on the injured reserve since. He'll be back in the lineup next Sunday when they take on the Commanders.
#sunday #matchup #take #angeles
Los Angeles had a bye in Week 7 and will look to get their first win of the season this Sunday.
The Chargers are huge road underdogs in this matchup; however, they will take on the hobbled Rams without their best player.
Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on Wednesday that edge rusher Myles Garrett will not practice this week. With that being the case, Garrett will be out for the seventh consecutive game.
Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after Week 1 and has been on the injured reserve since. He'll be back in the lineup next Sunday when they take on the Commanders.
#sunday #matchup #take #angeles
2 days ago
New Zealand vs India 4th T20I prediction, lineups and Eden Park pitch report — who will win? originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India have already won the series, and New Zealand are running out of bowlers. The fourth T20I at Eden Park on Friday (12.30pm IST) will offer the hosts little comfort.
India chased 199 in 13.2 overs in Wellington, scoring 118 in the first six, the highest powerplay total in men's T20I history. Now they move to a ground where the boundaries are very short.
India have scored at 10.45 an over across 38 T20Is this year, the best of any Full Member. New Zealand have managed 9.37 across 23 innings. Finn Allen apart, their batters do not hit with the same power, and their bowling attack has been stripped back further. Lockie Ferguson is out for the rest of the series, joining Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes on the injury list. Blair Tickner may play.
India have won 22 of their 34 T20Is against New Zealand, losing 11 with one tie, and they have taken eight of the last nine meetings. Their only real choice is how much to rest, with the ODI and Test series still to come. Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube have yet to play on this tour, and Mayank Yadav could return. Even so, the top order of Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer would be hard for any attack to contain.
#zealand #t20i #eden
India have already won the series, and New Zealand are running out of bowlers. The fourth T20I at Eden Park on Friday (12.30pm IST) will offer the hosts little comfort.
India chased 199 in 13.2 overs in Wellington, scoring 118 in the first six, the highest powerplay total in men's T20I history. Now they move to a ground where the boundaries are very short.
India have scored at 10.45 an over across 38 T20Is this year, the best of any Full Member. New Zealand have managed 9.37 across 23 innings. Finn Allen apart, their batters do not hit with the same power, and their bowling attack has been stripped back further. Lockie Ferguson is out for the rest of the series, joining Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes on the injury list. Blair Tickner may play.
India have won 22 of their 34 T20Is against New Zealand, losing 11 with one tie, and they have taken eight of the last nine meetings. Their only real choice is how much to rest, with the ODI and Test series still to come. Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube have yet to play on this tour, and Mayank Yadav could return. Even so, the top order of Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer would be hard for any attack to contain.
#zealand #t20i #eden
2 days ago
Mizzou Basketball lost their exhibition game against UNLV on Thursday night. The game didn't count, so as much as I'm not going to talk up their win over Kansas State, I'm not going to talk down this loss to UNLV. Winning always feel better than losing, regardless of whether the game counts or not. But it looked like Dennis Gates was willing to make a few concessions with his lineups early. Also, Jamier Jones, CJ Gunn, and Jaylen Carey were all sidelined and not dressed out.
Anyway, here's the box score screen cap from Statbroadcast:
There are 13 players listed as having played, but I don't remember Luke Northweather seeing the floor. But there was a lot to think about, so let me try to parse through things quickly, since the 9pm tip means I'm starting this out well after 11.
My biggest takeaway was that one team played a lot harder than the other. The Tigers didn't have their full foster of players, but neither did UNLV. But you could see early the Rebels were focused on crashing the glass and being incredibly physical.
Jason Crowe played 36 minutes, Toni Bryant played 28, Aidan Chronister played 15. Those three players were able to overwhelm K-State, a team who is very focused on skill. Against UNLV the three freshmen, and not just those three but the whole roster, just got bodied by the effort of the Rebels. Lindenwood transfer Dontrez Williams, a Sikeston native, was only 1-5 from the floor and scored just 4 points, but he was +21. Mainly because he was out there playing his ****** off.
#three #didn 't #talk
Anyway, here's the box score screen cap from Statbroadcast:
There are 13 players listed as having played, but I don't remember Luke Northweather seeing the floor. But there was a lot to think about, so let me try to parse through things quickly, since the 9pm tip means I'm starting this out well after 11.
My biggest takeaway was that one team played a lot harder than the other. The Tigers didn't have their full foster of players, but neither did UNLV. But you could see early the Rebels were focused on crashing the glass and being incredibly physical.
Jason Crowe played 36 minutes, Toni Bryant played 28, Aidan Chronister played 15. Those three players were able to overwhelm K-State, a team who is very focused on skill. Against UNLV the three freshmen, and not just those three but the whole roster, just got bodied by the effort of the Rebels. Lindenwood transfer Dontrez Williams, a Sikeston native, was only 1-5 from the floor and scored just 4 points, but he was +21. Mainly because he was out there playing his ****** off.
#three #didn 't #talk
2 days ago
Matt Harmon provides his instant fantasy takeaways from the TNF showdown between the Panthers and Packers. Then, Josh Norris joins Harmon for our Week 8 preview pod. Norris identifies the six most pressing fantasy questions we want answered in Week 8 and Harmon reveals the 3 'sicko' games he's paying attention to for fantasy. The two end the show taking your mailbag questions about the biggest dilemmas you face in your lineup heading into the weekend.
(3:15) TNF Solo Night Cap: Packers 27, Panthers 19
(29:45) - Fantasy question 1 for Week 8: Will Seahawks shutdown Bears offense?
(44:45) - Fantasy question 2 for Week 8: Will Vikings shutdown Lions offense?
(52:15) - Fantasy question 3 for Week 8: Can Penix keep surging against Bucs D?
(58:00) - Fantasy question 4 for Week 8: Can Browns offense keep rolling vs. Steelers?
(1:04:45) - Fantasy question 5 for Week 8: Which player explodes in second half of fantasy season?
(1:09:15) - Fantasy question 6 for Week 8: How will Commanders replace McLaurin?
(1:17:30) - Harmon's game of the week: Eagles vs. Commanders
(1:26:30) - Harmon's game of the week: ****** ans vs. Bengals
(1:33:00) - Harmon's game of the week: Chargers vs. Rams
(1:41:45) - Fantasy Mailbag: What is your biggest fantasy dilemma in Week 8?
(1:42:10) - D'Andre Swift or Jeremiyah Love?
(1:46:30) - KC Concepcion or Carnell Tate?
(1:48:30) - Jordan Addison or Jonah Coleman?
(1:50:40) - Rhamondre Stevenson or Luther Burden?
(1:52:35) - What do we do with Ladd McConkey?
(1:55:40) - Caleb Williams, Geno Smith or Kyler Murray?
(1:57:00) - Sleeper TE this week?
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 04: Bhayshul Tuten #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Paycor Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube
Check out all episodes of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv
#week #question
(3:15) TNF Solo Night Cap: Packers 27, Panthers 19
(29:45) - Fantasy question 1 for Week 8: Will Seahawks shutdown Bears offense?
(44:45) - Fantasy question 2 for Week 8: Will Vikings shutdown Lions offense?
(52:15) - Fantasy question 3 for Week 8: Can Penix keep surging against Bucs D?
(58:00) - Fantasy question 4 for Week 8: Can Browns offense keep rolling vs. Steelers?
(1:04:45) - Fantasy question 5 for Week 8: Which player explodes in second half of fantasy season?
(1:09:15) - Fantasy question 6 for Week 8: How will Commanders replace McLaurin?
(1:17:30) - Harmon's game of the week: Eagles vs. Commanders
(1:26:30) - Harmon's game of the week: ****** ans vs. Bengals
(1:33:00) - Harmon's game of the week: Chargers vs. Rams
(1:41:45) - Fantasy Mailbag: What is your biggest fantasy dilemma in Week 8?
(1:42:10) - D'Andre Swift or Jeremiyah Love?
(1:46:30) - KC Concepcion or Carnell Tate?
(1:48:30) - Jordan Addison or Jonah Coleman?
(1:50:40) - Rhamondre Stevenson or Luther Burden?
(1:52:35) - What do we do with Ladd McConkey?
(1:55:40) - Caleb Williams, Geno Smith or Kyler Murray?
(1:57:00) - Sleeper TE this week?
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 04: Bhayshul Tuten #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Paycor Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube
Check out all episodes of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv
#week #question
2 days ago
The Green Bay Packers are 5-3 after beating the Carolina Panthers by a 27-19 final score on "Thursday Night Football" from Lambeau Field. There were **** ps along the way, especially early and late, but the Packers got three touchdown passes from Jordan Love and six sacks from Jonathan Gannon's defense to power what ended up being a winning performance.
Highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly coming out of Thursday night's win:
Jordan Love during the first three quarters, the adversity defense, and the pass-rush: Love was on fire for the first 45 minutes, completing 26 of his first 33 passes for 262 yards and three scores. He threw a pick early in the fourth quarter, starting a disappointing finish for the offense overall, but the Packers quarterback was terrific for most of the contest, playing on time from the pocket and consistently finding completions. Jonathan Gannon's defense was dominant at times, allowing only three points off three Packers turnovers, and the only three points came after the fumbled opening kickoff that gave the Panthers the ball in field goal range. It took a few crazy conversions for the Panthers to score a touchdown in the second half. The Packers were dominant up front, sacking Bryce Young six times and consistently disrupting the pocket.
The start, and most of the finish: How did the Packers open the game? By fumbling away the opening kickoff, dropping three first-quarter passes and committing a pre-snap penalty. The turnover spotted the Panthers three early points. To Green Bay's credit, the first quarter ended with the Packers leading. During most of the second and third quarters, the Packers were in complete control, leading 20-10 at the half and 27-13 with a chance to dagger the Panthers to start the fourth quarter. But Jordan Love threw a pick on the second play of the fourth, turning the game sharply, and the Panthers eventually scored on a 70-yard drive and had the ball down one score with a chance to tie the game. What should have been a comfortable, two- or three-score win ended up being a nail biter because the Packers made costly mistakes and couldn't run the ball. One more bad: Trey Smack missed an extra point, so the kicking worries continue to linger. The lost point mattered because it kept the Panthers within one score in the fourth quarter.
The run game. The Packers returned Aaron Banks to the lineup at left guard, and Josh Jacobs got a full workload against the NFL's worst run defense entering Week 8, but it wasn't nearly enough to awaken Green Bay's dormant run game. Jacobs turned 21 rushes into only 39 yards, and 18 of the Packers' 66 rushing yards came on a well-executed Savion Williams gadget play. The 25 designed runs to running backs gained all of 48 yards. Jacobs didn't have a run longer than six yards. It's possible the Packers run game just isn't going to happen in 2026. This is a historically bad start -- the Packers are just the 14th team since 1935 to rush for fewer than 500 yards
Highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly coming out of Thursday night's win:
Jordan Love during the first three quarters, the adversity defense, and the pass-rush: Love was on fire for the first 45 minutes, completing 26 of his first 33 passes for 262 yards and three scores. He threw a pick early in the fourth quarter, starting a disappointing finish for the offense overall, but the Packers quarterback was terrific for most of the contest, playing on time from the pocket and consistently finding completions. Jonathan Gannon's defense was dominant at times, allowing only three points off three Packers turnovers, and the only three points came after the fumbled opening kickoff that gave the Panthers the ball in field goal range. It took a few crazy conversions for the Panthers to score a touchdown in the second half. The Packers were dominant up front, sacking Bryce Young six times and consistently disrupting the pocket.
The start, and most of the finish: How did the Packers open the game? By fumbling away the opening kickoff, dropping three first-quarter passes and committing a pre-snap penalty. The turnover spotted the Panthers three early points. To Green Bay's credit, the first quarter ended with the Packers leading. During most of the second and third quarters, the Packers were in complete control, leading 20-10 at the half and 27-13 with a chance to dagger the Panthers to start the fourth quarter. But Jordan Love threw a pick on the second play of the fourth, turning the game sharply, and the Panthers eventually scored on a 70-yard drive and had the ball down one score with a chance to tie the game. What should have been a comfortable, two- or three-score win ended up being a nail biter because the Packers made costly mistakes and couldn't run the ball. One more bad: Trey Smack missed an extra point, so the kicking worries continue to linger. The lost point mattered because it kept the Panthers within one score in the fourth quarter.
The run game. The Packers returned Aaron Banks to the lineup at left guard, and Josh Jacobs got a full workload against the NFL's worst run defense entering Week 8, but it wasn't nearly enough to awaken Green Bay's dormant run game. Jacobs turned 21 rushes into only 39 yards, and 18 of the Packers' 66 rushing yards came on a well-executed Savion Williams gadget play. The 25 designed runs to running backs gained all of 48 yards. Jacobs didn't have a run longer than six yards. It's possible the Packers run game just isn't going to happen in 2026. This is a historically bad start -- the Packers are just the 14th team since 1935 to rush for fewer than 500 yards
2 days ago
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young completed 23 of 41 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: It was clear from the jump that the Panthers wanted to control the game with Chuba Hubbard. It worked early, but once the Packers pushed out to a 27-10 lead, it was up to Young to move the ball. He had some success, mostly on quick-hitting passes, but was under constant duress, getting sacked six times on the night. The Panthers get a few extra days to regroup before facing the Broncos in Week 9. We'll see if that's enough to help get their protection issues sorted out and get Young back to the player he was in five games before the bye. Given his struggles over the last two weeks, however, it'd be a tough call to slot him into your starting lineup against Denver.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bryce Young takes a beating in Week 8 setback
#passes
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: It was clear from the jump that the Panthers wanted to control the game with Chuba Hubbard. It worked early, but once the Packers pushed out to a 27-10 lead, it was up to Young to move the ball. He had some success, mostly on quick-hitting passes, but was under constant duress, getting sacked six times on the night. The Panthers get a few extra days to regroup before facing the Broncos in Week 9. We'll see if that's enough to help get their protection issues sorted out and get Young back to the player he was in five games before the bye. Given his struggles over the last two weeks, however, it'd be a tough call to slot him into your starting lineup against Denver.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bryce Young takes a beating in Week 8 setback
#passes
2 days ago
No. 22 Florida State women's soccer bounced back from Saturday's loss to Notre Dame with a 2-1 victory over No. 5 Duke in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles entered the matchup looking to respond after being shut out 2-0 by Notre Dame. Facing another ranked ACC opponent, Florida State came out strong, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes.
With the win, Florida State improved to 8-2-3, while Duke fell to 9-2-4.
Florida State made several changes to its starting lineup, which included Wrianna Hudson, Shaneil Buckley, Ryder Ajeto, Sam Erbach, Peyton McGovern, Nawreen Ahmad, Tanner Strickland, Grace Hoytink, Bridget Mutipula, Janet Okeke and Kate Ockene.
At 9:24, Buckley used her speed to make a run toward Duke's goal. With the Blue Devils' goalkeeper coming out to challenge, Buckley found an opening and scored to give the Seminoles an early 1-0 lead.
#state
The Seminoles entered the matchup looking to respond after being shut out 2-0 by Notre Dame. Facing another ranked ACC opponent, Florida State came out strong, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes.
With the win, Florida State improved to 8-2-3, while Duke fell to 9-2-4.
Florida State made several changes to its starting lineup, which included Wrianna Hudson, Shaneil Buckley, Ryder Ajeto, Sam Erbach, Peyton McGovern, Nawreen Ahmad, Tanner Strickland, Grace Hoytink, Bridget Mutipula, Janet Okeke and Kate Ockene.
At 9:24, Buckley used her speed to make a run toward Duke's goal. With the Blue Devils' goalkeeper coming out to challenge, Buckley found an opening and scored to give the Seminoles an early 1-0 lead.
#state
2 days ago
NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets are just four games into their 2026-27 NBA season that they hope will be better than what they put forth during the 2025-26 campaign record-wise. Brooklyn has been trying to correct enough of their issues to hopefully win their first game of the season sooner than later, but the Nets made sure to take care of business with some of their youngest players.
The Nets announced on Thursday that they exercised the third-year team options for their entire 2025 NBA Draft class heading into Friday's NBA Cup game against the visiting Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn selected five players in the 2025 draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf and now, the quintet is under contract for the 2027-28 season.
"We brought them in for a reason. Obviously, picking up options is part of the management, but [it's] the belief on development and the type of people that we bring in," Fernandez said after Thursday's practice about the franchise's announcement. Brooklyn exercising the team options on the entire class was interesting given that only Demin and Traore have been seeing regular rotation minutes at this point in the season.
"We've been together for a little over a year and we believe that every single one of them has a future in this league. Everybody's got different paths to get there and that's okay. But, so far, I think that just proves that we believe in the process," Fernandez continued. While Demin and Traore have proven enough to see NBA minutes on a daily basis, Powell, Saraf, and Wolf will have to continue doing the work in the G League and in practice.
Demin will be out of action for the next week while he rehabs from a right leg bone bruise that he suffered in Tuesday's 125-124 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, but Traore could just be hitting his stride. Traore entered the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Celtics and if he continues to produce, he and Demin could be starting together once the former BYU Cougar returns. With that being said, the entire "Flatbush Five" will be in Brooklyn next season.
#options #guard
The Nets announced on Thursday that they exercised the third-year team options for their entire 2025 NBA Draft class heading into Friday's NBA Cup game against the visiting Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn selected five players in the 2025 draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf and now, the quintet is under contract for the 2027-28 season.
"We brought them in for a reason. Obviously, picking up options is part of the management, but [it's] the belief on development and the type of people that we bring in," Fernandez said after Thursday's practice about the franchise's announcement. Brooklyn exercising the team options on the entire class was interesting given that only Demin and Traore have been seeing regular rotation minutes at this point in the season.
"We've been together for a little over a year and we believe that every single one of them has a future in this league. Everybody's got different paths to get there and that's okay. But, so far, I think that just proves that we believe in the process," Fernandez continued. While Demin and Traore have proven enough to see NBA minutes on a daily basis, Powell, Saraf, and Wolf will have to continue doing the work in the G League and in practice.
Demin will be out of action for the next week while he rehabs from a right leg bone bruise that he suffered in Tuesday's 125-124 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, but Traore could just be hitting his stride. Traore entered the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Celtics and if he continues to produce, he and Demin could be starting together once the former BYU Cougar returns. With that being said, the entire "Flatbush Five" will be in Brooklyn next season.
#options #guard
2 days ago
Ford has now announced the cars, the colors, the concert, the cable channel and the charity fund for its Veterans Day Classic at Daytona. What it hasn't announced, at least in the material it has published so far, is how long the race runs or how a winner gets picked. That gap is the story, and it's why the lineup tells you more than the poster does.
The event is set for Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Daytona International Speedway, three days after the Cup Series finale at Homestead (here's how that November calendar stacks up). Ford is running it in collaboration with NASCAR, Blue Star Families, IMSA and HSR, according to Ford's own announcement. Twelve Ford Racing drivers will split into six teams, one for each branch of the U.S. military, all in Mustang Dark Horse R race cars.
Think about what that means. In a normal NASCAR weekend, Ford's pitch to its fans is simple: beat Chevrolet and Toyota. Here there is **** ody to beat. Every driver, every car and every logo on the grid is Ford, so the manufacturer has to build the stakes from scratch. Its answer is the military branch as team identity, and Ford says the teams are racing for bragging rights.
That is a smart device and a fragile one. A one-make race can't borrow rivalry from the paddock. It has to earn it in two hours of television, which is why the details Ford hasn't filled in matter more than usual.
Ford's lineup pairs the drivers like this: Army gets Joey Hand and Brad Keselowski, the Marine Corps gets Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson, the Navy gets Logan Sargeant and Ryan Preece, the Air Force gets Frankie Muniz and Austin Cindric, the **** e Force gets Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs, and the Coast Guard gets Joey Logano and Ty Majeski.
#every #joey #ryan
The event is set for Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Daytona International Speedway, three days after the Cup Series finale at Homestead (here's how that November calendar stacks up). Ford is running it in collaboration with NASCAR, Blue Star Families, IMSA and HSR, according to Ford's own announcement. Twelve Ford Racing drivers will split into six teams, one for each branch of the U.S. military, all in Mustang Dark Horse R race cars.
Think about what that means. In a normal NASCAR weekend, Ford's pitch to its fans is simple: beat Chevrolet and Toyota. Here there is **** ody to beat. Every driver, every car and every logo on the grid is Ford, so the manufacturer has to build the stakes from scratch. Its answer is the military branch as team identity, and Ford says the teams are racing for bragging rights.
That is a smart device and a fragile one. A one-make race can't borrow rivalry from the paddock. It has to earn it in two hours of television, which is why the details Ford hasn't filled in matter more than usual.
Ford's lineup pairs the drivers like this: Army gets Joey Hand and Brad Keselowski, the Marine Corps gets Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson, the Navy gets Logan Sargeant and Ryan Preece, the Air Force gets Frankie Muniz and Austin Cindric, the **** e Force gets Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs, and the Coast Guard gets Joey Logano and Ty Majeski.
#every #joey #ryan
2 days ago
Josh Reaume endured a challenging afternoon in Friday's Love's RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway, finishing 22nd after starting 33rd. The Team Reaume driver gained 11 positions during the event and briefly led one lap in his No. 22 Ford.
Reaume began the race near the rear of the field, facing the challenge of advancing through a competitive 36-truck lineup. However, the unpredictable drafting conditions provided several opportunities for competitors to gain positions as the running order constantly changed.
The first major accident occurred on Lap 17, collecting eight trucks and forcing NASCAR to temporarily stop the race. Reaume avoided elimination in that incident and continued battling for track position as the event progressed. His Ford also remained competitive during the second stage, when multiple drivers experienced tire problems and varying pit strategies reshuffled the field.
Reaume eventually moved into the lead for one lap, providing a notable moment during his afternoon. The final stage featured additional accidents and an overtime finish, but Reaume could not remain on the lead lap. He ultimately completed 82 laps and finished 22nd, four laps behind winner Sammy Smith.
The performance earned Reaume 15 points and represented an improvement of 11 positions from his original starting spot.
#Event #field
Reaume began the race near the rear of the field, facing the challenge of advancing through a competitive 36-truck lineup. However, the unpredictable drafting conditions provided several opportunities for competitors to gain positions as the running order constantly changed.
The first major accident occurred on Lap 17, collecting eight trucks and forcing NASCAR to temporarily stop the race. Reaume avoided elimination in that incident and continued battling for track position as the event progressed. His Ford also remained competitive during the second stage, when multiple drivers experienced tire problems and varying pit strategies reshuffled the field.
Reaume eventually moved into the lead for one lap, providing a notable moment during his afternoon. The final stage featured additional accidents and an overtime finish, but Reaume could not remain on the lead lap. He ultimately completed 82 laps and finished 22nd, four laps behind winner Sammy Smith.
The performance earned Reaume 15 points and represented an improvement of 11 positions from his original starting spot.
#Event #field
2 days ago
Frankie Muniz delivered an encouraging performance during Friday's Love's RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway, finishing 12th after starting 31st. The Team Reaume driver gained 19 positions during an afternoon filled with major accidents and unpredictable drafting conditions.
Muniz began the race near the rear of the field, facing the challenge of working through a competitive 36-truck lineup. His No. 33 Ford remained in competition during the opening stage while several drivers encountered significant problems. The first major accident occurred on Lap 17, eliminating multiple competitors and dramatically reshaping the running order.
Muniz avoided involvement in the incident and continued improving his position as the race progressed. Another accident on Lap 57 eliminated additional trucks, creating opportunities for drivers who had remained out of trouble. Muniz continued competing through the final stage and stayed on the lead lap as the field prepared for an overtime finish.
He ultimately crossed the finish line 12th, completing all 86 laps and finishing 10.163 seconds behind winner Sammy Smith. The result earned Muniz 25 points and represented an important performance during his 2026 Truck Series campaign.
His ability to advance through the field and complete the demanding superspeedway event provided a positive result for Team Reaume.
#muniz #field
Muniz began the race near the rear of the field, facing the challenge of working through a competitive 36-truck lineup. His No. 33 Ford remained in competition during the opening stage while several drivers encountered significant problems. The first major accident occurred on Lap 17, eliminating multiple competitors and dramatically reshaping the running order.
Muniz avoided involvement in the incident and continued improving his position as the race progressed. Another accident on Lap 57 eliminated additional trucks, creating opportunities for drivers who had remained out of trouble. Muniz continued competing through the final stage and stayed on the lead lap as the field prepared for an overtime finish.
He ultimately crossed the finish line 12th, completing all 86 laps and finishing 10.163 seconds behind winner Sammy Smith. The result earned Muniz 25 points and represented an important performance during his 2026 Truck Series campaign.
His ability to advance through the field and complete the demanding superspeedway event provided a positive result for Team Reaume.
#muniz #field
2 days ago
Bo Bichette's decision to opt into a second year with the Mets was not a surprise to anyone in the organization. He had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career offensively – not exactly the kind of year players try to ride into free agency. He spoke glowingly of new manager Andy Green. And he seemed to find comfort in the clubhouse and on the New York stage – as if he had arrived with something to prove and finally remembered he was capable of proving it.
But while the Mets have expected for several weeks now that Bichette would be back, his return nevertheless qualifies as crucial to their offseason. With Bichette, the Mets lineup in 2027 will include all the key components of a group that posted the fifth-best OPS in the majors after August 1… even with Juan Soto injured for part of that time.
The top of the order looked versatile and energetic when Francisco Lindor was healthy and leading off and Soto was healthy and hitting second and Bichette was behind them, putting the ball in play with Carson Benge there to drive everyone in. Bichette's return means the Mets can build on the offense they unearthed late last year, rather than having to reconfigure it.
But because Bichette's decision was not a surprise, expectations for the Mets season should not pivot because of it. They still need, and plan to pursue, starting pitching. They will still explore options to upgrade offensively at first base, though exactly how high they will aim – and how much money or prospect capital they are willing to spend there – remains unclear.
And they still seem likely to give one of their infield prospects a chance somewhere in the majors next season. With Bichette back, the most obvious place for a prospect to elbow in would be second, though because Bichette has also played second base, the Mets could make room for a prospect at third.
#prospect
But while the Mets have expected for several weeks now that Bichette would be back, his return nevertheless qualifies as crucial to their offseason. With Bichette, the Mets lineup in 2027 will include all the key components of a group that posted the fifth-best OPS in the majors after August 1… even with Juan Soto injured for part of that time.
The top of the order looked versatile and energetic when Francisco Lindor was healthy and leading off and Soto was healthy and hitting second and Bichette was behind them, putting the ball in play with Carson Benge there to drive everyone in. Bichette's return means the Mets can build on the offense they unearthed late last year, rather than having to reconfigure it.
But because Bichette's decision was not a surprise, expectations for the Mets season should not pivot because of it. They still need, and plan to pursue, starting pitching. They will still explore options to upgrade offensively at first base, though exactly how high they will aim – and how much money or prospect capital they are willing to spend there – remains unclear.
And they still seem likely to give one of their infield prospects a chance somewhere in the majors next season. With Bichette back, the most obvious place for a prospect to elbow in would be second, though because Bichette has also played second base, the Mets could make room for a prospect at third.
#prospect
2 days ago
Ex-player issues Masyn Winn demand to Cardinals appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn features a high ceiling. Winn earned a Gold Glove in 2025. He displayed offensive potential as well, but in 2026 Winn hit just .232 with a .625 OPS. Former MLB star pitcher Lance Lynn isn't placing all of the blame on Winn for his offensive struggles, though. Lynn believes the Cardinals need to make a lineup adjustment next season.
"If you do not put Masyn Winn in the top of the lineup to do what Masyn Winn is capable of, you keep putting him in a hole," Lynn said, via Cardinal Territory. "You gotta free him up… Last year, when you put him in the three hole, you just put him in a spot to just not be successful. I don't know how else to say it. When you put him in the nine hole, it's kind of disrespectful to his talent."
It's an intriguing take. The Cardinals could certainly try putting Winn at the top of the lineup and see what happens. Perhaps it could lead to him finding more overall offensive consistency.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#winn #masyn
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn features a high ceiling. Winn earned a Gold Glove in 2025. He displayed offensive potential as well, but in 2026 Winn hit just .232 with a .625 OPS. Former MLB star pitcher Lance Lynn isn't placing all of the blame on Winn for his offensive struggles, though. Lynn believes the Cardinals need to make a lineup adjustment next season.
"If you do not put Masyn Winn in the top of the lineup to do what Masyn Winn is capable of, you keep putting him in a hole," Lynn said, via Cardinal Territory. "You gotta free him up… Last year, when you put him in the three hole, you just put him in a spot to just not be successful. I don't know how else to say it. When you put him in the nine hole, it's kind of disrespectful to his talent."
It's an intriguing take. The Cardinals could certainly try putting Winn at the top of the lineup and see what happens. Perhaps it could lead to him finding more overall offensive consistency.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#winn #masyn
2 days ago
One of the most basic realities of the NFL trade market is that, when a team adds a key player during a given season, someone will be taking a seat.
In Seattle, the "someone" who will be leaving the starting lineup after the arrival of guard Quenton Nelson is Anthony Bradford. With Nelson taking over at left guard and 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel moving to right guard, former starting right guard Anthony Bradford will move to the bench.
"It's not an easy situation," coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Thursday. "I thought Anthony played good football for us, and he has, and he's earned a significant role on our team, a starting-level role. It's one of those 'through not around' type of things with AB that is not easy.
"There's no way to sugarcoat it, and he believes this when we say this, how much we love him. The guys love him in the locker room. He's a fantastic teammate. We don't expect him to be jumping over joy in this situation because that's not realistic, but he's going to be a great teammate and he's going to stay ready.
"We know how this league works. You're a play away from him playing every play again. It's not an easy situation, but he's a tough cookie, and the guys will have his back as well and we're behind him as well, but it's not easy."
#easy
In Seattle, the "someone" who will be leaving the starting lineup after the arrival of guard Quenton Nelson is Anthony Bradford. With Nelson taking over at left guard and 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel moving to right guard, former starting right guard Anthony Bradford will move to the bench.
"It's not an easy situation," coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Thursday. "I thought Anthony played good football for us, and he has, and he's earned a significant role on our team, a starting-level role. It's one of those 'through not around' type of things with AB that is not easy.
"There's no way to sugarcoat it, and he believes this when we say this, how much we love him. The guys love him in the locker room. He's a fantastic teammate. We don't expect him to be jumping over joy in this situation because that's not realistic, but he's going to be a great teammate and he's going to stay ready.
"We know how this league works. You're a play away from him playing every play again. It's not an easy situation, but he's a tough cookie, and the guys will have his back as well and we're behind him as well, but it's not easy."
#easy
2 days ago
Bears' Kyle Monangai gets discouraging injury update ahead of Seahawks clash appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears have a challenging **** ignment in Week 8 when they travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks Monday night. The Seahawks are coming off an impressive 20-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in which their defense shut down their previously unbeaten opponent.
The Bears would like all of their top weapons to be functioning at a high level in this game because the Seahawks are so strong defensively. They are the top-ranked team in the league in fewest yards allowed at 233.9 per game, and they are second to the Minnesota Vikings in points allowed at 17.9 per game.
As a result, the Bears would like running back Kyle Monangai back in the lineup. He has missed the last three games with a turf toe injury. Monangai did not practice in Thursday's session with both the turf toe injury and a thumb issue listed as the main problem areas.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#monangai #game #clutchpoints
The Chicago Bears have a challenging **** ignment in Week 8 when they travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks Monday night. The Seahawks are coming off an impressive 20-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in which their defense shut down their previously unbeaten opponent.
The Bears would like all of their top weapons to be functioning at a high level in this game because the Seahawks are so strong defensively. They are the top-ranked team in the league in fewest yards allowed at 233.9 per game, and they are second to the Minnesota Vikings in points allowed at 17.9 per game.
As a result, the Bears would like running back Kyle Monangai back in the lineup. He has missed the last three games with a turf toe injury. Monangai did not practice in Thursday's session with both the turf toe injury and a thumb issue listed as the main problem areas.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#monangai #game #clutchpoints
3 days ago
Los Angeles Rams TE Colby Parkinson (rib) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 29.
SOURCE: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Why It Matters: Parkinson has missed the first two practices and seems questionable at best for Week 8. Fantasy players can keep an eye on his status but may want to look for other options to use in their lineups.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colby Parkinson misses another practice
#practice
SOURCE: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Why It Matters: Parkinson has missed the first two practices and seems questionable at best for Week 8. Fantasy players can keep an eye on his status but may want to look for other options to use in their lineups.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colby Parkinson misses another practice
#practice
3 days ago
Viking Motorsports is keeping two familiar names in the building for 2027!
Anthony Alfredo and Parker Retzlaff are set to return to the organization for the upcoming NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, giving the team some continuity as it prepares for another year of competition.
With the 2027 season getting closer, teams are beginning to put their plans together, and Viking Motorsports has made it clear that Alfredo and Retzlaff remain part of its future.
Both drivers will return as the organization continues building its lineup, giving the team an opportunity to carry its existing experience into another season. Keeping familiar faces around can be an important step for a team looking to build consistency and improve its performance from year to year.
For Alfredo and Retzlaff, the return also provides another opportunity to make their mark in one of NASCAR's most competitive national series. With the new season on the horizon, both drivers will be looking to make the most of their opportunities and help Viking Motorsports continue moving forward.
#team #series
Anthony Alfredo and Parker Retzlaff are set to return to the organization for the upcoming NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, giving the team some continuity as it prepares for another year of competition.
With the 2027 season getting closer, teams are beginning to put their plans together, and Viking Motorsports has made it clear that Alfredo and Retzlaff remain part of its future.
Both drivers will return as the organization continues building its lineup, giving the team an opportunity to carry its existing experience into another season. Keeping familiar faces around can be an important step for a team looking to build consistency and improve its performance from year to year.
For Alfredo and Retzlaff, the return also provides another opportunity to make their mark in one of NASCAR's most competitive national series. With the new season on the horizon, both drivers will be looking to make the most of their opportunities and help Viking Motorsports continue moving forward.
#team #series
3 days ago
England signed off their campaign in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka, riding on Ben Duckett's magnificent 167 before Liam Dawson's four-wicket haul derailed the chase at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, England piled up 386/5 in 50 overs, registering the highest ODI total at the Lahore venue. Duckett led the charge with a commanding 132-ball knock, while Tom Banton and captain Harry Brook made valuable contributions to keep the scoreboard moving.
Sri Lanka put up a spirited fight in reply, with Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake scoring half-centuries. However, Dawson's spell of 4/49 broke the backbone of their middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs.
Duckett provided the foundation for England's imposing total with an innings of 167 off 132 deliveries. The left-hander combined patience with attacking strokeplay, setting the tone for a commanding batting performance.
He shared an opening partnership of 163 runs with Banton, who contributed 74 off 75 ****** . The stand gave England early control before Duckett continued to accelerate through the middle overs.
Captain Brook then joined the charge, helping England add another 107 runs in a brisk partnership with Duckett. The substantial contributions at the top ensured England maintained momentum throughout the innings and finished with 386/5.
The total surpassed Pakistan's 375/3 against Zimbabwe in 2015 to become the highest ODI score recorded at Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka needed a strong start to chase down the daunting target and found contributions from Fernando, Mendis and Rathnayake, who all registered half-centuries. Their efforts kept the chase alive, but England continued to find breakthroughs at crucial moments.
Dawson proved particularly effective in the middle overs, finishing with figures of 4/49 from his 10 overs. His spell disrupted Sri Lanka's progress and left the lower order with too much to do.
With the required rate climbing and wickets falling, Sri Lanka eventually folded for 331 in 45.1 overs. Sam Curran claimed the final wicket, dismissing Malinga to complete England's victory.
The 55-run victory gave England a positive finish to their campaign in Pakistan, ending their winless run in the country. However, the result did not alter the tournament's final lineup, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan having already secured qualification for the tri-series final.
#duckett
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, England piled up 386/5 in 50 overs, registering the highest ODI total at the Lahore venue. Duckett led the charge with a commanding 132-ball knock, while Tom Banton and captain Harry Brook made valuable contributions to keep the scoreboard moving.
Sri Lanka put up a spirited fight in reply, with Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake scoring half-centuries. However, Dawson's spell of 4/49 broke the backbone of their middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs.
Duckett provided the foundation for England's imposing total with an innings of 167 off 132 deliveries. The left-hander combined patience with attacking strokeplay, setting the tone for a commanding batting performance.
He shared an opening partnership of 163 runs with Banton, who contributed 74 off 75 ****** . The stand gave England early control before Duckett continued to accelerate through the middle overs.
Captain Brook then joined the charge, helping England add another 107 runs in a brisk partnership with Duckett. The substantial contributions at the top ensured England maintained momentum throughout the innings and finished with 386/5.
The total surpassed Pakistan's 375/3 against Zimbabwe in 2015 to become the highest ODI score recorded at Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka needed a strong start to chase down the daunting target and found contributions from Fernando, Mendis and Rathnayake, who all registered half-centuries. Their efforts kept the chase alive, but England continued to find breakthroughs at crucial moments.
Dawson proved particularly effective in the middle overs, finishing with figures of 4/49 from his 10 overs. His spell disrupted Sri Lanka's progress and left the lower order with too much to do.
With the required rate climbing and wickets falling, Sri Lanka eventually folded for 331 in 45.1 overs. Sam Curran claimed the final wicket, dismissing Malinga to complete England's victory.
The 55-run victory gave England a positive finish to their campaign in Pakistan, ending their winless run in the country. However, the result did not alter the tournament's final lineup, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan having already secured qualification for the tri-series final.
#duckett
13 days ago
SAN FRANCISCO — After dropping Game 1 of the WNBA Finals to the No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries, the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream find themselves is unfamiliar territory heading into Game 2 on Monday, Oct. 19.
The Valkyries overcame a nine-point deficit to secure a 68-64 win and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Valkyries' victory snapped the Dream's 10-game win streak dating back to the regular season. It was Atlanta's first loss of the postseason and first defeat since Aug. 28.
"Unfortunately, we had kind of one bad defensive quarter where we had a few breakdowns and then one bad offensive quarter in the fourth," Dream head coach Karl Smesko said. "Now we're just going to have to watch film, make some adjustments and come out as hard as we possibly can, because we obviously want to leave here winning Game 2."
The film from Game 1 shows the Dream conceding 17 points off 12 turnovers, all while shooting 33% from the field and 16% from the 3-point line. Allisha Gray finished with a team-high 19 points and six rebounds in her first game back in the lineup after a left hand injury and "minor procedure" sidelined her two playoff games. Angel Reese recorded 14 points in the first half, but was held scoreless the second half.
"I wasn't aggressive enough with the ball and trying to ... get to my spot," said Reese, who pointed to self-inflicted wounds as the difference in the game. "I think it was all things that we did."
#dream
The Valkyries overcame a nine-point deficit to secure a 68-64 win and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Valkyries' victory snapped the Dream's 10-game win streak dating back to the regular season. It was Atlanta's first loss of the postseason and first defeat since Aug. 28.
"Unfortunately, we had kind of one bad defensive quarter where we had a few breakdowns and then one bad offensive quarter in the fourth," Dream head coach Karl Smesko said. "Now we're just going to have to watch film, make some adjustments and come out as hard as we possibly can, because we obviously want to leave here winning Game 2."
The film from Game 1 shows the Dream conceding 17 points off 12 turnovers, all while shooting 33% from the field and 16% from the 3-point line. Allisha Gray finished with a team-high 19 points and six rebounds in her first game back in the lineup after a left hand injury and "minor procedure" sidelined her two playoff games. Angel Reese recorded 14 points in the first half, but was held scoreless the second half.
"I wasn't aggressive enough with the ball and trying to ... get to my spot," said Reese, who pointed to self-inflicted wounds as the difference in the game. "I think it was all things that we did."
#dream
13 days ago
Yankees predicted to replace Jazz Chisholm with $12M two-time Silver Slugger winner, 4x All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees have a big offseason ahead after getting swept by their division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees wanted to make a deep postseason run, but ultimately fell short.
All eyes are now on free agents and players who could leave the team. One of those players is Jazz Chisholm Jr., but he would like to stay in New York.
"Chisholm, an All-Star for the second time in 2025, endured a down year at the plate and struggled both offensively and defensively in four appearances in the playoffs. Manager Aaron Boone left Chisholm out of the Yankees' starting lineup for two postseason games, including their season-ending loss on Wednesday. The fans at Yankee Stadium booed Chisholm after he fouled out to first base as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. Nevertheless, Chisholm would rather continue his career with the Yankees than exit in free agency," MLB Trade Rumors wrote.
Early in Chisholm's career, he wasn't always the best player off the field. Yankees legend Derek Jeter even had to get on him when he was an owner of the Miami Marlins.
#chisholm #time #postseason
The New York Yankees have a big offseason ahead after getting swept by their division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees wanted to make a deep postseason run, but ultimately fell short.
All eyes are now on free agents and players who could leave the team. One of those players is Jazz Chisholm Jr., but he would like to stay in New York.
"Chisholm, an All-Star for the second time in 2025, endured a down year at the plate and struggled both offensively and defensively in four appearances in the playoffs. Manager Aaron Boone left Chisholm out of the Yankees' starting lineup for two postseason games, including their season-ending loss on Wednesday. The fans at Yankee Stadium booed Chisholm after he fouled out to first base as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. Nevertheless, Chisholm would rather continue his career with the Yankees than exit in free agency," MLB Trade Rumors wrote.
Early in Chisholm's career, he wasn't always the best player off the field. Yankees legend Derek Jeter even had to get on him when he was an owner of the Miami Marlins.
#chisholm #time #postseason
13 days ago
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson had three receptions (on eight targets) for 64 yards against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Watson entered Week 6 second in the NFL in touchdown receptions with six. He had a seventh one in his hands on Sunday night but failed to haul it in, ultimately finishing with his second-worst showing of 2026. While it was a disappointing effort from Watson, the potency of Green Bay's passing attack is legit, as is Jordan Love's willingness to push the ball downfield. The duo of Watson and Matthew Golden is starting to gain traction as a dangerous one-two combination, and the speedy Watson has established himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats. He's a low-end WR1 that belongs in your weekly lineup.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Watson lets touchdown slip through his fingers
#receptions
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Watson entered Week 6 second in the NFL in touchdown receptions with six. He had a seventh one in his hands on Sunday night but failed to haul it in, ultimately finishing with his second-worst showing of 2026. While it was a disappointing effort from Watson, the potency of Green Bay's passing attack is legit, as is Jordan Love's willingness to push the ball downfield. The duo of Watson and Matthew Golden is starting to gain traction as a dangerous one-two combination, and the speedy Watson has established himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats. He's a low-end WR1 that belongs in your weekly lineup.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Watson lets touchdown slip through his fingers
#receptions
13 days ago
Notre Dame is now 6-1 and ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after a weird, wild, and controversial loss to the BYU Cougars. Yes, I think the Irish got hosed out of one final play, but none of that matters now. We saw 59 minutes and 59 seconds of football, and there are some things we learned.
Last week Boomer called Boubacar Traore a renaissance man, and he was absolutely right. This week… we got five plays out of Traore before he was ejected for targeting Bear Bachmeier on a late hit. Despite Notre Dame's depth at the position, the loss of Traore was massive for the Irish in the game —particularly in the first half when the defense was on its heels and needed better play up front to slow down what BYU was doing. The loss of Traore might very well be the essence of the full reason for Notre Dame's loss.
This second thing was supposed to be about Jonaz Walton and I went looking for snap counts. While the entire deal about Walton is valid and should be talked about after only getting 10 of the 81 snaps after rushing for 181 yards last week… the wide receiver situation might be the most heinous thing about the offense. On a night where Notre Dame's receivers couldn't get much separation from Cougar defenders, maybe they were gassed? The elevation was well over 5000 feet and Notre Dame only used 4 wide receivers all night. Jordan Faison, Micah Gilbert, and Jaden Greathouse were out there for almost every snap, and the fourth… well that was Mylan Graham with a whopping two snaps for the night.
For a good part of the first half, Notre Dame's defense didn't just play poorly — they looked confused. Presnap lineups and adjustments had several defenders running to the spot they were supposed to be, and BYU was snapping the ball before they got there. It looked very much like the Miami game last year, and some of that confusion led to slow and soft play. This, of course, is a Chris Ash problem and they made the proper adjustments at halftime to hold BYU to just 126 yards and 7 points in the final 29 minutes and 59 seconds of play. But… this is still a thing and will kill the Irish in a few weeks against Miami if it's not fixed for a full 59 minutes and 59 seconds — or do we play 60 minute games now?
Sign up for a user account and get:
#notre #play #irish #last
Last week Boomer called Boubacar Traore a renaissance man, and he was absolutely right. This week… we got five plays out of Traore before he was ejected for targeting Bear Bachmeier on a late hit. Despite Notre Dame's depth at the position, the loss of Traore was massive for the Irish in the game —particularly in the first half when the defense was on its heels and needed better play up front to slow down what BYU was doing. The loss of Traore might very well be the essence of the full reason for Notre Dame's loss.
This second thing was supposed to be about Jonaz Walton and I went looking for snap counts. While the entire deal about Walton is valid and should be talked about after only getting 10 of the 81 snaps after rushing for 181 yards last week… the wide receiver situation might be the most heinous thing about the offense. On a night where Notre Dame's receivers couldn't get much separation from Cougar defenders, maybe they were gassed? The elevation was well over 5000 feet and Notre Dame only used 4 wide receivers all night. Jordan Faison, Micah Gilbert, and Jaden Greathouse were out there for almost every snap, and the fourth… well that was Mylan Graham with a whopping two snaps for the night.
For a good part of the first half, Notre Dame's defense didn't just play poorly — they looked confused. Presnap lineups and adjustments had several defenders running to the spot they were supposed to be, and BYU was snapping the ball before they got there. It looked very much like the Miami game last year, and some of that confusion led to slow and soft play. This, of course, is a Chris Ash problem and they made the proper adjustments at halftime to hold BYU to just 126 yards and 7 points in the final 29 minutes and 59 seconds of play. But… this is still a thing and will kill the Irish in a few weeks against Miami if it's not fixed for a full 59 minutes and 59 seconds — or do we play 60 minute games now?
Sign up for a user account and get:
#notre #play #irish #last
13 days ago
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye completed 18 of 32 passes for 235 yards with three touchdowns in a Week 6 win over the New York Jets. He added 24 yards on four rushing attempts.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Maye now has 10 touchdown passes against one interception with 878 yards in the last three games. He had one TD pass and six picks in the first three games. It's safe to say that Maye has regained his status as a QB1 and is looking like the quarterback who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season. He needs to be locked into lineups in Week 7, even on a short week with a visit to Chicago coming on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drake Maye throws for another three scores in Week 6
#three #drake #last
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Maye now has 10 touchdown passes against one interception with 878 yards in the last three games. He had one TD pass and six picks in the first three games. It's safe to say that Maye has regained his status as a QB1 and is looking like the quarterback who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season. He needs to be locked into lineups in Week 7, even on a short week with a visit to Chicago coming on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drake Maye throws for another three scores in Week 6
#three #drake #last
13 days ago
Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb had nine receptions for 70 yards in a Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Lamb was targeted a game-high 18 times.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Lamb was given no shortage of opportunities to make plays against the Packers with his 18 targets dwarfing second-place George Pickens, who had 11. He did almost nothing in terms of explosiveness, however, averaging 7.8 yards per catch with his longest reception covering just 17 yards. It's a disappointing trend for Lamb, who has averaged fewer than 10 yards per reception in half of his six games thus far in 2026. Despite that, fantasy owners know how high Lamb's ceiling is, so he should remain locked in your lineup as a solid WR1.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nine catches for CeeDee Lamb in Week 6
#nine
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Lamb was given no shortage of opportunities to make plays against the Packers with his 18 targets dwarfing second-place George Pickens, who had 11. He did almost nothing in terms of explosiveness, however, averaging 7.8 yards per catch with his longest reception covering just 17 yards. It's a disappointing trend for Lamb, who has averaged fewer than 10 yards per reception in half of his six games thus far in 2026. Despite that, fantasy owners know how high Lamb's ceiling is, so he should remain locked in your lineup as a solid WR1.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nine catches for CeeDee Lamb in Week 6
#nine
13 days ago
Bruised and battered, the Carolina Hurricanes met their first loss in seven games against the Calgary Flames – missing key pieces of their lineup in the second half of their back-to-back weekend set. The Flames took the game with a 3-2 win, ironically mirroring the same score the Hurricanes had in their win against the Winnipeg Jets just the day before.
Entering Sunday night's contest, Carolina was not just missing Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall, but it was also Mark Jankowski – who had centered Staal's third line – due to a lower-body injury. Following the game, head coach Rod Brind'Amour further discussed that Jankowski had been shipped back to Raleigh to have his injury checked out.
The game honestly played out very similarly to the one against the Jets Saturday, with the first period ending in a 0-0 tie, and the second period ending in a 2-2 tie, with the third period having the singular goal – the game-winner.
In the second frame, Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored first on a slick wrist shot with help from Nicolas Deslauriers and Eric Robinson in a shift that their line was determined to find twine on.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi gets the first goal of the game–and his second goal in as many games!
Nicolas Deslauriers with his first point of the season on the primary **** ist!#CarolinaCulture #flames #NHL pic.twitter.com/X3ikBu9baY
#first #flames #back #Jets
Entering Sunday night's contest, Carolina was not just missing Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall, but it was also Mark Jankowski – who had centered Staal's third line – due to a lower-body injury. Following the game, head coach Rod Brind'Amour further discussed that Jankowski had been shipped back to Raleigh to have his injury checked out.
The game honestly played out very similarly to the one against the Jets Saturday, with the first period ending in a 0-0 tie, and the second period ending in a 2-2 tie, with the third period having the singular goal – the game-winner.
In the second frame, Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored first on a slick wrist shot with help from Nicolas Deslauriers and Eric Robinson in a shift that their line was determined to find twine on.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi gets the first goal of the game–and his second goal in as many games!
Nicolas Deslauriers with his first point of the season on the primary **** ist!#CarolinaCulture #flames #NHL pic.twitter.com/X3ikBu9baY
#first #flames #back #Jets
13 days ago
The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from reaching the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. Behind another outstanding postseason performance from starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and timely hitting throughout the lineup, Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
13 days ago
In its first exhibition game of the season, Florida State women's basketball set out to prove it could defend, and it did that from the opening tip-off. The Seminoles held the University of Tampa Spartans to five first-quarter points. The Seminoles forced 17 turnovers and rolled to a 72-44 exhibition win at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Sunday, Oct. 18.
"Only allowing five first-quarter points really set the tone for the game," head coach Brooke Wyckoff said in the postgame press conference. "Really showed me where our players' heads were at, and we're in the right place."
With a roster that is a mix of returners, transfers, and freshmen, Wyckoff said the exhibition was a chance to learn about her team against an opponent not wearing garnet and golds.
"We have a lot of new faces, and so being able to just look at different lineups, see who's doing what, see where we need to improve, see what we're doing well." Wyckoff said.
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#really #five #points #we 're
"Only allowing five first-quarter points really set the tone for the game," head coach Brooke Wyckoff said in the postgame press conference. "Really showed me where our players' heads were at, and we're in the right place."
With a roster that is a mix of returners, transfers, and freshmen, Wyckoff said the exhibition was a chance to learn about her team against an opponent not wearing garnet and golds.
"We have a lot of new faces, and so being able to just look at different lineups, see who's doing what, see where we need to improve, see what we're doing well." Wyckoff said.
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#really #five #points #we 're
